Of Tea and Turtles

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Something A little bit Different

When I was a child my favourite show was HR Pufnstuf. I also really enjoy listening to Mama Cass Elliot. Therefore the song of the day is sung by: Cass Elliot - Different

Different
By Cass Elliot

(Spoken)
Boss Witch: Just don't stand there you dum dums, let's get this show on the road, C'mon!
Heimrich: Ja wohl, I vill start de music!
Boss Witch: Play Heimrich!
Heimrich: Ja, groovy!

(Sung by Witch Hazel)
When I was smaller, and people were taller,
I realized that I was different,
I had a power that set me apart.

I learned to take it, to use it, to make it,
it's not so bad to be different -
to do your own thing
and do it with heart.

Different is hard,
different is lonely,
different is trouble, for you only.
Different is heartache,
different is pain,
but I'd rather be different than be the same!

At first I'd wonder, what hex I was under.
What did I do to be so different?
Then I discovered some others like me.

Wonder no longer, together we're stronger.
It's not so bad to be different,
be true to yourself -
that's what you must be!

Different is hard,
different is lonely,
different is trouble, for you only.
Different is heartache,
different is pain,
but I'd rather be different than be the same!

Friday, July 27, 2007

It's All About Perspective, really...

I don't know about you, but I hate "To Do" lists. When I write them, I rarely if ever, seem to get anything on them done. Even when I finish each task, I don't feel as though I've really achieved that much.

However, there are a couple of tricks that I find useful. They're designed to trick my mind into achieving my goals.
Essentially all they do is change my perspective on the situation at hand.

I thought I would share these little tricks with you. Who knows, maybe they'll help you too.

I no longer have "To Do" lists. Instead I have a Goals book.
I make everything that I want to achieve a goal. Not something to do, as such, instead something to achieve. I therefore look at everything that I complete as an achievement of these goals.

I know it may seem silly to put something simple like "cleaning the house" as a goal, but it works. Then when the task is complete, it becomes something that I've achieved, instead of just house work. Then I feel as thought I've achieved something that I've set out to do.

Now that I keep my goals in a book, I don't ever throw them away. If it's written on a whiteboard or a piece paper however, I'll eventually have to wipe it off. Then it's lost. So I can't actually see what I've achieved over time, but because it's written in my book, I can look back and see a list of goals that I've set for myself and then reached.

NEVER, and I mean never, do I cross out my goals once I've achieved them. Subconsciously crossing them out feels negative to me. So instead I've gotten into the habit of putting a big tick next to them, once they're complete. It makes me feel as though I've done the right thing.
I've achieved something that I've set out to do.

Try it for yourself, I was amazed with the results.
Maybe you will be too...

Fresh Natural Home Made Yoghurt

Yesterday my partner brought me an Easiyo yoghurt maker. We just took the first batch out.
It's really yummy :D.

We brought the Natural Plain Unsweetened. I thought it would taste a little bitter, but it was so beautiful.

It was incredibly easy to make with the yoghurt maker.

Half-fill the yoghurt jar with cold water (personally I use filtered water).
Pour in the sachet.
Put the lid on and shake the jar really well.
Then fill the jar to the top with water, and re-shake.
Pour boiling water into the yoghurt Maker to the top of the baffle.
Place jar inside the yoghurt Maker.
Leave sitting for between 8 and 24 hours (until set).
Then store the yoghurt jar in the refrigerator.

To add to the taste a little, Daz made a bowl of pineapple yoghurt. To do this all he did was chop up a bit of pineapple (to taste) then added about a teaspoon of raw sugar. It was perfect.

Edit: After leaving the yoghurt in the fridge all night I had some more. It had set really nicely, and was even more tasty than before.

I want to learn now how to keep the cultures going so that I don't have to keep buying the sachet's.
I want to know exactly what I'm putting in my families food.

Singing 'till the "End Of The Line"

Today's song is by some incredibly talented musicians. Introducing George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne as the Traveling Wilburys.

The song; "End Of The Line", reminds me of the importance of living life your way. After all life is all about what you make it.
I hope you enjoying listening to the Traveling Wilburys - End Of The Line.

End Of The Line
By Traveling Wilburys

Well it's all right
Riding around in the breeze
Well it's all right
If you live the life you please
Well it's all right
Doing the best you can
Well it's all right
As long as you lend a hand

You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring
(at the end of the line)
Waiting for someone to tell you everything
(at the end of the line)
Sit around and wonder what tomorrow'll bring
(at the end of the line)
Maybe a diamond ring

Well it's all right
Even if they say you're wrong
Well it's all right
Sometimes you gotta be strong
Well it's all right
As long as you got someone to lay with
Well it's all right
Every day is judgment day

Maybe somewhere down the road a ways
(at the end of the line)
You'll think of me and wonder where i am these days
(at the end of the line)
Maybe somewhere down the road when somebody plays
(at the end of the line)
Purple Haze

Well it's all right
Even when push comes to shove
Well it's all right
If you got someone to love
Well it's all right
Everything will work out fine
Well it's all right
We're going to the end of the line

Don't have to be ashamed of the car I drive
(at the end of the line)
I'm just glad to be here happy to be alive
(at the end of the line)
And it don't matter if you're by my side
(at the end of the line)
I'm satisfied

Well it's all right
Even if you're old and gray
Well it's all right
You still got something to say
Well it's all right
Remember live and let live
Well it's all right
The best you can do is forgive
Well it's all right
Riding around on the breeze
Well it's all right
If you live the life you please
Well it's all right
Even if the sun don't shine
Well it's all right
We're going to the end of the line

Thursday, July 26, 2007

How to Save a Life

My song of the day is an alternative rock song by The Fray. I love the message behind this song.

If you would like more information on it's origin and influences I encourage you to read this wikipedia article: How to Save a Life (song).
Introducing The Fray - How to save a life.

How to Save a Life
By The Fray

Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it’s just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defence
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you’ve told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And I pray to God he heals you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you’ve followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he’ll say he’s just not the same
And you’ll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

How to save a life
How to save a life

Where did I go wrong (where did I go wrong), I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up (I would of stayed up) with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

How to save a life
How to save a life
How to save a life

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Song of the Day: Father and Son

As a child Cat Stevens was one of my fathers favourite artists. I loved listening to his music, especially the words.
Therefore I thought this song was appropriate, introducing Cat Stevens - Father and Son.

Father & Son
by Cat Stevens

(Father)
Its not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy.
Youre still young, thats your fault,
Theres so much you have to know.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but Im happy.

I was once like you are now, and I know that its not easy,
To be calm when youve found something going on.
But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything youve got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.

Son
How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again.
Its always been the same, same old story.
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen.
Now theres a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.

(Father)
Its not time to make a change,
Just sit down, take it slowly.
Youre still young, thats your fault,
Theres so much you have to go through.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but Im happy.

(son-- away away away, I know I have to
Make this decision alone - no)

(Son)
All the times that I cried, keeping all the things I knew inside,
Its hard, but its harder to ignore it.
If they were right, Id agree, but its them you know not me.
Now theres a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go.

(father-- stay stay stay, why must you go and
Make this decision alone? )

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

A "Good Excuse" to sing

As an Australian I thought it would be nice to bring you some Australian music. Presenting the John Butler Trio - Good Excuse.

Good Excuse
By: John Butler Trio

All around I see raining
Things don't seem to go my way
Got a dark cloud that's hanging
And it seems to follow me

Oh boy won't you just wake up
feel the humming
This good world is giving you
better start running
to catch up with your life, catch on up
Before the whole thing is through

Have you once? Have you twice?
Have you even conceived how
Really good boy you do got it
Go take another better look around

You are just another white boy
Thinking you're so hard
Go take step outside see what's shaking in the real world
Go take a step outside see what's shaking in the real world
Go take a step outside see what's shaking in the real world

But you don't know
how my heart laments
I really got a good excuse
to complain
My parents got divorced
Can't heal the pain

And now there is only cheap regrets
I guess thats just the way it be
Is it the world or how I see me

Boy now you are really, really bugging
Yes you are bugging me,
can you just shut right up
Your cup is overflowing, overflowing
And you think it is empty

You don't even know what side
you are fighting for
Boy won't you turn your game boy off
Stop pretending
it's you against the world
I am sick and I am tried of hearing
you always say

I really got a good excuse to complain
My parents got divorced
Can't heal the pain

Go take a step outside see what's shaking in the real world

The Green Tea challenge

How amazing would it be to find one product that would have ALL of the following effects:

Reduced high blood pressure
Lowered blood sugar levels
Prevented cardiovascular disease
Helped fight and prevent cancer
Protected Brain Function (Alzheimer's, Memory)
Assisted Memory
Encouraged Weight Loss
Defended the Immune System
Helped Stabilize Diabetes
Kept your skin acne-free
Helped general skin care
Slowed the ageing process
Aided digestion
Encouraged bowel regularity
Helped bad breath
Assisted detoxification
Was 100 times more effective than vitamin C
And 25 times more effective than Vitamin E, and more...

Well there is such an item:

Green Tea

I have been drinking Green Tea for a while now, and I love how I feel.
Not only have I lost weight;
I feel more alive and alert.
My skin is looking bright and healthy.
My general health has improved.
My memory is sharper.
I'm able to concentrate and think more clearly, and these are just the things I've noticed.

Need more evidence...?
Information about the benefits of Green Tea can be found here:

The Challenge
Everyone could benefit from Green Tea.
So why not try it for yourself?

I challenge you all to try 2+ cups of green tea a day for 2 weeks and see how you feel.
It can't hurt...

You don't need milk or sugar, the taste is quite sweet on it's own. Especially steaming hot.

There are many different types of Green Tea. Personally I drink a Japanese Green Tea called: Sencha. I love it.
I have tried a couple of different Chinese Green Teas. I find them quite bitter. Sencha is beautiful.

For more information on different Japanese Green Tea's please see: The Teas of Japan.

I would love to hear what you think!
So Take the Green Tea challenge, and improve your health today...

Monday, July 23, 2007

Mondays Song of the day

Everyday would like to give you the words, and listening experience of some of my favourite music.

Today's song was my favourite as a child. I still really enjoy listening to this one. I hope you enjoy it too: Peter, Paul & Mary - Puff the Magic Dragon

Puff the Magic Dragon
By Peter, Paul & Mary
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Little jackie paper loved that rascal puff,
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff. oh

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on puffs gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow wheneer they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flag when puff roared out his name. oh!

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, jackie paper came no more
And puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, puff could not be brave,
So puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave. oh!

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee.