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Hola! 

This blog has recently moved onto bigger and better things.

Here is the evolved version of the olde humble blog you see before you:

https://ashwhittaker.wordpress.com/ 

Thanks very much x

TRAVEL THA WORLD YO

How good is a bit of travel.

It does wonders for your happiness and attitude. There is just something about staring out of a window that makes my mind go into thinking mode. Even if it is giddy/wanderlusted/philosophical mode, at least I am thinking! It’s a nice change y’know?!

Look at that cheesy grin

I find that if I look out the window of a train, bus, plane, car or whatever for long enough, the world passing by makes my brain think of all kinds of crazy things. On a recent 4 hour bus trip through Vietnam, I was convinced that I had just found the meaning of life! I scribbled down the words that popped into my head and here those hallowed words are:

Life is: emotion, love, peacefulness, happiness, adventure

Groundbreaking stuff. Notice I didn’t even write a full stop, because you never know when some more inspirational jargon will appear into your head. But I shouldn’t poke too much fun at myself for the cringe worthy epiphany- who really knows the meaning of life anyway? My guess is as good as anyone’s really.

One of the things I remember about writing these words is how content I was at the time. I truly did feel like I had just worked it all out.

Which says a lot to me about the benefits that travel can bring for your self-esteem. It can be little things throughout the journey that can amount to an amazing kicking-butt feeling. Even things like finally walking through the departure gates after waving goodbye to so many of your friends before you. Finally it is your time to venture abroad!

Once you get over the inevitable not-so-fun parts of travelling - jetlag, rundown immune system and annihilated digestive system - then the magnitude of your adventure begins to dawn on you. The treasured memories leave you feeling like you just conquered the world and are now ready to take on anything in your path!

Being Thankful

Sometimes you have those days were everything is put into perspective. 

I was mildly grumpy about being called into a 9.5 hour shift at work on the self serves. I was bracing myself for a long day of voiding transactions, relentless smiling and the countdown of hours until home time.

Throughout my entire day at work, there were about 3 things that happened which made me re-evaluate my bad attitude. But I will just briefly touch on one.

I asked one of the customers who was waiting on a price check how his weekend was going. He replied it was going alright but that he was just super busy at the moment, with heaps to organise. After asking him about his weekend some more, he told me that his house burned down about 3 weeks ago and that he lost everything. He wasn’t insured and had just bought $7000 worth of tools for his business which was all lost.

It was a reminder that you never know what is going on in the lives of strangers around you. It is so important to be positive and nice to people because you just don’t know what is going on in their lives.

There were other customers that day (and on other days) with predicaments that make me grateful to be in the position I am.

I really need to start treating work as an opportunity and a luxury rather than a chore.

Some Jams!

Here are some songs I can't get enough of at the moment!

And the lyric video is just as awesome :)

Adult Things. Boooo!

The toughest lesson I have learnt since leaving school and being in the semi-real-world is that you don't know what you've got until its gone.

For me, it wasn't that people or places or things left- in most cases I left them. Not leaving as in a heated feud with smashed plates and me storming out but rather me choosing to move to a city to pursue my goals. As many others around me did as well. 

Home is still there and not much has changed. I still have my amazing, incredible friends whenever I need them. And my family is still as loopy but loving as normal. 

But none of them are as readily accessible as they were in the past. I used to be able get my dose of everything and everyone I love in the one day. Nowadays it's only for special events that these things will line up. And even then I know that it's such a rare occasion and so struggle to enjoy it because I'm too busy anticipating the low that will follow once I leave.

But I have learnt that if you can relax and just be in the moment then it is all the more special. 

Irrelevant Anecdote

This is the more light hearted version of today's lesson in morals, life lessons, philosophy, reflections, general moping that occurred earlier. Such fun!

True Story. Since moving out of home, arguably the second most important thing I have learnt has to do with ye olde toilet paper. Call it what you will, pretend bowel movements don't happen or even defiantly ignore this potty post.

But I am here to argue that toilet paper is one of the most grossly underappreciated luxuries of our lives.

It is not until your housemates have an unspoken toilet paper standoff that results in a THREE WEEK DROUGHT that you can truly appreciate toilet paper.

And by drought I mean that we had exhausted any other form of paper that could be interpreted as toilet paper.

I'm sorry I had to tell you that. You don't deserve to know the finer details of my communal bathroom. I wouldn't normally speak of such things (not really true) but it is important to spread the word. 

No one appreciates toilet paper until it's too late!

Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous

Why do people care about celebrities so much? It baffles me to think that someone would dedicate time from their life to read a magazine article about someone else's day to day motions. 

Now I'm not talking about reading biographies or other personal accounts- often they are inspirational and fulfilling. 

I am squarely looking at media which aims to spread gossip, rumours and mind-numbing facts and pictures about famous people that we are supposed to care about.

Why do people give a moment’s thought to whether American Talk Show Host XYZ took his dog to the park? Or that Busty Movie Star A ordered a pizza and got it delivered? Or that Photogenic Celebrity Child B can now put her shoes on unassisted? Do people legitimately care?

I do not understand why movie stars, actors and actresses are held so high. I respect that they work very hard and have a lot of outside influences which can make their job difficult. But at the end of day, they are people whose particular talent and calling in life is absorbing another character. Other people have talents too- psychologists are good listeners, nurses are good at taking care of people and builders are good planners. And each of them have chosen to embrace their talent as their profession. Good for them. But why do people care so much when someone is in a movie?

Is it because deep down we all wish we were rich and famous and drove 10 cars and had photographers follow us around 24/7? So much so that we fantasize what our life would be like if only we were rich and famous and needing the media to remind us what could have been.

 Maybe people read these articles because they want to remind themselves that celebrities are just normal people. Why! Celebrities are no different from you or I here just trying to pay the phone bill, mop the floor and put dinner on the table!  How very inspiring -.-

I suppose that celebrities donate to charity, become ambassadors for worthy causes and give humanitarian aid. This is honourable and I can see why people would appreciate these efforts.

But does that mean we need to follow their every move, imitate their fashion choices and buy the same products as them? I certainly don’t think so.

Image credit to http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/pc/Nicky%2BHilton%2BNicky%2BHilton%2BBraves%2BRain%2BPaparazzi%2ByDB4Cf-X0Cil.jpg

The Golden Ticket

As incredibly thrilling as my casual job in retail is, I often find myself day dreaming when I am supposed to be organizing shelves and tidying products. Like when I was in our toy department today, I was arranging the stock when a certain product caught my eye. That product was a set of Pokémon Trading Cards. Each set boasting the potential of an extremely rare card with amazing powers inside. My mind instantly threw me back to my childhood were my primary school classmates traded the cards during break time. There was always such excitement when opening a new pack- would the extremely rare card with amazing powers be in your set?? The chances were slim but it was possible. Then when you were lucky enough to acquire a special card, normally signalled by a shiny border or sparkly background, imaginations would run wild as to what this extremely rare card with amazing powers could achieve- what would your jealous classmates give for this card?!

The desire to get lucky and posses something special is an intense and addictive emotion for humans (not to mention marketing genius as children relentlessly pester their parents to buy the products). But this rush isn't just limited to Pokemon Cards. There were Footy Tazos in chip packets, exclusive toys in cereal boxes and of course the chance to instantly win another Mars Bar if your wrapper revealed a winning code. 

Charlie's freaking out
Image Credit: http://i50.tinypic.com/2rr8lra.gif

It reminds me of the Golden Ticket in Willy Wonka. The thrill and anticipation of watching them open each chocolate bar, hoping to see that golden shimmer was excruciating. But the winning feeling! The winning feeling is so euphoric you can't help pin your hopes onto the dream.

Whilst many of the above listed promotions and gimmicks are targeted at children, it occurred to me that there are just as many ways that adults seek this rush. For example, buying a scratchie. The chances of substantially gaining from a scratchie are very slim, but the rush and anticipation of revealing the winning panels is addictive. All the while dreaming of what you would do if you were so lucky to win. 

I love a scratchie as much as the next person- it is exciting to allow yourself to unashamedly hope for a few moments. But usually reality steps in, ending your daydream. In my case- a customer asking for directions to the hair dryers….  

The G20

What an adventure! From the beginning to the very end, being a volunteer at the G20 Leaders Summit is an experience I will never forget. 

The interview and application process was lengthy but rewarding, as the number of applicants exceeded organiser’s expectations. I am so grateful that I was included on the volunteer team, especially once I started to meet other volunteers. They were all very qualified, with relevant work experience and wonderful resumes. I was feeling slightly overwhelmed by my comparative inexperience and lack of knowledge, but it was great to learn from such enthusiastic people. I often had to ask a fellow volunteer the name of an important delegate when we would occasionally walk past one in the massive corridors of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC).

The Convention Centre is massive and was perfect for the event. Within the BCEC was the International Media Centre (IMC). As a ‘Media Assistant’ volunteer, I was stationed there. What an incredible space. They were rows and rows and rows of desks, each equipped with mouse pad, pen and other G20 memorabilia that we dutifully straightened a number of times. At theses desks were hard working journalists, furiously typing away at their laptops, calling their bosses or eating a complementary meal (more on the free food later). Each news organisation also got their own little hut within the IMC where they set up their expensive technology, discussed private matters and could stash as much free food there without judgement as they wanted. Overlooking the rows of desks was an elevated stand- stretching the length of 1/3 of the room- with cameras, lights and local journalists who were crossing live back to their newsroom. Local news anchors such as Sharon Ghidella and Melissa Downes both gave the volunteers warm smiles as we walked around.  The excitement and energy in the massive room was amazing. For me, being a part of that room confirmed that Journalism is the career path I want to follow.

Speaking of following, us media volunteers were a bunch of relentless, ruthless go-getters when it came to escorting politicians and delegates. A lot of volunteers shared the goal of wanting to see Barack Obama, President of the United States, before the Summit was over. And on the last day, in the last 2 hours, some of us had the opportunity. We hung around the entrance to his press conference room like a bad smell. Even after being told to go away, we were soon back, hoping for the chance to see him speak. And we eventually got let in. It was quite surreal to be in the same room as the President of the United States.

I was also privileged to attend other press conferences and not only listen to those speaking but also witness firsthand the way that a real-life press conference works. It was great to see journalists asking questions and then following them up when the answer wasn’t enough. And photographers running around, trying to get THAT photo. I didn’t realise photographers were so competitive.

So that is all well and good but at least a paragraph of this blog has to be devoted to the free food on offer. There was sooo much food. It was like Hogwarts. There were massive dining halls throughout the BCEC which served every cuisine from every culture. The smell was incredible. Additionally, there was cafes surrounding the IMC, which were like normal cafes except you didn’t have to pay for a thing! It was actually really weird receiving food and not paying for it.

The entire G20 experience was incredible, and even though I was nervous, as international tensions were quite high, the whole week went off without a hitch. Many thanks to everyone who ensured this, including the police, organisers, security and fellow volunteers. It was so amazing to meet so many wonderful people and to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Banana Appreciation Post

This blog post is entirely devoted to one of my all-time fav fruits, the banana. I love bananas so much that I felt the least I could do was to share their many joys with others.

Reasons bananas are the best:
-they are super duper yummy
-they fill you up
-Sooo healthy with heaps of potassium, antioxidants, fibre and vitamins
-Can eat them all day every day

Ways to eat bananas:
- raw
- on toast
-on porridge
-on cereal/museli
-on weetbix
-on pancakes and waffles
-banana split
-with youghurt (add some macadamia nuts and you will be in heaven!)
-dried banana chips
-BANANA SMOOTHIE
-Banana bread yummm
-banana cake
-banana and chocolate muffins
-dipped in chocolate fondue
I could go on!

Even fake banana products taste good:
-banana lollies
-banana milk
-banana paddle-pops

Hope that everyone now appreciates the versatile, humble, delicious banana. Now here is a picture of Billy Slater with a banana. Does it get any better?!
Credit to Aussie Bananas (http://www.australianbananas.com.au)

The (hidden) Joys of Siblings

Over the past three months, I haven't been a part of the regular banter and arguing that comes with having siblings. I never would have predicted it, but it IS possible to miss you brother and sister. Whatttt?!? Yep. You heard it here first. The constant dialogue that having a brother and sister provides is infuriating in the midst, but you miss it once its gone. There's a classic- you don't know what you had till its gone!

Especially prevalent in our 'sibling hood' was competition. Its fair to say that the basis of 100% of our arguments were dissecting who did what better. Regardless of age -or arguably status- in the family, we would constantly be proving how we were smarter, funnier, more popular, sportier- just better than our other bro or sis. And whilst this sounds mean and pointless (which is probably was), I can make a very good case for the benefits of this banter. 

Being away from this made me think about how only children feel. This arve I had been doing work on my computer and was over it- all I wanted to do was boot a footy. BUT WITH WHO?! My only option was the dog. So I opted for ye olde 'Im just practising how many times I can bop this soccer ball on my knee' - which was about twice- until I realised I probably looked more un-coordinated and lonely than usual so I stopped. And played basketball, again by myself. And then I understood why I would have struggled being an only child and why so many people argue that it is a disadvantage. Which I'm not saying it is- I'm just saying I'm glad I have a brother and sister (insert aww or urghh).   

ALDI

I used to love Aldi, and I still kinda do- the prices are really cheap and they make some yummy stuff. But after a couple of trips, some uniquely-Aldi 'situations' started arising. Like the floors. And the Shelves. (bear with me here). I don't know what it is about the floors, but I'm certain they are positively or negatively charged or SOMETHING. Something that makes my body get more electrons or neutrons or whatever it is that causes static electricity. Cos whenever I get even close to the metal shelves that the specials are in, I get reminded of my dislike for random outbursts of electricity. No joke, 9/10 times I try and see what juicy specials are in the middle aisles today, I will get zapped by static electricity. Does anyone else get this? Like we get punished by the static-forces-that-be because we are trying to sniff out a bargain on the latest retractable hose? Or folding walking stick? Or perhaps a toddler sized ski suit? Aldi has some great seasonal and totally-fricken-random specials, no question at all.

Also if you haven't been to Aldi before, they don't give you plastic bags, have huge grocery-rollin things, an insanely fast scanner and very little space at the other end.
Today there was an employee who was working on the checkout, and he was really passionate. Which is admirable to say the LEAST if you are working checkouts. (Trust me I've been there before.)

He was so enthusiastic that he was just like "okay. Are we ready? Lets get started." Uh-oh.
So here comes ALL of the groceries blipped through in like 30 seconds! It was mental. Checkout Champ was just gunnin it. Its all you can do but just sweep it into your trolley into a huge pile of broken glass, cracked eggs and sloshin Tikka Missala. So whilst your trying to re-gather the groceries covering every inch of the 3 inch squared post-scanning-platform, he wants to know whether your paying by cash or credit! It is strangely and immensely stressful! You almost need to get your blood pressure checked out afterwards.
But the moral of the story is that they sell 4 ice-cream sandwiches for $3. Enough said.

Image Credit: http://www.smartkeitai.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/android-ice-cream-sandwich.jpg

Breathe Deeply and Tread Lightly

Did you know that proportionately the Earth's atmosphere is thinner than the skin of an apple? When I first read this astonishing fact, my mind was blown yet again at the ways which we take things for granted. A simple act like having just the right amount of enough Oxygen in the air is incredible. Whilst this post isn't designed to impart a particular religious view, it is designed to make readers stop. And appreciate. Appreciate that one deep breath that perfectly fills our tireless lungs with a floating gas which allows us to function. No matter whether it is a salty sea breeze, warm country air or a slightly smoggy city gust- breathe it in and thank Mother Nature for making the mix just right. Because without air, we don't function. Now this is not revolutionary, it's not rocket science and it's not new. But we constantly neglect to even think momentarily about the privilege of breathing.
Imagine if the impact of global expansion and industrialization causes the air to become so polluted that it becomes un-breathable. Perhaps our own inhabited apple has already began to rot.

Toga

Last night, I attended the Toga Party which is an annual event for the University I study at. It was an incredible night because of many factors. Being one of  8000+ people dressed in a various forms of sheets and curtains left me feeling strangely united (lame I know). The combination of wicked music that left ears buzzing for hours, dancing that made your heart race and company that made you smile wider than the line to get in meant that it was a breeding ground for great memories.We were all there to party, let loose and have a cracker night. And for 99% of us, this is exactly what happened. For the percentage of toga-wearing troops who took pre-drinks a little too far or got trampled in the  mosh pit or who were just feeling a little overwhelmed, there was help readily at hand. Help in the form of an organisation known as the Red Frogs. I had previously only heard about the works of these guys at events like Schoolies- never seeing them work their magic in real life. But when I visited the tent about half way through the night in search of some water, it was like I had set eyes on a tropical oasis after being stuck in the dessert for 50 years. Except this wasn't a mirage- there were real people devoting their time and energy into pouring out 1000s of cups of water, distributing zooper-doopers, cinnamon doughnuts (OMG) and of course the trade mark red frogs. And all of it free and accessible to the spent party goers who felt like they just stepped out of a washing machine. People really were sweating that much. That was just the frontline- behind these busy bees providing nourishment were more people assisting those who could no longer see straight, walk straight or form sentences. So after hydrating and stocking up on doughnuts and lollies, my mates and I were ready for anything! Including having another go at that sweltering, stinking, sweating mosh pit. The Red Frogs were willing to help anyone, without any judgement or hesitation. The service they provide is truly invaluable to those who in are in need- in need of water, a sugar hit or even medical attention. I tried yelling thankyou's to these inspiring champs but I fear the music drowned me out. So here it is. A big thank you to the Red Frogs- Legends in the eyes of every party goer. Check out their website for more info: http://redfrogs.com/

Here we go!

First ever blog post. Pretty crazy! Still not 100% sure of the blogosphere world-is that even what it's called?!- but I'm going to give it a go!! Hopefully, if you choose to read my blog, the stories won't bore you or make you regret the untold megabytes used to view it! So I plan to just go with the flow and write whatever comes to mind. So brace yourself! This could get a little furry :)