Teenager's crucifix banned from school

Teenager's crucifix banned from school: "Teenager's crucifix banned from school
Sunday Aug 20 05:55 AEST
A Christian teenager has been banned from wearing a crucifix by her school.
Jamie Derman, 17, told News Ltd newspapers she was stunned when told to remove her crucifix or she could be suspended.
A Sunbury Downs Secondary College student, Ms Derman's cross is outlawed as part of the multicultural college's new rules on jewellery and dress.
But churches has criticised the ban, saying it discouraged students' religious aspirations.



Ms Derman said she felt discriminated against.
'I am angry, confused and upset,' she said.
'I honestly believe I should be allowed to acknowledge (my Christianity). Being told to take it off hurts. It cuts really deep.'
The cross had sentimental value because her baptism gifts were missing, Ms Derman said.
'I can't understand why it is not all right for me to wear a cross,' she said.
'I honestly felt like crying.' Her father, Gordon, said the ban was the equivalent of ordering a female Muslim student to take off a religious head dress.
'Nobody should take offence to anybody wearing a religious sign,' Mr Derman said. 'She has a right to wear it. I believe it is discriminatory. If we had a Muslim girl come wearing a headscarf, nobody would say `boo' about it.'
A reasonable demonstration of one's faith was something Australians should rejoice in, said Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne auxiliary bishop Christopher Prouse. 'People's religious aspirations need to be respected,' Bishop Prouse said.
Sunbury Downs principal Brett Moore said teachers had enforced the new dress code. 'It is not my decision, it is the policy,' he said. 'Necklaces should not be visible.'"

This just amazes me. Aren't we in a democratic country? How is it that these teachers can just make these decisions? Now if it was about any necklace for safety that is one thing but because it is a religious symbol, now that is just not on! Does it mean that Muslim girls are not allowed to wear their scarf, or somoan boys under 12 must have their hair cut? What is going on in this school? No wonder the girl is confused... I certainly am!

Let's Run in the Rain

She had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.

It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout.

We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart.We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world.

Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.Her voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in. "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said. "What?" Mom asked. "Let's run through the rain!" She repeated."No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,"Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated:"Mom, let's run through the rain."
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom.
That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"
"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.

Then off they ran.We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. 

Five for Fighting - new album

I just listened to their new song, The Riddle... what can I say but AWESOME!!! I am looking forward for the album to be released!!! I love their sound. I loved their song 100 years from their last album. This song is just a wonderful.
www.fiveforfighting.com

You have to listen to this song. Go to the website and hear it there.
Here are the words to the song:

"The Riddle"

There was a man back in '95
Whose heart ran out of summers But before he died,
I asked him Wait, what's the sense in life
Come over me, Come over me
He said, Son why you got to sing that tune
Catch a Dylan song or some eclipse of the moon
Let an angel swing and make you swoon
Then you will see... You will see
Then he said, Here's a riddle for you
Find the Answer
There's a reason for the world You and I...
Picked up my kid from school today
Did you learn anything cause in the world today
You can't live in a castle far away
Now talk to me, come talk to me
He said, Dad I'm big but we're smaller than small In the scheme of things, well we're nothing at all
Still every mother's child sings a lonely song
So play with me, come play with me
And Hey Dad Here's a riddle for you
Find the Answer
There's a reason for the world
You and I... I said, Son for all I've told you
When you get right down to the
Reason for the world... Who am I?
There are secrets that we still have left to find
There have been mysteries from the beginning of time
There are answers we're not wise enough to see
He said... You looking for a clue I Love You free...
The batter swings and the summer flies
As I look into my angel's eyes
A song plays on while the moon is hiding over me
Something comes over me I guess we're big and I guess we're small
If you think about it man you know we got it all
Cause we're all we got on this bouncing ball
And I love you free
I love you freely
Here's a riddle for you Find the Answer
There's a reason for the world You and I...

[Thanks to Lauren (mangotango2025@yahoo.com) for these lyrics]
[ http://www.azlyrics.com/ ]

2 Great sites!

This site is Memory Creators. Awesome LOs and sketches and ideas. A must to see.
http://www.memorycreators.com/

The other site is... Splitcoast Stampers

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/

I wish I could put more than one picture into a blog!!! 

End of Week 2 (uni time)

Wow... the end of week 2! Uni goes so fast! I am so tired this week! So tired that I feel sick! I worked Wednesday and this morning at the school (as a teacher aide). I am working with Indigenous kids, supporting them in the classroom. Im not sure how long it will go for.

Uni is intensifying! We have a lot of group work this semester. Thankfully, I am either doing them with Janet or Megan or both.
Today we had science so I had to finish work 12 and drive over. I got there at 12.15pm. I made great time! Megan and I started our lab work, which was to measure circumference and diameter of various tubes and graph them. We found that the gradient gave us pie, no not strawberry pie!!! Its 3.14, actually mine was 3.2 but that was pretty close. Yesterday we had the same teacher, Lisa Slender for Sose. We had a 3 hour tute with her. She makes it tolerable and almost fun! LOL

Ok well now Im off to lay down and just veg!

BYE ;-) 

Making Memories foam stamps Layout.

Love this layout too!
http://gallery.lifetimemoments.com/showphoto.php?photo=117319&cat=8794&limit=recent 

Love Pink! A LO to case.

I cant remember where I found this LO but I love it. I love the layering but love that photo! 

Sensational Sunday

What a great day! Brekky with Krystyl, I made pikelets, Krystyl brought icecream, my cream and some cinnamon. Krystyl just raved about the pikelets and seemed to really loved the time!

Then she washed my car and her car. At midday we went to Gail's for lunch with the group for Christmas in July. Yummo.

It was a wonderfully relaxing day! Yesterday afternoon was so different with Steve's shaningans with Krystyl. I cant (I really can!) believe he did what he did... smashing Krystyl's desk, kicking her car door and hurting her physically. Thank god Krystyl rang the police and thank god they came! I think someone from the units had rung them also, 2 police cars and 4 police officers arrived. Of course, steve lied... saying that he tripped down the stairs and it broke. OMG!!! Krystyl has taken a DVO out on him. Of course he was so nice when the police were there however, they told him to calm down. They took him to watch house after we left so they could do the paper work. He brought Krystyl's dvd player over today and hardly said a word. I hope he has a reality check and gets some help for his aggression and anger. Reuben was there also when all this was happening and was scared. He was holding onto Krystyl. It was actually Steve's weekend with Reuben but Reuben came home with me. Im not sure if Reuben will be going back. He just doesnt feel safe there and to tell you the truth, I dont feel that its that safe for him too.

This has reinforced my decision for Reuben to be with me here. I know I have made the right decision.

Big Brother Update: Max and David have been evicted. Camilla and Jamie are left... Monday it is all over red rover!

bye for now!

Love this photo and Layout

I just saw this photo/layout on 2peas website. I love it. I have put it in my blog so it reminds me to do a photo of Reuben and Krystyl like this.

This is the site addy if you want to read the journalling: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/pg.asp?gallery=1&cmd=display&layout_id=938340 

My cold update

Finally, my cold/ asthma has lifted. I still have a slight cough but nothing like it was. I am thankful that I didnt get bronchitis or anything worse. Thank goodness for ventolin and steroids!!!!

I actually felt like dancing this morning... so I did. Reuben was not impressed... I guess mums are not meant to dance... yeah right!

I have a science tute today at 1pm. Im looking forward to it as Lisa Slender is our tutor. Like I have said previously, I like her style.

Now, what have I done instead of reading this morning? Well, I have downloaded some songs of Kasey Chambers! Talked to Janet on the phone, put some washing on and put it in the dryer. Its raining today so what a great excuse to use the dryer! I love to see the rain. The house is dark and Reuben didnt believe that it was 7am when I went into wake him up. He said, "its too dark to be 7!"

I am finding it so hard to get out of bed most mornings. I just want to lay there and enjoy the peace and quiet. I hate rushing around in the mornings... I just hate it! I especially hate the 8am starts at uni. It really is silly tho... I used to at the school at 8am to start work at 8.15am. It really is a head set! So much of our lives is about how we view things. For work... we get going to earn money... to uni... not earning money, dont want to start early!!! Yep a definate head set!

Ok... now Im off to do some reading for science today.

Catch ya...

Kasey Chambers !!!

Love this Woman! I think she would be one of Australia's best singers of all time! Her style and sound is so original! I wonder how many times when she was starting out did she get poo hooed about her singing style? If she did... Im glad she didnt listen to them! She is an awesome singer/songwriter!

Her new song: Nothing at all is another masterpiece! I love it. Kasey Chambers you rock girl!

I was saddened to hear that her relationship with her partner ended last year or was in in 2004? Anyway, it is still sad when things end. I hope they can work out a friendship so their son can enjoy life with both mum and dad. Relationships are so hard in an everyday persons life... I cant begin to imagine how difficult it would be with the commitments of life on the road.

Thanks Kasey for another great song and album! 

Another Great Day

Yes it was! Had a Sose tute with Lisa Slender. She is a great tutor! Then went and bought the HPE text book pack. It has a pedometre so put that on. Im not sure how accurate it is but really, who cares! Then after we had something to eat we (Megan, Janet and I) drove over in Janet's car to Mt Gravatt to attend our HPE classes. It was really good. Im glad I had someone to go with tho because it is a huge campus and well I wouldnt have known where to go! My gosh it is hilly tho, it just about killed me with my asthma getting up the hill! The first hour we did some theory with the tutor Maria. Then we went down to the Practical part and did some running around. The tutor was great at teaching us. He is very easy going and made the whole time fun.
The class finished at 4pm so by the time I actually got home it was 4.30pm. The Autism Qld bus was waiting for me with Reuben in the bus. I really wasnt sure what was going on. Apparently, there had been some trouble so they stayed with him. I am hoping that tomorrow I will find out more.

Tonight I watched:

I am Earl. I love that show!

Medium.

24. I forgot to watch it last night!!! damn it!!

Dinner:

Krystyl came over for dinner. We had my special - sausage tomato and onion with rice! We all love this dish.

Thats it for tonight!

 

Thursday at Uni

Today is going to very interesting. Janet, Megan and I are all in the same classes... thank god!!! First we have SOSE with Lisa Slender (Yay!!!) at 11am. Then we have an hour to get to Mt Gravatt for HPE. Oh the joy! We are car pooling so that will be really good! There has been a rumour that we will need to be swimming but thankfully there is no mention of it in the course outline.

Reuben has his key to let himself in this afternoon as I wont be getting home until after 4.30pm. Im sure Reuben will enjoy the time by himself.

Yesterday, I went to Eagleby South State School, to drop a book back to their library. I also told Sue that I am available for work on Wednesdays. Deb who is the registrar asked me if I was interested in working with indigenous kids. She took me down to see Liz Young straight away. Liz seemed very excited. I guess going to uni is a plus as Im almost a teacher.

I emailed Judith about where I can get some info about teaching indigenous children. She emailed me back with some readings to read and to let her know so I can talk to Julie Bliss who runs Reading Recovery and tutors at uni.

Ok well now Im off for my shower. Its going to be another great day.

Krystyl at Port Macquarie

July 2006- on holiday with Lee. They stopped in at Port Macquarie to stay at a resort that Lee's mum had a voucher for. This was taken at the beach near where mum lived with Kevin. I love how Lee was able to the shot of the wave breaking and the shadow on Krystyl's face. I love the colour matching in Krystyl's shirt with the sea. I love to see Krystyl in pink! Notice her white sunnies... the in thing! Krystyl is 19! I cant believe how the years have flown! So much has happened and still I wish I could go back and spend so much more time with her and change so many mistakes I made with her and in my life! All in all, she is developing into a lovely young lady. She doesnt go out drinking, smoking and sleeping around. She has 2 jobs, has studied business at Tafe, wants to study to become a Personal Trainer, wants to own a house and a new car. She knows where she is going. So much more than I did when I was 19. I had Krystyl when I was 19. I had no plans! I am so proud of her!!!

Super Saturday!

Update: Reuben didnt stay at Steve's very long... really just the weekend. Its too long of a story but lets just say it wasnt working and I realised how much I really do want to be looking after Reuben. Reuben is happy to be home.

Art Class: Reuben started an art class today. The lady (teacher) seems very lovely and caring. The good thing is that she understands Aspergers Syndrome, she was a nurse... so that is another great thing.

Parent meeting: Yesterday I went to a parent meeting for parents with ASD children at Reuben's High School. It was really good. I really didnt learn anything new but just to listen to other parent's struggles really helped me. I realised that Reuben is doing pretty darn good! Some parents said if they get their teen to shower every 3 days they are doing well... well Reuben has a shower twice a day! Pats on the back for me!!!

Scrapbooking: Allison and I going to a scrapbook shop near Mount Tamborine after Reuben's art class. They are having a sale. Hope I grab a bargain!!!

Uni: I am so not looking forward to this semester. I guess I will just have to take one day at time, one class at time, and one assessment at a time. At least Im in many of Megan's classes.

Dinner: Thursday night Allison came over for dinner. I made apricot chicken in my crock pot. Krystyl came over too and Reuben wanted to stay instead of going to his dad's place. So I had a full table for dinner. It was really good. Allison brought apple danish... yummo... she even brought a lactose free cream for me and a custard for her and reuben. She really is a lovely young lady. I am going to endeavour to have company at least once a fortnight for dinner... then hopefully once a week.

Anyway, thats the update for now. I cant believe that we are in last throws of July already! Only 13 weeks to go until the end of semester! The shine has definately worn off uni!!!

Bye

Super Sunday - kind of...

Today Krystyl came over and then we drove over to see Mum. She was really glad to see Krystyl. We took her the shops and had her home made curry chicken pies when we got home. I LOVE those pies. I had two but wanted more but my belly just couldnt!

I had a try on her new oldies scooter that she has bought herself. Only $2500 but well worth it if it means she can get out and about.

Krysty is moving in with Lee. However, Lee's brother is selling his house so they will be moving into a house they will be both renting. It is great timing for steve and reuben.

Reuben and steve came over about 5 mins ago. Reuben just wanted to copy some family guy shows onto a cd. He was quite rude... and why is he now living with steve? Perhaps this will be ok. I did get a panic attach when I was getting his school bag and things together for steve (and reuben). Its a feeling in the middle of my chest that makes my head spin and makes me feel like Im going to implode. Its a horrible feeling. He didnt want to kiss me goodbye so I didnt make him.

When Krystyl came over she said that Wilma (steves mum) thinks its a bad idea that reuben live with steve. Im not sure why. I said that to steve and he said that Krystyl should learn to keep her mouth closed... gosh I hope I havent upset things.

Anyway... you wont believe this... I bought myself a cobweb broom today. I have actually got them down from my verandar!!! Yay... they were beginning to get me down!!! Now to do the rest of the house.

This afternoon, Im going over to Katrina's to help her unpack her boxes into her new cupboards. They are just beautiful cupboards. Lots of display space and lots of cupboard space. Once she gets them organised I will take a photo of them.

Now Im off for a power nap before I go.

bye for now 

Another WANT for my wish list!

STAMPS: I just saw these on the 2 peas website and absolutely love them... I love flowers but these are just gorgeous!!! Give me Give me Give me!!!!

Tonight... I went to Trina's for dinner and our other friend Gail popped over. We ended up having pizza and a glass of wine... YUMMO. I will pay for it tomorrow as I didnt take my lacteze tablets with me... Oh well, I only had two small pieces. I had forgetten how much I love spending time with Katrina and how easy going she is and how much alike we are.

Note to Self: Spend more time with Katrina during the semester!!! 

Its hard to cut the apron strings!

Today and yesterday have been difficult and overwhelmingly emotional rollercoasters. Yesterday, after months of deliberation, came to the final decision that Reuben needs to live with his dad. Well that was fine until the crunch... I just lost it. Sobbed like no one has sobbed before! I couldnt go through with it. I couldnt just let him go.

My friend Katrina came over last night and stayed until midnight talking with me. Showing me the great things that "might" come of this change for Reuben and I and Steve. Eventually, 1. Reuben and I will be able to have a positive relationship, like Krystyl and I do now. 2. This might help Steve turn around as a father and step up to the plate and wear the responsibility. So far so good, he is happy to have Reuben, he is even going to give him his bedroom. 3. Reuben will learn that he cant go on treating women badly. 4. I can start to find me again. I started this when I left steve, but have fallen backwards since Reuben has become difficult. There are many many reasons that will benefit us with this change but all I have been able to see is negatives. How easily, the negatives can creep in.

I found this poem today, it really means so many things...

After awhile you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
and company doesn’t mean security
you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
and presents aren’t promises
accepting your defeats with your head up
and your eyes open
with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child
and you learn to build all of your roads on today
because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
after awhile you learn that even sunshine burns
if you get too much
so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers
and you learn
that you really can endure
that you really are strong
and that you really do have worth
- anonymous

I have printed it out and will laminate it to sit near my kitchen, maybe on the fridge.

I need to remember the 3 last things, I can endure... I am strong and I do have worth!

I love my boy and Im not really letting him go. Its just that he is sleeping in another bed in a house not too far away.

Anyway, thats me for now. Its been another emotional day and Im just worn out.

Bye...

I have a cold!

Oh Damn... I hate colds and flus and sickness. I did 2 hours work at the local school on monday. A boy who was sick, coughed on me... instantly I thought "Oh great!" By Thursday 1am I was feeling the effects of it. Thank god its not the flu! Thank god for panadol and asprin and cups of tea!

Another card!

I really like the colours on this tag. I did it yesterday.

Movies today:

Today Reuben and I went to see the new Pirates in Caribean. I liked it but the ending... well there wasnt one! We have to wait til the 3rd one now. It was really slow to start with but it got going and was great (I think the first one was better tho!).

Reuben: Is it time he lives with his dad? Hmmmm! Not sure. He says he would like to live with him but Im just not sure how it would go. Right now it is just ok but I know soon it wont be with Reuben and I. I know he will lose it again and go off. I honestly dont know how much more verbal abuse I can live with. Anyway, time will tell.

Uni: I cant believe how sick of uni I am. I could easily not go back. I wish I didnt have to. I wish I had studied earlier so I wouldn't have to do it now. I just have to remember that its only 13 weeks. Its not that long really. I can get through it... I can do it!!! I will do it!!!