{"@attributes":{"version":"2.0"},"channel":{"title":"My Flame Burns Bright","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/","description":"My Flame Burns Bright - LiveJournal.com","lastBuildDate":"Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:18:32 GMT","generator":"LiveJournal \/ LiveJournal.com","copyright":"NOINDEX","image":{"url":"https:\/\/l-userpic.livejournal.com\/96875768\/9902371","title":"My Flame Burns Bright","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/","width":"100","height":"100"},"item":[{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/151868.html","pubDate":"Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:18:32 GMT","title":"New year - New me","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/151868.html","description":"Like many of my friends here have said recently, I love LJ and I miss what it used to be. I hope to use this thing again and stop being part of the reason for a quiet Flist.

A lot can happen in a year... or not even a year.  In the past 6 months my life has taken a completely different direction.

In recent years my dream job morphed into my worst nightmare as it became less and less scientific support and more and more sales. For the first time in my life I experienced depression and anxiety... things I never would have thought would impact me.  In August I called it quits and was lucky enough to land a job with a wonderful organisation whose approach to healthcare align well with my own (it's about the patient and quality, not just money). I've returned to my work as a medical scientist and could not be happier with that outcome.

This comes at a bad time for my industry however, where we are due to see rapid decline for people in my specific field. While I expect that I'll be one of the lucky ones to continue holding a job when the dust settles, I am not putting all my eggs in the one basket.  To future-proof my career, I'm also returning to study and was accepted into a great university. They offer degrees which can be personally tailored to my interests, and which give a lot of diversity. iIt's going to mean hard work and a long hours, but I think it will be worth it.

My kids are now 18 (not a kid at all really) and 15. Both are still finding their feet in this world and are slowly learning (or is that slow to learn) that you get out of life what you put in. Like, if you do not study, you fail to get a university placement. Good thing our system has back up plans available. I hope that Miss 18 will show some focus and effort toward her studies this year now she has direction (she wants to be an art teacher). <\/span>I also hope the youngest learns from the mistakes of her older sister.<\/span>

Financially the changes have been difficult. I guess that's my goal this year, to reel things in and have us all learn to live a more modest lifestyle again. We're starting with holidays, planning a very local holiday this year. Travelling abroad will be a rare treat now, as work is no longer footing the bill, and being in school again means I can only travel at expensive peak times :(

So in a few short weeks, life is going to really change for all of us, and I'm looking forward to the challenges. I hope to share my journey with you again, probably at those moments when I'm avoiding uni obligations. LJ always was a great procrastination tool!<\/span>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/151868.html?view=comments#comments","category":"rl"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/151777.html","pubDate":"Mon, 26 Oct 2015 11:15:22 GMT","title":"Forever Young - hansardgal","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/151777.html","description":"Today we got the news that <\/a>hansardgal<\/b><\/a><\/a>shammymacc<\/b><\/a><\/span> and I walked out of the movie theatre after seeing Magic Mike. Our assessment was identical... most appauling piece of movie making we had seen in a very long while. They tried to make one of those hero-overcomes-great-adversity type stories, but it fell flat in every single way. And despite seeing the delectable Matt Bomer shirtless and strutting his stuff, there was far too little of that to redeem the film in any way.  I actually felt like I had wasted my money, which is unusual for me, an avid movie fan.

Fast forward to yesterday...

With extremely low expectations we set off again to watch Magic Mike XXL (the only draw was the hope of seeing a little more Matt Bomer). This time they threw all notion of story out the window, and clearly they set out to create a movie that was fun and nothing else. Well they achieved that and then some.There was eye candy everywhere and so many laughs, I had tears in my eyes. Most of the men were not my type (hyper muscley), but that didn't matter because it wasn't really about the sexuality, it was about the joy and entertainment value of the performance. Judging from everyone in our theatre, I think they achieved their goal.

So Magic Mike really redeemed itself, and this time I think I got more than my money's worth. I'm calling us even, Magic Mike, and thanks so much for an awesome night out!","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/151380.html?view=comments#comments","category":"movies"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/151217.html","pubDate":"Thu, 02 Apr 2015 03:28:54 GMT","title":"Another show bites the dust and life goes on...","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/151217.html","description":"Glee has ended, and at least I can say the ending was satisfying (for me). Glee has been hit and miss for several years, and season 6 was more miss than hit, but they at least wrapped the season with a great look at where they have been, where they are, and where they will end up. The final episode was a celebration of Glee, and as a fan, I was happy. That's really saying something, because I half expected to be left screaming in the gutter with yet another kick in the gut from this show that has pulled too many punches over the years.

So Glee now joins the ranks of \"shows I have loved and lost\" right along side Queer as Folk and The Office. The sad thing is, this time I don't have anything to take its place. I need a good ensemble show with a huge heart to send all the energy I reserve for fangirling.

It's been an interesting year so far in my household. Miss 17 is in her final year of highschool and boy are there stresses associated with that. Fights abound over homework and attitude. I have no idea how to motivate her to learn, and to put in more than the minimum effort. Socially though, she's in a good place with lots of friends, and she seems to be well over the heartbreak of her first great love.

My husband has been sick since mid January - it's wearing him down. He did apply for a job though (his current one which has been temporary for the past 6 years) and was successful! It's great to finally have the security of permanency. We're both looking forward to our NYC holiday in 18 days. We haven't had a holiday alone together since our honeymoon 16 years ago.

Miss 14 is happy in her own little world (you tube, gaming, books). She recently made the drastic decision to cut all of her long blonde tresses. True to the cliches of women making big hair changes to coincide with big life decisions, she chose that day to also come out to us. The news was greeted with an rather non-reactionary \"Oh! Okay\" from hubby and I, and the wider family are taking it in their stride. I've spoken about it with her in more depth since and though it was a fairly recent revelation, she has probably been aware that she was a little different for about 3 years. With sexual fluidity far more accepted amongst kids her age, it took a while to find where she fit. She's a fairly well adjusted gay teen, and I hope that continues.

Whilst I'm away in NYC, my Mum is coming to stay with the kids. That means I need a clean organised house! Guess what I'll be doing with this Easter long weekend!","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/151217.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150877.html","pubDate":"Sat, 21 Feb 2015 03:09:07 GMT","title":"*waves*","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150877.html","description":"So much happening this week, I don't know where to start!

Right now I'm avoiding Glee fandom because I am having a group come to my house to watch tonight's episode and celebrate together (our fave people are getting married!). I can't be spoiled with all the details, I need to watch it without knowing what to expect - delight in all the surprises as they unfold. Good thing I'll be cooking all afternoon!

Also this week it was announced that Darren Criss will be taking over the role of Hedwig in April. This show has had amazing reviews from the start, and headliners that have nearly had me on a plane four times already. I very sadly missed the boat with Neil Patrick Harris. How dare he announce a Broadway show mere months after I return home?!! Andrew Rannells and Michael C Hall would have been great to see, but I was OK about losing those opportunities. I was almost beside myself when I learned that John Cameron Mitchell, the play's writer and the originator of the role was returning for a run! I was hoping I'd get to see him, but at the time, flight prices seemed prohibitive.

Well, give it a few months and MY how the scenery has changed. Within 24 hours I had leave booked, arranged Mum to babysit, found GREAT flights and a beautiful, reasonably priced hotel near Midtown. My husband and I are both flying for practically the price of one ticket, and on really good airlines (QANTAS\/Emirates). I can't wait to wake up in the morning and step out straight onto the Manhattan streets! And I get to see both JCM and Darren Criss as Hedwig! New York here we come!

My last trip I achieved my main goal and made my husband fall in love with NYC. He's itching to get back, especially since we can do this without the kids!!! This will be like a second honeymoon :)","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150877.html?view=comments#comments","category":["glee","theatre"]},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150715.html","pubDate":"Sat, 15 Nov 2014 07:27:51 GMT","title":"oops, I bought a Honda","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150715.html","description":"After narrowing it down to two this week, we drove past the Honda dealership today and I realised that I had meant to look at the CRV. Well, they had a great deal on with lots of extras thrown in and all for less than the Subaru or Toyota. I signed the deal for a silver one, the last in stock with the specs I wanted. Colour was never an issue, so I didn't really mind that there was no choice.","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150715.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150421.html","pubDate":"Fri, 14 Nov 2014 10:26:42 GMT","title":"Crazy week","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150421.html","description":"My mother visited, Miss 17 has exams, and my Gran is having health problems which had her in hospital. The result was a LOT of driving around and not a lot of time to myself, hence the absence of posts this week.

I've also been spending considerable time, thought and energy trying to find a new car. My current vehicle has to be replaced with something more secure for cargo - not that I actually carry too much, mind you. It upsets me to part with my Mazda so early, but this has to be done. The Subaru Forester and the Toyota Rav 4 are front runners at the moment, and I might be making a decision this weekend :)

Lastly, a big work project that has consumed my life for 20 months fell through this week :( It's very disappointing, but out of my control. In the big scheme of things, we might have the last laugh, but it is a setback nonetheless.","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150421.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150018.html","pubDate":"Fri, 07 Nov 2014 15:44:19 GMT","title":"Cards Against Humanity","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150018.html","description":"

Has anyone tried this game of inappropriate giggles and laughs? I bought a set of Cards Against Humanity and we played for the first time tonight. Everyone in the same room, getting along and laughing together. Yes, me, my girls and my husband! Unheard of!<\/p>

Here's a couple of funny responses we had in our game...<\/p>

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The musical lover in me made me do it!
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I ship it!<\/p>

Overall, a week of progress. Just one important task to complete, but I'll get that done tomorrow. Onward and upward to week two, and even more improvement!<\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/150018.html?view=comments#comments","category":"rl"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/149785.html","pubDate":"Wed, 05 Nov 2014 13:17:34 GMT","title":"Glee - season 5 ","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/149785.html","description":"I just bought Glee Season 5 on DVD, and there is an interesting little documentary on the NYC side of the story. It features a lot of insight from Ian Brennan, explaining the thought processes behind some of the onscreen drama.

Now there were a lot of developments that didn't make sense, or that were glossed over so quickly that you just couldn't see how or why they came about. I'm not sure if it was the writing process or the editing where things fell over, but it put a lot of \"strange choices\" into perspective.

I think this is one of the downfalls of Glee over the years, they have great ideas, interesting thoughts on character development, but the execution seems to fall short. I guess this explains its declining fan base, but still I stay true to this show. I love the characters and I'm looking forward to seeing it through to the end. Fingers crossed that the thoughtful insight put forward by Ian is translated better in season 6.

Also.... Superficial complaint here... But the Aussie DVD cover has half of Blaine's pretty face covered by the PG rating logo. Bitterly disappointed! More effort could have been put to modifying the layout so the images were preserved. Santana lovers would be equally disappointed to see her largely hidden beneath the same logo.","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/149785.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/149712.html","pubDate":"Tue, 04 Nov 2014 10:50:31 GMT","title":"Day 4","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/149712.html","description":"A busy day with several important things completed. I wish people would answer their emails though, it's such a waste of time to have to follow up again and again. Definitely productive and I feel good about what I accomplished.

I've even managed to get a few loads of washing done! Shamefully, it takes two full loads just to wash my blacks. I need to work on getting more colour in my wardrobe.","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/149712.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/149242.html","pubDate":"Sun, 02 Nov 2014 08:30:14 GMT","title":"A day at the movies...","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/149242.html","description":"I saw Pride yesterday with <\/a>shammymacc<\/b><\/a><\/span>. What a brilliant film! So much warmth and heart and heaps of fun too. But there were emotional tears also.

If you don't know about this film yet, it tells the story of the LGSM group (Lesbians & Gays Support the Miners) who supported mining communities of South Wales through the 1984-85 coal miners strike. It tells the story of solidarity, and of how this unlikely union paved the way for sweeping reform of gay rights in the UK.

I think this is my favourite film of the year. Do yourself a favour and go see it!","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/149242.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/148815.html","pubDate":"Sat, 01 Nov 2014 00:01:05 GMT","title":"Day 1","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/148815.html","description":"today marks the start of a new initiative to get more organisation, structure and discipline into my life... Things I need to truly succeed in my career.

They say it takes a month to form new habits and break old ones. So here goes... A month of blog posts, to help focus my thoughts and activities in the morning and add routine and purpose to my online time.

I think I've been using the Internet of late without much purpose. The sites I have been visiting almost promote that. It's lots of shiny pictures and gifs, cute baby animals, quirky quizzes and human interest stories (the type they use as fillers on slow news days). And it's honestly a waste of time. I miss the meaningful interactions that blogging here used to bring, and I refuse to be part of the reason LJ is quiet.

In other news, today marks the retirement of my Filofax. My \"Brompton\" has been with me every day for the past 15 years (+ a few months). It was a rarely used<\/span> diary, a compartmentalised organiser, and a purse all rolled into one sizeable package. It was heavy and dictated my style of handbag for all those years - large and cavernous! But it was my travel buddy and faithful companion for all those years. I'll miss it, but it's edges are rubbed bare and it's zipper is so worn from use that at times it pulls apart. I think I might still pull it out for holidays... It deserves a fulfilling retirement after such great service.
","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/148815.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/148640.html","pubDate":"Fri, 29 Aug 2014 14:47:00 GMT","title":"How do you mend a broken heart?","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/148640.html","description":"Today I am nursing the broken heart of Miss Almost 17. She has been with the same boy for a year and a half, and things were as serious as they get.

I ache for her and wish there was more I could do to ease the pain.

But unfortunately we all know the story... Only time will heal, but in the meantime I have hugs and chocolate, and there will be a weekend full of friends sleeping over.","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/148640.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/148464.html","pubDate":"Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:10:08 GMT","title":"European Trip... seems wrong to call it a holiday.","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/148464.html","description":"

This month I was lucky enough to be sent to Europe for a conference. The destination was Rome, and though it would have been lovely to have my husband with me, there was no way to make that happen for us. This resulted in me literally spending 3 hrs exploring the city on foot after hours, and leaving Italy for another visit when the conference was over. That way, my husband and I can discover Italy together for the first time. So here's a fleeting, very superficial photo tour of Rome...<\/p>

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After escaping Italy, I headed to Germany to reunite with my darling <\/a>seanmegansean<\/b><\/a><\/span> for a couple of days. There was time spent exploring local sites, but mostly there was hours filled with food, cocktails, football, shopping and conversation. It was bliss!<\/p>

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LJ friends are friends for life xxxxx
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A \"hot passionate lady\"<\/p>

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Bonn Munster
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Beethoven Haus
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Augustus Palace ... The Gardens<\/p>

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The Hunting lodge
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Forests
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The Palace itself
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The ornately decorated mausoleum.<\/p>

After saying goodbye to SMS (on a panicked morning where my passport was misplaced for several hours!) I picked up a hire car and began a pilgrimage to The Western Front.<\/p>

I followed the footsteps of two great uncles, one who lost his life in Belgium (in the Passchendaele 1 battles) and another on Somme, France in the last weeks of WW1. First stop was Ieper (Ypres) and the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. As my uncle has no known grave, he is commemorated here.
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Beautiful Belgian streets
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The historical Cloth Hall
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The Menin Gate
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Crowds gathered for the ceremony
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Percival H Clark of the 28th Battalion of the AIF<\/p>

As I toured the battlefields and graveyards of the Flanders region, the respect for our soldiers and the homage still paid was clear. It was both moving and humbling.<\/p>

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AIF 5th division memorial and Butte Cemetery - Polygon Wood
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The lush and tranquil Polygon Wood, a complete contest to the battle zone where my uncle died almost 100 years ago.
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Tyne Cot Cemetery, where more Australians are buried than in any other part of France or Belgium. Most graves are unidentified.
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The cross of sacrifice, built over a captured German embattlement at the top of Tyne Cot. Those whose names could not fit on the Menin Gate are continued on the rear walls of this cemetery.
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A good Belgian lunch break in Zonnebeke, including Belgian bier.
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And lastly a walk literally in the footsteps of the soldiers of the Great War. <\/p>

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Remains of the railroad to Passchendaele still visible along the walk.<\/p>

I should mention that on this sunny day I got to take full advantage of the features of my hire car.... A gorgeous Volkswagon Golf Convertible!!!!<\/p>

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Then it was goodbye Belgium and hello France!
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My uncle Arthur C Hanks was killed in an air bombing in the riverside village of Hamelet, Somme, France.
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He is buried in the Cerisy-Gailly French National cemetery, a small cemetery in a tiny village on the Somme, but the grounds were so lovingly and immaculately kept, that I wept openly at the sight. <\/p>

Australians are well known in this particular area for liberating the villages from German occupation at the end of the war. There are many memorials and museums dedicated to Australians.
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Australian National Memorial
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A view across the battlefields of Somme from the memorial tower.
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The Third Division Memorial - the division which Arthur Hanks belonged to
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The Second Division Memorial - Percy Clark's division.<\/p>

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The beauty of The Somme.<\/p>

A drive back to Cologne completed the holiday... Not my favourite city, but the cathedral is awesome <\/p>

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I had an unremarkable flight home... Something I can only be ever grateful for seeing as I left within an hour or two of the ill fated Malaysian Airlines flight, and travelled on a somewhat similar flight path. News of the \"crash\" was on the screens as I boarded my connecting flight; a rather surreal experience.<\/p>

Still, it's good to be home on Australian Soil, a chance my uncles and the passengers of MH17 never got.<\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/148464.html?view=comments#comments","category":"rl"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147745.html","pubDate":"Mon, 12 May 2014 06:25:21 GMT","title":"An experiment in gender specific products","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147745.html","description":"

Those of us who shop for both the men and women in the family already know the disparity between price\/quantity of women's vs men's personal care products. I've been buying men's razors for years! <\/p>

As a girl who has dyed her hair since she left primary school, and as a women in her 40s who is looking for better ways to cope with the \"greys\", I thought I'd give the men's colour restoration products a go.... Blends grey, doesn't change your natural hair colour, works in 5 minutes.... Seems like a miracle. <\/p>

Well, it worked... Mostly. My hair is a little darker than it started out, and I wouldn't say it totally disguised those greys, though it did a decent job. But OH MY GOD, my head smells like I just tipped a whole bottle of Old Spice on it! Shit, that stuff smells manly!<\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147745.html?view=comments#comments","category":"rl"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147655.html","pubDate":"Tue, 06 May 2014 15:20:26 GMT","title":"The new me... She's in here somewhere.","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147655.html","description":"

Today I saw this on Tumblr....<\/p>

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and honestly, that's me in a nutshell. I've always had a lot of self confidence and a high self esteem, but the result is, I've not really had an accurate perception of my body shape.<\/p>

Last week I had a full body composition scan (DEXA scan). The news was not good. I have a VERY high proportion of body fat, the distribution of which places me at high risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. My lean muscle mass is low, and will cause me mobility problems as I age if I don't address it now. The only good news was that my bone density is very good for my age.<\/p>

The thing is, I have actually had a complete dietary change since I returned home from my US holiday in January, and I have lost 5kg (10 lbs) since then. I would HATE to have seen what my results would have been back then. According to the BMI assessment, I'm not very far from the \"healthy\" weight range (only 3kgs to go), but the full body scan suggests my true healthy self is buried under about 15kg of excess body fat. It was a massive wake up call, and I'm grateful for the friend who told me to ignore the scales and get the scan to truly assess my health.<\/p>

So, I'll be keeping my new lifestyle as far as food goes (I'm eating a ketogenic diet) but there is desperate need to include weight or resistance training to build my muscle mass and increase my strength. I'm also increasing (adding is probably more accurate) cardio exercise to help burn more of that bad fat that has accumulated in my middle. Here's to a healthier me, which is my primary goal, and if a slimmer me goes with that, then that will be all the better.<\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147655.html?view=comments#comments","category":"rl"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147448.html","pubDate":"Mon, 05 May 2014 12:50:52 GMT","title":"Crocodile Dundee, eat your heart out!","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147448.html","description":"

Something unexpected happened today. We discovered an Echidna walking alongside the major road near our house. Every neighbour who passed by stopped in surprise, because none of us knew we shared our neighbourhood with the little creatures.
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After calling wildlife rescue, they advised me to move him from the roadside and to take him to the bush at the edge of our suburb.<\/p>

So, not only did I see my first wild echidna, but I got to hold him too! He wasn't the easiest to pick up, but once I had him, he was very quiet. We left him burrowing into a pile of leaves in the forest at the end of the street.<\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147448.html?view=comments#comments","category":"rl"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147024.html","pubDate":"Sun, 23 Mar 2014 00:46:41 GMT","title":"Holy cow! That hurt.","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147024.html","description":"My glorious Saturday was interrupted by a trip to Emergency. Going about my usual business (shopping), I came over dizzy. I managed to collect myself and make it home, but soon after I was throwing up and writhing around on the bed in unbelievable discomfort.

A trip to the hospital, two morphine doses and two litres of fluids later, it seems I probably had a kidney stone. To borrow a phrase from a favourite character, it hurt like a motherfucker!

Not even a day later, and I'm feeling almost 100% (just a little tenderness in the tummy). Amazing how you can go from a crippled painful mess to right as rain in such a short time.

They say that a kidney stone is about as close to labour as you can experience. Well, having experienced both, I would have to agree!","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/147024.html?view=comments#comments","category":"rl"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/146914.html","pubDate":"Fri, 17 Jan 2014 06:29:23 GMT","title":"I'm back!","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/146914.html","description":"

Well, the 5 week trip to NYC (and beyond) is done and dusted. I'm now (mostly) over my jetlag and I'm about to return to work.<\/p>

I have photos scattered across 2 cameras, an Ipad and three phones, and as soon as I can bring them all together, I'll begin my recap of the trip.<\/p>

Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to New York without trying to cram in as many Broadway shows as possible, so I'll get that part out of the way first. In all, I managed see 6 shows: Wicked, Newsies, Kinky Boots, Avenue Q, Cinderella and Book Of Mormon.<\/p>

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<\/p>As this was a family holiday, I had to be a little more cautious with my ticket purchases. $160 a ticket is easy when you only need to buy one, but three or four? That's a price tag that hurts the hip pocket!

Before I even left home, I had secured tickets for Wicked, Kinky Boots and Newsies. I had partial viewing seats for both Kinky Boots and Wicked - with a bit of forward research, you can find out exactly what you'll be unable to see (usually only peripheral stuff which is not important to the show). The Newsies tickets I got at a a discounted rate though one of the many Broadway news & discounts sites I subscribe to (playbill club, theatremania, and Theatre Offers are ones I recommend). The hottest ticket in town is Book Of Mormon, and though I tried, it was impossible for me to get three tickets to any performance for less than $600. I decided to wait and try my hand at other options for that.<\/p>

Wicked was supposed to be our first night treat when the girls and I arrived in New York. A plane delay and a rescheduled connection meant we arrived 10 hrs late, and made it to the theatre well into the second act. It was enough for me, I'd already seen it 3 times, and the staging, costuming and quality of performers was consistent across all productions. My eldest though was very disappointed and I promised to try to get her tickets again. The opportunity came in the form of the Lottery. Each of us entered one Saturday evening, and miraculously I won. My girls got to see it in full from far better seats and for only $32 a ticket. I got to keep the badge!<\/p>

<\/p>

\nKinky Boots was a fun show, but in my opinion, didn't quite live up to my expectations given the Tony Awards and reviews. The music was good, with some very signature Cindy Lauper moments, but none stood out or stuck in my head after the curtain closed. Both the romance and the bromance in the show seemed a little forced, mostly because it was not fleshed out enough for what felt like the main concept of the show. But I think the drag queens and sequins were dazzling and showy, and therefore most people didn't even notice the plot holes.<\/p>

Newsies was fantastic! My kids begged me to purchase the CD on the way out. The music\/dancing\/story were perfectly balanced in this flawless production full of energy, heart, and super-catchy songs. It's everything you expect of a great Broadway musical. Beautiful young boys dancing about just metres away from you is just the icing on the cake!<\/p>

The rest of the productions were left to chance. In the super busy period around New Year, we went to TKTS and took what discounted tickets were available for shows we would like to see. That's how we got tickets to Cinderella and Ave Q. Both times we got full view tickets close to the stage.<\/p>

Avenue Q was a great production, and though I've seen it several times before, I'd say this was the best I've seen. The lead was a young man, Darren Bluestone, and this role was his Broadway debut. He was expressive, GORGEOUS, and sings like an angel. He's one to watch in future!<\/p>

Cinderella was a delight! Exactly what you'd expect from a Rogers and Hammerstein production musically, and had a modern socio\/political twist to the plot. The costuming and sets were amazing, and the story departed enough from the fairytale to keep you guessing. A really enjoyable night out!<\/p>

Lastly was the Book Of Mormon. I knew my only chance of getting seats to this now sold out show was to either win the lottery, or get Standing Room Only tickets. We needed 3 tickets though, so even if we were lucky enough to win the lottery, it wouldn't be enough to get us all in. So on a Sunday morning, just before 9 am in near freezing weather, Miss 16 and I joined the Standing Room waiting line to guarantee us entry. We were 4th & 5th in line, each person can only buy 2 tickets, and there are 20-30 tickets per performance. We had our tickets almost in the bag, we just had to wait for 3 hours for the privilege to buy these $27 tickets.<\/p>

The show was utterly brilliant! The first time I saw this with the original cast, but I was horrendously jetlagged. I loved it then and have enjoyed the Cast recording ever since, but it's amazing how much of it I must have missed in my dazed state, because it was like seeing most of it for the first time. Standing Room seats are up the back of the orchestra level, where you stand directly behind the back row ( there's railing to lean on). We were dead centre, and in this tiny theatre, even the back row is close to the action. These "seats" were AWESOME. This also happened to be the final day for the three leads, so the performance was very special. I feel we really finished our Broadway experience on a high note!<\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/146914.html?view=comments#comments","category":"theatre"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/146559.html","pubDate":"Fri, 03 Jan 2014 04:34:34 GMT","title":"Happy New Year!","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/146559.html","description":"


Well folks, I did it! I spent NYE in a crowd of millions, dancing in the street (or 7th Ave to be precise) to see the ball drop at midnight in Times Square. It was below freezing, but I rugged up and braved the chill with my family, and we were very impressed by the organisation, the excellent behaviour, and most importantly, the rapid trip home on the subway! Great start to 2014 :)<\/p>

<\/p>

This was early in the night with about 4 hrs to go until midnight. We managed to get up another two blocks before we rang in the New Year.<\/p>

<\/p>

Those lights are so damn bright, you can't see a thing in the picture, but we had a perfect view. Even after 4.5hrs in the bitter cold, my youngest still has a smile on her face!<\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/146559.html?view=comments#comments","category":"rl"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/146088.html","pubDate":"Sun, 03 Nov 2013 18:28:39 GMT","title":"Writing prompts","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/146088.html","description":"I'm participating in a Big Bang challenge, and at the same time giving myself a mini NaNoWriMo-like challenge to complete the story in  the month of November. To assist my progress, I'm going to follow this prompt table... A prompt a day to keep the writers block at bay :). I grabbed this one from here<\/a>

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
001.<\/td>Lively <\/td>\n002.<\/td>Remorseful <\/td>\n003.<\/td>Dismiss <\/td>\n004.<\/td>Heavy <\/td>\n005.<\/td>Forward <\/td>\n<\/tr>
006.<\/td>Prowl <\/td>\n007.<\/td>Cut <\/td>\n008.<\/td>Compromise <\/td>\n009.<\/td>Impulse <\/td>\n010.<\/td>Hush <\/td>\n<\/tr>
011.<\/td>Morals <\/td>\n012.<\/td>Engage <\/td>\n013.<\/td>Voice<\/td>\n014.<\/td>Awkward <\/td>\n015.<\/td>Lower <\/td>\n<\/tr>
016.<\/td>Plead<\/td>\n017.<\/td>Caring <\/td>\n018.<\/td>Believe <\/td>\n019.<\/td>Found <\/td>\n020.<\/td>Shield<\/td>\n<\/tr>
021.<\/td>Open<\/td>\n022.<\/td>Tactile <\/td>\n023.<\/td>Journey <\/td>\n024.<\/td>Scowl<\/td>\n025.<\/td>Hero <\/td>\n<\/tr>
026.<\/td>Writer's Choice<\/i> <\/td>\n027.<\/td>Writer's Choice<\/i> <\/td>\n028.<\/td>Writer's Choice<\/i> <\/td>\n029.<\/td>Writer's Choice<\/i> <\/td>\n030.<\/td>Writer's Choice<\/i> <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>

If anyone wants to give me a prompt to fill those last five \"writer's choice\" places, feel free. It's a Glee M\/M RPS story.","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/146088.html?view=comments#comments","category":"writing"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/145772.html","pubDate":"Sat, 31 Aug 2013 11:22:17 GMT","title":"That's Entertainment","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/145772.html","description":"

The past two nights I've had the pleasure of attending two great shows here in my home town.<\/p>

<\/p>

The first was a production of Assasins put on by the 3rd year students of WAAPA. I went with my buddy <\/a>shammymacc<\/b><\/a><\/span> and this was our first time experiencing this particular musical. We both agreed that it felt far more like a play than a musical. It was very monologue heavy and though there was a definitive theme or concept running through the show, it lacks the defined storyline I would expect in musical theatre. I'm lost for words to really describe how I felt about the show itself. Interesting comes to mind, though I didn't really love it and probably wouldn't see it again.<\/p>

In contrast, the production<\/b> was outstanding. Like previous performances we've seen by WAAPA, the high calibre of the actors, staging and musical production are indistinguishable from professional companies. I guess that's to be expected from one of the world's most prestigious performing arts schools. It will be wonderful to see these graduating students in a few years as they pop up in other productions we see.<\/p>

My other night out was to see one of my favourite Australian bands - The Whitlams were performing with our state symphony orchestra. Experiencing live music backed by a complete orchestra spoils you for other concerts, I think. It's amazing how so many bodies on the one stage can combine their talent to create a sound that blends so purely and seamlessly. It was a real treat :)<\/p>

Sadly, these two nights have left me without any theatre tickets. That's a pretty rare occurrence, and one I'll have to correct soon!<\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/145772.html?view=comments#comments","category":"via ljapp"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/145439.html","pubDate":"Tue, 13 Aug 2013 13:31:55 GMT","title":"Why do I bother with Facebook?","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/145439.html","description":"

My first crush, the cool music guy with a passion for scifi, is now a hippie who will not stop preaching the virtues of "alternative" therapies to everyone on his feed.<\/div>
And a member of my family is currently comparing designer baby bags with her friends... Because every mother needs a $1000 nappy sack! <\/div>
Idiots, idiots everywhere.<\/div>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/145439.html?view=comments#comments"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/145198.html","pubDate":"Sun, 11 Aug 2013 15:44:53 GMT","title":"Getting Crafty","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/145198.html","description":"

When my eldest girl was just 6, all she wanted for her birthday was a Snow White costume. I sewed my little heart out and made a stunning creation of blue velvet, red satin and gold organza. I was thrilled with the result, and the look on her face was worth the late nights and sore fingers.<\/p>

Fast forward ten years and nothing has changed. All my girl wants for her 16th birthday is a Little Mermaid costume. Guess who's pulled out her sewing machine and is creating another masterpiece of tulle and glittery synthetic fabrics ;) <\/p>

<\/p>

She wants to wear this when she celebrates her birthday at DisneyWorld later in the year.<\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/145198.html?view=comments#comments","category":"via ljapp"},{"guid":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/144862.html","pubDate":"Tue, 16 Jul 2013 08:05:30 GMT","title":"Cory Monteith","author":"such_a_steph","link":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/144862.html","description":"

Those who know me well will know I'm a hard core Gleek, and like most in my fandom I was shocked and saddened by the death of Cory Monteith. Though Finn has never been my favorite character (far from it), I had warmed to Cory in recent years as he continued to take me by surprise with his talent, both in music and in acting.<\/p>

It took me a while to see that the writing and character Cory had to work with were limiting, and did not show off his true talents. But occasionally, when Finn would sing something that wasn't all Rock & Roll, or when Cory was handed a script that required subtlety and tenderness, there were moments of brilliance. These are the surprising and breathtaking moments I will remember him for, and that I know I will miss in future episodes of Glee.<\/p>

Here are my favourites<\/p>

<\/p>

Singing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", for Santana.<\/p>

<\/p>

Breaking out the jazzy tones with sweet perfection for "I Gotta Be Me"<\/p>

<\/p>

And the one scene where he finally made me believe in a relationship that had I had never been behind. So sad that this is the end for these two, both on and off screen. I thought they had what it took to make it.<\/p>

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPad<\/a>.<\/i><\/span><\/p>","comments":"https:\/\/such-a-steph.livejournal.com\/144862.html?view=comments#comments"}]}}