Sign Language is Sexy

Here is a video I am loving

It's great that  American Sign Language has been used in this video. Not only that, it's apparent that this isn's just an 'English translation' as many attempts at this kind of thing are. It seems like genuine sign language to me, with all the nuances of the language (except, maybe, facial expression.)

Apparently Johnny and Natalie have signed some parts of it wrong - swapping the signs 'appear' for 'tampon' and 'enemy' instead of 'valentine.' I don't know about this specifically as I am not an ASL (American Sign Language) user. However, although those gaffe's might be there, I don't think they matter too much in the long run. The fact that sign is on such a prominent video, that it is genuine sign language and not 'English-sign' matters more than a few small articulation errors, to me.

And, well if Johnny would like any private NZSL lessons.... I would be more than willing ;)

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(Just kidding, Matt!)

The sex myth

I have been pondering posting this for a while. I'm not sure if its 'appropriate' or ok for me to post this, but it's been on my mind. I've read and re-read this post and have decided to go with it.
Don't worry, I'm not going to use any personal examples (ick!). But if the title of this post is freaking you out, well best you be on your merry way... come back next time, I'll be back to my tame self, I promise.

Moving on.

There's a big problem out there I think. It's to do with sex. More specifically, how we're lied to about how sex should be, from movies, books, magazines, music videos, advertising and so on. And, I think many people, when they finally settle into a marriage (or committed relationship), might find themselves a bit dismayed that the reality doesn't live up to the (constructed) fantasy. And I think this can be really damaging to relationships.

I'm not here to discuss whether our world is showing sex too much in the media, or whether we should just not watch that stuff so we won't see/hear the lies.
But we can't deny the fact that this stuff is in our face. Whether we should turn completely away from it is another topic.

Anyway. You all know how the media portrays sex. I don't need to get into details. You don't even need to think of shows like 'Sex in the city' (although you could), even more tame shows or movies that just hint at sex, still often show the mythical version. There is a portrayal of sex that shows the couple as completely in tune the whole time, perfectly beautiful, no embarrassing moments, and *ahem* enjoying themselves at exactly the same time, every time, several times in a row.


There is also the portrayal (primarily in magazines like Cosmo, or music videos), that women must dress oh so sexy, for their man, with the aim to please the guy. And apart from being completely sexist, it's wrong. Reality doesn't work that way.

We pick up these ideas about sex over the years and years of being exposed to it (wanted or not.) And when the time comes for a relationship, I think many of us have a distorted view of  whats healthy and normal.

Most of us understand the lies about body size, beauty and oh so perfect relationships that the media presents to us. But, because sex isn't talked about as much, I think this one is often overlooked, and not pointed out.

So, I think, when a couple is about to get married, someone (close and trusted) might need to give them a reality check. A few small pointers from someone could set the scene for a healthy and realistic relationship. We all know sex is great, but often it is very different to what we're told.

And that is my final word on that.

The Poem Series: Edge of the Sea

We’re standing on the edge of the sea

The sun is falling into the

Swirling spirals of the pulling waters,
The sunset haze kisses our faces

We’re one and two, separate and joined

I cling to you

My thoughts bruised black and blue

Waiting for the current to pull away these

Feelings of unease and knots that hold me

Release until I am just beside you

Subdued memories swept away

With the pull of the waves

Until they are only a distant swell

A drifting weed sinking to the depths -

We are the new

Sun warm dipping into the earth

Drawn away till all that’s left

Is me and you in the approaching shadows

Out by the darkening sea where the tide is out

Where no one knows our names

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All poems in this series are by me, and are copyright to me. Some are recent, most were written in the past few years.

A Bibliography of Braids

There are so many different types of braids out there at the moment, and it can be confusing which ones are being used. Don't worry! I'm here to help

This post will explain some of the most common types of braids.

(The photos are linked to the orignal web page.)

1) English Plain
Your common school girl look

2) French Braid
Like the English Plait, but started higher on the head, created by plaiting three pieces and pulling in hair each time

3) Dutch Braid

This is like a French braid, but you plait your hair under not over.

4) Fish Tail Braid

A braid with two pieces of hair, where you bring a small bit of each over each time

5) Waterfall Braid

Where you braid like a French Braid, but on the underneath, or lower braid, you drop the strand of hair and pick up a new strand. (You can get complex on this one, and do one waterfall braid, then a second using the pieces you 'dropped' from the first braid, to bring all your hair up... I should do a tutorial on this)

6) The Twist

Start with two pieces of hair and twist them around each other, pulling in more hair with each twist

7) Lace Braid

You would do the French braid as normal, but only take in hair from one side (instead of both).

8) Rope Braid

You separate your hair into two sections, then twist each section, then twist both sections around each other.

There are many other (way too complicated) ways to do braids, but I think these basics are enough! You can play around with how you do them (crown braids, braids into buns, into ponytails, half out hair etc), and you will have heaps of different hairstyles.

Enjoy! x

A skinny girl's fallacy

Currently I'm hurting in places I didn't know could hurt. It's not cos of secret spousal abuse (anyone who knows Matt and I know it would be me doing the abusing, if any were happening.) Nor is it because I am sick in any way. Nope. Instead I have joined a gym and am submitting myself to very hard weights toning classes about 2-3 times a week.

You see, for many years I lived a lie. I was skinny-ish, so I 'looked' fit. I never exercised, basically because I was lazy. Skinny girls can lie to themselves that they are fit.
But, as the years have come on, it has become abundantly clear to me that I am in no way fit. Take for example a short run Matt and I decided to go on in early January. At first I was going for it- 'I'm the king of the world!'... nek minit, I'm nearly throwing up, heaving in pain, and have to walk home. Oh the shame.

Also, last year I was asked on more than one occasion if I was pregnant. So the 'food baby' was getting a little out of control.

So, I joined the gym. I am going to classes (as opposed to hopping on a treadmill) for a few reasons:

• They have instructors who know what to do
• The instructors really push you. My personal 'give up' level is about 20 mins (ok seconds) into the 50 min class, so they push you to keep going
• Its not just me... others are there too. And you don't want the shame of giving up in front of peers

My goals through this are to get fit and toned. Losing weight is not a goal, which means I'm not doing too much cardio, but more weight and strength training. I'm doing a class called power (that links to an 80's style fitness video), which is all about strength. 

Don't worry, its not my goal to look like this guy

And yesterdays class, was so HARD! Near the end of the class we do abs, and not only did we have to plank (at a time when we're wasted already), but we had to lift our butt's up and down, then kick our legs out one at a time, too. Lets just say at the end I was grunting like a dying animal in pain. Oh plank, how I loathe and love you.

Second row down is what I mean. Try it... after 3 minutes of this you will cry

But..the pain is SO good. I love it! I love being able to up my weights (started on 1kg each side, up to 4.5 each side. One man in the class lifts 15kg each side...all class!), and see improvement in my body.

Why am I telling you this? Because I am good at giving up. And I need to be held accountable! And if I make a blog post about it, thats about as public as it gets, so no going back.

I will end with some ways to get toned abs (my dream goal....)

Easier than planking

I wouldn't recommend this swiss ball one unless you want to break an arm from a falling injury.

And, for your toned abs, you can thank me.