Hope

"The business of life is to go forward"
Written on a glossy picture of ships sailing to the harbour, which was hung on the wall of the guesthouse we stayed in.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, this year is prophecisied to be a year of ill-favor for Sri Lanka, according to the soothsayers and every Tom,Dick and Harry who also view themselves as a prophet of sorts.
Me? I believe that this year will be the year of God's favour. Our securities, our systems and protocols have certainly failed, markets have collasped, lives lost in a seemlingly endless war fought over land, fear looms ahead, and distress signals sent out to every corner of Sri Lanka.

So when all have fallen still we will stand. Its a resiliant hope, a dream that we can dare to dream. I will succeed. Because I have put my faith in unmovable things. I have my foundation on a truth that has never collasped and never altered. I believe.

We were in Unawatuna on the 30th and 31st. It was that long awaited TRIP that my family takes every holidays. An escape for the bustle and rush of the city.
As we were driving into Galle, it amazed me how little had changed over the year. Looking closely however I noticed people rebuilding their lives, their houses, roads under construction and families going to work, hoping that the extra penny earned would buy them a better tomorrow.

Its been four years after the tsumani and life has continued.

Reaching Unawatuna after 11.00 a.m, we searched for a guesthouse or hotel. Shanthi Villa, was our first stop. My dad, tired after long hours of driving, liked the place. Trouble was my mom, sis and I did not. This lead to an argument and we nearly turned back and returned home. My mom, God bless her, refused to give in and so we looked on. Finally we landed in this tiny guesthouse called Eterna. The rooms were cheap and looked comfortable. It was not your star classed getaway. But at that moment when all others were fully booked, and dad tired to go on, we took it.

My sis and I shared a room on the ground floor. It was spacious. There were double beds, 2 chairs, a table, a dressing table, waste paper basket, and a mosquito net. That was all. My parents' room had all these plus a cupboard, and a fridge. Later as i was showering I discovered that our bathroom had a leaky comode, and a cockroach. That settled it. We bathed in our parents bathroom after that.

But it was not all too bad. The owners were friendly. the food tasty and we had the ocean for our backyard. That i believe was the best part of it all. The golden sands began and the waves crashed and swirled at the foot of our guesthouse.

There I learnt a story. I love stories. Don't you?

The owner had lost everything to the tsumani. He said how his wife was washed into a well. The waves lifted her and threw her out. Forunatly she managed to hold onto the fence and this action saved her life. However his mother was washed away, his wife unable to hold onto her. Four days later they found her body in the their now destroyed house. He showed us the pictures.
The hotel he managed to build due to the aid given by two ladies from Holland. They were coming this January to visit him.

I looked out and saw the ocean. It still amazes me the pull of the sea. It was this same ocean that caused such heartache. But the people still returned. They rebuilt along the coast. If I lived there, and went through such horror...would I be able to do the same?

There's so much more I want to write but this does not seem to be the right time. If anything I came back from this holiday humbled.............. by the ocean and the people whose lives are affected and who in turn affect it. There is life out there mightier than I would ever know.

Maybe its not bravery, but need that forced these people to build upon the wrecks of their past. Maybe its not hope but fear that drives them on.

But what drives me on? What motivates me? Will my life be like the restless waves that change at every wind? These I ponder at the beginning of the year. Yet I hope.

Rememberence

Tsunami hitting the shores of Kalutara.

Exactly 4 years on ago today, tragedy struck the sunny shores of Sri Lanka.

I remember, I remember...

I was in India. Sitting on my Aunt's couch in Madurai. Everyone was just getting up after a night of Christmas cheer. "Finally, I get to watch some quality television..." thought I. After all the whole of the hols was spent travelling. We went to Chennai, Delhi, Agra, Coimbutur, Kerela...and many many more. I remember...the sights..such a myraid of color, the smells..and the FOOD...such a vast array of dishes I had never tried before.

Back to the television and the couch...

I switched onto HBO (Now why can't we have these channels in SL???...I wondered)

To my delight they were showing X-Men. Now something about me and it might be called silly, but i've always loved X-Men, from the toons to the movies.

Engrossed by the movie..i was watching the scene where Wolverine was saving the children...then the call came.

It was my uncle's sisters from France. They wanted to know if we (yes my family now in India) were safe as a Tsunami had struck Sri Lanka... A Tsumani??? Wazdat?

Of course my question was answered when everybody rushed to the t.v. and switched on news..thus ending any chance of me finding out what happened to the children and most importantly Wolverine.

Yes this is the climax where im supposed to go all teary eyed, shocked and dismayed. But honestly at that time i didn't understand. You have to forgive me but i was only 16...and this was a relatively new term for me.

I couldn't understand how a wave...A WAVE mind you could wreck such mayhem. Ok maybe more than one wave..and such a huge one in that.

It was only weeks later that i fully understood the magnitude...and the sorrow.

Till today people here along the coastal belt especially on the east and south are trying to rebulind their lives. Many have lost everything. Its a sad reminder that life is something we cannot take for granted...

Which is why I do urge anyone who is reading this to re examine their lives. God has blessed us with only one life..no matter what u believe this life your living comes only once. You will never get it again. The message of Christmas that we can carry forward to this day of rememberence is that Christ came to this earth because God loveed this world. No matter what your loss God loves you...He longs to reach out for you...

BUt its all up to you...

Where ever you are, who ever you are...remember the fallen. Let their lives speak out to you.

Life goes on

So what has the said happy blogger been up to?

Life in the city is said to be on the fast lane…it applies to holidays too. These few weeks have been hectic to say the least. Last Wednesday Moi in my lovely new dress along with my family went to Shanee’s wedding…or should more correctly be her reception.
It was beautiful. But then again in the city there’s always something to mar even the best and joyous of occasions.
The reception card said 6.00 p.m. So duly according to city protocol we arrived there at 6.30.
Who ever comes to anything on time??? Especially in the sunny isle of Sri Lanka??
And there’s a good reason for this apparent tardiness too. One it gives a more dramatic entrance and two in Colombo nothing starts on time. And to prove my point the couple entered only at around 7.00 p.m. There was the traditional exchange of rings, cutting of the cake and all the other blah.
Does our country ever disappoint? Bingo. Roads were closed and guests arrived late or not at all.
But Shanee looked stunning and the wedding went on. Nothing in the city halts. No matter what happens we city goers smile and enjoy.

I wish so many times that things would change in our churches. I thought that when I came back that there would be some differences but nothing has changed. Im not the one to judge but somehow, someday all this silly bickering, and petty charges should stop. Its un-Christian. I wish the servants of God themselves would learn to love each other…after all aren’t we all working towards one goal?

Example: We had taken for the English Cantata some of the choristers from the Sinhala Cantata Choir. This act ruffled a few feathers which is silly given that both are of the same church and all. So what if we had them singing English carols? Does that mean we are taking them over to the dark side?
Some things never fail to baffle me.

Well we’re going shopping this evening. I’ll now go and bury my sorrows with chocolate brownies. LOL…
MERRY CHRISTMAS

Lights...Camera...SHOP!!

Today Sis dear and I went shopping for a dress for me to wear for Shanee Akki's Reception 2mrrw...
Now a City Girl's absolutly fav occupation is SHOPPING...so off we headed under gloomy skies, to find that purr-fect dress...it had to be sumwhere and I was determined to find it.
We headed off to M.C...the shopping haven after Crescat City and Duplication Road of course and walked into Mondy. They had a lovely short red summer dress...now thats what I call smashing.
But then again its not wedding material.
So we headed off to Rebel...now I must say if Your looking for a hot dress Rebel has some lovely gowns...but none of them were "MY" dress....it was somewhere out there.
Finally after several shops...we went into Prestige...and there it was!!! An absolute smasher.
A cute hankerchief dress and it was NOT black or red (I still cannot understand why most dresses HAVE to be those colors). It was a mix of blue, beige, brown and mustard.
Sooo pretty.

And I GOT IT!!! well now my cup was filling up....
Next off was shoes of course...sparing you the details in about the 6th or 7th shop i found the purr-fect pair. They matched my dress and I also got a discount on them too!!!
This is my heaven....

And it doesnt end there...I found the purr-fect jewellery to go with it was well...*sigh*
My cup now overflows.
This is one content City Girl signing off.

Here we go a-caroling..

One of the most important aspects of Christmas for me has been Caroling. With more significance than gifts, Santa and even Food (which knowing me is something).

Earliest memories include me (dressed as an angel singing AWAY IN A MANGER, for Holy Trinity's Christmas program..I was only 9 or 10. Now about 11 years after... Singing Carols is still an important aspect of Christmas, this year being no different.

Nostalgia awweps through me as I recall my many singing expeditions. For Sunday School, school, church, friends etc..etc. One singing in an Elder's Home I still remember this gentleman who played his harmonica while we sang some well known hymns and carols.

Another included singing in a small hall, open to public in some flats, while all the boys stared and whistled...so embarrasing!!!

Another I recall after the show some guy gave my best friend Shehan his phone number, to give to me!!! I think i remember his name to be Russell...of course I didnt call him...

Well Im off to get a much need hair cut...

My first 'unofficial' job

Last Friday I got my first "unofficial" job. LOL. Where am I working? What am I doing?
I'm working in a clothing outlet called SAN OUTLET, as a sales assistant. Its a totally voluntary, unpaid position but so far my first day on-the-job was satisfactory.
Of course it helps that my "mentor" is Manju and my boss is Akila Aiya. Its fun to work with friends. But to be honest with you, its a lot of work and I am learning a lot.

My first day at work kicked off by rearranging the clothing displays along with Manju. We put the new purchases in front and moved the older stock to the back. This included having at least one of each item hanging on the racks. Then we tagged the recent stock purchased and put them up for sale.

Afterwards it was waiting for customers. Since this was a newly opened outlet we didn't expect much customers. Further as publicity was according to Akila aiya was 'nil' the shop owners were depending on word-of-mouth promotion. We did get one customer though so its not too bad.

So how was my boring day at work??? BORING. But it was a new experience and as all new experiences go I had an emotional high after working. Bet this wont last. But while I can I might as well learn as much as I can.

Manju's 21st

The Sista'hood.

Its amazing how close we have all gotten over these years. I truly believe that its all God's hands that enables us to always be there for each other and to love each other unconditionally. Im so blessed to have these girls in my life... >3

Luv u guys soo much.

rOCKStar!!!

Didnt we all dream of it?? Well here is sumthing that will put a smile on ur face.



Well more later....btw today is my sit in day...so Im gonna go read the Bible, and finish my book, water the plants and watch movies...ahhh holidays.

Breaking News

Robberies
Police are still baffled by the recent escalation in crime in Pelawatte. Just last Saturday, the 29th of November this correspondent had gotten up earlier than usual, 3.30 a.m. to be precise. While pondering on what she could possibly do that early in the morning she heard a huge thud. Frightened out of her wits she immediately looked her room door. Fearful that thieves could have broken into the house. Later she learnt that thieves had in fact broken the window of a neighbor’s car, and stolen the entire audio setup system in that vehicle. Further inquires reveled that several other vehicles too had been attacked in a similar manner.
One car’s entire dashboard had been ripped apart in the attempt to remove the stereo system.
Police had fingerprinted the vehicles and even used sniffer dogs…the suspects are believed to be still at large.
***********************************************************************
Manju celebrates 21 years
It was an awesome get together. Four old friends meetingup after a long time apart. One had finished her A/L's, another her O/L's, the next on her summer vacations frm Uni and the last had returned recently from working in Dubai.
My sis, Manju, Sharon and I enjoyed our time chatting, later we went out to KFC, half way through the heat got the better of us and we stopped at Manju's Aunt's place for water. Returning back Zara joined us for lunch. What this day was memorable for was the news I heard. Zara is getting engaged later this month, Sharon will be officialy getting engaged next year and I'll be in time for both. So happy. ~urs truly.
************************************************************************
Of traffic, tiring journeys and tempers
Today, this writer experienced first hand a few of the hard ships undergone by Lankans daily, while commuting. Its not only bad that locals have to wait hours for buses, then wait hours for the buses to leave the stands. They have to face frequents check points, impatient bus drivers, horrible traffic congestions, incessant polltion now its made even worse by constant road blocks when parliament is in session.
This of course causes tempers to flare and can turn even the mildest man into a hardened cynic. It is expected that this "discomfort" will continue untill the war is over (and when will THAT ever be???????)
*************************************************************************
Well thats it for recent news...more later.

Home Sweet home

Hello my fellow readers...

THis happy blogger is safe in her nest enjoying her holidays....its so nice to be loved.

I told u that I will be chronicling my days in the pearl of the Indian ocean, so this is the first installment.

Day before yesterday

Wednesday night both Kavs and I got hardly any sleep. We watched the premiere of Australia in Palace Nouva, Rundle Street. I enjoyed it. The views of Australia were breath taking. However the movie was a bit too ling and it seemed like it was two stories merged. But as per usual Hugh Jackman was to die for...and Nicole Kidman was just lovely. What i noticed most was that the makeup was very clear. Esp on closeups. It was funny to see the pink eyeliner and mascara so visibly.

We didnt go out for dinner since K had to rush home and pack (she hadnt even started)...so i had dinner in Sameera's place.

Did my laundry, Weighed my bags (and the weighing scale kept scaring me by giving me different readings everytime)....completly cleared my room and then slept.

GOt up, left my food in K's kitched (bless her soul..most of my stuff is in her place..and she didnt even complain). Rushed to the bank, rushed bck, left my last bag of my things in Ash's room, changed, got into the taxi...and headed off to Adelaide Airport.

And if you think that's long wait till i detail my flight. JK. I sat next to this charming Pole. Such a flirt. He called me an "exotic woman", and a "sweet woman"...he even kissed my hand. LOL. So embrassing. And then he winked at me!!! BUt the best was reserved to the lady sitting on the other side. He kept chatting her up throughout the flight to Singapore.

Slept through my transit hours in Changi. I was that exhausted. The next half is a blur. Coz my head was foggy and i kept dozing off.

The only thing I remember was my stomach making noises...and two and a half men.

The first person to greet me was nanga. She came running and gave me a big hug. SO nice to c her again. THe truth to be told I felt a bit like an outsider in BIA. Maybe it was the atmosphere tht I had to get used to again. Maybe it was the ppl. But i wonder if this is what it's like when we come home after a long time.

Still have to get used to the time difference. Its not funny to feel really sleepy at 6 p.m. Especially when thats the time my entire family is most active.

BUt I'm home. And I believe that God has a lot in store for me this christmas. So I'll keep you posted.

Till then...continue reading :D

Day before tomorrow

Its finally here...the imposing day before tomorrow.
Tomorrow I fly home. And believe me my arrival is the most anticipated event in Colombo's social calendar. No jokes.
Lets see....who is awaiting my arrival?
My old school friends, my church family, My OWN family (the most excited by far of course), the staff at D,L and F DeSaram, my neighbours, the people at the Panasonic store on top of Ratnayaka Mawatha (their future sales are gonna get a big upward boost), and not to mention every Tom, Dick and Harry that hears about me from the above mentioned groups.

Hahaha. this is what I love about home. Everyone is family. If one family celebrates then everyone celebrates. And I can't wait to go home. But before I do rush off there's so much to get done right here in Adelaide.

Firstly I have to find a place to keep all my clothes. I have to vacate my current room tomorrow and my next room isn't free till next year :(
So its really a mess leaving all my stuff at various locations. Right now I don't know where to leave my clothes. I asked Aunt Janaki if I could leave *one* bag at her place. But I have another 2 more =(.
*Sigh* Futher I have to leave my shoes, my food etc,etc and dunno where to leave them!!!
LORD!!! I really need Your help. I was stressing about this the whole of yesterday night.

The next hurdle would be to get home of course. Clearing customs in three different countries is such a headache.

Well on the positive side, my friends have been very supportive. So nice of them. Thank you God for good friends.

Well this is my last posting here in Adelaide for 2008. LOL. Can't belive how fast the year flew by. Seems like I landed here yesterday.
And Sumie when you do read this, remember that I will keep checking on you. You're gonna be alright OK!!! And non of your excuses k. I want to see results these hols.
(sounds so business woman like ne???)

So now its Bon Voyage to me and for the rest...keep awaiting my "Chronicles of a City Girl".

ROshi...over and out.

Just For You

" Be rest assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you"
George Mueller

I do not know your problems, I may not understand.
the road you're traveling is lonely.
The path is shifting sand.

It's all in bits and pieces and I cannot help you bridge
The pain that you are feeling
With the life you must now fix.

"Just hold on" they all say and look away.
"You'll make it through the rain"
But who can stitch the broken ends
and heal the unending pain?

You think "I can do this, I do not need you help,
My belief's will keep me standing,
My strength will pull me through."

I know that you are strong, I know that you're not a fool
I know that in due time
You're going to make it through.
But in your heart there's that broken piece,
So what are you gonna do?

Will you keep running away?
Will you keep denying the pain?
Its only time that will tell the tale
Of a life that ends in victory or shame.

I dunno why I wrote this, I don't know if it was inspiration. But I know pain, I know hurt and I know from experience that no matter what I try, where I go, what I say or do, there's always that part of me that I can never fix on my own.

It always strikes me, and it is very peculiar, that when we see the image of indescribable and unutterable desolation - of loneliness, of poverty and misery, the end of all things, or their extreme - then rises in our mind the thought of God.

Vincent Van Gogh

Yeah right, you're not a believer. Save that for when your among your friends and you want to appear all together. Keep fooling others but you can't fool yourself. When all is said and done, you need help. And the help you need can only come from God.

Today's the day of reckoning. What's you choice going to be? I know that this seems unfair, but I was there once. It was only my fear of death that kept me from death itself. I came to the edge of life and I know that it was Divine hands that held me when i fell.

Friend I want you to have everything you desrve and much more. But it comes only one way. You know that way. the path is before you.
what will you choose?

Im going home....to the place where I belong

Packing, unpacking, re-packing....
Its a vicious, repetitive cycle...and I only have 3 more days to go on!!!
I dunno where to start, where to end...but my goal is to get it all done before wednesday.
Thats gonna mean sleepless nights, sweaty days...
but its all for a good cause...
I going HOME!!!

More later...gotta go pack
Love Roshi

Great Scott, it's British!!!

This posting was published FYI.
And why FYI??? Recently I had this conversation with a friend..................

And the capital of UK is???????

This is NOT a trick question. Though it mite surprise u how hard answering it can be. One person (R) thought that England was the capital of U.K.

Recently i asked someone else (S: which stands for someone else...what else?) and this is what S said:

I know this one....wait I know this one. Wostershire.... (and S sees my face). OK.......no its Whostershire??? wait, wait!!!! Its Edinburgh!!! K. thats NOT it.

Is Britain the capital of UK? No. Its England. England is the capital of London.... (pauses) Oh!!! London is the capital of England........... right????????

Then i randomly asked what the capital city of Madagascar was.

S: Madagascar is an island right. Its one of a group of islands. I know because i watched the cartoon.

Finally we consulted Wikipedia. And lo and behold. London was the capital of UK a.k.a Great Britain. And the capital of Madagascar is..... *drum roll*......

Antananarivo

Here are some actual transcripts courtesy of R:

Berlin is a country.

Pakistan is a capital city right???

The capital of Russia.....errrrr. I DON'T know.

Well nevertheless R is getting geography lessons, K is determined that this atrocity will never occur again. At least not to K's kids. The first thing they're gonna see is a world map. K is determined on that.

So whats the deal about Britain??? This is also FYI...and this is something I didn't know before too....LOL.

Great Britain

Great Britain is the official name given to the two kingdoms of England and Scotland, and the principality of Wales. It is an island lying off the western coast of Europe, comprising the main territory of the United Kingdom.

Great Britain is made up of:

• England - The capital is London.
• Scotland - The capital is Edinburgh .
• Wales - The capital is Cardiff.

Great Britain is divided into small regions called counties.

Is Great Britain the same as the UK?

No, Great Britain and the United Kingdom refer to different areas.

Great Britain is very often, but incorrectly, used as a synonym for the sovereign state properly known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). (The clue is the full name of the UK. The UK includes Great Britain AND Northern Ireland)

Is Great Britain the same as Britain?

Yes, sometimes people use the shorten name Britain instead of Great Britain.

Origins of the names

Britain

Britain was the name made popular by the Romans when they came to the British islands.

England

England used to be known as Engla land, meaning the land of the Angles, people from continental Germany, who began to invade Britain in the late 5th century, along with the Saxons and Jute.

Great Britain

The term Great Britain was first used during the reign of King James I of England (James VI of Scotland) in 1603, to refer to the separate kingdoms of England and Scotland. on the same landmass, that were ruled over by the same monarch. Despite having the same monarch, both kingdoms kept their own parliaments.

United Kingdom (The uniting of kingdoms)

The 'United Kingdom of Great Britain' was formed in 1707 by the Act of Union that created a single kingdom with a single Parliament. (Scotland has always retained its own legal system)

A hundred years later the Act of Union of 1801 joined Ireland to 'Great Britain' and the name "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland" was first used. (Since 1921 only Northern Ireland has been part of the United Kingdom and so the name changed).

SO a little geography lesson for you. If you already knew all this then koodos to you. Coz I sure didn't.

Till next time...Roshi

All About Aliens

A friend of mine (lets call this person XYZ for identity protection ) had an interesting status update: I’m being hunted by aliens.

I decided to investigate (ok…kill me for my overwhelming curiosity but then again this isn’t your random everyday sort of event is it? How many people do u meet that are being hunted by Extraterrestrials?)
So here it went btw the words in italics are my thoughts.:
Me: Why are U being hunted by aliens?
XYZ: Yep (now I’m confused: what type of answer was this?)
Me: I asked why.
XYZ: They are evil (really??? what happened to kindly lil’ green men or E.T??)
Me: They are? From which planet and why are they hunting you?
XYZ: I haven’t figured out yet. They are from a different part of the galaxy. I think I'm going to be an intergalactic warrior. (HUH????? Now that’s not what you'd hear your kids wanting to be when they grow up...but interesting. After all people in the past laughed at those who dreamed of walking in space.)
Me: Are you serious? This is not a joke right?
XYZ: I’m actually not from earth.
Me: Your not? Then where are you from?
XYZ: about 10,000 light years away. (That’s not very reassuring...but i persisted on)
Me: which planet? Btw are your serious or joking?
XYZ: Do you really think that I am an alien? (Well not exactly....)
Me: You are a homosapien right? So that means you’re not an alien. Do you want to be one?

My friend is in fact very much human in case you were wondering. Now the conversation drifts into astronomy and ufology. I'll spare the details.

Me: Do you believe in aliens and UFO's?
XYZ: my other theory it is possible that any advance race would have created life on earth by drooping a living cell on earth were the living conditions. There must be life on this huge universe. There are lot of records and sightings about UFOs.
Me: So then aliens do exist and if they come to earth; will they take over our planet and try to create a new world dominion? (Now you know that I’ve been watching way too many movies)
XYZ: we have two choices. Either we fight them or let them do what they want.
Me: Like in War of the worlds??? (Yeah wit all those sci-fi movies out there this was the only one I could come up with. Sad. I know).
XYZ: yeah.
Me: Interesting. But we don't have special powers. How can we defeat an advanced life form?
XYZ: Do not underestimate the power of the human spirit. I don’t know.
Me: Spirit? You mean our SPIRITS will be fighting them. (Maybe they wipe us out and then we will rise again and defeat these tyrannical monsters who seek to destroy our planet.................. I think Spielberg will be disgusted wit me.)
XYZ: it would be more like Independence Day.
Me: that’s Hollywood glamour. We don’t have that kind of techno.
XYZ: We have nukes. We can hit something before it enters the atmosphere.
Me: you mean before it kills us first? Then there will be nothing left on earth. They might as well take over. (Yes...my ignorance of nukes comes into full force here...but honestly if we blast one of them into space wouldn’t it kill us as well as any invading forces??? Must look into this)
XYZ: There are nuke missiles to destroy asteroids if they come to hit with the earth. It you hit them with a nuke outside the atmosphere, the earth will not get affected. If they take over, we'll be in deep shit. (No kidding?!?!)
Me: Couldn’t they be friendly aliens? Maybe u know…the earth will become to toxic for us to live one day, with pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and stuff and aliens could come and save our planet?
XYZ: There can both good guy and bad guys. Who knows. I assume the aliens visit us could be good guys. We should better find a new planet.

(And the conversation terminated......)

I know this is long winded but still it has some very good morals.
1) Be prepared: you never know when things go wrong. Have a back up plan....this would include calling up NASA to find out the latest outer space flight bookings, purchasing plenty of portable oxygen tanks, tinned foods, suitable clothing etc.
2) Do not take movies seriously. No seriously..... don't.
3) Find out about the local extraterrestrial defense program. Your local authorities’ should have a plan in case our not so friendly neighbors decide to pay us a not so friendly visit.
4) Most importantly: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT!!!!

K... this is Roshi signing off.

Resolutions

Why am I doing this again? Admitting that I messed up in public? Because I want someone out there to avoid the same mistakes I made.
Dear friend if you are reading this don't judge me. I am a pastor's daughter I know. I grew up in a Christian home and I do have Christian values. But I know that sometimes sheep do get lost. Even in the midst of the green pastures, and still waters we still think that the grass is greener on the other side. Only to find out that it was all an illusion.
What were my mistakes?

Parties, boys and alcohol. Yes. I did party and I'm NOT a party girl. I don't do parties and for my whole life up to coming to Uni I only went to like 3 or 4 parties. I changed that story in the space of 4 months. I had been to at least 6 parties here.
Now for the boys. I DID not go home with them or anything that bad. But I flirted, played around and I hurt some of my good friends.
Alcohol? I only drank a minuscule amount. Maybe you are reading this an laughing if I said that I drank vodka cruisers, and even then most of the time I never finished my drink. I never got drunk. the point is that I promised myself that i would NEVER do it at all.

It may look like fun. But I've been here. It's not. The truth is that there's no better place to be than the house of God. With Jesus. Right now I'm so ashamed that i wandered. But I did.
I just want to go back to My Father.

LORD im sorry. If your any friend I know reading this, I'm sorry. But don't judge me. I guess I had to go this path. Otherwise I would never know.

This verse God gave me two times
The LORD detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

Proverbs 11:20

So my resolution and promise to GOD and to my friends:
I will be a wiser person. No drinks at all. No partying and no boys. I will be the girl God meant me to be.

I guess that now I can pray: Father forgive me for I have sinned. thankfully I know my Father's heart will take this prodigal back in.

To whoever that reads this: I love you, so does God. More than you ever know. So stop trying so hard to fit in. Stop trying so hard to please everyone. And don't be fooled. the life of a miss Popular isn't all what it appears to be.

Now go be yourself. The Way GOD intended you to be. Special, courageous, beautiful and unique. God did not make a mistake when He made you. even if you strayed down the road. He still LOVES you. And will never forsake you. That's His promise. You can start over and you can make it through.

Loads of love to you. Roshi.

The VIGILANT society

Just in.
Back home...(SRI LANKA) a recent pamphlet circulated around due to the rising number of break-ins from...
The VIGILANT SOCIETY.

Instructions:

Close the doors.

Get a watchdog (yeah right! OUR watch dog NEEDS watching!!).

Call the police, and call your neighbors,

And get up in the night… (Which should come first in order I guess…but this is how my sister recited it to me…I’m speculating that she went out of order)

If you hear FUNNY noises

Further instructions: (I added these...hopefully when I get home these will get circulated. Very useful advice that was overlooked)

Given the escalation in burglaries around the locality…strict and constant vigilance is advocated. Those who are allergic to dog fur can try geese. They are thought to make excellent watch-pets (not to mention excellent dinners). They can be effective in restraining intruders through mild force (includes bones crunches).

YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME???

Check this link out: http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Geese-Make-Good-Watch-Dogs.121573

Due to the horrendous stories of open-door burglaries, it is also recommended that household residents LOCK the doors after closing them. And DON’T leave the key under the favorite flower pot.

Residents have to memorize the local emergency numbers and it is NOT 911!!!

And most importantly get a insurance cover for your house and belongings.

Well this is another day’s work…this is Roshi signing off. Love to you all.

Post Exam life

So WHAT was Roshi up to after exams?

Spotted 17/11/08: On Gouger Street in Gouger Palace, enjoying a post exam lunch with her friends with lots of Chinese delicacies.

Spotted 18/11/08: Late night dinner for two with her prayer partner and close friend… Indian style.

Spotted 19/11/08: Rundle Street, in Chocolate Bean. Seems like she was enjoying a cozy, creamy and comfy with her friends…smothered in chocolate of course.

Nothing like eating the exam blues away…with lots of company of course.

ARRGH!!! I'm free. Thats all I can say for NOW.
So relieved.

If you ever feel like quitting...read on

One day I decided to quit...

I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...

I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

'God', I asked, 'Can you give me one good reason not to quit?'

His answer surprised me...

'Look around', He said. 'Do you see the fern and the bamboo?'

'Yes', I replied.

'When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.

I gave them light.

I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from the earth.

Its brilliant green covered the floor.

Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.

And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.

'In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit.

In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would

not quit.' He said.

'Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared

to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6

months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.

I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.'

He asked me. 'Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been

struggling, you have actually been growing roots'.

'I would not quit on the bamboo.

I will never quit on you.'

'Don't compare yourself to others.'

He said.

'The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern.

Yet they both make the forest beautiful.'

'Your time will come', God said to me.

'You will rise high'

'How high should I rise?' I asked.

'How high will the bamboo rise?' He asked in return.

'As high as it can?' I questioned.

'Yes.' He said, 'Give me glory by rising as high as you can.'

I left the forest and brought back this story.

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

Never, Never, Never Give up.

For this Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.

Don't tell God how big the problem is,

tell the problem how Great God is!

Promise to self

I Hereby promise to myself (and GOD) that

I will NOT ever leave my studying to the last minute.

OMG. I know that this semester if I even PASS my exams

(Especially BDA it’s all because GOD was gracious to me)

The worst part is that I feel like horse shit.

Literally.

I wasted an entire semester on simply stupid things.

OH!!! WAIT. I was sick for nearly 3 weeks of my 12 week study program.

And I had well…putting it nicely…not so very good tutors especially for Macro and BDA. But then again at the end of the day, its all my own fault.

THIS WILL NOT DO!!!!!!!

Hereby I only want HD’s and D’s for ALL my subjects.

Nothing less than that.

I will

a) Make a suitable timetable. Going to uni everyday, classes at 8.00? No way!!! That’s unhealthy.

b) Get the best tutors. Which means… Tute-hopping Roshanthi!!!

3) Make a study plan and STICK to it. NO excuses whatsoever.

4) Read the bible in a whole year. Ok…I started it this year but stopped halfway. Next year I will achieve this goal.

5) GET A JOB!!!

K the last two have nothing to do with studies but they are HIGH priority goals.

K…sTUdY!!! Some of my frnds have already finished. Lucky them.

2 more papers to go. Then FREEEEDDDOOMM!!!!!!

(till my results are out…that’s another story)

This is Roshi signing off…toodles.

One last thing

If you must extrapolate into the future, at least don't believe that the prediction will come true.

BDA textbook: Intro Stats (De Veaux, Velleman, Bock).
Pearson Education. 2nd edition.

My Sainted Aunt

The phone rings....
some picks it up....
Some mumbling...then...."Akki!!! Its for you!"
Oh no...NO!!!! No,no,no. Now what am I going to do??? "

Yes it is a call from my aunt.I'm not panicking because she's like the wicked witch of the west. (she's not) She's really nice. Very caring. Of all my relatives (other that Aunt B), she really cares about me. My success is her joy. Then? What's all the fuss about?
Let me introduce you to a special person in my life.....

She is my dad's oldest sis; thus typical of any older sibling (in this case the oldest of seven), very caring, very hardworking, very demanding and very (VERY) bossy.

She made me to go for sewing classes with her(convinced me that it would come useful when I came to Adelaide). Made me walk with her to a sewing exhibition, gave me a job as a teacher then would call up to find out nearly EVERYDAY to find out how it was going. She would exaggerate about my accomplishments much to my embarrassment to all my other relatives, and friends. I helped her pack her things when she moved out of her 17(or maybe more?)th house. Heard her political views as she shared them wit the three wheel drivers, agreeing to whatever she said.
I LISTENED to everything she said.

I hated the sewing class. Tried my best to skip as many classes as possible. Once i even faked illness so that i could leave early. I had everyone in the class (including my aunt) concerned. the teacher (bless her...she was really nice), felt my forehead and thought I had a slight temperature. I put on this tired voice and my darling (she really was) aunt gave me some medicine and sent me home.

Another time I remember I was in the trishaw with her. She had stopped to go to the veggie shop. She was on a diet. She came back with sweet potatoes (i did my best NOT to laugh). Sweet potato diet??? Never heard of it.

She would call me up to tell me about her day and to give me tonnes of advice. And she repeats everything. THRICE or more. Drove me nuts.

But...
she would always buy me food. She always cared about my health, my studies, how i was coping with my teaching career. She defended me. She truly wanted the best for me. The ONLY relative to give my sis and me presents for Christmas, every year.
I once ed slammed the car door on her fingers. By accident. She never scolded me.

I could write an entire book on my aunt. It might become a bestseller. And I could win the Nobel peace prize (its again to do with her...but I'm not telling you).

I just put this post up because i appreciate her. She's really annoying. But I'm grateful for her.
I just thank God I'm in Aussie...that's all. Far away from her. Making her proud. Now she will have something more to talk about. LOL.
Lokuammi, God bless you. Thank you for being who you are.

The Pioneer

It just struck my mind....you know I have actually pioneered something (well two things maybe???)
Firstly these are very modest, so I am not the next David Livingstone or whatever. And second they did mean something k. So I feel really good.
Last semester, when I first came to Adelaide (and to the Village, student accommodation), I remember clearly that my house mate C was feeling really homesick. So i wanted to cheer her up. At that time my other house mates hadn't arrived, so it was just C, N and me. Well it was her b day so I decided to throw her a surprise party. Went to Coles, bought a cake, drinks, and something else (???). Laid it all on the dining table and called her up. And honestly I had no idea of what her reaction would be like.
She had tears in her eyes. I was shocked (my lil action of love made someone feel so much better :D :D)
And another was that last semester, I sent everyone a text wishing them for their exams (and it cost me my $30 credit from Optus as well (now u know y i switched to 3). This sem??? they are all sending me texts. LOL. I feel so small now.
I had no idea that this is what would happen.
#1. Everyone now celebrates everyone's b days (yeah most of them are 'surprise' b days too). I know that even if I didn't do what I did, this would happen. But I guess the most imp thing would be that C felt loved and didn't feel so homesick.
#2. People take the time to text everyone to wish them for their exams. I got many thoughtful messages. Thank u guys. U made my day :D. (this may have happened even if I didn't start k...but at least I sent those messages...I feel satisfied).

Well maybe they are not so big after all. I didn't conquer the unknown, I didn't discover a new country, i didn't fight any historic battles.
What I did was.....................
I made someone's day. I made them smile. I let them know that they were loved.

and I posted this NOT so that I can boast. I posted this so that someone out there who reads this would feel encouraged to go out there and show some love. It maybe in a kind word, action or even a prayer. But don't let anything stop you from being the first to love. The first to do something nice. And the excuse that they will not do the same for me if they were in my shoes does NOT work k. Even if they don't, you were brave to be the difference. Someday it will come back to you.... and you WILL be surprised.

So my fellow pioneers, this is Roshi signing off for now..will be bck. now go show someone some luv :D.

Hello me

This posting is entirely for ME> I'm up at n ungodly hour and am tired, sleepy and I hate Marco Economics blah,blah..... I really shouldn't be complaining. After all if only I had worked harder during the semester.......
Nywys just to cheer me up I decided to post some of my favourite things (and this I remember vaguely from some movie...what was it? hmmm..... oh yeah Sound of Music). Yep that's how far gone I am. I'm remembering my past flash before my eyes.
So back to my favourite books (I decided to stick with one topic).

and many many more...this is all i could think of for now...
If you haven't read these before please do, they are bestsellers and are good. If you have then good on you....sorry getting sleepier *drifts away*
Luv Roshi

What women REALLY want... (yep its officialy out)

Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighboring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by Arthur's youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his freedom, as long as he could answer a very difficult question. Arthur would have a year to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he would be put to death.

The question was: What do women really want?

Such a question would perplex even the most knowledgeable man, and to young Arthur, it seemed an impossible query. But, since it was better than death, he accepted the monarch's proposition to have an answer by year's end.

He returned to his kingdom and began to poll everyone: the princess, the priests, the wise men, and even the court jester. He spoke with everyone, but no one could give him a satisfactory answer. Many people advised him to consult the old witch, for only she would have the answer. But the price would be high as the witch was famous throughout the kingdom for the exorbitant prices she charged.

The last day of the year arrived and Arthur had no choice but to talk to the witch. She agreed to answer the question, but he would have to agree to her price first. The old witch wanted to marry Sir Lancelot, the most noble of the Knights of the Round Table, and Arthur's closest friend! Young Arthur was horrified. She was hunchbacked and hideous, had only one tooth, smelled like sewage, made obscene noises, etc. He had never encountered such a repugnant creature in all his life. He refused to force his friend to marry her and endure such a terrible burden, but Lancelot, learning of the proposal, spoke with Arthur.

He said nothing was too big of a sacrifice compared to Arthur's life and the preservation of the Round Table. Hence, a wedding was proclaimed and the witch answered Arthur's question thus:

"What a woman really wants," she said, "is to be in charge of her own life."

Everyone in the kingdom instantly knew that the witch had uttered a great truth and that Arthur's life would be spared. And so it was, the neighboring monarch granted Arthur his freedom and Lancelot and the witch had a wonderful wedding.

The honeymoon hour approached and Lancelot, steeling himself for a horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen lay before him on the bed. The astounded Lancelot asked what had happened. The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she appeared as a witch, she would henceforth be her horrible deformed self only half the time and the beautiful maiden the other half. "Which would you prefer? She asked him. "Beautiful during the day ... or at night?"

Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day he could have a beautiful woman to show off to his friends, but at night, in the privacy of his castle, an old witch! Or, would he prefer having a hideous witch during the day, but by night a beautiful woman for him to enjoy wonderous, intimate moments with?



(If you are a man reading this ...) What would YOUR choice be?
(If you are a woman reading this ...) What would YOUR MAN'S choice be?


What Lancelot chose is below. BUT ... make YOUR choice before you read down below. OKAY?




















Noble Lancelot, knowing the answer the witch gave Arthur to his question, said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself.

Upon hearing this, she announced that she would be beautiful all the time because he had respected her enough to let her be in charge of her own life.

Now ... what is the moral to this story?


















































The moral is ..........................................................................................






























Continue ;).........................................






















If you don't let a woman have her own way, things are going to get ugly

My first posting

Eeps...I was to do this 'officially' after exams. LOL. But i felt that today was the right moment....so here it is.
I've always wondered what I was to post in my blog. A blog in not a private diary, its not a public domain like facebook, Hi5 etc,etc, where everybody checks out your profile. Its more private that that in a sense. But its also public. Anyone who WANTS to, can visit your blog. So what will my blog be like?
My blog will be like everyone else's blog. About my thoughts, views and opinions. After all it is MY space, where uninterrupted I can express as Fish put it "my two cents worth".
But it will be different because it will be MY thoughts, MY views, MY experiences. And since everyone is UNIQUE in this world, this blog will be unique. Different.
But to anyone who reads this I want to say enjoy. Coz the world is different in everyone's eyes.
This is my view.

"Finally, brethren , whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise worthy- meditate on these things."
Phil 4:8

Love Roshi.