HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!

Hope everyone has had a great day and Santa has been good to them?

Despite another migraine on Saturday, I took it easy on Christmas eve and have enjoyed a nice day today with my whole family in my childhood home. This is significant as later in 2007 my parents will be moving from the house they have lived in for the last 25 years!! Times are achanging!

Looking forward to a lazy week!!

"HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a good night!"

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

Just watched the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" for the first time ever! Great movie, really enjoyed it!
Am defintely feeling more and more christmassy! Horrah!

Genious???

Well I am as shocked as everyone else! I got my grade back on my first assignment and it appears I got distinction!!!
I don't think I have ever got that good a grade in aything I've ever done!
Trouble is, that I have now set my own standards a bit too high!!!
Oh well, roll on 2007!!

PAIN IN THE NECK

On Monday morning I awoke in absolute agony in my neck and shoulders. It was the kind of pain that makes you feel faint or really sick. I managed to stand up and go into the livingroom. Pete woke up and I explained. I went back to bed, but was still in excruciating pain. I could not move my neck at all. I felt like I needed to get myself up and going. It took a while and obviously Pete had to drive me but I got to work at about 9:45am. Fortunately for me the organisations Physiotherapist was in so my colleague Rob go me a last minute appointment. It was great and in fact he said much the same as my osteopath. Need to relax and the muscles in my shoulder and neck are weak!! He advised me to have early nights!!

I am now feeling much better. Still in a little bit of pain, but can move, drive etc. Thank goodness as this week is very busy!
This afternoon I went with my team ice skating at Hampton Court. It was lovely!!! I was feeling very well and decided I would skate despite my neck!!

ACHING HEAD PART 6!!

Annoyingly today I had a second migraine at work. I sat it out as long as I could and then I came home about 12ish. I didn't know whether to be upset or annoyed! Booked an appointment with the osteopath for tomorrow at 5pm and am hoping she ill be able to work some more of her magic. It is just so debilitating and frustrating, especially when I have so much to do at the moment.
Am praying I don't get another one, especially as I want to be well for the weekend and my Christmas shopping and time off.

ACHING HEAD PART 5!

Friday at about 11:30am Migraine struck once more!! I tried to sit it out at work with a 40 minute lie down in the medical room. Once my eyes were no longer flashing, I felt able to drive home apart from feeling nauseous!!
Once hone I slept all afternoon. When I got up at about 6ish I felt woos but my headache was not as bad as it usually is. I felt a bit whacked since but am hoping this is not going to be a repeat of the summer! I know I've been over doing it and have managed to let college work get on top of me and try and do everything!!! Definitely in need of a break next weekend now!!!

30 DAYS ...................

I can't believe two weeks have flown by without a post, almost as much as I can't believe it's only 30 days till Christmas!!!!

Pete and I went to see Deacon Blue in Birmingham Symphony Hall which was brilliant! Pete really enjoyed himself and I felt incredibly young for a change! I knew way more songs than I thought I would though! Whilst in Brum, we stayed with the Wickers who are finally in their new house which is lovely!!

On the Friday I had a study day in order to get my assignment finished by the following Monday! This took up most of the weekend, apart from a brief interlude - Youthwork The Conference - Eastbourne! It was OK, but my brain was pretty full up already to be honest.

On the Sunday afternoon, I did a word count on my assignment and found I had 3,707 words, when in fact my limit was only 2,000! From then on, the main emphasis of my work was hard core editing!!!!!!

Finally just in time for college, I finished everything including references and bibliography.
We'll see how it goes!
My project proposal came back and I have the go ahead to carry it out and the external marker didn't even give me any comments!!!

Tonight I will finally find out what happens to Harry Potter!! A few weeks back we started watching number 3 with some friends, when we got about half way theough the film and the DVD stopped working!! The fate of Harry and his friends has been preying on my mind and so I am relieved that finally tonight I get to discover the truth!!

Another busy weekend coming up but next weekend we head away to Gloucester to catch up with the Vollands which I am very mush looking forward to!

SUMMER HOLIDAY

I have been rather busy since I last posted, hence no post!
I handed in my project proposal! It's due back next week, so we will see if I can go ahead with the project or have to make ammendments!
HGBC held a worship day led by Martin Layzell. It was a good time. Afterwards Pete cooked up a delicious stew for dinner on a cold wintery night.

Last night I took my Mum to see Cliff Richard at Wembley Arena! It was brilliant, if a little cheesy at times!! My Mum loved it and I have to confess it was quite enjoyable. I wish I could be as energetic as him now let alone when I am his age! There was no support band and he basically led the whole show from 7:30pm - 10:30pm with a mini break in the middle.

Tomorrow see's the start of my Christmassyness. Annual attendance at a Christmas fair and then home to make decs and things! Great!

Looking forward to next Thursday when I am taking Pete to Birmingham to see Deacon Blue!

So much to do and so little time to do it in!!

READING WEEK!!

I'm sure that normal college students see reading week as time off!! I however have been studying hard!! Mostly because my first assignment has to be handed in on Monday 30/10/06!!
Yesterday however Pete and I had annual leave again!! This time it was because we were celebrating 11 years of being together!! We ended up doing nothing but watching movies all day as we were both a little unwell with colds. Last night we put our glad rags on and went to Kew Grill - Anthony Worral Thompson's restaurant. It was brill! Lots of steak and yummy mash!
I still feel full!! Lovely!
Today I am still not at work!! This is because I am on a study day!! I have lots to do!!! Might even go to the library!
Better go and make start!

CRAZY BUSY!!!!

Pete got back from his studying trip and not a moment too soon! ON the Thursday he was away I had a bit of a funny turn! I was out with my lovely friend Claire when I basically thought I was going to faint. It was not a very pleasant experience! I am fine now and think I was just doing far too much!
Upon Pete's return, he had to work all weekend! Saturday was great though, we went to The Gathering, a multicultural event run by Pete's colleague. The worship was lively and included and sitar! Speakers included Les Isaac - The chap who set up Street Pastors and Mark Greene - LICC. It was a good day with lots to take in!
The following week was still busy, college was winding up for reading week.
We had a fab dinner with our friends Buddy and Alex in a really nice restaurant in Harrow, from which we could see the Wembley arch all lit up! Not quite the same as the towers, but looked pretty spectacular!
Last Friday was annual leave and we headed over to Kent to see the family! It was good to catch up with Pete's brothers family, even if Elliot (our youngest nephew) accused me of always having a new handbag! As we had originally booked to be away this weekend, we decided to not do too much! So Saturday we did not much all day and then went bowling with the lovely Ana and Paul in the evening. On Sunday we were naughty and didn't go to church! It was very nice! In the evening we did however go to Stanmore Baptist Church to a new service there. It was good to be somewhere different for a change.

It has been a really crazy week!
Pete is away on his first study week, so I am home alone. Sadly I have hardly been at home alone!
Obviously I have been at college and then last night 5 girls from work came over for dinner. I did Swiss Raclette. It was delicious. I also made a fab chocolate mousse the recipe I got from my Mum. It was soooo easy!
We had a good time!
Pete should be back Friday! YEAH!!!!!

HOLIDAYS ARE COMING, HOLIDAYS ARE COMING

Despite the family rule that states "Suzie is not allowed to start talking, thinking or doing things to do with Christmas before the 1st November"! Tonight I am having to lovely and creative young ladies round to make some decorations! I was at Rachels house on Friday and she is making some gorgeous decs for a Christmas fair coming up and I fell in love with them and so am going to attempt - with help to recreate them!!!
Quite excited really!

HOMEWORK - WORK - HOME

I have just completed my first piece of homework for my course!! I'm thinking I've not done a great job, but you've got to start somewhere.
I am very tired, it seems like there is no stopping!
I have this Friday off, as Pete then heads off on Saturday for his week of study! Scary!

HI HO HI HO ITS OFF TO SCHOOL WE GO!

Had my first evening at college this evening! Despite the disorganisation it went OK. Met some people! Was quite fun! I think it is going to be OK, although a lot of work in a short space of time.

Made it through that first session with everyone not knowing anyone!!

ONEHUNDREDANDTWENTYFIVE

After some planning and organisation we have made it through the 125th Anniversay of Haven Green Baptist Church.
It has been a very busy weekend, but a great one. Catching up with lots of old friends from so many era's!
Saturday was excellent. My best friend from primary school was there with her 2 year old son Morgan! It was great to see Kirsty and catch up on life!

Hazel made a fabulous cake, which was cut by the oldest and newest members of the church! It was also delicious.

Then last night was a party at my parents, with around 66 people! Also a great night catching up with folk!

This morning was a great service, Matt Week's song was rousing, I just about managed to keep myself from crying throughout the whole thing, and as I was singing that was a wise decision!

We had Mel and Graham staying with us and Sarah & Lucy stayed at my Mum and Dad's, it was really great to see them all.

This evening was a lovely meal for all the current members.

I think all in all a good time was had!!!

BACK TO THE FUTURE

This week has been quite busy, work is picking up fast, which I love and hate all at the same time! Part of me thrives on the not having time to think and just running from one task to another! It is tiring though. Plus my course is getting closer. First day is the 20th September, I am really nervous!

We have got our church 125th Anniversary next weekend which is crazy. There is lots happening and lots of old faces reappearing! Looking forward to seeing the Wickers and the Halls! I'm sure there will be lots of people to catch up with and lots to see and do.
Lots of old photo's hanging around, which are funny, sad and awful!! I can't believe we've been at HGBC for 25 years, so many other people seem to have come and gone in that time it's frightening to try and remember even half of them.

Hoping to be at a BBQ tomorrow - I am thinking it will probably be my last for this year!! (I did say before Christmas is drawing ever nearer!)

Last weekend we cleared and tidies Petes office. So far he is managing to keep it tidy! I just hope he doesn't leave his filing for another 2 years!!! :-)

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

I can't believe that it is September already! I'm in need of a holiday!!
There is loads going on at the moment, work is getting busier, we are preparing for the 125th anniversary at church and generally seeing lots of people, banner making, card making.
I am trying to chill out and relax more, so lets hope that can continue!
I know it's scarey but it really will be Christmas before we know where we are! and I am really not ready! Having not made my own Christmas cards for the last few years, I was thinking maybe this year I could be ultra prepared and start thinking about them! We'll see, I'm always full of good intentions that rarely come to fruition.

We're back from our holidays!! Had a wonderful, relaxing time! This is the little cottage where we stayed in a small village called Hawkechurch.
Thank goodness we have got the long weekend to ease ourselves back into life!

I WANNA SEE THE SUNSHINE AFTER THE RAIN!

Typically, the rain has begun to fall just as we are about to head off on our hols!!
Half day at work and then off the Lyme Regis!
Really looking forward to some time away!

BIRTHDAY WISHES

We have made it through the weekend. We had a great time. Friday I spend most of the day baking fairy cakes for Dad and Becky's birthday dinner on Saturday night.

Friday night we had a party for Dad's 60th and there were around 55 - 60 people crammed into my parents house! Some who I haven't seen for ages! The puddings went down well, however I only managed 1 plate of chocolate mousse towards the end of the evening!

Saturday was spent at the Middlesex Rugby 7's! It was a fun day, made even better by the fact that our Team WASPS won!!!

Saturday evening/night!, was spent at a very nice , extremely local restaurant. The food was amazing and the atmosphere fab, with a pianist playing virtually at the end of our table!

It looks as though Dad and Becky enjoyed their birthdays!

Fortunately everyone made it to join us for the weekend, despite the travel problems. The Scottish people jumped in the car and my Brother managed to get a much earlier flight!

COUNT DOWN TO THE WEEKEND

Work has got very busy this week, so I am keeping on my toes!
Had a great visit from my pal Sarah and little Lucy! We had fun!

Now we are preparing everything for my Dad's 60th birthday weekend!! Party on Friday night and lots of other festivities throughout the weekend!
Should be fun!

QUIET WATERS!

It has been a relatively quiet week at work. Home life has remained fairly crazy! Looking forward to a chilled weekend, before my Pa's 60th next weekend.

The caffeine withdrawal seems to have lessened it's effects in the last week and I am starting to feel "normal" again, although there are those who would say that I wasn't normal to begin with!

Managed to catch up with an old chum, have a final supper with cell group, see my Mum and Dad and have dinner with friends.
I got my letter through from college and my course begins on the 20th September - 2 evenings a week! I am starting to feel really nervous! I hate the thought of walking into a room of people who I don't know, especially when you know inside everyone is judging you and each other!!

Looks like my good friend Mrs Wicker is coming down from Brum on Sunday with little Lucy for a couple of nights and I have managed to wangle a half day Monday so we can spend some time together! Should be fun!

IT'S MONDAY BUT FRIDAY'S COMING

Back at work today after a great weekend off!
I had Friday off work and we went to The Motor Show which was really good fun, we had a great day out and caught up with our friends in the evening. I saw Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone - First time! I actually thought it was quite good!
Saturday we headed off to Canterbury for the night! We had a fun time just chilling out and enjoying the randomness of those around us! Despite our room in the hotel being the hottest room with windows that didn't open and not even a fan to cool us down, we had a laugh.
Popped in at Ealing jazz festival last night. It still draws a huge crowd.

COLD TURKEY update...........
It has now been two weeks since I have given up caffeine. It has been a long road and to be honest I am not sure I am there yet. I am still very tired and head aches are still coming although not as often. I am starting to feel a bit more "Normal"! Again.

I am back at the crainiosacral therapist tomorrow! Looking forward to it!

In other news, I now have my own laptop!!!! I was going to wait until after our holiday, but Pete saw a bargain today and got it!! It is very cool and in fact at this moment we are both sat in the living room n the Internet!! The reality is that I am starting my course in September and it looks like Pete will be studying too so computer demand is on the up!

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY

Although I probably just need some good old fashion psychotherapy, I went yesterday and enjoyed the delights of Cariniosacral Osteopathy. It was brilliant and although today I feel a bit tender, I can feel that she has begun to sort me out. It is the most amazing thing as she bearly touches you and yet you feel your body responding. I am going back again next week for some more!!

Looking forward to the weekend and som quality time with the man! The Motor Show on Friday and then off to Canterbury for the night on Saturday, fab! Some chilling and eating I think!

COLD TURKEY

I am not feeling any better, but I can't tell if it is migraine aftermath, this horrid cold my husband has kindly decided to share with me or the effects of going cold turkey from caffeine!
I have spent most of today just laying on the sofa. I watched two movies and a couple of crappie TV programmes. It is better to stay lying down as when I get up my head hurts! Although I have managed to download some tunes to cheer up my journey to work tomorrow.
Who could have known that drinking almost 4 litres of diet coke a day could be so hard to give up!!
5 days down in the caffeine withdrawal!

ACHING HEAD PART 4

Yes, you've guessed it the migraine strikes again! I was at work yesterday morning before nine and started having a migraine! My boss sent me home in a cab as she thought I shouldn't drive.
Well, I couldn't see!! Went to my mum's, slept on her sofa and generaly layed around all day! Still have a headache, but hope I am getting there! Back to work today, I don't like to let it stop me. I have decided to cut out caffiene, chocolate and cheese for the time being! So watch out, if you see me coming! I may not be in a good mood!

ACHING HEAD PART 3

Last night I had my third migraine in 2 weeks!! I am getting a bit fed up with it now and am not sure what to do about it! Plus I had decided last week to take today as a day off to just chill out do nice things and maybe some housework! I now feel a bit weak and wibbly and so looks like the day will be lost to nothingness!

BRIGHT & MORNING STAR

Big CONGRATULATIONS to Andy & Jenny& Ella on the birth of little Lily this morning. A new daughter and little sister!!

PIMMS O'CLOCK

So after church this morning, Ana came and picked me up and we met Pete at their house. We all put on our glad rags and headed off to Henley Regatta. Phyllis Court was our destination!

As you can see from the photo's we had loads of fun! Pints of Pimms. Champagne and afternoon tea in the ballroom!

For once I was extremely dressed up but did not feel overdressed at all with a hat thing on!

A big shout out to Stuart Barr who was Operations manager at Phyllis Court - doing a grand job and who got us in for the day!!

So the Yorkshireman, the Croat and the geezer from South London managed to behave themselves!

ACHING HEAD PART TWO

I have spent the morning in bed once again with Migraine mark 2! I had a feeling it would be like this as the migraines I have been having since Christmas have been coming in two's!! Not very pleasant. I had got up early in order to get to Kingston to go to Zara to find a dress to wear to Henley tomorrow and it hit me. 8:30am I went straight back to bed and didn't emerge till lunchtime. At which point we both needed to get out of our very hot flat, so headed for Brent Cross. Plenty of seats for the sick one, in doors for the one with hayfever and aircon for the pair who live in the hottest flat in Ealing. Managed to find a dress and a hairband/hat contraption!! Will reveal tomorrow!

As you can see, I have managed to up load a photo. This one is from a recent away day with my team from work. A great day out in London!
I LOVE LONDON!


The boat trip yesterday was a giggle, basically we went one hour up the Thames and one hour back again!! The sun was shining and everyone was very chilled out.

Anyway, I'm off now to sort my outfit out and prepare myself for my big day out tomorrow mostly by getting some beauty sleep!

A LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE

Well last night was not as loud as anticipated as the band kept tripping the electrics and cutting out every so often!! Good time though, great music!! The band line up included the chap who had played the sax solo on Careless Whisper!! Brilliant!

The sun is shining and we are all heading off to Teddington lock to board our boat for our mini cruise!!!! Should be a giggle!

Still stressing over outfit for Sunday!!! I think a trip to kingston tomorrow before the football is in order!

My Mummy & Daddy are on their way home! Horrah!!!!

ACHING HEAD

Had a bit of a stressful week, culminating in a migraine last night. Still feeling the remnants of this, but nevertheless will be attending the Our Dad gig at the Rutland tonight!! Should be fun and loud! Tomorrow, its a work social - boat trip and on Sunday we're going to Henley Regatta!! V posh - suits, dresses and hats ahoy!!!!
More about that later!

AAAGGGGRRRRHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello, I can not believe that it has been over a month since I last blogged. I have not managed to put and photo's up (YET!) I still haven't reached my weight watchers goal - Still 8lbs to loose!
Work is very busy at the moment, but good none the less as the days go by quickly.
May has been a very crazy month. Lots of stuff going on for my family in varying ways. When we went to Brighton for the BU Assembly, on the day of departure, my Dad rang to tell me he was taking my Mum to the hospital for an ECG as she had woken early in the morning with an irregular and very quick heart rate. By that evening and after many tests she was fine and we all went to Brighton - Pete had already gone, but I stayed behind to see what was happening.
They are saying that it is possibly just one of those thing, may happen again, may not. I think it really frightened my poor Mum and since then she has not been sleeping very well and is generally feeling a bit worried about it! (Understandably!)
Since then My Nana had a fall and broke her hip. She remains in hospital and following an operation she seems to be doing OK. My Mum has gone up to Scotland to be with her, but at this point, there seems to be no return date. My Dad is due to head up there in a couple of weeks! Who knows what will happen. There is other stuff too but it would take too long to go into!

We had a good bank holiday - celebrating Pete's birthday, by generally doing nothing!! Very enjoyable.

I have told our cell group now that as of August we will no longer be leading cell. As of September, I am going to be studying 2 evenings a week for my Certificate in Personnel practice. Should be good although very hard work especially as I didn't really do any work when I was at school!

We went to a ate Simmonds gig the other night - It was brill - Weeksie was playing the guitar - he is V talented!

So I think that brings things up to date for now!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Holiday was fantastic! We had a great time seeing lots of people and places! Took loads of photo's, shall try and post some up when I get round to it!
Back at work now and it is fairly busy, well actually very busy, but I am just about keeping on top of it for now!
Day off tomorrow! We are heading down to Brighton for the Baptist Union Assembly! Sounds yawn worthy, but actually is quite fun and we get to catch up with lots of people we haven't seen for ages!
Hopefully we will also see our friends Laura, Dave and Lila Traneer who live down in Brighton as well! Bank Holiday Monday too, Brilliant!

DOOP DOO BE DOO DOOP DOO DOO

Well I never, I have managed to go over a month without blogging!! Life has been so hectic I don't really know what I've been up to!
My new car is truly fabulous! If you saw The Apprentice this week - the car supermarket they were in was where Pete found "Verity"!
We celebrated Pete's Mum & Dad's Ruby Wedding. With a family lunch which was fun.
Last weekend, Pete was VERY sick. It's only the second time in the 10 years we have been together that I have known him actually be sick!
This weekend, my brother and his lovely girlie are coming up from Exeter, so a late Mothers day dinner is the order of the weekend.
I have now lost 15 and half pounds at weight watchers!! Only 11 more pounds o go and I have reached my target!

Mostly, I am just counting down to our holiday!! I hope it is going to be as good as I am expecting! A few days with Nana at her flat in Edinburgh. Take Nana to the airport and send her down to London for Easter with my parents. a few days on our own! Ana & Paul come to Edinburgh to stay in a hotel for a couple of days - some meeting up possibly! Easter Saturday - all 4 of us jump in the car and head up to near St Andrews to meet up with Ollly & Tessa at Jesse and Marie's house for a very groovy Easter! Monday heading back down to London with a stop over in Durham in a cute hotel for the night!! and then the rest of the week off!!!

Then I am only back at work for 4 days, when I am off to the BU Assembly in Brighton!! Better save some pennies for some Lanes shopping!!!

As you can see I have high hopes for my hols, but really all I want is to chill out and get away from it all!

IF YOU LIKE A LOT OF CHOCOLATE ON YOUR BISCUIT JOIN OUR CLUB!

Hurrah! Yesterday I went to WW and I had lost 3 1/2 lbs which totals my current weight loss at 8lbs!!! That's over half a stone.
Am still feeling hungry but at least I know it is working and worth it.

Looks like I am probably going to get a new car this week, as my current car Winnie needs a lot of work doing and it isn't really worth it. So Pete has investigated and I might be getting a Ford KA! Cool! Perhaps it won't shudder all the time, sound like I am about to take off and have a working radio for those long traffic jams? Nothing will ever be like Winnie!

Pete is working loads at the moment and it feels like we have hardly seen each other. Looking forward to the weekend and seeing the Wickers for some good times!

THANK CRUNCHIE IT'S FRIDAY!

I am truly glad that it is Friday! I am quite tired and I know now that Pete should be around a bit more from this weekend after all his spells of working away. Life has been so hectic since we touched down into 2006 and I feel like I have hardly stopped for breath!

It's Spurgeon quote day here in our team! Jane has taken it upon herself to send us a quote from Spurgeon quote every hour today, to inspire us!!

I am back at Weight Watchers and so far have lost 4 1/2 lbs in two weeks which is pretty good although I am so hungry most of the time!! I really want chips, burgers, pizza and chocolate!

I have stayed a night in our flat on my own. Only the second time ever to do so. Usually I am staying at my Mum's! It was actually great to have a bit of space and time to myself, in between all the phonecalls I received!

Really looking forward to going to Brum next weekend to see the fabulous Wickers before they move house.

Even more I am looking forward to April when we go on holiday and visit the Duley's!

THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING - Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8

It' has been an interesting weekend. One in which I have laughed and cried.
Friday night, I spent a great time with my friend Jen just chatting about stuff!
Saturday morning, Pete and I decided to have a cooked breakfast. We then drove to met my Mum in Shepherds Bush. Pete dropped us in Hammersmith to catch a tube up town to go the ballet at the Collesium. Hammersmith Station was closed!!! Mum and I felt stranded, but we got on a bus that took us all the way to Piccadilly Circus, which was fab and meant we could see the sights!! Made it just in time. Good ballet! Got the tube home. First time on a tube since the bombings - it was always something I tried to avoid anyway! Wasn't too bad! Spent a very chilled out evening with the lovely Weeks! Eating pasta, and listening to some good old vinyl!
Today was a great morning service at HGBC - Gill preached a storm!
This evening we went to St Pauls for the Baptism of Elaine which was a honour to be at! Saw lots of old faces that I knew and had chocolate too!!
Life seems soooooo busy at the mo, I hardly have time to sit down!!

IN AT THE DEEP END

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Seems like the year has started very busy, but it's all good. So far I have stuck to my getting up early and preparing my lunch for the day. Tomorrow I am going to go swimming before work!! I will get fit this year and I will loose that 2 stone that seems to have crept up on me!!!