hangin

in reference to my newfound joy in hammocking, i have titled this "hangin". i love my eno. I've had it for a while, but I neglected to buy the proper straps to put it up with (and I'm not as engineer-savvy as some to put it up safely by my own wit), so given that I just got the straps in the mail on Thursday, I've had it up nearly every day since. After having an emotionally-strained week last week, I gladly succumbed to the joy of relaxing over the weekend.

To interject here and explain about the downer week: A boy that my roommates were friends with drowned one morning when he went out surfing with a group of friends. The waves were really quite treacherous, and everyone was warned to not go in, but they were at the beach too early for the lifeguards so they didn't get the official memo. Regardless, the incident was tragic and it broke my heart. I had just talked with him nearly two days before, about going on a roadtrip up the coast. It's weird. Also, my dad's best friend, and my dear friend as well, Dennis Jabs, just left us as well, for he died of a rare blood cancer. My heart aches for everyone affected, including my own.

It was also cold and rainy all week.

And those are the reasons why my week was strange and a bit "off".

Therefore, on Friday, it was a sweet relief to do as I pleased. I began the day by riding my bike to the beach, finding a pair of trees on the grass, but directly on the beach as well. I watched the surfers, read my book, studied a bit, and then packed up and met Holly and Jack for lunch at the Kiosk on the beach (I had a fantastic chicken, beet, avocado burger... nom nom). Afterwards, I headed up to the mall with Des where we found a few goodies for our dear friend and then I rode back home. I really don't like malls at all, to be quite honest. I feel like they suck the life (and time) out of me. There's just so much... stuff... that nobody really needs. And everytime I go I seem to end up getting something that "I didn't know I needed" (as mom and I always say). But really, that phrase is so distorted. Yet I make it true every time! Grrr.

I just wanted to be outside. So by the time we got home, it was rather cloudy and chilly out, but I wouldn't let that stop me. So I grabbed my Eno (I think he/she needs a name... suggestions??), and headed out to the lawn behind Kooloobong, between two trees in the corner of everything, hidden from most. In the distance I could hear a bumpin party (and I didn't wish that I was there one bit). In my little space I sat, cuddled in a ball with my towel as my blankie, cherishing my book and my peace and quiet. Rain sprinkled on my face and I didn't care. I wrapped the hammock about my face and cuddled tighter, giggling slightly to myself because I was just so happy there. When it became too dark for me to see the pages anymore, I sat and chatted with Jesus for a bit, then did a few cartwheels in the grass before going back to my room. We had a nice party for Holly then, involving Fairy Bread (white bread, butter, and sprinkles), blueberry/white chocolate cake, Twister, and Jenga. Twas lovely! I left before the dancing began, but was then able to wake up refreshed and revived for Saturday.

We had a suprise adventure on Saturday, with a leisurely roadtrip to Kiama. Blasted some Lauryn Hill in the car, with Booby at the wheel, pals in the back. We walked around the market as it was packing up, and I got some dark-chocolate covered ginger pieces (which I adore, and attempt to not covet). We got some nummy Thai food and ate it by the cliff shores, then headed down to check out the famous "blowhole", where water from waves shoots through a certain point of the rocks and creates a big spray of ocean all over everyone. The wind there was crazyyyy and I literally got pushed down to the rocks while I tried to climb them! Then we went and played on a playground like the kids that we are, and meandered over to the beach to stick some toesies in the delicious water. What a good, good day it was. Nothing epic, but something wonderful. I really love all of the friends that I have here; it's a funny kind of family.

On Sunday, then, I rode my bike to church and it began to pour so I had to leave my bike. I find that this happens without fail, everytime I ride to church. Maybe it's a sign that I need to spend time with people in their cars instead of making my own way haha. It was my attempt at a workout, come on! Linda spoke about taking the limits off of God and His Power and Glory that He possesses and could work out in our lives and communities and world. Mmm it was a good good word. After church, I went out to lunch to Lee and Me with my lovely new friends, Minnie and Aiko. We sat for about two hours! So wonderful to make connections and friendships. After being home for about three hours, I went back to church for the night service with my Desiree and Sir Simon Pettitt (legend. not a lemon.), where we received another awesome message from Linda! The whole church is wearing bracelets now that say "no limits", hehe :)

I must add a few random tidbits here at the end:
-They announced "supper" time at a meeting I went to, and I was like, woahhh really? they're giving us dinner?... when in fact, "supper" refers to evening tea-time. who knew?!

-My dear friends, Holly and Des, got me a didgeridoo as an early birthday present, and we had a hilarious time trying to play it (although it is against cultural law for women to play them... apparently they say that it causes women to become pregnant. I don't think that shall happen to me.) It really just sounded like a fart every time I tried to play it haha.

-I'm really happy to be in Australia, and I can already feel the months dwindling down! Bah!

-Classes are really easy, so that also makes me happy.