Bout time I let you all in on the happenings of late. Its been way too long. Hope your all well.

I have been trying to overcome creative block which is inhibiting me from progressing with my major design project that is s'posed to represent my entire degree of learning at university... tough eh? Why is it that when the pressure is on, ideas flow less freely and time evaporates. I can't believe it is almost the end of the semester. I'm close to wrapping up my majors in design and unlike any other semester I have an exhibition at the end where my work is paraded infront of possible employers! Feeling a bit like uni is swallowing me up.

Its not all craziness though, I spent the weekend at Club Five conference (http://www.mts.com.au/club5/whatis.htm) being challenged about going into full time Christian ministry. It was held up at Stanwell Tops conference centre which is situated on top of the enscapment right next to the sea. Its so beautiful and was amazing to get away and think about my future. It's strange, but being at uni is trainning you to aim for the best paid jobs, the ones that are recognisably sucessful in the eyes of the world and if you don't aim in this direction, then seem to be wasting your time. Club Five gave me a chance to explore my passion of proclaiming Chirst to others in a more formal context as a job. My current thinking is towards using my design skills in context of a mission organisation to communicate the Gospel to others. Kinda vague at the moment, although I cringe at the possibility of being part of a fast paced, competative design firm. I'm really looking foward to having some time off next year to concentrate on serving my church and to finish my last two uni subjects.

I can play eight songs! I feel so musically tallented right now. I aspire to be able to sing AND play at the same time. You know, be one of those people who can pick up a guitar and bust a songwhile everyone is chilling. Maybe create a sing-along... its a great way to de-stress.

Hey Friends,
Thought I'd share with you my site I have been working on lately for Design. Its totally a work in progress, but something I can call my own work (Flash and HTML) Would love some feedback if you have any. > Julz

http://fcastudents.uow.edu.au/~jmb52/

Last day of uni today. I made it through my second year which is an amazing thought. My last assignment handed in and finished, still warm from the printer (always the way). I had another all nighter last night. but you see, I really really tried to get everything done this time insted of leaving it to the last day, but alas, 'I never learn'.

BUT more interesting stuff... having been 'locked' in my room for the last couple of weeks, I can share with you some great times I have been able to grasp.

Played my first game of Indoor Hockey on Monday night, and let me tell you, I am still sore. My favourite position is definetly goal keeper as it doesn't involve the constant running backwards and forwards, although more bruises. I really shouldn't complain as the court is so very small but I am so very unfit! This is my second year playing with the same team. Basically a bunch of my closest Christian friends get together each Monday for our game. Afterwards, we all went back for pizza. Lisa has been house sitting, so I went to stay the night with her.

Next day was my second week of leading the Scripture seminar at the High School. Went well, considering that it was a really large group of year 7 who more than anything were stoked to be there insted of maths. I had a difficult discussion group of 20 in a noisy hall which prohibited decent discussion. BUT I do love year seven, such enthusiasm! Talk went well, apparently clearer than last week, even though I was more nervous... Thanks God for speaking through me!

Afterwards, I avoided my work once again and went body boarding with Lisa and Shan. If I thought I was sore on monday night, I was wrong! It was windy and horrible anyway. The beach always looks better when your inside working hey!? Why is that?

Tuesday night was the end of year ECU dinner up at the Baptist church in Wollongong. I ended up missing the train so that I got there 3/4 hour late, but just in time for food! It was also Melbourne Cup day, so at Kebla Grange, the carriage was suddenly filled with cocktail dresses, huge hats, the smell of alcohol and blow up tires (???). Finally got there, everyone looked so great all dressed up in International dress. I wore my Kimono which was given to me by Yukiko, my exchange student friend from Japan. Again, wanted to take pictures to show you (as I'm told my site needs more pictures), but in my rush it got left behind. Rod gave a great talk from Revelation, follwed by Richard 'The Chin Factor' in farewell.

Heaps more has been going on which I will share later. Tomorrow is my first trial shift at Beach Street Surf Shop (oh yeah, I went for an interview there on Monday, how could I forget? Went really well anyway). So I'm excited. Thanks for all your feedback and emails about how you have been too. Take care, xo

On my trip home from uni, I suddenly remembered that I was carrying my digital camera. Feeling inspired, I took random pictures out the train window, hoping that by some random chance I would end up with gems. Here is one of those gems. If you have ever travelled by train to Kiama before, you should know where this 'sucky' place is. Should it become a landmark is my question?

(All Illustrations by me for an animation assignment: DUE TODAY)

Our story unfolds at a local Australian beach...

A young women is enjoying a morning swim, ignorant to the fact that she is out of the designated swimming area (not between the flags).

Before long, she encounters trouble in surging waves which begin to toss her backwards and forwards, dragging her underneath the surface.