What I've been in to February

So, have I been in to over January. I've been in to a range of different things.

Books
Thinking  about books - I have not really been into to much. I have been meaning to read Julia Gilard's My Life; Hilary Clinton's Happened. At the moment I've also been quiet tired so I have not really been able to read much.

TV
On the Television front, I have tried to watch a bit more. This month I've watched David Attenborough's The Planet and The Planet Two. It is a really wonderful series. Showing now awe-inspiring the planet really is.

Other than the documentaries I watched the thriller 'You' and a recording of Bruce Springsteen's musical 'Springsteeen'. I really loved how he told his stories through songs.

Springsteen is a great story teller and I just love listening to him speak.

You was very different. It was a thriller, and creepy to watch. The premise of the show is the book store employee who finds a customer  attractive and then plays 'God' in following her so
he can date her (in the mean-time criticising her choices as being needy or crying out). I certainly felt uncomfortable in the lead actor's shoes).

Will try and watch a little more TV this month.

Music
Not a lot of music news - I'm enjoying listening the Rescues new song 'Hold On'. Other new songs this month have been by Radiohead, The Killers, Glen Hansard and Sarah Masen.

The Killers song is their first overtly politiacal tune. Hoping that new music means the bands will hit the road...

What I've been in to - October Part II

I wanted to revisit this post from October as I feel there's a few more points to make.  While I was in hospital the last time my cousin gave me a copy of Geraint Thomas' The World of Cycling According to G'. 

I finally finished the reading it, and while it hasn't turned my to love cycling and certainly have a greater appreciation for the tactics and training involved in the sport and likewise understand while so many get so little sleep each Winter because of a race around France. Thomas writes with a sense of fun and love of the sport and both are clearly come across on each page. His followup based on his experiences on the Tour de France could be a good read too.

I haven't pick a new book to start so with oodles of waiting room time on the cards this weeks I will have to soon :)

Back on to the music front, My treat to myself this month was an 8 CD and 1 DVD collection of R.E.M. performances recorded by the BBC. While I haven't yet worked my through the whole collection, the complete recording of their 1999 set from Glastonbury and from Jools Holland stood out as collections I wanted to hear.  It's fascinating reading the linear notes, and the journalists reflection on both the music and musicians.

The other notable musical event was the release of Abby Dobson's new solo album. I've always just loved her voice and songwriting, and the album certainly doesn't disappoint of that front.

Onto sport. 
Not a lot to say I guess. It is actually on of the harder weeks I find to be a sports fan, with the build up, running and post-game of the Melbourne Cup dominating TV.  I just can't seem to get into it.

• Its maddening the South Africa v Australia One Series is not on free-to-air TV. Though with the Australian performance - losing by 6 wickets with 120 balls to spare - maybe that is a small mercy that it is not on TV.  In case you were wondering the next ODI is on Friday from Adelaide. Hopefully a more competitive game.
• NZ lost 8/23 to lose the match and their T20 series against Pakistan 3-0. The NZ summer of cricket continues with Tests against Pakistan.
• The Champions League continues this week too with a few teams able to seal their passage into the next round on Wednesday and Thursday morning. Interestingly also this week was talk of a new European Super League. Not sure what I think about this.  I do kind of like the Champions League in its current form. 

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What I've been into October

Wow, I’m back to writing other post on what I’ve been into this month. Given that I spent two full weeks in hospital I have been able to get a little more reading done than usual.

The highlight for the month was Leigh Sales ‘Any Ordinary Day’ it certainly gave me a lot to think about around the topic of resilience and dealing with adversity.

Other books I’ve read – Carly Gelsinger on her Christian upbringing and how toxic Christianity can be; Boys will be Boys by Clementine Ford – really thought provoking book about raising boys. I also finished Gillian Triggs memoir. Both Carly and Clementine's books left me unsettled in how both revealed so much about me that I don't (and didn't) like. I'm certainly not the fundamentalist teenager I was, and I'm so thankful to God for that. I know as a father of two children I'm playing such a significant role in shaping how they understand themselves, their identity and the world in which they live. I think I want to equip them to ask questions, not to have down-pat answers. 

I’m now working my way through Geraint Thomas book - The World of Cycling According to G. Geraint is a cyclist – I don’t know much about either Geraint or cycling as a sport (though I certainly understand its appeal) – so it has been making for interesting reading.

Onto the music front. During my last stay in hospital, I decided to work on a few playlists. The first was focused around some of the music I listened to while I was in high school (excluding U2 and R.E.M.) I was inspired seeing a list of nominees for entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Def Leppard was up so I decided to start the playlist with them, and other rock bands I was introduced to while I was at school, which aren't necessarily household names like Mr Big, Living Colour, Extreme and Dream Theatre, so I labelled the list Rediscoveries. 

I expanded it out to included other bands I was listening to in 1991-92 like Genesis (We Can't Dance), Scorpions (Crazy World), Metallica (Metallica), Phil Collins (Both Sides of the Story) and some of the one hit wonders from the year like Ugly Kid Joe. Funnily enough a few of these bands, Def Leppard, Scorpions, Bon Jovi and Phil Collins are all due to tour our shores over the next few months.

The other playlist I decided to try my hand at creating featured Australia and New Zealand music. I do have to admit I was a little less happy with it because it is a little light on the New Zealand front and I’m not happy with the female artist representation, so will work on fixing that. Maybe with Australia claiming a lot of successful Kiwi’s as theirs I have more New Zealand representation than I think.

Under the Radar have updated their playlist on Spotify so I will check out that too as its been a great way of finding new Christian music.

I'm a great fan of Spotify. It made it easy to compile the playlists and listen to them while I'm on the go. 

Onto TV. Not a lot here  I’ve been watching a little bit more of Suits, and have been appreciating it as I go. 

I generally spend a more time watching kids TV mostly Lego – Ninjago and True and the Rainbow Kingdom,  Both shows are fascinating and frustrating at the same time. Particularly in the light of the messages they send young boys and girls.

I've just started trying to rewatch News Room as well. 

What I've been into - September 2018

In terms of what I've been reading, watching and listening to, I shared that in the post about what I did in hospital.  The only couple of things to add was that I've now started reading Leigh Sales book  Any Ordinary Day. In the book Leigh Sales details what happens the day after your life is turned upside down. A lot of publicity on the book talks about Phillip Hughes (a cricketer killed on the field in 2015) and the back stories of the workers caught up in the Lindt Cafe siege. Interwoven with those stories is some of the tragedies from her own life and the story of Stuart Diver.

I was lucky enough to hear her speak about the book at Stanton Library this week. She's such a wonderful engaging speaker and worthwhile listening to. I'm looking forward to getting deeper into the book.  As an aside, I'm certainly going to keep my eyes open to see what other events Stanton Library has on.

Onto the music front. The album I'm really listening to a bit this month is Andrew Osenga's 'The Painted Desert'. Andrew Osenga is one of my favourite singer-songwriters who writes deep, and at times challenging songs. He is one reason that every so often I dream of travelling to Nashville to spend a month just listening to live music.

On to TV, I watched the pilot of '13 Reasons Why' the other day. It is a really interesting looking show and one that I'll look at more deeply soon.

I've kind of covered the other more personal health update here. The only thing to add here is that I'm going to go back onto Chemo in the next few weeks as the last time my lungs were treated was late July. The alternative drug they are thinking about for me is still being cleared for the PBS. A process which seems to take it's time. 

What I've been into ...

Over the past few stays at hospital I’ve been able to discover a bit more music, books and a little television. So I thought that I’d take the time to share a few of these.  

Musically speaking – while I often have found U2 to be the soundtrack to my life and I certainly listened to Songs of Experience a lot while I was in hospital - I tried to listen to music from new artists too. 

I used Under the Radar to help. Under the Radar Media is an American based, independent Christian Music website. UTR had coincidentally just put together a playlist on Spotify, so I listened to that; exploring albums from artists I liked the sound of as I went through the playlist.

Some recent discoveries were Drakeford (a folk duo), Jillian Jones (probably folk as well).  The playlist included recent songs from long-term favourite artists of mine like Andrew Osenga, Andrew Peterson, Taylor Leonhardt and Christa Wells to name a few.

Another artist I listened to while I was in hospital was Shane & Shane – I really enjoyed hearing them sing some of the Psalms. The Psalms are a book of the bible I’ve found myself coming back to a bit over the last little while.

Bottom line – if you’re looking for more music, especially Christian music, and don’t know where to start I’ll totally recommend the Under the Radar playlist on Spotify. If you do like what you find – visit the artists website and buy their albums.

Onto books – the last few I finished were Father Rod Bower’s ‘Outspoken’, Behrouz Boochani’s ‘No Friend but the Mountains’ and Kon Karapanagiotidis’ ‘Power of Hope’. Each of which are powerful works, challenging reminders of the times we are living in and in their own way each provoked me to think about the person I am and the life I'm living. 

Boochani is a detainee on Manus Island and writes an account from the prison. His book is a reminder to me that the Australian government and opposition have lost their moral compass. It certainly is a difficult read. It is hard to read it and not be moved by it - moved to action, moved to dismay that our political leadership sees Manus Island and what it represents as how to best deal with refugees. 

Father Bower currently serves at Gosford Anglican Church and came to prominence through some of the messages he has put up on the churches sign board. The church speaks with a compelling voice for social justice. The book is autobiographical and details Rob’s life and ministry, but at the same time offers a challenge to Christians in terms of how they live out and let their faith impact their life.

Kon’s book the Power of Hope is not only autobiographical but details an Australia we could be prouder of, in terms of how the country treats our first peoples, refugees and women. 

Implicit in all three books is the challenge we face to help make Australia better than it is, and to make our world a better place. I know that I’ll be re-reading the books by Kon Karapanagiotidis and Father Bower, primarily to think more about their manifesto for change in themselves.

Currently on my to read list is Dr Kirstin Ferguson's 'Womenkind' which recaps her Celebrating Women project from last year; Leigh Sales new book 'Any Ordinary Day: Blindsides, Resilience and What Happens After the Worst Day of Your Life' and Gillian Triggs' autobiography 'Speaking Up'.

Before leaving books, if anyone has any recommendations for some funny stories to read I’d love to get them, would make a change from the serious and challenging books I tend to read. 

On the TV front – I started to watch Suits. Started to watch might be slightly kind – I slept through some of it. But I plan to revisit it.

Last Monday night’s Australian Story, Four Corners and QandA were all quite exceptional.  The discussion on QandA was really fascinating, and I enjoyed listening to Germaine Greer more than I thought I would.  It has been a while since I really watched QandA and the episode seemed to do better than most at showing how good the show can be. I’m a big fan of the addition of the ‘People’s panellist’ who’s designed to represent the average punter.

Four Corners was a slightly depressing view about the state of aged care facilities in this country. It certainly will be interesting to see what is uncovered by the Royal Commission and what is done especially seeing as along with a Federal Election, elections in New South Wales and Victoria are imminent. I know that the picture of what Aged Care centres look like in Australia is more complicated than shown in the television show and there are some great homes out there, but that the incidents could happen at all is concerning.

Australian Story focused on the story of Emma Watkin (aka Emma Wiggle). Detailing how she became a ‘Wiggle’, her health battles and her relationship with ‘Lachy’ (the purple Wiggle). I certainly admire her openness about both her health and relationship with Lachy.

What I've been in to - August

This month's 'What I'm in to'is being written at North Shore Private hospital. I was admitted this week to have a tumour removed from my brain. The surgery went well. I will spend this coming weekend in hospital to recover.

As I've written elsewhere - I'm so very thankful for our health system, and the people working in it. I'm relieved the operation went well even if feeling a little sore and tired. I'm so very thankful to have so many wonderful people walking along this road with me.

What I've been reading
August has been quite a productive month for reading. I've mostly read non-fiction books:

• Lizzie Marvelly - 'That F Word Growing Up Feminist in Aotearoa' 
• Brene Brown - 'Braving the Wilderness'
• Austin Channing-Brown - 'I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness'
• Kon Karapanagiotidis - The Power of Hope
• William McInnes - Fatherhood
• Richard Glover - Flesh Wounds
• Titus O'Rielly - A Thoroughly Unhelpful History of Australian Sport
• Erin Loechner - Chasing Slow: Courage to Journey Off the Beaten Path
• Rebecca Solnit - The Faraway Nearby

Of the above, the highlights were Kon K's book The Power of Hope, Titus O'Rielly's book on sport, and Lizzie Marvelly's book about growing up feminist in New Zealand.  I recommend everyone reads Kon's book, a really powerful and moving book. Titus O'Reilly's book details the place of sport in Australian society. Lizzie's book details feminsim in New Zealand (and I extrapolate probably Australia too).  It's saddening to read, because it highlights the lived experience of so many women in our world. 

What I've been listening to

On my playlist through August has been Wildness (Snow Patrol) and a collection of Christian songs that we sing at church.  September will see me dig into U2's music, as they are back on the road again. Still sad there is no Australian tour, but can kind of understand why it is difficult to come to Australia/NZ/Africa and Asia.  I'm also digging into Bon Jovi because one of my their best albums 'New Jersey' will turn 30 this year.  I haven't got tickets, but I'm still thinking of seeing Bon Jovi later this year if seats are available. Even though they won't be the same without Richie Sambora they can still write a great tune and out on a great show. 

On the music front, apparently Pearl Jam may have a new album coming out. They're another band I'd love to see. I'm also tempted by Phil Collins who is touring early next year. 

Keen for recommendations too if anyone has some :)

What I've been Watching

Just a few here, even though it has been sad, I've enjoyed watching 'Call the Midwife'. Thanks to Jen Carrick's recommendation I started on Suits. Just the pilot to date, but I might watch more tomorrow (Editor's note, perhaps sleep through rather than watch, can't blame the show though ;))

What I’ve been into July

Here we are at the start of another month. Winter is almost over for another year. Though it never really felt much like winter. The highlights from July were a trip to Canberra during the school holidays. We took the kids to a few spots I hadn’t been to since I wore a School uniform, like the War Memorial, and I went to Old Parliament House for the first time. I really enjoyed eating out at Morks,  a great Thai restaurant on the lake. It was great to do this while off treatment, I certainly had a lot more energy and felt a lot more like myself.

Podcasts
For something different this month, I thought that I’d write about the podcasts I had been enjoying. Given my sporting bent, one of the podcasts I try not to miss is Ladies Who League. The host is league fan Mary K. It’s a great recap of the weekend’s games and the issues within the game. They had a great episode with some referees. I found it awesome to hear their perspective.

The other podcast I’ve been listening too is What She Said. The podcast is hosted by Andy Abey and Polly Butterworth. The podcast features the untold stories of Christian women. The first episode was centred on Queen Elizabeth II, and the most recent one about a few women from the suffragette movement. Really eye opening for me.

Books
I’ve been a little more productive reading wise over the last month. I read Rachel Held Evans book about the bible. Just beautifully written, and thought provoking. If you’re wrestling with how to read and understand the bible you could do worse than using this as a starting point.

I also read James Comey’s book. In some ways it’s a scary read. It highlights Comey’s career and some of the time he spent in Trump’s Whitehouse. His reflections on Obama and his leadership style was fascinating.

I started Jacqui Lambie’s autobiography. A great read so far. I don’t necessarily agree with all of her politics but I loved that she was from a different cloth to most other politicians. I miss her voice from parliament.

TV
Really enjoyed Masterchef this year. Though I still have the final two episodes to look forward to. Can hardly believe the show has been going for ten years.

Music
I’ve been listening to a lot of music. The albums on heavy rotation at the moment are Wildness (Snow Patrol), the live version of Bon Jovi’s This House is not For Sale, and U2s Songs of Experience.

I feel Snow Patrol are incredibly underrated, and this album is their best songwriting to date. Bon Jovi are an old favourite and This House is Not For Sale is their first album without Richie Sambora. I do miss him, but the album still sounds like classic Bon Jovi. I still have Songs of Experience on heavy rotation the lyrics of the albums are so close to what I’m living now, and the feelings I have towards those close to me. It’s hard to listen to without getting emotional. I’m sad they most likely won’t tour it here but am so thankful for the music.

What’s coming up? We have a significant family birthday and will go away to celebrate that. We might go away again in the school holidays. I’m looking forward to the climax of two enthralling football seasons and hope to find a few more books to read.

What I’ve been into - June

Been meaning to write for a while, hard to believe the year is now half gone. We’re over half way through the World Cup.

To be fair most of June is in a sleepy haze due to the World Cup. So I guess that’s where I should start. I’ve really enjoyed watching it. Now we are also most down to the final four, with the final games due to be played tonight. Still hoping for a new winner, of the remaining six teams only France and England have won it before.

More personally, at the end of June, I saw my Doctor, and am now taking a brief break from treatment. The main reasons for this is that I’m currently stable, and it’s good to give my body a break. So I feel good to have the break, but find the relentlessness of treatment and scans hard. I also feel that life is in a holding pattern. My expectation for the future is that while I will have the occasional breaks, I will be having some form of treatment for the foreseeable future.

The highlights from June have been spending time helping out at H’s school with reading groups. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know some of the kids and their parents through both the reading group and a social event.

I’ve been enjoying spending some time working in the church office, it’s really helpful for me to spend some time doing something productive, especially in a work place where I can see people.

On to what I’ve been watching, reading and listening to.

Reading
Again, to be honest I haven’t read that much this month. I do have a few books on my reading list. I’m still keen to finish Clementine Ford’s Fight Like a Girl. The other book on my to reading list is Rachel Held Evans book on the bible.

Listening
Onto music, I’ve been spending the month listening to a bit of the U2 tour. It’s been great to hear the new songs, and a few older favourites. So thankful that some people are streaming the shows for people to listen too.

The other albums on heavy rotation are Songs of Experience by U2, a live album featuring songs from Bon Jovi’s This House is Not For Sale, and Snow Patrol’s Wildness. I totally recommend each of those.

Television
Aside from the World Cup, the shows I’ve been watching are, Shark Tank, Back in time for Dinner, Masterchef and the beginning of the month saw the tale end of The Voice. Staring with The Voice. There really wasn’t a standout contestant. I was sad that Sam won, while he’s certainly talented, I feel the controversy surrounding him worked in his favour.  Masterchef is always great, and I love how supportive the contestants are of each other.

Back Home in time for Dinner has been a great look at the trends of the last 50 years.

Shark Tank has been fun too. I’ve certainly liked the banter between the Sharks this season. Often amazed at some of the valuations the contestants come in with.

Again I haven’t watched many movies so there’s nothing to say here. On the cards for July and the school holidays is a trip to the Powerhouse Museum and a weekend away.

Planning to try and write more blogposts over the next little while, but we’ll see how I go. On Wednesday I will be seeing my oncologist, which will hopefully give more shape to the rest of the year.

What I'm in to - April

So, time for another monthly update. The highlight of the month was going to Brisbane to visit my sister-in-law and her family. Was lovely to see all of the kids play together and get away from it all.  We had a lovely day at Wet n Wild and Movieworld, visiting the Queensland Museum. It was great to have the energy to do everything. Another highlight was taking the kids to the ANZAC Day service and seeing how much they took in.

So other than Brisbane, what have I been up to...

Reading

Currently working my way through Clementine Ford's Fight Like a Girl and Rebecca Solnit's 'The Faraway Nearby (about stories and story-telling). Both have been slow going, mostly because I just haven't made the time to do it.

Music

This month I've been listening to Hillsong's new album - 'There is more'. I've found the lyrics to be immensely encouraging. The standout tracks have been 'Who You Say I am', 'The Passion', and 'Remembrance'. The album certainly has a number of beautiful songs to help draw us near to God. I am always impressed with both the vocals and writing of Brooke and Scott Ligertwood

TV

So, one of my guilty pleasures is The Voice. So I was so glad that it has started again for the year. I love the concept of singing to the back of chairs and being judged by the voice alone. Yes, I suspect it is more complex than that but that's the theory.

I find each the story each contestant has fascinating. They all come on the show for different reasons, doing something for themselves, proving something to themselves. Sad the number of stories involving bullying at school. As a viewer, the back story certainly impacts the likability of the contestants.

I've been working my way through the blinds and a few have stood out - Oskar Proy (who sang a traditional Spanish folk song); Tayla Thomas (who sang Let it Go) and Zoe Tsagalis  (who sing Liability - Lorde).

I love the coaches this year - I don't know Joe Jonas' music but he's been good value as a coach; I've always liked Delta as a coach too, her love and passion for people and music comes through. But I miss Keith Urban, I think he's been my favourite coach on the show.

The other show I enjoyed watching was Employable Me. It was a really moving show too, about people and their battles.

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I've also been trying to spend a little bit more time writing. It is a way I can process what I'm going through and the crazy messed up world we find ourselves in.

What I'm in to - March 2018

So, Easter has come and gone, and its now April and time to reflect back on March.

Reading
I've actually done a little bit more reading this month. I've finished Tracey Spicer's book The Good Girl Stripped Bare, and started Clementine Ford's book Fight Like a Girl. Both are challenging reads in the sense that they open my eyes a bit more to what its like to be a woman in today's world, and for that reason, I'd encourage you to read them both. 

TV
Really haven't watched much TV this month.  I'm waiting for The Voice to start again. I was disappointed with last season and hoping this year will be an improvement. I finally got tired of My Kitchen Rules, finally became tired of the manufactured villains, especially seeing as they are almost always creating conflict between two women, and seem to ask people to play roles. The other detraction is I never get to eat the food they cook.  I'll still watch Masterchef when it starts, because at least it is just about cooking food. Yes, I know I still can't eat the food they cook.

Music
I've listened to a lot of new music over March - Andrew Peterson's Resurrection Letters, December's Sisters and Brothers, Isobel Knight's The Nest, Katie Herzig's Moment of Bliss.

The Resurrection Letters - Prologue is a wonderful and moving reflection on the death and resurrection of Jesus.

December's Sisters and Brothers is filled with beautifully written songs, and it also includes a cover of U2's 'The First Time'. I really love 'The Battle for Your Sacred Heart' and '1963'.

Speaking of beautifully written songs - One Day by Christa Wells has really been nourishing my heart. The lyrics speak to the season I'm walking in almost perfectly.

It’s hard to sing when you’re crying
Hard to leave when you’re tied down
It’s hard to sleep when you’re fighting
For your life like you are right now
There’s only so much more you can stomach
Though it’s more than you thought
And you only keep moving
By the grace of God

You’re doing one day
One breath
One prayer
One thing at a time
One word
One step
One hope
In a coming light
Don’t try to swallow the ocean
Keep doing one day
Til one day you’re free

You could escape in a daydream
But you’d wind up right back here
Up to your waist in the maybes
No use hiding on the back stairs
Hear the peculiar voice in the forest
Calling open the doors
It’ll take a few battles 
To win this war

Oh, I see you laughing on the other side
Where the walls have tumbled and the flowers grow wild
Oh, I see you laughing on the other side
With your broken heart under open sky

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The song is available through i-tunes, and the EP it's on will be released later this month.  Having already listened to the EP - I can tell you to rush out and buy it.  Christa's songs are beautifully moving.

What I've been in to - February 2018

Hard to believe, but we're almost at the end of February, so its time again to write about what I've been reading and listening to. 

Books

Well I've managed to read a few more books this month. The first was from Tanya Marlow 'Those Who Wait'. The book is about seeing God in and through disappointment, doubt and delay. The book uses the stories of Sarah, Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary to talk about finding God as we deal with disappointment. What I really loved about the book is the stories it wove about how these biblical characters may have felt as they waited for God's promises to be fulfilled. In her book, Marlow includes chapters that talk about why she made certain interpretations as she retold these familiar stories, also highlighting that there were other ways you could read the story.

The other book I've been working through is Samantha Lane's book Roar.  Roar tells the stories of some of the players and coaches from the Women's AFL competition, which launched during 2017.  I really enjoyed reading it - and hearing how much the competition and game mean to these women.  I am totally blown away by the book, and the women who shared their stories.

Music

I've posted about this briefly elsewhere to, but the music on heavy rotation during this month has been Andrew Peterson, Sandra McCracken, Christa Wells. I've only just got Sarah Blasko's new album so am expecting to listen to that a bit more. First impressions, I just love her unique and powerful voice. The songs are so emotional and human. Well worth checking out.

The highlight of Andrew Peterson's EP Resurrection Letters - Prologue is the song Last Words which is a beautifully constructed song featuring Jesus' last words on the Cross. Just a really thought provoking EP.  The album beautifully prepares our hearts for both Lent and Easter.

I've also been listening to another band called 'A TreehouseWait'. Totally recommend listening to them too. Great lyrics and a unique sound.

It's kind of fitting to post here that it has been twenty years since I saw U2's Sydney PopMart concert, my first U2 show. The enduring memories I have from the concert, are the man who climbed up a lighting tower during Where the Streets Have No Name, the fact that the band could not use their lemon due to an electrical storm, the band playing One (in memory of Michael Hutchence) illuminated only by the electrical storm, and the crowd singing INXS' Never Tear Us Apart after the show finished. The album Pop is still one of my all time favourite albums, and the concert one of the best I have ever seen. Hard to believe that's now twenty years ago.

What I'm in to December/January

Boy those Christmas holidays disappeared. Can hardly believe school's started for the year. We had quite a busy January, catching up with family over Christmas and New Years, before taking a road trip to Victoria for a wedding, and then away with friends for the Australia Day weekend.

The trip to Victoria was great fun. The first time we'd driving long distance with the kids and they both coped with it fairly well. Planned breaks (and exercise) at McDonalds helped, as well as the Wiggles (their Meet the Orchestra CD is quite fun) and various audio-books. On the way down we also stopped at Holbrook, The Submarine and Museum there was a big hit. On the way down we spent the first night at Beechworth. Just a lovely town - with an awesome Bakery, and a rich history.

One of the many highlights of the trip was our day in Melbourne. We caught a bus into the city, and stopped at Brunetti's, Reading Kids, before going to the Museum. Sad to say, but I definitely preferred it to any of the Museums in Sydney. The day we arrived in Melbourne we also went to the Collingwood Children's Farm - which I totally recommend. It was just wonderful for the kids. 

The other highlight of the trip was a visit to Hutch & Co in Lilydale. We visited the cafe because in an earlier life it was a shop owned by Fiona's family, and I can totally recommend the Tonic Expresso on their menu - a shot of coffee, with Tonic water poured over ice served with Lime. Just wonderful

It was really great to be off treatment - it meant that I had so much more energy for these things. I felt so much more myself. The challenge now is trying to retain some of that energy now I'm back on treatment. I'll have a scan later this month so we can see how things are going.  I'm trying not to be too anxious about this, as whatever will be, already is.

How else have I kept myself busy during the past few months.

Reading
I've read a little bit more over the past few months, not a lot mind you.  I finished Jamila Rizvi's book Not Just Lucky. While it is geared to women, I found there was a lot I could personally take from it, as well as being another helpful book to remember as my daughter grows up.  Since then I've started Zoe Daniel's Story Teller. If you don't know, Zoe Daniel is (or perhaps was) ABC's South East Asia Correspondent. The book is as much about the events she covered and her reflections on her working life. I've just started, so more later.

On my list to read next is Samantha Lane's book Roar and Tanya Marlow's Those Who Wait. Roar focuses on stories from the inaugural Women's AFL competition. Those Who Wait is a book about the perspective and purpose we can find through waiting for the fulfillment of our longings.

Music
December is normally filled with Christmas carols and Christmas songs. While I did listen to a few carols, the album on high rotation was U2's Songs of Experience. I've blogged my thoughts on the album here. If its possible I think I like and enjoy the album more now than I did then. I'm still hoping their Experience and Innocence Tour comes here, but I have doubts.

In January, we went and saw the Carole King Musical - Beautiful.  I really enjoyed the musical.  I was familiar with some of the music but none of the story.  The musical told the story beautifully, and was quite fun.  One of the highlights of the musical was You've Got a Friend, it was beautifully placed in the musical and gave me the chills. Seriously, if you can go to Melbourne and see it, you won't be disappointed.

After seeing the musical, I was inspired and listened to a bit more of Carole King. Along with the musical CD, Carole King's album Tapestry, was also on heavy rotation. I also did some exploring and listened to a concert she did with James Taylor in the 1970s. (Live at the Troubadour). It has beautiful versions of 'You Can Close Your Eyes' and 'Fire and Rain'. I knew You Can Close Your Eyes because of the duet performed by Brooke Fraser and William Fitzsimmons.

The other highlight was Glen Hansard's new album Between Two Shores. I'd been hearing songs from the album since 'Time Will be the Healer' was released last year. I love Hansard's voice; and the songs sound great. Think they'll grow a more when they're played live, so hopefully we'll see him out here soon.

I didn't expect it but the new album from Andrew Osenga (The Painted Desert) has also been really great to listen to.

During January the other highlight was going to the Brickman Awesome show in Sydney. Brickman Awesome is an exhibition of some pretty amazing models made completely out of Lego bricks.  I couple of the ones which really jumped out at me were the Killer Whale, Red Back Spider, Rosewell and the Sydney Opera House.

Movies
It's actually been a good month for movies - I had planned to go and see the latest Star Wars film but I never quite got to do that, but I did take the time to watch The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman Movie, I found both to be really fun, a lot of cultural references for the mature viewer. The Lego Batman movie certainly is my favourite Batman movie.

If I can find a way to make it work I hope to see some of the Oscar nominated films. I was delighted to see Lou (a short film released with Cars 3) nominated in the Animated Short Film category. Will let you know how I go next month.                                                                               

What I'm in to - November

Another month has come and gone, and we're now in December.  So its time to share what captured my attention during November. 

It was a pretty quiet month reading wise.  I didn't start or finish any books, and I'm no where near my goal of 40 books for the year.

A different story so far as music goes - I spent a bit of time listening to the Anniversary Edition of R.E.M.'s Automatic for the People, which came with a recording of a show they did after the albums release. They didn't widely tour the album, so I'm glad they included that. There's also a CD of Demos which I haven't explored.

Other than R.E.M.'s reissue, I listened to Amanda Held Opelt's Embers. Really lovely folk album with really great lyrics. You can read more about the album here.

I also heard new songs from Sarah Blasko and Glen Hansard. Sarah Blasko's album is also due to be released next year.

U2's new album has now been released, I'll write more about that next month.

TV
Been enjoying 800 Words lately, working my way through season 2. Really easy to watch with characters that you grow to know and care about.

What I'm in to - July 2017

Can't believe that another month is gone and its now the beginning of August. So its time for another, What I'm in too post.

Reading:
Pretty ordinary month for reading.  I haven't read anything. Something to work on in August :)

Music:
The highlight of July was the release of Nichole Nordeman's album Every Mile Mattered.  Nichole is one of my all time favourite singer songwriters. The album certainly highlights that with some really powerful songs. Dear Me a song written to herself, and its certainly caused me to reflect on my faith now and where I've come from. The album also has a wonderful cover of U2's Beautiful Day. The song is slowed down and it really works.

Watching
Quiet month of TV. Most Mondays to Wednesdays I begin the day by watching the Baseball from the US. The catch on this video is one of the reasons I keep watching.  The game is amazing. I think I've said it elsewhere but the walk off hit or home run is unique in sport (and this game had them both, see the game highlights here).

I've also been enjoying watching Shark Tank. Really interesting pitches, the investors are really great people too.

What I'm in to - June

Reading:

Another quiet month for reading this time, I've managed two books. I finished Susan Carland's 'Fighting Hislam' and 'Radical Remission' by Kelly Turner.

Susan Carland's book was a really eye opening read, talking about woman seeking to change Islam from within.

'Radical Remission' is about people who have survived cancer against the odds. The book explores nine key factors shared by these individuals (often they stop using conventional treatments, like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy).

The nine factors mentioned in the book are: Radically changing your diet; taking control of your health; following your intuition; using herbs and supplements; releasing suppressed emotions; increasing positive emotions; embracing social support; deepening your spiritual connection; and having strong reasons for living.

It was a helpful read, I'm certainly not thinking about stopping the treatments I'm doing at the moment, but some of the factors are worthwhile thinking more about, and trying to apply them.

Watching
The highlight of my TV viewing  during June was The Voice. Even if none of the contestants really jumped out  at me this year, it was still enjoyable to watch. I really like Delta as a coach so it was great that Judah won. The dynamic between Kelly and Delta was great.

I've been enjoying watching Masterchef too.  I enjoyed the episodes filmed in Japan; probably because I love Japanese food.  The really frustrating thing about cooking shows is that you never get to taste the food which has been made.

Listening
I spent a lot of June listening to Radiohead's OK Computer, R.E.M's Automatic for the People and Coldplay's  A Head Full of Dreams. I'm looking forward to the new album from Nichole Nordeman. It was a very nice surprise when I found out she had a new album coming out.  She's one of my favourite singer-songwriters. One of the reasons I'm looking forward to hearing the album is how she describes it:

These songs have given me permission, and I hope you too, to silence the voices of regret. To recognize that every part your journey, every broken place, have all been part of the story God is writing in your life. Lessons we had to learn. Tears that had to fall. Chapters that had to be written and then closed, to find ourselves in a bigger, more beautiful story.
It all mattered. Every single mile.

What I'm in to - May 2017

Its hard to believe another month has been and gone, and we've now hit winter.  So its time for a post about what I've been reading, watching and listening to the past month.

Reading: It has been a quiet month for reading.  I only managed to read one book. I finished off 'Finding lost words: the church’s right to lament'. I found it to be a really important book highlighting the place of lament in the both the church and individual believers life. There was a great resource about planning a lament service and a couple of great sermons on Psalm 13 and 88; a few of the lament Psalms in the bible. Really recommend getting a hold of the book and reading it.

The goal for June is to read more than one book.  I've just started Susan Carland's book: Fighting Hislam, talking about women in Islam. So far it's been a really interesting read. Telling the story of women fighting for equality in Islam from within.

Watching: Mostly I've been watching the Voice.  They are now into the battle rounds, and to me at least there's no one who is really standing out. I suspect its more taste than talent that is making me make that call.  The moments of the show for me were ones that didn't come with a chair spin.  Boy George paying for a country singer to go to Nashville, and a female duo Mercy and Mia who sung 'You Are My Sunshine'.

I've always thought that the best battle performances are the ones that seem like a duet. This one from season three between Annabelle Eve and Talia Gouge is still my favourite.

Other than The Voice I haven't been watching much, though I'm keen to start Nashville, Suits, 13 Reasons Why and House of Cards.

Listening: Here's a list of the songs that have been on heavy rotation during May. Fair to say some of these songs I'm listening to because of the U2 tour, others because of the season of life I'm walking through.

The Pogues - A Rainy Night in Soho

December - A Sort of Homecoming

Simon & Garfunkel - America (Live)

December - Where the Streets Have No Name

Charles Esten and Sarah Siskind - When Trouble Comes

Katie Herzig - I Want to Make You Proud

U2 - Miss Sarajevo (Live, from Milan 2005)

Casting Crowns - Oh My Soul

Lara Landon - Give me Jesus

Joe Grushecky & Bruce Springsteen - That's What Makes it Great

U2 -The Little Things that Give You Away

The Frames (w/ Holly Throsby) - New Partner (Live from Sydney 2007)

The other music adventures during May were catching the Vivid shows from the Fleet Foxes and Lisa Hannigan. The thing that struck me about both of the shows was how quiet the audience was during the shows. Lisa Hannigan just has one of the more beautiful voices you are ever likely to hear. Her absolute delight in playing the Opera House was infectious. 

The striking thing about the Fleet Foxes were the harmonies between the singers.  It was a different show as they performed a lot of material from their soon to be released album 'Crack Up' so I didn't know many of the songs. It was a relief they also played some of the better known songs from their earlier albums too.

I've also been following U2's tour of the Joshua Tree. It was really interesting to see what songs they chose to book-end the full performance of the Joshua Tree album, and also the snippets of songs they included. The two that stand out are Simon & Garfunkel's 'America' and the poem The New Colussus (by Emma Lazarus). Both snippets add to the narrative of the show of the two Americas.

In terms of the show, the highlights for me are Red Hill Mining Town, Exit, Miss Sarajevo and the new song The Little Things that Give You Away.

The shows from Lisa Hannigan and the Fleet Foxes are the last ones I have planned unless U2 surprise us all and announce a tour of Australia & New Zealand.

In terms of other music on the horizon it is a year of re-issues - along with U2's Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary reissue, REM are releasing a 25th Anniversary version of Automatic for the People and Radiohead are releasing a boxset for the 20th Anniversary of OK Computer.

Other

Another two highlights for the month of May were going to QandA and Vivid.  It was the first time that I had been to QandA. The one I went to was part of the Sydney Writer's Festival so while politics did enter the discussion it wasn't the centre of it.

The panel for the show was Niki Savva, Journalist and author; Lawrence Krauss, Theoretical Physicist & Cosmologist; Mikhail Zygar, Russian journalist and writer; Mona Chalabi, Data editor of The Guardian US; and Paul Beatty, Author, The Sellout.

Lawrence Krauss dislike of religion annoyed me, as did the 'ganging' up on Trump. I'm no fan of President Trump but you do have to wonder what purpose it serves (and whether or not its counter-productive).

Viivid was great.  I really enjoyed the installations at the Botanic Gardens, especially the sunflowers and Kiwis and the Zoo was spectacular as usual, I loved the Tigers, the Bilby and the Port Jackson shark you could walk through. 

What I'm to April 2017

It has been a quiet month reading wise. I have a growing number of books on my to read list, which I do need to make a dent in. I am about half-way through Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times by Soong-Chan Rah. The book examines the place of lament the Christian faith, through an exposition of the book of Lamentations. I'm have another book on that topic to read (Finding Lost Words).

I've been watching a lot of TV, mostly sport but I have really enjoyed watching We the Fans which focuses on fans in Section 250 of Soldier Field (home of the Chicago Bears, a NFL franchise). I can relate to the fans enthusiasm for the team but love how it weaves the fans stories together. Can't recommend it more highly. There's only eight episodes in the series with the final two being shown on May 2. The show is on ESPN but I think you can watch some of it on the website.

The Voice started this week and I've managed to see a few episodes . No-one has really stood out for me yet, but there is still a way to go. Good to see Seal back among the coaches, Delta's is the only remaining coach from last year. The new coaches joining the show are Boy George and Kelly Rowland. I was surprised how many people sing a coaches song.

I'm also looking forward to MasterChef starting next week. The only thing that would make the show better, is being able to smell and taste the food they cook.

I've really been getting into the Baseball. Like Cricket, it is a statistic heavy sport which appeals to me.  The (Washington) Nationals have been the team to watch in the first month of the season.

Onto music. I've been listening to a fair bit of the music we sing at our church, and will be listening to Lisa Hannigan and Fleet Foxes as I see them in concert in May. I've also been listening to the new mix of Red Hill Mining Town. I love the brass band which was added to the song.

While I am not going to an actual concert, I'm excited for the start of U2's Joshua Tree tour on 12 May. Can't wait to see what they play, and whether they play the album in full (and in sequence).

What I'm in to January/February edition

So, I know I'm a little late on this, but here's a sort post on what I've been in to over the past few months.

Reading

It has been quite a light month for reading, the only book I was able to get through last month was 'The Memory Artist' (Katherine Brabon). The book is set in Russia from Stalin to Gorbachev era, and deals with memory of Russia's past. Quite a well written novel. 

Watching

So, after quite some time I have finally finished watching The X-Files, well just the original series. The quality was a little uneven. There were some great episodes and some not so great. The overarching story for the show was quite good, but the ending didn't seem right (that said I'm not sure how I wanted it to end).  I am chasing up the most recent episodes to see what they add to the overarching story

I also started re-watching The West Wing, and have just finished Season Five, and I have been reminded how great (and even) the shows writing is. I had often recalled that Season Five was one of the weaker seasons, but this time around I have been really struck by this season - and the story lines with CJ and the President at the beginning of the season, and the tension between Josh and Donna toward the end of the season.

The episode which really hit was Access (a documentary about CJ Cregg), it provided a great reminder about what the Press Secretary in the White House. A role the current Press Secretary doesn't seem interested in.

The other arch that is striking is the tension between Toby and Will about the Vice-President and potential Presidential candidate Bob Russell.

I also finished Borgen. I watched the first two seasons but hadn't seen the third season. The third season was equally as impressive as the first two, and again focused on some meaty issues. I was struck with how differently the shows dealt with Prostitution. 

Additionally, I have been watching some the Women's AFL.  The game so far have been great ,and well supported with large and passionate crowds attending. Almost halfway through the season and interesting two unexpected teams are on the top two places.

Music

I've mostly been listening to recordings of some of Bruce Springsteen's concerts and a little bit of Coldplay (A Head Full of Dreams), and Lydia Cole's new album (Lay of the Land). I've just bought Conor Oberst's albums.

I hadn't really listened to a lot of Bruce Springsteen. I knew a few of his songs, and wanted to hear him perform live.  The concerts have been great to listen to. He's quite the performer, and I love how he lets the songs speak for themselves. 

I am really enjoying Coldplay's A Head Full of Dreams, especially after seeing them in concert. Just a fun positive album to listen to.