Strange goings on

There's a lot of weird stuff going on at the moment. I've just found out that a copy of my exam paper has gone missing in the post somewhere between here and cheltenham. Thanks to my lecturer for following up when he didn't hear anything from me for a month - show you care mate!!
My Dad and Mum went to see Spamalot last night, which for Monty Python fans is its own brand of weirdness really. My mum liked it so I'm on to a winner with sending them into london to do something!! (am I right Dad?)
I figurd out the word I wanted yesterday but didn't get in time - chalice, and I'm not even sure if its right! Trev and I will be helping with communion in december, so I think I'm using the right word.
Other than that, I'm having some worrying dreams at the moment and generally not sleeping well. I have been asked to compere The Jam on Sunday, with Trev, so that should be fun, if not slightly stressful. I love standing up in front of large groups of people when its well prepared and I know the jist of what I'm saying. Reminds me of the time I lead the 11-14's work at spring harvest for one night, I didn't really have a clue, but felt incredibly blessed by the end of it!
Onwards and upwards, I have to figure out how to get the internet at home!

At last

It's taken me forever to get here so I can only be brief! I've spent the whole day in prep mode and I'm pretty much ready for the run up to Christmas now, which is amazingly efficient of me, don't you think.

I spent the weekend doing a lot of things that I've done before, namely watching football and eating with my old Uni mates and doing a youth service (with some really adventurous things) so I'm having flashbacks from years ago, regarding how we used to do things and actually how not a lot is different from Christ church youth services.
I spent Saturday lunch time in Worcester, planning wedding invitations and discussing numbers with the lady who is going to be making them. Its a little on the expensive side, but I can assure you that its well worth the money, if you get an invite you'll know!! I'm really happy with the service I'm getting, its only a two person business, but they are the most professional people I've met so far, and their business is established and well run.

Saturday afternoon was brilliant, just sat watching the football, and despite the way England played (no we don't need Beckham back in the team, that is not a solution), I had an awesome time with Lisa and Orla. We went for dinner afterwards and talked about various people, before I had to catch the Bus back to Gloucester. On my way back to Bristol I met someone who was going back to Parkway and we had a really long chat about Cheltenham and Bristol, which was cool!

Sunday was uber busy, I had some sleep in the afternoon to catch up with what I lost on the Saturday. The youth service went extremely well, and I'm really proud of the whole youth group. They did a brilliant job, got a good reaction from the congregation when they sent te creed to everyone's mobile in text form (must share that with you some time!!), and the drama was a big hit! People are still talking about it and probably will for a while! The next one is a big event for two members and Trev and I are up for serving at communion (Dad, help me with the jargon!).

It's difficult to be brief when there is so much going on! ;-) Back to a properly empty house now, for the first time, and it will last for two months.

Paper kisses

I'm going to Worcester to see a company who are (hopefully) going to do the stationary for my wedding. So I'm a little bit excited. I'm also going to see some of my uni friends. So just a little bit excited about that too!!
Today is Globe cafe! Looking forward to it, soup and food, for free, and a chance to help some international students practice their english. All in the name of God, ow amazing is that. I also have the house to myself until sunday evening. So thats going to be fun (and scary!).

Beehive

I've just done my first ever story for Beehive, which is a playgroup run by members of the church. It was the strangest thing I've ever done, because I've never told a story to the kids and parents in one go. I got scared for once! Actually seeing parents from a child's point of view is quite intimidating. I was sat on the floor with some of the older children and trying not to look at all the mums, because although my eye natually falls to the people who are paying attention, it the kids I was telling the story to.
All good fun though!!

Filling time

Just a brief post, while I wait for the next thing to happen. One-to-one meetings are important in this job, but so it speading them out, so you can do all the important things in between.
I spent time talking to my boss and the curate yesterday, so of which was really hard, but mostly useful information for the future. I have to learn to count to ten more often.
I got paid the other day, so I have a little bit of money, yeay! I have to start being economic soon, otherwise I'm going to struggle!

Southampton and other things

I am currently sitting in the office, checking my email and all of the other websites I have on my favourites list. It's a moment of calm and a chance to get back in touch with the world after what has been a long and strange day already.

I've been up since 8am, with the knowledge that I had to attend the 9am service, to show my face and be welcomed in by the half of the church that I hadn't seen yet. So that's why it's been a long day, already, and there is still a good few hours left on the clock before I can relax and sleep. The reason why it is strange is because the vicar officially leaves today, him, his wife and children are heading to new pastures this week, so while I'm being introduced (I have been here a month already) they are saying goodbye to 14 years of ministry in Stoke Gifford. Their longevity and love for this place is an inspiration to me, and although I may not get as attached to the church, I will make a good amount of friends this year, some of whom I will keep in touch with for a long time I hope.

Yesterday was a day in Southampton, with Helen, at Paulton's park. Free tickets from her sister made the day thoroughly enjoyable. We spent a few hours going round the park, and went on the Cobra quite a few times, its by far the best ride and didn't make me quite as sick as some of the others did. I think I suffer from a mild from of motion sickness - I actually need to be looking at the horizon when I'm moving, and when you're sat on a pirate ship that swings and spins, that's a little difficult! We went back to Helen's and watched Roman Polanski's Oliver Twist. It is a good book, but this interpretation of it didn't speak to me in the way the musical does! The characters are weak at times, and although you get the force of Bill sky's being a horrible piece of work, you don't really get anything from Fagin about his schemes.

I got on the train and got as far a swindon, only to be told over the intercom that something as wrong with the engine. I thought I was going to get home, but thankfully we pulled into Bristol parkway, and stepped off an oil streaked train. I don't know what happened to the people who needed to get to Cardiff, so I prayed all the way home for them!

The rest of today is going to be spent with Mettle, encouraging them to say goodbye to David and Becky. I also have to say goodbye to them even though I don't know them. That's a little unusual for me, I'm going to spend a year without a vicar but I'm going to see some of how a church goes about recruiting someone, for such a large job!

Moving house and being attacked

Before you jump on the phone or emal me, I'm ok, I'm being spiritually attacked, I think. I feel awful this morning despite a good start to the day. I don't know whats wrong with me. So pray...
I moved house yesterday, so I can settle in for a few months in the run up to Christmas, and have some space. I'm in a nice house with a double bed! It's going to be good fun!
My laptop is playing up, so pray that I can work effectively in 20 min slots, cos thats all its gving me at the moment.
I'm off to Southampton to see Helen tomorrow, so that should be fun, we're going to Paultons! Pray for her knees!
I'm going to Globe Cafe now and then on to Davids lunch, and RE:fresh this evening, busy!

Tuesday

Nothing special happened today. I've done a lot, but it was mainly reading and getting to know stoke Gifford a little better. Currently I am rendered inefficient for about an hour each day as I have a cream to put in my eye as I have a localised infection. So now I have blurry vision for 20 mins three times a day, which makes working a little frustrating, but if it means I'm getting better, then why not!? I'm also shocked at having to pay £6.65 for a prescription, it gets more expensive every time I got to the doctor, and frankly I don't have the money to pay for it, but if I'm ill then what can I do? Obviously volunteer workers aren't meant to get ill!

I've managed to cook my first ever lasagne, its for student age pastorate tomorrow, I am also in charge of dessert - so we shall see how that works out - again getting money from nowhere!

As my Dad has already mentioned, Karen was welcomed offically in to the church family (very similar to a baptism!) and I have some photos to share!!



Mum, Karen and Nan in St Hugh's after the 11am service



Karen with a young person and is now offically in charge of most (if not all) of the groups she is attending!



The Church Karen has the keys to, St Hugh's.

So there you have it, a couple of photos from my sister who is a full fledged youth worker, and likely to be for some while yet!

I'm going to try on a new tshirt for Rock Solid and going to apply some cream to my eye!

Fly past

I saw the red arrows up close today, it was really cool, they were flying in their classic v formation and I watched them land. It's the first time in a long time that I've been amazed by something. Totally besotted almost! Its a very strange feeling. I don't know why they were in Bristol, but if I see them again, I'll let you know.

I managed to spend most of my day in the office on my own today, working for a good few hours on getting things ship shape for wednesday and reviewing various aspects of my job, including how I'm going to change things and what I expect from the year. I have to find the person who has the install cd for the office printer, otherwise I'm going to have to email everything to my boss!!

Fresher's Fayre

At UWE. It was really good fun and I got to see two people that I haven't seen since the back end of August. Two very familiar faces, so a little bit of home is in Bristol and inviting me for a drink too!! I've spent the whole day talking to international students, some who I vaguely remember, others who I'd never seen before and didn't know who BISC were. I met a few english students who were willing to help out and some who didn't quite know why they were drawn to the stand.

We were positioned opposite a group called 'Gender is fake' and being the sociology student that I am I had to go and talk to them. They have a very good point of view - why should we conform to the stereotypes around us? and that gender is a changing thing, it is also a created notion and we have a different idea of what gender is today than what it was in history. Though a few of the things they did say were a little off. For instance 'its the church's fault we are a patriarchal society', well male dominated society goes back farther than Christ and they also need to look at religion with a different view point, because that is changing constantly too. Think of denominations and sects that spring up all over the place and alter the view of religion once again. Also a very good point was made when I was discussing the subject with a fellow BISCit, God made us male and female for a reason, we are equal but we are different, not as an excuse, but as a good thing - we're not meant to be androgenous (lack of gender identification). Can you imagine a world full of people who didn't know their own identity? We need the differences to keep the world going. So if you're called to lead, then lead, we need teachers and we need listeners, but we are all equal under the love of God. Am I making sense?

Something else that I spotted today was another religious matter, to do with the JW's this time. They are a lovely bunch of people, but they do have a habit of adding sentences to scripture! 1 John 2:17 reads like this "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." Not like this "The world (including its demon rulers) is passing away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." Spot the difference. It comes from (surprise, surprise) the JW's version of scripture. Umm...

I have to go to bed, I'm off to Lu'on to see my sister tomorrow morning.

Richard Hammond

My favourite Top Gear presenter has been involved in a serious car crash. Richard Hammond was driving a car similar to a Vampire - you can read more about it here. I'm glad there's been so much support for him and his family. I'm going to be praying for him and is family over the next couple of days, as he receives treatment.

PBF

Yar 7 lunch time club that was a lot of fun, 11 children turned up for the assebly that we did yesterday, so a good number. There's not a lot else going on at the moment, this evenin is a bit busy for me, as I have two place to be at. Mettle happens tonight and so does student social. So we shall see how tired I am tomorrow for a 7am start so that I can do an assembly with Trev at St Michael's Primary school!

Geeks and laptops

Karen how on earth do you know Henry and I are geeks? Unless you know an awful lot about Lost, you can't possibly understand why we've got those bars and how good the chocolate was inside them!! Having said that, I have kept the wrapper and I did post the photo on the whereisalvar.com site! And also, dearest, I only look over my glasses if I'm being cheeky, which I think I was at that point. I did have 40 teenagers in front of my and they were being just as cheeky!
I seem to have fixed my laptop issue for now. I've got it perched on my diary so that the fans can work properly and it can charge without making crazy noises!
I have been into Fliton High School today, to do a year 7 assembly. It was alright, spaghetti hair and weetabix words. We've already got more booked in and I am looking forward to it. I have the evening off so I'm looking forward to that too!

Knees and reality!

Helen, thank you for the hug, much appreciated! I'm not complaining (or starting), just merely stating a fact!
Dad, I know, I'm learning that slowly. I think I'm trying to acknowledge the fact that I am actually good at this, thus following a pattern very similar to my last year out. (Yes this is the second one, and no I don't intend on doing any more!) I don't think there is anything sinister going on, but we can discuss more when I see you next week. :D

2 days later

And I don't ache, very much. I have a slight knee problem, but its a muscle issue rather than anything else. I hope. I can imagine that every part of my should be ok after such a long walk, so I'm glad that there aren't any major problems.
Yesterday evening went very well apparently, but my own opinion is slightly different from my boss'. I have a habit of finding a few problems with everything I do, like I didn't say everything that needed to be said, and it didn't flow properly. My boss thought differently, and wondered why I'm not bouncing along really happy with everything. To be honest I am feeling lonely at the moment. I'll be alright soon, but at the moment, reality is kicking in and I'm feeling it!

Walking snowdon

It was lots of fun. Exhausting, but I got a lot out of it and a keyring! We spent 17 hours together in the end. 5 hours there - we went cross country, multi map told us too, so we didn't start walking til 12 noon. It took us two hours to go 2256ft, which is impressive when I though I wouldn't be able to make it to the first stop. The first 20 mins is the hardest part, it's incredibly steep and if you're not used to it, you feel like dying after the first ten steps. Anyway, we gt to the final push and I looked up to see this:



Not fun! So we stayed at the train station and didn't go much higher. I am really proud of myself, Trev and Ant. We were all really excited to be doing it and happy to complete it. Ant reckons his volunteers are going to do it every year with him, though I think he changed his mind when he woke up in pain this morning.

I'm off now, I have a reading to do and a youth group to run!

Walking up Snowdon

Tomorrow, which will very shortly be today, I, along with Trev and Ant will be walking mount snowdon. If you don't know where that is (as some of the young people don't) look here. As for those who do know, now you can know the welsh name too - Yr Wyddfa, which translates to 'The Tomb'. I dread to think why, but can't read welsh for the life of me to find out. I will blog on sunday to let you know if I survived!

New Phone

I'm sending it back. It's too wide to be comfotable in my hand and the texting is different. Too be honest I don't have the energy to swap all my numbers and I think I'm actually fightened of finding that it might not work and having another arguement wih Orange about getting a different phone from them. Maybe I'm just not confidant with the service provider any more. Oh well, I'll just have to hope that my Nokia sticks it out of a bit longer and that I can get a magic number so I can go up a band or something.
It's bowling tonight fr the mettle social so I'm going to have fun and get to know a few more people.

More problems with Orange

I have spent a good twenty minutes on the phone to orange sorting out a new phone from them. So now I'm hopefully getting a phone that works tomorrow. We'll see though. After being sent all over the place because I'd made my order online, I finally got trough to them that I wanted a motorola and not a sony ericsson. It seems that Sony Ericsson are changing their range and not stocking any of their old range, so I can't have the phone I want, but Orange didn't tell me that. I had to ring them up and find out that piece of information!
I phoned their 0500 number, which has changed (they didn't tell me that either) only to be told that I was in the wrong place and needed to phone 150 again. Angry letter coming your way Orange!

Orange and lecturers

I've managed to sort out my call plan. Note to all Orange customers who aren't in the last three months of their plans, change your service bundle - the easiest and cheapest way to get more minutes on a plan.
I also received an email from my lecturer about my exam paper today, saying that there shouldn't be a mistake. I rather bluntly told him that I wasn't looking for a mistake I was looking for a reason as to why my marks are so drastically different. Look at the 11 August for the full details. I'm going to be on top of him for the next couple of weeks because generally he can be useless some times.

Established

I'm now a part of the community - I've been to register at the doctors surgery! I haven't done anything else today as it is my day off. There's not a lot to report other than that really. I've been watching Sky all day and trying to figure out the best way to get a good deal on my phone. I'm going to be phoning a lot more rather than texting now so i need a better deal other wise I'm going to end up living on nothing. I know God will provide but I need to do something too.

Testimony

I shared the story of my faith with the Christian Union at Filton High School today. It was a good chance for some of the girls in the youth group to get to know me. They didn't have any questions for me but I'm sure that in time they will. Its been hard for me to get to know everyone because I haven't had to make any new friends for a while. Now I realise that its a difficult skill, one that goes away after awhile, and takes time to start up again. Still I am learning to get alongside people this year and hopefully move on to something more permanent.
I'm also learning to cope with living with a dog. It's only for a month, but at least I know I'm not allergic to them in anyway. I'm going to learn how o walk him so I can be a little more helpful.

Being introduced in church

I was actually in church this morning. I could've been in the OSR, but I was interviewed by Wiz and introduced to the half of the congregation that I hadn't met yet. Never before have I felt so many people looking at me, just after I'd sat down. I was prayed for again and left for RS2 shortly after. So all is not that bad.
Henry arrived safely in Canterbury and has found Burger King already. He's living with six other people in a student house and sound like he is looking forwad to starting every thing. I miss him loads.
Just been on the phone to my Dad too, still playing bubble shooter and talking about going racing, aren't we Dad? Don't forget to read his blog too, apparently his sermon went down well this morning.

From Great Malvern to Canterbury

Henry leaves tomorrow so he can start training to be an English teacher for primary aged children. It's always difficult to say goodbye to him, but I now that he's in the right place for it and will be challenged by the lecturers and kids. I know I'm probably never going to see him teach, but I am really proud of how well he has done this year and what he is going to be up to this year. So I spent the day with him in Malvern, helping to pack and playing games. Spoke to his mum and dad briefly as well. I'm not going to see him for a while, there are a few times I could see him, but this term is busy. Pray for us.
I was told about a website called yournotme.com. It tells you about how many people share your name. I'm not sure how it works but I guess its on electoral roll. Lots of fun and I've found a few unique names, although I'm not. There are 371 people with the name Elizabeth Fisher.
On other things, I found out that HP don't do phone support, so I wasted money trying to get information out of them about buying a new battery or battery charger. I was wanting to talk to someone online but couldn't find the site for it, so gave up by emailing the MD. I also want to email the webmaster and tell them that some of the pages don't work on Firefox.
I also discovered that the new phone I've ordered is out of stock, despite the orange website saying it was free, so I'm having to take timeout of my day to check whether its back in stock. There's not an option on the automated service that says 'If our service has disappointed you again and you would like to complain, please press...' so I just have to deal with being a grumpy old women by ranting online.
Finally, I'm being introduced to the other half of church tomorrow, so I have to be alert, to take in the faces of everyone around me. Woo hoo!

Lots to do

I've been so bust over the last week, I'm finding it hard to stay awake at the moment.
I've been helping out at BISC for a week, helping International Students settle in to life in a new country. Today was the busiest day so far, I've been helping to arrange lifts and viewings for renting this morning and didn;t get away until well after 1pm. It was brilliant though. It's great to phone people, ask if they can do something and find that they can. Also the students love the contact and enjoy chatting to us.
This afternoon I've been shopping at Cribbs Causeway, which is just like Lakeside, except bent in the middle. I didn't get any help from the lady in the Orange shop, so I removed myself from that and met Cathrine, who showed me around.
Now I'm back, sorting out various things before my first offical Re:fresh. I've got a present to wrap and a card to write for someone who's going to Canterbury on Sunday. Guess who? I'm seeing him tomorrow so I should really do it now, but I've got time later on!
Dinner's ready!

St Michael's, Stoke Gifford

All is peachy in the world of Stoke Gifford. Its a wonderful job and I'm already saying no to people. I'm working with everyone from the age of 11 and focusing on the student pastorate that already exists.
I've been into UWE and introduced to one half of St Michael's. I've also been to The Mix, which is in Woodlands, Bristol.
I don't have much else to say as I know my boss may read it now!! Hello Ant!

A whole load of packing!

I'm being concise today. With my packing for Bristol that is. I'm moving into a double room that I've slept in before so I know there is not a lot of room for all of my things, and I will be living out of a suitcase for a while. So I've brought a few boxes to make me look a bit more professional and I'm being careful about the amount of clothes and shoes I take with me. I threw away another load of stuff today, so now I have half the amount of shoes I had this morning!

One thing I can't find is my huge amount of photos that I have taken over the years. I had a massive collection at the beginning of the summer and I have lost them in the transition from cheltenham to Billericay some how. I can't remember where I packed them, so I will spend tomorrow looking for them! It's just incredibly frustrating!

Karen - the outcome of fabric shopping was that we found some really expensive stuff that would be wonderful, but can't afford it, so we're going for cheaper stuff! Jen's going to order the pattern from vogue and modify it so it looks like the Amanda Wyatt dress!

So tomorrow is my final full day in Bristol, and then I won't be coming back to live in Billericay ever again, unless something horrible happens! Your prayers are always appreciated and so are your comments. I will keep you up to date on life in Bristol!

Bubble shooter

256,440

Aren't I amazing? Brilliant, courageous? Ok maybe not, but I am pretty good!

I've spent the day in London so I deserve some time to relax! I was out with my mum and my friend Jenny who is making my wedding dress for me. We were looking for fabrics, and it was so much fun. I got dressed up by a guy in Broadwick Sliks, he decided that the best way to show me how fabric looks is to coat me in the stuff, it was great fun.

I've found that people are either really helpful or shockingly awful when it comes to sales. I've had the experience of both, but only in specialist shops, it seems.

Now I'm off to the pub to have a meal with some mates and sit and talk about moving to Bristol again!

Summer school

Memories come back to haunt - particularly this one



It's being posted around the web by many a bebo'er, much to my joy, and some times disgust!! Those were the days! I really really want to do summer school again, but unfortunately graduates can't take part in it. Still, maybe there's time for a reunion?

Back in 'ricay

Back home again, blogging in comfort and safety! I've had a rough weekend, but sharing it here would not be appropirate, because its incredibly personal, so ner nicky ner ner ner! I heard from Helen (blog link below) about her situation and now I'm totally worried about her.
I have less than a week at home and then I move to Bristol for an entire year to learn more about youth work. I also have to cope with being away from everyone again and moving to an area that is familiar yet strange to me. Learning how to deal with new people and trusting that God is doing the right thing for me at the moment. I'm going to be receiving lessons in life it seems over the next couple of months. So pray with me, that I'm happy and I manage to sort things out so that I don't have my head permenantly stuck in a cloud from now until christmas. That I have strength to cope with whatever is thrown at me and I understand that I have to be praising if things begin to go wrong.
Here I come Bristol - don't you just love an emotionally unstable woman!

A week in a field just outside of Cirencester, how much fun can a group of people have? Well I was quite a bit of fun actually. The scouts that I joined for the week are a great bunch of people. Becca and Jeremy are wonderful and well organised. We always do a lot of things and there is time of leaders to take time out from looking after teenage boys. We went swimming twice, I helped with pioneering and general leadership tasks. So now I can probably lash you a tripod if you ask! I got a little attached to one patrol because only one of them had been on summer camp before, I helped them with a lot of their cooking and making sure they were dong the right things. Henry's cryptic clue day in Cirencester went really well. He has an evil mind, but a very clever one at that. It worked, the scouts were really interested and worried about being chased by The Faceless. They were so scared that they thought Henry was going to jump out during our last night around the camp fire! It was hilarious. They even managed to scare me.

So now I'm back from scout camp and have just a week to say goodbye to everyone and work out what I want my wedding dress to be made of! Packing, drinking and shopping, its going to be an interesting week. I have to make sure I know where I'm going next saturday and speak to various people to create a few structures so I don't fall to pieces over the next year.

I told you so!

Dad, my current top score is 131810. Beat that!!!

I'm off to Malvern and scout camp today, so I won't blog for a while I can imagine, because it's difficult to blog in the middle of a field, in the middle of nowhere! And I am not mobile blogging because my battery can be put to better use, like phoning the NHS Direct line to find out if we should take a child to hospital.

I am currently trying to find a way to rip a CD to .mp3, because my trial ran out, so i am lost for ways to copy it to my MP3 player, which only takes .mp3 tracks! Argh! There was me thinking it was going to be easy, a five min thing max, but oh no! Which now means I won't be able to take Martyn layzell on holiday with me :( I will find a way!! I've got two hours til I have to leave!

Family competitions

How competitive are you?

As a person, I've been told I am quite competitive. The girls I was bowling with at Summer school, spotted that I look at my performance and know that I can do better or I've done well, i.e. I was the only one who is disappointed with 7 pins down after two bowls and I was level with one of the male staff members at the end of the first game and was disappointed. As a family I really shouldn't compete with my dad and brothers but I do anyway, I'm on course for a fail if I try too hard. So when we were invited to go bowling with my brother's girlfriend and her family, we jumped at the chance to show we were better. Even mum got in on the act - scoring highly in the last game to win 2-1. So we are competitive and its harmless fun (some of us get upset though).

When I introduced my family to the delights of Bubble Shooter, I didn't think much of it, until my dad started boasting about his score - so then it started, I knew I was better than him and promptly set out to prove myself. My top score for today is 63820, and I know that it's not my best score. So here starts a family competition that will go on until Dad wins! And he knows it...

on other (much more important things) I'm becoming obsessed with an ex-busted member who has progressed beyond cheesy pop. Matt Willis! Out on his own and a lot better than Fightstar and Loserville (or whatever James' band were called)!

I may have been caught up in myself...

For the last few days I have been in the little world of Liz - not quite with it, and only concerned about the amount of sleep I seem to be having recently, which equates to a lot, by my standards. Ok so I do have an excuse - new painkillers (men you would not understand) and the permanent loss of my sister to that lovely town of Luton - she moved on Friday and so I'm not going to see her other than to chat about weddings and commissioning services.
So now I'm almost back to normal and blogging to tell you about a trip to Tanzania that is happening at this very moment. A group of church members managed to fly out before the kerfuffle that happened this week at all major British airports, shutting down flights for a whole day (and service is still not at normal levels) and finding that Britain is on High alert for terrorist activity. To be honest they are probably in a good place at the moment. Not only have they managed to fly out but they have also been blogging. Nifty little link for you that will be updates for the foreseeable future is here. There is quite a bit already, but prayers and good wishes are always necessary!
For those of you who are reading because Helen isn't blogging - good news is that she's back tomorrow and all is well with the teenagers, prayer for her knees as ever and for Ali and Phil who are in charge of her. Ali is driving for her tomorrow so pray for that too. I'm sure she'll blog when she's rested.
Right on to emailing my friends in Africa!

Top marks

Today I have said good bye to my sister, so that she can start her new job as a fully paid, full time youth worker in Luton. I've also received my dissertation back for the uni, with two marks - 62 and 57, so my diss was actually quite good, by my standards. Reading the comments I can see the 'must try harder' areas, where I lost marks. I also got my exam papers back with a little bit of disappointment and a clear indication that at least one member of staff hates me (despite the fact that exam papers are anonymous). He changed my mark, so I ended up with a 47 - rather than something a lot higher for that particular module.
I've also got an application form to fill out for my job in September - thus is the way of church youth work - incredibly backwards, but knowledgable that God is in every step no matter what order it's done in! So that looks rather scary, but I'm told not to be afraid of it, just make sure it finds it's way back to Bristol before I go to Scout Camp at the end of next week.
Finally, I found myself buying the TES for the second time in two weeks, knowing full well that I would see a picture and an article about summer school on one of the pages. It was smaller than I'd hoped, but still something to be majorly proud of. If you didn't buy it, I'm afraid you won't be able to see the article - sorry. The students who were quoted did a good job of promoting the idea of summer school, and hopefully the work will be there for those who need it. I would love to be AimHigher officer, but I'm in Bristol, doing my bit for the kingdom.
This is the last thing, I promise. I need your prayer, I don't have anywhere to live as of january 2007, and it's vital that I do, if I want to carry on with working and developing my skills. I can't live with my boss and his wife so pray that we can find someone over the next few months who's willing to cope with me in panic mode when it comes to wedding prep and able to give me space when I need it! Lastly, Helen needs huge amounts of prayer as Soul Survivor is not going well for her. There have been numerous ill people already, not to mention the amount of pain that poor woman must be feeling (and I'm talking about Ali!! Joke, Helen!). Seriously, an army of prayer is needed for her to get through the next few days! Monday must seem like a life time away!

Bridesmaids

Not the people this time, but actual dresses. I'm spending most of today with Karen looking at possible dresses for all bridesmaids (not including flower girls). We've had lots of success with the dress shop in town. They actually stock every dress in every size, which is really helpful to see what a dress might look like in a bigger size! We're off to chelmsford to try on some more from other designers.
Yeay.

Then its dinner at Nan's and an evening out with the Williams'.Great. I'll blog tomorrow!

Summe school 2006

My photo's from summer school can now be found on my flickr account. YOu can find it either by typing in colourfultshirts or summerschool2006 in to the start page, which can be found here. Have a look, and tell me what a pretty bunch we are!!

Just a quickie

We're going to move some things for Soul Survivor soon, so I am just going to say that holiday club is officially over. It ended this morning with a final redition of Rainbow - which is an excellent song for the kids. Look up Hillsong if you're interested in kids ministry. Helen's done a brilliant job, despite the amount of pain she's in. Andy is also brilliant at what he does, again, even with everything that has gone on outside of holiday club. The fun day was just that, fun. Harmless and really wet. A chance to just be with the kids and parents, teaching them what the church is like outside of teaching and worship. Alpha have jumped on the holiday club wagon and done very well at getting leaflets to every parent or carer.
As I said at the beginning, we're moving things for Soul Survivour, which starts on Wednesday, and then going to a prayer and praise service to be refreshed, because I know that I've been giving out a lot over the last two week, so it would be wonderful to do some receiving.
Going home tomorrow, so I shall be seeing everyone in Billericay for a bit, before beginning to prepare for scout camp!

Day 5

Final day of holiday club. I've been given flowers and chocolates to say thank you, from two boys in my group who were absolute angels all week. The BBQ is tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to that, knowing that I'll get a chance to talk to some of the parents and discuss the week in lots of detail with them. Having 18 boys and girls as been a great challenge and I know I keep going on about it.
I have learnt a lot about myself this week, I now know that teenagers are probably the best age to work with. I can get on with pretty much anyone and I dislike negative atmospheres and people who slink off unnoticed when they've got a job to do, also not everyone is cut out for young people's work. There are loads of people in Helen's church who are extremely talented when it comes to drama, getting involved and leading (Helen being one of them).
So this week has been overly positive, all of the kids wanted to stay and no-one could pick out their favourite part. Here comes a harder part, knowing that the evangelism on the parents has to begin, and the staff and congregation have to hit the ground running.

Day 3

Helen's long gone, and I'm heading for a break down. I'm looking after 14 boys and 6 girls, nearly on my own. I've shouted at them today, for running, for playing up and for being generally the messiest group in the history of holiday club!! I have discovered that my patience stops when I'm working with 8 and 9 year olds. Anyone under the age of five and over the age of 11, fine, easy(er), but those who just fall short of secondary school age are probably the hardest to get on with, because I can't remember what it's like to be that young and how mature (and immature) some of them can be. It's incredibly challenging and not particularly rewarding at the moment, but I'm sure when sunday comes round, I'll feel a lot happier about the whole thing.
So we've only got one full day left, and a weekend of activities, then I get to sleep and travel home.

Jungle Jazz - Day 1

For the next six days Helen's blog and mine are going to be pretty similar. Jungle Jazz began today (for the children) and boy was it hard work. Getting to know 22 7 and 8 year olds, and calling them all by name is difficult, when tiredness kicks in - even when they have name badges and are relatively well behaved. I've being pulling boys into line all day, and consoling girls who stick their hands in maggots! (Did you know they chrunch under foot? Yuck!)

So anyway, its been a good day, but as with summer school, there are people doing too much and not doing enough.

I ended up working my socks off at summer school, but at the same time I enjoyed the challenge and the amount of trouble shooting I had to do, because 15 year olds don't eat and not everyone is up for the academic stuff that is part of a residential. I got mentioned in two presentations and there were lots of tears - from the staff and students. I was stil crying on Saturday!

Tomorrow is another day!

Southampton

and Jungle Jazz. St Andrews is looking really good, very jungle like, and the good news is I've already been pulled up in front of the whole team to do the actions to 'Who's the king of the Jungle?'. I think Andy wanted to deter me from making any trouble later on in the week, but I love kids work so much that getting up on stage is slowly becoming second nature.
Now Blind Date last week was hard, because 15 year olds are harder to please, but a whole team of volunteers is a walk in the park.
I'm slowly realising that kids and youth work is probably more my forte, I'm actually really gifted when it comes to working with anyone younger than me. I hate to gloat, but I'm so tired I can't stop myself! I'm having a really good, but really challenging couple of weeks. I'm going to learn a lot of things in the next week, its a totally different environment and a new team, plus we have guardian angels, so I'm hoping for some encouraging words throughout the week.

Nice and awake

After sleeping for most of yesterday, I am back to my usual self, still thinking about how well summer school went and all of the problems we had during the week with kids and members of staff. I'm going to post some photos and some more thoughts as I process everything and hear some evaluations from others.
I'm off to Southampton, rather early tomoro, to see Helen and do another week where I'm going to be tres busy, but love evey minute! Again!
I'll blog in more detail when I get home in a weeks time.

I'm at work!

I'm just going to let you all know that I achieved a lower second class degree, with an average grade of 56.5, which is a desmond, or a C - depending on how old you are. It's a 2:2 for those who hate me being cryptic!
I'm at work, so I have to go, but I will blog in full at the weekend!

MP3 players

There is always one more thing with me. This week it has been my beautiful MP3 player that wouldn't work. Dad spent ages trying to discover what was wrong on Tuesday evening, he got it to work, kind of and put Queen on to it (thanks). I had a little more trouble on Wednesday. The instruction manual says it plays .wma and .mp3 files, but all of my .wma's are data protected, so it wouldn't allow the files to transfer. I spent 5 hours ripping cd's to .mp3 and deleting all of the old stuff, that didn't work any more.
Simply put, I would be so annoyed if I didn't have technical support and the moral - don't follow the instruction booklet, don't rip cd's to .wma's, always use .mp3, and don't use media player cos it will protect your files!

365 days to go!

This blog officially becomes a wedding progress blog today, so from here on you will be hearing about all the things I've been keeping to myself. Plans and worries for the big day, which is 52 weeks away, as well as teasers for what the big day is going to look like!
On other things, I go to Malvern tomoro to see Henry and then to Cheltenham to discover how well my degree has treated me and participate in summer school! I don't know how long it'll be before I blog again. Summer school and holiday club will be incredibly tiring so you may not hear much between now and August 7th!
Hi Di! Nice to hear from you briefly, let me know how things are, if you have any planning tips get in touch!
Nothing else is going on. My best friends are off to Africa shortly, so I'm hoping to go for a drink this evening...a late one though.

Burfday and partying!

Hello everyone! It's a short time until I'm officially 22. I was born on 18 July 1984 at 18:24, four minutes after my sister, who is in Cardiff, probably blogging just as I am.

My birthday has always been a busy day, as most of the events in the family seem to revolve around 18th July. My Grandma (on my Dad's side) passed away on the same day of my birth and my Nan (Mum's side) got married 31 years before I was born, so its always been a day of mixed emotions for all who are involved. This year is a little sadder because of the loss of Grandad, earlier on in the year. But life goes on, and this birthday started earlier than most! I got woken up at 6.20 this morning by my dad and Mum to open presents and cards. I couldn't go back to sleep because of the unfortunate amount of drink I'd had last night, so I played with my new MP3 player (which isn't working since I installed the CD that came with it - I am cursed) and phoned my sister. I've had loads of texts from everyone, and my CD collection has grown, and now boasts the sounds of The Zutons, The Kooks and Keane. Wonderful! I'm finally getting things I want!

I've had my hair cut, well sheared. The lady was a trainee, who is going into cutting so she can earn more money. She kept walking away to get her supervisor, who looked like she'd been sucking a lemon, rather than chewing gum. She was chatting about Chantelle (of Celeb BB fame) all the time! It looks rather attractive, if I do say so myself, lighter at the bottom, worth it, because it was free!!

Lunch was taken at Hanningfield reservoir, with nan, Mum, mike and paul (mikes friend), it's a nice little resturaunt, but service was slow, so Nan got annoyed! Since getting home I've tried to work out what is wrong with the MP3 player - with little luck. I hope Technical Support is on his way home (otherwise known as Dad). I'm going to the Boar tonight to drink fruit jucies and rehydrate myself. I think I need it after two nights of drinking.

I was going to post some photos of the party that Dad mentioned but I can't transfer files, so you'll have to look at my flickr account a bit later on! The other thing you can look at while your here is my Dissertation is on the web, ready for you to read!!

At the moment Mike has my camera, my expensive digital one! He's at his prom looking good, in a light blue waist coat and a carvat. He's going to boil though, I feel sorry for the lads, but the girls must be loving wearing a dress today! I trust him to take some good photos and not to break the thing!

Birthday drinks here I come!!

The stupidity of it all

The world has gone craazy! I wandered into M and S today in Basildon looking for nothing in particular when I found this -

Guess what they were actually talking about? Expensive flip-flops. Please M and S do something about being snooty and calling flip-flops 'toe post' shoes! Really, it's not cool or clever, it just alienates people.

On another moment of absolute craaziness, McFly have covered 'Don't stop me now', which is obviously originally by Queen. It's a very special song as well as being truly awesome, so I can only assume that these babies had nothing better to do with their time other than create songs about Lindsay and practice other peoples material. So in a moment of absolute brilliance we are going to see Pirates of the Caribbean instead of watching sport relief (because I will only watch Children In Need - what are we American?). Huzzah!! I've already seen in once, but am more than happy to see it again!

The old lady inside me has finished moaning - it's back to normal until the next time I come across some stupidity, probably the price of pop corn tonight!

A day of fun!

Today has been a good day. I miss Henry loads but I spent a good four hours with my Nan, shopping for summer dresses and looking for bridesmaids dresses. It was loads of fun, we had a laugh. She tried on more clothes than I did, and she's a new look convert, scary stuff. I'm shopping in M & S now (even though its all low-fat!). I am really becoming my mother. It's so true, I've even started to interrupt Dad!

I've been singing a song all day and I thought I'd share my thoughts with you (it wouldn't be my blog without them!)

Caught in the half-light, I'm caught alone
Waking up to the sunrise and the radio
Feels like I'm tied up, what's holding me?
Just praying today will be the day I go free

I want to live like there's no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one's around
I want to sing like nobody's listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I'm not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made

Made in Your likeness, made with Your hands
Made to discover who You are and who I am
All I've forgotten help me to find
All that You've promised let it be in my life

It's a Chris Tomlin song called 'The Way I was Made' from the Arriving album. It's actually close to how I'm feeling at the moment. I have a will to break free - after three years at Uni, I know that I want to live with God in my life showing me the way and discovering more of Him, breaking free of my old ways. Singing like nobody's listening - the biggest challenge! This next year is going to be an interesting one - not only because of the wedding, but also because I'm in a totally new place and my way of being will change!

Stepping into the void...do you dare follow?

Traveling and general musings!

Ok so I have been traveling again today, and have found that I am becoming more and more stressed by the experience, no matter what my circumstances and in despite of the fact that I can probably do it with my eyes shut. My night's sleep hadn't been too good, but still I felt rested, and happy to travel. I got on the train and sat down in the busiest carriage I've seen for ages. That was ok, I managed to while away 2 hours, reading, writing and listening to the radio (I've asked for an MP3 player for my birthday, so I get just music!). I watched the country turn in to city always finding new things to look at. We were joined by young children on a day trip for a stop or so, I don't remember them getting off, I had my nose in my book!

I got off the train in search of some lunch and a few bits and pieces, as unlike any other journey, I could take my time getting home. I found what I needed and happily got on the tube, baked a bit and soon found myself in a packed Liverpool street station, looking for a train to take me home.

I got on the train and opened my lunch - low-fat probiotic natural yoghurt with raisin granola. I soon found out that natural yoghurt should not be eaten alone and was annoyed that all M & S do is low fat - sometimes you need extra sugar and fat just to make something taste good. Oh and please M & S, realise that when you bring out a new flavour of crisps (in this case parsnip and honey) try to fill at least half the bag? Please?

Anyway, I got over that and finished listening to Colin and Edith on Radio 1 - which always makes me laugh, I have to stop myself from pulling faces when I listen. And moved on to something a little more serious - more reading. I'm at a crucial point in the time travelers wife, so I couldn't put my book down.

I finally found my mum and nan. Got home to find we had to walk up the road because the removal van for the house opposite blocking the street!! Nice bit of exercise to end the travel!

I'm being chucked off! Good Night xxx

At Helen's

I've been at Helen's since thursday, having a great time!! Very tired now though, having done so much. Thursday evening was youth church, friday was dress shopping, drop-in and pathfinder camp. Now Helen in a dress is a special thing - she looked brilliant! Can't wait to find the right dress and see all of my bridesmaids in dresses! Pathfinder camp was different from anything I've ever experienced, even compared to scout camp. Proper toilets, but on the go all of the time, which is tiring. Saturday was back to normal, we went to a school fete, and had cream tea at the church. The evening was spent with Helen's family and watching Dr Who.

Now Dr Who was good, although daleks and cybermen having a long conversation? Doesn't happen! The story was good, but Rose didn't actually die, so we're going to see her again. Ummm...can't make up my mind.

Today has been church and speaking to people about who I am in relation to Helen and what I have done with my time since sidholm. I've also helped with Holy Smoke, finding out what they've been up to and what they think of being part of God's kingdom.

Tomorrow is helping create a display for the Jungle Jazz holiday club and travelling to Malvern to see Henry! Yeay! My time in Southampton has been great!!

Music

Something I forgot to add - The Kooks - brilliant! It's something about the way Luke Pritchard sings. It's jolly music, the kind I could bounce around a room to, and not worry about who is watching! Luke has a great voice and his accent is brilliant, it makes me laugh, because it's unusual. I'm a great one for imitating singers and spotting differences. Christina and Britney are totally different (you could argue that the former is a real singer, but when britney was at her height, blah, you get me?). Listen for it. Also if you listen to Dan Gillespie Sells, from The Feeling, he's quite well-spoken, which is unusual, it's nice to hear a 't' now and then!

Any way..packing. I'm doing a lot of traveling again over the next week, so I shall let you know what I see and think about. After all I have 11 hours all alone!

Job interview among other things

So Monday was a bit different than I expected. The interview was something I never expected. I had to do a data entry, a word and an excel programme test. Now I thought I was quite competent in these things until my test results were read out. I don't think I got about 70% in anything. Which when you're doing basic on excel is not good. Though if there's a way to use the mouse to do something, I'm not going to know the keyboard command for it, am I? So getting roughly 60% seems to be my life story. Degree results in less than 20 days - I am so scared. The interview its self went well, though I probably won't get a job with them, so keep praying for me and money!

Today has been a tad more exciting! I've been measured for my wedding dress! So slowly but surely I will have come back to billericay to get fitted for it! You do not know how excited I am! It's going to get made in kaliko first and then we're going to shop for materials! Tee Hee!!

Tomorrow I am travelling to Southampton, to see a very good friend and do even more wedding stuff and find out all about the events of recent months first hand! All good, but at the same time....

I have to go and pack!

The weekend

The big family news this weekend is that Karen has graduated from her job and she did it rather successfully, but its her job to tell you how well she did!



Here's a cheery photo of the group that she's worked with for the entire year. They're a great bunch of people who I probably won't see again, unless I bump into them at a conference or a networking bash for youthworkers somewhere, and even then I probably won't remember their names, as I've already forgotten them. Still Karen is in there somewhere!



Church was great on Sunday, as always at Glenwood. Uplifting an prayerful. I watched the music group pray together before the service, and discovered that prayer is worship too. I would've loved to join them because they pray with their hearts, by the looks of things! Most music groups quickly bow their heads and one person says something but this group were reciting scripture and laying hands. It was great to watch, it would be great if all groups were like that!

So I've done an absurd amount of traveling this weekend. Some 4 hours to Henry's on friday, 2 hours to Cardiff on Saturday and 5 hours back to Essex yesterday. I've looked at an awful lot of British countryside and been through places on the way home that I never thought I would. For a start the Cardiff to London train does not go through Bristol, as I assumed it would. Silly me. We do go around Bristol, but I am yet to find out which side! Then we went through Bath, (an old city that I would love to spend more time in, although I refuse to drink the water!) and came out surrounded by hills. The next thing we saw where the horses, two of them, made of chalk.

I can't remember why they exist, but there are lots of them in the area that we went through. I saw tepees and went through Newbury (horse racing). I also saw a canal boat in a lock, going down. Some really pretty churches and a striking contrast between town and country.

We finally reached the city and were stuffed into the tube. I got home, very hot and tired, but I made it!

I discovered on my long journeys that you can have too much of a good thing. My good thing at the moment is The Time Traveler's Wife. Its a wonderful love story of a couple who meet when she is 6 and he is 36, but they only start going but when she is 20 and he is 28. Confused? I was, but its a great story, so I'm reading it again. I had a bit too much of it on the way home from Cardiff, so I was bored for a bit, but there we go, I had a fiancee to keep me happy!

So today is merrily going along. I have an application form to fill out and a job interview! Hazzah, I'll let you know how it goes!

Looking for a job

Things are going slowly in the temping business. So I've signed up to an agency in Chelmsford and phoned a dog walking service today. I am so desperate - anyone got any ideas?

I'm beginning to miss uni now. I'm also struggling with having nothing to do! la la laa

Karen I can't wait to see you. I miss you!

Pray for Helen, things are getting harder.

New Vicar

Christ Church has welcomed its new vicar! We had the ceremony last night, and ate lots of cake afterwards! I had a chat to some of the people that I haven't seen in a while (hello Howard!) and got to find out what the church has been up to since Paul left. My Dad lead the procession, and I was stood on the end of a row, a million things flashed through my mind when the procession started! I didn't do anything other than pull lots of faces at the end of the service to try and put him off!
It went very well, although I expected more people at the service, I can definitely see that numbers have fallen over the years. It was good though. There are a few things I would change, but thats from knowing different churches and being pinickity!

I've spent a lot of time catching up over the last few days. It's great to have honest conversations with people that you've not spoken to for ages.

Off to cardiff on saturday, but before that it's malvern for a bit!

Back at home (briefly)

So I'm back in Essex, if only for a short period. I've already been to the pub and caught up with many old friends. So I'm going to spend today looking for a job and buying train tickets to various places. I have a few people to email and then I'm going to put all of my things in the loft. It's back to the pub after that! Yeay!!

Interview!

This is a photo of the newish coffee shop that I will be spending most of my time in from next September, in fact I spent most of my day in there, yesterday. It's a great facility and looks wonderful on the inside!



This is a photo of the church building. Its beautiful, very chocolate box, shame it's not surrounded by green.



And finally the sign. The vicar will be moving on soon. Its going to be a lot of fun. You can see the website (both church and youth) by clicking here.

My interview went really well. The youth are wonderfully behaved and so are the staff. I've had to tell Ant off once already, so I think I'm going to get on well with him! Trev (one of my old youth group) is working in Stoke Gifford already, so that's going to be fun. I got to meet lots of people, some of whom I am linked to in ways I never could imagine. It's too hard to explain so get in touch if you want to know how I am already linked to St Michaels!

Back in Cheltenham now, clearing up and packing away. Very sad. I've cleared my shelves and my draws, so finding a place for everything has been fun. I've still got to find a proper place for all the important documents. And the summer continues to get busier.

The Summer Ball 2006

The summer ball was really good. I really enjoyed myself, with all of the people above and others. The day started with a dash into town for some final accessories and a few hayfever tablets. I got home and welcomed friends to a BBQ that lasted for a few hours. We ate some wonderful food and had a good chat about the last three years. I got some photos from the famous wall in the basement of where we've done most of our drinking.

The day continued with sitting on the patio, paining nails and chatting with Alex and Di about the evening ahead. We got ready, slowly but steadily and headed out of the door at six. We went to the beer gardens where the above photo was taken, shared a few bottles of wine and got on the bus to head to the race course.

Di and Alex instantly queued to get on the bungee ride (photo below) and we spent the evening walking around, speaking to people and dancing the night away. I've said goodbye to loads of people and I'm going to keep saying goodbye for the next week or so.



Fusion this evening was a lot of fun. I didn't take my camera, so no photos - sorry. I walked in to find a full inflated bouncy castle! Such a surprise. I had no idea what Ben was planning. I was given a few presents and made a speech to say thank you, because those are the only words that I have. I really enjoyed the whole evening. I'm sad to go, but I know I have to move on.

And I'm doing it quickly. Tomorrow I will spend a good 24 hours in Bristol. Meeting everyone for next year, getting to know my surroundings and who I will be working with. I'm meeting committee and youth groups as well as the people I will hopefully be living with.

So pray for me, for leaving things behind and moving on. Thank you.

A few days away

I've had a few days away so I'm refreshed and ready for tomoros craziness of the summer ball! I came home to find an empty house. The girls were stranded in Gloucester because Di's car died. They got back, very annoyed that they hadn't found what they needed for tomorrow.

I went shopping to find some wonderful jewellery to go with my dress, broughta bit more than I bargained for because the women in the shop was so helpful! Anyway lots is going on here, relationships finishing and boys doing very strange things...ummm...must be the weather!!

Having a holiday

I have spent the day doing nothing but reading and watching TV. Henry has Sky, so I've been keeping an eye on the wedding shows and the food programmes! I'm reading the new Patricia Cornwell story. I'm not impressed so far, it seems all the same now, but still cn't wait to find out how it ends. If you like CSI, I suggest you pick up a Cornwell book!

As for wedding fever, it's startingto pick up again, and I'm realising just how much some people spend on their weddings. One couple were spending £10,000 on feeding 100 guests. Thats a bit much for a buffet!

Any way, I'm going to get back to my book.

P.S. Karen I will go to the doctor at some point.

All over

My degree has ended :( I finished this morning at 11.15 after getting cramp in my hand at least twice during a really good exam paper. I also discovered that I got 63% on my assignment, so I am uber happy! Now I figure if my dissertation is highly marked I can come away from this wonderful experience with a high 2:2 or a low 2:1, how awesome would that be. I'm not worried any more, just looking forward to getting my results. I've had a really good time doing this degree malarky. So glad that I did it and happy with the people I've met.

La la la...still frustrated at what happened yesterday, but hey ho, not my problem.

Anyone know what the symptoms of RSI are? My right wrist is acting funny. Oh and I've pulled some muscles in my knee, ever so slightly - I was having trouble walking this morning! Yeay for my body know when I don't need it any more!

I feel happy, but numb. There's nothing left for my to do, although I will be busy right up until I start my job in Bristol.

Wasting precious time

I am in the middle of my exams, I had one this morning and I have one tomorrow. Why am I blogging rather than revising? Because someone has caused me stress by saying they're stressed. Now that's not the problem, the problem is that they're not stressed, they are not showing any signs of being stressed. Yet they have been signed off from uni for the end of the exam period. Also they have shut me off from what is happening, I've shown concern and it's been thrown in my face.

I don't know if there is any thing I can do to dissipate my anger at the current situation. I guess I'm going to Henry's tomorrow so I don't need to worry, but still the anger inside me needs to go somewhere. I don't enjoy being treated this way and I know it's not got anything to do with the way I acted! She's blocked me out, which I'm actually more angry at than anything else.

Ummm... Back to revision.

To add to that...

This deserves its own post... Someone (I will not say who) tried to expain what an 'over' is to me in cricket a couple of weeks ago. Do I look stupid? I may not play sport but I do watch it. I can explain LBW and have some knowledge of how to bowl! I used to play for goodness sake!!

By the way, it's way too hot to sleep!

Thine be the Glory

Not a song you'd associate with football, but since yesterday, all fans who watch the BBC's coverage of the current tournament will do exactly that. I don't know whether to be shocked, angry or happy that a hymn will feature on British screens for the next month or so. Someone help my figure out what I'm thinking. Football isn't a religion in my eyes, but for those who do follow, week on week, it may well be. Can it be possible for this to be a good thing? Umm... As for the game, I'm not impressed with the way we played today. Yes we scored, but we were not on top of our game. If the Germans can score 4 in their first match, how can we be held for most of a game? Thoughts of lifting that trophy are

Today has been a good day. We won the rafting (despite what some people would say) and I didn't get incredibly wet, as I thought I would. I think I may had mild sun stroke though. I was terribly dehydrated after rafting and I don't think I've done enough to help myself rehydrate. I'm feeling ever so slightly nauseous and headachy. I am certain that I have a red nose though. From te sun and from the hayfever. I am seriously suffering and have changed my drugs, although nothing seems to be helping. Please pray for me and the weather. I would like a little bit of rain. Maybe I should dance...

Exam - Isaiah

Today was ok. The exam went well. I was worried before hand that I would not know anything, but as it turns out what I'd revised was sort of what came up. Happy, not over joyed, but safe in the knowledge I've passed my final biblical based exam - ever!

I got my engagement ring back, so it's all shine and new looking, strange not to have it on my finger for a few days, definitely happy to have it back!

Now watching BB and thinking about Henry at download. I get to see him on Tuesday, so it's not too bad not seeing him this weekend. Who would want to be standing for 10 hours a day anyway, and only to see Guns n' Roses, oh, and Metallica? ;)

Sun burn and birthdays

I spent yesterday at the Cheltenham lido, I did do some revision (about the same amount that I've done today) and some swimming. I have a sun burnt back because I can't reach far enough to do my own back (show me someone who can!) but the rest of me is fine. A little browner than I was this time yesterday, but all happy and waiting for my damn exam to start! I am sooo bored, but stressed at the same time.

I have to speak at Chapel tonight about my hopes for the future and I have no idea what I want to say... Umm... I'll spend some time thinking later on today, when I've gone over my notes for the final time.

It's officially birthday season, and I am send presents out shortly to one of my friends. You can find some amazing things on the internet! Its also Father's day soon so I have to find something for him too!!

Anyway back to the revision, safe n the knowledge that I will wake up to my alarm tomorrow, no matter how much sleep I haven't had!!

A Quickie

Before Lost starts - the highlight of my day! How sad am I? (It's rhetorical, no need to answer!)
Have a look at my Dad's blog. He's written about churches that don't have a vicar - just as Christ Church doesn't at the moment. It's a brilliant article.
Also have a look at my sister's blog. Karen has a wonderful picture of her and the team that she's worked with for the past year. I'm looking forward to seeing them all graduate soon. They all look really good!
Finally, before it starts, I have a brilliant piece of news, everyone due to gradute this year will be able to because the strike by lectures has been called off. I would celebrate, but I have exams to sit very soon, so I'll be waiting til the summer ball to have a few glasses in celebration!

Growing up

I'm in a moment of reminiscing over the last three years. This Friday sees the beginning of my final exams and the end of three fantastic years at the University of Gloucestershire. I have been blogging since the beginning of my second year and have been reading some of my early entries. I've grown up a lot over the past year and a half. I've changed my mind more than enough, but remember my thoughts and feelings at the time of writing as if I'd just hit 'Publish Post'.

I'm no longer a single girl (sorry lads) but an engaged woman, looking forward to maried life. Scary!

Yes I can still be immature some times, but I can also be diplomatic and resourceful when I am called upon. I've had a great time at uni - loved the moments of absolute hilarity, laughed more than I care to remember and changed my attitude in many areas of life.

With all of that in mind I'm moving forward to something new, I'm not going to hang on to the old. Don't worry though, I will continue to blog - there's a lot to get through and I am not doing it on my own!

God's closing doors

I got another invite to an interview - but I can't go because it's during my exam. So I am slowly becoming convinced that Bristol is where I am meant to be next year.

The last 6 months have been an interesting time for me. I've literally had doors slammed in my face, and when things have been really bad there have been glimmers of hope on the horizon. I've finished many things, mostly in a hurry, but when it comes down to it I have tried my hardest to do my best, knowing that I'm heading towards graduation and married life.

So the future holds hope, a year of learning for me in many areas. A year and 46 days until I get married. I have to think about putting God before everything else. Praying first and fore most, as I fear that is the only way I am going to get through what lies ahead.

There are always going to be issues with interviews - they are so short notice these days. Each invitation I have received has been only a week in advance - which for some is stupid, especially when its a Baptist church doing the asking.

Buses

Not my favourite form of transport, but today we went to Cirencester. It's been wonderfully hot and I don't think I've got any sunburn - yeay for sun cream! Cirencester is beautiful. I haven't got any pictures, but there you go, we were on a scouting trip, not a sight seeing trip. We had a good walk and some ice cream. I'd love to see a parish church like Cirencester has in Billericay!

Back to the bus - they were both very old and had squeaky breaks - very disconcerting! And contributing to the pain I'm feeling to the left of my spine, I've done something to the muscles in my back and I'm not looking forward to sleeping on the floor this evening, but it has to be done, otherwise I won't be able to move tomorrow!

Metro readers

Hello to all of those who found my blog via metro.co.uk. Go on - have a good look!

Today is going really slowly, which is why I'm blogging. I'm seeing my parents in a couple of hours. They're over here on holiday - hoping that the house isn't being wrecked by my brothers. It's good for them to get away. I'm meant to be revising - but I did a full day yesterday so I'm having a rest!

Going to Cardiff to see Karen, it will be good to see her a I haven't since the funeral.

Revision

I am trying to revise but it's difficult when I don't actually understand what I'm reading, or it's been written is such a way that leaves me wondering why I ever chose to do a degree.
I've managed to cover Isaiah 1-12 and the Church in the 19th Century today. In note form. I can;t decide whether exams being so close together is a good thing or not. I'm looking forward to two weeks time today - I'll be seeing Karen, after finishing my last exam - I'd best get on with the revision really.
I couldn't get an assignment back because I'm lazy and didn't realise we have to write a note for someone else to collect them, I guess it doesn't matter anyway, I know I'm not going to get anything other that comments because of the ridiculous strike!

The Weekend

I can now add another event to my CV. I have planned and run over 4 hours of activities for 3-5 year olds, over a weekend, and with a small team. Yeay! It was a really got experience and I got one proposal and a new boyfriend - both of whom I declined (obviously) as they were several years my junior!
It was really good to see Helen and the members of St Andrews, as I haven't seen most of them since Helen's knee op in August. She's in lots of pain which wasn't helped by the fact that her team weren't encouraging and just wanted to run around with the children. I'm not going to say much more cos I know she's reading! Helen did a brilliant job and her church are very lucky to have her for another year.
As for me I'm absolutely exhausted but unable to sleep, because I've done nothing all day other than catch up on sleep. Need a routine again!

Very very last

This is a photo of the card I received from the children at Fulshaw Lodge this morning. I'm not going to see them again and I'm absolutely gutted. It's been a great experience and definitely the end of an era for me, in some ways saying goodbye to them was harder than finishing my degree. I know I'll get to see my housemates and youth group again, but the pre-school is closing down so I've only got until December to see them again.

I've learnt so much over the last three years - from uni and working at pre-school. The things I have volunteered to do have taught me more in so many ways, but I am really looking forward to graduating in November - hopefully with a 2:2! All of my assignments are in and now I have three exams and one final lecture to go! Scary, but good fun all the way to the end.

One thing I will say is, why do students have to get incredibly drunk to enjoy themselves? I went to the sports awards and I've never seen so many healthy people (some of whom are at the top of their sport) drunk, they keep going until they can't stand up. It's not big and its not clever.

Assignments and jobs

The past 24 hours has been a bit up an down really. I've started doing my 'lasts' again. I haven't quite finished all of my lectures, but I have had my last monday in Uni. Many of the lecturers are realising that this is the last week they'll teach udergraduate students on the TRS scheme. At the moment I have only one assignment left to do, having done one today, unfortunately I've left the hardest til last, not the wisest idea, but I'm going to get it done.

Also I received a phone call to say that the finance for next year had been sorted and now all I've got to worry about is my accommodation and job description. So I was ultra happy with that piece of news first thing in the week. This afternoon I received an email to say that I'd been asked for interview in Swindon. The interview seemed a bit much for me though, it is in the middle of exam time and two full days, if I were to be successful. It's a baptist church so everyone gets a say in who is employed, which means that if the first day went well I would have to preach and lead twice on the Sunday. The Baptist way of doing things is slightly too daunting for me, so I'm sticking to Bristol for a year. I actually panicked when I saw the layout for the interview - one talk of under 10's, one assembly, and a small group talk too, then a more formal interview! Oh my goodness.

Still I don't have to worry I'm not going for it, but I'm looking forward to doing the same thing next when looking for a full time, better paid job!

Share it

Namely faith, Christianity, what Christ has done for the world. Fusion heard about the life of someone who has been carried through his life and is now off to Tanzania to build a school because that's God's calling on his life.
It's hard to share faith with people, those you know and strangers, but lots of good can come from it. I believe that all those who have faith in Christ are called to sow seeds. That's all we can do, it's God's job to do the rest. So next time you feel you're failing understand one thing - God is carrying you and helping you plant seeds.

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matt 17:20

Other religions

Well, more like, sects of Christianity who have got it wrong. Mormons, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There are loads of other names I could call them, but I think I would be hunted if I did so.
They're not a bad lot, just slightly twisted in the head really. Umm...which would you rather read - the Gospels which were written at the end of the first/second century B.C. or something that was written in the 1800's, after a vision in a field? Thankfully I've chosen the former, a trinity that exists as one and God who speaks a whole load of sense. Not three separate entities and the belief in a prophet who is still trying to bridge the gap across the ravine.
Christ is alive, God speaks and the Holy Spirit guides and I am going to burn the book I was given. God told me to do so!

Dissertation, done and dusty!

You may as well have a look at the hugest piece of writing I've done so far.



Isn't it just brilliant?!

Football on tonight, Champions League final, I'm an Arsenal fan. I'm looking forward to having a pint or two during the match - of lemonade!

Right I'm going back to work, thanks Dad for your useful tip!!!

9,794, 52 pages, 1 ink cartridge

And I have finished! What a relief, no I can stop worrying about that and begin my other assignments that are due over the next week or so. I still have 4000 words to go before I can start revision. It never ends! But this afternoon it's being put on hold. I'm going to buy myself a good piece of meat and take my time eating it. I think I deserve a chocolate pudding too.
First of all I have to get the thing bound!

Dissertation

It's stupidly early on Tuesday morning and I am about to go to bed. As I didn't sleep too well last night I thought I'd work till I was falling asleep this evening, knowing that my English skills go slightly wonky, with or without the aid of alcoholic beverages, after midnight, but also knowing that I need to have a clear head for the last bit of my diss tomorrow.
I have made a huge jump forward tonight. I have been sat in the same spot for nearly 7 hours, but I have managed to finish my diss. 9,564 - without edits, so it's likely to get longer. Not the magic 10,000 I was hoping for, but 500 words short is not too bad eh? My longest chapter is a whopping 3,620 words, my shortest only being 966 at the moment.
Shall blog later on today when I've done everything to go with it or with the news that it's been handed in.
Good Night xxx
P.S. Those who read my blog in the middle of the night are as mad as me!

Exam timetables

After having a not so exciting lecture this morning I am in a slightly better mood after finding that my exams will be finished by 13 June. I only have three, so this is quite an achievement for the exam board to put them this early on. Unfortunately it's not within the first week, which would have been ideal, but an 11.15 Tuesday finish on the second week is not bad!
Just got to get the assignments in first!

Under selling...

...Myself, and all the hard work I've done for my dissertation. As ever. I've always been like this and I don't think its going to change.
I have a few changes to make, but I'm hoping that me dissertation will be ready by Friday, only a week late, nothing major.
First of all though I have lectures to go to and a present to post - guess who turns 50 this Sunday?

Speaking at Fusion

Well I didn't exactly speak, or preach, more guided the teenagers as they looked at 1 John 4:7-21. It was a good evening with great food, I can't believe I had a proper dinner and ate a burger and a half! As well as sweets. I'm running to uni tomoro!
The weekend has been lots of fun. We went to a birthday party and met some awesome people. We went to the theatre and saw Festen, which was unusual and an interesting play, I would like to see the original movie. Something exciting for Harry Potter fans, I've seen Tom Riddle (Chamber of Secrets) in the flesh! I'm going to keep my opinion to myself - otherwise I'll get in trouble! Also went shopping in Worcester in the pouring rain and now understand shirt sizes, I am becoming a wife! Oh dear!
Strangest thing - cooking in someone else's kitchen, one that you're not familiar with, but see at least once a month - if not every week. Dunno why, and for some reason it's not something I would do regularly.

A blast from the past and something to be proud of...

I received a letter today from someone I haven't heard from since 1999/2000. Ok so it doesn't seem a long time a go for some people but for me, at the tender age of 21, it is so in the past I can see how much I have developed. I've achieved a lot since I was 15, but I won't go into that.

It was a letter from someone I used to go on holiday with. There was a big group of us and I've still got the photo of that holiday camp somewhere. Very strange, there are little things about that holiday and the following year that stick in my mind. Most are really good, though there are a few I want to forget. 6 years is a long time and it will be interesting if we do meet up in the future.

My housemate finished her dissertation today and I am so proud of her. I'm proud of everyone at the moment. I think its a great achievement to write such a big piece and the relief when she hands it in will be awesome. Yes I almost cried, but then I know how much has gone into it and how she feels about it.

Finally, those who complain about the washing up should be shot!

Because I'm bored (again) and frustrated

The internet has gone crazy. Everything has been stupidly slow today, including myself. Things are taking forever to load and I'm finding out how crap MSN can be. I now have a space on MSN and a myspace account. Myspace is a whole lot better, MSN is just a poor attempt at a copy, but saying that MYspace has a load of faults.
For a start is from the US, so doesn't have school contacts yet, you have to be really observant when creating your profile and have to download a program to resize all of your photos!
Ok generally I am over heating and suffering from lack of sleep, so once I've got into my uni account I shall be switching everything off!

Clarification

Thank you for your comment Dad. Let me change the question - it's not about music or luck. Lennon and Di (in my mind) are a more likely comparison than Di and Elvis on political merit. Lennon did his massive peace bed bit and Di did the HIV/AIDS thing in the 80's. I think that's how I compare them. Did Elvis do any peace rallies? Didn't he actually serve in the army? See where I'm coming from?

David Beckham dying - probably, Tony Blair? Is there a celebrity doing 'good work' that everyone knows about? Good work is written like that deliberately - we discussed the notion of a 'good work'. How is a celebrity holding a baby who has HIV a good work? Yes they are raising awareness and looking at what is being done for the suffering millions, but they go away when the cameras leave. They don't stick around and truly make a difference.

Does society strike anyone as post-Christian? Is Di the modern equivalent of Christ? From the previous statement I would say no, but I wonder what everyone else thinks? What would be the modern equivalent of Christ?

Oh sorry, bit deep for a Thursday evening!

Killing time...

I'm in that place where I'm so bored and tired that I don't know what to do with myself. I'm not sleeping particularly well and getting up early. Obviously that leaves me tired all day, so it gets to about 4pm and I just stop, especially when I've had to talk about the 'cult of celebrity' for the previous two hours.

Apparently the death of Diana tells us a lot about popular culture and the religion of the society we live in. I understand that, but is it necessary to ask really long questions on such a wonderful afternoon? Oh and making really bad comparisons. How was Elvis anything like Princess Di? Surely John Lennons a better match? For those of you who lived in that era could tell me? I think I'm talking about icons of our time, are there people who we perceive in the same way as we did with Di? Would there be a mass out pouring of grief if someone who is uber-famous died tomorrow?

Public reaction is a funny thing. I've filled my time rather nicely. I'm off to 'be free' at chaplaincy!

New Vicar

Looks like I'm going to be the first person to break the news to the world. Christ Church, Billericay has a new vicar. His name is Warner Pidgeon (yes I laughed too!) and he's from Southampton.
So nothing unusual, except I'm linked to him. Yes there are a lot of Christians in England and some how I am slowly being linked to all of them in one way or another. How do I know this guy? He knows Gav, I know Helen and Helen and Gav work in the same church, got it? Weird, but I guess there's a reason behind it, though I can see my church and Helen's church doing swapsies!
For those of you wh are doing or have done a dissertation, mine is 7,321 words done. Thats 2 and a half chapters pretty much. I'm getting there, though I'm not as pressured as some to finish.

A lesson in youth work

I had a wonderful meeting this morning that was totally not focused on the task ahead, namely that I am talking on Sunday about love IT (standing for informed truth). It's difficult to become focused when the person you are working with isn't particularly in the mood for a bit of a business chat. Any way we got it done, and I am confidant that the youth will totally understand where I am coming from and what it's all about (maybe not).

Apologies to Karen and Nick, I didn't realise we were using Karen's blog as a forum for wedding ideas! Ed in a blue tie - well worth it, if he matches properly - I hope he doesn't look too girly. Ed and Danielle getting married, still something I have to get my head around, in fact I'm still trying to get my head around my own! Ed does have to make his own decisions, but thats only when it comes down to best man and possibly stag do, otherwise it's totally Danielle and her bridal party I'm afraid!

It's the little things...

Well, actually, it's more like mile stones in life. I completed another chapter of my dissertation today. Two chapters and 6,300 down, 2 chapters and 3,700 words to go!
Needless to say, I'm having a rest!
My Dad has published a photo that I'm sure is going to be close to my heart in the coming years. Thanks Dad. It's taken in the grounds of the church that we're getting married in. Lovely!
Right back to work, I have four essays to plan this evening and dinner to buy!

Dripping wet

I'm half talking about the awful weather this morning and my washing that I had to put out. One of my housemates, I am yet to find out who, decided to pull my washing out after only spining it once. Now this wouldn't be a problem if our washing machine wasn't ancient and I hadn't filled it (but not over filled). So I went to lift my basket and almost broke my back doing so, tipped water all over the floor and was late for my lecture because I had to wring everything, and even then it was still dripping. I did text everyone to let them know my dilemma, and I'm so glad I cleaned the bathroom last week. I'm still majorly annoyed though. It takes five mins to spin again, the person who did it is lucky that I don't leave things to do at the end of the day!

I have decided to spend next year at Bristol. It's going to be a good place for me. A mixture of schools, church and student work (be aware all those at UWE!) that will give me some good experiences to help me get a proper job.

The course administrator emailed me this morning. Apparently I don't have enough knowledge of the curriculum in the surrounding area and of RE in general. This is down to a number of factors from my point of view. One - the school I was placed with didn't allow me to watch their classes. Two - RE syllabuses differ from LEA to LEA. And finally - I don't have a heart for it any more. I would love a qualification to teach, but not at the moment. Yet again I am taking a break from academia to learn fromn the Bible and experience.

Nick - what can I say, maybe I just don't promte my cause enough!

Back in Cheltenham...

and back to work. Trying my hardest to juggle amounts off work with time off, otherwise I will die.
This evening's fusion was about the Holy Spirit and gifts there of. There are many - found in 1 Corinthians 12 mainly and naturally we were asking God to bless us with the gifts. The version you have just read (or are about to read if you click on the link) is quite good, though obviously not exhaustive. The great thing is that verse 11 says 'He (God) decides who gets what, and when', they are there for a reason, for a moment, to be used, appropriately. I'm looking forward to discovering my gifts and asking for more over time. I know at the moment I'm lacking in certain areas.

I've come across a chart song that speaks volumes to me. It's a little weird when that happens cos I tend to read far too much into secular songs, when I really shouldn't! Anyway its from the new snow patrol album (which I am so tempted to buy!) and is called 'All I have is you'. Frame of mind is definitely a weird thing, but this speaks to me, in so many ways. I'll let you try to fathom what I'm thinking!

I'm lucky if I get 5, Nick - how do you do it?

Funeral

Today has been full of mixed emotions, understandably. Lots of tears, but also incredible amounts of joy and wonderful stories of my grandad and his life. I think I'm now old enough to appreciate family, close and far.

Thank you for all your messages and support.

Nick, thanks for the hits! It's nice to see numbers growing rather than shrinking - maybe I can do the same for you (even if it is in secret!)

Being in Bristol...

...Well actually Stoke Gifford. I was meeting someone I may work with next year, finding out what I would be doing if I went to work with them. St Micheals is a lovely church and I could see myself working there. There are a lot of opportunities for me, maybe even assistant youth minister in a few years.
I'll keep you up to date. I've not made up my mind yet, this is a tough decision to make.

The joy and wonder of a tracker

Have you seen my tracker? Its the little box at the bottom with a globe and a 'heartbeat' around it. Dare you to click it and see what you get!

Its a great thing - it gives me the numbers of people that visit my blog every day and normally where they are from. The best days are mondays (almost a quarter of the weekly total), with a majority of people visiting the site just after dinner it seems (between 5 and 6pm). Its all very interesting and gives me much joy knowing that there are people who regularly log on to have a read.

The wonder part of it comes from the web pages and IP addresses I get in the individual tracker section. In turn I learn a lot from it. I recognise some of the addresses but not others and when that happens I do a little bit of searching. You can probably guess which ones are the most intriguing and also who visits the most!

These little things - boy I'm glad we haven't got ID cards yet...can you imagine?

Wedding stationary and other things

Karen, wedding stationary was good fun, we've got some good ideas, but now we have to decide between that or some else, and we probably should see what other people can do for us, or even if we can do it ourselves! Eek. They were lovely though and will go in the book of ideas, which needs to be updated. About FLickr, the http it gives me for each photo doesn't have a .gif, .jpeg (blah, Blah) on the end of it so I can't do it that way round. More advice please!

I am going to start work in a bit after a very late start. No lectures because it's bank holiday. I was going to get up early and work hard but the rest of my had other ideas! Hence the late blog and being annoyed at self!

Someone has got to tell me of an easier way of doing this!! Can I change my profile pic without posting a new photo of myself every time?
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Oh dear!

What can be more boring than watching the final of the Snooker World Championship? For a start its being played by the two slowest professionals I've seen in a long time - Dott and Ebdon, as well as it being Snooker, nuff sed!
And secondly, what have the BBC decided to do? Show it in ultra slow motion using a special camera. Joy. Yes of course the wonders of technology, blah, blah, but please, wondering about what a ball actually does as it gets hit by a cue or another ball, seriously? Sad or what? Plus Channel Four have been well up on this for at least a year, if memory serves me correctly (and do correct me if my memory is crap!). They used it to show that some cricket players close their eyes when they are going for a big hit off a fast ball!

Rant over. (Very good illustration of how my mind works - I only watch when nothing interesting is going on, I couldn't tell you at this moment who is winning)

One exciting piece of news. I'm going for my first job interview, with Ben, to Bristol. I'll give you the details when I know more. Its on Wednesday, so I am looking forward to the beginning of this week, and less towards the end.

Final exciting piece of news, well a fact. Did you know that there are different types of coal in the Bible? Get your Hebrew out! The coal that is mentioned when Peter denies Christ, is different from other types of coal (because of what it is made from) and is only mentioned again when Peter and Christ become friends again on the beach after the resurrection. A nice little fact to impress your friends and don't ever say I don't educate you!

Updated my Flickr account - take a peek!