Girl still Learning

It's been a while, is anyone still out there?

2011-04-27T20:45:00.003+01:00

It's been a while since I've written anything. I started Uni and just got overloaded with essays, life, new people, moving, life again, trying to figure out how to be at Uni, life some more.

It's been a crazy year, and I've throughly enjoyed it, for the most part. So, hi, I'm back. I'll try and write more, hope it happens, it's therapeutic for me to do so, although not sure how honest I actually am on line!!!

Praying for a miracle

2010-04-28T09:18:00.002+01:00

So I just decided to start praying for a miracle. I need a break. My mum needs a break (from me), and I'd really like to go to the USA and see some friends before I start University - but I have no money, none at all - zip! Nada! Nothing! So I thought I'd start praying for a miracle - someone's airmiles, a ticket in my hand, someone saying I'll pay for ticket for you to go to the USA! It needs to be specific, so that I know that it's what God wants, and that it's him giving it to me! My faith is little on this, it seems like such a selfish thing to ask for, and I must admit, I don't see how it can happen, but still, I'm going to start praying.

Slowly coming together and still learning to drive

2010-04-28T09:14:00.002+01:00

I'm still learning to drive. A bit ridiculous. I took my driving test last week, and failed, the really sucky thing was that I failed 'cos of a roundabout, will they always be the bane of my existence!? That was what caused me to fail on my last test was roundabouts, oh and a few other things as well.

My next test is next month - could it be third time lucky - 'cos this is getting darn tooting expensive.

Learning and essays oh my

2010-04-15T12:37:00.002+01:00

I'm going to University! I start in September 2010, and I'll be studying International Development with NGO Management - I'm very excited about this, and yet also nervous - can I write Essays at my age.

Giving

2009-11-27T12:31:00.002Z

One of the days we were in Bombay with our team, we split into 2 groups of 4, and each group went to visit houses in the slum area we were visiting.

All the people that we visited this time, were not people that I had met or worked with before and this meant new relationships being built.

The first lady we met however really, really touched me. We went in with our translator to her tiny little shack, and that had 2 rooms, which she instead on showing us - it still wasn't very big by our western standards, but she was so pleased that she'd managed to earn enough money to build an extra room onto her existing room, and insisted on showing each of us what it looked like.

We sat down with her, and she sent her daughter out immediately to get us "cold drinks" - she obviously knew that "cold drinks" were better suited to sensitive western stomachs. Her daughter bought back 2 bottles of a drink called Maaza which is a mango drink - very delicious. The bottles were quite sizeable, and we tried to convince the lady, that we all just needed a small drink and she could save the second bottle for herself and her family, infact one of our team members tried to take one of her metal glasses while it was still only half full, and it was really amusing to see this indian lady almost wrestling it back from her because she believed that we should have a full glass of juice. Once we were settled in with our juice, she began to tell her story, she had been suffering with stomach pains for a while, and finally had got enough money to go to the doctors where they told her that she had a tumour in her stomach. She prayed to all her Hindu gods, but still she suffered with the pain - (she couldn't afford to pay for any treatment) - one day the team that works in this area came by and visited, and asked if they could pray for her, they did several times, and the pain has now gone - she even went back to the doctors who confirmed the tumour had gone. She was so thankfully to the team, and started to attend the church, and follow Jesus.

It was so exciting to hear her story, and we prayed for her and her family before moving on to the next house we were going to visit, but it was what she did next that blew me away. She asked our translator if we had had breakfast or lunch, and if she could cook us something, our translator explained that we had eaten already, and we needed to go onto the next house. Okay she says, and presses 50 rupees into my hand - this is for you to buy lunch - I tried to refuse and insist that she keep the money - which is equivalent to about a day or two's wages, but she insisted that we needed to eat, and if she couldn't make it for us, then she would pay for us to buy something.

To say I was moved was an understatement, I should be the one giving her money, I'm the "rich" girl from the West, but her heart was moved to give us the money (which we later gave to the church), and I couldn't refuse such a generous gift.

It has made me now, even more determined to raise money back here in the West, to send over to India to support women like her, working 12 hour days to make a living, and not knowing from one day to the next, if she will have a job or not.

Back and raring to go

2009-11-27T12:28:00.002Z

Hi,

I've just got back from India- our trip went really well, and in reading a work colleagues blog today, I realised that it had been ages since I've actually written on this blog. I come back from India this time with so many more memories, and yet I was seeing the same things over and over again. So many things that happened this time seemed to permeate much more into my consciousness now. I've come back with a greater zeal to raise awareness and money for everything that's happening out in India - such progress is being made, but funds are always needed.

Ages since I've written

2009-09-19T23:34:00.002+01:00

Not sure if anyone checks this blog, of course being how long it's been since I've written, not surprising if they've just given up! Am reading a great but challenging book called Don't waste your life by John Piper! I like the book so far - just beginning it, but it is certainly one of those books that makes you take a long hard look at your life, that brings some healthy fear, and makes you re-evaluate your life.

Things are tootling on quite nicely at the moment, getting quite busy, and trying to save money for driving lessons, and also for a 3 week trip to India in November (Am taking 8 other people with me & introducing them to India - quite a challenge!). Driving lessons not going too badly at the moment, mainly 'cos I just switched to automatic from manual! My test date is October 12th and I'm really hoping I pass first time!!

Living in this life, living in today

2009-02-18T10:09:00.002Z

Talking to this friend of mine the other day, I was sharing a little bit about what it's like being a missionary kid!! The constant desire to keep moving on, to try new things, to not be able to be still. She has another friend who is also a missionary kid, and she was saying to me "I keep telling this person, that if they don't live in today, they're going to miss out on life" - Wise words, and ones that I need to apply to myself.

But there is definitely a thought in me that says, what's happening tomorrow, before today has even barely started! This isn't always a bad thing, but my friend is right, I can miss out on this life, on today, because I'm constantly looking forward.

So what does that actually mean for me? I don't know. I'm much more conscious of myself, of my decisions, of my choices than I was when I was younger. And living for today has to be a very conscious decision, otherwise how else am I going to do it! And frankly in today's climate, when the world seems to be falling apart around one's ears, living for today, might just be the best idea!

Why is life full of pain?

2009-02-18T10:04:00.003Z

My mum is currently in India right now, and so I'm staying with a friend so that I'm not having to stay by myself (I don't do well alone!!). It's the time of year when I get more down & depressed, and already I've noticed an increase in my chocolate intake, which increases my weight line, which increase my depression - such a vicious cycle! My friend is also going through a tough time, in relationships, and & trying to figure out what direction to go in - it's not an easy decision, and there is pain in the process.

I know there is a point to all of this, that life is not easy, but when it's cold, wet & dreary outside, there just sometimes feels like there is no end to it. I love the summer, when it's warmer, when you can sit in parks & eat your lunch, when life just seems freer & easier, and lighter! I know that throughout life there is always going to be valleys and winters, but it doesn't always make it easier to go through.

In talking to my friend Crystal the other day, she said "maybe it's time for another visit" - she's a sunshine place for me - but at the same time, winter is a necessary thing to go through, and I don't always want to be running and escaping, 'cos then I might miss Spring!!

Oops, it's been a while!

2009-01-26T16:10:00.002Z

Sorry, I haven't posted in a while, I'm sure people have been checking the blog - or maybe not, and have noticed I haven't posted in a while. Sorry about that. I do occasionally think about doing it, but then don't know if I have anything interesting to say, so say nothing!!

Things are going pretty well in my life. I'm still living at home with my mother, although I do at some point want to move out - however, it makes much more sense with the current economic uncertainty to stay at home where I know if I suddenly lost my job, I wouldn't be kicked out of where I slept at night!!

I just recently had my 6 month probationary review at work, went very well, was very positive, and my boss recently mentioned a particular one year course that I would quite likely be able to do, that work would most likely pay for. It's linked to community work, and some of the current job I'm doing. It all sounds very exciting, and I'm definitely going to look into it.

I'm also looking for a second job, this would be very helpful in helping me clear debts and start to properly save money. I'm not sure what kind of second job would be a good idea, but have applied for a few things including working in a coffee shop.

Am trying to live frugally in 2009, I have no plans for major holidays, even though I would very much like to take one. I think it's important for me to be responsible for my money, and not put things onto Credit cards that I can't immediately pay off. If I do manage to get a second job however, something may be possible later in the year.

Well that's all from me right now - at least I managed to write something in January - so still Happy new year to everyone.

December

2008-12-11T11:52:00.002Z

I can't believe it's December. Maybe it was the fact that I was out of the country for 2 weeks or something, but suddenly Christmas seems to be nearly upon us. Trying to organise myself better this year so that I'm spending less money, although that doesn't actually appear to be happening.

However, I'm doing something different this Christmas, I'm getting the chance to volunteer on Christmas Day so that I can give something back to people - really pleased that this has all worked out. We're having our family Christmas on the Sunday before Christmas - which is the only day all family is available. And then Christmas Day I get to do something different. Seems this is what Christmas is all about really - giving something back!!

Haircut & a proposal

2008-11-20T16:30:00.002Z

So last night my friend Crystal dyed my hair, it's now an all round dark red/purple colour, and I have no roots showing. This morning I got up, while most of the house was still sleeping, and walked a block (you can tell I'm in America!) to a local hair salon where I could get a haircut for $8.99. I went in (the first one there), and just asked for a trim - my ends really needed tidying up. Anyway, I started chatting to my hairdresser - the way that you do, and she was asking me what I was doing here & where I'm from, and then asked me if I'd ever move to Nebraska. I responded that "I'd love to, but it's soo difficult with finding a job, getting a visa etc, etc". Anyway I says, "my friend Crystal is keeping an eye out for a man for me to marry from here!!" All of a sudden a voice from the cubicle beside me pipes up "I'll marry you for a visa!!!" It was an old guy that had come in after me for a hair cut. I quickly responded back with "you're far too young for me" to which he thought I was a doll & really sweet. The hairdresser wanted to know then, if I'd get my hair styled for the wedding at their hair salon!!

All in all it was quite a morning. But my hair is slightly shorter, and I'm still single!!

Grieving & fun times

2008-11-18T19:24:00.003Z

I've been having a really great time here in Nebraska, have had a chance to see loads of people which is great. Have also had some amazing times with my friend Crystal and her mom Lori - it's been a time of sharing & openness, and a time of grief as well. I realised that alot has changed in my life since my time in hospital, and I've never really dealt with that. I've not cried for that time, and what I've lost from that. I'm now more dependent on people being able to help me, or dependent on medication so that I can get on a plane & travel. And so I realised I needed to grieve my loss of independence.

It's really been great to also understand that no matter what I've been through, God knew it was going to happen & he has a plan for my life. It's hard sometimes to comprehend that he knew I would suffer like this & did nothing to stop it, and yet he has a plan for my life & I have to trust him in that. It's not easy, but it's worth doing.

Arrived ok

2008-11-15T19:27:00.002Z

I arrived in Nebraska fine. Had some great people who helped me with getting around & with my luggage. It was great as it also meant I cut to the front of the queues, so no waiting around for me. When I got to Gatwick I had to go to a special counter to pick up a wheelchair, and then went through security, then the otherside of security, I sat around waiting for the flight with everyone else, and when they were ready for me, I got picked up in another wheelchair & wheeled basically straight onto the flight before anybody else - it was great. The flight attendent put my luggage in the overhead locker, and I got comfortable in my seat. The flight was quite empty, so I ended up with 3 seats to myself which was fantastic. When we arrived in Atlanta I waited until everyone got off the flight & then a lovely lady came along & took me through all the passport control & security & everything - again I got to the front of the queue. I had really lovely people helping me, although I did get a few strange looks as they wondered what a young healthy looking girl needed a wheelchair for!

Getting ready to leave

2008-11-04T12:41:00.003Z

So, I'm getting everything together ready to leave for the states in a few weeks. It used to be that I only had to worry a few days beforehand. These days however there are alot more issues. I now must go to the doctors at least a month before to confirm that I can travel, then I get a prescription for a blood thinner which I inject before I travel so that I lower the risk of developing blood clots. Then I need to pick up the prescription. I have to also make sure that I have special travel insurance which covers me for existing medical conditions. I (as you'll see from the previous entry) then have to check with the airline about travelling with medication & getting assistance (although hopefully that's only on this journey). Most of this I will be doing for the rest of my life everytime I do long-haul travel!

Hopefully after a while it will get easier!!

America on wheels

2008-11-04T12:33:00.002Z

I'm going to America a week on Friday. Woo HOOOO!! Except this time round everything is different. I just placed a call with the airline I'm flying with, because this time when I'm travelling I need assistance - not alot, I just can't be hefting my suitcase all over the place. Ok, they said, no problem. We'll give you a wheelchair. But I don't need a wheelchair - I can walk, I just can't lift my suitcase around - I really just need someone to help me with that when I connect my flights in the US! Unfortunately, it's all or nothing! I either have a wheelchair & a very helpful person to help me between connecting flights who will get my suitcase of the whirly conveyor belt and back on to a new conveyor belt, and a wheelchair for the rest of my journey - when my suitcase is already checked in. Or I get nothing at all and have to move my suitcase around for the hour or two that I have between flights risking pulling already fragile muscles & being in pain!

As Penny, a girl I work with says - do you mind looking like a prat in a wheelchair who is perfectly able to walk, or do you want to be in pain for most of your holiday! We both decided looking like a prat was a much better option!!

Musical emotion

2008-10-24T12:30:00.002+01:00

I am in Southwold, Suffolk right now. Went to a concert last night, that a very dear person in my life organised. It was wonderful to hear the music, played by piano & strings in a lovely country church. It evoked such wonderful emotion in me. I love how music can do that to you, can create such different & vibrant emotions. Such a wonderful creation. One piece of music, newly composed and having it's world premiere at this concert last night was called Crystal. It was a really magnificent piece, and very much reminded me of my friend of the same name. I'm so glad that I have music in my life, and have talented people I know who compose & play such amazing pieces. There really aren't words available to me right now to say how much I appreciated it.

The Hermans!

2008-10-16T08:51:00.002+01:00

I have some friends, infact I just realised I'm lucky to know the whole family and love them all pretty much equally. They lived in Mexico for some of their life, and the 4 kids (well they're all pretty grown up now, apart from Ben & Jay!!) have a blog that they write in to each other. I love reading their blog, even though it makes me yearn for having more brothers & sisters. I love my sister, I really do, but she's such an independent person, and I really don't know how to relate to her sometimes (ok, most of the time). I remember being little and depending of my parents that they give me older brothers (found out later that this wasn't actually biologically possible - seeing as I was the eldest!!). So I adopted people. I have many brothers & sisters around the world, that I've adopted - some willingly, some more reluctantly. There are some who are truly family, and some who just slowly inch away from the crazy woman!! But they all live so far away, and I wish they didn't.

So, as much as I can I try & visit the family who I love dearly, because in them I see the family that I might have one day - if God allows; and in the meantime I'll enjoy the fact that they are my friends!!

Amazing!

2008-10-14T09:21:00.002+01:00

I went to a wedding in Amsterdam this weekend. Had a great time, seeing old friends, and of course making new ones. Had an amazing conversation with my friend Pete while I was there. It's a conversation I hope never to forget, just because of all the insights I got from talking to him. He was asking how I was doing, and I told him I was really struggling with how this whole operation & subsequent trauma was really beginning to define who I was - that, that was all I talked about, all I thought about, and I didn't want that to happen. We talked about the fact that I now have more time on my hands, and yet still I'm not taking the time to seek after God, and then here came the big kicker - that I don't trust God anymore - it was as I was sharing this with Pete that it hit me. I know logically who God is, and what he has done for me. But in my heart, I don't trust that God knows what's best for me, that he loves me & cares for me. I was mulling over this again the next day, and I thought, I'm such a physical person in that I like having people to talk to, to touch, to interact with, and that's one of the hardest things I struggle with in my relationship with God, and then Bam it hit me (right when I was on the tube surrounded by people on the way home), and I almost started crying.

So, wanna know what the Bam was! It was this. God was speaking through Pete, God's been speaking & loving me through all the people I've interacted with lately, who've been there for me, who've sent wonderful messages to me, who've hugged me. How could I not see it. Suddenly I saw my conversation with Pete in a whole different light, things that he said suddenly shined brighter as God shone a light on them. The fact that in the midst of this wedding, this time of celebration, that Pete & I had a serious conversation, that Pete reached out to me in my pain & struggle.

I don't think that Pete necessarily realised how God was using him, I think he was just being a good friend, he was allowing himself to be used by God, just because he's a child of God. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to thank Pete properly for that. I know that I can't thank God enough. Here's hoping however that I can turn my life around & start living for God, and allowing him to use me (hopefully without my knowledge) to start speaking to other people. It's not easy, both Pete & I agreed on that, but it's worth it.

It's an uphill struggle right now, I've been sliding down alot & I really don't like exercise. But knowing what I know now definitely helps. I still need your prayers, your friendship, your hugs, especially now in the hard times, but the road ahead is looking brighter - that's for sure.

Agony Aunt

2008-10-09T15:55:00.003+01:00

I have a friend.....he shall remain nameless....but he's a good example of what this new blog is now about, learning, growing, changing, evolving. He's stuck in a rut, that's the easiest way of saying it really. He thinks he knows what he wants, but he just doesn't know how to pursue it. He wants to be a man, but it's like he's stick constantly being a child. I'm trying to be a friend, but I realised that he's got to come to the conclusion & solution himself. It doesn't matter what I suggest to him, he's got to reach that point himself. We've been friends a long time now, and it seems he hasn't moved out of his rut for a while now. He's stopped learning. I hope that I never do that.

Changing

2008-10-09T15:52:00.003+01:00

I was just looking at my blog again, and realising that I needed to change the title. I'm no longer still in India, although sometimes I wish I was. But Girl about Town didn't sound right, and Girl in London just kinda sounded a bit lame. And yet how to describe myself, especially when this blog is open to anybody to view, and I might want to make a statement.

Well I'm still learning, that's what I've realised recently. Still growing (too much chocolate that is), still wanting to know more, still making mistakes, still making new friends. So Girl still Learning - that sounded like a good line. Hope you like it. will try & most more often. Honest.

Bruises

2008-09-08T12:07:00.002+01:00

I now have bruises over my stomach - no - not because I keep hitting myself, but because at the moment, I have to keep injecting myself every morning with a drug known as Clexane. I admit to being very nervous the first time I had to do it to myself - after all why would I subject myself to the pain of a needle - willing!! - however it hasn't been as bad as I first thought...except for the bruising. And the fact that I know feel like a junkie handling needles all the time - let me tell you, I would not do this for fun!

Coooffffeeee (said Homer Simpson style)

2008-08-28T02:40:00.003+01:00

So I'm not really a big coffee fan, I love the smell but find the taste too bitter. However my friend Crystal (while she was working in a coffee shack) convinced me that I just need to add some things to my coffee and it would taste fine (coffee purists - turn away now!)

So, I've discovered the art of ordering with extra flavour shots, with chocolate, with whipped cream, with another extra flavour shots, and suddenly I have the sweetest drink around.

2 days ago I discovered Starbucks Caramel Macchiato - oh my goodness. Sugary, sweet heaven. What I do, is order a medium aka grande, and then instead of getting the 2 shots of espresso, I just ask for 1 shot, so barely any coffeeness, and lost of sugary goodness. It is soooo divine, that I think I'll get my mum to buy me one for my birthday which if you are in the UK time zone right now - then I've been 31 for the last 2 hrs & 45 mins.

I'm going to sleep now, and dream of the Caramel Macchiato that I'll drink in a few hours!!

My mouse got washed

2008-08-24T14:47:00.002+01:00

Yes, you read that correctly! My mouse did indeed make it into the washing machine & was then suitable, washed, rinsed, spinned & dried. Of course I'm talking about my computer mouse not a live animal.

I have my laptop next to my bed, and have a separate wireless mouse that plugs into it. Sometimes the computer gets put away but the mouse ends up on my bed. When my mum took the sheets off my bed yesterday, she didn't investigate fully to see if there was anything caught up in the sheets, and subsequently I now need a new mouse!!

Consequences

2008-08-24T10:34:00.002+01:00

I have been recovering from all the surgery that I had back in March, and all the extras that I gained in that - including a blood clot in my left thigh. I've felt that I'm been improving every day, and so when I had the opportunity to go to a youth camp in Holland, I grabbed at it with both hands. I knew I couldn't fly with the blood clot, but I figured I could go by other means of transport. So I booked everything, got plans in place, and then decided just to double check with my doctor that it was ok to go....well I was shot down in flames! My doctor couldn't believe that I was thinking of putting myself through that after all the trauma i'd been through, and I was in horror that my doctor was seemingly telling me I couldn't go.

I realised that I had major life-saving surgery, but that was like months ago, and I'm much better from that. The fact that there are still consequences from that, that I still have to live with the blood clot, taking medication, and that this whole experience will live with me forever makes me mad. I didn't ask for any of this. This wasn't supposed to happen to me - and now, now I have to live with the results. It SUCKS!!!

My Birthday Party

2008-08-24T10:27:00.002+01:00

So I'm celebrating my birthday next week with a party, and yes, even though I'm entering into adulthood, I'm having a fancy dress party - the theme is Kings, Queens, Princes & Princesses - it's so much fun to see what different people are going to turn up wearing, I know that there will be some who make a real effort, and others who might just attempt at it, but it's going to be such fun. Of course I'm hoping for good weather as well, and the weather this summer in the UK has been erratic at best. When I was in India you could guarantee the weather pretty much - monsoon season - rain, not monsoon season - sun. Here in England, you can have rain, sun, hail, fog, all in one day! Anyhoo, we have a friend's back garden to use for the party, but they live in a big house, so if the weather isn't good, then we can always go inside. Here's hoping for the best though.

oops, long time, no write

2008-08-24T10:21:00.002+01:00

I just realised - after prompting from Scottie B (who has been a slouch himself at updating his blog) that it's been a long time since I've updated this blog - very, very true, so here are some updates

Ummmmm..... well work is going well, I've now nearly completed 2 months, there isn't always alot to do - summer months and alot of people away, but things are beginning to pick up. Also I really like the people that I work with, which is great.

Ok, promise to add a few more posts today.

Hope you all had a good summer.

The beginning

2008-07-10T12:52:00.002+01:00

So, I've started my new job. In my second week, and my desk it still a mess - still waiting for a bunch of office supplies to get here and help me organise myself a little more. Also trying to get my head around everything. I have alot of autonmy in what I can & can't do, but still got to figure out the best way to do it.

Also getting used to having less money - I love that I have more time on my hands, it's just gorgeous only working 4 days a week, but at the same time, I don't have the money I had when I was working full time, and so it's trying to find things that I can do that don't cost alot. Doesn't help that everyone seems to think that this country is heading into a recession - really not helpful.

Right now though - working 4 days a week is brilliant, because by the end of the day on Thursday, I'm tired & ready for a long weekend!

New Job

2008-06-27T15:04:00.002+01:00

So I guess I should tell you something about the new job....not that I really know that much about it. I am going to be working as a PA to the Church Related Community Workers! It's a part-time position, so I'm only working 4 days a week - which is fantastic, especially right now when I'm not sure I'm up to working long hours! It is however up in London, which requires a journey of train & tube!!!

Hmmmm...... and what else

2008-06-27T15:01:00.002+01:00

Trying to think of what else has happened to me recently that I should be blogging about & telling you the details of, but right now I seem to have twisted my back or something & so I took some pain killers which are making me kind of woozy! This is actually quite strange, because I took these very same pain killers when I was in hospital & when I first came out of hospital, and I got no kind of wooziness at all. I wonder what that all means.....does this mean that I'm not in enough pain for all the medicine I'm taking and therefore I should cut the dosage or something...Hmmmm I wonder!

Restart

2008-06-27T14:30:00.002+01:00

My life is restarting again on Monday. Okay, so it's not like it really stopped completely, but it feels like things are getting back to normal. I start my new job on Monday. The one that I interviewed for right before ending up in hospital. I'm a little nervous, a little excited, a little scared! But it will be good to get back into more of a routine, get a little mental stimulation again!

And we're walking....

2008-06-14T15:02:00.003+01:00

Was walking on Blackheath common today, my mum & I went over to look at the market in Greenwich, and on the way back saw a bunch of kites on the common so decided to stop & see them. Mum parked the car and I walked down the road to where the ticket machine was to pay for parking.

It suddenly dawned on me as I was walking along the road, that 2 months ago I was barely walking at all, that I was in so much pain that even walking 30 seconds to the bathroom was agony. And now here I am walking fine.

I still get tired if I walk too much, and sometimes if I know I'm going to be doing alot of walking I'll take a walking stick with me...but still to realise how far I've come in my recovery just hit me! Thank God for Jesus!

Holiday

2008-05-28T21:05:00.002+01:00

I went on holiday last week with my Mum & another friend of ours. We stayed at this delightful cottage called Gingerbread Cottage. The weather was great, and I improved so much just with a different change of scenery, walked alot more, got more independent. We had an absolutely wonderful time.

I'm definitely going back next year!

Little steps

2008-05-28T21:01:00.002+01:00

I'm making good progress in my recovery - little steps. Becoming more independent, not having to rely on others to do things for me. It's become a major achievement when I get something done. It does sound stupid though, when I say that hey, I can tie my shoelaces again (being able to bend after abdominal surgery isn't easy!), or hey I took a shower by myself with no help, and not having to do it sitting down. Or I managed to get my special compression stockings on, which help the blood to circulate and therefore help the blood clot to break up!

I must admit that my mum has been my greatest cheerleader, and loves telling everyone how independent I'm becoming again, but still, it does seem silly sometimes.

Got to remember, I was really, really sick, and recovery & doing normal things again will take a while!

Weight

2008-05-28T20:58:00.002+01:00

I went to Weight Watchers today, my first time since being in hospital - I've lost over 12 lbs. Mainly from being in hospital. Means that in total I've lost 18 lbs - that's pretty cool. Got to know see if I can keep the weight off - hospital kick started me, got to keep the momentum going.

However, not easy to do that, as I can't exercise alot right now, so trying to eat healthily and hoping that will work - eating alot more salads at the moment - that's helpful!!

Berated

2008-05-28T20:54:00.003+01:00

I've been told by my friend - new mum, Crystal, that I need to blog more. She's a fine one to talk as she really doesn't blog all that frequently either! But still I understand, she wants to know what's happening to me the either side of the world.

Since my big trauma 2 months ago that I'm still recovering from (more on that later), I'm still trying to get my head around what happened.

I had to see one of the consultants who has been treating me today, and like every other doctor I've seen since this happened, he told me that I was very, very, very lucky that I was still here. And that I'd been very, very sick, and was doing well in my recovery (I've been feeling like it's going slow!)

I must admit that no matter how many people tell me how serious it was, I still don't get it. I can understand it intellectually, but mentally & emotionally I don't really get it. I lost 12 pints of blood, was in intensive care, but it still doesn't connect.

I'm not sure if one day it'll hit me. But hey, I'm still here, and thankful to be alive - that's all that matters right now isn't it!

Ages since I last posted

2008-05-10T10:33:00.002+01:00

Sorry everyone. Been ages since I last posted, and I know that everyone has wanted to know what's been happening.

Been slowly recovering at home. We've had good days & bad days, mum & I! When I first got out of hospital I couldn't see how I would ever recover, ever get comfortable, ever be able to cope by myself. Now a couple of weeks later I see how far I've come. We've had some funny moment, some pain-filled moments (rather more of those than I would have liked!), some stressful moments (mum's car being bashed into by a lady going too fast down the street - it's now a write-off!), including mum having to deal with highly incompetent insurance people!

But I'm slowly getting better. That's been the hardest thing really - the speed at which I've been recovering. I want to be able to skip, jump & run down the street. And at the moment I'm managing a slow shuffle. Some things I try to do and it causes pain, and I'm not sure if it's healing pain, or I've broken something!

I'm now terrified to go back into hospital, manage to make it each week to the "Warfarin clinic" where I get blood taken, which is then tested to see how fast it clots - depending on the result depends on what dosage of blood thining Warfarin medication I take. I Really, Really, don't like needles now!!

Thankfully all the nurses who have taken my blood since I came out of hospital have been absolutely brilliant and I haven't felt a thing!

I'm beginning to be able to take a shower by myself with mum just hovering nearby incase I fall over or something. I can't wait for the day that i can take a bath!

And that's all really for now! Will try & post more later!

86 staples & 4 stitches

2008-04-17T14:34:00.002+01:00

If you haven't heard the saga that has been my life for the last 3 weeks then I must ask - where on earth have you been?

On March 27th I went into hospital for a routine procedure that usually takes about an hour at most to perform. The next thing that I know I'm waking up in a strange place with strange people looking at me and my mum & my sister looking relieved to see me!

Turns out the routine procedure didn't go so routine in me, and the surgeon hit a vein & artery causing massive blood loss (I had to have 10 pints of blood transfused!). A vascular surgeon (they are the ones that deal with arteries & veins) happened to be nearby and was called in to perform emergency surgery on me! I was then transferred (once I was stable enough to be moved) by ambulance to Kings College Hospital (big hospital in London for those of you out of country!) and to their Intensive Care Unit. I was in ICU for 2 days before being transferred to a main ward where being the contrary person I am I developed both a highly dangerous blood clot (DVT) but also an infection in my blood in a hematoma there!?!

Anyway, suffice to say, they gave me antibiotics to clear up the infection, and I have a filter in (put in through my neck) to stop the clot doing the highly dangerous thing of moving up to my heart or lungs & possibly killing me!!!!!!

I have also been put on a blood-thinning medication which will help the clot to disperse naturally into the blood - at least I think that's how it works - it means getting my blood taking frequently, but I've been stuck with so many needles now that frankly what's one more!!

I hope that fills you in on everything!

I am now safely home, back in my mother's house where she is doing a great job of taking care of me!!

Just wanted to keep you updated.

I got it!

2008-03-26T15:40:00.002Z

I just got a phone call about 20 minutes ago telling me that I'd got the job. They are going to give me the evening to think about it, but I basically accepted it anyway!

The money is less because it's part-time, but the hours are fairly flexible, and I think I'm going to like it!

They said they were very impressed with the way I interviewed. I can't believe it. I only interviewed this morning!

Pray that I'll cope with earning less money, and that I'll enjoy the job! I hope so!

Job Interview again

2008-03-25T22:28:00.001Z

i have a job interview tomorrow. From what I've seen of the job spec it seems like the kind of job I'd really like! Pray that if it's the right job for me that I'll get it, and that I'll interview well tomorrow.

Thanks

Away

2008-03-19T23:10:00.002Z

Right now I'm away from home, in my home away from home. With my whole other family. I'm in Marlette, MI! Visiting with some friends & mentors of mine. I've been feeling lost. I don't know what I'm doing with my life, and I felt like I really needed to really reconnect with myself, with what I thought, what I believed! So here I am. It's been restful. Lots of food, not always enough sleep! But good friends, and provoking conversations!

Job

2008-03-02T15:00:00.002Z

I've found an ideal job! It's in Oxford, and I've applied for the job...well I've sent off my CV at least.

I'd really like it as it's heading in a direction that I like, and it's doing something that I love - Event organising.

Would appreciate your prayers as I wait to hear if they'd be interested in me!!

Crystal

2008-03-02T01:48:00.002Z

I am FINALLY talking to my friend Crystal. It's been a long & labourious project trying to actually get her on the phone, but FINALLY it has happened. And it's GREAT, and I just wanted to say YEAH!!

Prodigal

2008-02-17T16:58:00.002Z

As I just posted, I've been feeling lost. Not just emotionally, but also spiritually. I've been wondering if I made the right decision or not to return home from India - but I felt like I'd done all that I could in India, and I wanted more freedom!

Now I'm thinking that I had alot of freedom in India, and maybe I was just feeling a little restless - I don't know.

It's been a real spiritual drought these last few months, but I feel like I'm finally coming out the other end. I'm finally reading my bible again, and journalling, and I've come to this myself.

Yes, I've got some great friends who have supported me through this time, but most of them have been overseas, and it's been hard sometimes feeling alone here - even if I haven't been. But it's just me & God that's got me back - and in some ways that feels like more of an achievement!

Does that make sense - I hope so!!

Lost

2008-02-17T16:54:00.002Z

I feel like I've been lost for a while now! I thought I was coping really well when I first got back from India - everything seemed to fall into place so easily, and I was very grateful.

Now I realise that I should have taken more timeout before rushing back into life, to process all that I've learnt in India, and how to manage all that back in the UK!

I kind of wish that I could back to India for 6 months, re-learn all that I learnt, and then come back (as if i've been there longer) and as it were start over.

Unfortunately I can't do that. I have to process on the move, and that's harder to do. I wonder constantly if I'm making the right decisions, whether the choices I am offered are worth considering, or if I should be waiting a little longer.

I've never been very good at waiting though, I'm very impatient, and so I'm looking to make changes, in my life as soon as possible - watch this space for more detail.

Life up & down

2008-02-02T14:07:00.000Z

Life has been full of ups and downs recently. Lots of sunshine, and lots of rain. So in order to get my balance back I'm going away for a few days. It'll be great to be off work for a few days, and hopefully I'll get a chance to really process things.

Away

2008-02-02T14:04:00.000Z

I'm going to be away for a week, so if you can't get hold of me, that's why. I'm going to actually try & survive without my computer and the internet for a whole week! Will let you know how I get on.

Connections

2008-01-28T23:01:00.000Z

I have only just recently got a new phone connection at home - mainly 'cos when the last flatmate moved out - in the middle of January - she disconnected the phone line. Therefore this means that I've had no internet at home recently, and have had to go to my mum's house in order to get on the internet!

This can be quite a pain!

I'm hoping that soon I will have internet access at home again. Until then, I just have to keep visiting my Mum!!

Important

2008-01-09T18:17:00.000Z

Usually when I come home from work, I get on my computer to check my emails, and then go through all my friends blogs seeing if they've added anything from their day. One of the people who nearly always as a regular update is my friend ScottieB!

Today, when I was checking his blog I noticed that on his list of links of friends blogs I am now added!

I'm important enough to someone to be added as their link - Woo Hoo!!

This is made even more cool by the fact that Scottie B & I...just met each other last year - in August/September time, and so really haven't known each other that long.

Scottie B - I love you, I think you're great. I'm adding you as a link on my site now! (Providing I can be technically minded enough to figure out how to actually do that!)

It's New Year's Eve.....

2007-12-31T20:50:00.000Z

and you know I think I remember a song that starts like that....sung by a woman I think!

This time last year I was in India, eating Pizza and getting ready to go to the top of the building with my flatmate- Mona and watch the fireworks over the city of Hyderabad. Today, I'm in England, sitting in front of a log fire at my mum's house waiting to count the New Year in, and watching the fireworks on the TV.

2007 has been a year of changes & transitions, and I really don't know what 2008 is going to hold! But here is to a whole new year, may it be a unique, blessed & brilliant one!!

H A P P Y N E W Y E A R E V E R Y O N E

America got cancelled

2007-12-27T07:48:00.000Z

So, I was supposed to be going to America for New Year...to visit some friends of mine, but I got an email yesterday telling me that my flight leaving from London had been cancelled! Big time sucks!! Now I'm just trying to sort out a refund, which I've heard can take up to 3 months - I hope not, after all the airline itself cancelled it!

Christmas

2007-12-27T07:44:00.000Z

I had a pretty good Christmas this year. Firstly a Christmas Eve party at my house, followed by a midnight mass at the local church around the corner. Then Christmas Day was at my mum's house, loads of turkey, beef, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, and a medley of veggies! Then to watching the Queen's speech at 3pm - an essential part of Christmas Day.

Later we had friends over & played games. Yesterday was Boxing Day, which is the start of the post-Christmas sales - usually lots of crazy, manic people looking for a bargain - so we stayed safely indoors and read books that we got for Christmas, or watched Christmas classics on TV.

Now today it's back to work! Hi Ho, at least we have New Year's celebrations next week!

Didn't get the job

2007-12-19T18:40:00.000Z

I found out today, that I didn't get the job that I interviewed for. I'm actually not that upset, and quite relieved about it all. At least I still have a job for right now! And I'm applying for a bunch of other jobs within the company.

Aftermath of Interview

2007-12-18T19:04:00.000Z

I'm not really sure how the job interview went. And I'm now not sure if I want it even if I get it - how crazy is that! I think I'm doubting my own abilities etc, etc.

I will find out tomorrow afternoon if I have got the job or not, and what the salary & package is!

I got a call today from an agency that I'd registered with, asking me if I'd be interested in going for a job up in London with a good starting salary! I told them I was waiting to hear about this job, and then I'd get back to them.

Soo.... who knows what will happen next - watch this space!

Job Interview

2007-12-16T22:41:00.000Z

I have a job interview tomorrow. A little nervous about it all. It's within the company that I'm working in at the moment, so that makes things a little easier. Got to make sure I look my best though.

I'll let you know how it all goes later.

Work Party & new dress

2007-12-12T19:05:00.000Z

Work party was very good. I'm one of the only ones who remembers what actually happened at the party - which is kinda sad ('cos it means every one else was drunk), but is also kinda funny, because I can convince people that they really did get up on the table & dance!

Everyone had a good time, lots of fun & laughter, and it seemed everyone fairly well behaved themselves (at least from our section of the office), so not too embarassing on Monday morning.

New dress was gorgeous, and one of the girls did my hair, so that I looked a million bucks! Was much fun! Need more occasions to wear it now!!

Blood tests

2007-12-12T19:02:00.000Z

Blood tests show nothing wrong. Which is super frustrating, and also very relieving. So I still can't figure out why I'm sometimes feeling sick! Work haven't been too helpful either. They've extended my probationary period for another month (this is the time when they can fire me with just a week's notice!!), to "monitor my sickness". In 3 months I've been off sick 3 times - one of those for only half a day. How ridiculous. Suffice to say I'm looking for a new job!

Thanks for all your thoughts & prayers for my health. Definitely helped.

Feeling sick

2007-12-05T21:41:00.000Z

So I've been feeling sick the last few days. Went to the doctor's today - sat in the waiting room for 2 hours. The doc then sent me for blood tests at the hospital to see if he could figure out what is wrong with me!

I can't believe that 3 years in India and I was mainly fine, and now back home in England everything seems to be going wrong. Such is my life!!

Girls Day Out

2007-12-05T21:24:00.000Z

On Saturday, myself and 4 friends went for a Girls Day Out up in London! We started at the Dorchester Hotel having tea & muffins, then went down to the Spa at the hotel, and all had a couple of treatments each - we all had a facial, and a massage - it was sooo lovely, then we went for lunch at Smollenksys on the Strand, and then from there we went to Harrods, and just wandered around before having tea & scones!

We had soo much fun. I love having a job that means that I can treat myself occasionally like this.

Christmas Dresses

2007-11-27T18:49:00.000Z

The personal shopper thing went well. I picked up two nice party/Christmas dresses, a bolero (little jacket thing that you wear to cover your shoulders), shoes, a purse & some jewellery. It really was the whole entire outfit! Next Friday (7th) is when the first dress gets it's new outing. Work Christmas party! Wanted to dress up, but not look too fancy - the dress is gorgeous, and most important of all, I feel gorgeous in it!!

Have started buying Christmas presents for people. It's easy to do - I just go onto Amazon & buy it there, and then get it delivered to work! Easy, peasy! Wrapping stuff - well at 30 years old I still can't do that well.

So long

2007-11-23T21:21:00.000Z

It's been so long since I last posted. Can't believe that, stuff has happened in my life & I've thought to myself I must post about that, and then I've never got round to doing it.

Like the time when I was at court (for part of my job), and a guy I was trying to get to make a monthly arrangement to pay off his overdue taxes kept talking about making a "mental" arrangement. Finally figured out that it was just his thick Caribbean accent that was making it hard for me to understand when he said the word monthly.

or the other day, when I got hooked back into eating cakes & chocolate - everyone, annoyingly keeps bringing in cakes & chocolate to work, either for their birthday's, or just that they wanted to treat everyone. STOP! this is not helping my waistline any!

Finally, and the reason I thought to write this post, was 'cos I've got my own personal shopper for tommorrow!

Yes, that's right. Tomorrow I'm going into Debenhams (for you non-UK people, it's like a big store like JC Penney's or Macy's something like that!). Any hoo, am going into Debenhams where I will go to the "personal shopper suite", sit down with a cup of tea, and basically have someone pick out all the clothes in the store that are my size! I did say when I booked the appointment that I was looking for a fun outfit for Christmas parties & such, so it should be suitably appropriate! The BEST thing about all of this, is that the personal shopper service is FREE, and I'm under no-obligation to buy! Soooo cool! I'm super, duper excited! Will try to post later to tell you how it goes!!!

Good weekend, lousy week!

2007-10-28T20:19:00.000Z

So I'm just sitting here in my lounge, with my PJ's on, and my starfish slippers, and relaxing after a great weekend. And what might you asked made my weekend great - well actually it was the fact that I spent the whole weekend with my Mum!?! I know!! Surprises me too! I went over on Friday night, slept over, and on Saturday morning woke up with the intention of helping my mother clear out her garden shed! We looked in the shed - saw it was a mess - but noted some of the things that we still in good condition and posted them on Freecycle.org (Bromley page!!).

Can I just take a moment to rave about freecycle. My aunt got me hooked onto this. You join the freecycle group for your local area, and then you get maybe 1, maybe 4 emails a day that list all the things that people in your area are either a) wanting, or b)offering. If you are interested in any of the offers, or if you have some of the things that people are wanting that you don't want any more - you either contact them by email through the group email, or give them a call if they left their phone number!

And everything is FREE!! I love it! We were able to help out 4 different people with books, a kids scooter, 3 printers & 2 fax machines. And the beauty of it all is if people want it, they have to come to you to pick it up!!

Can I just say again HOW MUCH I LOVE FREECYCLE! Everyone who came was lovely & polite, came at the time they said they would, or phoned if they were running late or lost! It was lovely!

Then, in the afternoon, Mum & I got all crafty, and started making Christmas cards! We had the card, we had quilling paper, and stickers & Merry Christmas sticky things, and so we got to it! It was great, great fun!

Made it a great weekend!

Lousy week - well I had court again, which means having to take all the people to court who are not paying their council tax - that sucks! Prior to that I had burnt my arm opening the oven door, & then the next day, I burnt my toes when I accidently spilled boiling water on them.......Also, to make it a truly lousy week. I was home alone! Hated it!

But the weekend sure made up for it!!

Looking forward to next weekend - my sis & I are hanging out next Saturday for her birthday (which is actually tomorrow!!)

2007-10-22T19:02:00.000+01:00

My stalking days are here again. Witness me & the lovely, gorgeous Billy Campbell!! Can you see how cold it is - I'm wearing a scarf indoors!!!

Flatmates

2007-10-22T19:01:00.000+01:00

arrived in the flat - there were 2 other flatmates. As of today about a month later, we are already recycling as one flatmate leaves "because it was all too much", and a new flatmate enters.

They're a little bit like goldfish really!!

Forgive me blogger

2007-10-22T18:56:00.000+01:00

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned, it has been 23 days since my last contribution!

I'd like to say alot has happened in the life of me. But not really. I've finished my time at the dentist, and am now a whole lot of money poorer because of it!! I seem to have gotten a lot clumsy in the last few days as well. Fell flat on my face on my way back to work after visiting the dentist - some of that might be because I was a little dizzy from all the injections in my mouth.

And then today as I was walking over to my mother's I twisted my ankle! Not good, not good!

While I'm enjoying the fall/autumn of England, I am not enjoying the cold & sniffles that come with being in a much colder & damper climate - yeuch!! However seeing all the different coloured leaves are really really cool!!

That's really all from me for now, but will try & blog more soon!!

cooking & things in tins

2007-09-29T09:05:00.000+01:00

I love cooking, and recently I've done a spate of it. In an effort to save money, I am taking in lunch to work every day, there is a microwave there so i can heat stuff up as well. I'm loving cooking with couscous - I'm pretty sure I could have got hold of it in India, but I was never sure exactly what you did with it - thankfully one of my housemates cooks alot with couscous, and I can't believe how easy it is.

So I'm eating alot of couscous - last week I cooked moroccan crusted lamb and couscous for a whole bunch of my friends - and thankfully there was loads left over to take to work.

Experimented with pasta the other day, wanted a kind of creamy sauce, but didn't have cream, so added greek yoghurt instead & a bit of goats cheese - wow, so completely amazing - added my veggies & it was the most amazing thing I've tasted in a while - and I created it!!

I like things in tins, tomatoes, fruit, corn, it's great. I can buy a bunch, and then it can sit in my cupboard for ages & not go off! Woo hoo!!

Fought over

2007-09-21T18:39:00.000+01:00

It was a fun day in the office the other day. I had 3 team leaders all wanting me on their team. They kept going to our office manager to say she should be on our team! I felt very flattered. Finally yesterday I did have to find out whose team I was on, because it was getting crazy, not knowing who I should be listening to.

My first full week of work finished today. Wow...cannot believe it. There are promotion opportunites coming up soon, and I might be able to go for those, everything is just moving so amazingly quickly and well. I'm really enjoying myself!

Torture!

2007-09-20T22:06:00.001+01:00

Had to go to the dentist today - have a tooth extracted! Seriously yuck & scary!

Next week I go to have more work done, including whatever needs to be done to sort out an abcess! And then 2 weeks later I have yet another appointment!

I should have just gone to the dentist in India, but these people are scary & cause much pain!!

So, now I have to face the torture chamber for the next 3-4 weeks - ahhhhhh!!

One week!

2007-09-14T19:23:00.000+01:00

It's been one week since I got back, and landed in this country, and can I say, it certainly doesn't feel like that! I can't believe how short a time it has been. And in that time, I have moved into a flat, got a new job, and seemingly settled down into life in England!

I think that for me right now, life is a little unreal! I'm not sure that I've fully processed my whole experience, although I do notice a new maturity in myself! I have better self control - I have not touched a chocolate bar since coming back to the UK! I've been walking from work, almost all the way back home! I'm hoping that this new phase will last!

But still, people ask me about India, and it seems a distant memory, and yet 3 years of my life were spent there! I joked at work the other day, that it will suddenly hit me in a couple of weeks time, and if I suddenly run out of the office in tears that's why! (they looked at me a little strangely when I said that!)

The sounds & smells here though are very different, it's so quiet here at night, apart from the police sirens that go on alot! And well it doesn't really smell of anything here! Plus, there are so few people, and nobody stares at you! It really is quite odd!!

Fasting and Jobs

2007-09-12T21:45:00.000+01:00

So I've been fasting for the last few days, as I've been job seeking and settling into my new place.

I now have a job! I cannot believe how it all happened. I just went into my old work, to meet up with old friends, and I was offered a job! It is so great how it all fell into place!

Thank you God! Now, that I have a job I can be a little more settled in myself. It's so great.

Moved in!

2007-09-10T22:45:00.000+01:00

So I have now moved in to my new place. It's just 5 minutes from my mum's house, so I'm still fairly close to her!

I have my own room with a double bed, and quite a bit of storage space - but still haven't finished unpacking!

I can't believe that I've only been back a short while. So much seems to have happened, with moving, looking for a job, trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my life!

But still, this is England, and I'm back, and it's not too bad, and I'm coping pretty good so far!!

Apologies & Correction!!

2007-09-06T20:40:00.000+01:00

I've apparently been spelling Scottie B's name all wrong! It's spelt like the yappie little scottish dog rather than the way I was spelling it.

Deepest apologies to Scottie for this unintentional faux pas. I hope that this now rectifies the problem!

And that my spelling will now improve!

Renaissance Festival

2007-09-03T00:28:00.000+01:00

Went to a renaissance festival yesterday. Dan & Suzie dressed up, but the rest of us didn't really! It was really cool! We watched some jousting, and some washer women (who were pretty funny), and just wondered around looking at all the stores that were selling stuff from costumes to candles.

My friend Tammy who had come with dan & suzie to India 2 years ago, also met us there. And she & I went for the Queens High Tea. They did the tea in all the wrong order, and we had lemonade instead of tea, but it was great fun. And all the characters were great!

We had great fun on the way back, being goofy & stuff in the car!

All in all a fun day!!

Nebraska State Fair

2007-09-03T00:20:00.000+01:00

I went to the Nebraska state fair before Crystal & I left to head to Omaha where we were going to spend the night with her brother-in-law & his wife as they live close to the airport and my flight left Omaha at 6:00am to head to Michigan!

I'm not sure what I was expecting from the State Fair, and I didn't get to see a whole bunch of it because we weren't there for very long!

We did however have our photo taken at one of those places where you dress up in Old West style clothing! We had the choice of being more lady-like or more gangster mole! We chose the lady option - after all I'm an old woman now!!

Within 5 minutes we were dressed, posed & photographed, and then just had to wait until the photographs were ready! The look pretty good! I'll try & get a copy & post it on here!!

Battery about to die

2007-09-02T03:05:00.000+01:00

There is so much that I want to blog about, but my laptop didn't charge today even though I plugged it in, and the battery is about to die on me. So I will just say that right now I am in Michigan with my good friends & mentors Dan & Suzie. And that today I made Suzie laugh for about an hour in the car on the way home, just from my reaction & participation in certain things! More about that later, battery dying!

Insight

2007-08-30T00:16:00.000+01:00

I spent a morning with my new friend Scotty B. We watched some old sitcom from the UK - it's so great when Americans appreciate the finer things in life ha ha! - and then we went for lunch at a place called Yiayia's - most amazing pizza ever!!, then for dessert at Ivana cone! - Mint Oreo flavour is amazing! And then we went to the Mill to buy some of the most amazing tea ever - Dragon Phoenix Pearl! As a new friend, he had some insights into me that maybe others don't! I don't know if I agree with all he says, but it was interesting to hear it nevertheless! It made me reflect on a few things. And one thing that came to mind was this.

Joy comes through Obedience!

More on that later!!

Birthday - Dinner & a movie

2007-08-29T00:08:00.000+01:00

So, my birthday consisted of going out to this great buffet place, and then going back to Crystal's house to watch a movie that I picked out!! The movie wasn't that good, but the company was great, and I met some new people as well! It was actually a pretty good birthday celebration because I've been super tired since arriving from India, a mixture of jet-lag (which I always claim to never have), and stress at the new situations I will face when I'm in the UK! So being at Crystal's house meant I could relax and just kick back among friends!

I'm sure I'll do something fun with my mum when I get back! And also, I know my sister has some surprise planned for me & her when I'm back home as well! Sweet - as my new friend Scotty B would say!

It's my birthday

2007-08-28T19:18:00.001+01:00

It's my birthday. And what am i doing.....sitting in a classroom marking papers! So....what happened was this. I woke up this morning, got a phone call from my mother singing happy birthday to me. Got out of bed when & logged onto my computer. Had my friend Crystal sing happy birthday to me!! Called a few people so they could also sing to me as they didn't have a number to get hold of me on! Had a breakfast of French Toast and Bacon with loads of syrup! Then Crystal dropped me off at a coffee shop where i had my new favourite tea - Dragon Phoenix Pearls - which is a type of Jasmine Green Tea - soo good! Anyway, after about 30 minutes, my friend Megan L came & picked me up from the coffee shop and bought me to where she is spending the day...where she spends every day - teaching at LC School! So, I'm spending the day here hanging out with her instead of sitting at home doing nothing (seeing as everyone works today anyway!)

I'm grading papers - which is sooo much fun! Megan gives me an answer key, and then I go through each paper looking for the right answers (she teaches Maths!). Tonight....well I don't actually know what we are doing tonight - Crystal refuses to tell me!! Says it's a surprise!! Will let you know tomorrow what it's all about & what happens - as long as it isn't too embarassing for me!! Ha Ha!

Laughing

2007-08-25T03:10:00.001+01:00

We had an evening of comedy tonight. Ben & Crystal took me to a friends house, where everyone was sharing things they found funny! Be it a funny book, cartoon, or comedians. We load up youtube stuff, and played it. My contribution to it all was Eddie Izzard - hilarious!

It was so nice to laugh! Some of the things had us rolling around with laughter! Was just nice to hang out & be with people who had smiles on their faces!

Almost 30

2007-08-23T14:13:00.000+01:00

So I'm almost 30. Something that my friend Megan Lund blabbed to the world yesterday, quite loudly - a world I'd only just met as well - i whacked her pretty hard for that one, she's probably got a megan sized handprint on her left arm! Ha, ha!

Tuesday is when I turn the big 30. Not sure I'm ready for it! Although Crystal & I dyed my hair a respectable burgundy red/brown last night, so I'm beginning to look the part! Crys also trimmed my hair a little - I'm really beginning to look like a 30 year old!!

Not sure what I'll do this year to celebrate my birthday! But I'll celebrate it in some new & unique way. 30 - Thirty - it just seems so unreal, and so very, very unlike me!!

Met new people

2007-08-23T05:18:00.000+01:00

I met new people today. I like meeting new people. I also met some old friends as well - people that I'd met in India! Always strange meeting old friends in new places!

.....I am also dyeing my hair right now...well my friend Crys is actually dyeing my hair! Will see how it turns out & update you!

Nebraska & Crystal

2007-08-23T00:25:00.000+01:00

I have arrived in Nebraska!......actually I arrived last night, after a slightly delayed flight from Memphis, and was met at the airport by my darling friend Crystal, and her brother Ben! I'm now staying with Crys & her husband (also called Ben - it can get confusing here!) in Lincoln, NE! So far today, on my first full day here in Nebraska, I've had lunch with her brother Jay. Got online & checked all my email. Went shopping for some essentials & a new suitcase, seeing as the one that all my stuff got packed in pretty much broke about 5 minutes after I left my old flat! And got some goodies & posted them to my old roomie back in India!

That's quite alot accomplished for my first full day! Just now arranging to meet with my different friends who live here!

In Amsterdam

2007-08-21T10:09:00.000+01:00

So, I have caught one plane. And now just waiting to catch another, before I reach Memphis to catch my final plane! Woo Hoo!

Going to check out McDonalds, and am trying to avoid the cheese counter, because even though I could literally buy bucketloads of Brie, I am not allowed to bring it into the States! Ah well, soon I'll be back in the UK, and I will spend all my re-entry money on buying some Brie (kidding!)

not sure what internet access will be like in the US! So maybe a while again before I post!

Ciao for now.

Celebrating the small victories!

2007-08-19T15:32:00.000+01:00

My room is now empty. Everything is cleared out, and I just swept the floor! Hooray. We are now sitting in the living room (Mona & I) eating our Subway sandwiches that we bought earlier. It's not over yet. The living room is divided into compartments. On the right side we have all the stuff that I'm going to ship home! And on the left side we have a mixture of trash, and stuff that we are giving away (in separate piles, but on the same side of the room!)

So we are celebrating by eating our dinner (Subway), drinking diet cokes, and eating double chocolate chip cookies (also from Subway!)

Ah, isn't life Grand!

House is now empty

2007-08-18T07:28:00.001+01:00

So, the flat is pretty much empty now. We moved all the stuff that I was selling and Mona was moving out downstairs to the parking lot, and then the guys loaded it into the removal van!

Now all I have to do is sort through the final bits and pieces that I have left, and pack up my suitcase! So, soo sad! It's really happening. I'm really leaving!

Fun, fun, fun!

2007-08-18T04:25:00.000+01:00

Last night, a group of my friends and I went out to celebrate/commiserate me leaving! We had so much fun, and there were times when I was laughing so much at the antics of different people!

It was a great group of people. Everyone knew each other, got on well with each other, and just had a blast!

I had the best time, and it was with some of my favourite people - Thanks Guys!

The Big Move, or is it the Big Pack??

2007-08-18T04:20:00.000+01:00

Today, is the day of the big move! Or is that the Big Pack. It's sort of a bit of both!! I'm packing, and Mona my roomie is moving! We have a bunch of guys who are coming over with a big vehicle to take all the stuff in my room that I'm selling (one of the couples here in India has bought a bunch of my stuff!), and deliver it to the people that have bought it! And then they are also helping Mona to move into her new/old place (she lived there previously!!) and taking all of her big stuff!

I still haven't finished packing! There are two big piles in my room of stuff I still have to sort through - I'm terrible at throwing things away!

But at least it's getting better. My suitcase now has more than 4 things in it - woo hoo!! And slowly everything is coming together!

Yeah!

Lemon Coriander Chicken Soup

2007-08-15T21:06:00.000+01:00

Mona & I went out to a restaurant today. The main reason, I wanted to have one last taste of Lemon Coriander Chicken Soup, and this is the only place I know that has it! Suffice to say it tasted pretty good!

I'm trying to get all my lasts in as quickly as I can! So many memories & places to revisit!

Packing - now have more than 2 things in the case. Have my swim suit in there as well! That's at least one thing of mine that's in there!! Woo hoo! Mona is going to try & motivate me tomorrow!!

Started packing

2007-08-14T19:21:00.000+01:00

So, I started packing. Well.....the suitcase is open, and there are two things inside the suitcase.....they're presents for a friend of mine.....but still it's a start! Trying to do some washing - yet another bucket wash - I'm not sure I'll know what to do when faced with a washing machine, especially one that opens from the front & not the top (which is the feature of most washing machines here!)

Anyway, at least the packing has started! Just got to do it a little faster I think!

Goodbye Speeches

2007-08-13T09:40:00.000+01:00

I had my first goodbye speech today. Mona & I went up and had lunch with Pamela & Lakshmi - they are my boss's house helpers. Anyway, near the end of lunch I went to use the bathroom, and in the time I was gone, Mona convinced the others that there should be goodbye speeches.

Pamela went first, or at least she tried to, firstly she started off by saying that she didn't know what to say, and not to take anything she said in a bad way (I was getting nervous at this), and then she started giggling, and once she started she couldn't stop! It was a great way to start the goodbyes. She is sure that she will see me again, and so therefore what is there to be sad about! We've had many good times Pamela & I. I love it when I house sit, going up & sitting in the kitchen with her, maybe just for 5 minutes, and catching up with how she's doing - I wish I could have had more time to do that! But it was so great to just see her happy & joyful at having met me, and just sure that God has great things for me, and she will see me again. It's definitely the best outlook to have on life!

P.s - I never did get round to attempting Chicken 65 - the challenge seemed too great - and besides no-one makes it quite like Pamela does!!

Mushroom Head!

2007-08-13T06:05:00.000+01:00

So, I got my hair cut on Saturday! I asked to look at a bunch of photos of styles, so I could pick out the one that I liked - that was my first mistake! Then, I asked the guy to cut it half an inch shorter then he planned - that's where it started to all go wrong!

Now, I look like i have a mushroom on my head - with a tail! From what I can guess it looks like he cut too much off at the back, so my hair is quite thinned out at the back, and then big and fluffy over the rest of my head! Most people say it looks ok, but I'm just not convinced myself! I didn't get my usual stylist, and that is where I went wrong I think!

Now I'm just left with a mushroom head!

A week from today

2007-08-13T05:46:00.000+01:00

A week from today I will be getting ready to really properly leave. I'll be making sure that my suitcase is all packed, that I have my tickets & my passport ready. It's strange to think I'm leaving. I started my goodbyes yesterday, it was weird, didn't feel quite right that I was saying goodbye!

People keep asking me how long I'll be leaving for, I tell them that this is it. They just smile back at me and say "you'll be back". I guess there are no forever goodbyes anymore. Only see you laters!

Help! I need somebody!

2007-08-11T06:35:00.000+01:00

Well I got 3 bodies last night. Mona - my roommate, Susan & Elise - interns who are working here right now!

So last night, we spent about an hour and a half going through all the stuff in my room, me sitting on the floor sorting through my papers, and the others folding stuff, holding stuff up for me asking is this to stay or go!

I now have piles in my room. One of stuff to give away, several bags of stuff that is trash, and then a bunch of stuff on my bed that is some to wear for this next week & then give away, and some stuff that I'm taking with me!

My room still looks a little shell shocked, but at least there is a bit more organised chaos to it!

9 days to go!

13 days, and I still haven't packed

2007-08-07T04:39:00.001+01:00

I have 13 days left in country. 13 days, and I still haven't even started packing! There is 3 years of stuff to go through in my room, and I keep avoiding it! I'm hoping that one day this week I can convince some of the girls to come over & help me go through this stuff! But still, only 13 days to go!

Calling around the world

2007-08-06T12:07:00.001+01:00

My mother just called me, she had some problems with one of her credit cards, and needed to contact a colleague in the US to find out the number she should call to sort the problem out! So I sent a text message to the colleague's number in the US - but with the time difference being so great I wasn't likely to get a reply for a couple of hours. So I thought why not just call the credit card company direct and ask them for the particular number.

Worked out quite well, and in the end I gave my mother the number and she called and got the problem figured out! It's amazing what internet & mobile phones can do for us these days!

Not quite Chicken 65

2007-08-06T11:58:00.000+01:00

So, I started cooking last night. It feels like ages since I've cooked - infact is probably has been ages.

Last night I made Honey Mustard Chicken with Pasta - no recipe, just stuck some honey & some mustard in a bowl with some chicken - added some lemon & cooked it with some onions - voila - so easy, and pretty quick too!

I gotta remember, that actually if I take the 30 minutes it takes to put this all together that I can actually cook! I used to do this alot more! Funny Bunny am I!

20 Questions

2007-08-05T11:53:00.000+01:00

Right now I'm house sitting for my boss Leah, the whole family is in the US right now, and I'm looking after the house & the dogs! It's just on the floor above where I normally live, so my flat mate Mona comes up to visit quite a bit! My boss has this little toy called 20Q which is based around the game 20 Questions. You think of an object or thing, and then the toy asks a bunch of questions which you answer by hitting the yes, no, sometimes or unknown buttons. It's amazing how much this little toy can guess.

Mona & I are now really into it - I think it's supposed to be a children's toy, but everytime she comes up to visit, one or other of us has it & tries to answer the questions. We've had some pretty weird results though.

When thinking of butter, the toy came up with disease as it's guess! When thinking about mother it came up with fire!? However it got lightining, and curtains/drapes, plus a whole host of other things!

We're now trying to think of things that we can beat it with!? It's very hard! Some of the questions are also hard to answer. When asked if the item we are thinking of is heavier than a duck (are response tends to be - how heavy is the duck - big duck? little duck?) - as you can see we have alot of fun with this!!!

Chicken 65

2007-08-03T09:13:00.000+01:00

I think that before I leave India I'm going to try & see if I can make Pamela's famous Chicken 65. The recipe was posted by Leah, my boss on her blog in the summer of last year, so I've printed off a copy of the recipe.

I tried to make this dish when I was in the USA last year, but it didn't turn out completely right - I think because some things here are slightly different - and I think I got the type of onion wrong as well!

Thing is, Pamela is still here, and so I have to be sneaky about making sure she doesn't realise I'm trying to attempt her recipe - one, because she'll probably just try & make it for me herself - which is so not the point, and two, if I make it & it's a complete disaster I kinda don't want to show that I'm a complete disaster at cooking anything Indian!

I've decided the best thing to do, is to buy all the ingredients tomorrow - Saturday, and then attempt it on Sunday when there is no chance that she might be around! Then I also have the day to clean up if it is a complete disaster!!

Here's hoping I can actually follow recipe instructions - I never really have before!!

Time goes by

2007-08-03T07:25:00.000+01:00

So sometimes time goes slowly, and other times it zooms by super fast! Right now, i'm not sure what it's doing - well right now I'm sitting in a super slow time, but in the next moment I might suddenly realise how quickly time has gone - does any of that make ANY sense!?

It's been almost 3 years that I've been here. I can't quite believe it. I've lived in Bangalore, Bombay & Bowenpally (ok, so the last one should really be Hyderabad, but it doesn't really go with the B theme, and I actually live in a part of town called New Bowenpally, so really I should be allowed to get away with it!)

I've visited Delhi, Agra, Amritsar, Mussoorie (the foothills of the Himalayas - not the place in the US!), Velankanni, Benaulim, Panijim, Pondicherry, Kalka, and a couple of other places that I can't remember.

In some ways I haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg of what India is, and yet each of those places are so different, and there is still so much to see.

This maybe goodbye, but it's just for a little while, more of a see ya later kinda thing. As someone said to me last night - India is in your blood, and flowing through your veins! So true, so true.

Hate it!

2007-07-31T11:37:00.000+01:00

I hate leaving places & people. Because you can't pack them away in your suitcase & take them with you. There's a whole bunch of people that I wish I could take with me in my suitcase as I travel. And you know bring them out at the appropriate moments. If it's a funny story moment - bring out Kevin. If it's a coffee or diet coke moment - bring out Leah. If it's a cute kid moment - bring out Clark & Claire. I know that I'll stay in touch, and there is blogs & skype, and phones & email, and a whole host of other ways of staying in touch, but still, why can't I pack everyone away in my suitcase!?!