Ok, so i admit this blog post is a tad.. late. But i have been quite busy of late, and i hope that i will be more frequent with these posts as things settle down...
But right now i am quite excited because i bought a new microwave, kettle, food processor and iron... and saved almost $300!!!! My homestarter appliances kept breaking down, and thanks to the boxing day sales i have been able to afford to buy decent kitchen appliances! yay! Can't wait to use the food processor tomorrow.. Admittedly, i am turning into a house wife... but after moving house and living out of home, it's great i can get a kick out of things that would otherwise seem pretty ordinary.. or boring. And they are stainless steel.. and shiny.. and the kettle has temperature options. Yes, that's right... if its a certain type of tea you can select a certain type of temperature.. woo hoooo...
Anyway after all this excitement, i'm going to go to bed... but the biggest thrill of today was melting cheese on my left over ham toastie... in 45 seconds!!!!! <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">
Friday, December 28
Friday, November 16
Apple Store Update
Exciting news, you can now purchase "Almost" from the Apple iBook store ! Just jump on your i-device and search for Emily McIntyre!
Thursday, November 8
Truth
Real, raw truth feels like the gravel stuck in a graze on your knee as you slide on the school yard bitumen.
It is powerful, and I do believe that it is an underestimated force in life. So often we search for love, peace or happiness, driven to pursue a cocktail of emotions that assumably forge well-being .
The thing is, emotions change . They fade or exemplify , they are not a constant , stable state . This phenomena is taught from when we are born - we learn to say "I'm feeling ........ Today". Tomorrow , I may feel something else. Emotions have a vast amount of variables that all weave and intertwine to create fluctuations in perceptions, self and on a completely biological level - the amount of hormones released to determine a specific chemical reaction .
Truth, however, is not temporary . It does not fluctuate or change with time . It is a solid state or fact that cements the foundation for realization, action and opportunity . But it stings ... Truth is not considerate. It can state the obvious or scream subtext at any given moment , and it will really tell you if your butt looks big in a dress (and not be sorry ).
It is does not buckle under pressure or change its mind at the last minute . It is what it is, and that's it.
A lie can often be so much sweeter and appealing, and yet once it's sweetness fades , the truth is always the thing that literally gives you a hit... And I find it interesting that so often I hear people (and myself ) strive 'to be happy' or to 'be at peace '. Not that there is anything wrong about those ambitions , it's just that the reality if setting a goal based on an emotion is that there are several variables to be negotiated. The biggest being , how can it be measured? And how can the variables be controlled to determine a constant state of "peace/happiness?" Do I feel at peace emptying the garbage ? No. Do I feel un-peaceful ? No ... So does the absence of my desired feeling mean I'm not peaceful or achieving it ?
The old saying is that the truth will set you free . And I believe that it has the power to... It just takes time and a lot of effort . There are some things I know in my life that I have not wanted to hear . The truth is not polite , or won't tip toe around the point - it is just there, it just is.
But that's its secret. It is as it is. Truth can not change because it is not hidden, misleading, deceptive or sugar coated . It is real. And that's why it can hurt.
But from encountering truth , I do believe that we have the opportunity to equip ourselves to manage and achieve emotions - whether that be happiness or peace or love . These feelings come as a consequence of encountering and desiring truth.
It's definitely not something you want to bring to a dinner party . But truth will ignite and sustain your being -- rather than succumbing to mountains of variables: like the infamous chocolate bar .
It is powerful, and I do believe that it is an underestimated force in life. So often we search for love, peace or happiness, driven to pursue a cocktail of emotions that assumably forge well-being .
The thing is, emotions change . They fade or exemplify , they are not a constant , stable state . This phenomena is taught from when we are born - we learn to say "I'm feeling ........ Today". Tomorrow , I may feel something else. Emotions have a vast amount of variables that all weave and intertwine to create fluctuations in perceptions, self and on a completely biological level - the amount of hormones released to determine a specific chemical reaction .
Truth, however, is not temporary . It does not fluctuate or change with time . It is a solid state or fact that cements the foundation for realization, action and opportunity . But it stings ... Truth is not considerate. It can state the obvious or scream subtext at any given moment , and it will really tell you if your butt looks big in a dress (and not be sorry ).
It is does not buckle under pressure or change its mind at the last minute . It is what it is, and that's it.
A lie can often be so much sweeter and appealing, and yet once it's sweetness fades , the truth is always the thing that literally gives you a hit... And I find it interesting that so often I hear people (and myself ) strive 'to be happy' or to 'be at peace '. Not that there is anything wrong about those ambitions , it's just that the reality if setting a goal based on an emotion is that there are several variables to be negotiated. The biggest being , how can it be measured? And how can the variables be controlled to determine a constant state of "peace/happiness?" Do I feel at peace emptying the garbage ? No. Do I feel un-peaceful ? No ... So does the absence of my desired feeling mean I'm not peaceful or achieving it ?
The old saying is that the truth will set you free . And I believe that it has the power to... It just takes time and a lot of effort . There are some things I know in my life that I have not wanted to hear . The truth is not polite , or won't tip toe around the point - it is just there, it just is.
But that's its secret. It is as it is. Truth can not change because it is not hidden, misleading, deceptive or sugar coated . It is real. And that's why it can hurt.
But from encountering truth , I do believe that we have the opportunity to equip ourselves to manage and achieve emotions - whether that be happiness or peace or love . These feelings come as a consequence of encountering and desiring truth.
It's definitely not something you want to bring to a dinner party . But truth will ignite and sustain your being -- rather than succumbing to mountains of variables: like the infamous chocolate bar .
Saturday, November 3
Rest in peace, part 1
One of my childhood friends passed away a couple of days ago.. Although I didn't know him well over the last few years, I can still vividly remember and relive the times we spent together .
I met Cam when I was around 11or 12 at my mums fortieth birthday party. We were the bored kids in the corner .. And we soon discovered that my sister and I , as well as Cam and his sister, shared a love for spy movies . Well, to be more precise , spy movies like Spy Kids and Men In Black... And we also shared a love for dress ups . From these mutual interests , we started playing probably the longest 'make believe ' game that continued for a few years. You see, we were top secret spies fighting against an evil mastermind named Gregory, who (as all bad guys do ) was trying to take over the world . Armed with code names and hats , we would spend hours developing plots and saving the world on various missions . Cam's code name was always topaz (top secret info!) and mine was diamond . I remember he loved to wear a particular hat and sunglasses when we were on our missions, and it appears this fashion trend continued as he became older !
During this time I was finding it quite difficult as I had moved areas, but what I found was that spending time with Cam always made me feel more energized and happy. We would let our imaginations run wild and he was just a creative, inspirational kid. This was manifested in our competitive karaoke sessions ...
... That's right , karaoke ! I was given some karaoke DVDs for Christmas one year and I remember battling it out to prove who should audition for Australian idol. He managed to perform an off key rendition of "angels bought me here" - and it was that performance that I grudgingly agreed he had one the best ' karaoker' title .
I also remember one afternoon when he told me he had started a radio station . I thought he was kidding ... But he had ! Some how , he had managed to get a hold of a mini transmitter ( that would broadcast a few meters ) and he would record his favorite songs off the radio on to a tape. He told me at a specific time each afternoon he'd play a few songs and talk .. I desperately tried to get an interview on his show , but never quite got a call back ... He was always so inventive and creative and ready to try something new!
The more I write , the more I remember ... But I just thought I'd share these moments as they come, because I think it's important to remember and cherish people who made an impact on your life.
As we got older and we both moved areas we gradually became out of touch ... And I suppose this is why the news of his passing came as such a shock. I still remember him as the twelve year old by my side, dodging Kung fu ninjas sent by the evil mastermind Gregory, and at the very last minute , saving the world . I'm sure he is at peace now and has returned to mission control, I just hope he knows how much he is loved xx
I met Cam when I was around 11or 12 at my mums fortieth birthday party. We were the bored kids in the corner .. And we soon discovered that my sister and I , as well as Cam and his sister, shared a love for spy movies . Well, to be more precise , spy movies like Spy Kids and Men In Black... And we also shared a love for dress ups . From these mutual interests , we started playing probably the longest 'make believe ' game that continued for a few years. You see, we were top secret spies fighting against an evil mastermind named Gregory, who (as all bad guys do ) was trying to take over the world . Armed with code names and hats , we would spend hours developing plots and saving the world on various missions . Cam's code name was always topaz (top secret info!) and mine was diamond . I remember he loved to wear a particular hat and sunglasses when we were on our missions, and it appears this fashion trend continued as he became older !
During this time I was finding it quite difficult as I had moved areas, but what I found was that spending time with Cam always made me feel more energized and happy. We would let our imaginations run wild and he was just a creative, inspirational kid. This was manifested in our competitive karaoke sessions ...
... That's right , karaoke ! I was given some karaoke DVDs for Christmas one year and I remember battling it out to prove who should audition for Australian idol. He managed to perform an off key rendition of "angels bought me here" - and it was that performance that I grudgingly agreed he had one the best ' karaoker' title .
I also remember one afternoon when he told me he had started a radio station . I thought he was kidding ... But he had ! Some how , he had managed to get a hold of a mini transmitter ( that would broadcast a few meters ) and he would record his favorite songs off the radio on to a tape. He told me at a specific time each afternoon he'd play a few songs and talk .. I desperately tried to get an interview on his show , but never quite got a call back ... He was always so inventive and creative and ready to try something new!
The more I write , the more I remember ... But I just thought I'd share these moments as they come, because I think it's important to remember and cherish people who made an impact on your life.
As we got older and we both moved areas we gradually became out of touch ... And I suppose this is why the news of his passing came as such a shock. I still remember him as the twelve year old by my side, dodging Kung fu ninjas sent by the evil mastermind Gregory, and at the very last minute , saving the world . I'm sure he is at peace now and has returned to mission control, I just hope he knows how much he is loved xx
Monday, October 29
Friday, October 26
Common Practice
This happens quite a lot... Poor Kevin .. It's happened to my Vegemite before !! (Well the Vegemite named Emily..)
Wednesday, October 24
Baby photo
This is one of my favorite baby photos at the moment .. It's of my dad and I .. I don't know how old I was , but I think I carry off the bright jacket quite nicely ! We were pretty photogenic, even though we are looking different ways ! ❤
imovie
Mind you, this was taken yesterday.. I couldn't quite figure out how to do the pop art effect, but i have a whole lunch break coming up to discover how to do it! xx
Self explanatory
I think this picture is self explanatory .. I love it! Hehe no offense intended to family members ;)
Tuesday, October 23
Halloween Costume Ideas
The only tradition we had in my family for Halloween was not celebrating it .. But alas, after all these years I have found my perfect costume ! I stumbled upon this cartoon on Pinterest ... Xx
Monday, October 22
Crosswords
Due to the frequent nature of my blog posts in the last two hour period, you may (or may not ) be aware that I can not fall asleep. So, thanks to the wonders of technology I can veer my accumulating frustration towards sharing meaningful little musings . Well that's the theory anyway ...
My next little musing shall be about crosswords. For the past two weeks I've been recovering from my wisdom teeth removal surgery and surprisingly the best pain relief was distraction. Well, focusing on something else rather than the pain .. And crosswords did just that ! There's nothing like the rush of trying to guess clues about half Egyptian birds or a type of endearment .
Although , I will admit , the more time I spent on them , the more I began to think about words and how they would fit into each other ... And seeing black and white squares when I closed my eyes ... That's when I knew I had to take a break!
My next little musing shall be about crosswords. For the past two weeks I've been recovering from my wisdom teeth removal surgery and surprisingly the best pain relief was distraction. Well, focusing on something else rather than the pain .. And crosswords did just that ! There's nothing like the rush of trying to guess clues about half Egyptian birds or a type of endearment .
Although , I will admit , the more time I spent on them , the more I began to think about words and how they would fit into each other ... And seeing black and white squares when I closed my eyes ... That's when I knew I had to take a break!
Frankie
It wasn't until I met up with an old school friend recently, that I rekindled my love for Frankie magazine. Lucky for me, their latest issue was released a couple of days after, and it was their 50th issue !
The embossed front cover feels amazing and it is jam packed with stories, buzzing creative ideas and some delicious looking traditional cake recipes. It's the kind of issue that you keep coming back to and exploring, with a cup of tea essential for the journey .
The embossed front cover feels amazing and it is jam packed with stories, buzzing creative ideas and some delicious looking traditional cake recipes. It's the kind of issue that you keep coming back to and exploring, with a cup of tea essential for the journey .
Fresh Colour
Not that this picture is indicative to the sudden change in weather today (rain! Wind ! More rain !), but I absolutely adore the colours of these flowers.
I bought them a couple of days ago from a local fruit shop. I always love the smell and brightness of fresh produce .. And there is something about picking and smelling for just-the-right vegetable . It really does make pre packaged vegetables in supermarkets look quite.. superficial .
One day I'd like to be able to pick flowers like these straight from my garden :)
I bought them a couple of days ago from a local fruit shop. I always love the smell and brightness of fresh produce .. And there is something about picking and smelling for just-the-right vegetable . It really does make pre packaged vegetables in supermarkets look quite.. superficial .
One day I'd like to be able to pick flowers like these straight from my garden :)
Sunday, October 14
Letter to the Editor
I've been recovering from my recent operation, the removal of 4 impacted wisdom teeth, and today I had an opportunity to read the Sunday paper (the Sun Herald). I was quite startled at the feature article, one on how HSC students are using "quick fix" stimulant medication to study better. So I wrote this letter...
Dear editor ,
I just wanted to write a response to the article published in today's sun herald on page 8 from an adult who manages the outspoken diagnosis of ADHD.
I do believe it is concerning that students are using prescription medication such as Ritalin, concerta or dex to concentrate and study. However from your article I was lead to believe that this is simply why people with ADHD take medication, for a 'quick fix'. This ideology is one held and expressed often in public opinion, and for persons without ADHD taking stimulant medications will have this effect. However, for the high percentage of children and adults managing ADHD on a daily basis, with or without stimulant medication, the idea of a 'quick fix' is far from correct.
Stimulant medication in persons with diagnosed ADHD (in most cases) opens up neural pathways in the brain and allows access to an array of cognitive skills and functions that were not able to be used before. Symptoms from this inactivity of the brain are the ones most often stereotyped: loud, in attentive, fidgety, disruptive , etc. There are also different types of ADHD, and I was diagnosed with a less common version, called Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder Inattentive Type. This generates the same internal symptoms without the hyperactivity.
I would like to highlight that from a medical standpoint , ADHD is predominantly a neurological disorder with behavioral traits or implications. There is a lot of misuse of stimulant medication , like strong pain killers, however for persons with diagnosed ADHD who manage with stimulant medication, this is allowing access to a part of the brain that generally everyday people can access. More importantly it is allowing people with ADHD to utilize higher order skills to make the best out of their brain- whether that be in study, relationships or being stuck in traffic.
The misuse of stimulant medication is persons with out ADHD is alarming , because it is stimulating a brain with no deficit , and hence giving the ''12 hour study session''. When a person with ADHD takes stimulants on a regular basis, there is no high; buzz; extra energy or extra motivation. There is simply a platform for 'head space' and and opportunity to use the brain we have .
As mentioned earlier, I thought it was important for a person with ADHD's perspective to be heard , so thank you for reading .
If you want any more information please don't hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards,
Emily
** And, in case you were wondering, they didn't reply...
Dear editor ,
I just wanted to write a response to the article published in today's sun herald on page 8 from an adult who manages the outspoken diagnosis of ADHD.
I do believe it is concerning that students are using prescription medication such as Ritalin, concerta or dex to concentrate and study. However from your article I was lead to believe that this is simply why people with ADHD take medication, for a 'quick fix'. This ideology is one held and expressed often in public opinion, and for persons without ADHD taking stimulant medications will have this effect. However, for the high percentage of children and adults managing ADHD on a daily basis, with or without stimulant medication, the idea of a 'quick fix' is far from correct.
Stimulant medication in persons with diagnosed ADHD (in most cases) opens up neural pathways in the brain and allows access to an array of cognitive skills and functions that were not able to be used before. Symptoms from this inactivity of the brain are the ones most often stereotyped: loud, in attentive, fidgety, disruptive , etc. There are also different types of ADHD, and I was diagnosed with a less common version, called Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder Inattentive Type. This generates the same internal symptoms without the hyperactivity.
I would like to highlight that from a medical standpoint , ADHD is predominantly a neurological disorder with behavioral traits or implications. There is a lot of misuse of stimulant medication , like strong pain killers, however for persons with diagnosed ADHD who manage with stimulant medication, this is allowing access to a part of the brain that generally everyday people can access. More importantly it is allowing people with ADHD to utilize higher order skills to make the best out of their brain- whether that be in study, relationships or being stuck in traffic.
The misuse of stimulant medication is persons with out ADHD is alarming , because it is stimulating a brain with no deficit , and hence giving the ''12 hour study session''. When a person with ADHD takes stimulants on a regular basis, there is no high; buzz; extra energy or extra motivation. There is simply a platform for 'head space' and and opportunity to use the brain we have .
As mentioned earlier, I thought it was important for a person with ADHD's perspective to be heard , so thank you for reading .
If you want any more information please don't hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards,
Emily
** And, in case you were wondering, they didn't reply...
Wednesday, October 10
Monday, October 8
Saturday, October 6
Reflections in a dog park
It was quite funny, this morning i set my alarm for 9am, pumped for a massive sleep in. But alas, there were two main factors that got in my way:
1. My new curtains (not block out, designed so i don't sleep in when i need to get up early)
2. My sister coming in at 7:30 to proclaim her annoyance at being up so early.
I must remember these factors for future sleep ins!!
So, anyway, to make up for all this extra time, i took my dog up to the dog park... he is now a brown retriever... rather than a golden one! Whilst i was wandering around, i couldn't help but slip into a reflective train of thought... You see, it is my last shift at the pharmacy i've been working at for over 4 years today... And to tell you the truth, it's strange. More so when i think of where i was as a person when i started 4 years ago.. and where i am now.
I won't go all 'diary entry ohmygosh i've changed blah' on you, but i'd like to say that it's amazing how time just goes. Flows even. And subtle changes work constantly, until you stop and realise how different things are now compared to back then. I find it so interesting that we can each establish moments in time from our own experiences and label them 'now', 'present', 'then'. Maybe i am sounding like a philosophy major, but who's to determine that my 'now' isn't someone else's yesterday?
Enjoy my Saturday musings... let me know what you think... now i must depart and get ready for work! Xx
1. My new curtains (not block out, designed so i don't sleep in when i need to get up early)
2. My sister coming in at 7:30 to proclaim her annoyance at being up so early.
I must remember these factors for future sleep ins!!
So, anyway, to make up for all this extra time, i took my dog up to the dog park... he is now a brown retriever... rather than a golden one! Whilst i was wandering around, i couldn't help but slip into a reflective train of thought... You see, it is my last shift at the pharmacy i've been working at for over 4 years today... And to tell you the truth, it's strange. More so when i think of where i was as a person when i started 4 years ago.. and where i am now.
I won't go all 'diary entry ohmygosh i've changed blah' on you, but i'd like to say that it's amazing how time just goes. Flows even. And subtle changes work constantly, until you stop and realise how different things are now compared to back then. I find it so interesting that we can each establish moments in time from our own experiences and label them 'now', 'present', 'then'. Maybe i am sounding like a philosophy major, but who's to determine that my 'now' isn't someone else's yesterday?
Enjoy my Saturday musings... let me know what you think... now i must depart and get ready for work! Xx
Friday, October 5
Wednesday, October 3
What is SLI?
I'm currently doing an assessment on "SLI's".. specific language impairments... thought it would be interesting to share and raise awareness :)
Monday, September 24
Randall Stephens
Check out Randall Stephens' blog.. his poems are incredible.. when you read them you can almost hear him performing them!
**Slight language warning though!
Click on his picture!! (Or hit http://networkedblogs.com/CxKQg )
**Slight language warning though!
Tuesday, September 11
Mushroom
I've decided to announce that i believe that huge chopped mushrooms in stew look incredibly ugly. I'm sorry mushroom, it's not you; it's me.
Wednesday, August 29
Best Friends
 |
| Rusty and Denver |
I found out that both of them are actually from the pound.. maybe that's why they are best buddies.
I think on all of the photos Denver is on the right and Rusty is on the left.
My favourite snap shot is on the top left where Rusty is licking Denver... so cute! They were making constant trips to the water bowl, all the excitement must have made them quite thirsty...
Another photo i'll show you (if you scroll down!) is a photo of me in the middle of them both.. It was quite funny because they were both getting a bit protective (Denver gets a bit jealous!).
Anyhow, i hope you are all well! I've actually been unwell with a virus so i've just been recovering and resting... i'm slowly but surely getting better.
 |
| Denver, myself & Rusty |
I'm not sure whether it's because i've been sick or not, but i have been constantly craving chicken pad thai the last week.. maybe the virus is trying to feed itself. Or i just have an obsession with thai food. Ah well.
adios! xx
Thursday, August 9
Thursday, August 2
Confession
I'm going to admit it- i'm not the best at maintaining a blog. To keep you in the loop, i'm back into the second semester and i'm doing a shakespeare course! woo hoo! Maybe, just maybe i may start to play around with sonnets again... :)
Monday, July 23
Saturday, June 30
Chocolate House
My sister and I made this chocolate house for a Christmas in June/July thing I went to last night... So much fun and soo much sugar! xx
Thursday, June 21
Late June Newsletter
Greetings Poetry Buffs,
I hope you are all keeping warm in this quite chilly weather. Currently, I can not feel my feet due to my slippers inability to keep them warm, but that's another story.
This is just a post saying "hello!", and that although university examinations have come close to wiping every trace of creativity out of me, I am still alive, and still writing poetry. Over the next month I'll be involved with some new exciting projects and I can't wait to let you know about them! Although still under development, watch this space for a children's poetry project and upcoming events!
A couple of my favourite-artist-friends are having exhibitions soon, and i thought you'd like to hear about them too! They have 'supplied' boundless inspiration and creativity to me, so i'd love if you could check them out! The first is Meredith Woolnough who is having a combined exhibition called "Thread, Paper, Fibre, Clay" @ Depot II Gallery, Waterloo from the 26th June- 7th July. Check out her website for more info!
The second is Cade Turner who has become a part of the Pittwater Artist's trail and has an open studio every Saturday morning! For more info check out his website. :)
Other exciting news is that you can now purchase "Almost" as an ebook for your ipad/iphone! Check out blurb to find out more!
Anyhow, for the latest news make sure you check out www.emilymcintyre.com.au :).
From Emily McIntyre :) xx
Extract from "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis
"Besides being complicated, reality, in my experience, is usually odd. It is not neat, not obvious, not what you expect. For instance, when you have grasped that the earth and the other planets all go round the sun, you would naturally expect that all the planets were made to match- all at equal distances from each other, say, or distances that regularly increased, or all the same size, or else getting bigger or smaller as you go further from the sun. In fact, you find no rhyme or reason (that we can see) about either the sizes or the distances; and some of them have one moon, on has four, one has two, some have non, and one has a ring.
Reality, in fact, is usually something you could not have guessed. That is one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed. If it offered us just the kind of universe we had always expected, I should feel we were making it up. But, in fact, it is not the sort of thing anyone would have made up. It has just that queer twist about it that real things have. So let us leave behind all these boys' philosophies- these over-simple answers. The problem is not simple and the answer is not going to be simple either."
Extract from "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis, First Published 1952, this extract from C.S. Lewis Signature Classics Edition, published 2002, pp.41-42
Wednesday, June 20
Tuesday, June 19
Sunday, June 17
Thursday, June 14
Monday, June 11
Sunday, June 10
Saturday, June 9
Chang's Chocolate Spiders
This is one of my favourite childhood recipes - a great choice for tonight's procrastibake! :). I remember when I was in primary school a friend's Mum put red raspberry lollies on them and called them redback spiders!
Ingredients
100g (1 packet) of Chang's Fried Noodles
200g of Milk or Dark Cooking Chocolate
2 tablespoons of Crunchy Peanut Butter
Method
1. Break up the chocolate and put in a microwave safe bowl with the Peanut Butter.
2. Microwave on high for approximately 1 minute, stir and then repeat every 15 seconds (it's different for every chocolate/microwave, so trust what you know!)
3. When the chocolate has become a smooth consistency (there will be little bits in it from the peanut butter!) stir in the packet of Chang's Fried Noodles.
4. Make sure all the noodles are covered!
5. Place clumps of the mixture on a tray or in patty cakes.
6. Place in the fridge to set ! (Waiting is the hardest part!)
7. Enjoy!
xx
Friday, June 8
Actual Update
Well, I hope you have been enjoying my almost daily musical updates.. It's not that i've had nothing to write about, it's merely not having the time to write about it.
Today was the last day of semester! Hooray! But alas it means exams will be just around the corner.. in under a week... I think university just keeps getting more and more intense as you progress. At my uni we need to do two subjects outside our main area so we leave as 'more rounded' students. So this semester, i did astrobiology. (FYI- the search for life on other planets, yep, I went there....!). A couple of days ago i finished an assessment on planning a mission to one of Jupiter's moons (Europa- which i did not know existed until about 2 months ago!).. and this was from an english major. o.0
In other news, my wisdom teeth have decided that they would like to be known again, which means i've just literally got to bite the bullet and get them removed.. This july, look out for my pufferfish face. x
Today was the last day of semester! Hooray! But alas it means exams will be just around the corner.. in under a week... I think university just keeps getting more and more intense as you progress. At my uni we need to do two subjects outside our main area so we leave as 'more rounded' students. So this semester, i did astrobiology. (FYI- the search for life on other planets, yep, I went there....!). A couple of days ago i finished an assessment on planning a mission to one of Jupiter's moons (Europa- which i did not know existed until about 2 months ago!).. and this was from an english major. o.0
In other news, my wisdom teeth have decided that they would like to be known again, which means i've just literally got to bite the bullet and get them removed.. This july, look out for my pufferfish face. x
Thursday, June 7
Wednesday, May 30
Tuesday, May 29
Wednesday, May 23
John Donne
 Read on the Guardian! | |
| Portrait of John Donne by the English School of Painting c.1595 Photograph: The Gallery Collection/Corbis |
Here's a little info about one of my favourite poets... the wonderful John Donne. (from the Guardian UK, click on the photo!!)
Tuesday, May 22
Saturday, May 12
Only A Northern Song
Check out my sister's blog "Only a Northern Song"..
For all you beatles fanatics, it is basically lots of cool photos ranging from ringo to george to paul to john.. I love it!
Too Long!
Why, it has been too long! University and working seems to get in the way of keeping this thing up to date.. But rest assured, i shall find something amusing/interesting to post relatively soon... x
Tuesday, March 13
Monday, March 12
Bubbles
I’ve had such an exhilarating day.. just picture yourself indoors, doing university work… going to one lecture… then going back indoors. Yes, i may have got some progress in my university work load, but the last half an hour i almost went insane. I couldn’t stand being in the library and in the stuffy air and all the sniffing and people who decide that it’s okay to talk on their mobile phones in a quiet area…..
So I had to get outside.
And here I am , sitting outside the library with a chai latte, typing jovially on my laptop. I don’t know what it was- but i feel so much more at peace outside, i had the increasing feeling that i was slowly being sucked in to a narrow minded academia world where people talk like journal articles and reference everything they say whilst listening to ilectures and trying not to check facebook and then trying not to put post its on the person next to you’s divider (which conveniently was my boyfriend in this case)……. You get the idea.
As much as i love studying my subjects (I do genuinely enjoy my subjects this semester) I think i need to make sure I have time to actually enjoy and experience this time in my life, as well as studying. To be honest, organisation and self motivation are my recently introduced friends, so i think i can go overboard with trying to compute everything.
But believe it or not, i’ve actually started doing my assessments early and doing drafts and I EVEN HANDED IN AN ASSESSMENT EARLY! That’s right. You heard it.. Last year i don’t think i handed one assessment in on time… (with 2% or 1 mark penalty a day? !!)
So I suppose i am trying to comprehend this new “emily”- the one who can get organised and can do uni work- with the creative one or any other sense of self i may have held over the last few years. Hmm, maybe BALANCE! would be a useful concept here. And I think maybe everyone else might go through a similar experience- at least in trying to balance all the different aspects of life- and learning how to ‘put on the different hats!’
Do you remember that concept from primary school? Putting on your thinking hat? I remember when I first learnt this concept in year 1 I thought it was fantastic! It was devised by a guy called Edward de Bono (if you want to check out the wiki article, click here!) For example, if we had to solve a question, we’d look at the different perspectives from the different hats we had on. (We actually had coloured hats, i loved it!) All the different colours meant a different perspective- eg Red was for Emotions and the bad points or judgement was black. In reflection, it taught the class how to consider different perspectives and then to evaluate the problem/question.
So how does this apply? …..
Well, looking at things (aka uni work, sense of self) from these different perspectives. Before you laugh or shake your head, let me explain. Firstly, we should all wear coloured hats. Secondly, I think it’s important to be able to look at situations, who you are, different people, relationships with different perspectives so you can see the whole (or big!) picture. And to also use the analogy to apply to all the different areas of our lives, (eg work, university, social, family, friends etc) and separately they do not form a whole, but when all areas are considered, they form a whole… Me! Or You! (Or physically, a rainbow hat!)
Anyhow, these were the thoughts flying around in my head for this evening. Unfortunately I have finished my chai latte and have to keep it between my legs because the wind keeps knocking it off the table!The sun has almost set, and the clouds are a faded pink… starting to turn into the rich monochrome of the night sky. So I must say goodbye!
Before i do, what do you think about sense of self? Thinking hats? Colours? University libraries??
xx
Monday, March 5
Hurrah!
And so the ease of blogging continues! I’ve discovered a program affiliated with ‘windows live’ or something, and it allows me to update my blog using a different program… yes it may not seem too exciting , but i am stoked! (Aka- if i don’t have an internet connection i’ll be more compelled to write and save something on my computer and post later….!)
I am actually quite impressed with microsoft!
That is all that I really wanted to say… also that I finally purchased some gumboots- they are gorgeous. Unfortunately I do not have any high resolution photographic evidence to share my joy, but stay tuned for them to be revealed!
Ta ta!
Wednesday, February 29
First Haiku
I wrote my first Haiku for an english course i'm doing... thought i'd share it!
" Sipping gold nectar
sweetness breathes happiness-
coffee addiction. "
:)
" Sipping gold nectar
sweetness breathes happiness-
coffee addiction. "
:)
Tuesday, February 28
Quote Time
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea is quite staggering.
- Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008)
- Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008)
Sunday, February 26
Stop & Think
I should have learnt this lesson years ago.. no matter how enticing left over chicken is, in whatever sauce or dish, DO NOT CONSUME IT!
Let this be a public service announcement: Be weary of left over chicken.
Luckily, the effects were not to dire, but i shall not delve into the consequences publicly.
That is all.
Let this be a public service announcement: Be weary of left over chicken.
Luckily, the effects were not to dire, but i shall not delve into the consequences publicly.
That is all.
Friday, February 10
Sunday, February 5
Sunday night
I am trying to decide whether it would be appropriate for me to apologise for my last post, as it is not really poetry related.. However, when I was caught in this indecision, I realised that I quite enjoyed my little science obsession, and therefore seemed appropriate for me to post. Not that I should run around in circles pondering these things and then share them as another post.... but there you go.
My friend Skye and I went to the Sydney Laneway Festival today... and i finally saw my beloved Laura Marling... I was second from the front and she was incredible live! I was slightly disappointed that she didn't go into "The Beast", but nonetheless she was amazing. Apart from the music, I also loved watching the people! The term "rich indies" may be appropriate... My stand out outfit was a girl wearing skin tight black shiny pants which had skeleton bones on them... I;ll post up some photos when i retrieve my camera cord.
Now, I shall retire! xx
My friend Skye and I went to the Sydney Laneway Festival today... and i finally saw my beloved Laura Marling... I was second from the front and she was incredible live! I was slightly disappointed that she didn't go into "The Beast", but nonetheless she was amazing. Apart from the music, I also loved watching the people! The term "rich indies" may be appropriate... My stand out outfit was a girl wearing skin tight black shiny pants which had skeleton bones on them... I;ll post up some photos when i retrieve my camera cord.
Now, I shall retire! xx
Wednesday, February 1
Neuroaesthetics
This is definitely food for thought- it's about art and neuroaesthetics, called the "peak shift effect". Could poetry and literature be in the same line?
Check out Psychology Today's "Unlocking the Mysteries of the Artistic Mind"...
......and listen to ABC National's All In the Mind Podcast called: "The Marco Polo of Neuroscience". ( Natasha Mitchell has interviewed many of the world’s most celebrated thinkers on the mind over the past decade, and one the most creative is acclaimed neuroscientist and polymath of the brain Professor V.S Ramachandran.)
So fascinating... Professor Ramachandran speaks about the neuroscience of the metaphor too... !
Check out Psychology Today's "Unlocking the Mysteries of the Artistic Mind"...
......and listen to ABC National's All In the Mind Podcast called: "The Marco Polo of Neuroscience". ( Natasha Mitchell has interviewed many of the world’s most celebrated thinkers on the mind over the past decade, and one the most creative is acclaimed neuroscientist and polymath of the brain Professor V.S Ramachandran.)
So fascinating... Professor Ramachandran speaks about the neuroscience of the metaphor too... !
Tuesday, January 31
The Salon Show Poem
This is a copy of the poem I wrote for "The Salon Show" - sorry it was so late in being put up - I hope you enjoy it! x
Copyright 2011, Emily McIntyre
Monday, January 30
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