Indigenous

This weekend I went to Fremantle a city not too far from Perth to visit a friend.  After taking the 1:30 am train we arrived in the city center of Perth waiting to catch a cab. Four girls frantically waving at each taxi yes some were full but 12 out of may be the 35 that had passed us were not. I wondered why they would not stop they stopped for others but not us. Two black girls of darker complexion from Africa, one white girl from Canada, and me. We were approached by a highly intoxicated Brit. He began explain to us why we couldn’t get a cab. My face blistered red; he had told us because I looked indigenous the cabs would not give us a ride.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!! Now I have been called many a things in my life but never ever have I been called indigenous and to see the replications of looking this way shocked me even more.

I don’t even look aboriginal not in the slightest the nerve an ignorance of people never ceases to amaze me signed,

 The lady indigenous

Spare the rod spoil the child

SPANKING!!!!!!!! I love it I have to say even though I am not a parent it is Gods greatest gift. Putting physical fear into a child. Some think its crewel and some believe it is necessary I believe it is the BEST! But here in AUS other feel differently. It is actually against the law to spank your child…… My mother would faint if she heard this. What is the country thinking, having children run around the nation un-spanked? How will the country survive ... how do parents have fun?  When I found out this information I was shocked appalled! No beatings, no whooping, no tearing it up. What a tragedy.

WAAPA and ECU

This week at WAAPA has been an amazing introduction into the international world of performing arts. Movement classes, acting, voice, grants, and screen film. I love it here every day I learn something new and I enjoy being with my class and faculty members.  The building at WAAPA is huge and there are so many students. ECU is also a great school with many diverse people and interesting courses. Lately I have been cramming my brain with monologues and film scenes, oh yes and ideas on how to be a mango. Yes yes, a mango as in the fruit. As one assignment our class has to physicalize in animate objects using our bodies. This is an exercise I have never done before. I perform my happy fruit moment in a week or so and I am FREAKING OUT!!!!

A mango really??!! A mango how I go about this ugh this is where the arts require a ridiculous amount of talent skill and creativity. I am going to have to pull these characteristics from my bones and apply it to my movement … now if I could only learn how to peel off the skin.

Church Round Two

So this Sunday I went on another religious adventure to Riverview church. It was great when I first arrived it reminded me of my home church in Colorado called Radiant, an Assemblies of God Church. Coffee bars, child care centers, and tons of diversity. When walking in the worship center I was a little taken back. The stage looked like a Lincoln Park concert and in bright blue a picture of white Jesus in an abstract pose held the main view. It was really cheesy and made me laugh inside but I had to remember the real reason I was there. The big fancy lights and concert quality normally turn me off; it tends to make me think the church is putting on an entertainment show to bulk what they lack in faith.

This was actually the opposite there were a number of pastors who held position. Female and male which really excited me. The praise and worship was just as amazing as the stage. The congregation was what really made me enjoy the service. Everyone was excited to be there learning and praising Jesus. I was also taken back by how many young people were in the service tons, and tons, of them. This church made it cool to love, worship, and share Gods love with other people. The message was also really good pastor Haydn Nelson was great hilarious but had a way of giving the message in a way that everyone could relate. The only issue I did have at this church was the lack of bibles and encouragement of biblical reading. All the ministers carried one but none of the members. We are going again next Sunday, and I’m anxious to get a good seat!

ChurCH!!!

OK its that’s time again for another… so this past  Sunday I went to church for my own reasons I will not name the place of worship I attend ed. I will tell you that it was a black Penacostal church. Walking in I was very fearful it’s always hard walking into some ones world of beliefs. Buts I held my head high and knew Gods angels were surrounding me. A lot of the service was difficult to understand because the church members were from different parts of Africa. So I tried to catch what I could. The music was different from what I am normally used to but it worked for me and God to connect on an audio basis.  When greeting every one said “shalom” Which I have always thought was Jewish or Hebrew but I guess not. “Shalom” in their language means hello or peace with you. After the greeting we stood for three whole hours. Now keep in mind when I go to church I step out for Jesus I look fly ok. So of course I had on my beautiful 3 inch white (an after labor day) shoes on just stuntin and blistering. I wanted to relieve my pain but I couldn’t I didn’t want to be rude an sit while everyone was standing. So I stood, and stood, and stood.  The pastor finally came to the pulpit and addressed us to sit thank God literally. The message from what I could understand was good. He was speaking about being a do-er and not just standing bye. What took me back the most was after church there was a meeting called for the youth. Now I’m 22 I consider myself a little past the youth but who doesn’t wasn’t to be considered young? So I answered that I would stay for the meeting there where about 8 of us sitting and pondering what the meeting could be about. A tall black man stood at the pulpit and discussed with the group the need for youth activities such as choirs and projects as well as youth community. WE all took numbers and have now agreed to meeting up with one another. So in essence ……….. I think I have found another calling!

The ways to say cherish

So being in a very diverse setting with many different nationality and types of accents I have heard about 10 different versions of my name. Who would of thought, in the U.S.because of the spelling I normally here about three different versions of my name. But here the attempts are very interesting…

 The first is one of my favorite Andrea’s my roommate from Sweden say my name with lost of coloring the “ch” comes out in a “sh” noise and the “sh” sound at the end of my name is omitted so instead of the original cherish it becomes sherrie with an accented “e”

My all time favorite if from a good friend Sanjiv he is from merosia  a country somewhat close to Madagascar in Africa. He speaks creole, which is a sexy language to begin with. So when my name is said by him my name sounds very savvy and French I LOVE IT. Honesty I want record him saying it and use it as my ringtone. The original cherish is said with a French accent cerise with a flipped “r” sound

My new roommate yung wayne is from Singapore she speaks chinease the “ch” sound and “sh” sound is difficult for here to say because they are to close together. Her name  for me is very simple and I like it. Although I have never been called this before, it fits. The original cherish  becomes  S just as if you we saying the letter “s”.

Artistic integrity

My first week of rehearsal at WAAPA is almost complete.  YES! I love the play it’s called “Nana”  the main stage play  very empowering and really enquires you to think about why think are acceptable in certain classes and not in others. It’s very very juicy! I was peaking with a faculty member about my beliefs and techniques in the theater. It went well I believe. She used a term I have not yet heard before but I would like to discover more of its meaning “Artistic integrity”.  When thinking about it I thought about the truth within you talent and even more the morality within yourself which shows through your work. I also believe it means to create your own path and sense of being in the world of the arts.

Not but I believer Ozzie actors tend to use this more than Americans. Americans tend do use more of the “type casting” method which I personally disagree with. The one thing I really enjoy about my school UNC that WAAPA does not do, is the constant auditions. I never thought I would say that but it’s true. At UNC we audition for every single thing it is my understanding that at WAAPA the faculty knows your ability and picks parts based off of their knowledge. I think the  numerous auditioning really provides awareness of  your weaknesses and strengths in your auditioning process as well as calms those jitters you normally get.

Aussie Vocab

Maca’s= Mcdonalds

Refi= Refrigerator

Rubber= scrunchie or rubber band

Snaggers= Hot dog

Vegimite= gross

Marmite= another form of gross

Shiela= lady

Bloke= man

Capsicum= peppers

Oz= Australia

Ozzie= Australian

Lemonade= Sprite

Avos =avocados

Barbie = barbecue

Aussie salute = brushing away flies with the hand

Biscut= cookie

Rubbish bin= trash can

G'Day = hello

Cheers= thanks

Holy dooley! = My goodness!

First day of School

I think any first day of an successive event is like you first day at school. Remember when you were just a little kinder gardener and you were nervous not wanting to leave you parents and terrified of all the new experiences. That's what my first day was like would I meet new friends, would the classes be hard, I am talented or smart enough? These are always the questions I ask before school. But today was amazing new experiences all over the place. At the morning meeting Every one was very very welcoming and applauded my appearance at my new school or drama arts.

And as every one knows those weird drama kids ..... their were plenty of us to share. The rush of excitement was almost over whelming but I tried to keep up with the pace. My lectures are amazing very patient and willing to meet my academic needs to the best of their ability. There were alot of things done differently at the school as far as auditions, class courses, show casing, and even the material.

Today I had experienced an exercise I have always feared but knew would come some day. As a third year class my peers were asked to de-clothe themselves and perform certain activities. At first I was like " what the hell are these people thinking?" (excuse the french) But I thought, you know I came here for new experiences and theses people didn't get there fabulous acting skills out just sitting an reading scripts all day so why not. In front of about 15 people I slowly undressed my body and sacrificed myself to theater. and.................. it was great was of the most intimate, pure, and riveting feelings of my life. So many lessons were learned within that hour and spiritual bonding was reached! Go figure

After class I had my first rehearsal of the play titled "Nana" it is an amazing show if you can ever read the book I highly suggest it. I have a small role but I am just excited to be apart of a cast. The costumes, scenery and music are going to be amazing! My directors techniques are also very different from what my training does but as I said I am here to experience new things and try new things. Well to emerse myself in a new style life is going to be an extraordinary adventure!

So with the toilet

So the deal with the toilet

So when I first informed family and friends that I was leaving to Perth, the one thing everyone wanted to know was………… does the water in the toilets here swirl counter clock wise. Now a lot of things are backwards here in perth compared to the U.S. For instance they drive on the opposite side of the road. The “no shirt no shoes no service” rule does not apply here. Even the language is a bit different. I have sat my jolly butt on at least 10 different toilets and have carefully watched the water in each and every bowl.

Sounds a little gross but people really wanted to know. The answer is …… NO. Sorry to disappoint you all  but the water does no swirl the opposite direction, in fact it does not swirl here at all. The waters motion is more like a downward streaming water fall with a lot of force if you believe that. OH an one other difference the restroom or bathroom what we call in America is here called a Lou or toilet or often time the long drop…. Try to use your imagination careful so you don’t scare with the images.

my arrival

My flight was looooooooonnnnnnnngggggg!!!!!!!  After such a long time seating in a cramped seat with recycled air and plane food you tend to go a little crazy. I didn’t care where I had landed as long as I could get to a decent bathroom, comfy chair and real food. My ride had picked me and my 140 pound luggage up. It was so warm outside my hair had already started to kink up from the moisture in the air. Perth is beautiful city, I don’t know if that feeling was true or if I was just happy to see land. I finally arrived at my unit (dorm) a happy tan face, bare foot, with a fo-hawk greeted me at the office. Obviously the accent took me away sorry but the sexy accent can make any melt in the heat of the island.

A short walk with random bird and mammal noise took me to my unit. I opened the door an was slightly please. I mean it is a dorm after all. A tall brown face with blue eyes looked my way. My new unit mate Andres stood there with a curious face. His name surely suited him he was tall and boldly built he somewhat remind me of Andre the giant. From the moment he spoke I could tell he was a gentle giant. I moved my belonging to my room and started to clean. I am naturally afraid of germs especially foreign germs, and bleach in hand they had to disappear.  After unpacking an checking my surroundings I felt a bit more comfortable. I got dressed an walked down stairs to attend the “barbi” I was invited to. I met a ton of awesome people and tried to take everything in the “sags- hot dogs” were great! The snickers bars tasted like refried poop! Sorry but not my cup of tea. I took a sip of my pepsi and my step mom was right, because the Australians still use natural sugar in there coke the taste was sensational. I really was enjoying this package deal of adventure I was getting.

Vegimite and peanut better

Vegimite and peanut better

Ok so returning to our scheduled programing here’s a little history:

Ever since World War ll Australian troops have depended on Vegemite for a taste of home. Australian doctors started recommending Vegemite as a convenient source of vitamin B after it was approved by the British Medical Association in 1939.
These days you'll find jars and tubes of Vegemite with Aussie backpackers and travellers the world over. Vegemite is responsible for giving us a second national song - the "Happy Little Vegemites" jingle and it continues to put a rose in every patriotic cheek.

Vegemite dates back to 1922 when the Fred Walker Company, which became Kraft Walker Foods in 1926 and Kraft Foods Limited in 1950, hired a young chemist to develop a spread from one of the richest known natural sources of the vitamin B group - Brewers Yeast. Following months of laboratory tests, Dr. Cyril P Callister, who became the nation’s leading food technologist of the 1920s and 30s developed a tasty spreadable paste. It came in a two ounce (57g) amber glass jar capped with a Phoenix seal with the label "Pure Vegetable Extract".

In 1923 Vegemite first graced grocers' shelves. It was described as "Delicious on sandwiches and toast, and improves the flavor of soups, stews and gravies".

The Phenomenon Begins
Immediately prior to the outbreak of World War II, Vegemite gained official product endorsement from the British Medical Association. This allowed Vegemite to be advertised in the Australian Medical Journal, and for medical professionals to recommend Vegemite as a Vitamin B rich, nutritionally balanced food for patients. By 1942 Vegemite had become a permanent fixture on Australian tables. However, tough times were experienced during World War II when supplies for the civilian market were rationed on a strict per capita basis. This was in order to meet the demand of the Armed Forces which were buying Vegemite in seven pound (3.2kg) and eight ounce (227g) tins, plus 1/2 ounce (14g) individual portions because of the product’s nutritional value.

Australians Sing for their Vegemite
If asked, most Australians could sing the Vegemite theme song. The jingle was first performed on radio in 1954 when The Happy Little Vegemites - a trio of bright youngsters with a vital beat - burst into song with the ‘Happy Little Vegemites’ toe-tapping jingle.

As we now move through the 21st Century, Vegemite remains relatively unchanged in recipe and label and we now sell over 22 million jars every year! We are always discovering new ways to enjoy Australia’s favourite spread and it is not limited to bread or crackers. There are now many great contemporary recipes that contain Vegemite, click on recipes to see these. So not only is Vegemite a part of Australia’s history, it is also good for us. For generations, Vegemite has and will remain an intrinsic part of Australian family life.

……………. And now another historic presentation……..

Peanut butter is a food paste made primarily from ground dry roasted peanuts, popular in the Philippines, North America, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. It is mainly used as a sandwich spread, sometimes in combination as in the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The United States^[1] and China are leading exporters of peanut butter. Other nuts are used as the basis for similar nut butters.

January 24 is National Peanut Butter Day in the United States.^[2]

History

Peanuts are native to the tropics of the Americas, and were mashed to become a pasty substance by the Aztec Native Americans hundreds of years ago. A number of peanut paste products have been used over the centuries, and the distinction between peanut paste and peanut butter is not always clear-cut in ordinary use. Early "models" of peanut butter, like the Aztec's version, were nothing but pure roasted peanut paste. it was harder to work with and spread than regular peanut butter and had more of an unadulterated, yet somewhat more bitter taste. It was not until George Washington Carver's day that ingredients like sugar and molasses were added to the recipe to make it more enjoyable and more of a treat. Vegetable oil was also later added to most brands to aid in its spreadability, but with new modern processing machines being invented, the peanut butter was already significantly smoother than it had been.

A popular myth is that George Washington Carver (1864–1943) invented peanut butter. While he is credited with inventing over 300 uses for peanuts, peanut butter was not one of them, as it had already been invented by the Aztecs well before he commenced research on the tasty legumes around 1915.

Health benefits

Peanut butter may protect against a high risk of cardiovascular disease due to high levels of monounsaturated fats and resveratrol; butter prepared with the skin of the peanuts has a greater level of resveratrol and other health-aiding agents. Peanut butter (and peanuts) provide protein, vitamins B₃ and E, magnesium, folate, dietary fiber, arginine, and high levels of the antioxidant p-coumaric acid.

Peanut butter in food products

Peanut butter has been used in other food products for many years. Since then there has been large development into peanut butter's use in other foodstuffs, some of which include cake, jam, jelly, confectionary, ice cream, brownies, pretzels, peanut brittle, cookies, porridge and sandwiches amongst others.

So now you can hear it from my perspective. Vegimite is HORRIBLE, GOD AWFUL, DISGUSTING, NASTY, STUFF. In essence it’s the worst the taste is puke like or if you can imagine taking a huge yeast infested horse pill with no chaser. Ugh, yuck, puh!!!!!!!!!

Now peanut butter is the greatest creamy and thick heaven. Eat it with oreos, cookies, toast or crackers the perfect spread for any snack. The Americans peanut butter is commonly disgusting to Australians as I have learned at a local “barbi” they find it disgusting. Peanut butter is an American classic there are even museums dedicated to it. Vice versa for Australians vegemite is an AU classic they love it!

Boarding flight 16

I drove with my dad and step mom to the airport, it was freakishly cold. Ice spread all across the highways. Thank goodness my travel agent agreed to call my dad or I if there were any delays. My mom step dad and grammy were catching up to us at DIA. I had on my huge brown suede jacket lined with fur. I made sure to war comfy shoes and clothes because you never know how the seating was gonna be on a plane. Saying my good byes was easy than I thought. A tear or so but that was it and I was off. My set of parents kept showering me with praise telling me how they were sooo proud of me. But I just kept thinking, if your proud now wait till I get back with passing grades, new entries on my resume, oh and presents. Going into TSA of course there would be an issue but lets thank Jesus it was a small one basically co-workers taking their authority way too seriously.

So I got to my gate and waited and waited and waited. While sitting there I opened to envelopes my dad’s and my moms. Tears started streaming down my face. I’m sure others thought it was a love letter from some one I adored. But in a way these were letters from my loves my best friends, My moms letter was written in a present tense, she wrote it as she was making the 1.5 hour drive to the airport. She stated how proud she was of me and how she was going to miss me. She mentioned some of the struggles I had conquered and how this trip was going to be similar. She mentioned the achievements I had earned an how my adventure is one of those achievements.  My dad’s letter expressed how in a way he was over joyous of the new sights, smells, tastes, and experiences I would have. He then began to express how he had some sadness because it had seemed our relationship was just renewed and now I was leaving. That’s when the tears began to drench my face.

Both letters ended in an identical way, cheerish “ I love you forever, I like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.”

I'm off to OZ

So just to give you brief history:

 

In the 1960s a group of expatriate Australians in London, led by Richard Neville, started a satirical/alternative magazine called "Oz". It had originally been published in Sydney. The name was taken from "The Wizard of Oz" but used as a play on the abbreviation for Australia. Barry Humphries wrote the comic strip The Adventures of Barry McKenzie for the magazine.

Richard Neville and Martin Sharp were charged with obscenity in Australia in 1964. They were found guilty but won the appeal. In 1971, Richard Neville. Jim Anderson and Felix Dennis were charged with obscenity in London over the Schoolkids Issue where schoolchildren wrote the magazine that week. Again they were found guilty but won on appeal.

The name Oz in reference to Australia has stuck and is commonly used today. David Williamson, probably Australia's best playwright, wrote a play about Sydney called "Emerald City" using the well established Oz idea for his title.

 

So now that you've got you're learn on, I'm over here feeling like Dorthy. I'm off to see the wizard!!!!! I'm stoked I leaving these rocky mountains for a likeness of emerald city. I can see myself now walking down the yellow brick road with my koala Toto. I can only imagine what the wizard will provide for me there academics success, friends, adventure, and may be......................... FAME  " i'm gonna live for ever I'm gonna learn how to fly" sorry yall I had to do it! I''m off to see the wizard the wonderful wizard of OZ!