Profile of an ex-crim

I submitted this feature story for a uni subject and recieved a high distinction. I've decided to publish it here and also try to get it published in a magazine. I have to say, creative writing is definitely my niche. I loved the interviewing process and writing with no limits.

Profile feature: Ron McCready

“Piccolo bastardo.” Little bastard in Italian. At the age of eleven, Ron McCready’s neighbour spat these words at him two days after his father’s death. The neighbour expected tears, not bullets.


The gun was kept in a drawer hidden away from eyesight, but Ron knew its place. Anger boiled through his veins as the words “little bastard, little bastard, little bastard” rolled around in his head. Grabbing the gun he ran to the neighbour’s house and bang bang bang! Bullets flew into the house, splittng wood. An emotionally wrecked 11-year-old nearly committed a murder.

Ron’s hands subconsciously rub together, lips purse, eyes down: “I just got upset that I got called a little bastard. I’d just lost my dad who died for this country…and someone who’s not even from this country and can’t speak our language called me that.”

The black t-shirt with a green print smudges together into an unrecognizable shape. A t-shirt that may raise eyebrows. But Ron surprises with a huge smile and welcoming hand shake. The tiger tattoo on his right hand and others lining his left and right upper arms speak of older days. More criminal days. The long, greying blonde hair falls on his shoulders and is neatly cut. No split ends. He has a belly on him, which he constantly jokes about, “you can’t miss me. I’m the one with the big gut and tats all over me.”



The teenage years were full of anger and hate. Cops were bashed, banks were robbed and people were shot by his own hands. Those hands eventually got cuffed and placed behind bars for 22 years.

“Jail was strict...it was a place of survival,” he says. “I wouldn’t take no crap off anybody.

They were survival days. I was in [jail] with Chopper Read,” he says, waving the famous

name into insignificance. “He’s a girl. I bashed him while I was in there and I still would if I

saw him today.”



Scrape marks are left on the cement as Ron moves his chair slightly. A

group of teenagers nearby catches his attention. A lanky teenager stares him down, eventually

waving a hand to signal the others and walks off.



“Just before you turned up there were 4 or 5 guys here picking on another kid. That tall guy

[Ron nods at the lanky teenager] was saying that he would effing break his wrists and neck. I

walked over to him and said would you mind to…effing go away.”



Ocker language flows from his mouth at a constant pace, fitting in a swear word every now and then and apologising each time. Ex-criminal, ex-alcoholic, ex-heroin addict. He admits heroin is too expensive to keep up with. “If I was still alive and using- I was only using $300 a week back then- I’d be using 12 to15 thousand a week. And where would I get that money from? I’d have to go back to crime and it’s not worth it.”

Ron checked himself into rehab. No methadone. Just a rubber room and his thoughts. “If I

see junkies selling it, it’s in my nature, I have to go have a go at them. I’m not

very polite. With the long hair and the moustache, and the attitude- my attitude is FTW-do

you know what that means?” Ron sticks his tongue out, sticks his finger up and says softly

“Fuck” and in a louder voice “THE WORLD!” he laughs loudly and his belly moves up

and down.



The black A4 folder sitting on the table is opened and letter after letter is pulled out from its

plastic sleeves. Ron’s eyes light up, each one is from a young person writing to thank

him for helping them achieve their dreams. He moves around excitedly in his chair,

describing the schools and teenagers he speaks to. “I’m today, I’m finished. They’re

tomorrow, they’re the future.” Ron invites himself to schools, intent on providing a grim

image of a criminal life, not a sexy bad-boy look. The kids listen. “I bumped into one of the

girls the other day, she had gone and got a job,” his voice raises an octave, “A job.!” The

baby steps to a new life is Ron’s motivation. He was surprised by the list of questions facing

him on his last trip- smart, mature questions. The question list is slipped out of the folder.

Sixteen or so questions are typed out- one has been furiously scribbled out. Ron raises his

eyebrows, “that one…that one was too graphic. It had too be left out.” He draws closer and

speaks in a whisper, “they wanted to know ‘is it true men get raped in jail?’ Yes, but so do

women. ” Ron leaves it at that and nods matter-of-factly.



Working with the local police (“the weirdest thing”, Ron says, “because I used to bash them up,”) in the ROPES program- an initiative by Victorian police to remove a young offender’s criminal record upon completion- has given Ron an unlikely best friend. Leading Senior Constable Neil Crouch has known Ron for two years. When the unlikely duo first met Neil thought Ron was “rough and ready and as tough as old boots,” Neil laughs. Working together, the crime rate in Bendigo has stayed below the states crime rate. In 15 months the reoffend rate has dropped from 26% to 5%- A figure Ron considers alright, but not good enough. “If I got it down to two or three percent I’d be happy.”

“Deep down he’s got a heart of gold and he never had the opportunities when he was younger like the kids do today,” Neil says. The friendship has changed them, each vouching for the strong friendship held and getting slightly shy when told of what one said about the other. “Ron has his opinion of me and sometimes I get embarrassed about it. It’s a mutual situation. We have both grown over that period. He’s a picture in words of what you can do and I’m fortunate enough to call upon him to show kids what you can be [if you remain in crime,]” he says.

Ron recently turned 64, his birthday is on the most romantic day of the year- Valentines Day. His wife, Margaret, is a quiet woman who gives up her seat next to Ron. Five kids and 19 grandchildren keep Ron focused, he gushes about the youngest grandchild who is five, “I call her Miss cranky pants.”

The crimes remain in Ron’s heart but his old life is gone. He hates the smell of alcohol and despises drugs. And one word. PAST. His blue eyes flash at the word, “the police never let me forget it.” His tough exterior is met with resistance when he confesses of suffering from depression, “I’m on antidepressants,” a tinge of sadness is heard in his voice.

Playing with the black folder, he confesses his deepest want. To hear his mum’s voice. Everyday. But it’s a voice that will never come. She died in 2003. “I lost the plot when she died. To this day I still wait for a phone call from her from the nursing home even though I know she’s not there.”

Ron is jumpy. He puts on a serious tone, staring with those blue eyes. “I can tell you from experience. Being a dickhead doesn’t get you anywhere.” As if an idea just hit him, he exlaims. “It took me 28 years,” and pulls something out of his pocket. His wallet. He flips it open and pulls out a plastic card. His driver’s licence. His index finger points at the photo on his licence three times. “That’s me, see the moustache? And the hair?.”

Ron has stayed out of trouble ever since his release, except for in 2007. It was self defence. “These guys were hassling my daughter, calling her a whore, so I headbutted one of the guys and the other one stabbed me...” He points to his left side. “Right here. I got given a three month good behaviour bond.” An amused laugh escapes his lips. “I said WHAT? I’ve never had anything so light before!” Cue moving belly from laughter.

For the 250 homeless kids in Bendigo, Ron has a plan. And to make it happen, people have to put in, “I tell people what I want, I don’t ask.” A house with a carer, troubled and homeless kids, any funny action and they’re out. This is the plan. “I’ve got Danny Clapp from The Good Guys on board who will supply the whitegoods… [The kids] will be there for 6 months and after that they can move on and start their life properly. If there’s drinking, smoking or drugs, that’s it. I’ll throw them out. They only get one chance.”

Ron places the letters carefully back into his black, A4 folder. It’s his future. The tats are faded, the hair is greying but the spark is still there, “I don’t feel like I’m old. You’re old when they close the lid on the box.” He smiles a huge, moustache-y smile and laughs.

Hello, old friend

I was proposed to 8 months ago and here I am 9 weeks away from saying 'I do!' Time has gone exceptionally fast; I try on THE dress in MY measurements next week, the flowers were organised ages ago, fiance has his suit, one ring paid off the other still to be.

I realise it has been too long since I last made an entry on this blog, I don't know what happened.

That's the annoying part of being a writer: writer's block. What has happened in the amount of time that has passed since last entry? I moved-not as difficult as I thought but still emotional at times being away from family and all- the house has progressed to being painted and ready for tiling by end of this week, still studying hard and being a good, studious student (haha) I secured myself a job (after a solid month of searching may I add!!! Nearly sent me up the wall) working in retail; which was definitely amazing because I had zero savings left and then surprise! I am successful! At the moment it is 10.05pm and I'm contemplating song choices for the wedding. Suggestions?

It's pouring at the moment which freaks me out slightly. Weather is weird, it's beautiful but imagine if we didn't have houses to protect us?! Stupid statement I guess but I'm tired, does that excuse me?

I'm bad with ideas about travelling. Why? Well, mutual friends of my fiance and I were explaining how they would love to do a trip to Africa in the next few years. I got super excited! Africa! My dream!
"Can we please go??? I can document the trip!"
Even more exciting when fiance was just as excited about going; I'm so lucky he loves the idea of travelling as much as I do! Woohoo Africa someday!

I know this entry is all over the place but I haven't written for so long I have tried to update in point-form.
Found this picture and it has inspired me to read more, I love reading! Currently reading Dracula for the 5th time. It's an amazing book which I love for so many reasons; number one being the writer can actually write and tell a story.

Goodnight
Jess

Wanna plate?

I am supposed to be doing an assignment right now, but am in a weird mood. I have just discovered the most awesome plates EVER. I am in love, I want to buy them. (Who am I kidding? I want to buy alot of things)

                                     

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46358539/side-plate-hand-painted-will-perform-for

See, told you so, best plates ever. Reminds me of school when we had to make our own plates, I wonder how my parents reacted to that. "Here, have a plate, it's all scribble but seriously, I made it!" "Thanks Jess" xo

The city that never sleeps

I have been away from here for quite some time, whoops. I get so caught up in the real world that I forget I'm trying to improve my creative mind and writing ability by writing everyday/often. I have had uni work coming out of my ears (it still is) and the rush of moving, packing, setting up etc has thrown me off the wagon. I dont think that's really a saying, whatever. I am now officially a Victorian, but as I've said, I'll always be a NSW girl at heart! Victoria is great though, I'm having fun here. Living out of home has not been as hard as I thought it would be, except for the part where I dont get to see my family or dog regularly, that is difficult at times. I have been more emotional since moving because I miss friends and of course family. I nearly burst into tears the other weekend when I saw my parents walk up to the house (here for Callum and I's 2nd engagement party) but I think it's easier to move because I'm older. I'm over the whole "omgossssshhh i'll NEVER see you AGAIN, my parents are so MEAN" stage (that happened to you, right?) and it is fantastic seeing my fiance everyday!

I don't have a job yet. I am staying positive though it's hard when rejection emails are all you're receiving. Though, I will admit, the rejection emails are from when I was still in Sydney and trying to land a job here while still living there- in preparation for the move- so, fair enough.

I have a kitten, bought him on the way to Victoria. His name is Saba and he's very cute. I have volunteered for the RSPCA once, I feel bad because I havent been back for about 2.5 weeks and they probably think I hated it. Truth is, I absolutely LOVED it. Yes, I had to clean poo off walls, have dogs jump on me with poo ON their paws resulting in jeans looking brown, get extremely sore arms and abs from cleaning, taking heavy dogs to different exercise pens and back again. But if I thought it wouldnt involved that, I would have been dreaming. Of course it involves that, they're animals. I loved knowing I made a difference in an animals life, if only for a day. People need to adopt more, the animals want attention and need love. So please, adopt instead of buy! Or at least boycott pet shops, most dogs come from puppy farms; ask the shop assistant next time where their animals come from, watch them try to answer you.

On another note (I'm trying to keep this entry short) I submitted some articles to an upcoming online magazine, and the editor loved them! I am so proud of myself for putting my writing out there, it was a daunting process but I did it! So now I'm waiting to receive the first copy to see my articles published. I am so excited!

I have also found this adorable ring on Etsy, I would buy it but I don't have the funds right now to spend on clothing/accessories! Devastated :( so maybe you could buy it for me? Hahaha. Funny, aren't I? Anyway, what do you think?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45188668/whimsical-mustache-ring-sterling-silver?ref=fp_feat_12

Oh, as promised, here is evidence of me walking in high heels. I have cut off my face because this is the internet and I have no idea who has seen this blog and...you get my point. Success! I can now walk in heels (you should have seen what my feet looked like at the END of the night, scary.)

Anyway, I'll write again soon.
xo

Ok, I lied. I haven't taken a photo every day like I said I would. Guess I wasnt that motivated. Anyway, I'm moving in 9 days. 9 DAYS! I'm freaking out a little bit, I think that's normal though, right? I mean, I'm moving away from my closest friends and family to a whole new town IN ANOTHER STATE. I am a very adaptable person but fear I will get extremely homesick which would probably only happen because I've never lived out of home before. There are things my family do which have made me want to pack up and move sooner, but when it comes down to it, i'm so comfortable and that is reason one why I should move. I cannot get married and be relying on my parents all the time, and I think it will build my relationship with my parents. I'm already really close with my mum and dad, but when you're living with them they can annoy the heck out of you! I am also freaking out because I can't stand being unorganised and moving with no job is, to me, unorganised. But it is allowing me to go through my options more; do I want another full time job? No, I'm studying full time and need a break this year to finish my major successfully. Will I be able to spend time doing something I am passionate about? Yes, I will be able to volunteer at the RSPCA. Animals are my number 1 passion closely followed by film. So, moving is not that bad. Plus, I have the added bonus of seeing my fiance everyday instead of every 6 weeks!

I have paid for the flowers for the wedding. I ordered custom made silk flowers because I don't particularly trust the type of flowers Fijians would use in a bridal/bridesmaid bouquet. I've imagined bright oranges and reds, which wouldn't go with anything. 6 months to go :)

I am trying to write two articles for a magazine, but so far I've only written one and have been doubting myself over its quality. What if it's not good enough? I only know creative writing, short stories that I leave on my laptop because they're possibly too weird for my friends to read. This is where I slap myself in the face and say SHUTUP and get on with it, just WRITE girl. Sometimes, you just need to hit yourself, wouldn't you agree? I am also working on a film script at the moment, I think it's turning out quite good :)

Had an idea the other week that I would make a fantastic stylist, this idea was fuelled by watching 'Trinny & Susannah' on foxtel. I thought it would be easy, until I realised that I can't even walk properly in high heels so what customer would trust a stylist who can't walk in high heels? "Here, try these on! They're amazing and would look great with that dress" "But....you can't walk in heels so why are you giving me advice?"
Mission no 1: Learn how to not wobble like a penguin when walking in heels.
My friend and I went shopping the other weekend, tried on these huge heels, bought them for motviation and now I am going to learn how to walk in them! I promise to document the experience. Then maybe I can think more about becoming a stylist to the clothing misfits of the world.

I would also like to point out that over the knee boots should NEVER under any circumstances be accepted into society; I have absolutely NO idea how they have weedled their way into magazines such as Vogue. Honestly, I put them on the same horrible level as Crocs. Yes, those hideous plastic looking what-the-hell-are-they-wearing shoes. Below the knee boots, people! Over the knee boots are a five second fad just like those plastic bands that everyone was wearing 8 years ago around their wrists. Do not wear them around me. Do not tell me you bought some. They cannot be done without looking cheap, heel or no heel. Here's a link; I love Kate Moss she usually looks great but this is proof that even supermodels look ridiculous in them. http://scienceblogs.com/isisthescientist/upload/2009/10/so_what_does_outreach_by_scien/kate_moss-over-knee-boots1.jpg

They were 'in fashion' a few years ago and quickly disappeared after a few weeks, spend your money on something you will wear for a few years.

xox

One

I am going to miss my dog, Gromit. He is the cutest animal in the world!

Technology and me

I'm at it again. I write something, delete it, write something, delete it etc. Sometimes being a writer means huge amounts of frustration from lack of creativity, or a feeling of self doubt. I have deleted so many stories from my computer over the years, based around the idea they were absolutely horrible and no-one would ever want to read them. The thing is, usually something has to go wrong for me to gain motivation or be inspired to write. Why? Because then I can put a whole range of emotions into a story instead of clouds, marshmallows and 'la la la I'm so happy!" which doesn't offer a particularly original format. So, because nothing has been going wrong lately I havent been inspired to write, and the stupid thing is I don't want anything to go wrong. However, I have been thinking about film and how much I would do anything to be able to finish a scipt. I have started one and am open to suggestions about what road it should follow. Famous screenwriter or famous novelist? I like both, I'm going to be optimistic.

One subject I am doing at the moment is New Media: Communications in the Electronic Age. It's really quite scary to think how far technlogy has come, and how much further it will go. Think about it, before Facebook there was Myspace, before Myspace there was....oh that's right, nothing. People communicated with each other in person. I didn't even own a mobile phone until I was 14 or so, and when I did it was a huge Motorola that would be embarrassing to own these days even as a vintage item. My children are going to look at photos of me from 2010 and say "omgosh, what the hell are you wearing?" even I do that to myself when I look back at photos from 2008.

 I miss the days when catching up wasn't done over the internet, but then I embrace it because I have run out of time, and to be honest I am completely different in person than on the internet. I am shy and reserved until you know me well, over the internet I am loud and use 'Lol' too often. There is no way I can come up with a smart response to your joke, I can't say something and then delete it, and I can't catch up with six different people in the space of five minutes- everything I have done on Facebook. I am the clumsiest person I know, I say ridiculous things and am better at expressing myself in writing than I am in conversation.

Now, I know most of you have another side, I am going to label it a 'Facebook persona.' What do you do on Facebook/the internet that you would never do in real life? How do you act? Are you completely different or the same? I am not saying that you're fake, I mean in the sense you do things you normally wouldn't be able to do in reality (like my given examples.)

If there is one thing I thank the internet for providing, it's online shopping. I LOVE online shopping (as I'm sure you have guessed by now) and have so many favourites saved on my browser it's not funny. The only depressing thing about online shopping is I can never buy anything. I have to window shop. But if you don't feel like dealing with shop assistants you don't have too. Joy!

I have three weeks left in Sydney, so I've decided I'm going to take a photo everyday until I move to mark what I love about this city.

On a side note, I am completely obsessed at the moment with buying old cameras. I am yet to actually purchase one but I've been looking. It's the house that's doing it to me, the idea of decorating my own home is getting me all excited and thinking of interior decorating ideas. In keeping with the rest of my entries, I suppose I'll upload some new links for you to obsess over. I have found a cute bag and tshirt this time! Everyone needs some of those!

Come on, how can you not like this bag? Exactly. It has already been sold but I'm sure if you wanted one you could contact the seller, don't be shy. $19.99 USD @ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43405243

I like wolves on clothing, I have 2 tops with wolves on them. I dont know why, I just like them. This is super cute, it's wearing glasses and has a bow tie!! $22 USD @ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42703803

The past is the key

I am currently trying to be creative and finish a creative writing assignment. It involves me writing a story based on a visual stimulus and then critiquing myself. I have written the first draft and have pasted it below for you to read. My visual stimulus was a photograph on my wall, which had me thinking about the past and how important it is in allowing you to move ahead in life. If you don't deal with it, you cannot move on and will continue to dwell on it. It may seem like all I write is happy stories, but that is so far from the truth. Most of my short stories are dark, even if I try and start them out as cheerful. This is my dark side (just had a flashback of Star Wars- hah hah.)

Past
The blu tack was old, yellow and causing the photo to peel off the wall; a subtle sign attention was not being paid to the upkeep of her room. Why she felt it necessary to have photos of old friends and lovers on the wall is anyone’s guess, her car had not been driven for a month. She lay on the bed day after day, twisting and turning with guilt. It was the end of the tunnel, but it wasn’t a positive one. There was no light, only darkness. How had she become a recluse; a nobody? She had made a deal with the devil, so to speak, and it had backfired like they all do. Standing up onto the cold floor, she felt around in the darkness for her glasses. Now she could see, she followed the white arrows painted onto the old wooden floorboards, leading out into the kitchen.

The kitchen was a mess; a storm had hit and caused destruction. Plates were broken and lay on the ground defeated; cups were glued onto the ceiling in defiance. Fruit splatters covered the hot plate; tomato sauce was still drizzling down the fridge door. She looked around with empty eyes, sighing as she grabbed a cloth and began wiping down the fruit splatters and tomato sauce. Her hair tangled with sauce, blonde strands turning deep red. An engine could be heard in the distance, coming up the steep driveway to the house. She threw the cloth into the sink and dove
onto the lounge, pretending to read a book.

The front door slammed shut, angry and loud. Footsteps in the hallway signalled his return. She shivered once, twice, as the temperature in the room dropped. His dishevelled hair and torn jacket appeared, his wild black eyes set in his head like bullets. He gave a quick nod towards the sink, knowing she was staring like a stunned deer at his red hands. “Why would you even try?” his voice was silky smooth, but she knew better to trust it. She threw a quick glance at the wall clock, it was time again. “I was trying to help, is that such a crime?” her eyes stared back at his with fierce regret. No, she shouldn’t have said that.

He walked slowly towards where she was sitting on the lounge, backed up against the wall. His snake skin boots clicking on the floor as he went. He pulled out a photograph from his pocket, the image already fading. He shoved it close to her eyes, forcing her to look. “THIS is NOT helping. Look what you’ve done!” she took the photo in her shaking hands, realisation spreading across her face. “NO! You said this wouldn’t happen! You lied! Why would you do that?” She threw the photo in the air and started ripping a cushion in half, he caught the photo, his hands still red. His eyes were a black hole, glowing with anger “I told you one thousand times! Do not wipe away the past, or you wipe away your future! I can’t help you if you continue to disobey me. I had to act
quickly, this was the result.” He ran out of the room at full speed, his form becoming nothing but a whisper. She picked up the photograph once more, staring at the completely faded image which had held the one word she needed to move ahead: memory.

Ideas and comments are welcome. On a completely different note, I would like to know where certain companies get the nerves to harrass my workplace and home. No, I will not put you through, why not? I don't want too, that's why. One lady the other day even tried to pretend she was my boss. That's right, I forgot she was in control of workplaces other than her own. She told me three times to call my boss "straight after this phonecall, on his mobile please" because I obviously didn't understand it the first two times. I'm sorry, what was that? You want me to call him, oh really do you now? No, I will not (just for the record, my boss is also my Father.) I will not tell him because they continue to call at 8.30pm every day at home as well. Facts for a telemarketer:

1. People may be trying to sleep and don't appreciate being woken up by a ringing phone
2. TV is more important than you
3. Watching a DVD is more interesting than you
4. Watching my dog learn to SIT is more fun than listening to you everyday winge about being from *insert name*
5. I know for a fact that the people you want to talk to know you're trying to call because you're HARRASSING them.

Ok, I have that out of my system now. I'm sure it makes me look like a winging psycho myself, but I assure you I'm actually a lovely person (I promise.) Don't try and pretend you are not thinking the same regarding telemarketers.

On a less serious note, I have been thinking about wedding shoes. I am thinking about not wearing any. But then I really wanted my shoes to be Jimmy Choos or Louboutin's. The fact that I can't even walk properly in 2cm heels is beside the point. The point is: Jimmy Choo. Louboutin. I think I have said enough. Don't try and ignore the fact that these two designers make beautiful shoes; I cannot get the same shoes from a factory outlet so don't try and convince me.

Exhibit A: Jimmy Choo
Exhibit B: Christian Louboutin
Which ones do you like more? (I obviously am not opting for either to wear with said wedding dress, don't worry.) Never mind that those shoes are over $1000 AUD each. Adding them to the wish list, tell me if you ever purchase some, I will gladly shoe-nap them from you.

For anyone else planning a wedding out there and thinking about wedding favors, I have found the perfect treat for your guests: Gourmet wedding brownies! What the hell are they, you ask? See the photo and link below.

$44.50 USD for one dozen @ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42442227

Yum! Imagine your guests stuffing their faces with these-priceless!

This entry has ended up being an interesting mix of story telling and wedding planning but it just happened that way. I don't know why, but the formatting of this blog is weird, the preview comes out completely different to what it looks like when I'm writing it. I'm still trying to navigate around it, so forgive me if it looks stupid; I'm not too sure how to fix it.

Jess

For the love of....

I have a confession to make. Each day I go onto http://www.etsy.com/ I.am.addicted. I have been telling everyone about Etsy. Etsy this, Etsy that blah blah blah GO ONTO ETSY. It's an amazing online store where you either sell handmade or vintage items. Nothing else. This is no ebay with money hungry sellers who tell you it's "REAL FAKE CHANEL" because that exists, doesn't it, something fake and real at the same time-go figure. All the sellers on Etsy love what they do and put hardwork into their handmade items! Anyway, I am LOVING it.

Here are a few of my wish list items:

1. What's this? It's a knot bracelet made out of rope. It's the cutest thing ever, I may just buy it. At $17 USD it's cheap. Have a look at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42747260

2. Summer may be over but who cares. I buy things that aren't in season all the time, if you're always following trends I don't consider that being trendy, I consider that being a sheep. Buy things YOU love, not what everyone ELSE loves. It's about you. These sandals are great, don't you think? They also come in different colours if you're not a fan of the tan. They're leather (note: buy leather shoes, ALWAYS) and are handmade to order, how good is that?! $70 USD @ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42327117

3. I love photo albums, photo frames and anything to do with photography. This photo album is made of felt and comes in a beautiful blue colour (my favourite.) For those who don't like spending hundreds of dollars at Kikki K, this is for you. The seller handmakes journals and other books as well. $39 USD @ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35269103

4. Weird photography, I adore it. This photo is strange but it's also very intriguing. Your eyes really hone in on the rabbit mask and you wonder: why are they wearing a rabbit mask? Who knows, pick apart the meaning of the photo for me. The rest of the sellers photography is equally amazing. $30USD @ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31290371

Jess

Dance Dance

I know a guy who has a fiance, his fiance is shy and likes writing. She has only just begun to share her stories with him because she doesn't know if people would like her style or not. The fiance decides to read her blog and share the blog with every person on the planet (ok, just facebook) now everyone in his friends list can read said girl's blog.

Ok, it's me. I have accepted the fact that everyone now knows of this blog. That's the point, really, for everyone to know that I enjoy writing. Hello world! Welcome to my blog! I LIKE WRITING AND READING AND NOW YOU ARE AWARE OF THE FACT! I may just let you all read snippets of some short stories I've written, but only if you behave and tell me exactly what you think. Do we have a deal? I hope so, because I cannot hear you through the internet. Do not answer any questions out loud or I'm sure your family will think you're strange going "Jessica, I do not agree with that statement, yes I do like Finding Nemo, how did you know?."

I took myself for a walk today as Gromit has hurt himself. Has anyone ever taken themselves for a walk before? It's quite confusing. Let me explain; I take a bottle of water, my ipod and usually Gromit's lead is in my right hand. With no lead in my hand this posed a problem. Where do I put my ipod? Which hand do I hold the water bottle in? I know it shouldn't be that confusing, but I looked ridiculous with a bottle in one hand and the ipod in the other, almost like I didn't know how to balance myself properly. It felt weird walking out of the house without my trusty animal pulling me along. Does anyone else need to take an animal with them when walking/running to avoid looking stupid? Or is it just me? I must admit, I laugh at people running when I'm in my car. No offense, but some people look hilarious when they run. For example, I look like, I dont know, an uncoordinated rabbit.

I have been applying for jobs in Bendigo for a while now and haven't heard anything back except rejection. I have applied for jobs that I have been qualified in, it's not like I am applying to become a Speech Pathologist or Doctor. I have a theory, that they either don't like the idea of having people from 'scary' Sydney work for them or are hiring monkeys. One of those theories must be true because it is beyond me why I don't make the cut. Perhaps it is offensive to say they're hiring monkeys, forgive me, it's a figure of speech.

I do believe I will get a job, it's the looking and applying that gets me all worked up. I am an optimistic person and will keep trying, but I'm sure some of you have been through the joy of job hunting. The flurry of excitement when you see a job that is perfect for you, the fun of writing and re-writing an exciting cover letter and finally, the relief of hitting the send button but then the agonising thought of "Oh crap! what if there was a spelling mistake? What if I wrote the wrong contact number? What if I declared my love for Nestle when it's really Cadbury I love!." That is the joy of job hunting, enJOY it.

Below I have selected a piece of writing from my pile of short stories I haven't had the guts to share. Criticise, but do it nicely; or not, tell me its crap if you really don't like it. I would rather honesty than "Omgosh Jess i LOOOOOOVE IT! Like, you should totally submit it to the ABC!!!." No.

I suppose these ones are more like rants, I wrote them a while ago.

Water Bottles:

Do I want a new water bottle? No! They are the reason for landfill and don’t you know that

PUMP is $600 per bottle now? Since when was water a luxury item? It’s advertised now to be ‘pure artesian spring water, straight from a spring! No added chemicals except for all the mud, tadpoles and green algae! Yum! But we don’t tell you that because we want your MONEY!’ God help us all if we don’t join Kabbalah right now and drink only Kabbalah approved water like Madonna! I have no idea how people 2000 years ago lived without a filter system attached to their kitchen taps, I’m surprised they didn’t all die. I’m surprised I haven’t died yet; I am unclean and have unfiltered tap water flowing through my body! If you are spending too much time worrying about what type of water you’re drinking, you have obviously never been overseas, to a concert, spent too much money shopping, bought too many DVDs when JBHIFI are having a sale-because you aren’t living. I guess I sound like a hippie don’t I? I promise it’s not true, I absolutely despise that thing they call ‘The Tree Of Life’. That shop is insane, it stinks like dead feet even though it’s apparently ‘soothing incense’, and don’t get me started on crystals. Crystals will not heal you; you have been listening to the wrong TV commercials. Listen to the ones that speak of normal things instead such as having a life and getting out there.

Crystals are colourful and look good at the bottom of a garbage bin.

Melbourne Roadtrip

I hate awkward silences so the night before I made heaps of mixed CDs. Who DOESN’T like The Backstreet Boys and Hanson? Exactly, no one.

One of the pit stops made was in a small country town called Wangaratta; it has an Aldi and a heap of op shops, awesome. Walking around the town made me feel like I was wearing a hot pink latex suit; everyone was staring. “You’re so vain, as if” you might say, but I’m serious. Coming from Sydney to a country town wearing designs they won’t see for another 6 months until back logs of Vogue are delivered is cause for staring. I would too if I lived there, in fact, I would probably be one of those girls who yells out “ya bloody tourist!” there’s one in every town, I assure you and they are fierce! So, walking around looking for food, we find a café, and because I’m an honest person I will say that when you’re from the city and come to a county town, you expect everything to be crap, even if you don’t mean to think it. Well, this café was without doubt, one of the best I have been to. The décor was amazing, wooden floors with a huge bar area, giant tables and newspapers lay on top. The bathrooms were even decorated to suit the rest of the café, which I found out actually converts to a restaurant at night. We ordered chips and a tuna salad, very plain order but if I could eat that tuna salad for the rest of my life I would be happy.

Jess

Procrastination city

I know, I know; it's been nearly a year since I last wrote. Truth be told, I completely forgot about setting up a blog, and the only reason I remembered is because I'm trying to think of ways to complete that book I want to write. One way would be to continue writing, so this is step one. There have been a few major changes in my life since last June; I'm now an engaged woman planning her wedding for October 2010 in Fiji. Why Fiji, you wonder? Well, why not. It fulfills my childhood desire of having a wedding on the beach and also because it's different.

I'm moving to Bendigo, Victoria, in April. I was against this for a while, my fiance had moved there 'for a few months' to work with his Dad. Now he adores the place and asked me to move there. No long distance relationship for us; really, could you imagine? Engaged and living in different states? I don't think so. I am and always will be a NSW girl, however, so don't freak out too much. Melbourne has not wooed me over just yet with its shopping or cafes. I'm thinking of keeping a video diary of my move there, would that be interesting? I personally hate any type of movie that uses the hand held camera as an 'alternative/unique' effect. I get irritated and pissed off that that is their only creative idea, which isn't creative anymore thanks to the Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield (which was boring and stupid, may i add.) This will be a documentary style video though, with the camera on a tripod/flat surface so no annoying 'jerkiness.'

Currently trying to complete 3 subjects successfully whilst planning a wedding. Had the engagement party last Saturday night which was really fun! The realisation that I will not be able to spend money whenever I want on expensive clothes/items has hit me. Saving for a wedding and house is hard enough, but the best thing about the house is that it will be BRAND NEW! That's right, Bendigo is cheap as chips for buying land and building a house, and that's what we've done. I can't wait for it to be finished.

One subject I am studying at the moment is Creative Writing. I learnt a very valuable lesson last week, want to know what it was? It was the fact that so many people try and think of something completely different, something that has never been done before, when they write a story. This is ridiculously time consuming because ideas are always overlapping each other. I have fallen victim to the stress of this and let's be honest, we all want to be original, but the most important thing to focus on is how you write not what you write. Take Steven King, for example, he has written countless stories of the horror genre. Think about how many horror books there are out there. Why is Steven King different? Why is he so famous? Because he writes well; it is his style that makes him unique and this is why he's popular. Have a think about it.

Jess

First

I don't like writing during the day, i'm more productive at night. Lately I have started so many stories, but i can never get past page 10, i lack the motivation or ideas to push it further. I just enrolled in Media Law again, i failed the first time, which means Semester 3= 3 subjects. More than a full time study load! But i want to finish uni before the end of next year/beginning of 2011. This is 4th year and i'm getting over it :( 21 years young, don't want to be 30 and still doing uni.

All i want to do is make films, documentaries and write a book. At the moment I am teaching myself the Adobe production suite programs, it's fun. I have written 2 articles to submit to Frankie magazine (my favourite) but they need slight tweaking.

I'm saving for Europe, saving for the future, saving to pay off credit card debt-haha, causing me to become antisocial and slip off the face of the earth.

Goals:
Submit those 2 articles to Frankie
Write a book
Go to film school


Haha, i've been looking at wedding dresses online for no reason, i'm not getting married, but i'm bored. Most of them are so ugly i have no idea why anyone would buy them! Can designers please get a clue and realise strapless dresses need to go out of fashion? I'm so over everyone wearing strapless dresses, BORING. I dont care if it's Lisa Ho or Chanel, strapless dresses are worn by every woman and her poodle, if you want to show you have personality and aren't not a clone, design your own dress!!
However, if you are searching for a dress that's unusual, i suggest looking at Vera Wang's collection. Amazing, just amazing.

This blog is unstructured and doesn't flow but I dont care, it's my blog.
Jess
xx