Break

Two weeks off. I'm half way done with my tv program, don't know how I feel about that!

Highlights from break include:

-The Entrance with friends. It's north of Sydney, had amazing beaches (although cloudy when we went), had a great lighthouse and I saw a whale!

-Bondi beach to Coogee beach walk along the coast. Amazing views and the best beaches in the world. Full stop.

-Dudley Page park lookout at sunset. (Remember, it's winter here, thus my winter coat in the pic)

-Sleep

Love you!

Conference

So conference was the week of July 9th. 25,000 people and doing tv for morning and afternoon sessions. Highlights include:

-Getting to see thousands of little kids sing songs about God

-Producing tv for the Judah Smith, Ed Stanley, Tim Hughes and Israel Houghton sessions

-Seeing a good friend (Melissa Yates) from the States at conference

-Working my tail off and still having fun

-Realising how much I love working with the Hillsong tv peeps

-Creating images that helped raise money for wells to be dug in Africa

It was a really busy week of prep, bump is (turning bathrooms into edit suites), setting up a ballroom for a kids program in the morning and then afternoon sessions. But I loved it!

BIGGEST joy was helping out with the I-HEART tent, which raised awareness on programs all over the world. The images I helped edit went in the tent and several wells were dug in Africa based on the money that was raised, such a great cause to be a part of!

Pictures are of the stage set up, kid sessions, the main conference, me producing, the group I did tv with in the ballroom and me next to my water images for I-HEART. Such a cool time!

Love LOVE you.

CD recording and MY PHONE GOT FIXED!

So, I was mildly involved in an album recording. Lots of fun, ended up running around and doing whatever they needed. Helped with taking some behind the scenes photos, graphic design stuff with 'city' Andreas and generally misbehaving.. :P Loved every minute of it.

Also, got involved in the other part of tv on Friday nights in the larger building. I did my first major camera work, it was a little scary but lots of fun!

The 'class' part is done and we're gearing up for the 30k+ conference happening the week of the 8th. Can't wait, but there is lots to do.

Pics are of the recording and fooling around before the youth event.

OHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOH, Matt Hann fixed my phone. He not only is a decent (okay, good) friend but he is a genius and I can now twitter and maps apps all day, woot!

Lots of love! xx

Queen's bday, Norwegian surprise party and Tutorial party

Week of June 14th, kind of a giant fun time.

Court and I went to the city on the Queen's bday. Went to an old shopping arcade from the 1800's. I behaved, for the most part. Got a sweatshirt and long sleeve t-shirt, good for winter! Also went to the Opera House to see the light festival in the city, amazing! I took hundreds of photos like a giant nerd. Have NO idea how to pick just one (or 8) to show you. They project color and poems on the Opera House at night. They also have a cool drama about an Indian ship coming over in the 1800's. The markets are all open late and the street food smells like HEAVEN. Court and I were in the bathrooms when a GIANT tour came through the outside courtyard (haunted tour, so lame) so we waited for over 5 minutes before we could come outside and leave. Headed to Bondi and had dessert on the beach, FREEZING but with blankets and coffee, totally doable! Great Queen's bday celebration.

Wednesday was fun times at Mars Hill hanging out. I have been squeezing in some late night walks with friends. The air is perfect at night and the sidewalks are so well lit, it's crazy not to. Why was the car ever invented on great nights like winter in Oz!

Thursday we had a surprise party for Eric, who is dating my housemate Helga. SO hilarious to have a bunch of Norwegians at the house, funny bunch.

Friday was a giant tutorial party in the back garden. It looks like Spring, but I promise,,,,it's winter! Crazy to think that I have been here for 5 months. Time is going by so fast.

I have tons of photos this time! Pictures are of the Queen's bday in the City (including the pic of Court and I in the bathroom!) the pic of girls (w/o me) is Eric's party and the tutorial party shot is of the other tv/media girls. Do you get tired of me telling you that I loves ya? I don't get tired typing it! :) And I do work, just giving you the most fun info for this week!

It's called Hillsong Conference, and it is taking over!

Week of June 7th. I remember bits of the week, but mostly the photo shoot we are doing for I-Heart. Crazy great opportunity to work in several countries providing support for basic needs, like clean water and housing. Wednesday was the photo shoot, was amazing. Can't wait to see how the stills look in the tent.

Last full week of training. Shame, b/c it seems like all the classes were the best this week. The World Cup has taken over the area. Never seen so many soccer jersey's in my life. Wonder if America even has a shot?

I am looking forward to celebrating the Queen's birthday next Monday, we're off!

Pictures are of the shoot. Love you

Week of May 31st

I produced! Finally got to do the producing for a major youth event. It was amazing. Parachute Band, Karl Lentz, and me! :)

Court and J performed and rawked. It's been so cool to be friends with such giant rock stars. The fact that they make me laugh is also a plus.

Had a great movie night, and walk to the thinking rock with Court. Fresh air has been in short supply with editing the short film.

Friday, my housemate was involved in a really bad accident. Was getting ready to leave for the day when my housemates came up and told me. June 4th was spent in the hospital, but she came home. God is SO good.

No pictures. I love, LOVE you family. Skype is a good thing!

Week of May 24th, I have no life..

So, this week was work, all work. Working on my papers and short film. Went to an age 25-35 mini conference which was good. But that was the only outing. Worked late, worked early, tried to fight off a cold. Need more sleep, but will sleep once my stuff is done. Ran a few times this week, but not as much as I wanted.

Friday was a big day, turned in my short film for critique; we’ll see what they say! I really like it, even did a blooper reel. Will post once they finish with it!

Friday I produced for the first time. It was fun, but a little scary since I still don’t know everything about TV. But overall, it went well. And, I didn’t burn anything down.. bonus!

Housemates and I watched a movie at the house late on Friday. Good to just stay home in your pj’s. It’s so cold and rainy this week and the houses here are so cold (not insulated) so we had buckets of hot chocolate and popcorn. So nice to have a little break!

Sunday night I went to the Southwest extension and did TV. Lots of fun and the people were great!

I have no pictures this week; I really seriously worked my tail off!

There are some people I like, but you family, I absolutely love. I miss you and think about you all the time. I wish Sydney was in Ohio/Texas so I could take you to the places I’m going. My good times aren’t great b/c you aren’t here.

But I am living, truly living. I feel so alive here and I never want to be in a place where I’m not passionate for what I’m doing. Even if it means driving a car that doesn’t have heated leather seats…I’ll survive. Miss you; love you, hope I’ll get to skype you soon (hint, hint).

Week of May 17th (part vacation, part back to the grind)

Ended vacation strong. Went to the city to the Powerhouse museum. Had amazing exhibits on the 80’s (represent!) inventions and television. Also had Australian cars, planes, trains, clothes from the pioneer days. And the most impressive thing was an exhibit on Australian fashion week. So cool to see the clothes and designer workstations, amazing!

FINALLY went to see a movie. I have not seen a movie since November last year (besides French film that doesn’t really count). Movie here are assigned seats like England and cost $25. But I finally got a voucher so one day a week it’s only $8!! Saw Letters to Juliet, adorable.

It's getting colder but decided to go out and look at the stars late at night. Beautiful and totally different to north American sky. Moon is upside down, stars are different, so cool!

Finished the vacation with a trip to Bondi for the most delicious food and times with Court ever. It was CHUCKING it down rain. Like Noah’s ark situation. But we still went and it was so much fun. She is amazing and I’m so lucky to have such a good friend!

Back to TV/media. Back to early mornings. Working on my short film, working on assessments, few 15 page papers….who knew I’d have to learn again. Good times!

Pictures are from the amazing end of vaca. Love you, miss you!

Vacation! Week of May 10th

So we’re off this week and part of next week. So nice to have time off, been going a million miles an hour (although it looks like one giant vacation, I promise I’m working). J

Went to Bondi beach, great place to relax, see the beach and wander through bookstores, shops. The fashion here still kills me, it’s completely random, which I love. I bought a super cheap shirt that has wings, I kid you not, WINGS! But it’s amazing, just had to try it on…looked nuts on the rack.

Went to Manly on Sunday night with my housemates and Eric, super fun. The sunsets here are so beautiful, got lost…I really need to get my iPhone back. Desperately need the maps on it!

Monday night, no kidding….went out with Jennica (Finland) and Brenda (Florida) and they chose where we went…which was Manly. But it was great to hang out with them and see the beach again. You know I loves my beach, 3 days in a row! J

Wednesday I went to the Blue Mountains with Court, J and M. Amazing views, amazing times, amazing laughs. That’s all I’ve got to say. Oh, climbed a waterfall and tried, unsuccessfully to fall off it, thanks to J…crisis averted. The knot on my leg, no kidding, size of a golf ball from the fall and it’s currently black, BLACK. Neva gonna get a man lookin tore up, geesh.

End of the week, Court and I went to Bondi Junction, which is the most giant mall, like Northpark or Kenwood. Has normal stores but also has Gucci and really awesome Australian designers. So much fun trying stuff on, being not-fat is kind of a blast!

Pics are from the week off, squeezing every second out of life. Hope you are too! Much love

Week of May 3rd, I ain't got much

There is a Chipotle equivalent (kind of) called Mad Mex! It just opened and Court, me, J and M went. Pretty much changed my life. I miss Mexican food, severely lacking salsa in my life people!

Working on tv stuff, learning how to produce, scary at all the stuff you are responsible for, but it’s a good scary. I can do whatever I set my mind to, just have to be humble enough to ask questions and try…

Out and About

It was Courtney’s birthday this week, so tons of fun all around! TV is going well, about to get my project to edit a short film. Only been trained a few months on how to do it, we’ll see!

Our housemates went to the city for Court’s birthday. We went to the piano bar to hear jazz and then walked around a bit. Afterwards, we went to the Opera house and then out for coffee. I live with the best girls, honestly.

Court and I did a city day with M and J. They are turning out to be the best neighbors and friends. I really love living in a community and in the rich neighborhood that I’m in, it can feel isolating. But having them around and having great housemates helps. The city was amazing, it’s always fun exploring the culture, albeit young culture.

I made Court a cake and it rocked! It’s hard to cook here with Celsius and different measurements (mili-liters anyone..) but I’m starting to get it. Miss cooking, grilling and baking. But I’m determined to figure it out here. You know me, I’m a slight bit stubborn.. J

Pictures are from Court’s birthday. Love you!!

4/12 week and 4/19 week

So, combining week updates b/c it has been a little busy lately.

I am super excited to announce that it's finally cooler here. Not-so great news, the house I'm living in (mansion that I'm sharing) is NOT insulated at all. So it's freezing cold at night. But the sun is so strong here, as soon as it comes up, it gets much warmer. Still need to invest in a space heater and a warmer duvet.

I'm back to 100% with my kidney. I'm back to running again, life is good. Finished my film class and now on to working on my short film assignment with Carmen (the most adorable South African).

Pictures are from my last video class (the montage), me and Lana doing work in the tape room and a group photo of the tv/media girls.

I love you a lot! Hope you are enjoying spring on the flip side! XX

Little rest, little work

Since we did so much work last week for the Exchange festival and Easter, we had Mon, Tue and Wed off. SO nice! After being sick, I needed some time to chill out.

Monday was cleaning for a house inspection that our lease company asked for.

Not sure why they are wanting it after 7 years of never doing it, but the house needed a deep clean anyway, so that's okay with me! Got a little pool time in as well so I was happy! Went to friends house and had a bday cake and was sung to in 5 different languages, now that's something to brag about! I went to Bondi (yes..again) on Tuesday with Amy to celebrate my bday. Last celebration (boo). It was really nice to go back to the beach. The waves were huge and the times were great. Ate at Cafe de Paris and got a sparkly shirt, which I just remembered! I need to wear that soon! :) Wednesday was a relaxed day, don't have too many of those. Went out late with some friends. City Extra is not my favorite place, but I love it b/c of who I go with. We talk about politics, fashion, it's just good times!

Thursday was Sisterhood and I did graphics in the huge auditorium. Wasn't nervous, just aware that thousands of people were looking at what I was doing. Felt almost like work, except we crack jokes over comms! :) Friday was producing for chapel. It was good, just a lot to wake up and do. It was hectic since everything was broken when we got there. But as usual, 2 minutes before go-time, it was fixed. I was training Allie, poor thing. We'll need to train again b/c it was impossible to teach her with the crazy issues going on. Saturday was camera work. New director, he was not so nice. But everyone can't be. And I didn't swear at him, so good on me! :) Sunday was the usual: church (had an ADORABLE shirt on that I got for $5) then hindu fruit market, then service, then out with my housemates to Mars Hill Cafe for working on assessments.

Weather is 70's and breezy, just perfect. Have no idea what the future holds. Life is completely unpredictable and I have chosen a gypsy life at the moment. But it absolutely suits me to bits. I love, LOVE you guys. Thanks for all your prayers. I really am feeling better. Back to running again, just 3 days until I feel 100%. Skype me soon so I can see your beautiful faces. Pics are of the beach (again) with Amy and out with my housemates. XX

It's my freakin bday and Easter!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Had the most random bday week ever. I got my car inspected, new tires, paid for insurance for the year and registered on Monday. Then talked to my new neighbor for a bit. That's when things went a bit pear shaped.

Got sick, hospital, threw up on the floor of hospital lobby (think Amy Winehouse), got drugs, stayed for 15 hours in the ER then went home. Had to stay in bed for most of Tues and Wed. I had no energy and my back hurt like a mother trucker. I was really lucky to have so many friends (just met these peeps two months ago) take care of me. Brought me flowers, food, cards, fashion mags, it was great. You never realize how much you appreciate your health until you lose it.

I went to my editing tutorial on Thursday afternoon, was the only time I really stepped out of the house. Bonus of kidney issue, lost 5 pounds in a week.

We were off for Good Friday, which was MY BDAY, woot! Went to service and then hit the beach with Court, Matt and Justin. Weather was only in the 70's and windy, but sunny and perfect. We went to Gertrude and Alice, an old bookstore that also has amazing coffee. Then went and got fish and chips on the beach and sat on a blanket in the sand and watched the surfers. Went to 88fm cafe which is a radio station and a restaurant. We had coffee/tea and fondue then played cards. Super fun times.

Saturday was Pancakes on the Rocks for bday breakfast and then had tv camera work. Easter Sunday was amazing. Place was packed, I wore my magenta dress that I adore. Then ran home to change and headed into the city for the Exchange film festival. I didn't make the finals, but those that did were freaking amazing. And it was packed with people. Afterwards, my housemates and I went around Darling Harbour and then headed to the Rocks (old part of Sydney) to eat. Ended up at the Rocks cafe at an adorable place.

Can't believe I was able to do so much after being so sick, but God is good. I missed my family and friends so much this past week. With being sick, my bday and Easter, I was thinking about how much love people have for me. I so appreciate the calls and emails and FB posts and cards for my bday. I am so fortunate to have you in my life. And I do NOT take it (or try not to take it) for granted. I love you!!!!

Pictures are of my bday and Easter. Lots of love!!

The week I forgot to blog about

I forget what I did this week! Trying to catch up from being lame/sick.

So the week of the 22nd.....hmmmm

I started producing for Friday mornings. Learning a lot for that. I also went with an Italian, South African and Norwegian to the city for a photo shoot for a newspaper in Norway. Lots of fun and even went to the beach (shocking I know). I worked a HUGE Encounter night with thousands of kids. I did graphics and even got to chat with Matt Crocker who is a randomly super cool guy. This week was hectic with tv stuff every day and keeping up with running almost every day if I can.

Found a really chill coffee shop in Parra, about 20 minutes away from me. Could be closer, but you take what ya can get! I went with Court and we ran into our housemate there, had no idea she was even in the area.

Life is good. Next week will be my bday, woot! Pictures are from Encounter (doing tv stuff), me and the housemates at the coffee shop and me at the Norway photo shoot. I love you guys SO much!

We interrupt this fun to bring you...

Monday night, the 29th, I had a terrible back pain/kidney pain that sent me to the hospital. Puking, passing out and writhing on the hospital lobby followed. Thankfully, my housemates took care of me and the morphine kicked in at the hospital.

Status is: Kidney stone that jacked the lining of something that I can't pronounce. Stayed the night at the hospital and had tons of tests and drugs while they figured out how bad it was. Came home today (Tuesday) and slept the majority of the pain away. Still have a lot of pain until my innards heal so taking it easy so I can go insane on Friday for my Birthday.

Lots of Love from me and my bum left kidney. :)

Colour 2 - true blue!

Another great week! We had the second week of Colour conference after two days off. Already gave an update on the Monday (rest and out with friends to a late night spot, bug guy came). Tuesday was shopping for clothes that I can't buy b/c I'm between sizes. But MAN was it fun to shop for them! :)

Wednesday the 17th we worked to set up the conference. Got to do inserts and seat drops as well as merch counts, so much fun. My specialist is so amazing, really enjoying the fieldwork (internship). Side note, I finally dyed my hair back to dark brown. The color was almost auburn/blonde due to the sun. I'm running almost every day and between that and the pool, the sun is really bleaching my hair. I am MUCH better as a brunette!

Thursday night was the start of the conference, and I rawked some super high heels that finally work. Had such a great time. Friday and Saturday were totally wrapped up in the conference. Did a late night BBQ and swim on Friday, so much fun but MAN the water is starting to get cold at night, brrr. Sunday was church, market for fruit (Hindu's sell good fruit).

Monday was the last day off (boooo) but went to the pool and caught up on errands, bills, etc. Another busy week!

Pictures are from conference prep and during the weekend and Sgt Pepper jacket that I did NOT purchase even though it was amazing! I love you guys so much. I can't thank you enough for praying for me and calling me. It's so good to see your faces and kiss you over the internets.. :()

Tons-o-Fun week

So, it seems that the weeks get more and more packed with goodness. This week was the Colour conference. 11,000 women. Totally amazing speakers and the chance to work REALLY hard with my fieldwork. I drove into Sydney on Wednesday with Ash and Eric and set up the Memories Expo and helped with deliveries, etc. It was a great chance to see how everything works and also to meet people that are in the city location. Made me question my decision to live in the burbs b/c the people were just so amazing. Thursday/Friday/Saturday were spent at the conference working 6:30-midnight. Sore muscles and lots of smiling, but what a great time. Just a great chance to be a part of social justice and good times.

And PLEASE know that I drank obscene amounts of coffee. Although I'm on a crazy tight budget, the Starbucks had $2 off coupons so it was dirt cheap to drink like a queen. There are only a few in the area so it was a huge treat to NOT drink at Gloria Jeans (Australia Starbucks but brews bitter, blech).

Went to a surfing competition in Bondi on Sunday with Court and ate at Niko's for brunch. We also stumbled on lots of locale spots, which is nice instead of all the tourist ones in the area. Sunday was life changing church with a chick from Dallas (what are the odds) and the peeps next to me were visiting from Fort Worth. Hung out with Amy, Giorgia (Italy), Ida (Norway), Angelique (South Africa), and Sandra (Netherlands) after. Great pasta and conversation about cultures. Went home and did a movie with housemates and SLEPT. It was great to sleep in.

Monday was the pool, errands and nothing much. The bug guy came and didn't charge us! Went to City Extra with friends and shared the most amazing strawberry ice cream sundae ever.

Pictures are of me with Ames at conference, the surfing competition, my life changing sundae, my expo booth chicks and me and Daniela at the house grill out from last Monday (the 8th). It was so much fun!

I miss and love you so much. I miss your hugs and your sarcasm most of all! :) Skype me soon. XX