funky doo

Monday update 21st September

the weekend that was: a mixed bag - a bit of work on Saturday morning after a lovely day off on Friday. My cleaner started on Thursday so I had limited chores to do, which was bliss! M and I spent the day pottering about, went food shopping and blackberry picking and she napped while I baked...heavenly smelling house on every level!

Friday night we were out having dinner with 'the Pastors'. Saturday, I accompanied Andy to do his last mentoring training session of the week and hosted him in the Chelmsford venue for Equipping. It went down well I think?!  We took M with us as we'd all spent a lot of time apart over the week and she had been under the weather on Tuesday and Wednesday. We had a pub lunch together on the way home and then she and Andy spent the afternoon doing baking for the kids going on a sailing trip from school this week - she was more of a hindrance than a help in the kitchen but she was very proud of herself!!

Saturday night our friend Lewis came over to chill and stay over - we caught up (well, I caught up and the boys talked and drank wine!) with Strictly Come Dancing which I'd missed the night before.

Sunday included the usual church commitments - Andy on PA and me doing M watch! During the afternoon the Cherish Uganda Cycle Team went out on a 50 mile practice run for their sponsored ride on Saturday in Brighton - and they took M so I had some time to myself which was lovely. Sunday night I was observing someone in their youthwork practice while Andy and Lewis led GIraffe at our house.

procrastinating about: a few loose ends going on at present - sorting some design work for various projects which is time consuming and also keeping track of supervisions and support stuff with full/part time youth workers. I did manage to get the Falcon Afloat Team hoodies ordered last week, which has taken me ages! I'm also leading the Family Harvest service at church on Sunday so need to fine tune some of that and make sure everyone knows what's happening.

Anything else going on of mention?? We had a great chat last night with Jack and Emily in Tennessee, our friends we visited last summer. It's often a challenge to all chat together, with the time differences and Jack being a pastor and Emily studying. Last time we rang it was only Emily in so me and her had a good catch up! This time, the boys talked more in depth about some of the stuff going down for us right now, and I caught up with Emily at the end, but never enough! We filled them in on the latest in our lives, which I can't talk about too much here, but which is pretty mind mashing!! It's great to have the perspective of someone totally out of the context of what we're doing and without any bias, apart from loving us. At the moment, we're really grateful for the understanding of a lot of our friends who are standing with us and keeping us sane! You know who you are!

book i’m in the midst of: Put down the Russian Concubine - not that good. Continuing with Someone Elses' Kids which is excellent. Also had some recommednations today of some theology/political books which I'm going to try. Feel the need for more depth after a few mindless historical romps!!

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: nothing too new, but loving the Genius playlist application in Itunes which just makes me the best mixes, especially when I have an office day!!

next trip: Getting booked in for Youthwork the Conference this week with a bunch of guys from The Hub. I'd love to be at Youth Specialties NYWC in LA this week tho!!

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: apart from Strictly Come Dancing, what else is there??!! ItTakesTwo is one of the best half hours of my day!!

Youth work done/upcoming: I enjoyed being at St Saviour's Westcliff on Sunday night, being part of their session and observing Louise for her Equipping Certificate.

What did you eat this weekend?? Ginger cake that Andy made, Great spag bol, lovely curry on Sunday and some simpler quick meals this week to come.

the weekend that was: a mixed bag - a bit of work on Saturday morning after a lovely day off on Friday. My cleaner started on Thursday so I had limited chores to do, which was bliss! M and I spent the day pottering about, went food shopping and blackberry picking and she napped while I baked...heavenly smelling house on every level!

Friday night we were out having dinner with 'the Pastors'. Saturday, I accompanied Andy to do his last mentoring training session of the week and hosted him in the Chelmsford venue for Equipping. It went down well I think?!  We took M with us as we'd all spent a lot of time apart over the week and she had been under the weather on Tuesday and Wednesday. We had a pub lunch together on the way home and then she and Andy spent the afternoon doing baking for the kids going on a sailing trip from school this week - she was more of a hindrance than a help in the kitchen but she was very proud of herself!!

Saturday night our friend Lewis came over to chill and stay over - we caught up (well, I caught up and the boys talked and drank wine!) with Strictly Come Dancing which I'd missed the night before.

Sunday included the usual church commitments - Andy on PA and me doing M watch! During the afternoon the Cherish Uganda Cycle Team went out on a 50 mile practice run for their sponsored ride on Saturday in Brighton - and they took M so I had some time to myself which was lovely. Sunday night I was observing someone in their youthwork practice while Andy and Lewis led GIraffe at our house.

procrastinating about: a few loose ends going on at present - sorting some design work for various projects which is time consuming and also keeping track of supervisions and support stuff with full/part time youth workers. I did manage to get the Falcon Afloat Team hoodies ordered last week, which has taken me ages! I'm also leading the Family Harvest service at church on Sunday so need to fine tune some of that and make sure everyone knows what's happening.

Anything else going on of mention?? We had a great chat last night with Jack and Emily in Tennessee, our friends we visited last summer. It's often a challenge to all chat together, with the time differences and Jack being a pastor and Emily studying. Last time we rang it was only Emily in so me and her had a good catch up! This time, the boys talked more in depth about some of the stuff going down for us right now, and I caught up with Emily at the end, but never enough! We filled them in on the latest in our lives, which I can't talk about too much here, but which is pretty mind mashing!! It's great to have the perspective of someone totally out of the context of what we're doing and without any bias, apart from loving us. At the moment, we're really grateful for the understanding of a lot of our friends who are standing with us and keeping us sane! You know who you are!

book i’m in the midst of: Put down the Russian Concubine - not that good. Continuing with Someone Elses' Kids which is excellent. Also had some recommednations today of some theology/political books which I'm going to try. Feel the need for more depth after a few mindless historical romps!!

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: nothing too new, but loving the Genius playlist application in Itunes which just makes me the best mixes, especially when I have an office day!!

next trip: Getting booked in for Youthwork the Conference this week with a bunch of guys from The Hub. I'd love to be at Youth Specialties NYWC in LA this week tho!!

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: apart from Strictly Come Dancing, what else is there??!! ItTakesTwo is one of the best half hours of my day!!

Youth work done/upcoming: I enjoyed being at St Saviour's Westcliff on Sunday night, being part of their session and observing Louise for her Equipping Certificate.

What did you eat this weekend?? Ginger cake that Andy made, Great spag bol, lovely curry on Sunday and some simpler quick meals this week to come.

Monday update 14th September 2009

the weekend that was: at the end of the first proper week back, I felt proper pooped!! How does that happen? And where did the summer go??

Anyway, the week went without a hitch, considering we had got well out of the habit of regular early mornings and all leaving the house at once. M started at her new nursery for 1 full and 1 half day, still with her wonderful childminder for 2 full days a week. She had fun but was also pooped!! 

Friday I went over to an evening women's thing with church, with a speaker from one of our partner churches in the network, Paisley. I had to head home early to allow Andy to go out Street Pastoring and I stayed up too late fiddling about with remnants of the week's papers, toys, food, washing and all the fiddly bits that end up lying around!! Anyway, the house felt a bit tidier by Saturday morning. The women's event continued on Saturday morning, so I took M to her godparents to play with their kids for a few hours while I attended the event and let Andy sleep. 

Part of the morning including joining with the Prayer Day happening in Newcastle for Jo Grant, my former employer and friend (see my post Prayer and Peititon for Jo Grant). It was great to feel connected in with the concerted prayer efforts going on and I was able to speak out the Aquila Way mandate from Isaiah 58 as part of our worship and intercession.

The rest of Saturday was spent at home - Andy was up and about and rested (he got in at 4.45am) and he pottered in the garden while M slept and I did some reading and a bit of work. I started to get some serious pain in my stomach in mid afternoon, figured it was my usual women's issues and took some pain relief. But it hasn't gone away yet so am feeling a bit uncomfortable even today. Our friends Karen and Shaun came over for the evening and cooked at our house - easier to do that and for them to stay than to get a babysitter and go to them. We enjoyed Karen's stuffed beef tomatoes with chicken and courgettes and onions, along with baked sweet potatoes and salad...and some Black Sambuca which helped with pain relief!!

Karen joined me visiting a church outside the Diocese on Sunday morning, while the boys went off to do various duties at CGC Maldon. An impromptu lunch for 5, plus 2 kids and an afternoon of chatter, chilling and TV followed before everyone else, bar me and M went off for evening Youth led service at CGC. Afterwards, we had a farwell pizza party for Chloe, one of our GIraffe group who goes off to Uni in Bradford on Friday. So, busy weekend but filled with lots of nice things!!

procrastinating about: not too much really...I had to take a sick day today with the stomach being very painful...will be going to the doctors tomorrow afternoon. I slept and read and had a gentle day and am feeling much better this evening. I have to grab these quiet times when they happen - I find that I can plan a 'toil' day in my diary ahead of time if I know I'll need to take back hours, but if there are a lot of pressing events coming up, that is not always feasible to take the day even if it's clear. This week would normally be an Equipping training week for me - but we have contracted Andy to deliver the training for this session as it's on mentoring and small group work. He's upstairs now doing some final preparation and he'll be delivering the Braintree and Stratford venues with my colleagues on Tuesday and Thursday and then coming with me to do the Chelmsford venue on Saturday morning. So it's a quiet week in some ways! I still have some prep to do for my full day in Basildon Deanery on Wednesday as well as speaking at Synod and I'm also preparing to preach in a number of places over the next few weeks, not least at my friend Christine's wedding!

Anything else going on of mention?? It's a time of decisions, changes, wonderings and getting down to the nitty gritty...a long term stretches out before us. It's safe to say we're in a state of flux here at Smith Towers, can't say too much about it all but it's a hard place to be, confusing and scary but ultimately just searching for God's purpose in all things. He has His hand on us as always, we might not like the outcome sometimes, but we choose this life and wouldn't want it any other way. We are concious of people in much worse places than us - we are grateful for our home, our jobs and our special people around us. Life could be much worse, but that doesn't make it very easy right now...

book i’m in the midst of: just finished 'Mary Queen of France' and started 'The Russian Concubine' - getting back into my historical fiction. Also started 'Someone's Elses' kids' which Andy's colleagues lent to him...

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: bought the new Matt Redman album on Itunes - and really love it. Have listened twice through and there are 3 that I love, but others am sure will grow. Also enjoyed listening to Beth Orton again...

next trip: it's not confirmed, but I might be on a youth residential in early October. Am also planning to be at Youthwork the Conference in November which should be great - didn't go last year but will be going en masse with a bunch of youthworkers from the Hub group that I connect with monthly.

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: enjoying season 3 of The Tudors and also Come Dine with Me is proving a family hit!! The people are annoying but the narrator of the programme is hilarious!! Really want to see Julie and Julia...

Also, food wise, enjoying the Economy Gastronomy series on BBC2 and Nigel Slater's new series...he is a fabulous cook, not a chef and I relate to all his comments about using leftovers and trying flavours together...also LOVE his kitchen!!

Youth work done/upcoming: we started the new term of Giraffe last week having extended the age bracket to include year 9. Soul Searchers which is Sunday morning for years 6-9 seems to be going well with some new leaders and a good size group too. I have loads of observations and sessions happening at youth groups across the area this term, which I love!! 

What did you eat this weekend?? some yummy food, cooked for us as mentioned above, lovely Roast Chicken with roasted squash and fresh corn on the cob. We had roasted sausages and fennel tonight...and with our delivery of meat arriving on Friday we're well set for the next couple of months!!

Monday update 10th August 2009

the weekend that was: a lovely mixed weekend with all sorts going on but nothing felt too busy or frantic. Andy headed off to Ikea on Friday morning with M to get the final piece of our bedroom furniture (bedside tables) while I worked at home, doing expense claims, training planning for next term and finishing off Camp administration and banking. They returning mid afternoon and after some chill time in the garden and watching tv, M and I headed off to get our god-daughter Meg (6) who was coming for a sleepover. The girls had a great time - made their own pizzas, had a bath and got in their PJ's and then watched 'Over the Hedge' cartoon movie with popcorn and marshmallows. A 8.30pm bedtime was just about reached, M almost asleep on the sofa and Meg excited about sleeping in our double bed!

After Meg's departure on Saturday morning, my sister arrived, to stay for the weekend but also to have M for a few hours in the afternoon while we went to Tom and Melanie's wedding in Buckhurst Hill. I spent a bit of time faffing about getting ready and Ellie (sis) did my make up and then we headed off. Surviving the M25 in the heat, the traffic and in the escort as the Poultneys' still had our Meriva. Andy went off to watch the opening game of Newcastle United's bid for promotion back to the Premiership and Ellie and I had dinner, watched Ugly Betty and did some work on a scrapbook for our grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. Finished off the evening wetting ourselves watching Lee Evans in his live tour from 2005 - hilarious! Clunk Clunk Dangle Dangle (holiday earrings sketch!)

Sunday Andy went to play bass at church and Ellie and I went to Tesco's for her to do her weekly shop before heading home, then went to the park with M and finally met Andy at the deli for some lunch. Yum. We hosted a BBQ here on Sunday night for our group that are going to Soul Survivor B on Wednesday, to sort kit lists and food preferences etc. All in all a fun packed, busy but productive and enjoyable weekend!

procrastinating about: getting packed, hoovering and sorting M's toys which are everywhere and completing some bits of diary management for work for next term...but I still have Tuesday!

book i’m in the midst of: Catch me if You Can (astonishingly haven't finished this yet!) and re-reading The Passionate Church from my Lifeshapes Conference in June.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: we're enjoying the fact that M is getting into kid's worship music - particularly liking Ishmael and Doug Horley/Harry and Larry...all good Biblical stuff, fun tunes and singalong mayhem! Will get us to Shepton Mallet in one piece!

next trip: Soul Survivor B on Wednesday til next Sunday, then a couple of days at home before going to Sheffield for U2 360 tour...then I go on to a hen do in Brighton for the weekend. Busy busy...

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: Jon and Kate plus 8 - despite their recent seperation, I still find this a programme which lifts my spirits and makes me smile for half an hour a day!

Youth work done/upcoming: Soul Survivor and next term planning for the new groups and stuff we're already doing.

What did you eat this weekend?? Homemade Pizza, Cod with flageolet beans and mushrooms, Cherry Plum Pie, Deli platter of Italian meats, BBQ sausages, green and potato salad. We had liver tonight which prompted an outpouring of emotions on Facebook when I offered the leftovers!

the weekend that was: a lovely mixed weekend with all sorts going on but nothing felt too busy or frantic. Andy headed off to Ikea on Friday morning with M to get the final piece of our bedroom furniture (bedside tables) while I worked at home, doing expense claims, training planning for next term and finishing off Camp administration and banking. They returning mid afternoon and after some chill time in the garden and watching tv, M and I headed off to get our god-daughter Meg (6) who was coming for a sleepover. The girls had a great time - made their own pizzas, had a bath and got in their PJ's and then watched 'Over the Hedge' cartoon movie with popcorn and marshmallows. A 8.30pm bedtime was just about reached, M almost asleep on the sofa and Meg excited about sleeping in our double bed!

After Meg's departure on Saturday morning, my sister arrived, to stay for the weekend but also to have M for a few hours in the afternoon while we went to Tom and Melanie's wedding in Buckhurst Hill. I spent a bit of time faffing about getting ready and Ellie (sis) did my make up and then we headed off. Surviving the M25 in the heat, the traffic and in the escort as the Poultneys' still had our Meriva. Andy went off to watch the opening game of Newcastle United's bid for promotion back to the Premiership and Ellie and I had dinner, watched Ugly Betty and did some work on a scrapbook for our grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. Finished off the evening wetting ourselves watching Lee Evans in his live tour from 2005 - hilarious! Clunk Clunk Dangle Dangle (holiday earrings sketch!)

Sunday Andy went to play bass at church and Ellie and I went to Tesco's for her to do her weekly shop before heading home, then went to the park with M and finally met Andy at the deli for some lunch. Yum. We hosted a BBQ here on Sunday night for our group that are going to Soul Survivor B on Wednesday, to sort kit lists and food preferences etc. All in all a fun packed, busy but productive and enjoyable weekend!

procrastinating about: getting packed, hoovering and sorting M's toys which are everywhere and completing some bits of diary management for work for next term...but I still have Tuesday!

book i’m in the midst of: Catch me if You Can (astonishingly haven't finished this yet!) and re-reading The Passionate Church from my Lifeshapes Conference in June.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: we're enjoying the fact that M is getting into kid's worship music - particularly liking Ishmael and Doug Horley/Harry and Larry...all good Biblical stuff, fun tunes and singalong mayhem! Will get us to Shepton Mallet in one piece!

next trip: Soul Survivor B on Wednesday til next Sunday, then a couple of days at home before going to Sheffield for U2 360 tour...then I go on to a hen do in Brighton for the weekend. Busy busy...

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: Jon and Kate plus 8 - despite their recent seperation, I still find this a programme which lifts my spirits and makes me smile for half an hour a day!

Youth work done/upcoming: Soul Survivor and next term planning for the new groups and stuff we're already doing.

What did you eat this weekend?? Homemade Pizza, Cod with flageolet beans and mushrooms, Cherry Plum Pie, Deli platter of Italian meats, BBQ sausages, green and potato salad. We had liver tonight which prompted an outpouring of emotions on Facebook when I offered the leftovers!

catch up Friday

Hey y'all,

A couple of people have mentioned that my Monday updates are lacking of late - sorry but I've been busy! Namely Falcon Camp which finished last Thursday and then recovery...followed by back to work in a house which is most definitely in summer hols mode - no mean feat! So I have been trying to be disciplined and just do work in the office and not other 'non-work but not quite fun tasks' and then go and have fun with my family!

Falcon Camp went really well - great weather, brilliant team, amazing kids and an amazing God at work. We're grateful and blessed to be part of such a thing and although it is a lot of organising and stress at the final furlong, it's something we know we'll be doing for a long time...

We missed our M a lot - and it was great when she returned from my parents in Surrey on Friday afternoon. Fun in the park and a dinner out to Intimo, our favourite pasta restaurant followed and we also had a chilled rest day on Saturday, catching up on some chores and sorting and resorting the Falcon Camp equipment that was all in our garage.

I've worked all this week as normal - a few meetings here and there, getting lots of filing and project work done in this quiet season for me. All the while, the other 2 have been having a ton of fun, going to Ikea, the Zoo in Colchester and playdates in Prom Park...we did have a famil day in London on Wednesday, visiting Andy's best man Richard, his wife Natasha and their new addition (no 2), Albie. Their daughter Eliza is 6 months younger than M, so we had the expected mix of great play and screeching rows about sharing etc! But it was lovely to see them and a great adventure for M, as we left their place at 10.15pm and got on 2 trains in the dark!!

I was really blessed to get a cheque through the post this week to go towards replacing some of the clothes I had stolen from the train the other month. My insurance claim was declined on the grounds that I didn't have 3 nights pre-booked accomodation in Sheffield. The fact that I wasn't claiming anything to do with my accommodation seems to be irrelevant and I can prove I was in Sheffield for that period by my train tickets - but never mind. I have been living with just 2 bras and 1 pair of jeans, so a little money to replace those well worn basics is very timely!

So, to take us up to Monday when I hope to get back on track with the monday updates - we're at a wedding tomorrow in Buckhurst Hill, and my sister is coming to have M for the afternoon. Sunday will be church and then a BBQ in the evening for all those we're taking to Soul Survivor next Wednesday. Really looking forward to the space to be - and in a caravan!! Luxury!

So, see you Monday - all being well!

Monday update 20th July

the weekend that was: the end of term!! what a great feeling...even though it kinda doesn't apply to me! The general feel of our house completely changed on Friday afternoon when Andy got in, de-mob happy and having had a couple of pints! We had a pottering weekend, getting things sorted for the next week or so, doing some admin for Falcon Camp and moving furniture - moving the dining room table out into the conservatory so we had some more space and can admire the garden when we eat and enjoy the unreal warmth in there, despite it being windy outside! Andy took M out to Tesco's to get some baking supplies and made some scrummy blackberry muffins, using pickings from the garden. Our friends Karen and Shaun popped in and we had a 'couple dinner' at the newly sited table - again with produce from our veg patch complementing the salmon on the BBQ.

I like days like that - you get lots done without meaning too cos you're in the mood...I feel the pressure of upcoming Camp but Saturday somehow felt chilled in a way which was OK, not demotivating. Andy being on school holidays has a good effect - and he feels able to leave work behind and get excited about Camp which is always good for me cos I feel like I have a team in my own house! I am lucky I get to do this Camp as part of my job - most other people coming are combining it with other work aswell.

Sunday we did church - Andy playing drums and doing Soul Searchers - and then we hosted a Youth BBQ at our pastors house which was fun! We had 22 people eating, chilling, playing 'Duck Duck Goose' and Ladders and generally toasting the end of term.

Sunday evening, Andy went out to the All Saints evening service, to do PA and be part of that new thing. I did the usual bedtime routine and enjoyed reading some of the comments on my last blog post...I'm glad it's opened a conversation and has given me stuff to think about as a result of my own thinking in the public place. I welcome it and hope it continues...

procrastinating about: getting started on a couple of big computer based jobs for camp - Leader's Handbook and Prayer Letter. They seem a bit arduous for this time of day (18.04 as I type)...maybe tomorrow.

book i’m in the midst of: Catch me if You Can (trash from last week) and also still reading the Guardian from Saturday.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: Kim Walker. Andy P put me onto her and we used one of her tracks as meditation at our Away Day last week. Really amazing singer - for such a small person. It's more reflective inspirational music than worship music if you know what I mean, but it draws you in to a sense of God's presence and promotes such thankfulness...

next trip: over to Surrey on Thursday for a 60th anniversary lunch party for my grandparents. Then back here, without M :-( on Saturday to pick up some team, do final prep and get to camp on Sunday evening. After that we have 10 days at home before Soul Survivor B.

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: ooh, the Royal is back which is cool!

Youth work done/upcoming: Camp, Camp and more Camp...

What did you eat this weekend?? Salmon, Corn Beef Hash, BBQ food, Pasta Pesto, yummy Blackberry muffins...

the weekend that was: the end of term!! what a great feeling...even though it kinda doesn't apply to me! The general feel of our house completely changed on Friday afternoon when Andy got in, de-mob happy and having had a couple of pints! We had a pottering weekend, getting things sorted for the next week or so, doing some admin for Falcon Camp and moving furniture - moving the dining room table out into the conservatory so we had some more space and can admire the garden when we eat and enjoy the unreal warmth in there, despite it being windy outside! Andy took M out to Tesco's to get some baking supplies and made some scrummy blackberry muffins, using pickings from the garden. Our friends Karen and Shaun popped in and we had a 'couple dinner' at the newly sited table - again with produce from our veg patch complementing the salmon on the BBQ.

I like days like that - you get lots done without meaning too cos you're in the mood...I feel the pressure of upcoming Camp but Saturday somehow felt chilled in a way which was OK, not demotivating. Andy being on school holidays has a good effect - and he feels able to leave work behind and get excited about Camp which is always good for me cos I feel like I have a team in my own house! I am lucky I get to do this Camp as part of my job - most other people coming are combining it with other work aswell.

Sunday we did church - Andy playing drums and doing Soul Searchers - and then we hosted a Youth BBQ at our pastors house which was fun! We had 22 people eating, chilling, playing 'Duck Duck Goose' and Ladders and generally toasting the end of term.

Sunday evening, Andy went out to the All Saints evening service, to do PA and be part of that new thing. I did the usual bedtime routine and enjoyed reading some of the comments on my last blog post...I'm glad it's opened a conversation and has given me stuff to think about as a result of my own thinking in the public place. I welcome it and hope it continues...

procrastinating about: getting started on a couple of big computer based jobs for camp - Leader's Handbook and Prayer Letter. They seem a bit arduous for this time of day (18.04 as I type)...maybe tomorrow.

book i’m in the midst of: Catch me if You Can (trash from last week) and also still reading the Guardian from Saturday.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: Kim Walker. Andy P put me onto her and we used one of her tracks as meditation at our Away Day last week. Really amazing singer - for such a small person. It's more reflective inspirational music than worship music if you know what I mean, but it draws you in to a sense of God's presence and promotes such thankfulness...

next trip: over to Surrey on Thursday for a 60th anniversary lunch party for my grandparents. Then back here, without M :-( on Saturday to pick up some team, do final prep and get to camp on Sunday evening. After that we have 10 days at home before Soul Survivor B.

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: ooh, the Royal is back which is cool!

Youth work done/upcoming: Camp, Camp and more Camp...

What did you eat this weekend?? Salmon, Corn Beef Hash, BBQ food, Pasta Pesto, yummy Blackberry muffins...

Monday update 13th July

the weekend that was: a weekend off...not meant to be but had to be. With my back slowly improving and seeing massive better-ness since Thursday, we took the executive decision that I wouldn't attempt to get to Solid Festival this weekend. I didn't want to end up sitting funny on the Big Tent floor or being too tempted to go abseiling or climbing and do myself more injury. Andy P was going anyway and so would be representing the Diocese. It all went well, according to many varied reports from my spies and the weather was pretty spot on too!

Friday we chilled out in front of the TV and Andy also did some gardening, repotting his peppers and trying to sort the wayward runner beans. On Saturday we packed a picnic and went off to Great Notley Discovery Centre and Country Park - what a find!

I had read about it only on Thursday in my local NCT newsletter and it was Brilliant!! Lots of open space and tracks for bikes, hills man made which were perfect for kite flying, toddler friendly play areas, water play, more challenging assault courses and low ropes for older kids and some brilliant sand play areas and lovely walking. Nice cafe too! We loved it so much that we have decided to go here for our off site Falcon Camp day instead of Friday Woods, just cos it gives us so much more flexibility and options. We had about 3 hours chilling out and then headed back, so M could have a nap and then we could all go out to C's 18th birthday party. In the nap time quiet, Andy and I continued our discussions about our youth ministry, strategising and dreaming and scheming for the youth of CGC and elsewhere, praying too about who to ask to join us in this work and be part of the team...wondering where it will all take us but trusting God to take the stuff of Him and make it good and discard the rest.

We had a lovely couple of hours at the party, chatting, bouncing, eating, singing and celebrating with C and her family and friends. By the time we go home, we were shattered!! Amongst all that, we got an answer to our prayers about new leaders as 1 person approached us to say they wanted to join in on Sundays and someone else agreed to think and pray it through. God is good...and I doubt him too much...!

Sunday, as always is a busy day. Andy and I got to sit together in church for the first time in ages as he wasn't in band or on PA. That was very nice! Andy did Soul Searchers (our 10-14's) and talked with them about prayer and then got them practising using various props which went well. A chilled afternoon at home with our friend Lewis and then a fun evening with Giraffe and various others playing Cranium! Tired but happy at the end of the day!

procrastinating about: going downstairs actually - I'm in the office finishing off, this is my last job of the day and then I'm going to go and have some dinner....

book i’m in the midst of: still Jesus wants to save Christians as well as some trash I got for free with Marie Claire (If you could see me now, I think!!). I also got my copy of Youthwork magazine this month which holds 21 vision statements for the future of youthwork in 2020. It is challenging stuff - read it cover to cover in one day and will read it again shortly. Lots of great stuff in there to help us consider what youth work might look like - locally, in my Area and Diocese and nationally.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: Melody Gardot

next trip: Falcon Camp in 2 weeks and Soul Survivor B after that.

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: Revelations series on C4 on Sunday nights continues to be good - the Commando Chaplain episode last night was excellent and challenging. What does faith really mean on the front line?

Youth work done/upcoming: Doing some training tomorrow for a group I am going to be involved in next term in Eastwood. Also preparing for a Youth BBQ after church next week and then Falcon Camp the week after that...

What did you eat this weekend?? BBQ food, Cold Chicken, roasted carrots and salad, Frittata.

PS. This is one of my favourite pics from the weekend, probably going to go in our newly decorated bedroom...

the weekend that was: a weekend off...not meant to be but had to be. With my back slowly improving and seeing massive better-ness since Thursday, we took the executive decision that I wouldn't attempt to get to Solid Festival this weekend. I didn't want to end up sitting funny on the Big Tent floor or being too tempted to go abseiling or climbing and do myself more injury. Andy P was going anyway and so would be representing the Diocese. It all went well, according to many varied reports from my spies and the weather was pretty spot on too!

Friday we chilled out in front of the TV and Andy also did some gardening, repotting his peppers and trying to sort the wayward runner beans. On Saturday we packed a picnic and went off to Great Notley Discovery Centre and Country Park - what a find!

I had read about it only on Thursday in my local NCT newsletter and it was Brilliant!! Lots of open space and tracks for bikes, hills man made which were perfect for kite flying, toddler friendly play areas, water play, more challenging assault courses and low ropes for older kids and some brilliant sand play areas and lovely walking. Nice cafe too! We loved it so much that we have decided to go here for our off site Falcon Camp day instead of Friday Woods, just cos it gives us so much more flexibility and options. We had about 3 hours chilling out and then headed back, so M could have a nap and then we could all go out to C's 18th birthday party. In the nap time quiet, Andy and I continued our discussions about our youth ministry, strategising and dreaming and scheming for the youth of CGC and elsewhere, praying too about who to ask to join us in this work and be part of the team...wondering where it will all take us but trusting God to take the stuff of Him and make it good and discard the rest.

We had a lovely couple of hours at the party, chatting, bouncing, eating, singing and celebrating with C and her family and friends. By the time we go home, we were shattered!! Amongst all that, we got an answer to our prayers about new leaders as 1 person approached us to say they wanted to join in on Sundays and someone else agreed to think and pray it through. God is good...and I doubt him too much...!

Sunday, as always is a busy day. Andy and I got to sit together in church for the first time in ages as he wasn't in band or on PA. That was very nice! Andy did Soul Searchers (our 10-14's) and talked with them about prayer and then got them practising using various props which went well. A chilled afternoon at home with our friend Lewis and then a fun evening with Giraffe and various others playing Cranium! Tired but happy at the end of the day!

procrastinating about: going downstairs actually - I'm in the office finishing off, this is my last job of the day and then I'm going to go and have some dinner....

book i’m in the midst of: still Jesus wants to save Christians as well as some trash I got for free with Marie Claire (If you could see me now, I think!!). I also got my copy of Youthwork magazine this month which holds 21 vision statements for the future of youthwork in 2020. It is challenging stuff - read it cover to cover in one day and will read it again shortly. Lots of great stuff in there to help us consider what youth work might look like - locally, in my Area and Diocese and nationally.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: Melody Gardot

next trip: Falcon Camp in 2 weeks and Soul Survivor B after that.

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: Revelations series on C4 on Sunday nights continues to be good - the Commando Chaplain episode last night was excellent and challenging. What does faith really mean on the front line?

Youth work done/upcoming: Doing some training tomorrow for a group I am going to be involved in next term in Eastwood. Also preparing for a Youth BBQ after church next week and then Falcon Camp the week after that...

What did you eat this weekend?? BBQ food, Cold Chicken, roasted carrots and salad, Frittata.

PS. This is one of my favourite pics from the weekend, probably going to go in our newly decorated bedroom...

Monday 29th June 2009

the weekend that was: I returned from my CEOP training on Thursday night and my dad arrived to stay soon after. Pops retired from the London Fire Brigade about 5 years ago and since then he has been indulging his passion for sailing (anything from dinghy's in a man made lake to Atlantic trips to Antigua!) as well as working in a wine merchants and doing various other bits and pieces like DIY for us and others. He's been away recently on a 4 leg trip from the south coast down to Croatia and he leaves on the final leg this week. He was having grand-daughter withdrawal symptoms so he came over and we had a lovely evening eating in the garden and catching up.

Friday, he and I and M went into Maldon and the Pirate Ship at Prom Park...whilst there I bent over to put something in the bottom of M's buggy and managed to do something to my back...Friday afternoon was interesting - put M down for a nap and realised that I really couldn't properly move or bend down at all...Popped some pills and sat down for an hour or so but by the time Andy came home, I was quite immobile and very frustrated.

Saturday was an unplanned day off - the leaders training which was due to take place with the Sophia Network had been cancelled due to lack of numbers so we were planning a lovely family weekend in the garden, pottering about and catching up on time together - but it was not to be. I was laid up in bed, M fell down the stairs, bashed her nose and was so exhausted by the whole thing that she went for a nap just at the point that A was going to take her swimming! In the end, we all just crashed out for the day before A went out to Prom Park again to meet our friends E&K and daughter A and to bring them back here for dinner and a sleepover! I was feeling a bit better by then, got myself in (and thankfully, out!) of the shower and we enjoyed a Malaysian Curry and some Mah Jong!

Sunday morning dawned, I was immobile again and realised there was no way I would make it there and back to Walthamstow for RevAP's ordination...which I was very gutted about. So, another boring, flat out day continued, with A & M at church I did some bits and pieces at home, but couldn't hoover or do the dishwasher or anything mildly useful! A was preaching at All Saints Church Maldon where they are piloting a new monthly informal evening service on Sunday nights, so he was busy preparing for that during the afternoon while M napped. When he got back we caught up with the season finale of CSI:New York- OMG! Brilliant and cannot believe we have to wait until the next series to find out what happens...

It's now Monday morning and my back is no better - so called the doctor out who said I have pulled muscles all along the base of my back and a number of trapped nerves, so he's prescribed Valium (!) and some anti inflammatory drugs as well as telling me I shouldn't sit or stand for longer than 20 minutes at a time, shouldn't drive or lift M! Brilliant! This could be an interesting week!

where i am at the moment: in the dining room. Having got downstairs initially this morning, and had the consultation with the doctor, I can't get upstairs again so I'm on the youth lap top instead of my work one!

on my to-do list this week: the to do list has slightly changed from this morning! I'm now organising cover for me for this weekend's Bradwell Pilgrimage as I won't be able to be as active as I'd hoped. Thankfully I have a team already lined up of amazing youth workers and volunteers so we should be alright - I'll just have to sit on the sidelines and bark orders! I'm also taking the opportunity of immobility to catch up on some admin tasks, get a few jobs done for Falcon Camp and various other little bits and pieces - but only for 20 minutes stretches!!

procrastinating about: nothing, I feel as though this week is going to be the complete opposite - all the things I need to do I can't do, rather than putting them off!! I am not good at being bored, but as some of my lovely Hub youthworkers have already pointed out, I need to learn from my own teaching about Deep Rest! Seriously, I know how bad chronic back pain can be and I am going to do my best to rest well and get properly better otherwise I know this could be a recurring problem. 

book i’m in the midst of: Fortune's Rocks still from last week, also started Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell which I have had for a while but it got nabbed by A and he's only just given it over (after reading 3 times!) so that's a good review. A also bought me Marie Claire and it came with a free novel so I might get into that this week to ease the boredom!

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: enjoyed Glastonbury on TV this weekend, particularly the Ting Tings and Blur's comeback...

next trip: nothing until Falcon Camp in 4 weeks time arrrrrgggghhhh!

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: CSI I've already mentioned and when one series ends, another begins! Sky+ is set to record CSI: Miami from Tuesday night. Also watched the first in the Revelations series on Channel 4 last night, all about the Alpha course. Maybe I'll blog about that later this week...but the presenter irritated me a lot!

Youth work done/upcoming: Bradwell Pilgrimage this weekend, engaging with young people at this annual family event, as well as Giraffe on Sunday night and visiting two youth groups next week, hopefully the back will be better by then.

What did you eat this weekend?? Malaysian Curry (Gordon Ramsey's), Linguine with Broccoli and Stilton, Ploughman's lunch with lovely local ham from Buntings (our new best friends, they have just started doing online orders and delivery! yay!)...and I made the breakfast seed bars from Phil Vickery's Gluten Free cooking book which are yummy. Did them with condensed Caramel which made a change, very moreish!

the weekend that was: I returned from my CEOP training on Thursday night and my dad arrived to stay soon after. Pops retired from the London Fire Brigade about 5 years ago and since then he has been indulging his passion for sailing (anything from dinghy's in a man made lake to Atlantic trips to Antigua!) as well as working in a wine merchants and doing various other bits and pieces like DIY for us and others. He's been away recently on a 4 leg trip from the south coast down to Croatia and he leaves on the final leg this week. He was having grand-daughter withdrawal symptoms so he came over and we had a lovely evening eating in the garden and catching up.

Friday, he and I and M went into Maldon and the Pirate Ship at Prom Park...whilst there I bent over to put something in the bottom of M's buggy and managed to do something to my back...Friday afternoon was interesting - put M down for a nap and realised that I really couldn't properly move or bend down at all...Popped some pills and sat down for an hour or so but by the time Andy came home, I was quite immobile and very frustrated.

Saturday was an unplanned day off - the leaders training which was due to take place with the Sophia Network had been cancelled due to lack of numbers so we were planning a lovely family weekend in the garden, pottering about and catching up on time together - but it was not to be. I was laid up in bed, M fell down the stairs, bashed her nose and was so exhausted by the whole thing that she went for a nap just at the point that A was going to take her swimming! In the end, we all just crashed out for the day before A went out to Prom Park again to meet our friends E&K and daughter A and to bring them back here for dinner and a sleepover! I was feeling a bit better by then, got myself in (and thankfully, out!) of the shower and we enjoyed a Malaysian Curry and some Mah Jong!

Sunday morning dawned, I was immobile again and realised there was no way I would make it there and back to Walthamstow for RevAP's ordination...which I was very gutted about. So, another boring, flat out day continued, with A & M at church I did some bits and pieces at home, but couldn't hoover or do the dishwasher or anything mildly useful! A was preaching at All Saints Church Maldon where they are piloting a new monthly informal evening service on Sunday nights, so he was busy preparing for that during the afternoon while M napped. When he got back we caught up with the season finale of CSI:New York- OMG! Brilliant and cannot believe we have to wait until the next series to find out what happens...

It's now Monday morning and my back is no better - so called the doctor out who said I have pulled muscles all along the base of my back and a number of trapped nerves, so he's prescribed Valium (!) and some anti inflammatory drugs as well as telling me I shouldn't sit or stand for longer than 20 minutes at a time, shouldn't drive or lift M! Brilliant! This could be an interesting week!

where i am at the moment: in the dining room. Having got downstairs initially this morning, and had the consultation with the doctor, I can't get upstairs again so I'm on the youth lap top instead of my work one!

on my to-do list this week: the to do list has slightly changed from this morning! I'm now organising cover for me for this weekend's Bradwell Pilgrimage as I won't be able to be as active as I'd hoped. Thankfully I have a team already lined up of amazing youth workers and volunteers so we should be alright - I'll just have to sit on the sidelines and bark orders! I'm also taking the opportunity of immobility to catch up on some admin tasks, get a few jobs done for Falcon Camp and various other little bits and pieces - but only for 20 minutes stretches!!

procrastinating about: nothing, I feel as though this week is going to be the complete opposite - all the things I need to do I can't do, rather than putting them off!! I am not good at being bored, but as some of my lovely Hub youthworkers have already pointed out, I need to learn from my own teaching about Deep Rest! Seriously, I know how bad chronic back pain can be and I am going to do my best to rest well and get properly better otherwise I know this could be a recurring problem. 

book i’m in the midst of: Fortune's Rocks still from last week, also started Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell which I have had for a while but it got nabbed by A and he's only just given it over (after reading 3 times!) so that's a good review. A also bought me Marie Claire and it came with a free novel so I might get into that this week to ease the boredom!

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: enjoyed Glastonbury on TV this weekend, particularly the Ting Tings and Blur's comeback...

next trip: nothing until Falcon Camp in 4 weeks time arrrrrgggghhhh!

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: CSI I've already mentioned and when one series ends, another begins! Sky+ is set to record CSI: Miami from Tuesday night. Also watched the first in the Revelations series on Channel 4 last night, all about the Alpha course. Maybe I'll blog about that later this week...but the presenter irritated me a lot!

Youth work done/upcoming: Bradwell Pilgrimage this weekend, engaging with young people at this annual family event, as well as Giraffe on Sunday night and visiting two youth groups next week, hopefully the back will be better by then.

What did you eat this weekend?? Malaysian Curry (Gordon Ramsey's), Linguine with Broccoli and Stilton, Ploughman's lunch with lovely local ham from Buntings (our new best friends, they have just started doing online orders and delivery! yay!)...and I made the breakfast seed bars from Phil Vickery's Gluten Free cooking book which are yummy. Did them with condensed Caramel which made a change, very moreish!

Monday morning update 22 June 09

the weekend that was: a bit busier than expected, but in a nice way! It's been a week of babies - our friends T&K had a baby boy Caleb on Monday and our other friend J became an aunty to Samuel on Thursday. J's sister had her baby in Maldon St Peter's hospital so she came to stay for the weekend with her sister to enable them to visit and catch up with other family too. We had 4 extra for roast chicken on Saturday night...lovely to have the house full and for a joyful reason too!

I was working on Saturday morning delivering Equipping training in Chelmsford with Andy P. It was a good session, considering that usually we are on the third delivery of the session by the Saturday. Unfortunately due to numbers we had to cancel our sessions on Tuesday and Thursday so the session was a bit more adrenalin fuelled than normal! Isn't it always the way tho, that the sessions we haven't practiced too much are often the best?! Many people found the Life Shape Semi Circle as a principle of work from rest really helpful as well as the introduction of the Ignatian Prayer of Examen.

I have been battling an oncoming cold and very sore throat every morning since last weekend - a key sign of overdoing it..Saturday it was pretty bad and I wondered if my voice would last the session. It did, thank God but I was popping ibuprofen most of Saturday afternoon and felt pretty rough by the time I went to bed, still no proper cold but very sore throat and aching limbs.

On Sunday Andy and I were involved in the second of our new Outreach services for Father's Day (the last one was Mother's Day). We had breakfast followed by some intergenerational activities, some Bible based quizzes around The Father Heart of God and a short talk (Andy) leading into a time of quiet, prayer and meditation through a physical action (putting prayers into a pin board heart) and an on-screen presentation of visuals and words. It went well, people found it fun and thought provoking and it was good to have a chance to make what can be a difficult day for people a bit more relaxed, safe and prayerful. We're just learning as we go along with these things...trying new stuff, seeing what people think and then doing something different the next time. We haven't had a band the last 2 events, but we might do some music next time (around Harvest)...so watch this space! Well done Tracy, Donna, Sally and Andy...we pulled it off!

Yesterday, being Father's Day was Andy's choice of course...but we knew M would need a sleep after her antics at church so she had a nap for 2 hours and we got caught up on some CSI New York before doing some filing and reinstating the desk in the dining room. Andy has also got an iPhone this week so he has a new toy and was quite happy spending time adding new apps and getting music uploaded! A ready meal curry (shocker!) and an early night completed the weekend...but going to bed in our new bedroom doesn't feel like the end of the weekend anymore, it's something to look forward to! ;-)

where i am at the moment: downstairs in front of Jeremy Kyle and suffering not only with a sore throat and aching limbs but the onset of my usual monthly pain days...so a sick day. Doing a few bits of work for Falcon Camp but will be going back to bed soon and dosing myself up. Unfortunately, have to work tonight, but just have to be present and smile!

on my to-do list this week: Falcon Camp preparation, getting the week's programme agreed with our venue. Also having a lieu day tomorrow left over from my conference week and the Bishop's Tent week. Am away for 1 night on Wednesday on a course in Cambridge with CEOP about online safety and young people.

procrastinating about: getting my insurance claim form filled in for my stolen bag last week...it's a totally confusing form and they want everything in my bag (toiletries etc.) valued which is going to take ages!

book i’m in the midst of: Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve. Just Walk with Me which is the story of the e:merge project in Bradford that we visited on the DYO Conference in May.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: new U2 album is growing on me and have been getting into the new Gary Go album too.

next trip: Away on Wednesday night for the ThinkUKnow CEOP training in Cambridge.

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: CSI Catch up yesterday was lovely! Love that show, especially being able to say 'been there'! Tried to record Martina Cole's The Take but the timings on Sky+ were wrong so missed them all! Brothers and Sister season finale on Thursday was good, but not much of a finale to whet our appetites for next time...so we'll see where they take the Walker family. To be honest, TV wise, I'm just waiting for Strictly to return!

Youth work done/upcoming: We have our 'Tea Time' session with the youth this Friday at m:deli and then Giraffe as usual next Sunday, continuing the Kingdom theme.

What did you eat this weekend?? Pasta with veggies and pesto, Roast Chicken dinner, Chicken Korma and Rice. Not hugely exciting...but tasty!

Have a great week, whatever you're doing! x

the weekend that was: a bit busier than expected, but in a nice way! It's been a week of babies - our friends T&K had a baby boy Caleb on Monday and our other friend J became an aunty to Samuel on Thursday. J's sister had her baby in Maldon St Peter's hospital so she came to stay for the weekend with her sister to enable them to visit and catch up with other family too. We had 4 extra for roast chicken on Saturday night...lovely to have the house full and for a joyful reason too!

I was working on Saturday morning delivering Equipping training in Chelmsford with Andy P. It was a good session, considering that usually we are on the third delivery of the session by the Saturday. Unfortunately due to numbers we had to cancel our sessions on Tuesday and Thursday so the session was a bit more adrenalin fuelled than normal! Isn't it always the way tho, that the sessions we haven't practiced too much are often the best?! Many people found the Life Shape Semi Circle as a principle of work from rest really helpful as well as the introduction of the Ignatian Prayer of Examen.

I have been battling an oncoming cold and very sore throat every morning since last weekend - a key sign of overdoing it..Saturday it was pretty bad and I wondered if my voice would last the session. It did, thank God but I was popping ibuprofen most of Saturday afternoon and felt pretty rough by the time I went to bed, still no proper cold but very sore throat and aching limbs.

On Sunday Andy and I were involved in the second of our new Outreach services for Father's Day (the last one was Mother's Day). We had breakfast followed by some intergenerational activities, some Bible based quizzes around The Father Heart of God and a short talk (Andy) leading into a time of quiet, prayer and meditation through a physical action (putting prayers into a pin board heart) and an on-screen presentation of visuals and words. It went well, people found it fun and thought provoking and it was good to have a chance to make what can be a difficult day for people a bit more relaxed, safe and prayerful. We're just learning as we go along with these things...trying new stuff, seeing what people think and then doing something different the next time. We haven't had a band the last 2 events, but we might do some music next time (around Harvest)...so watch this space! Well done Tracy, Donna, Sally and Andy...we pulled it off!

Yesterday, being Father's Day was Andy's choice of course...but we knew M would need a sleep after her antics at church so she had a nap for 2 hours and we got caught up on some CSI New York before doing some filing and reinstating the desk in the dining room. Andy has also got an iPhone this week so he has a new toy and was quite happy spending time adding new apps and getting music uploaded! A ready meal curry (shocker!) and an early night completed the weekend...but going to bed in our new bedroom doesn't feel like the end of the weekend anymore, it's something to look forward to! ;-)

where i am at the moment: downstairs in front of Jeremy Kyle and suffering not only with a sore throat and aching limbs but the onset of my usual monthly pain days...so a sick day. Doing a few bits of work for Falcon Camp but will be going back to bed soon and dosing myself up. Unfortunately, have to work tonight, but just have to be present and smile!

on my to-do list this week: Falcon Camp preparation, getting the week's programme agreed with our venue. Also having a lieu day tomorrow left over from my conference week and the Bishop's Tent week. Am away for 1 night on Wednesday on a course in Cambridge with CEOP about online safety and young people.

procrastinating about: getting my insurance claim form filled in for my stolen bag last week...it's a totally confusing form and they want everything in my bag (toiletries etc.) valued which is going to take ages!

book i’m in the midst of: Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve. Just Walk with Me which is the story of the e:merge project in Bradford that we visited on the DYO Conference in May.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: new U2 album is growing on me and have been getting into the new Gary Go album too.

next trip: Away on Wednesday night for the ThinkUKnow CEOP training in Cambridge.

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: CSI Catch up yesterday was lovely! Love that show, especially being able to say 'been there'! Tried to record Martina Cole's The Take but the timings on Sky+ were wrong so missed them all! Brothers and Sister season finale on Thursday was good, but not much of a finale to whet our appetites for next time...so we'll see where they take the Walker family. To be honest, TV wise, I'm just waiting for Strictly to return!

Youth work done/upcoming: We have our 'Tea Time' session with the youth this Friday at m:deli and then Giraffe as usual next Sunday, continuing the Kingdom theme.

What did you eat this weekend?? Pasta with veggies and pesto, Roast Chicken dinner, Chicken Korma and Rice. Not hugely exciting...but tasty!

Have a great week, whatever you're doing! x

a 2 week Monday update

the weekend that was: I didn't blog last Monday (getting de ja vous a bit now!) as I was on the train up to Sheffield for the Pilgrimage conference at St Thomas Church. I'll blog seperately on that another time, but for now, it's fair to say it was a significant week and I have a lot to process...watch this space!

Last weekend was a silly weekend - working on Friday in preparation for the Falcon Team weekend, which happened mainly on Saturday but some follow up on Sunday too. Sunday was the TentEvent in Bishop Laurie's garden for young people...which was awesome! We reckon we had around 110 young people and their leaders crammed into the marquee and the Bishop's garden for BBQ, outdoor games, kite flying, Q&A with the Bishop, live music, worship and ice cream cones! Really great event and the rain held off too! The parallel event for Leaders and Youth Workers the Wednesday prior to this was also really great fun and fantastic networking - thanks to all those who made it happen!

This weekend has been busy but productive. I had Friday off, after returning from my conference minus my overnight bag, stolen by a lovely person somewhere between Leicester and St Pancras. By now, they will have found my mountain of dirty washing, some damp clothes from getting caught in a massive thunderstorm and a selection of well used make up, cheap jewellery and some weird Christian books which I hadn't read yet! Let's hope that might prompt them to return it! Apart from that, Friday was chilled, with a new carpet being fitted in our bedroom and a last minute trip to the Food Company in Marks Tey for chorizo!

Saturday I was working, delivering Child Protection training in Basildon and then ordering a curry for the boys doing some flatpack construction in our bedroom! The flatpack continued today and we just have to do the sliding doors now and the new bedroom will be almost complete - just lacking a bit of styling!

where i am at the moment: in the office....

on my to-do list this week: having a day off...am owed so much time. Also have some meetings about Asheldham stuff, catching up on Falcon stuff that was decided last week as well as trekking through the mountain of emails!! And am doing the Big Toddle for Barnardo's with Matilda on Wednesday!

procrastinating about: going to bed and reading...it should be something I relish, but I'm almost too tired to sleep! 

book i’m in the midst of: I was in the middle of a Good Orthodoxy but that got stolen. I bought Calling a City back to God which is the story of the development of St Thomas, so I will start that this week.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: Enjoyed the random mix my husband made for my ipod for the journey - including Beth Orton, Kirk Franklin, U2, The Charalatans and Hillsong!

next trip: I am away for 1 night next week on a course with Centre for Expolitation and Online Protection - looking at young people's use of the internet and online safety.

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: nothing much, Britains Next Model is getting exciting - should I admit to that?

Youth work done/upcoming: Continuing the GIraffe sessions on Kingdom as well as preparing to take our youth to Solid Festival in July.

What did you eat this weekend?? Chorizo and Butternut Squash risotto on Friday, take away Chicken Tikka Pasanda last night and a burger with soda farl, salad and new potatoes for Sunday lunch. All yum!

Have a great week, whatever you're doing! x

the weekend that was: I didn't blog last Monday (getting de ja vous a bit now!) as I was on the train up to Sheffield for the Pilgrimage conference at St Thomas Church. I'll blog seperately on that another time, but for now, it's fair to say it was a significant week and I have a lot to process...watch this space!

Last weekend was a silly weekend - working on Friday in preparation for the Falcon Team weekend, which happened mainly on Saturday but some follow up on Sunday too. Sunday was the TentEvent in Bishop Laurie's garden for young people...which was awesome! We reckon we had around 110 young people and their leaders crammed into the marquee and the Bishop's garden for BBQ, outdoor games, kite flying, Q&A with the Bishop, live music, worship and ice cream cones! Really great event and the rain held off too! The parallel event for Leaders and Youth Workers the Wednesday prior to this was also really great fun and fantastic networking - thanks to all those who made it happen!

This weekend has been busy but productive. I had Friday off, after returning from my conference minus my overnight bag, stolen by a lovely person somewhere between Leicester and St Pancras. By now, they will have found my mountain of dirty washing, some damp clothes from getting caught in a massive thunderstorm and a selection of well used make up, cheap jewellery and some weird Christian books which I hadn't read yet! Let's hope that might prompt them to return it! Apart from that, Friday was chilled, with a new carpet being fitted in our bedroom and a last minute trip to the Food Company in Marks Tey for chorizo!

Saturday I was working, delivering Child Protection training in Basildon and then ordering a curry for the boys doing some flatpack construction in our bedroom! The flatpack continued today and we just have to do the sliding doors now and the new bedroom will be almost complete - just lacking a bit of styling!

where i am at the moment: in the office....

on my to-do list this week: having a day off...am owed so much time. Also have some meetings about Asheldham stuff, catching up on Falcon stuff that was decided last week as well as trekking through the mountain of emails!! And am doing the Big Toddle for Barnardo's with Matilda on Wednesday!

procrastinating about: going to bed and reading...it should be something I relish, but I'm almost too tired to sleep! 

book i’m in the midst of: I was in the middle of a Good Orthodoxy but that got stolen. I bought Calling a City back to God which is the story of the development of St Thomas, so I will start that this week.

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: Enjoyed the random mix my husband made for my ipod for the journey - including Beth Orton, Kirk Franklin, U2, The Charalatans and Hillsong!

next trip: I am away for 1 night next week on a course with Centre for Expolitation and Online Protection - looking at young people's use of the internet and online safety.

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: nothing much, Britains Next Model is getting exciting - should I admit to that?

Youth work done/upcoming: Continuing the GIraffe sessions on Kingdom as well as preparing to take our youth to Solid Festival in July.

What did you eat this weekend?? Chorizo and Butternut Squash risotto on Friday, take away Chicken Tikka Pasanda last night and a burger with soda farl, salad and new potatoes for Sunday lunch. All yum!

Have a great week, whatever you're doing! x

Monday morning update

the weekend that was: I didn't blog last Monday cos I was away in Keswick on holiday. we travelled back this Saturday just gone after a wonderful week of walks, sunshine, fabulous scenery and great fun. Keswick is a great town, not just for the usual Lakes stuff but also the restaurants, leisure centre and other attractions which are necessary for a British holiday with a toddler. As it was, we didn't need most of that cos the weather was fabulous and we walked most days.

We got back into 'normal life' whatever that is, pretty quickly. The unpacking and washing and sorting has continued until this evening...never ending. We had church and Giraffe as usual last night which was fun - a baby shower for Kath one of our leaders who is due to pop with baby 2 anytime now. We played silly games and gave her a good send off into maternity leave!

And today, well back to work with a bang. A big meeting this morning with the Bishop, Archdeacon, all the Area Deans, the Core Team that I closely relate and the wider Extended Team too. Very efficiently chaired which always makes me happy and a nice meeting over coffee first thing with my Deanery supervisor.

Andy and I dashed across to Bishop's House after school to drop off PA for a series of events this week, see below.

where i am at the moment: in the office where my lap top lives. It is newly tidied and I have found many things I thought I had lost!!

on my to-do list this week: preparation for The Hub tomorrow, final preparations for TentEvents this week (Wednesday a curry and beer night for youth leaders and workers and Sunday night youth event) hosted b y Bishop Laurie in his garden but delivered by yours truly. We're expecting good numbers.

As well as that, we have the Falcon Afloat kids camp planning day this Saturday with a number of people coming to stay for the weekend, so that's needing some thinking, preparation and food shopping done for it!!

procrastinating about: the final details of all the above, as well as decorating our bedroom...it's a work in progress still and somehow the evenings keep disappearing.

book i’m in the midst of: finished Youth Ministry 3.0 at the DYO Conference week before last. Will blog on that seperately. STill finishing the Anita Shreve from a few weeks ago and I got my latest copy of Olive magazine after the holiday. As well as that, had a shipment of books from Amazon for the summer reading programme I am putting myself on! Including A Generous Orthodoxy, A Good Childhood and Coaching and Mentoring for Dummies!

music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: er the usual, whatever came on the ipod.

next trip: away to Sheffield on Monday for 4 days for the Pilgrimage event at St Thomas Crookes, exploring LifeShapes and The Order of Mission. Got the programme through today and am really looking forward to it in lots of ways. Spiritual input and theological reflection as well as time with Alison and Jon who are B&B-ing me for the week!

stuff I'm into on TV/films right now: lots of catching up to do, Brothers and Sisters, some stuff on 1066 that I Sky+ and need to watch Rob Bell Everything is Spiritual for some training too.

Youth work done/upcoming: The TentEvents this week are looming as well as some training for young leaders at the end of the month. Giraffe sessions on Kingdom continue and are going well.

What did you eat this weekend?? BBQ on Saturday, Fish and Chips on Friday in the Park in Keswick, Lasagne yesterday and Chicken on the BBQ tonight...nothing too exciting. Too busy to be planning eclectic menus this week I'm afraid!