Is everyone else busy?

So everyone!

No one appears to be blogging - except of course faithful Lozza.

Is everyone else busy?

I have to say I know the feeling - Christmas is swiftly approaching and I am sooooo busy.

I am helping with the school production which is next weds - so mad rehearsals - as well as doing my own 'Evening of Shakespeare' with the Primary Schools the following weds 20th and of course we have Ofsted in at the moment - so....

no time to blog!

But do love you all dearly

XXX

I love my job!

I love my job.

I love my job.

It's so great cos - my job is not brilliant pay - BUT I used to do my job for free and now I get paid to do all the things I love!

Credit where it is due -Thanks to the Almighty - who knows all things so much better than me!

I love my job but I love you way way more Lord!

xxx

I know I am getting older when...

My little sister has her 21st Birthday!

I am excited about getting a teapot and matching teacups.

I can no longer stay awake all night and still feel good the next day.

Going to bed with a book at 9pm seems a luxury!

A nice leisurely walk after lunch is appealing.

Saying 'cool' is not cool anymore - but I still say it all the time.

Having people to stay is wonderful (and I love to plan all the homecooked meals I am going to make them).

I bid for a butter dish on ebay and it is a higlight that I win it with just one second remaining.

It's a small world...

Well, I discovered once again what a small world we live in...

The RE teacher at the school I am working in - went to the same University as me - and not only the same Uni as me - but in fact the same class as Phil, yep, it turns out that they went to pretty much all the same lectures and hung out together regularly - What are the chances?!!!

It is really quite nice to know that - you may always bump into someone you knew, someone you know and maybe a few people you might get to know in the future.

It is a small world.

I think I will buy everyone pants!

I am having a pre-christmas stress - have bought NO presents and am beginning to panic - having a zillion family members to buy for before we even get to the friends -

So - I have decided - everyone is getting pants. They are useful and everyone needs them.

So there it is decided. Pants for all.

I kinda pinched this from Emma's blog!

Ten things I would like to say but have never had the chance/guts...

1) I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I thought that I was right, but I was really quite wrong and nieve and a little bit arrogant. Sorry.

2) Why did you start acting crazy? Everything was going so well before then.

3) I love you. Can't explain why - always have - always will.

4) It's OK with me, if you are who you are.

5) I always feel like you never really listen to me and our friendship is all about you and then you do something out of the blue and I wonder if I'm completely wrong.

6) You taught me so much and now I'm doing it!

7) You said it was too quick. It's OK to say that you were wrong now!

8) I wish we could be closer, but every time I try to share with you it freaks you out.

9) You truly are a faithful friend and in my life that is a rare thing.

10) I wish I knew everything then that I knew now - I wouldn't have done it. Sorry.

I remember being 9

I remember being 9. I remember because I know that I thought people weren't taking me seriously enough, that I had a lot to offer and it felt like I was 'glazed over' 'a child'.

I remember that I had my first kiss - with tongues! (although to be fair - it was during a game of dares and I slapped the boy across the face afterwards for doing it!)

I remember that I understood more than people thought I did and that adults often told each other jokes in code (that were oh so obvious that I totally understood - but didn't let on because then they would stop) Who's the cleverest then?

It's good to reflect on what I remember about being 9 and how I felt - because now I am working with children that age! It is so vital to take them seriously - if you let them - they do have a lot to offer - intelligent ideas, sensitive thoughts.... they can also be very silly - I remember that too! But let's try and always remember how we felt and how we feel!

Fireworks!

Well I have to say that fireworks are not usually my thing - Don't get me wrong I love the sparkling, the colours etc. But I truly hate standing in the cold.

Tonight, however, we have our nephews and nieces staying - they are 2, 4, 7 and 9 years old. We turned all the lights off in the house and watched the fireworks from the windows - They shouted and laughed and screamed and totally loved the experience (being in the warm made it nicer) but it was really really wonderful.

XX

No re-runs

Autumn

Leaves falling,
Simple beauty.

Take a moment,
to really see it...

to see what He has done...

or autumn will pass you by.

There will never be another one like it.

There are no re-runs.

A list of things to do...

So, I have finished work officially for the day!!

But I have a list of things to do and then a parent's evening to go to at 6pm! (For those of you who are wondering if I have suddenly sprouted children - no I haven't - but I do work in a school and tonight is parent's evening - and actually I volunteered to help - but that's another story).

So, I have a list of things to do - but sometimes it's important not to do the things on the list but to take a moment to think and blogging actually helps me to do that!

I am feeling exhausted after a manic day yesterday - lots of driving around and layer upon layer of busyness. Even today I feel the remnants of yesterdays busyness and feel oh so tired as a result!

Anyway, I guess I will go and hack a few things off the list!

Time for a new style blog !

Hello everyone!

Time for a new style blog - me thinks!

Oh the fun that can be had - on re-styling a blog!


Tee hee

Installment number two

Working in Leamington Spa

So, I tried to put the pic in here - but it wouldn't work - so I will attempt it next time.

Working in Leamington is amazing. I work in ten primary schools - some little village schools and some larger ones. I work mainly with children aged 9 and 10 but also as young as 7.

What do I do?

I go into the Primary school and teach between 11 and 36 kiddies (depending on the size of the class). I teach them Drama! I teach Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, Hamlet etc.) I also teach Greek Theatre which is cool. I also teach Oliver Twist which they love!

I am employed by a Secondary school and a large part of my role is providing good relationships between the schools and taking the fear factor out of 'going to High School'.

I also work at the secondary school each week - with children from the Primary Schools - we do media arts stuff using state of the art technology - with apple macs. They can do videoing, editing, animation etc. It is a lot of fun!

So basically I love my job. God knew - it would be the perfect job for me. I think the children are wonderful! I love teaching drama and writing all my own stuff.

Thanx God!

Leamington rocks!

Installment number one

Hello everyone

Well here is an update on life with Phil and Kt!

Leamington Spa

Leamington Spa is beautiful - if you would like to we would love you to come and see or yourself. We live in a pretty converted school and it is small but very cute.

Leamington is a Spa town - so funnily enough it has a Spa - a bit like Bath and it has nice stone buildings in the centre and a small but varied shopping area - with a good range of normal shops and also some funky boutiques and quirky shops.

It has some truly lovely parks - I will post a picture of me in one of them -next blog.

It is not too big, not too small but in fact as Goldilocks might say 'just right'.

We had some friends here last weekend and we discovered that there is a crepe restaurant in town - which we had to try out ! It was yummy!

Life is a much slower pace than Bristol - with very little traffic and some tiny villages nearby. It is just great for relaxing!

We love it!

Internet Access

Hello Everyone

Well after many months and in fact just as we were about to give up all together on a certain company that shall remain nameless - but should perhaps think of a new name - how about 'listen listen' which might aid them in hearing their customers - anyway, just as we had given up all hope - they connected us - so here I am!

It is a delight that I find I am unable to express in words - I just had a brief conversation with the lovely Lozza and my good friend Jeff on line - what a great thing the internet is.

It is great to be back - and I will ensure that I now tell you all (in installments) about life in Leamington Spa - which is, incidentally, wonderful!

OK, well I will keep this one short and a sweet celebration - but look forward to hearing from me soon!

Love you all

Kt XX

Internet Access

Hello Everyone

Well after many months and in fact just as we were about to give up all together on a certain company that shall remain nameless - but should perhaps think of a new name - how about 'listen listen' which might aid them in hearing their customers - anyway, just as we had given up all hope - they connected us - so here I am!

It is a delight that I find I am unable to express in words - I just had a brief conversation with the lovely Lozza and my good friend Jeff on line - what a great thing the internet is.

It is great to be back - and I will ensure that I now tell you all (in installments) about life in Leamington Spa - which is, incidentally, wonderful!

OK, well I will keep this one short and a sweet celebration - but look forward to hearing from me soon!

Love you all

Kt XX

I love my job!

Hello everyone!

Still no internet at home - how am I coping! not too well - but hopefully it will be sorted soon!

I love my job. I sang all the way from one school to another today - just totally loving my job and thanking God!

I love it - I love it - I love it

Big kisses

Kt XX

A little hello

Hey dudes,

Just a little hello from Leamington!

Still no internet connection - prob another few weeks - so just chillin in an internet cafe!

Life in Leamington is delicious - u should come and see for yourself!

Love you all lots

Kt XX

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday beautiful Lozza

Happy Birthday to you!

Love you tons and tons XXX

Putting up a tent!

Yesterday Phil and I put up a tent - and I am reminded of what fun that in itself is!!

So girls, we have labeled all the poles for you which should make it easier to put up and should be a bit of a laugh! We also aired it for you overnight as it had been in my parents loft for a while!! It is pretty old, but it is pretty big too - so I hope it makes a fun place to stay!

Enjoy!

What's happening with us?

Hi everyone,

Hope you are all well. Just thought that I would give you an update as to what is happening with us !!

So, as many of you will know - we have been praying and seeking God about what is next for us - God is, as always, amazing and has made the way ahead really clear.

Phil has had to look for work as his contract ends in August! We looked pretty much everywhere and altho' there are teaching posts in Bristol -Phil was looking to do a job similar to the one he is currently doing.

An excellent opportunity was in the paper for a job in Rugby - Rugby, for those of you who don't know, is in Warwickshire (about 1hour and a half from Bristol) not far from Coventry and Birmingham. So, Phil applied for the job and after some time... got an interview and after even more time he got the job! It is a real promotion for Phil and he is really excited about it.

So, what about me? Well in the meantime I was casually looking at jobs and decided that Phil (being the main earner) should take priority and that really my job was not so important and that I would find something - it didn't really matter what. However, God had other plans... He is so good! He reminded me that He loves me and asked me what I would like to do. I said that I would really love to do a job where I could use my dramatic and creative skills - as in my current job I rarely get to... I prayed a little half-heartedly as I realised that there was no way I could go for a job as, for example, a drama teacher, as I have no teaching qualification!

Phil and I began looking at places to live in Leamington Spa - Leamington Spa is a bit like Bath... very pretty and an old spa town. It is very close to Coventry (about 15 mins) where my brother and his wife live and not far from Birmingham where my sister lives. When we looked at it we decided that we would love to live there and prayed that if this was right God would make it clear...

A short time later I saw a teaching assistant post job advertised at a secondary school in Leamington and glanced my eyes over it - simply because it was based in Leamington - It was for a drama post - working as a primary liaison worker. I phoned the school to find out more and discovered that the job was fantastic. It is working in all the local primary schools, teaching drama and creative arts - planning and using my own ideas - working independantly and with (as I discovered at my interview) a vast scope for my development. I could not have made up a job for myself that I think I would love more - isn't God awesome! I am so thankful that He cares about every tiny detail.

We have just found a flat to live in - in Leamington - which is lovely and again has it's own miraculous story... God is interested in every finite detail of our lives.

So, how am I feeling? honestly? Very happy. I am obviously very sad about the thought of leaving Bristol, in particular the church - there are people here that I will miss inexplicably... you know who you are! My parents also live here - and it is where I have grown up, so no doubt it will be a wrench.

However, I am certain of God's timing and his plan for us and this means that it is hard not to be happy. He has done so much for us. I am so excited about the future.

I wanted to write down the testimony of God's faithfulness and also to let everyone know how thankful I am for your friendship, love and support over the last ...years.

We both start our new jobs in September so we will be moving in the next few weeks. Our last Sunday at Church will be in three Sundays' time and I wanted to give you a heads up - so it does not come as a shocker.

We love you all so very much,

Katie XX

Sorry

Hello everyone,

Sorry I have not blogged for such a long time.

Sometimes it is hard to blog. It is hard for a number of different reasons - these are as follows:

1) I don't have anything of interest to say

2) I have something of interest to say but don't quite know the words

3) I don't feel in the mood to write a silly blog

4) I do feel in the mood to write a silly blog, but feel it would be inappropriate

Anyway, I am truly sorry - it is not a reflection of my love for you all. I love you - with or without blog!

Big kisses XXXX

Boxes boxes everywhere....

I have to say that I looked around the house initially and thought...

'hmm, we really don't have that much stuff, packing won't be a big deal'

It seems that I lied to myself - twice.

Packing is a big deal and we have a lot of stuff!

It is intensely hot, which I can't complain about! But I am indoors, wrapping, packing and thinking... this sentimental but sometimes silly and more often annoyingly wierd shaped and therefore impossible to pack ornament - do I NEED to keep it??!!

*sigh*

Yes.

Here comes the sun!!!

Don't you just love the sunshine!

Doesn't it just lift your spirits?!!

We decided that it stops everyone from blogging so much! But isn't that great!

We are all outside enjoying the sun!!

Yay!

I am so proud of you!

I am so proud of you.

You have worked really hard.
Life has not been rosy, nor easy, nor fun and games,
But you face it with strength and a will to succeed.

You have strong ideals and passion and drive,
You won't settle for second best,
Your determination is inspiring.

And altho many don't see it,
If they took the time to look closer they would see...
You are gentle and loving and thoughtful and kind.

You are becoming the woman God has called you to be.

I am so proud of you.

Weddings

Well, last weekend - Phil and I went to a friends wedding.

It was lovely, beautiful!

We saw old friends, who we both went to Uni with - how cool and aged did that make us feel!? Very - but it was great.

I really love weddings.

Letting go...

It's time to let go,

I can feel your grip,

Your hand is cold, holding fast to mine.

It used to be good, in it's time.

I held hard, believing that our touch was warm,

but the truth is...

My hand is warm,

Yours has always been cold.

It's time to let go.

Are u ever in a really quiet place and you feel like screaming out loud?

You are the miracle.

You are like a cool breeze on a warm summers day,
You are like the first flowers in springtime.
You are like a warm hug in winter and the radiant colours of autumn leaves.

I thank God for giving you to me and me to you.
There is no one else like you.

You always believe in me. Why is that?

When I am struggling and you're light years ahead of me,
You simply sit there patiently, waiting for me to catch you up.
I let you down, you smile and hold me tighter.

You think that you can never teach me anything,
But God put you in my life to teach me every day how to be more like Him.

What is it like to be in love?

Many people think that the earth will shake and lightening bolts will hit them - maybe those thing will happen- maybe they won't?? Maybe those things are good? maybe they aren't??

But what I love is that being in love with you means that we have been married for nearly eight years and you are still my best friend.

Sometimes the earth shakes around us and we hold on to each other for dear life. Sometimes the lightening comes pretty close - but we both heave a sigh of relief as we find that the only energy surging through us is the connection that fused us together and our constant passion for one another.

I told God that I would never marry. So that pretty much makes you the miracle!

I'm glad God knows me better than I know myself.

Tired...

I am sorry that I have not blogged for a month. I am tired.

Longing for that day....

I am just longing for the day when I will get to see Him face to face...

(sigh)

I know you may be sad, when one day I will fly
But I will be so happy, so please don't cry,

This life is just a whisper, the truth I can't deny,
that I ache to be with Jesus, no need to wonder why,

no pain, no sadness, no more hurt, just lifted up on high,
forever with my saviour, forever I will fly.

W.W.J.D.

Have you seen those wristbands that say W.W.J.D?

Well the other day my lovely hubby and I were discussing Jack Bauer from '24'!

My lovely hubby said - can you imagine if that wristband stood for What Would Jack Do?

We laughed as we realised - Jesus would do the perfect thing, loving, forgiving, while also remaining holy and Jack on the other hand would probably shoot them!

The fascinating thing about cheeseburgers...

So, isn't it fascinating that I could almost always eat a M's cheesburger.

I don't crave many things... chocolate occasionally and sometimes a hug...

But every now and then - I think 'ooohh a cheeseburger' - and if offered I rarely say no, because when offered the same feeling 'ooohh a cheeseburger' appears.

Ever had anything like that?

7 songs....

Ok, this is tough one... so, in no particular order,

1) 'We bow down' Viola Grafstrom. I love this song, I first heard it on my wedding day where a lovely friend of ours sang it as we walked down the aisle, she kept it as a surprise and it was beautiful. I have also seen Viola sing it live and she was amazing! Awesome!

2) 'Thanksgiving' George Winston. Actually I am not sure if he wrote it or he plays it. It is a piano piece and it is beautiful. My cousin plays beautifully and he made a copy of it for me. I love it, whenever I need to escape this is a piece I listen to.

3) 'I've had questions' Tim Hughes. This song is wonderful! I honestly have a whole load of questions and a lot remain unanswered, but 'there is one thing that I cling to, you are faithful, Jesus, you're true.'

4) 'Power of Two' the Indigo Girls. The Indigo girls play a country kinda rock pop and I really like it. I love the acoustic guitar in this sooooo much. This is my fave 'sitting in the car, driving fast, the sun is shining, on my own so I'm singing loud song' got one of those? If you haven't listened to them you should try them!

5) 'Thank You' Dido. Oh, every time I hear this song it reminds me that I am in love and that I am so thankful to God for everything that He has given me - ever!

6) 'Your name' Andy Bromley. The words of this song are powerful. And I guess, the truth is that I love the name of Jesus, it is just the sweetest name in the world and nothing could ever compare.

7) 'Tomorrow' ok, no idea, who but it is from the film 'annie' which was my FAVOURITE musical as a child and I used to go round singing, 'the sun will come out tomorrow, so you gotta hang on till tomorrow' and actually - the lyrics still work for me now if I'm having a bad day.

Oh I love music, isn't it great!

Who here has been CRB checked?

Names please....

Heavenbound!

I just got the Phatfish album 'Heaven bound' and there is an amazing line in one of the songs which says,

'I know my life had it's beginning at your cross'

Wow! So true!

If I am sunshine - why do I NEED some sun!

You Are Sunshine

Soothing and calmYou are often held up by others as the idealBut too much of you, and they'll get burned You are best known for: your warmth Your dominant state: connecting

What Type of Weather Are You?

You Are Chunky Monkey Ice Cream

http://images.blogthings.com/whatflavorbenandjerrysicecreamareyouquiz/chunky-monkey.jpg" height="100" width="100"> Truthfully, you're too spazzy to be chunky - you cheeky monkey!

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatflavorbenandjerrysicecreamareyouquiz/">What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

Why was I made?

Do you ever ponder?

Do you ever sit and wonder?

I am constantly busy and always planning things in my mind, whether that be a presentation for work, my shopping list or who I need to send birthday cards to this week... my mind is always active and I realised as I was standing at the Bus stop the other day, willing the Bus to come, that we are all pretty similar in this - people deep in thought - urgently moving to the 'next thing'.

I sort of stood outside myself for a moment and watched myself and realised that sometimes I get so caught up in the 'hectic ness' of life that I forget why I am here. Why am I here?

I was born to praise your name. I was born to lift you high Jesus...

And I realised something else too - todays worries are forgotten the moment they become part of the past. I worry about what I will do if I am late for work, or if I forget to ring someone but then I remember that tomorro I will have forgotten that I even went to work... it won't matter.

So it seems that I ought to spend more time doing that which I was born to do and less time worrying.

I love you Jesus, my best friend, my everything.

Snow on snow, snow on snow...

Ok, so pretty much not snow on snow

kinda sleet on the ground - that is now gone!

It's all about 4

The 4 thing

Four Jobs I have ever had in my life:

1. Till assistant in KWIK SAVE (not so much fun)
2. Advisor for Barclays Bank (lots of fun)
3. Nurse on the Cardiac Ward at the Children's hospital (fun, but tough)
4. Nurse in theatres at the Dental Hospital (loving it!)

Four Movies I can watch over and over:

1. Anne of Green Gables
2. Pride and Prejudice
3. The Thomas Crown Affair
4. Lord of the Rings (all)

Four Places I have lived:
1. Bath
2. Patchway, Bristol
3. Gloucester
4. Manchester

Four TV Shows I love to watch:

1. Friends
2. Quantum Leap
3. Sex in the City
4. Pop Idol/American Idol etc.

Four places I have been on vacation:

1. America
2. Crete, Greece
3. The Gambia
4. Hurghada, Egypt

Four websites I visit daily:
1. blogger.com
2. Msn
3. BBC weather (I know, how sad)
4. Yahoo music (not really daily but hey)

Four of my favourite foods:

1. Fajitas
2. Chocolate (dark preferably)
3. Peppercorn crisps (handmade, mmmm lovely)
4. Smoothies (does that count?)

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Heaven
2. In bed sleeping
3. Having a bubble bath
4. On a beach, somewhere hot

Four people I am tagging:

1. Sam
2. Rachael
3. Maz, via Loz's blog
4. Phil, Via mine

Being squished...

I realised that paying in cheques is not something that I do a lot of when...

The woman in the bank raised her eyebrow at me after I asked for a paying in slip and replied...

"No, we haven't used those for some time now."

I tried to smile in a normal way - but she squished me and I felt totally deflated. I handed over my cheque rather sheepishly and scurried away as soon as pos.

Ever been squished?

Some pics of Egypt

Me, quad biking thru the desert up top. Phil and me on camels in the desert

Remember to say thanks...

I felt the need to blog this, cos I have had sooooo much time to think in the last week.

I have been pretty ill, but I am loads better now. Yay!

I have had food poisoning... so painful. (Campylobacter, for anyone with a medical interest!) However, over the last few days as I have been feeling a little sorry for myself I remembered how blessed I am - in so many ways.

Today is the first day in NINE days that I have been able to eat properly and I realised that eating is a wonderful wonderful thing that I take for granted every day. I am so blessed that I can open my fridge door, or pop to the shops and eat pretty much anything I like, some people live in countries/situations where that is just not possible.

So remember folks, when you have your next lunch, dinner, breakfast, maybe take the time to say a little thanks, to Him who gives us our daily bread - and so much more besides!

Thanks God, I love you!

But just so you know that I am not dwelling on it...

My brother and his wife just had a baby boy - their first.

He was born at 10pm on Saturday and weighed 6lb 14 oz. Nathan Joel.

He is BEAUTIFUL!

I have only seen pics so far as I am not allowed near healthy people (lol) - but just u wait and he will be getting loadsa cuddles from me.

Sigh - it just makes you smile don't it!

So, I am ill...

Blah!

So, Egypt...

So we went to Egypt...

Not that I can really say I saw a lot of Egypt...

We stayed in Hurghada - which is on the coast next to the Red Sea. Hurghada itself has pretty much nothing of interest... The Red Sea is very beautiful and the break was restful and relaxing.

The weather was warm and we ate delicious food and played cards by the pool.

Our most adventurous day was spent in the desert - charging around on quad bikes. It was immense fun! We got to see how the 'Bedouin' people lived. (Interesting fact. Elijah came from a Bedouin tribe - they live in the desert and are very poor.) We also watched an egyptian dude eat fire and lie on a bed of nails. (I stood on his belly while he lay on the bed of nails - and yes we do have a pic of that!)

The hotel was awesome but I will blog about that tomorrow.

It is good to be back, I only wish it were a little warmer...

X X X X

P.S.

Has anyone seen this weeks post a secret?

They are sad...

Blogless for a whole week....

Well everyone...

I am going to be blogless for a week as Phil and I are off to Egypt tomorrow - early.

Be sure to know I will blog about Egypt when I get back...

Maybe I will even post some photos - if I can work out how to do that???

Anyway, lots of love,

Bye for now,

Kt XXX

Thank you for the loan of your CD Maria XXX

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leaves you empty handed,

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...

I hope you dance....
I hope you dance,

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking,
Loving might be a mistake but it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along,
Tell me who wants to look back on their years
and wonder where those years have gone.

I hope you dance...
I hope you dance.

From Ronan Keatings CD, 10 years of hits.

I ache...

I did it!

Today I made it to the gym and...

there was just one guy there - I did it! I made it! I actually used the cross-trainer, bike and rowing machine. Yay!

I am now utterly cream crackered - but feeling great!!!

Success at last!

This made me chuckle...

A woman accompanied her husband to the doctor's office. After his checkup, the doctor called the wife into his office alone. He said, "Your husband is suffering from a very severe disease, combined with horrible stress. If you don't do the following, your husband will surely die.""Each morning, fix him a healthy breakfast. Be pleasant, and make sure he is in a good mood. For lunch make him a nutritious meal. For dinner prepare an especially nice meal for him. Don't burden him with chores, as he probably had a hard day. Don't discuss your problems with him, it will only make his stress worse. And most importantly...make love with your husband several times a week and satisfy his every whim. If you can do this for the next 10 months to a year, I think your husband will regain his health completely."

On the way home, the husband asked his wife,
"What did the doctor say?"

"You're going to die," she replied.

Eating healthier

So, at the moment we are trying to eat a little more healthily - It is a bit of a challenge - on two accounts really...

Firstly, it is more expensive - it is annoying and WRONG I think that it costs more to buy fresh stuff! It does taste better tho'

Secondly, it is time consuming - it takes longer to prepare dishes when I have NO idea what I am doing...

So this week I made chilli chicken and chickpea mash!

It tasted good in the end - but was all a bit of a laugh as the chickpeas are supposed to be 'mushed' in a food processor (we don't have one of those) so I tried various methods - hitting them a lot, (just humerous and bore no results) a potato masher (didn't really work) and finally a whisk (which just sent chick peas flying around the kitchen!) Eventually I called upon Phil to use sheer strength to mush them. It all tasted good in the end tho'!

so not sure what I will try this week...

The power of a simple hairwash

Isn't it amazing... I was feeling really pants, tired and generally yuck!

I had a bath - and washed my hair! I feel a thousand times better - aren't we blessed!

I am just sitting here - feeling really fresh and - well clean! But also refreshed and peaceful. So many people around the world don't have access to a bath/shower instantly - It is such a luxury!

I am so blessed and very thankful.

Thanx XXX

A quick update

So... new years resolutions...

well, things are going well and not so well...

So far - I have managed to get up earlier every day - to spend time with God - yay and it is a great incentive that my days are going better and I am lovin this time with Him LOADS!

However, altho' I have attended my gym club on more occassions - I have not actually made it into the gym itself - yet!

I am swimming more (a little bit of guilt there!) and I have been doing my own work out at home - but honestly - every time I go there are lots and lots of people in there and every piece of equipment is being used - (clearly I was not the only one to make this resolution!) So I am hoping that as January moves along - I will be able to get in there...

We'll see....

MUST persevere!

I didn't even know it existed...

So yesterday I bought some toothpaste - we were practically out and you know when you've squeezed the tube as much as is humanly possible!!

So, I bought toothpaste - nothing new there. I have done it plenty of times before.

But oh no, not quite!

I got home to discover I had bought 'toothpaste for mature teeth'. Intrigued I read a little closer, and I quote... 'help keep teeth healthy even in old age'.

Oh my goodness, I didn't even know you could buy toothpaste for 'elderly teeth'. Does that mean it is not as good Maria? Help!

Oh well, you live and learn I guess - and I agree you should keep your teeth healthy even in old age!

How bizarre!

Hi ho hi ho, it's off to egypt we go

So, I am a little excited....

In just two weeks we are going to egypt for the week!! It is hot and sunny there! Yay!

It is Phil's 30 th Birthday pressi - it was kind of a surprise - but not as much as I wanted it to be.

We are going to Hurghada - to laze on the beach and swim in the Red sea. How cool is that?

The only bummer is that we have to go and get jabs today - yes pain twofold! The inital pain of the needle in your arm - and then the pain of the cos of the jab - £22 each! Y'Ouchy!

But still - Egypt - Yay!!

Which is better a good laugh or a good cry?

It is a toughie isn't it? I mean, often they are very close - sometimes when you are in your deepest sobs - something seems hilarious and you can't help but laugh. Also sometimes you are cracking up and the tears just start to fall. Aren't our emotions a strange thing?

I am undecided - initially I think - of course laughter - because it is so good to laugh and if you've ever laughed till it hurts... and then some more it is wonderful...

But then a good cry is so releasing - when you really feel anxious or sad about something it is a great thing to finally let go and weep till there are no tears left.

I guess the answer is that 'God made one as well as the other' and there is a purpose in them both. I would prefer to keep my tears to a minimum tho and big it up on the laughter!

So, I have a headache!

I am not sure of the cause - but I RARELY get headaches and so I am feeling a little sorry for myself.

It makes my neck and everything ache and I just feel as tho I need to sleep and sleep.

Am I tired? yes, Stressed? maybe a little...

any ideas people?

How it is going...

So people, here is how it is going...

Today I went straight from work to my parents house with all my gym stuff (and swim stuff) determined to go to the gym!!

I got to the gym and nothing was free - it was packed in there! Feeling discouraged and disheartened I got in the pool. I did 12 lengths - which is a lot for me!! So felt slightly encouraged but have not actually managed the gym yet.

Note to self - must not give up after just one attempt!

Time with God: Ok this is going a little better - have so far managed to do this 4 out of 5 days and it has been brill! yay!

Must be more determined...

(sigh)

Your name...

Your name stronger than I know,
Deeper than a thousand words could say,
Your name,

Fire in my soul,
Healing for a hurting heart today,
And my heart will bow and my spirit soar
and my soul cries out to the Lord of all.

Your name more beautiful than any other,
Your name more precious than life itself

I love it. I love you. My Jesus.


A song by Andy Bromley with poetic license from Katie Dent

New years resolutions

So, a few years ago - I decided not to make new years resolutions - I tend to break them and always disappoint myself...

But I realised yesterday when talking with a few friends that what in fact I still do is decide 'the good things' I will do this year. Really, I am a fraud - because surely that is just the same as a new years resolution.

So, this year, my new years, non - resolution, resolutions are

- Spend more time with God - specifically I plan to get to work earlier so I can talk with Him in the chapel before work. This has been going two days now - I need a little longer before I feel I have succeeded here!

- Actually use the gym - I am member of a gym and rarely use the gym itself - before you slate me - I do swim regularly and use the other facilities frequently such as the steam room and spa. I would however, like to be fitter and so plan to use the gym more often.

I will let you all know how it goes

XX

This is for you

This little one is especially for you

Just because I love you!

Inspired...

I have been meaning to write this blog for a while - inspired by a relative of mine and then inspired by Tom - when I read his blog today.

I recently went to a funeral of an amazing lady. She died of leukemia and was very brave - right to her last breath.

At her funeral - we listened to Ronan Keating's version of 'I hope you dance'. It is an inspiring song which speaks of living a life without regret and when you get asked not choosing to 'sit this one out' but instead choosing to dance. Tom wrote a poem about living a life without regret and it reminded me that I needed to write this blog.

The only way to live a life without regret is to live a life knowing Jesus!!!

I will never get over God's amazing grace!

It's amazing isn't it?!

I mean, I just keep on 'fluffing up' and letting God down - sometimes really big time - but God is so patient with me and tells me he loves me and not only that he loves me - but that he's crazy about me...

It doesn't seem right does it? I mean, I simply don't deserve it!

I say that to God sometimes and he laughs and says -

'I know. At last you are starting to understand. You don't deserve it - and that Katie is entirely the point!'

I love God soooooooooooooooooo much, it just bursts out of me - yay!

I want to make you feel beautiful

What a wonderful line!

It is from the song - she will be loved by Maroon five!

When you love some one you really do feel like 'I don't mind spending every day, out on your corner in the pouring rain!'

ah, sweet aint it.

Never say never...

At work today I was reminded that many other people are not only realistic but actually - without hope. I challenged a few people on 'believing that things might change' in circumstances that they were stuggling with.

I realise that it is hard to believe that some one who lives their life being 'angry' might suddenly be nice - but of course, I have seen it happen and I know what Jesus can do!

We should never say never - because nothing - absaloutely nothing is impossible for him!

Love you all

Ten minutes is such a long time...

...when you have burnt your hand and you are holding it under an icy tap!

So, I know, - it was a moments stupidity - I was making myself a hot water bottle - and the kettle had just boiled. I poured the water into the bottle and a moments lapsed concentration, the kettle hand slipped and I poured hot water all over my hand! Ouch!

So, I held it under the tap for ten minutes - it was so cold and seemed such an eternity. I am a nurse you see - so I have to take my own medicine - besides I know it really works - when I was younger someone dropped boiling water all over my legs. I stood under a cold shower for about 20 minutes and - no mark, nothing! It was amazing. It really does work - it is worth the pain. When I was a bit older I burnt my thumb on a baking tray and I decided I had held it under cold water for long enough - after about two minutes - that burn hurt soooooooooo much and took ages to heal!

Ten minutes is a long time tho' ...

Just sand and water...

Ok, deep blog....

So, I am listening to this song by Beth Neilson Chapman called 'Sand and Water'...

It is really inspiring - because it is speaking of the challenges of life - of which there are many - daily for me!

There is a line in it which says 'solid stone is just sand and water, sand and water and a million years gone by'. So what does it mean? Well I have thought about this and for me, I felt it means that the thing that seems inpenetrable 'solid stone' just appears that way but actually it is just a combination of simpler things, penetrable things, 'sand and water' which with the passing of time have appeared unbeatable - but they are not!

I know that nothing is impossible for God, but sometimes situations and circumstances seem beyond our control... but from a different perspective and often after a little time we realise - that those situations and problems are actually quite small and we can overcome them.

Whatever it is that is holding you back - don't be afraid... God is in control - it's gonna be okay!

Icy cold - can't hack it!

Hello everyone!

It is sooooooooooooooooooooo cold

I can't hack it!! I am someone who needs the warmth - and not central heating warmth - but the sun!! I need the sun!!! HOT HOT SUN!!!

okay I know it is not as bad as the arctic - but when u r a little person you really feel the cold - and I am freezing!!

It is time for thermal underwear and wooly socks - scarfs, ear muffs and balaclavas!

wrap up people and stay warm!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sun-kissed skys

Sun-kissed skys make me think of you,
They remind me of your grace,

Scattered clouds make me think of you,
How I long to see your face.

Gentle rain makes me think of you,
I love to feel it on my skin,

A smile makes me think of you,
I feel loved deep within.

New born babes make me think of you,
I can feel your sweet delight,

When I feel swamped by this dark world,
I remember you're the everlasting light.

Jump up and down...

I realise that I am very blessed. I am someone who sees the glass half full...

Despite tuff situations and problems or concerns, I have found that I am blessed because I am able to see the good in people... somedays this can be a challenge don't get me wrong, but overall I live my life feeling happy. I know that this is due to the fact that I have a best friend who is incomparable - and so I am thankful for that too.

I just wanted to encourage you that however you feel today - regardless of that - you are beautiful. If you feel sad try jumping up and down a few times, eventually what happens for me is that I feel a little bit of a nutter and wonder if anyone can see me - this makes me laugh and subsequently makes me feel a lot better... try it!

If this doesn't work - find a friend and get a hug - we all need them. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

No one like my best friend....

There is no one like my best friend....

He's the best!

So, the story goes that Kt is looking for a pretty dress to wear at her Christmas work party...

She and Phil trapse round Bath where Kt tries on 101 dresses in most average shops - nothing fits Kt cos she is tiny! This begins to have a bad effect :( Kt begins to feel bad and sad...

Sp Phil suggests looking in some more expensive shops - and we try them - but Kt refuses to try on a dress costing £150 - what if she likes it!!!! Oh my goodness!

So finally in jane norman she finds three dresses that are pretty and fit better than most - They cost around £40 which is reasonable for a dress but still she doesn't really want to spend that much on a dress that fits 'ok', esp. with Christmas costs looming.

So she turns to her best friend who says 'don't worry I'll get u one'. (No I am not talking about Phil who is also great.)

Today she goes shopping and looks around a few charity shops - cos she will happily buy from them - and she finds the perfect dress - beautiful, fits perfectly - incidentally also from jane norman - but costing - wait for it only £2.99.

I love you, I love you, I love you...

Thank you that u care about every detail in my life - You are my best friend!

Pumpkin Pie

Helloooooooooooooooooooooooooooo everyone!

Well, on Saturday I tried Pumpkin Pie.... ever tasted it?

It tastes kind of sweet and savoury at the same time... quite nice really.

It makes me feel like we ought to celebrate 'Thanksgiving' like the Americans.

I mean - I know we (hopefully) thank God every day - but it seems right that we have a day set aside when we just say 'Thanks'.

We are so blessed, in so many ways!

Remember remember...

Well tomorrow is 'Bonfire night' the 5th Of November and we are supposed to 'remember it'!

Just to let u know people that the weather forecast is rain and not just rain but very very cold!

I am not a huge fan of Bonfire night - that is probably because I am a children's nurse and working November the 5th can be a very busy night - and not in a good way.

Also because I just don't enjoy standing around in the cold. No fun!! I remember when I was younger we used to go to see firework displays and I think I spent most of the evening fighting back the tears...

Firstly because I had to eat undercooked hamburgers (yuck) and secondly because for anyone who doesn't know me very well, my feet are always cold... Ok, not entirely true, they are warm when they are in a hot bath and first thing in the morning before I get out of bed - other than that - cold all the time. So, standing around in the cold means that I begin not to be able to feel my feet and then my legs... and I get pins and needles in them. Then when I do warm up, oh the pain!!! I can no longer hold back the tears!

So - Bonfire night, hmmm......... think I might give it a miss this year and watch the pretty fireworks from the safety of my warm house. :)

'Collide'

I have fallen in love with this song... by Howie Day (and wot a great name Howie)

The dawn is breaking, our lights shining through,
Your barely waking and I'm tangled up in you,

yeah,

I'm open your closed, where I follow you'll go,
I worry I won't see your face light up again,

Even the best fall down sometimes,
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme,
Out of the doubt that fills my mind,
I somehow find, you and I collide.

I'm quiet you know, you make a first impression
I've found I'm scared to know I'm always on your mind,

Even the best fall down sometimes,
Even the stars refuse to shine,
Out of the back you fall in time,
You somehow find, you and I collide,

Don't stop here, I've lost my place,
I'm close behind.

Even the best fall down sometimes,
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme,
Out of the doubt that fills your mind,
you finally find, you and I collide

You finally find, you and I collide
You finally find , you and I collide.

If you go to yahoo music you can watch the music vid for free

Stamp your feet and love it...

So yesterday evening - I and a few other supportive friends tried flamenco dancing...

Um, basically we stamped our feet - a lot!

It was good fun - but not as much as Salsa...

I imagine it would be good if u had a lot of pent up anger that u needed to be rid of!

It is extremely moody and I like that about it - If u don't dance with feeling u look a bit stupid - u have to really go for it. U also have to be quite rhythmic and learn clapping patterns - so don't go if you can't clap a rhythm.

Flamenco - not for the weak hearted! Be feisty! Do Flamenco! Be sexy - Do salsa! Be beautiful - Do ballroom dancing! Be tantalising - Do the Tango!!

But whatever you do make sure you dance as if no one is watching you - just do it!!

(I know, sorry that I sound like a Nike advert)

Shame on you all!!

I mean really Lozza may be on the other side of the world - but that is no reason to stop blogging people!!

In fact we all have a duty to blog in 'Lozza's place while she is far away - so she can read our blogs and feel loved....

Plus, no one seems to be blogging and I am bored of looking at the same old, same old, every time I log on...

So if you don't start blogging soon - I will start making comments on all your blogs!!!

The game of 'Chestor'

Well you may ask what is the game of Chestor....

Quite right too. It is an excellent game - invented by my niece (aged 3yrs.)

It is a little like Chess - except that you can move any piece anywhere and take any other piece on the board - including your own!!

It is a quick game and I have to say - more agreeable than Chess.

Rock on Chestor!

Oh so surprising

Well, I have to say that I have been oh so pleasantly surprised!!

I assumed (silly me) that not many people read my blog... I thought that, well, I blog and then one or two people comment - so maybe one or two people read my blog. CLEARLY the amount of comments I receive bears no indication to the number of people who read my blog.

I blogged my last blog about being ill and have had soooo many people contact me (txting mainly) sending me love and prayers!

So, I would like to say 'Thanks - for caring' I love you all sooo much! Thank you for your prayers and your love!!

You have inspired me to keep blogging!

We are (incidentally) both much better - altho Phil is still not back up to full health!

Love you ALL XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Vomiting

I just felt the need to make this blog - I apologise to everyone who is about to/just had their dinner...

Phil and I have both been unwell and vomiting... just wanted to share that!

I hate vomiting - It makes me want to cry. I sat on the edge of the bed and prayed 'Lord, if it is bad, get it out - but please help me - cos I hate it sooooo much.' I promptly vomited, but you know my theory is - if it's bad then its better out than in!

It is now Tuesday evening and my tummy is still sore - I have still eaten hardly anything and feel like a big pile of 'yuckyness'.

Thumbs up that the body gets rid of the bad stuff! Thumbs down to the way that it happens!

For some people its all about sex!

Well, someone who shall remain nameless told me that sex should have been listed as one of the 5 things that makes me the happiest. ( I love you btw)

Can I just say to u all - what I said to them -

Sex does not make me 'happy'. I know you will all be wondering lots of things now and I can't help that.

Sex, with the right person, will make you feel something very different to 'happy'. It will take you to another place entirely. It is a wonderful thing...

However...

it's important that its not all about sex. ;)

There you see an entire blog of its own!

Make a comment ...you know you want to!

It didn't work

Sorry babe,

I tried to blog about the thing you want me to blog about ....

It didn't work - so I took it as a sign from the Lord that I should not be making that blog.

Love u XXXXXXXXXXXX

Today is great!

Some days are better than others aren't they?

I mean it's just a fact of life. We look forward to some more than others.

BUT, God reminded me - as I was struggling through my day today....

Today is great. Why? This is what he said.....

Today is great - because you are in it and I am in it.

Remember whatever today has brought you -
It is still a great day -
cos He is in it and you are in it and that means you are both in it together.

5 things that make me the happiest

1) Jesus. Well he has to be first simply because I am happier with him than with anyone else in the whole wide world. He always makes me laugh - even when no-one else can. He always knows exactly how I am feeling and loves me even when I am 'crazy girl'. He's the tops!

2) Loving someone. Being able to love someone and just look at them and smile is great. Taking the time to examine their eyes so that you can remember them when you are not with them. Working out exactly how they like their tea so you can make it to perfection. Ah love is bliss.

3) Being loved! Having some one smile at you and see love in their eyes. Someone who lets you tuck your cold feet under them even though they are really not loving it! To be loved. What an honour.

4) Friends. People - people who are there for me. Friends who know how to make me laugh and smile. Friends who notice if I seem quiet and txt me to check I am Ok. Friends who do mad things like dress up in strange hats and walk around the town!! Friends who even if I don't see them for a while slip into a comfortableness as if they were my old slippers! (no offense)

5) Laughing!! I love to laugh. I really love smiling and most days I look in the mirror and smile at myself. It is not hard to think of something that will make me smile - For example, I look in the mirror and I notice that I (NOT a beauty expert) recently tried to pluck my eyebrows and if you look really closely you can see that they are uneven. Spock could be my middle name! I def. need to steer clear of the beauty stuff - I just can't get it!!

Anything that makes me laugh is great - esp. a loud from the gut type laugh. You know it starts as a giggle, grows into a sort of snuffle and then suddenly it's like you can't hold back and it is a similar feeling to vomiting (except in a nice way) it just spills out everywhere and overtakes you. It is great to laugh.

5 things that scare me the most...

1) Wasps - my friend once had one go down his shirt and it stung him three times! It was scary.

2) Human nature. It really scares me that 'people' have the capacity to kill, to injure and abuse in the way that they do.

3) Letting others down. Sometimes this can give me sleepless nights - I really really hate letting others down, esp God.

4) Letting myself down. Let's just not go there!

5) Having to swim under water. Ok. this may be a bit silly, but I have had an awful inner ear problem and I am not supposed to get my ears wet - so if I get my head under water I get scared that maybe I will get ill again. Being unable to tie my own shoelaces is so depressing!

I want to say...

Thanks, Thankyou a thousand times, because of you I'm me,
I'm so in love with you, it's because of you I'm free.

Yes! To all the things that you long for me to do,
I'm crazy crazy crazy, so crazy about you.

Sorry for the things I do, and all the things I don't,
I'd like to say I'll stop, but I can't, so I won't.

Love ya, without you I just know I wouldn't cope,
You are my sweet Lord Jesus, my only solid hope.

'oops'

So, we are playing the name in the hat game - do you know it?

Everyone writes down as many famous people or characters as they can (around 20 each) then they go in a hat and you have to describe the person you pick out - without mentioning their name. Everyone else has to guess who you are describing. So this is a true narrative of the delightful game. Hilarious...

Andy: Ok, ok it's the face of Walt disney

Bruce: um, ah, Bugs Bunny!

*Laughter* Andy looks at Bruce blankly!

Then it's my go...

Katie: Oh, he's an american president, um,

Cat: (starts naming loads of actual american presidents)

Katie: No, no his first name is the same as Darren's dad's dog!

*crazy expressions*

Katie: oh, you probably don't know that do you?

Tom: Winston Churchill was not an american president, Kate!

Katie: Ah, yes - that's him, sorry.

Well it was very funny at the time!

Sorry to anyone who has already read this - but have to add to it after reading Tom's blog!

Have you ever been to Bruce and Cat's? They live in a top floor apartment that looks out onto the street where if u r lucky u can park your car. Enabling you to look out are large glass doors. When Tom was there on Sunday this is what happened.

Tom: Hi Kate, alright?

Kate: Yep, good thanks

Tom walks over to glass doors

Tom: I parked really well - a good parallel park if I do say so myself

Kate looks out glass doors

Tom: Yeah, just there - see my car?

Tom walks into glass doors - head first

Tom: Doh!

Kate and Mark - laugh a lot

Kate: I'm gonna blog this

Smiles

My job is great. I mean most days I find that I enjoy it while I am there and forget about it immediately after I leave - for me that is the perfect kind of job...there are so many other things in my life I don't want my job to invade my life outside of my work time.

Today, however, my job was fantastic. I was looking after a boy who was having teeth out under general anaesthetic and this is a summary of our meeting - for the sake of his privacy we'll call him Billy...

I met Billy and began to prepare him for his anaesthetic. I put 'special' cream on him, gave him calpol and chatted to him. I could tell that Billy was quite scared so I did what I do when a child is scared - I smiled - a big wide smile and told him, 'Billy don't worry, everyone here is very nice and we will look after you'.

Billy smiled back at me - the kind of smile that makes you want to smile even more. His face lit up and he said to me in a confidential whisper 'Katie, I'm a bit tired and bored'. I smiled even more and replied 'I know, but soon it will all be finished and we will give you a nice drink, ok'. He nodded and gave me a huge grin all over again.

Then Billy went off to sleep and when he woke up another nurse was looking after him. Billy woke up very frightened and was struggling on the bed and crying out. I swiftly moved over to the bed and called his name - 'Billy' He turned his head, looked at me and I smiled, a big wide smile. 'It's me' I said, He smiled back at me the hugest smile and his face was full of peace instantly. 'Do you remember Katie?' the other nurse asked him. Billy just carried on looking at me, smiling and nodded his head. My spirit soared and I realised that I am so blessed. He knew that there was nothing to be afraid of and that makes me so happy.

What a priviledge it is to do my job.

I love curry...

Every week we have some new taste sensation - this week it's curry.

I love curry!

Not the after effects but I love the moment!

Yum yum.

Faithful Friend

You always listen, you lift me up,
You know just what to say,
When I am feeling weak and tired,
You brighten up my day.

When fear begins to take a grip,
and guilt knocks at my door,
you hold me close and whisper,
My sweet girl, fear no more,

Without you, I would give up,
I would just slip and fall,
I feel like I'm surrounded,
with brick wall to brick wall,

But then you call my name out loud,
and pull me from the mist,
you set my mind at peace again,
with just one gentle kiss,

The pain and hurt don't go away,
but from beginning, till the end,
you'll hold my hand and stand with me,
My ever faithful friend.

To make or not to make

So people what do we think????

Those for making the bed.......

Those against...........

State your reasons please.

Before I met Phil I was a student and therefore - against - my reasons (cough)

-No one sees it
-It's my bed I can do as I please
-I am just going to mess it up again - (soon hopefully)
-It takes energy - I need all the energy I can get!

Phil's reasons for

-It looks nice
-It feels better when you get into a made bed
-It takes no energy - it is a duvet for crying out loud!
-It is OUR bed and plenty of people see it

So people, make your vote - to make or not to make??

It's up to you...

Sausages and chocolate

Last nite we had a fondue. The thing that I really love about fondues is the abolishment of the savoury / sweet rule.

Usually you are not supposed to have a mouthful of chocolate followed by sausage covered in cheese - but there is something quite delicious about having a bit of this with a bit of that!!

We had an oil one, a cheese one and two choc ones, - a milk and a dark with orange (whihc by the way is revolutionary in fondue and everyone should try it)

It really was a yummy scrummy nite.

I don't mean to deceive...

It's just that when I say I am fine - I am probably not.

I don't mean to be deceptive, it's just my way of trying to convince myself. It's my way of being positive.

If I say I am good or ok, or not too bad or great then I am but if I say I am fine I am pretty sure fine is the one thing that I am not.

I realised recently that saying I am 'fine' is something I say to keep any questions at bay, so I apologise - I didn't realise that I did it and I will try to be more honest in the future. It is hard tho' as it is something I say automatically whenever I am not fine.

Sorry.

Shurg

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what a shurg is???

Is it....

a) A small cat with bright green eyes.

b) The scummy bit you get in the kettle when you have used it for months.

c) The taste you get in your mouth after you vomit.

d) Like a shrug but not quite managing it.

Any ideas???

Good Friends

Good Friends are like...

A breath of fresh air on a hot stuffy day,

A light in the dark when it seems there's no way,

They hold you up when you feel like you'll drop,

When you've done far too much they gently say stop,

They'll make you smile when you can't go on,

They sit there and listen when you've talked for too long,

They love 'in spite of' and know your not perfect,

They kindly forgive, they tell you you're worth it,

They choose to forget all those silly mistakes,

When things are just 'normal', they bring you cream cakes,

Good friends still love you, when you're in a state,

So just letting you know, good friends, you are great!!

More...

A love song can say a thousand things,
but there are no words that express how I feel about you,

A sunburst can take my breath away,
but you gave me my first breath,

Laughter can make my heart swell with joy,
but you are my smile when the laughter ends,

There are a million tastes that I long to experience,
but you are the sweetest,

A kiss can make me soar on eagles wings,
but one moment with you and I am forever changed,

I love you, am in love with you, crazy about you,

Swept away, overwhelmed, knocked over, head spinning,

I love you more.....

'Everything's gonna be alright'

Do you ever have days when things seem wrong... the world seems to collide with every emotion and feeling you have...

You know you can't put your finger on what it is exactly but it seems that everything is out of time and breathing seems to hurt. I have those days from time to time.

It is on those days that God says to me 'Katie, everything is gonna be alright sweetheart.'

I immediately know that this is true and that whatever I am facing - it is going to be OK. Every little thing is going to be alright.

'The hazards of leafleting'

There are several hazards to leaflet delivering.

1. Rain - Ok so perhaps not a plausable hazard but it can be a problem. You know wet leaflets, cold hands, wet jeans, heavy legs... Thankfully we have had not a spot since delivering in Cardiff.

2. Letterboxes - Ok, these are a definite hazard. Firstly you get the simple kind, a nice easy metal flap which opens... then there is a stage two letterbox which is slightly tougher cos the flap has a spring in it... you need two hands to use this kind! Then we have the double whammy. Ok theres a flap on the outer box and one on the inside - again two hands are required to deliver your leaflet. Then we have the feisty furry kind. Ok, these have flaps but also a fur/hair barrier to prevent you from pushing the leaflet through. Two hands are required and also a little prayer. Finally the real hazard is the combination box. Two flaps with spring and fur/hair. These require some training - you have to wedge your hand through the fur and flick the inner flap up in order to post the leaflet. You may also need an extra pair of hands to deal with this little troublemaker.

3. Dogs - Ah yes, you all knew I was gonna get to it. You see today we were leafleting and a certain person who shall remain nameless got chased by a dog today. The back gate was open and a rather large dog chased her all the way down the path as she screamed, ran for dear life and lost her shoe!! It was an extremely hazardous situation I think you would agree...

So what is the advice about leafleting.... avoid it? NO, not at all, you know the hazards now and well quite frankly we need you - so do it, do it, do it.

We go out again on Monday if anyone fancys it?

P. S. A HUGE THANK YOU - to all those who came out today - esp. those I 'convinced' to come. You weathered the hazards well. You wonderful people!!! I love you !!!!

The colour of pee...

Did you know that your pee should be clear in colour and odourless??

If it is not then you are not drinking enough fluid. Ideally you should be drinking water too. Interestingly water is the very best fluid for you... not really surprising seeing as it's the one God made.

You see, fizzy drinks will rot your teeth away (isn't that right Maria?) In fact if you leave a tooth in a cup of coke overnight by morning it will have been completely eaten away(yuck). Squash is better than fizzy but it will still rot your teeth, leaving them with a nice sugary coating. Tea and Coffee are diuretics (this means they make you want to pee) and they don't provide you with the 'good stuff' except maybe the staining of your teeth - ooohhh and make you a caffeine addict. Fruit juice and milk are better, they do have good stuff, but if you drink them all the time they will also eventually rot your teeth.

So water, get into it - I mean it's free and it's the best thing for you (duh!)

That's the way to perfect pee!!