New year, slighty improved me!

Every year I say to myself, it'll be different/better/unusual/happier/more interesting, etc. Every year I vow to write a diary but I never do that either! So my point is that I will try oh so hard to keep up with my new years resolutions, goals, etc.

But I really think that trying is just part of it. You have to stay positive every second of the day...

What I'm passionate about right now!

So it's a fact that I'm passionate about life. The things that inspire me change constantly. I get a thousand ideas a day, then I've forgotten them all by lunchtime, but the ideas that have stuck with me have always been in my dreams.

I am passionate about the way I dream, about the stories in my head and the way I feel about everything. So I am really saying that I am passionate about my opinions.
The only problem is, that it takes a lot for me to talk about my opinions.... and I don't talk a lot to just anybody...

KK

Rob Lowe's Autobiography.

Okay, so when asked, most people I know, didn't know who Rob Lowe is or if they did, it was a vague memory and most of the movies they thought he was in, he wasn't. But I have always known who he was, since that fateful day in English watching the outsiders, which we never finished, so I bought the movie and fell in love with Emilio Estevez, but I, as well as everyone else in class, certainly noticed Rob Lowe.

So I have been reading his Autobiography (and yes, he did actually write every single word himself) and I found myself in another world, a world I couldn't easily snap out of like I can with most other books I've read, (although another I couldn't ironically was 'The Outsiders.') There isn't much more I can say because really you have to just read the book!!

http://www.amazon.com/Stories-Only-Tell-Friends-Autobiography/dp/080509329X

A book I've been reading.

'Lauren Conrad 'style' is such a good book, that I don't realise why it is so underrated. There is next to no information on it anywhere and I can't find it anywhere where I live, I had to get it in Brisbane. Anyway, if you don't know Lauren Conrad from the reality TV show 'The Hills,' don't go and watch the Hills because it may undermine your opinion of the whole life that Lauren Conrad has to live through, but to those of you who have seen the Hills, I think that Lauren does an excellent job being in the world she has to live in and who wouldn't admire her for that?

Anyway, the book is basically advice on style, (duh!) on Lauren's style, and boy does she know what she's talking about! Okay, so it is a little annoying having to translate the American in it and the websites that she suggests cannot be used for me anyway, but I have learnt a lot from her and i really think my clothing style has greatly proven for a change!

Anyway, read the book and let me know what you think!! http://www.laurenconrad.com/


KK

Bird sale.

On the weekend I went to the Skye Bird sale to sell some lovebirds and it really is an interesting event. We only sold 2 lovebirds, but it was good to see the atmosphere as most of the keepers and buyers were real genuine country people and there is just something about those animals lovers that makes the world a better place to deal with. Although there weren't too many Australian birds, there was enough of everything and a good variety from finches to small parrots and quails. I couldn't walk past the cocketiels and dad's friend's could walk past a bargain! A pair of yellow headed Gouldians later, dad and I collapsed on the couch and I gave a bite to eat to Adam!

KK

Adam the snake.

Well I finally have my spotted python, 'adam' named after the zookeeper I knew (see RIP Adam Ruble)and when i get the females pair, I am not calling it Eve... I am naming her after another zookeeper who was very inspirational to me at Currumbin sanctruary... and no she is not dead... that I know of and I mean that in the respectfull way. Adam and Nat, how does that sound? Anyway, Adam is doing very well and is quite happy in his new enclosure, I think he is quite spoilt actually! Photos to come...

KK

People are odd.

A word on the spotted python.

I just thought I'd chat about the Children's python I am getting at Cranbourne aquariums: http://www.aquariumsatcranbourne.com.au/index.html

The spotted python is the biggest of the Children's python growing to 1.5 metres. I actually chose my python 'Adam' (and yes I am sticking with Adam, after a keeper friend of mine - see blog post 'RIP Adam Ruble') because as young, the spotted python can be somewhat aggressive and I really wanted to learn how to handle a python if I am going to keep one.

Here is some more info if you'd like to take a look:

http://www.antaresia.com/antaresia_spotted_python.html

KK

Golden Olden Days.

Every now and then I get a nostalgic feeling, remembering when I was little and innocent. The stories that my dad and nanna tell me make me realise that those olden days were so much better, so simple and if not simple, exciting, people appreciated life, music, DIY, imagination, the outdoors, heck most things I'm passionate about!

I just hope that people can keep appreciating the moments they cherish.

KK

A word on my favourite author.

Di Morrissey is an Aussie icon with a great mind for writing. The way she describes her scenery, characters and presents the storyline is amazing! My favourites of her books (in order) are: The Valley, The Reef, Monsoon, Silent Country and the others I haven't read yet, but I'm sure they'll be high on my list!!

Anyway, here is her website, check it out and read the books, they are the best!

http://www.dimorrissey.com/

KK

a little bit of life!

I don't know how easy it is to succeed in life, I've never had too much luck at it, but I do know that living is in the journey. As long as you are satisfied when you are on your deathbed, everything was okay. No matter what your doing, take a step back, think and evealuate how good life really is!

KK

Andrew Isles natural history bookstore.

Hey guys,

Just thought I'd let you know about a great bookstore situated in Melbourne. They also send books and catologs out to you. They have just about anything to do with nature, but don't take my word for it, take a look at their site:http://www.andrewisles.com/

KK.

Save the cassowary!

http://www.savethecassowary.org.au/forward-letter.php

New day, new smile.

Sometimes you get those days where it seems like nothing too extraordinary can happen, but there's good in every day, it just depends on how you look at it. I woke up this morning feeling so lucky to just be me and I wish i could feel like this every day.

Life is like a lake...

Mysterious and misunderstood, life can be deep and dark at times and at others it can be light and beautiful. You are always surrounded by nature and can draw in and out of yourself. Day brings a cool refrehing breath of air while night brings silence and thoughts.

Life is like a lake. Enjoy it.

Getting there

Now I don't know if 'writers block' actually exists, but I haven't had the motivation to finish Heat of the Heart in... well ... years...

But never fear, I am now, somehow able to put pen to paper, (or fingers to keyboard, depending on what mood I'm in!) and write, and I seem to be doing quite a good job in getting the kind of story I want happening! YAY!

To those who know me, I am surely determind to get it done, but it has to be perfect, so here goes, I am finally going to finish this! FINALLY!!

KK

Rest in peace Adam Ruble.

The below blogs are articles which I just found about a truly wonderful human being. He had a perfect personality which could shine through anything and brighten anyones day. He was pure of heart and would do anything for anyone.

Adam was a true inspiration to me even though I only knew him for a few days while on work experience at Melbourne zoo, but he changed my life forever.

RIP Adam.

It's when terrible things like this happen to the best of us, that the world, or my world at least, pauses and seems useless.

RIP forever,

xoxo.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/jan/18/zookeeper-killed-accident-i-15/

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Zoo-Keeper-Killed-on-I-15--114234644.html

Adam Ruble

Zookeeper freeway death accidental, officials say
By Susan Shroder

Originally published January 18, 2011 at 6:48 p.m., updated January 19, 2011 at 5:28 p.m.



Adam Ruble
SAN DIEGO — The death of a zookeeper who was struck and killed Sunday night on Interstate 15 south of Miramar Way has been ruled accidental, the county Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday night.

Adam Livingston Ruble, 28, stopped in the center divide of northbound I-15 south of Miramar Way about 10:30 p.m. He got out of his car and "darted into the path of an oncoming sports-utility vehicle," the Medical Examiner's Office said.

Ruble, who was single and lived in La Jolla, was a senior animal keeper at the San Diego Zoo.

Ruble was hired in 2005 and cared for a number of animal species, zoo spokeswoman Christina Simmons said Tuesday. He had a special interest in conservation, and in 2008 worked for three months at the Melbourne Zoo in Australia as part of a keeper exchange program.

“It was something he had always wanted to do,” Ann Minnium, a family member in New Jersey, said of the Australia trip. “He was a very sweet guy. A lovely person.”

A California Highway Patrol report said several people called 911 Sunday night to report a pedestrian being struck on north I-15 near state Route 163.

The CHP said that Ruble was struck by a 2006 Ford Expedition driven by a 22-year-old San Diego woman. She immediately pulled off the freeway and called 911, CHP Sgt. Daniel Kyle said.

Several other vehicles then struck the victim, and those drivers also stopped. No drugs or alcohol were involved, and no charges are pending, Kyle said.

An unoccupied Honda Civic was parked on the left shoulder. It was operable and had about a half-tank of gasoline, the CHP said.

In an Oct. 21, 2008, blog for the zoo’s website, Ruble said working there has “always been a dream of mine.”

He grew up in Pasadena and moved to San Diego for the zoo job after graduating from the University of Colorado, his family said. He is survived by his parents, Charles and Debra Ruble, and a sister, Mary Ruble Pichler.

A new career

Do you ever get the feeling where, you have always known what you wanted to do, but all of a sudden had an urge to change your mind entirely? No? me either... until now.

I have always wanted to work with animals, Australian animals in a zoo in particular, but now, although I see myself working with both the plants and animals of Australia, I really want to start my own business, maybe as a breeder, park owner or educate in some way.

Those who know me, know that I am a hard worker, but I can get tired quite easily... (and again those that know me will know why...) and working for myself prohibits a lot of the tiring stress associated with working for someone else.

Okay so I know that I am still a long way off from starting my own business, but it is something I would like to consider...

Please leave any comments about what you think through personal experiences, advice, etc.

thanks for reading,

KK