Haven't posted in ages- whoopsie!!!
What an eventful week I had last week. On Thursday I got home from college, knowing that my suspension over tuition fees was imminent to receive two letters. I open the first one which was from my lea saying that they were going to be paying my tuition fees- result. I thought 'hoorah!' I can take it tomorrow so I wont get suspended. Then I opened the next letter- 'you have been suspended in accordance with college regulation 2:2:3:whatever! NoT good! So I had to run into college on Friday- my day off- to sort it all out. Apparently as its my lea that have messed up, the suspension wont be going on my permanent record. Praise God it didn't stop me from going to any lectures. Technically I shouldn't have gone in on Thursday but I didn't know I'd been suspended.
I've finally got round to taking Clive round to the laptop doctors to get fixed. The discovery that Clive was still under guarantee was a nice happy one. Unfortunately the lovely people at John Lewis said that it would take 3-6 weeks to make Clive all better again. Fortunately the people at John Lewis (did I mention that they are lovely?!) have lent me a temporary laptop to use SO I can get m,y essays done-whoohoo!
So there I was with Mr Temporary laptop, blissfully unaware that it didn't have a floppy drive. I don't have a printer and It wouldn't let me save on to CD and I don't have one of those sticky things either- not that a sticky thing would do much good because the collage computers are so archaic that they don't have sticky thing sockets. In the end I had to install the internet and sign up for a free internet trial so I could e-mail my essay to myself so I could print it off in college!
So the state of play at the moment is this- I have laptop, I can work all hours of the night if my heart desires, I'm now writing the Nth overdue essay (I lost count a long time ago) And I've lost my ID card-bother!!!
On the plus side, I had a CU leadership training weekend last weekend which was fab. We were looking at the book of 2 Timothy. Fantastic book- if you haven't read it- you must! I found it really encouraging to look at a church leader who was really young, was about to loose his personal friend and mentor, was scared, was losing people from the church left right and centre, was ridiculed and feeling really timid and felt like giving up. How many times in my life do I feel like that. I used to thing that all the guys in the bible were ok- they were really sorted and as the years went on we just gradually messed things up. Then I actually read the bible- these guys make the same mistakes we do, mess up just as frequently and yet God used them to do amazing things. I'm not a natural born leader, I know that but I know that God has called me to be the CU prayer secretary. Not because I'm some super spiritual and amazing intercessor but because I am a real person who has real issue and through those things God can really work in my life and shine through. Through my weaknesses God can do his thing and achieve amazing things.
Wherever I'm at and whatever I'm doing, I can always come to God in prayer although I don't always when I need to (I'm working on it) I am a very busy person due to the fact that I'm drowning in a see of essays. In by business something gets pushed aside. That something should be TV or something like that but more often than not It's my quiet times that get pushed aside. In the grand scheme of things, that should be the last thing I push aside- there is nothing more important that spending time with God trough reading the Bible and to come to the Almighty in prayer. That should be the last thing that should be pushed to one side. There is nothing more important, especially when you are busy than to slow down for a bit and come into God's presence and to rest in him for a while.
I feel that as Prayer sec I have got so much to learn but right now I am really aware of God working with me and through me. 7 months ago I would never have prayer out loud. I'm now leading prayer meetings and trying to encourage the CU to pray. I feel that God's going to do amazing things but he can only do those things if I take the time to let him.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Pigs really do fly
I went for a run on Thursday- hurrah! I think both my housemates were quite supprised but miracles do happen- I went running. I am still aching because I didn't warm up properly- should really learn how to do that. I'm sat in the college computer room trying to type up an essay on the colloquy of Marburg (just smile and knod) although I managed to bring all my notes with me except the ones I actually needed-whoops! Ah well, any whoo I like to think of it as a test of memory- see how much I can remember. Unfortunately I can only remember enough to write about 500 words so Mr essay is going have to wait until tomorrow to be finished. I'm going to go home and have a nice cup of tea.
On a spiritual note- yes I'm going to get all deep now! I've been reading through Judges at the moment- as you do- thought it would be interesting and I can't help thinking that on one level it's a metaphor of my life. Judges follows the Israelites and tells us how basically they completely ignore God, mess up pretty spectacularly and then Get to a point where they actually think- hold on a minute- whoopsie! God, please help us because we're completely useless and we need you desperately. Then God appoints a judge, and then all is well for about 40 years. I do that so often. Despite being a Christian for what- 7 years or so, I still keep on trying to do things in my own strength, failing miserably then crying out- 'Lord help me' and then everything is rosy. Then I go back to trying to deal with things in my own strength. I had one of those moments the other day when this situation came up and my first instinct was to run away. I prayed about it and as I was praying I had this song called he is Yahweh stuck in my head. There's this one line in it which goes- 'The great I AM, he is Yahweh'. I just got this really strong sense that God was trying to say to me 'The Great I AM, I am Yahweh. I am able and I will help you. That kind of blew me away. It still amazes me that no matter how many times I screw up, God still wants me, has plans for me and delights in me. All I can really say is wow. Maybe kow I noticed this pattern in me, I can go on and do something about it. God is amazing.
On a spiritual note- yes I'm going to get all deep now! I've been reading through Judges at the moment- as you do- thought it would be interesting and I can't help thinking that on one level it's a metaphor of my life. Judges follows the Israelites and tells us how basically they completely ignore God, mess up pretty spectacularly and then Get to a point where they actually think- hold on a minute- whoopsie! God, please help us because we're completely useless and we need you desperately. Then God appoints a judge, and then all is well for about 40 years. I do that so often. Despite being a Christian for what- 7 years or so, I still keep on trying to do things in my own strength, failing miserably then crying out- 'Lord help me' and then everything is rosy. Then I go back to trying to deal with things in my own strength. I had one of those moments the other day when this situation came up and my first instinct was to run away. I prayed about it and as I was praying I had this song called he is Yahweh stuck in my head. There's this one line in it which goes- 'The great I AM, he is Yahweh'. I just got this really strong sense that God was trying to say to me 'The Great I AM, I am Yahweh. I am able and I will help you. That kind of blew me away. It still amazes me that no matter how many times I screw up, God still wants me, has plans for me and delights in me. All I can really say is wow. Maybe kow I noticed this pattern in me, I can go on and do something about it. God is amazing.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Back to the grind stone
Alas- I survived the merriment of Christmas to return to yet another year of hope fulfilling new years resolutions that I will inevitably break.
I feel refreshed to have had time off but still have ended up with just as much work to do. My efforts of writing lots of essays were thowted by the inconveniently timed death of my beloved laptop. I was trying to type up my essay on Friday. I have been having problem's recently with the laptop's battery- in that is doesn't seem to work anymore. AC power still seemed to surfice until it just died on me. I thought that maybe taking the battery out and putting it back in again might help- don't know why, I'm not technologically minded, it just seemed like a good idea at the time. As I took the battery out I could hear something rattling about inside it. I though 'this is not a good sign'. I then tilted the laptop on its side and out of the place where you put the battery in, a little, tiny screw fell out and I thought to myself 'this is definitely not a good sign!'
I had to resist the urge to go and hunt down our screwdrivers to opened up my laptop and replace the screw but decided that my insurance probably wouldn't cover acts of stupidity. I now have to take my laptop somewhere to be repaired and be charged extortionate amounts of money which I do not have for the prevailed. Yay!
I've decided that I'm going to start running again. Something I've always said I'm going to do and am still telling myself that I'm going to do it and eventually I actually will do it! I am ridiculously unfit. It would be nice to turn up to a lecture without feeling like I've just run the London marathon because I'm running late and have to run up 6 flights of stairs! Alternatively I could just turn up on time but it really doesn't seem to make a difference how early I wake up, I inevitably still will end up running late. No- really must start running, I promised Deborah I would, and it would be kind of nice to look half decent at KT'S wedding. Hmmm, may go running later this afternoon....Well... Lets not go crazy. I do still need to go to tesco's! And get my laptop fixed, failing that- find a scrap metal merchant. Anyone know any?
I feel refreshed to have had time off but still have ended up with just as much work to do. My efforts of writing lots of essays were thowted by the inconveniently timed death of my beloved laptop. I was trying to type up my essay on Friday. I have been having problem's recently with the laptop's battery- in that is doesn't seem to work anymore. AC power still seemed to surfice until it just died on me. I thought that maybe taking the battery out and putting it back in again might help- don't know why, I'm not technologically minded, it just seemed like a good idea at the time. As I took the battery out I could hear something rattling about inside it. I though 'this is not a good sign'. I then tilted the laptop on its side and out of the place where you put the battery in, a little, tiny screw fell out and I thought to myself 'this is definitely not a good sign!'
I had to resist the urge to go and hunt down our screwdrivers to opened up my laptop and replace the screw but decided that my insurance probably wouldn't cover acts of stupidity. I now have to take my laptop somewhere to be repaired and be charged extortionate amounts of money which I do not have for the prevailed. Yay!
I've decided that I'm going to start running again. Something I've always said I'm going to do and am still telling myself that I'm going to do it and eventually I actually will do it! I am ridiculously unfit. It would be nice to turn up to a lecture without feeling like I've just run the London marathon because I'm running late and have to run up 6 flights of stairs! Alternatively I could just turn up on time but it really doesn't seem to make a difference how early I wake up, I inevitably still will end up running late. No- really must start running, I promised Deborah I would, and it would be kind of nice to look half decent at KT'S wedding. Hmmm, may go running later this afternoon....Well... Lets not go crazy. I do still need to go to tesco's! And get my laptop fixed, failing that- find a scrap metal merchant. Anyone know any?
Friday, December 17, 2004
In Loving Memory
I spent lunchtime today with a group of friends in Pizza hut. The look of panic on the face of the unsuspecting waiter showed us instantly that where-ever we were put, it would be a bit of a squish. Ah well- we're all friends, just meant we had to be a little friendly.
It's a good day to be around friends because today is Fiona's anniversary. This day last year I got that horrendous phone call from Mark telling me that she'd died. It seems strange that its been a year already and yet at the same time, only a year. I'd spent the past week debating whether I should go to Pizza hut with everyone and decided, that's not what she would have wanted. That and you should show that you appreciate people when they're still with you, not worrying afterwards about the things you wish you'd said but never got the chance.
So, this one's for Fi. And if she was here right now, she would be laughing at my Christmas present from Luke. I now have to spend the rest of the day running round with a pink fluffy cushion. Wonder what Dr Sanchez will say when he sees me with it- especially seeing as I've named it Tellula.
It's a good day to be around friends because today is Fiona's anniversary. This day last year I got that horrendous phone call from Mark telling me that she'd died. It seems strange that its been a year already and yet at the same time, only a year. I'd spent the past week debating whether I should go to Pizza hut with everyone and decided, that's not what she would have wanted. That and you should show that you appreciate people when they're still with you, not worrying afterwards about the things you wish you'd said but never got the chance.
So, this one's for Fi. And if she was here right now, she would be laughing at my Christmas present from Luke. I now have to spend the rest of the day running round with a pink fluffy cushion. Wonder what Dr Sanchez will say when he sees me with it- especially seeing as I've named it Tellula.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Desperate need of zzzzzzzzz's!
I couldn't sleep atall last night. I was really tired, but couldn't get of to sleep. By the time it got to half 4 in the morning I just gave up and got out of bed. And what does one do when they are sleep deprived? I baked a cake.
I have to say it's really unfortunate having no sleep before the longest of days. I had to go in at ten this morning- not to bad so far but here's the bad bit- for a 3 hour lecture. I'm now in the middle of a 2 hour break and then I've got another 2 hour lecture, A one hour lecture which clashes with my other lecture followed by a rehearsal for the CU carol service. I'm struggling already an I don't believe in pro-plus! What's a girl to do? Must find some sweeties and other such sugary yumminess.
I have to say it's really unfortunate having no sleep before the longest of days. I had to go in at ten this morning- not to bad so far but here's the bad bit- for a 3 hour lecture. I'm now in the middle of a 2 hour break and then I've got another 2 hour lecture, A one hour lecture which clashes with my other lecture followed by a rehearsal for the CU carol service. I'm struggling already an I don't believe in pro-plus! What's a girl to do? Must find some sweeties and other such sugary yumminess.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Calvin owes me haribo!
Have been doing lots of Christmas shopping lately and as always, ended up buying lots of stuff for myself- not good! I went shopping in Brixton on Friday (not as scary as everyone makes out- I think people just say its rough so that when they go there they can make out that they're really hard) and I ended up buying myself a pair of shoes. I went shopping on Saturday and ended up buying myself a new coat. The coat I can justify though- there were only 2 left both in my size. And here's the best bit- the coat was originally £99. I bought it for £20! Bargain if ever I saw one.
After spending much of the weekend shopping I resigned myself to getting lots of work done before leaving at half 2 for a rehearsal at church. That went completely out the window as I seem to have the need to fulfill the student stereotype by sleeping in until 20 to 1! After waking, dazed in a state of semi-consciousness I heard someone bang on our front door. I debated ignoring it but an attack of conscious made me drag myself out of bad at that embarrassingly late hour to answer the door. It was big Dave. 45 minutes and 1 cup of of tea later he left, leaving me an hour to have a bath, eat lunch and get done all the work I'd proposed to do that morning. Something had to be sacrificed and ofcourse- it was my college work!
Having spent the next hour and 15 minutes faffing about, I finally left for church and was late for my rehearsal- why break a habit of a life time. I'm sure I must be getting a reputation for this by now. The subsequent rehearsal was quite entertaining due to the amount of sight singing I had to do-with out music! And just to add the icing on the cake Calvin asked me to sing an Acapella solo verse of be thou my vision. Which I sang- aren't I wonderful! The beginning of the service, Calvin says I'm going to sing this solo verse so there was no backing out, gives me a start note and I start singing. Half way through the first line, I realize that what I'm singing is far too low for me to the point it's right at the bottom of my vocal range. The result- something hideously out of tune, although what makes me giggle is that no-one noticed! I had 11 people after the service tell me how wonderful I sang and what a lovely voice I have. Quite embarrassing really. I don't know what it is about me but I don't seem to handle praise too well. I don't like being in the limelight, its just not me. I want to just sing and forget all about it, not have a conversation with a group of people about random stuff and then for someone to walk past on the way out and say 'nice singing, you sang well' and then for the conversation to turn to what a lovely voice I have. The thought of crawling under arose to hide at that very moment crossed my mind but the absence of any rock for me to crawl under made that a little problematic. Maybe in the future I should stand at the front and sing with a brown paper bag on my head. Hey- it would match my new shoes!
After spending much of the weekend shopping I resigned myself to getting lots of work done before leaving at half 2 for a rehearsal at church. That went completely out the window as I seem to have the need to fulfill the student stereotype by sleeping in until 20 to 1! After waking, dazed in a state of semi-consciousness I heard someone bang on our front door. I debated ignoring it but an attack of conscious made me drag myself out of bad at that embarrassingly late hour to answer the door. It was big Dave. 45 minutes and 1 cup of of tea later he left, leaving me an hour to have a bath, eat lunch and get done all the work I'd proposed to do that morning. Something had to be sacrificed and ofcourse- it was my college work!
Having spent the next hour and 15 minutes faffing about, I finally left for church and was late for my rehearsal- why break a habit of a life time. I'm sure I must be getting a reputation for this by now. The subsequent rehearsal was quite entertaining due to the amount of sight singing I had to do-with out music! And just to add the icing on the cake Calvin asked me to sing an Acapella solo verse of be thou my vision. Which I sang- aren't I wonderful! The beginning of the service, Calvin says I'm going to sing this solo verse so there was no backing out, gives me a start note and I start singing. Half way through the first line, I realize that what I'm singing is far too low for me to the point it's right at the bottom of my vocal range. The result- something hideously out of tune, although what makes me giggle is that no-one noticed! I had 11 people after the service tell me how wonderful I sang and what a lovely voice I have. Quite embarrassing really. I don't know what it is about me but I don't seem to handle praise too well. I don't like being in the limelight, its just not me. I want to just sing and forget all about it, not have a conversation with a group of people about random stuff and then for someone to walk past on the way out and say 'nice singing, you sang well' and then for the conversation to turn to what a lovely voice I have. The thought of crawling under arose to hide at that very moment crossed my mind but the absence of any rock for me to crawl under made that a little problematic. Maybe in the future I should stand at the front and sing with a brown paper bag on my head. Hey- it would match my new shoes!
Thursday, December 02, 2004
the wonderful world of computers!
I spent ages on tuesday writing a blog all about my lovely weekend in Southampton only for the stupid lousy computer to loose it for me. Today, the computer was oh so kind to recover it for me so once again all is alright with the world.
I couldn't sleep last night so I decided to give myself a manicure. I was very bored and very creative and in the tired, half asleep state I was in, decided that it would be a good idea to paint little pictures on my nails. Ofcourse I made a complete mess and vowed to take it all off this morning. Never plan to do anything in the morning- you will inevitably over-sleep. Guess what I did?! I had to go into college with messy nails and couldn't chip the varnish of for the life of me. Laura and Sarah-Jane both laughed at me. *sigh* I've decided that that is justification for extensive amount of chocolate and other yummy stuff. The diet starts tomorrow.
I couldn't sleep last night so I decided to give myself a manicure. I was very bored and very creative and in the tired, half asleep state I was in, decided that it would be a good idea to paint little pictures on my nails. Ofcourse I made a complete mess and vowed to take it all off this morning. Never plan to do anything in the morning- you will inevitably over-sleep. Guess what I did?! I had to go into college with messy nails and couldn't chip the varnish of for the life of me. Laura and Sarah-Jane both laughed at me. *sigh* I've decided that that is justification for extensive amount of chocolate and other yummy stuff. The diet starts tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
