Today was the 11 km run we had been training for this run since we moved into our Wardli's. The morning of the run, i woke up a little bit before my alarm clock went up (around 6:00 am). I then came to realise that outside was a storm of rain. The wind seemed strong and the rain sounded heavy. When i arose from my bed i quickly got changed and then went outside to see the weather. The rain was heavy and the sky was dark and full of cloud. In my mind i was hoping that we would not have to run in the rain but i knew i was dead wrong.
I then took my water bottle and my jumper to the tunnel of where we finished and then scrambled through the rain to get to our bus. It was very cold as we waited for others to board. We set off in the bus and after a 10 minute drive we arrived at Hardwicke Bay. We jumped out the bus to step in sock-deep puddles of water and extremely heavy rain. We sprinted to the starting line on the beach, avoiding channels of rushing water down the slopes. Hobbsy got us all lined up and continued to tell us how this is what we had been training for and for us to push our hardest. We just listened as we were doing star-jumps to keep up warm. Our clothes were soaked and dripping cold water, but all we knew is that we had to intimidate Hobsy.
For the night before the run, the group had a talk of a deal or a bet. For on the day we drive back on the bus, Dale said we would be stopping at a BP. Four people were selected and agreed to challenge him, they were Jack O'Brien, David La Pietra, Dan Fahey-Sparks and Lachlan Delbridge. The bet was that if one of the four beat Dale, we could buy two items from the BP, if two people won, 3 items could be bought, then 5 items and if all beat him we could buy as many items as possible. Although the trick was that if they all lost to Dale, no items could be bought and we would have to watch the teachers eat... this could not happen!
So as we talked to Dale about his age and not having heart attacks, we started the race. My estimated time for myself was around an hour. I began the run very slow and at the middle of the group. As i saw the usual leading pack charge off, i attempted to get myself in to a slow but steady rythm. For i did not really care about my time, i gave myself a goal of not stopping and i intended to acheive that goal. During the run i was isolated from the group and i saw the odd person or two charge past me. I was not running as fast as usual which i was quite dissapointed about. Suprisingly the physical barriers that usually attack me did not, my legs felt tired although i had the energy to persue on.
The issue that most people had with the run was the mental state they were in, not thinking about the run and letting your legs do the thinking. Suprisingly i thought of many things that took the finish line off my mind, i was daydreaming for the majority of the run. I thought this was very good, i was not experiencing a great deal of pain and i actually found most of the run fairly easy. Nevertheless there were some points at the three and five km marks where my physical state was being questioned by my mental state. Although i thought i ran very well and consistant. I felt i could have done better, i could have set a faster pace for myself, although i sped up at sometimes i thought that i could have maintained that pace. Although i did not, i slowed down for reasons that i still find unknown. I could blame it on the slight headwind we encountered at the start, or the softish sand that we ran on, or the heavy rain the was smashing us in the face. But in the end it was not my persistance that let me down, just my understanding of how fast is too fast and how slow is too slow.
We ran all the way from Hardwicke Bay back to Point Turton (Wambana). I finished the run in seventy-seven minute or one hour and seventeen minutes. I was proud i ran the whole way without stopping but i think i could have run faster.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Welcome to my Wambana Blog
Cycle Tour
I did not take part in the cycle tour as on the Thursday before departure to Wambana I fractured my left wrist. This was done during lunch time break at school, I was playing soccer and dived foot first towards the ball and attempted to break my fall and as I placed my hand towards the ground I heard a snap. I was taken to the hospital and it was confirmed I had fractured it. But there was a complication; I had also fractured part of my growth plate (meaning if it did not heal properly, my arm would not grow properly. This had caused me to have a ‘half-cast’ which was for replacing a cast but so they could look at it again in a week (Tuesday, when the swelling goes down). Therefor I could not partake in the cycle tour of Wambana. This was painful, stressful and relaxing at the same time. My arm was in pain for a lot of the time I spent at home without pain relievers. It altered my lifestyle to keeping my arm elevated and needing help for simple tasks that require two hands. Though my class was away, my last 6 days at home were spent in relation at home. I was eager to go to Wambana, this I found amusing when my classmates repeated to me how lucky I was to miss out on the cycle tour. But on Thursday I visited the orthopaedic surgeon and he cleared that my wrist and growth plate were fine, he put a full cast on me and on that Thursday I travelled to the Wambana camp site. I found the beginning of Wambana very confronting. Everyone knew the routine and what goes, having only one good arm was a struggle, but it didn’t take long to settle in.
Fitness Program
Friday, 10th February, 2012
The training session was a 3.4 km run. My ending time was 20 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the sacred stones towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This was the first run i had done in ages, i was so unfit, i got tired before the 1km marker, i was wiped! and all i knew i could do was continue, not to stop, for it would prepare me for more. From the beginning of the camp i set a goal for myself, this goal i set knowing i could do it as long as i persisted. This goal was to not stop in every run. This session gave me an example of how hard i need to work, how much fitter i need to get. As this reflected upon how i performed later on.
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Saturday, 11th February, 2012
The training session was a 5.5 km run. My ending time was 29 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the end of the jetty towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This run i thought i came prepared for, i thought that after the 3.4, this would be a breeze... which it was... until we passed the sacred stones. After that i struggled, more than the 3.4! Although i still completed the run without breaking my goal of not stopping. This session gave me an idea of how our fitness needs to progress and whats expected from each run. That all these were preparations & practise.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, 12th February, 2012
The training session was a game of soccer. This was done on the oval. This required a warm up from the oval to the classroom & back. The game was modified so that all of your teams players must be over halfway for a goal to count, otherwise goals will be given to the opposing team vice versa. The game was a good work out and enjoyed them more, although they didn't seem as good as the runs in terms of progressing in fitness levels. The game did not make me feel overly tired and i did not face any problems with the session. Nevertheless i had set new goals for games, this was a different goal, one that could not be accurately determined. This was to contribute my best for my team. Although i think i could have contributed more to the team, which is what i will work on for next time.
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Monday, 13th February, 2012
The training session was a run to the 'Pony club'. My ending time was 25 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the Pony club towards the East of Point Turton. This run was horrible, it was an easy distance... the downside was that the whole trail was sand. This means that your feet sink and struggle to step further. The trail was a soft sand 4x4 track to the Pony club and hard sand along the beach on the way back. Although i still completed this challenge without breaking my goal of not stopping. This session definitely gave me an awareness of what is required to cope with sand and why we need to cope with it... for we soon after learned that the same track is required at the finish of the 9.4 km AND the 11 km!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, 14th February, 2012
This training session was a game of Gaelic football. This was done of the oval. In Gaelic football, you are allowed to kick, pick up and run with the ball. Although you can only run a small distance with the ball and are required to hand-ball when passing. And as usual all players are required to be on the opposite side of the field when scoring. This game was very hard considering i could not pick up the ball in regards of my left arm. So i was really playing soccer, i still managed to play an important part in the game. In the next match i shall try to learn how to make space and turn my disadvantage in to an advantage.
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Wednesday, 15th February, 2012
This training session was the second 5.5 km run. My ending time was 27 mins, 2 mins faster than my previous attempt. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the jetty towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This run i found much easier than the last. I felt fitter, i felt prepared and as much as it was tiring, it was persistence that allowed me to push on. I was very proud after the run and afterwards (i forgot to mention in all other run posts) we did our 'Hundred hundreds' which is where we attempt to do 100 push ups and 100 sit ups. Although due to my arm i can only do 100 sit ups.
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Thursday, 16th February, 2012
This training session was a game of half modified soccer and half modified Gaelic football. This game started to become familiar to us and we were making less unforced errors (being penalised for scoring without all players on the same side). I have begun to realise the fitness part of the game and how teamwork is vital if we were to score. How communication, focus and patience all play a part in almost all sports. The game was very close with a one point score difference. For the next match i think the communication factor is very important and using your words is something i may need to improve on for next match.
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Friday, 17th February, 2012
This training session was the 9.4 km run. My ending time was 56 mins. The run was from the main entrance to Wambana, up the road to the right and we ran all the way to Flahertys beach along the road and back along the sand. We were also given the option to do 7 km although the whole run was on sand. This run surprisingly i found fairly easy. I still managed not to stop running and i ended up finishing in the 5 of the group... i was very proud i finished this but not because i found it easy. I was proud because the last 1km of the run was on soft sand. This was one of the most painful experiences of my life and there were several moments where i was either begging myself to stop, or getting stuck in the sand. I discovered today that my mindset is stronger than ever and perseverance overpowers pain. Although afterwards i felt so sore... and my ankle was killing me. Although i was proud i still know i need to work harder to if i want to do the same with the 11 km.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, 18th February, 2012
The training session was a 3.4 km run. My ending time was 20 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the sacred stones towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This was the first run i had done in ages, i was so unfit, i got tired before the 1km marker, i was wiped! and all i knew i could do was continue, not to stop, for it would prepare me for more. From the beginning of the camp i set a goal for myself, this goal i set knowing i could do it as long as i persisted. This goal was to not stop in every run. This session gave me an example of how hard i need to work, how much fitter i need to get. As this reflected upon how i performed later on.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, 11th February, 2012
The training session was a 5.5 km run. My ending time was 29 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the end of the jetty towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This run i thought i came prepared for, i thought that after the 3.4, this would be a breeze... which it was... until we passed the sacred stones. After that i struggled, more than the 3.4! Although i still completed the run without breaking my goal of not stopping. This session gave me an idea of how our fitness needs to progress and whats expected from each run. That all these were preparations & practise.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, 12th February, 2012
The training session was a game of soccer. This was done on the oval. This required a warm up from the oval to the classroom & back. The game was modified so that all of your teams players must be over halfway for a goal to count, otherwise goals will be given to the opposing team vice versa. The game was a good work out and enjoyed them more, although they didn't seem as good as the runs in terms of progressing in fitness levels. The game did not make me feel overly tired and i did not face any problems with the session. Nevertheless i had set new goals for games, this was a different goal, one that could not be accurately determined. This was to contribute my best for my team. Although i think i could have contributed more to the team, which is what i will work on for next time.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, 13th February, 2012
The training session was a run to the 'Pony club'. My ending time was 25 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the Pony club towards the East of Point Turton. This run was horrible, it was an easy distance... the downside was that the whole trail was sand. This means that your feet sink and struggle to step further. The trail was a soft sand 4x4 track to the Pony club and hard sand along the beach on the way back. Although i still completed this challenge without breaking my goal of not stopping. This session definitely gave me an awareness of what is required to cope with sand and why we need to cope with it... for we soon after learned that the same track is required at the finish of the 9.4 km AND the 11 km!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, 14th February, 2012
This training session was a game of Gaelic football. This was done of the oval. In Gaelic football, you are allowed to kick, pick up and run with the ball. Although you can only run a small distance with the ball and are required to hand-ball when passing. And as usual all players are required to be on the opposite side of the field when scoring. This game was very hard considering i could not pick up the ball in regards of my left arm. So i was really playing soccer, i still managed to play an important part in the game. In the next match i shall try to learn how to make space and turn my disadvantage in to an advantage.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, 15th February, 2012
This training session was the second 5.5 km run. My ending time was 27 mins, 2 mins faster than my previous attempt. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the jetty towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This run i found much easier than the last. I felt fitter, i felt prepared and as much as it was tiring, it was persistence that allowed me to push on. I was very proud after the run and afterwards (i forgot to mention in all other run posts) we did our 'Hundred hundreds' which is where we attempt to do 100 push ups and 100 sit ups. Although due to my arm i can only do 100 sit ups.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, 16th February, 2012
This training session was a game of half modified soccer and half modified Gaelic football. This game started to become familiar to us and we were making less unforced errors (being penalised for scoring without all players on the same side). I have begun to realise the fitness part of the game and how teamwork is vital if we were to score. How communication, focus and patience all play a part in almost all sports. The game was very close with a one point score difference. For the next match i think the communication factor is very important and using your words is something i may need to improve on for next match.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, 17th February, 2012
This training session was the 9.4 km run. My ending time was 56 mins. The run was from the main entrance to Wambana, up the road to the right and we ran all the way to Flahertys beach along the road and back along the sand. We were also given the option to do 7 km although the whole run was on sand. This run surprisingly i found fairly easy. I still managed not to stop running and i ended up finishing in the 5 of the group... i was very proud i finished this but not because i found it easy. I was proud because the last 1km of the run was on soft sand. This was one of the most painful experiences of my life and there were several moments where i was either begging myself to stop, or getting stuck in the sand. I discovered today that my mindset is stronger than ever and perseverance overpowers pain. Although afterwards i felt so sore... and my ankle was killing me. Although i was proud i still know i need to work harder to if i want to do the same with the 11 km.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, 18th February, 2012
The fitness. Although I did not take part in this, it was because today I am a leader of the group. This included instead of regular fitness, this included a run to the ‘mall’ (a small shop of which we drop the letters out front of and collect the paper from) and back. This run was very short… roughly 2 km and although it was short, I really struggled with it. My body felt like it was in hell, my legs were stuffed, and my ankles were in the most pain I could imagine. For it was from the sandy end of the 9.4 km. This let me know that I needed to pay more attention to my ankles, for I need to pamper it with ice. For tomorrow is the 3.4 and I need to be ready for it and if my ankles are the same, I WILL struggle.
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Sunday, 19th February, 2012
The fitness session was a 3.4 km run. My ending time was 19 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the sacred stones towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This run, i thought was going to be really hard after my struggle on Saturday, although i actually did better than my previous time. I still found the run hard and struggled with my ankles. My body was sore compared to most of the runs. But i thought back to my first 3.4 km run and i found it so much easier... i had realised how much my stamina had increased, and my persistence with my goals. The run was hard but I'm sure if i worked on getting my ankles better... everything should be fine.
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Monday, 20th February, 2012
The fitness session was a 5.5 km run. My ending time was 30 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the end of the jetty towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This run i was ashamed of, not because i broke my goal of not stopping. I was disappointed because i did not give this run 'my all'. Afterwards i was soaked and during the run, sure there was a few headwinds going on but i felt like i could have ran harder. I'm not saying it was just a persistence thing or an injury problem, it was a combination of both. I felt the only time i truly persisted and broke through my injury was on the last straight where i could here Tim Branford chasing me from behind and i wanted to finish with a stride... and i win ha-ha. But those problems are something I'm going to have to work through in the next few days.
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Tuesday, 21st February, 2012
The fitness session was a 'game', well it actually wasn't a game. We first did some extra stretching to prepare for surfing. Then we simply did some chin-up exercises. This included just normal chin-ups, holding yourself up and other types of chin-ups. This i found was very hard because i was trying to do one-arm chin-ups... which is really really really hard. i almost felt at some points my arm was going to pop out of the socket. But the only way i will get better is to build my strength in my arm. Then we did an exercise where we were held up to the bar at eye level and the task was to hold it for as long as possible... this i could use my other arm for as it did not require any force. I did very well, most people held from 10-30 seconds... i held for 40. And i feel that my arms were really tested in the strength department and all i can work on is my muscles.
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Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012
The fitness session was power training. This was done on the oval and included several sprinting games and power exercises. This i found was very hard, because by body is still recovering from the 9.4 km. I felt really sore although i persisted and still gave it my all. Something i still need to do is treat my ankle with a good amount of ice and this is something i really need to get prepared for, for when the 11 km run approaches. Some of the exercises that we did were some "navy operated" squats and some random exercise where we step, then kneel towards the ground and go back up. The amount increases every step... this was a huge challenge and left my legs brittle and sore.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, 23rd February, 2012
The fitness session was a game of Gaelic football. This was done of the oval. In Gaelic football, you are allowed to kick, pick up and run with the ball. Although you can only run a small distance with the ball and are required to hand-ball when passing. And as usual all players are required to be on the opposite side of the field when scoring. This game i got very frustrated and tired quickly because i found that me and only 2 other team mates were doing the majority of the running. Although i found that the teams were a little bit unfair... i persisted... until the end when i sort of gave up ha-ha. Although this shows that next time i need to be more encouraging and tolerant with my team mates and no matter how gloom the game looks... to persist and aim for success.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, 24th February, 2012
The fitness session was a 3.4 km run. My ending time was 17 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the sacred stones towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This run was great, i have finally overcome my ankle injury and am feeling fine in my legs. I felt awesome running... although it was fairly tiring. I blitz my 3.4 record and felt very good about it. Although i maybe could have run a little faster i felt that i maintained my pace at a steady but fast rate. Also i maintained my goal of not stopping in a run... im feeling really good about my goal and just need to get through the 11 km. Which is what i need to prepare for, so what i need to do is work on my fitness and not get any injuries.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, 25th February, 2012
The fitness session was a game of Soccer and AFL. This was done of the oval. The oval was split in to two halfs. One half included a soccer only game with one goal keeper. On the other side was a game of AFL with full on tackles etc. If the ball crossed the half way the game style would change although people could not cross the line. The game finished very close although i accidentally hit David La Pietra in the chest with my cast, causing the game to automatically end for different reasons. This game was very good as it did not ware me out although it still gave me a workout.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, 26th February, 2012
The fitness session was a 3.4 km run. My ending time was 18 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the sacred stones towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. his run i was not very proud of, i had worked hard although i did not give my all. I still completed the run still with my goal not broken. Although i needed to work a little on my fitness which was a main reason i was dissapointed, i also need to work on my self-motivational skills whilst running.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, 27th February, 2012
The training session was a 5.5 km run. My ending time was 24 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the end of the jetty towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This was by far my best ever run so far. After i finished this run i was so proud for the following reasons; During the beggining of the run Dale caught up to me, i murmered "my goal is to keep up with you". I was being sarcasitic at the time, i was sure i would fail. Then Dale replied "If you say that you'll lose you have already lost". This inspired my to push myself... i ran harder and maintained my strength. During this time Jack O'Brien and I were competing against each other and Dale. We were neck and neck at the final straight and i began to fall behind because i started to get a stitch. "Are you going to fall behind and acheive nothing, or push yourself and acheive everything?" This was at the point where i was convinced i could run no further, although this inspired my... i began to sprint, i was moaning in agony as i ran. The soft sand shredded my knees. But i had finished, ahead of Dale and Jack. With a time 3 minutes better than my original run. I was wiped, although my confidence had not been.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, 28th February, 2012
The training session was a beach walk. This was a walk from the shed / tunnel to the 4 wheel drive to beach ramp. This was not much of a fitness training, it was more of an brief of what and where the 11 km was. We were told that we begin at Hardwicke Bay and we were to run along the beach until the 4 wheel drive ramp, then we were to contune on the 'Pony Club' trail until the finish. This gave us an understanding of just how far we were running the next morning.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, 29th February, 2012
(11 km beach run post is on the blog)
__________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012
The fitness session was power training. This was done on the oval and included several sprinting games and power exercises. This i found was very hard, because by body is still recovering from the 9.4 km. I felt really sore although i persisted and still gave it my all. Something i still need to do is treat my ankle with a good amount of ice and this is something i really need to get prepared for, for when the 11 km run approaches. Some of the exercises that we did were some "navy operated" squats and some random exercise where we step, then kneel towards the ground and go back up. The amount increases every step... this was a huge challenge and left my legs brittle and sore.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, 23rd February, 2012
The fitness session was a game of Gaelic football. This was done of the oval. In Gaelic football, you are allowed to kick, pick up and run with the ball. Although you can only run a small distance with the ball and are required to hand-ball when passing. And as usual all players are required to be on the opposite side of the field when scoring. This game i got very frustrated and tired quickly because i found that me and only 2 other team mates were doing the majority of the running. Although i found that the teams were a little bit unfair... i persisted... until the end when i sort of gave up ha-ha. Although this shows that next time i need to be more encouraging and tolerant with my team mates and no matter how gloom the game looks... to persist and aim for success.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, 24th February, 2012
The fitness session was a 3.4 km run. My ending time was 17 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the sacred stones towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This run was great, i have finally overcome my ankle injury and am feeling fine in my legs. I felt awesome running... although it was fairly tiring. I blitz my 3.4 record and felt very good about it. Although i maybe could have run a little faster i felt that i maintained my pace at a steady but fast rate. Also i maintained my goal of not stopping in a run... im feeling really good about my goal and just need to get through the 11 km. Which is what i need to prepare for, so what i need to do is work on my fitness and not get any injuries.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, 25th February, 2012
The fitness session was a game of Soccer and AFL. This was done of the oval. The oval was split in to two halfs. One half included a soccer only game with one goal keeper. On the other side was a game of AFL with full on tackles etc. If the ball crossed the half way the game style would change although people could not cross the line. The game finished very close although i accidentally hit David La Pietra in the chest with my cast, causing the game to automatically end for different reasons. This game was very good as it did not ware me out although it still gave me a workout.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, 26th February, 2012
The fitness session was a 3.4 km run. My ending time was 18 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the sacred stones towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. his run i was not very proud of, i had worked hard although i did not give my all. I still completed the run still with my goal not broken. Although i needed to work a little on my fitness which was a main reason i was dissapointed, i also need to work on my self-motivational skills whilst running.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, 27th February, 2012
The training session was a 5.5 km run. My ending time was 24 mins. This run was from the shed / tunnel to the end of the jetty towards the North-Western side of Point Turton. This was by far my best ever run so far. After i finished this run i was so proud for the following reasons; During the beggining of the run Dale caught up to me, i murmered "my goal is to keep up with you". I was being sarcasitic at the time, i was sure i would fail. Then Dale replied "If you say that you'll lose you have already lost". This inspired my to push myself... i ran harder and maintained my strength. During this time Jack O'Brien and I were competing against each other and Dale. We were neck and neck at the final straight and i began to fall behind because i started to get a stitch. "Are you going to fall behind and acheive nothing, or push yourself and acheive everything?" This was at the point where i was convinced i could run no further, although this inspired my... i began to sprint, i was moaning in agony as i ran. The soft sand shredded my knees. But i had finished, ahead of Dale and Jack. With a time 3 minutes better than my original run. I was wiped, although my confidence had not been.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, 28th February, 2012
The training session was a beach walk. This was a walk from the shed / tunnel to the 4 wheel drive to beach ramp. This was not much of a fitness training, it was more of an brief of what and where the 11 km was. We were told that we begin at Hardwicke Bay and we were to run along the beach until the 4 wheel drive ramp, then we were to contune on the 'Pony Club' trail until the finish. This gave us an understanding of just how far we were running the next morning.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, 29th February, 2012
(11 km beach run post is on the blog)
Hardwicke Bay Revegetation Project
On Monday of my first week at Wambana, we visited Hardwicke Bay. We were sent there to help weed and revegetate the surrounding plant life to make the vegetation natural and healthy for other surrounding environments. Weeds are a pest because they steal nutrients omnomnom from native plants that require it, also weeds absorb alot of water, in times of drought this is very bad for the environment. They also spread very quickly and easily. 3 of these weeds are Lincoln weed, Boxthorn and couchgrass. The way humans spread weeds is by buying them because of their looks and planting them in gardens, littles do we know they are spreading near and far rapidly. Weeds can spread via; bird droppings, climate (wind), human distribution and poor destruction. Basically weeds are the same all over Australia, some are worse than others but they contribute to destroying the environment all the same. If the climate changes (global warming) weeds are likely to get worse because most weeds do not die even when thy are seperated from the root... they will survive and the plants will not. People voulenteer to get rid of weeds and plant local plants because every little bit can effect the change in an environment and stop the destruction of local plants. We can all contribute by getting rid of weeds and disposing of them properly. If weeds are prevented from being planted in public areas close to other areas where they can grow... soon their population will decrease.
Will's Big Day Out
I did not take part in the tour for the day my group took part in this, i was sent to the dentist. The problem was one of my molars on the bottom row that was cracked and infected. I was given a few options of what was needed to be done and in the end i chose with consent from my parents to take out the molar and wait till i get home to see an orthodontist about possibly taking the other molars out and also maybe getting braces... my mother was happy to get the bill *cough.
Snorkelling
Task 1.
During my snorkelling experience i have learnt how to continually snorkel and how to clear my mask of water, whilst underwater... this involves placing on the mask and the lifting a side flag and blowing out of your nose... the water should clear and snorkelling is now continuous.
Task 2.
During my snorkelling experience i have seen many parts of marine life, including schools of fish... bigger fish and very, very large blue crabs! This was all done at the Point Turton swimming centre, and visibility there is very high. The best part of snorkelling is the relaxing feeling of floating in the ocean with almost no noise and only watching the life below. I found my greatest challenge was learning how to 'mask clear' and getting used to breathing underwater which at first feels really unnatural.
During my snorkelling experience i have learnt how to continually snorkel and how to clear my mask of water, whilst underwater... this involves placing on the mask and the lifting a side flag and blowing out of your nose... the water should clear and snorkelling is now continuous.
Task 2.
During my snorkelling experience i have seen many parts of marine life, including schools of fish... bigger fish and very, very large blue crabs! This was all done at the Point Turton swimming centre, and visibility there is very high. The best part of snorkelling is the relaxing feeling of floating in the ocean with almost no noise and only watching the life below. I found my greatest challenge was learning how to 'mask clear' and getting used to breathing underwater which at first feels really unnatural.
Instructional Entry
Pasta Carbonara
To serve 6
Ingredients:
500g Short Cut Bacon
1 Large Cream (600ml)
100g Grated Parmesan Cheese
500g Pasta (Fettuccini preffered)
Method:
- Cut the bacon into thin strips.
- Fry bacon in large frypan until golden brown.
- Lower heat.
- Add Cream and Stir.
- Add Chesse and Stir.
- Do not boil Cream and Cheese but simmer long enough for cheese to melt.
- Leave sauce on low heat.
- Bring large saucepan of water to the boil add a dessert spoon of cooking oil.
- Add pasta to boiling water.
- Cook until al dente (done).
- Drain pasta.
- Serve then pour sauce over pasta.
I have not had the opportunity to try the dish in action... although will try to in the future.
Novel
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part - Time Indian
By Sherman Alexie
By Sherman Alexie
The Black-eye-of-the-Month Club:
1. Why is Junior a member of 'the Black-eye-of-the-Month Club'?
Junior is introduced as having "water on the brain", he describes himself as if he "looked like a capital L walking down the road". Junior insinuates that he is very different. So different that others despise him and bully him. Junior states that he gets called a "retard twice a day", he is different to others, that is why he "gets bullied". Junior is part of "The Black-eye-of-the-Month Club" because he constantly and regularly receives 'Black eyes' from fellow peers.
2. Why does Junior draw cartoons? What do the first two cartoons depict?
Junior draws cartoons to use them as an escape from reality. He finds that he can use cartoons to express his emotions and feelings.He says "Words are too limited" and that "Pictures can be understood by anyone". This depicts that Junior uses pictures as a way to express his true self and the sense of humour and lifestyle he hides from the world. Cartoons is Junior's way of dealing with conflict in his life.
3. Describe the style of writing in the first chapter.
The story is told from the point of view (POV) of Junior's diary entries, this is first person perspective. His stories that have been scribed in to a personal book for Junior to share his stories. Junior writes as if he is talking to an audience, as if he is telling the story knowing someone is reading his diary. Phrases such as "You'd be wondering why you're reading a story written by such a retard" depict his understanding of the reader and fuses his humour in to the writing style of which the book is shared.
Why Chicken Means So Much to Me:
1. What does Junior identify as the worst thing about being poor?
He identifies that the predudice of most people would expect that the worst thing about being poor was food and hunger issues. Although Junior shares a story of which his "best non-human friend" Oscar began to get sick. Although this could easily be fixed by a trip to the Vet, Junior explains the fact that his family is too poor to save a true friend of Juniors. Junior describes the situation at hand and that his own father had to kill Oscar because "he is [was] suffering". He says "he deserves to be poor" and that "being poor sucks". "A bullet only costs two cents, and anyone can afford that". This depicts that Junior beleives that being poor can kill anyone and anything in a split-second.
2. 'And hey, in a weird way, being hungry makes food taste better.' What does this statement show us about Junior?
This shows that Junior attempts to see the lighter side if his life of poverty and that he values what he is given. He values everything more when there is less of it. This makes Junior value his gifts of food greater that ever before. "A good peice of chicken can make anyone beleive in the existance of God." This depicts that he is greatful for everything any anything he eats".
3. What happens to Oscar? What does this illustrate to the reader?
"My best friend Oscar got really sick." Junior tells that "At first, i thought he just had heat exhuastion or something." Oscar began to get more sick as the days progressed and Junior began to worry. Junior stated to his mother "We have to take Oscar to the Vet." Although his Mother refused. Junior describes that his Mother knew Oscar was not "all right". Although his family could not afford to take Oscar to the Vet, they were too poor. This illustrates that these moments cause Junior to hate poverty and hate his life as an Indian.
4. How is poverty a cycle for Junior's family?
Junior says that "It's an ugly circle and there's nothing you can do about it." Junior describes the fact that it is not his parents fault that they are poor. He is poor because his parents parents are poor and so were their parents. He says its a cycle that makes himself beleive that it is his fault he is poor. It's "because you're stupid and ugly." Because "you're Indian" and because he is "destined to be poor".
5. Use five adjectives to decribe Junior's personality so far.
1 - Creative.
2 - Different.
3 - Poor.
4 - Hopeful.
5 - Persistant.
Revenge Is My Middle Name:
1. Describe Rowdy and Junior's relationship. What do they do for each other?
They both provide each other with something that they can not get from anywhere esle. Rowdy provides Junior with protection and a friendship of which includes sharing their feeling and their posessions like Junior's cartoons. "After Oscar died, I was so depressed that i thought about crawling into a hole and disappearing forever." This shows that Rowdy cares for Junior Vice Versa and they help eachother in times of need. Junior provides Rowdys with humour and entertainment within his drawings. "I like to make him laugh. He loves my cartoons." "He is... just like me". Junior and Rowdy can relate like no other, this is what makes their relationship so special and unique.
2. What is the Spokane Powwow?
The Spokane Powwow is a festival celebrated by all Spokane Indians. The festival includes lots of singing, continuous dancing and contant drinking. Junior does not like the Powwow strictly because of the drinking that occurs at the Festival every time.
3. What does Rowdy do to the Andruss brothers? Why? What does this demonstrate about his friendship with Junior?
Rowdy visits the Andruss brothers whilst they are sleeping on the night of Powwow. He shaves off their eyebrows and cuts off their braids. "That's the worst thing you can do to an Indian guy". Rowdy does this to protect Junior and his to make him feel better. When Rowdy does this Junior says he "loved him for doing that. I felt guilty for loving him for that. But revenge also feels pretty good." This shows that Junior becomes pleased after Rowdy's actions, Rowdy knows this and he does it for Junior. This shows how close Junior and Rowdy are and the extent of things that they would do to please each other and make each other happy.
Because Geometry Is Not a Country Somewhere Near France:
1. Describe Mr. P.
Mr. P is very forgetful, he "sometimes forgets to come to school!". Mr. P is an old, short and very bald man who teaches Junior's Geometry class. Mr. P is a "weird looking dude" although he cares deeply about the future of Junior and other bright Indians.
2. Why is Junior so cynical about White teachers?
Because Junior beleives that White teachers feel no remorse, no pity for Indians. He beleives that they teach because they get payed, he thinks they do not care about Indians and their education. That is why he expects the bad from White teachers.
3. What angers Junior about his Geometry book?
Junior finds out that the book he has been given from the teacher was owned by his "own Mother". This upsets Junior in such a way that he throws his book at Mr. P. Junior is so upset that his school are so poor that they can not even afford new school books. He is learning what his parents learned, he beleives this is why Indians are so un-educated.
Hope Against Hope:
1. Why does Junior throw his Geometry book? What does this signify?
Because he in enraged that he is not learning anything new, he beleives that the things he is learning are old and useless in the modern world. This signifys Junior's beleif in a fair world. That he beleives that just because he and his whole reservation are poor, does not mean that they are to slowly deterierate in the educated world, making others smarter, makeing Indians less educated... slowly making them poorer and poorer.
2. Why does Mr. P say the following? 'Every white person on this rez should get smashed in the face. But, let me tell you this. All the Indians should get smashed in the face, too'.
Because Mr. P beleives that Indians are not treated fairly compared to white people although he thinks that they should be smashed in the face as well because "The only thing you kids are being taught is how to give up". Mr. P thinks that Indians should be striving for there best but they are stopped by their own society and poverty. Mr. P beleives the case is different for Junior and tells him to continue looking for the best in himself possible.
3. What is Mr. P's advice to Junior? Why does he give him this advice?
To leave the reservation, to leave his home and his culture in search of a better future. "If you stay on this rez... they're going to kill you. I'm going to kill you. We're all going to kill you." Mr. P is sick of seeing Indians waste their future and their talents because they stay on the reservation, this is why he wants Junior to leave.
Go Means Go:
1. How do Junior's parents react to his decision to change schools? What does this show about them?
Junior's parents beleive that the best is possible in Junior "it was easy with them". They know that the only way to succeed was for Junior to go to Reardan. They care so dearly about Junior that they are risking to go on to a place where they know Junior will be taking a great risk in going to. They want the best for Junior and that is why they are so accepting of Junior changing his schools and possibly his future.
Rowdy Sings the Blues:
1. How are sporting resluts used to compare the two schools? Why is it significant that Rowdy performed well at most competitions?
The sporting scores show the difference in education and lifestyle from Reardan to Wellpinit. It shows just how Junior will succeed in life. He says "nobody wants to be a loser". Which only encourages him to leave his school, Rowdy and his reservation.
2. How does Rowdy react to Junior's decision to move schools? Why does he react in this way?
Rowdy cannot beleive the news that had been shared with him, he was shocked and in denial at first, he thinks it is a joke which is why he says "that's not funny". He reacts in such a way that he is furious, his best friend for several years had left him to live a better life. Rowdy thinks that "You [Junior] always thought you [he] was better than me [Rowdy]". That is why he puched Junior, not only did Junior's "heart broke [break] in to 14 pieces, the amount of years Rowdy and I [Junior] had been best friends." But so did Rowdy's.
3. How does Rowdy disguise his pain?
Rowdy uses his anger and frightening apperance to make him look tough instead of weak when he is really in a lot of pain.
How to Fight Monsters:
1. Why is Junior deemed to have betrayed his tribe?
Junior beleives he has betrayed his tribe because he has left like no one else has ever done before, he beleives he can interact with the Spokanian culture and White culture. This is deemed to be uneceptable on the reservation. This is why Junior beleives if he were to have "turned around an gone back to the rez school" he would have been "pummeled".
2. Describe the cartoon on page 57. What does this symbolise about Junior's insecurities?
The cartoon showsa comparison between a white boy and an Indian boy. The comparison only shows the posotives of the white boy and the negatives of the Indian boy. The cartoon shows how Junior imagines white people. He displays them as rich and nicely dressed people that have a future that will be better than his. This also displays his vision of himself and how he thinks of himself. His thoughts of his life, his disadvantages. He pictures himself as a lesser being compared to the white. He is insecure about his image compared the world.
3. How does the confusion over Junior's name demonstrate his change in culture?
Junior is used to the "rez school", where everything is less formal. Nick-names are created and used. It shows that at the white school of Reardan, people and their education is taken more seriously. His culture has changed from a poor school where not many people care about how you look, how you talk and what your name is on the 'rez'. It has now become a formal school where Junior's social and public image is taken more serious and provides a display of what that person is like. The confusion over Junior's name demonstrates the way Junior is treated further on.
4. How do the students react to Junior at Reardan?
Junior is treated the way he is because of the prejudice that occurs when he arrives. The white students recognise him as different and less educated which is why they originally ignored him. They then displayed hate and racism towards him, Junior was pictured as weak and stupid. He was continuously called names such as "Chief, Sitting bull, Tonto, Red-skin and Squaw boy", this desplays racism and prejudice towards Junior and the cartoon drawn on page 63 displays an image showing Junior as a small boy in the middle and the white people, bigger and tougher than Junior, crowding around him.
5. How could Junior have reacted to being called names?
Junior could have continued to ignore and pay no attention to the names and the people saying them, eventually they would have stopped although this would display an ongoing power within the white people and an increasing weakness within Junior. This could be a way he would have reacted although the image of Junior would only sink and deterierate in to something smaller than he was originally.
6. How does the fight illustrate the differences in social codes?
The fight illustrates that fighting in an environment such as the Spokane reservation is expected from everyone, their social code illustrates that fighting is a normal and natural thing between to people in their environment. Although in Reardan's social environment, fighting is seen as a thugs action. The students at Reardan see Junior as "an animal". Fighting is not seen as natural or nessasary, which is why all the students, Roger and his Gang were so suprised at Junior's choice of action to hit him.
7. 'Maybe i was telling the world i was no longer a moving target.' How is this a significant moment for Junior?
Junior discovers that he is not as weak or as small compared to others anymore. He seems to find a peice of submerged self confidence that is brought to him by his own nature to fight. He is now seen as tough because of the way he was brought up. To him fighting is natural, although to others Junior is seen as tough because on the 'rez' he was a weak boy, but because Reardan is not as tough and a more civilised area, Junior is now seen as the tough fighter.
Grandmother Gives Me Some Advice:
1. 'I realised how much of my self-worth, my sense of safety, was based on Rowdy's fists.' How does Junior learn to stand up for himself?
Junior's Grandmother tells him that the reason Roger acted so differently compared to other people was because Roger now respect Junior. "I think it means he respects you." Junior realises that he is a different person than who he was on the 'rez'. The guys at Reardan do not know anything about Junior, this he learns. And when he finds that he has created a tough image for himself, he begins to get a massive confidence boost. He learns that he is now respected and gets that by standing up for himself.
2. What is Junior's Grandmothers advice?
Junior's Grandmother explains that Junior has no need to be afriad, that Junior is now respected by Roger, she uses the analogy that "men and boys are like a pack of wild dogs". She explains that because Junior assaulted the 'Alpha Male', Junior is seen as the new tough dog. His Grandmother explains he has no need to worry of be afraid.
Tears of a Clown:
1. What does Junior's story about Dawn illustrate to the reader?
It shows that Junior has always been seen as weak to all on the 'rez' for many years. The story illustrates that Junior had always been trated badly as a boy and now has the opportunity to make a difference. The story also illustrates how hard Junior's social life has been because of his 'weak' personality and feelings towards others. e.g. Dawn.
Halloween:
1. How does Junior try to establish a connection with Penelope?
By lieing about Junior's true reasons for dressing as a homeless person. He attempts to make a connection with Penelope by sharing interests and opinions ("protesting the treatment of homeless people"). He feels that they can establish a connection by creating things that they have in common. Even if Junior lies about his intentions and interests. He does this to become closer to Penelope and have an impact of how she thinks of him.
2. How does trick or treating remind Junior of Rowdy?
After Junior is assaulted by some men in masks, he remembers how he used to trick or treat with Rowdy. Mainly Junior remembers how he would rely on Rowdy to protect him, and without him he is easily beaten up. This reminds Junior of Rowdy and the posotives Rowdy brought to Junior.
2. How does Rowdy react to Junior's decision to move schools? Why does he react in this way?
Rowdy cannot beleive the news that had been shared with him, he was shocked and in denial at first, he thinks it is a joke which is why he says "that's not funny". He reacts in such a way that he is furious, his best friend for several years had left him to live a better life. Rowdy thinks that "You [Junior] always thought you [he] was better than me [Rowdy]". That is why he puched Junior, not only did Junior's "heart broke [break] in to 14 pieces, the amount of years Rowdy and I [Junior] had been best friends." But so did Rowdy's.
3. How does Rowdy disguise his pain?
Rowdy uses his anger and frightening apperance to make him look tough instead of weak when he is really in a lot of pain.
How to Fight Monsters:
1. Why is Junior deemed to have betrayed his tribe?
Junior beleives he has betrayed his tribe because he has left like no one else has ever done before, he beleives he can interact with the Spokanian culture and White culture. This is deemed to be uneceptable on the reservation. This is why Junior beleives if he were to have "turned around an gone back to the rez school" he would have been "pummeled".
2. Describe the cartoon on page 57. What does this symbolise about Junior's insecurities?
The cartoon showsa comparison between a white boy and an Indian boy. The comparison only shows the posotives of the white boy and the negatives of the Indian boy. The cartoon shows how Junior imagines white people. He displays them as rich and nicely dressed people that have a future that will be better than his. This also displays his vision of himself and how he thinks of himself. His thoughts of his life, his disadvantages. He pictures himself as a lesser being compared to the white. He is insecure about his image compared the world.
3. How does the confusion over Junior's name demonstrate his change in culture?
Junior is used to the "rez school", where everything is less formal. Nick-names are created and used. It shows that at the white school of Reardan, people and their education is taken more seriously. His culture has changed from a poor school where not many people care about how you look, how you talk and what your name is on the 'rez'. It has now become a formal school where Junior's social and public image is taken more serious and provides a display of what that person is like. The confusion over Junior's name demonstrates the way Junior is treated further on.
4. How do the students react to Junior at Reardan?
Junior is treated the way he is because of the prejudice that occurs when he arrives. The white students recognise him as different and less educated which is why they originally ignored him. They then displayed hate and racism towards him, Junior was pictured as weak and stupid. He was continuously called names such as "Chief, Sitting bull, Tonto, Red-skin and Squaw boy", this desplays racism and prejudice towards Junior and the cartoon drawn on page 63 displays an image showing Junior as a small boy in the middle and the white people, bigger and tougher than Junior, crowding around him.
5. How could Junior have reacted to being called names?
Junior could have continued to ignore and pay no attention to the names and the people saying them, eventually they would have stopped although this would display an ongoing power within the white people and an increasing weakness within Junior. This could be a way he would have reacted although the image of Junior would only sink and deterierate in to something smaller than he was originally.
6. How does the fight illustrate the differences in social codes?
The fight illustrates that fighting in an environment such as the Spokane reservation is expected from everyone, their social code illustrates that fighting is a normal and natural thing between to people in their environment. Although in Reardan's social environment, fighting is seen as a thugs action. The students at Reardan see Junior as "an animal". Fighting is not seen as natural or nessasary, which is why all the students, Roger and his Gang were so suprised at Junior's choice of action to hit him.
7. 'Maybe i was telling the world i was no longer a moving target.' How is this a significant moment for Junior?
Junior discovers that he is not as weak or as small compared to others anymore. He seems to find a peice of submerged self confidence that is brought to him by his own nature to fight. He is now seen as tough because of the way he was brought up. To him fighting is natural, although to others Junior is seen as tough because on the 'rez' he was a weak boy, but because Reardan is not as tough and a more civilised area, Junior is now seen as the tough fighter.
Grandmother Gives Me Some Advice:
1. 'I realised how much of my self-worth, my sense of safety, was based on Rowdy's fists.' How does Junior learn to stand up for himself?
Junior's Grandmother tells him that the reason Roger acted so differently compared to other people was because Roger now respect Junior. "I think it means he respects you." Junior realises that he is a different person than who he was on the 'rez'. The guys at Reardan do not know anything about Junior, this he learns. And when he finds that he has created a tough image for himself, he begins to get a massive confidence boost. He learns that he is now respected and gets that by standing up for himself.
2. What is Junior's Grandmothers advice?
Junior's Grandmother explains that Junior has no need to be afriad, that Junior is now respected by Roger, she uses the analogy that "men and boys are like a pack of wild dogs". She explains that because Junior assaulted the 'Alpha Male', Junior is seen as the new tough dog. His Grandmother explains he has no need to worry of be afraid.
Tears of a Clown:
1. What does Junior's story about Dawn illustrate to the reader?
It shows that Junior has always been seen as weak to all on the 'rez' for many years. The story illustrates that Junior had always been trated badly as a boy and now has the opportunity to make a difference. The story also illustrates how hard Junior's social life has been because of his 'weak' personality and feelings towards others. e.g. Dawn.
Halloween:
1. How does Junior try to establish a connection with Penelope?
By lieing about Junior's true reasons for dressing as a homeless person. He attempts to make a connection with Penelope by sharing interests and opinions ("protesting the treatment of homeless people"). He feels that they can establish a connection by creating things that they have in common. Even if Junior lies about his intentions and interests. He does this to become closer to Penelope and have an impact of how she thinks of him.
2. How does trick or treating remind Junior of Rowdy?
After Junior is assaulted by some men in masks, he remembers how he used to trick or treat with Rowdy. Mainly Junior remembers how he would rely on Rowdy to protect him, and without him he is easily beaten up. This reminds Junior of Rowdy and the posotives Rowdy brought to Junior.
Living in a Wardli
HIGHS:
- Getting to know my classmates.
- Learning to respect what is done for me at home.
- Learning to cook.
- Learning how to efficiently clean.
- Learning how to hold a budget.
- Learning how to be tolerant with people.
- Learning how to be responsible within a group.
- Learning how to be efficient with time and use it well.
- Independence.
- Making new friends.
CHALLENGES:
- Solving problems.
- Dealing with incompetence from others.
- Keeping the Wardli tidy.
- Dealing with laziness.
- Getting up early.
- Collaborating as a team.
- Time management.
- Communication.
- Washing.
- Establishing a friendly environment.
What are your expectations of others in your Wardli?
- Cooperate
- Cleanliness
- Responsibility
- Independence
- Initiative
What do you expect of yourself?
- Tolerance
- Cleanliness
- Independence
- Initiative
- Responsibility
SESSION ONE:
What do you see as your strength in the wardli and what would you like to improve on?
I see myself as someone who gets things done, whether it be cleaning the kitchen, cooking dinner or instructing others. I see myself as an all rounded person, somewhat as a leader. And someone who keeps that Warldi and the people inside it under control and in order. Although i see myself as a leader i fear i can be bossy and / or intolerant of others, even though i expect tolerance from others. I feel i could be a more hands-on leader than a verbal instructor leader. I see that as something i need to work on in the future.
Identify three issues that have occurred in your Wardli without identifying any individuals. Discuss how you solved each issue as a household and what your personal contribution was towards the solution.
1. A certain individual in the Wardli had an issue with not contributing, he would not help with anything other than his own mess. It was a big bother to everyone else in the Wardli but unfortunatly this person was not aware of the issue. So we planned to bring it up in the next 'Wardli meeting', which we did. And afterwards this person was aware and almost stright away worked towards doing his part in the Warli, and now he is one of the main people who contributes in our Wardli.
2. A certain individual in the Wardli had an issue with not cleaning his or helping with any other mess. He was aware of this because several of us, especially me made it very clear that we were not happy. This person would be given a job and just not do it, this resulted in all of us, you could say nagging him. This then somehow made the person very frustrated and aggrevated. Although we did not bring this up in a Wardli meeting, we have made it clear of our expectations and now he is cleaning up after himeself more and conrtibuting to the group.
3. A certain individual in the Wardli with being very loud and very hyperactive during the day and more annoyingly the night aswell. This person has been told that being so loud is not always approved and the with constant help of me and others, letting him know what is loud and or just not suitable for the situation. And this being brought up in a Wardli meeting... he is still sometimes loud but not as frequently and he is a lot beter to be around and he now does not really frustrate us any more.
How have your experiences thus far impacted on your thoughts about your own household and the role you play at home?
I have learned not to take the treatment i get at home for granted. I have learned that all the cleaning and cooking and money that comes in to my house comes from hardwork from my parents. And im sure that when i get home i will begin to help more and contribute around the house when needed, to give a helping hand because now i know how hard being the leader of a house can be... especially during legal troubles. These experiences almost make me feel bad for how much a take for granted that can easily be taken away.
SESSION TWO:
Skills of a functional housemate:
- He is very good at doing things he is asked to do, even though he might be doing a job at the time he will add it to his 'checklist' and do it when he is ready... without forgetting.
- He is efficient in his jobs and is very thorough in anything he does whether its cleaning, cooking or helping around.
- He is a good leader and takes responsibility for his and others actions in the Wardli. This includes setting jobs for others and cheering them on if they are a little slow or annoyed ETC.
- He can be serious when needed, like in times of cleaning or needing to hurry (poor time managment). & he can be funny and cheerful when there is no need to stress or there is agrevation in the Wardli between others.
- He is not lazy nor selfish. When it comes to pitching in for the team in terms of food and or washing space etc, He is very generous with his actions. Then when it comes to mornings or doing something that needs to be done, he will do it.
This person is all of the above, he can do all of what i stated earlier. Although sometimes he chooses not to. I don't why but i do know that when he is the most functional person he can always be the best person to ask for a helping hand or just a friendly pat on the back. Although he can do these things i do not think he is aware of it. But that is what makes him successful is that he does not cheer about how he is the greatest... hes just a good bloke about it.
Describe your own approach to maintaining a successful Wardli for the remainder of the program.
I think that if i can help with normal everyday work, without lettiong others not. I think that doing my part and helping others in need will ensure harmony. Although i also think taking a leadership role in the house is important to maintain it. It is important to maintain a level of tolerance and persistance that others can learn from and use it to help not only themselves but also others.
Poetry
La Lista
Glistening waters,
Shimmering in the ocean,
If only i could of caught her,
As she was standing without motion,
I wish i took more time,
To look through the mist,
To pour a glass of wine,
To show her my list,
This list was special to me,
I wish that was known,
For this list was to be,
For someone who was alone,
She was in pain,
Standing strong on the edge,
It began to rain,
As she fell off the ledge,
She was never found,
Never seen,
But only her sound,
Could be seen in the dream.
Master Chef Challenge
All four Wardli's were given two hours to cook any dish they choose, but we were marked in 5 catagories; Taste, Presentation, Creativity, Teamwork and Atmosphere. Our Wardli chose to do a dish that Kosta had been given from a letter that has been part of his family for generations. This dish was Apple Pie. Kosta & Eddie were given the task of cooking (Eddie cooked a butterscotch pudding but failed...), Tom & Min-soo were given the task of cleaning and Marco & I worked on presentation... it looked pretty good. we had a 'red carpet' (towell) entry followed by cups of water with lemons, a series of napkins, sea shells for decorations and tic-tacs for after. Also the Pie turned out really well, we were expecting 1st or 2nd... we ended up last. Although all Wardli's were seperated by 6 points. So originally the prize for last was to clean the buses... but the judges thought we all did so well... we got a 2 L bottle of coke... :)
Chooktopia
Chooktopia is the ongoing construction of the Chicken run outside the classroom at Wambana. Our group has began construction from scratch. Our jobs and contribution towards the chicken run is to build the bordering fences to guard the chickens from predators such as foxes. Because Foxes have a range of different stratergies to get the chickens, we need to build a fence that compensates for all of them. These include making the fence deeper than ground level to stop foxes digging underneath and a barbed wire top of the fence to stop Foxes and Humans from climbing the fence. We are currently a quarter way through. We have put the majority of poles in the ground, cemented them in and calcuating the positioning of the remaining poles.
Bublacowie Military Museum
The Bublacowie Military Museum is owned by Chris Soar, a Vietnam Veteran. He began the museum after the closing of the Bublacowie school which started 100 years ago. He and his wife (Enid) built the museum by themselves and the museum istelf is worth over 2 million dollars.
What captured my eye in the museum is the AK-47 Assault Rifle. The AK-47 was built in Izhevsk's Mechanical works in 1947. The AK-47 originates in Warsaw, Poland and other Soviet states. Over 100 Million AK-47's have been built since its manufacturing. The gun weighs 3.8 kg, is 870 mm long with a barrel length of 415 mm, It can hold 30 rounds that are 7.62 x 39 mm. The gun operates in a rotating bolt which is gas operated. It has a Rate of Fire of 600 RPM and is effective at up to 300 m.
This gun has vastly effected war & has shown great power to communist countries. When i think of a communist country at war, i imagine them all using AK-47's. I find that it is a sybol f power, communism and destruction throughout war. It has become one of the greatest, most feared and most praised weapons in the world. This helps me describe what i beleive war to be, the men with 'AK's' against the rest.
Self Reflection:
I am about to venture on what is sure to be the longest, most thrilling and challenging events of my life. My duffle bag is almost ready for departure and i think about all the things i will miss wen im gone. Im sure that this time will be a great experience for any 15 year old going to war. Although i cannot leave without thinking of my family, the progress of economics and my education. I will miss my Mother, who dearly regrets allowing me to leave, my Father who supports my every move. These people made me in to the an i am about to become. Although the question is whether being a man and fighting for my country is worth what i am about to partake in.
What captured my eye in the museum is the AK-47 Assault Rifle. The AK-47 was built in Izhevsk's Mechanical works in 1947. The AK-47 originates in Warsaw, Poland and other Soviet states. Over 100 Million AK-47's have been built since its manufacturing. The gun weighs 3.8 kg, is 870 mm long with a barrel length of 415 mm, It can hold 30 rounds that are 7.62 x 39 mm. The gun operates in a rotating bolt which is gas operated. It has a Rate of Fire of 600 RPM and is effective at up to 300 m.
This gun has vastly effected war & has shown great power to communist countries. When i think of a communist country at war, i imagine them all using AK-47's. I find that it is a sybol f power, communism and destruction throughout war. It has become one of the greatest, most feared and most praised weapons in the world. This helps me describe what i beleive war to be, the men with 'AK's' against the rest.
Self Reflection:
I am about to venture on what is sure to be the longest, most thrilling and challenging events of my life. My duffle bag is almost ready for departure and i think about all the things i will miss wen im gone. Im sure that this time will be a great experience for any 15 year old going to war. Although i cannot leave without thinking of my family, the progress of economics and my education. I will miss my Mother, who dearly regrets allowing me to leave, my Father who supports my every move. These people made me in to the an i am about to become. Although the question is whether being a man and fighting for my country is worth what i am about to partake in.
Leadership Day
My role as a leader was to take responsibility for the actions of the group and to look after the reputation of the school's boys. With help from Dan Fahey-Sparks! Part of this included several jobs that required the skills of taking initiative throughout the group and remembering important roles that the leader needs to fulfill. Next time i am leader i will work on remembering things such as water on the bus... which Dan and I forgot. Although this was a mistake that was vital in the success of the group, a replacement water was found. Although it may not have tasted very nice or come from a very santised place... it had to be done. I think what i did well as a leader was being last of the group and making sure that our group did not leave a poor footprint on our destinations. Although i do need to improve on being prepared with what is required for the day and what needs to be done.
Surfing
The surfing seesion was at Berry Bay North, when we got there we split up in to 3 groups after being allocated boards. I was in Andy the surf instructors group. He then described the technique used to catch a wave and to stand up. every 30 minutes or so, Andy would bring us in and give us feedback.
To Surf you must:
The worst part of surfing was having to carry the boards up the stairs... they were big stairs and the boards are heavy when you only have one arm... -_- .
To Surf you must:
- Paddle 4 strokes after the waves hit you.
- Bring your back knee up to provide balance.
- Bring your other leg up towards the front of the board.
- And once your feet are in the middle of the board... stand up.
- Bend your knees and maintain balance as the waves carrie you.
The worst part of surfing was having to carry the boards up the stairs... they were big stairs and the boards are heavy when you only have one arm... -_- .
Qualities of Good Men
Affirmations
- Sensational effort, you caught up in a flash.
- Great Will - the 'One armed bandit' - no restriction on your participation.
- Great determination and courage. Love the way you always keep positive.
- Fantastic personality, always happy & keen to have a go.
- Great persistence with your arm to come up here buddy!
- Will is a great person who is always caring about others.
- Good to be around in general.
- Kind person and fit.
- Relaxed personality, good sense of fun / responsibility.
- A relaxed member of our group who is well mannered and tolerant.
- It was great for you to come up here with your arm.
- Good persistence with arm & is good to talk to.
- Work hard and be kind. Confident at everything but doesn't really care.
- Chilled, good attitude.
- Very relaxed and easy to share a joke with.
- Funny, beast at table tennis, good to talk to and good at writing poems.
- Never gives up, even with his injury. Great bloke. Woof.
- Always keeps going even with a broken arm, good perseverance.
- Good effort, works really hard.
- Hard worker who tries his best.
- Good bloke, generous, humorous and never gives up.
- Can always talk to and make the funniest jokes.
- Puts a lot of effort and good at table tennis.
- Good at table tennis, gives effort.
- Good guy great at table tennis hard to beat.
- Good guy, likes to help others, table tennis king.
- Sauce, Schwitzel, awesome bloke.
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