Kelly's World!

2011 has come to an end....

2011-12-31T11:38:00.000Z

Well it's that time of year again, another year has come and is about to pass. 2011 was a really busy year for me with lots of changes on many fronts of my life.

The year began how 2010 ended, with me still trying to find a job after leaving university. I knew in January that 2011 was going to be a busier year than normal with the whole prospect of getting married in the July, But who was I to know that over the year I would be in 4 different jobs as well.

I started of the year with the jobs I had at the end of 2010, which were Waitrose and Blood Transfusion Service - which were both good jobs. In March I got a great opportunity that I know God guided me too. I got a new part time job with the Scottish Bible Society, as a project administrator. I kept on my job at The Blood Transfusion Service as well, so It gave me a tiring week, with 40 hours being worked over 9am-7.30 Monday to Friday, I have to say my favourite days were Monday and Thursday, where I was 9-5 in one job and didn't have the rushing between places of work. So yeah I'll tell you all a bit about the Scottish Bible Society. I was part of the project - The People's Bible (http://www.thepeoplesbible.org/). It was such a great experience, a challenging one with such a lot to do in the 9 months i was employed with SBS, but overall a fab 9 months. The project was part of the celebrations of 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, which went on the road in June, after the launch in Edinburgh Castle, and ended in Westminster Abbey in November. The Roadshow travelled all over Scotland England and Wales, and I had the task of arranging venues in Scotland. So was a really brilliant challenge. I also loved the people I met at SBS, there staff are truly great, and made me feel welcome from day one, and made my time there so enjoyable.

That job came to an end in November so I was on the job hunt in the latter part of my time there, I managed to get a new job at Stockbridge Health Centre - on reception which i started in December. I am still trying to get to grips with the job there but I'm enjoying it and the people are friendly, one of the great positives of this job is that it is 35 hours a week, which means I could leave Blood transfusion Service and have one job are fab, not so much because I left there because the people there were good to work with but just because I'm in one full time job. Anyways enough about jobs, but as you can see the year has been quite job focused.

One of the biggest things of 2011, was the fact I got married to Pete :). We had a great day, and I enjoyed the experience, I'm not going to write more about this here as there is a blog about it already, but that was a fab part of my year and a special thanks to Lindsay and Lesley for keeping me calm as possible in the run up to and on the day.

On those lines I also moved out of mums and into a new flat with Pete, its been a weird 6 months of living together and getting used to living in the same house as someone and being together so much of the time has been a huge learning curve, but its been a good one overall.

It felt weird not doing holiday club in the end this year, there was a number of issues which in the end meant we couldn't hold it this year, and that was really sad, I'm hopeful we might be able to do it next year. Myself and Andrew however did start up Amplify which is youth group for secondary aged children in the church, which has grown from 2 youth to around 10 so that is a positive. I also spend some of my Sunday mornings helping at Junior church so have kept myself busy.

My friends were as ever an important part of my year and without them I'm sure i wouldn't have made it through with a smile on my face. As the year has gone on so many of my close friends have had so many changes, new jobs and flats too. It has made it more important for me to find time for them to meet up and catch up on their life's, now that we are all doing different things. When you are all at the same stage in life it is easy to keep up, but as you grown up you realise that friendships take your time and work to keep them happening, and keep you all close. I'm lucky to have friends that it feels like we've never been apart and find it so easy to catch up, it makes the process of growing up one that you know you can share with old friends without feeling awkward.

Time is getting on and I am heading out so will some up with a few of the other great points of the year.

Trip to London in January & then again with work in November
Honeymoon in the Lake District and Zorbing & Go Ape
Lots of Coffee's and Chats in Starbucks (Second home!)
First married Christmas

I normally end with a resolution for the next year but yet again I haven't thought of one. Also since i didn't have one for 2011 I cant tell you'ze if i kept it. Nothing to keep in all that. I will let you all know if I get a resolution for 2012.

All in all 2011 was a good year, a tiring one which I know its maybe wrong to say, is glad its over. Not because it was bad! But because it was exciting and jam packed. I'll be glad to enter a year that is hopefully more calm and stable and that I can enjoy with my husband and continue to grow in our new marriage.

I hope you all had a great Christmas and that 2011 was great year for you all like it was for me. All the best in 2012, I hope it is one in which you concur goals you have set and experience new and exciting things, but most of all a year in which you are happy.

Speak to you all again soon.

2011-08-24T08:10:00.001+01:00

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Everybody's changing...

2011-08-05T14:19:00.001+01:00

I'm sitting watching the world go by, and it makes me really think of other people. Have caught up with a few friends this week, I realise how different our lives have become in terms of our hopes and dreams, our current situations and our day to day struggles, its not something you think of a lot when you are doing similar things as you can so easily assume we are all in the same boat.

Recently since my life has been changing so have so many of my friends, be it job hunting/finding, moving or changes in circumstances that make us the different people we are at our age.
This is kind of a random blog with not much of a point, mainly an opportunity for me to drop what's in my head onto this electronic paper so to speak.

Thanks for reading.
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So I got married...

2011-08-04T23:07:00.000+01:00

This blog is so overdue to be fair I got married about a month a month ago. On possibly one of the wetest days in summer in Edinburgh, the venue was indeed struck by lightening at one point and in other locations in Edinburgh the streets were flooded.

I had an amazing day, I hear I worried my new husband by turning up late... I would like to mention I was ready to go and waiting in the hotel reception whilst the bridesmaids were still getting ready and it was this that made us late. That probally brought the ceremony to nearer the time I had originally wanted (anyone who knows me will know there was a small issue with the timing Pete put on the invites for the wedding *cough* too early *cough*.) So yeah we had a lovely service which was led by Ian our minister, it was really great having someone that knew us marry us as I'm sure he knew how we both were feeling and knew when to give us a look to say it was all going okay.

After the ceremony we spend slot of time getting photos taking, which I think I was probally quite annoyed about at the time when I just wanted to see my friends and family, but they have turned out fab so I'm very glad we did spend that time getting them. Needless to say by the meal I was starving, having had a limited breakfast before the epic day began... A big notable mention to the lemon tart which was great. The speeches were all great, I'm glad Scott my cousin did one from our side of the family. :)

The meal was followed by an evening of dancing which was great loved the ceilidh songs and the night deffo livened up as the night went on.

I'm thankful that so many of my friends could make it along to be part of our special day as it made the day evening more special for us, with lots of happy memories to remember in years to come.

Well that's it for now,
Signing out as the new Mrs Murray :)

New Name, New Flat, New News :)

2011-07-30T21:30:00.000+01:00

Well hi everyone.

Long time no speak, that's the problem when life gets busy, you find it hard to set time aside to reflect and blog.

Since the last time I blogged, I have changed my name - well technically I have gotten married... Mrs Murray to you all now, how scary is that. I have also moved into the wee rented flat that me and Pete have in Edinburgh.

Also to be honest since the last time I blogged, I have started a new job, just a temp one until December but its good experience. I probably wouldn't have got around to blogging if i hadn't been reading Penni's blog, which she is writing whilst in Nepal - http://penniway.blogspot.com/ Check it out!

I really hope to blog a bit more now life is less hectic, but will probably do a few catch upy blogs on the things that have happened over the year which i haven't spoken much about such as wedding, moving flat, honeymoon etc etc.

I hope everyone is well and I will hopefully be writing again in the near future.

Kel

Project 365 - fail

2011-02-11T12:47:00.000Z

I've given up on my photo a day which you probably already noticed!

Kelly
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31/1/11

2011-01-31T11:46:00.000Z

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30/1/11

2011-01-30T10:30:00.000Z

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29/1/11

2011-01-29T19:59:00.000Z

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28/1/11

2011-01-28T14:16:00.000Z

Its my birthday...
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27/1/11

2011-01-27T08:51:00.000Z

Healthy breakfast - not?!
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26/1/11

2011-01-26T12:39:00.000Z

Caught up on bible in one year again!

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25/1/11

2011-01-25T12:46:00.000Z

My bus-time reading...
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24/1/11

2011-01-24T18:45:00.000Z

Filling up on chocolate before dinner... Nothing new there then!!
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23/1/11

2011-01-23T09:04:00.000Z

Devotions at Starbucks
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22/1/11

2011-01-22T18:49:00.000Z

Takeaway for dinner :)
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21/1/11

2011-01-21T21:00:00.000Z

Lazy night, on laptop and watching telly
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London Trip 2011: Ice Bar

2011-01-21T20:56:00.000Z

Monday night, we had a visit to the ice bar, which is a nice wee bar that is minus 7. You buy a ticket and are allowed in for 40 mins, because its so cold. It was a fab time, the glass you get is made of ice, which is so cool.

Was a really good evening, even if it did take me ages to warm up after it.

London Trip 2011: Sightseeing and Shopping

2011-01-21T20:45:00.001Z

Lots of Sightseeing and Shopping :D Heres some pictures...

London Trip 2011: Natural History Museum, Science Museum & Imperial War Museum

2011-01-21T20:27:00.000Z

Natural History Museum: Lots of dinosaurs and animals, was really good, loved the dinosaurs area. There was loads of school kids in the way though.

Brilliant gift shops too!!! :D

Imperial War Museum: Such a good museum, best out of the three we went too. The Holocaust exhibition was really interesting, and I also enjoyed the 1st and 2nd world war areas. They had a 1940s house which you could look around and also a Blitz experience were you got to experience what it is like to be in a shelter during a blitz raid.

The trench experience was also really cool, and it was good to see and smell (well I'm sure it had nothing on what it really smelt like) what it would have been like as a soldier in WW1.

Science Museum: We just popped into the science museum because it was next door to the natural history museum, and I'm glad it wasn't something i had really looked forward to, because although it was interesting, it wasn't very interactive and I didn't really find it was somewhere i would want to spend much time. The cafe also left a lot to be desired!!

London Trip 2011: Hillsongs Church London

2011-01-21T20:01:00.001Z

Me and Pete went along to the Hillsongs church London, for the 6pm service on Sunday. It was a good service, can't believe how busy it was though. I also forgot how many people actually go as their main church, I think i would find it hard in a church that size, How would you ever meet people? and make friends and have the community of church.

The speaker was from America, and was really fab, look him up on the Hillsongs London podcast on itunes, for the 16/1/11 podcast... Fishers of men I think is the title.

If I'm honest I felt quite lost in the church and although someone from the church did speak to us as we waited to go in, there was no really way of getting to chat to anyone from the church if you had just walked into the church off the street.

The worship was good, i felt too much clapping, but actually probably more that I'm just not used to that kind of worship environment. All in all a really good experience 10/10 for the speaker :)

20/1/11

2011-01-20T08:57:00.000Z

Back to normal now...
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19/1/11

2011-01-19T19:23:00.000Z

Home time! Good time in London :)

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18/1/11

2011-01-18T10:38:00.000Z

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17/1/11

2011-01-17T14:18:00.000Z

London underground
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16/1/11

2011-01-16T12:28:00.000Z

Off to london we go...
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15/1/11

2011-01-15T22:43:00.000Z

Hmmm seem to be married to Pete... Six months ahead of the time how odd! And furthermore... We have started a new family Murrey as apose to Murray! Love it!

Sarah and Ali Millers Wedding!
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14/1/11

2011-01-14T20:00:00.000Z

At hotel...
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13/1/11

2011-01-13T08:00:00.000Z

On way to work
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12/1/11

2011-01-12T10:02:00.002Z

11/1/11

2011-01-11T10:06:00.000Z

Breakfast!! With a soup spoon, for all the Lead Up people that may read this!
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10/1/11

2011-01-10T21:25:00.000Z

Second visit to gym today
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9/1/11

2011-01-09T09:09:00.000Z

Sunday morning starbucks before church
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Need to get fit!

2011-01-08T23:03:00.000Z

So for the last few years I've had good intentions of eating better, becoming more active, generally taking more care of my self.

Hasn't really gotten of the ground in previous years; but 2011 has the added incentive of being the year I get married: bring on July!!! So like most women getting married I want to look good in my dress, but instead of crash dieting nearer the time, I think getting generally fitter in the six months running up to the wedding would be much more beneficial! As I say I have good intentions so we will see where I go from here with it.

Now do I:
Join a gym?
Take up a sport?
Start running?
Cut out junk food?
Eat healthier?

Decision time!!!!

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8/1/11

2011-01-08T12:46:00.000Z

Late brunch on a Saturday
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7/1/11

2011-01-07T12:05:00.000Z

Least I got comfy seat this time
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6/1/11

2011-01-06T09:27:00.000Z

All of four days without wellies
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5/1/11

2011-01-05T09:37:00.000Z

http://www.scotblood.co.uk/

Doing overtime at work today :)

4/1/11

2011-01-04T15:34:00.000Z

Starbucks for lunch
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3/1/11

2011-01-03T10:20:00.000Z

Start the day with a cup of tea...
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2/1/11

2011-01-02T13:28:00.000Z

Managed to find trainers to wear after over a month of just wearing wellies and boots.

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1/1/11

2011-01-01T14:34:00.002Z

Still thinking about my new years resolution for 2011!

Project 365!

2011-01-01T14:33:00.002Z

Going to attempt Project 365. We'll see how far I get with it... not sure i have the willpower to do it for a whole year!

2010

2010-12-29T10:54:00.003Z

2010…

So it’s the end of 2010…. What a year it’s been!

So I started to think how to start this blog, and then I stopped, stared at the screen and decided to look back at the last few years end of year blogs to see what had changed in that time: Quite a lot is the answer! I’m finished university, this will have been my last Christmas before being one half of a married couple, and I’m part of the working world paying tax and all! And the nice bubble I think you have as a student was well and truly burst!

Right time to reflect on 2010… From my blogs at the start of the year, snow was as hated in January 2010 as it is in December 2010; this is the first year I can remember that I have really detested the snow and its ability to bring the country to a standstill, that being said I did a few good experiences in the snow when I had time to enjoy walking in it to Starbucks and looking at the view of Edinburgh Castle and the rock covered in snow. As the first half of the year went on I don’t think I was in a good place… this time last year I was ready to drop out of university, I hated it with a passion, and for the first half of 2010 as I struggled to get to graduation my mood reflected that – I’m happy to say that I graduated with a 2:2 in June, so all the stressing feels worth it. I think if I had let myself leave I would be sitting regretting it now.

I had great fun sorting out GBC Solution again, and this year’s holiday club, was much more successful than the last… I’m sure others will agree. It was a space theme, which meant lots of silver paint and fun building a control panel for the stage. I really enjoyed the experience of the holiday club this year and the run up was very much part of it. The preparations were in the first half of the year and looking back on my blogs for the year, it’s easy to see that it was something that allowed me time away from the stress of university work, which I’m thankful for. Summer was full of new exciting and sometimes scary experiences for me, which I can say looking back it helped me, achieve my new year’s resolution for 2010 “to get out of my comfort zone for God”. I was part of SU’s leadership programme Lead Up which helped build my confidence, and then I had two weeks of Step Out (one in Leven and another in Harestanes) as well as GBC’s holiday club to put into practice what I’d learnt. I have already blogged on those experiences so I will just highlight a few bits that I felt really were me being challenged to get out of my comfort zone:

• Sharing my testimony with youth in Leven

• Praying in front of the church in Leven

• Leading from the front at GBC Solution Discovery (Which I never thought I’d EVER DO)

• Doing the story to the kids in Harestanes

All in all I had a brilliant summer, was a great way to finish off university too before the real work started i.e. finding a job; which sadly is still ongoing. It turns out being a graduate in 2010 is hard work; there are so few jobs and so many graduates. The latter part of the year has been job focused, and at times rather demoralising, but hey ho I shall keep smiling and trying in 2011. GBC Solution 2011 – Pirate theme!

I’m very thankful to my friends for keeping my spirits up, when I’m thinking everything is against me, and this year have continued to realise the importance of friendships and how they help me not only grow and experience new things, but also tackle things that I would never consider attempting to challenge on my own.

I had a lovely Christmas and was very happy to see Pete on Christmas day, which has made me totally excited about next Christmas which will be our first as a married couple. 2011 looks to be an exciting year if not a little stressful, with the wedding, moving out, job situation, but I look forward to the challenge! And the fun that is too come!

Well I’m going to wrap it up now, but as you can see 2010 has been a mixed bag for me, but on the whole when I look back it has been a very positive year for me in so many areas! I’m yet to decide on a resolution for next year… will blog when I do; this year one I know was the right one for me, and throughout the year it challenged me to live, have fun and experience new things which helped me develop skills I didn’t think I had.

I hope you all had a brilliant 2010, and all the best in 2011!

Love Kelly x

Merry Christmas Eve :)

2010-12-24T16:10:00.000Z

Well Christmas is here :). I have to say it hasnt really felt like the run up to Chrisrmas this year, was working until yesterday and so wasnt really thinking about it and now its here and it doesnt feel very Christmasy; the snow has been here to long that its not helping the christmas feeling and its so cold that its not enjoyable being out and about. But to be honest its not about the presents and snow its about remembering that Jesus was born and thats the greatest gift there is.

"And I, I celebrate the day, that you were born to die, so I could one day pray for you to save my life." thanks to Ruth Thomas' facebook status this morning!

Baby Jesus, do you know you’ll die for all our sins?

Don’t be afraid, for in 3 days, you will rise again. Cause you will rise again.

Halleluiah, the King is here, given for all men.

For today the Holy Son of God, is born in Bethlehem

Time to start reflecting on 2010 as a whole....

2010-12-15T12:35:00.000Z

My 2010 reflection blog will be up some time in the week between Christmas and New Year as always... so off to start thinking about 2010 as a whole.

Snow!!!

2010-11-28T19:26:00.001Z

Had a fab morning, going for coffee in the snow before church with Andrew :). We walked to Starbucks and then back down to church in the snow. Was a really nice walk and the snow was fun!!

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The greatness of Edinburgh

2010-11-05T18:30:00.000Z

The other day i was on the bus on the way to work, and as it drove up the mound, i looked at the castle sitting high on the rock above me, and started thinking about Edinburgh. so often it can be easy to take the place you live for granted, and i am so often very guilty of this. I'm so lucky to live in a city full of history and culture... this may have been brought to the forefront of my mind because as i sat on the bus behind we was a man chatting to a friend about his job as a story teller and you could hear his passion for the old stories of Edinburgh and how they play apart in how the city works today. Just made me think how much I love Edinburgh so thought I would share! :)

Realities of living in a so called deprived area...

2010-10-02T23:22:00.002+01:00

So yeah Saturday night... I'm watching TV when mum tells me to look out window, this is what I see... (See pic)

Well technically it was before the fire engines where there so picture just a van on fire looking like its ready to explode.

Not a nice experience to witness... *wishes she lived in a nicer area* sigh.. Reminds me of when it was a more regular occurrence back in the 90s and hopes it doesnt end up like that again.

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Hmmm

2010-09-19T19:42:00.001+01:00

Having one of those weeks, you know the ones... Where everything just feels a bit bleh! I think I'm just lacking in sleep and have the start of a cold, maybe that's why I'm feeling like this about everything!

Just need to think positive and get on with it!? X
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A day of two halves

2010-09-12T21:59:00.001+01:00

Well it's fair to say my morning wasn't the best today, had a huge teary moment at the end of lunch due to a number of things, but to be honest probably just everything getting on top of me.

The afternoon on the other hand was really enjoyable, Pete managed to cheer me up with a walk around Dirleton Castle and then ice cream at Luca's in Musselburgh :). Then to cheer me up more roast chicken, gravy and veg for dinner... Which is one of my fave meals!!!! :)

Now blogging and watching Mock the week before having my quiet time then sleep time.

Hope your all well.

X
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Check out my Tumblr

2010-09-06T21:28:00.001+01:00

http://kelz88.tumblr.com/

Bible in One Year - Week One

2010-09-06T10:19:00.000+01:00

So its nearly the end of week one of bible in one year. I feel it's going well, still struggling to find a set time to read it, which i think would help me be in the right frame of mind to do it. The mix of Old and New Testament is good :)

Bible in One Year

2010-08-29T19:03:00.000+01:00

From the 1st September im planning to read the bible in a year, Im going to be following the Bible in One year plan which is in a NIV bible form from Soul Survivor so should be a good chance to get to know God more. I will try and update my blog every so often about how it is going.

Fancy reading it too, let me know and we can chat about the passages etc.

x

Wedding Update :)

2010-08-14T14:32:00.000+01:00

Wedding dress ordered! 12 weeks before it is instore for me to go try on again. Another thing checked off the list! :)

Visit to the Corton Step Out Team

2010-08-14T14:30:00.000+01:00

Well yesterday me and Andrew D, travelled through to Stirling to visit the Corton team, which was a fab day out, really enjoyed seeing the team and getting a hug of Jauck :). Their kids club was really fab, and the team have done such a great job their this week :) 4 songs in second all together time were so tiring though... really showing my age I think!

When we got back to Edinburgh we went to Pizza Hut and I wont even go into what we ate... needless to say, healthy eating is a must for at least a month now! :P

Right off to find something to do :)

Step Out - Harestanes

2010-08-14T14:27:00.000+01:00

So my second week of Step Out has been and gone. I had the pleasure of having a week in Harestanes Baptist :) It was the first year they have had a kids club so having 17 kids throughout the week was an awesome achievement.

I had a blast all week and the kids were great, really shouting at the top of their voices to Oi Oi. Just made my week. Loved my team yet again, had so many laughs and they got me through the hard times of the week.

For me one of the hardest challenges was doing the story on the Friday, I was so scared of doing it and to be honest i didn't think it had gone well at all, but Kirsty and Levi assured me that it went well, and the kids seamed to remember the story so that's a bonus!

Step Out diet - Seefood diet = we see food we eat it! Was fed so well this week, which was great and a big thanks to Alan and Elaine who let us use their house to relax in and made us dinner! :D such a great time.

The verse of the week would be Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. I know that He was my strength as i went through the week and I thank Him for that, as it has allowed me to trust in him more and do his work to the best of my ability! :)

Wedding Update!

2010-07-27T22:35:00.000+01:00

Wedding rings ordered. My one has to be ordered in in a size I then sent away again to be re-sized to a g, me and my small fingers such a nuisance some times.

Anyways yeh so I'm happy that those are ordered.

:)
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GBC Solution Discovery (Granton Baptist Church's Holiday Club)

2010-07-25T22:05:00.000+01:00

Well I feel like I've been in holiday club mode for the past 6 months (probably because I have) but this week was the week. All the work felt worth it to see the kids jumping about and having fun!

Anyone who knows me will know it was a space theme this year so we had spaceship time which is all together time with songs and some challenges and drama which was so fun!! Then there was a time of performance, art, teaching and games before more time together.

It was a really successful week, averaging about 30 kids a day which was fab, they all seemed to have a great time and bring along their families to see them perform on the friday at the BBQ.

Personally this week was a huge success in my walk with God if that's the right way to phrase it. I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone as the co-ordinator of the holiday club, building on trust and reliance on God I have been developing over the summer... For me this involved me leading from the front, which if you have read my previous blog entries you will know it is an issue I have been working through with God this summer. Learning the importance of encouragement and practising it daily was also a great part of the week, and I'm so glad I have had Andrew there as joint co-ordinator this week as his encouragement was such a helpful asset as the week went on.

Comparing this year to last year I can see how much we have learnt and grown and I'm glad that we have had the opportunity to be on that learning curve. I feel the teamwork was really good, and the positivity helped the week to run smoothly. Everyone on that team was a great part of the week and all worked extremely hard in helping the holiday club be such a success. So big thanks to everyone who helped!

I'm so glad it let God lead and took the risks for Him, I feel that I have learnt more about God and His willingness to help and comfort when things are tough and scary and how even when you want to give up he can give you the energy to get the job done for Him.

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Step Out - Leven

2010-07-17T13:03:00.001+01:00

Well my first week of Step Out has been and gone, it was a really fab week!

So myself and Andrew headed off and met the rest of our Step Out team at a hall in Leven. The week was really busy, we had holiday club in the mornings which had 81 children registered and youth stuff every night with around 30 youth coming along to that.
I had been very nervous about going, but the team were really great and so supportive of one another, which was a real encouragement for me as I tried things I never thought I could do. I managed to share my testimony, pray infront of 60 odd kids and leaders and prayed and did actions to songs infront of over 200 people at the sunday service!!!!

I think I learnt to trust God with things when I'm scared and that just because I'm not an up front person just now it doesn't mean God won't have me doing up front stuff.

I think following on from lead up where I accepted I wasn't an upfront person has allowed God to work in me more, because instead of me trying to be what I think God wants me to be I'm just letting God have the control in what he wants me to do... Esp in the whole upfront sort of thing!

Anyways fab fab week with lots of great memories... Shout out to Andrew D, Andrew W, Naomi, Ruth, Amy and Kirsty who were awesome team members and helped the week be as fun and exciting as it was!!

2 days to go...

2010-07-02T20:44:00.000+01:00

Well in two days time I will be in Leven on Step Out. I'm quite apprehensive about it, but I trust that God knows what he has planned for me and I just need listen to him and take every opportunity that is given to me to do the work he has for me to do.

I'm looking forward to working with the other Step Outers, I wish I could have met them but since I missed out on the training weekend, I have that to look forward to on Sunday, which will be fun!

I have Alison and Ian's silver wedding anniversary event oh wait I mean party tomorrow night which will be fun fun fun!!! I'm really looking forward to it, will be good to catch up with people and eat Alison's amazing food!

Anyways I'm off to do some reading. Catch you all later x
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Arty Stuff with an Outerspace Twist

2010-06-29T16:36:00.001+01:00

Today and tomorrow are the days set aside to make the set and decorations for Granton's holiday club this year. So far this has involved me drawing 3 suspiciously un-even spacemen and planning what still needs to be done in the limited time.

Back at the church later today to do more... and then tomorrow morning and evening as we have a registration day in the afternoon.

Been a good day so far though so hopefully the next day and half will be just as good.

Reflections on Lead Up 2010

2010-06-26T16:13:00.005+01:00

So the week of Lead Up is over... What was learnt?

The main theme of the week was being a servant 'John 20:21 - '... As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you'' I think this helped my gain more of an understanding of how God wants me to live. This teaching was backed up by practical learning as each group served for a day. I was originally a bit annoyed about this as my group got a split day for service due to other activities. But reflecting now on it I'm glad ours was over the two days because I learnt about how I can get through things when I'm tired and just not in the mood for it and still put my all into what is being done.

I also learnt a lot about being a team player and what part I can play in a team, I may for now just have to except I'm not an up front person and that's not what God has planned and wants me to be doing right now. The stuff I do in the background is just as essential for things to get done, and I shouldn't be disheartened by that.

I also understand why delving into the bible is so important, I'm not saying I didn't know that before but this week showed me that understanding the passages rakes time and even stories I think I know shouldn't be skimmed over.

One of the activities was sharing your testimony with a few of your group and our group split into boys and girls. I realised how much I down play my testimony when I should be proud of how I came to God. I also at that time could see why I was in my group as the others shared their testimonies I could see things I related too. I think that brought the girls in our group closer together and helped us over the rest of the week.

The camping experience as bad as it was did teach me somethings especially regarding dealing with disappointment and how to have the strength to carry on when your whole body is telling you to stop. Extra thanks goes out to Laura, Steph, Stephen, Ali and Robbie for keeping us all going at various points in the trip.

The experience as a whole was a really good one. My God is a truly awesome God who wants to have a relationship with each one of us, He loved us so much that He sent his own son to die for all the bad stuff we do... just so He as an awesome father can love us and not have to condemn us to a lifetime of hurt and suffering, how amazing is that. I'm so thankful that I had the experience of Lead Up, the people that I met and the stuff that I learnt were just so amazing and I wouldn't change the week for the world... even if i knew if i did it again i would have the same low points I would still do it all again at the drop of a hat.

I feel prepared for my summer of mission and I pray that God uses me to do his work as much as possible.

P.s. I shall add more over time...

Day Three - End of LU

2010-06-25T19:57:00.002+01:00

Day Three

So... day three was Sunday. We went to church which was really nice, it was a church of Scotland church but a really nice service. Also had teaching session which was really good. We had a prayer session for the SU's around the world. Had some good group time which was really good as well as we were joined by the last member of our group Stephen.

Day Four

Monday we learnt more about communicating the bible, which was based on how to write small talks for camps and club on bible passages and topics.... this was very challenging for me but still good to learn. Working through John in the teaching time was also a really good way of learning about Jesus.

Day Five and Six

Tuesday and Wednesday were my groups serve for a day. We had it over two days as the strategic adventure day and camping were from Tuesday lunch time to Wednesday lunch. so we did the breakfast and coffee break as well as a worship session on the Tuesday and then lunch dinner, cleaning worship and an activity after camping... which was exhausting.... but if you know what ask anyone in my group they will tell you that the Wednesday, we can actively see a prayer being answered... i wont go into to much detail about the day as it may spoil it for next years bunch. but we had an awful time camping as a group and so as a group prayed that we could get through the day on Wednesday and we did and also managed to do it with a smile on our face by the end of it... which was the prayer of the advisers. There was teaching and prayer about the holy spirit at night which was so amazing, and so glad i was there to hear it.

Day Seven

Thursday was quite a full on and practical day for the summer with child protection/ being part of a team and questions about summer... we also had our one to one interviews, which involved a lovely walk and chat with Gill, which really helped me understand a lot about what i had learnt throughout the week. Awesome evening meal, and then a game of Nookan Ball.

Day Eight

Today involved tidying, prayer for the summer and goodbyes which was good and quite sad, but hopefully the friendships made will be continued away from camp.

__________

Over and out before i fall asleep at the computer.
x
P.s. I plan to put up a reflective blog about the week sometime soon.

Day Two - LU!

2010-06-20T14:15:00.001+01:00

Well day two was good, first full day, so was quite full on, enjoyed playing noockem ball though.

Lots of midges in evening which was not fun at all.

Least I was tired at bed time :)
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Day One - LU!

2010-06-19T07:52:00.001+01:00

Well I arrived after a few issues with trains and buses. Memo to self: scotrail are stressful!

Nice introductory session and both my group and my dorm seem alright so that's good.

Will update when I can

X
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GBC Solution Discovery

2010-06-11T12:55:00.001+01:00

Just spent the morning trying to create a handout for the volunteers meeting on Sunday. Its quite difficult when I don't have all the information I need. But oh well will just have to go with what I have and hope for the best.

I wonder if people will have lots of questions?...
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Packing...

2010-06-10T10:54:00.001+01:00

I'm starting to pack for Lead Up and there is just not enough space in my case! I hate packing, its not a strength I have and I just do not enjoy doing it! Will have to have another look tonight.

If anything matters then everything matters

2010-06-06T21:30:00.000+01:00

If anything matters then everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will be the same again

William P. Young (The Shack)

So I have just finished reading The Shack by William Young. It was a really good read, I liked the portrayal of God in it, and even though a work of fiction it raised points about the way I think about God and has given me food for thought.

It has also made me question my attitude to things, anyone who knows me knows my "I can't be bothered" approach when i have nothing to do (which I know Andrew will like). But if all the little things do matter more than I think then actually i need to be bothered.

If you haven't read the book read it! I wont write more about it on here as i don't want to spoil the read, and give you any preconceptions about what you might get from it.

Summer

2010-06-04T12:08:00.001+01:00

I think it was about time i share what i have on in the summer :) I'm really looking forward to the experience, although i am still really nervous about it all.

So here goes:

Friday 11th June: Heart for Haiti
Saturday 12th June: Frenzy
Thursday 17th June: Graduation
Friday 18th June - Friday 25th June: Lead Up (SU Training Week)
Sunday 4th July - Sunday 11th July: Step Out - Leven
Sunday 18th July - Friday 23rd July: GBC Solution Discovery (Granton's Holiday Club)
Sunday 1st August - Sunday 8th August: Step Out - Harestanes

And then work in between all of that. :)

Enjoyed coffee and paper reading!

2010-05-13T10:01:00.000+01:00

Yesterday myself and Andrew went to Starbucks to read the paper with a nice drink. It was really enjoyable to be able to discuss worldy going-ons over a hot chocolate. We discussed blogging, so hopefully my blogs should develop more in the next month or so, unless it was a fad in which case they won't!

Papers were still full of election news! Lots of pictures of goings on at number ten!

Bus here so better go.
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New PM!!

2010-05-12T00:10:00.000+01:00

Well its official David Cameron is prime minister! I can't express how gutted this has made me feel. I know I'm young so don't remember the Thatcher era, but I can see by the anger being expressed by those who do remember and did experience the awful situation created in Scotland last time the Tories were in power, that a Conservative government will not be off a benefit to Scotland.

This will however only benefit SNP at the next Scottish election in a years time! As the so called process of change happens over the next year we will have to wait and see how the Conservatives 'cuts' effect our everyday lives. All I can say is thank goodness health and education are somewhat devolved issues, so at least as Scotland we have some chance!!

In other thoughts: Gordon Brown has shown himself as more of a leader in the last few weeks than I think he did in the whole time he was PM. I still believe he deserved more of a chance and UK's celebrity culture worked against him! That being the case in a country that creates celebrities of Jedward and such like, is a prime minister that has the x factor what the country needs? Gordon Brown may not have had the look but I think he cared about the country and its people. His passion and care could be seen in his last speech as prime minister where he thanked everyone who had helped. He said he wanted the job for the opportunity to make a difference and pretty much said he did not enjoy the fame/celebrity side of it.

I think as a society we will live to regret the coming four years and all we can do os learn from it and get on as best we can with the mess the Tories make. As Gordon Brown stated its a parliamentary election not a presidential one so all the people who were taking in by the celebrity of David Cameron will have to deal with the parliamentary party of the Conservatives not with their harsh policies!

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What to do with my time?

2010-05-07T10:39:00.000+01:00

I got up this morning, and although still being quite tired from yesterday's hectic day.... I have nothing to do until work... no coursework or revsion... strange feeling!

I really have to revise

2010-05-01T10:12:00.000+01:00

My exam is in 5 days and I really need to get motivated and revise! So much to do and so little time to do it.
I'm going to revise Performance Management, Absence Management and CSR so hopefully I'll be able to answer two essay questions on them and have a back up one there just in case!

I suppose I better go and get ready for work, and hopefully will have enough energy to revise for an hour or so after work and before Pete gets here!

Catch you later
xxx

How Odd...

2010-05-01T09:59:00.003+01:00

I was standing on my podia till yesterday serving a customer... think they were buying ice cream, when I heard a bit of a commotion behind me. It turns out that the cause of this was that at one end of the windows its was heavily raining and at our in it was dry and sunny! How Odd is that? You could actually see where the rain started...

Glasgow with Andrew

2010-04-29T13:04:00.000+01:00

After a very slow and tired start, the day in Glasgow was a good one. We seen Gordon Brown on Buchanan Street which was exciting.

Also spent to much money so probably unnecessary items but oh well that's what shopping days are for.

Needless to say was completely exhausted by Stompzone but had fun skipping! And awesome BBQ at the Middy!!

So all in all - good day!

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Finished the book...

2010-04-22T23:07:00.000+01:00

I said I'd update when I had finished reading the book: God Life.

Well I finished it... It was a really good read, made me question a lot of how I view my church/normal life and how I should see it as two different situations. God has to be part of every part of my life, not just on a Sunday. As a christian I hope I do live each day for God and that people can see the difference he makes in my life day to day as well as long term.

The book also made my think a lot about how I see God when in in the middle of a part of journeys such as half way and can't see where it can end and go. I need to remember that God sees the end of it, he can see the whole path like looking down on a city from a height and can see how it will all pan out.

I can't express how thankful I am to have a god that can see the whole picture even when I can't. Its great that he is my guild and shows me how to get to the destination he has set for me, I just need to be open to listening to him.

All in all - good book!!!

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Wedding Update

2010-04-22T22:55:00.000+01:00

I went and looked at some dresses and tried on a few, still not a great experience, but wasn't as bad as I thought it would be though. I'm currently between two that I like, I would add pictures but since Pete reads my blog I won't hehe.

Me and Pete have a meeting with a possible photographer at start of May so that should be good. Hopefully we will be able to score another thing of the list.

Its our 5 year anniversary on the 27th April - that's scary stuff, time has just flew by! Fun times though!!!!

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Nearly there...

2010-04-22T22:47:00.000+01:00

Coursework is now handed in, hopefully its passable, especially since one I'd the resit of last terms failure. I have an exam on the 6th May so after that it is a waiting game. Lots of revision to do for it!

I'm quite glad 4th year is nearly over, it has not been at all enjoyable!!! Bring on graduation!

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Great Day in Glasgow

2010-04-10T22:26:00.000+01:00

Well today I went to Glasgow with Megan. It was good to catch up with Megan properly, as life seems to get in the way so often.

The weather was awesome, and I was happy to be able to not need a jacket at all today. We hit the usual shops and I managed not to spend too much!!! Forgot to go back to H&M and get a top I liked though.

We went to Wesley Owen, I really miss the edinburgh one. You forget how helpful it I'd to be able to browse books before you buy, you can't do that online.

TGI Friday's on Saturday for lunch was fab, was completely stuffed, not sure if I prefer it to Hard Rock Cafe or not. Freindly staff at TGI's though which was a bonus and not over friendly and intrusive like :HRC staff can sometimes be.

All in all great day! So tired now!

Night All xxx

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Easter

2010-04-05T11:59:00.000+01:00

So yesterday was Easter Sunday. Church was really good, quite a lively service, which you would expect with it being a celebration of Jesus rising again. I've been quite fired up this week, with the whole Delirious? being played on Radio One aswell as it being Easter. Its good to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross.

I did alot of thinking about the desciples this year and how on the Saturday they thought it was all over and the battle had been lost becuase Jesus had died. How easily they had forgotten what Jesus had said to them about rising again. I wonder how often we do that too... we forget the promises of God and think that we have been left out in the cold when things are not going the way we had hoped. If i learnt anything over this Easter period is that I need to trst that God knows best, which is hard somtimes as a human to except. I need to understand he sees the whole thing from above and sees where it all ends....

Anyways will stop rambling, very happy that Delirious? got to number 4 in the charts, although slightly annoyed that the radio stations limited the playing of it to the charts its self.

Hope you all had a good Easter :) xxx

Dissertation Handed In

2010-03-27T12:06:00.001Z

Well I handed it in on Wednesday, and just haven't got around to blogging about it. Quite good feeling to have it in (even if my name wasn't on the list). On the list front I can not believe i was not on the list... how can Napier print of a list wrong! And one admin women was heard saying to the one dealing with us, I'll need to give you your breifing about dissertation hand in as they are meant to do it next week, but are allowed to hand in before... like the assumption that all Napier students will hand in at the last minuite... God forbid we be prepared and well organised.

So only:
Managing the employement relationship essay: 3000 words
Leadership and Innovation report: 2000 words
Contempary Issues in HRM Exam: 2 hours
to go and then thats me finished with Napier... well bar graduation which someone needs to remind me to regisiter for next week...

I've completely hurt my arm this morning, no idea how I did it but feels so sore, must have banged it or somthing, hopefully no one will buy beer thats heavy to put through.

Okay better go talk to you all later
xxx

God-life

2010-03-26T23:25:00.001Z

I've started reading 'God-life' by Ralph Turner. I'm three chapters in and so far its good, made me think about how great God's grace is.

Will write a whole blog on it when I'm finished it.

X

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Its hand in week...

2010-03-22T07:08:00.002Z

So the week has come, hand in week. 1 peice of coursework, 1 seminar to lead and 1 dissertation to hand in. The day is Wednesday, the hour is one! and Then home a good sleep.

Today and tomorrow are stress central though!

xxxx

Attitude

2010-03-17T23:06:00.001Z

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! - Matthew 6:22-23 (NIV).

Positive thinking in situations is the way forward, I've been trying to stay positive about dissertation. I know I get more done when I'm positive.

I know God will be there for me and keep me able to finish it, and even though I'm tired I know I can find rest in Him.

Going to be a tough week though!

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Sorry In Advance

2010-03-17T22:39:00.002Z

Plan to hand in dissertation a week today! So sorry in advance for the pain I am going to be. I know I have already been a complete annoyance to know, but the next week will be worse!

Hope everyone elses weeks go well!

xxx

Where is the sun?

2010-03-17T08:44:00.000Z

I want it to be sunny!!!!

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Dissertation progress

2010-03-12T23:37:00.001Z

Have given up for the night, did four hours on it tonight but not got much done and we won't mention I missed Eastenders twice! TWICE I tell you - GUTTED

Will have to do some tomorrow night too and was hoping not to, but oh well... Needs must! Can not wait until April when dissertation is in.

Think I'll still have enough words but don't think my structure is any better than before if anything its worse - BOOO!!

Oh no its the family guy with Bir-bir-bir-bird bir-d is the world... Do not like this ep.

Okay off to sleep
Night
X
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Blog from bus stop

2010-03-12T13:00:00.000Z

Thought I'd blog whilst I wait for the bus. On way to work, had quite a productive morning doing housey stuff so no excuses tonight, ill have to do dissertation.

Bus here so chat later x
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Dissertation + tired = my life

2010-03-11T21:22:00.001Z

I know I should be doing my dissertation, but I'm so tired. I think I've sorted out the structure so I think that's enough for the day as I think being well rested will keep me sane.

In bed and watching Holby, feel a bit guilty about not doing dissertation but I'll do it tomoz night when I've got the house to my self. Promise!!!
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Holiday Club Update

2010-03-09T00:03:00.001Z

Date confirmed, and volunteers being asked for. Myself and Andrew have had a few chats about teaching and are now looking into our original ideas to see where the head.

The overall theme is space! GBC Solution Discovery! Should be a fun week, need to get going with it all more in the near future.

Any space ideas for a kids holiday club, comment and let me know.

Kel x

Wedding Fair on Sunday

2010-03-09T00:01:00.001Z

On Sunday myself, Lesley and Gemma headed along to the Wedding Fair at the Corn Exchange.

Me and Pete went last time, but was good to go with the bridesmaids. Seen room set up for meal (was set up for ceremony last time), which was good. Also got some ideas for table names. Was sunny when we seen the outside bit which was really nice, just got to hope its sunny on the big day.

Got tasters of cake and fudge, before heading for lunch for more wedding and general chat.. Got ropped into going to a dress shop... Which wasnt as bad as i thought but still not my dream activity on any afternoon never mind a Sunday.

All in all, good day lots of decisions to make soon though...

Its been a long day...

2010-03-08T22:12:00.001Z

I always forget how tiring writing uni work is. Even though i've been in the house doing that all day, its like i've been climbing up a mountain.
Have come to bed to watch tv and relax, will hopefully go to sleep soon.

Up early tomorrow to do more dissertation before Stomp Zone and The Middy.

Nite x

.

2010-03-06T12:01:00.002Z

So the Dreaded dissertaion deadline is looming and the whole of 4th year has gone into melt down, least im not the only one in this paniced state... is that a positive or negative?

I'm tired and just need to rant... I had the rudest customer yesterday let me explain....

Me: Hi There
Cust: Says nothing
Me: Would you like a bag
Cust: NO
I then start to put thier items through
Cust: BAG!! Pointing at the bags...

Seriously I asked them if they wanted a bag, why cant customers take the miniute they are with me and treat me as a human being... instead of pretentending to listen or in this case no even caring.... I mean does it hurt to actaully think that a person has been standing at a till for a long period of time doing the same thing over and over .... a little convorssation makes the diffrence!

Okay rant over...

Encouragement from friends

2010-02-16T14:10:00.002Z

Just a blog to say I love my mates. They are great at saying the things I need to hear, even if they arent sure they are doing it.

xxx

Tired!

2010-02-12T21:37:00.001Z

I'm so tired this week! I can't even describe how tired I am, but i have to keep going....

Sunday

2010-02-07T23:30:00.003Z

Church = Awesome, good service, nice people, good prayer!
Lunch = Was starving so really nice
Shopping = Spent too much but new zippy :)
Activities = Filling out forms, and chatting! Forgot to take photos though!

Day was good!

Work

2010-02-06T20:25:00.002Z

Had quite a good shift at work today, nothing special just was a reasonably enjoyable shift! Still stressed about uni, had a wee chat with someone and we both agree honours years suck! Had some chocolate and irn bru when i came in so that was a bonus.

Rubbish Few Weeks

2010-02-05T20:46:00.002Z

Well im in the middle of a rubbish few weeks. I completely hate uni, the thought of it just makes me feel ill. Why did I stay on!? WHY?! I just have so much to do and that is stressing me out, Im not looking forward to it at all.

So all in all = I will be a complete pain between now and May!

Over x

4th January 2010

2010-01-04T14:23:00.002Z

4 days into 2010, and im bored, theres nothing to do, was going to go for a walk but its too icy outside, the snow has deffo outstayed its welcome in Edinburgh. Im not at all happy with my boredum.

Yesterday was good, church was alright, good sermon, and then went for a coffee with Andrew, had a nice chat about the holiday club. Legs really hurt last night though all the walking...

Off to watch telly and be more bored.

xxx