Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Ryan


Ryan
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Here is a photo of Ryan for all those who didn't get to meet him.

He is never without his beanie

Tertiary Terrors (Well not really)

Well its been an eventful month this december. I was both provisionally accepted and officially accepted into my course at S.I.T. I was also accepted into the Halls.

I was also rung up by Whakatane Trade Education. They may be able to provide some funding assistance with accomodation and stuff.

Also in the later part of November a "friend" of mine by the name of Ryan came up from Invercargill and spent a week here at Hanaia. He met quite a few people. But for those who never got to meet him, a photo will be posted above them.

Christmas was also fairly eventful. I did a 7-3 shift at work, got home and opened my presents. I am so sure my family is trying to tell me something. I got a planner from Grandma and Grandad. A suitcase from my parents. A note book from Tracey. A very nice soft leather wallet, a huge bar of Dark Chocolate my favourite flavour and a game that doesn't play on our computer.

So overall it was a good month. And I depart for the Deeeeeep South on the 11th of Feb

Friday, December 14, 2007

Forgotten Memories

Here is a very low-res version of my film

Monday, December 03, 2007

Progress

Well yesterday I applied for my Student Loan for next year. It was such a long winded, minde boggling process (haha if you re-arrange boggling it spell blogging). I have also been in touch with the Digital Media Tutor at SIT (Southern Institute of Technology). I feel quite busy. On top of all this I have been studying and sitting my final NCEA L3 external exams. Music is my last one which I sit tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Sample Photo from my board


Untitled-8
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Heres a sample photo from my board for my Y13 Photography

The End (Rated PG-13)

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Ugh

Last night had to have been the most bizzare I have experienced at work. I was just finishing up in Kitchen when I had to put my mop down and serve a customer who was clearly a little under influence. First of all he asked if we had any napkins, so I directed him to the Hot Food Cabinet where they are. He then demanded I get them for him because it apparently could be seen as stealing. I mean, they are there for customer use.

On a lighter note, I got a Birthday present from my Aunt Megan. It was a book called "MYSECRET, a PostSecret book" which is filled with personal and deeply intimate messages from Teens and Early 20's that reveal their most secret secrets.

There are some really thought-provoking secrets and some that just make you think of all the intolerance there is in this age.


THANKS MEGAN

~Sam

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Back to the Grind

Well the holdays finished a few weeks ago which means it's back to the daily grind of school and revision for exams. *sighs*. Last Week it was the annual Motu Challenge in which Dad and Ms Vellenoweth both competed, as individuals i might add. The day after that i legally became and adult, yes, I celebrated my 18th Birthday with a family dinner, minus my brother, who is at Uni. However we are going to hold a combined celebration seeing as he had his 21st earlier this month.

And as always the dreaded end-of-year NCEA exams creep closer and closer.

On a lighter note, I got accepted into the Student Accomodation at SIT and my Course Application has been partially processed seeing as the course doesnt actually start until Feb. I was ever so keen that I sent my application in really early.

At the moment I am currently obsessed with the music from "The Lion King" so accompanying this post is the video clip for "The Circle of Life" which if you read into my post seems quite applicable.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Discrimination and Fear

This post must be read with an open mind and no pre judgements. Also be aware that I wrote this from my point-of-view!



In the media and in our own lives we see gay mean, and a good majority of high school teens, being beaten to a pulp or removed from society because some people with extraordinary high *morals* can't adjust to the fact that someone (either male or female) can be happy and content and in love with a member of the same sex.

When was the last time you heard about a lesbian couple being the victim of a hate crime here in New Zealand? This brings on an interesting question. "Why is it that gay women are more socially accepted than gay men?" Is it because the "macho" men of this nation like "getting off" on 2 ladies being intimate.

The gay and bi males of this age seem to afraid to find the key to the closet because of the negative connotations and abuse that will follow. I quote an article from last months girly magazine (i forget which one)

"When we go out on public transport we cover our hands with a jumper just so we can hold them. Its stupid that we can't walk down the street and show affection like a straight couple"

For some reason the general public and some *conservative* groups find 2 men holding hands and being affectionate in public something sick and evil, yet 2 females doing the same thing is accepted like a straight couple.

What sort of equal society do we live in if a gay couple (male or female) can't be or won't be accepted and treated like s*** or percieved as disgusting and wrong. Aren't we meant to be, in this age, the free and accepting people we are percieved to be?

If anyone flames me for this post, they will be ignored

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Updating for the first time in months

It has been a long time since I last updated my blog.

It is the end of the first week of the school holidays and I am *meant* to be at Outward Bound but they sent me back due to medical reasons. We were halfway through a 2 day hike when I got enormous back pain and had to be evacuated. It felt like my spine was about to leave my body.

So i got flown back to the bay two days later. Its been nothing but solid work since I got back. I've actually been back at Caltex for about 2 days filling in for Melissa, darn flu.

Next week I am going to post a certain topic that may cause a little controversy

---S

Monday, July 30, 2007

Barkus and Nana


Barkus and Nana
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Footsteps in the Sand


Footsteps in the Sand
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Youth Parliament Run-Down



I have received a comment asking me to write a run-down on the Youth Parliament Experience. It was an amazing experience, and I can admit that I have been bitten by the Politics bug. It gave me a very real insight into the workings of Parliament and also a chance to meet real politicians and “pick their brains”. I met Phil Goff, Helen Clark and Michael Cullen and Harry Duynhoven. I was also surprised to see so many youth with very strong political affiliations, this coming from a very staunch Labour family member.



Every youth MP had a seat on one of the major Select Committes, I had a seat on the Maori Affairs Select Committee where we debated ways to retain students in Upper Secondary School, after hearing submissions from the Ministry of Education, The New Zealand Treasury, Te Puni Kokiri (TPK) and YouthLAW we presented a report to the House.



A few members took part in Question Time where we were able to ask questions of Ministers, a few, myself included, took part in the General Debate where we were allowed the opportunity to talk or rant about a topic of our choice. NCEA was my choice. Finally the remainder of the students took part in the Legislative Debate where they debated a bill on climate change which in essence stated that “All house-holds should open a carbon account to record their carbon emissions and receive tax credits. I abstained my vote because I heard very convincing arguments from both sides and decided to stay with my gut.



If I ever had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would drop everything and do it.


Check out the Youth Parliament Page in my Links sidebar

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Nuclear Not The Answer

Recently I attended the 2007 Youth Parliament and one of the topics we debated was how to reduce our carbon and ecological footprint.

A fellow MP bought up the subject of Nuclear Power and its pros compared to Sustainable Energy. At his insistence that Nuclear was a viable option for New Zealand to pursue, I was struck by a sudden thought: Nuclear Power may be efficient and slightly cleaner than the Sustainable Energy New Zealand craves, however, the construction of one of these ticking time bombs would consume and utilise vast amounts of fossil fuels, which in turn would release a huge amount of Carbon and GHG’s* into our already vulnerable atmosphere.

Then of course there is the high risk of a reactor meltdown similar to Chernobyl. I realise Chernobyl was 20 years ago but all it takes is a minor “cock-up” or human error for the whole thing to blow up (quite literally) in our faces.

How about transporting and dumping the toxic byproduct? As I write this there are ships forever sailing loaded with Nuclear Waste because no country will allow this waste into their ports. Of course all this waste will most likely be dumped into the waters of the pacific: the popular choice for Nuclear Testing – particularly Mururoa, the location of the controversial French Tests.

New Zealand is still obligated to ratify the Kyoto Protocol in order to cut down on our Carbon and GHG* emissions. This is an admirable goal and we as a nation have the potential to achieve this goal and be a world leader in the attempt to reduce our ecological impact. However I do not believe Nuclear Power is the remedy.

Are we not Aotearoa: Land of the Long White Cloud? Perhaps Aotearoa: Land of the Long Toxic Black Cloud is more befitting.

Is that really the image we want for New Zealand? Is that the image we want for our children? We should be preserving our Clean, Green image for the next generation of New Zealanders.
It’s not yet too late to save our planet from choking in our pollution. So why do we keep delaying? Why do we keep shifting the blame onto others? If everyone did their part – no matter how small – we would be well on our way to becoming a world leader in reducing our Carbon Emissions and Ecological footprint. These could include investing in energy efficient bulbs and using bicycles and public transport.

As the saying goes “One step, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction!”

So let us all make that one step.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Brought the final installment of Harry Potter and loved it. I constantly read it and managed to finish it the day after I brought it. Hopefully i will be able to see Order of the Phoenix this weekend

The Ball

Opotiki College held its annual school ball. This year's theme: Olympia, City of the Gods.
It wasn't too bad, but I have had more fun at previous balls.
Photos from the ball will be uploaded in the next few days

Honda on the Beach


Honda on the Beach
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Pergola


Pergola
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

swirly


swirly
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

swirly2


swirly2
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

100th Post

WELCOME TO LIVE-BY-THE-RIVER's 100th POST.
THIS IS A MILESTONE IN MY BLOG

ps. All the photos from Mum's birthday and all my youth parliament photos including the whole youth parliament experience will be posted soonly

Sunday, July 01, 2007

50'th Celebration

Last night was the celebration for mum's 50th Birthday. It was an awesome night of hanging out and listening to Pete and His band. I will post some photos when I get them uploaded to flickr.
Dad then cooked bacon for breakfast after he and I packed up the tables and chairs. I then had to go to work at 3 - so overall it was a good night. Met "Barkus" Tracey's new dog and also Eryn and his family along with Pete, Lea, Kurt, Hine and the usual crowd.

Photos coming soon

Thursday, June 28, 2007

counter2


counter2
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Further anaylysis from my new counter

counter1


counter1
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Everyone knows that my counter crapped out so now you can see the report from my new counter regarding visitors. Also. I am counting down the days to my 100th post on my Blog

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

RKanoid

Click on the Rkanoid link in my Sidebar and help support our college band break into the Music Industry

Smokefree Rockquest

Last Saturday myself and Juanita drove to Tauranga to see the Regional Finals of the Smokefreerockquest. The first band had an electric cello, it was so awesom. But also our school band RKanoid performed. A truly excellent performance. I guess it sounds better on Industrial Grade equipment.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

New Counter

I had to install a new counter on my blog. It appears that my current one is having difficulties.

Restricted Press Movements in our Parliament

In the lead up to the 2007 youth parliament I found this item on 3 news tonight.

courtesy of http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/PoliticalNews/MPsmovetochangerulesforreportingonParliament/tabid/188/articleID/29609/Default.aspx

"MPs are planning to change the way cameras are allowed to report on events in Parliament.

The rules will be loosened to allow wider, more extensive shots of the house – but journalists will not be able to satirise, ridicule or denigrate MPs.

This means New Zealand’s politicians are planning to make it illegal for the media to poke fun at them, and ensure they are always shown in a good light"


Whilst on the topic of Youth Parliament, in the latest information pack, i discovered that I, along with fellow MP Mania, have a seat on the Maori Affairs Select Committee where we will be debating one of the 10 topics voted. I also got my accomodation details i.e Billets and such.

Theres not much time left to go before we go to Wellington. I honestly can't wait. I am hoping that I could get time off work for an informal lunch to meet fellow Youth MPs and proper MPs.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Trip Down Memory Lane - Photos of Mum from Years Gone By

Leigh


Click on the photo to view album courtesy of Ariadne's Thread

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Homework Blues

Yesterday Mum, Dad and Lucy went to Wellington to watch a rugby match and left me at home to do homework and work.
Yesterday my history class paid a visit to Hiona St Stephens Church so we can learn more about Volkner. It was a neat place. Very old and historical.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Shannon


Shannon
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Shannon embracing her Geek side for the stage challenge

Nicole at Stage Challenge


Nicole
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Nicole preparing to be Society, one of the Supreme Judges in our Stage Challenge Perfomance

Steven at Stage Challenge


Steven
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

We were running low on Cast members so Steven stepped in to express his feminine side as part of our performance

Stage Challenge

I missed out a day of recovery to attend the Stage Challenge Yesterday. It was a neat day. I designed the lighting plan for our performance on the bus ride over so it was a little hurried, but I think it worked really well which was a plus. Then the lighting desk and back up discs crashed so we had to replot all our lights back in. I really enjoyed our performance, but today I am off from school to finally get better from the flu. I will upload some photos to flickr later

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Flu

Can you believe it. I am sick again. This time with the flu. Not pleasent

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Meeting Moana Mackey

Today after interval, I met Moana Mackey, the MP I will be representing at the 2007 Youth Parliament. We sat down and had a talk about what would be happening. What has happened at past Youth Parliaments and she even told me the topics that would be discussed. After a candid photo shoot it was time for her to leave. It was extremely awesome to meet her.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Still Sick

Today I felt ok in the morning, but by second period, I was shivering. I had 3 layers of clothes on. So after a quick trip down to the pharmacy I came home and settled down. The medication I bought made me a bit drowsy...so a nap was in order. I'm still not feeling all that great.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Tirohanga viewed through silhouetted trees


Tirohanga viewed through silhouetted trees
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

I Feel Terrible

Last night I had a killer sore throat, you know, one of those ones that hurts when you swallow, cough, sneeze, talk. It's very unpleasent. On the lighter side, the Royal New Zealand Navy Band performed at our school. They are extremely talented and excellent performers. Also we had a SADD meeting to organise the workshop we will be attending. Only four members of my committee turned up. Oh well, at least I know who the faithful ones are.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Living at Light Speed


P1020734
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

"From where I stand, you're a different man
I don't believe it
Before my eyes, you don't empathize
Cos you don't feel it
//
From one to another you're gone
From one to another you're gone
//
Everywhere you go
Everything you see
Blink and you will know
Living at lightspeed.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Parliament

I am pleased to inform all the readers that I have been selected as Youth MP for the East Coast Electorate. Myself and fellow student Mania will travel to Wellington in a few months. Some of the activities we will partake in will be debating a mock bill, taking part in Select Committees and meeting real politicians . It will be so neat

Monday, April 30, 2007

Pie Night


Pie Night
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Juanita + Slipping over at Mobil = ^Above^

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Goodbye Smokey


P1010376.JPG
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Early this morning Smokey was euthanized.

It was an emotional time, especially for mum.
She was buried next to the Rabbit and another of our cats.

Midnight (our other cat) is feeling the loss of her sister and best mate

Smokey, you will always be remembered as the scummy cat that kept getting kicked out of the house

May you go in peace

Hamilton Bound

Yesterday, Mum, Lucy and I set off for Hamilton to see Thomas and give him a "care package". We had great burgers from Burger Fuel. They were enormous and well made. I apologise for the complete lack, of updates.

Update
``````````

I recently had a set of follow-up xrays, because my back was hurting so bad.
I think that the Doctor has my xrays now.

Dad recently did a bike ride called the Odyssey which can be found on his blog.

One of the best news, the Youth Minimum wage went up finally, so I am earning more per hour.

I made a change at work with my position, I now float between Forecourt (pumping gas) and Kitchen (making burgers and fries). I thoroughly enjoy the Kitchen.

Finally - Dear old Smokey the Cat was given the injection and "put to sleep"

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Hulking Great Wasp Nest


Hulking Great Wasp Nest
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Mum found this when gardening

In my Doggy's Den


In my Doggy's Den
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

You've heard of the Book and Film "In My Father's Den". How about the animal kingdom version "In my Doggy's Den"

In Spa during Power Cut


In Spa during Power Cut
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Gazing Westward


Gazing Westward
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Looking East at Tirohanga Beach


Looking East at Tirohanga Beach
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

I needed a little time to myself, so armed with Camera in hand, i paid a visit to the beach. The overcast sky was perfect for taking photographs as it was almost the same steely grey as the Ocean

Grandfather in Portraiture at 75 Years


Grandfather in Portraiture at 75 Years
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Grandad's 75th Birthday


Grandad's 75th Birthday
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Wednesday truly felt like winter, it was cold all day, and it rained on this day of celebration. Grandad turned 75, so we celebrated by taking him out to dinner at our local Masonic Hotel. I had a delicious Steak. It was a great night with the faint undertones of the Rover's Return Inn from Coro Street

lahar


lahar
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

5:55PM Sunday March 18, 2007

The torrent of water and mud which burst out of the hot crater lake atop Mt Ruapehu on the North Island's volcanic plateau today could have been far worse, say authorities.

A seven-metre high soft rock and ash dam that had penned the lake since the mountain erupted violently in 1995 finally gave way late this morning.

The escaping water gouged out rocks and earth and other debris carrying them down the mountain in the classic mudflow know as a lahar.

Courtesy of NZ HERALD

Above IMAGE provided from Webcam and supplied to NZ Herald

I have an excuse now

I do have a really good reason/excuse for the complete lack of updates on my blog. As it happens I forgot my password to log in to blogger. So just now I have reset my password and now I can get into my blog. Which i think is cause for celebration.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Vanity - One of the Seven Deadly Sins


P1020498
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

But who could resist a photo like this?

Monday, March 05, 2007

Major, Major, major Update

It's that time. A apologise most sincerely for the no activity. There is no excuse.
Well here goes. Last Saturday, myself, a couple of teachers and a few students from my english class travelled to Whakatane to watch the Shakespeare in the Park - Well, all five minutes of it. Heavy rain caused a cancellation. That was a little disappointing, however all was not lost, we were able a little time shopping before it. All of us got absolutely drenched, luckily the Warehouse was still open, where I bought a top to wear whilst I soaked my legs in damp jeans. Upon arrival back in Opotiki, I stopped in at work and got into a change of clothes I had in there.
Today at assembly I got my "Itiaki" badge. I was so excited, I am now part of the elite group of students that assists students and teachers in using the ICT programs on the school network. At the moment we are learning how to use Macromedia Dreamweaver. Its a really neat program. Now its back into the hard grind of School Work, but on the lighter side, Tomorrow I am attempting to get my Full Drivers License in Whakatane. I am a little nervous about it, so today on my way home, I practised talking to myself for identifying hazards and responding to them. I also helped Dad pick out a new Cellphone for Work. I think he is pleased by my decision.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Major Updates

It has been a huge while since I have updated. Last saturday I went on a music trip to Whakatane to watch the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. It was absolutely amazing to see the national orchestra playing live. And on Wednesday we had our annual school athletics day, and prior to that we had our swimming sports. They were great days. Got sunburnt on both of them even though I put sunscreen on. Its not fair.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Back to School

Well, I'm back at school now. The school year officially started today. I am now the only person in my Year 13 Music Class which means first prize is mine

I loved today, I had Music, Photography, two periods of study, one of which involved teaching Junior Students how to log on to the computers, use the internet, and use learning resources. Never before have I seen such a badly behaved class. But it's not up to me to complain is it?

I'm slacking a bit with my medical stuff. I need to make a physio appointment, its been ages since i've been. I also need to finish my application for a Full Drivers License, so I can finally drive myself and others without needing a fully licensed driver.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

New Blogging Platform

I have recently switched blogging platform. You can now find me at http://oceanliving.wordpress.com/ All my previous posts, pictures and your comments can be found there, and for all you blogger die-hards, I will update this one at the same time as my wordpress one. Thanks

Scratch The Above Message
I wasn't happy with the new platform, but you are welcome to see it anyway, this is my primary blog - ignore the above url

Monday, February 05, 2007

I am Terrible

I must be getting slack. I have a huge backlog of posts just waiting to be written. Below you can find some of the pics I snapped whilst on Holiday up north. My most sincere apologies for the huge delay in getting them up. I also did a slide show which I might be able to post here sometime.

Secret Beach


Secret Beach
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

This was the bach we stayed in for a week

Me having a laugh


Me having a laugh
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Dad was doing such a stupid dance to get me to smile. Apparently I looked grim

Snapper in Pool


Snapper in Pool
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Big Crab


Big Crab
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Sunset at Tauranga Bay


Sunset at Tauranga Bay
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Matt


Matt
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Kurt and Hine's mate Matt. He was neat fun

The Bunkhouse


The Bunkhouse
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

This is where I slept. Bottom left was my bed

Toilets in Kawakawa


Toilets in Kawakawa
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Dad And Bruce around the BBQ


Dad And Bruce around the BBQ
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Mangawhai Heads


Mangawhai Heads
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Llama ( I can't remember where)


Llama
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

Friday, January 05, 2007

Moonlit Reflections


Moonlit Reflections
Originally uploaded by enetheru_2006.

After leaving Margrets last night, I saw this absolutely wondeful picture waiting to be taken. As I didn't have my camera with me, i had to wait until I got home. Once there I hauled my camera out and got to try out the Night Time Scenery setting. After taking a few shots and trimming them, this is the end result

Wednesday, January 03, 2007