Memory Lane

Hindsight is always 20/20 so they say. Whilst I don't believe in looking back, sometimes it pays to put yourself in your own shoes for a second - even if its to see how far you've come. Even if it's to kindly point out just where you fucked up. No way you're going back there.

Windswept

My favourite place reminds me that I need no more than that I already have.

Jackson's Last Stand

I am done. Over and out I say, but then that beat always gets my toes tapping and that hunger for nothing reminds me.

Riches/Rags

Just because someone is so-called privileged, it doesn't mean that they haven't done it tough.

Yes, it's all relative, but we all have eyes, ears, hearts.

Eight legs

It's one of those nights, I cannot seem to sleep. I close my eyes to enter a strange world of lucid dreaming and upon waking I see that the real life spiders are indeed getting bigger. If only I could work out what is really on my mind.

Please do not mistake me, all in life is well! I just know that this particular reticular activation system takes off when something is amiss.

Part II

Just slide the window shut, that way the breeze can't get in.

How is your bag?

Does that chilly blast from the past cool your back should it remain turned?

It's not that there are any hard feelings; it makes no sense to be bitter should the outcome be dandy. And as they say - time heals all wounds - it's just an unexpected curve ball.

America, fuck yeah!

Closer

This special variety of kindness and patience that I seemingly reserve for strangers; why can I not treat those close to me with the same compassion and respect? I am tired and the cracks are showing.

It has been a massive few weeks for me and for a few hours I am now forced to sit still and I realise that I am reeling.

I may be disappointed in some of my behaviour of late (snappy Tom on a power trip?) but I am moreso chuffed with the direction I have taken. I am officially good at life with a focus and work ethic I have never before witnessed of myself. Next move? To align that unrelentingly upbeat version of me with the driven one I have become.

Piece of cake!

There's some mistake, I'm not a member of the Columbian Record Club

The girl with the gift of the gab would like to know: if she was to shoot herself in the foot, could it prevent her from putting it in her mouth?

A golden opportunity presents, yet honesty prevails. I cannot step forward under false pretenses.

Title is a quote from the film "A Serious Man"

Let me enlighten you; this is the way I pray

It matters not what we don't have in common, for it's the music that binds us together.
Title lyrics taken from The Disturbed - Prayer

Circles

Your hands might be clean but your feet are dirty. As the saying goes: You are the company you keep.

Goldilocks

Are you angry at the world or are you just angry? Suck it up, princess. No one is coming to save you.

Creeping shoulders

The higher the altitude the heavier the load. Any weight can become a burden when the going gets tough. Travel light and keep a low centre of gravity. Take only what you need and leave the rest behind.

Mum's not in the kitchen

Rules of the game:

1. Don't go there

To resist is to piss in the wind

Rage against the machine all you want; you're still a part of it.

Title lyrics taken from Incubus - Out From Under

A bird is singing on the other side of this glass

Sound in mind now, heads not tails. Coin flipped, things are different. History doesn't repeat they say but it does play out under a bright new light. It's like watching a movie, showcasing just how much I have learned.
Title lyrics taken from Underworld - Juanita

Rock bottom foundation

A person is never broken, he who has the tenacity will repair. Be strong in mind and body - one can overcome anything.

Nice curve ball, Beck!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/willburns/2012/08/13/beck-sheet-music-article-stirs-controversy-over-what-innovation-is/

My opinion? Sheer genius! Such a clever send up of the current condition of the music industry in a refreshing, novel fashion. Beck Hansen, this is art.

Hallways

You're holding the key, you just need to find the right door. If you're still not succeeding perhaps you're in the wrong building? Sometimes all the houses look the same from the street.

Son, life just ain't that hard

Glass half empty/glass half full? Just fill the damned thing to the brim, argument solved.

Title lyrics taken from City and Colour - The Grand Optimist

No stars, ever.

Burn!

Swamp People

I am learning that I will just never be able to make some people understand. They are what they are. If I am the open-minded person I claim to be, I must learn to accept such diversity - diversity that accounts even for those in a devolved state of being. As my mother always said, "it takes all sorts to make the world go 'round."

I'm back at my cliff, still throwing things off

I didn't always love Björk. Less than ten years ago I was still poo-pooing her with great abandon. One morning everything changed. For a reason unbeknownst to me, I awoke with the song Hyperballad weaving through my consciousness with perfect clarity. As though in a zombie-like trance, I stumbled to the family computer and hit up Kazaa (remember Kazaa?) and downloaded the song immediately. From then on, I had nothing but infinite praise for this incredible artist.




This song is such an important piece of music for me. Such a compelling story that resonates deep within. And it's really striking home at the moment. Damn it, I love Björk.

Because one man alone cannot conquer the world

The river's running deep right through my blood

I would like to acknowledge the moment that I believe my love affair with BEATS really took hold. At an impressionable fourteen years old (but with a staunch love of alternative rock and metal, mind you), I purchased the album Surrender shortly after this single started getting very high rotation on JJJ. It was instant love. The Chemical Brothers at the top of their game, arguable kings of modern dance music.



Title lyrics taken from The Chemical Brothers - Out Of Control

Warning: Diatribe alert!

What I wanted to post on Facebook -

"To those whose daily whingepost-style updates are centred around run-of the mill FWP complaints: WAKE UP TO YOURSELVES! Your consistently boring and depressing tales of self-imposed misery are not helping anyone, least of all yourselves. In this land of opportunity, everything in life is a choice - including happiness - so take responsibility and stop attempting to force feed your negativity to those who quickly scroll past your offensively dull posts.


Thanks for reading and have a fabulous Friday! :)"

What I actually posted -

"I love my eyebrow lady! ♥"

Gutless?

Sporting

In the spirit of the upcoming Olympic Games (and of course my appalling love of bad taste humour).

Pollyanna's day off

From one rut to another. Full of personality and spark yet devoid of any tangible skill and lacking actual prospects. On dark days I question; is my feverish craving for adventure actually deep-seated fear of responsibility? I have zero interest in the so-called simple life.

With her wayward mind, she struggles through the night

If a walk down tree street with Dallas Green cannot fix my morning and put me in a better headspace then sadly it may be time to reassess. It is not a good time for a shakeup that's for certain but if there is one thing that I can never afford, it's to be unhappy. Right this second though it seems to be working a treat. Ahh.




Title lyrics taken from City and Colour - Fragile Bird

Winter lovin'

At the moment I am all about:




+ Scarves
+ The shiny blue winter sky
+ Crisp mornings
+ Nude nail polish
+ Earl Grey tea
+ My Nobody jeans
+ MOS Sessions Nine
+ Pea and Ham soup
+ Researching Russia and Trans-Siberian travel




Yum.

This is my church

In a style true to form, I went out with a bang. Waking up in your party dress without your phone is never a good thing, but it had to be done. I've said it before and I'll say it again - Once a party girl, always a party girl. And it had been a long time my friend.


Title Lyrics taken from Faithless - God Is A DJ

Relay

You cannot carry the torch for another. One must take on board the burden of their own mistake and deal accordingly. We all run our own race.

Opinions won't keep you warm at night

Art isn't necessarily supposed to be pleasing. So you find it unsightly or it makes you feel uncomfortable - there has been an emotional impact has there not?




And no, this does not apply to tights-as-pants. Soz.

Captain Planet

I'm guilty of being a total Deadmau5 fanboy and we all know how I feel about Nine Inch Nails. But, yum.

Delicious concoction right here!

Macaroons before breakfast

"Live today like it's your last day, but pay bills and dress appropriately just in case it isn't."

-- Capricecrane

You can love or hate, it won't change a thing for us

Between the Buried and Me's album Colors is a progressive metal masterpiece. This song is a standout amongst standouts and my absolute personal favourite of the genre. The word "epic" is well overused but in this case, perfectly just.

I still recall my brother giving me a copy of this album, and he'd earlier forced me to listen to their previous offering Alaska. In typical Mel fashion, their true appeal fell on deaf ears until some time later. Same old song, maybe I'm just supposed to discover amazing music at a time right for me, which was on the money in this instance. Anyway... I dare you to sit through this near fifteen minutes of awesome, because if you can it might just blow your brains out!

Hansel and Gretel

And there is no point doing the hard yards when lessons are not learned. Why run from your shadows if you can turn on the light?

Good At Life 101

To those who incessantly whine about their First World Problems: You have been bestowed a great fortune simply by being born into a land of opportunity. Why wish your life away? Be the master of your own destiny and be grateful, for you were allowed that choice.

We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing

I'm in that awkward age bracket where some of us seem to be becoming disillusioned with the whole concept of "growing up". Funny though that it seems to be the same people thumbing their noses at me for my Peter Pan attitude? Interesting.

Punching in a Dream

And like many of my best-loved songs, this is one that I did not get at first. I was so miffed when it beat The Naked and Famous' other single that year in the Hottest 100. Young Blood is still that amazing song that gives me chills every time it begins, but I now give this piece the credit it deserves too. Such a good morning kick-starter on a rainy Friday!

Matchsticks

A dreary morning reeking of admin work. This little caffeine addict is running without, can I survive my Thursday front desk cameo?

Redheads

There is good reason to keep one's head in the sand, it's all too easy to become disillusioned with our wonderful world. From time to time I find myself struck with a social issue so chilling that I cannot shake the feeling I am left with. It's much like the darkness that lingers well into the black night upon suddenly waking from a fitful sleep. 

Children of the cane

It's coming up again, that insatiable and irrepressible urge to party. Dance big, make no apologies, go absolutely fucking mental!

I am not one of those people who will ever settle down, ever get over it, get it out of my system. Once a party girl, always a party girl. Those who say you grow out of it just don't understand. They don't have what it takes. They are not like us.

Because germophobia and the like bores me senseless

Perhaps it's a hangover from dating a guy who was severely terrified of bacteria and viruses, but I personally get all sorts of giggles out of my lax attitudes towards same. Case in point:




Delish.

This world beats all around me but nothing here feeds to satisfy

Having one of those "suck it up" moments. It's a gorgeous day and everyone is smiling, so why am I not feeling it? It's not everyone else's fault I worked all weekend, slept crap last night, and didn't bother to go for my morning sanity jog. So deal, sweetpea. Why? Because I love people and they will drag me out of this mood. Along with Dead Letter Circus. Possible proof that there may be a god.




Title lyrics taken from Dead Letter Circus - Lines

Making up for teenage crime

Recently via team effort, another staff member and I have managed to get our DJ to play this song at work (job number two, obviously). Any patron who gets served a drink by me during these gorgeous couple of minutes is lucky indeed because this tune still makes me go a bit giddy.

If I'm talking in past tense, I have lived a charmed existence

I posted a track the other day (Ms Mr - Hurricane) stating that the song to me is reminiscent of Screamfeeder's Stoples. Now I have had Stoples wandering through my head all week. Such a beautiful track and has instigated a mini Screamfeeder revival for me.

I love this song, it temporarily takes me out of this world.

When aussie indie/punkrock whatever was about kids just having fun and the way it all came together seemed almost accidental

.

And my fave Screamfeeder moment, another completely tireless moment in music for me. To be fair, this song actually deserves its own blog post. Soz. But I saved the best for last!

 



Title lyrics taken from Screamfeeder - Stoples

One red beret

What is it that so compels us to push the boundaries? An age old power play; a statement indignant, defiant. But if rules are made to be broken, then who looks the fool now?

99 Problems but a bitch ain't one

Upon stating that I've been single for years, she says, "but surely you have a lot of flings!"
No.

"Are you gay??"

No.

"How do you do it?" She asks. "You know, be totally alone?"

Have you ever noticed that I never seem stressed??

Welcome to the inner workings of my mind

Pretty sure I'll be voting for this song come Hottest 100 time. This sound to me is reminiscent of Screamfeeder's Stopless.

Our steps seal fate!

Worst case scenario, great song though. And once upon a time I would have never thought I'd like Alexisonfire, yet here I am with big love for them. Whatever.

Some kinda fairytale

Strike a pose

Whatever it is that necessitates the posting of selfies on Facebook for so many people these days, I just don't get it. Either I don't believe I am good looking enough to stand up to the harsh criticism of the masses or I simply don't require validation of my appearance via social networking. Perhaps a little from column A, a little from column B?

Nickelback-hating misogynist?

I am hoping my good karma balances this out, but two things that have made me laugh recently. Hard.

Rescued by a daydream back down where I found the open door

This backward suburbia of family normality strangely excites me; all white picket fences and so-called careers of varying collars. A stark reminder of who I am: different. I love it for that. There is something somewhat thrilling about not quite fitting in. Shall I shave my hair into a mohawk and wear a punkrock scowl as I yell? To hell with your outdated definition of success! Merely a dressed up recipe for whitewashed mediocrity.

For what I fear most is boredom; a fate worse than failure itself.


Title lyrics from Cog - Bitter Pills

Key

To anyone who has ever complained about being stuck in traffic due to an MVA: Get some perspective.

It may seem unfortunate that you're running late for work. it may seem unfortunate that you could miss your flight. What is actually unfortunate is that someone's life could have been lost and others changed forever.

There was a fatality on Queensland roads today. Knowing the name and face is a chilling reminder of why I become upset when stuck on a closed motorway. And it's got nothing to do with wasting my precious time.

Thank you, come again.

I know I have not yet been elsewhere and to run straight back to that one passport stamp is generally discouraged but this is something that I must do for myself. If I hate it, at least then I will know. What is my connection with this place that leaves me so hungry to return? I will travel much further than my initial post in North India, however this primary destination is at the forefront of my focus. It is not so far away, for time will close in fast.

I don't need a nice car, fancy clothes, or endless big nights out. I need to keep my eyes on the prize. I need to get back here. And then beyond.


Here are some photos from my visit in 2010; I cannot take full credit for the photography as my travel companion and I shared a camera for this trip.

All roads to lead to Rome.

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, sometimes a picture can invoke a thousand words. Or thoughts. This photo, taken by a friend on Winter's first dawn inspires me no end. Perhaps one day I will work out why exactly.

Hold your colours against the wall

The awkward moment when an evening walk around the neighbourhood unwittingly becomes a profound experience?

Yesterday I went for a long stroll by myself, something I haven't done for a quite some time. Yeah, I go running (recently far less often than I should) but it's not the same as an epic hour and a half of sweet, sweet solitude at sundown. As I was on my way home under a sky of molten gold, I looked back through the canefields whilst listening to Parkway Drive's Romance Is Dead (3:44 to be precise, have a listen and you might get where I was at) and this amazing image; it will be burned into my retinas forever. I wasn't even game to whip out my phone and take a picture. When something is that beautiful, photos are cheap.

I guess I've been going through one of those limbo-like patches in life when not much seems to be happening, yet below the surface there's some pretty big stuff going on. I am sure you can relate.

There have been some situations lately that I've realised are little lessons in accountability. In short, you can't control how other people treat you, but you can control how you choose to deal with it. Am I unnecessarily offended, or have harsh words struck a nerve? Is it a little ego bruising or is there a deeper issue? Am I upset with this person when really it's a me problem? Each time I struggle within these moments, I am taking another step in the right direction and ultimately learning not to take things personally, and if I take something on board, it's for the right reasons.

During my walk, I also found myself in a state of reflection. Not uncommon for little Melly, I know, but looking back over the decade just passed is different now. It's no longer a regression, pondering a barren wasteland. Ten years working full time, partying full time, nothing to show? I've grown to see what fruits were truly borne from days I once thought lost. It turns out that I love being me and I'm proud of what I have achieved thus far, success unable to be measured or counted or awarded bits of paper. I have a kind of happiness that mortgages and degrees simply cannot buy (although I do plan on attaining the latter, at my own pace, when the time is right).

Yep, it certainly was the awkward moment when an evening walk around the neighbourhood unwittingly becomes a profound experience. Don't judge!



Edit: I just checked the clip and it's more like 3:35 on this cut. Whatever, you'll know it when you hear it.





Title lyrics taken from Pendulum - Hold Your Colour

And now I have to choose between Dallas Green and Joel Zimmerman...

To anyone who missed this, do yourself a favour and witness the beauty that was City and Colour live in the JJJ studios for Like a Version. I haven't gone this ballistic over my favourite Friday segment since Owl Eyes was in last year, so this was rather spesh. To be honest though, his cover of Kimbra although totally gorgeous, was not the show stopper. The absolutely stunning rendition of an original City and Colour song was the golden moment.

Fragile Bird totally just got promoted to my (too-extensive) "Favourite Songs of Ever" list. Sigh.

City And Colour | Like a Version | triple j

Bending light

Always be grateful and live in the now for you you never know what is around the corner.

Count your blessings.
Should you notice any missing, look up and walk on, for you never know what is around the corner.

It's time to leave the landlord swinging from the highest tree

And I don't care for a place called home for they say it is where the heart is. Home is not a station, it is a state of mind.

Title lyrics taken from Alexisonfire - Wayfarer Youth

Have you seen my vest?

I shall not be fraught by the insecurities of others, but rather be at ease with my own flawed version of awesomeness. I shall not apologise for any discomfort, as I have not erred, and therefore I shall not take on an upset as my own.

If I am attacked, I will remain safe inside my knowledge that I am innocent. If my manner is disarming, forgive me, for you cannot argue with my kindness. In spite of any offense, I endeavour to always treat people how I wish to be treated.

This is how I sleep soundly at night.

Shun the non-believer, shun!

Pedal Stool

I have been a long term fan of Nine Inch Nails and an avid follower of anything Trent Reznor. One of my favourite moments, is this stark piano piece from 1999's epic double album The Fragile.



I was tempted to post a great live clip of The Frail/The Wretched, though decided against it (obviously). The transition between the two songs is in my opinion, one of the best, however I also believe that The Wretched actually detracts from the beauty of it's precursory track.

Not getting tickets to Splendour? Priceless.

By now you would have heard about the Splendour lineup. And how it sold out in record time. You are possibly aware of how I feel about three of the bigger names on the bill? Let's not go there, it's painful. You probably didn't hear that I was offered tickets presale. You won't believe that I declined.

Why? I guess I was exercising this new power I recently obtained. A little thing called "self-control". Oh and although seeing At The Drive In smash it to pieces would be so very sweet (damn it, that hurts), it's simply not going to get me to where I want to be.

Back on the train. Back in India.

Photo courtesy of Google Images. Thank you, come again.

Some people call it "negativity", I just call it boring

And I am so glad that ship has once again sailed. The one full of pirates, looting and shooting. They never seem to win these days, my army is now too strong a match. Still it's enough to shake my confidence just that little bit. I welcome the challenge however, as I know I am up to it and every time I feel that wake I know that I am better for it.

Have you ever noticed that dogs don't compare themselves to other dogs?

Remember that the only thing that defines you, is you. It's not about what you have, or have not; who you have beside you, or don't have beside you. It's only, solely about the person that you are and how you convey this to the world. This alone is what divides those who are great, from those who are not.

Said the blind man to his deaf wife

Tired of telling others what you think they should do? Try leading by example. No one can argue with that. Preach less, practice more.

LTC

And what if the world, or even just your own should end tomorrow? All that worry, all that stress, for nothing. Ah, what a waste of time and energy it might be. Such a risky investment!

Kid, you're a dreamer

So many ideas. So little time. Could I please wind the clock back even a couple of minutes? I ask as I sit here pondering, the second hand never slowing in its mocking, perpetual beat. Good old time: best enemy, worst friend. I have too much energy but no way to rein it in. Running wild, I am a waste when left to my own devices yet I preach accountability? Some say it's never too late, I guess I should get cracking. If only I could make up my mind for long enough to actually follow through with something. Anything.

Stressless

Anytime I feel wound up, this should be my go-to happy place. I remember when this was first posted on Facebook on Christmas night, it was such a gorgeous piece to end a lovely day. Thank you, Joel! Marry me?

http://m.soundcloud.com/fuckmylife/xmas-stuff

Kony2012

I wanted to write a properly-penned opinion piece but after spending the better part of my day debating this prevalent media topic, I'm afraid I am now a little spent on Kony2012. As a result I have decided to summarize instead. Knowing me, this means that I will probably forget the strongest tent pegs when pitching any arguments and this certainly won't be my best work, however for whatever reason I just need to get it out tonight so blah blah blah here goes.

First and foremost, I am gobsmacked that so many people are genuinely shocked to learn of the political climate in Africa. I know it's not your usual glossy mainstream news, but surely our heads are not so deep in the sand? This whole thing is one messed up rock and hard place.

I'm going to admit it, I find it very difficult to support international intervention when it comes to civil war. Please don't get me wrong, I believe in human rights as much as those who are shaken by the video and outwardly voicing their disgust towards Kony and the LRA but at risk of being condemned as cold-hearted, I'm just not buying into it. Worthy cause and important issue? Absolutely. Is our compassion being exploited for political gain? In my opinion, yes.

If you wish to support this cause and rally against Kony, then by all means do so! I commend those who stand up for what they believe in whether it's in line with my own stance or not. I am not in any way, shape or form wishing to detract from your beliefs, play nay-sayer, or to criticise well-meaning intentions. This is merely an opinion, although I was sure to partake in a little research when I realised mine was shaping up to be seen as possibly controversial.

Kudos to Invisible Children for a brilliantly executed social media campaign. Kony2012 has taken up prime real estate of my thoughts and online discourse since last night so regardless of my standpoint, they still have me hook, line, and sinker.

I shall leave you with some light reading:

http://www.africa.ufl.edu/asq/v12/v12i3a2.pdf

The simplest mathematics

Song dump!

Current loves:

Faux Pas - Silver Line




Mutemath - Allies




M83 - Reunion




Parachute Youth - Can't Get Better Than This




Felix Cartal - Domo




Calvin Harris - Feel So Close (Nero Remix)




Phutureprimative - Xotica

I rise above the human follies in my life

Just when I think I have turned away from this type of music and that my longstanding love of metal is petering out, this song comes on. And that's when I realise I am dead wrong.



Title lyrics taken from Byzantine - Jeremiad

Why you should quit your job

Because life is too short to be stressed. Time for me to come out with it - I HATED my last job on the coast. This has probably been previously made evident but in an effort not to burn bridges I have tried to keep it on the D-low. It's with mixed emotions that I speak of my time there. I know that I cannot place the blame on my former employer or team for things going horribly wrong for me. In order for things to be that bad, there are of course other factors at play. After all, disease can only take hold in a compromised environment. There were things about that job that I loved. I still have great respect for the company's leading lady and my colleagues who supported me through it all (they knew, maybe not the extent to which I was affected, but I am sure they had some idea). It just wasn't at all right for me at the time, and ultimately became extremely toxic and detrimental to my sanity and self esteem. I thought I hated everything and everyone around me. I had begun to hate myself. In fact, I could no longer even recognise myself. I thought I was depressed.

When you detest your work so deeply your whole outlook on life is discoloured, it is beyond time to move on. Stop procrastinating and panicking that you have no way out. It is time to think of yourself. Pardon my language, but fuck it. GET OUT!! Look around and be creative. Don't be afraid to take bold steps to put changes in place. Even if your escape route may seem counter-productive at first. It never pays to be unhappy in the long run.

Galaxia

Old school alert, but this is one of those songs that at the right moment can make you feel as though life is perfect. Even when flawed, everything is wonderful. I have a pocketful of these songs. This one in particular reeks of freedom and adventure, open minds. For me it evokes the memory of breaking away from Chennai on that battered old train, South India in all its lush rice paddied glory.

With a new face, you might surprise yourself

Square one ain't so bad. In fact, I'm loving it. I finally feel in control, and I can tell you that it's better late than never. Truth is, I have been quite shit at life and up until recently I have flat out refused to take responsibility for it. In denial, I would blow a fortnight's pay in the Valley on a Friday night and somehow made it to every festival each season. Yes, I was having fun but wasn't exactly enamoured with my situation. This festival season I have made it to none. I could have been going to Future this weekend, but instead I am putting last week's hard-earned $$$ in an envelope I'll be handing to Mum and Dad on Thursday (twenty-seven and owing my parents money? Embarrassing, and that alone is motivation to remove oneself from a rut!). Boring indeed, however ultimately a heck of a lot more satisfying in the long run. I've had to make sacrifices and I hate making sacrifices! Festivals of all things! So, I know I deserve the sense of achievement that comes along with it. As a reward I treated myself to a new pair of shoes today, $10 flats from Big W... What a splurge, ha.

There have been times when I have heavily doubted the validity in my motives to move here. When you move back to the town you grew up in, it's hard not to feel like you've taken a step back. It's taken time (and a thick skin to shirk the attitudes of some) to realise that I have actually taken a big step forward. I loved my old life, and I miss it. But that's okay, because I also love this life. And at least this time around I am finally accountable for where I am and where I am heading. I'm going to stop to making excuses for my position in the world as at last I am becoming okay with it.


Lessons learned:

+ Patience is a virtue. It won't happen overnight, but it will happen and only if you work for it.

+ Everything happens for a reason. I already had this figured out, but damn the universe works in interesting ways. I continue to be astounded by this, sometimes these wonders are easily missed while others are colossal moments in time with jaw-dropping results. Best to avoid impulsive temper tantrums then? Refer to lesson one, my friend.


And because the title lyrics are from this song and it's all kinds of awesome (who doesn't like Faith No More? Er, Get off my blog!), I shall leave you with an old-time favourite:

Stay above the line

So it seems as though I have failed at life yet again. I can't help but beat myself up for this doozy, it's hard not to drag one over hot coals when one keeps letting his own side down like this! I deserve the berrating and may lay in the dog house for a drawn-out moment, so long as all the while I remember that wallowing and chastising won't achieve the results I want. Learn from this and lift your game, girl. So not killing it.

Why I don't drink town water

http://failbook.failblog.org/2012/02/01/funny-facebook-fails-escaping-a-cult/

Adventures of a Beta Girl

I've always been a bit behind the eight-ball and as a result have often been left feeling as though I'm playing catch up. Finally I am realising that it is okay to live life at my own pace, especially considering I'm usually dancing to the beat of a different drum.

Midnight.

The clock just ticked over and I actually feel sick to the stomach. Is it okay not to feel excited about this day? Just for once?

I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now

This song doesn't even need an introduction. I don't need to explain why I love it or feel the urge to post it because I'm quite confident you agree it's a classic for all of your own reasons.

Get what you give

"Continuous effort - not strength, luck, money or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential." - Winston Churchill

Locked in a safe place; looking out the window

This place has its merits and if I am honest with myself at the moment it is right for me. I still can't help feeling as though I am wasting the best years of my life here.


Title Lyrics taken from Underworld - Jumbo

Wanted: Free return flight to California and complimentary Coachella pass!

So I woke up to some great news in the music world this morning, yes, word on the street is that At The Drive In have reformed. The other word on the street is that Refused have also reformed. Both acts are big names on the Coachella lineup which was also released overnight. Both acts also each released an album that has been hailed as one of the most influential of its time. I am a huge fan of these two records, but particularly of Relationship Of Command. Listening to it takes me back to a time when music reigned over my life. I am back in high school, back in my old bedroom on Walker St with the stereo I'd bought with my own money and was somehow allowed to play at a ridiculous volume for a sixteen year old still living at home. I went on to learn that in the real world, no one plays their music that loud, unless you want the cops on your doorstep.

When I first purchased Relationship Of Command, I didn't quite understand it. A few listens in however and it became one of the best purchases I had ever made of the plastic disc variety.

This particular song I am is my favourite off the album. The massive ending just blows me away every time I hear it.





And everyone knows the story about Refused's The Shape of Punk to Come, how they were scoffed at for releasing a title so conceited. Critics quickly ate their words. Refused are fucking dead? Apparently not! Bring it!

Oh and the Shins are playing Coachella too. Anyone want to place a wager on whether they'll be one of the headliners at Splendour? I hope so. Side show please!

Sunday chillouts

I think this is a pretty cool remix of one of my fave tracks from 2011. Perfect for Sunday chillouts. Except now I feel like an icy cold corona.



There's something about the reggae sound that makes me feel like attending a cruisy afternoon BBQ. Salmonella Dub have this effect on me.

To get you in the mood, check out: For the Love of It.

I'd never heard anything so beautiful as when I heard them all sing

You know when you're in the car on the open road and it's a pristine day so you can't help but hang your hand out the window, catching the breeze?

It's one of my favourite things.

It's that feeling of freedom, the smell of fresh cut grass and the wind in your face. Completely relaxed, yet totally elated.

I believe that if it were a sound, it would go a little bit like this:

Title lyrics taken from Wicked Beat Sound System - Church of Al Green

Boom! Shake, shake, shake the room!

At once, everything is clear.
Motivation, direction, perseverence. Without the F word, however, I go nowhere.

Focus.

From out of the blue, it's a whole new beginning. Nothing can stop me now.

Hottest 100! Votes are in!

Yes, I finally did it!

Drumroll, ploise:


Active Child - Hanging On

Boy and Bear - Feeding Line

Cold War Kids - Mine is Yours

Foster the People - Helena Beat

Matt Corby - Brother

M83 - Midnight City

Rufus - Paris Collides

ShockOne - Crucify Me

Skrillex - Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites

The Wombats - Jump Into the Fog


We have a little joke in our household and none of us are sure where it came from but when you wish to proclaim your love for a song that comes on you shout "Dubstep! Dubstep!" All of these songs are a huge dubstep for me. My initial shortlist was over eighty songs in length and I admit that I had a rather hard time making the inevitable cull (we all know I take the Hottest 100 a tad more seriously than I probably should!) however I am happy with my choices. I try to choose songs that I will find to be personally enduring, and I'm proud to say that I'm quite certain I will dubstep this fantastic little selection into the future and beyond.

Now for the Golden Ticket. Give it to me.

Stars leave the morning, sleep clouds my view

The band Doves are amazing. This is one of their best for sure. The opening strains are just so beautiful and tireless.





Title lyrics taken from Doves - The Cedar Room

The first time I've been Friday Fabulous this year!

Well, duh. Being that it's the first Friday of 2012. Whatever.

I'm not afraid, I just don't belong

I've always felt as though I have square peg syndrome. The difference now is that I've realised that this is what gives me an edge.

Find a hole that fits? To hell with that - anything fits, if you care to make it work for you.


Title lyrics taken from Pendulum - The Fountain

Because it's Thursday!

My last post chilled me out a little too much and that is not what I am after today. With a busy day ahead and feeling all charged for studying again, wanting to get back on track with my exercise regimen, being extremely motivated and excited to hunt a second job down, etc, etc, etc, etc, ... I need something to pump me up.

I think this will do :)

Zen Moment

I heard this song a few months back now, but it was a pretty great moment. I walked out of a yoga class during which I had made a huge breakthrough (finally managed to meditate during the Savassana and not just fall asleep) and this song was on the radio. It was so perfect for where I was right then, just a perfect piece of music actually.

Staying on track

Surround yourself with people and things that inspire you. Enjoy positive conversations with others and do not be afraid to take what you need from people's experiences and wisdom. It costs neither yourself nor the other person a cent.

Watch, listen, learn.
In the words of Phil Knight (famously of Nike, not Shihad):

Just do it!

Why 2011 was quietly awesome

2011 was definitely a mixed bag for me. There was a pivotal moment wherein after being unhappy for quite some time I made a seemingly snap decision to quit my life and move back to Bundaberg. Ultimately, it was the year that I finally found direction and learned a whole lot about myself (good, bad, and ugly). In a nutshell, a year of personal development. Perhaps a little too much navel gazing, yet my head is clearer for it.

My biggest breakthrough however, was overcoming my long-standing Arachnaphobia.

It is something that I have been working on for a few years now and it was amazing to at last have that break-through moment only quite recently, that moment when I realised that I am no longer phobic. I'll tell you that I am pretty darn chuffed with myself. And although it is something that was solely up to me to overcome, I couldn't have done it without the support of some key people in my life. Thank you.

It may not sound like a big deal but those close to me, or anyone who has or still lives with a phobia would understand why I count this as my biggest personal achievement yet.

It's true that I will always be afraid of spiders, but so are a lot of people.
I don't doubt that they may (well, will) still be an anxiety trigger for me, but I have a handle on it now.
I will never be entirely comfortable with our eight-legged friends, but I no longer let them call the shots.

I no longer see them when I close my eyes and I don't check tables and chairs before I take a seat.
Basically, it doesn't control my life anymore.

As I would say, "Go me!"
To beat something that has been a dark shadow for as long as I can remember is extremely liberating. If I did this, I can do anything. And I'll need this newfound strength and ability because that was just one yellow brick and I can tell you it's a long road.

Snobbery

A pet hate of mine: people saying "me" when they mean to say "my" when speaking in the context of ownership.

It niggles away like an "expresso" coffee. Ugh.