Day 26 - ARISE GOES 3

ARISE Church in Hamilton has only been going since the end of February this year and it has grown incredibly since then.

On Sunday 26th September, 2010 our church of ARISE in Hamilton, launched it 3rd service on a Sunday. Flip, I thought doing two services in a Sunday was crazy but honestly these people at ARISE are so crazy and have such a passion for God and seeing others come to God, that they are now for the next few weeks, doing 3 services every Sunday. a 10am service, a 4:30pm service and also a 6:30pm service!

So for something new on this day, I attended THREE CHURCH SERVICES IN ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 25 - You're coming with me, now! No questions please....

On Saturday (September 25th), it was a reasonably good day for weather and I was tucked up in my room ATTEMPTING to do yet another assignment! I must say that I did have some good ideas going at one point but then there were other times when I just wanted to rip up my stupid 60% assignment or throw it out the window! Grrrrrrrrrrrr

So yes, all was going well until I heard a knock on my neighbour's door from our RA Laura - for those who do not know Laura, she is very much a strange person.... I would almost go as far as saying that she is as strange as me! She is such a lovely and sweet person and always makes us laugh when we need to. Laura is an incredible person who has made our first year of university life, so much easier and more bearable for us.

Oh and the other thing was Nicole (my neighbour) was also trying to do a massive assignment. Anyway, so yes I heard a knock on Nicole's door and it was Laura saying something (in her American Accent) about "your coming with me now, no questions please." At this point in time I was thinking to myself, wow, what a strange RA and then I was also hoping that she would not then turn around and knock on my door because I really really needed to finish this assignment and I didn't want to say NO to an RA. Well turns out I was not hoping nor praying hard enough as Laura then knocked on my door.

Three mins later - Nicole and I were both walking down our corridor, following Laura into the world of the unknown with only one or two questions being asked. The thing was we both knew we had to do our assignments but we also knew that we needed a break at some point!

We went on our random walk with Laura and it was actually very fun. We had a great chat and ended up talking about the smell of rain. Laura got down to smell the rain on the road and so did Nicole. I was reluctant to do this as I thought for some reason they were kissing the road (what weirdos). I ended up getting down and kissing the road and after a couple of laughs, all made sense.

Laura ended up taking us to the shop down the road and we had an ice-cream each, went across the road from the shop, sat down on the footpath like great old 1990's kids and ate our ice-creams.

It was an incredible random trip with Mumma Laura and it was the first time that I have done a random trip like so with Mumma Laura. Thanks for the awesome discussions Nicole and Laura.

The assignments ended up getting finished eventually and we all had a fantastic day - I think!

Day 24 - Reaching out to Hamilton East

Tonight after dinner, Janneke (one of the RA's at the hostel) came to my room with a whole lot of chocolate cake. The chocolate cake was left over from our dinner at the hostel and had to be eaten today. Janneke was going to head out into Hamilton East and just go around houses, knocking on doors and asking if anyone wanted some free chocolate cake - petty much just reaching out to Hamilton East.

She asked if I wanted to go with her and I was like, "yeah, actually I would" so Janneke, Big Caleb and I all ended up just walking around Hamilton East with some chocolate cake and giving it a way. It was such an awesome feeling to just be able to knock on people's doors and ask if they wanted any free chocolate cake and just honestly see their faces light up with joy. We ended up going down a really long driveway which had a flat or two and then behind the flat was like another whole two blocks of little flats - both upstairs and down stairs. It wasn't until we got to the upstairs ones that we realised it was the flats that we could see from our hostel yet the driveway was like 5 or 6 driveways down the road.

But yea, so many families were just so grateful to receive some chocolate cake and we so surprised to hear that it was free. Some of the flats that we went to, im not even sure if those families would have chocolate cake that often or not. We also met a young married couple who were living upstairs in the flats and as soon as we mentioned that we were from the hostel down the road, the wife of the couple said "oh Taurima? My husband used to live at Taurima."

Although I had other plans for the night and had had a fantastic day up till this point, the highlight of my day for September 24th 2010, was just being able to go out into the community that we live in and just bless so many people. It was such an honour to do that and I hope that some other opportunities occur for us to do this again before the end of semester.

Do you know who your neighbours are? Reach out in your community and get to know your neighbours - we are all blessed to be a blessing!

Love and blessings to you all,

Kath @ Taurima, 2010!

Random Quote

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.

~Mother Teresa

Just a random quote that I came across this morning which I think sums up so many of our lives at the moment - especially some things that are happening in my life....

God does trust me and although he knows that things will challenge me, he would not give these things to me and I know that with his help and his strength I can get through ANYTHING that comes my way.

Day 23 - Bleeding Ear and Screwdrivers

Do not be alarmed by the title!

Today I went to class as I normally do on a Thursday and this morning I had decided that I would wear earrings to class - just because I could. Halfway through my drama class, I decided to just fiddle with my earing a bit when we were meant to be doing an activity and a few seconds later I realised that my hand was covered in blood.

MY EAR WAS BLEEDING. Talk about experiencing or doing something new each day! Not too sure how or why but it seemed to be bleeding... *shrugs shoulders*

I pretty much raced to the door of the classroom and then went down the hallway to the bathroom to try and sort out this slight problem of mine. I took the earrings out and my ear was still bleeding. I had blood all over my hands and over my left ear lobe and also down my neck.... blegh! After a couple of minutes it stopped but I was still slightly alarmed by this whole thing....maybe I just wont wear earrings for a while.

A few months ago, one night in my room there were like 6 of 7 random hostel people and then somehow the light above my desk (which is screwed into the wall), ended up coming loose from the wall and the screw fell out. Also, the chair at my desk in my room, I noticed last week was also missing a screw and the back of the chair kept coming off the frame - not helpful at all.

The desk light had annoyed me for quite a few months now and I knew I did not want the desk chair to continue to annoy me so tonight after dinner I decided to do something about this.

My other something new for today was getting a screwdriver from one of the RA's in the hostel and fixing this myself! Yes, I was let loose with a screwdriver in my bedroom and after a bit of trial and a bit more of error, I am pleased to say that the chair is now all together in one piece and as for the desk light, well its securely attached the wall and will hopefully remain that way!

Day 22 - Classmate's house for an assignment

Today after uni, myself and Robyn (one of the girls in my tutorial group), headed over to Josh's flat. Josh is another guy in our tutorial group at uni and the three of us were working on an assignment/presentation for our science class.

When I was at Josh's flat with Robyn and Josh, I realised that this was the first time I had actually been over to a friend's house to work on an assignment/presentation/whatever for either school or university throughout all my years of education. WOW

Had a great time at the flat with Robyn, Josh and the rest of his flatmates and the hospitality was even great too. A couple of hours later our presentation was done and we agreed it was a semi-productive afternoon.

Day 21 - Travel Agent and Trip!

I decided a couple of days ago - just when I was having my random moments of thinking, that I wanted to travel somewhere for a week or so after practicum in November, before working all summer! We need a break at some point, right?

So today I decided to go into a travel agent on campus (instead of trying to do things over the internet) and seriously look into a few options.

So instead of being indecisive, I have basically now narrowed my options down to a trip around the Bay of Islands or a trip around Coromandel sometime during the middle of November! Anyone else keen to come? Im booking it in the next couple of weeks so time to save a bit of money. Northland here we come :)

Day 19 - Breakfast at Hotel Maunder!

I first went to Totara Springs back in Summer of this year and since then have pretty much fallen in love with the place. It probably helped that I was already in love with one of the chef's who works there but still, I just love Totara Springs and the amazing environment and atmosphere that fills that place.

I tend to go across to Matamata and visit quite a bit or will just have random trips down south and then end up staying a night or two at Totara either end of the trips.

Although I tend to stay quite a bit with Brett and Heidi Maunder and Charley Goiris at the commonly known "Hotel Maunder", I do not usually have breakfast when I stay there due to being close friends with a chef who lives on sight or just having a taste of camp food for breakfast.

For the first time today (Sunday) I ended up having breakfast at Hotel Maunder and I must say it was an incredible breakfast at that.

Just imagine nice hot crepes, mixed berries, banana, cream, maple syrup, chocolate sauce and other tasty ingredients all wrapped up nicely and then eaten bit by bit, filling up your tummy! YUM YUM YUM!

This breakfast made my own personal rating of the hospitality of Hotel Maunder go from a 5 out of 5 to an 8 out of 5!

Thanks Brett, Heidi and Charley - you three are incredible people :)

Day 18 - Engagement Party

My something new for today was going to an engagement party! It was awesome fun, lots of laughs and games, beautiful photos and stories shared and incredible catch ups.

This engagement party, I feel is only the beginning of many more to come over the next couple of years as all of our (Nathaniel and I) friends seem to be either already engaged or getting engaged! I guess we will at least be used to shopping for the presents and also know the secrets for engagement parties sooner or later.

Courtney and Agnus, I wish you all the best for your future together - may you continue to be happy, grow strong together and may God continue to bless you in all that you do!

I now know of 16 couples to date that have got engaged since December last year... WOW! Honestly, whats in the water these days?

Day 17 - 7am Prayer Meeting & Dancing in the rain...er I mean HAIL?!?

ARISE Church in Hamilton holds a prayer service at the Chapel at Waikato Uni, every second Friday Morning at 7am! After being part of this church since the end of February this year, I realised a few days ago, that I still had not been to a 7am prayer service over at uni. This was probably because I get really lazy in the mornings, especially this semester when I don't start class till 1pm on a Friday.

This morning I decided that I would get up and go to the Uni prayer meeting at 7am and considering I only live like a 5min walk away from uni, thought this would be a fantastic idea! Although the early morning was difficult at first, the prayer service was fantastic and a great way to start the day.

Another something new for today was to do with this storm which is apparently the size of Australia and this storm moving across Hamilton. I can't actually remember the last time I saw hail let alone being able to dance in hail and I actually don't know if I have danced in hail before or not. So just to make sure it is something new, I will say "seeing Hail in Hamilton" was something new and "dancing and playing in the hail as a 20 year old" was also something new.

Yup, so thats Day 17 of something new! Ta ta for now

Day 15 - God Spot

Tonight for the first time ever, I did a God Spot at Taurima Hostel.

For those who don't know what a God Spot is, its like a five-ten minute talk/devotion which is shared four nights a week at dinnertime in the hostel. Usually at the start of the year a God Spot is done by just the staff or residents but as the year progresses, residents are more than welcome to do a God Spot if they so desire.

So I just thought that I would include in here what I did for my God Spot. I even asked everyone to stop eating, close their eyes and think about what being a Christian means to them in their lives.

"When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting "I am saved"

I'm whispering "I was lost"

That is why I chose this way.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble

And need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak

And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed

And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are all too visible,

But God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartaches

Which is why I speak His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I do not wish to judge.

I have no authority.

I only know I'm loved."

Day 13 - Togs

Today I had class at uni from 1000 - 1200. My next class after this was not till 1500 so I decided that in between my classes, I would head into town and try and get a couple of things done.

My main reason for going into town was to try and sort out things for my Hair Shave. I went to the CanTeen office but no one was there :'(

I decided to go to the warehouse and have a look at a few things - intending to get some clothes for teaching or even look at some new sneakers or something like that. After about 20-30 mins, I walked out of the Warehouse with my new togs. I had just (for the first time ever), bought a pair of togs! Considering my other ones were a bit worn and underwire was falling out, I think it was about time that I got some new togs.

Something new for the day - buying togs :)

Till tomorrow,

God Bless,

Over and Out!

Day 12 - Church Lunch and Mafia

Usually on a Sunday after morning church, a whole lot of people from church head to different houses for lunch with everyone. Usually however, I end up ditching all of those people and heading back to the lovely land of Taurima Christian Hostel for lunch with my fellow residents and enjoy the afternoon relaxing then head back to church for church later that night.

I always used to go to church lunches in Wellington last year but I until today, I had never been to a church lunch in Hamilton. Today I finally went to a church lunch up here in the wonderful world of the Tron and had a blast.

Thanks everyone for such an awesome time.

Today I also had another new experience - this was playing a game of Mafia and Civilians (or at least thats what I think it is called!)

Basically its a game that involves playing cards. Everyone gets dealt a card and some of the cards resemble Mafia, some resemble doctors, civilians and one person becomes a Sherif.

The game is played through a story of what happens. If you are a member of the mafia, your goal is to kill off all the civilians in the game. If you are a civilian, your goal is to kill off the mafia before they kill you off. If you are the angel, you are on the side of the civilians and share their goal.

Yea, its an interesting game and so awesome to play with lots of people but yup it takes a bit to get what is happening!

Anywho - that concludes my something new for today.

Ta ta for now! xox

Day 11 - WE ARE MARSHALL!

Last night Caleb (one of the guys in the hostel) and I went for a walk to United Video Store around the corner from the hostel so we could get out some movies. Last time we did this, we got 7 movies for $10 and all 7 of these movies were Drama's! Last night, we once again got out 7 movies for $10 and when we got back to the hostel, we realised that 6 out of 7 of these movies were based upon or inspired by True Stories. It seemed as though we had moved on from Drama to the Truth!

I love movies about true stories and usually as soon as I have watched a movie based on a true story, I head straight to the internet and do some research!

Tonight for the first time ever, I sat down and watched WE ARE MARSHALL! I had heard so much about this movie and had also previously heard about the devastating plane crash of 1970 in which Marshall University in the USA lost most of their Football team, athletic coaching staff etc.

This is one incredible movie and everyone should watch it - HONESTLY!

RACHEL AMY MACINTOSH!

Rachel Amy Macintosh....

I have known you since August (or was it September?) 2006 and we have been through so much together. Your friendship is so priceless and I would not trade it for anything else in this world.

Each and every day, I thank God for placing Rachel Macintosh in my life and just for our incredible friendship that has grown over the last few years.

Rachel is an incredible woman of God and although we have our ups and downs in our friendship, I am so lucky to have her in my life and to have her up in Waikato with me this year. I honestly do not know at times what I would do without her and his wise words, her unfailing patience, her smiley face, her bubbly personality and all the times she comes to me wanting support and help. It is a friendship like this that I know God has his hand on and it is also a friendship that I know will literally last a lifetime.

Thank you so much for being there for me, for listening to me moan and groan, for reminding me why I am doing teaching, for praying with and for me, for entertaining me with all the dramas that we both go through, for laughing with me, for crying with me, for your amazing txts and for just being you.

Will love you and your amazing-ness very muchly for ever and ever!

Day 10 - A Letter to a Camper

When I was back in Hawkes Bay for mid-semester break, I was going through my room (which had been converted into an office at some point while I was in Hamilton) and clearing out a whole heap of stuff. I decided that I wanted to throw away some things and really start to sort out what I wanted/needed to keep and what I didn't.

In my bedroom at home in Hawkes Bay, I have a shoebox (or now two actually), of all my birthday and christmas cards from the 5-10 years as well as every letter that I remember receiving in the mail (at camps, school or just at home) during that time.

I realised that the lids of these boxes didn't really sit properly anymore so thought it was time to go through and sort out these "Letter Boxes" as I call them.

I found a letter in one of these boxes from a camper who I had lead at Camp David back in 2008. She had written the letter to me at the end of January in 2008 and it was such an amazing letter. I think if I remember correctly, she was about 8 when she was in my team so she would now be about 10 or 11. As soon as I saw that letter from her, I started to cry because it brought back memories of Camp David and also I realised that I had not yet replied to her letter and there were some questions that she wanted answered in that letter.

It was one of those Godly moments in my life where I knew straight away that I NEEDED to reply to her letter and I needed to do it sooner rather than later which is where my "something new" for today comes in.

My "something new" for today, ended up being actually setting aside time to just sit down, relax, read this letter that Kate had sent me over two years ago and then write a reply to her. I wanted to write so much to Kate but was not sure what her reaction would be to receiving the letter. For the first time ever (apart from when we actually had to at camp), I wrote a letter (a long overdue letter I might add) to one of my previous campers and posted this in the mail.

Letter to Kate - CHECK!

Now just to write a letter to Ragna, M & W and a couple of others.

Thanks so much September for actually making me do some things that I normally wouldn't do.

God Bless,

Love Kath

Day 9 - More Drama followed by Dynamite!

My second Thursday of something new included attending my first ever Drama Workshop for my Arts Paper for the semester. This was not my first class because I had been skipping class the rest of the semester but because our Drama workshops only started this week.

Another something new for this particular day of September and a month of something new was doing to a Dynamite Meeting. For those who don't know, I am a leader at kids church. The kids programme that I help lead in is called Dynamite. I have now been doing this since about beginning of July and have throughly enjoyed it. Well they usually have meetings for Dynamite every 6ish weeks where all the leaders get together and just chat and plan and all that sort of stuff. The meeting last night was the first ever Dynamite meeting I have been to. It was a great meeting and the best thing was that it didn't go toooooooooooooo late. I also got to have a chat with one or two really awesome people from church and managed to make a couple more friends which was neat.

Hair Curling Photos

Day 8 - Rainbow Nails :)

For something new today, I decided that I would paint or at least attempt to paint, every single one of my toenails a different colour. If you know how much attention I pay to make up and actually looking like a female, you will already know that its not like im the world's greatest nail painter or anything so this will certainly be interesting!

Haha, this was great fun painting my nails. I ended up borrowing nail polish from my next door neighbour Kat who I must say is incredible with fashion. She has lots of bright fluro type nail polish and pretty much nail polish for every occasion.

I decided that I would borrow some red, orange, yellow, green, blue & purple nail polish from different people, sit down on my bed with a dvd playing in my laptop and paint away (each toe nail a different colour)! I ended up doing a rainbow of colours on each foot so had two rainbows. What a great way to spend a wednesday night :)

So like I said, not the best nail painter in the world and even worse when im also trying to talk on my cellphone at the same time as painting nails. Hehe but honestly it was loads of fun and would totally do this again.

Day 7 - Drama Drama Drama

As part of my teaching degree at Waikato Uni, in our first year of training, every week we spend at least one morning or afternoon in a classroom in a local primary school.

For my particular tutorial group, we have our placement on a Tuesday morning at Hillcrest Normal School which is obviously located in Hillcrest.

Today we had our placement for the first time in two weeks and it was certainly different. Three classes at Hillcrest Normal School are putting on a production for two days and two nights in a couple of weeks and one of those classes was my particular base class.

For something new today, I was given the challenge of attempting to help a group of about 10 year 3 & 4 students learn their lines for the production. I think the emphasis here was certainly on attempt. I honestly had no idea what a mission this would be and I also did not remember how hard it was to try and learn lines and how boring this can be at times.

After today's learning of lines, I have found a new respect for teachers who put themselves out there and decide to run a production in their schools - especially in the junior school. Flip its so much work but the outcomes are so rewarding and just seeing the smiles on the students faces.

Day 7 of something new - accomplished!

Bring on day 8 and whatever the rest of the month holds :)

Surprise Results

Today I went to collect my results from a few assessments that I had done and handed in at the end of last half semester. The results and the assignments had been available for collecting for a little while but because I had not been in Hamilton, I was not able to check and collect my results sooner.

I went to my 10am class and then decided to head up to the FOE (Faculty of Education) reception afterwards and get my results. I was slightly nervous about getting these results back. Most people in my tutorial group had been able to get their results during the break and had posted comments on facebook about them so I was not too sure what to expect really.

I got my assignments back from the reception and to my surprise, for a change my hard work had actually paid off. I thought maybe a B or if I was lucky a B+ for my results.... well clearly I had done better than I thought.

My results were as follows:

Maori Language Test (six weeks to learn everything we were tested on) A

Maori Lesson Plan A

Maori Rescource Kit A

Science Assignment (which had literally driven me insane) A+

WOW!

Automatically, I could see that my overall grade for my Maori Paper was an A!!!!!!! *jumps up and down*

Considering my overall paper grades for last semester ranged from a C+ to a B+, to be given an overall paper grade of an A felt so amazing! I guess I will now try and do a Maori paper next semester after all.

But what an amazing welcome back to Semester B! Now I just need to keep up the grades for the rest of this semester and life will be just utterly fantastic!

Thanks so much to everyone who attempted to keep me from pulling all my hair out over these assignments.

Ciao!

Day 6 - Settlers

It is tradition at Taurima Hostel most nights or days, for a whole group of people to play a game of Settlers of Catan. I just usually completely avoid when people are playing this game in the dinning room or if I am in a real procrastination mood, then I go and watch them playing the game and make an attempt to understand the game.

For my something new for today, I decided that I would actually make an attempt to not only understand the game but actually participate in the playing of the game.

Wow, what was I getting myself into? HONESTLY! Its such a logical game and I was so not in a logical mood so it was a pretty interesting attempt.

So yes I played a game of Settlers of Catan - did not really know what I was doing but I did however have the help of a couple of people from the hostel who seemed to know what they were doing.

Participating in a game of Settlers of Catan - CHECK!

Till tomorrow,

God Bless,

Ta ta for now!

Day 5 - Hair Curling and Facebook

Today was the fifth day of doing something new. I really had no idea what to do today so I decided this afternoon (Sunday) that I would paint my toe nails all a different colour. When I went to different people around Taurima to see if I could borrow their nail polish, Caitlin (one of the girls down my hallway) also said that I could borrow her hair curler if I wanted to.

I thought this could be entertaining and a bit of a laugh so I decided that I would try both the nail polish and the hair curling. I thought that if the curls didn't turn out that great then I could always get my hair straightener and straighten my hair again for church at 5pm anyway.

I ended up having a great time with Deborah, curling my hair and we had a fantastic chat and catch up about a couple of things too. What a better way to spend 2-3 hours on a Sunday afternoon (when there is NO STUDY to be done), than by sitting in a bathroom, inhaling hair spray and curling hair! It was awesome.

So much for the painting of the toe nails though - things didn't quite happen with that one but oh well, I can always save that for another day.

I went to church and so many people commented and said my hair looked amazing. I was so stoaked and txt Deborah to say thank you too.

I also decided during Mid-Semester Break, that I spend way to much of my time on facebook so tonight, I decided to let Caleb Botting (one of the guys at the hostel), change my facebook password while I go on a bit of a facebook ban. That was certainly something new. He already seems to be laughing and enjoying himself way to much but oh well.

So as I sit here typing this blog at 11:10pm, I look back on another adventure filled day in my month of something new and look forward to the many adventures still to come over the next 20ish days.

Photos will come once I can get them to Caleb and he is able to put them up on facebook.

Till tomorrow,

take care, sweet dreams and happy adventures.

God Bless,

Kathryn xx

Day 4 - Casino Time

Today Nathaniel and I ended our few days of adventure and road tripping by heading back over to Hamilton.

After a few days of doing quite a few things that were new, today only involved one significant thing that was new.

I had been thinking what I could possibly do that would be

new, not too crazy but still give me enough ideas of things to do for the rest of the month. Nathaniel and I decided that since we were both now over the age of 20 and since I actually had my ID on me this time (yes Andrew, I had it with me), that we would try and get into Sky City Casino and play a game or two on the poker machines.

We went through our wee challenge that we had set ourselves and stepped into a Casino. Not only did we step into a Casino but although neither of us had used a poker machine before and had no idea what the heck we were doing, had a lot of fun just pushing buttons.

We spent $20 in the casino and got $18 back so were both very happy - especially since we had no idea what we were meant to be doing.

I must say though, it felt extremely strange being in a casino and the weirdest thing of all was that neither of us actually got asked for ID. Oh well - their loss, their mistake.

After the casino, we just did our usual date tradition which included watching a movie and also getting some food - although this was the middle of the day for food, it had to be Eggs Benedict for Nat and Waffles or Pancakes for myself :)

Day four of "something new" has been accomplished but I am sorry to say that there are no photos of inside the casino to go with "Casino Time" as we were not able to take photos in the casino. Sorry folks

Take care and God Bless,

~Kath xx

Day 3 - Catch up in Wanganui and Wii Fitness Test

Today on our way back from Palmerston North and Levin, Nathaniel and I took a detour through Wanganui and caught up with a couple of different families who we know through the Christian Camping network!

Mum and Dad, correct me if I am wrong but as far as I can remember, this was my first time in Wanganui so that was one of my "something new" things for the day - being in Wanganui. If I have been in Wanganui before, then something new was catching up with the Maryatt (spelling?!?!) Family and the Cook Family in Wanganui. I have missed both these families very much but being able to hold Baby Adam Cook who was only 2 1/2 weeks old, was such an incredible feeling. Gahhh, I love little children apart from when they cry at all hours of the night... well I still love them but yea...

After Nathaniel and I got back to Matamata (after getting lost - just a wee bit lost) and had had a bit of time to relax, we ended up playing a game of bowling on his Nintendo Wii.

Bowling was interesting but what was even more interesting was what came after bowling - I completed a Wii Fitness Test! Ahahahahaha

Im sure my fitness age based on this test of bowling, baseball and Tennis, was something like 54 or 56. Im hoping to get this down a lot more while im hopefully working at Totara Springs over the summer.

Anyways, that was Day 3 and yea.

Try something new for yourself, its a great feeling.

Love and Blessings,

Kath xx

Day 2 - Forest Lakes, RJ's an Maccas Green Frozen Fanta

Today was yet again another day of a few firsts. Im not sure why but I keep wanting to do more than one "first" each day. Im just going about my day and life as normal and then see what happens (rather than actually planning to do something new) and so far this actually seems to be working for me.

So what was something new for today, you may ask?

Well today Nathaniel and I woke up in Palmerston North after crashing for the night at his brother's flat. We then got up and met one of Nat's former work mates for coffee (aka hot chocolate for me) in town and then headed further south.

My new things for today involved FINALLY getting to spend a bit of time at Forest Lakes Camping and Conference Centre. For Nathaniel when he was growing up, Forest Lakes was as much for him as Camp David Adventure Centre was for me. It was so awesome to actually finally get to see Forest Lakes, hear stories and meet more people from Nat's younger years :) Although it was pouring with rain and not the greatest day at Forest Lakes when we went - I still got to see the campsite and realise how much of a ministry this place actually is.

Another "something new" for today was travelling to the RJ's Licorice factory in Levin (on our way back up from Forest Lakes), and buying Licorice from the factory - amazing cheap prices and I think Nathaniel and I probably got about 10Kgs of Licorice for about $50 between us. Its great - especially when doing orders for other people.

Dee who is Philip's girlfriend is addicted to Frozen Coke and Frozen Fanta from Maccas! While Philip (Nathaniel's brother), had worship practice at church tonight, Nat and I took his girlfriend Dee out for Frozen Coke/Fanta. I ordered a Maltesers Sundae which wasn't exactly new while Nat and Dee ordered a Frozen Fanta each. I decided to take a sip or two of this green Shrek looking sludge and although there was a tingling feeling in my mouth and the drink was a bit tangy, it was still amazing! I ended up sipping quite a bit of Nat's Frozen Fanta I must admit but oh well,I don't think he seemed to mind too much.

Right so just recapping for the day..... my new things included:

Visiting Forest Lakes (FINALLY) - CHECK!

RJ's Licorice Factory in Levin - CHECK!

Trying Green Frozen Fanta? - CHECK!

Day 2 of something new has been accomplished.

Till tomorrow, take care and God Bless,

OVER AND OUT!

SEPTEMBER 1st 2010

Today signified the beginning of my month of "something new". Today also signified the beginning of September for 2010!!!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOO

Making waffles

buying my first ever, very own sleeping bag

Bethany's

Streetwise Hot Choc