Top Ten... Reasons I Am Not Going to Call/Text/MSN/Myspace/Poke/Initiate a Conversation With HIM

OK so a few weeks ago, I went away camping with my family and several other families over the Melbourne Cup long weekend, regular blog readers will know what I'm getting at here. There was a guy. I know, alarm bells ringing already, right?
He was so fantastic, we flirted all weekend long (you can read the old post archives for all the tragic details) and had a thoroughly great time. Anyway, you may remember that THAT little affair ended swiftly on the day we got back to real-life civilisation and I came crashing down from my floaty little cloud of love with a thud. He was now going out with another girl we went away with. I know, right? At the time, I was devastated. He totally used me as, like, an outlet for his pent-up flirting or something. Then, as time wore on, I realised that he was just a guy, just like many that i have known before him and many I will know after him. He is flirty, fun and non-commital, like most guys his age. So onwards I moved.
Today, I received a teary phonecall from The Girl, informing me that they had broken up. I have NO IDEA why she called me, we aren't super close buds or anything. In fact, I only met her on the camping weekend and have had very limited contact since then.
I soon after received a message on myspace from The Guy, wanting to "catch up soon".
I know that if I see him, all those strong feelings from the camping trip will return and I will spend another six weeks tearing myself apart over every little thing we both do or say.
So today, I would like to, nay I NEED to write a list of reasons NOT to catch up with him...
1) He will make me fall in love with him even harder this time
2) It's disrespectful to The Girl, even though we are not actual friends
3) I will look into those gorgeous, blue, twinkling, playful eyes of his and may actually faint
4) I shouldn't torture myself that way again. He can't be the guy I need right now, as much as I want him to be
5) I am very young. Like, 10 days away from turning 16. I don't NEED this kind of CRAP in my life yet
6) I am having a fabulous time with my friends and family just enjoying the summer holidays. I don't NEED him around
7) I can DO everything by myself. I am a totally independant, strong girl. I don't need a guy at all.
8) ...
9) ...
10) ...

Oh my goodness I can only think of seven reasons not to call him! This is a disaster! OK, before my resolve crumbles completely and I call him first thing tomorrow morning, I need my fabulous, loyal blog readers to help me out here by coming up with two or three more reasons NOT to call this guy who I know MUST be bad for me, otherwise he would not have made me as HURT and ANGRY and CONFUSED as he did the first time around.
PLEASE HELP ME BLOGGERS. I love you all. I NEED my loyal readers to rally around me and help me in my time of need.

Love in desperation, bubblygirl (about to lose her bubbly-ness if someone doesn't act soon). xoxo

Top Ten... People And Places For Style Inspiration

I LOVE fashion and just clothes themselves, but attending a school with a strict uniform policy means I can only exercise my style on weekends and holidays. And, as we are now embarking on the fabulous journey that is the summer holidays, what better time to make a fashion-focussed list? So here you have it: My top ten people and places for style inspiration!

1. whowhatweardaily- even the supposedly-stylish Nicole Richie (personally, I'm not much of a fan) turns to this website for tips!

2. Jessica Alba- the newly pregnant starlet always looks gorgeous and, yes, sexy, without ever dressing inappropriately. She is the anti-Britney, when it comes to the style stakes.

3. The Satorialist blog- gorgeous photography, and a colour palette that rarely strays from grey, navy and black- perfect for a Melbourne girl, what with our looooooooong winters and penchant for dark clothing and warm coats.

4. Megan Gale- S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G. I wish I had the guts to dye my hair as dark as hers. She just carries it so well. Similarly to Jessica, Megan is always well-dressed and always sexy. Plus, I love David Jones (of which she is the face) and Andy Lee (her boyfriend, co-host of "Hamish & Andy" on Fox fm and 2day fm).

5. Melbourne's Chapel Street and anywhere in St.Kilda

6. My own wardrobe- where else can you pull together pieces from every corner of the world (well, every shopping centre within a 100km radius, at least) and create a look that is totally you.

7. Magazines- I'm talking about your everyday Girlfriends and Dollys of the world, not your Vogues and Harpers (my part-time wage doesn't allow me to splurge on Marc Jacobs and Chloe)! I particularly love the spreads featuring everyday girls in trends to suit their bods.

8. Mandy Moore- she's as tall as me and not a super-skinny minnie (shock horror! A Hollywood starlet who is a regular old size 10-12?!), so I really do take a lot from her casual personal style- well-fitting jeans, long tops, gorgeous casual dresses. I can't wait for her label, Mblem, to ship to Australia!

9. Helsinki fashion blogs. Just google that phrase and you will be confronted by a plethora of pages full of inspiration of the slightly quirky kind. For those days when you feel a little wacky.

10. People-watching. Whether it's in the fashionable city centre or watching the people walk by as I work, I am constantly inspired by those who know and show how to dress for their bodies and do it well.

I hope you have been inspired by my little list today to get out there and have fun with fashion. After all, they are just clothes and you're gonna take 'em all off at the end of the day anyway! Have fun and dress well!

Love bubblygirl. xoxo

P.S. For those who commented on my Chick Flick post, I thank you! It's so rewarding to see that little comment box say "6 comments" or "9 comments". It really is one of life's little thrills. For those who commented that Josh from Clueless was hot but the Cher-Josh relationship was more than a little gross, I TOTALLY agree. Ewww. Ewww. Ewww. I saw an episode of new Channel 10 drama Cane last night and the main character was adopted by this old guy when he was young and then went and MARRIED the guy's DAUGHTER. Grrrrrooooooooosssssssss. But in regards to Josh's hotness in Clueless, is everyone forgetting about Elton? He may have been horrible to Ty and put the moves on Cher when they weren't wanted there, but the guy was MINT. In case you need reminding, he looked like this (he's the one in the top right-hand corner):

PHWOARRR, right?!

Unfortunately, he now looks like this:

I know. Shocking transformation. And not in a good way.

Anyway, my point is, Elton was seriously hot in Clueless and was seriously underrated as a hottie in that movie. Wow, this P.S. has almost turned into another post. Sorry about that! Thanks for sticking with it though, I know my posts tend to be quite long and probably get boring. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Mwah!

Chick Flicks

Seeing as an ad for Clueless just came on the TV, I have decided that today's list shall be a list of my favourite chick flicks! So here they are, in no particular order:

1. The Notebook
2. A Walk to Remember
3. Clueless
4. Never Been Kissed
5. Thelma and Louise
6. Pretty Woman
7. Bridget Jones's Diary
8. Sleepless in Seattle
9. Marie Antoniette
10. Breakfast at Tiffany's
11. Beaches
12. Steel Magnolias
13. Ghost
14. The American President
15. Muriel's Wedding
16. My Best Friend's Wedding
17. Jerry Maguire
18. Meet Joe Black
19. Stepmom
20. Titanic
21. Notting Hill
22. Erin Brockovich
23. Runaway Bride
24. Lost in Translation
25. The Horse Whisperer
So strictly they aren't all chick flicks, but I love all of these movies. Numbers 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 25 are all tear-jerkers, so have a box of kleenex handy while viewing!
Are any of these your fave chick flicks? What else would you add to the list?

Love bubblygirl

New Look, New Feel, New Me!

Hello and welcome to the new and improved blog from bubblygirl!
Over my two-week blogging hiatus, I realised I miss this open forum for my opinions, I miss sharing details of my life and the world with you readers and I especially miss the gorgeous comments you all leave for me!

So, I'm back! I have decided to make the blog all about lists. Anyone who has been on my myspace page knows that I looove writing lists, so I thought I would stick with what I know and make lists out of anything.

From "Top Ten's" and "To-Do" lists to "Favourite Things" and "Celebrity" lists from magazines, I will endeavour to bring you imaginative and (hopefully) interesting or humourous lists daily.

This is a new blogging path for me on which we are embarking together, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated! This isn't to say that I will only ever post lists in the future, of couse I will occasionally make my big, righteous posts, but for now this is the direction I am taking.

First List: Things I'm Looking Forward To
1. Christmas! Just 13 days away!
2. My birthday! Just 19 days away!
3. Summer holiday- off to the Murray for a week-long break filled with wakeboarding, water-skiing and relaxation! Can NOT wait!
4. My work Christmas party- if only to feel the tension between the manager and 2IC. Controversy!
5. Long summer days lounging around with friends in the pool- heaven!

OK, so that was a fairly ordinary list but I am certain the creative juices will start flowing back to me soon! Have a great day!

Not Goodbye, Just See You Later

First can I just apologise for my inconsistent blogging of late. I could rattle off a list of excuses as long as my hair (quite long!), i.e. I had exams, I've had extra work shifts, I've been doing lots of socialising with my gorgeous friends, and they are all true, but the truth of the matter is, I have made a discovery.

I have discovered myspace. Yes, I know, I'm about four years behind everyone else but you know what they say, better late than ever. It is so addictive, I have been spending ever spare moment working on my page, sending out friend requests, etc., etc. I now have eight friends! Yay! Friend me here!

In other news, look at my counter; I've broken the hundred hits mark!! Three cheers for me! Three cheers for you for sticking with me!

So, the purpose of today's post is to bid you a fond farewell. I'm not saying I will never come back to Stuck in Suburbia occassionally, but for now, between myspace, work, school commitments, friends, family, Christmas and everything else, I just don't have the time to make my posts as strong as I would like them to be.

I thought I'd put up a list of my favourite websites on here, just as a little parting gift to you. These are sites I hit up almost on a daily basis. Hopefully you know about most of these, but maybe there are a few that will lead you to a potential new favourite! So here they are, in no particular order:

1. Go Fug Yourself- Daily criticisms and fabulous bitchy comments on celebrities and their red carpet outfits from the hilarious gofug girls Jessica and Heather. Our very own Australian Idol finalists Nat and Matt even got a mention this week, check that out here.
2. Girl With A Satchel- A gorgeous, articulate and intelligent blog about the glossy magazines of the world, written by Girlfriend's Erica Bartle. Her "Sunday Soapbox" pieces are a personal favourite. She is a fantastic writer with strong yet polite opinions and perfect grammar (yeah!) and seemingly a very well-rounded young woman. A role model for us all.
3. Newspaper Sites- I don't often get a chance to read the actual, paper version of any newspaper, so everyday I go online to read the Herald Sun, The Age, The Daily Telegraph and the Sydney Morning Herald. We need to know about the world around us, from big events down to the sport section!
4. ebay- I adore ebay! I have bought my iPod, watches, bags, shoes, clothes, books, jewellery... anything and everything! Get into it, kids, you don't even need a credit card; you can link up your bank account or key card account or even use Paypal (they explain it all on the site, it's so easy to use!).
5. Youtube- funny vids. 'Nuff said.
6. Beauty Editor- I discovered this site only a few days ago and I am working my way through the archives in the "How To..." section, trying to soak up as many beauty hints and tips as I can. From "How To..." get great legs, to "How To..." wear false lashes, this site has EVERYTHING beauty.
7. The Shebang- Technically, I don't visit this site everyday, but I do get the podcast from iTunes, so you can get it here, as well as seeing pics and sending off emails to the show.
8. myspace- weeeee! I love myspace! It is soooo addictive! Get into it!
9. Song Meanings- I go to this site everytime I'm singing along to a song and can't for the life of me figure out what the singer is going on about. It also has song lyrics.
10. Hamish and Andy- See number 7.
11. Tickle Tests- I don't visit this site regularly, but when I do, I end up spending a looooong time taking various personality tests, such as "What Breed of Dog Are You?" and "Are You a Party Girl?", the multiple choice tests are such fun.

So enjoy, kids. I'll see you back here soon, but until then I'll keep popping up with comments on the blogs of Frangipani Princess and Girl Next Door. I'll leave you with this quote: "Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true"- Leon J. Suenes. Enjoy life and make the most of every opportunity and have fun being Stuck in Suburbia!

Love and Best Wishes, Bubblygirl xoxo

New Piccy! Plus A Bit Of A Rant

I decided to put up a pic of your very own bubblygirl (i.e. ME) with my profile. But it's so small! Does anyone know how to alter the size? Anyway, that's me at my formal earlier this year. What a night! I loved my red dress from DJ's and it was a perfect dress for dancing! Woo! I will definitely be wearing that again when the Chrissy party season takes off in a few days time (this Saturday for me).

In other news... I haven't taken a stand on my soapbox for a number of weeks now, and I'm feeling surprisingly relaxed and happy (Note to self: not yelling= less stress! Love that!).
Today, though, there is an issue I feel I must address and I want all my bloggy readers to listen up:
We girls need to get over ourselves when it comes to our bodies. Our dangerous obssession with a number on the bathroom scales, a number on the tag of our dress and the letter and number on the back of our bra has got to stop!
As you can see from my brand-spanking-new pic, I am not super-skinny but I do have a healthy BMI and lead a healthy life. I actually used to be completely depressed with the way I looked and felt about my body but I have come to a realisation and now, being a girl who is healthy and happy with herself, I want to share it with you.
Six months ago, I saw myself like this: weirdly, like abnormally, tall; fat thighs; flat, boring hair; hideous glasses; chubby arms; fat nose; small eyes; boobs too small for body; big hips; no-one will ever love me; blah blah blah.
The thing was, I wasn't eating well. I wasn't exercising nearly enough. I was focussing on the negatives in my life instead of seeing the fabulous positives. I was being miserable.
So, I changed. I cut out crappy foods full of saturated fat, sugar and sodium (salt), I stopped drinking soft drinks and replaced them with green tea (yum!), I started getting up early and taking my puppy for a 5km walk every morning and I started appreciating what was good in my life. I felt great! My mood, hair and skin improved out of sight and I haven't looked back.
A friend of mine is recovering from bulimia. It was so devastating watching her go through this and keep it hidden from everyone except a few select friends. She was by no means overweight when the disease hit her- it was an absolute shock. But with some excellent support she is now on the road to recovery. She felt under pressure from boys, trashy magazines, video clips, movie stars and, of course, other girls, to look a certain way and she nearly destroyed herself in the process. Her metabolism is ruined, her teeth are weakened and she is very thin.

What I'm trying to say is, we've gotta look after ourselves and not buy into the perception of beauty that is thrust upon us. The campaigns in Dolly and Girlfriend are shunning that skeletal, I've-been-drinking-and-on-drugs-and-haven't-eaten-for-four-days look in favour of a healthier image (I particularly love the exercise plans both mags featured in the November issues).

I know none of this is particularly well-written or succinct but I hope I have gotten my point across. The terrible writing is due to two weeks of non-stop studying with breaks only to attend my part-time job. I had my last exam this afternoon and now I'm free for the holidays! But I'm slightly exhausted and my brain isn't keeping up with my thoughts. K, that makes no sense at all! I'll have a better-written post tomorrow, I promise!

Love Bubblygirl xox

I'm Melting, I'm Melting...

It's 30 degrees in Melbourne right now! On the 20th of November! And 37% humidity! And yesterday was the hottest November day in four years! Are you kidding me?! It isn't even summer yet! Don't get me wrong, I love hot weather but it's just so unexpected for this time of year. In honour of our crazy weather, today's post is dedicated to all things hot, hot, hot! (Pluis this gives me the chance to chuck in a few piccys, which -due to my exam revision and therefore lack of time to research and find pics- have been noticeably absent lately). So here we go, in no particular order:

1. Long dresses. I LOVE the '70s maxi dresses that are back for summer! They are so light, breezy and easy to wear. Plus I am super-tall so they are nicely flattering on me! I have three already, including one actual vintage one from the '70s.

2. Jake Gyllenhaal- HOT. 'Nuff said. Just look at him. Seriously, he makes your body temperature rise by like five degrees! (*fans self with hand*) Those eyes! Kills me everytime...

3. Lollies! I have recently curbed by chocolate addiction and have discovered... LOLLIES! They are so much fun and totally remind me of going to birthday parties when I was five. Wohoo!

4. Jim Sturgess- You may not know his name yet, but this adorable Brit is starring the the new musical film based around the Beatles music called Across the Universe. The movie looks incredible and this guy has the accent to melt every girl ( I am a sucker for British accents- can't wait to live there!) and cutey-pie looks. Get to know him before he's too famous! (Doesn't he just have that cheeky British look about him?!)

5. Hamish & Andy. I love these guys! All my friends and family know about my weird obssessive crushes on them- I start hyperventilating whenever they are on Rove, Real Stories, Thank God You're Here or Spicks & Specks and I HAVE to listen to their radio show everyday (if I miss it I have to podcast!). Andy is dating supermodel, super-gorgeous Megan Gale (what a lucky girl!) and Hamish writes a fabulous column for Cosmo every month. They are so cheeky and funny! Check them out here.

6. Mangoes! You gotta love a sweet, juicy mango on a hot afternoon... perfect!

7. The Shebang- another radio show, this one is in Sydney only so I have to podcast it. Marty and Fifi are hilarious and Drew sounds hot! Get into it, guys!

8. Channel 10- I am LOVING Channel 10 right now, mainly just for the fact that they are bringing me Friends SEVEN DAYS A WEEK starting December 3! Thank you Channel 10! Also, I do enjoy a bit of Oprah, Dr. Phil, America's Next Top Model, David Letterman, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth-Grader and, of course, The Office.

9. Daniel McPherson- OK, so City Homicide may have finished last night, but it was so worth it just for Daniel aka "Si/Simon". He's adorable and wears a smart suit on the show every weeks and he's mates with Hamish and Andy.

10. Summer! Bring it on! Christmas, beach days, my birthday, school holidays, trip up to the Murray, sleep-ins- I CAN'T WAIT!

Enjoy and excite!

Love liv xoxo

Song for the day: "Hot In Herre" by Nelly. Ohmigoodness do you guys remember listening to this in like 2003 and dancing all crazy to it?! I have some FABULOUS memories of this song! Great party song!

Pics courtesy of whowhatweardaily.com, papermag.com, rainbowdesigns.com.au, flickster.com, blog.news.com.au, images.foodnetwork.com, images.2dayfm.com.au

Letter to My Thirteen-Year-Old Self

My little sister is thirteen and in Year 7. Watching her go through this year, with all its trials and tribulations and giving her advice, has inspired me to write today's post as a letter back to my thirteen-year-old self; that young girl starting high school seemingly forever ago...

Dear 13-year-old Liv,
Here are a few pointers that will guide you in the right direction and save you from much heartache and frustration in the next few years:
1. High school is NOT scary. Scary is cutting yourself shaving your legs and it JUST WON'T STOP BLEEDING-oh wait it stopped. See, nothing to worry about!
2. Boys are intimidated by smart, opinionated girls as it challenges their developing masculinity and makes them feel stupid. As they get older, the smart guys realise that these sorts of girls are actually quite attractive and worth their time much more than silly Paris Hilton-alikes.
3. Don't worry about being liked or conforming just to be liked. Although popularity feels like the most important thing in the world right now, making friendships with people who actually like you for who you are is waaaaaaaay more vital to your happiness!
4. Always have a camera in your bag.
5. Always have a 'pad' in your bag. 'Nuff said. Just be prepared. You never know...
6. Never let an opportunity pass just coz you're scared of what people will think or you're the only one doing it or whatever- if you want to do it, then do it!
7. You have to work to achieve your goals. Stuff isn't just thrown into your lap, unless you are very very lucky.
8. Boys will never understand the female fascination with shopping, make-up, cute baby animals, Julia Roberts' movies or having good hair. So don't even bother explaining.
9. Don't ever EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER dumb yourself down for ANYONE. If people don't like you because you are intelligent and opinionated, they are SO not worth knowing.
10. Family is everything. Be nicer to your sister. She isn't that bad.
11. Your parents really are doing the best they can. Give them a break.
12. Even if you feel like you have a problem that is so embarrassing that no-one could ever being going through, chances are one of your mates is feeling exactly the same way. Keep the lines of communication open- your friends are life-savers.
13. Boys hate it when we complain about our bodies. You are NOT fat. So stop saying it! As they grow up in school with us, guys start to pretty much just love girls and think they are perfect as they are coz they realise that a sparkling personality, a killer smile and a sense of humour and confidence is hotter than a 6 ft, 50kg, D-cupped blonde without a brain.
14. Self-confidence is the most attractive part of any person. Never apologise for being who you are and don't change for anyone.
15. Choose your battles. Sometimes, it really is just better not to say something. But always speak out on the big issues.
16. Find your passion and follow it whole-heartedly. Don't lose sight of your dreams and desires.
17. Girls will say nasty things about you. Try not to take the bait and sink to their level. While it may be hard to bite your tounge, in a few weeks/months it will seem so trivial you will be glad you didn't explode over nothing.
18. Trust yourself. Especially in exams and tests. You really do know more than you think you do.
19. Never let anyone pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. Especially that time in Year 10 when that guy asks you out and you don't actually like him but everyone tells you to go with him coz it'll be totally awesome and they'll have something to talk about for weeks... just promise me you'll only make decisions when YOU want to, OK?
20. Don't wish away your life wanting to be just a bit older all the time. Life is actually pretty great right now, isn't it? So stop to smell the roses.
21. Flirting is fun. Just don't send off too many signals, coz to some guys an innocent smile in their direction means you simply MUST be in love with them.
22. Boys are stupid. Seriously, they are immature and silly and do stuff that makes us wanna pull our hair out but at the end of the day, we love 'em. And they love us. Just go with it.
23. Mates before dates. Always. No exceptions. Ever.
24. Exercise, sleep, good food and a balanced life is just as important as school, sport and socialising. Look after yourself.
25. Don't be embarrassed about the fact that you love your footy team. Guys actually find it attractive when girls like sport. So if you like sport, be into it. If you don't, don't try to be. See rule 14.
26. Be yourself, love yourself, never apologise for who you are, don't stop giggling, always strive for your goals and love life- it's a great ride!
I hope some of you younger readers can take something away from this! Have a great weekend!

Love bubblygirl
Today's song: "Beautiful Girl's Reply" by Jojo. Jojo has taken Sean Kingston's song and reworked the words so it's all about girl power. Watch it on Youtube and be happy that you're an awesome girl!

Catch-Up Songs

Sorry, just realised I didn't put a song on yesterday's post! I think it should be... hmmm, I think Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" pretty much sums up the feel of yesterday's writings!!
No actual post today due to exam revision (scary!) but the song for today is most suitably Alanis Morissette's "Perfect"- listen to the lyrics and you'll understand the pressure I'm feeling! OK, admittedly the pressure isn't coming from my parents as it is in the song (it's actually the pressure I put on myself!), but that's the way I feel right now.
Have a listen to ol' Blue Eyes (Sinatra, for those who don't know) right here.

Have a great night!

Love bubblygirl

Dream Big!

For a long time now I have been making a list in my head of things I want to do in my lifetime. I have never actually written them down but for some reason I feel like today is the day to do it. So here goes, in no particular order, my current top 30:
1. Ride elephants in Thailand (I've already done that one- earlier this year!)
2. Visit 20 countries within the next 20 years (I figure that is fairly achievable)
3. Sing "I Will Survive" at a kareoke bar (there is a story behind this one: this was the first song I ever sang at kareoke when I was quite young and I was so incredibly nervous. You could hardly even hear me! I nearly died! I have changed a LOT since then and can't wait to belt this one out!)
4. Do the best I possibly can in my last few years of school and then uni
5. Become a vet
6. Live and work in London, England as a vet
7. Get a tattoo (just a little one, like on the back of my neck or something)
8. Kiss a total stranger (don't know if this will happen, but hey, it's my list!)
9. Shop in New York. Actually just to BE in NY would be awesome!
10. Bungee jump (Probably in New Zealand)
11. Sleep under the stars (no tent like I always do, just sky!)
12. Road trip around Australia with friends (This one is already in the works, three of my friends and I are planning already for this at the end of Year 12- Can't wait!)
13. Fall in love- for real! With someone who actually loves me back! (Read some of my old posts to see what I'm talking about)
14. Get dressed up and attend the Melbourne Cup
14.1 Attend any one of the days of the Spring Racing Carnival (i.e. Oaks Day, Cox Plate, Derby Day, etc.)
15. Learn to dance properly (this will happen next year, with my deb ball preparations)
16. Celebrate my birthday, New Year's Eve, in another country
17. Visit Paris in autumn- it looks like it would be soooo beautiful
18. Attend at least one major sporting event (Olympics, etc. But I would most like to go to an AFL grand final)
19. See my footy team, Collingwood Magpies, win a grand final!
20. Visit Germany (this is likely, I'm hopefully heading over there with my German language studies next year)
21. 1 Drive on the Autobahn in Germany (no speed limits! Woo!)
21.2 Celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
22.Snorkel in a tropical setting (already done this- again in Thailand!)
23. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef
24. Go skiing
25. Learn to mix cocktails as a bartender (plans already in the works for this one- one of my (future) roadtripping mates, Rachelle, and I are going to do a two-day course at a local TAFE which qualifies you with an alcohol and gaming license)
26. Run a marathon
27. Go skinnydipping
28. Play poker in Vegas
29. Stay out partying all night then go straight to work (not as a vet obviously, that's just dangerous, but when I'm still without responsibility!)
30. Attend a big rock concert (or any concert at all, really!)
31. Take a hot balloon ride
32. Have my own family that is just as great as my family with my parents and siblings now!

Wow it feels so good to have just written this all down- somehow it makes it all more achievable. OK, so there was 32. not 30. But it's addictive! There is so much more I want to do!
What would you have on your list?

Friends!

Oh. My. Goodness. I just found out that my favourite show of ALL-TIME (and that's saying a lot), Friends is coming to Channel 10 by way of repeats! Yes! Wohoo! It's time to get excited people, this may not be a huge deal but we gotta make the most of those simple pleasures, remember?!

No word yet on when the show will commence, but my guess is that it will be in the off-ratings period this summer. I think the reason we love this show is that it is so real. OK, they get up to some crazy s*&% that stretch the truth just a little but you gotta love it!

Some people didn't/don't like the Ross and Rachel saga, but I adore it for its true representation of a long-term, complicated relationship. As "Vogue from the US" commented on the Friends page on imdb.com, "Ross and Rachel getting old? How could it? Do relationships get old in real life? No, they're ongoing, sometimes stagnating, sometimes changing. Thats REAL." So true! "Vogue" goes on to say: "This show is about 6 people who love each other like family...which I must say as an 18 year old... is very real. Once you hit your late teens - early twenties...things begin to change. You grow both closer to and further from your biological family, and as you reach more independence, you adopt another family of your own: YOUR FRIENDS."

Thank you "Vogue" for totally expressing my exact feelings towards the show. I mean, who can resist the adorably innocent Joey and Phoebe, the neurotic Monica (I am so, scarily, like her!), intelligent and insecure Ross, sarcastic but sweet Chandler and, of course, the character that gave us the most copied hairstyle of the '90s, Rachel.

Thank you Channel 10 for giving us this opportunity to relive the magic that is Friends and always remember to value your own Friends- I have really realised in the last few weeks just how much I rely on my friends and how much they rely on me.

Keep it friendly, guys!

Love bubblygirl.

Song for the day: How could it be anything other than "I'll Be There For You" by the Rembrandts?! Catch it on Youtube. Such an adorable clip, too!

Yay!

I'm sure you'll all be glad to hear that after the incredibly depressing weekend full of anger, sadness, self-worthlessness, loss of self-confidence, more anger and more sadness I have had something of an epiphany.

Since early this morning, I have been making a conscious effort to make myself happy. I am so sick of boys and their games and complications, petty fights with friends, etc. Today has been a great day! It didn't hurt that the sun was shining, the birds were singing and I had mango for brekky (yum! My first of the season!)!

So how did I put this happiness into action you ask? Well, I started simply. My little sister was baiting me to pick a fight with her this morning, teasing me and just not leaving me alone. Instead of having a go at her and yelling, I took my dog for his morning walk right then and there instead of a bit later at the time I would regularly go. Score: Unhappiness-0. Me- 1!

Then at school, we were having a discussion about war, a topic which (clearly) gets a lot of people fired up, myself included. While I still got involved in the discussion, I did so in a much more resepectful manner, no shouting or anything like that and I ACTUALLY LISTENED to the opinions of others before commenting on them! It's a Christmas miracle (Sorry, that's my phrase of the moment! Don't you love it? It works both truthfully and sarcastically- the perfect saying!)!

Another awesome point to top off the day is that The Office is on tonight! Yeah! Check it out guys, I reckon it's funnier than the UK verison (ohh, controversial!).

Oh my gosh, I am feeling happier, more relaxed and more confident than I have... well, basically ever! And all because I gave up on my hang-ups, stopped fussing about STUPID SILLY SMELLY IMMATURE boys and embraced the simple things!

I love life right now! I hope it stays this way for a long time!

Hope you guys had as great a Monday as I did!

Song for the day: "Don't Stop" Fleetwood Mac. Catch the lyrics have a listen here. It's just so positive!

Oh another great thing for the day: Hamish Blake, of "Hamish & Andy" just beat Katie Holmes' marathon attempt by four minutes! Go Hamish!

So guys embrace the positive, and have a great time in life!

Songs for Life

I have dragged myself out of the doldrums and depression and decided to each day dedicate a song to my mood for the day or my post.

Today's song: "Am I Not Pretty Enough", Kasey Chambers. Read a copy of the lyrics here. I especially related to the lines: "Am I too outspoken?/Don't I make you laugh?/Should I try it harder" and of course, the entire chorus. I'm gonna go cry now. Have a great weekend.

Disaster!

It's Saturday Morning. 8:36am. I have been in a daze and on a bizarre emotional rollercoaster since... well actually, this time yesterday. I had to pull through and go to school and then work last night but today I have freed up my schedule so I can wallow in my sorrow all day long. I don't think I'll be able to get out of bed. I hate boys. HATE THEM. And hate is a very strong word. So here's what happened at 8:30 yesterday...
I am in a carpool to get to school. It involves three families, all of which went away camping on the weekend. My best guy friend, let's call him Rob, leaps into the car and we chat away, as per usual, before he drops a little bombshell. Here's how the conversation went down:
ME: Get up to anything exciting last night, Rob?
ROB: (All excitedly) Yeah, actually. I helped Pete ask Lauren out last night and now they are officially going out!
(Refresher: Pete is Rob's best mate and Lauren is the girl who was on our camping weekend, but only for a day. She rejected Pete months ago and ever since, Rob and Pete has been very wary of her, being the tight "brothers" that they are. I have a MASSIVE crush on Pete and we had a very flirty weekend with interest coming from both sides. Read my post from two days ago to see just how much he paid *special" attention to me.)
ME: (Devastated) Oh... wow... that's great... hehe... haha.
ROB: Yeah, he asked her on MSN last night.
ME: *silence*

I started off feeling a lot of animosity towards Lauren but now I realise that it's not her fault. It's not her fault Pete flirted with me all weekend. It's not her fault I don't want anyone else to play with my hair but Pete. It's not her fault that Pete apparently finds her infinitely more attractive than me. It's not her fault I was STRUNG ALONG by a stupid silly boy.
I am so SO angry at Pete! How could he do this is to me?! Playing with my hair, feeding me melting marshmallows, play-fighting, sharing drinks, looking after me when I didn't feel well, playing poker with me, flirting ALL WEEKEND LONG!
I feel so stupid for letting him lead me on like that. I feel so used. It's like, for the four days that Lauren wasn't away with us, he was using me as a substitute for her. Every moment that he was quiet and I thought he was looking at me, he was probably thinking about HER and how perfect she is and how he would ask her out when he got home.
I can't believe I let myself foolishly think that he could ever just like me. I'm not blonde, or super-busty, or flat-stomached like Lauren, but I'm not hideous. I'm smart, I can be funny, I'm caring and flirty and I can be fun. What is so wrong with me that I can't find a guy who I like and who also likes me, not just one or the other?!
(It's also not Lauren's fault that I had a fabulous dream last night in which Pete and I were getting married. You know what they say: Date a blonde, marry a brunette... Let's hope against hope that that was some sort of premonition of the future. Please, Dream Gods, make it happen!!)
One of my dear, dear friend's advice was: "He's a guy. He probably just had excess testosterone to blow off and you were the closest target. I'm sorry, honey, I just think he wanted to have a flirt and you were there. Figuratively speaking, he just couldn't keep it in his pants." Devastating stuff, I know, but that's what friends are for- they tell you what you need to, not want to, hear.

I'm gonna go cry into my cereal now. Have a great weekend.
Please comment, I feel so alone.

Just A Quick Post

Hi sorry I was home late tonight and I'm just about to head out again now so I have two quick little updates to shoot off to you today...

First off, Ben Cousins has returned to Australia, reportedly to Sydney to continue his rehab closer to home but away from the glare of Western Australia. Good luck, Ben!

Secondly, if you read my post from yesterday the following will make a lot more sense! So the guy who I will from here on refer to as ULS (Unrequited Love of September), the guy who really liked me in September but I just didn't feel the same way about, has started flirting/hitting on me again. Today he played with my hair as I walked out of the classroom ahead of him and I had a total realisation, epiphany, lightbulb moment or as Oprah would call it, my "aha!" moment: I don't want any guy to play with my hair but Pete. I don't want anyone else to touch me or flirt with me or do ANYTHING with me except for Pete.

This is terrible! It means I really am stuck on Pete! I thought this was just a little crush... arrgghh I have to shake this off somehow and focus on my upcoming exams. I couldn't focus through my three practise exams today; I was so distracted thinking about my fabulous weekend and, of course, Pete. I can't focus, I have no appetite, I can't sleep... This is so bad!

Any comments, bloggers and readers? I could really use some feedback, I feel kinda alone!

Love and a stomach full of butterflies,
bubblygirl.

I've Got A Crush On You

I know you've all heard that lame but sweet Mandy Moore song, "Crush" (if you haven't listen to and watch it here) and I know you have all probably had a crush at some point. But I have a serious crush on a guy right now and it is HURTING ME I like him so much!

This is going to be a completely self-indulgent post and I promise I'll return to current affairs/interesting stuff that relates to other people tomorrow but today I really just have to get all this off my chest.

Let's just say his name is Pete. I have known him for years, our families holiday together three times a year with several other families. Pete is the best friend of one of my best guy friends, is the same age as me and is COMPLETELY ADORABLE! He is a total flirt, is cheeky, silly, taller than me (no mean feat, I'm nearly six foot!), athletic, blonde, enthusiastic, thoughtful and sweet. He has these huge blue eyes that melt me completely- he could ask me to do anything and I would do it as long as he just looked me in the eye when he asked!

We have flirted for a few years now and we all went camping together on this past long weekend and things kicked up a gear. He taught me how to play poker, we play-wrestled in his tent (other kids were in there too, it wasn't just the two of us!), we shared a blanket around the fire, we took it in turns toasting each other marshmallows and feeding them to each other from the stick, he looked after me when I came down with a cold... it was a GREAT weekend.

The thing is, now it's over and I won't get to see him until January when we next go away. My stomach, head, throat and heart all ache with... longing, I guess. I just want to have one more day with him the way it was on the weekend!

I know nothing can ever happen between us because if it did, our whole playful relationship would be ruined. But at the same time, what if something more were to happen? Would we be great together? Could we get along if things didn't work out?

You are probably reading this and going, "Yeah, OK, we've all had crushes too. Move on, hon! Plenty of fish in the sea..." The reason I feel so strongly about this particular crush is that Pete was the first guy to show me that sort of attention since my disasterous break-up of August and the unrequited love of another guy in September (I just didn't feel the same way as he did and I had to let him know before anything happened- that was the issue with the August break-up, I let myself be led into a relationship I knew I wan't interested in AT ALL. But that is another post for another day. Actually there are probably another seventeen posts in that issue alone!) and I just lapped up the attention and adored every second of it!

I feel sick! I can't get him out of my head! There was a moment on the weekend when he stroked my hair when my head was in his lap and I swear to you, I have been floating on a cloud ever since. Maybe he is just a player (or "playa". Woo! In da hood, gansta!), maybe he actually likes me, maybe I'm going to go INSANE thinking about all this...

Arrgghh, whoever says girls are complicated has never been in this situation; Boys are so confusing! They pick us up, treat us like princesses then turn us off and on like taps in the kitchen sink!

Can anyone, and I mean ANYONE, offer me ANY sort of advice. PLEASE help. I am reaching into cyberspace here, praying that there is a girl (or even a guy) who is older and wiser than I and knows how to deal with this.

PLEASE!!

Found a great quote that PERFECTLY describes what is happening here, I'm sure many of you can relate to this:

"That's why they call them crushes. If they were easy, they'd call them something else."

-Anonymous

BTW, I want to be the girl in this piccy at left. He is totally protecting her and she looks so at ease and in love and it's all just so sweet! I want to be in love but with someone who loves me back, not just this one-way street I have had so much experience with lately (working both ways- guy likes me, I don't like him; I like guy, he just plays with me).

HELP!! PLEASE!!

Little Girl Lost...

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few years, I'm certain that you would have heard about the downward spiral of former squeaky-clean, Mouseketeer, "Baby One More Time", teen sensation, pop queen, America's sweetheart blah blah blah: Miss Britney Spears.

There was the 72-hour Vegas marriage to one of her childhood friends, the K-Fed saga, the head-shaving, the kid-dropping, the reckless driving, the 2007 MTV awards lipsynching and unflattering bikini, and most recently, losing custody of her kids.

I think it has all been downhill for Brit since that infamous kiss with Madonna at the 2003 MTV awards (hmmm, seeing a trend here?). Girls kissing girls just for attention is a recipe for disaster.

Now everyone loves to have a dig at Britney, but I have to say, I have nothing but sympathy and, in a way, pity for this woman who is still only 25 years old- yes, 25! She has really achieved so much already and I think that is the problem with these young Hollywood starlets- they reach the peak of their career at such a young age, and then have nowhere to go but down, or to jsut be torn down by everyone around them.

Britney has had a breakthrough today though, with Britster being granted two afternoon visits and one overnight stay per week. All visits have to be supervised and I can only imagine how hard that must be for her- having a perfect stranger watch her play and look after her own two kids.

But it is a start for Brit. Another plus for the Britmeister is the fact that her new CD, "Blackout", is just about to be released and has been receiving rave reviews in American magazines and newspapers. The USA Today wrote: "Britney Spears hasn't been able to lose the paparazzi in recent months, but she does joyously lose herself in music on her new Blackout".

I think it's all upwards and onwards for Miss. B. Spears and I wish her the best of luck. Seriously, who are we to judge her or try to understand what it must be like to live with constant stalking from paparazzi and crazed fans, etc. Britney just needs to surround herself with good, supportive people who will help her get back to her old self and not let her run free.

Any opinions?
Love bubblygirl!

Pic above left: Britney getting her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002

Pic above right: Britney shaves her own head in 2007

Both piccys courtesy of the Herald Sun website

Mind, Body + Soul

I am really into spiritual and mental health and have been for a little while now (see my procrastination post, for example). I think it's important to look after your whole self- body, mind and soul. My Girlfriend subscription arrived yesterday with a lovely little "Self-Respect Body and Soul Challenge" smack bang in the middle of the mag. It's all about eating food to fuel your body, thinking positive, exercising and just leading a healthy life. I love this self-respect message that Girlfriend is pushing- it is such a change from the bikini diets and gossiping you can find in other mags.

One of the key ideas I picked up from this month's Girlfriend was to cut back on "butt time". This is the amount of time that you spend sitting whether its watching TV, blogging (ahem!) or even homeworking (yes, I've decided that that is actually a word!) and getting up to walk, play, dance, run- anything to get the blood pumping!

In slightly related news, I started a four- week "Introduction to Meditation" course last week. It was sooo relaxing! My instructor says that its 'centering for the soul' which is true; I feel really 'together' and at peace after my daily ten-minute session. I would thoroughly recommend meditation, or something like it (yoga, pilates, etc.) to people like me who are busy/stressed/perfectionists/super-organised/worry-warts/going slightly insane with the pressure of life- it brings you back to life and makes you realise that the simple pleasures in life are often the most rewarding.

Stop and smell the roses, readers, even if it means just closing your eyes and breathing for ten seconds... just "be"!

Love bubblygirl

Picture courtesy of the Journey Holistic Health website

I'll Do It Tomorrow!

OK, so I am normally a hard-working, "let's get it done now" sort of person, but lately, for some inexplicable reason (it probably has *something* to do with the fact that the school year is drawing to a close... YAY!) I have become an absolute, hopeless procrastinator. Case in point- I am supposed to be doing homework right now, which I am putting off in order to write this blog. (So appreciate it, people! I'm blowing off homework to write this for you! Just jokes, guys, don't stress.)

Anyway, I feel completely guilty the entire time I am procrastinating, but I JUST CAN'T STOP! My usually focussed, long attention span is now resembling that of a five year old boy (or a fifteen-year-old boy for that matter... basically, boys of any age just can't, nay DON'T tend to pay attention all that often for all that long!). Maybe it has something to do with this crazy weather (31 degrees one day, 15 the next -what the?!) or maybe it is just complete exhaustion due to my relentless routine. Hmmm. I don't know. But I found this great article on the Net about how to procrastinate effectively. You can read it here on positivesharing.com (incidently where I found the great photo above). The best tip I got out of that article was to throw yourself into the procrastination 100%, just as I would in anything else in life. If you are going to procrastinate, don't waste the procrastination time thinking about WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING, just enjoy the break from life and enjoy everything you do and get the most you possibly can out of whatever it is you are doing.

Basically, just enjoy life, kids!

And on a little sidenote, how much would you just love to be lying on a couch in a sun-filled loungeroom, like the women in the piccy, before your gorgeous boyfriend/husband comes home and decides to cook you a beautiful dinner before whisking you out for a night on the town, agreeing to dance to as many girly songs as you want, and happens to look like either David Beckham, Brad Pitt, George Clooney or Collingwood footy player Shane Wakelin (google him, he's gorgeous!) and quotes romantic Shakespearian lines to me all day long while working hard on important things like saving the world, curing cancer and ending climate change... Whoo sorry! Got a little carried away there! But see, I was procrastinating/day-dreaming 100%, throwing myself into it wholeheartedly!

Sorry about the prolix post, but I just had to get all that off my chest (and put off my homework just a few minutes longer!).

Love always and happy procrastinating!

Obsession

Hi guys!

Is it just me, or do you have TV obsessions, too? Like today, for instance, is Tuesday, which for me and two of my friends is 'ALL SAINTS' DAY! Wohoo! (BTW, it's a fictional medical/drama show with lots of love stories and a few gory operations every ep!).

We will text each other when the show is on, dissecting storylines and arguing over which doctor is the hottest (my vote is Dr. Steve Tyler- phwooaahh, that voice! Those eyes! Those dimples! That's him at left, sorry the picture is such bad quality- it was all I could find).

I am also obsessed like this about my footy team, the Collingwood Magpies (AFL, for those who don't know!). (Oh, on a little sidenote, the president of the Pies, Channel 9's Eddie McGuire, has come out and said that he will take Ben Cousins to play in his team after he finishes his stint in rehab! Yay! I fully believe in second chances, so come on Ben, get it together and then I can love you even more when you are part of my team!) I call and text about six of my friends and family when a game finishes and we will go through the whole thing again. Love. It. All!

Do you have a TV obsession, too? Be honest, don't worry if it's embarrassing! I also love 'Australian Idol' and 'Lost', so my TV loves are fairly embarrassing also!

Promise me you'll watch All Saints tonight, ok? Please? 9:30pm, Channel 7. Don't miss it!

The Future Looms...

So earlier this year I had to pick my Year 11/12 subjects for school next year. Talk about nerve-racking! These choices may define the next ten years or so of my future! If I don't choose the right prerequisites for the university course I am hoping to take, I won't be able to get into that course, which means I'll have to do a uni degree I don't particularly want to do or I will have to do a TAFE course or go travelling overseas or work until I am old enough to qualify as a "mature-age student" and then go and do the course, which means I will be like 30/35 years old before I even start my career! So basically today just brought home to me how close my future is and how the decisions I make from this point on will really resonate with the rest of my life.

The thing is, since I was about four years old I have always wanted to be a vet. I even went and did work experience at a vet clinic earlier this year- helping to wash dogs, prepare animals for surgery and observe operations. I absolutely loved it but i can't help but wonder if in twenty or thirty years I will be so incredibly bored with that job- you know, desexing another dog or de-fleaing another cat, just like every other day. Ho-hum. I mean, just in my week of being a workie I watched nine cat or dog desexings- yes nine! In five days! The vet could practically do it with his eyes closed! So I am looking at other career options, and the one which stands out most to me is that of a primary school teacher. I love, nay adore, children- always have. Plus, lots of people tell me that I would be good as a teacher.

Only time will tell what happens and what I will become... I just wish I had a time machine to zoom ten years into the future and just know that I'm happy and OK.

But that is obviously NOT going to happen, so I'm just going to have to settle for making informed decisions that relate to every situation individually and hope it all works out.

Soory for this extremely self-indulgent post, I just wanted to send this out into cyberspace and see what comes back to me...

(Piccy courtesy of www.edsnet.na)

Cousins In Crisis Continued

OK I'm just about to head off for a day of shopping (Wohoo! I love being a girl!) but before I go, I just wanted to quickly update you guys on the Ben Cousins controversy. The charges made by Perth police have been dropped due to the fact that the substances found in Cousins' car and his pocket, a type of prescription sedative, was in tablet form and in Western Australia, a person may only be charged if they possess the drug in a liquid, injectable form.
Cousins' lawyer is urging the former-West Coast superstar to pursue all legal options, including sueing the WA police for defamation- after all, it was these false charges that led to West Coast sacking the star player.
Cousins' lawyer said yesterday: "I will strongly advise my client to pursue all legal channels open to him," Mr Brennan said. "From the charges led so far, I'd suggest police have jumped the gun."
I will keep you posted on this case and all further updates...


Have a good weekend!!

BTW, Ben, would it be too much to ask for you to do up all the buttons on your shirt, tuck it into your pants and throw on a tie and jacket for your APPEARANCE IN COURT?! And maybe consider getting a good night's sleep and cleaning yourself up a bit before an important and potentially life-changing event such as this. Come on Ben, I really want to support you and a lot of the rest of the country is trying to do the same thing but why should we make the effort if you can't even pull it together for court?!?

Picture above right: Cousins' in court earlier this week. This and all previous Ben Cousins photos courtesy of The Herald Sun website.

Book Review: "My Sister's Keeper"

I am an avid reader. Even since I was a really little kid, I have always loved escaping into another world and getting wrapped up in the supsense, romance or comedy of it all. I used to beg my parents to read my just one more story before bed, even though I knew them all backwards. Now most of my books are just school-assigned novels, but I try to make time to read some stories "just for fun". I especially love biographies (Richard Branson's autobiography was fabulous- read it!) but I recently read a fantastic book written by an amazing American author, Jodie Picoult.

My Sister's Keeper tells the tale of Anna, a young girl whose sole purpose for existence is to donate her perfect-match blood, bone marrow, a kidney -any and every part of herself- to her older cancer-stricken sister, Kate. We follow Anna's journey as she makes the difficult decision to sue her own parents for medical emancipation. The story is told from a variety of angles- Anna, each of her parents, her brother Jesse, her lawyer Campbell and her guardian ad litem, Julia.

The emotions of the book are so powerful. As readers, we are allowed into the many different lives of the characters, the secrets they keep from one another and the ones they choose to reveal. We are kept in suspense throughout the entire novel as to whether Anna will go ahead with the court proceedings and effectively leave her sister to die, or give up her own rights and keep herself and her sister living their half-life.

Please, promise me you will read this book! It is life-changing, and the ending is spectacular. This is my favourite Jodie Picoult novel, but I also love these other titles from the same writer: The Pact, Picture Perfect and Keeping Faith.

P.S. The reason I have so much energy to write all this at midnight is that I have just devoured a pack of Starburst lollies with my friends! Wooo sugar high!

P.P.S I will give more book, magazine and movie reviews in the coming weeks.

Cousins In Crisis

So a lot of you reading this are probably aware of this man at right here, Ben Cousins, whether you support AFL or not. Cousins, West Coast Eagles superstar, Brownlow medallist and captain of a premeirship- winning side in 2005, was yesterday charged with drug possession and failing to take a blood test and will face court in Perth tomorrow.

This is the same man who, earlier this year, was shipped off to Miami for the best rehab that money can buy for his addiction to an as-yet unnamed drug - $150 000 of rehab all paid for by his football club. He then came back to play late in the season to a hero's welcome and had an amazing 38 touches in his return game. He was then embroiled in the suspected overdose of his good friend and ex-West Coast star Chris Mainwaring earlier this month.


There have been calls for the AFL to force West Coast to cut all ties with the troubled star, and according to the Herald Sun website, "West Coast's decision to end Cousins' career could stave off any AFL punishment to the club, which was threatened with loss of draft picks or premiership points if Cousins, or any Eagle, was found involved in the drugs again."

Cousins is undoubtedly a football legend, and it is so sad that his illustrious career is now tainted by his terrible addiction. Of course we all want him to return to good health and get help in order to do that, but where does West Coast's responsibility end and Cousins' begin? After all, Cousins is a grown man who has made decisions that have led him to this point. Cousins is at the edge of a precipice- it will be the next few weeks and months that will determine his future, not just as a football player (as his career is most likely over- too much red tape for West Coast) but as a man who has his whole life ahead of him. Will he return to rehab and finish his course this time around, or will he plunge further into his self-destructive downward spiral of devastation?
Only time will tell...
Above right: Cousins yesterday sat and smiled as police completed their two hour search of his vehicle
Above left: Cousins is led by police into a Perth police station. His torso tattoo, which he got on his return to football, reads "Such Is Life"

Worry!

I'm feeling slightly worried about the future today. It is a widely known fact that around 50% of Australian marriages end in divorce, but here are two new fun facts for you: firstly, an American study has shown that one in three marriages in the States end within the first three years, and secondly, a Swinburne University study has proven that half of all Internet relationships begin when one of the participants is still in a relationship. Thus internet affairs are being cited as a major cause of the skyrocketing divorce rate in Australia.

What does any of this have to do with me, you ask? It's true, I am not married, nor am I expecting to get married within the foreseeable future, but here's the thing: another major reason for divorce in the first few years, as cited in the American study, is partners heading into a marriage with high expectations of their significant other. So the great relationships of our parents generation, on which we base our own relationships, are now unattainable when we fail to be good wives, and particularly when we become mothers- the first two years after the first child is born is the most likely time for divorce (apart from the first three years of marriage, as mentioned above).

So what will happen by the time I get married? Will we all be single mothers with only one or two children, so the birth rate will drop, so the population will decrease, so our workforce will be smaller when supporting a larger pension-age population, so the economy will suffer... where will it end?!? Are the days of perfect, fairy-tale marriages now one in a million, or more?

Let me know your thoughts...

My First Post- The Trials of Adolescence

So here I am on a Saturday night, sitting at home with my younger sister and my dog, trying to do my homework which I have no other time to do over this weekend, due to a Friday night formal event, a Saturday outing and working all day Sunday. Tell me, is there anything sadder than working on a Sunday, wasting the "sabbath day", the one reserved for rest and recouperation? The answer to that question is- a big fat yes. The only thing sadder than working on a Sunday is BEING HOME ON A SATURDAY NIGHT. I'm supposed to be out, living life and meeting people, dancing all night long and generally enjoying myself.
The only problem with that is that I'm not yet legal, so "going out" is not that easy. I feel like I'm stuck in between, in limbo- not a little kid, content with eating lollies and watching "Finding Nemo", but not yet a 'grown-up' who can go out or drive myself around wherever I want to go, anytime.
I'm reminded of that classic Britney Spears song and vital plot point in her fantastically terrible movie debut (and oddly enough, only movie to date), "I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman". Ah, the pitfalls of adolesence. No freedom, no rights, homework, growing pains, encounters with the opposite sex (I'll give you another post on that later in the week- very juicy stuff happening at the formal event last night!), it goes on and on!
Tell me how you manage/managed your adolescent years- any advice for a confused young girl stuck in the suburbs?