GOODBYE 2005 - HELLO 2006

I really can not believe that 2005 is over already. Time just seems to have flown by and life seems to have ticked over fairly nicely with a few blips which we have managed to get through. Christmas has been a bit annoying really, I have been poorly through most of it. 2 migraines in 3 days, not much fun suddenly realising you can't see anything in the middle of the Bentalls centre in Kingston when people are going crazy for their bargains! I am starting to feel much better but have a very stiff neck, a bit rubbish really!

2006 - I am starting to realise I do not have any control of what it may bring, scarey and exciting though I am sure it will be. I am thankful that I can trust God for whatever happens and thank him that I have Pete to share 2006 with!

Have fun tonight everyone and I'll see you in 2006!

Sx

LET THEM EAT CAKE

I hope everyone had a good Christmas! I have been a little bit poorly but am starting to feel better now!! Nothing that kept me from enjoying the festive season too much however. As it is my Mum's birthday on Christmas day I always try to make a cake every year, usually resulting in midnight baking that comes to nothing! This year I decided to make a star cookie tree, which almost went horribly wrong but I managed to redeem it and you can see the result. I have to say I am quite proud of it, bearing in mind I am a girl that can't cook! Today we visited Pete's Brother and Family and Sheryl Leveson taught me to bake a very easy cake and you never know, maybe 2006 will be my baking year!!!!

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE, EVE, EVE, EVE, EVE, EVE!

Yes it really is nearly here!
Last night was Carols by Candlelight at church and once again I have made it through 2 solo's!! It was a great time and made me feel really christmassy!
We are just starting to be a bit more chilled at home, so that mean's I'll have to start tidying an sorting out before everyone descends on Christmas day! As usual we still haven't sent our cards! They are all sat on our dining table and have been for quite few weeks! If you never receive it - HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
However work is remaining VERY busy with interviews everyday except Friday!!!! Crazy.

The cleaning calls, so I had better go!

GOODBYE DEVONS MARIE CHARLOTTE ROSMARY PRIMROSE

Well the weekend was one of mixed emotions and it ended with cheerio drinks for the lovely Jesse & Marie who head up to St Andrews (Yes Scotland) on thursday to start a new chapter. It was the sign of the end of an era. Sat with the old Ealing posse gave me a twinge of sadness that we will never all be together in the same way again and a thankfulness that we have all stayed so close to one another both in friendship and in location. I have some wonderful friends!
Now I am just getting soppey!

This has culminated in a Monday of stress and business! I am hoping that, that means the week is going to get easier, but I have my doubts!

Anyhow it's time for sleep!

Ta ra Jesse Jackson & Marie Charlotte Rosemary Primrose! I love you both tonnes and look forward to easter! Be safe and remember...................

"IT DOESN'T COST MUCH TO KEEP IN TOUCH"

THE FIRST NOEL!

As of Saturday, I am officially going to start thinking about Christmas! I am going to a Christmas craft fair,meeting my friend who has been holding onto our annual Christmas magazine until Pete allowed me to have it and we are going to pop into our friends fair trade Christmas party!!!! Hoorraahh!!! Christmas is coming! Oh yeah, and I'm getting fat!! (I will focus and re start weight watchers next week!)

DON'T QUIT THE DAY JOB

The news is that I have been offered the job! Even I was surprised. A bit less money as I don't have all the qualifications - with the idea to gain the qualifications.
And to celebrate we visited Ikea to get Pete a lovely new desk for his lovely new lap top.

Looking forward to a visit from my Big brother at the weekend!

REMEMBER REMEMBER

Fireworks night was brill.
Today has been one of those days! It started with my new short haircut feeling a bit too short, followed by my hairdryer dying mid way through the drying process. None of my cell or friends were at church this morning, including my husband, and I had carried a load of bible study books for them all the way in vain. We sang "Morning has Broken"!!!
I went home to cook dinner for Pete's return (I'm a great wife) (Actually I never normally cook!) to find there was no food in the house. Upon Pete's return, I told him I needed to get a new hairdryer and some tights for my interview tomorrow. We decided to go to Asda, where we could also get some food for supper and then go somewhere for lunch on our way home. Asda was mental and they had no hairdryers - the rain was also pelting down! We decided then to go to Tesco where we managed to purchase all relevant goods!
We returned home at 3.40pm and ate lunch at about 4:15pm!
We headed to the Pub quiz early as my parents were having dinner there with a family friend Tim Costello - Head of World Vision Australia and a whole bunch of other stuff I think!
They then had to nip off to take him to the airport. Meanwhile no one else turned up at the quiz and so when my parents arrived back, we went back to theirs for a cup of tea and some shortbread!!

Being that my interview is tomorrow, I hope it is a slightly better day!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

Well it's been a while!!! I am still working at Tearfund. In fact I am having an Interview there on monday. Life seems very hectic at the moment and i am sooooo tired.
I am really looking forward to Christmas even though the house rules are that I am not allowed to talk about it until the middle of November Ihave managed to persuade Pete to let me!
I have made cute little star soaps that smell christmassy and I have got my cards out ready!
Blogging at home much easier now, as we have broadband etc and Pete now has a lap top, so I do not have to enter his crazy unoranised and frankly messy office in order to use the Internet!

Dinner calls!

DESTINATION ANYWHERE

Great holiday was had by all in Devon! Lots of food and a bit of sunshine too!

Whilst away got a very helpful call offering me a temp job at Tearfund until the end of December! Started yesterday and already am feeling a little out of my depth although I am hoping that this is just my insecurity and a new environment! I'm sure I'll be fine! Beyond December who knows!

Life seems to have upped it's pace in the land of the Levies and there seems to be no let up until after Christmas! CRAZY! Anyway lots to look forward to! Just need to try and stay on top of the house work!

THE SUN WILL COME OUT TOMORROW

Well we have finally made it to our first holiday destination! Exeter with my Brother and his lovely lady Becky! I have had a couple interviews and already had a NO from the council for one job, which was annoying as the interview went well, but there was an internal candidate!!! I shall say no more on that one.
Tearfund interview with for the temporary admin pool and have registered with an agency but no bites yet! I am hoping things will work out but I am not sure what's going to happen now! Anyway for now I think I will just enjoy the hols and make the most of some chill out time.

Lets hope the sun comes out today!

AND NOW THE END IS NEAR

Thanks everyone for the very encouraging comments!
Today I have been for an interview with Ealing Council. I think it went quite well, but you never really know. I also had to do a test which was interesting. Took me back to very bad maths exams. Maths was not my strong point when I was 16 and it is not any better now!
Tomorrow is my last day at work and in many ways it is sad to leave as I have made some great friends, but I hope to keep in touch with people which is great! It has been a wierd experience as I never really knew why I was there, but I believe that God did put me here and it is right to move on! It would be good to know what else is in store but I am sure that is all in hand!
Drinks tomorrow night which should be a laugh and then Holidays!!!! First just a week mooching and interviews registering etc (Maybe I'll hear about the job from today's interview!) and then a weekend with my Big Bro and a week in sunny Devon (please Lord).

YOU CAN'T TURN BACK THE CLOCK. BUT YOU CAN WIND IT UP AGAIN.

The count down begins! I officially finish work at my current employee on the 26th August. only 8 days to go!
Thus far I have no new job. I have one interview with Ealing Council next Thursday and I have just posted an application to Greenford High School. I have also applied to Tearfunds temporary admin pool and will be submitting my CV to a recruitment agent for temp or perm work!
I am starting to get a bit concerned, although I do know that God has it all in hand. As Tessa said to me the other day"He (God) is never late, but he's always on time".
I am really looking forward to our holiday at the beginning of September and it looks like I am going to have 2 weeks off although I would like to have some work on my return.

Have a great few days, on Saturday we went to Cambridge and spent time with lovely people Michael & Rachel, Hannah & Reuben. They are the only people I seem to cry with laughter with!
Last night we spent time with Jesse & Marie ( he is feeling better!) and they were giving me some very helpful careers advise!

YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE

We are here in Birmingham for the BWA Centinary Congress!
Thought I was getting away from all the bombs and manhunt but they seem to have been hiding up here.
Very funny seeing random people from all over the world walking around town wearing their badges and carrying groovey bags!(Pete & I have abandoned ours!)
Have established contact with the Wickers and look forward to catching up with them and not thinking about work until Monday!!!!

THE DIFFICULTIES OF LIFE ARE INTENDED TO MAKE US BETTER NOT BITTER

Life seems very distracted at the moment. The bombings in London have left me with anxiety. Yesterday I was able to voice my fear to Pete, and not leave it eating away at me. Pete is at a meeting up town this morning and although I know he has to go and we all here in London have no choice but to continue life as "Normal", it doesn't stop me from feeling apprehensive.

At the same time I am back to square one with employment. After a family discussion (with Pete) we have an idea of where life may go, but in the mean time I probably have to get another admin job to see us through to where God may be leading. So far the panic of my imminent unemployment has not set in, but I am sure it soon will.

We are also searching for a holiday destination. The two possible cheap options are unavailable. POO. Looking for somewhere that can fit us and another couple and their 1 year old, that is cheap, somewhere nice and available around the second week of September. Boy do we need a holiday!

SMOOTH SEAS DO NOT MAKE SKILFUL SAILORS

Today I am not at Live8, I am not in Edinburgh to Make Poverty History, I am work!! This is my third Saturday in row! I have decided that 6 day weeks are not good for you! However next Saturday will be the last I work for a while! (I hope).

The latest news on my life is that I have handed in my notice at work and given 2 months! As of 1st September I do not have a job! I am on the look out for something, but am taking my time as I am not sure what to do! Life here at work has become difficult for many reasons, the majority of the staff team feel uneasy and next week we have 3 new members of staff starting that we all found out about purely by chance! (Very random stuff)

So If you hear of anything that makes you think "Suzie could do that!" then let me know!

Was looking forward to a picnic tomorrow but weather looks a bit grim!

EVERYDAY COMES WITH IT'S OWN GIFTS. UNTIE THE RIBBONS

Yesterday I received a letter from UCAS saying that I have not been accepted to study to be an Occupational Therapist! Surprisingly I am OK about it. Everyone else seems more disappointed than me! Of course I am disappointed, however at least I can say that I tried and I can't regret not trying.

What now? Well at the moment I am working all the hours as my part timer is off which means I am working 4 Saturdays in a row and lots of 8pm finishes! I am a little bit tired and the weather doesn't help. I am looking for another job or at least seeing what my options are. I am not sure estate agency is for me!

I am a little depressed as everyone is talking about their holiday plans and we don't have any! At the moment the closest I will get to a holiday is The Baptist World Alliance in Birmingham at the end of July for 3 days! Finding an available time and the money to have a holiday are proving a little difficult!

TO BE OR NOT TO BE THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Well that is it, I have done it! My application for University is flying through cyber space as I sit here blogging! I feel excited, apprehensive, sick, scared, worried and free all at the same time!
I'll keep you posted as to what happens next! A big thank you to all those of you who have helped me, (Larry & Claire) with my personal statement and giving me a glowing reference. And to all my truly wonderful friends for being so encouraging when I mentioned doing this and all your on going support!! You all know who you are! xxxx

NATURE DOES NOT HURRY, YET EVERYTHING IS ACCOMPLISHED

After setting myself the goal of having my UCAS form in by last Friday, this has still not been achieved! We were out every night last week! Monday back from Exeter. Tuesday out for a Greek meal with cell group. Wednesday we had Paul and Claire for dinner. Thursday lovely dinner with Buddy & Alex (& Gracie!). Yesterday was a day off as I am working right now for the day! And yet I still didn't get any work done on my form as we had to head to Kent at 11am via Bloomsbury to see the Leveson family for lunch and the day and then to watch Toby (9) in "Me and My Girl". It was a great day and Toby was brilliant! Great spending time with Isobel & Elliot. We arrived home at 12.15am and so am v tired and at work and thinking have tonnes to do!

A SMILE IS A POWERFUL WEAPON

I am trying to apply to university through UCAS. Nobody told me that this would be the hardest part of trying to get into university. It's basically a whole other language. Plus it is so long since I was at school, trying to remember my education (which I have spent the last 8 years trying to forget) is very difficult. Am considering who may be able to help with this. I'm sure I know some high school teachers who would help! The UCAS web sire does hold a lot of info it's just wading through it to find what you actually want to know. You can apply on line which I am attempting to do but we shall see. My aim is to have submitted my application by the end of the week.

TODAY IS A GIFT. THATS WHY WE CALL IT THE PRESENT

Never fear I have not been carried off by aliens never to be seen again, I am still here! However things have been a little difficult as the boss went through my internet history and found out I had been blogging and looking for other jobs!!!! (I think that warrants exclamation marks). He confronted me and I told him I wasn't earning enough. He has since told me not to leave offered me more money if I commit till Christmas, or tell him I will leave and they will start looking for someone else and I can stay until I find something. This added the pressure to what was already turmoil in my head. I don't enjoy making adult decisions. Since then, I have not told boss man my plans, left him waiting! I have decided to look into going to university to study to become a Occupational Therapist!! Might not get in and am not holding breath but watch this space!

Better go before I am discovered again! Secret blogging V scary!

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE EXCEPT FROM A VENDING MACHINE.

As usual the Leveson household has been mega busy. Catching up with friends and relatives alike. My 83 year old Nana and her only slightly younger sister have jetted off to Switzerland for their hols both clutching their newly purchased mobile phones! (I hope I'm like that when I'm old).
Last night was a well deserved night at home in front of the television.
I am currently reading (This in itself is shocking), a book called "Why do I do this everyday?" Its a book for people who feel disaffected by their work and helps you to think through what you want to do, what environment you work best in and what your work values are etc. It encourages you to make up your own mind about things even if it is just to stay where you are but having a different outlook on your work place or if it is time to think about a new career.
At the moment I am not sure where I am with work etc. Realistically I would like to do not much at all, although perhaps if I was utilising all my gifts etc I would enjoy work more?
The book has definitely made me think, although not always great realising things about yourself. One thing I have realised is that I have a fear of not being good enough! I Have loads of ideas of what I would like to do even if it's just hobbies, but I don't even go and try it as I think that I will not be good enough so why bother trying?! Silly I know.
Anyway I'll see if any revelations come to me, other than knowing I need to get away from my current job.

I think I managed to write a whole blog entry with only 2 exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE BANK HOLIDAYS!

The fabulous May bank holidays are beginning! What Joy fills my heart!
My lovely big brother was meant to be coming to London for the weekend but due to circumstances is not now which is quite sad, but also means we have some free time! (something that we don't always have a lot of!)
The weather is meant to be fantastic at the weekend, fingers crossed!!!!
Went to a fair trade party on Wednesday and sadly resisted the temptation to buy a lovely leather bag!! It was handbag heaven, my dream world. I had a few in my hands and just visualised Pete's face if I had come home with yet another handbag!
I'm glad in the bible it doesn't say if you have 2 handbags you should give one a way to your sister!!!(Joke!)
Anyway am looking forward to a weekend that doesn't involve rushing here, there and everywhere!!!

WEEKEND MADNESS!!!

Excellent weekend!
Started with a lie in!!! Then a trip to the hairdressers (Always gives you a lift!). Then we headed on up to Birmingham at lunchtime to meet the lovely Sarah and Lucy Wicker in town for a mooch around the shops! Then Gary found us after he had finished work!
We all went home and had the best Indian takeaway!!
Saturday was spent in the ICC at the Baptist Union Assembly!! Not as Yawnworthy as expected!!! Lots of thought provoking things said and seen!
Saw Les Dennis crossing the bridge next to us!
Sunday morning we got up at 6.30am to get back to church for 9am to lead the worship and be apart of Miranda Reed's dedication! A great time was had and it was interesting seeing some old faces from the past!
Pub quiz as usual although with some new faces!! And the news that next week really be the last one due to closure for refurbishment!
I am now very tired and still trying to figure out what to do with life etc!! Although I am feeling a little happier than last week!!

Looking forward to another long weekend with the bank holiday coming up next week and time to catch up with my big bro!

BRING ON THE FOUR DAY WEEK!

I am nearly at the end of my four day week and I can't wait until tomorrow when I can have a lie in! I am V tired even though we had a week off last week!

The purpose of our day off is to head back up to Birmingham for the Baptist Union Assembly day! Might be interesting, I have my voting cards at the ready! Reall, I'm looking forward to seeing my lovely friend Sarah again as I miss her lots and also the evening concert of the BU looks like it could be quite good!!

We are then getting up at the crack of dawn to head back to ealing for Miranda Reeds dedication and first birthday! This also is set to be a good time and lots of friends getting together many of whom are not christians!

Lets hope the sun has got his hat on!

Almost forgot, on Tuesday, I receieved a belated birthday pressie from Matt and Hazel currey of 2 balls of wool, some knitting needles and a lovely bag from India to keep it all in!! Am now obsessed with knitting! Jumped from 27 stiches to 33 last night!! However my lovely Mum was there to sort me out and get me back on track! Watch out Pete I'll be knitting you lovely tasteful jumpers soon!

BACK TO REALITY!!!!!

I am now another year older (Although still nowhere near as old as my lovely husband!) . I have now been back at work for 2 days and it hasn't changed much in a week!! All the difficult cases I hoped would be dealt with in my absence weren't! Thank goodness I had a lovely efficient girl keeping on top of some of my basic paper work!
I am still thinking about where my life is going, what I should be doing! What is my role in life? I just don't seem to be getting anywhere with it all! I think I am still feeling a bit unsettled not knowing what might happen when my colleague returns from maternity leave!??
What is most depressing is the fact that everything always comes down to money!
I have scoured the various media's for jobs and there just doesn't seem to be anything around!
Maybe God's telling me to stay here, but then I wish he would give me a clearer idea and more of an enthusiasm for being here!
I always sound so depressed and really life ain't so bad! We have a nice flat (although far too expensive!), and we have great friends ( I received 16 text messages on my birthday!Thanks guys!), my family are wonderful, and I am married to an amazing man of God!
I think I will try and smile more today and think positively!
Here goes ;-)

HOLIDAY!, CELEBRATE!

I am trying to focus my mind to ensure that all my work gets done before I head off on my hols tonight, but all I really want to do is go!

Looking forward to another evening with the delightful Wickers in Brum!

A table has been booked in Bar Roma, my favourite resteraunt in Edinburgh for Monday night for celebrating my 26th birthday and our 7th Wedding anniversary!!

And all I can say is bring on the CHOCOLATE SOUP! (A must for all visitors to Edinburgh! Never mind the Castle!)

UNSETTLED

Can't wait for Friday, however it seems so far away, as I have soooo much work to do before then and lots of little things to remember!

The person I took over from in January (maternity cover) came in yesterday and is looking to come back to work part time in June! I am not sure where that leaves me however as we can not really afford for me to work part time, (nice as that would be!) and I don't really want to go back to the lettings side of things for various reasons! It's all a bit pie in the sky but it is always better to prempt things if you ask me!

I think I will take my holiday to think through my options, but as usual everything comes down to money! Was thinking the other week about possibly studying as didn't bother when I left school! (What I would study is a whole other question!)

BAD DAY IN THE OFFICE!

Boss man is in a foul mood and threatening to sack someone as no one listens to him! Then maybe we might start!

Not the best atmosphere to be working in on a Monday morning!

GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL!

We had a lovely weekend! Good to see those we love dearly! Also a big shout out to the very special Laura & Dave Traneer on the birth of baby Lila. Hope all goes well now that she is finally here! Also congrats to the Phillips Ladies, enjoy being aunties and Grandma! We love you all!

Great to spend Saturday with Lucy Wicker celebrating her first birthday! Twas fun!
I am now very tired and am counting down the days till Holiday!!!!
Friday Birmingham, Saturday Edinburgh and then home Thursday. Friday Guildford and then onto Farnham Castle for the weekend!

BRING IT ON! - I'm not sure I will want to return to work after that! However maybe it will give me some thinking time!

I have done Strengthsfinder.com and discovered my strengths!

DEVELOPER
WOO (Winning others over)
EMPATHY
RESPONSIBILITY
HARMONY

All of these describe me perfectly, but I had hoped for some new revelation that would help me decide which direction to go in my life!

We shall see - Seems like everyone at work is considering leaving but no one knows what else to do!

LONG WEEK

How can a four day week be so long?
It has been really hectic week here at work and I have had to mop up some messes that I made which makes it worse!
The Easter weekend was great! Friday pete was still poorly so I took our friends kids to Kew on my own, but the 4 of us had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves, running around, climbing and then we went home and had McDonald's!
Saturday our friends came up from Rye and we just had a chill out few days!
On Monday we went to TGI's in Watford for Buddy's birthday and we got to see their 2 week old baby! Gracie is just cute! Even Pete gave her a cuddle (Normally unheard of where babies are concerned)
We then went to Enfield to have dinner with Neil & Amanda and on the way we stopped at Krispie Kreame (Lovely!) Our time with Neil & Amanda was great!

Then back to work!!!!! However there is hope in sight, we are going to Birmingham for Lucy's 1st Birthday tomorrow, spending time with the lovely Matt & Jo 2night and the pub quiz on Sunday. Then it is just one week until we head off to Edinburgh for a little holiday! A whole week off work - Praise the Lord!

ROLL ON THE LONG WEEKEND!

Feeling very tired for lots of reasons! Poor Pete is struggling with a very bad cold and so was up all night coughing, sneezing and blowing his nose! Kept me awake! However, I managed to get up earlier than usual and made breakfast and made myself lunch! (very unusual!)

I am one of those people who has so many idea's but never manage to carry them through! My friend cycled round to my house on Tuesday and that has inspired me to get on my bike, (even though the breaks have never been fixed I have had it 2 years and never ridden it and it's at my parents house!), however I am not sure that this will happen! I also wanted to look into tennis lesson's (our bedroom over looks the courts) but I probably won't! I should do all these things and more, I am just too lazy!

I also looked at our finances last night! Not a pretty sight and not something I should have done 2 weeks before my birthday!

Anyway, hoping Pete will be better soon as we have a busy weekend ahead. Taking 3 kids out for the day tomorrow, good friends coming for the weekend. Nana arriving from Scotland today. Cars need a wash! and dinner on Monday getting to know people better!!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

THE SUN HAS GOT IT'S HAT ON!

Well the sun is shining and guess where I am? At work! The next 2 days will probably be our only taste of sunshine for the next 6 months and I'm shut up at work! Serves me right for brown nosing really!!!

Have had really hectic week and the weekend is no different! And the weekend will end with a sad note, as our usual Sunday night pub quiz will be closing due to pub refurb! The team is very upset! We do have ideas of what to do next, and it will be hard to move on!!
I think it will be a good night! Lets hope we win!

The good thing about the weekend is the opportunity to spend time with good friends tonight over dinner and tomorrow over lunch!! I love all our friends they are a great bunch!

I HATE WORKING LATE!

Hello from my lovely desk!!!! Yes I am still at work and the worse thing is it is my own fault! I normally have a part timer who works evenings and Saturdays so that I don't have to! However our Northfields office is struggling to find a part timer and so I lent them Fey! This evening, all the negotiators are out on appointments leaving 1 girl in the office and due to current safety issue we can't really leave her here alone!!! Plus I have a pile of work to do! Hopefully I'll be leaving 7.30 if not i'll be dragging myself away at about 8pm!I don't know, you try and be nice to others and you pay the price!!

Looking forward to going home, putting my poorly knee up and watching some excellent trashy telly (Desperate Housewives!)

My knee is still very sore, it is swollen, bruised and grazed and every time I get up it's stiff!!!

Oh woe is me!

TOOK A TUMBLE!!!!!!!!

Not a great day! Very busy at work as the boss is on compassionate leave due to a family bereavement! And then today I went out the back of the office to get some more plain paper and fell down the stairs! Felt very stupid as grown ups don't fall over! I got up and made sure nothing was broken! Felt very wobbly for a bit and now have a lovely bleeding carpet burn on my right knee and a sore arm! It's just one of those weeks!!! (And it's only Tuesday!) Have not blogged for ages, but feel like I have had enough of everything and everybody and just need some time out! Roll on Easter weekend!

NEW CD

I have a confession to make!! The most recent album I purchased was the latest creation from those lovely Hanson boys!!! Yes the ones who sang "Um bop!!!" And it is brilliant!

SO MUCH FOR SNOW!!!

I am very upset that as usual everywhere else in the country seems to get proper snow but we don't! People keep Lying to me telling me the snow is coming but it's not they are just giving me false hope!

Looking forward to great weekend with our great friends The Wickers! And also my Brother and Becky being around as miss all of them muchly and wish they all lived a bit closer!

VERY DISAPPOINTING!

Well the snow came but there is hardly any left this morning! It's not even frozen, didn't even have to scrape the car! It was great to watch the huge flakes falling last night but they have no lasting effect! I think it is now too wet everywhere that if the snow falls again it still won't settle! Very upsetting as waited all day for the snow to come!

Work is megga frantic(Hence very little blogging!), but I am doing my best not too work late as have a life outside of work!

Really looking forward to the weekend, as bezzie mates from Birmingham are coming down to stay with baby Lucy! (She's almost one!). Also my Bro and his lady are coming up from Exeter to stay with Ma and Pa and we are going out for a very good friends birthday on Saturday night!

Pub quiz was OK on Sunday we only came joint third this week!

I made Pete clear up and tidy his office on Saturday! He found the whole experience quite traumatic as I removed piles of paper from the floor and tried to establish some kind of better way of working! Pete just doesn't do admin and it is about all I can do!!! He can't understand why I can't play the piano and I can't understand why he can't do filing!

QUIET YET BUSY!

Well here at the office today, things are a little bonkers! There are officially no negotiators as 2 are on days off due to working weekends and the other has just called in sick! The boss man is not a happy soul today as this equals him doing an awful lot of work!

I had drinks with my old boss last night and then bumped into the head of admin from my old job this morning!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!

A big shout out to all those whom I love!! You know who you are!

Well as predicted it was a fantastic weekend!
Friday night dinner at a Tapas Bar, Saturday On the train to Waterloo to the Tate Modern, lunch and Studio 6 in Gabriels Wharf and then a mooch around Covent Garden. The plan was to go to Grace in the evening, but we were both extremely tired and just decided to stay in and a watch a DVD. Sunday Morning, we went for breakfast before going to church, then a large family lunch and the weekend rounding off very nicely with a tie break win at the pub quiz!

THANK CRUNCHIE IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!

Well it's gonna be a good day and a great weekend I can feel it in my bones! Here are the 5 reasons why:
1. The locks were not glued at the office today, so work started on time. No relaxing for me!
2. I spent my first ever night alone (Am a big sacredy cat and stay with my Mum when Pete's away!) It was great and slept like a baby!
3. Pete's coming home, sad but I hate it when he's not here!!!
4. I had a review at work and came out a grade 4 which is higher then anyone else in the office!
5. I am also feeling much better health wise, not 100% but better, I think I got myself in a tizz about lots of things!

So altogether a much more positive week! Work is hectic and if the market doesn't pick up, I may get more busy, as I will have to do both sale and lettings admin! Good job I have made myself indispensable!

IT'S THURSDAY BUT FRIDAY'S COMING!!!!!

Pete that titles for you! (Say hi to Tony!)

Last nights dinner was fantastic, thanks Rhi. Sitting round the table with great women who work hard and know what they want! One works at Kew, one for the Princes Trust and one at Tiffany's (She's a gemologist!), and then to top it all an inspirational Mother!

Laura - The pregnant one, is fatter than ever! She is usually the skinniest person I know!

Thank goodness it's nearly the weekend, not just because, my husband comes home tomorrow but also because I could do with a few free days, although I have already decided what we are doing on Saturday so that my lovely husband doesn't have to come up with some overblown romantic gesture being as it's Valentines weekend!!!

ALONE!

Once again I am alone in the office!

Thanks to my husband the conference hopper, I have been left all alone this week!(Big wave if you read this P!!!) Not actually true as have been staying at my Mum's and seeing friends tonight! Been quite hectic really! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend!

Today I have to attend an admin meeting and I am really not looking forward to it as I don't know the other administrators very well and for most of them, their reputation proceeds them!

Tonight is a big catch up with lovely friends one of whom is having a baby in April (Scarey!)

GLUE LOCKING DAY!

Well it's Friday and it is now commonly known in our office as Glue locking day! Yes once again my morning was spent in the coffee shop waiting for the locksmith to come and change our lock as someone had put super glue in it again! We are thinking someone might have it in for us!!!

I am feeling a little bit better today although still tired and tummy achey but am working on it!

THANK THE LORD!

At long last we have heard the news we have been waiting for and even better, it's very positive! The DFES funding Pete was waiting for has come in and his post has now been reinstated as full time! Hooorrahhh!

I AM NOT POORLY!

I am trying to convince myself that I am not poorly! Work is the type of place you can't really pull a sicky and get away with it! I was awake 3 times in the night for no reason and I am now trying really hard to keep awake! We did play badminton last night, but I thought it might help me to do some exercise and whilst we were there I was fine, but when we left we went to my Mums and I just zoned out!!!

Still no news on Pete's job, which is very frustrating!

Here's to an early night!

GOD'S IN CONTROL

AT cell we were discussing the different groups we find within the church that can cause problems amongst themselves. Like at Jesus trial etc, lots of different groups all thinking they are driving the situation, when actually God was in control working his purpose out, almost without them seeing. I think this is the same within our church today, there are lots of groups who think they've got it sussed, or they are in control of what's going, but we/they are all fooling our/themselves in a way as ultimately God is control!

WORKING

I am trying to keep very quiet about the fact that one of the admin staff is off on Saturday because I really don't want to have to work!

I am not really feeling any better and I think the tummy ache may be an old viral thing rearing it's ugly head! Had cell group at ours for the first time last night and it was quite good! We were missing two members of the group, but we hope they are feeling refreshed and better today after a chill out evening.

Playing badminton tonight! Time to get back into gear for fitness, not that I ever was in that gear in the first place! I really need to try and hit the shuttle cock!

SICK PAY

Today I am feeling unwell. It started yesterday, I have tummy ache and headache and generally feel groggy and Like I need to be tucked up in bed! However I can not take time off as I will not get paid, unless I take holiday! I have to be off 3 days and then get a Dr's cert before you get paid sick pay!!

Doing some sorting out last night I stumbled upon some of my old fat pictures! I still can't believe that a year ago I had reached my goal weight and lost 4 stone! However looking at old photo's it becomes a little more believable!! Back then, I was 4 clothe sizes bigger!! I feel like one of those adverts for Weight Watchers, although I have to say it does work even for me (very undisciplined person!)

ANOTHER WEEK BEGINS

Well here we are back at the begining of another week! This week looks like it might be quieter although work is pretty hectic, last week didn't spend much time at home!! This week I hope to have some early nights!! This probably won't happen mind you!!

Had a fantastic week caching up with loads of friends!! And getting to know new ones better!!

START AS WE MEAN TO GO ON!

As usual the day never quite goes how you expect it! I arrived at work today on time and with the thought of all the work that I have to do! When I arrived I was greeted by one of my colleagues who was standing outside which was strange in itself! Turned out that someone had put glue in our key locks and we couldn't get in! We had to call the locksmith and so until now I have been sitting in the coffee shop across the road waiting!!!! Now I am all over the place don't know where to start! Time frmaes are out the window!

DON'T LOOK BACK!

Last week after seeing all my colleagues at the funeral I felt quite sad and wondered if I had made the right choice to leave them all? Of course it was the right choice, seeing some of them for drinks last night, they call me the one that got out, so maybe I'm one of the lucky ones who managed to get out before you've been somewhere so long there is no way out! Mind you 5 years is quite a long time to get to know everyone and I think that's what I miss!!

My job is completely bonkers at the moment and I am just about keeping my head above water! Not really because of me, but because myself and another colleague are covering for the girl who took over my old role after Christmas! Yesterday I spent the whole day going through a file which should be dealt with on a weekly basis, to find that she had done virtually nothing so I had to do it, on top of my own work!!!

It is all quite tiring and this whole thing of not knowing about Pete's job is stressing me out abit! He says that we can just about manage with him on part time for one month!! But really why should we have to live like that, just about managing, when we both work really hard and are loyal employees?

Anyway that's enough rambling as have a pile of work waiting from yesterday to finish or start as the case may be!!

LET IT SNOW!

I hope it snow's, as the whole world looks all sparkly and beautiful! (Even Acton!)

LIFE IS A ROLLERCOASTER

I am sooooo tired as in the words of Ronan Keating, "Life is a rollercoaster". I feel like for the last week, I could go either way emotionally! At church on Sunday I just kept wanting to weep! (Not coz the sermon was bad! (It was excellent Carl!!)) There is just so much going on everywhere at the moment, both in my life and the life of others! There is so much of God that we can not comprehend and so much we never will until we meet face to face! However, even though we know that, we so often seek to understand the things that go on around us, so that our human minds can reconcile things.
Why is there so much suffering? Why does God let people die, who have so much more of life to live? Why do we feel like we are doing what God wants, and yet so many circumstances stand against us?

On a happier note, I did feel better yesterday evening when we attended the Baptism of our good friend Jenny Radford. It was a great time of celebration of what God has done and will do in the future.
Anyway I'm tired of thinking and now I have to do some work, which does not enthuse me at all!!!

A STRANGE DAY!

Yesterday was a strange day, when so many parts of my life seemed to be interwoven! I was at work as usual and then I went to a funeral at Ealing Abbey where so many of my old colleagues were.
The funeral was very sad and I forgot that at Catholic funerals they have communion. There were probably 200 people there mostly in their 30's, mostly of catholic background. Everyone knew what to do and say and yet it all seemed so empty and lacking in hope.
The priest said a lot of things, I'm not sure I fully agreed with, however he also said alot that were spot on!
He did say "At the end of all suffering there is always peace", which really struck me. We are all searching for peace in this life, but surely we will only fully experience peace when our sufferings on this earth are over. (Not that life on earth is always that bad!)

Seeing my old colleagues was strange, as that was 5 years if my life!

AND SLEEP!

Why is it so hard to get up and out of bed in the morning! It seems to me I get later and later and all I achieve is getting myself into a flap and rushing around! I never have breakfast, but in my dream world, I would like to get up have brekkie with my husband and have time to just sit before I leave for work!!! This never happens! I don't know how these people find the time to go to the gym or for a run in the morning? Every night I do go to bed with the intention of getting up earlier, but i never manage it!

Had excellent cell group last night!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

Being someone who really can't do maths at any level, this thought for the day on my calendar at work made me smile!

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings

So true I think!

Quizzical mind

A group of us went to a local pub quiz last Sunday night. We had a great time and were only 5 points off the winning score!! We will be there again this week with the view to winning!

WORKING!!!

Well it's Saturday and here I am sat at work!!!! I really hate working Saturday's and I am already tired thinking about the week ahead! However on the plus side the boss isn't here and my colleague has just gone on an appointment and to do the bacon sandwich round!!!! Also I have a ton of work to do, so in that sense I should get it all cleared to start a groovy new week next week!! Our black and white printer has gone mental - it has printed about 100 pages of one line computer gobbledygook! We have tried everything but it still seems to be mental!!!

Tonight I am going to the ballet, an annual event which brings a warm fuzzy feeling to the heart when thought about!!!!! It takes me back to when I was young and my 10 years of ballet lessons and dance shows! I loved it and often think of joining an adult ballet class! It's great for fitness and discipline!

Got a text message from my Mum yesterday it started with: "Your Dad is lucky to be alive!" I couldn't work out if she had, had a moment of madness and attacked him of if something less serious had occurred! Once I telephoned them, it transpired that the garage door had completely come off and fallen on him. He managed to catch it, rather then it crushing him! I think he was in a bit of shock and I have told him to go to the doc's today and just get checked over!!!! Anyway, when I called my parents they were in the pub celebrating life!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Just as blogging was getting exciting, the computers went down at work, they only started working again yesterday! Our office did consider it may have been due to all 7 of us play solitare at the same time!!
Had a great Christmas and New Year and realised how much I really wish I did not have to go to work everyday!
All my colleagues are now officially late and I have been the only one her for 35 mins! (At the moment I am the only one here!!!!!!)