The Chin of Lee Lin.

"None of your business." - Lee Lin Chin



This is a blog solely dedicated to my best friend, Melinda Bragg - most affectionately known as "Lee Lin Chin", "Leelee", "Chinny" or "The Chinmeister".

I met Chinny 5 years ago. We were in the same tent for year 7 camp and although we were never close friends until 4 years later - I do believe it was always evident we were made for eachother.
This is because we share boyfriends a lot.
For example; Chris Milojevic. She just shipped him off to me, back in 2004.
In fact, that's the only boyfriend we've ever shared. Apart from her awkward conversations with my current boyfriend, I think this is the only person we've ever inter-shared.

I bet you're thinking "inter-shared"? And possibly a little bit of a "not even", but that's the point. By inter-sharing I mean; sharing between eachother, as two different people. This makes sense because Lee Lin Chin and I are practically the same person. She is me, except for the whole pretty thing. Everything we do, we share. We share everything. There is nothing of mine that isn't hers as well.

Yes, you may be a little freaked out by this, and to be truthful - we all are. She freaks me out and generally every time I look at her, I laugh. She's just that kind of person. Not because of her poo-like odor or her lip liner, but because she's just me... she's me only better. i love you, chin of lee lin.

Dear 2008, I love you

I don't know about you, but 2008 has definitely marked the best year of my life to date. I've met people who I intend on having in my life for a very long time, and I've learnt a lot about myself, on top of accomplishing things I never thought I could.

In February, I was selected for the State Senior Drama Ensemble, a program I've been involved in for 3 years now. This is not only an brilliant experience to learn new things about acting and drama, but this ensemble never fails to harbour some of the most talented, beautiful people in existence. This year I was blessed to have met the likes of Liz Toriola, Emma Scott and Bianca Sheedy, 3 people I will hold very deeply in my heart for the rest of my life. Some of my greatest friends in the world were involved in these ensembles with me in previous years - notably Amy Dunn, Jackson Wright-Smith, Dimi Livanidis and Sam Margalit. They, again, are 4 people I could not live without. The State Drama Festival this year marked my last ever on stage. Sad, yes, however I can't help but be excited for what the future holds!

My school Drama class created a fantastic play-built piece for the Regional Drama Festival called Sweet Dreams, a journey into our fear of the unknown. After many sessions of hard-work and brainstorming - our fantastic teacher Ms Spinks co-ordinated such an amazing piece that we were also selected as one of the best in the State, and were asked to perform at the State Drama Festival in November. My Drama class has contributed to my fantastic year and I can't wait for another fun year ahead.

I was also lucky enough to be cast as the lead role in the School Musical, Leader of the Pack. This proved a tough experience on many levels, but also remains one of the greatest experiences of my life. It allowed me the opportunity to work with the amazing talents of Philip Pellegrin, Ryan Jameson, Helen Wardle and all the gorgeous "Candy Whores". Leader also introduced me to two of the most special people in the world, Melinda Bragg and Michelle Nguyen - the backbone of the backstage crew. These two remain two of my closest friends; two people I know will be there for me through it all. To date, Ellie Greenwich has definitely been my most challenging and favourite role, and I only wish that we could re-do Leader of the Pack over and over again. But, as my good friend Philip Pellegrin taught me, we can't continuously wish for the past, it doesn't help us. So for now, we're all focusing on, and preparing for, next year's musical - 42nd Street - one I am very excited about, but one I really have to make the most of, for it will, sadly, be my last ever.

In July I was selected to attend the NSW State Drama Camp along with just over 100 people from around the State. Some people came from 8 hours away, some people had to fly and some were just around the corner. This camp taught me a ridiculous amount and many of the people I met remain some very great friends - especially Lachlan Bristow, my fellow special needs bestie. :-)

Back to Castle Hill, Showcase was again a huge success, thanks particularly to Greeny and Spinksy (yet again!) and I was given the opportunity to Compere the evening, alongside Philip Pellegrin and Michael Walsh, as Jo - Doctor Who's assistant. We also performed Sweet Dreams, which was a huge hit amongst everyone in the audience. It's still scary to think that it's my second last Showcase ever after 5 years participation, but another experience I know I will cherish for the rest of my days.

On my birthday this year, to my complete and utter horror, I was sent to a leadership camp called Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum (affectionately known as MYLF). I kicked and screamed and whinged about having to go on the day of my 17th birthday, and to my shock, it turned out to be 3 of the best days of my life. I was put into a room with two gorgeous girls, Theresa and Risha, two people I connected with immediately and had copious amounts of fun with. My group consisted of the best people ever and I am so lucky to have met such fantastic leaders. I also took this opportunity to get to know our State Member for Mitchell, Mr Alex Hawke, who is one of the kindest and most hilariously competitive people I have ever met. On this camp we also had an inspirational speaker talk to us, called Glenn Gerryn, who remains the most inspiring person I have ever come in contact with. I could not have asked for a better birthday present, and this camp will also remain in my heart forever.

The 28th of October marked the 2009 Prefect Induction Ceremony, in which I was announced as School Captain for 2009, along with my good friend Ryan Jameson. The love and passion that I maintain for my school is incredibly great, and I only want everyone else to adore Castle Hill High as much as I do. Along with the SRC president Sam Quadrio, the SRC Junior Co-ordinator Anisa Khozoei, the Sports Captains Andrew Ellis and Tara Kilmister, the Vice Captains Eddy Midgeley and Sherleen Wang, and the rest of the brilliant and dedicated Prefect Body and Sports Council, I know that we will make 2009 the best year Castle Hill High has ever seen. And I can't wait :-)

I was also blessed this year to have the best teachers ever - notably Greeny, who is leaving us to have a baby and will be greatly, greatly missed, Spinksy, the most dedicated and patient of all Drama Teachers and Directors in the universe, Ms Bardakos, Ms Jones, Mrs Wheatley, Ms Boss, Mr Warren, Ms Babington, Mr Dennis, Ms Drewitt-Smith, Mr O'Brien and the fantastic new Principal Mrs Brewer who I am certain is one of the best things that ever happened to our school. These teachers, along with the student body, make school what it is and I could never thank them enough.

On November the 10th I hopped in my Driving Instructor's Yellow Lancer and went for my driving test. Lucky for me, I'm a brilliant driver and Colin's a legend and I passed first go! I've officially been on my P's for almost 2 months now - driving my chariot, a navy blue Toyota Camry called Roxy (named this way because she has a "rocket-like" demeanour) around town and hitting up some of the best cruising sessions ever. Shortly after I was given the opportunity to be Team Captain in our debate against the Rotary Club on the topic "That Parents should spend their Children's Inheritance", with us on the negative side. My team mates, Anisa Khozoei, Amit Kumar and Owen Butler were brilliant and we ended up winning, thanks to the adjudication of Hon. Alan Cadman and I met some of the greatest people in the community. Rotary is something I will support for the entirety of my life after experiencing the abundance of good they do within their fields, and the commitment they have for the well-being of everyone in the community - definitely qualities I admire and people I truly look up to.

MELBOURNE, DECEMBER 2008. At Castle Hill High, we have the best Creative Arts teachers in the world. Greeny and Spinksy organised a trip to Melbourne for 24 Creative Arts students (and Mr Warren!), and it can only be described as another 3 days that sit at the very top of my list of "the best days of my life". The musical Wicked exceeded all expectation - a professional production that remains my favourite to date. This trip allowed the friendship between James Lemon (affectionately known as Lemsip MAX) and myself to evolve - another person I intend on having in my life for as long as I live. On top of all the glorious things that we did, I developed a really tight-knit bond with most of the other people in the group. My dream to dance in a 1950's diner was granted - when Shake Ya Tailfeather came on in a lovely diner called Soda Rock and Ryan and I ripped out our fantastic moves! Melbourne is now most definitely on my list of favourite places in the world.

And last, but certainly not least, throughout the whole of Term 4, I directed a play called The Small Poppies, a play written for a small cast which Mel, Philip and I re-wrote to more effectively suit a cast of 26. After writing in over 12 characters, we cast every person that auditioned - because at Castle Hill High, we're all about being inclusive. So, turned out I was a Nazi director - but i suppose this just comes with my neurotic and perfectionist demeanour! I had such an amazing Cast and such an amazing Production Team that we ended up winning - something I stressed to everyone was everything. "Whoever said winning wasn't everything - obviously lost" was, and still is, one of my favourite lines :-). Steph and Lauren won a Magic Moment for Lauren's anaphylactic shock being calmed by Steph pouring a can of whipped cream down her throat. Lauren Coulter aka Augustus (the fat Swiss kid), along with Chris Milogevic aka Clint, won Best New Talents. Misel Burford, who played Shane - the school bully won Best Supporting Actress and I won the award for Best Costume Design. On top of all of that - Mr Ryan Jameson aka Theo won the award for Best Lead Male. Interhouse this year proved to be a wonderful success, and knowing I will never ever be involved in another makes me very sad - but it's something that always had to end, and something I am very proud of after 3 years involvement.

So, as you can see, the year of 2008 involved many, many ups and hardly any downs. My brother achieved a 98.25 UAI, something I am very proud of and something I know will be used against me for the rest of my life! I think i owe a large part of my happiness to the show Scrubs, I not going to lie - it has given me strength when I am down - it is my sunshine when all the skies are grey. I love it beyond belief and wish I could marry it.

Michael Walsh remains one of the best friends I will ever have, and the love I have for his friendship cannot begin to be explained. You make it all better when I'm feeling sad, thank-you for protecting me and looking out for me at the worst of times, I love you.

Michelle Nguyen and Melinda Bragg have given me the companionship that is essential for one to enjoy life, thank-you and ily.

Philip Pellegrin has grown up to be one of the most reliable, beautiful young men in my life. I love him more than words can describe.

James Lemon - you give me stiches and strength and I am so grateful for our friendship.

Angela Pike, Helen Wardle and Andy Hendra, thank-you for loving me just the way I am and for motivating and inspiring me beyond belief. <3

Rachel Morrall, thank-you for listening to me and laughing at all my crap jokes, you make life easy. I love you.

Mum and Dad, your love has made me who I am today. Thank-you for putting up with me, trusting me and telling me I'm special even when I know I'm not.

And last, but certainly not least, Jessii Steblina - thank-you for loving me unconditionally and for being there for me through thick and thin for the past 12 years, I'm so glad I found you.

Dear 2008, thank-you for giving me the best year of my life. I love you.

Maybe I'm a dreamer..

As my first blog rapidly becomes a bordem bung for my dismal excuse for a life, I would like to point out that I am definitely doing this for the simple reason that everyone else seems to be. I'd love to think that I did not submit to the ruthless expectations of 21st century society, but, as a dedicated Gen Y personnel, I most certainly do. And this particular expectation looked very appealing indeed, all i need to do is talk about myself and hope other people don't think i'm a self-absorbed looney-tune, right?

So what is this blog about?
Please, carefully observe the name.

The word ostentatious, as I discovered in Extension English this year, means to attract notice. What could express my intent of this blog more accurately? As a self-confessed attention seeker, the word 'Ostentatious' seemed a perfect adjective to assist the 'deliberating' nature of my blog.

My life is merely a series of obsessions.

Amos Lee - Live at Abbey Road

Amos Lee stole my heart in roughly 20 seconds. Upon hearing the song "Sweet Pea" on his album Supply and Demand, I experienced a feeling that shouldn't be discussed on the internet. Norah Jones' bass player produced Amos' first album in 2005, with Norah playing keys and even contributing vocals. Just in case you can't quite grasp this concept, that is equivalent to Meryl Strep agreeing to play alongside you in your HSC Drama film, or the Queen of England producing perfect GHD curls in your hair for your date with George Glass. Norah Jones playing keys on your first ever album is an unexplainable honour for anyone, let alone an "unknown". With somewhat of a Ben Harper/Neil Diamond crossover, Amos Lee definitely has something I have never heard in anyone else. Do yourself a favour and look him up - if you regret it, you can have my first born child.

http://www.myspace.com/amoslee