Christmas!!

Oh 'tis the season - to be jolly, to go the wrong way down a one way system, to be offered an eye test on Christmas eve! Umm...how about NO!

Sorry there's been no picture, but once again my laptop decided to give up, as soon as the internet was turned off, so is in the process.

Dad, you did reconise me, but didn't say much about my hair!!

Sexy, everything about me's so sexy!

I've had a hair cut! Yeah! I'll put a photo up as soon as I've done some work!

Dissertation is going well, as well as procastinating can do!

The First of the 'lasts'....

There's a time in your life when you will do 'lasts'. Today that kinda hit me. As a house we've had our last christmas meal, which was good. Today was the last time I would tell the Christmas story to the pre-schoolers. Having done it three years in a row I have got very used to it, and they have got used to me. They sang me a christmas song, which was brilliant and I gave them chocolates! I cried on the way home - how sad am I?

One other thing happened today. Our landlord came over to fix a few things (very efficient!) and asked about Henry. When I told him that we were engaged he almost had a heart attack, as did I to his reaction! So he left with a smile on his face, he always enjoys seeing us!!

Christmas Dinner

One of four! The first was today, with my housemates, and it was gorgeous! Well done to Alex for cooking the turkey perfectly and bringing it altogether before henry had to leave! It was wonderful, I don't normally agree with using packets of food but this was good! Aunt Bessie, saviour for students!
The second one is happening on thursday with the girls from my course, if I can book it! The third is on sunday, with fusion, we're having X factor stylee kareoke, for which I am doing drinks (non-alcoholic) and the final one is on Christmas day with my famil and a very special guest - Henry :D. Oh and I'll add the last one on Boxing day, with close family, and Henry!

Yeay for Chirstmas!

A birthday worth celebrating!

Lisa with drink in hand, Alex with a smile on her face! Yes we dressed as builders! Says it all really!
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Birthday girl, Diane, how beautiful
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21 is an amazing age to be, we're pretty much all there at the moment. It has it's stresses but thats all part of life, and you deal with it in your own way! We tend to deal with it by celebrating a birthday....

The cake I made, with a little help from Alex... A mississippi mud pie that, although a little heavy, went down a treat!
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Do you want to go to University?

FCH in the snow! I'm not one to do advertising, but doesn't it look amazing?
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Here's a pretty good place! God said Wow at the same time I did, just as I walked on to campus, and saw the chapel in all its glory!

A wedding

Ewan and Rachel - 12th November 2005
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A Cheltenham youth worker nd a University friend. A good celebration of a wonderful couple! God Bless them both!

From a Different Point of View

I attended a very interesting lecture today. It was on the narrative of Joseph. I walked to the lecture singing every Joseph song I could remember.

Joseph is portrayed in the musical as being picked on by his brothers, but having done a course in the whole of Genesis, it looks very different if you read it with a little knowledge! In Chapter 37v3 it says about Joseph giving a bad report of the sons of the maidservants. Is he being deceptive, because he knows he's favourite, or is he telling the truth? Jacob's past isn't all that pure. Looking back at Chapter 27, Jacob poses as he brother to get his inheritance, after feeding Isaac! You can learn a lot about someones character by looking at their father! Next time you come across this story, look at it from a different point of view, you will be very surprised!

We also went out as a house last night for the first time in ages. We went out as builders and got lots of offers to paint student houses and do a bit of plumbing, surprisingly I was the only one who made it to lectures today! Bless them all!

What a weekend

Luton was really good, going home was good too. I got to talk about weddings all weekend, from chocolate fountains to dresses! (Sorry mike for boring you silly on saturday!) I managed to get everything I wanted except the thing I actually wanted, now I have to buy wrapping paper for christmas, with just proves how dim I acutally am.

Lectures and Lisa tomorrow. It's diane's birthday and we're in full preparation mode at the moment. We're dressing up as builders, and I will have photos of everything by the end of the week for you!!

Luton!

Back I go!! There are four places I'm very familiar with now, home, cheltenham, luton and malvern. Spending the weekend in luton without my sister is going to be really weird. I've almost got no one to follow round like sheep for a couple of days, for the first time I'll be Henry's fiancee rather than Karen's sister! WEIRD! It's going to be a lot of fun though, cos I get to go home while I'm over that side of the country. I'm going to see if the magic fairy still lives at number 24!

Saturday is going to be a long day, but a fun one too! I've got clothes and wrapping paper to pick up - all related to christmas in some way!

I'm enjoying Advent, its been a lot of fun so far. Yes I have finished my Christmas shopping, so I can enjoy the reason for the season now, with only my dissertation hanging over me!

Strange world

Something weird is going on in Cheltenham. Children are generally crawling the walls (three schools almost shut down because of 'riots') and the people living in our area are getting worse. Someone knocked in the back window of one of my housemates car today, just because she was blocking a track that leads to some houses. An over-reaction by any standards. That kind of thing is becoming more regular. Also we are getting mixed signals from lecturers in our department. The regulations for the university state that students must be within 10% of the word limit for any assignment submitted otherwise they face penalties, but lecturers are telling some students that they can go over the 10% and will not be marked down.
Pray for this town, it's becoming harder to live here. I'm definitely looking forward to going home..but then I always do!

Ebay-ing

Yes I know it's not a word, but I had my first experience of the world of ebay. You must've been locked in an cupboard for the last 5 years or so if you don't know what ebay is, but just to refresh the memory of those who can't remember it's an online auction site.
I had my first taste of it today, bidding for a friend, and I can't see the draw. Sat in front of a computer, bidding for an item you've never touched? Only a picture, from a source that you've never met. Some find it exciting, I only find it frustrating and a waste of time! Go shopping, not online, but get all touchy-feely with what you want to buy!!

Love

It's a strange thing. We were asked the question - Have you ever felt love in any way? It's surprising the amount of people who don't immediately put their hands up or nod in a satisfactory way. Society attaches love to relationship love, eros, for those of you studying greek. Boy/girl, can't keep your hands off them love. Ok so I thought of Henry first off and had to be reminded that my friends, my parents and my siblings all love me, in one way or another.

So in fact we are all loved, by someone (probably more than one person) at any one time. One of the chain emails that goes around is 'someone is thinking of you right now', and then it gets all soppy after that, but it is true. Ok, most people find that hard to figure, but I don't. I know God always loves me and is always thinking of me. Even when I'm in the darkest place, hiding from the lamp on the stand ("Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house" Matt 5:15). God is there, thinking of me, us. We are not alone (that is a tagline, but I don't where from). We ARE loved.

I was going to give my testimony, but there wasn't enough time, so maybe its not right for me to tell it just yet. There are things we all need to think about...

"You...may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" Ephesians 3:17-19

It's tough being in this world, but God loves us to the ends of the earth, and that's when we are closest to Him!

P.S. No I didn't hand write it all, click here to find out why!

A bad night's sleep

Umm... I was woken up at 2am and kept awake for ages last night. I had to be up at 8am this morning, which is the earliest I have to get up during the week, and not having any sleep the night before I was not a happy bunny!! Tomorrow I have to get up at 5.45 to go to bristol to do some paid work! It's going to be loads of fun if I get woken up tonight!

Genesis

Give an account of the themes and theology of the creation narratives (Genesis 1-3)?

I started today, and am taking a quick break before doing more. I know you're asking, how can she get two thousand words out of that? Well consider that I've got to look at other creation stories along the way and there are about four different takes on the theology of genesis that I've come across, I know there are more too. I could get an essay out of just 'Discuss the theology of creation in genesis'. Don't forget it also includes the Fall of Man!

Argh, here I go again.

P.S. No-one has owned up to the chocolate spread stealing, none has been stolen since I told everyone though...ummm...what do I make of that?

Chocolate spread, amongst other things!

Someone is stealing my chocolate spread... I thought I was safe, I was sure no-one else likes the stuff in my house, and generally people ask if they want something, but no. Someone has taken some and not owned up. I know I am unnecessarily stressing, but it is a luxury and I have lived with these girls for at least two years. I'm not angry, just upset that they didn't ask first.

It's all good otherwise. I keep getting asked what it's like to be engaged. It's like being asked how it feels to be older on the day of your birthday. I don't feel any different, because I've always felt like this. Ok happier than I've ever been before, but then I've felt that way since I started going out with Henry. So yeah, it's like normal.

I'm watching Taming of the Shrew, very good!

Giving Blood

I gave blood today, for the 5th time, though I actually have two donor cards so I probably won't get a new card just yet. Not that it matters, I always enjoy doing it and feel its the only worthwhile thing my blood can do (other than keep me alive)!! The staff are always wonderful and make the whole experience fun. Ok so if needles aren't your thing then you won't like it, but I promise you its a good feeling. Just remeber to press hard after the needles been taken out, otherwise you could have issues (like me, there's always one!)
Anyway, on with work!

Religious Education

What is Religious Education meant to do? What did it do for you? Can you remember what you learnt from time in Religious Education?

I'm ashamed to say I didn't learn a lot up to the age of 16 because it didn't make me think. GCSE RE, I found out today, is simple in comparision to Year 9 RE. How wrong is that? I feel very cheated! Ok so I only acheived a D but at least I turned up to the exam, which is more than can be said for some!

Macbeth on the BBC, worthwhile, I'll be tempted if they're going to bring out this series on DVD!

Annoyed

I'm ever so slightly annoyed at people who put up their defenses at the first mention of religion. Yes I have my view and so does everyone else, I'm not going to push you into believing anything, so stop assuming I will.

Christmas lights is another thing. I don't know if you've seen the winter lights thing thats been in the news. Crazy, Christmas has never been offensive, why should we worry about it now? Yes we are a multicultural country, but our roots are in Christianity (and Paganism a little) so lets celebrate it the traditional way!

Am I justified? I feel like i'm surrounded by sissies! People who won't stand up for their religion because they're worried about others, go far but don't go too far!

I totally realise it seems I've contradicted myself, but I haven't, think about it!

A weekend off

I'm chilling, I might do some reading if I get really bored, but I doubt that, actually I might do some out of the premise that I will feel awful if I don't do any. I'm going to have to do some reading out of the goodness of my heart anyway, I agreed to read the essay that was due yesterday (the one that led to the lack of sleep) written by my housemate. I'm getting in practice for becoming a teacher honest.

I'm going to see Saw 2 this evening, joy! Gore, gore, gore apparently. Umm...I'll let you know how it goes.

For all the wrong reasons

I'm tired because someone decided to do the washing up at 1.30am this morning, plus I was worried about finishing my essay. Dispite the rude awakening I have handed in my essay with a whole day to spare, now I'm going to spend the weekend relaxing and enjoying the wedding of rachel and ewan, with Henry and Helen. Its going to be fun. I'm going to do a little prep for the first chapter of my diss on friday and after that I'm stopping til monday!

Brain ache

I'm tired and upset, I'm also happy and overloaded with things to do. I've got an essay due soon and I'm more concerned about that than housemates who have issues and proof reading.

So as a prayer request (because its important)

Pray that the tiredness I am feeling disappears, that housemates communicate with each other effectively, that my essay flows from my brain and that I don't get ill cause I'm doing too much.

Thankyou

Fireworks

They can be dangerous, and they can be fun. Take my sister, she burnt herself (dummy) and the firework that fell over this evening and tried to beat the youth leader (though didn't get to far), on the other hand, the firework display we did have was great, i've not stood in the freezing cold for ages and it felt great. Ok I can't breathe from all the smoke because it was so windy, but the food was good and the company was better!

Thank you to all of those who have said congratulations over the last week or so, its slowly sinking it, and church was hilariously funny this morning, henry was doing the telling, to people I don't know. I got lots of admiring looks and a massive smile from his scout leaders, who then told cautionary tales of their own wedding. The next 18 months or so are going to be interesting, thankfully I don't know that many married couples (the number though is on the increase), so I can't hear that many stories about flowers, invitations, dresses, venues, parents, in-laws, bridesmaids...maybe i can!

new weblink to photos!!

You can now go here to see all of my photos!! (especially of my ring!!)

Word in edge ways...

Twice today I have struggled to get my words out because someone is talking over me. Its so frustrating because neither times were very productive i.e. most people talk over me to finish my sentences.

Good news is that my school placement is off the ground. I finally met the women I will be working with so I can gain some expeience in secondary school teaching.

Other than that, my day has been uneventful. I'm supporting two fusion nights and getting quite excited about fireworks on sunday evening, but before that I've got a graduation to attend and a fiance to spend the weekend with!!!

Unexpected!

Disneyland was amazing, Paris was even better. If you get the chance to visit, don't pass it by, I found something very special there and I would recommend it for anyone.

Paris holds a place in my heart and will do until I die. Why? I hear you all begging for an answer! I'm engaged to Henry Walker and it happened in Paris, on the third floor of the Eiffel Tower. 984 foot from the floor and some 343 km from home (well London at least) Henry got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

I said yes, without a moments thought.

So now I have a Ruby and diamond ring on the third finger of my left hand, to proudly show anyone who dares ask what my half term was like!

Smiles all around!

Fond memories

I've just been looking at my Dad's blog and he's got a photo of our time in Tanzania posted. Here's the link for the web page. There are some really interesting photos and my Dad has done a wonderful commentary as well!

I'm going to do some work now! And then I'm off to disneyland for a few days!

Interesting trivia

For those of you who know how sad i am and how much I love spotting random things. I'm watching Starship Troopers at the moment and one of the troopers, Anthony Ruivivar, is in Third Watch, which shows on Channel 4 some times!!

I also know that the body produces two litres of saliva a day. I have lots of other random pieces of info in my head, but you have to get me in quiz mode to get them all out of me!

P.S. The acting is awful!

RSC and trains

The Reduced Shakespeare Company are awesome!! I really enjoyed the eveing! They reduced everything from silent movies to Kung Pow! we even got a bit of the matrix!
I got pulled up on stage with Henry, we were told to do some shopping (walking across the back of the stage) and then a few were picked out for more specific roles. I was chosen for the role of Femme fatal! I've been cast as Sharon Stone!It was so much fun, the guys were really good!

Getting home was a nightmare! I know I've had worse journeys but this was ridiculous. I had to get two buses to get back to cheltenham. So stupid, and I had to pay over the normal price to. Complaining all the way home!!

Oxford

I've spent the day in Oxford, learning, hands on about the Oxford Movement (Victorian England). It was all very interesting, if slightly trying, stressed for all the wrong reasons. Over reaction is never a good thing, and I've seen a lot of that today.

Oxford is beautiful, if you every get to visit, if you have, you know what I'm on about. It's one of those places where you wouldn't dare kill a football or walk on the grass, for fear of spoiling the perfection. It's full of grand buildings and an incredible amount of history. I do love being a tourist, I've seen a side of Oxford most people don't.

I did feel stupid though, it has to be said. Oxford is not a place you can walk around without a few books in your hands!!!

Anyway, I'm happy and I will be out like a light in a few moments!!

Answered

Many things prayed, many more answered!

God is good, most people know that. Take my Dad, he knows and my sister knows too. I'm a stickler for finding God in everything, from my housemates to the news I read every day (even in Sunday match of the Day, the Holy Trinity has just been mentioned, no joke!). It's hard not to see Him in the world we live in, but it is hard to see Him in the natural disasters that we hear so much about. So where do you see God? Is He good to you? Do you thank Him for all the things you see?

I'm going to do some thanking!

Disneyland!

I'm going to Disneyland, Paris in 9 days, I am so excited! I'm going with Henry, so we will be like two big kids the entire week, and it's Halloween celebrations while we're there. Of course I will be praying for all the evil in the park!

I'm working, seriously, I've written something that resembles an introduction and now I just have to type it up!

Write a critical evaluation of two or more approaches to Religious education, showing their strengths and weaknesses

Joy! Any ideas!

Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink
Originally uploaded by Colourfultshirts.

This is a picture of me at my 21st birthday party in Cheltenham. The celebrations lasted a little under 3 months!!

Internet at in the house...oh the joy....

... And the pain. Here come endless nights of blogging, shopping and needless searching, playing games etc.... Now where did the spongebob game get to?

The little things in life. I've spent the day in Lincoln, looking at a colloege, with Henry (see below) for teacher training. Mucho impressed, they have a free gym and a wonderful new lecture centre. Problem? There are only ten places for PGCE secondary Religious Education. Scary, but worth while. Its a tiny college, just outside of town, but the Chapel looks so appealing and the CU meet in the Common room - which is huge!! I'm looking forward to applying there though it takes some 3 1/2 hours from Malvern!

If we get in I'm open to anyone staying the night before they have to be in Skegness (Spring Harvest or otherwise!)!!

Pickies!

Henry, my boyfriend
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This was taken when we went to see Lee Evans. I like this picture so much, taken with my new digital camera. I promise I won't post too many pictures, most will go on Flickr!!!!

The first of many!

I am officially at the beginning of the end! Sounds dramatic doesn't it?

Well actually its a trifle scary. I had my very first dissertation meeting with my tutor (who else?) this morning! O my goodness! Am I going to go over my word limit or what! And when am I going to write it? I'm far too busy sorting out the internet for my house to care about writing a dissertation!!

We went out last night as a house, for a birthday celebration. But first of all we had jelly and angel delight (try it, you'll love it! Though I think its a 'marmite' food) plus presents and sparklers! Sooo cool! I have the best housemates in the world! Oo we also had pass the parcel! These guys can seriously read my mind! The theme was pink, and everything was pink, I'm not joking! It's a shame the nodding Jesus was dressed in white, but He does have a good excuse!

We got to the club and danced the night away! At one point I thought I'd lost some money, but God was gracious and gave it back to me! Forever Faithful.

One last thing (you know you love it when I ramble) a really cheesy but good thing (I know I can get the word for it, let me know please!)

Called to Relationship with God. God is a good
F aithful - God's loyalty to us is amazing
R ich - His love for us is fulfilling (not money - though He is!)
I ndividual - He calls us by name
E verlasting - Before and behind us
N ear - So close you can breathe Him!
D ispised - He doesn't always hang out with the 'right' people (think earthly, Pharisees and Jesus = lots of anger!)

Cool huh! Start thinking, How good a FRIEND can you be?

O my!

I am so annoyed. Once again my loan is floating in space somewhere, and its the second year in a row that this has happened, so now I have to draw on my savings to be able to live! Do you think God is teaching me a lesson in patience? The crazy university, my stupid (yes I'm from Essex) LEA and the SLC are all jointly to blame. It's got nothing to do with me, as the lady last year assumed it did. I've done my part. I've registered like a good student who wants her loan. I'm considering not paying back the money that the loans company have given me! Has anyone else had any problems? I doubt it! I know my house mates have got their loans, so why not me? Oh and I need an umbrella now, the weather is definitely autumnal which means getting wet more regularly than being dry! It's also dark all the time, it just makes me feel a whole lot worse than normal. I've also got fresher's flu. A nasty cough and trouble sleeping because of said cough. It's a head cold, great for when you're trying to concentrate in a lecture.

Speaking of which, I missed my first Genesis lecture on Tuesday cos I was sleeping...maybe I should mail my lecturer?? What a great way to start the year!

CU was good last night, loads of people. It's great when you put a positive spin on something. I got talking to loads of international students and there were loads of freshers, hopefully all will be at house party! We filled the end room in the chapel, which hasn't happened in a long time. I will be looking forward to this term so much. God is good. We've had visions of students filling the green outside the chapel and them all worshiping!

I'm ill but hey, I'm happy!

There are better things I could be doing!

Other than blogging, but I'm not so there. I had a nice chat with the Chaplin, calmed some of my fears about the year ahead and the fact that CU has changed to Fusion now. I'm still not going to do cell groups though, but I am going to help out as much as I can with everything, I need something to do during the week! The next few weeks are going to be interesting. Freshers fair and all. Making sure I get involved again, rather than wondering what is going on!

Unimotion

It's started. Uni is almost back in full swing. Just a few more days and I will be a fully fledged thrid year who is not too concerned about what lies ahead. I've got a God who will look after me when I need it the most, something that has become a great comfort to me since I began here not so long ago.
So how does it feel to know that I will be graduating in the next 14 months? Scary but theres the thought of 'yes I can do this' floating around. I'm not far off, I'm certainly closer than I was 2 years ago when I sat in my first lecture, unsure of what to think about what was going to happen.
I'm happy, I think thats the main thing. I've got a great house, full of people who love me and I love them back. I've got a boyfriend, someone who has shown his committment to me in many ways and at many times, who loves me so much and I know that I love him. I've got a family who support me and encourage me and of course I've almost got a degree. I'm on my way to finishing and I'm happy that I'm here rather than anywhere else. I don't think I could cope in a different place.

Thinking about it I've been incredibly blessed since I started here. I've got a church and a youth group to enjoy and life for so all is not lost!

Pray that I find a suitible place to do my teacher training!

A few things....

I've spent the last week or so just thinking! Good thinking, productive and questioning.

My first question, which has been bugging me for a good while, especially in my current situation, is where is God in your life? Now for Christian I can imagine the perfect answer being 'before me, with me and behind me, in all that a I say and do', but is this really the case. I can see in many people that God is something in the background, an after thought where 'I' comes first. In the world we live in it is difficult to say 'God and God only' - there are so many more tepmting things, friends, money, etc... It should be Bible, Church, Prayer and the Holy Spirit. I'm very blessed that I've spent a year understanding what God means to me, so I rely on him far more than some of my friends do and tend to go to him first when something is troubling me.
For non-Christians, or people of other faiths, I'm sure its a very different story, God is somewhat a mystery. Something they don't think about, something the are challenged by, something that plainly doesn't exist. What's your stance on God? I've been chatting about Alpha with some of my friends and one guy said 'I know I've got to sort my life out but....' I think God is important to him, but he's not sure how to go about finding out about Him! To everyone who reads this, what do you think God is and where should that idea fit into your life?

Secondly, Grace. My Dad and I have both read What's so amazing about grace? and he brought up a very interesting point. Does grace have a limit? If you get the chance to read the story of Ananias and Sapphira, you'll see that God was not too impressed with those two because they lied, He killed them because they lied. That was not long after Ascension Day, God was angry and he used force. What can we learn from this story? How can we learn? well the first is not to lie! And then look at the nature of God. Obviously that story is a one-off, but where are the limits of Grace? I know I lie, but I'm not dead, but I know I'm saved by Grace. Weird. Something to keep you going!

God Bless

Home Alone

What do you do when you've got a free house? My parents are away for the weekend, dropping my sister in her new foundland that is Cardiff and everyone else has friends or a job that they'll happily be doing and I'm sat at home, doing nothing. I was going to pack, but I did get a better offer. Moving chairs and the tv!

Moving chairs this morning took an age because the admin side of my home church has fallen very short of what is expected. In pure speculation, and tell me if I'm wrong, but surely thats what makes a Church run well. Organisation, a bit of love and a lot of wanting? Wanting to serve the Family as a whole, loving and being loved because you serve and oragisation so you can serve in the best way possible. A way that uses all your gifts and discovers more?

People who don't have to learn on their own are the luckiest people in the world. People who are discoving the Holy Spirit over and over are incredibly blessed. Those who can organise a church are amazing.

I know I am blessed, I got to see some long term friends in a church for the first time in a long time and I got so excited. It felt amazing and they were only there for a band practice!

Many obsessions!

I'm beginning to enjoy killer su doku. If you don't know what on earth I'm talking about where have you been for the past year? Buy a Times (at 60p, thats not a lot!) and look on the back of Times 2, you will be surprised and blessed by the abundance of su dokus and other puzzles to constructively waste all your time with!
I'm at home at the moment, but as I keep mentioning, only briefly! I'm going to Luton tomoro, to see my wonderful boyfriend graduate. I'm looking forward to spending time with him and his family. I got my watch back from Next, after it broke on the first day I wore it, lets hope it lasts a little longer this time! I also bought shoes and books, plus an awesome Cd, by Hillsong. I've resisted them for so long, but I had to give in when I heard
'Cause I know my God saved the day / And I know His word never fails / And I know my God made a way for me...Salvation is here'.
Although I've just bought it I know its going to grow on me!

One thing I'm going to share with you is something that I really should do something about. Matt 6 v 26 -
'Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.' (The Message)

There is a God looking after us who gives the birds abundance and wants to give us that abundance too! How exciting is that! I know is probably one of the first passages every Christian learns, but look at it! We don't even have to ask (though out of politeness we should). We can be careless in the care of God, there is nothing to worry about, God has a plan and He will provide.

All I need is you...All I need is you Lord...is you Lord...
All I need is you...All I need is you Lord...is you Lord....

Hillsong is taking effect!!

Knee surgery

Ummm... not me, thankfully. Helen had her knee cut open on tuesday and had her knee cap put in the right place! Hopefully that'll make everything a lot easier in the future. She's having to other one done in 6 months. I've seen the screws that came out of her sisters knee and would not want that done to me! Although now I'm well versed in the ins and outs of surgery and care (cue a family member braking a bone!). I've seen the video too! Bone is very white and scar tissue is very fluffy! (I'm sure helen would love that discription of the inside of her right knee!)

I'm in Southapmton until tomoro afternoon, then life returns to normal for two days! I'm seeing Holy Smoke's soul survivor pictures in all their glory tonight!

Scout Camp

A week in a field, in a tent, with a boyfriend! Equals lots and lots of fun, a wellie full of mushroom soup, flour everywhere and one shower!
I enjoyed myself so much, I thought I never would but when you camp with 20 or so people who have the craziest ideas it becomes probably one of the best camps I've been to! I might even make an appearance next year. All the scouts seemed to love me! And the leaders were just as much fun. Henry was the star of the camp - his 'I'm almost a celebrity scout big brother survivor mole - get me out of here' game was awesome, a lot more fun (and messier) than anything I've done in a long time.
Who could imagine I'd be able to spend a whole week in a field in the middle of nowhere with no running water and sharing a tent with a few exploding bags!?! I did and I recommend you try it at least once (make sure you've got someone who loves you to guide you through it though (HENRY))!
So for the next week I'm looking forward to sleeping and chilling in Malvern and going to see Helen and her knees on Thursday for a couple of days. I don't want to say goodbye to Henry though :(

Just a quicky!!

I'm off to Malvern in little over an hour. I get to see my boyfriend for a whole two weeks! I'm so excited! I'm a little worried about scout camp, but once I get over having to sleep in a field I'll be alright (I know most of you are thinking that'll be the day I get back!). I also get the joys of using chemical toilets and washing my hair in a bucket, if anyone has got Africa (or third world/developing world) memories, you know what I'm talking about! Thankfully this is a little different, but in some ways a whole lot worse (no tin roof, or walls) and a whole lot better (I don't have to eat goat!). I get to spend the time with some fab people though. Henry! (Nuff sed!) Jeremy and Becca - the loveliest people in the world, with their twin girls and some more dedicated (but crazy) lads, who have been doing this type of thing for years!

Anyway, It's going to be fun! :D

Tempting

I'm tempted to tell the whole world something that only half the world knows! But I think I'll keep you guessing...
If you already know my news keep it to yourself!

Ha ha thats got you going? Hasn't it!

I should be somewhere else....

Its that time of year again - Monkton Combe! I should be exhausting myself running around with 40 or so teenagers, learning from them and teaching them. But instead I'm sat at home blogging, preparing to host a BBQ this evening for lots of friends and few family. I'm about to go shopping for plates, cups and food, having spoken to some 20+ people about a small gathering! La la la! I'm so looking forward to it, knowing that I'm going away in three days to see my boyfriend for the first time in two and a half weeks! I'm missing him lots.
Its all good, nothing to report almost. I'm a 21 year old who actually can't wait to do her dissertation, looking at the effect women have had on the church since they were allowed to be ordained.
I've just spent the weekend with the youth that were meant to be at Bredon (previously known as Monkton) dicovering what it means to make poverty history (click the banner, a HTML is too much hassle!). I had a really good weekend and the video and photos are being put onto a disc so hopefuly you'll see some of them soon!

At home...

and bored. I've not done a lot since I got back to Billericay last Monday. I've let time fly really. Not bothering what happens, I can't even remember what i've done!
I sang in church for the first time in ages yesterday, I'd forgotten how difficult it is to worship when you're staring at blank faces. I got to eat chocolate though. Which reminds me that I saw Charlie and the chocolate factory yesterday. A bit wierd, a lot wierd. Tim Burton is probably the scariest man alive - his imagination is far too much for me to cope with!!!

Malvern

The joys of the boyfrined! I'm in Malvern, keeping my dear henry happy! Its all fun, I love staying at home for the weekend and just flaking out, I didn't get up til 6pm yesterday, summer school exhausted me so much. I had a good week and I'm having a very good weekend.
Church was fun this morning, St Andrews in Malvern is fun, they've had holiday club (80 children - very impressive!) recently, so we had action songs and lots of stories about the mighty God Sword - or Mighty God's word (by the end of the week - can you tell I've done this before!?) I really enjoyed the whole thing, some people less so!
Anyway, back in 'ricay tomoro, so no doubt I'll fill you in more fully on my adventures!!

Summer school

40 kids, in their home town, meeting students who are doing or have just completed their degrees and having a whale of a time whilst learning that they can go into HE no matter what their circumstances. These guys and girls are under-achievers, but they are clever kids, funny, on the ball and constantly winding us (staff) up! They al have potential, they all have their lights on upstairs, but the teachers (and the parents probably) have labelled them as no-hopers, guys and girls who would be better off as a shop assistant or mechanic, in a dead end job. Thats so not true, these kids have the intelligence and the ability to arugue their way to the top. Some many of them are intersted in the Uni, its unbelievable. That attitude is thanks to the team around me, we're all so positive and enjoying oursleves, even though the tiredness kicked in on monday afternoon and we're running on adreniline most of the time! We've only really got to know each other since monday but we're working and acting like we've known each other for years!

I would recommend doing AimHigher events to anyone who is currently doing a degree, we need to be aware that we can give teenagers hope, even if the government don't!

Just a brief aside (I'm being dragged kicking and screaming away from this!) Be careful what you publish on the web, you can hurt people without knowing what you are doing.

Results Day

Just a little bit of fun! I've passed everything which is good news, but I know I have to work harder next year to get my average up by a couple of points. That means reading everything and not rushing the writing of an essay.

But for now I'm happy, safe in the knowledge that I can't do worse than a 2.2 unless I completely stop working! I'm just waiting for other important people to get their results and then I'll be even happier!

I have to pack today otherwise I don't get to go to summer school with my head on my shoulders. I'm going for a week so shouldn't have to take too much stuff with me but you really never know with these things!

Burrff day!

Or Birthday as they say every where else.

Man, it has been hectic since I last wrote. The London bombings have happened, my boyfirend turned 21 and so have I now, I've been to two different churches and been across the country twice. I'm so tired but I've enjoyed myself. There's no end to the things I've been thinking about and I can't possibly write them all down in the 40 mins I've got before I go and lead a cell group (something I haven't done for a very long time).

Loyalty is one of those things, and so is worry. I'm loyal to many things, ideas, traditions, people. I've been thinking a lot about love too. These three things seem to be my life at the moment. And it makes me wonder what others a driven by. I know these three aren't in balance in my own life, but I'm pretty certain Love is at the top, by maybe an inch!

Things are good at the moment, really good, and I'm looking forward to the summer lots more than I was before! The 'main event' is out of the way and with one holiday camp cancelled I can concentrait on other things that are happening.

At home...

Ok so now I am back at home, at least until Saturday morning when I begin my jet set lifestyle by traveling to Malvern! I'm looking forward to the next week or so, I've got plenty of things planned. Dinner and drinking mainly! I'm going to see INME next week, which will be good fun, though I know I'll stick out like a sore thumb - a little white girl, who knows only the pop culture that she's been brought up in standing at the back hoping she won't get crushed by bouncing boys! They are a good band, it just makes me wish I didn't have to see them with hundreds of boys who know how to mosh! But spending time with Henry over his birthday is the main thing - then he gets to come here and complain about my music taste whilst drinking! Birthday parties are the best things in the world! I am looking forward to all of it. It kinda of makes living worth while, knowing that I'm going to be surrounded by those people that I have made friends with over 21 years of life, and having that one special person stood next to me while everything goes on around me! I'm going to have a great time this summer and I'm going to do some reading for my diss too!

Funny life...

Ok so I thought that this training would be more practical than chatty, but I was very wrong! We are being taught classroom management more than anything else amd how to plan lessons rather than planning them. It's very difficult to listen to training that is not subject specific, how on earth can I put a maths example into an RE context...I guess I need a PGCE for that! And by far the most annoying thing - I can see from a mile off who could be a secondary school teacher and who can't! And who the most annoying people are! They are all lovely but Gloucester accents really get me!

Manchester

We got to Manchester easily, its getting around Manchester in the car that was the hard part! It's ok though, not like we're in reading or something (those of you who know Rob will know the story well, those of you who don't will just have to ask!). It's cool being this high up though, 4th floor, tiny windows (supposedly so no drunk or depressed people can chuck themselves on to the street!). Its nice and a bit of a maze, but fun none the less. I'm going to see where the nearest cinema is and we're going to see Batman Begins!

Financial stability . . . God works

My prayers have been answered in the most obvious way - I have been given so much cash its unbelievable! I know that faith works - my friends received the exact amount of money that they'd sent to Africa. To the pound! It will be used to do Gods work in the most awesome way - a place for homeless people will be secure and free from the worries of looters - something that happens regularly.
I'm also thanking God for putting a housemate in a foreign country with the Salvation Army. She needs to realise God again and be brought back to faith - I'm prayng this summer will be the time!
My exams went really well, so thankyou for all your prayers, keep praying that the summer will go as planned, some things are still up in the air!

I'm going home....

For less than a day, but its the thought that counts! There are so many people who want to see me its not funny! I've got some cleaning to do before I leave so I'll blog when I've got some time this weekend!!!

Stress takes its toll

I am not sleeping properly - I was so tired that I slept through an hour and a half of my alarm this morning! There is something very wrong about that, incredibly wrong! I'm far too stress abou my last exam tomorrow, I shouldn't be, I've seen the paper (at least thats the excuse that some people are making for me - you know who you are!). Thats not the case though, the exam becomes a lot harder when you know what the questions are - from my pov. 250 words is what I'm allowed to take in to the exam with me, which means I have the spend the time doing notes and then cutting it down into the final piece. It sucks really. And because I'm not getting the sleep and over sleeping I can't do everything I need to do before I make my trip back to essex on thursday!

ARGH! that seems to be a feature in my life too much at the moment, but how else can I describe tiredness and shock all in one? I'm also trying to cope with knowing that I will be here on my own next year! No third years to tell me how to do things! Just a bunch of guys who think that a smile (and a prayer) will solve everything! Sadly that is not the case!

Yawn....

Revision is sooo boring, but I know I have to do it!
I have been doing it all day so I figure I can rest, I just want to get my next exam oer and done with, its one of those exams that anyone with any sort of Christian knowledge can pass, simple really. I've got to spend two hours tomoro evening writing about Christian ethics on various subject. I feel totally ill-equipped to do that but thats ho I've been feeling for the last few days about exams, God work in my weaknesses - He was really gracious in unlocking the information I needed yesterday! I was relaxed by the time I sat at my desk and the paper wasn't too hard!

So one down, two to go and then a whole load of packing to do, the summer is so crazy, but again God has been really good in giving me time when I need it!

I'm happy but bored with waiting. Patience is a virtue! (along with prudance, courage, temperance, justice, faith, hope and love)

Toilet roll

ARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Why can't people just take responsibility for things? Why can't they just get over themselves? As my Dad used to say 'Get off your high horse and drink your milk' Please Please Please! I've just about had enough and will be glad that I'm moving out in a week! Back to revision!

I'm bored.com

I drew a personality pig!

It is truely amazing what you can find on the web!

I'm happy

God has really touched me ths weekend. He has spoken to me so much through everything - He is Big, He can be trusted, and there is a Kingdom that everyone is invited to! We watched King Authur and Bruce Almighty, I'd forgotten how funny the second one is!

I've sorted out my summer, right up until the start of September, but first I have to concentrate on my exams which start on Wednesday! I'm doing so many things over the next couple of weeks, I have to actually remeber to buy tickets for the journey home! Tum te tum....

I can tell you its not telling fibs!

Or revision!

I was told today that one of my housemates 'dobbed me in'. Apparently during the busiest weekend I've had since Easter, I didn't do any washing up. I seem to remember that I was out most of Saturday and Sunday, and on Monday I was finishing an essay that had to (but wasn't due to the same house mate) be handed in. When I was told all of this incriminating evidence I struggled to remember what I'd done over that weekend that meant I couldn't do the washing up! How wrong is that? I couldn't remember because I was that busy. The certain housemate was in an emotional stress of her own, so the washing up wasn't going to be done by her or the person comforting her (uh ummm...me!). The other person she blame wasn't even in the house (and hasn't been due to family commitments!).

My goodness, its like living in the Big Brother house! Who on earth would want to fight over the washing up and changing the bin? I know we all moan (and I know I do it particularly well!) but just get on with it, and don't think that someone else will do it just because you haven't!

AND finally (I promise), to add insult to injury, she's the one that creates the most dishes!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Any way I can defuse the situation without going 'Oi don't tell lies, B@!*h!'??

Bank Holiday

I've managed to do the bear minimum this weekend, and I'm not joking! Its been great - I wasn't bored either!
We went out on friday evening with some of the girls from my course to 'That Mexican Place' and ended up in the Frog, after eating the nicest tuna steak ever!! We did some shopping on Saturday and he went yesterday afternoon.
I've got to find sometime to do some revision, currently I've got tomoro afternoon and the whole of wednesday, and thats it. I've filled up my reading week with things I really want to do - mainly entertaining others who are on half term! Its funny how things fall - the 5 weeks at Easter makes everything coincide!

Blast from the past

My ex-boyfriend - with stupid floppy hair!
I handed in my last assignment today! I wanted to be out celebrating, but no-one else is, though I have been promised by Jamie that he will make it up to me! I'm looking forward to Bank Holiday, but before that Henry is coming to visit! :D I haven't seen him for three weeks so I'm really excited and seen as he's nearly a graduate and I've almost finished my second year we've got some reason to celebrate!
Definitely looking forward to the next couple of weeks!

Me
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One rather wet weekend

It has rained for the best part of 48 hours, I hope the river that runs past the end of our road doesn't flood (I doubt it but wonder!).
Its been a horrible weekend anyway. I didn't start Saturday particularly well. Woken up 10 mins before my alarm went off to a sobbing housemate - she'd done something incredibly stupid the night before whilst drunk. I had to calm her down and spent ten minutes in the shower praying for her.
Training was good. The people I'm working with are really nice, they've all got really good ideas of how we can get the children we're working with in July to understand how much fun university is. Came home and watched the second half of the FA Cup final - C'mon Arsenal! Penalties always get my so wound up!
Found out that my housemates great nan had died - quite a shock for me and her.
Dinner and then the Path, I'm not being really challenged by anything that is said, though Jamie (of Quench fame) did a really good worship session.
I had to leave early due housemate and her stupidity.
Sunday was good - two really good meals, one pub and one roast - I've eaten too much today and it shows! Now I'm just sitting back and reflecting on the weekend. One thing that struck me as I was walking though town after a long day on Saturday was the rainbow - read this to find out why
Genesis 9
12 And God said, This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come:
13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,
15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.
16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.
17 So God said to Noah, This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.
(NIV translation, thanks to BibleGateway)
It hit me that we're loved and have been in a very special relationship since the very beginning - no matter when that was - it started and it hasn't finished!
We went on to talk about Covenants at the Path!!

Question - How much do you give? This week has been Christian Aid week and we've been considering how much Fusion (as a group and individuals) give as a sign of commitment to God. He gives back in abundance when you give! So think about it! Where can you give (to a charity or organisation) and how much can you give this week? This month? This year?

And the point of that was....

Some random has made a judgement based on what I study at university. I hope I bump into his sorry arse so I can show him how interesting and great I actually am! Have you ever made a decision based on what someone studies? I know that I try my hardest not to, not everyone fits the stereotype you give them - thog I have a feeling that guy does!
Anyway, back to my essay, I will get it finished - just 75 words until I'm inside the lower word count! Though I will probably ramble for a bit more than that! Just like I'm donig now in fact.....

Essays!

Well jst the one, I'm slowly geting there. I've got 700 words to do, by friday evening. Not a lot else has happened.
We went out for Aimie's birthday on Monday night - in cow print! Lots of fun and got some really mean comments! Some people just don't know how to take five girls dressed up! Its so funny how people don't deal with it! Most of the girls complimented us, and the ones that didn't got their just desserts (from Alex!).
I don't have anything to write, I'm that bored and I'm that boring!

500 words down...

..and I'm fed up already, but I know I'll get it finished, easy peasy! I've done most of the reading and now have to cope with seperating it into the subject areas that the question has mentioned!
I know I'll get it done!

Beautiful one

You know when you find a song you really like, and grow quite attached to every note (ok so just me then...) and then hear it played by someone else - another band - live or recorded? I've had that experience twice today and both times the song has been murdered. Fair play to the people who were playing - its a difficult tune - but the ability to play it fluidly was not on their minds. I know most people will know what I talk about when I say 'Beautiful One' and some won't. If not let me introduce you to the world of Christian Worship songs. I encourage you to look for the lyrics and enjoy them, imagine it played calmly and at a pace, but not so quick you can't breathe between each line! I mean there's seperating notes and there's seperating notes!

Secondly, I now know why sport is so bad for me, I'm suffering properly after last nights jaunt at the YMCA centre in Cheltenham. My legs and right arm did not want to wake up this morning when the rest of my body did! Conclusion = don't do sport! EVER! (though I found out I'm good-ish at squash!)

Lastly, I am going to write mty essay tomoro! Shock horror! I'll fill you in as I go!

ooooo..when did that happen?

Look at this and tell me I'm not the only one who didn't know that this particularly large (multi-national!) company were based in my home town! Yes I am doing research for my essay, which I'm a lot happier about since my lecturer emailed me! By reading though the lines I can see what she wants from the essay and can probably start on Monday, rather than wait til tuesday - la la laaaaa, here I go!

Critial review my arse!

You know that horrible feeling when someone says 'The work wasn't up to the standard we'd expect'? Well I got that feeling today and then found out I got a 38 in my assignment for SO214, yes a fail - the second one of my uni career, and I thought I'd done really well (well at least a pass), but obviously not. The good thing is that I wasn't the only one, and I know that there are others in the smae position. A few questions I have to ask about this particular assignment -

How on earth am I meant to write a critical review in 1000 words?
How am I meant to do it without any set reading or any notes from the author on any further reading?
How am I meant to find the books when I'm not sure what the artical is getting at?
How am I meant to know what the psychological factors of this piece are when I have no knowledge of psychology?
Which lecturer has marked my work and how can they know where my knowledge is based, and mark accordingly?

The answer to all of these in some shape or form (but with a lot more words) is NO, a big fat obvious NO! It doesn't happen, for all the areas of a social study to be covered you need more than 1000 words, for it to have any proper evidance you NEED books to quote from and for the question to be answered you need to have the proper teaching. I am not an English student who knows what a critical review is and sociology is not hugely strong on disability!

Anyway, the next assignment is

'With reference to Sociology, Social Policy and relevant pschological factors, critically discuss how a family might be affected by the disability of a significantly impaired family member'

And oh gosh there's that word again...I've got a mountain of questions that I wanted to ask this week so I could write my assignment next monday, but now have to wait till next tuesday to get all my answers!
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

10,458 words, which is 59 pages!

And its not quite finished, is it Helen!?! Wow! Can you imagine having your name on the front of, what seems like, such a large document! That will be put into storage and used by RS and Theology students doing other assignments?? I can't but in 52 weeks I will be doing the final touches for my dissertation - but as yet I haven't got a book list! La la laaaaaaaa!
Life goes on, I'm feeling sadness of not seeing Henry for another 3 weeks - until I have my CHeltenham birthday party. My, my how time flies, I'll have finished all of my course work the next time i see him and will be well on the way to doing three exams and completng my second year!

Cakes and chocolate!

I've been baking, actually baking, and have the photos to prove it (on my phone!). I'm so proud of the achievement. Its very rare that I do anything other than 'cook from scratch' i.e. fresh meat and a jar of sauce! but this really was something from scratch! Museli and Honey cookie and choclate nests! We had a blow out earlier, so did the prep in the light of a few candles! Now all I've got to do is find some time to sleep and clean up the mess we made (not too much thankfully!), Jane will be so proud of us!
I also got my diss outline today, and the most awesome topic! I'm really excited though quite worried by the amount of stress its going to cause! I've seen Helen go through writing hers and it'll be interesting to see how I cope with having 50 pages to proof read this time next year! 10,000 words here I come! 'The Biblical pros and cons of the ordination of women' I'm so excited - thanks to Helen, who, although she can preach a congregations socks off, she thought of this title a year too late! Thankyou dude!! Love you!

Oh well...

Thats my attitude to everything at the moment...oh well - I missed prayer breakfast this morning, I didn't see two of my kids at work, I haven't done any of my essay yet. Oh well, life goes on, I'm waiting on the phone for Orange to pick up, I've got to get this media message problem sorted out, someone, somewhere is sending the same message to my sister, over and over! Thankfully technical support is free soI don't have to worr about spending 10 mins to a premium number!
Right on with my essay, 600 words tonight and 600 tomorrow, then I have to so Sociology and I'm finished, til exams roll around!
Ooo Maroon 5!

Maybe I was wrong!

Sorry to those who got excited by the prospect of Helen touring, she had a go at me about it! Next time I'll ask her before I write anything!! (Uh huh! ;) )
Today has been ok, I'm wiped out though, I fell asleep earlier without warning, I thought I'd have a 20 min power nap, but it turned into an hour! I'm still really exhausted, though unable to sleep! Which is stupid...I get so annoyed at myself when I do that!
Looking back over the weekend, I realise how much God was on our side the whole time. We were given time to see Helen's Dad and Sarah and Baz weren't too bad when we got back from shopping - they are actually a really funny couple, and althoughI shouldn't, playing them off against each other is sooo much fun!! We did have a real laugh and Val is so cool! In the last 5 minutes of the weekend it absolutely tipped it down, the second time it had rained, but the first time to any great extent! There are so many things to be tankful for - including the addition of four new members to Fusion and a happy house. I managed to do all the washing up today - everyone is ill or busy, so I shifted my schedule to make sure we had plates! I'm up on my word count so I should have feminist theology out o the way by thursday, and then its on to socially and psychologically constructed ideas of disability! BLEURGH!
Prayer breakfast in 6 1/2 hours!

The Noise!

Southampton rocks!!! Helen knows it and Holy Smoke know it! We have reached so many people this weekend. 30+ cars washed on saturday, endless ballet mums fed, so much litter picked (including a tool box and an exercise bike!) and one 'Noise' service (I sang in a band for the first time in ages!). God has provided, from buckets to words, friendships and leadership! Helen is a natural born preacher and deserves to be put on any preaching rota (available to tour I think!!). Tere are so many things that have happened, from James the tea lady, Michael being chained to the sink (almost), Eren and her craziness, everyone doing cards, Gav's beatboxing, and the willingness of Holy Smoke to do everything! We've found some really good links and uncovered some friendships! ;)
Bank Holiday tomorrow, I'm looking forward to a lie-in and some shopping!
God is so good, the last weekend has been so awesome and beyond human joy! A whole weekend of joy, going to bed tired but happy!

Dum de dum...

I hate those who have selfish needs. Those who can't see beyond their own (or their boyfriends) nose, those people don't know who they are, but poeple know who I'm talking about! They cause so much unnecessary stess, and should all be sent to somewhere where they have to cope on their own for a matter of weeks, maybe months, just relying on God to give them what they need. I've done it, its a life changng experience, I suggest that if you're in the habit of putting yourself first then seriously consider a trip to a mud hut in the middle of nowhere - and stay there!!
I have to go to Southampton tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it! I get to do tshirt printing, a car wash, litter picking, blessing people (with flowers and cards), singing in a band and shopping! I'm so excited!
I'm having such an awesome time at the moment, and I'm getting some work done! So I haven't got everything done that I did have planned but I am on my way toward those 4000 words (2 essays) I am so annoyed that I don't get to go to my first Dissertation meeting - its weird but I want to get on my way with it, rather than let it wait til September!!

I've been travelling for 5 hours!!

Argh! I hate the underground! stupid delays! I had to wait for an hour and a half to get on a train to travel for 2 hours. I started at 4.53 and finished at 9.48! It's so insane! I'm making sure I can book my tickets next time!
I found out over the last 12 hours that I've got a place at the summer school and I'm also Fire Officer for Bredon this year, on last night ball duties and alternative worship too! Lots of stuff to do! Scary stuff, I've never been a fire and security officer before, its all going to be new to me, and I'm going to have to stop dorm raids this year! I get to have authority! I also get to look after youngest dorm, with Marina! I'm so excited, really tired, but excited! God has given me a year off, almost, He hasn't given me an opportunity to do anything with a large team since Spring Harvest last year, so I'm really really looking forward to building up the young people around me!
Right I have to go to bed!

Back at home...

But only briefly. My laptop has got a virus that means I had to uninstall my Norton and reinstall. I can't reinstall and I can't go on the internet, on a network, without virus protection, so I'm at home waiting for my Dad to get back from work and then I'm off to Luton for a couple of days to see Henry and my sister! (we're going horse riding in the peak district in the summer!) Then back to Cheltenham on wednesday and on to Southampton on Friday for The Noise with the St Andrews lot! Crazy! I was in Cheltenham for all of 14 hours this week end and 8 of those where spent sleeping!!
Southampton is really good, I was being an over exaggerated version of myself the entire time! It was soo good, amd I get to lead worship next week! Something I didn't expect and kind of fell into! Its really good to see that Anglican churches need to be pushed into things!

Exhausted!

I've done so much over the last couple of days that I'm really tired at the moment. I went out after writing my essay on monday night, and that was entirely the wrong thing to do! For the last two days I ave felt really tired and dehydrated, I now realise how bad drinking is for me! I'm not impressed with my ability to not drink!
Yesterday was ok, but I didn't really want to sit in my lecture and listen to the most annoying American talk about sexuality. I went shopping and brought stuff I don't normally buy! I got excited about jeans, unusual for me! Then I went to CU to find out what Luke was talking about. He's actallt really good, though I was shocked at how much CU has changed! I'm normally in a really good mood for CU but there was nothing. We didn't have any worship and it was very short, I want Carl back!
Today, I've been at work and sat with Helen before and after her interview! We played pool and I won! I've now got to do my reading for friday and pack for going to Southampton and write an assembly!
Joyful joyful!

4 hours 20 mins later

One essay down two to go! I was over my word count too! Bibliography and all! Finished, now I've just got to do the reading for the seminar on thursday and I've finished the easy part of the degree! I've still got a seen paper to do and two essays that are for Liberating God and Disability and society! Joy only 4000 word and three exams to do! Then I become a 3rd year. Why do I have the feeling that work is going to pick up in the next couple of weeks - this is too easy - I still haven't had a disseration meeting yet!

Drugs...and ants

Fusion almost did a practical session on drugs this evening! But the local constabulary (funny how thats got the word 'stab' in it!! Sorry!) decided to be 'out' all week, very funny! So instead we looked at what the Bible says about drink - my group being a little slow off the mark eventually came out with the prefect modern day equivalent of destorying all of God's good work in someone. Get the leader of alcoholics anonymous to get drunk in front of their group! Ha ha, awesome! 'Make mine a water' was my catch phrase.
Ants, all over our kitchen, due to the hot weather in te last week, they've moved inside due to the rain. The girls thought it would be wise to clean the sink area, which was not where the ants were coming from. They have no idea! They are coming from the area between the sink and the washing machine, from under the skirting board! Mr P is coming round to kill all of them tomoro!
I've got to write a critical review tomoro and then begin my feminist theology essay, by the end of the week! Joy, hopefully this time next week i'll be over 2000 words into the 5500! Going to southampton on friday, with Helen to met some of the people doing the Noise project! Scary!!

Feminism is boring...

Ok, so its not too bad, but I have a feeling I've heard it all before. Blah, Blah, Blah. God's not a man, actually, he's a she. God is this and that, everything except gender specific, but due to patriarchy, the super being is male. Why study feminist theology? I dunno, it might do you some good, get you intouch with your inner goddess? 2000 words, I don't think I'm gonna get 200. Still there's always my critial review on the Classical and Modern social theory essay, which is all about gender. *coughs* do you think God is trying to teach me a lesson? Maybe. Well off I go, I have to write 5500 words in the course of 5 weeks - easy peasy!!

The Washing machine and others

We've got a dead washing machine in our kitchen and the ambulance has not arrived to take it away yet! Sorry I'm having a morbid moment. If this doesn't get fixed very soon I'm goin to have to do a hand wash! Or just wander over to Hardwick and nick a machine! There is no way I'm going into town!
Other things...Interview went really well, I'll hear things from it in about a week! I've had problems with my right knee all day. At one point I was limping, but now I'm fine, so I've probably just bruised it. And finally you'll all be happy to know the RSI is creeping its way back into my life!! Yeah for all the essays I have to write!!

ARGH! Interview alert!!

24 hours before I'm meant to be sat in an interview for a summer job and I find out about it! I've got to think about this one cos I can't remember any of the tricks that have got me jobs in the past. I can't even remember what I put on my application form! Good work!! Its £300 that I might need over the summer so I'm not going to take it lightly! Wish me luck.....

Yahoo!!

My new phone arrived this morning! I get my number changed over by 4pm next monday and then I don't have to worry about forking out over £60 a month, now its going to be £25 a month, cos there is no way I'm going to use 1250 text a month, but I might do! I've seriously lost count of t all and I've got to go into town to cancel all the O2 things I've got going on! I've truned it on for all of two seconds and I'm already impressed! I'm now a nokia user! ARGH!
I also got my loan today, I have to use it sensibly as I've got no savings! Money is going to be really tight this term, if not over the next year as well. I hate the fact that the loans company think I won't need money as I graduate! I'm so not going out next year unless its for a good reason!
Everyoneis back in the house now, with sme promise that they will attend all of their lectures this semester! Bring on the late nights and the qustions! We're all sure we're going to pass!
I'm going to buy some CD's that have been recommended to me!

I'm bored.....

Yep...thats me. I know I've got stuff to do, but it all takes effort that I don't have or can't be bothered to find. I've just spent the weekend in Malvern with Henry. A tad weird, but not as weird as his friends!! No they are lovely really, if a bit sadistic (making sure I had to down half my pint!), and the views are so good! Malvern is a huge place and very spread out. I will never complain about having to walk for five minutes to go somewhere - we walked for two hours on friday, just to get home!! We could see Cheltenham from Malvern, it was very exciting - shame I normally live in Essex!
I've stupidly agreed to go on Scout camp, though I have to find out dates to see if I can actally go. 7 days in a tent, walking, cycling, swimming - oh heck, I'm gonna have to stop being a girl! (Maybe I can babysit of the main leaders in their caravan!). Church in Malvern was really good, they've been gently shoved into the 21st century, a nice church, full of people who look friendly (but I don't know if they actually are!). The sermon was translated from Ukranian, to Hungarian, to English - good but not affectinve if the guy speaking in english is monotonous!
Oh I just want to cry!!

Guess where I am!!

Back in Cheltenham, and life seems important enough to report about again!! Over the last few weeks many things have happened that have been really good for me! My boyfriend met my parents, and I get to meet his tomorrow, we've had some really good long chats and I can't believe we've been going out for 4 1/2 months! I gave blood at the start of this week and will keep giving until I get pregant or seriously ill!! I finished my essays that I needed to do before I got back to Cheltenham and I've caught up with all my friends and still know some of whats going on here! Now all I've got to do is write my bibliographies and I can start on everything else that needs to be done.
I've got a busy nine weeks before I have to pack up and move out! I'm going to a noise project in Southampton and I've got some 5,500 words to write! Plus seeing Henry, helping at Fusion and wrapping up a year of mentoring! I've also got exams and a fancy dress party to plan for, as well as two of my own parties to sort! What can I wear to go to a fancy dress party? Last time I was a devil!

You know what it's like....

...when you're just not in the right mood? I'm not in the right mood. I've just spent a week with hte most amazing person I know and now he's gone I'm not in the right mood to do anything. I've tried my hardest to pull myself together but I really don't want to join in with anything right now. It's Maundy Thursday, which is a big deal for my whole Church, yet it seems we're blocking people out by coming together. We always eat together on Maundy Thursday, but for the past couple of years we've done it as a 'church family' rather than 'a family', I haven't really liked the idea of moving to the Church hall to eat, we're meant to walk to Church, thinking about 2000 years ago but I can't do that when I only get to go 100 yards!
Tomorrow is a sad day for the Christian faith but I fear I'll be in floods of tears for a different reason...my wonderful boyfriend isn't with me. We've spent a whole week together and it was hard to say 'goodbye' to him today but he is really wonderful and I'm happy!

Missing...

I'm in the house all on my own. Aimie is visiting Chrisie (because she can't move) til tomorrow and Orla is 'at a friends'. To be honest I don't know what to make of Orla being away. It all seems a bit suss to me. I don't know why. Normally she mentions where she's going and tells us something utterly ridiculous about the person she's staying with, this time she didn't. I'm a little worried that she's either with a boy (who isn't her boyfriend) or with someone I know. I think its got to do with Jon (who we've all had problems with) but I don't like to gossip.
Anyway, I haven't done any work today and Henry is visiting tomorrow so I'd better start!

So far today...

... I have cried, read a page and a half of a book, eaten and checked my mail. Only one of those things is attributed to this stupid essay I have to start soon, otherwise I will not get it off the ground before Henry arrives. The problem I think I have is that is is an entirely 'grey' essay, most things I write about I can see the black and the white. This essay immeadiately chucks that out and I know nothing about it. I don't know where to start either. Its so depressing...but hey it's tuesday and in about 48 hours henry will be here and I won't want to be depressed by it! ARGH, why did I choose hard modules?

Ha ha!!

Is the world unfair or what? Check this Blog out and then tell me what you think. I'm appalled by the language that this author uses and posted to tell them so. I returned to it today to find that my comment had been removed from public view. I used appropirate language and imagery (though can't remember exactly what I'd said), to tell the author that there are worse things than having to clear up someone elses mess. Others who have encouraged this blasphemy are still allowed to post. Freedom of speech my arse! (I didn't even use a bible verse)
I'm going to bed, and I am very angry now!

Toilet paper and general household sharing

Ok, I've just had one of the best days of this term and I come home to find there is no toilet paper anywhere! I knock on the door of the housemate who brought the last set of 12, only to find that she's stowed them away in her wardrobe because she's not going to be in the house for most of the holidays. That is THE lamest excuse I've ever heard. You buy something like toilet roll and expect it to be used while you're not there, what are you going to do, keep a tally? HIding it is just not on...communal living, should by the rules of courtesy, instigate communal buying. 5 Women, in a house, at Uni, c'mon, hiding toilet paper? And I swear there are only two of us who buy cleaning products! I'm not impress that I'm the only one who buys sponges - yes I don't do as much cleaning as everyone else, but I do clean in my spare time (heck I don't work!). Anyway...1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10...I'm calm!

The wonders!

Its been snowing all week. It settled once - good, cos I don't need to see any more for another year, but lame cos its only been really light all week!
I'm having an 'issues' day - it started with the lovely uni not having the books I actually NEED for my essay, which is due (discounting the ultra long holiday) soon. I can't believe a lecturer would put a book on a reading list and not make sure that it was actually in the learning centre. Issues.
Then I had problems with one member of our youth group who lunged at me to try and get bopit off me. Its not my bopit (extreme) and it certainly isn't his. He didn't apologise and just shrugged when I asked him to. Helen and I had taken time out of our day, just so we could do their CU and all we got was abuse - teenagers really get on my wick!
The third thing was the girls we were sitting with before Helen's lecture - no one needs to hear that much gossip in one day - or that much swearing. I've become a real sour puss on this. I'm getting fed up of hearing gossip and unnecessary swear words (I have a housemate who borders on turrets - swear words come out of nowhere but manage to find themselves in the middle of a sentence).
But my day was made better by the young child on the bus, since the start of term I've been having baby issues - we've been shon videos and I've been around too many obnoxious children for me to love a little life, but the kid on the bus spoteed my smile (thinking of Henry) and replied! I waved and poked my tongue out and got something very similar back. I've been laughing ever since!
I'm off to have my first meal out this week, and it won't be my last!

What a week....

Life has been a rollercoaster this week. It started with Valentines day (gosh was that this week?), I've had lectures and playscheme. It feels like I've done a year in a week. I was down in Stroud this morning watching Tom (who's sister is in west Africa - I'll do an update for you) playing rugby (winning 51-0!) and back in Cheltenham for lunch and fusion. I helped lead fusion with Helen and it is one of the hardest things I've done in a long time...they don't want to listen to me! We didn't actually have anything planned until 30 mins before we were meant to be at fusion - God is one heck of a character! I wasn't too impressed with some of the behaviour I saw. Two in particular, who have been picked out before, were playing up again. Either its pure arrogance or simply that they a scared to go with God - I dunno...

Amy update - not good. The ship hasn't got any engines and they're not going to Ghana on her birthday. The AC has been off for ages (cabins reach 30 degrees went empty without it) there is no hot water and no freezers to hold food. The ship is really old and falling apart, and because it is so old they can't get the parts to fix it. For all we know she could be on the ship for 6 months - her entire time out there. God's really playing with something, cos half the ship has got some sort of bug too. Not good at all. Please pray for her...and her Mum!

Life is a lot of fun at the moment but I must remember to do some work! I've got reading to do on the train tomoro before I see Henry and I've got to actually start thinking about the question 'Is everything God commands always right?' An ethical issue I'm sure you've got your own answers to....please put them on a postcard or in a comment, thanks..

Why do people have the habit of telling me that its going to snow where they are? Those who know me well will be aware of the fact that I hated Christmas day all because I knew it was snowing in the part of the country where I spend a majority of my time. Essex had glorious sunshine on Christmas Day and Gloucestershire and Worcestershire had snow. Now Essex might get snow and I'm stuck in the warmer part of the country - bluergh. I love snow and the view Cheltenham gets when there is snow on the hills is awesome!
Anyway, I'm having a bit of a rant about lectures too, I know that I have to do reading for a seminar next week and I also know that no one else will do it. The last time this happened I emailed my lecturer and told him that I would not be able to do the assignment because there was no discussion about the article we were meant to read. He has taken it upon himself to tell everyone it is compulsory and if they don't attend it's their own fault. Sociology isn't too bad, Liberating God is awful. The read was 30 pages of 'what if'. How am I meant to understand theories that don't make any sense? The lecture is tomoro so I'll let you know....

Legging it on nothing

Running on empty, in other words!! I've just done my first ever familyspace Playscheme with the Fusion gang. Very interesting, but sleep is the easiest thing to do now, thoug I should work really, but cannot be bothered!

Love hurts...

Yep, I'm in a depressive mood. Henry left this morning and I got the saddest email this afternoon (from a friend who is far away). It's something I can do nothing about and I'm feeling a little lost without someone sitting next to me, who constantly makes me laugh and knows when I need to sleep!
Yesterday was great, I really won't bore you with the details, thats for me to hang on to with sentimentality! The first Valentines Day I have enjoyed in my life and one I will remember for a long time! A certain houseate got a huge bunch of flowers from a guy that she'd split with the week before...some guys can not take 'no' for 'no way'!
I'm having some issues with CU at the moment, we're swapping committee over but I've still got to do everything in the way of worship. I'm going to hand all the prayer stuff over tody so I shouldn't have many more problems prayer wise! It all fun!

lack of everything

Because it is the start of term, I don't have any work to do, though I should probably try to get ahead of myself so that later on in the term I'm not worrying about deadlines. I should also concern myself with the fact that I'm leading fusion in a couple of weeks. But I'm not. I realise that the next two days are absolutely shot, and I won't get any work done. In fact from here until friday I'm totally busy! Maybe I should do some work....but really, I'm feeling totally lacking. I should get my critical review out of the way so I don't have to do it over Easter, but I have got five weeks to do two essays, so..? Argh, I hate apathy, especially when I'm the one being apathic!

I know I'm probably breaking all copyright laws but...

..you have to see these dresses! They are all really cool, nicked from The Times (do I have to give them some money now?) and I feel that my loan would be well spent (but won't cover the cost!) if I brought one! Ummm...
Today has been really good. My lectures weren't too bad, though I have fried my brain, and will do every friday for 12 weeks (with a huge 5 week break in the middle) and then exams! If you think RE is a doss subject think again. I challenge you to read anything by Moltmann or Reuter - then see how you feel about religion!
Off to have dinner with the nicest newlyweds I know - Alex and Di. Scary thing is they are both 22 and have a mortgage. Not somewhere I would feel the need to be at that age! It's only a year and a half away....

17 hours later....

What a long day....I'm going to bed very soon too. I have to get up at 8am tomoro.
I didn't get to prayer breakfast and I will be very angry at any member of Fusion who gets annoyed with Helen. Would you want to get up at 5.15 i you had see 4.30? I certainly wouldn't, she had every right to sleep til 7.20! Only people who are really selfish would be angry...
Two things did make my day though. I got to talk to one of my mentees about God and the Bible, theres a connection there and I hope that he comes to see me after half term. The second thing was the photo I got from Henry!
A mixed day...I'm very proud of all the Fusion members that took part in their school play this week but I'm missing everyone I love who can't be in Cheltenham.

Prayer Breakfast

I'm meant to be sitting in the Fusion room in Ben's house eating coissants and praying. Instead after waiting for 30mins in the cold I'm back inside wondering where Helen is. She's normally on time and normally answers my phone call, today was different. A No show, no warning from either her or Ben, so I'm wondering whats going on. I was meant to be out from 6.30am and I've aleady been up an hour and a half - I could still be in bed! I'm not angry, just very worried!

Semester 2 week 2

I can't believe I am a sixth of the way through the last semester of the year already!! It truely sucks! I still want to have a holiday and really don't want to start work just yet.
But onwards I go, planning my work, with my own deadlines and making sure I can fit Henry and friends in too!!
Living in this house is getting harder for me. I'm slowly realising that I am actually in the middle of a conflict that runs far deeper than the depths of Hades (ok I know I'm exaggerating - but it does feel like that). I can't escape and life will get harder for me. Thankfully there are a mere 3 weeks until everyone disappears, which reminds me I have to buy a suitcase!! Mum?! Dad?!
I'm seeing Henry on Sunday and then its Valentines Day on Monday ;) really looking forward to it this year!!

A week today...

...is the next time I'm seeing Henry. The last four days has been really good...well apart from housemates fighting (drunken story really not worth repeating!). I was in lectures all day on friday which was really hard, though I actually managed to stay awake after only four hours sleep. I've found out when all my essays have to be handed in and how many exams I've got. I'm looking forward to this term. 5 weeks at Easter is starting to be a good thing.
Life is good, work is good, fusion is fusion. God had me crying a the Path last night, I dunno why. I'm feeling like I'm going along with God's plans and need to get to the end of my degree before I ask God for another goal. Its good being this sure about day to day life!

Struggling

I've hit a nasty low. I'm ill and I start lectures tomorrow and I feel totally unprepared for them. On top of that I have one housemate who thinks I'm seriously stressed at her just because I told her I'm not used to people using my stuff without asking. Yes 'whats mine is yours' and all that but I'm not married to her so she needs to ask if using my things is ok. I have a problem with it. I have to ask eveytime I want something from someone else, I don't assume its ok, I'd feel rude if I did. It is polite to say 'please', 'thankyou' and 'sorry'. So I'm going to say sorry when she stops texting me to ask me if shes done anything wrong. C'mon how bad can you get - we were in the same room!!

Any way I spent an hour and a half on the phone to Henry discussing everything from different types of people to Marcus (who is some kind of Alien, I think). It was so cool. I do love talking to him, I end up laughing from the moment I pick up the phone to, well I dont ever stop! (Sickening I know, but I can't help myself!)

Lectures start in 11 hours! Bleurgh! Drug myself up and sit through two hours of 'Disability and Society'. Joy

Go to Cadbury world...

...it is worth the money!! One of the few attractions in the Midlands where I have felt I have got my monies worth. Ok so its a lot of walking and they do cram the story of Cadbury into you, until it is coming out of your ears, but to get to go round the factory and eat liquid chocolate, that is the right temperature, is great. The only thing of the day was that I never realised how overpowering the smell of cooking chocolate could be. I felt sick at one point!! We found out how the most famous chocolate bars are made! I won't tell you, but believe me, the creme egg is the most amazing thing in the world - shame I have a (very) small phobia about eating them.

Amy's (who is in West Africa) Mum and Dad, Jane and Peter are awesome. Jane is the classic mother hen (she'd kill me if she knew I called her that though!) and Peter is cool! Definately in tune with everything and everyone! I was texting Henry and Jane picked up on how quiet I was. I don't know Jane too well but when she found out why she gave me a classic look of 'oh yeah?', so funny!

Aimie (housemate) has been told by her international physio that she cannot play rugby for a month, until she recovers properly, she's not allowed to even practice her throwing (she's hooker - number 2). So I've suggested a few things, but pray for her and the house as we go through her frustrations of not being able to play and train.

I'm going to CaburyLand tomorrow....

...'nuff sed!!
I've had an exhausting day, my cedit card hasn't enjoyed it either, but hey, I'm liking the punk rock idea Alex has for her birthday, it means I get to wear a pink tartan mini skirt!!

And then there was one...

I know that I hate to get all soppy over a relationship, but this one means a lot to me. Henry has managed to encounter my housemate in their natural habitat! We were sitting in a classy bar (Montpellier for the Cheltenham readers amongst you) drinking our lives away a.k.a celebrating the end of exams and my housemates managed to get so drunk that they couldn't walk home. We had a good evening by my standards!! The best thing about the intire time Henry was in Cheltenham was listening to him laugh at Alex and Di's misfortune this afternoon, when they were paying for their horrendous mistake (they had a ten hour drinking session). I almost met Henry's Dad tonight, except he didn't get out if the car, so I didn't get to say hello. I'm a bit frightened now.
Anyway, I miss him, and although I'm seeing him in a week, the time without him will pass so slowly. Unfortunately time flies when you're having fun!
We're going on a birthday surprise trip on Saturday, taking one of the leaders out, but I dunno if he reads this so I'm not going to write anything. We are trying to be all mysterious about it, but hes having none of it!
Life is going to extremes at the moment. I've spent the last 4 days going from stressed, to sad, to indescribably happy, and then back down again. Tough life. Lectures start on Monday.

Am I the only one....

..who finds Eric Clapton moany? I'm watching the Tsunami Relief concert (spot the Band Aid idea - useful but soo stolen!) an Mr Clapton has just done a solo, yes he is cool, still but puh-leese quit it already! P.S. Jools rocks!
I went to a puppet ministry workshop today, which was one of the funniest things I've done in ages. Trying to get a puppet to 'talk' is hilaious, and I've found I'm much better equipped to be a 'puppet director', I'm not normally in the mod to tell people what to do - but I did really enjoy it!! I even got the son of the workshop leader in trouble!! I was shocked and delighted to find out that the most popular puppet is a bear called Henry. I had to text him and I almost brought one, only to be ribbed by a member of fusion for not doing so (and having a boyfriend called Henry)!!
Speaking of such things, all my convesations with him have been of the 'wish you were here' variety! Tuesday is only 3 days away.... :) Its going wel despite the odds are stacked against it!
Watching Rasputin now, I don't know whether I'll get it or not. I may well fall asleep. Oh what an exciting life I lead!

What is going on....

I think I must be stressed. Life is having a series of mood swings at the moment (for serious want of a better phrase). I'm going from being really happy to hitting rock bottom in a matter of seconds. It might have something to do with the amount of macaroon biscuits I've had or it could be something to do with exam pressure (though there isn't any at the moment). It also could be to do with Henry texting me or the fact that something is winding Aimie up and she hasn't told me what it is (I think God did a litlle bit of divine intervention earlier, cos Orla walked in just as she was about to tell me.). Whatever it is it's got me in a weird mood, where i certainly don't want to revise, or watc the tv, or go to bed!
I've got to sleep because I've got puppet ministry tomorrow and if I have'nt had enough I will get grumpy at some of the fusion members who are going!

I'm sure God's having a laugh!

I had three hours of nothing today. I was getting paid for it though, £6.66 an hour. Is God having a laugh? I think he might just be chuckling. I don't know what is going on with that. My kids are so crap at remembering that they should be seeing me. I might change my text very soon to 'if you want to' or 'remember you are seeing me' rather than 'I'm seeing you'. I feel like its utterly pointless, but I'm getting paid, not the kids....

I'm missing CU the most at the moment. I'm missing the fellowship it brings and praying with other people. Cos I'm not a member of a cell i don't get to pray with others that often.
I'm also missing my boyfriend. Henry is so cool about the distance thing and I feel I'm bearly holding it together sometimes, I dunno why, I never done this kind of thing before so i don't know what normal is!
Revision for my last exam is going slowly. I have to find a way of knowing the most popular lines in 12 psalms by monday (with puppet ministry on saturday and fusion on sunday). Argh!

2 thirds of the way through, with surprising results...

For all your prayers and good luck messages, thankyou very much. My exam this morning was almost easy-peasie, we shall see if the person marking the papers thinks it was too!! Bless Nigel, our lecturer, he had to change one of the questions, because it had appeared on the assignment paper already!
I saw someone I hadn't seen for a long time while I was standing at the bus stop this morning, kind of made me feel happy to see them! I was very relaxed after that. Its amazing what a smile at 8.30am can do for you.
I got a text from o2 this morning as well, some how I've managed to spend enough money on my phone to be rewarded with £17 worth of call time. Now I know where all my money goes and I can take a good guess at who it's gone on too. Henry....
I get to see him an awful lot over the next coulpe of weeks cos its the end of exams and the start of semester two, so there is not a lot to do. I have to do my reading this semester too! I'm going to spend some money on books!
Psalms on Monday!! Joy!

Stress levels are slowly rising!!

90 mins til my first exam of my second year at uni, and what am I doing? Blogging! I should eat but can't bring myself to actually go downstairs!! Thankfully my post was dropped outside my door this morning. I got a Good Luck card and a little note from Henry, which has only made me more nervous but I guess thats what happens when you finally realise where you are and what you're doing!
I don't know why but I'm in despair, I don't even know if it is despair. No i just checked my mini dictionary and it is. Complete lack of hope. That about sums it all up. I'm not hopeful about anything. I'm going to pray.

It's gonna get better...really

At the start of 10 long days, where revision should be my only worry...but as always there's more to it than that.
Helen's having her first acupuncture session tomoro and has asked me to join her. Bless her, she hates needles and is going to have 16 stuck in her knees. I'm quite happy to be there but I'm taking my revision notes for God and Evil with me.
On Tuesday I have a fusion leaders meeting that is going to take up a lot of time and has already caused so much undue stress that I really would prefer to be revising.
Wednesday day is my final exam for the week and shockingly at 9.15 in the morning, but at least I'll have the rest of the day and week to revise for Psalms on Monday. Monday is a 9.15 exam so fusion the night before will be loads of fun.
When I'm stressed I get quiet. I'm not happy most of the time and don't make nearly as many jokes. I get wound up easily as well.
Here goes, two weeks of torture for anyone who dares insult me or blatantly make fun of me or come within 20 yards of me and oh I must remember to eat!!
Other worries include Fusion in general, they seem to have a major problem with following a leader. And I'm struggling at work too. My kids are so unresponsive its annoying.

An experience

I've been in Luton since Wednesday afternoon! I had a lot of fun visiting Henry, as always. I still don't think my sister is too impressed, but I can't read her mind! There is not a lot to say.
Luton (if you ever get to visit) is a wonderfully diverse place. I always get a culture shock when I visit, which is unusaul, cos I seem to have spent a lot more time there recently! I've gone from one white town to another and I'm certainly not use to the Pentecostal style that the CU president has got going. H did take one verse completely out of context as he 'presented' the Bible to us. Definitely a sneaky way of preaching if you ask me - UCCF staff workers are there to help when a CU becomes too student lead. Worship's fine, but actually preaching, from a student, who isn't necessairly in tune with the different stages of Christianity, is kinda wrong. I felt very uncomfortable when he picked on me, because I was a new face (and I happened to be the secretaries sister). No use to singing acaplla! At least I knew loads of people who are great at calming my nerves!
Bring on exams. Three in two weeks and I'm feeling ever so under prepared for them!!