This afternoon a man passed me on the bus, moments later a rush of a familiar scent flew by me. This scent didn't hold any huge significance but reminded me of someone I know. This prompted me to ask, why can a certain smell often bring a memory back to you in an instant?
Someones perfurme, a cooking meal, a room, freshly washed clothes... These are amongst many things that have, over time, bought memories flooding back. Some wonderful, some not pleasant.
After doing some quick research I discovered that humans have around 1000 sensors in their noses which are able to identify upto 10,000 different odors. That's a lot of different memories.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could pick and choose the memory scents we could retain and conjure up when we needed reminding of something or someone we love.
My list of favourite scents:
The smell of the rain and fresh air at my last high school camp
My Grandpa
Our beach at Fingal Bay
The smell of my baby clothes and my first home
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Just try and smile
I have heard people say that a young child suffering a serious illness may be one of the happiest people you may ever meet. I wondered, how could this be?
Last night I watched as a three-year-old girl suffering cancer invited a young man to sit on the floor and play puzzels with her. The two had never met but this didn't seem to phase her. She played happily as he helped her fit the pieces together as though they were the oldest of friends. She smiled and laughed, happy as ever to sit and play with her new found friend. When she had had enough of the puzzels she decided it was time for a quick game of hide-and-seek between the couches before putting on some music and having a dance around. The smile never once left the face of this little girl. It was pure happiness if I had ever seen it.
I sat in awe of the two friends soon finding that their smiles were contagious. I then began to wonder, how is it that a beautiful little Angel who by the age of three has suffered more than most people will know in a lifetime, can be constantly happy and smiling? This was not the first time I had wittnessed this little girl having the time of her life, the only time I have ever seen her even slightly distressed is when her Mum tears her away from her fun for bed time.
I began to think about how selfish my everyday worries and rotten mood swings are. Compared to this beautiful little girl I know nothing about suffering or pain, yet I constantly find myself angry, upset or complaining about one thing or another. Why is it that we seem to forget that there is always someone worse off than us? But I suppose that before meeting this little girl and others like her, I never really believed that.
The mother of another ill child I have recently met told me a story of when her son was just 8. She had watched as during a day of treatment at the hospital he made friends with a group of other sick children. The small group played together through out the day smiling and laughing, happy as ever to have made new friends. The mother told me that she never once saw a tear or frown on any of their faces. Later that night the mother said to her son, "You had a great time with the other children today, It was good how you all made friends so easily", this young boy replied saying, "Well yeah Mum, it's easy to be friends, we're all in the same spirit."
These words touched me deeply and have made me think...
When I feel like things are tough I'll remind myself of the words of that child
And just try and smile.
Last night I watched as a three-year-old girl suffering cancer invited a young man to sit on the floor and play puzzels with her. The two had never met but this didn't seem to phase her. She played happily as he helped her fit the pieces together as though they were the oldest of friends. She smiled and laughed, happy as ever to sit and play with her new found friend. When she had had enough of the puzzels she decided it was time for a quick game of hide-and-seek between the couches before putting on some music and having a dance around. The smile never once left the face of this little girl. It was pure happiness if I had ever seen it.
I sat in awe of the two friends soon finding that their smiles were contagious. I then began to wonder, how is it that a beautiful little Angel who by the age of three has suffered more than most people will know in a lifetime, can be constantly happy and smiling? This was not the first time I had wittnessed this little girl having the time of her life, the only time I have ever seen her even slightly distressed is when her Mum tears her away from her fun for bed time.
I began to think about how selfish my everyday worries and rotten mood swings are. Compared to this beautiful little girl I know nothing about suffering or pain, yet I constantly find myself angry, upset or complaining about one thing or another. Why is it that we seem to forget that there is always someone worse off than us? But I suppose that before meeting this little girl and others like her, I never really believed that.
The mother of another ill child I have recently met told me a story of when her son was just 8. She had watched as during a day of treatment at the hospital he made friends with a group of other sick children. The small group played together through out the day smiling and laughing, happy as ever to have made new friends. The mother told me that she never once saw a tear or frown on any of their faces. Later that night the mother said to her son, "You had a great time with the other children today, It was good how you all made friends so easily", this young boy replied saying, "Well yeah Mum, it's easy to be friends, we're all in the same spirit."
These words touched me deeply and have made me think...
When I feel like things are tough I'll remind myself of the words of that child
And just try and smile.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Waking in nightmares
A fellow blogger recently discussed the feeling of relief we sometimes feel when waking up from a bad dream and realising that reality is much better. But what about the feeling we get when we wish we could just go back to sleep?
Ever woken up and for a split second embraced the new day before suddenly realising you'd rather go back to the horror of a nightmare rather than face the day ahead? Those days where you know a nightmare would probably top the day your going to have, with the hope that you can wake up later and realise what you thought was reality really was just a bad dream.
I'm sure many of us are not strangers to that occasional sinking feeling you get in your stomach when the previous days memories come flooding back, or we remember the events we have to face in the new day.
To all readers of this blog.. may your day be better than your nightmares
Ever woken up and for a split second embraced the new day before suddenly realising you'd rather go back to the horror of a nightmare rather than face the day ahead? Those days where you know a nightmare would probably top the day your going to have, with the hope that you can wake up later and realise what you thought was reality really was just a bad dream.
I'm sure many of us are not strangers to that occasional sinking feeling you get in your stomach when the previous days memories come flooding back, or we remember the events we have to face in the new day.
To all readers of this blog.. may your day be better than your nightmares
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Do Not Read
During my lunch break today on my first day of work placement in the city I stumbled across a neatly tucked away little bookshop on my walk back to the office. I wondered in and began to look around. I soon found myself lost in an array of titles, authors and blurbs. Fifteen minutes later I dragged myself out of the store before I did my savings account some serious damage.
The second I walked into the store it was like I had walked into another world, it was quiet and peaceful and even the light seemed different. However there was a huge lack of customers inside the store (which is probably why it was so peaceful) which prompted me to ask, what happened to reading? Personally I love nothing more than spending an hour or two on the couch with a cup of tea and a good novel, or wondering around a book store in the search for my next read.
Why is it that people will no longer devote any time to reading? Is it a lack of time, or merely a lack of interest? So many people I know haven't read a novel since they were in school. I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't able to take some time out, away from the real world, getting lost in someone else's world.
I suppose reading is my escape... When reading a good book I find myself completely absorbed in the story and the lives of the characters. In a way I suppose reading keeps my imagination alive, giving me a chance to make believe as though I was a child again.
The second I walked into the store it was like I had walked into another world, it was quiet and peaceful and even the light seemed different. However there was a huge lack of customers inside the store (which is probably why it was so peaceful) which prompted me to ask, what happened to reading? Personally I love nothing more than spending an hour or two on the couch with a cup of tea and a good novel, or wondering around a book store in the search for my next read.
Why is it that people will no longer devote any time to reading? Is it a lack of time, or merely a lack of interest? So many people I know haven't read a novel since they were in school. I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't able to take some time out, away from the real world, getting lost in someone else's world.
I suppose reading is my escape... When reading a good book I find myself completely absorbed in the story and the lives of the characters. In a way I suppose reading keeps my imagination alive, giving me a chance to make believe as though I was a child again.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Ever Ticking Clock
I remember telling myself at the start of every new year at school and before i started TAFE, "this year will be different, I'm going to be organised and NOT leave things till the last minute". Yet despite my weak attempt at self motivation, year after year I find myself up at 1AM the morning an assessment is due.
Why is it that so many people are unable to work unless under the pressure of having little or no time left? Time after time I've attempted to sit down and do an assessment a week or two before it's due, but I've always failed and end up doing majority of the work the day/night before it's due. Why is it that when us less organised students hear that magical word "extension" we jump for joy at the thought of having extra time to do our work, then end up leaving it till the last minute as usual?
Personally I use every method of procrastination to avoid doing my work right up until I've got no other choice. My favourites include;
Facebook-ing
Checking my emails
Playing Solitaire
Cleaning my room (which only gets done when I've got an assessment coming up)
Helping Mum with the housework (also only gets done when an assessment is due)
and the latest edition...
Blogging.
As I'm typing this blog I have my next assessment sitting next to me waiting to be completed, maybe I should turn over a new leaf and get a start on it...
... on second thoughts, my room really needs a clean.
Why is it that so many people are unable to work unless under the pressure of having little or no time left? Time after time I've attempted to sit down and do an assessment a week or two before it's due, but I've always failed and end up doing majority of the work the day/night before it's due. Why is it that when us less organised students hear that magical word "extension" we jump for joy at the thought of having extra time to do our work, then end up leaving it till the last minute as usual?
Personally I use every method of procrastination to avoid doing my work right up until I've got no other choice. My favourites include;
Facebook-ing
Checking my emails
Playing Solitaire
Cleaning my room (which only gets done when I've got an assessment coming up)
Helping Mum with the housework (also only gets done when an assessment is due)
and the latest edition...
Blogging.
As I'm typing this blog I have my next assessment sitting next to me waiting to be completed, maybe I should turn over a new leaf and get a start on it...
... on second thoughts, my room really needs a clean.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
If he's not there, is he invisible?
When clubbing on saturday night a guy approached one of my friends and started having a chat. He continued to stand around for a while and joined in when we went over to the dancefloor. He started to get pretty close to my friend and she backed off a little, when he asked what was wrong she responded saying:
"sorry, I've got a boyfriend"
"where is he?"
"at home"
"exactly, so... whats the problem?"
She looked over at me, we laughed and walked away.
It may or may not surprise you to hear, this is certainly NOT the first time this has happened to one of the girls when we've been out without the boys. But this certain incident prompted me to ask, whatever happened to loyalty? Since when does a night out without your other half make them non existant? What makes boys think that the absence of a girls boyfriend on a night out means they're going to forget about them altogether?
Do these boys too have girlfriends that are sitting at home thinking their man is just having a quiet one with the boys? Or are they just single guys who think relationships are stupid and all the pretty girls should just be single and have fun with them?
I never have and never will understand the "logic" of these stupid guys who think its okay to hit on other guys girlfriends and cheat on their own.
And a note to my boy...
Just cause your not always out with me, doesn't mean I'm going to forget how special you are.
"sorry, I've got a boyfriend"
"where is he?"
"at home"
"exactly, so... whats the problem?"
She looked over at me, we laughed and walked away.
It may or may not surprise you to hear, this is certainly NOT the first time this has happened to one of the girls when we've been out without the boys. But this certain incident prompted me to ask, whatever happened to loyalty? Since when does a night out without your other half make them non existant? What makes boys think that the absence of a girls boyfriend on a night out means they're going to forget about them altogether?
Do these boys too have girlfriends that are sitting at home thinking their man is just having a quiet one with the boys? Or are they just single guys who think relationships are stupid and all the pretty girls should just be single and have fun with them?
I never have and never will understand the "logic" of these stupid guys who think its okay to hit on other guys girlfriends and cheat on their own.
And a note to my boy...
Just cause your not always out with me, doesn't mean I'm going to forget how special you are.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
"Lustful" thoughts
I recently read an article about a 17 year old boy from a Baptist school in northwest Ohio who is facing suspension for going to his girlfriends public school prom. The school officials claimed that if he went to the prom he was in danger of being tempted to do "ungodly things" and have "wrong and lustful thoughts".
This article prompted me to ask the question, what makes adults think teenagers thoughts are always about sex and related activities? Do adults really think teenages are taking every opportunity they get out of adult supervision to have sex?
And what on earth makes these school officials think that he's waiting till the prom to have these so called "lustful thoughts"? Sure he might be waiting till prom to do the "ungodly things", but what makes them think that he's waiting till prom to think about it?
Hands up who hasn't ever had the odd "lustful thought"? Since when did simply thinking about these things become a problem.
In my opinion there's nothing wrong with a good imagination.
(Article - http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25459789-5006003,00.html)
This article prompted me to ask the question, what makes adults think teenagers thoughts are always about sex and related activities? Do adults really think teenages are taking every opportunity they get out of adult supervision to have sex?
And what on earth makes these school officials think that he's waiting till the prom to have these so called "lustful thoughts"? Sure he might be waiting till prom to do the "ungodly things", but what makes them think that he's waiting till prom to think about it?
Hands up who hasn't ever had the odd "lustful thought"? Since when did simply thinking about these things become a problem.
In my opinion there's nothing wrong with a good imagination.
(Article - http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25459789-5006003,00.html)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Death by remote control
Yesterday my Mum and I were talking about DVD players when she asked if our PS2 played DVDs, I responded saying "yeah, but I dont bother using it, it doesn't have a remote control". I then thought about how ironic it was that earlier in the week I had been complaining about getting fat, asking myself how on earth will I find the motivation to exercise if I can't even get off my butt to press play on the PS2?
Why is it that our society has gotten so hung up on getting things faster than you can say 'technology'? Why are people willing to tear a room apart looking for the remote control rather than going over to press 'play' or 'off'? Isn't it a contradiction for people to set up a treadmill in front of their TV and use the cup holder as a spot for the remote?
I've decided this week instead of telling myself I'm going for a run when I get home, I'm just going to take the batteries out of my remote.
Why is it that our society has gotten so hung up on getting things faster than you can say 'technology'? Why are people willing to tear a room apart looking for the remote control rather than going over to press 'play' or 'off'? Isn't it a contradiction for people to set up a treadmill in front of their TV and use the cup holder as a spot for the remote?
I've decided this week instead of telling myself I'm going for a run when I get home, I'm just going to take the batteries out of my remote.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Starting Out
Hi there all you fellow bloggers. I'm an 18 year old Media Student who loves to write and has recently been learning about the new craze known as 'blogging'. Our teacher has suggested we each create our own blogs so that we may better understand how they work.
My aim at the end of my studies is to hopefully become a columnist for a niche market (which market that is, I'm still undecided). I'm also really interested in opinion writing and have decided that this blog will be opinion based.
Today's topic: The Onlookers and Their Assumptions.
I was on my way home from the city today on the train with my boyfriend. As previously mentioned I am 18 years old, my boyfriend is 20. We were sitting next to one another, listening to Oasis' 'Wonderwall' on my Ipod. As a fairly new couple, the physical affection is still going pretty strong, he had his arm around me, so needless to say we were looking pretty cosy. Earlier in the day I had purchased a parenting magazine to have a read through, as I will be doing work experience at their head office next week. I decided to take out the magazine and have a flick through to get a basic idea of its layout.
I noticed an older lady sitting opposite us earlier who had given us a smile, and had continued to observe us from then on. I glanced over at her and saw a look of shock on her face. I wondered what could be wrong. Then suddenly, *lightbulb*.. An 18 year old girl and her 20 year old boyfriend on the train reading through a parenting magazine.
I smiled to myself thinking how odd this must have looked but not really too concerned with this strangers assumption. How often do we look at strangers and automatically assume something about them? This is something i've been thinking about quite alot lately, as the area I study in seems to have a high rate of young mothers.. or so I assume.
When we see a young girl pushing a pram, or carrying a baby, why do we simply assume she's a single mother who's gotten herself into trouble somewhere along the way? Why can't she just be a big sister, a baby sitter, a cousin even? Why is it that our society is so quick to make judgements about strangers and passers by?
My aim at the end of my studies is to hopefully become a columnist for a niche market (which market that is, I'm still undecided). I'm also really interested in opinion writing and have decided that this blog will be opinion based.
Today's topic: The Onlookers and Their Assumptions.
I was on my way home from the city today on the train with my boyfriend. As previously mentioned I am 18 years old, my boyfriend is 20. We were sitting next to one another, listening to Oasis' 'Wonderwall' on my Ipod. As a fairly new couple, the physical affection is still going pretty strong, he had his arm around me, so needless to say we were looking pretty cosy. Earlier in the day I had purchased a parenting magazine to have a read through, as I will be doing work experience at their head office next week. I decided to take out the magazine and have a flick through to get a basic idea of its layout.
I noticed an older lady sitting opposite us earlier who had given us a smile, and had continued to observe us from then on. I glanced over at her and saw a look of shock on her face. I wondered what could be wrong. Then suddenly, *lightbulb*.. An 18 year old girl and her 20 year old boyfriend on the train reading through a parenting magazine.
I smiled to myself thinking how odd this must have looked but not really too concerned with this strangers assumption. How often do we look at strangers and automatically assume something about them? This is something i've been thinking about quite alot lately, as the area I study in seems to have a high rate of young mothers.. or so I assume.
When we see a young girl pushing a pram, or carrying a baby, why do we simply assume she's a single mother who's gotten herself into trouble somewhere along the way? Why can't she just be a big sister, a baby sitter, a cousin even? Why is it that our society is so quick to make judgements about strangers and passers by?
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