Domestic Goddess

Blogging

2009-04-02T12:01:00.002+01:00

Blogging

"Never before have so many people with so little to say said so much to so few."

Challenges? You'd better believe it!!

2009-03-30T15:12:00.001+01:00

Challenges

"I expected times like this - but I never thought they'd be so bad, so long, and so frequent."

Tradition

2009-03-30T12:16:00.001+01:00

"Just because you've always done it that way doesn't mean it's not incredibly stupid."

2009-03-27T16:38:00.002Z

Which one are You?

2009-03-26T12:34:00.000Z

Don't ask why!

2009-03-04T17:58:00.005Z

Yogurt, Aloe Vera or Cling Film?

2009-01-28T15:33:00.003Z

Following on from my last post, you will be pleased to hear that Messy Church went very well indeed.

Unfortunately, I burnt myself on the oven and so next time will be wearing something similar to the picture opposite.

Lots of advice as to what I should do to minimise the after effects of the burn. It was run under freezing cold water for two lots of 5 minutes, it had a pack of frozen onions placed on it until I started to smell like a burger bar. Butter and yogurt were suggested!!!! Things were starting to resemble the beginnings of a night at the curry house (onions, yogurt, butter......!!)

A friend kindly went home to cut the branches off her Aloe Vera plant so I could rub the sap into the burn. Apparently, her plant did not sacrifice itself in vain, this seemed to work.

Someone else suggested I wrap the burn in cling film. But I have to say that just reminded me of the clip in the Full Monty and so I declined that advice.

You will be pleased to know the burn has gone down quite a bit. No blistering, although the heat from my arm could give the oven a run for it's money!!

Fish Fingers, Rats and Migraines

2009-01-27T10:35:00.002Z

Went to bed last night and was obviously thinking of/worrying about cooking for Messy Church tonight. Theme of Loaves and Fishes, so fish fingers!

Had various vivid dreams, the worst being that during the cooking of fish fingers for Messy Church, the Environmental Health Officer turned up and found rats in the kitchen. I believe I cried out in my sleep. Well, wouldn't you?

The ensuing migraine is to remind me of that nightmare.

Sure tonight will go smoothly?!?!?!?!

Bean Trained!!!

2008-10-02T14:34:00.002+01:00

It's in!!

We've been trained!!

We managed to make 14 cups of coffee and didn't poison any of the workmen!!

(Well not instantly anyway!!)

People's Expectations

2008-09-26T10:25:00.005+01:00

So, things at the moment probably make me a little like the person in this picture. It's not the amount of stuff that needs doing that is daunting - although there seems to be an ever growing list of stuff that needs doing. And the time frame in which to do it is growing ever smaller.

No, it's people's expectations of what will or should be happening, how they think things are going to be run, when they think things should be run, that's what really really really scares me.

Anyone who knows me, will know that I have a fear of what people think of me. It is sometimes quite debilitating. I have a friend who doesn't give a "monkeys" about what people think about her, and she says that this feeling only really came as she got older. But how old do I have to be?!?!

Quite liked the caption below. Says it all really!

Who's for chocolate cake?

Question of the day!

2008-07-30T10:57:00.002+01:00

Why don't certain emails come with this warning?

How many people does it take to open a tin of corn beef?

2008-07-21T14:43:00.004+01:00

At 8am this morning, I got a phone call asking if I could spare a few hours making sandwiches. There had been a fire in Romford and the Fire Brigade had asked for the Emergency Response Unit. In fact, two guys had been there since the fire started at 3am, and Ann and I relieved them at 9am. Fortunately no-one was injured in the fire, but the whole store was gutted or as the fireman say "it's a sweep it up".

It was great to be doing something worthwhile and helping where help was needed and genuinely appreciated.

Chikankata Update

2008-07-21T14:35:00.002+01:00

So, they arrived at Chikankata Mission on Saturday. The folk there are overwhelmed and amazed at the amount of stuff they have taken for them. They went to see the Chief-ness and she too is stunned at the generosity.

Sunday, saw them go to Church, twice!! and take part in the choir practice.

Today everyone is feeling a bit tired. They have been on a tour of the hospital and the high school.

Unfortunately the mission has been without water for the past week. Water has to be collected daily and they are having to wash the best way they can. Toilets are being flushed using pans of water. And today the mission is without electricity.

Some of them are finding it harder than they thought!!

Journey to Zambia 2008

2008-07-19T15:27:00.001+01:00

They have arrived safely and B.A. didn't lose any luggage!!

Sofa Update

2008-06-26T11:00:00.007+01:00

Just thought you'd like to see what it is we, as a family, are sitting on because we are STILL WAITING FOR OUR SOFAS!!!!

And here is a picture of what we should be sitting on. This is the closest you will currently get to seeing them BECAUSE WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO BE DELIVERED!!!

p.s. hopefully they won't be that small either.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!!!

2008-06-19T09:50:00.003+01:00

Have been out and about visiting various Universities.

So, what constitutes a good University?

Do we mark the course content?

What about the teaching staff? Are they passionate or would they send you to sleep? And believe me some of them did!

What about student accommodation? Well, don't even go there!!! Ensuite, preferable. Non-ensuite - does that mean sharing bathroom/toilet facilities between 2 or 20?

What is the campus like? Can you get to town easily? Do you have to pay for internet access? Do you get free bus pass? What about campus food outlets? What about student life - and I mean night life?

And what about plain old "gut feeling". That feeling that you get when you walk through the door. Has happened once - "don't like this place!"

I have to say we have come back from each visit brain dead. So much information to take in and desperate to try and remember some of it!!

Last visit was to Plymouth. Really lovely place, university had so much spent on it, very state of the art campus. Even the accommodation wasn't that bad!!!!! We stayed in a local hotel over night so we were there nice and earlier on open day and what should be opposite the hotel and indeed the University, but the Salvation Army Hall. Felt right at home. The only drawback - it takes 5 hours to get there!!! And 5 hours back home again!!!

Having said she wanted to be away from home, I think the reality is dawning and that seemed a long way away. Long way to go and pick up the laundry!!!

Three down, only another 6 or so to go.

Walk the Walk 2008

2008-05-19T16:20:00.005+01:00

Moonwalk 2008

Congratulations to Nicola, Sarah, and Jo. Thanks for your company. We did brilliantly girls!!! Be proud!

Disclaimer : For some this may be cheesy, for some meaningful, but I make no apologies for the content of this blog. It's how I feel.

On Saturday night I took part again in the London Moonwalk, which is a 26.2mile walk around London starting and finishing at Hyde Park. As the name "Moonwalk" suggests, this is done at night. In fact we walked under the start sign at 11.30pm and came home at just before 7am. (Actually knocking 30 mins off last years time!)

It's hard, it hurts and we struggled. The distance is not particularly the major problem, but the timing of the walk is. Your body wants to sleep, it naturally slows down but you are telling it to "power" walk. Your knees, legs, and feet scream, you feel jet-lagged and sick from about 3am.

And why do we do it? Well for me it's to raise money and awareness for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and their research into this disease. So each step, whilst almost in tears with the tiredness and pain, I remembered the names of the people I had on my hat. Those people, who I know, who have and who are fighting this cancer. Some have had good news, so Thank God, but some are on their way to meeting him. No amount of pain could ever go close to what they have been through.

And so whilst I might have said as I approached the finish line "I am never doing this again", I might very well carry on walking to raise money coz it saves lives and how can you say no?!

THE LIBERATOR

2007-09-24T12:03:00.000+01:00

THE LIBERATOR

The Lacey Theatre Company

Lacey Theatre Company produce high quality professional productions, are suitable for Christians and non-Christians, young or old.

Lacey Theatre Company’s brand new, fast paced mix of storytelling, live music and comedy, based on the gospel story and ideal for young or old, churched or not! The focus is on the person of Jesus, seen through different perspectives, from John the Baptist, to other less well known characters, with running commentary and satire. This gritty and earthy version of one of the most quoted, hotly discussed and much filmed stories in our culture will surprise and challenge the assumptions of many.

DON'T MISS THIS FANTASTIC EVENING.

Date/Time : Sunday 4 November 2007 @ 7.30pm

Venue : United Reformed Church, Western Road, Romford

For more information and ticket sales (£5) contact Fiona on 01708 250843

GRAHAM KENDRICK CONCERT

2007-09-04T14:20:00.001+01:00

Out of the Ordinary Tour

Sunday 9th September
7pm

Queens Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex

Box Office 01708 443333

Tickets priced at £9.00

DON'T BE LEFT OUT, GET A TICKET!

Summer Holidays

2007-07-19T16:32:00.000+01:00

Well, we are nearly at the summer break - as far as school is concerned. Although it seems ours started about 3-4 weeks ago, with my daughter finishing school just after taking her GCSE's. She is currently getting ready to go on holiday with 4 other girlies from school down to Cornwall for a week. Yes, I am mad - but I have armed her with the Captains number down there if she were to get into any difficulties!!!!!!!!!!!! She has had various lectures over the past few months, reaching a crescendo this week, with at least 3 a day. The other girls tell me their parents have done the same and so, with a little bit of luck and a fair wind (although weather forecast says the winds are going to be much stronger than that), they should have a great time. So could we spare a thought for these girls, that the weather stays fair, the train isn't delayed getting there or coming home, that they are not pestered by any unsuitable or unsavoury characters and that they don't need to contact the local S.A. Thanks guys!

With one off, the other should be arriving home from Germany. Been there for the last week on a language trip with school. He did send a postcard to his dear old ma and pa, but it's in German. He says that if we care about his eduation, we would be able to read it!!!!! Cheeky boy! Mind you, at least he sent a postcard, I'll be lucky to get a text from the other one.

I spent a lovely day at Brighton on Tuesday. The P.A. from school organise a Ladies Shopping Day there each year and this year we decided to take full advantage of one less child and get ourselves booked onto the coach. Spent a great day wandering around The Lanes, shopping, stopping for coffee, shopping, stopping for lunch, shopping and finished with Afternoon Tea at The Grand Hotel. That's the life!!

So, whatever you plan to do with your summer holidays, have fun, hope the weather stays fair for you, and that you feel relaxed and rested.

Bon Voyage!

"Who are you.....?"

2007-06-22T14:49:00.000+01:00

Well, I am just about ready for the onslaught of the weekend.

Hannah has her 16th birthday party tonight for her school friends, and tomorrow evening for her army friends - I'm told the two don't mix, generally!

Tonight, we have 40ish teenagers going to Kids Kingdom for 90 mins and then on to the new chinese restaurant. She thinks we are going to leave her to have a good evening at the restaurant and then her and 6 friends are coming back here, in a taxi, for a girlie sleepover!!
Hahahahahaha. We will be lurking with intent for the whole evening. Can you imagine the stress tonight if I can't account for every person leaving that restaurant safely? AND, I fully intend to be in that taxi with her and her friends!! How uncool am I?

Anyway, her friends have been dropping off their sleeping bags today and one young lady arrived at the door. She asked if she could leave her sleeping bag and stuff with me for later. I took it in and she left, and then realised that actually I didn't know this girl and hope that SHE got the right house, and in fact she is part of the sleepover tonight!

I am happy to inform you though that on her bag is pinned a badge showing the face of Jesus with the saying printed "Who do you say that I am!"

Oh deep deep joy. She is mixing with the right people.

I'll try and keep you posted on the evening's events!!

Participator or Spectator

2007-06-21T09:30:00.000+01:00

Hey guys,

Been SOOOOOOOO busy lately, not been able to post anything. Both of mine have had birthdays this month. Both had parties - actually Hannah's has been postponed till this weekend coz of her GCSE's. There's another "wing-clipper". Had to be available to drive her to and from exams for the last few weeks as well as helping her revise for them, I felt like I had been timetabled by the school. So, with shopping for pressies, exams, organising parties, exams, shopping for food for parties, exams, attending parties, exams, - you get the picture - I've had little time to think of anything remotely interesting for the blog.

But I have been able to log on and read your lovely posts and comment where I can. So now it's time for me to participate again and not spectate. Ooooh, that phrase brings back memories.

It used to be used by a friend of ours when he was leading a meeting. Aimed at those who would watch the proceedings of a devotional meeting and not get involved.

Not that anyone does that now eh!?

Tagged x2

2007-05-29T11:05:00.000+01:00

OK, I've been tagged twice (thanks Ann and Dawn). So I have to go to the nearest two books and carry out the instructions printed below.

"Do I need another drink or what?" (from "The Lizard's Bite by David Hewson)

"How will I respond to God's word today?" (from "I saw the Lord" by Anne Graham Lotz)

INSTRUCTIONS
Here's is what this is about - the rules:
Grab the book closest to you
Turn to page 161
Print the 5th complete sentence on your blog
Tag 5 others.

I tag (although there are not many left) Keith H, Dawn, Hannah B, Kirsty, & Ann

WE MUST FIGHT!!!

2007-05-17T11:47:00.000+01:00

I got hold of the CD of Steve Chalkes teaching from the Sunday night at Roots. I just had to blog the ending, so here goes. I suppose it really has to be heard in the context of the whole thing, but for those of us who were there, I'm sure this will be just a reminder.

“The very survival of Christianity in the West, depends on the emergence of men and women who are able to think new thoughts and devise new strategies on the real frontiers of mission today and do it like it’s never been done, in the name of Jesus.

So here is the Question – Where is God calling you to go, where is he calling you to step outside of the box, down your street, in your town, in your office, what issue is he calling you to confront, who is Jesus calling you to go to, how is Jesus calling you to set up a new congregation in your church, to work together to get something happening in the coffee bar, or down at the golf club –I don’t know – in a 1000 different ways? We’ve got to reach, skaters and bikers and golfers and runners and footballers and rugby players and musicians, and poets and actors and walkers and bird watchers and train spotters, and painters and clubbers and potters and singers and dress makers and gardeners and fishermen. We’ve got to reach those with physical disabilities, the deaf, blind, dyslexic. We’ve got to work with those with mental health problems and learning disabilities. We’ve got to work with these people to bring the good news of Jesus authentically into their culture and into their space. Who is Jesus calling you to go to and calling you to work with?

(except from speech by William Booth, May 9th 1912)

While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight;
While children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight;
While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, I’ll fight;
While there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets,
While there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight.
I’ll fight to the very end.

Where people feel forgotten, neglected, oppressed, down-trodden, abused, and unheard, I will fight.

While children still work as coffee slaves, as cocoa slaves as chocolate slaves on the plantations of Cote d’Ivorie, I will fight.

Whist our sink estates mean that some kids are never given hope or education that they deserve, I will fight.

While there are those trapped in drugs and crime and intimidation, I will fight.

While there’s a village or a town or a city in the UK here, that does not know tangibly that there is a congregation of God’s people, speaking their language, in their culture, announcing the Good News that there’s a God in Heaven who is Love, I will fight.

While girls are trafficked around the World, stripped of their clothing, stripped of their dignity and freedom, I will fight.

While elderly people spend their last years, in our country, stuffed in front of some television set which is turned up too loud with their heating spun out and talked to like they’ve hardly got a mind, I will fight.

While young people and elderly people in our country do not know that Jesus gave His life for them and that there is a God in Heaven who loves them and enters their culture; who wants to scream and whisper at the same time “I love you for you are made in my image”, I will fight.

We will fight to the very end in Jesus’ name. We must fight!!"

Question

2007-05-10T16:44:00.000+01:00

OK, so much happened at Roots that I could blog about. And I probably will, but I'm going to do it in little chunks, as each one sorts itself out in my brain.

So for now, here is a question.

Matthew 22 v 37 (The Message)
"Jesus said, 'Love the Lord Your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: Love others as well as you love yourself. These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them'"

What if you don't love yourself? What hope do "Others" have?

Walk the Walk

2007-04-30T11:09:00.000+01:00

Ok, so I havn't been blogging too much lately. In fact, it's because I have been out walking the streets!!(please no comments). I have been in training for the Moonwalk. For those that don't know, the Moonwalk is 26.2 miles (roughly the marathon route) around London. The slight difference to the Marathon is that the Moonwalk takes place over-night. Yes, we start at around 11pm and walk all night, finishing about 8am.

Apparently it is not unknown to hallucinate that there are comfy beds in the middle of the road and try and get into them!!! Pity the poor chap driving home from night shift, to find a group of hallucinating women, dressed in bras, trying to get into his 4x4!!!

And yes, you've guessed it, the attire for the evening is decorated bras. (obviously warm jogging bottoms and trainers as well). I know, should I really be doing this? (again, please don't comment). AND I won't be telling you when and where the walk finishes, NO-ONE will be seeing me in so little attire.

The event is raising money for Breast Cancer research - for those interested, I do have a sponsor form - although it's not obligatory to donate!! I only have to raise £100 this time (last year it was £1,500). And I will be walking for those people I met last year who have had or who are still battling this disease and for two friends, recently diagnosed, and who are fighting it at the moment!!!!!

So anyone at Roots this year who fancies a walk to Liverpool, just let me know!!

Liviu Librescu

2007-04-19T19:02:00.000+01:00

I was reading the paper yesterday about this dreadful, awful tragedy at Virginia Tech. One article, amongst many, brought me to tears. It was the one about Professor Liviu Librescu teaching that morning Solid Maths. He was in his mid 70's, born in Romania, sent to Soviet labour camp as a boy after his father was deported by the Nazi's. He emigrated to Israel with his wife some years later. He took a sabatical to USA, stayed, and had been teaching at Virginia Tech for a number of years. In fact he had loved his job so much he was still teaching long after retirement. He heard the gunshots and got his class to jump out of the window whilst he barricaded the door with his body. When the gunman shot through the door, he obviously took the full force of those bullets. One student in a letter to his wife said "I saw your husband still standing there. He was holding the door closed and looking over his shoulder to make sure everybody else was safe. It was the bravest thing I have ever seen.!" The commentator concluded "Let those he saved now make the most of it!"

"It's Only Words........!"

2007-04-12T16:41:00.000+01:00

I must relay to you the conversation (!) I had yesterday whilst helping at a christian eating/refreshment establishment (aka coffee morning).

An older lady approached me to say that she thought my niece was a lovely little girl, with a lovely smile and she really liked looking at her on the platform in the singing company and also when she came round with the collection plate on a Sunday morning.

Yes, I agreed, the little girl was lovely!!

The lady continued....."but then your sister has a lovely way about her doesn't she! She always smiles. I always smile because that is how we were brought up! It doesn't cost anything to smile you know!"

Yes, I agreed and (cheekily) then asked that all important question "Do I have a lovely way about me then?!"

"Well you are different arn't you!"

What does that mean exactly?!?!?! Comments welcomed!!

Well Driven

2007-04-11T21:29:00.000+01:00

So, on my way back from going to see my 94 year old Grandad today, I was behind an Asda lorry that had that sticker on the back. You know the one I mean, "Well Driven? Call 0800 000 000" (or whatever the number is).

My question today is, has anyone ever telephoned the number to complain about the driving of any particular lorry/van/truck?

And stranger still, has anyone every rung to say the vehicle had been driven well??

Never one to shirk a challenge

2007-04-10T18:58:00.000+01:00

Well, Liz said on her blog for Good Friday that I had to start blogging.

To stop spectating and start participating.

Well here goes .......!!

You didn't expect words of wisdom today did you? I have to make a cake!!!