Time Out
I am starting to discover some of the problems with ministry. I still love it and that is great however, there are times when I need moments of escapism. Those moments when I can just put work to the back of my mind and think about other things. I was talking about this with a colleague of mine recently and we both agreed. The problem is that even when you have been away on holiday the moment you arrive home work is there immediately waiting. Waiting in the piles of post, in the emails, in the telephone messages and wham no time to adjust, work immediately there.
I'm not talking about the God stuff, that would be silly I would hope and want like others that God would be with me wherever I am, no it's the church stuff and it is that which I need a break from. Not cause it's bad or I don't like it but just because if I don't it will consume me. Friday is my day off, I was going to come home from dropping B off at school and hang around at home. Inevitably that means checking email of which there are work related messages and before you know it, well you can guess the rest. So today conscious decision on the way home call and see a colleague (and friend) whose day off it is as well. Cup of coffee some quick lessons given to his dog on laying out a blog and then off to the shop at the City of Manchester Stadium.
I didn't buy anything but P made up for it, coming out with a full bag, we followed that with a coffee and a sticky bun and suddenly I forgotten everything I was meant to forget. A lovely morning! Now the only problem is what to do with the afternoon?
Labels: Football, Friends, Ministry, Stuff
A Night with Royalty
Went to see the Kings of Leon with the lovely L1z tonight. On Saturday L1z had asked where the
venue was, knowing that it was her least favorite in all manchester I tried to put off telling her by changing the subject several times. Boy that girl's persistant, so I told her. Predictably she was disapointed and spent the rest of the night moaning. I pointed out that I had tried to save her from this pain but she wasn't having any of it.
Back to Sunday, they were good musically tight, good stage show and creative use of video. Yet having said all of that there was something missing I consult L1z for her opinion. I should have known "that's what you get for holding a gig in the equivalent of an aircraft hanger" was her response as she looked up from the card game she was playing on her phone. Mmmmmm perhaps the gig didn't quite hit the mark or L1z iz right the venue is crap, oh well I'll chalk that one down to experience.
The night was rounded off nicely when a fight broke out in front of us as we left. You know when you have one of those nights when you would have been better off staying in!
Labels: Friends, Gigs
She's Back
And she brought shiny things with her!
But mostly she's just back!
Labels: Friends, Holidays, Stuff
Home Time
Ok it's official I miss her and it's time she came home, roll on Thursday!
Labels: Friends, Holidays
A Duke Special night
Church this morning, friends house warming in the afternoon and off to see
Duke Special at
the academy this evening. Great gig, he was chatty, witty and on good form. There was an informal feel to the night, laid back and chilled. After such a busy few days this was just what I needed. Earlier
1iz had echoed my thoughts by saying that had we have not already had the tickets she could have easily stayed at home. Perhaps this was the reason why that as we attempted to find a parking space 1iz suddenly remembered that the tickets were still on the fridge door. So we rushed back and decided to try again rather than give it up and stay at home. Still I'm glad we did, as I said to 1iz on the night 'in a world full of Sco*tch is good to have an intelligent musician'.
His playing was accomplished, lyrics thoughtful and provoking and his voice had the capability to take you elsewhere. The gig finished with the band coming down into the audience to busk. As soon as the lights went down we took advantage of our position at the back and made a quick exit. As we left the venue, we once again heard music only to discover the band coming up one the exit stair cases where we were treated to what can only be described as an intimate gig, hence the close up photo's.
All in all a good night so glad now I didn't stay in.
Labels: Friends, Gigs
Eurovision Mayhem
After a busy day it was off to round to
1iz's house for her annual and infamous eurovison party. A good night it was too, chance to catch up with friends and wind down. K junior had made Pakora and Samosa's for aunty 1iz and as a result had several offers from people who wanted to adopt her (i'm currently mulling over the offers)oh yes and there was the music.
Well a mixture of
camp airline stewards and a cross between
Sue Pollard and Elton John wrapped in baco foil
seems to sum up the night. As for
the winner, pitty the money for hair styling ran out after the backing singers. Still as P aptly put it...... 'a victory for all those who had to endure pudding basin hair cuts!'
Labels: Eurovision, Friends
Catching Up
Events of the past few weeks appear to have over taken me. I had meant to Blog about lots but sadly it seemed innapropriate but still here I am back again and trying to move on.
So lets start with Friday!
Friday went to London for a
Greenbelt training day. I had mixed feelins as I stood at Picadilly station at 7.15. Firstly, why am in Manchester waiting for a train and not at home with a coffee and secondly will it be worthwile. We had a similiar training day last year and it failed to hit the mark so I wondered was this just going to be a long day, long journey and all a waste of time.
I'm pleased to report back that it wasn't the day was most productive, investigating how we could improve our skills working with volunteers, the networking opportuities were also good and it was great to meet people new and old.
After the meeting we had time to kill before our train back so joined others in the pub for conversation and beer, both of which were good. A few us then wandered around the corner from Liverpool St Station and found this
noodle bar again good company and this time fanatastic food.
Back to Euston for the 19.35 train (which we all thought left at 19.45, good job we were early) and home, a long but satisfying day!
Labels: Friends, Greenbelt, Stuff
Friends
I meant to blog about the wedding and perhaps still will. It was a top,top weekend some of my best friends
new and old. As
Liz mentioned a weekend tinged with happiness and sadness. Sadly a week later it's just sadness, T and E we love you both and are thinking of you all the time. Remember where we are and T the memory of your Mum will live forever in the person you have become. Her values and her love shine through all you are and it is those qualities that make people love you like they do.
Labels: Friends
