I Learnt Something New Every Day

Month-Long Absence.

2008-04-27T19:29:00.003+10:00

Well, I haven't recorded anything about what I've learnt for the past month. There are many reasons behind this, but I don't really want to talk about it on a random blog. Despite not recording anything I've learnt, I really did learn something new every day. Something I've learnt during this year is that not every new thing I learn is interesting or significant or poetic. In fact, a lot of the things I've learnt are barely worth writing down. I've also learnt that life isn't always interesting or significant or poetic. I mean, sometimes life is great, but sometimes it's ugly, it's not like the movies, it doesn't fit, the good guy loses. It's not magical, it's not a giant metaphor where we all learn from our mistakes. But then, sometimes it is. I guess at the moment I'm just feeling like I lack purpose. I'm in a rut. One I thought I'd been getting out of, but that only seems to have worsened. But I'm still learning, new things, every day.

Udpate... Update, even.

2008-03-26T22:00:00.002+11:00

Okay, so clearly I'm not going to update this blog every day. But that is okay. The main reason I'm blogging the things I learn is just in case I lose my diary. 26th March, 2008 I seem to be out of my creative rut! Can't say the same for any of the others though. Things keep happening in my dreams that I don't want to happen in my dreams. Perhaps, instead of telling things to kindly stay out of dreams, I should just not dwell on them, and think about other things? 25th March, 2008 People are awake at hours that don't exist. Wha? I love being up at these hours that don't exist. I like sunrise more than sunset. I love trains. I love graffiti art. Keyword, art. It's not impossible for me to have a successful shopping trip. (Yay!) 24th March, 2008 Life Is Beautiful = Good/Funny/Sad movie. I've seen it before when I was little so I don't suppose I understood it much back then. Goodness. If you haven't seen it, it's about a family during the times of Hitler. I seriously don't understand how they could do that to people. It makes me sick and angry and makes me want to cry. I also learnt not to let _ ___ ______ __. Ha, I will never type what should be there. It would betray a friend's trust. That's the problem with a lot of things I've been learning. They're too personal, or they're something someone's said in confidence. Oh well. Such is the learnddding of things. I also learnt that my spells of vertigo are not over? My biggest fear used to be that it would come on beach mission during a skit, now it's that they'll happen when I'm driving. Oh wells! 23rd March, 2008 My sister Bree and her husband Nathan might move to Tasmania. Sigh, so far away. I will miss them. 22nd March, 2008 Reading Harry Potter the second time around, I realize so many more things. A lot of Christians and other religious people hate Harry Potter. You should know this already. Each to his own, really, I love the books, I think they're fantastic. If anything, they've strengthened my faith. In fact they've helped me a lot. 21st March, 2008 Oho! Today I learnt many many interesting things. Most of which I am not going to write. So, ah, sucks to be you! Not really, I'm sure it's lovely to be you, if it's not, perhaps we can discuss why your life sucks so much over a cup of tea, you know, compare notes? Anyway, today I went to the Good Friday Appeal at the Telstra Dome with Robyn and Dah-vid. -Robyn's Dad's swing band is very goooood. I like. Swing music is great. -People really need to dance more in public, it would certainly make me feel a little more comfortable to not be the only one. -Lygon Street should be renamed Crazy Towne! 20th March, 2008 Watched my friend's indoor soccer game tonight! I learnt that their team name is Red Devils. They lost. 19th March, 2008 I don't like feeling deserted. Another thing, I suppose, that I have already learnt, but not in this capacity. What I learnt is more that people can desert you at the most unexpected times... even the most unexpected people. But it's not great to live in fear of that. Also: They are showing House repeats. Why? Where are my brand-spanking new episodes? 18th March, 2008 Brothers and their friends are annoying? Of course, I already knew this... but perhaps I learnt that I am becoming less tolerant of people, and some things just don't seem so fun any more. 17th March, 2008 Photoshop Elements is not nearly as good as normal Photoshop. It frustrates me. It has none of the features I want, which is annoying for my school work.

Today I learnt...

2008-03-16T00:57:00.002+11:00

WELL. I have this friend (no, really?) And some times, like most people, she annoys me. But today I discovered that she only annoys me when I see her for brief periods of time. The reason being that she seems to come off snobbish and self important. But when I actually spend time with this friend, I remember how awesome she is, and how much I love her and am glad to have her in my life. So, to my friend: I am sorry for sometimes judging you, when I know that being self-important is not your true character, and I am sorry for being annoyed at you when really, you've done nothing wrong. You are awesome and I love you. Xx Emhead.

Exteeeeeended Absence.

2008-03-15T11:57:00.002+11:00

Hmm, so, my excuses are: I went to Tasmania I have been sick I have been lazy I have been busy I have been productive I have been under-productive 14th March, 2008 Today I learnt that I have no idea what I'm meant to do for art? Been doing as much work as my friends have been, and they're fine, but the teacher tells me I have a hell of a lot of work to do... ummm, 'kay? 13th March, 2008 The school's media Mac books don't have Photoshop! Gahhhh, that's annoying. 12th March, 2008 Oral presentations don't scare me as much as they used to. I mean, I still very heavily dislike doing them, 'specially at school, but they're not nearly as nerve-wracking as they used to be. 11th March, 2008 HAVING A CLEAN ROOM IS THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD. Apologies for the capslock, I'm excited about f-i-n-a-l-l-y having a clean room. Much thanks to Hannah Scott. She deserves a medal of some kind. 10th March, 2008 I like regular op shops more than Savers. They're much more quirky and quaint. Wow, two 'q' words in a row! Savers is just far too big and they don't have all the strange things you find in regular op shops. Also, I don't think they donate to charity, but I'm not sure. Also again: Greensborough La Porchetta is really big, and one of the workers there is a real nice chap! 9th March, 2008 Today I learnt what it feels like to be FIRED. ME. From a FISH AND CHIP SHOP. In this case, it feels terrible. I feel like a failure. Reason for getting fired: Had to cancel too many shifts, communication problems (for my Boss's part). I do not claim all fault in getting fired. 8th March, 2008 Harry Potter is a grand series of books to start reading again. Even if they completely stop you from being able to do any homework. 7th March, 2008 Early finish days at school are awwwweeeeesome! Of course, I already knew this, but I think today I was MOST grateful for it because I had one class in the morning, and one very last. So I could go home after my first class instead of waiting at school all day with nothing to do just to go to one class! 6th March, 2008 I learnt that I have a media outcome, awesome! And I'm not being sarcastic for once, I'm really excited to do it! I get to take photos and use Photoshop! What could be better? ALSO: I want to be a librarian. 5th March, 2008 I don't think she'll mind if I say it here, so: Robyn doesn't have cancer! This is an awesome fact. 4th March, 2008 ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) is a really cool place. I want to go there again and watch all the films and buy lots of merchandise. 3rd March, 2008 Today I learnt that I have to do an oral presentation for English - Yay! No, not yay, I despise talking in front of the class. 2nd March Today I learnt what the University of Tasmania looks like, and various information about its many buildings and such. Also: My dad is stupid? Absent minded? Okay, at the airport, he sits down next to Josh and me. After a couple of minutes he says 'Oh no! Where's my bag!?' and runs off to look for it. Three seconds after he runs off 'Could Ian Wood please come to the security desk? Ian Wood?' Dad walks back half a minute later with his back. Em and Josh shake heads and go back to watching cricket. Huh, notice how that changed ever so slightly from first to third person? Anyway, apparently I have inherited this absent-minded gene, which makes me very worried. Although I like to think I wouldn't leave a bag unattended at an airport. 1st March, 2008 Most market are pretty much the same. The biggest difference is the type of souvenirs they sell. I learnt where I think the only McDonald's is in Hobart. Actually I don't know if it's the only one, but it's the only I saw in the whole 'city' of Hobart. CITY. Which you can walk around in about ten minutes. Anyway, I had a Chai Latte, and no one had ordered one for about four months so the girl at the counter was like 'WTF, Chai Latte?'. I did get it cheaper though, that's a plus. 29th February, 2008 (again) Today I learnt many things about Tasmania! (Mostly about Hobart) People are really short. A lot of people smoke. Most of the main roads are one way. Apparently it's, like, a major city or something... but, uh, can't say I really noticed that. For those of you who do not understand: HOBART IS REALLY SMALL. LIKE, REALLY FRIGGIN' TINY. IT IS THE MAYOR OF TINY TOWNE.

I learnded things.

2008-02-29T05:10:00.002+11:00

Going to Tasmania for the weekend! Hopefully will learn some Tasmania-ish things. 29th February, 2008 'Juno' is a good move! Been wanting to see it. The day is only five hours and 23 minutes old as of typing this sentence, but yes, I've seen it today in the very earliest hours of the morning (legally or illegally? You decide) and it's a great movie. 5 hours and 24 minutes now. 28th February, 2008 Learnt some sign language... Learnt that some one I work with used to live in Tasmania... Learnt that someone else I work with went to my friend's primary school and they were enemies. 27th February, 2008 Pride and Prejudice is indeed a good book. Also Wilson is dating Cut-throat Bitch! Shock horror! I thought maybe he was going to be gay or something... but no, Cut-throat Bitch. House reference for those of you playing at home (I've used that phrase in my last two blog posts, is anyone proud of me?). 26th February, 2008 The start of 'Scream' is relatively scary. Scary enough that I'm too busy being freaked out to take proper notes for my media outcome!

I want some pretty chai mugs...

2008-02-25T23:10:00.000+11:00

Today I learnt that it is relatively easy to make chai tea from scratch! Here is a brief recipe for those of you playing at home: 2 C water 2 C milk 4 tsp loose leaf tea (cut open some tea bags if you have none?) 1/4 C sugar (maybe less? Mine was too sweet) 2 tsp cinnamon 8 whole cloves 4 black peppercorns 1/4 tsp cardamom (I didn't have any, so I used mixed spice instead) -Combine all ingredients in a medium sized saucepan. -Medium heat until just boiling. -Once boiled, reduce heat and simmer for five minutes. -Strain with a tea strainer of some sort. -Drink! Makes about 4 cups o' tea. I want some pretty chai mugs...

I should really update this every day. Given the title.

2008-02-25T08:30:00.003+11:00

24th February, 2008 Don't visit DCC in the morning? My brother is probably the... fifth most annoying person on the planet. And I learnt the 'rules' for whilst my mum is away. 23rd February, 2008 Today I learnt that some teenage boys should be given a mild sedative before being allowed to run around in the dark. 22nd February, 2008 Today I learnt lots of things... most of which I can't write on here. Also I learnt that my nephew can walk! 21st February, 2008 Today I learnt that I can do my media outcome on a different day, woohoo!

Fricksightodayifeelsad.

2008-02-20T21:54:00.002+11:00

No, today I didn't learn that I hate shopping, I already knew that. Today I learnt that sometimes it's best to plan what you actually need to buy. I hate shopping, gosh with a passion. Probably I just don't know how to shop well. I'll put that on my list of things I need to learn... when I make that list. Anyone got any sweet tips?

YesterdayToday.

2008-02-19T22:45:00.003+11:00

Today I learnt that Bubsy on SNES is a really hard game. I mean, it's a great game... I used to play it all the time when I was a little'un, but it's so hard! You can't save your game, so if you lose all your lives, that's it - game over! I also learnt some boring things at school about outcome dates and whatnot. And also about some professional designers in Vis Com. 18th February, 2008 Today I learnt what it's like to be in 'big band' at church. It was a lot like I expected, and that is not a good thing. It's probably mostly because I don't have the right attitude, but I've always had a bit of an aversion towards the big band. I always felt like some of the people were all self-righteous and smug just because they sung/played on stage. I still feel like there's some people like that. But I don't really know them, so I'm no judge... they just come across that way. The thing I disliked the most was how people treated me. They didn't treat me bad, but I was introduced as 'new', and I didn't like that. The bands joined together, in to one band, we're meant to one now, not the youth bands joining the big band, or the younger people being added on to the older people. So no, I'm not new. People kept giving me encouraging smiles and were just generally being (mildly and politely) condescending, treating me as if I were fragile. I know that it's stupid to get annoyed about that, they don't know that I'm not 'new' and they're just trying to be nice, but it annoys me that people don't think I know what I'm doing when I've been in band longer than some of them have gone to our church. Also sometimes I hate (strongly dislike?) the style we play a lot of songs. Sometimes it feels like we ruin all the good ones. Okay, that was a long rant. With some (maybe?) unjustified annoyances, but I don't care if I'm being childish, it still annoys me.

Er... Sorry?

2008-02-17T20:10:00.002+11:00

So the truth is, I was procrastinating. And I was away lots during the week, but here is a very late update! February 17th, 2008 Today I learnt just how much I love MIB, and just how cool Will Smith is. How cool, you ask? Very. Very cool. February 16th, 2008 Newsagents sell some Borders-worthy notebooks/journals that aren't ridiculously expensive! Gonna have to go back there and buy me some. I also learnt that my small group this year is going to be a lot more draining than last. Here we go... February 15th, 2008 Robyn's school house is best. Blackburn High School is very musical. Moulin Rouge is sadder than I thought. February 14th, 2008 Valentine's Day isn't all that bad if you're single, stop being emo and lonely, everyone, enjoy it! February 13th, 2008 There is no costume shop in Bayswater Village. Dang. Op shops serve well though. February 12th, 2008 Once Were Warriors is really very sad. And if I hadn't been at school I would have cried. February 11th, 2008 I'm not allergic to penicillin. Well that's good news. Even if it's done nothing anyway for my going-on-five-weeks cough. Frick.

Empty boxes are bad for sitting on...

2008-02-10T20:42:00.000+11:00

This is what I learnt tonight at work... much hilarity I assure you... Yesterday: 9th February, 2008 Today I learnt many/ish things... Like: You can feel awkwardness when you're in a totally different car to the awkard situation. Okay maybe it's only me, but oh well. Little Miss Giggles toy from Macca's makes people giggle. THERE IS GOING TO BE A MR. MEN SHOW! OHMIGOSH! Please, people, try to contain your excitement.

Deakin!

2008-02-08T23:25:00.000+11:00

Deakin seems like a word that should have an exclamation mark. Today, all us year 12 types from my school Visited Deakin Uni at Burwood, how exciting! Obviously, spending a day at a University, I'm bound to learn things, so I won't write everything I learnt here. The part I learnt the most from would have been the motivational speaker. Don Elgin, who is a Paralympian came and gave a really inspiring talk about life in general, he really changed my mindset on a few things. I know that after a while the inspiration will burn out (something I've 'learnt' from experience) but I'm hoping that everything I learnt from it will stay with me... I suppose forever, even when I don't feel inspired or motivated.

Twoday.

2008-02-07T23:32:00.000+11:00

Did you like the play on words there? Or is it a pun? I can't remember. Remind me to learn that tomorrow. Of course, I probably learn more than two things every day, but here are two that I remember, and will continue to remember: 1. A good pair of running shoes makes all the difference. My 'runners' are old and too small, so now my feet hurt. 2. I pre-emt things I learn. This is a confusing one. You know how you'll do something, and later learn a lesson from it? You see it a lot in movies and books like 'well here's what I was trying to do, but in the process I learnt this life lesson and now I'm a better person.' I do things, and think like that. I already think of what life lesson I may learn from something. Then the questions are 'does that mean I've already learnt the lesson?' 'If I haven't, then will I?' 'Would I have learnt this lesson if I didn't already think of the lesson?' 'Should I continue with this now if I think I already know the outcome?' Oh, the questions are many and confusing.

Boston Tea Party!

2008-02-06T20:43:00.000+11:00

Today I learnt a little about the 'Boston Tea Party.' But because I am tired and sick, I'm just going to quote Wikipedia instead of putting it in my own words.

The Boston Tea Party was an act of direct action by the American colonists against Great Britain in which they destroyed many crates of tea bricks on ships in Boston Harbor. The incident, which took place on Thursday, December 16, 1773, has been seen as helping to spark the American Revolution.

Heh, it even copies the links, how convenient.

New Girl

2008-02-05T22:43:00.000+11:00

Today I met a new girl at my school in the year below me. Her name is Rachael! I have learnt her name and her year level, her school house, her superstitions, and I've also learnt that sometimes it's easy for me to not be shy. I probably seemed very outgoing to her actually.

Today I learnt...

2008-02-04T23:54:00.000+11:00

about my friend's theory on the creation of the universe. She believes that the universe was created by the 'big bang', but that the Earth was created by a higher power. I must remember to ask her more about it sometime. I'm glad that she believes and is questioning something, as she used to be a person who would just take in everything she saw or read, no argument. I'm glad to see she's taking charge of her own life.

I am a pushover.

2008-02-03T14:01:00.000+11:00

People rarely even try to take advantage of me that I know of. But when they do I just let them.

Today I learnt that...

2008-02-02T23:57:00.000+11:00

If you really don't want someone to do something. Then be honest, don't tell them jokes. Because they joke back.

Two things...

2008-02-01T22:41:00.000+11:00

Obviously I'm not very good at updating this every day. That is usually because I write down what I learnt for the day when I'm in bed. Perhaps I should change this habit? 1st February, 2008 Today I learnt that 'Once Were Warriors' is a New Zealand film. And it contains much violence and abuse. Not particularly my type of movie, but apparently it's great. 31st January, 2008 Today I learnt all about my friend's holidays, and I learnt the ending to the Aussie film 'Look Both Ways'. I'm learning the endings to lots of things lately... and things about films... It's a great film. Fil-m. Fiiiilm. My friends keep telling me that they don't 'get' the film, but I tell them there's nothing to get, and then they don't get THAT. Also, just a thought, why does February have that extra 'r', and January doesn't? They're both 'uary' months. Jan. Feb. Maybe it's not Feb, maybe it's Febr. Okay, everyone, from now on, 'Feb' is 'Febr'. If you see 'Feb' on the calendar, I expect you to change it. Thank you and good night.

Absence

2008-01-30T18:18:00.000+11:00

Apologies for the absence, I was away at Phillip Island for a few days. Working backwards again! 30th January, 2008 Today I learnt about kenning. Kenning is an Old Norse way of using words in poetry, where a name for something would be switched with a sort of description of that thing. e.g.: Sea-Steed = Ship Mountain of the Hawk = Arm (In falconeering, the hawk rests on the arm of its master.) Feed the Eagle = Kill Enemies 29th January, 2008 Today I learnt the ending of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four. Not sure I liked it... it's very depressing and lacks hope, but then, I didn't read the ending, just looked it up in time for school because I hadn't finished it. So maybe if I had actually read the book I might have enjoyed the ending more. 28th January, 2008 Today I learnt that early morning doesn't really feel like early morning if everyone is awake. My friend and I were going to get up early and go for a walk and breakfast, but everyone else was up as well so it didn't feel like 6am at all. 27th January, 2008 Today I learnt that the things in my head sound significantly better well... right there, in my head, rather than when I speak them out. I learnt this while I was being filmed talking about my dream for our churches new youth area.

Things I've Learnt So Far.

2008-01-26T19:49:00.000+11:00

These are all the things I've learnt this year so far, starting with today... If you read my other blog, then beware! You will have read some of these before. We're going to work backwards here... 26th January, 2008 Today I learnt that Sweeny Todd, while being an excellent film, is very disconcerting and gory. I had to close my eyes a few times. I also learnt how to make a blogger template. Of that I am very happy. 25th January, 2008 Today I learnt how to play a funny little game called Bloxorz. It's a puzzle game, and I like the graphics. But I'm not very good at it. 24th January, 2008 Today I learnt that Safeway make their own brand of chewing gum. Elise W. was more excited by this than I was. I also learnt that pumpkin and cucumber plants are very similar; they are both vines with broad green leaves and large yellow flowers. 23rd January, 2008 Today I learnt, from my now 4-year-old niece, how to play a new game. We both use a different room in the house which act as our own houses. One will visit the other's 'house', knocking on the door, but alas! There's no one there! The owner of said 'house' is at the shops! The owner returns to the visitor, they both laugh and make remarks about how the visitor was trying to visit the owner, but the owner was at the shops. End of game, switch roles, repeat. 22nd January, 2008 Today I learnt about my sister Holly's first kiss with the man who is now her husband. "Aww..." I hear you all say. 21st January, 2008 Today I learnt a very useful thing, and that is the middle click, or left and right click on minesweeper. Before that I used to just left click everything, now I hardly use the ol' left click button. I also learnt, very early in the morning I might add, that leg cramps are painful. Yes, I had my first ever leg cramp. 20th January, 2008 Today I learnt that 'Chic' is pronounced 'sheek'. That could have been embarrassing; had I ever had to say 'chic' out loud, I would have said 'chick'. 19th January, 2008 Today I learnt that Templestowe is a nice area, for the most part. It was the first time I'd ever been to Templestowe, for Matt's going away party 18th January, 2008 Today I learnt that Coca Cola used to contain cocaine. Only small amounts, but look it up, it's true. Wikipedia. Snopes. 17th January, 2008 Today I learnt that saying goodbye is not as hard if you know you'll see a person again soon. It was pack-up day today for beach mission. Last year, driving home, I nearly cried I was so upset at leaving. This year, I hardly even felt sad, because I knew I would see most of the beach missioners twice in the next week. 16th January, 2008 Today I learnt that mirrors are breakable, don't lend them to people. I also learnt that kids are really hard to organise when they are out of control. This was at the Beach Party, I was meant to be doing games for the kids, but after they finished the treasure hunt in negative three seconds, they went insane. Ben Chong was a hero when he played some bush dancing music which was awesome. 15th January, 2008 Today I learnt that running, sports, and physical activity in general, while tiring, release endorphins which increase one's mood considerably. 14th January, 2008 Today I learnt that I do actually get grumpy. I always prided myself in my ability to control my moods, but nope, sometimes I get grumpy and it's very hard to change that. 13th January, 2008 Today I learnt that I really don't like when people are late. I didn't use to care much about late/earliness, but now I do. It's just annoying when people are late and everyone else has to wait for them. 12th January, 2008 Today I learnt that I like waking up early. You have so much more of the day to enjoy. As long as I don't have to get up as soon as I wake up, I'm fine. 11th January, 2008 Today I learnt that I love bush dancing. I always used to say that I hated bush dancing, but tonight we had a bush dance and I loved it! And also I love the chicken dance. 10 January, 2008 Today I learnt that if you suck the poison out of a bull ant wound, then it doesn't seem to hurt as much. It still itched a bit, but it was nowhere near as sore as usual. I also learnt where NOT to sit. 9th January, 2008 Today I learnt that there is a tiny bit of feminism inside of me. Extreme feminists have always annoyed me, but I suppose without them I would live an entirely different sort of life. Today I was really tired of guys asking me if I needed help every ten seconds and telling me how to do things when I knew how to do whatever I was doing better than them anyway. In the end though, they were just trying to be helpful so I got over it. 8th January, 2008 Today I learnt that it's fun to smoosh your hands in fruit salad. That's right, you all ate that fruit salad, while Lisa and I had fun making it. We wore gloves. 7th January, 2008 Today I learnt just how much better it makes you feel when you encourage others. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy, hence, warm fuzzies! 6th January, 2008 Today I learnt that people really aren't that hard to talk to. You might already know this, but I'm a shy introvert. 5th January, 2008 Today I learnt that clothes shopping, while nice on your own, can be better when you're with someone who can encourage you and help you make good decisions on what looks good or bad. 4th January, 2008 Today I learnt that when you are nice to customers, they are generally nicer to you, which makes you happier and nicer, and the customers happy and nicer etc... it's all a big chain reaction. 3rd January, 2008 Today I learnt which side the days of the months are on in my diary! (It was the other page, for those of you playing at home.) 2nd January, 2008 Today I learnt how to do sit ups. 1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. 2. Put your hands behind your ears. 3. Flex your abdomen towards your spine, and pull up about halfway. 4. Hold for a second, then go back down until nearly touching the ground. Repeat. 1st January, 2008 Today I learnt to be wary of things that melt. I had a tub of Vaseline in my bag... along with my nice new diary I bought to write what I learn in. Bad idea. My favourite t-shirt is ruined.

So Here Goes...

2008-01-26T15:37:00.000+11:00

Last year, 2007, I decided to test the age old saying 'You learn something new every day' by keeping a diary with the things I learn in it. Then just recently I decided to share them in my blog, so I've made a spiffy new blog which I can put all my things I learn in. I also wanted to blog them so that I don't have to rely on my diary, that is, if I lose my diary or something. I decided to start all this recording of things I learn this year because this year I turn 18. I figured with my 'coming of age' and everything that I might learn something interesting. Ironically, I'll probably learn very un-interesting things. That is all I have to say, except that I'll be posting the things I've learnt this year already soon for your reading pleasure. Also, do you like my template? I made/modified it myself!