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Friday, March 31, 2006
Today we went to on of our first homeschool group activities. Homeschooling is kind of a new thing here, I think. Not many people do it, and it's somewhat looked down upon. Today was kind of interesting. I enjoyed the "Learn and Earn" class. We took this 'test' to see what kind of jobs would fit our personality. I scored highest in "Literary" and "Creativitiy". I scored zero in the science and math stuff. ;-) (There's not like a right or wrong answer....it's kind of hard to explain.) After that we had "Junkyard Wars". Have any of you ever seen those on T.V.? It's an American thing, I'm told. We had to build this structure, following certian criteria, out of a bunch of stuff we were given. I had fun with that. I was teamed with two boys and added some 'feminine touches' to our lovely project. Everyone agreed ours was the most creative. :-) We took some pictures and might put them up later. The last thing was "Scottish Dancing". It was...ehh...not very enjoyable. My parents decided we girls should do it because the other option was sports. I'm still not sure what would be better - skipping around with annoying little girls, or running after a ball with annoying little boys. We want to switch over to sports, but my mom thinks we'll be even more annoyed with all the little boys. We'll see. The group meets "once a fortnight" (aka every other week - doesn't "fortnight" make you think of Jane Austen books!? They say it all the time over here...), but we skip it the next time because of Good Friday. Right now I'm home alone because all my family went to Benji's "peewee" (he gets offended when I call it that) footy thing. He just joined a team with James Pluke. I would have liked watching them, but I'm super tired from being gone all day and it's rainy and cold outside. Praise the Lord that Nathaniel's back at school! We have been praying for you, Nathaniel!! :-) Quotes of the post: Sign: Road Plant Ahead Mom: *laughs* Look, guys, they're planting a road! They use such funny phrases here! Sign: Keep Left Unless Overtaking (we would call it passing other cars) Mom: *laughs again* It sounds like something you'd do in wrestling or something! Song of the post ~ "Someday" by Nickelback This is for Matthew and Casey since they love this band... (even though they don't read my blog!) Charity | 5:11 pm Comments-[ comments.]
Monday, March 27, 2006 My First Kiss Yes, it's true. I've been kissed by an Australian boy. Okay, so he's two years old...but still! :-) I have been trying to become friends with Jon Pluke ever since we got here. Slowly but surely he's been warming up to me...and last Friday, after spending the night at their house and playing with Jon all evening, I finally got my kiss on the cheek! It was very exciting, let me tell you. Speaking of excitement...let's talk about those kangaroos!!! Now THAT was an amazing morning. We camped out at Wilson's Prom (no, not the kind where you dance) Friday night. It was sooo windy that night. We slept in tents and had kind of an interesting night. Maria and/or Tamara probably have more details on that. Anyway, we got up at 6 AM and hopped into the caar to go see what kind of wildlife we could find down the road. We saw around 15 different kangaroos (well, some of them might have been wallabies - basically just little kangaroos). We talked to them, took lots of pictures, and chased after one or two. It was a whole lot of fun. We were supposed to be taught how to surf by the Plukes', but there were practically NO waves! I think someone said that the place was called "Wilson's Prom" because of the dancing waves...well I guess they decided not to dance for us that day! Ah well, we're hoping to go back again before too long. Maybe next time we go, Allen and Zachary will be with us to share the wonder and excitement! Want to know something kind of funny? We figured out that we have seen at least part of the Pluke family every day for 9 or 10 days in a row! I wonder when they'll start getting sick of us... we decided we needed to maintain our record, so Casey and Matthew are planning on coming over tonight to play games and such. We were supposed to go running with Carolyn, but she wimped out. (hehe just kidding - it looked like it was going to rain and we decided not to go.) Here's a picture of me and Jon --  Charity | 8:43 pm Comments-[ comments.]
Saturday, March 25, 2006
YOU WILL BE AMAZED!!!!!!!!!! :-) Put comments on this post, please, (or on Maria's blog) because it's hard to go through all the pictures and look for comments on the picture blog. I'll write a post all about our amazing experience on Monday! ENJOY! Song of the post ~ "Til Kingdom Come" by Coldplay Charity | 8:08 pm Comments-[ comments.]
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
I must share a bit about my sweet sixteen party... I bought a new dress to wear there. Well actually, my siblings bought it for me as a birthday gift. (Awww how sweet!) We were supposed to be at the Plukes' at 3:00, but a last-minute shopping trip delayed us. Casey decorated inside and out and it was just beautiful! Though with the wind outside, many of the balloons kept popping which brought a couple squeaks (or rather screams) of surprise from my mouth. Also, their little dog decided to run along down the road in search of more quiet territory. Anyway... many people from church were there, as were the McEwens (jr. and sr.) and the Fishers. We ate, played some games (compliments of Josh), talked, and opened presents - including a beautiful ring from my parents. :-) Oh and cake. Don't forget the cake! Mine was a beautiful ice cream cake in the shape of the number 16 with "Happy Birthday Charity" inscripted on the top. I loved it! In the middle of the party (I think it was right before cake), my dad got everyone's attention and sang "You are 16 going on 17" to me. I thought it was so funny since I had just been singing that song and posted some of the lyrics on my blog! He got all choked up at the beginning (what do you expect from my dad!? ;-)). And at the end he sang: You need someone Older and wiser Telling you what to do I am 45 going on 46 I'll take care of you (Another "Aww! How sweet!") Yes, it was very special. :-) Everyone left except Carolyn and Ray and my sisters and I. We sat around the campfire with Matt and Carolyn and Ray and roasted marshmellows and talked till about 10:30. At one point I said, "We need a good picture with you guys because our room is filled with pictures of people back....in...." Carolyn reached over and patted my knee and said, "You were going to say 'back home', weren't you?" She knows what it's like, though. Her parents and husband Ray are from Ireland and they lived there for a year (I think) after they were married. They've been here 2 1/2 years and don't know when they will (if they do) go back to Ireland. In other news, we got our piano tuned today. I've played it a bunch, and it's pretty nice. Anything is better than a keyboard, though. The guy said that since it was so old, he couldnt' get all the notes tuned just right. I think he said all the notes are actually a whole step down. But for those of us without perfect pitch, it sounds just fine. I am sunburnt. I got burned Monday when we were watching the racewalking for the Commonwealth Games. My neck is all red except for a little part in the middle where my hair was. Then I got burned again today at the beach. I really need to start wearing sunnscreen all the time, I guess. Even if it's cool outside, the sun is still beating down just as strong. Well, that's all for now. Check out pictures here!!! Song of the post ~ "Christmas Shoes" by Newsong I know it's not Christmas, but I love this song and can't wait till December to put it on here. It might sound corny to you, but it it gives me goosebumps and bring tears to at least my dad's eyes. Charity | 5:09 pm Comments-[ comments.]
Monday, March 20, 2006
I hope no one takes this post the wrong way... but knowing Bloggers (including myself), I'm sure people will. I'll take my chances. Oh, and to those who never do and probably never will actually have a phone conversation with me by choice, don't bother reading this. First of all, I want to make it CLEAR that it is absoltutely no extra charge for anyone in the States to call our old home phone number and talk to us. Don't ask me about how - I don't exactly understand the technology. I just know that it is true!!! I just want to say it again to people because I know several parents especially have been confused/concerned about this fact. Secondly, I just want to ramble in a somewhat negative tone. *big sigh* I am sick of calling people!!!!!! Okay, now that you're all really mad at me and thinking, "Fine then. See if I ever talk to you again!"... I am just tired of making promises to call people. You all know I have been bad at keeping them. It was hard enough for me to call people when I saw them at least on occasion. I am sick of rushing to get the minimal school that I am allowed done so that I may get on the phone with a few friends before it's too late there. I'm exhausted with the feeling that I haven't called enough people and my list is just growing. I miss my brothers, and feel like I don't get to talk to them often enough. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE talking to my friends. It is one of my favorite things. But I achingly miss the times I actually got to see and talk to them. And I know if I don't keep trying to call people, I will lose my friendships. I certianly don't want that... I guess I'm just selfish. I'm tired of making the effort, but I still want to keep my old friends-- --Um, I just stopped in the middle of my thoughts and ran out of words. I am pretty sure by morning I'll regret this post...but hey, that's why they have delete options. ;-) I don't even know what I was hoping to accomplish in writing all this. I think I just am doing the typical blogging thing - ''writing to no one, hoping someone cares." (Zachary should be so proud.) Three last statements: I still love you. This is probably simply venting because I miss you. And goodnight. Charity | 9:12 pm Comments-[ comments.]
Saturday, March 18, 2006
I know that I'm naive Fellows I meet may tell me I'm sweet And willingly I believe I am sixteen going on seventeen Innocent as a rose Bachelor dandy's, drinkers of brandy's What do I know of those? Totally unprepared am I To face a world of men Timid and shy and scared am I Of things beyond my kin I need someone older and wiser telling me what to do You are seventeen going on eighteen I'll depend on you *ahem* I was lost in song there... Gotta love the "Sound of Music"!! Maria says to say that in singing this, I am talking about, uh, Zachary or something... ;-) Anyway... to celebrate my brithday, Carolyn took me shopping yesterday! It was sooo much fun! We mostly just bought presents for Tamara. Then, yesterday, we kids rode our bikes down to the shopping center (or centre if you don't know how to spell :-P) and looked for more presents. I couldn't really decide on anything I liked, though. This afternoon, I am having a birthday party at the Plukes'. I really don't know what we're going to do... I think it's too cold to swim, so I hope someone has some games stuff planned. I'm pretty sure my parentals are on top of things. Also, I think we've convinced Ray to teach us all Irish dancing. :-D The thing that would make my birthday complete is a carton or two of ice cream - preferably choco chip cookie dough or Resees...or mint choco chip. Oh, or moose tracks. Even Sponge Bob ice cream would do. Ya know what? I'd be happy with just about any kind of American ice cream. So, whoever loves me, send some this way! I think we have to get back into the school mode next week. This is sad because our break was supposed to last 2 whole weeks! Ah well, some is definitely better than none at all! Okay, I know this post is about as boring as they come, but we are expecting my dad home any time with our new piano! (well, it's old...someone's letting us borrow it) Then I have to get ready for my par-tay! Just wish some people from the States could be here with me to share this funness! *sigh* Oh well... I'll hold my breath for my 18th birthday. Song of the post ~ "I'm Already There" by Lonestar More picnic table grammies memories, huh, Gracie? My favorite version of this song is Grace 'acting' it out. Hahaha! Or maybe Beth and Cathy singing it at Covie. Oh and you can't forget us singing it on the Bike Trip! Good times. Charity | 12:21 pm Comments-[ comments.]
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
...Shouldn't they call Dads Duds? ;-) This is our question of the week. Read Maria's blog about info on the excitement yesterday. We are sort of on break right now. I don't know how long it will last, though... This afternoon, we girls are going out to eat with Casey at this resturaunt that overlooks the bay. Then we are probably going to rent a couple movies and watch them at home. We figured we'd rather spend our money on going somewhere to eat than going to see a movie. Especially since movie tickets are pretty expensive here. So guess what I did yesterday? (drum roll please) I DROVE!!!!!!!!! I really wanted to drive on my last day to be fifteen. The whole other-side-of-the-road thing was a little frightening, but I made it safely to the Plukes' (who live about 15 minutes away) with little to no trouble. I haven't driven at all for the past 6 or 7 weeks, so I'm a little rusty. It was fun, though. The scariest part was getting up to 100 k's (~60 MPH) on the highway. But there wasn't too much traffic, so I was alright. I'm pretty much over my allergy troubles. For now. I was pretty miserable for a couple days there, though. Welp, I better go get my lazy self into the shower and get ready for the day. Hope whoever's on Spring Break there has a fabulous time in whatever you do!!! :-D Song of the post ~ "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle --I doubt anyone will really appreciate this song other than my sisters and I and the Ray's (if they read this). *sigh* Good memories... I was hesitant to change the song since Anna actually LIKED my last song, but I just had to put this one on. :-) Charity | 10:04 am Comments-[ comments.]
Friday, March 10, 2006
I was so excited to get my bedding in our shipping crate yesterday. I put it on my bed right away. As I was trying to fall asleep last night, I started sneezing. A TON! Then my eyes got all watery, and I started coughing. I wasn't sure what was causing this, so I just took an allergy pill and went to sleep. At around 2:30 AM, I woke up again with more allergy problems. This time, I thought about it and figured out why this was happening - I was allergic to something that was in the crate! I dragged myself out of bed and walked in the hallway, trying to figure out what to do (all the while grabbing Kleenex and rubbing my watery eyes). At first I thought of sleeping on my sleeping bag on the floor. Then I remembered that it had also come in the crate. So I did the only thing I could do. I grabbed some sheets and blankets (and my teddy bear), and went to the couch. I woke up so many times. It was terrible. I've been having allergy trouble since we got here (I decided I'm allergic to Australia), but last night was one of the worst times. (The other time was the cat... *shudder* And, yes, Maria had a ton of cats in Indy, so this confirms my theory that I am allergic to Aus. and everything in it! :-P) Ugh, I have a headache, a sore throat, achey everything, and the sniffles. NO FUN!!! My dad thinks maybe they sprayed our stuff with something and suggested that we wash everything that is made of material just in case. I told you all that we were supposed to get March 17-27 off. I meant to say that we're supposed to get March 10 - 27 off. Although, my mom isn't to happy about this prospect...so we'll see what we end up doing. I can't wait to post pictures of our house when we get everything set up. Speaking of which, I should go help out with unpacking more stuff... And since we're washing everything, I'll be helping hanging stuff out on the clothes line ALL day long! Ahh, the tragedies of life without a dryer... :-P Song of the post ~ "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter Charity | 10:16 am Comments-[ comments.]
Thursday, March 09, 2006
We have our shipping stuff!!!! I am sooo excited! :-D I went with my dad to Melbourne to get the crate. Brandon Fisher met us there to get his stuff. They actually told us that only Dad could go in and we had to unpack it somewhere else, but the crate was falling apart, so we had to go help. I was sitting in the car on the side of the road with Brandon when my dad called and told us to come. Brandon turned to me and said, "We're goin' in...just don't tell anyone!" Slowly but surely we're getting things unpacked. Anna called and asked when we'd be done. I said, "Oh...probably in about a week or so." Seriously, it's going to take a while... But when it's all done, we're going to put some pictures up. I think after we get everything set up this will feel a lot more like home. Yesterday evening, I decided to read all my 'goodbye letters' from people. BAD IDEA! I was a wreck! I didn't break down crying or anything, but I sure felt awful after reading them... not that I didn't enjoy them (again)! I just...had all these memories come rushing back to me and I was desperate to call someone. Unfortunately, not only was it way too late/early to call anyone, but our internet had totally shut down. (Sorry to Beth and JJ for suddenly hanging up! All our power went off for some reason and our internet totally screwed up...) Well sorry this isn't a very 'fun' post, but I need to go wash the dishes before we go to the Plukes' for dinner. I really want to change the song, but I don't have time right at this moment. Thanks for all the comments, people! :-) Charity | 5:04 pm Comments-[ comments.]
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
In the past few weeks I have learned to do the following: And yet left on my to-do list are... Welp, that's about it for now, folks! (I always think of Porky Pig when someone says the word "folks"...hehe.) Charity | 5:02 pm Comments-[ comments.]
Monday, March 06, 2006
Yeah I'm just sitting here at my oh-so-screwy computer being scared by what Benji is watching on the T.V. Australians have some scary shows, I tell you... Anyway, I just came to post because the blogging contest has officially started (I think). I have to say, though, that our computer often messes up and I'm not going to kill myself trying to post, so I may not last long in this thing. Plus, I'm still confused about the 'rules'. Heh, oh well. Want to hear some really exciting news? (I know ya do!) We get our shipping crate this week!!! I am so thrilled! I can't wait to go through and bring out and set up the stuff in there! I'm praying that most things are in once piece...but you never know with the way we stuffed it. That box was FULL, I tell you. And it was packed by amateurs ( aka my dad, brothers, and grandpa). It's funny that we don't remember a lot of the stuff we put in there. It'll be like Christmas! :-D Okay, get this: We get all of March 17-27 off of school! Yeah, I have yet to figure out the Australian school schedule. They get something like 2 weeks off every quarter (except this quarter is early due to the Commonwealth Games being in Melbourne), and then they also get the end of November through the end of January off. Yet their highschool classes are supposedly more advanced that those in the U.S. I don't get it... But I'm definitely not against getting breaks off of school! Song of the post ~ "Hey Jude" by The Beatles (This one's for Ellen. :-) I hope it's the right version and works. I can't tell because our sound isn't working on the computer. So let me know!) Charity | 4:27 pm Comments-[ comments.]
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
...Or is the internet more confusing than usual. For the first time since we've been here, I'm on the computer for an extended amount of time at a reasonable hour in Indiana! And I am really having a hard time keeping up with things. True, I am not the best multi-tasker around (and that is an understatement!), but I used to be better at it than this! At least I thought so. I'm getting a headache just from trying to keep up with 2 IM conversations and reading a few blogs. And now I'm updating. This is not helping my situation!!! I felt like I needed to get another post up here considering my last post was a bit on the depressing side. Rule #1 of blogging: Never post when you're sad/depressed/angry! It does not make for enjoyable reading. I'm really not feeling like that all the time here. ("That" being always counting the days until I can return to the States and being negative about life in general.) Can you believe that it is March 1st?!? I am having problems accepting that. It helps to know that it's only February 28th in Indiana (haha). Every year seems to go by faster and faster. I know there is a logical explanation for why that is, but it's still sad to think about. Sometimes I just want to be like Peter Pan and never grow up. Getting older means things are harder and you lose things that you can have when you're younger. Of course, there are some up-sides to this whole growing up business. Liiike... *thinking* Driving! Oh wait... I can't get my license until I'm 18 here! Did you know that Victoria is the only state in Australia that requires people to be 18 to get their license? In every other state, it is only 17. So my sixteenth birthday won't be as special as it would've been... but that's ok. Tamara and I are going to have a big party with the WHOLE entire church! Hehe, granted they are the only people in Australia we know... ;-) Alrighty, I'm done with my rambling. I am in a very happy mood because a bunch of my good friends are on IM and we are now attempting to have a chatroom conversation. I better go give that my full attention! I don't want to change the song yet because I love this one. :-) Have a WONDERFUL day, everyone!!! Charity | 1:19 pm Comments-[ comments.] |
My life is not my own, for I belong to Christ.