Instagram

It's finally happened.  Today, I started using Instagram.  One of the deciding factors for me in getting this phone was the camera.  And once I had it, I checked out various photographic apps.  I didn't install any though, fearing a sudden iPhone addiction.  Recently I have been feeling that it's time to do something more with my phone photos, and Instagram was recommended as my 'first'.

My first photo (so far, my only photo), was the angel on top of my Christmas tree.  One of my traditions is to put up the Christmas tree on Advent Sunday - despite the heat.  It took me many attempts to find a suitable username, but eventually I came up with 'missannabananna'.  So if you're on Instagram, do stop by...  Or you can go through this link.  I am loving the different filters!

Youtube Autoplay and BYOB

One thing about my brain: there is always music.  Well, probably more like 99.9% of the time, but you get the idea.  When I decide I want to hear something instead of having my brain produce the music, there's usually something that it has in mind (haha).  Today, for example, when I opened up iTunes, I had Mumford and Sons' I Will Wait in my head, and nothing else would tempt me.  Unfortunately, I don't have a recording of this, but in a flash of inspiration I went to Youtube.  I found a few videos - and then the channel.  Hello autoplay!  Which meant I could get on with all the little tasks I had to do and just listen.  Once I was done with Mumford I turned to Muse.  Win!  I still want to buy the actual recordings so I don't use up oodles of download quota though.  But especially handy for those bands about which I'm undecided, or just haven't bought yet.

The other New Thing for today was something that really shouldn't be a New Thing.  I took my own bag to Target.  So often, I go in on impulse... Or I know in advance I'll be shopping there yet forget a bag.  But recently, I've noticed the wealth of bags in my possession, and today I actually remembered to take one.  Go me.

Today's photo:

In the last few days, I've noticed my lettuce is actually looking more like lettuce.  This is exciting.

So exciting, you even get close-ups. 

The really super-looking one in the middle (in the top photo) wasn't from seed, but a seedling so that doesn't count.  Looking forward to eating it though...

Outfit #97 - Celebration Assembly

Outfit details:
Dress: Fahrenheit (from Jeannie).  Earrings: gift from a student.  Shoes: Target.  Singlet: Ambra.

This is it for outfits for the year.  Today was the very last day I had to be at school this year.  YAY!!!  The quartet I take was shocked at the start of term that they would only have a few more rehearsals, so they asked if they could be part of the celebration assembly (you know, the one where they get their certificates).  The powers that be said sure, and so we had some more quartet time... and I got another day at school.  Well, a few hours.

And even though I felt fairly horrible (who gets sick on the holidays, really?!), it was nice to be at school.  I was given some lovely presents - including these earrings - and the assembly was pretty cute. 

On the way home, I realised there was something glittery in my bag - my phone was covered in it.  Later, I discovered the glitter gift tag... 

Today's photo:

On the way to school, these flowers were just catching the sun.

The Breakfast Spices

Well, are you ready for a big one?  Yep, I used different spices on my breakfast this morning.  Wow.

I love cinnamon.  It used to be that I would have cinnamon and nutmeg on my breakfast on school mornings, and cardamom and cinnamon on non-school mornings.  Then I changed (!) and just stuck to cinnamon and nutmeg.  Yesterday, I made a slice which required cinnamon... all of my cinnamon... and this morning I forgot that.  I opened the pantry to find cardamom and nutmeg.  Agh!  Deep breaths... and I can deal with this now.  So breakfast had those two spices.  And no cinnamon. 

A little bit weird.  But today was weird anyway, and not just because of the spices.  At least, I hope it wasn't because of the spices - I didn't get to the shops today so I am still without cinnamon.

Today's photo:

These were kinda left at my house yesterday... Pretty cute, huh?!  Pretty gone now, too...

Boxing in the Park

This morning, I did some boxing in a park with a friend.  This friend has done proper boxing training, and promised to teach me good technique and train properly.  I'd done some boxing with Trainer Dan, usually as a warm-up (so, not for a full 45 minute PT session).  I thought it would be easier for everyone if I was treated as a complete novice. 

So, New Things:
*Boxing training for a bit over an hour.
*Doing something new in a public park - in case you are unaware, as this is a relatively New Thing, my risk of embarrassment was correspondingly high, and doing this out in the open was potentially intimidating.  Especially when 2 fit-looking blokes rocked up to do some footy training. 
*Shoulder exercises.  They're a secret, so I can't tell you...
*Holding the pads.
*Not getting totally smashed in a training session.  I think that's because it was my first time though, so the next time will be less talk, more action.

Today's photo:

We had a post-workout second breakfast.  I take absolutely no credit for this.  Bacon and eggs will never be the same again... So, this is a (sorry, just wiping off the drool) French omelette with tarragon, mushrooms and truffle oil. 

Outfit #96 - Yippee

Outfit details:
Dress: Hot Options.  Shoes: Target.  Earrings: from Jeannie.

Yippee!  Today was my last full teaching day for the year.  Enough said, really.  I thought of doing a photo with a jump, but my brain couldn't work out how to do that with a timer and tripod and .... just ... no.  But believe me, there were internal jumps happening.  I am so looking forward to the holidays!

I only had a few kids to teach, too, so it was a pretty short day.

Yesterday's photo:

I was in a hurry when doing yesterday's post, so didn't include superfluous photos.  I was rather impressed with this grade 3 girl - she asked to do 'Morning Mood' (the theme from the morning bit in the Peer Gynt Suite), which she could already play on piano.  She played it on the piano for me, then I wrote out the sol-fa, and told her do = d.  She wrote out the notes, then I told her to start with do = g, and so = d (3 fingers on the A string).  She promptly wrote out the new version - although we didn't get around to putting sticks on the second lot of notes.  Then she played both versions.

Today's photo:

I stepped outside this afternoon and noticed flowers on my strawberry plant (which is now a monster).  Fingers crossed for a couple of strawberries!

Movie #28 - Star Trek

Last night, I had my first ever Star Trek experience.  For real.  I'm pretty sure the friend who introduced me to this was a bit gob-smacked that I hadn't seen any Star Trek or Star Wars (yes - it's true).  We were just going to watch the very very beginning (actually so I could experience blu-ray for the first time) but then ... well, I don't like to leave things unfinished.  We watched the whole thing. 

Things I learned:
There are movies and tv series (I hadn't realised this before).
It's really great to watch something as iconic as this with someone who knows about it.  Short of watching every Star Trek movie and tv episode myself, then watching and going [lightbulb] aahhhh! - having someone knowledgeable (but not totally gung-ho) was a pretty good option.
Well, I could go on and on... But the other thing about watching an iconic movie like this, is that I now recognise some of the references from the Simpsons.  Yay!

Things I liked:
It makes your brain work.  Not just a plot that does a 3 act drama, this one made my brain try to work out how this had happened, tying it in with what I was learning about the previous shows that were really coming after this in time... kinda... and I know that once I've watched more, there will be more things I'll notice. 
The violence isn't overdone.  There were some bits that made me cringe or get a sympathetic twinge, but not overly.  And you didn't have to see close-ups of fighting or blood-splatters or anything.
Simon Pegg.  And, not Simon Pegg as recognisable from any of the ice-cream movies, but in an actually different role.  He does make me laugh.
The music is really well done.
I recognised the writers from Hawaii Five-O (I'm not great at recognising non-actor names).
I know it's cheesy, but the costumes.  So sixties and reminiscent of Austin Powers.  Love it.

Without having watched any other bits of this, the whole destiny thing is something I'd like to see a bit more.  That idea of our history, our past, the bits of time that have gone before us that have contributed to the way we are, the way others see us, the way we see ourselves - whether or not we are getting into the whole space/time travel thing, this is something so close to us that we don't even realise it's a part of us sometimes.

Today's photo:

Today's photo is really yesterday's photo x 2.  The first is from the 3rd storm of the day - I was at church in the evening and the clouds looked pretty impressive around the city.  Massive storm - we had to delay the service because all you could hear was the downpour.  The streets in the city, and around my neighbourhood, are all covered in debris today.  A bit further out of the city though (where some of my brothers and their families live) was really badly hit.

The second - much calmer - is my first try of gnoccho - a combination of shell pasta with gnocchi.  Love the little scoops with sauce!

Lodging an Objection

Today, I started my Objection.  This is the sort of thing I would normally think about doing, particularly if I actually feel strongly about something... and then, you know, the deadline for submissions would pass me by, and I'd think 'oh yeah...'  For this, though, I feel really strongly, and the thought of the proposed development going ahead is just horrifying.  I'm starting this today so it happens by Monday, which is just over a week before submissions close on November 27.

Oh, the horror.  I am a member of St John's cathedral.  It is a significant building in its own right, and there are city council rules regarding what happens around it.  A nearby block of land has put forward a proposed development which contravenes these rules, but the council is saying this will be fine, and they'll change the city plan to accommodate this new building.  Not cool, Brisbane.  At our last cathedral council meeting, we were shown the proposed development.  Gasps all around.  We were asked, if we felt strongly, to lodge an objection.  I feel strongly.  I'm lodging an objection.

The cathedral chapter has prepared a guide to help people submit an objection (the link is here if you wish to see for yourself). 

Today's photo:

Bit of a storm this morning... and another about to come through.  This was taken after the morning storm, when things were clearing. 

Becoming a Recipe Contributor

Recently, I made a banana custard slice with a recipe I found on the Natvia site.  The recipe had no photo, so once I'd made it (and, naturally, photographed it), I sent through the photo.  The photo is now the photo for that recipe - a little thrill right there.

In communication while sending through the photo, though, I was asked if I would like to be a regular contributor and tester.  The best bit - they send me stuff!  First I had to ask the people around me who would be likely eating the products if this was okay.  Grudgingly, yes...  So long as it's not too healthy.  As this is a sugar-type product, I'm pretty sure it will still be not so healthy, at least in flavour.  I just had to send my postal address so they could deliver free food to me.  Easy.  Looking forward to trying out some new recipes and inventing new combinations too.

Today's photo:

For a little while, the bridge on my violin has been ... not amazing.  Just a little bit bent.  Last week I took him in for either a new bridge or a repair, and went with the repair option.  Today I got to pick him up - ooh... So good to have him back, all fixed up and running smoothly again.

Outfit #92 - Solar Eclipse

Outfit details:
Skirt: Hot Options.  Shirt: Miss Shop (from Jeannie).  Belt and shoes: Target.  Singlet: Dotti.  Earrings: ???

This morning was a solar eclipse.  I'd heard about it yesterday as something for people in north Queensland, so when the light went all weird this morning, I kept looking out to see if it was cloudy.  It wasn't cloudy - I actually saw a bit of the eclipse!  Being so much further south than Cairns, we didn't get much eclipse, but there was some.  Normally when things like this happen, I either forget about it entirely, or there are too many clouds to see anything good. 

Of course, I blame the weirdness of today's photo on the weird light outside.

Today's photo:

No, I didn't get a photo of the eclipse.  I did get all excited when I saw the poincianas are coming out in my street, though.  Another weird photo thing - this is the HDR version, which is not as bright in the colours as the actual subject.  However, the standard version looks photoshopped.  Must take a real photo soon!

Outfit #91 - Summery Apron

Outfit details:
Dress: Caroline Morgan.  Shoes: Target.  Earrings: made by me.

I haven't worn this dress to school very often.  In fact, I think this was the second time.  The first time I wore it (about a year ago), a girl in grade 3 or 4 asked if it was an apron - it's not (it has a double layer so it's a bit deceptive), but I think of it now as my apron dress.  Today I was told I looked very summery, but really it was just uninspired.

And my hair started the day not pulled back, but it started to look ... umm... weird (like a haystack) so back it went.

Today's photo:

Recently I was introduced to coffee bags.  I forgot to buy any last week, but I made sure they were on my list yesterday, and today was my first at school.  Win.

Miso Soup

Last night, a friend said I must try miso soup.  I have some miso paste for Japanese-style dishes, but I've never had miso soup.  He handed over 2 packets of the miso, and 2 packets of the ... you know, the other stuff you put in it.  He did tell me what the flavours were, but I neglected to take notes - and it's been a long time since I read any Japanese so I'm not so sure.  (The yellow one is K6 if there are any people in the know reading this).

I thought (due to its salty factor) this would be a good post-run snack.  I think I'm right.  Liquid, quick, and salty.  I still followed it with chicken and kale, but it was a great starter.  And I can't wait to try the other flavour.  Whatever it may be.

Today's photo:

This was almost a New Thing.  Well, it is a New Thing... Today, I ate my first home-grown tomato.  It was so good!  So good, in fact, that you get a bonus photo.  I ate it with fried haloumi; a (delivered) organic tomato; 3 wrinkly but finally red cherry tomatoes (also from the garden); and basil, chives and parsley from the garden.  The large tomato is a Black Russian, so even though it looks a bit green still, it was quite ripe.

It was a good lunch.

Outfit #89 - Multicoloured Bits

Outfit details:
Skirt: Temt (op shop).  Top: Ambra.  Shoes: Pulp.  Earrings and bracelet: from Jeannie.

I know it's not obviously colourful, but the shoes and bracelet I find so exuberant in their colour mixing.  Which is great if you want to pair them with other colours!  I just had neutrals available today though.

Hair was a bit odd today.  I went for a run this morning, so gave it a quick wash afterwards, which resulted in a bit of ...weirdness... on one side.  Still getting the new haircut compliments (mostly) which is nice though.

After 2 days of wearing heels, I thought a flats day was in order - and I'm so glad I did!  About half my kids were needing to be picked up from various places around the school so I did a lot of walking.  Plus, these shoes make me think Summer.

Pretty bracelet - first outing.  I like bracelets that stay in one place.  If it doesn't stay, it's gone within about 5 minutes of playing.

Today's photo:

Another from the rose garden.  The perfection of this rose hasn't really come through the photo - hopefully I'll remember my camera tomorrow, and hopefully it will still be in a state of perfection.  It's really something.

Outfit #87 - Melbourne Cup and Minute Taking

Outfit details:
Dress: Jeanswest (op shop).  Top: Suite Boutique.  Ribbon: from a skirt.  Shoes: Show Story (op shop).  Earrings: Mombasa.

Today was Melbourne Cup day.  You have to wear fabulous shoes for Melbourne Cup...I think it's the law...  So I adhere to this even though I have worked through every Melbourne Cup race in my memory.  These are pretty fabulous shoes.

I received so many shoe compliments, right from the word go.  The best, though, was when I picked up a grade 4 girl from music.  Her music teacher said "Love the shoes!" and a circle of 20 or so 9-yr-old girls whipped their heads around and craned their necks to see my shoes and go (in unison) 'ooohhhhhh....'.  Worth it.

The other part of today was a big change for me.  Cathedral council meeting tonight, and after being on it for 2 years, this was my first minute-taking experience.  Ever.  And just to make my poor brain have even more of a fit, the meeting was conducted out of order.  I haven't typed them up yet so I don't know how much of an effect this will actually have on my minute-taking skills.  It was out of order for a really good reason - there is a proposed monstrosity for a site adjacent to the cathedral and we are now in the process of objecting to it.

Today's photo:

These green leaves  brighten my day whenever I see them.  Curiously, I don't seem to notice them so much during the middle of the day, but the light hits them differently at the ends of the day.

The Shingle Inn

Last night, I had a really deep - and helpful - conversation about this blog (among other things).  Unfortunately, today's New Thing was a new coffee place.  Not very deep.  I hadn't had a new coffee for ages though (excluding trips to Melbourne) and life is rather hectic right now.

I had a few things to do in the city, but by the time I arrived (after a hair appointment) I was in the unfocused-I-need-coffee-now stage.  The Shingle Inn in the Myer centre was the first suitable option, and I was very impressed with my self-restraint in not indulging in a sugar-fat something. 

The service was good - staff with brains, a coffee that was quick enough but not at the expense of quality.  The coffee was reasonable - not amazing but better than the surrounding options. 

Today's photo:

In between the hair appointment and city stuff, I did something I've been meaning to do for ages (as in, a few years) - I took photos of the trees around the Wesley Hospital.  I was a bit late in the season for the money shot of jacarandas, but found these trees along a small street leading to Coronation Drive.  The overall effect of the trees was stunning but not great for photographing thanks to the cars.  I like the little curled-up buds though.

Outfit #86 - Thank You Accessories

Outfit:
Dress: Jeanswest (op shop).  Leggings: Ambra.  Shoes: no label, made in Spain, swapped or from Jeannie.  Earrings: ??? Pendant: gift.  Belt: Target.

Yes, I am aware I have worn this dress, with these shoes and belt and leggings, before.  The accessories saved the entire outfit from being a repeat though.  Phew.  I did have a different outfit planned, but couldn't find a component of it this morning (I'm in crazy mode right now) so Plan B... which had to be something comfortable in the heat, and with shoes suitable for walking all over the school looking for little people.  In a hurry, this is what I ended up wearing.  I love having decent air conditioning in my room... and I was quite comfortable all day, but it was really good to get out of this when I got home.

I even wore a flower in my hair. 

Today's photo:

This evening, I had a violin playing evening.  A friend is in that trying-out stage of violin acquisition, and asked me over for dinner and a play.  I took along mine as well, so our violins had a little party.  I like the first photo better as a photo

but I like the violin party feel of the second.

The Raw Revolution

After today's gig (in Solothurn, just past Maleny), we all needed coffee/hot chocolate.  Stat.  Not much was open in Maleny by this stage of a Sunday afternoon, but we asked a couple who told us the Marketplace was still open and really good. 

The Marketplace is one of those organic places, beautiful wooden tables and benches, organic food and coffee, eco-friendly products... Hippie heaven.  Coffee was good.  I was a tad peckish as well, so I almost bought a Byron Bay Cookie.  But then I spied the Raw Revolution bars and decided to be slightly good.  Warning: they're really good - and really expensive.  No preservatives, or artificial ingredients, or refined sugars or proteins.  Includes Omega-3 & 6, 5g fibre, 7g protein.  But the best bit is I recognise all the ingredients.  They're all actual foods!   And the product itself was delightfully yummy, chewy and chocolatey.  Win.

Today's photo:

The light fittings in this place were beautiful.  Each one was different - this was my favourite.

The Prestige Music Festival

Today was a big day.  The first major event was the Prestige Music Festival.  Not only was this my first Prestige Music Festival event, but it was also the first time I've had a school group (of more than 3) perform in a competition.  I find school performances nerve-wracking enough, but this is huge. 

Well, as it turned out, it wasn't as huge as I expected.  From the masses of people - parents, kids, and siblings - in the foyer, I thought it would be a packed auditorium.  But once you had performed, you could go - so about half of the 30 or so people in the audience (when we performed) were supporting my kids.  I'm very proud of them - not only did they do their regular trick of not being able to keep it together until the last rehearsal, and then stay beautifully together in performance, but they also scored a silver (not that they came 2nd, really, as there are no 1sts etc, but more like a B).  I knew they wouldn't get a gold - because we were still trying to get from beginning to end all together, we hadn't done too much on dynamics or bowings.  Now that I have a bit more awareness of what goes on in these festivals, I feel I could do a better job with them next year. 

As it was my first year, they gave me a little present:

...which is a photo frame.  I feel all warm and fuzzy.  The whole experience was very positive, and so good for the girls.  Bonus - more quotes for my other blog!

Today's photo:

After the festival, I then had to get home, have a quick lunch, finish putting music in folders, and get to the next gig, a wedding at Glengarriff winery in Dayboro.  So pretty... Quickest wedding ceremony ever as they had to beat the storm that rolled in about 30 minutes after this photo was taken.  They made it, with about 10 minutes to spare. 

The Impulse Buy - Wine

There are a few events over the next few days which require wine.  After doing a few other things on my to-do list, I headed to the bottle shop.  I should add here that I am exhausted and in no fit state to be making decisions.  I'm not sure yet if the sales assistants could tell this or not.

I walked in, and there was a wine-tasting table set up.  It's very rare for me to accept a free taste of something ('very rare' in that I can't remember the last time this happened), so I surprised myself by accepting a taste.  There were 3 whites available from Taylors' Promised Land - a something blanc (I'm tired, ok?), an unwooded chardonnay, and a Moscato.  I'm a bit over the first 2 options, so went for the Moscato.  Lightly spritzed, it was rather tasty.  Oh, I should also explain my wine taste buds: I'm a bit more advanced than red wine versus white wine, but not by a lot.  I'm not one of those 'mm blackberry overtones' people. 

I often see the sign in this store indicating the cheaper price for a 6 bottle buy.  I have always resisted buying 6.  Today though I decided (again, brain-addled) to go for the 6 bottle discount.  On the upside, I saved a considerable amount of money.  Note for next time:  not such a great idea if you already have a couple of bags of shopping and are catching a train home.   And no, not a super photo but there are more important things today!

Today's photo:

One of the reasons for my lack of sleep is organising viola parts for a quartet gig tomorrow.  Add to that the music I need for my school ensemble's competition tomorrow, and the music I need for Sunday's gig, and my living room is awash with paper.