Bets on the next two weeks going at double speed?

Made it to Christmas! There were a few times back there that I thought I wouldn't but here I am. I'm slowly getting over my bad mood that my darling form class managed to put me in today and I am very excited about the next two weeks. We have some good YF stuff coming up, there's Coldplay to see, and of course Christmas. Right now I'm watching 'Walk the Line', it is one of my most favourite films ever. Although I did just have to fast forward through the bit with the saw.

Anyway here are the two 'cultural' events of late.

1. The Feeling

Who doesn't like this band? Who doesn't get into a better mood when a song of theirs come on? It was a brilliant gig. Oh I sound like a Radio 1 DJ! They played all the songs I knew and a few bonus extras, and they finished with my most favourite song, 'Love It When You Call'. For the encore, with it being Christmas and what not, they did a few Christmas songs. And there was a surprise 'special guest'. Who did they manage to get for this special performance?! Sinead Quinn! No really, the actual runner up to Fame Academy a billion years ago! It made more sense when they explained she was about to marry the drummer from the band. They sang the Pogues 'Fairytale of New York' which was brill!

The only bad thing about the whole thing was the fact one of the fellow concert goers had obviously eaten something entirely disagreeable a few hours beforehand and keep letting the most gut wrenching sulphuric farts every ten minutes or so. One woman in front of us kept on turning around and we were at pains to show disgust on our faces so she wouldn't think it was us.

One thing I did forget to do was bring ear plugs. I know, so rock and roll, me. But for most of the next day I couldn't hear anything my students said. I felt like I was underwater or something. 

See, it's so loud my mobile couldn't cope with it.

The drum proves it was The Feeling. But really, who else could pick them out of an identity parade?

2. Sex Bombs

I get emails from the BBC about audiences for their shows. They're always, always in London. Except for the odd Ulster Orchestra one which are usually full up. The exception to this was 'Sex Bombs', a pilot panel show of men against women hosted by Ed Bryne. Ed Bryne is funny so I thought I'd apply. 

It really wasn't what I expected. For one they expected audience participation in the form of voting on little key pads. Then they would potentially come to you and ask you why you voted the way you did. Oh. Die. But worse still, because of all that they wanted us to sit alternate boy-girl. 'Fine', I thought, 'sure it'll be a bit of craic'. That was until I ended up at the end of a row, with the world's biggest man sitting up between me and Ruth. Seriously, and I really don't want to be rude, but he blocked me off from seeing three quarters of the audience. Half the joy of a joke is sharing it with someone else but I felt like I was watching on my own.

This was my first 'recorded' TV show. 'The Kelly Show' was live, and 'The Daily Show' was as live, straight through, no retakes. To be honest, it would put me off another one. There was lots of Ed having to say certain lines again, the autocue messing up, us having to laugh at the same line, applaud at the same point, don't applaud, vote again...you name it we did it twice. By the end of the 2 hour record (for presumably a 30 minute show) my butt was d.e.a.d.  But still a free night out and reasonable craic!

Even with the retakes and the dead butt though, it did make me want to go see 'Have I Got News For You' because it's actually funny. I'm no TV exec but I wouldn't commission 'Sex Bombs'. I can't see where they can go with it. There's only so many jokes about men being lazy or women gossipping. Although, now that I've said that, it'll be the TV sensation of 2009. 

Good service

I really hate bad service in shops and restaurants. I think it's incredibly rude and unhelpful. Just because I'm having a bad day doesn't mean I take it out on my students. I'll often vote with my feet and never go back. A case in point, Frasers (or is a Z? See, I never go. It is dead to me. I am as stubborn as my grandfather sometimes.) in Belfast. I haven't darkened the door of that shop since the mid-late 90s after bad service. Obviously this ploy hasn't worked so well as it's still standing. But not because of my money. Ha.

Anyway, as the Christmas shopping season has hit, I, like many people, buy things online. Well this one idea (let's just say it was a 'keyring', they read this) I had for my nearest and dearest really required a conversation with someone. I called one company and the girl couldn't tell me the answers to my questions, and even though it was 4.15pm she said she couldn't let me know until tomorrow, therefore potentially missing the Christmas deadline delivery. It was so much that as her unhelpful nature when she spoke which was annoying.

I called another company and it couldn't have been more different. She knew the answers to most of my questions and promised to find out the ones she didn't know in five minutes. When she called me back they weren't quite as I hoped, I still felt a certain sense of comfort in ordering said 'keyring' with her. Ten minutes later she called me back to say that she'd messed up and delivery would be slightly more I didn't mind because she was so apologetic and polite about it.

When Christmas is all over with and the 'keyring' goes down a storm I'll maybe put a link on then incase you want to order a 'keyring'. Good people like this deserve to have their name known.

New home

I mentioned a while ago that I had moved to the big smoke. Travelling into school was becoming all too much for me. I worked out, not long after I moved, that it would take me four school weeks to travel as far as I was travelling in one day. So a move was definitely in order.

As is now tradition when I live somewhere else I put a few photos up. So here they are:

This is me doing the dishes for real.

But I am fake reading.

As well as fake sleeping.

Definitely a fake visit to the toilet.

I seem to never have seen this scarf before.

Proof

As if it were needed.

None of the things I said I need to blog about

I'm at home with the parents today, always good times. Today's started when we realised my dad's winter hat (an old ski hat of mine or David's) was the exact same colours of our hoover. No, really. If that's where it started you can only imagine how it went downhill from there. By the end of lunch we were all sitting modelling our winter hats which just seemed normal until we realised what we were doing.

Now my dad and I are writing Christmas cards. There's lots of 'what is his wife's name?...'Carol! Not Anne at all!'...'Where would I get the address for them?'...'There's another geek I better write to. Pants, pants, pants!' I promise that last one was from my dad and exactly as he said it!

Every so often we'll break into one of those round robin Christmas letters your acquaintances (took me forever to spell that right!) so loving send you...'We can hardly believe another year has passed...we have had a wonderful year... X continues to work hard at the office (and at the Golf Club!)...Whilst X has taken up the new hobby of soapmaking...the grandchildren continue to provide much amusement [insert witty grandchildren story here]...so friends as another year draws in, join with us in appreciating all this year has brought.'

Actually, you probably won't be surprised to learn we get a bit excited when those come in so I shouldn't mock.

The other day though, I got an insert way better than a Christmas letter. Oh yes! No really. It was a scanned in article from a local newspaper's around and about section. As my scanner is up in the big smoke I shall try to recreate it for you.

Rocky Mountain News Gazette Wed, November 12th, 2008

Community Eye

BEARLY VISIBLE

XXXX had a late night visitor when a bear came calling. "I thought this might be a good public service reminder to bring one's bird feeders, or at least place them out of reach" said XXXX. The family lives near Rocky Heights. "Hopefully, he/she is now hibernating."

See! Informative, newsy and funny! That's how they do round robin letters in Colorado my friends!

I need to mark

It's been a while and there's been a fair amount I have been up to but I am in the middle of marking Christmas tests which is particularly dull, uninspiring and makes me wonder what I have been teaching the last number of weeks because most seem to have forgotten it all.

At a later date I will detail here:

-my new living arrangements

-my day as a tour guide

-my exciting night last night

But for right now it's back to read about how Martin Luther was an English priest who went round different churches in England and put up a big poster to say what was wrong with them.

Close but it's not right.

Overlooked

Forget the John Sergeant debacle, how come this wasn't talked about more this week?

Seriously? Was it a dare?

Sometimes my life is too rock and roll

Tonight I:

-made my parents dinner. I am so the best daughter ever. Too bad it was a typical dinner they'd make for themselves anyway. We'll save the dinner party fare for sometime later. Like maybe when I can cook.

-went to Starbucks. This was actually as exciting as it got. I got Hot Chocolate and instantly wished I hadn't been so outrageous and got the same old Strawberries and Cream non coffee Frappuccino I always gets.

-went to the supermarket. Got prizes for work my students should do off their own back. Pander? Me? No!

-did the dishes and made lunch for tomorrow. I know, I fed them and they didn't even do the dishes. The cheek. It has taken me too long to realise that making your lunch the night before is the secret to an extra 10 minutes in bed.

-Watched a History video on Hitler coming to power and made a video worksheet.

Told you, rock and roll me.

Sky Mall Christmas special

You really have been very patient, I have been hideously late with my root through Sky Mall but, finally, here it is. But as we're nearly in the season I thought it would be nice to make this one a Christmas themed one. Oh yes, Sky Mall class is for every occassion!

Outdoor decorations

Now, I know you are thinking about how to go that extra mile with your Christmas decorations. Sure there's a tree inside, cards up, perhaps even a banner or some streamers. But how do you make it seem like Christmas from the outside in? Let Sky Mall help!

Oh look! What's says Christmas more than a little deer family?! You're right, probably reindeer or something. But deers, deers are good too. Look, they've got 'Mother', 'Baby', and oh...can't help feeling a little bit sorry for the one named 'Medium' though.

Sky Mall laughs in the face of 'Santa Stop Here' signs. A 14 foot inflatable Santa train is what you need.

So often Christians feel that Christmas has been high-jacked by all the Santas and snowmen and the real reason has been forgotten. I think you'll agree that this glowing manger and little baby Jesus for your front garden will put a stop to that. Form an orderly queue now.

That's right, the candy cane archway is listed under improvements. What a winter wonderland!

But everyone on my street has inflatable snowmen, moving Santas and little baby Jesuses Sky Mall. How do I make my house different? Ah ha, light projection reindeer! Golly, thanks Sky Mall!

Hard to buy for people (aka awkward buggers)

Sky Mall really is the best place to start for those difficult people in your life that don't need anything/aren't interested in anything/have no clue what they'd like. Let your fingers flick to find the perfect present!

Cooking hot dogs can be so troublesome don't you think?! Not with this pop up hot dog toaster!

Come on! Who doesn't want to make their bed that bit more comfortable?!

This one is labelled carefully for the wine enthusiast. I can't think of a wine enthusiast I know that wouldn't like these reindeer stoppers! Thank goodness they're back.

Know an entertainer?! Say hello to the instant doorway puppet theater! Endless hours of fun to be had with this!

Outdoorsy sportsfan to buy for? Look at these cute Forest Faces! That's right, they're the latest craze in outdoor decor, and can't you just see the appeal? And did you spot the pun...'who are the trees rooting for'! See what they did there? Rooting, tree roots. Ho ho! Bonus points to you Sky Mall!

Has a coffee table ever been so...kitsch?

Excuse me Sky Mall. Did you not say Forest Faces were the latest craze in outdoor decor? I think you have done a disservice to our meerkat friends here. And just think of them beside the lions, or the sumo wrestler, the yeti...

Who doesn't want to fall asleep under the some sort of dodgy picture of themselves/their children. That's the way I want my memories perserved!

But yet again Sky Mall, yet again...

You've managed to prove that you're not all tat and crap! You do sell something slightly worthwhile and something that I actually kind of want! A heavy duty Christmas paper storage bag. And I see it's for all my wrapping needs, what with space for bows and everything! Sure beats that old Yellow Pack Tin Foil cardboard box we stole from Stewarts circa 1990 that we used for (I wish I was joking) ten years.

42 days and counting...

The Ikea Game

I'm going to Ikea later on today. Oh save us all. But here's a fun game I like to play when I am there - making up Ikea names. For example:

Snafflegaard

Gistmo

Juprinta

Aatflorah

Hagrinta

You should try it. It really makes the place even more fun. And if you're really keen, your extension activity is to say what they'd be! I know, even more fun!

Oh yes they did!

I remember waking up on the morning after Labour won by a landslide in the 1997 election and feeling like everything was all going to be different. I got that same feeling yesterday, that somehow things aren't going to be the same.

It is an exciting new world we're in. But, to be honest, I'm less excited about Barack Obama being black. I'm much more excited about the stature of the man, indeed by the content of his character. I won't deny that during the Primaries I wanted Hillary more. I like her and I think she'd make a decent President. But Barack is also pretty hard to disagree with, if you're of the centre ground.

The smartest person I have ever met is someone I worked with in America. Hands down he was it. He listened before he spoke, and when he spoke you knew he had listened. When I hear Obama I am reminded of him, nevermind that they were about as different as you could get - in appearance, politics, age, the works. But I think that's what  it is about Barack Obama too, he seems listen. I have watched my fair share of political punditary over the last few days and that seems to be what they are saying too.

But back to the colour issue. In these last few days, it has sometimes come across that we are surprised that America has voted for a black man, as if somehow a black person couldn't do the job. It shouldn't be the issue, it shouldn't matter. And yet, somehow it can't go unmentioned.

I watched Oprah a while ago when she re-united the cast members of 'The Cosby Show' (I know, talk about high brow). But what Bill Cosby said was interesting, he said it was the first show in America that put a 'normal' middle class black family on TV. In the 1980s?! 

If you saw any of the people in Grant Park on Tuesday night, in the emotion in their faces and in their interviews with reporters you'll have seen what this should mean to every American. It is the ultimate example in showing that there is no limit to what someone can achieve, and that it will not be determined by the colour of your skin. And I guess if you've gone through the hard years, these next four look pretty good.

I hope that in four years time, Americans won't have the same feeling I have now when I hear the words 'New Labour', or (so help me) D:ream's 'Things Can Only Get Better', when a little bit of me groans and my eyes roll skyward because it didn't turn out how we'd hoped.

Disaster

Yesterday the power went out in school. The worst thing about that was that the bells were all messed up.

Today there was a gas leak. We were all evacuated and stood outside for 2 hours while the good people from Phoenix worked on it. I've had experience before of trying desperately to keep students' spirits up (at last year's National Day Parade at school. They couldn't see or hear anything and were about to expire in the heat.) but this was worse. It was cold and for two hours all I heard was 'Miss, can I just go home...' 'Miss I can see my house from here...' 'I'm calling my mum and she's going to pick me up...'. Right-o. My attempts at a sing-along failed this time!

But as I was leaving today, the caretakers reminded me to bring my wellies tomorrow. Tomorrow is flood day apparently. 

Good to know.

I feel like a blog

Not actually me I suppose, I feel like writing one. Mostly because I have work I should be marking, but as that doesn't really need done yet I'm holding off. Some might say dossing, but iI'll stick with my first choice of holding off.

I like it when Tuesday is over with because those are my worst days. Well Thursday isn't pretty either but it feels better because once it's over it's Friday and who doesn't like Fridays?! Actually I've never liked Thursdays. Even in Primary School I can remember not like Thursdays, even though we had craft on Tuesdays and Thursdays and craft was my favourite. I think it must be something to do with being so close to Friday and not actually being Friday. Anyways, I think I am waffling now because today isn't even Thursday, it's Tuesday. But boy, what a Tuesday!

I don't think I could cope with an election as long as America has. I suppose that's one of the benefits of the 'call-it-when-you-think-you'll-win' power of the Prime Minister (I'm sure this has a better name that I can't think of right now). Everyone has known this election has been coming and so for nearly two years candidates have been publically campaigning. When I was there last week it was impossible to turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or drive 100m without seeing or hearing something about it. I'm sure you've seen those political adverts, typically with the deep voice. They were All. Over. The. Place. And just by the way, I don't know much about Kay Hagan, but they don't like her round my neck of North Carolina. Although given that it's Hicksville Central that's hardly a big surprise. But I am very excited my adopted state may go blue for the first time since Jimmy Carter!! North Carolina: Not quite as south as...well South Carolina.

When I was there I was surprised to hear from my ex co-workers that they can vote early. They voted a full two weeks ago. Apparently they reason for it is to stop big lines trying to vote on the actual election. But here's the thing I don't get - America is about the 24 hour convenience. Plenty of stores are open 24 hours. Ok, so Wal-Mart and grocery stores and that, but still. In North Carolina the polls are open til 7.30pm. Eh hello? Stay open longer! Or have more polling centres. Revolutionary ideas here, I know. I mean, I suppose there's nothing really wrong in early voting but what is something major emerged in the last days and you wanted to switch? Nevermind the fact that corrupt officials could get up to some funny business. Well you never know! Plus, and I'm no expert, isn't there something in the Constitution that picks out the date for the election. The Tuesday after the first Monday or something? Maybe I should draft an email to someone about this:

'Dear Sir/Madam, 

I was surprised to learn of your early voting opportunities....Whilst I agree with the need to get the vote out, as it were, I am concerned about the Constitutional ramifications of said early voting...Might I suggest you look into the possibility of longer hours at polling stations...or perhaps even more polling stations...We certainly don't want the Supreme Court deciding the outcome of an election because of Constitutional issues, as one would have to say that didn't work out so well last time...

I look forward to your response to this important matter,

Respectfully yours,

Tina'

So what else. Autumn Soul was at the weekend. Sadly, although I took my camera I didn't actually take any photos. I know, you're gutted. For the first time I was on the Prayer Team. Actually that's not true. Just the first time we didn't pray with anyone because the speaker went on that flipping long he sapped the life out of everyone there, so I don't think that counts. It was a great weekend though, made even better by staying with Nicky and Heidi and not a church hall floor. Heidi, even though she was in the final days of her pregnancy, offered me a bed! I made such a ruckus having a shower it was a miracle Bumpus didn't arrive early to hear what all the noise was about. Sorry...again.

Just like November 4th was a long time coming, so too was November 5th! But it's tomorrow! Good luck everybody, well really just Nicky and Heidi! And of course Bumpus!

Wedding bells

Jose and Lindy's wedding was my first American wedding! Lots of things were similar but there were a fair few differences, like the rehearsal dinner the night before for family and friends.

The Rehearsal Dinner
I really enjoyed this, we had so much fun! There was just one speech at the dinner and Luis, Jose's brother made a short toast at the wedding reception. Now, I like a good speech at a wedding but this made me appreciate the value of not talking for talking's sake.

The bride and groom at the rehearsal. I think it's true to say that Lindy has actually injured people with her piercing blue blue eyes.

The rehearsal dinner was Costa Rican fare of pinto (that's rice and beans to you and me), pork and some sort of banana like thing. Jose's parents made it the day of the dinner, you know, because your son getting married is when you have time to do all this extra stuff!

The Wedding Ceremony
Another difference is that it comes much later in the day, this one was at 5.00pm, but later is also common. This made for a nice short day, well if you were a guest I suppose. The service itself was pretty average I thought, about 40 minutes. But there was no singing from the congregation. Everyone else thought it was way long, normally weddings are like twenty minutes or less. But I suppose that makes sense because everything was translated into spanish.

This is the amphitheater where the ceremony took place. It had been raining that morning but thankfully it turned out to be a beautiful. It's at Jose's uber church and he pointed it out to me the first time I was there. Ah, little did we know he'd be marrying Lindy there three years later (although I'm sure he wished for it!)

Ah, true love's kiss. Only afterwards in the photo review Mellissa and I had did we notice the Ring Bearer (there's another difference - ring bearer not page boy. It seems a little contradictory though because Luis had the rings so on top of Best Man and translator he was the actual ring bearer) and his obvious need to pee. That could spoil the photo. Mellissa and I think that it makes for a much more interesting wedding kiss photo though.

The congregation had communion along with Jose and Lindy which was nice. But it was communion to go in little individual plastic cups with the cracker on top.

I had the important job of being the guest book attendant at the reception. I know! It's an important job, you might even go as far as to say the whole wedding hinges on it. In the programme (not Order of Service) it gave a little description of who everyone was. This is where I was reminded of the fact I was first to know they were going out. I had totally erased that from my memory, if I ever knew it to begin with.

The wedding party are introduced to everyone as they enter. But the DJ doing the announcing got things slightly wrong and we think this photo is where the wheels fell off. The DJ is trying to go through things with Jose before the arrival of the wedding party. Look at Jose, he is not one bit interested in what he's saying. So we all had a chuckle when one of the groomsmen was given the surname Magenta. Pink is so not his colour!  But worst of all he announced 'please welcome for the first time Jose and Linda...'! Oh dear.

The reception was in a downtown restaurant which brands itself on 'New South Cuisine' and I really can't think of a wedding I've been to that had better food. It was amazing, there was shrimp, beef, turkey, all kinds of vegetables, cheese and fruit. But it being a southern wedding there was grits and no potatoes. I don't know how I made it through a meal like that without them.

This is the first dance. They've got quite the hips. I'd love to tell you what Mellissa said as they were dancing but this is a family blog. Maybe if you see me you can ask. 

This is a ritual similar to throwing the bouquet (which by the way, I totally could have got if I have made an effort but I'm too polite!). The groom takes of the bride's garter and then throws it to the menfolk. It's not as inappropriate as it sounds.

The end of the night and we had to soak our feet.

Home again already

I totally meant to blog more when I was away but lack of tinternet and time got in the way. Suffice to say I had a super time! It really did feel like I was back home again. The wedding was great too and it was so much fun reminiscing about old theme parties! But more about that...tomorrow...maybe. Anyway here are the photo highlights.

New York

I had a few hours in NYC on my way to the Carolinas.

So I walked up to Central Park, the perfect place to spend Sunday afternoon. They're either really prepared for Christmas or the ice rink has always been there and I've never noticed it. But just by the way, there's no way Kate Beckinsale was able to throw that glove and have it land right beside John Cusack in 'Serendipity' and make it to the entrance of the rink in mere seconds. No way.

I walked along 34th Street and past the Empire State Building. It's big alright.

Hello Times Square.

North Carolina

I thought it best to get out of South Carolina while wedding preparations were in the home straight. The last thing Jose and Lindy was a guest to entertain. So of course I headed for I-40 and Hicksville!

I walked around the lake, just like old times. Thankfully these ducks were in the water and so didn't scare me.

One of my favourite houses round the lake has the steepest drive ever (which I'm not sure this photo shows to its fullest). But it looks like they're building some sort of Stannah Stair lift device to help during the winter months. That's smart thinking, they're probably old and house bound come a snowy day.

Ah so pretty. The lake of course, although my back is also lovely (especially that nearly bit of butt I am displaying).

When I arrived Maggie broke the terrible news to me though...

Wal-Mart closed. I guess they tried, but couldn't do it any longer without me.

Oh no wait, they just opened a Super Wal-Mart clear the other side of town. And what's better than Wal-Mart? That's right, Super Wal-Mart!! It's a grocery store and a everything-else-you-could-possibly-want-to-buy store rolled into one. It's hardly a word of lie to say that I spent most of Tuesday in its aisles.

But look what I found?! I looked twice at this Christmas Card, and knew I had to take a photo too. Is this not ex-BBC newsreader Moira Stewart, albeit dressed a wiseman, celebrating the birth of Jesus?!

Mast General Store were also quick to get with Christmas stuff! Check out this Mary, Joseph and little baby Jesus snow globe. I'm sure that's just how it was in Bethlehem. Well, duh, it was winter.

I made time for an appointment in Whitman's for a big stinking Napoleon. Well it would be rude not to.

I also made it to Sonic. But alas the Coconut Cream Pie wasn't on the menu any more. After the disappointment of Panera's lack of Fuji Apple Salad this was not the news I wanted to hear.

Halloween at Maggie's apartment. V. spooky. Her neighbour has too much time on his hand it seems.

So like I said, tomorrow I'll move on the actual wedding and that. But I know you won't be surprised if it doesn't make it.

I know you'll want to celebrate this too!

That's fifty years of witty church signage! Well done Pastor Dan! Here's to fifty more!

As if there was a doubt

I normally don't ever blog/email/Facebook on a Saturday night for fear that people will think I'm sad but tonight I don't care. And here's why:

1. I'm packing because I leave for the Carolinas tomorrow so it's not sad to be in tonight.

2. This post will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am sad.

I ironed the clothes mountain today.

Here it be. And that's not a mini laundry basket, just so as you know.

So like I said, this had most of the clothes I brought home from CHW in August and most everything I've worn since:

24 pairs of socks*

26 pairs of knickers*

5 pairs of jammies

38 t shirts/tops/shirts/vest tops

5 pairs of trousers

1 skirt

1 pair of shorts (it had been summer)

7 hoodies

*Please be aware these items have been on a cycle since I got back from CHW, and I have not just worn 26 pairs of knickers in over two months. That's gross.

Told you I'm sad, I counted. What else makes me sad, my wardrobes (yes, plural) don't look particularly lacking.

In other news today, 18th October is a day that will be remembered, by me anyway, as the day I went back to having a fringe. Around about 15 years ago I grew it out, and except for that disaster of a haircut before ICYC in Befast I've never had one since. But today I took the head staggers, as it were, and as Dyanne was cutting away I decided to go back. Dyanne convinced me that with modern technology (GHDs) and a thicker fringe my big old cow lick could be covered up. 

Right now I really like it! I keep raising my eye brows because it feels weird to be able to move my hair. And when I look in the mirror I hardly recognise myself. But I'm also slightly nervous because Dyanne dried it and she's, you know, a professional, and I'm, you know, me. Plus I'm about to travel to a land where GHDs aren't welcome and use a crappy travel hair dryer. Good luck everybody.

Photos no doubt will follow, but I'll maybe wait until I'm somewhere exciting. Oh I can't wait. Free refills, Wal-Mart, the Lake, Fuji Apple Salad, the wedding. I don't know what I'm more excited about!

You would think I'm never on the computer

Back again. I know, this is getting ridonkulous. But I'm a busy girl. 'Busy doing what?' I hear you wonder. Well I shall tell you:

1. YF Weekend

It seemed like I had just the place after CHW and I was back again, although there was about 2 months in between. Of course it could be that the ironing from CHW was (and is!) still waiting to be done. Oh I've done washing since, it's just been added to the pile. Hopefully this weekend I'll get round to it. Although I said that last weekend. And a few before that too.

It may have been two months ago, but it looks like it's still recovering from the mud.

Anyway, the weekend was good and all. Although it's a very different event when you are actually in charge of something as opposed to just having a little bit of responsibility. With the number growth, we ended taking away 30 which was great. Not so good was the tiny room we were in, because when we booked it we thought it'd be similar numbers to last year. It did slightly affect what we did, but it was all ok.

My favourite thing we did, actually I have two, was the Sunday Service where each group contributes a song, a thought - something God has been saying to someone/the group, and bible verse etc. It was brilliant to actually hear and see the growth in some people over the weekend and see some of our group raising their hands in worship for the first time. One of the guys made a photo montage video doings and that was brilliant too, kind of showed the journey we'd all been on over 36 hours or whatever it was.

My other favourite part, less holy, was the group games we had late night on Saturday night. We had various rounds to compete in, all taken from TV shows. So we had to sell a product (Dragon's Den), perform a song (X Factor), hummed tunes (Never Mind the Buzzcocks) and Played our Cards Right, complete with massive playing cards Brucie style. 

In the Dragon's Den game our group was given a polly pocket (the stationery product, not the doll). From that we created the Carpel Diem ('Sieze the hand, sieze the day') Mitten Master 4000 and a brilliant infomercial complete with demos as to all the things it can do, such as shield you from chemical attacks, protect your hand from spillages and showed how people don't even know you're wearing it! Even though I say it myself we were brilliant!!

But my personal favourite was the X Factor game. We were given a nursery rhyme and had to sing it to a different tune or in a different style. Ours was 'The Grand Old Duke of York' and the tune we decided on, no scratch that, the tune we kicked ass with was '500 Miles' by the Proclaimers, complete with second verse and repeat choruses (chorusi?) with the boys singing 'Up, up, up' and girls echoing (although with different words) 'down, down, down'. I'm telling you it was an Ivor Novello award winning song.

iPod in, blue sky, and beautiful surroundings. Does it get better?

2. School

Quite dull this so it'll be short. Finally learning the names and actually beginning to like the students. But driving is getting beyond annoying now.

3. Sox

The parents have left me again holding the cat as it were as they're off enjoying all the treats that Italy has to offer. Sox and I now get on quite well. He's reasonably easy to get out in the morning, not like Tigger who'd make you chase her through the house. But one of the plusses Tigger has was the silent meow, where she'd open her mouth and nothing would come out. Not like Sox who, I promise you, meows every other second at his worse. This has resulted in me sounding like my dad 'aww shut up cat!'. Said with love, of course.

4. Cobbling/Bespoke shoemaking

I know, who knew I had the skills? Well let me explain, I got my wedding shoes the other day from the mighty New Look. Excellent and match my outfit perfectly. All except they have bows on them. I don't do bows. So I had a look at them to make sure I could get them off in order to put something else on, and so I did.

They went from this:

Barf-o-rama

To this:

Jimmy Choo has been on the phone.