P.S. I'm off to Cefn Lea…

… for a Weekend Away with 'Momentum', the students and 20s group at church. It should be fun!!!

I'd like to thank…

Hello, readers! I just want to say 'thank you' for reading! Thanks for enjoying my stories, amusing and mundane, and for letting me know you've appreciated my writing. I love getting comments on each of my entries and hearing your thoughts! Keep 'em coming!

Unfortunately, I don't have anything too interesting to write about today that I feel comfortable unleashing on the world wide web. It was mostly a usual Thursday… I took the kids to school, did a little tidying and ironing, spent my day at Oxfam and listening to BBC Radio 1, collected the kids, made them tea, went to my small group… which seems less small each week!

In small group tonight, we talked about emotions and how to deal with them in a healthy way. This was so weird to me— some would say that it was such a 'God thing'— because I have been pretty emotional this week. Seeing Stef and spending time doing so much Canadian stuff on the weekend and then coming back to Birmingham where I don't feel totally at home left me a bit anxious. Monday and Tuesday were a little rough, since I had a lot of time on my own to brood over my predicament and to worry about things coming up in my future. So talking openly about 'emotions' without feeling like a sissy or feeling like I had to 'suck it up' was nice. It was also humbling hearing about the reasons for the emotions that my fellow group members were feeling. It was nice to be prayed for too.

One thing I have done this week to help me process my anxiety was to write down all the things I am stressed about, pray about them and look at some verses in the Bible that remind me that God's got my back. This really helped. I was able to see all the things that are causing me anxiety, realize that they're not all that significant and then just give them up to God and trust that he will help me deal with them. I'll leave you with the verse I've been looking at this week (I used a few translations/paraphrases… sometimes it helps me understand better):

John 14:27 (Jesus speaking)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left— feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. (MSG) I'm not usually a huge fan of 'The Message', but I think this passage is worded perfectly.

I am leaving you with a gift of peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. (NLT)

I give you peace, the kind that only I can give. It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid. (CEV)

I got this in an email and I just had to share it: I can only imagine... Heaven as written by a 17 Year Old Boy

This is excellent and really gets you thinking about what will happen in Heaven.

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.

Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County

Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.

It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like you are there," Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian.. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.

Here is Brian's essay entitled "The Room."

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards.. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."

Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived...

Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting.. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.

But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand..

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him... Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response.. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.

Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.

The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Kwy-Ah!

Good Evening! Tonight, I had another lovely choir rehearsal. We are sounding better and better! And that's a good thing, because our concert is only in 3 weeks! We are singing 2 gorgeous pieces: Elgar's 'The Music Makers' and Verdi's 'Te Deum'. *sigh* Singing in a concert choir takes me back to the days of the YRCC. Good times.

Below, you'll find a video of a choir singing 'Te Deum'. It is soooo beautiful. I have it in my head all the time. Just sit back, close your eyes and listen to the gorgeous 8-part harmonies… *sigh* heavenly!

I am Radio Ga-ga

Today was a relatively normal Monday… I took the kids to school, did a thorough clean of the kitchen and… I was on the radio! For reals this time! Fearne Cotton has a segment on her show where she will play a new track for a listener based on their music tastes. Today, she played a new Joshua Radin track for me. Follow this link, click on 'Listen Now' and listen from 0:40.00 until 0:46.00. (this link will only be available until Feb 28, so listen now!)

Yeah, so in listening to myself on the radio, all I heard was my brother (which made me a little homesick)! Jordan and I have the same mannerisms– even just in our voices! We have the same fake-laugh and everything… and the same tendency to talk over people when we are excited. I tried to find a photo of me and my brother in which we look similar, but I had no luck, since we really don't look alike at all, but maybe, if you squint, you can imagine a resemblance from these two pics.

 Also… I didn't hang up until Fearne had started the next track… I thought she was going to chat to me again… and then I felt like a tool.

Check out Joshua Radin again here!

Londontown

After a bit of a hectic half-term week, I decided to get away for the weekend to de-stress. I got on a train yesterday morning and arrived in London just after lunch time. I checked in to "Baden-Powell House", a Scout-run hostel in South Kensington. It was a bit pricey for my liking, but it was clean, quiet and secure… and it was in South Ken, right around the corner from Stef's!

After I got settled in to my hostel, I took the tube into the centre to the British Museum. This place is MASSIVE! If I wanted to see everything in there, I would have to go every day for 3 weeks! I decided to get one of those audio tour things… which turned out to be a waste of money, because it only takes you on tours of the collections from Egypt, Greece & Rome and Korea. I got to see the Rosetta Stone, so that was pretty sweet. I really liked looking at the ancient Assyrian collection. It was full of amazing stone wall panels and giant statues from palaces. I felt like a huge nerd when I immediately recognized the writing on the panels as 'cuneiform', something I learned at design school. The amount of detail in the wall panels was ridiculous! You can see what I mean in the carving of the horse head below. Also, there was a huge room devoted to panels describing the Assyrian king's hobby of lion-killing. In Ancient Assyria, only the king was allowed to kill lions. So, they caught a whole bunch of lions, put them in cages and then released them into an arena where the king went crazy with a bow and arrow!! I was shocked that people would want to look at dying lions on their walls, but apparently the lions were abundant and known as dangerous pests at the time, so I guess people liked seeing them suffer. That species of lion is now extinct.

Later on, I met up with Stef at "The Maple Leaf", hoping to see some Canadian coverage of the Winter Olympics and drink some Molson Canadian. Unfortunately, I was denied my dreams, as the bar does not serve Molson Canadian and the coverage they showed was from the BBC. We couldn't get our own table, so we shared with some other Canadians! We met Andrew from Montreal, Annie and Esther from BC and Mark… I'm not too sure where he was from. It was nice to chat to some of my countrymen and to get all excited about the games. But soon, I was engrossed in conversation with my old friend and we forgot about the Olympics, as the screen was blocked by a whole slew of Polish people, cheering for their aerial ski jumper. Soon, Spyro arrived and our fellow Canadians left us to have the table to ourself. There is nothing better to do on a Saturday night than to sit down in a pub and chat to friends. Thanks Stef and Spyro for a great night!

The next day, Stef and I wandered around the Science Museum (most museums in London are free, btw). We saw some really gross medical instruments from Medieval times and some dioramas about medicine through the ages. Later, we met up for lunch with Spyro and Tina! Our server at the pub was Canadian! Yay! Again, it was so relaxing to just sit and catch up.

Well, I'm back to work, bright and early tomorrow morning… woot

Half Term Day 5

Today, I kind of had the day off. So, I FINALLY met up with Hungary. We didn't end up going to the Black Country museum (it's a little expensive). We ended up going into the city centre to check out the special exhibition at BMAG. It is an exhibition of British artist Bridget Riley. I really liked it, because she is mainly concerned with colour, shape, line and how all of these elements create movement and rhythm.

Afterwards, we spent almost 2 hours relaxing, catching up and drinking coffee, mmmmm. We also hunted around Birmingham for England patched for Hungary to sew on her pack, but we had no luck. So, I promised to get her one when I go to London tomorrow! Yay!

When I got home in the evening, we had yet another 'girly' night. The girls and I did eachother's makeup and all 3 kiddies watched 'Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs'

Baby Moose in Sprinkler

http://www.wimp.com/babymoose/

Half Term Day 4

7:21pm

I am so refreshed after spending my day at Oxfam. That's probably something else you are sick of reading about, but I really just love it there. It's not just all the awesome clothes I find or being able to listen to BBC Radio 1 all day, or even all the free tea and biscuits! I think it's the simple fact that I feel appreciated there… although the clothes don't hurt. I picked up some awesome spring/summer stuff today!

My small group was canceled tonight, due to inclement weather conditions and slippery roads. I haven't been reading my Bible as much as I'd like, so I'll take some time now to do that.

Tomorrow, I will meet up with Hungary, whom I haven't seen since before Christmas. We'll probably go see something interesting. I am thinking of The Black Country Living Museum http://www.bclm.co.uk/

Half Term Day 3

I am slowly going crazy 1-2-3-4-5-6-switch…

I wasn't sure about what I would be responsible for today as far as childcare goes, but I knew The Mum would be home for a bit today. But other than a 30 min. run at midday, I was pretty much responsible for all 3 England children (plus one of Oldest's friends) until about 4pm, as The Mum had to get in a work-out and a job interview.

In the morning, we had 'beach day'. We spread out some beach towels on the heated floor in the kitchen and made ankle bracelets. I also made some balloon palm trees and monkeys to add to the effect and Middle found some relaxing beach sounds on YouTube. I was hoping it would be nice and relaxing, but Oldest soon turned our lax schedule into a very structured 'Couple's Retreat'-esque morning. I would like to know what kinds of beaches she's been to, because she had planned events like 'serenity and balance', 'yoga and meditation', and 'jewellery-making exravanganza'. There were a few tiffs between the children about the activities, but eventually, after Oldest's friend arrived, the children all found something to entertain themselves. Youngest watched 'Spiderman' for the 8th time this week, Middle played 'Sims' and Oldest and her friend were soon immersed in a game of pretending they were someone-elses somewhere-else. When The Mum came home, I slipped in to the living room to watch last night's 'BRIT Awards', which I had Sky +ed (like TiVo). I'm not sure The Mum was too impressed at my sudden disappearance…oops. I have since had to resolve more than a few arguments between Middle and Oldest and am now exhausted and ready to go to bed. No Olympics tonight, I'm too tired (although I SO enjoyed watching Maelle Ricker win a gold medal last night in Snowboard-Cross!)

 

image from here

I would like to apologize that the blog has been almost exclusively about the children and the Olympics for the past few days… but nothing else has happened in my life— gah!

Half Term Day 2

I got up around 7:00 this morning to get Youngest some breakfast, but The Dad was soon awake and told me to go back up to my room and have a lie-in. That was nice, but it didn't last long. About an hour later (I guess that is long), I was awoken from me dreams by the dulcet tones of Middle and Oldest arguing over the laptop computer. I ran downstairs to pry them apart and ban them from the computer for the day. Soon, The Dad took all three kids out for Oldest's idea of a good time: a walk in the country. (She even took milk to attract fairies and salt to repel them). While they were out, I did Monday's cleaning… well, a half-ass version of Monday's cleaning. I swept and mopped, but that's about it. I showered quickly and headed to Oxfam (an hour and a half late). I love Oxfam. The interim manager even let me take a bunch of hats and scarves to give to the street team at church. The street team goes out into the city to talk to homeless people, so they will be able to give the hats and scarves out to help alleviate the biting cold a bit.

Later, I came home to finish up some ironing before choir! I also love choir. I am able to keep up with the music, but it's still challenging, so I really have a good time there!

Last night before bed, I watched the Men's Snowboard Cross competition. It was INTENSE! Canada had 4 Canadians in the top 16, so I had fun watching every race in the 1/4 final. The final race was sooo good! Mike Roberston, the Canadian, was leading right up until the end when Seth Wescott, American, cut in front. Oh, man. I love the Olympics!

P.S. I have finished Shona's banner for her blog! Check it out here!

Half-term Day 1

Here in the UK, school kids get a week off in the middle of each term. I guess this is like 'March Break' or 'Reading Week'. I was home with the kids today, as The Mum and The Dad both had to go to work. Not only did I have Youngest, Middle, and Oldest with me, but one of Middle's friends joined us for the day.

I took all four kiddies to 'Thinktank', the kid's science centre. This was my view for much of the day:

I let the girls explore a bit further away from me, but it was really busy, so I followed Youngest pretty closely. I think they had a good time, although Oldest was not on her best behaviour. She got to be a part of a storytelling event we attended.

I am now exhausted, enjoying the BBC's coverage of the Men's downhill and snowboard cross. I need to rest so I can handle the rest of the week--aaah!

Pics from Friday

On Friday, I spent the morning with Youngest and the pets. There is a video of Lily, the new hedgehog and some pics that help describe my love of playing with 'Lego'.

Love Actually is all around

Before I tell you all about love, here's what I did this weekend:

Friday: played lego with Youngest, went for a run (first time I went all around the park without having to slow down and walk!), enjoyed Canadian treats from lovely friends, watched 'Spanglish'—which I LOVED!

Saturday: slept in until almost 11 (so late for me), hung out at Oxfam with City, met Aussie to visit BMAG and watch 'The Princess and the Frog' (meh, was a little disappointed in Disney), stayed up late to watch the Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremonies…

Dear Canada,

Maple leaves are red, Maple Leafs are blue,
Even though I'm far away, I still love you!

Last night I watched the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Some of it was cliché and some of it perpetuated some Canadian stereotypes, but mostly, the ceremonies were an excellent celebration of the coming together of over 80 different countries and the particular celebration of the world's second-largest, but little known, nation.

I cried, as was probably expected by those who know me. Some of my favourite moments were:

Shane Koyczan's "We are More" poem.


KD Lang's performance of Leonard Cohen's "Halleluia" (which I cannot find a video of, as all traces of Lang's performance have been wiped from the interweb.) If you can find this video, watch it, it is moving!

The beautiful video projections that incorporated Group of Seven-esque imagery.

I love Canada!

---

I also felt some mad love today at church.

Today, the speaker was talking about serving and he read a bit from the Gospel of Mark. In this bit of the Bible, Jesus tells his disciples that even he, the Son of God, did not come to earth to be served, but to serve us and give up his life as a ransom for all of us who are lost (Mark 10:45). The point of the sermon today was to teach us about serving eachother, our city, etc. But it also underlined the main message of the Gospel, that God is love and that He humbled himself to become human and that He died on the cross so that we (all of us) could be forgiven of everything we do that doesn't match God's perfect plan. Everyone that is born on this earth is a child of God; God loves each of us so much and He wants us to know that we don't need to rely on anything else in this world—money, jobs, relationships, status— to be accepted and loved, because we already are. I already am.

What a lovely surprise!

The post has just arrived with such a nice surprise for me: 2 packages from my friends at home. The first contained a lovely 'Little Mermaid' valentine card and some chocolates and candies from my V-day-loving friend Melody! Thanks Mel!!! The second not only contained all my favourite non-British chocolates and chips, but 2 beautiful cards from Meghan, Jason and Andrew (Andrew's card was, as could be predicted, completely white. By the way: Ja! blå jus är min favorit!)

Aww, I love you guys! You made my weekend!


(I still have one more Valentine to open from my Mom and Dad-- they slipped it in my suitcase before I flew back here and I can't believe I've actually had the willpower to NOT open it)

Trips and Princesses

Today, I had the immense pleasure of speaking to some of my friends about the trip we are taking around the UK this summer. In preparation, I spent the morning researching tours, travel times, and potential stops on our tour. It is exciting to finally begin planning the trip we've been talking about for months!!! We have a tentative route mapped out already! I am pumped!

On Friday, Oldest and Middle are having 'Hats for Haiti' day at school. They will pay £1 to wear a hat for the day with all the proceeds going to support aid in Haiti. Middle's not too bothered about hat day, I think she's just going to wear her winter hat. She's too preoccupied with preparing for the arrival of her new pet, an African pygmy hedgehog named Lily. She's really doing her research. For days, she has been reading about how to feed and bathe a hedgehog, what should be in the hedgehog's cage and all their favourite activities. I hope it lasts! Oldest's rabbit had already become old news. Anyways, back to hat day. Oldest wanted me to help her papier maché a balloon so she could make a propeller hat or something. She asked me to help her on Monday… it is now Wednesday and she has made no progress on her hat. Tonight, she asked me if I could make her hat for her tomorrow, as she has to make a repeat trip to the dentist's for a filling. Obviously, as I am neither her slave or her mother, I said 'no'. I'll help her, but I'm not doing it for her… it's not even homework. So, Oldest and I had a bit of an argument. After she cried to The Mum and had a bit of a breather, she decided to come back and ask for my help again. I suggested making a princess-y hat. So, this is what we did:

Check out My Dad's Blog!

As many of you know, my Dad is a very talented children's entertainer/balloon artist/clown. He has started a blog to promote his mind-boggling skillz—check it out: http://boballoonie.blogspot.com

Today's Random Reflections

Hello, friends and family!

Here I am on a gloomy Tuesday in Birmingham. To be honest, nothing much has happened in the past couple of days… I watched 'Glee' last night, and today, I spent a few hours at Oxfam. —Oh, today I got my first (and probably only) valentine in the post! Don't get too excited, it was from my Grandma and it also contained a letter that I am quite certain she wrote with the help of either a typewriter or the circa 1991 computer that my Dad gave her… that runs on DOS.

Anyways, because I don't really have anything that interesting for you to read today, I thought I would invite you to peruse some of the things I have been thinking about lately:

1) At small group last week, one of the members said something I have been thinking about all week. We were talking about how we should share our spiritual walk/experiences/faith with others and he said, "At my old job, I tried to concentrate on talking about what Jesus taught. I think the people found it less weird than when I talked about 'what a great church' I went to."  At first, I thought "No way, man. Talking about church is way more accessible for people." But after considering it for a while, I agreed with my fellow small-grouper. I remember conversations I have had with non-Christians and how they truly appreciate Jesus as a 'good teacher' and a 'good man' who had lots of 'good things to say' as far as treating other people. Many people can identify with Jesus, but are sometimes freaked out about churches and some of the ways they teach about or worship God. Inside my head, I shouted 'Doh!' a la Homer Simpson. Christianity isn't about what we do at church, it's about Christ (silly Sarah). I will now endeavour to change the way I share… beginning with you.


I've been reading the Gospel of John lately, and one thing that kind of stuck out to me was the verse after the famous John 3:16 (For God loved the world so much that he gave is one and only Son, that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.) John 3:17 "God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." So, what I got out of this verse was that God sent Jesus to save us from the things we do that ruin us. He didn't send Jesus to condemn us or reject us, but to love us and reunite us with our God… to reunite you with the One that made you!

2) Today, Oldest asked me "Do you know how you know if you're in love with someone?" As usual, I rolled my eyes (to myself) and said "No, how?" Oldest insisted that the way you know you love someone is that you like the way they smell more than anyone else, like it makes you feel safe. (I was instantly whisked back to the olden days, when I would visit my high school true love at his house during the summer he had broken his knee. *sigh* I did like his smell). But my daydream soon ended and I was, like, "WHATtever". So I googled some of the scientific gobbledy-gook she was spouting and I discovered some interesting information about how powerful body odour (not the bad kind) can affect whether or not we are attracted to a potential romantic partner (obviously not so for one couple I know, as the gentleman in the relationship is known for his scent of sweat). One of the things that affects body odour is something called the 'major histocompatibility complex', or MHC. This is a bunch of genes that regulates the immune system. This article says that opposites attract when it comes to smell; humans will choose a partner with a different MHC than them. (Maybe it does work out for that couple I know, because the lady in the relationship usually smells quite clean and nice). This article says that women will only choose a partner who has the correct mix of MHC genes. People have different mixes of MHC genes, so that's why some cologne smells great on your ex-boyfriend and not on your current one…


Well, just some lovey-dovey science for Valentines day, haha. 


3) Lately, I have been told that England never really gets a real summer. I am incredibly gloomy about the prospect of having a cloudy, rainy, cold summer. Yuck. I am seriously going to miss Ontario's 35° afternoons on the dock at camp. Why did I ever choose England as my work-holiday destination?!?!?! I guess that's why so many English people go on holiday to hot, sunny locations! It's probably also why the England family want to move to Australia. 

The children and I will definitely be having a 'beach day' on their half-term vacation next week. We'll get dressed in our summer clothes, lay out on our beach towels on the heated floor in the kitchen, watch 'Lilo & Stitch', eat ice-cream cones, wear sunglasses… any other suggestions? What did we all do at beach day in highschool?

4) I can't wait until my stupid fringe grows out. Once in a while I manage to style it nicely and it looks quite cute, but I really just want my Katherine Heigl/Disney bangs back. My hair is getting quite nice and long, except for my bangs. Bah! I know, I know, it'll grow back… grrr.

now (ugly fringe)                                             before (gorgeous KH bangs)

…

Well, I hope you have enjoyed meandering through the items that have been occupying my mind today. It would be great if you could let me know what you've been thinking about, too. (That way, I feel less like a crazy person.)


I love you! Here's a big kiss for you!

…oh… that's why I don't have a boyfriend…

UK Music I LOVE!

Although I miss listening to CBC Radio 2 sooo much, I have found some artists over here that are able to fill at least part of that void. Enjoy!

Mumford & Sons —Winter Winds


Florence and the Machine —Dog Days are Over


Paolo Nutini (Andrew knew about him MONTHS before I did—he is fabulous)—10/10


P.S. Am super excited to get up and listen to BBC Radio 1 tomorrow. I think I have a musical addiction.

Sunday is always a Fun day

Hellooo, there.

It is a cold and crisp Sunday afternoon here in Birmingham. My day began with a morning worshiping God and praying and hearing a great message at church. Then, I met up with some of my church friends to go for lunch at one of the pubs in the area of town that is mostly inhabited by students. It was a bit of a different group out for lunch today, so I was able to chat with some new people. I also got to catch up with a friend that I hadn't seen in about a month, so that was nice, too. I had a delicious English standard for my lunch: bangers and mash (that's sausages and mashed potatoes).

I was so impressed by the menus at this pub!!! They were colourful and stylish and I wish I had designed them! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera on me, so I couldn't take a photo. It put me in a bit of a design-y mood, though, so I came home to design a banner for Shona's blog. Here it is so far, let me know what you think (obviously the subtitle will change):

  

P.S. Tom— help! Why is this jpg blurry? I am hopeless with web stuff. 

I Want it To Be Free

Since I spent the weekend away last weekend, I decided to kind stay in the city and not spend any dosh at all.

Friday was free! In fact, I made some money with some piece-work in the evening. After doing a bit of extra cleaning in the morning, I went for a run—for free— in the lovely local park. It was a bit cold out, but the sun was shining! I am going to have to start running a bit farther, because I am getting home a lot sooner than I used to. I guess I'm doing a lot more running than walking.

I got myself de-sweatified and all doodied up to go to a FREE concert at the Barber Institute for Fine Arts. It was a cello concert and I enjoyed it… but to be honest, I did dose off a bit. oops… After the concert, I took a free stroll in the gallery at the Barber. It's a nice gallery! There is a great variety of art and (my favourite part) each piece has a little plaque telling you about the artist and the piece itself. I get a bit frustrated in galleries that don't give any information about the artwork. It was a lovely free day! And thanks to Skype, I also had a nice FREE chat with my Mom & Dad and my brother! Although, I did end up booking my flight to Paris, so I guess I did spend some money there.

Today was a little less free, unfortunately. I had a lie-in that was interrupted slightly by the kids… my door is not very sound-proof. I met Aussie at our favourite pub for lunch, where I had fish and chips and I tried 'mushy peas' for the first time (not free). Later, we went to the Birmingham Nature Centre (which is actually just a small zoo). For some reason, I thought the admission was free, but… it wasn't. But it was only £3, so I didn't feel so bad. It was great! They had this adorable red panda that was running and climbing all over his enclosure. They had goats and sheep and lemurs and mice and porcupines and parrots and a lynx and otters and a beaver and snakes and lots of other animals. I'll have to visit again when it's warm.

And now, for one of my countrymen…

Tom is Punny

My friend, Tom, loves puns. I do not. But he likes to share them with me anyways. In fact, after I emailed him about some tree puns I heard on 'The Chris Moyles Show', he sent me a list of puns that he has been collecting… especially for me. 

And now, for your viewing pleasure, Tom's Puns:

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

9. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here; I'll go on a head..'

14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'

16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, 'No change yet.'

17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

20. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

21. A backward poet writes inverse.

22. In democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.

23. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

24. Don't join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects.

(My favourites are 10 and 24) 

Photos by the lovely Laura Whelan, January 2008.