Saturday, February 21, 2009

Material Girl

When I was younger, I used to sing and dance along to Madonna's The Immaculate Collection (even though it was the 1990s, not the 80s). My favourite song was Material Girl because at the time I thought it was such a fun song about being a girl.

As I've gotten older, I can see that material possessions are - in the grand scheme of things - unimportant. Watching the coverage of the Victorian bushfires on TV has made me think about what my life would be like if suddenly all my worldly possessions were destroyed. I'm sure I'd be devastated. Hearing people's stories of losing literally everything has made me so much more grateful for what I have.

Often material possessions are the building blocks of what our life becomes. I can't wait to have my own house so I can decorate and make it my own! Things like books, photos and trinkets tell our stories and make life more fun!


One night after watching the news coverage of the bushfire tragedy yet again, I decided to make a list of things that I own that I am grateful for or that I feel have contributed to my life. I know that things are really inconsequential in the face of such devastation, but I think being appreciative of what we have includes enjoying what we have.

In no particular order, these are the things that make my life so fun:

- my video iPod.
A-maz-ing. I got it for Christmas as a surprise and it has changed how I listen to my music.
I have had iPods before, but this one allows you to upload photos and videos and has an enormous storage capacity which means I have a much larger variety with regards to music. Often I'll lie in bed at night and watch a video on my iPod. It's the way of the future, people, I'm telling you!

- Trinny & Susannah's The Body Shape Bible.
This could be a post in itself! Trinny & Susannah have changed the way I dress and shop.
The book details 12 body shapes with criteria that allow yourself to figure out which one you are (I'm a Vase) and then it tells you how to dress to flatter your respective shape (I'm supposed to go for the 'Miss Moneypenny on Viagra' look, apparently). It is awesome.

- eBay.
Oh my gosh, the amount of time & money I spend on this one website alone is ridiculous. I am almost addicted. It's just so cheap! It's changed the way I shop. When I see something in a store, the thought always crosses my mind- could I get it cheaper on eBay? The variety is astounding.

- cheesecake.
How did I ever not simply love this? I remember hating it as a kid. Clearly I was delusional.
I can never turn down cheesecake. I love it, but I'm not sure it loves me back.

- ballet ribbons.
It's amazing how the addition of 2 satin ribbons to a pair of shoes can make such a difference. Something about doing them up makes you feel pro. They're so pretty too! So I guess that helps. Ballet ribbons just make me feel that much more accomplished as a dancer because you only get them once you've reached a certain ability. Almost like being on pointe, but without the hard work!

- honey tea.
Who would've thought it could taste so good?! I don't even usually like honey! But it is the only way I can drink tea. Seriously, I could have 5 cups a day. When we run out of honey, it is a disaster of epic proportions. I go into withdrawal, I'm sure of it. (PS. Don't knock it til you've tried it!)

- classical music (especially with violins!)
There's a reason it's classic. It's only since I've started the violin that I've been able to appreciate the sheer talent and ability of classical musicians. Classical music is so beautiful. (And kudos to Grandma Val for introducing it properly to me when I came to visit in November!)

- Muffin Break gluten free muffins.
For allowing me to continue my love affair with all things baked. Praise the Lord! They're the only muffins I eat these days. (Seriously, the other day at work a girl who works there recognised me because I'm there so often!)

-damask.
For years (and I'm not exaggerating) I have been trying to figure out the name of this pattern:








I finally figured out it's called damask and I'm in love with it. If I was brave enough, I would wallpaper my room with it. Everytime I spot something that has this on it, I feel a very strong compulsion to buy it just because of that very reason.


- The Twilight Series.
This series got me reading for pleasure again. Originally I just borrowed the first book off my friend Claryse because I wanted to know what she was always talking about with "Edward this" and "Bella that". From the first chapter, I was hooked. I've now read the whole series (and I'm going to study it at uni as part of my Children's Literature unit!)


- the colour pink.
You didn't seriously think I could write a list of my favourite things without including this, did you? Pink makes me happy. Any shade. I love it all. I am naturally drawn to anything pink. I spot pink clothes before those in other clothes. I'm just made that way.

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