Train spotting:
I think I am going to commit a real ‘social Faux-pas’ today! I am going to do some train-spotting. Namely, that today is the last day ever that Shoreditch station will be in use EVER! It’s being closed to make room for the East London line extension into Hackney (Hackney at last will have a tube!!!! No more faffing on the North London line!). The line will instead go from Whitechapel to the new Shoreditch High Street and beyond, going via Dalston etc. Shoreditch will become yet another of the famous London Ghost stations. Now, I’ve never been to Shoreditch station before but have been intending to for some years. The reason is, that it is my personal Platform 9 ¾. For years, when departing on the mainline train from Liverpool Street outwards I would very occasionally see a mysterious platform curving to the right, as I came a few hundred metres out of platform 18. It wasn’t there everytime, but I would look out for it. It really looked like an olde worlde station and nobody who I asked could tell me what this platform was. Then one-day when telling someone about it, they put forward the hypothesis that it might be Shoreditch station. I was a little disbelieving at first, as this seemed far too ordinary an explanation for my mysterious platform, but then another person suggested the same at a later date. I have always meant to check this out, but have never got around to it. Now today is my only chance. Therefore I am going to embrace this final opportunity to test my hypothesis.
RSI from Texting
I couldn’t help but notice the headline of a Metro article on the paper left on the seat as I departed the tube: “Text Girl of 8 gets RSI”. Isn’t that terrible!! She must be doing some serious texting to get repetitive strain injury. It’s funny the way it crops up in relation to technology: I often hear of people getting it from repetitive Mouse-use (also applies to playing Bassoons and piano but I don’t know enough about that to bore anyone with my opinion). I have to say, I had a really embarrassing RSI once. One summer I was working at a hotel which was around 45mins walk from my temporary house in Dalston, and because of the terrible transport choice in Hackney (see above), plus the fact I finished at midnight, (therefore that which was available had probably stopped) there was no direct way for me to get there without a great amount of faffing, so I elected to seek other means. It was the time when Microscooters were all the rage, and someone I knew had bought theirs in Hackney, and since I can’t ride a bike (balance issues), I thought I’d like to get one. So I did, and so happily raced down roads to and from work. Except, I wasn’t very good at it, the paths were very bumpy, there were lots of turns along my route, and I had a problem that I could only do it with my right foot, and because my balance isn’t the greatest (see above bike problem) therefore I had to do a lot more of the foot work than others might. And the result of this after about 3 weeks was that I had really painful RSI on my right ankle, to the point that scootering was impossible, walking was quite difficult, so I had to give up the micro-scooter, and once the ankle started to get a bit less painful (luckily I went on holiday for 2 weeks) I walked the route instead.
Getting up early
I have really terrible trouble getting up. And I mean I am terrible! My long-suffering mother who has to call out, my alarm-clock which has to wait an additional 20mins for me to get up (I set it early, so as I am not late). But it’s really funny, that anytime I really have to be up early for something at work, and I make a little plea towards God that he will help me to get up, I seem to wake up ten minutes before my alarm is due to go off. Like this morning for example. I woke up at 6.35am. And what a lovely leisurely experience it was. I went and took my mug of hot water into the garden and sat and drank it in the ‘secret garden’ (My Mum’s name for the place where the bench is in our garden) with a purring cat beside me. And I had time to make a pleasant salad, plus eat wheetabix and muffins for my breakfast! And then I walked to the station (not ran) and arrived 45minutes early to work. Enough time to complete my tasks! Praise be the Lord!
Curtain hooks!
Ok, I have encountered some random tasks in my current job. I am frequently sent on errands for things urgently required in the workshop. But that's the way I like it. A bit of variation from the every-day admin. Well today’s mission was curtain hooks! The instrument store was hot and so we wanted to hang a large pink velvet curtain on the metal mesh shutters in a mid to prevent the store heating up. Now my very kind Boss asked me if I could go and purchase some curtain hooks. As I have a) never seen one b) never hung curtains c) not a nuts and bolts expert, I was a little perplexed and asked him what I should ask. He replied “just ask for metal curtain hooks, they’ll know what you mean”. So Journey no.1, I made my way to the hardware store. I asked as I was instructed. I was then asked “Open or closed?”. I replied “Pardon”. I then decided that probably open seemed to describe what was required. I was wrong. Upon my return my boss was puzzled as to what they were, then proceeded to draw an S shape in the air, and said that this was the shape of the type I needed. He gave me a little plastic model. I went to the shop, they found me something to fulfil my drawn in the air description. Again, I was wrong. My illustrious Boss had never seen any of the article I had brought him, and anyway they were too big to go through the mesh. He then told me to go to the posh curtain shop which was around a 15 min walk away, as they’d know what I needed. Ever so slightly less merrily than before, I made my way to curtain shop. The helpful assistant in the pink shirt directed me to a large selection of curtain hooks of various times. I stared at them like a girl trying to understand the off-side rule. He then asked me the type of curtain I had and what the fitting on the curtain for hooks was. Blank look. He told me I couldn’t bring them back if I had opened them and they were the wrong type. I decided to call my Boss, as I was not wanting to make a fourth visit, and thought I’d make the shop assistant talk to him. The line was engaged. We both irately waited for the engaged tone to be gone on the subsequent attempts. After five minutes, harassed looking assistant went to help someone else and I lurked amongst the voile ringing my phone again and again. After 15mins of embarrassment with suspicious looks at my loitering (I am not a shoplifter, Mr man in the very nice blue shirt!), I managed to get through to someone in an office on the same corridor, who kindly went to ask one of the restorers in my office if they could finish their phone call (trust me to phone when wood Xray analysis was being discussed over the phone!) and get my boss to call me. I then waited for the call back. 3 minutes later I called. My boss was in a meeting and couldn’t be disturbed, so with J looking at the curtains on my behalf and talking to the shop assistant on the phone, I hazarded a guess and purchased some hooks. I got them back. As the box was opened, it turned out, these were yet another alien type of curtain hook and not what was wanted(I confess at letting out a rather miserable sigh), but luckily J had the great brainwave of bending them (I confess a treachorous thought at this time along the lines of 'We could have done that with paper clips!'), and somehow the curtain was hung.
More secret Passages!
As my weeks count down, to Point Zero (i.e. leaving work!!!), the wish to find a real real secret passage has been playing upon my mind. I took my replacement for this job for a tour around the building to meet some of the people she will have contact with. As we visited the Printer (lovely lovely man!) and they were talking, I couldn’t help but notice that a door to the outside world was open, but ran into a small passageway. Excitedly I leapt through the doorway, looked from left to right, and spied a small low doorway in the wall, I entered the space and found myself in a little space, with another passageway leading from it. Unfortunately, it didn’t really lead anywhere but should the place ever be invaded by terrorists, then there’s a cool place to hide, and an exit to the outside world. I asked the Printer about it and he said it was apparently the Coal hole. I have to say it was very exciting though!!!
That Friday Feeling
My computer suffers from that Friday feeling. It sort of slows down, freezes and is generally stubborn every Friday. For no reason. IT don’t know why, nobody else’s does it but mine has a Technostrop and has done for the last couple of months. Strangely today, not a peep! Nope, it loaded itself up serenely and quietly without any undue fuss and has been as good as gold for the rest of the day. Now, if I wasn’t an optimistic person, I might think it was working itself up for an almighty strop, whilst lulling me into a false sense of security, but I suspect maybe it has suddenly realised that I am about to leave it forever, and is trying to woo me into staying by behaving! Wahey!
Right, I’ll get my anorak on and make my way to Shoreditch!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Friday, June 09, 2006
Thursday, June 08, 2006
3 ways in which God blessed me yesterday
1. Waking up late, there was no way I could make it in time for the last train which would not make me late for work, so I journeyed to the station, resigning myself that I would be two minutes too late for it. As I got there- it too was 2 minutes late!
2. I wanted to go to CU at lunchtime, but also had to go to the Artshop, so I thought that I would go to the Artshop and then join then 5minutes late. I couldn't find a sign about where the meeting was, and as I made my way back to work, I resigned myself that I probably couldnt find it in time, but felt disappointed, but was somehow drawn by a desire to go to the park, and decided that I would sit near the entrance far back under the furthest tree. Would you believe it, as I came to my selected tree, there under it were the CU members who in the absence of a room, had decided to have the meeting in the park (I later found out, on the room in which they were supposed to have it was opposite my office, and they'd put a sign on it!). Mike led a good study looking at the Law and the Passover, Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles- we were struck by the amazing symmetry of God's workings. 3000 were killed when Moses came down after receiving the law (they had been worshipping the golden calf), the first Pentecost, and then the first Pentecost after Jesus was risen, 3000 came to faith!
3. I wanted to go home on time last night, but in the end, stayed finishing work till 6.30 and doing some music transcription till around 8. And He allowed me the opportunity to absolutely be (I hope and think) in the right place at the right time for something.
Oh and thinking of things to be glad for:
I got some lovely free alphabet stamps courtesy of Do Crafts which I look forward to using, my lunch was really yummy, we've had enough Summer school applications, though I haven't always had the opportunity to go, CU members are lovely and I will miss them very much, and I watched Lost!!!
2. I wanted to go to CU at lunchtime, but also had to go to the Artshop, so I thought that I would go to the Artshop and then join then 5minutes late. I couldn't find a sign about where the meeting was, and as I made my way back to work, I resigned myself that I probably couldnt find it in time, but felt disappointed, but was somehow drawn by a desire to go to the park, and decided that I would sit near the entrance far back under the furthest tree. Would you believe it, as I came to my selected tree, there under it were the CU members who in the absence of a room, had decided to have the meeting in the park (I later found out, on the room in which they were supposed to have it was opposite my office, and they'd put a sign on it!). Mike led a good study looking at the Law and the Passover, Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles- we were struck by the amazing symmetry of God's workings. 3000 were killed when Moses came down after receiving the law (they had been worshipping the golden calf), the first Pentecost, and then the first Pentecost after Jesus was risen, 3000 came to faith!
3. I wanted to go home on time last night, but in the end, stayed finishing work till 6.30 and doing some music transcription till around 8. And He allowed me the opportunity to absolutely be (I hope and think) in the right place at the right time for something.
Oh and thinking of things to be glad for:
I got some lovely free alphabet stamps courtesy of Do Crafts which I look forward to using, my lunch was really yummy, we've had enough Summer school applications, though I haven't always had the opportunity to go, CU members are lovely and I will miss them very much, and I watched Lost!!!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Flattery beyond my wildest dreams.
Well maybe not, but check me out, got asked for ID when buying a bottle of wine in Tescos in Felixstowe on Saturday. I am 25! I sincerely hope I do look 17 or under!
Confessions of an Environmental Conscience:
I was gratified to read in March’s The Strad magazine (the voice of the string music world since 1890- read by all manner of violin enthusiasts!) about the arrival of some 500 violins, violas and cellos in Brazil, which had escaped their undignified fate of rotting on a Kent council dump. Apparently, the instruments had been demoted to this demise since they were beyond economic repair in England and their new purpose would be for use in the Amazon Youth Cello choir and help children whose parents could not otherwise afford instruments after being repaired by luthiers in Brazil. Music is a really important learning device and an output for creativity, as well as worship and I imagine there are many in Brazil to whom this is an amazing gift!
I am often dismayed by how the cost of new items is often significantly lower than repairing something old and so many things do end up on the scrap heap because their repair would be uneconomical. I appreciate quality craftsmanship but it’s a shame when things come so much cheaper from elsewhere (often China, where much ‘slave-labour’ is rife and people exploited), encouraging our disposable society. For example, I unfortunately have quite a severe tread problem, where I constantly wear down the backs of shoes (and often at a slant)- obviously it is not good for both me and the shoes. I was shocked at exactly how much I had worn down the soles of the back of my sheepskin boots (from much loving use) and went to enquire at a chain shoe-menders, how much it might be likely to mend these. The details were not exactly known, but basically I was told that they would need to be sent away and entirely resoled at a minimum cost of around £40. Now since, the boots themselves cost this (a lucky bargain), in a past-time I might have been tempted to buy a new pair, and either chuck the old pair or put them in one of those charity boxes/bags, consoling myself that I was ‘helping charity’ (though why a charity would want a very worn-out and rather unglamorous old pair of sheepskin boots I do not know!). However, despite the cost, I feel I should pay out the amount in order to mend the old: they are perfectly good in every other way: and they were made for comfort not attractive appearance (I have size 8.5 feet- though I don’t mind, very little looks attractive on such stompers!). One more sheep will live! How about, next time we think we want to chuck something away and buy a replica of the first item, we consider God’s creation and how just because there is always a new model on the market, we don’t just follow the other sheep (forgive the pun!) and mindlessly chuck it away and reach for the new, but to think first, and where possible, try and mend the old? Remember, many drops make an ocean!
I am often dismayed by how the cost of new items is often significantly lower than repairing something old and so many things do end up on the scrap heap because their repair would be uneconomical. I appreciate quality craftsmanship but it’s a shame when things come so much cheaper from elsewhere (often China, where much ‘slave-labour’ is rife and people exploited), encouraging our disposable society. For example, I unfortunately have quite a severe tread problem, where I constantly wear down the backs of shoes (and often at a slant)- obviously it is not good for both me and the shoes. I was shocked at exactly how much I had worn down the soles of the back of my sheepskin boots (from much loving use) and went to enquire at a chain shoe-menders, how much it might be likely to mend these. The details were not exactly known, but basically I was told that they would need to be sent away and entirely resoled at a minimum cost of around £40. Now since, the boots themselves cost this (a lucky bargain), in a past-time I might have been tempted to buy a new pair, and either chuck the old pair or put them in one of those charity boxes/bags, consoling myself that I was ‘helping charity’ (though why a charity would want a very worn-out and rather unglamorous old pair of sheepskin boots I do not know!). However, despite the cost, I feel I should pay out the amount in order to mend the old: they are perfectly good in every other way: and they were made for comfort not attractive appearance (I have size 8.5 feet- though I don’t mind, very little looks attractive on such stompers!). One more sheep will live! How about, next time we think we want to chuck something away and buy a replica of the first item, we consider God’s creation and how just because there is always a new model on the market, we don’t just follow the other sheep (forgive the pun!) and mindlessly chuck it away and reach for the new, but to think first, and where possible, try and mend the old? Remember, many drops make an ocean!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Mars bar v eat natural.
I wanted a mars (or a 'Believe' as they would have us believe -ho ho ho)- I went for the healthier option at double the price. I still was unsatisfied and wanted the mars after the eat natural.
Liz is right, don’t do things by halves. Full monty or none at all!
Liz is right, don’t do things by halves. Full monty or none at all!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Random e-mail addresses
Some people have really weird e-mail addresses. I wonder if the type of e-mail address you have is a real reflection on your personality?
Sometimes we are saddled with a work/school/uni one (dss157@cam.ac.uk or something dalekish and impersonal like that?)
If you just have your name i.e fredddblogs@hotmail.com does that make you a boring person? Does it mean you are very business like? Does it mean that you just don't want to inflict your interests or hobbies onto another person? Has Hotmail/Yahoo/AOL inflicted it onto you?
What does it say if you have your name plus a word connected to you: for instance carolineflutesss@hotmail.com . Does this make you any different a person?
One popular formats, is an animal plus an adjective/colour/verb: I've known musical polarbears, blue eskimos, super snails... my pal Emily, who prompted this blog (a purple Kangaroo herself) tells me that she is acquainted with blue sheep, a tiny calm tortoise, a giant furry panda, a frowning frog and a paranoid ocelot!! I used to get told off for my kezzie-and-her-singing-lobsters occasionally! (Before Hotmail cold-bloodedly DELETED me!3 years on and I'm not at all resentful!)
Then there are the random ones, that you puzzle at? dolphin-love@... or the-taste-of-ink@... for anyone?
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE E-MAIL ADDRESS YOU HAVE?
Sometimes we are saddled with a work/school/uni one (dss157@cam.ac.uk or something dalekish and impersonal like that?)
If you just have your name i.e fredddblogs@hotmail.com does that make you a boring person? Does it mean you are very business like? Does it mean that you just don't want to inflict your interests or hobbies onto another person? Has Hotmail/Yahoo/AOL inflicted it onto you?
What does it say if you have your name plus a word connected to you: for instance carolineflutesss@hotmail.com . Does this make you any different a person?
One popular formats, is an animal plus an adjective/colour/verb: I've known musical polarbears, blue eskimos, super snails... my pal Emily, who prompted this blog (a purple Kangaroo herself) tells me that she is acquainted with blue sheep, a tiny calm tortoise, a giant furry panda, a frowning frog and a paranoid ocelot!! I used to get told off for my kezzie-and-her-singing-lobsters occasionally! (Before Hotmail cold-bloodedly DELETED me!3 years on and I'm not at all resentful!)
Then there are the random ones, that you puzzle at? dolphin-love@... or the-taste-of-ink@... for anyone?
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE E-MAIL ADDRESS YOU HAVE?
Friday, May 19, 2006
A little Story
I decided to spend my entire lunchtime eating and reading in the lovely glade by the canal in the park. It all started well; I put my mat and food out under a tree a little up from the canal and began reading. After a little while, the wind began to blow quite rampantly, and little yellow furry burrs began to dance a-liltingly towards me, gradually it whipped up and I was attacked on all fronts by furry-burries trying to get into my salad. I clasped the salad defensively to my chest and faced away from the tree, yet they kept coming! I then picked up the mat (which had very large bugs attempting to hitch-hike upon (eek!) ) and moved further away, except by then I was covered in burrs (in bag, in hair, down back of t-shirt etc etc). I sat down in a place where the burrs weren’t quite so unbridled and continued to eat (mat and magazine held down by bag and bottles of water. Hearing movement, I turned to the right and got hit in the eye by a burr. I blinked furiously to get it out whilst various bits of tree fell on me (sounds more dramatic than it was- just couple of twigs and leaves).
Dinner eventually completed despite the complications, I folded my wares and walked down to the canal edge, where I noticed for the first time, a mini waterfall, which merrily burbled a generous greeting. I then got out the spare piece of bread from lunch and threw a small piece to the so-I-thought solitary coot in the water. He gently picked up piece of it up in his mouth and swam quickly to what I had previously thought was just a big pile of twigs and muck in the water. On top of it was a mummy-Coot, who gently received the bread from the mouth of her spouse, shuffled to reveal FOUR TINY BABIES under her, to whom she gave each a little morsel of bread. Each further piece of bread thrown was processed in the same gentle and loving style. I was completely smitten. I kept a small portion of the bread as I made my reluctant trek back to the park exit, but as I passed over the bridge on the main road, I glanced into the water to see another coot family at play, with Mummy diving for tasty morsels for her slightly bigger and more independent offspring. I broke a small piece of bread off and threw it down to Mummy who grabbed it but then tenderly broke off small crumbs and fed them to her pride-and-joy. The remaining piece, I threw to one of the little ones, who had an almighty wrestle trying to break bits off, and finally triumphantly returned to the nest, to tweet proudly before digging in.
It was an enchanted young lady that made her way back to work…
Dinner eventually completed despite the complications, I folded my wares and walked down to the canal edge, where I noticed for the first time, a mini waterfall, which merrily burbled a generous greeting. I then got out the spare piece of bread from lunch and threw a small piece to the so-I-thought solitary coot in the water. He gently picked up piece of it up in his mouth and swam quickly to what I had previously thought was just a big pile of twigs and muck in the water. On top of it was a mummy-Coot, who gently received the bread from the mouth of her spouse, shuffled to reveal FOUR TINY BABIES under her, to whom she gave each a little morsel of bread. Each further piece of bread thrown was processed in the same gentle and loving style. I was completely smitten. I kept a small portion of the bread as I made my reluctant trek back to the park exit, but as I passed over the bridge on the main road, I glanced into the water to see another coot family at play, with Mummy diving for tasty morsels for her slightly bigger and more independent offspring. I broke a small piece of bread off and threw it down to Mummy who grabbed it but then tenderly broke off small crumbs and fed them to her pride-and-joy. The remaining piece, I threw to one of the little ones, who had an almighty wrestle trying to break bits off, and finally triumphantly returned to the nest, to tweet proudly before digging in.
It was an enchanted young lady that made her way back to work…
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Can't think of a title, but...
- Saw two incredibly dirty pigeons on the High Street. They were like really really grimy! To the extent I did a double take, to survey them! What HAVE they been doing?
- Chocolate cake for Kim's birthday today, AND chocolate cake yesterday for Bimpe's birthday. YUM!
- The new batch of Export licenses blanks arrived. They have lilac backing card, this is a very pretty colour and shall make pretty cards when the license has been used!
-Only one month and nine days left at work.
- Choc-ices on a warm day= Good idea.
- My beloved Landolfi (not mine, but it is beloved to me) is out on loan again.
- Chocolate cake for Kim's birthday today, AND chocolate cake yesterday for Bimpe's birthday. YUM!
- The new batch of Export licenses blanks arrived. They have lilac backing card, this is a very pretty colour and shall make pretty cards when the license has been used!
-Only one month and nine days left at work.
- Choc-ices on a warm day= Good idea.
- My beloved Landolfi (not mine, but it is beloved to me) is out on loan again.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Weirdy woo too
Amy tagged me to do this tagging thing which is six weird fact about me. I haven't been tagged before, so lucky me, I get a new experience today! However, this is quite hard and I want to eat Thai Green Curry before Orchestra, so is likely to be quick and pants:
1. "I do not, have never, and never shall trust a mushroom. Apparently this is "weird" to some people but seems perfectly normal to me." This is what Amy wrote. Ok, how weird, I completely and utterly agree. I physically cant swallow them, they just make me wretch, and I can even sense them when they are minced up. Some kind soul suggested once that I was allergic to them, and it has stuck as a kind of 'Get out of Jail Free card'. My dear mumsie used to make 'Quorn Stroganoff' as her veggie dinner party special, which was a double fungus whammy, and used to get cross with me when I used to sit and miserably push it around the plate. Thankfully, later in life, she now believes me.
2. I like running on grass in bare feet. There's something really nice about it!
3. I haven't seen Titanic. Is that weird? I didn't think so, though it has prompted some shocked reactions in the past!
4. I really really really like the Phantom of the Opera. The musical, the book and the character. I just feel incredibly sorry for him, he had such a haunted life. And I know he was a murderer and stuff, but the way our parents treat us does have a profound effect on our lives I think. Poor Phantom... (Now, you have to admit that's a little weird)
5. I lit a match for the first time at the age of 16. (and as we know, changed a violin string at teh age of 25....)
6. I am scared of bunsen-burners, glue-guns, soldering-irons and gas-hobs, and will go to great lengths to avoid having to touch any of them.
1. "I do not, have never, and never shall trust a mushroom. Apparently this is "weird" to some people but seems perfectly normal to me." This is what Amy wrote. Ok, how weird, I completely and utterly agree. I physically cant swallow them, they just make me wretch, and I can even sense them when they are minced up. Some kind soul suggested once that I was allergic to them, and it has stuck as a kind of 'Get out of Jail Free card'. My dear mumsie used to make 'Quorn Stroganoff' as her veggie dinner party special, which was a double fungus whammy, and used to get cross with me when I used to sit and miserably push it around the plate. Thankfully, later in life, she now believes me.
2. I like running on grass in bare feet. There's something really nice about it!
3. I haven't seen Titanic. Is that weird? I didn't think so, though it has prompted some shocked reactions in the past!
4. I really really really like the Phantom of the Opera. The musical, the book and the character. I just feel incredibly sorry for him, he had such a haunted life. And I know he was a murderer and stuff, but the way our parents treat us does have a profound effect on our lives I think. Poor Phantom... (Now, you have to admit that's a little weird)
5. I lit a match for the first time at the age of 16. (and as we know, changed a violin string at teh age of 25....)
6. I am scared of bunsen-burners, glue-guns, soldering-irons and gas-hobs, and will go to great lengths to avoid having to touch any of them.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Interesting ideas
In my search for useful resources for my area of the student's MiC website, I came across this cool website and blog, which has loads of interesting things and ideas for Primary school teachers. It's great that people who are great about finding things and having ingenious ideas share them on the internet. Bit like Sarah's PGCE blog! Thank you to everyone with knowledge!
What does it profit a man if he gains the world and loses his soul?
Who was it that said that? We heard it at Alpha last night. So so so true...
And also, for all those times I find myself thinking "I am not sure if this is from God"...
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will".
Let it be so.
And also, for all those times I find myself thinking "I am not sure if this is from God"...
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will".
Let it be so.
Curious
There is a flautist outside my office playing a jaunty version of 'Terry and June' very beautifully. I just went out to see who was playing and it was a Russian student. How on earth does he know Terry and June?!?!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Rain
Contrary to British public preference, I like it very much and would like some more of it!!! Pretty please!!!
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Blah blah blah
Two major panics averted today! Prayer is fab!
- Orchestra music has gone completely AWOL. I have no idea where it has gone, looked everywhere. Luckily for me, (in the case of two pieces), inspiration caused me to call the Orchestral Librarian who very generously searched for the two pieces and made me a copy of the flute parts. So at least I can play two pieces. Let's hope Ed Joliffe can send me the flute part for his piece Dunia (check out Edmund Joliffe's music by the way- it's fab!). Please pray they turn up.
- I appeared to be missing several crucial pieces of paperwork. Worried that someone had nicked them, though couldn't understand how! Today did some investigation and turns out that nothing is missing and there are reasons for the lack of paperwork!
On a different note, I did something really irritating: I left my lovely (full) lunchbag on a Central line train this morning. It had lots of yummy things in it and is a really nice bag. So if you happened to be on a westbound Central-line train after Bond Street and spotted a nice little bag full of food and you aren't homeless, please can you return the containers to me C/O RAM. It's such a simple thing, but I was very cross with myself.
Oh, and I had a close call this morning as I almost interrupted someone's exam! I was sitting at the back of the exam hall when a tiny mouse hobbled towards me!!! I was so shocked I squeaked, luckily it was not a more intrusive scream, as I like rodents.
- Orchestra music has gone completely AWOL. I have no idea where it has gone, looked everywhere. Luckily for me, (in the case of two pieces), inspiration caused me to call the Orchestral Librarian who very generously searched for the two pieces and made me a copy of the flute parts. So at least I can play two pieces. Let's hope Ed Joliffe can send me the flute part for his piece Dunia (check out Edmund Joliffe's music by the way- it's fab!). Please pray they turn up.
- I appeared to be missing several crucial pieces of paperwork. Worried that someone had nicked them, though couldn't understand how! Today did some investigation and turns out that nothing is missing and there are reasons for the lack of paperwork!
On a different note, I did something really irritating: I left my lovely (full) lunchbag on a Central line train this morning. It had lots of yummy things in it and is a really nice bag. So if you happened to be on a westbound Central-line train after Bond Street and spotted a nice little bag full of food and you aren't homeless, please can you return the containers to me C/O RAM. It's such a simple thing, but I was very cross with myself.
Oh, and I had a close call this morning as I almost interrupted someone's exam! I was sitting at the back of the exam hall when a tiny mouse hobbled towards me!!! I was so shocked I squeaked, luckily it was not a more intrusive scream, as I like rodents.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Surprises
I read about Andy Flannagan's new devotional on Chris's blog. The Sold and Lost example struck me (and has stayed with me ever since! Traumatic thoughts of my pink panther being rejected and resigned to the rubbish bin by a charity shop alla Pharisees, but I wont go into that), so I resolved to purchase it, and got around to buying it last week. One of them involved looking at old photo-albums, fantastic experiential thing. Except, in addition to the valuable learning, I got an unexpected surprise, and yes, a memory- not neccessarily a good one. Had a happy time looking through one of my Bali photo albums (made out of natural materials) from my time living there- I suspect I haven't looked at that album for at least two years, or even since it was shipped back. And so, I closed my photo album to discover the corpse of a COCKROACH on my lap, obviously discarded from the photo-album!!!! Visions in my mind of cockroaches, mosquitoes, and other bugs! And then I dreamt about my pending trip to Bali!!!!!! And bugs, and cockroaches..
Shameless Advertising
Gamelan! Notable musical ensemble in Indonesia, notably Java and Bali! One of the hottest world music areas, features in GCSE Music and A'level syllabi, many children will enjoy learning in workshops at school! Many of my acquaintances have many 'interesting' preconceives ideas about it! Do you think it's all about banging a load of saucepan lids together, do you think it is simplistic weird world music? Think I'm a little bit odd for playing it?!?!
Shatter your biases and ideas and come see and hear Lilacita perform in two fantastic concerts of Balinese music in June- details on the website, before their exciting performance on 8th July in the Bali International Arts Festival, as the first British group to be invited to play in it! You can also find some stuff about Gamelan on that website! Go on, you know you want to!
Shatter your biases and ideas and come see and hear Lilacita perform in two fantastic concerts of Balinese music in June- details on the website, before their exciting performance on 8th July in the Bali International Arts Festival, as the first British group to be invited to play in it! You can also find some stuff about Gamelan on that website! Go on, you know you want to!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
* * * * * *Starstruck* * * * * *
London’s famous Planetarium closes its doors for good next week. It is to be replaced some sort of Celebrity Cinema experience. I feel quite sad about this, as it does sometimes feel as if anything which is individual and different seems to have to succumb to the mad celebrity/mass-market hype.
Anyway, for the last week, entry is free to see the show. As this was one of my favourite places when a child (I wanted to be an astronomer!) and I work 5minutes away, I went down in my lunch-hour to catch a viewing. Even as a 25 year old, I still cannot fail to be totally captivated by it, literally Starstruck (no pun intended). I felt so small and insignificant to the point of feeling queasy whilst watching it, and all the time these bits of Psalm 8 were running through my mind
"O Lord our governor, how glorious is your name in all the world!.... When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have ordained, What are mortals that you should be mindful of them; mere human beings, that you should seek them out?.... O Lord our governor, how glorious is your name in all the world (Psalm 8, v 1,4,5,10)"
There are so many awe-inspiring things that God has created, so many thousands of billions of stars representing each and every one of facts of his glory and creation that we do not know, how can I have the arrogance to consider each of my petty gripes as important, how can I consider myself as superior and above worshipping the Lord Almighty with every ounce of my being. And yet, He is with Us, everywhere all the time, though we struggle to feel his presence sometimes. He is with us. I thank Jesus that he has made it possible to approach the throne of the living God, by his death and glorious resurrection. How amazing will the promise of a new creation be, when that which he has created for us now, is so unfathomable and immense.
Anyway, for the last week, entry is free to see the show. As this was one of my favourite places when a child (I wanted to be an astronomer!) and I work 5minutes away, I went down in my lunch-hour to catch a viewing. Even as a 25 year old, I still cannot fail to be totally captivated by it, literally Starstruck (no pun intended). I felt so small and insignificant to the point of feeling queasy whilst watching it, and all the time these bits of Psalm 8 were running through my mind
"O Lord our governor, how glorious is your name in all the world!.... When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have ordained, What are mortals that you should be mindful of them; mere human beings, that you should seek them out?.... O Lord our governor, how glorious is your name in all the world (Psalm 8, v 1,4,5,10)"
There are so many awe-inspiring things that God has created, so many thousands of billions of stars representing each and every one of facts of his glory and creation that we do not know, how can I have the arrogance to consider each of my petty gripes as important, how can I consider myself as superior and above worshipping the Lord Almighty with every ounce of my being. And yet, He is with Us, everywhere all the time, though we struggle to feel his presence sometimes. He is with us. I thank Jesus that he has made it possible to approach the throne of the living God, by his death and glorious resurrection. How amazing will the promise of a new creation be, when that which he has created for us now, is so unfathomable and immense.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
A monumental (but sad) day
Fact No. 1
On this day, on the twenty-sixth day of the month of June in the two-thousand and sixthyear of our Lord, I Kerenza successfully changed my very first violin string.
Fact No. 2
I have been playing violin/viola for twenty years prior to this day.
A Minor aside
Also cleaned said violin- and felt like one of the Luthier team- hee hee!!!
On this day, on the twenty-sixth day of the month of June in the two-thousand and sixthyear of our Lord, I Kerenza successfully changed my very first violin string.
Fact No. 2
I have been playing violin/viola for twenty years prior to this day.
A Minor aside
Also cleaned said violin- and felt like one of the Luthier team- hee hee!!!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
By the Band Stand
There amidst a lively concerto of daisies, the vociferous Regent ducks hold court. Many are the voices clamouring to state their case. I wonder what they are saying?
Change
I feel quite sad. I've just realised that now I must give my resignation in order for my replacement to be secured in good time for them to get to know my job alongside me. All of a sudden I feel an atavistic sense of loving this place and not wanting to go. I know that Teaching will be fantastic and I have thought about this long and hard,know that all things must come to an end, and there are many times in which I get incredibly frustrated with my job,know that someone else could do it much better than me, and it is the right thing for me to go, and God has helped guided my path, but all of a sudden I fear the unknown. The RAM has a lovely sense of family about it, and I will miss the immersion of music, the kindness of colleagues, the wonderfully unpredictable nature of my duties and the familiarity (ok, presently all the frustrations and things that make me ratty have made an exit Stage left in my mind). Lizzie Bee has reminded me that (very wise that one) there are of course, always positives and negatives to change in our lives, but we should embrace the positives.
If you are in the habit of praying, please can you pray for courage for me to go forth and embrace this change in my life, to embrace it wholeheartedly, using my skills to their maximum and pray that Jesus will guide me every step of the way and that I may keep my eyes fixed on him.
If you are in the habit of praying, please can you pray for courage for me to go forth and embrace this change in my life, to embrace it wholeheartedly, using my skills to their maximum and pray that Jesus will guide me every step of the way and that I may keep my eyes fixed on him.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Strange things are afoot
- 7 herons all converged onto one area in Regent's Park- very sinister
- Every single swan I sighted seemed to have an unbearable itch- all of them scratching their backs vigorously with their beaks and flapping their wings lots
- Large ducks being chased and attacked by a very aggressive, very tiny coot
- Could not be bothered to journey to Ben and Jerry's Oxford Street to claim free ice-cream, courtesy of Metro (It's their anniversary!)- this is odd
- All copies of Shostakovich String Quartet no.8 are out on loan from the library.
- I managed to escape the lure of the staff-room after eating my lunch with enough time to walk in the park AND blog! It's power over me is ended!
- Every single swan I sighted seemed to have an unbearable itch- all of them scratching their backs vigorously with their beaks and flapping their wings lots
- Large ducks being chased and attacked by a very aggressive, very tiny coot
- Could not be bothered to journey to Ben and Jerry's Oxford Street to claim free ice-cream, courtesy of Metro (It's their anniversary!)- this is odd
- All copies of Shostakovich String Quartet no.8 are out on loan from the library.
- I managed to escape the lure of the staff-room after eating my lunch with enough time to walk in the park AND blog! It's power over me is ended!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Variety is the spice of life OR The Juxtaposition of Public Transport
Last night, having got on the District line train at Mile-End, I was merrily sitting reading Judges (well, as merrily as you can be reading Judges) we paused for all of 2 minutes extra at West Ham Station. Immediately, the driver very kindly apologised for the delay and proceeded to tell us that he wasn’t sure why we’d stopped, but then went on for the next minute conjecturing (very nice of him, but he was rambling to the point of hilarity) as to the cause of the hiatus. I found this highly comical, and blithely chortled to myself (the lady next to me obviously didn’t get why I was laughing and was perplexedly peering over my shoulder scanning the open Bible to locate the source of my amusement and probably judging (ho ho ho!) me to be somewhat insane.) Anyway, we continued on our journey, with minor delays, always helpfully commentated by our friendly driver. I like the District line- many don’t as it is renowned for being slow and always suffering from delays (fairly true), but it’s always sunny as in the Eastern regions, it’s above ground.
In stark contrast this morning, I arrived at the station to find that the mainline train was delayed on the Board, by 5minutes. (I can save about 10mins if I get this and change back to the District at West Ham), I was pleased, as my bus had also been delayed- I legged it to Platform 7, nothing there, so stood waiting. The train was on the Board. Nothing on the horizon. Minutes passed- it was still on the Board. A vague announcement occurred, roughly saying ‘We are sorry the 08.42 train is delayed by 5 minutes’ (5 minutes had passed five minutes ago). By this time, a District line suddenly appeared on another platform, which I couldn’t possibly get to in time (involves running along the platform, down a long and smelly slope, along the tunnel and back up an equally long and smelly twin slope). So I resignedly watched as it departed, and checked the board again. 08.42 had vanished from the display, to be replaced with the most displeasing sight of the 09.05 train. Whaat, where had it gone? No staff anywhere on any platforms, no other people on the platform, no announcement, nothing on the horizon. Am I going mad? Eventually, I saw a District line train in the distance and did the smelly slope sprint and just made it in time to get on the train. Most puzzling…
In stark contrast this morning, I arrived at the station to find that the mainline train was delayed on the Board, by 5minutes. (I can save about 10mins if I get this and change back to the District at West Ham), I was pleased, as my bus had also been delayed- I legged it to Platform 7, nothing there, so stood waiting. The train was on the Board. Nothing on the horizon. Minutes passed- it was still on the Board. A vague announcement occurred, roughly saying ‘We are sorry the 08.42 train is delayed by 5 minutes’ (5 minutes had passed five minutes ago). By this time, a District line suddenly appeared on another platform, which I couldn’t possibly get to in time (involves running along the platform, down a long and smelly slope, along the tunnel and back up an equally long and smelly twin slope). So I resignedly watched as it departed, and checked the board again. 08.42 had vanished from the display, to be replaced with the most displeasing sight of the 09.05 train. Whaat, where had it gone? No staff anywhere on any platforms, no other people on the platform, no announcement, nothing on the horizon. Am I going mad? Eventually, I saw a District line train in the distance and did the smelly slope sprint and just made it in time to get on the train. Most puzzling…
The New Doctor
Is it me, or has the new Russell T Davies produced series of Doctor Who gone really for the emotional?! I seem to have spent every episode of the Chris Eccelston and even this new David Tennant regeneration blubbing my way through every episode! I still cannot believe I cried over a Dalek. Yep, I admit it, am not ashamed (well maybe a little?). But it's been really lovely that there have been some real fantastic moves that the Doctor has pulled! First the Nanogenes and now the healing disinfectant! Much as I love the older Doctor Who, they didnt have the same regard for saving life that this new Doc has! He's got more humanity! (And yes I do know he's a Gallifreyan Time-Lord, not a human).
Have to say, I am loving having the Doctor back in my life! Nice to have something to look forward to on TV; Especially now Hustle has finished! (and no sign of Strictly come dancing and Strictly Skating on the horizon!)
But yay! I am indeed spoilt, as Lost is back soon! Haven't seen it? You can check out the synopses for Series one here
WHAT IS DOWN THE HATCH?????????????????
Have to say, I am loving having the Doctor back in my life! Nice to have something to look forward to on TV; Especially now Hustle has finished! (and no sign of Strictly come dancing and Strictly Skating on the horizon!)
But yay! I am indeed spoilt, as Lost is back soon! Haven't seen it? You can check out the synopses for Series one here
WHAT IS DOWN THE HATCH?????????????????
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Success
The problem:
Questionaires trapped in a metal postbox which is too thin to get your hand into. The key is lost.
The Solution:
Two brightly coloured fly-swats in an aggressive lobster-type manouvere, lots of patience and the ability not to look too suspicious.
The Bonus:
Several unread Agendas. Which can now be recycled.
Questionaires trapped in a metal postbox which is too thin to get your hand into. The key is lost.
The Solution:
Two brightly coloured fly-swats in an aggressive lobster-type manouvere, lots of patience and the ability not to look too suspicious.
The Bonus:
Several unread Agendas. Which can now be recycled.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Six go mad at the conservatoire!
Had a very nice day so far! I have waded my way through 3/4 of the student feedback- putting ticks in the relevant boxes. Apparently, as per usual, Practice rooms are the biggest gripe!
Brought hot cross buns from the lovely Bakery near my sister's on the lovely sunny walk from her house to Hainault tube. An independant friendly bakery seems such a precious rarity now, I can never contain myself when I go past it in the mornings- I usually end up buying 4 plain rolls for my lunch! Today was no exception and I came out with the rolls and 5 Hot cross buns! If you are ever in Hainault, near the station, I recommend going to it- it's on the corner of Lancelot drive and they sell all sort of lovely cakes including iced buns in the shape of little men with faces! I feel quite sad that my sister is moving- aside from the fact I see her very seldom, as she is so busy, and spends most of her free time with her boyfriend, it is lovely to have her nearby, and her little house is lovely.
This afternoon, one of my colleagues e-mailed me to say that there was going to be an Easter egg hunt, and several of us excitedly dashed down to the main office, and were given our first clue! There were six of us, running in a pack around the building for 10mis. Goodness knows what people thought! The RAM is a perfect place for a treasure hunt! It is so vast and labyrinthine. I have to say I discovered lots of places and doorways and stairways I never knew existed before, which was most exciting, and once again, I felt like Anne Kirrin, running to catch up with my colleagues! Finally, the last clue was 'You've got mail :-)' and we ran to the main office, to find a cream-egg in each of our pigeonholes! Kristina is lovely! It then reminded me of something I had forgotten about- my induction at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel, where we were sent on a trail to find clues, which I thought was a great bonding exercise, and helped familiarise us with the building! Maybe that should be part of all Personnel inductions, esp. in catacombed buildings!
Happy Easter Everyone!!!
Brought hot cross buns from the lovely Bakery near my sister's on the lovely sunny walk from her house to Hainault tube. An independant friendly bakery seems such a precious rarity now, I can never contain myself when I go past it in the mornings- I usually end up buying 4 plain rolls for my lunch! Today was no exception and I came out with the rolls and 5 Hot cross buns! If you are ever in Hainault, near the station, I recommend going to it- it's on the corner of Lancelot drive and they sell all sort of lovely cakes including iced buns in the shape of little men with faces! I feel quite sad that my sister is moving- aside from the fact I see her very seldom, as she is so busy, and spends most of her free time with her boyfriend, it is lovely to have her nearby, and her little house is lovely.
This afternoon, one of my colleagues e-mailed me to say that there was going to be an Easter egg hunt, and several of us excitedly dashed down to the main office, and were given our first clue! There were six of us, running in a pack around the building for 10mis. Goodness knows what people thought! The RAM is a perfect place for a treasure hunt! It is so vast and labyrinthine. I have to say I discovered lots of places and doorways and stairways I never knew existed before, which was most exciting, and once again, I felt like Anne Kirrin, running to catch up with my colleagues! Finally, the last clue was 'You've got mail :-)' and we ran to the main office, to find a cream-egg in each of our pigeonholes! Kristina is lovely! It then reminded me of something I had forgotten about- my induction at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel, where we were sent on a trail to find clues, which I thought was a great bonding exercise, and helped familiarise us with the building! Maybe that should be part of all Personnel inductions, esp. in catacombed buildings!
Happy Easter Everyone!!!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Goody goody gum-drops
I went to fill my waterbottle from the faucet in the canteen earlier and was struck by the smell of COLACUBES. There was nobody around, so I am puzzled as to its origin. Now that is an aroma I haven't smelt in years. Do they even still make them? I had a hunt on the net. Now, what about my favourite Pyramint? It appears I am not the only person lamenting the loss of this delicacy- My Pyramint Easter egg was possibly the nicest I have ever received! And then it hit me; I could possibly find evidence that Tootyminties were not a delusion on my part. For the last couple of years, when it has come to atavistic musings on confectionery, I have been mocked in more than one group of people for my assertion that they were indeed a true sweet. It even got to the stage where I doubted my own mind (and bear in mind I have filing cabinets of useless information in my mind) and look, look, look I am vindicated! There are other believers!
By the way, did you realise that Terry's Chocolate Orange started out as Chocolate Apple?
By the way, did you realise that Terry's Chocolate Orange started out as Chocolate Apple?
Monday, April 03, 2006
The Joy of mindless tasks
I'm having a really really nice day so far! I am having to prepare a huge mailout for our first Vocal summer school, and basically this involves writing names on envelopes, stuffing envelopes (though I'm in a good mood, so don't get me started on the environmental issues I have!)- and I haven't had such a happy time in ages! Sitting here listening to the Worship hour on Premier and dancing around whilst stuffing! It may be monotonous, but it works for me!
Reminds me of the happy times I used to have stuffing the City newsletter with Rach! I'm intrigued? If anyone's out there- what's your opinion on these type of activities? Hmmmm?I'm off to lunch!
Reminds me of the happy times I used to have stuffing the City newsletter with Rach! I'm intrigued? If anyone's out there- what's your opinion on these type of activities? Hmmmm?I'm off to lunch!
Friday, March 24, 2006
Why hello Mr Pinocchio!
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I also do not want belgium waffles with chocolate sauce, nor pink smarties or Chocolate Fudge cake.
And I do not have any banana skins in my desk drawer.
*SIGH*
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I do not want ice-cream
I also do not want belgium waffles with chocolate sauce, nor pink smarties or Chocolate Fudge cake.
And I do not have any banana skins in my desk drawer.
*SIGH*
Mad Thursdays!
Sometimes, I end up doing the most bizarre, amazing or interesting activities in the jobs I do! I have just played handchime in a recording of an impromptu radio signature tune! Hee hee hee!!!
Mad as a swingbin- the lot of them!
Mad as a swingbin- the lot of them!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Simple minds, simple pleasures.
I found myself pondering on this simple saying this morning, after my lovely boss asked me to take minutes for a meeting which I would not usually attend. Now, minutes aren’t my favourite thing in the world, in fact, I really rather detest them, but I am always happy to help in anyway that I can. However, I remembered, with some delight, that this particular meeting usually has tea and biscuits accompanying it (well, ok, I can’t have the biscuits at the moment!) and as I agreed to it, I enquired as to whether this was indeed a tea-attended. It was indeed, and it made me think about how just a little thing can prove such a pleasure.
I count myself incredibly fortunate, that in this day and age of constant materialism, that I can indeed appreciate the little things, which other people might ridicule me for. Sure I've mentioned Nikki and my little ‘Pollyanna’ style, ‘good things for today’ e-mails that we send each other at the end of the day, which I find a real blessing as they make me think about what an incredible amount of things there are that make my life happy. I count myself lucky, that I have a ‘simple mind’ that can see the little things (even though I indeed can moan as much as the rest of them!) and I thank Jesus so much for that, that he has over the last couple of years, made me realise this.
I may be changing the focus of this, but reading how Jesus taught the Beautitudes, made me think. The poor are blessed, because a simple thing becomes a blessing for them. They do say that rich people do not appreciate things so much! So let’s rejoice today in simple things!
I count myself incredibly fortunate, that in this day and age of constant materialism, that I can indeed appreciate the little things, which other people might ridicule me for. Sure I've mentioned Nikki and my little ‘Pollyanna’ style, ‘good things for today’ e-mails that we send each other at the end of the day, which I find a real blessing as they make me think about what an incredible amount of things there are that make my life happy. I count myself lucky, that I have a ‘simple mind’ that can see the little things (even though I indeed can moan as much as the rest of them!) and I thank Jesus so much for that, that he has over the last couple of years, made me realise this.
I may be changing the focus of this, but reading how Jesus taught the Beautitudes, made me think. The poor are blessed, because a simple thing becomes a blessing for them. They do say that rich people do not appreciate things so much! So let’s rejoice today in simple things!
Friday, March 10, 2006
And now for your Blog moment of fame..
Hello Elizabeth Battarbee!!!!! (Who has seen the evidence of my last blog entry and can verify that it was present, true and correct!) hee hee!!!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
The PROOF that shopping is bad for you!
Ok! I have actual medical truth- Injuries sustained through the aforementioned activity. I have a bruise the size of an APPLE (") and the colour of a plum by the side of my left knee caused by a malevolent packet of Wheetabix!!!!
Oh how I wish I had a digital camera and wasn't such a technodunce, otherwise I'd put a picture up! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...
Oh how I wish I had a digital camera and wasn't such a technodunce, otherwise I'd put a picture up! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...
Monday, March 06, 2006
Learning from your mistakes
There is always a good reason for everything Jesus tells us. When he told us,
the lesson there is obvious, but there are other aspects, one of which I have experienced today. I have given up something quite hard for Lent (for me anyway) and I am quite amused by it. I was in a meeting today with my work colleague who said she after the meeting she would go to the canteen and purchase an item which includes my said fasting item, at which point (since the urge to eat said item is still in my system- I think it usually goes after 2 weeks) I sighed, and mentioned my Lent thing. At which point, she commented 'and that my dear, is why I am glad not to be Christian' (or something along those lines), and I just thought- how badly I have am representing being a Christian I know this is just a small thing, but it has stayed in my mind all day. So next time, I decide to give something up, please remind me not to tell anyone about it, and just avoid the issue should anyone ask!!!
"when you do fast, don't not look sombre as the hyprocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast. put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you" (NIV)
the lesson there is obvious, but there are other aspects, one of which I have experienced today. I have given up something quite hard for Lent (for me anyway) and I am quite amused by it. I was in a meeting today with my work colleague who said she after the meeting she would go to the canteen and purchase an item which includes my said fasting item, at which point (since the urge to eat said item is still in my system- I think it usually goes after 2 weeks) I sighed, and mentioned my Lent thing. At which point, she commented 'and that my dear, is why I am glad not to be Christian' (or something along those lines), and I just thought- how badly I have am representing being a Christian I know this is just a small thing, but it has stayed in my mind all day. So next time, I decide to give something up, please remind me not to tell anyone about it, and just avoid the issue should anyone ask!!!
Friday, February 24, 2006
Mad Hatter's Office Party
JS has set me a delightful challenge. I am to slide 'mad as a swing bin'* into as many conversations as possible in the next seven days. If you think I am indeed as mad as a swing-bin for this very reason, you will now know why. Challenge accepted.
*According to Ducks in a row this is apparently a phrase used in every day office conversations. Er, where exactly?
*According to Ducks in a row this is apparently a phrase used in every day office conversations. Er, where exactly?
One
You reign on high; in the tallest mountains, in the smallest cave, yet you calm the hearts of the lowly; you are the rock, the priceless treasure which all men seek but know not what they seek; you are the hope in a weary world where all is awash. Your patience is so astounding; how can I not trust in you though I do not see you?
Let us sing as one. One text, one melody, one choir united, praising the Holy, Righteous One. But for this, let each sing their individual song, each use their unique gifts you have bestowed. Let a thousand instruments, a million different voices praise rejoice in you and infinite tongues praise your righteous sovereignty.
Let us sing as one. One text, one melody, one choir united, praising the Holy, Righteous One. But for this, let each sing their individual song, each use their unique gifts you have bestowed. Let a thousand instruments, a million different voices praise rejoice in you and infinite tongues praise your righteous sovereignty.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Amazing!
I have held in my hands today:
Violas: 2 Stradivari, 1 Guarneri
Violins: 1 Stradivari, 1 Andrea Amati
...some of which are some of the most famous instruments in the world! What an amazing privilege!
Violas: 2 Stradivari, 1 Guarneri
Violins: 1 Stradivari, 1 Andrea Amati
...some of which are some of the most famous instruments in the world! What an amazing privilege!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Should I be worried?
...if people start to come to me with items they are just about to chuck away to see if I can make use of it?
Thursday, February 16, 2006
...she shall hear music where ever she goes!
Do you know one of the things I love about working at a Conservatoire? The fact that no place is free from music. Even an innocent trip to the bathroom just now was accompanied by a Paganini variation! Oh how lucky I am!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Psalm Praise
Inspired by our MiC lecture this morning, Chris led us at CU in an activity where he wanted us to create our own Psalms. We started off looking at Ephesians 5 v8-20 from whence his inspiration came and then looked at Psalm 71 as a good example. We then worked our way through, looking at the elements making up the Psalm, and what things meant, and then we
we all sat individually and wrote our own Psalms for 10 mins I enjoyed it and thought it was a really good idea, it's a fab way to praise God, though usually, when I write songs of praise or just write of him, it's usually not contrived- it's in response to something, it's something that suddenly I HAVE to do. We didn't share our Psalms with each other, but I'd have been very interested to see how each person wrote. We talked about what it brought up for us! It's inspired me- I haven't tried to write something for a few months now! Praise be the Lord!
we all sat individually and wrote our own Psalms for 10 mins I enjoyed it and thought it was a really good idea, it's a fab way to praise God, though usually, when I write songs of praise or just write of him, it's usually not contrived- it's in response to something, it's something that suddenly I HAVE to do. We didn't share our Psalms with each other, but I'd have been very interested to see how each person wrote. We talked about what it brought up for us! It's inspired me- I haven't tried to write something for a few months now! Praise be the Lord!
The unanswered Question...
How does one find the other side mysterious black door way which seems to lie in between two floors of the Main building. I can see the outside of from the window of my office. Jeremy and I have been puzzling over it for almost two years now.
Where does it lead and what is its function? Any thoughts?
Where does it lead and what is its function? Any thoughts?
Thursday, February 09, 2006
What is disappointment?
Well, on Thursday the 9th February, disappointment is searching in your drawer for something, and finding what you believe to be several forgotten-about 'Green and Blacks' pralines, but as your hand closes over one in over-zealous excitement, it turns out to be just a well-preserved-in-the-original-shape empty wrapper.
I am bereft.
I am bereft.
"Nobody loves the Potato"
Do you ever find yourselves starting to sing random phrases that have somehow fixed themselves in your mind? I was half way to the station this morning when I found myself singing (to some tacky sounding tune)...
Nobody loves the potato
Nobody loves the potato
Nobody loves the potato
Nobody, not one, no
...and I was most perplexed. Why on earth was I singing in such a cruel and unkind fashion about a humble tuber?
I pondered on it somewhat as I reached the station and purchased my ticket, and the only thing I could think of, was when I was looking in the fridge for things to take for lunch. I recall that there was a solitary potato poised on top of an unopened bag (potatoes often go into our fridge to be forgotten about, or at least they take the time to have a fetching makeover of sproutings). I must have looked at it, and decided that I wouldn't bother. So not only had I totally given this potato trauma by looking at it, and rejecting it (albeit subconsciously), I had somehow assumed the school-yard bully role of making up a nasty song about it (again subconsciously) Conclusion: I am a HORRID person.
I therefore see only three possible courses of action:
- To set up a society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Potatoes (KSPCP)
- To set up a home/refuge for abused and unloved potatoes (Remember, a potato is for life (er?) not just for Christmas dinner).
- To go home and lovingly adorn said potato in copious quantities of butter and eat it, whilst telling it how delicious it is.
Which one would YOU choose?
Nobody loves the potato
Nobody loves the potato
Nobody loves the potato
Nobody, not one, no
...and I was most perplexed. Why on earth was I singing in such a cruel and unkind fashion about a humble tuber?
I pondered on it somewhat as I reached the station and purchased my ticket, and the only thing I could think of, was when I was looking in the fridge for things to take for lunch. I recall that there was a solitary potato poised on top of an unopened bag (potatoes often go into our fridge to be forgotten about, or at least they take the time to have a fetching makeover of sproutings). I must have looked at it, and decided that I wouldn't bother. So not only had I totally given this potato trauma by looking at it, and rejecting it (albeit subconsciously), I had somehow assumed the school-yard bully role of making up a nasty song about it (again subconsciously) Conclusion: I am a HORRID person.
I therefore see only three possible courses of action:
- To set up a society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Potatoes (KSPCP)
- To set up a home/refuge for abused and unloved potatoes (Remember, a potato is for life (er?) not just for Christmas dinner).
- To go home and lovingly adorn said potato in copious quantities of butter and eat it, whilst telling it how delicious it is.
Which one would YOU choose?
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Beauty is natural
Man tries and creates stunning art, but the most beautiful thing is God's creation. Even the humble cloud creates countless number of magnificent, unique and unparalled canvasses. Possibly one of the most beautiful websites I've ever seen
Friday, February 03, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
And once again, I forget
Hello! It's been a mad mad couple of weeks since the beginning of term, and I feel so busy and manic, and just really need to take the constant hint to stop!
On a really inspiring note, I happened to read this fab entry on (Sorry Chris Macfie, no-one (including you!)whose blogs I look at has been blogging, so I randomnly clicked on Sophie from your list! Hope you don't mind!) Sophie's blog. On that subject actually- does Random exist? Hmmm...
'Be still and know that I am God'.
On a really inspiring note, I happened to read this fab entry on (Sorry Chris Macfie, no-one (including you!)whose blogs I look at has been blogging, so I randomnly clicked on Sophie from your list! Hope you don't mind!) Sophie's blog. On that subject actually- does Random exist? Hmmm...
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