Shellz in Melbourne

Knox City Village Cinemas

2011-05-29T18:59:00.003+12:00

Last night was my work do @ Knox City Village Cinemas to see the new Hangover II in VIP Gold Class. We had the whole cinema to ourselves. Electronic recliners, our own little table with a button for service. We had drinks brought out through the movie and food. Definitely a worth while experience and was a good night to actually get to know my work mates, well those that stayed behind after the movie.

Omah's Restaurant

2011-05-29T18:44:00.003+12:00

Dinner on Friday night we went around the corner to a new place that has just opened up called Omah's. When I first looked at the menu which we had at home I was convinced, but Kurt convinced me to check it out. I'm glad we went because boy was it a delish meal. It was rather different to what we normal get but trying new stuff is fun and we are in a city where Food is big here.

We started off by getting some drinks, Kurt got a wine and I got a Apple Martini.

For starters we got some soft mud crab and chicken satay kebabs.

For the mains Kurt got a a Curry Taster plate and I got the Omah's Duck which was soooooo delish, I think Kurt and I will be going to this place again very soon.

iPhone 4 baby.... YEAH

2011-05-19T22:22:00.002+12:00

Finally got myself a white iPhone 4.

If you can cast your mind back last year where Kurt sold me his old iPhone 2G, within 2 months of having this it broke :(. I was so upset as it's a great wee gadget. So now that I have a job I got myself the new generation latest model iPhone 4. So loving it.

Comes in handy with the metlink and tramtracker app, google maps, facebook (obviously) I can go on and on :)

Here are some images Ive taken with it when I brought it

Caffe Sienna Ristorante

2011-05-19T22:15:00.005+12:00

Ok these posts aren't in order but all this past weekend.

Are all the car dramas we had when purchasing our car it was finally going in to get fixed and get a RWC. So early Saturday morning Kurt and I drove to Ultra Tune in Prahan which is right off the famous Chapel Street. We decided to pop into Caffe Sienna Ristorante on Chapel Street to grab some breaky. Both Kurt and I got this

Camberwell Sunday Market

2011-05-19T21:55:00.002+12:00

So Melbourne has so many markets on in the weekends I thought I'd check one of them out. We have Camberwell sunday market on not far from our house so I ventured out there last weekend. It was ok a lot of second hand stuff especially designer clothing. There is a few handmade items which were really cute.

Here are my purchases from the market, pretty cute right?

Long Overdue Post

2011-05-19T14:57:00.000+12:00

Sorry guys for the long overdue post, it's been rather hectic here over the last 2-3 weeks.

So my last post ended with my best friends mother losing her battle to cancer. She fought a great battle and it's sad to see her leave us but at the same time happy that she is now at peace and isnt in pain anymore. Downside is leaving her kids behind. My friend has taken custody of her younger brother and sister and she is doing an extremely fantastic job, I admire everything she is doing for her whole family, with another little one of the way.

So I flew back for that weekend to help my friend out and to attend the funeral which was held on the Saturday, what a beautiful service. So many kind words were spoken about the life that Marie lived and those who she has left behind. My friend chose a white coffin for her mother so all the kids could write a very special personal message on it for Marie, while sitting there waiting for the service to begin Emily went up to draw her nanny a picture. It was so cute she had drawn nannys house with her and mummy in the picture, kind brought tears to your eyes as Emily isnt aware that she will never see her nanny again. At the end of the service all the siblings, kids and grandkids let off a bright coloured balloon each and will continue to do this on her anniversary every year, which I think is a fab idea.

The rest of my time there I tried to spend as much time with Bernadette as I could as that was the main reason I went home. But I did manage to slip in some time for my gorgeous friend Tracey and her partner Mat. Kurt and I met this gorgous couple through Kurt's work which I'm so greatful for as she is a fantastic friend who has given me advice and is just so positive.

Will post some more when I get home from work :-)

Sad Day Today

2011-04-27T13:36:00.003+12:00

Sad day today, my best friends mother died after a long battle with cancer.

Just waiting on funeral details and if the funeral is Friday then im booking flights to come back to Christchurch for it. Start my new job Monday so will have to be back before then.

RIP Marie you'll be dearly missed

1 Month

2011-04-25T13:40:00.003+12:00

Wow it's been 1 month since we moved to Melbourne, we both have jobs, got a house to live, all the furniture we are have brought and the latest edition is a Hyundai Excel

Wee little nifty car that will get me to and from work. Yes that's right I got a job!!!!
I said when I left Christchurch that I'd take a break from I/T and do something different, but yup my new job is same thing I was doing in Christchurch, I/T Helpdesk. I'm getting a pretty good salary with it going up if I can complete 2 Microsoft Certificates in 6 months.

Getting kinda boring at the moment, but its just because we havent had our first pays yet and we don't want to spend all our savings. We dont have a hell of alot left but enough.

Not a good morning

2011-04-20T15:34:00.002+12:00

Oh my what a morning

I had an interview for a I/T company in Forest Hill about 45min away from us, so had to get a train then bus to the place. Firstly the train that I was waiting for never came so I got the next one which worked out I was going to be late to the interview. Interview was @ 10am I was at the train station at 8.15am. Finally got to Blackburn station and from what my phone was telling me I had to get on a bus. I turned on the GPS so I knew exactly when I needed to get off and the stupid thing was wrong :(. I was at least 2km away from the destination in stead of 350m. Called a cab and got there about 10.20am. Luckily they were ok and really lovely, this company reminds me CommArc that I worked at back in New Zealand. I left the interview feeling really positive, so fingers crossed.

Worse part of it all was it was hosing down and I still hadn't brought my umbrella, but I have one now :)

I'm about to head into the CBD for a second interview with a company called Navitas, firstly this isn't the role I'd really want to do but I can move up and be in a support role with more money which is appealing. This is in the CBD which is firstly closer to home and t the shopping!

Fingers crossed!

A Little Peeved Off

2011-04-19T17:27:00.003+12:00

So we brought this for our room from Super Amart which finally arrived yesterday.

I waited till Kurt got home to help me get it out of its box and get it together, but it's broken :(
The back has come off, it wobbles and the drawers don't shut. Rung Super Amart up this morning and it's getting replaced which is good but I have to wait 2-3 weeks as they need to order more in :(.

Oh well shit happens.

Little Miss Bruins

2011-04-19T17:20:00.003+12:00

Got to speak with this little angel this morning on Skype, miss this girl heaps.

Here are a few photos that Kelly posted earlier on today.

Here is Lexi in her wee Boston Bruins outfit (Boston Ice-Hockey Team) and Lexi in her new swing that mummy and daddy brought her

It's Been 3 Weeks Now

2011-04-19T17:01:00.002+12:00

Tuesday 19th April and Kurt and I have been here 3 weeks now. Boy does time fly, feels like we have been here 1 day but at the same time feels like we have been here forever.

Kurt has settled in his role @ August and I'm still currently looking for a job. Tomorrow I have an interview for another I/T role, yup I know I told everyone I was going to take a break but who knows if the right job came up then why not.

We currently live in a 1 bedroom apartment in Hawthorn, which is east of the CBD. Very close indeed about 7km and 10-15min by tram. I must admit the transport system here is good but I do miss having a car, the fact of just jumping into it and taking off.

Having made this move to Melbourne I thought it was going to be easy, but to be honest it's actually been quite hard. If anything not having my family or friends here, I just want to make some close girlfriends here and have a job which will make the transition to Melbourne alot easier. Doesn't help that Kurt works all day and I'm at home. I'd go out but who knows how long im going to be out of work for.

Melbourne!!

2011-04-03T15:44:00.001+12:00

Michele is in Melbourne - woohoo.

Changes to my blog to come, watch this space.

Something very inspiring that a friend sent to me

2011-01-11T15:33:00.001+13:00

Check this out

http://www.thefancyfarmgirl.com/i-am-my-own-info-mercial/

2011-01-11T14:58:00.001+13:00

Wow haven't posted anything in a whole year! How slack am I.

Things are going to change, I want to document a new and exciting chapter in my life - moving to Melbourne in 3 months

_Summer_

2010-01-02T11:18:00.000+13:00

WOOHOO! Summer is here baby!

Check this out my American friends!

I think another trip to the river is in order today!

Enjoy the weather everyone!

_Happy New Years_

2010-01-01T09:19:00.002+13:00

Happy New Years to all my friends and family, 2010 is going to be a great year!.

My goal this year is to blog more, even boring day to day stuff that no one cares about.
To know what I did that day and so on.

I can fell 2010 is going to be a great year for me personally.

1. The biggest thing im really looking forward to is finally moving out of home with Kurt. Obviously we would of done this sooner but with all the travelling we have done - that wouldnt of been possible if we werent living @ home.
I've seen so many places on my travels over the past few years, and im so happy that I did it.
I worked my ass off to get to those places and experience new things, meet new people.

But now the time has come to move out, grow up a little and take on more responsibilitys as an adult.
Kurt and I have been out every pay day purchasing stuff that we need for our home. Most of it is kitchen stuff but its been a fun process knowing its just around the corner.
Our goal is to have $20,000 in our joint savings by June at the latest for our deposit onto a house. But we arent buying right away - we are going to rent first so we know our day to day expenses before we commit to a big mortgage, we want to know what we can afford before we commit to something so large.

2. I'm heading back to school to do some night classes in the qualifications that I missed out on in high school because I was so slack, which I regret now. But ive decided im in the right frame of mind to go back, work hard and get those missed credits.

3. The arrival of my niece of newphew. My sister finally got pregnant after the wedding and im going to be an offical Aunty, not one of these fake auntys to my friends children but a real aunty! Im so looking forward to it. Kelly finds out the sex of the baby 20th January and shes due 9th June.

4. Kurt and I are going to use our Air New Zealand airpoints and go to the pacific islands for a nice low key, relaxing holiday sometime this year. Im thinking June (my 26th birthday and the fact that it will be winter here). I want a holiday where its not GO GO GO 24/7 and that I can just lax on the beach and go swimming.

These are the top things I have to look forward to this year, im sure there will be more as the year goes on.

For now im off to the beach for a relaxing day with friends.
It's suppose to be 29 degrees today! Bring it on!

Hope everyone else had a great New Years!

_Where has the time gone_

2009-12-24T11:07:00.000+13:00

Wow I havent blogged since July!

My goal next year is to try and blog heaps, I'm wanting to do Backy Higgens Life Project so blogging will help that.

But whats the point in blogging if no one reads.

So if you do read my blog leave me a comment.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

_6 Weeks_

2009-07-04T14:42:00.002+12:00

Did you know there is only 6 weeks till we go?
I cant believe it's come around so quickly.

I've just brought in my second suitcase from the garage today for all the goodies we are bringing over for Kelly and Kayla.....glad im not going to be bringing it. Just made more sense for Mum and Dad to bring this with them as they are going direct to Boston, where as Kurt and I are stopping in LA and Vegas, last thing we want to be doing is hauling around another suitcase.

So far we have lots of random crap eg. t-shirts, lollies/candy, books etc.

My mission today is to go through my room from top to toe, I have so much shit it's best I do a major clean out now rather than later.

_Famous Visitor in the Office_

2009-07-02T17:46:00.004+12:00

Look who popped into the office this morning to get his laptop fixed.

That's right Dan Carter, #9 All Black, #1 Jockey representitive..

Obviously all the girls in the office were drooling, I know I was.

Also did you know its "45" till we go to America - woohoo!

Also my bridesmaid dress arrived today, not sure if I like it to be honest, heres what I chose for my sisters wedding

_Another New Look_

2009-07-01T20:49:00.002+12:00

How do you like my new look?

Now I have to post more often!
That's now my task.

(_July 1st_)

2009-07-01T11:58:00.002+12:00

July 1st, which meant yesterday was my birthday...didnt feel like my birthday yesterday as I celebrated it on Saturday with all my friends.

The plan was to take lots of photos, but never even took 1 - how sad is that?
Celebrating my 25th birthday with NO PHOTOS! This is me - MICHELLE who always takes photos!!

So anyway we had dinner @ The Flying Burrito Brothers in the city which was soooo yummy!
I got a chicken quesadilla and lots of cocktails - sooo good!
Then we headed off for a comedy show @ The Bedford starring Dai Henwood from C4, this was a really good show and not bad for $20 for 2.5 hours.

Rest of the night is abit of a blur but I know I had heaps of fun with my friends.

Bonus of turning 25 is now I get cheaper car insurance.

Work gives us a paid day off when it's our birthdays so I also took Monday off and made it a long weekend was a much needed break.

Caught up with my best mate Bernadette and her wee girl Emily those to days and it was great!

Nothing much more to report, have 46 days till our trip!!!!
and 18 days till my other best mate Kayla get's married which im so gutted that i'll miss :-(
BRING IT ON!

(-The Nation's Favourite Song-)

2009-05-24T18:46:00.004+12:00

So over the weekend C4 had a countdown over 8 hours of 'The Nations Favourite Song' voted by the Nation of course.

And im please to say this was #1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0pWejAnLUQ

Here is the final countdown.

1. Dave Dobbyn/Herbs - Slice Of Heaven
2. Shihad - Home Again
3. Exponents - Why Does Love Do This To Me
4. Tiki Taane - Always On My Mind
5. Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over
6. Dave Dobbyn - Loyal
7. Opshop - One Day
8. Blindspott - Phlex
9. Patea Maori Club – Poi E
10. Smashproof/Gin - Brother
11. Chris Knox - Not Given Lightly
12. Th' Dudes - Bliss
13. Dragon - April Sun In Cuba
14. Bic Runga - Sway
15. Zed - Renegade Fighter
16. Split Enz - Message To My Girl
17. Goodshirt - Sophie
18. The Mutton Birds - Anchor Me
19. Scribe - Not Many [Clean]
20. Supergroove - Can't Get Enough
21. Shihad - Pacifier
22. Fat Freddy's Drop - Wandering Eye
23. Dave Dobbyn - Welcome Home
24. Netherworld Dancing Toys - For Today
25. Brooke Fraser - Arithmetic
26. Hello Sailor - Gutter Black
27. Savage - Swing
28. The Mockers - Forever Tuesday Morning
29. Midnight Youth - All On Our Own
30. O.M.C - How Bizarre
31. The Feelers - Venus
32. The Mint Chicks - Crazy?Yes!Dumb?No!
33. Shapeshifter - Electric Dream
34. Split Enz - I Got You
35. Straitjacket Fits – She Speeds
36. Trinity Roots - Home, Land And Sea
37. Evermore - Light Surrounding You
38. Darcy Clay - Jesus I Was Evil
39. Opshop - Maybe
40. Steriogram - Walkie Talkie Man
41. Dlt/Che Fu - Chains
42. Herbs - Sensitive To A Smile
43. Pluto - Long White Cross
44. The Mutton Birds - Dominion Road
45. Supergroove - Sitting Inside My Head
46. Elemeno P - Fast Times In Tahoe
47. Zed - Glorafilia
48.The Black Seeds - So True
49. Dance Exponents - I'll Say Goodbye (Even Though I'm Blue)
50. Shihad - Run
51. Dragon - Rain
52. Salmonella Dub - Love Your Ways
53. Crowded House - Better Be Home Soon
54. Bic Runga - Drive
55. Evermore - Running
56. Split Enz - 6 Months In A Leaky Boat
57. Headless Chickens - Cruise Control
58. Fur Patrol - Lydia
59. The Datsuns - Harmonic Generator
60. Crocodiles - Tears
61. Concord Dawn - Never Give Up
62. Holiday Makers - Sweet Lovers
63. Crowded House - Weather With You
64. The Feelers - Larger Than Life
65. Hello Sailor - Blue Lady
66. The Swingers - ing The Beat
67. Anika Moa - Dreams In My Head
68. Dance Exponents - Victoria
69. Scribe - Stand Up
70. Mt Raskil Preservation Society/Hollie Smith - Bathe In The River
71. Stellar - Violent
72. Che Fu - Fade Away
73. Head Like A Hole - A Crying Shame
74. Salmonella Dub - For The Love Of It
75. Split Enz - History Never Repeats
76. King Kapisi - Screems From Tha Old Plantation
77. Peking Man - Room That Echoes
78. Atlas - Crawl
79. Mi Sex - Computer Games
80. Deceptikonz - Stop Drop and Roll
81. When The Cats Away - melting pot
82. Dragon - Are You Old Enough?
83. Dane Rumble - Always Be Here
84. Breaks Co-Op - The Other Side
85. Supergroove - Scorpio Girls
86. Blindspott - Nil by mouth
87. Th' Dudes - Be Mine Tonight
88. Headless Chickens - George
89. Ladyhawke - My Delirium
90. Coconut Rough - Sierra Leone
91. Opshop - No Ordinary Thing
92. P-Money/Scribe - Stop The Music
93. The Tutts - K
94. Sharon O'neill - Maxine
95. Goldenhorse - Maybe Tomorrow
96. Goodnight Nurse - The Night
97. Crowded House - Four Seasons In One Day
98. Pluto - Dance Stamina
99. Shapeshifter - Bring change
100. The Chills - Heavenly Pop Hit

(- It's the Little Things....-)

2009-05-11T08:28:00.002+12:00

Now BIG UP'S to Neen and her little kit blog It's the Little Things.....

This girl is amazing and very creative, wish I have your spark and drive for things like this.

She's started scrapping for herself, became part of a design team SBO and now shes creating her own little mini kits. On top of that shes been doing all sorts of little projects.

This chick inspires me!!!

Please go check her out at by clicking the image above!

(- New Look -)

2009-05-10T11:22:00.001+12:00

So how's the new look?
It was only something quick and easy.

Anyway did you know its 98 days till our trip - hahahaha

Nose Job #4

2009-05-02T14:26:00.003+12:00

So i've just had my fourth nose job.
Operation went well, just going through the healing stages now....

So I've had 4 nose jobs in the space of 4 years.

2005 - Septal Surgery
2005 - Septorhinoplasty Surgery
2007 - J Flap Alarplasty Surgery
2009 - Septoplasty Surgery

Fingers crossed this is my last one.

(- Refunds Anyone-)

2009-03-26T08:57:00.002+13:00

To all my NZ friends

Anyone done this yet?

http://www.taxrefunds.co.nz/home.aspx

Government has alot of money that is owed to people, so I suggest you check if you are owed a Tax Refund

Just did mine for 2004 - $382 baby!! Woohoo more spending money for America :-)

(-Now Arent I'm A Bad Blogger-)

2009-03-24T18:10:00.005+13:00

My gosh my last update was Feb 1st.
Where have I been all this time...

Well things around here have been "the same shit different day".
Work, gym, work, gym, sleep, work etc etc.
I'm on week 5 of my gym program and I'm really noticing the changes. I'm trying my hardest to loose this F.A.T, its a slow and painful progress, but I have to do it.

Over the weekend has been that great for me, took myself to After hours on Saturday morning, had very sharp pains in my side when I breathed. They ran chest xrays, bloods etc and found nothing - I'm perfectly healthy! BULLSHIT! - the why am I in so much pain?
Gave me some codine, charged me $75 and sent me on my way.

Monday comes along and it's still not better and also I don't want to keep taking drugs, I want to find out what's going on.
Run more tests, everything is OK! WTF?

Got given some new medication, some anti-inflammatory pills.

Tuesday - things have lighten up but still abit painful, hopefully these drugs are working!

On a brighter note...

Just over 4 month's until our TRIP!!!! WOOHOO!!

How is everyone else going?

(-Uncle Pat & Janice's Wedding-)

2009-02-01T19:37:00.003+13:00

Yesterday we had my Uncle Pat's wedding (Dad's younger brother, one of the twins).
He was finally marrying Janice after 9 years.

Great day and night had by all.

Here's just some photos from the day.
Apparently the temperature reached 38 degrees, which wouldnt suprise me - it was friggen hot!

Dad's recovering big time today - it's the worst ive ever seen him drunk. Oh well serves him right for mixing his drinks.

As for me I was feeling pretty good this morning (for a change) :-)

Will upload some more pictures later on.

(-Some Shot's-)

2009-01-25T14:06:00.010+13:00

Just some shots taken at the river at sunset.

(-Have You?-)

2009-01-25T13:50:00.001+13:00

Bold the ones you have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen pyramids of an ancient civilization
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Visited the Caribbean
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Been to a World Series game
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten sushi
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (published a poem)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

{-FIFTY-}

2009-01-01T17:49:00.002+13:00

As seen on Kayla's blog...

1. Do you like blue cheese? Yeah it's not too bad.

2. Have you ever smoked heroin? Hell no

3. Do you own a gun? Ohhh no not yet anyway, I want to get my own air rifle.

4. Wax or Shave your body parts? Shave.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Nope.

6 Real or fake nails? Real, had fakes a few times - but they arent really me.

7. Favourite Christmas song? I hate Christmas music, it drives me insane.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water

9. Can you do push ups? Yup - but only women styles though

10. What's your favourite piece of jewelry? My ring from Kurt the first year we started going out

11. Favourite hobby? Scrappin, photography, reading, shopping - too many.

12. Do you have A.D.D.? Nope, well not that I know of :-).

13. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? too many.

14. Middle Name? Diana and I hate it.

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? My head hurts, im tired, and wondering why my good friend Kayla is upset.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Coke (which i should stop), water and hot chocolate.

17. Current worry right now? Wondering how Kayla is.

18. Current hate right now? Not enough sleep

19. Favourite place to be? Travelling - but curled up with Kurt :-)

20. How did you bring in the New Year? Drinks and a BBQ @ our place, was average.

21. Like to run? I like the idea of doing it ...

22. Name three people who will read this? Kayla, Paula and possibly Leslie.

23. Do you own slippers? Nope not yet, usually buy a new pair every winter.

24. What colour shirt are you wearing? Anything with bright colours at the moment.

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Nope.

26. Can you whistle? Sure can, who cant?

27. Favourite colour? Lime Green atm.

28. Would you be a pirate? Nope.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Nope no singing in the shower for me, only in the car.

30. Favourite girl's name? Jayna atm

31. Favourite boy's name? Tylar

32. What's in your pocket right now? Dont have any pockets on me right now.

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Something probably last night.

33. Best toy or collection as a kid? my matchbox cars :-)

34. Worst injury you've ever had? Broken my leg playing stupid bullrush back in high school.

35. Do you love where you live? Sure do.

36. How many TV's do you have in your house? 4

37. Who is your loudest friend? Bernadette.

38. How many pets do you have? 1 cat named Stoli.

39. Does someone have a crush on you? Sure do my man of 8 years Kurt.

40. What is your favourite book? ATM the Twilight series - onto the last book now.

41. What is your favourite lolly? thats toooooo hard.... i like so many!

42. Favourite Sports Team? All Blacks.

43. What were you doing at 6:00pm? Im on #43 :-)

44. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? That it felt like I only just went to bed.

45. Worst habit? Biting my nails, being messy.

46. Do you play an instrument? Nope, but would love to get back into the guitar - does guitar hero count?

47. How long does it take you to get to work? 5-10min.

48. Plans for the weekend? None as of now.

49. If you could eat anything in the world right this second, what would it be? Pizza from Italy.

50. Do you like who sent this to you? Of course but she didnt send it to me, I stole it.

-Gotta Love Amazon-

2008-12-17T12:11:00.002+13:00

I've been thinking about getting these books for a few months now, and I took the plunge yesterday.

Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1 and 2.

iIm really into my photography at the moment and these books look really good.

So looking forward to this arriving - only cost me $69.95 including shipping, I know I should be saving for my trip but I just had to :-)

-Christmas Survery_

2008-12-16T13:01:00.003+13:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both :-)
2. Real tree or Artificial? real, but we currently have an artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? First weekend of December
4. When do you take the tree down? After New Years
5. Do you like eggnog? never tried it
6. Favorite gift received as a child? can't remember to be honest
7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad
8. Easiest person to buy for? Kurt
9. Do you have a nativity scene? nope
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail cards, but forgot to do mine this year
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? good question, let me think about that
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Home Alone :-) - classic
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Around November/December - so last minute
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Pavalova
16. Lights on the tree? Love lights on the tree
17. Favorite Christmas song? ?
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stayed at home
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s? dasher, dancer, prancer, vixen, comet, cupid, donner, blitzen & rudolph
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We just replaced our angel with a Santa - not my idea - but i prefer a start
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Always in the morning, still in your pj's
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Christmas music constantly playing in the shopping malls
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Our colour theme this year is black, white and silver
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? spending money for my trip to America in August
26. Snow Christmas morning? Never - its summer at Christmas time in NZ
27. Who is most likely to respond to this? Kayla
28. Who is least likely to respond to this? Neen

-Planning & Booking-

2008-12-15T13:53:00.002+13:00

So we have finally booked and paid for everything in LA for next years trip.

Day 1 - Arrive in LA from NZ
Day 2 & 3 - Disneyland & California Adventure
Day 4 - Universal Studios & LA Night Tour
Day 5 - Medievil Times

also Las Vegas

Day 6 - Fly to Vegas
Day 7 - Grand Canyon - Hoover Dam Tour
Day 8 - (not sure yet)
Day 9 - Fly back to LA, stay over night
Day 10 - Fly to Boston

So far thats the plan - 10 days is planned but we are there for 42 days :-)
So where in there we are going to fit in New York.

Most important day for the whole trip is my sisters wedding on Day 27 :-)

-More Pics-

2008-12-12T15:46:00.003+13:00

-Welcome Chloe-

2008-12-12T08:38:00.006+13:00

Our friends Mike and Liza finally gave birth yesterday to a healthy baby girl Chloe Kendra Hogan.

Time: 11.44am
Date: 11/12/08
Weight: 6lb 2oz

Height: 52cm

Here's the gorgeous wee girl

And my favourite photo of them all....

Chloe holding onto Poppa's finger

Paula!!!

2008-11-11T08:17:00.002+13:00

Paula!!!!!!!!!!
I sent you an email a while back asking for your blog addy, as I lost all my favourites!

Send me an email to shellz84@paradise.net.nz

America 2009

2008-11-02T17:23:00.007+13:00

So were going away again next year - back to America for my sisters wedding.

Offically on Friday we booked and paid for our tickets - so exciting.
We got a special deal for $2540 return from Christchurch, NZ to Boston, USA August 15th - September 27th 2009.

But we cant go to America and not just stick to Boston - so we are staying in LA for 5 nights and of course doing Disneyland again, then were flying to Las Vegas for 3 nights woohoo.

How exciting is that - and of course im going to be seeing one of my best mates again - gorgeous Kayla - she is also doing my sisters photography for her wedding on the 12th September.
I'm also trying to convince her to come to Las Vegas with us for 3 nights just to have fun and get drunk together.

Guess what? Also were going here.......

So now it's time to save up for spending - doesnt help when the dollar is only $.58 cents to the NZD - kinda sucks, but lets hope it changes before we go - im planning to spend up large while im away......

Long Time

2008-10-18T17:14:00.002+13:00

So im the worst blogger ever!!!!
Today I spend the day out with my best friend Bernadette and her gorgeous girl Emily - since im starting my Photography Digital SLR course on Tuesday I thought it might be best to get in so photo snaps...

Heres my favourite that I took of her.

Also today I spoke with Kayla via the boys Xbox, so good not having to type all the time and just sit there and talk :-), thanks for the great chat Kayla.

My ABC's - Thanks Kayla

2008-09-22T08:48:00.002+12:00

A. Attached or single? Attached.
B. Best friend? Bernadette & Kayla
C. Cake or pie? Warm Apple Pie with Cream or Vanilla Ice-Cream.
D. Day of choice? Saturday.
E. Essential item? Computer with internet or my cellphone
F. Favorite colour? Lime Green atm
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy worms.
H. Hometown? Christchurch, New Zealand
I. Favorite indulgence? White Chocolate (has to be Caburys though)
J. January or July? January.
K. Kids? For sure but just not yet
L. Life isn’t complete without? Loved ones
M. Marriage date? When hell freezes over! Im still waiting for the engagement
N. Number of magazine subscriptions: None atm.
O. Oranges or apples? Apples.
P. Phobias? Nothing that I can think of
Q. Quotes?
R. Reasons to smile? It's getting warmer here, beach - bbq & Booze
S. Season of choice? SUMMER!
T. Tag 5 people... If you're reading this, it means you!
U. Unknown fact about me? I use to do competitive Roller Skating
V. Vegetable? Broccalli
W. Worst habit? Nail biting
X. X-ray or ultrasound? X-Ray
Y. Your favorite foods? Chinese, Mexican (mild of course),chicken
Z. Zodiac sign? Cancer

Where Have I Been!

2008-08-14T09:44:00.002+12:00

I've been a bad blogger! Bad Bad Bad!!!

These past few months have been so busy, just constant non stop.
This year ive been given the opportunity to take over the helpdesk for a large NZ Tourist Company that have several Ski Fields around the South Island - so as you would probably know we have had a cold wintery winter this year so what does that mean, good times at the ski fields.

I'm really enjoying this new role and look forward to next years season, even though this season aint over yet!

On other news, been helping towards my best friends wedding which is on 27th September and ive been given the honor of being her head bridesmaid, so ive had a few tasks to do to help her make it a special day.

Also been saving, well trying to save for another trip next year to America as my sister is getting married (finally) and ive also been given the honor of being her head bridesmaid - so im really looking for to it and also checking out some more sites and sharing it with my partner Kurt who missed out on America from our big Oe we did last year.

Bad news - my wee little car i had for 7 years finally gave out the other day, only the gearbox though, so i had to dip into my savings to buy a new gearbox, well not new second hand as they dont make my car anymore, so had to do a big search around town at car wreakers, but luckily I managed to pick one up for $280. Kurts has kindly offered to put this in my car for me this weekend :-)

Not sure whatelse to report, well try and make more of an effort writing in my blog.

Hope people still come and check it out!

{ Scrapbooking Weekend }

2008-05-24T18:59:00.003+12:00

Finally some work that i'm actually proud of!

{ Where .... }

2008-05-01T10:02:00.002+12:00

is your cell phone? in my handbag
is your significant other? is working right now
is your hair? dark, long and straight (and of course smells good)
is your mother? at work looking after the elderly
is your father? also at work selling car parts
is one of your favorite things? my camera
was your dream last night? cant remember what i dreamt about
can you get your favorite drink? anywhere
are you right now? at work blogging (naughty)
your ex? no clue...
is your fear? dying
do you want to be in 6 years? married, kids
were you last night? Hanging out with Kurt watching the final of Top Chef
the last place you drove? to work this morning
did you grow up? in Wellington
the last place you ate? dinning room last night
is (are) your TV(s)? bedroom
are your pets? snobby
is your computer? on my desk at home
is your mood? tired
is your oldest friend? Ngaire-Anne
is your car? out the front of the building
is your wedding ring? still waiting for one
is your favorite store? American Eagle, Pagani
your favorite place to be in the summer? outside in the sun having a BBQ and chilling with friends and having a few wines
was the last place you laughed? probably last night
was the last place you cried? cant remember
are five places you go on the internet on a regular basis? Facebook, Bebo, Email, SE, Trademe

One Word

2008-04-08T16:25:00.002+12:00

I saw this on Paulas blog so thought I'd give it a go.
You.
Can.
Only.
Type.
One.
Word.

Where is your cell phone? handbag
Your significant other? kind
Your hair? straight
Your mother? caring
Your father? strong
Your favorite thing? photos
Your dream last night? dying!
Your favorite drink? lift
Your dream/goal? thinner
The room you’re in? messy
Your ex? wrong
Your fear? many
Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
Where were you last night? home
What you’re not? washing
Muffins? blueberry
One of your wish list items? laptop
Where you grew up? Wellington
The last thing you did? ate
What are you wearing? pants
Your TV? silver
Your pets? fat
Your computer? life
Your life? bored
Your mood? tired
Missing someone? yep
Your car? practical
Something you’re not wearing? jumper
Favorite store? many
Your summer? HOT
Like someone? definately
Your favorite color? green
When is the last time you laughed? today
Last time you cried? March
Who will repost this? anyone

Change of Heart

2008-04-01T19:43:00.003+13:00

If anyone knows me, is that im a huge Jodi Picoult fan.

Never use to read, well only Cosmos (but does that count) Kurt's mum gave me Jodi Picoults - My Sisters Keeper to give a try, and I got hooked. Couldnt put the book down and finished it in 3 days.

Now my mission is to get all of her books and read them all.. think this one Change of Heart is the 6th or 7th one im reading.

Must say this book is rather good, also havent been able to put this one down :-)

Heres what Change of Heart is all about -
Shay Bourne - New Hampshire’s first death row prisoner in 69 years – has only one last request: to donate his heart post-execution to the sister of his victim, who is looking for a transplant. Bourne says it’s the only way he can redeem himself…but with lethal injection as his form of execution, this is medically impossible. Enter Father Michael Wright, a young local priest. Called in as Shay’s spiritual advisor, he knows redemption has nothing to do with organ donation – and plans to convince Bourne. But then Bourne begins to perform miracles at the prison that are witnessed by officers, fellow inmates, and even Father Michael – and the media begins to call him a messiah. Could an unkempt, bipolar, convicted murderer be a savior? It seems highly unlikely, to the priest. Until he realizes that the things Shay says may not come from the Bible…but are, verbatim, from a gospel that the early Christian church rejected two thousand years ago…and that is still considered heresy.
Change Of Heart looks at the nature of organized religion and belief, and takes the reader behind the closely drawn curtains of America’s death penalty. Featuring the return of Ian Fletcher from Keeping Faith, it also asks whether religion and politics truly are separate in this country, or inextricably tangled. Does religion make us more tolerant, or less? Do we believe what we do because it’s right? Or because it’s too frightening to admit that we may not have the answers?

Happy Easter

2008-03-21T12:29:00.002+13:00

Happy Easter everyone, hope you all have a nice weekend and eat lots of chocolate.

City of Water

2008-03-20T16:34:00.000+13:00

So it's Easter Weekend, well technically not yet, but i've decided to take a few days off and really relax and enjoy it.
Today consisted of me locked in my scrap room, and it really paid off.

Before had I did a wander through scrap sites to get some inspiration, and came across Kiwi Jack Me Up. So I thought what the hell I'll grab of of the layouts there and do my own thing.

This is what I came up with.... City of Water eg. Venice, Italy.

Hokitika Wild Food Festival

2008-03-11T12:21:00.002+13:00

I'm so slack, my goal was to keep this blog up to date..

So anyway we went to the Hokitika Wild Food Fesitval in the weekend, now can I tell you what an awesome weekend it was.

Tried everything from crocodile, kangaroo, punga, worms, huhu grubs, venison hearts, ostrich, horse, mountain oysters and lots of different types of alcohol... boy cant believe I drunk so much.

Overall it was a great weekend, if you want to check out some photos go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/chellzz84/

{ As Seen on Kayla's Blog }

2008-02-21T20:39:00.002+13:00

1. What is your occupation? Computer Technican
2. What color are your socks right now? Not wearing any, too hot :-)
3. What are you listening to right now? Er is on TV
4. last thing that you ate? Roast Pork
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Of course
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Green
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? local book shop
8. How old are you today? 23
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Rugby, Ice-Skating
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Of course
12. Pets? 1 cat named Stoli
13. Favorite food? At the moment im loving Thai
14. What was the last movie you watched? Game Plan
15. Favorite day of the year? Any day
16. What do you do to vent anger? Talk to Kayla.....ha :-)!
17. What was your favorite toy as a child? Cars :-) (i was a real tom boy)
18. What is your favorite, Autumn or spring? Spring
19. hug or kisses? Hugs
20. Cherries or Blueberry? Blueberrys
21. Do you want your friends to email you? I like email, but prefer chat
24. Current living situation? I still live at home
25. When was the last time you cried? honestly cant remember
28. Favorite smells? Petrol haha, Givinchey perfume
29. What inspires you? I'm always getting inspired
30. What are you afraid of? Dying
31. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? A big burger with everything in it, as long as its not hot and spicy
32. Favorite dog breed? Golden Retriver
33. How many years at your current job? 3 years next month
34. Favorite days of the week? Weekends
35. How many countries have you lived in? One
36. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? No
37. Who's your favorite sports team? All Blacks
38. Do you have a house phone that is NOT cordless? Yup in my room, sad aye
39. Do you like finding out more about people in your life? Sure do
40. What is your goal for 2008? Save money for my trip to America (again) in 2009 for my sister's wedding and to see my best overseas friend Kayla

Monarch Butterfly

2008-02-16T11:29:00.002+13:00

Mum got a couple of Swan plants just before summer so we could get some Monarch Butterfly's this summer, well the first one hatched on Thursday (Valentines Day) so of course had to snap some pics.

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-16T11:27:00.002+13:00

Got these lovely roses deliveried to work on Thursday from Kurt.

Totally wasnt expecting it!

Summer Wine

2008-02-09T15:09:00.000+13:00

So met some friends for lunch today at the Dux de Lux at the Arts Centre, boy it was nice. It's a vegetarian seafood place and it was really really good, but service sucks!....
So we checked out the markets and we found this new store call Palate its a wine shop in the Art's Centre and found this Summer Wine Punch Mixer, so of course Michele had to buy it.....
Actually really looking forward to this tonight, you mix it with either Lemonaide, Wine or Soda, probably have it with lemonaide.

Emily's 1st Birthday

2008-02-09T14:57:00.000+13:00

My best friends wee girl has just celebrated her 1st birthday, I can't belive it.

This little girl has been around for a year, where has the time gone?

We celebrated it with her close friends and family on Waitangi Day, it was such a beautiful day.

The theme of the party was Winnie the Pooh of course, and she absolutly loved her cake.

*_ Photos from left to right_*
1. Emily playing with the balloons after I blew up about 100 of them.
2. Emily's Winnie the Pooh cake.
3. Emily opening her present from Kari.

4. Emily and Shaun (Bernadette's sisters boyfriend)
5. Emily playing outside in her little castle.
6. Emily all excited over her Winnie the Pooh toy from her 15month old Aunty (WTF)
7. Emily on her Disney Princess Bouncy Castle
8. Having a drink
9. Emily and her new teddy TJ Bearitales.

Stoli

2008-02-03T19:37:00.000+13:00

Just some random photos I took of my wee girl Stoli.

Happy Birthday Kurt

2008-02-01T17:13:00.000+13:00

Happy 24th Birthday Kurt
Hope you have a great day.

CompTIA A+ Exam

2008-02-01T17:10:00.000+13:00

So with the type of work I do, I went to sit my CompTIA A+ exam yesterday.

And unfortantly I failed :(, so will resit it in a few months time and fingers crossed I get it.

Kari's 19th Birthday

2008-01-27T20:10:00.000+13:00

So Kurt's younger sister Kari turned 19 last weekend, and to celebrate that she had a party in the garage at her place. Now at first I was like "oh no, im going to feel like such an oldie with all these younger ones." yeah yeah I know im 23, but compared to a 18-19 year olds.

So the party was actually pretty good, she let us invite some of our mates over to the party as well, which was cool.

She made lots of food, which is bad for me. But of course I dug into it.
She made jelly shots, they were soooo good. We had Blackberry, Lime, Orange and Stawberry.

She made some leathal as punch, which actually sent Kurt to bed pretty early. He had about an hour Grandpa nup and then the boys dragged him out of bed.

The next day Michele wasnt soo good, why do we put ourselfs through this! Why?

New Blog

2008-01-27T20:06:00.000+13:00

Yes, Yes I know, its another new blog.
Wordpress just really got to me and hated it, so ive gone back to what I know, good old Blogger.

So please bookmark this blog from now on.