Had my first school visit today. Went to Lynwood Senior High to register some students for the CHILL programme (group sessions; don't ask me, I didn't name it). Must say it's really interesting to actually be 'on the job' as opposed to all the training and induction I've been doing so far.
I've realised how quickly an hour can zip by when you're just trying to build bonds and fish for useful information. I felt like there was barely enough time to start talking, and then time's up. All I really got was a sketchy personal history and the fellow's name. Not too impressive, eh?
One of the kids I talked to comes from a broken home where he got abused frequently, and now he takes his aggression out on everyone around him. Another kid has got a alcohol and marijuana problem (and is disturbingly proud of it), and yet another's been trying to cope with his father's death for the past 3 years. It's sad and difficult. I hope that what little I can do will help them.
On a complete side note, Mingyang is going to go and apply for pilot school just for the hell of it. Dude, I love you like a brother, but you don't have a driving license and you want to fly?! (I admit I cracked up when he told me, and everyone started looking at me funny)
Snapped some pictures on the way home from work yesterday. Will upload when I get around to it.
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Another update.
I know I've been MIA for a bit on this blog. Things have been getting busy, so I haven't really had the time to sit down and blog. Haven't taken any nice pictures in a while too. I'm looking to shoot tomorrow if weather permits, so fingers crossed there!
I've started a new job at Jobs West. We're contracted to run Youth Pathways, which is a state programme aimed at helping 'at risk' kids in schools. We aim to either (1) keep the kids in school; (2) assist in transitioning the kids to either apprenticeships, jobs or higher education; (3) deal with kids' social/behavioural and self-esteem problems. Been at it for the past week, and it's been really good.
I'm quite excited about this job, and I think it's fantastic that I'll be applying the practical skills I've learned in Uni. Plus it might just put me in a higher standing when I apply for Masters this year!
Got a new computer. The Mac has finally been put to rest after 4.5 years of faithful service. I'm currently running on a PC (I know! Sacrilege right?). Specs are dualcore 2.1Ghz, 3 GB RAM, 250GB HDD, 256MB graphics card. I'm running on Vista, which is seriously annoying. The computer occasionally restarts itself with no warning after installing updates. Plus there's so much going on in the background that the computer can randomly slow down. Other than that, no complaints though.
Guitar lessons have been going good, I'm slowly getting better (although I still suck monumentally). I've still got serious difficulty in doing any licks or riffs that involve my pinky. I swear there's no strength in that finger. Yet anyway. I'm working on it.
Weight loss hasn't really been happening. I haven't gained anything, but I do feel quite a bit fatter for some weird reason. Admittedly, my exercise has been limited to stretching, weights, and 5BX every morning before I head off to work. I need to control my diet more. Maybe cut down on lunch and try really hard to curb the snacking.
Bought myself a few new clothes for work. I actually have a semi-decent stable of workwear now. Scary eh?
Other than that, nothing really much has happened. Things are generally looking up, although full-time working life needs a little getting used to. There's so many things I want to do, but simply don't have the time for anymore. I am worried about Char because she's going through a rough patch right now, and it's really affecting her. I'll appreciate it if you keep her in your prayers, thanks.
One little whinge before I stop rambling: I can't understand how I'm supposed to do things like go to the bank or to Centrelink when I simply have no time to do said things on weekdays, and they close on weekends! I'd hate to think that I'll have to take half a day off just to sort out my own personal admin.
I've started a new job at Jobs West. We're contracted to run Youth Pathways, which is a state programme aimed at helping 'at risk' kids in schools. We aim to either (1) keep the kids in school; (2) assist in transitioning the kids to either apprenticeships, jobs or higher education; (3) deal with kids' social/behavioural and self-esteem problems. Been at it for the past week, and it's been really good.
I'm quite excited about this job, and I think it's fantastic that I'll be applying the practical skills I've learned in Uni. Plus it might just put me in a higher standing when I apply for Masters this year!
Got a new computer. The Mac has finally been put to rest after 4.5 years of faithful service. I'm currently running on a PC (I know! Sacrilege right?). Specs are dualcore 2.1Ghz, 3 GB RAM, 250GB HDD, 256MB graphics card. I'm running on Vista, which is seriously annoying. The computer occasionally restarts itself with no warning after installing updates. Plus there's so much going on in the background that the computer can randomly slow down. Other than that, no complaints though.
Guitar lessons have been going good, I'm slowly getting better (although I still suck monumentally). I've still got serious difficulty in doing any licks or riffs that involve my pinky. I swear there's no strength in that finger. Yet anyway. I'm working on it.
Weight loss hasn't really been happening. I haven't gained anything, but I do feel quite a bit fatter for some weird reason. Admittedly, my exercise has been limited to stretching, weights, and 5BX every morning before I head off to work. I need to control my diet more. Maybe cut down on lunch and try really hard to curb the snacking.
Bought myself a few new clothes for work. I actually have a semi-decent stable of workwear now. Scary eh?
Other than that, nothing really much has happened. Things are generally looking up, although full-time working life needs a little getting used to. There's so many things I want to do, but simply don't have the time for anymore. I am worried about Char because she's going through a rough patch right now, and it's really affecting her. I'll appreciate it if you keep her in your prayers, thanks.
One little whinge before I stop rambling: I can't understand how I'm supposed to do things like go to the bank or to Centrelink when I simply have no time to do said things on weekdays, and they close on weekends! I'd hate to think that I'll have to take half a day off just to sort out my own personal admin.
Eventide Lauch Party
Played at the Eventide Launch Party with Joe today, did okay for myself. Came in 5th, although I know I could have done better, given more time! (I drew my fourth round, although I would have won it if we didn't run out of time). Lost my last game to the fellow who came in first, so I'm not complaining!
Ran a mono-white deck with lots of hybrids, which ironically is the complete colour opposite of my Shadowmoor pre-release deck. Joe calls it a very timid deck. Admittedly, it is quite brainless. Love the little combat tricks I can do with it though!
_______________________________________________
The Deck
White
1 x Last Breath
1 x Kithkin Zealot
1 x Safehold Sentry
1 x Ballnock Trapper
1 x Loyal Gryfalcon
1 x Kithkin Rabble
1 x Recumbent Bliss
1 x Prison Term
1 x Archon of Justice
1 x Ballynock Cohort
Hybrids
1 x Oracle of Nectars
1 x Oversoul of Dusk
1 x Safehold Duo
1 x Kitchen Finks
1 x Barkshell Blessing
1 x Zealous Guardian
1 x Thistledown Duo
2 x Fire at Will
1 x Duergar Assailant
1 x Double Cleave
1 x Voracious Hatchling
1 x Beckon Apparition
18 x Plains
_______________________________________________
My favourite play of the tournament has to be my third round. My opponent played a Doomgape, I went 'oh holy crap!', then I topdecked and cast Recumbent Bliss on his Doomgape. With the massive maw of doom unable to attack or block, it cleared his board over the next couple of turns, leaving me free to attack with my happy weenie army. I didn't even draw or cast my big guns.
Ran a mono-white deck with lots of hybrids, which ironically is the complete colour opposite of my Shadowmoor pre-release deck. Joe calls it a very timid deck. Admittedly, it is quite brainless. Love the little combat tricks I can do with it though!
_______________________________________________
The Deck
White
1 x Last Breath
1 x Kithkin Zealot
1 x Safehold Sentry
1 x Ballnock Trapper
1 x Loyal Gryfalcon
1 x Kithkin Rabble
1 x Recumbent Bliss
1 x Prison Term
1 x Archon of Justice
1 x Ballynock Cohort
Hybrids
1 x Oracle of Nectars
1 x Oversoul of Dusk
1 x Safehold Duo
1 x Kitchen Finks
1 x Barkshell Blessing
1 x Zealous Guardian
1 x Thistledown Duo
2 x Fire at Will
1 x Duergar Assailant
1 x Double Cleave
1 x Voracious Hatchling
1 x Beckon Apparition
18 x Plains
_______________________________________________
My favourite play of the tournament has to be my third round. My opponent played a Doomgape, I went 'oh holy crap!', then I topdecked and cast Recumbent Bliss on his Doomgape. With the massive maw of doom unable to attack or block, it cleared his board over the next couple of turns, leaving me free to attack with my happy weenie army. I didn't even draw or cast my big guns.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Fish, chips, and giant robots.
Went to Freo with Adrian on Friday for dinner, and ate the ubiquitous fish and chips. Must say, this is the first time I've actually tried to snap food proper (I blame Robin), and it's really rather difficult with low lighting. Oh well.
This was my dinner. Fish and squid. Yes I know my health isn't great, but I didn't eat the batter. Or finish my fries. See? Moderation is good for you!
And this of course, is Adrian's dinner. Approximately twice the size of mine. No wonder he now weighs more than I do. Scary thought, eh?
The seafood chowder they're got isn't too bad, but it's a little salty. And personal opinion, I like the normal fish they use for fish and chips much more than Adrian's snapper. It's less chewy, I guess. And you know what? I think I prefer Kailis to Cicerellos. The fish and chips are less oily and the portions are actually normal human sized.
And on a completely seperate side note, Tengan Toppa Gurren Lagann is the most exaggerated anime I have ever seen. When giant galaxy sized robots start throwing galaxies at each other, the brain simply stops working.
It is good for one hell of a laugh though. Check out the subtitles for all the moves. I kid you not.
Giga Drill Breaker!!!!
This was my dinner. Fish and squid. Yes I know my health isn't great, but I didn't eat the batter. Or finish my fries. See? Moderation is good for you!
And this of course, is Adrian's dinner. Approximately twice the size of mine. No wonder he now weighs more than I do. Scary thought, eh?
The seafood chowder they're got isn't too bad, but it's a little salty. And personal opinion, I like the normal fish they use for fish and chips much more than Adrian's snapper. It's less chewy, I guess. And you know what? I think I prefer Kailis to Cicerellos. The fish and chips are less oily and the portions are actually normal human sized.
And on a completely seperate side note, Tengan Toppa Gurren Lagann is the most exaggerated anime I have ever seen. When giant galaxy sized robots start throwing galaxies at each other, the brain simply stops working.
It is good for one hell of a laugh though. Check out the subtitles for all the moves. I kid you not.
Giga Drill Breaker!!!!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
An update.
Spent most of today hanging around with Mingyang. I miss days like that, just walking around, doing stupid things, cracking lame jokes and just hanging out with a dude you practically grew up with. It's great.
Trawled through town looking for camera prices, deals, and alternative methods of payment. Found a few packages that interest me, and it pretty much boils down to whether I want a flash, or a bag and tripod to go with my camera. Decisions, decisions.
(I've decided to go with the flash. Tripods are cheaper, and I already have a bag in mind)
It's still a lot of money. I've talked to the folks about it; they've agreed to pay first, and I can pay them back in installments. I hope to get the camera paid off in under six months (at say, $50 a week?).
Hit Little Creatures and downed a couple of pints while talking about life, friends, Singapore, and where we've come in the past four years. I'm always amazed at how much he sees to the heart of things. His simple solutions and explanations are often the best.
I'll always appreciate that Mingyang's been there with me through my entire academic life. I'm really going to miss him once he goes back at the end of this semester. Unless he gets his bridging visa and stays and works here, that is.
I guess he's always been a constant in my life since Primary One. That's nineteen years that I've known him. God! It feels like forever hey? From drinking ribena in school canteens to beers in Little Creatures. That's quite something.
Trawled through town looking for camera prices, deals, and alternative methods of payment. Found a few packages that interest me, and it pretty much boils down to whether I want a flash, or a bag and tripod to go with my camera. Decisions, decisions.
(I've decided to go with the flash. Tripods are cheaper, and I already have a bag in mind)
It's still a lot of money. I've talked to the folks about it; they've agreed to pay first, and I can pay them back in installments. I hope to get the camera paid off in under six months (at say, $50 a week?).
Hit Little Creatures and downed a couple of pints while talking about life, friends, Singapore, and where we've come in the past four years. I'm always amazed at how much he sees to the heart of things. His simple solutions and explanations are often the best.
I'll always appreciate that Mingyang's been there with me through my entire academic life. I'm really going to miss him once he goes back at the end of this semester. Unless he gets his bridging visa and stays and works here, that is.
I guess he's always been a constant in my life since Primary One. That's nineteen years that I've known him. God! It feels like forever hey? From drinking ribena in school canteens to beers in Little Creatures. That's quite something.
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