"I beat the beef"

Thursday night was the annual St George's 1 kilo-in-1 hour steak challenge. Of course, I took part as a proud representative of my country.

The rules are simple: each man (& 1 woman) has to eat a 1 kilo (that's a whopping 35 ounces!) hunk of rump steak as fast as he can, or wishes to, in one sitting. Finishing within an hour gets you on the wall of fame.

I gave it my best effort & came a fairly respectable 15th - 19 min 40 sec. That pleased me, because my aim was to beat the 20 min mark. But, rather more embarrasingly I was beaten by the only chick competing!

A few times I was heaving & thought I might 'chuck', but fought on through & surprisingly didn't actually feel ill after, still needing pudding to fill up! Always room. It really does become a battle between your inner spirit & the steak - it becomes your arch enemy within a matter of minutes, & at points it can seem that this nemesis might take it to the death, but I overcame!

I didn't really do my country that proud though - but it's ok because Ben did (the other Leicester-ite down here) with a high ranking second place in 7 min 20 sec. First place was an astounding 'man-eating' time of 6 min 40 sec... the fastest time on record! Sick.

Otherwise: weather has generally been up a few more degrees this week, spent a bit of time chilling on the beach, catching up on some neglected uni work & looking forward to my summer break, just round the corner!!! (I haven't had my 'compulsory' 3 months off yet this year... something expected by all students, making tax payers green with envy!)

PS: Tried loading images from the internet for your satisfaction this time round. Big no show. Sorry people! Will continue to endeavour. Possibly not my IT skills but comp not doing the business. Or maybe not.

Big opposition, but bigger waves

First off, today was the inter-college rugby game. I was recruited on Thursday & was keen to get amongst some of the action on the rugby field, after around 3 years since a 'competitive' (used lightly) game. After I was roped in I was told the opposition included a number of 'State players' (primarily South Africans & Zimbabweans), which basically means they play rugby lots & are very good (but not professional). As if that wasn't enough of a challenge, Trinity college (the opposition) were to field a Western Force player. For the uninitiated, Western Force was Western Australia's recent addition to the southern hemispehere 'Super 12' teams, making it the 'Super 14'. This is the best of club rugby union in the southern hemisphere. For the ex-Matravers rugby captain who had to beg people to play on the day of a game to get 15 players for a scrap with Clarendon, this was a slightly challenging prospect. So I was mentally preparing myself for an absolute mauling with some big hunks of rugby skill & passion.

Thankfully, things developed a little differently on the day. We had our own secret weapon. I met our maori destroyer just before the game - all 6'7" & 120kg of him! I introduced myself, "I'm Junior" boomed his response. How ironic. He was also a Western Force player - all be it in the academy. Still, you don't want to bump into him on a rugby field.

Anyway, I'm not even sure Trinity did use their Western Force player (he wasn't very impressive if he did play!) but they were a good side. I started on the bench. Junior didn't end up playing (something to do with injury liabilites & Western Force being annoyed if he played with the likes of me). When I was called to duty mid-way through the first half, I was straight in at prop! Not necessarily my strong point & I definitely don't have the build, but I was in the pack for some of the loose ball work. Luckily scrums were uncontested so my spine remains in tact, though is a little stiff & possibly now slightly crooked. I really enjoyed it, got involved with a few runs, some rucking (my first experience of an opposition player 'running down' my back when on the wrong side of the ruck - in this case, not so bad as it looked), & some tackles. But we lost: 10-5. A pleasing result though seeing as last year was a 60-0 crushing defeat & St George's have never scored points in this fixture!

So, the rugby players were not as big as expected. But on Thursday, the waves certainly were. Probably weighing in at head high, but definitely the biggest I have actually got out there in & given it a proper go (previously, just got mauled - a running theme?). The 4 guys in our surfing party struggled to break out through the surf, which led to failure in trying to 'get out the back'. This is important if you don't want to get smashed & want to catch waves - both relatively important facets of actually enjoying surfing. I enjoyed it though & got out the back lots. Catching waves was another matter though. I got some brief 'feet time' on a few waves but quickly got swallowed by the crashing water. It was stormy & so so gnarly.

Saturday was cleaner & smaller surf. Beautiful clean 2-4ft peelers. We surfed (well paddled with a board in the water & had fun) several different breaks, but I was punished a few times by the ocean for thinking I could handle it. Strangely, after a good caning, I would always resurface gasping for breath, checking all my limbs were still attached, but still grinning like a chesire cat! There is something about the power & force of the dynamic ocean that excites me & gets my adrenaline pumping...therefore it hurts me, & I just smile & laugh back! Still, one good ride & some progress I think, though much much more slowly than expected.

As I sit here typing, the sun is setting for the day as it dips itself into the Indian ocean, throwing a variety & richness of vibrant colours across the darkening sky. As it does so, my room is flooded with fiery colours (very poetic huh!?). Seriously though, it is utterly awesome & beautiful. Jim enthused of the Western Australian sunsets before I left - he was not wrong. Will have to try & enjoy a couple down on the beach. I would try to share the view from my room in a picture, but could never do it justice, & my computer skills remain inadequate to upload it! I will let your imaginations 'paint the picture'.

Otherwise, had a few nights out for a friends birthday & socials with St Georgians & my Bible study group: good times. In summary of the last few days, I've been taking it a little easier again after all those essays. Exams are just round the corner, so it cannot last too much longer. Maybe!

Home & away

My task is so nearly complete (for this semester)... all that lies between me and 3 months of summer fun is 1 more essay & 3 'open book' exams (a weaker & distant relative of what academics in the northern hemisphere regard an examination - for those who would rather be hanging out on the beach rather than memorising their extensive lecture notes). So, I guess that is quite a lot till I'm done, but I feel optimistic at the moment - I have emerged from the murky underworld of essay writing & it feels so so good. This really has been my life for the last 3 weeks - not that it is all I have done, but everything has been arranged around my essay & presentation schedule. Relief.

Otherwise, I have been enjoying the increasing familiarity of uni & life here. Hence the sparsity of my blogging.

So, some highlights & stories of recent weeks, since I guess that's what you are reading for?!

College debate - tonight was the second of the semester. A chance for 6 guys to test their insults out on the opposing team & entertain the masses with their comical genius... the topic tonight was 'Alcohol is good for you'. All in the name of comedy and the whole 'college community' bag - it was very funny & will give us some dinner time banter for the next couple of nights no doubt.

Warm cosy sun - spring is here, & it is a most beautiful thing. The endless summer: the rosey & semi-permanent vibe of Perth. Sea temperatures around Perth dip in the winter to a few degrees centigrade warmer than British waters at the height of summer! So, as you can guess I am enjoying the southern hemisphere climate.

Perth Royal Show - it was the last night of the annual week long festival/carnival on Saturday night. 10 of us from college went, & soaked up the atmosphere. Spent most of the night at the fairground. Was very worried I would make myself ill after Anthony went on a ride & took well over an hour to return to colour!... especially as I often don't take rides too well. But, I took on the cream of the rides & loved them! Included 'MEGADROP' - a vertical drop of maybe 50 metres... definitely enough to get the pulse racing. Also, proved my killer shot with a gun & won myself this toy... an ugly little thing but my first fairground win ever, so nonetheless a proud moment.

'Getting involved' - UWA Oktoberfest was on Friday. I arrived at 4pm for a beer (after handing in an essay!) & most of the people there had been drinking since around midday.... it kinda showed. Anyway, it was very cool to buy a stein & pretzel, & enjoy the dodgy German entertainment - everyone was in high spirits. Then, went canoeing on Sat am out on the river with a guy from church & some of his mates. Beautiful day & good to be out on the water... but, I definitely prefer being 'in' the water, & preferably with a surfboard & waves that are too big for me, or something else to get my adrenaline going (nothing of an illegal nature, of course). Also, housewarming party on Sat pm with some friends from my Bible study group, & a BBQ with guys from the cu on Sunday. It was a great weekend - they have often been the more difficult times so far, especially Sundays... because they are fully associated with family/friends/Anneli time, & meeting with Chrisitans I am familiar with. So, it was good to feel more 'at home' with people here, & 'get involved' in their social scene.

Reading & talking - I have seriously loved having the privelege of doing lots of reading/thinking/chatting about deeper issues that interest me recently. Reading 'Knowing God', studying 1 Peter/James/Joel/Romans (books of the Bible), hearing good Biblical talks from godly men, & conversations with new & old friends have all been of great encouragement. It is very cool to be challenged & keep growing in my faith through many different relationships, both old & new.

Speaking to Anneli & fam - it is really refreshing & so good to hear the news from the Shire, London & Derby... though these relatinships have a 'new place' in my life, I am enjoying the joys of having a great family & girlfriend to continue 'growing up' with (*gush*). It is so good to enjoy those few moments with those who know me best, even at 10 000 miles.

And some Australian culture to finish... peculiarities of regional discourse:

- HEAPS: a generic term to determine anything of a value or worth slightly larger than average. As far as I can tell it serves relatively little purpose largely owing to its profuse overuse.

- 'HELL': a substitute for 'very'. Eg: it was hell good / that is hell funny. I don't like it.

- SHRIMP: contrary to popular opinion, Aussies (apparently) don't call prawns 'shrimps', but prawns. Therefore, Lloyd Christmas' "G'day mate, put another shrimp on the barbie" is sadly an Americanisation.

Yet again, due to my IT inabilities & resulting failure to upload pics, you will have to wait a little longer to see the latest shots & meet some of my Aus people. Thanks for reading.

Yo!

Sorry that the following is a bit 'newsy' & probably not of the faintest interest to many of you. However, this post is effective at fulfilling the blogs purpose. Enjoy.

I have had cool week, even though it has been a fairly hard working one. I have made good progress on a couple of essays that have to be in soon... it has been decent focusing my mind to some work - something I am trying to appreciate having the privilege & time to do. I have also been more busy socially as a few new opportunities have come up to spend time with people. Generally, a welcome change of pace, as I reckon I function better under a slightly busier schedule. But, it has been very nice to be less pressured than usual out here with fewer commitments, so I hope I can hold onto that.

St George's College has regular social functions & 'dinners' - very posh! Something my wardrobe & 20kg baggage limit was not prepared for, which has resulted in me resorting to a 'snug' fitting cream 3-piece number for a year of "Geroge's" socialising, which I blagged from a friend. I donned the cream jacket again on Thursday night, for a Cocktail Party in an Oriental bar in town. I'm not converted from cokes & beers, but it was a very cool night. I felt comfortable amongst college-ites, and can definitely see I am getting to know people better, and make stronger friendships. I even graced the dance floor with some of those infamous Richards moves, inherited from "Andy Boy" - the Godfather of multi-disciplined party dancing.

I have just got back from a few days away with a bunch of Christians, including the legendary John Chapman... a houseparty type weekend. It was good & I again got to know some guys much better. It was also very challenging, & great to have some time out to think through this.

Plans are starting to come together for my summer break out of Perth, which is going to run from 25th November-23rd February. It is good to see stuff come together, as that means I can get more excited about it. At the moment though, its time to keep my head down & get these essays done.

The pinnacle.

I feel like I have made it to the top.
I have reached heights that even the mighty & infallible (no?) blog of Dan Hames has found insurmountable.

Ladies & gentlemen: my blog is the first hit for my name on a google search.

The pride is unbelievable - the simple things.
Please note, I didn't find this out by my vanity, but through mucking around with some mates.
On this momentus occassion, I bid you farewell.

Here we go!

I figured it is about time I start writing my own stuff again, rather than lazily linking to Daves blog.

So, Dave left last Sunday & to be honest I felt a little down after - we had a cool time together & it was good to hang out with a close friend again, with some 'history' & shared stories to laugh at: we remembered lots of good times from LA & tennyson, often involving Nath... so it was sad to say bye.

While he was here we saw some of Perth, headed down south to a famous wine & surf region (not always the most successful mix!), hired scooters to explore - not quite Tom Cruise in Top Gun, but still very manly I can assure you, watched a few movies, played some tennis, & ate Aussie style... it was cool to be a bit more 'touristy' as I have been plugged into the uni life & settling in since arriving.

Coincedentally, Dave timed his visit to Perth with that of Don Carson, a Christian theologian who's books and talks I have found well helpful. So, we heard a few talks that he gave - very challenging and thought provoking. He spoke at the Perth Mens Convention - a quality day, & very cool to hear 600 men sing in full voice (Dave is convinced it makes men sing lower so we can sound 'ultra manly' when no women are about!).

This week was a study break - a week off from my usually very strenuous 9 hours of contact a week. I was planning to go away again but after consultation with Westpac Bank thought better of it. I have essay deadlines looming anyway so it has been a good chance to get on top of the work (a bit!), & hang out in Perth. So, I have been to the beach a few times as the early summer sun is becoming a more regular feature, also been surfing, & played golf too. Anyone who has seen my golf skills will know they are somewhat lacking, but I did manage to score a hit on a duck on the 9th green in front of the club house... & from the tee! Don't worry about reporting it to the RSPCA - it's still alive. It has also been a good chance to hang out with some people that I am getting to know, and try to build stronger friendships... very appreciated.

From the sounds of it, everyone is moving out of that summer vibe & into the September 'new year' style life back home. Lots of friends are beginning exciting new phases in student work, church work, new jobs, back to/starting uni, new school years & all the rest. Summer 2006 is gone! For me I guess this emphasises that I am not here for a short summer trip but am settling here semi-permanently. This is a very cool thing, but also has some challenges...I have left some very special people back home in the UK.

OK, so I decided that due to a few requests I would leave you with a few photo's, but due to my inept computer skills I have only been able to upload this one... & spent an hour at it! So, this will have to do for now. But, I can assure you - I look almost the same as I did a few months ago! Thanks for reading. Jxx

The surf wagon that stealthily takes Eugene & I to our sporadic adventures. We listen to (& sing along to!) country music & old style rock n roll en route. Perfect!

The Return of the Fin:

A long time ago, on a beach far far away, in the land of South West Australia, Wave-rider Richards returned to the beach galaxy to face his nemesis 'Ocean'. Wave-rider courageously took on his arch enemy, undeterred by his previous heavy losses. Oceans evil henchman 'Fin' counter-attacked Wave-riders companion, Wetsuit. Fin infiltrated Wetsuits defence shield, and pierced a hole in his limb. Wave-rider remains unhurt and is sworn to avenge Wetsuits losses. He now even more eagerly pursues his vendeta to conquer Ocean and to use Fin to carve him up...

OK, so maybe a little far on the artistic licence, but I gotta express myself somehow, right!? For a more detailed update, check out Dave, to whom I have sub-contracted my web communications on a short-term basis. His contract is on performance based pay so let me know if you think he warrants a bonus!!!

Much love all
JR xxx

IT outsourcing...

Ive outsourced this weeks writing project to a more experienced blogger. Check out the latest vibe at dave's blog.
Much love peoplexx

Terrorists & a 2-headed 'monster'…

In expectance of Daves (housemate last year in Leicester) arrival tomorrow for a few weeks, I have been consuming my time with both of the above.

No, don’t worry mum, I haven’t turned aside to unhelpful company since arriving here, but both are the subjects I chose to write assignments on. Public international law relates to terrorism, and Personal property strangely incorporates a still-born 2-headed baby (foetal monster, according to the judge… charming!) that was owned by someone for 40 years and publicly exhibited for profit. Hmmm. So, that has been what much of my time has been consumed with, & that is why I don't have any great stories for you this time round. Weird, but necessary.

In other news…

I got my surfboard back after a long week apart. We decided to give it another go, but found the ocean got the better of us for a few rounds, yet again. Still, we persevered and though maybe not triumphing, we definitely got some points for a couple of quick rides – revenge is sweet. A long way to go though…

Been enjoying the benefit of live Premiership games on Sat (3) and Sun (2) nights – Spurs have been on both weeks! It is a little sad that I am organising my social card around it, but passions must. Also, watched some tri-nations rugby. Scouting for France 2007: NZ look awesome under Richie McCaw, Australia are good but inconsistent, & South Africa are having a tough time. England still have some work to do.

Enjoying getting involved in the CU & getting to know some guys there. Reading Johns gospel lately – so challenging and surprising… I reckon everyone should read it whatever their beliefs: check it out here (http://www.biblegateway.com).

I finally have internet access in my room! Am gonna sell out to all things electronic on the contact front. Have msn messenger (jonnyrichards49@hotmail.com) and skype if your interested…

That will do for now, keep in touch people.

Today, I fought the ocean…

…& I lost! The story goes a little way back.

Upon arriving on these sunny shores down under, I had my eager eyes peeled for her. I knew the ‘right one’ was waiting for me somewhere. I had been waiting all my life to meet her, and had been increasingly desperate over the last 3 or 4 years to get to know her intimately. I first set my eyes upon her last Saturday. She is tall (6’10), slim (2’6/9), & so shapely – beautiful curves. She is pale, but holds it well. She has seen a few years, but still looks great. It was love at first sight, and I knew straight away that she could help me in many ways, & we could learn together. We hit it off straight away and knew we would be an enviable couple. She was the new South African in my life. Full of hope, promise, and great excitement.

After first meeting her, I was just waiting for the perfect chance for us to spend some quality time together. To really get to know each other & let people see us in public together. When I woke this morning, it was the most beautiful day – I knew it was my chance. How could she resist my charm?! With a skip in my step (not a pansy one), a vibrant sun, brilliant blue skies, & a crisp breeze, everything was set for the most beautiful of love affairs to flourish.

Then I saw him. We were just enjoying the ocean together. Sure I was struggling with the rips and foot over head high curlers, but after all our relationship was meant to be founded on enterprise and discovery of what was seemingly beyond our limits (& she was performing beautifully – as you would expect from a South African). Besides, she told me she felt she was created for this relationship.

But he! He colluded with the mighty ocean to bring us down and threaten this beautiful relationship in its infancy. Fin drove his ugly paws into the heart of my sweetheart as she grappled with the might of the ocean. It felt more painful than a stab to my own heart, though no doubt if Fin had stabbed my heart with the power of the ocean behind him I would not be here to recount the tale.

She took the fall for me.

As I held her in my arms with the crystal stormy seas swamping my hopes, I feared she may be dieing. The end was stealing the show before we had even begun.

But she is a fighter. Not only is she elegant, attractive & slim, but she is sturdy, strong, & determined. I will see her again. We will flourish as a couple. We will overcome. And we will defeat the ocean, even if it sees the end of me!

Jonny 'wave rider' (not!) Richards

Publishers & critical praise direct your enquiries & comments to: jonnyarichards@googlemail.com.
Alternative versions of this true story are available on the phone line only.

NB: Fin has repented of his wrong-doing & full reconciliation has occurred. No casualties were caused in the recounting of this tale.

** The absolute truth of all statements contained above are not historically verifiable and thus cannot be guaranteed – they get the general vibe though (a bit like Braveheart got the general vibe of Anglo-Celtic relations in history!)**

The castle…

...where I live! At least it’s the closest I have got to a castle in all the places I have lived so far. Check it out: www.stgeorgescollege.com.au (also, the most boring website in the world!). I know it isn’t Ethendun or Tennyson, but beggars can’t be choosers!

...also, the name of an Australian comedy we watched a few nights back - quite a funny take on Australian culture and history.

So, basically been continuing to get settled here and getting to know people better. Had some good laughs in inner (my block) and it has been very cool to hang out with some of the CU guys a bit. Went to see Miami Vice with some of them last night – I guess the name gave sufficient warning that it would contain some dodge, but just found it way too into sex scenes and not enough shoot 'em ups! Cinematically excellent though. Got stuck in traffic on the bus for an hour on the way there - felt like me & Matt had known each other for years at the end, after only having met him a couple of times!!! Went out for lunch to someone’s house after church on sun which was good – especially as we had a walk along the beachfront afterwards.

Still no surf but am very expectant it may finally go off this weekend. Head high sets this week, so I hope it has cooled off a bit as otherwise I will be in out of my depth, so to speak! Failure is the path for progress I guess!?

Been doing a bit of work too. Assignments to get done. Am quite enjoying international law and aboriginal history. Giving me a fresh perspective on the world.

I am beginning to really like it here. It is such a beautiful city – as anyone who has visited will tell you. So many people I meet keep telling me I will end up living here, as most people who visit do. ‘The Castle’ (aforementioned) is sandwiched between Kings Park (one of the largest parks in a city in the world) and the Swan river with its grassy banks. The air is fresh, the vibe is laid back, and people love living here – which makes most people very content. It is a real privilege to spend a time here... and still its winter! Today’s forecast was 22’c and sunny, meanwhile London in the summer was 21’c and cloudy!!! ...I’m talking about a place called: Perth.

I think some people may have been firing emails to some OTHER Jonny Richards in the US!! My email has an ‘A’ in it (my middle name): jonnyArichards@googlemail.com. So, I’m well happy some of you are up for mailing me but there are some I haven’t received – sorry!

Good to hear from others – sorry I haven’t always replied.
Do appreciate it though.
Till next time.

Catch-up with 5 C's

so... a week on & things are good. quite a lot has happened since i last updated so i guess some selective news will be best!

1. CHURCH. St Matt's church was a big hit. An active and lively church committed to the Bible, evangelism and Gods kingdom. I felt really welcome & met a few people - a couple of guys even asked if they could pray with me when we were chatting after the service (a surprisingly rare occurence in church!). They've just begun a series considering 'love' & various related issues in our contemporary culture eg sexuality, homosexuality, marriage, divorce etc. So good to bring these current issues to the Bible & have it throw its illuminating light on them... very refreshing, & good for conversations back at college after church too! Also, checked out the CU which seems cool - some good training opportunities for me, & found a good Bible study group. Also, got to know some great Christian friends, some my age & some others a little more mature. Praise God for all these things!

2. COLLEGE. Settled in at college & got to know the guys here. People are very friendly & welcoming - a very easy going place to meet people. Still missing you guys from back home, but know it is good to be stretched in this sort of stuff! Had big party at college on Thursday, where I was asked to help behind the bar because I would be sober... one way to make friends I guess!!! Just had a couple of cool days a few hours south at Bunbury for a 21st party. Met my first Roo - took a bit of guts to stroke it as it seemed to be wild, but then this little 4 yr old kid ran up & hugged it! Turns out it was a kind of pet - these people had acres of land! Stayed in a sweet place with a very hospitable & friendly family - good to meet a 'real' Ozzie family.

3. COURSES. Started. Reality of having to do some work whilst I am here hit home this week. Oh well! A few seem quite interesting - especially one on aboriginal history. A couple will be a bit tedious at times... but I did choose a law degree!

4. CRYING SHAME (dubious title, but worth it for the alliteration). Major dissapointments so far are failing to get on the waves yet (am hopeful to this week), & also realising I quite like Aussie Rules Footy (which is the most ridiculous sport in the world). Was also really sad yesterday to miss John & Sian's wedding, especially as Anneli was bridesmaid. I'm sure it was a cool day & a big celebration... congratulations Mr & Mrs Newton-Webb!

5. COMMUNICATION. Just beginning to adjust to keeping in contact by blog, emails & letters. Often really encouraging, so thank you... especially those who have posted stuff - so cool! On that note, bye!

The hardest part...

I think the most difficult thing about this year away may be done... or certainly one of the more difficult things. Saying good-bye to so many people in the last 2 or 3 weeks before I left was emotionally and physically draining. It was particularly tough leaving Anneli and my folks. Thanks to everyone who I hung out with in that time as they were very fun days.

But, now that is over and it is a week since I left the UK/ 5 days since arriving in Perth. It has been a crazy week in many respects... settling in my accomodation (St George's College - very posh!), registering for my courses at the university, being 'orientated' as an international student, getting to know Perth (crazily my new home), and meeting lots of new people from all over the world.

Australia is more backward than I had hoped or anticipated! The banking, mobile, and internet services have been the bain of my week (which shows it has been pretty good i guess!?). I guess as such a new country it is only just catching up to the pace of modern life?! I hope no aussies read that.

Anyway, I am well and beginning to get settled. I have met lots of really cool and friendly people. God has been so good - he has definitely sustained me through a mad period. Now I want to get on with serving Him in this 'strange' new place. First port of call: St Matthew's Church tomorrow morning.

Hello!

I'm just signing in for this blog stuff... easy way of keeping contact with anyone who is interested for my year on the 'other side'. So, dunno quite how this will go... don't really like all this electronic communication anyway - my first mobile was at 17! The idea is - i'm too lazy to write the same things to several different people by email... so here is a place where anyone who is interested can get a general update of what my life is up to - if you are more interested or want to share some of how you are doing, email is the way forward (on my cool new email address). I've got myself sorted a bit quickly, so I'm not going for another 6 weeks... lots is gonna happen in that time!