tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66304632024-02-28T04:36:00.177+00:00jottingsbyjoolsrandom thoughts of a christian english lady; married to a muslim for almost 35 years; now an empty nester; and still trying to 'conquer the chaos' whilst serving my Saviourjuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270207044681086730noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-7576680426841064582021-01-03T14:49:00.001+00:002021-01-03T14:49:54.787+00:00Long time no blogging............<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Well, it's now 2021! My New Year's Resolution is to be more diligent about keeping a journal - can't find a notebook I like - even though there are literally millions to choose from - so I thought I might as well use the old blog.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Seems like there has been a lot of stuff going on in the few years since last I was here -</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Brexit has finally happened -</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsb0YTdOJKznjbtbKNRLLTo9gEvhSVMyLRjTt9ULkCG5eglA-5n84Q-Hh71vXcUu5odD9U_Eg7hAgaD73zawW13-fdfZT6AF32TvOA5_5tlPuzDu4xXJ_XYy7q0w4fHNJLjVg/s620/Brexit-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsb0YTdOJKznjbtbKNRLLTo9gEvhSVMyLRjTt9ULkCG5eglA-5n84Q-Hh71vXcUu5odD9U_Eg7hAgaD73zawW13-fdfZT6AF32TvOA5_5tlPuzDu4xXJ_XYy7q0w4fHNJLjVg/s320/Brexit-cartoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I've lost count of the number of elections and Prime Ministers we have had in the UK. And now we have Boris. The man who found fame on HIGNFY.</span></div><p></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22VQcZAj0f96sF4zoTIIZadA48cYUxgRGInv7JtRlAHVB2c1cJA93LT8tMl9wQxx0YTW0No8c6tr_kuXqitYvIcvJGgehkCkC9SOgVoSCw6N6zLL24kf8bsfIzPwT_Ue16ceP/s1440/boris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22VQcZAj0f96sF4zoTIIZadA48cYUxgRGInv7JtRlAHVB2c1cJA93LT8tMl9wQxx0YTW0No8c6tr_kuXqitYvIcvJGgehkCkC9SOgVoSCw6N6zLL24kf8bsfIzPwT_Ue16ceP/s320/boris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Donald Trump did a thing. Least said soonest mended as they say.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgX-XEg4VpckBs7WUW4z7UPDR-dN1idAsRSV4zef8u0ma2xhKCsJjsQNqmwOQ0AugslGMKU2cmwb2AFxflNG2aW3aSMcsnVenv5UXyoFTaV6YQXu-WRma79t-cW-x-UB0sjo7/s512/trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgX-XEg4VpckBs7WUW4z7UPDR-dN1idAsRSV4zef8u0ma2xhKCsJjsQNqmwOQ0AugslGMKU2cmwb2AFxflNG2aW3aSMcsnVenv5UXyoFTaV6YQXu-WRma79t-cW-x-UB0sjo7/s320/trump.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Racial tensions exploded all over the place - mainly in the US and we saw the rise of the BLM movement with many protests and people 'taking the knee' to show solidarity among other things.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm3HhCXK0b6bODXLxMzpT5QMVBb92OJraQAbQQlDtSegF0ddpXWtD7Ro-dz8txlLP-KXSfiCAbDFw6xwQpp6HlDs72wzodItg87vFDY2hZeHwkLpJvXuLQpGmwy48JuOhoAMi/s308/take+the+knee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm3HhCXK0b6bODXLxMzpT5QMVBb92OJraQAbQQlDtSegF0ddpXWtD7Ro-dz8txlLP-KXSfiCAbDFw6xwQpp6HlDs72wzodItg87vFDY2hZeHwkLpJvXuLQpGmwy48JuOhoAMi/s0/take+the+knee.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We are in the midst of a Global Pandemic which has, in turn, led to the onset of 'unprecedented times', lots of 'lockdowns', conspiracy theories by the gazzilllion - (or so it seems), panic buying and a shortage of loo roll as well as much angst about the damage being done to all the kids being home-schooled by their incompetent parents.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qnYHEtpJwkdq7Enb8VJyZCk7CK4pSlpvMNmrnfeH0z3buOFkijCb_Xa7uJzcxtc1KQ2xvhn90yoWLkDq32nrQVhyz0EykM7_d2YMYTAg6NJsIt5HNRhaLTyGqhKxNP9Xj8Zl/s1200/this+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qnYHEtpJwkdq7Enb8VJyZCk7CK4pSlpvMNmrnfeH0z3buOFkijCb_Xa7uJzcxtc1KQ2xvhn90yoWLkDq32nrQVhyz0EykM7_d2YMYTAg6NJsIt5HNRhaLTyGqhKxNP9Xj8Zl/s320/this+one.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you know me at all, or have read any of my previous posts, you may well surmise that I have some pretty strong opinions about the aforementioned events (affairs? as in current?). I do.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You will probably be relieved to hear that, at present, I'm not going to bore you with those opinions Dear Reader - there are quite enough of those going around and I'm quite sure I don't have anything more worthwhile to contribute. Of course I reserve the right to change my mind!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSCZijHtDR9QXfHjrAVKLzDKx5mVhbawKGSTbp9wAXyyYYOB0dvz0WORZfpNhFzYlGhJb_lNHZHSiet2Fxr8K7GPVFRMkfkQyCvPK6WeNA-3EgNSqeX0Ujj0q-FsLn7Lx2y4y/s350/mind+change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSCZijHtDR9QXfHjrAVKLzDKx5mVhbawKGSTbp9wAXyyYYOB0dvz0WORZfpNhFzYlGhJb_lNHZHSiet2Fxr8K7GPVFRMkfkQyCvPK6WeNA-3EgNSqeX0Ujj0q-FsLn7Lx2y4y/s320/mind+change.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So what are the subjects I might be talking about?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bible/Theology/Faith</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrNAAeB41x4eRrFeQI9PlhtPcCizcNIylsaw9haarSmjb6xn5LM-FEUScj0m4a_29jDLemnVv8QYhzAp2AVOlqiBxoGtkpwZM2v0qAYgydrc6MudqgWJt8FkYeLX7ZyZB2_9f/s2048/bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrNAAeB41x4eRrFeQI9PlhtPcCizcNIylsaw9haarSmjb6xn5LM-FEUScj0m4a_29jDLemnVv8QYhzAp2AVOlqiBxoGtkpwZM2v0qAYgydrc6MudqgWJt8FkYeLX7ZyZB2_9f/s320/bible.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My new puppy!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Before his haircut - And after!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KSDYx0JtfjirKdPu3RCWiJWcVp_GN5q4V_F5oqzKApHaV6i2VyXewrWFn-HbLWI4XfZ4-Jas_6wYAgVUYOHaEC4wuKWDiF5uJcfAmcdYVnUjIDXSx5Vz5uhJ30uBEXqTssfM/s960/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KSDYx0JtfjirKdPu3RCWiJWcVp_GN5q4V_F5oqzKApHaV6i2VyXewrWFn-HbLWI4XfZ4-Jas_6wYAgVUYOHaEC4wuKWDiF5uJcfAmcdYVnUjIDXSx5Vz5uhJ30uBEXqTssfM/w150-h200/before.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherWVU25tWZDVmJBaD5YEEf3CPaaKj1VDuUxUjKfKE_x90_-CFwApVf_SKzDqZd_lPqVGA23XqcDcm6fgkD_yB3dNGjgUMYY05BEn6NdKi7q7KiTS7xPa0VWscXTKeqVjkdeI2/s206/after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="206" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherWVU25tWZDVmJBaD5YEEf3CPaaKj1VDuUxUjKfKE_x90_-CFwApVf_SKzDqZd_lPqVGA23XqcDcm6fgkD_yB3dNGjgUMYY05BEn6NdKi7q7KiTS7xPa0VWscXTKeqVjkdeI2/w200-h200/after.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">More talk and photos, (too many probably), will obviously follow!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My fabulous new <a href="https://www.arnoldroad.org/" target="_blank">church</a> currently running excellent hybrid services due to the aforementioned 'unprecedented times'.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdIiZ5cQc9_zjZL4TqioFoVl0VVRKVY4umlDuZ85y5WYtiztGAf87F5EZ2Oqny0VkueJOFUSSDHTzeLILX3Ih9rAVYLsZqXlOOwYUBLwxmeEvb0z9YykqjjD2g_8RjJyc_mYA/s275/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdIiZ5cQc9_zjZL4TqioFoVl0VVRKVY4umlDuZ85y5WYtiztGAf87F5EZ2Oqny0VkueJOFUSSDHTzeLILX3Ih9rAVYLsZqXlOOwYUBLwxmeEvb0z9YykqjjD2g_8RjJyc_mYA/s0/church.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Litter and my plans to deal with it should I achieve World Domination. D</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ue to years of austerity and the 'unprecedented times' we are living through local c</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ouncils don't have the money to deal withthe ridiculous amount of litter the Great British Public leaves everywhere. It seems that people don't care and no longer have any pride or respect for themselves or their communities - too busy looking at their phones and blaming 'somebody' who needs to 'do something about it'. Thankfully in my city there are a team of volunteers called Clean Champions who do what they can, when they can, where they can. Every little helps. The premise being - it's not my litter, but it is my home.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlt48w8NKCdchixW-JAY4PTxNPworJg0N4awlN_cRHkGWNRmrMZSw2C1SGfC5Axdqh6oRTL-uXQUs8ej3Y8-r7T1p0Si4_Fe-fslqzEHHFn2oifSQGKb_bgHlYsbYouIrtvKd9/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="219" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlt48w8NKCdchixW-JAY4PTxNPworJg0N4awlN_cRHkGWNRmrMZSw2C1SGfC5Axdqh6oRTL-uXQUs8ej3Y8-r7T1p0Si4_Fe-fslqzEHHFn2oifSQGKb_bgHlYsbYouIrtvKd9/w191-h200/clean.jpg" width="191" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNxjybuZK-F0rtG5g9JJR-DP6Pm2Nmh5HTj80Ej2Bii_rRIMETD-7xpw016T2IB20JYpTgaVdPO-R-W9LCYpPYUi9RK6tVqeSAgeliBztP0wlQBOQSAPK2sn1E37JGeiEtONW/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNxjybuZK-F0rtG5g9JJR-DP6Pm2Nmh5HTj80Ej2Bii_rRIMETD-7xpw016T2IB20JYpTgaVdPO-R-W9LCYpPYUi9RK6tVqeSAgeliBztP0wlQBOQSAPK2sn1E37JGeiEtONW/w200-h133/litter.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Finally, possibly, current events, mental health, the odd book review, ethics, fake news and conspiracy theories, counter cultural living and the Christian. This includes stuff like the Pro-Life movement; Feminism (did you know there was a fourth wave? Me neither); Gender and Identity and whether or not we really have free speech. In short any subject that takes my fancy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YldQp4w4X7mvorvd0rg6XznZtcgmWiicoKShu6SfzO3MUJfNiK-Apkc9D4-JZxtgXWOs23VZaHWV9YCNCJtZazMJmfN5H1RG0TnN-6RoNR3bzdtBFR1BVZF_Usesi5eO8pPj/s940/random-topic-generator.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YldQp4w4X7mvorvd0rg6XznZtcgmWiicoKShu6SfzO3MUJfNiK-Apkc9D4-JZxtgXWOs23VZaHWV9YCNCJtZazMJmfN5H1RG0TnN-6RoNR3bzdtBFR1BVZF_Usesi5eO8pPj/s320/random-topic-generator.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So there you have it Dear Reader. I'm back. I'm determined to get the stuff rambling around in my brain out of it in the hope I can make sense of it! Hope you're having a great day and that you know Jesus as your own and personal Saviour - where are YOU spending eternity? You can ask if you'd like to know where I'm going to be.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrHibV9quiUg-N6aSevbfJFlIisVr0SBaBmUnaktR6_vgQztYZlhSWlyPXNW8JDv9q5X-g0koetaqBQniaHo1hIICohQYVjBuvBRSA1CPx5w6RQ8fcG54wB29hOKv0PFRD8tG/s262/litter+cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-84647953571181864042017-01-11T14:51:00.001+00:002017-01-11T15:02:49.413+00:00The re-purposed blog?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXDr4NJZH6ML-UGiMBMM3psIfBwnN6v6THvJO22r0GcjLIMxoAsjxhbmxGJi1eOqoKWlAS3X_W6bURXZv4JQJE9_zg1UP3FCOKbBT5DGQVuOLCSwGWqfdio3l2oXsQ-SY8ttI/s1600/1480491285_700_happy-new-year-images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXDr4NJZH6ML-UGiMBMM3psIfBwnN6v6THvJO22r0GcjLIMxoAsjxhbmxGJi1eOqoKWlAS3X_W6bURXZv4JQJE9_zg1UP3FCOKbBT5DGQVuOLCSwGWqfdio3l2oXsQ-SY8ttI/s200/1480491285_700_happy-new-year-images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, it's a New Year - 2017 to be exact, thank goodness 2016 is over I hear you cry. All those dead celebs. The reason I mention the year is because I am basically a useless, intermittent blogger so the date is always useful - it allows judgy people to judge me and how useless I am at blogging.<br />
<br />
Once again I have been ruminating, cogitating and generally mulling over a variety of things, some may call them issues, that is their privilege. These things include -<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I am a hopeless blogger </li>
<li>I want to be a great blogger</li>
<li>I love to crochet and might decide to start selling some of what I make</li>
<li>I hate going outside. Still.</li>
<li>I'm a terrible Christian</li>
<li>I'm not a very good student</li>
<li>I am an AMAZING procrastinator </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQDsjnkaJ1P5gm73PvVk97DIwMeVIC85p8Kek4pXobd2ScSrL04SRtXLhvaDppBrSN4Z8FJP_CZjh-Hl7XGJKNomego22pD3fhGPwX5Qtww_ghvgc2tskDClTENSWFHbDCTg1/s1600/pro.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQDsjnkaJ1P5gm73PvVk97DIwMeVIC85p8Kek4pXobd2ScSrL04SRtXLhvaDppBrSN4Z8FJP_CZjh-Hl7XGJKNomego22pD3fhGPwX5Qtww_ghvgc2tskDClTENSWFHbDCTg1/s200/pro.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
So, maybe by re-purposing my blog it might make me accountable, maybe then I will stop procrastinating and get on with the 'stuff' that is all around me.<br />
<br />
The most important thing to stop procrastinating about is finding a church and going - actually, I found one, what I don't have is the courage to bite the bullet and go on my own. New church = terrifying, now why should that be? By definition, a church should be one of the least terrifying places on earth. But, y'know, I'm a Brit. Nuff said. I have some <a href="http://saralaughed.com/index.php/how-to-start-bible-journaling-for-beginners/">bible journaling</a> stuff which I would like to use - but mainly I don't know what I'm supposed to do with the bits and pieces and I feel weird drawing in my bible. Writing all over the writing just seems a bit, well sacrilegious if I'm honest - even though it may look pretty. Then there is the nagging voice telling me I am a useless Christian, a hopeless artist so what is the point of even bothering?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCQ8eyxJHy11w4Sra8U24KSPE3pZxEtQ_4g78d83lhRrMTviNbF9zGX5JcD5gSEm_Q8OuZacoV3_faOAiKcITsHf4ZlZti8nY4YtgOZPe5_UmnhRTYLHHx9eK7F8HkbdeAYRi/s1600/biblejou8rnal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCQ8eyxJHy11w4Sra8U24KSPE3pZxEtQ_4g78d83lhRrMTviNbF9zGX5JcD5gSEm_Q8OuZacoV3_faOAiKcITsHf4ZlZti8nY4YtgOZPe5_UmnhRTYLHHx9eK7F8HkbdeAYRi/s200/biblejou8rnal.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The next thing is my life as a student. A few years ago I decided I would like to do a history degree with the <a href="http://www.open.ac.uk/">OU </a>and I am now on my second module of my second year, not going to lie, I love it, so interesting, the OU go the extra mile for anyone with issues and make it all as smooth and easy as possible. However, my <a href="http://jottingsbyjools.blogspot.co.uk/2013_08_01_archive.html#1666722141335364981">Black Dog</a> - I have realised - comes and sets up home in late November and doesn't leave until mid-January - maybe - and so this year, for the second time, I am way behind in my studies and think I will have to defer. Again. Which begs the question, should I just pack it in? Since I am at least half way through I don't really want to but there is that nagging voice telling me to be sensible and accept the fact that I am a failure as a student.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIENrkBC6LsKHX1y5oZ0YOq3CvRKutTZX0AVlXwBLoOx3QdqkyWpmPUA3CnxX0k0b1KSxlGIn-YYcwvYfuyKg7WU8dgZF95Sh1eeHN0nkJfgELLf0BvLgD2OzSJACRmt9sIBG/s1600/twoblankets.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIENrkBC6LsKHX1y5oZ0YOq3CvRKutTZX0AVlXwBLoOx3QdqkyWpmPUA3CnxX0k0b1KSxlGIn-YYcwvYfuyKg7WU8dgZF95Sh1eeHN0nkJfgELLf0BvLgD2OzSJACRmt9sIBG/s200/twoblankets.jpg" width="200" /></a>Which brings me to my crochet life - blankets, both of these are at my<br />
mum's house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cYmJ6E1-g-g-vUli4pKf91zGwEACMwY1ZQiCVvtBA2H2DUiXuhgcDd6t2VvFcc3CVdEdrFiA1elawthcJpe_dNNfcCubmBEySU9MoJXU52fkmR_zBWZvQ_yLq7JmAph0Tdh8/s1600/unicorn.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cYmJ6E1-g-g-vUli4pKf91zGwEACMwY1ZQiCVvtBA2H2DUiXuhgcDd6t2VvFcc3CVdEdrFiA1elawthcJpe_dNNfcCubmBEySU9MoJXU52fkmR_zBWZvQ_yLq7JmAph0Tdh8/s200/unicorn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Unicorns, this one is for my daughter's bestie and is named Beryl, she goes with the giant squid I made last year named Cyril.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcP4Ch8-JAreiRcN8b9U9ZQ0jwJYqUiSpSdsKOrb_atOv6tTrHx_iwse0F0T9rjNKd6FG2MCHH8lIz08w_U4BgjVNjQscWz-bubZnZinyk2gpLaQbIf8C17fhw7fIOLOniQYf3/s1600/elf.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcP4Ch8-JAreiRcN8b9U9ZQ0jwJYqUiSpSdsKOrb_atOv6tTrHx_iwse0F0T9rjNKd6FG2MCHH8lIz08w_U4BgjVNjQscWz-bubZnZinyk2gpLaQbIf8C17fhw7fIOLOniQYf3/s200/elf.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
One of a number of Elves I made in December 2016, I made about 12 altogether and apparently people would like to buy them, which is all a bit embarrassing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0fWdqLHvNpcXgjDfDNfBpDLKOjvlxEmHa6yRvWmfc_Qw54rogvi1e6qrpsvkdwnck9Z3HSuJWTTm-Ps_-gRCHql0fHMBKarTXZd62glp1lEWyaz56veIZfwRTx7gfDqTbQSM/s1600/blanketphoto.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0fWdqLHvNpcXgjDfDNfBpDLKOjvlxEmHa6yRvWmfc_Qw54rogvi1e6qrpsvkdwnck9Z3HSuJWTTm-Ps_-gRCHql0fHMBKarTXZd62glp1lEWyaz56veIZfwRTx7gfDqTbQSM/s200/blanketphoto.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I made this blanket for my daughter, it's cotton and weighs a ton, she chose the colours, the pattern was in a <a href="http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/" target="_blank">Simply Crochet </a>supplement - I'm not bragging or anything, but this photo got ALOT of positive attention when posted on social media, loads of lovely comments and sharing. Felt a bit chuffed and I'm not even lying!!!<br />
<br />
But then there is that nagging voice telling me my crochet isn't that good, my joining is pants and I should just stop being so up myself. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, if I 're-purpose' my blog will it help? Will it make me more focused and less of a procrastinator? I have no idea but I think I'll give it a go.<br />
<br />
My plan for today is to come back tomorrow with news about bible journaling, more unicorns and a blanket that I can't share as it's a gift. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-2181314383685749062015-08-26T11:27:00.000+01:002015-08-26T11:27:54.580+01:00What I've missed...As mentioned in my previous post, it has been a long time since I last wrote anything. I feel quite sad about it because, in my absence, an inordinate amount of things have occurred about which I have strong opinions - shocking I know.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7ppU-5ksmsZW4fQBKh0iTlpX_7Frne9aXtBGAa6O6Il6JA5iZy97yKYNQvLUsF8Vzb9w8KWtsN2J7DLLoPa4fJeDuIXfrFvkKzzU760wNd2LxPmz2zeZJxNThL0RpYgS5p3F/s1600/opinino.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7ppU-5ksmsZW4fQBKh0iTlpX_7Frne9aXtBGAa6O6Il6JA5iZy97yKYNQvLUsF8Vzb9w8KWtsN2J7DLLoPa4fJeDuIXfrFvkKzzU760wNd2LxPmz2zeZJxNThL0RpYgS5p3F/s320/opinino.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Now, obviously, the things which I consider to be worthy of discussion may not be the same as yours - and that is fine, you can express your opinion in the comments, keep them to yourself, start your own blog, or click the 'next blog' button above and just move on.<br />
<ul>
<li>My <a href="http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/choose/ppcbrand?ns_clid=google,79156222,3356184262,[open%20university]&mkwid=ga187-857-7519&KWID=20585070&keywordid=ggluk_[open%20university]&kwcampaign=bau%20england%20-%20brand%20exact&gclid=Cj0KEQjwx_WuBRDJ7tSK2-W0pJkBEiQAEWgR8GFtS0QResPBRb6BLZFpo9UrAQSER780cMsSyZBJPUMaAj8k8P8HAQ" target="_blank">OU studies</a> continue apace - interesting to me, at least.</li>
<li>There was a <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2015" target="_blank">General Election</a> in the UK and I called it - also interesting to me.</li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant" target="_blank">ISIS </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21943292" target="_blank">Gay marriage</a> was legalised in the US and the rest of the world went rainbow crazy. </li>
<li>I was diagnosed with <a href="https://painuk.org/members/charities/fibromyalgia-association-uk/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwx_WuBRDJ7tSK2-W0pJkBEiQAEWgR8PKBcxXsrgaDMpvADdZrBGdTdTCWEFj4ob8_wgHg8N4aAg-s8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Fibromyalgia</a> - hereafter referred to as Fibro as I am cool (see previous post for clarification on this)</li>
<li>Our son spent almost a year in Toledo, Ohio and didn't really like it</li>
<li>I have become a not-so secret fan of <a href="http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead" target="_blank">The Walking Dead</a> and <a href="http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a></li>
<li>People were shocked and horrified when <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_celebrity_photo_hack" target="_blank">'private' stuff</a> they stored on the internet was hacked and made public.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/aug/10/migration-debate-metaphors-swarms-floods-marauders-migrants" target="_blank">'Swarms' of migrants/refugees </a>are trying to come to Europe, by hook or by crook, but usually in totally un-seaworthy boats resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people doing nothing more offensive than seeking out a better life.</li>
<li>Our daughter and her husband adopted a standard poodle named Dougal and I became a dog-sitter extraordinaire. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbJPvxBiBqGdo9G0PmzD4hlGwq-GGVlhdPs7QWiOIwv8ckzCluryfe0bx9UvhUBH_gVJu3brLXjb2_rDx-mvvlEIzRBVnWWPw0_B1Kh0tz9d1UiTINH9j1O21vY1NN5LE6BvC/s1600/dougs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbJPvxBiBqGdo9G0PmzD4hlGwq-GGVlhdPs7QWiOIwv8ckzCluryfe0bx9UvhUBH_gVJu3brLXjb2_rDx-mvvlEIzRBVnWWPw0_B1Kh0tz9d1UiTINH9j1O21vY1NN5LE6BvC/s320/dougs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
</ul>
Right now these are all the things I can think of. Of course there are many more, and maybe you think I have missed something out. Feel free to add to the list, in the meantime here is my view this morning, well, when I turned around -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeY37vjQQVLr4Gs8yRzART7eT03xbGFYRXMmd3b_pP-rdCkDHdEmLWIqNBYEYuqR7i8nr6aZUoMEEtWSmQgHllxO7k4YV7k0DC_G4aZSPrNaX0lk3_b5Rz8MjMcVJN8s03smC/s1600/tablecharlie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeY37vjQQVLr4Gs8yRzART7eT03xbGFYRXMmd3b_pP-rdCkDHdEmLWIqNBYEYuqR7i8nr6aZUoMEEtWSmQgHllxO7k4YV7k0DC_G4aZSPrNaX0lk3_b5Rz8MjMcVJN8s03smC/s320/tablecharlie.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
See you in the next post. jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-50886425723192247382015-08-24T15:16:00.000+01:002015-08-24T15:16:14.131+01:00On being stoical....Well, it's been a very long time since my last blog post. In reality I suppose I have become an ex-blogger, one of many I suspect.<br />
<br />
However, recently there have been a couple of life events that have prompted me to reflect, ruminate and generally wonder about various things, naturally I thought that sharing on my blog might bring about some clarification.<br />
<br />
About 20 years ago I was admitted to hospital with suspected appendicitis, in fact I had a massive abscess on (or is that in, I wonder), my uterus. It also impacted my bowel. I won't go into all the gory details, obviously it was serious, obviously the NHS completely rock and obviously I survived and recovered, unscathed but not un-scarred.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_BpX4EKYbdj4n2jaNGu5Ua9N48kYNlL2CrkzPz3FjSFuCG6ijt8ZgrFUF8IhaUJ50wvHUUEQsSMXjPH4awpWtcsO_TQ9sPuQPk0orROzGK_CGGlRG_GAWyd5juVKUJtKDCol/s1600/nhs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_BpX4EKYbdj4n2jaNGu5Ua9N48kYNlL2CrkzPz3FjSFuCG6ijt8ZgrFUF8IhaUJ50wvHUUEQsSMXjPH4awpWtcsO_TQ9sPuQPk0orROzGK_CGGlRG_GAWyd5juVKUJtKDCol/s1600/nhs.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The reason I start my current story with this particular life event is that my stoicism is part of the reason I became a medical emergency. I had been to my family doctor with various symptoms, but never all together, I also tend to the self-diagnosis school of medicine, ergo - my periods are bad because they are and I have to put up with them because I am a woman (false!!). Or, I have pain because I am overweight. Or, I am tired because I have two small children, have just had surgery, am overweight, am a woman, etc. etc. etc. Anyway, suffice to say the wonderful staff told me that no woman should ever put up with terrible periods and that a person should always tell the doctor everything.<br />
<br />
However.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaBwuC_A_6Ldx6WJ9IAFZAy8UmZJ2Cm4WutaUt7HG_nEKHG_RzSlpGtxrWjvjOnQb7MG76085OmH8SNKhe5VfxprrJsDG6zerO2EdiYRiBWU6lqzdQ8SmH_d-ryVL0DCRUayT/s1600/keep-calm-and-stay-stoic-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaBwuC_A_6Ldx6WJ9IAFZAy8UmZJ2Cm4WutaUt7HG_nEKHG_RzSlpGtxrWjvjOnQb7MG76085OmH8SNKhe5VfxprrJsDG6zerO2EdiYRiBWU6lqzdQ8SmH_d-ryVL0DCRUayT/s320/keep-calm-and-stay-stoic-2.png" width="284" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I recently realised that I have done the same thing. Again.<br />
<br />
My regular reader will know that I struggle with mental health issues and have done for many years. In fact, I think I am now a 'shut-in'. A sad phrase I have always thought.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_kpRp1NLhL0aAkAiUpnpVZPI7U87Q_lFthvz0fPWp1ex3vVseLZmXwo_9ZqnXhvy4LOJnYrjKNE7ndRUPmRtIU1KkDxeKb4G4erbAQzBDjfnbzg-ygLk9xC20V5TilPLrbrH/s1600/sad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_kpRp1NLhL0aAkAiUpnpVZPI7U87Q_lFthvz0fPWp1ex3vVseLZmXwo_9ZqnXhvy4LOJnYrjKNE7ndRUPmRtIU1KkDxeKb4G4erbAQzBDjfnbzg-ygLk9xC20V5TilPLrbrH/s1600/sad.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXD9K8PPyV7wks4UlK_E-GZrTAuorqsb8QTWtZi0hQgbKEtPMMVgr-LXW2x5nGCXj9TKY9pZCnJykNN_u-o-A7FPGqQ77o6sI3jOMQa5PwytQwoOgOfiEV0lbimbxcg7oc1JQ/s1600/agoraphobia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXD9K8PPyV7wks4UlK_E-GZrTAuorqsb8QTWtZi0hQgbKEtPMMVgr-LXW2x5nGCXj9TKY9pZCnJykNN_u-o-A7FPGqQ77o6sI3jOMQa5PwytQwoOgOfiEV0lbimbxcg7oc1JQ/s1600/agoraphobia.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, something else I have struggled with is pain. Constant, difficult to define, unremitting, movable pain. But, as a stoic, I can come up with loads of reasons for why I am in pain....<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I am overweight</li>
<li>I am over 50</li>
<li>I've been overweight for a long time</li>
<li>I have a hockey injury to my left knee</li>
<li>I am overweight </li>
</ul>
I self-medicated this pain for many years (not recommended apparently, who knew?), until recently, in a mental health review, the health practitioner asked me if I had been tested for Fibromyalgia. Hmm, no says I. Is that a gynaecological thing?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdIOLSZ3HIIIFei8IEdzQy33zDb93egLkX6wS9wOkU_NYQXzliSVl9QET6uGPMRJygcj_RgSELVyteCVvjziAzO4Qb_Xc3kOEQio48Or-Q5OTtIB4oisyNe0D08lxlQtC36e2/s1600/Oh-deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdIOLSZ3HIIIFei8IEdzQy33zDb93egLkX6wS9wOkU_NYQXzliSVl9QET6uGPMRJygcj_RgSELVyteCVvjziAzO4Qb_Xc3kOEQio48Or-Q5OTtIB4oisyNe0D08lxlQtC36e2/s320/Oh-deer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Turns out Fibromyalgia is nothing to do with 'women's things' and more to do with pain. Constant, difficult to define, unremitting, movable pain. The definition says this.....<br />
<br />
<span>'<i>a rheumatic condition characterized by muscular or musculoskeletal
pain with stiffness and localized tenderness at specific points on the
body.'</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
But, Fibro - which is what all the cool kids call it - is much more than pain.....<br />
<ul>
<li>Lack of restorative sleep - check</li>
<li>Fatigue - check</li>
<li>Cognitive problems, aka 'fibro-fog' - check</li>
<li>IBS - check</li>
<li>Stiffness - check</li>
<li>Sensitivity - check</li>
<li>Headaches - check</li>
<li>Feeling too hot or too cold - check</li>
<li>Restless legs - check</li>
<li>Depression and anxiety - check</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-LSx_Q5IXFv9hCfnF_SmD5xxBjJ6E77fSnZdmclNWcwU4CX8oojEf4sDxyWet__WUXxNLBEyyFtGaltCi0z1eyXdVGe6OKOQ6aslHdyJNkrz4UH9OxZRPWJVhiDOpFvzfLWN/s1600/fibro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-LSx_Q5IXFv9hCfnF_SmD5xxBjJ6E77fSnZdmclNWcwU4CX8oojEf4sDxyWet__WUXxNLBEyyFtGaltCi0z1eyXdVGe6OKOQ6aslHdyJNkrz4UH9OxZRPWJVhiDOpFvzfLWN/s320/fibro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, I went to my GP, he confirmed the diagnosis with a whole lot of blood work which basically rules out any other reasons for the symptoms and then he referred me to the pain clinic. Oh what fun!<br />
<br />
I went to the pain clinic today for the initial assessment and was told that I have <i>'all the red flags for Fibro and most of the yellow ones'. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Now, I'm not going to lie, I am struggling to get my head around the fact that I have been diagnosed with a condition involving unremitting pain, which has no cure and no known cause. But - I am so relieved it isn't something more serious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxCIPASffLbLBszftY0ydVorFEM9zGasjgCbibV5A8MFywWBtUMrsj7v-k4UFOqeAl6aGobAAFR2-J4yNXlWp_-Ag8x8knRX0JMMhTWcz8pR7PLmepJ7O2YnQl9Rx1WAgW60F/s1600/speed-pram-scene-phew-face.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxCIPASffLbLBszftY0ydVorFEM9zGasjgCbibV5A8MFywWBtUMrsj7v-k4UFOqeAl6aGobAAFR2-J4yNXlWp_-Ag8x8knRX0JMMhTWcz8pR7PLmepJ7O2YnQl9Rx1WAgW60F/s320/speed-pram-scene-phew-face.png" width="320" /></a></div>
So, there we have it, a life with Fibromyalgia. Is that all of my life? No, of course not. But right now, until I get the hang of it, it feels like that's all there is.<br />
<br />
And, I suppose, I shall start to wear a purple ribbon.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM95oIqOkOdEvvhH0jl0-uC_onFOb03f2WYjhulOacvfPQ64bDGwSMml2QX6SuOA_aUDPjtaEJcgM9ZsAdfcjxISfKahidbaRq-cscooLcNZK70qvQFG6ocSQB_za7ABAKbc3/s1600/purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM95oIqOkOdEvvhH0jl0-uC_onFOb03f2WYjhulOacvfPQ64bDGwSMml2QX6SuOA_aUDPjtaEJcgM9ZsAdfcjxISfKahidbaRq-cscooLcNZK70qvQFG6ocSQB_za7ABAKbc3/s1600/purple.jpg" /></a> </div>
The other life event which took place recently was the death of a much loved family friend, one of those 'second mums' so many us are blessed with. This lady was almost 92 and had been ill for sometime, but, much sadness is felt, plus, any death reminds me of others who have died and who I still miss dreadfully. I suppose that is the same for many of us. Death is inescapable and, I suppose, by the age of 54 I should be used to it. But, I'm not. And that is a tale for another day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw1VsfmItqDJeoTdnRsHH0OuysAHMn4o-OhFmBwWES3OHf3vluHxFz9b1TSw0qI6cH4BlSqRwnUwD0B6BWBj7AfoQyOGcOJoC3RUEYxukCy5UUHxZHWV6KSUy5AbV6Zx_Os1o/s1600/taxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw1VsfmItqDJeoTdnRsHH0OuysAHMn4o-OhFmBwWES3OHf3vluHxFz9b1TSw0qI6cH4BlSqRwnUwD0B6BWBj7AfoQyOGcOJoC3RUEYxukCy5UUHxZHWV6KSUy5AbV6Zx_Os1o/s1600/taxes.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-16667221413353649812013-08-09T10:48:00.000+01:002014-08-17T12:46:16.041+01:00My Black Dog<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
I have a Black Dog. He doesn’t live with me all the time and
he doesn’t have a name, but he visits, not as much as he used to, thankfully,
but regularly and, usually, unexpectedly. He just kind of creeps up on me,
silently, stealthily, without me noticing, until one day I just wake up and
think, ‘aah, there he is, sitting on my shoulder like a malevolent creature of
the night’.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQrW7ERJBZMdqTk0NZBsXH3tGqslLjclrTRNZ4LZBF5hMKvqcbGubl9-M_9B3vhaVqg-E-Az8Cupk_KQwlcwi9Pl_IfTobj-lvBOb-_s-apV6uVGq1S5icva11QubWnZaqNNp/s1600/black-dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQrW7ERJBZMdqTk0NZBsXH3tGqslLjclrTRNZ4LZBF5hMKvqcbGubl9-M_9B3vhaVqg-E-Az8Cupk_KQwlcwi9Pl_IfTobj-lvBOb-_s-apV6uVGq1S5icva11QubWnZaqNNp/s200/black-dog.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I can feel his presence, just hanging around my shoulders
but not weighing me down, not yet. It is as if this Black Dog is waiting for an
opportune moment to surround me with his dark, numbing, enveloping misery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe if I gave him a name it would make him
easier to deal with, to get rid of even. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most people think it was the great Winston Churchill who
coined the term ‘Black Dog’ for his depression, but the phrase has been
associated with the condition for many years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuq2xzc7tGUTachbgXeZwNploc2Dx7wLqR8mN2vSPs4gQ_4Mv79_6csKO4N5Ij2Bp0yCED571ElRs_6nBFuAokVJ3SbCb91dMwqJYGZccGXC7sXeQf0L-Z-pK6avcRT0blHZs/s1600/Picture-180.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuq2xzc7tGUTachbgXeZwNploc2Dx7wLqR8mN2vSPs4gQ_4Mv79_6csKO4N5Ij2Bp0yCED571ElRs_6nBFuAokVJ3SbCb91dMwqJYGZccGXC7sXeQf0L-Z-pK6avcRT0blHZs/s200/Picture-180.png" height="200" width="170" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know how long I have had
it - I belong to a nation of copers, am possessed of the notorious Stiff Upper Lip
peculiar to my tribe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfHuueRfMsqhs8TM78wLQNWo1ahqSKpTULsWR8vKHrDcOiBDRqLGH0-_2ObueXM970qNVhYCmv48D9exd3HZ71r6yNVFikAHKpFAf2pJOkbZLUEPXkKs7_GKhl4HV-vbMg0nB/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfHuueRfMsqhs8TM78wLQNWo1ahqSKpTULsWR8vKHrDcOiBDRqLGH0-_2ObueXM970qNVhYCmv48D9exd3HZ71r6yNVFikAHKpFAf2pJOkbZLUEPXkKs7_GKhl4HV-vbMg0nB/s200/images.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first time I remember addressing it was in my doctor’s
office. I was weeping and trying to tell him what I was feeling, he leaned over
to me and gently said ‘Julie, do you think you are suffering with depression?’
at which point I cried even more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since that fateful day I have had many visits from my Black
Dog, I have been on and off meds, have tried to ‘get better’, tried to live a ‘normal’
life (which, by the by, I don’t believe in! None of us are normal, some of us
are just better at covering up the crazy than others). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejRh02F1RyuO1DOZlxaz2xMHgL_86W2vCcQefGw9tn3mBU-HhxQlVxnX5CZ-eL0GachyphenhyphenheRJEESbqWLMnHLq6csWtnb-B53eLjNfjhP3MlljcEVGvM5u7qRuQXTHB8GbkY4rt/s1600/normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejRh02F1RyuO1DOZlxaz2xMHgL_86W2vCcQefGw9tn3mBU-HhxQlVxnX5CZ-eL0GachyphenhyphenheRJEESbqWLMnHLq6csWtnb-B53eLjNfjhP3MlljcEVGvM5u7qRuQXTHB8GbkY4rt/s200/normal.jpg" height="200" width="193" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have listened to many
well meaning souls saying things like ‘get out more’; ‘keep yourself busy’; ‘go
for a nice long walk’; ‘I’ll pray for you’; ‘have you prayed about it?’; ‘trust
God with it’; ‘Did you know that Moses/Elijah/Paul/all three suffered with
depression?’ ‘Are you taking something for it?’; ‘don’t take the meds, it will
make it worse’; ‘take the meds, there’s no shame in it’ etc etc - you get the
drift. Maybe you have said one or more of these things to someone - I know I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, like me, you have thought ‘for
goodness sake, pull yourself together, what have you got to be depressed about?’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer to that last question is nothing. I have nothing
to be depressed about. So why does it happen? Why are there days in my life
when I feel so overwhelmingly sad it is almost difficult to breathe? Why are
there times when I sit gazing into space thinking about nothing and anything? Why
do I lack the energy and motivation to engage with anyone or anything? In fact,
why do I feel such overwhelming, debilitating hopelessness and sadness that I feel
worthless and useless? Why do I feel nothing, just that numbing deadness eating away at who I am?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr6me-9dDHZddDJO1PL0X6HD9V_vPT5rMUx0QNnilSFG5g0JNje6nrFUQQXkcaP0l04ZZhgzgLlxJ1b5TM1Mce1larwEd7QLcvlzKwI-wJcjtk6uiMTyR-t9f1oANGPYe5t76/s1600/ADTWO6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr6me-9dDHZddDJO1PL0X6HD9V_vPT5rMUx0QNnilSFG5g0JNje6nrFUQQXkcaP0l04ZZhgzgLlxJ1b5TM1Mce1larwEd7QLcvlzKwI-wJcjtk6uiMTyR-t9f1oANGPYe5t76/s200/ADTWO6.png" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer is, I don’t know, and, I suspect, neither does anyone
else. I don’t even know how to explain it to someone. How does one verbalise
something that is seemingly so random, that sounds so trite - how many times do
we hear someone say ‘oh, I feel so depressed’ ‘I suffer with long term
depression’. Maybe you have even thought ‘well, you don’t look depressed to me,
just get a life’. The truth is depression is a dreadful thing to live with it
saps my energy, my self esteem, my motivation, as a Christian who does trust
God with everything it also makes me feel guilty, disconnected from Him and a
failure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Black Dog takes ‘me’ away - and sometimes it’s hard to
get me back. I don’t know where I go, but I do know that during those visits I have
to work hard at being Julie, at holding a conversation, at normal, everyday
interaction. When, in fact, all I want to do is sit and stare into space.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjs-s2hja5T8VIOI5ROK1nlxreYJZPMCWZ9zaYpKaomf9IQWksdJYyh8iSQGGewQykNyge9t14Yb_nDseRwoqqRd0gygYXO-1l2jdUcnP19gMlRjmhfJq1gCNELaqBnOCwpgH/s1600/sad1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjs-s2hja5T8VIOI5ROK1nlxreYJZPMCWZ9zaYpKaomf9IQWksdJYyh8iSQGGewQykNyge9t14Yb_nDseRwoqqRd0gygYXO-1l2jdUcnP19gMlRjmhfJq1gCNELaqBnOCwpgH/s200/sad1.png" height="150" width="200" /></a>Depression has a physical effect on me as well as a mental
and spiritual effect. I find it difficult to concentrate, difficult to do the
things I enjoy like reading. I read somewhere that it is associated with stress
and anxiety - I believe that. I have always been a worrier, for many years I have
lived with a huge ball of string in my chest; during periods of high anxiety
and/or stress, I can feel it unravelling and pinging against my ribcage. For most
of my adult life I have tried to please all of the people, all of the time, have
done my best never to say ‘no’ to a cry for help - which is how I ended up as
Secretary at my son’s swimming club, helping out at nursery, rainbows, beavers, school etc. etc.. Nowadays although I still don’t always say
no, I find that too hard, I ignore stuff. Not necessarily the best approach,
but it works for me. And that is the key - we have to find our own way of
dealing with depressive episodes. Taking the meds helps to keep me on an even
keel for much of the time, I have learned to avoid stressful situations and
live a quiet, some might say boring, life - that’s what I need to do in order
to avoid losing what remains of my marbles. Sometimes I feel lonely. Another
symptom of my Black Dog is that I have little or no desire to socialise or
communicate; this means that I have lost touch with most of my friends, however
good people are at being a friend they become fed up of being ignored
eventually. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And who can blame them?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbGrEc_3eRh64RnN5-xairdN8_uWTqyJu6AMt5Wo1feb2rMCFGSi-RDHvHenDmA_WOy1B0AP69kJwOKYwHATtYgISLqKVY-yiJ27P2Lw6VP85qKWof72lPGFzijSTpdTKGgh5/s1600/sad2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbGrEc_3eRh64RnN5-xairdN8_uWTqyJu6AMt5Wo1feb2rMCFGSi-RDHvHenDmA_WOy1B0AP69kJwOKYwHATtYgISLqKVY-yiJ27P2Lw6VP85qKWof72lPGFzijSTpdTKGgh5/s200/sad2.png" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApTcJKp-RMNM1EaOtGEighdWobTo_uY1gqabBHPsDSm3EZbFqWAgCtR_x7lmYPx94Q_d064hzE0g3AFeIemv6DeqEivJgWqnXZ8V5io43PaWbTEnbMvAeD-5Jd311nrU6cBgh/s1600/sad3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApTcJKp-RMNM1EaOtGEighdWobTo_uY1gqabBHPsDSm3EZbFqWAgCtR_x7lmYPx94Q_d064hzE0g3AFeIemv6DeqEivJgWqnXZ8V5io43PaWbTEnbMvAeD-5Jd311nrU6cBgh/s200/sad3.png" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, that’s the story of my Black Dog, he is here this week,
and will probably be here for a while longer, I have the huge, empty void
inside me indicative of those episodes, I am experiencing almost overwhelming
apathy and disinterest in everything and everyone (no offence intended Dear
Reader) - fighting it takes all my effort and energy. So what to do? Ignore it
until it goes away? Fight it until I can fight no more, even though I know
that, in reality that makes little or no difference. In my experience, it is
better, at this stage in my life, to let it run its course and wait for my
dark, malevolent friend to disappear over the horizon again. In the meantime I will try my best to break free and get over it. Just don't count on it happening quickly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgSnI6lLyTpJc8IkBkvkPtrLdd1aNvHoxGLyk60eRl12f4QFNMdFIdeofdaQZgJY0INDlDe3mHNMHGKGS22izxpymMmkACeGSsypw8r1UyBp2M5ZH0yyqIWReT3cXam5ige03/s1600/prisoner-to-depression-thumb5982489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgSnI6lLyTpJc8IkBkvkPtrLdd1aNvHoxGLyk60eRl12f4QFNMdFIdeofdaQZgJY0INDlDe3mHNMHGKGS22izxpymMmkACeGSsypw8r1UyBp2M5ZH0yyqIWReT3cXam5ige03/s200/prisoner-to-depression-thumb5982489.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-74397206868435011642013-07-18T12:32:00.000+01:002013-07-18T14:42:03.948+01:00Identity Theft, Privacy, 'it's all moo'*Good Morrow Dear Reader, I wonder how you are in this Great Heatwave of 2013? If you are anything like me you may well be wilting. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrS6Uy45kik5h7CRS_B0EJKh1UvqxBCE6aIXlmDjiwcxstfibr5UDtA7f_rLEm_doLVIr2u4n3xZzZpf57NuDEWIwFLtnRILT6PE73byPrEu7kqJ3OSLyiPqn3-DH-Ditj77g/s1600/wilted_red_roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrS6Uy45kik5h7CRS_B0EJKh1UvqxBCE6aIXlmDjiwcxstfibr5UDtA7f_rLEm_doLVIr2u4n3xZzZpf57NuDEWIwFLtnRILT6PE73byPrEu7kqJ3OSLyiPqn3-DH-Ditj77g/s200/wilted_red_roses.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
You see what I did there? I'm a wilted, English rose - just a pity the image is a Lancashire version and not the beautiful white rose of Yorkshire. I confess that I don't like the heat, I don't like the sun and, for the past few weeks have been permanently sat in front of a desk fan in an effort to prevent heat induced grumpiness, nausea, and exhaustion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYTJJJ5yBSoPo_S3aX_ErkVsQMPC3kScpJ9p7PlvSfMv4SyATqzAzHUkwIrxX7HL3BuoDqkPf53Bd883RdJxfSXjvcKJAfGcNUiqc5VrEcBdp76wF9zjnkhfd4-8hZPGBGazU/s1600/funnydog26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYTJJJ5yBSoPo_S3aX_ErkVsQMPC3kScpJ9p7PlvSfMv4SyATqzAzHUkwIrxX7HL3BuoDqkPf53Bd883RdJxfSXjvcKJAfGcNUiqc5VrEcBdp76wF9zjnkhfd4-8hZPGBGazU/s200/funnydog26.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
So, what's new in the world of jottings I hear you cry. Well Dear Reader I have a salutary tale to tell. You may, or may not, be aware that the British banks have recently been found guilty of mis-selling Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). This has resulted in them having to re-pay a great deal of money. We didn't think we would qualify - being self-employed for so long meant that we never bothered with that sort of thing. However, we did get a no-win no-fee financial advisory service to check for us. We quite quickly received a small payment which was WONDERFUL.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUf7GRdkbIxKbx2McjU17Y6RhAXReQAEr1_43t_XDqPlXWZ8Gkhyphenhyphen499dYFeXE3cfXCR_2WOqdNtWFj5ODA4OlMWhOJf6hkKK-zKPt3D17K5a4LGXC31d2iTLIpLBRGkwWo2Rg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUf7GRdkbIxKbx2McjU17Y6RhAXReQAEr1_43t_XDqPlXWZ8Gkhyphenhyphen499dYFeXE3cfXCR_2WOqdNtWFj5ODA4OlMWhOJf6hkKK-zKPt3D17K5a4LGXC31d2iTLIpLBRGkwWo2Rg/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Some time later the financial people informed us that one of the claims they had entered on our behalf had been referred to the Ombudsman who had then told the bank that they HAD to pay this claim also - this was considerably more, we tried to contain our excitement, being more cynically minded than most due to events in the not too distant past and being life-time members of the 'I'll believe it when I see it' approach to things. However, the bank did indeed send a cheque. Sadly they sent it to the wrong address. No problem! I rang up and spoke to a very nice lady in the Philippines who informed me I needed to go into my local branch and fill in a change of address form. I won't bore you with the whole sorry tale, just the salient points -<br />
<ol>
<li>We no longer bank with this bank and haven't for at least 6 years</li>
<li>We have moved house three times since then and never filled a change of address form in - because we no longer bank with them</li>
<li>The account is in my husband's name</li>
<li>I had completed ALL the security checks</li>
<li>We had already received one cheque without completing a form of any kind.</li>
<li>After three phone calls no form has arrived.</li>
<li>The phone number is an 0845 number - which means it costs me money every time I call them </li>
</ol>
As you can imagine Dear Reader I am, by now extremely irritated. Even though we were never expecting this money, now that we know we are getting it we need it!! Silly though that seems. So, I rang again and, well, I ranted, I was polite, but, nevertheless a rant was had. Eventually I said I was going to submit another complaint to the Ombudsman because, in light of points 1, 2, and 3 above I felt that the bank was time-wasting and using delaying tactics in order to avoid paying the monies owed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcDKZbCBkqxAChYrIx071hhhXBNZtmVaM9g6-yR-GJSM24tFzwH4js9fBeqYl0rGOkHvAV3jDJO9CMhKtc86mt6p7H21HZVYrMdTIUfxIZB-EblJJH7XLCEI-mck1VyiqwjDP/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcDKZbCBkqxAChYrIx071hhhXBNZtmVaM9g6-yR-GJSM24tFzwH4js9fBeqYl0rGOkHvAV3jDJO9CMhKtc86mt6p7H21HZVYrMdTIUfxIZB-EblJJH7XLCEI-mck1VyiqwjDP/s200/images.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
<br />
Funnily enough the Customer Advisor then advised me that the cheque would be in the post shortly. In fact she said 'I see Mr Inan that it is marked on your file that the cheque is to be sent out soon'.<br />
<br />
Dear Reader, please note items 3 and 4 in my list and also note that I am, in fact a <strike>girl </strike>middle-aged woman.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYebXR3Ff4UF-0sSs85ldEIYDhK9Drw4a6LBXM1v2216XZ4x-58zXwDErntKgCoQMyXWcF8roSTI5Qf1OuM9gvFldVEzdPp8P6BTKG3XYO1dJoVlvu_2_qhuoaaqctutGS_nwd/s1600/d6f368bf91c1caa29ac563ba7d7146fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYebXR3Ff4UF-0sSs85ldEIYDhK9Drw4a6LBXM1v2216XZ4x-58zXwDErntKgCoQMyXWcF8roSTI5Qf1OuM9gvFldVEzdPp8P6BTKG3XYO1dJoVlvu_2_qhuoaaqctutGS_nwd/s200/d6f368bf91c1caa29ac563ba7d7146fa.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<br />
Which brings me to the salient point of my blog, and let's face it what use is a blog without a cute picture of a dog AND a salient point. <br />
<br />
Privacy issues and identity theft - easier than you think! I regularly make phone calls on behalf of my son and my husband - indeed even when making phone calls on my own behalf I regularly get referred to as Mr JottingsbyJools. So, Dear Reader, you may well want to beef up your security with regard to personal information and all that jazz.<br />
<br />
*And, finally, if you are not a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108778/" target="_blank">Friends </a><span class="st">aficionado, (if not, why not?) then watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLwYpSCrlHU" target="_blank">this clip.</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">*Waves goodbye* </span>jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-29122774137624434622013-07-11T11:34:00.003+01:002013-07-11T11:35:36.423+01:00Manners, Compliments and Being EnglishGood morning to you Dear Reader, I have a number of thoughts rumbling around in my brain and thought I would share with you. They are linked, in a tenuous kind of a way.<br />
<br />
The first is manners - good or bad. In recent days sleep has, due to the heat, eluded me, when that happens I tend to listen to the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio" target="_blank">BBC World Service</a> and it was here that I first heard the news item concerning a customer in Sainsbury's who was refused service at the checkout until she had finished talking on the phone. The customer was outraged and complained vociferously - Sainsbury's apologised, until, that is, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2357193/Sainsburys-says-wont-discipline-worker-refused-serve-shopper-talking-phone.html" target="_blank">Tweeters and Facebookers</a> took to cyberspace and voiced their support for the shop assistant. Evidently many of us, me included, think it is the height of bad manners to talk on the phone whilst involved in almost any kind of transaction. Happy days. It used to be that, as a society, we knew and understood what good manners were and why it is important to use them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghNE9_5Tb4umkP68NjeIl5t5jEMPeWqEyhaYEa2sDtV6ivaUPV45ZxWe7hrF-ZyFjouCauJzFTwYACr8N3yKNG_CwoZ01wrz2_rotewroAnzsdWpPFQfHN2cQREB_wiwWzarY/s1600/6+tips+ofGood+Manners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghNE9_5Tb4umkP68NjeIl5t5jEMPeWqEyhaYEa2sDtV6ivaUPV45ZxWe7hrF-ZyFjouCauJzFTwYACr8N3yKNG_CwoZ01wrz2_rotewroAnzsdWpPFQfHN2cQREB_wiwWzarY/s200/6+tips+ofGood+Manners.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, I am quite sure the whole world knows that we Brits are experts at waiting our turn - indeed our expertise in queuing is world famous. But what about the rest of this little list? If we are talking on a phone whilst being served, anywhere, we clearly are not listening, cooperating, appreciating, or complimenting the server - nor are we able to speak politely or even give thanks for their efforts.<br />
<br />
It used to be, in the not too distant past, that talking loudly in public was frowned upon - regarded as 'common' in fact and the epitome of bad manners, not any more, now many of us have no qualms about sharing any of our conversations, not just those taking place via a mobile phone, with anyone and everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPsYBlqq3Hw2vQvwekiDefx3trp5hE6q0ooP3EKNM-oFhZmWAJCC4lghNo8plDaSZq1U5oz0VjPbU3t23U4nC-KW4dD3CvU0S1Y8BFgGy0oWi5aIfJB2Ke4PovsomgKHieSkP/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPsYBlqq3Hw2vQvwekiDefx3trp5hE6q0ooP3EKNM-oFhZmWAJCC4lghNo8plDaSZq1U5oz0VjPbU3t23U4nC-KW4dD3CvU0S1Y8BFgGy0oWi5aIfJB2Ke4PovsomgKHieSkP/s200/dinner.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Safe to say then that I am greatly encouraged by the number of people who defended the actions of the worker in Sainsbury's and hope that, perhaps, we will all try and mind our manners a bit more.<br />
<br />
This brings me nicely to my next point. Compliments. In recent days I have been subjected to a number of unsolicited compliments Dear Reader - I know, quite, quite shocking. The problem is accepting compliments makes me feel uncomfortable - and, I suspect, I am not the only one. It is not often I receive a compliment - when one is a stay-at-home mum it seems that one's efforts tend to fall into the 'taken for granted' category. So, to receive compliments connected to things I do as *me* rather than as wife/mother/daughter etc. is quite a novelty. I do have, after all, that infamous <a href="http://directorblue.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/stiff-upper-lip.html" target="_blank">Stiff Upper Lip </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghC64nTx8olIE-Nt2pvpa-ebKRA1ftoMSN9u2jGkPYdeopzrcx5PZtN-GAaODQHGYV_7xMT9mKeHONcqQDjJ9rOpd04EiS9OM6MmsxaWvk9fgwsqmAI1SkUE_81XEbo8IEq1Vi/s1600/pe7tsA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghC64nTx8olIE-Nt2pvpa-ebKRA1ftoMSN9u2jGkPYdeopzrcx5PZtN-GAaODQHGYV_7xMT9mKeHONcqQDjJ9rOpd04EiS9OM6MmsxaWvk9fgwsqmAI1SkUE_81XEbo8IEq1Vi/s200/pe7tsA.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
So, apparently, the etiquette for accepting a compliment is not to fumble and fudge and make the complimenter feel uncomfortable, but, rather to graciously accept said compliment and move on. Even if one is British.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpluh9lU51U7-bsgDWStLaONucYusxLA3HayULIovzaNHsfIJhKwKSpGXn9QfmwStm9Hj0UtHa_DeNqew9AB2w48VJHXqs5YxJ3K-E3FALOqbsASCUBClq3cDLn8N9PdN5kkMG/s1600/Compliment-Accepting-Etiquette-.com_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpluh9lU51U7-bsgDWStLaONucYusxLA3HayULIovzaNHsfIJhKwKSpGXn9QfmwStm9Hj0UtHa_DeNqew9AB2w48VJHXqs5YxJ3K-E3FALOqbsASCUBClq3cDLn8N9PdN5kkMG/s200/Compliment-Accepting-Etiquette-.com_.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Which brings me nicely to my final thought for the day. English or British? Well, Dear Reader, as you may, or may not know, last Sunday was a red letter day for the whole of Great Britain, after 77 long years Andy Murray became the first British man since Fred Perry to win at Wimbledon. The nation went into meltdown as a result of the ensuing hysteria. Andy Murray is a proud Scot, a <a href="http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsman/scotland/andy-murray-speaks-about-dunblane-massacre-1-2974132" target="_blank">Dunblane survivor</a> , world's number 2 tennis player, Olympic gold medalist and of course a Brit. Many of our Celtic citizens are keen to be designated by their individual nationality (Scottish or Welsh mainly - the Northern Irish, ironically, want to be British whilst seeming to dislike The English intensely). I can understand being proud of one's roots - I am after all a Yorkshire lass, through and through.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUBMhK_rWb7BGO_GP9Mjtbpn6W0UlXtxXWuiAA4pBZkuMsc7melz7Tfs4gimWspqouIJUBB1zwaRpUvu-po17_qv6vO2dnBFRc79E11yOtFmgFuRR1dz-6IzFmfa8MpmO-4qJ/s1600/yorkshire-lass-and-proud-of-it.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUBMhK_rWb7BGO_GP9Mjtbpn6W0UlXtxXWuiAA4pBZkuMsc7melz7Tfs4gimWspqouIJUBB1zwaRpUvu-po17_qv6vO2dnBFRc79E11yOtFmgFuRR1dz-6IzFmfa8MpmO-4qJ/s200/yorkshire-lass-and-proud-of-it.png" width="171" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, for those of us who choose to designate ourselves as English things can get a little tense - largely due to the unpleasant behaviour of the English Defence League I suspect. It seems that things may be changing, a recent article in the <a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/the-english-are-feeling-more-english-and-increasingly-less-british-report-claims-1.1458397" target="_blank">Irish Times</a> indicates that more and more of us English Brits are referring to ourselves as English first and British second - perhaps the worm has turned due to perceived injustices in the tax and education systems, who knows? And is it a good thing? I am not sure. A sense of national identity is important - but surely no-one wants to be perceived as a '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Englander" target="_blank">Little Englander</a>' - even if they are anti-Europe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
In conclusion it seems that as an English Brit I find accepting a compliment difficult, but, understand that it is good manners to do so graciously; despite appearances to the contrary many of us do still think good manners and courtesy are important and, finally, it is OK to say that I am English first and British second - and doing so does not make me a racist. Glad we sorted that out.jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-1895360183367408092013-06-28T13:50:00.000+01:002013-06-28T16:32:56.890+01:00World's Worst Blogger?Perhaps I am, or maybe not. Maybe I am just like millions of other people out there who think blogging sounds like a great way to express oneself, who quite like the idea of writing stuff down, but for whom the reality is somewhat more difficult.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfPTx5EWia5VZUtPTR9tiA0PDDAlJ66bSUKK8-XT6TRJUMH7Le439ixG3zkOu7gEcytdQr0QzxocBcqmc3Bcjy3PUChNTu4rFCuUBztguwESbzMTthrz_T5WC5cOERZy7pfxM/s266/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfPTx5EWia5VZUtPTR9tiA0PDDAlJ66bSUKK8-XT6TRJUMH7Le439ixG3zkOu7gEcytdQr0QzxocBcqmc3Bcjy3PUChNTu4rFCuUBztguwESbzMTthrz_T5WC5cOERZy7pfxM/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The trouble with the internet is that it is The World's Biggest Time Waster. Ever. Today I am supposed to be finishing up an assignment, on the Benin Bronzes since you ask.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVo2zuJXAFr3cG9I1i9YyRNqdSgZ7e45-9efWiUK5TESpBpGw-8Z2Wo6jMOKePWhsZUYAH-z3KWyR9pCREHO0pC0quAlGK6Id3Wvy-HanA19uknAj4c9JdjfNCLdcWx4zlgZj/s259/bronzes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVo2zuJXAFr3cG9I1i9YyRNqdSgZ7e45-9efWiUK5TESpBpGw-8Z2Wo6jMOKePWhsZUYAH-z3KWyR9pCREHO0pC0quAlGK6Id3Wvy-HanA19uknAj4c9JdjfNCLdcWx4zlgZj/s200/bronzes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
In the mornings I like to drink my coffee whilst checking my course groups and forums, doing the crossword and generally checking that all is right with the world. And therein lies the problem. Inevitably someone posts an interesting item, a funny video - this morning it was a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAXAs03xsI8&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_blank">flash mob of an extract from La Traviata </a>- which was all well and good, but then comes the overwhelming urge to check out all the other flash mob videos on YouTube. Two hours later my assignment still isn't polished.<br />
<br />
By the time I am on my second cup of coffee I discover that my <a href="http://meneksh.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Daughter has blogged</a> and that she is trying something out called<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/" target="_blank"> bloglovin</a> which, apparently, replaces Google Read. Now I am not a techie, I don't know what Google Read is or what it does and I am quite sure I will never understand what bloglovin is or what it is for (much like Instagram - another one of my daughter's 'things') - that didn't, however, stop me going over there, looking around and signing up. Which means I now have quite an array of useless online.....things? activities? web page interests? I don't even know what to call them but so far we have......<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://pinterest.com/jools61/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></li>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/joolsinan/#" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/BigMomma1961" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li>
<li>bloglovin</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href="http://api.sonymobile.com/files/xperia-j-black-android-smartphone-620x440.png" target="_blank">A Smart Phone</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/10.1/images/w_image10.jpg" target="_blank">A tablet </a></li>
<li>And, of course, a Blog </li>
</ul>
Now, I know a smart phone, or a tablet, aren't online things, but rather bits of technology to further enable the myriad of online things we can and, apparently must, do in order to live a life full of fulfillment and joy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh5wugq_9effohC_dr7EJvnZ8wQ8hH6O4jU1Yw4PArYr8qWCGLNfGu7Pc106j-7-jiXMU0BSQsGNsuIxBxlJp4evthEA9R6HPDkwwWxVcnd-zk0i_KdDytWAjpOtmsv3Qu38u/s283/375994_sarcasm_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh5wugq_9effohC_dr7EJvnZ8wQ8hH6O4jU1Yw4PArYr8qWCGLNfGu7Pc106j-7-jiXMU0BSQsGNsuIxBxlJp4evthEA9R6HPDkwwWxVcnd-zk0i_KdDytWAjpOtmsv3Qu38u/s200/375994_sarcasm_sign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
But, dear reader, I am sure you see the problem. The internet is supposed to make our lives easier, when in fact all it does is fill them with what is, let's be honest, a whole lot of useless, time wasting activities which do nothing more than kill our brain cells. Stone Dead.<br />
<br />
I saw this somewhere the other day<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqaEe1N1WLhKWLOfSBTh1FusfFrXRlkIsDRtgeQZi5DhdaI5p5ud7FIWJoGZd5oxf31f8lHV916sAH7UPihzX2GfgUxVVrjOk_cr5aW_xV6egk1aaZODYPN-Jp0IlCooGrcJl/s480/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqaEe1N1WLhKWLOfSBTh1FusfFrXRlkIsDRtgeQZi5DhdaI5p5ud7FIWJoGZd5oxf31f8lHV916sAH7UPihzX2GfgUxVVrjOk_cr5aW_xV6egk1aaZODYPN-Jp0IlCooGrcJl/s200/books.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
And I have to agree, but, I also want to add that since 'the internet' has now overtaken television, or so it seems to me, as our activity of choice during any free time we happen to have laying around then surely those books are in even more danger. Certainly I firmly believe that too much screen time, of any description, dulls the brain and has a detrimental effect on concentration and memory - and I think that research indicates that as well.<br />
<br />
So what to do? The horns of a dilemma is never a comfortable place to sit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBU_OR_7rn1EkF_sZA2ni_i1grBK32OGUVhMg0TZvljGI2VOZGXl2G_GFMiSGZo4tAiz-WCq9TylEU_RdZhvUUJLDckxUYPGYbzpyuI4OnK53hMc9JHbAh1dtdWq9WQZlEmoD/s200/dilemma.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBU_OR_7rn1EkF_sZA2ni_i1grBK32OGUVhMg0TZvljGI2VOZGXl2G_GFMiSGZo4tAiz-WCq9TylEU_RdZhvUUJLDckxUYPGYbzpyuI4OnK53hMc9JHbAh1dtdWq9WQZlEmoD/s200/dilemma.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Get rid of the electronic items that feed the compulsion to read and share information of all kinds, no matter how inappropriate for some people. Try to limit one's online time? What, I wonder, would happen if someone pulled the plug? What if we woke up one morning and the internet was just gone? Would we remember how to communicate properly? Some younger people probably can't remember a time when text speak didn't exist, when phones were fixed line and most people only had one - in a shared room in the house. Who writes letters anymore? Few of us. We can't go back - but perhaps we can all try to have a smaller cyber presence and a greater physical one in the lives of those around us.<br />
<br />
So what started as a blog about, well, not blogging, has finished as a blog about the pervasive nature of online activity and technology. Huh. would it have been more fun as a face to face conversation? What about if I had written it, by hand, in a diary?<br />
<br />
One final thing to think about. I play Facebook games - yes, yes, I am that annoying person who fills your wall with requests for all kinds of weird and wonderful things. Like a lot of people I play it as a way of relaxing, switching my brain off, all of those things. The people I play with are mostly, like myself, women of a certain age, and a few husbands who have been roped in by their wives. Anyway, last week *all the games on Facebook* crashed, completely, couldn't get into the farming games, candy crush, words with friends etc etc. The reaction was, not to put too fine a point on it, hilarious. As if the world was going to end. So what would happen if someone turned the internet off? Worth thinking about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNwQETMok17B0b5n1Buq2V0lFZNV44wlmHaQS_JtTPUPyOSbDunnDuFI5GaG5Fu459Eel1rXGTu4W3tr2NjFmRz13mpZ8mIO4dHGmTXRWhxh5xp5X1wapz6eHn7xDoHnMW98r/s228/images.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNwQETMok17B0b5n1Buq2V0lFZNV44wlmHaQS_JtTPUPyOSbDunnDuFI5GaG5Fu459Eel1rXGTu4W3tr2NjFmRz13mpZ8mIO4dHGmTXRWhxh5xp5X1wapz6eHn7xDoHnMW98r/s200/images.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSheEovPRJJOANo-YycB2uB8B84laTxsNTx8RSq-8GLAgjSAWis9mXNxXS7gjboJP-Qf9p_LjCPGUwGBELfhoZMn7SsBBgmXIEL2K_PrnpB2aq_MFgTWzixtrHeVJxMyEmE9X/s450/panic_in_the_street.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSheEovPRJJOANo-YycB2uB8B84laTxsNTx8RSq-8GLAgjSAWis9mXNxXS7gjboJP-Qf9p_LjCPGUwGBELfhoZMn7SsBBgmXIEL2K_PrnpB2aq_MFgTWzixtrHeVJxMyEmE9X/s200/panic_in_the_street.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-48980580765689688352013-03-15T15:56:00.000+00:002013-03-15T16:02:34.273+00:00A Ranty Blog EntryDear Reader, I am feeling quite irritated. Nothing major you understand, but, a conversation had in the Social Media Sphere this morning has got under my skin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUxlS9eNyj-dGJNHLPNCsxjJIF-z6J4aSBr4TXi0v8RnYpEdL1TE3Vnt3x5dxIxEjLWVD0niFj_P27WwgrpPn-VW-f-dbvQURc77iEGo6eJ_7ae_iGDm4hx8KFmuzySkWI_vD/s1600/mad+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUxlS9eNyj-dGJNHLPNCsxjJIF-z6J4aSBr4TXi0v8RnYpEdL1TE3Vnt3x5dxIxEjLWVD0niFj_P27WwgrpPn-VW-f-dbvQURc77iEGo6eJ_7ae_iGDm4hx8KFmuzySkWI_vD/s200/mad+woman.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It took place in my module group - the module being Arts Past and Present, for which we had to study the play Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. We will also be looking at the Dalai Lama. This morning one of the other students asked what beliefs the rest of us had. The discussion that followed was enlightening to say the least. I reproduce the gist of it here, some of it is direct quoting, some of it is the highlights, I left out the profanities and sarcasm. Please note that questions remain unanswered and the sense of hostility when a person says they believe the bible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuypAeMeSOhc7K813lNV7Ng20ZBjLHqulU0yqNBHEd35huKu7hFFuEodqpaYVxOrfklEJWNmxyGW1JearqL09bvrQ_Yq1cDBTDKj49UMwJ1bz7OJGJQn63fqtNzHfYDu9oNIxR/s1600/question.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuypAeMeSOhc7K813lNV7Ng20ZBjLHqulU0yqNBHEd35huKu7hFFuEodqpaYVxOrfklEJWNmxyGW1JearqL09bvrQ_Yq1cDBTDKj49UMwJ1bz7OJGJQn63fqtNzHfYDu9oNIxR/s200/question.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><i>THE OTHERS</i></b><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Live and let live</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Respect the beliefs of
others</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Humanism/secularism</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Atheist</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Don’t criticise those
with other beliefs</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jedi</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Religion is
controlling, causes war and is full of paedophiles and get rich quick con
artists, it does more harm than good. Ritual for ritual’s sake.</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Religion is intolerant
and prevents people from doing what they want to do</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Creation completely
contradicts scientific fact and shouldn’t be allowed in schools</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am a good person and
am polite, well mannered and respectful, compassionate towards others</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Treat others as you
want to be treated and do not deliberately hurt others</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">ME </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">*Takes a deep breath* I don’t
believe in Religion. BUT I do believe the bible, all of it. And consider myself
a saved or born again Christian. I don’t believe any of us are born as being of
any particular faith - it is a choice we make and should mean that our lives
change. I do believe in the creation theory rather than the evolution theory -
simply because it makes more sense. Evolution isn’t a scientific fact; it is
based mostly on guess work. The evidence can equally be applied to both
theories and in fact the theory of creation is compatible with the second law
of thermodynamics (I know! get me). we homeschooled our children, and when it
came to science I thought I better find out what I believed regarding evolution
since I had always assumed it just kind of fitted in with what the bible says -
not true. the point of communion, speaking as a protestant is to remember what
Christ did on the cross - those are His instructions, do this in remembrance of
me until I come again, we do NOT believe the bread and wine are the actual
flesh and blood but rather symbolic. One last point - interestingly, to me at
any rate, biblical Christianity is the ONLY world religion based solely on what
God has done for us rather than on what we can do for Him.</span>
The difficulty I have with saying 'as long as I am good' - is who defines what
is good? Something that is acceptable to one and seen as good may well be seen
as the exact opposite by others. So, if we are to live 'good lives' who makes
the decisions? It is easy to see that none of us are born 'good' - never had to
teach my kids to be naughty, don’t know about anyone else!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>THE OTHERS </i></b></div>
<b><i>
</i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span class="uficommentbody"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Religion is a crutch just like drugs and alcohol. You can't trust any
of them when they have you under their influence</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">....... if
the end users can't be brainwashed into thinking they possess the faith then
religion can't exist</span></i></b></div>
<b><i>
</i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span class="uficommentbody"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">homosexuality is wrong, what about eating pork, mixing fibres, smiting,
God condones slavery and instructs men to treat women like animals; don’t like
being told what to do. Homosexuals can’t enter heaven</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ME</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">O.K., tin hat on and even deeper
breath taken. At no point does the bible condone slavery or that women are to
be treated any differently to men. In fact, quite the opposite. the
instructions that men are given regarding their wives is that they are to be
cherished and beloved, in a loving romantic way, wives are told that their
husbands are to be loved in a respectful way - in my experience this is what
most of us want, whether we are men or women. Men are told to love their wives
as Christ loved the church - which is an amazing thing imho. as for the whole don’t
wear different fabrics etc - that stuff is all part of the ceremonial law,
completed on the Cross and therefore no longer applicable, nothing to do with
the times we live in - which is why unsaved, orthodox Jews still hold with this
kind of thing. The bible doesn’t say that homosexuals can’t enter heaven, what
is says is that sinners can't enter heaven, and, at the end of the day we are
all sinners. It is not a sin to be gay, what is sinful is sexual immorality -
whether that is hetero or homo! interestingly the commandment 'thou shalt not
commit adultery' covers all sexual sin and the Lord Jesus said that even
looking at someone in lustful manner breaks that commandment - so, that is
something that most of us are guilty of I’m sure, whether straight or gay. Biblical
Christianity teaches that ALL of us need Christ to get to heaven; it also
teaches that He accepts ALL of us; it also teaches that we are ALL equal but
have different roles, so the woman is the help meet of the man and the man is the
head of the house and the provider.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="uficommentbody"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THE OTHERS </i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="uficommentbody"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heaven will be boring with no pets, who would want to go there. Even if
I got to heaven I would get thrown out.</i> ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why is this omnipotent being so engrossd in being worshipped all the
time. Surely he'd be above all that?</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">’</i></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="uficommentbody"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘There were dinasaurs too, the earth is only 6000 years old lol Sorry
Jools Not taking the p, just don't believe in any of it. Good luck to you if
you do but I think a lot of people are going to be bitterly disappointed when
they draw their final breath.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">’</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">ME </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">I would say more like 8,000 - the
evidence for it being any older is theoretical at best, and there is a lot of
evidence for the existence of dinosaurs alongside mankind. We are created to
want to worship - that is why, with the decline in spirituality, there is so
much other kind of worship going on, we need to fill that void within us. it is
also interesting to note that when any new tribes are discovered they
invariably have some form of worship of a an unknown deity, and in many
cultures there are loads of indications that in ancient times they had
knowledge of the God of the bible - ancient china for e.g.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="uficommentbody"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THE OTHERS </i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="uficommentbody"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sorry Jools that's just toal bunkum we have evidence of humans going
back hundreds of thousands of years. I'm going to stop now because I might say
something I might regret and I don't want to offend you</i></span></b></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">ME </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">Lol, never get offended,
especially online - it’s too easy to misread what people say, so I always read
in neutral. What evidence is there that shows humans have been here for
thousands of years? Many people accept evolution and all that goes with it
without proper investigation and yet have difficulty accepting the bible with
the same premise. Not suggesting anyone here has done that, more of a general
observation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="uficommentbody"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THE OTHERS </i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span class="uficommentbody"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And RE: evolution. I refer you to the principals of animal husbandry
and breeding programmes</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. No, i'm not going to respond. I'm
outa here. it's getting ridiculous. I'm
with you. When I saw the original post I thought we would get to this stage
quicker. Adieu good people. May the force be with you.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">ME </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">microevolution - no probs with
that, it is clearly seen. macroevolution on the other hand......</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody"></span><span class="uficommentbody"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">And to finish, from me at any
rate.....</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">Ha, there was I thinking we are
all grownups, that we believe in live and let live and each to their own. Just
goes to show</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQds35xsvIB5Kui9XPdDxhyphenhyphenpNrLmmDx5mDQs3CkbmsJY7ROpnMq7_-i3DHm4PyDdPNLCiVyIV66VGDLAKwyNLf-7r2Au1nFgymZlrKwYxPdJFm7NuQph_-iOHKRzmyj7yP1h7/s1600/375994_sarcasm_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQds35xsvIB5Kui9XPdDxhyphenhyphenpNrLmmDx5mDQs3CkbmsJY7ROpnMq7_-i3DHm4PyDdPNLCiVyIV66VGDLAKwyNLf-7r2Au1nFgymZlrKwYxPdJFm7NuQph_-iOHKRzmyj7yP1h7/s200/375994_sarcasm_sign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-34936203539400205572013-03-14T16:08:00.002+00:002013-03-14T16:08:57.374+00:00When your faith is weak and feebleSo it occurs to me that My Reader may well have forgotten that I am a Bible Believing Christian - since most of my blog posts of late have been of a more secular nature. I thought I should take the opportunity to redress the balance a bit.<br />
<br />
I usually say that I am a Bible Believing Christian because I am not, currently, a member of any church and don't choose to align myself with a particular denomination - largely because they all have their faults and as we all know there is no such thing as a perfect church. And if there was, my attendance would ruin it. Since almost all churches appear to take this approach - I am wary of wear to hang my hat.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxiuorlruKC1EwdMDXT9z5Iei_WerVADnfbO9IWkjtoY0h5J7DEvVIUxsYQrozmveXHZlw4xaRtrJvQC2VQzLLLZU1iV1syYUPk6KIicqPsbBUtc0ATFx8YixeTOZBz4HsTk5/s1600/perfect-church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxiuorlruKC1EwdMDXT9z5Iei_WerVADnfbO9IWkjtoY0h5J7DEvVIUxsYQrozmveXHZlw4xaRtrJvQC2VQzLLLZU1iV1syYUPk6KIicqPsbBUtc0ATFx8YixeTOZBz4HsTk5/s200/perfect-church.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Part of the problem for me is that I am quite easily convinced of more or less any point of view and am A Bear of Very Little Brain, although long words don't necessarily bother me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e2wlZx9IiiLHRbTtiQs1ZZIJcUnLfQ40An3XCI2DagXmSBjEfO5l9rDWzptAPzqZt_XKvvtwbbTo7CemExjIoWE_L2zqj8prIx24xXeJ3YICQnael2YCrsezqhoH2r9IhvwC/s1600/longwords1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7e2wlZx9IiiLHRbTtiQs1ZZIJcUnLfQ40An3XCI2DagXmSBjEfO5l9rDWzptAPzqZt_XKvvtwbbTo7CemExjIoWE_L2zqj8prIx24xXeJ3YICQnael2YCrsezqhoH2r9IhvwC/s200/longwords1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
A long time ago, when I first became a Christian, I attended a fairly standard Anglican church. For a variety of reasons I felt it necessary to leave and became a bit of a nomad for a while, eventually I started attending the <a href="http://www.freepres.org/main.asp" target="_blank">Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster</a> (as opposed to the Wee Frees of Scotland). Now, generally speaking I was happy enough with this church, the teaching is good, the politics doesn't affect me and whilst I don't necessarily agree with everything - their position on baptism for example is wishy washy to say the least - I was fairly happy there.<br />
<br />
As with all things, eventually, A Terrible Thing happened, which I don't want to go into here, but, which did dent my appreciation of the denomination - particularly since it involved the wife of a minister. Then I met a young man who is a wonderfully godly young person, who really loves the Lord and who explained to me the reasons why he chooses to attend an Anglican church. And, of course, I agree with him. Generally.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIrbNjyKNiYZSmTwruqDWdaSqGkU8ZDgbawpIliHxXlSmuiSZTUQgTZgM1ctdY9PNtdglucT-D_fk3K0i86TWJiqleV1tM3PIIT6QmulfR4XjFNIsRNrZCkxwkhczx_DZza6s/s1600/greatest-commandments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIrbNjyKNiYZSmTwruqDWdaSqGkU8ZDgbawpIliHxXlSmuiSZTUQgTZgM1ctdY9PNtdglucT-D_fk3K0i86TWJiqleV1tM3PIIT6QmulfR4XjFNIsRNrZCkxwkhczx_DZza6s/s200/greatest-commandments.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These are the things I think are important in a church -<br />
<ul>
<li>The preaching - it must be good sound teaching from the bible, presenting Christ in all His loveliness and clearly showing the way of salvation.</li>
<li>No pointless repetition of liturgy - I know for some people it is a useful tool, but, it just reminds me of Matthew 6<strong>:7 -</strong></li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div>
<b><i>But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.</i></b></div>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>No rock and roll - if I saw a drum kit in a church I would turn around and leave. I have a half finished blog post on this subject, I should finish it I suppose.</li>
<li>No women in leadership roles other than for women and children - I know, controversial, and perhaps I am wrong, but, it's what I see in the bible</li>
<li>Ladies to be modestly dressed and preferably with a head covering - by which I do NOT mean a £300 hat covering a man's hairstyle</li>
<li>Men to be modestly dressed and to be real men. </li>
<li>Biblical teaching regarding family and gender</li>
<li>Encouragement from the front for private prayer and bible study</li>
<li>Dedications for infants and Believers Baptism for those who are saved - again I know this may be controversial but, it is what I understand the bible to teach</li>
<li>Plain teaching regarding Creation, young earth and why we don't believe in evolution</li>
<li>Outreach to the unchurched and those on the fringes of society.</li>
</ul>
This last point is, I think, where the Free Ps fall down somewhat. Whilst they are pretty hot on preaching the Gospel and having Missions there seems to be little outreach on the street. No engaging with those who never darken the door of a church. Perhaps this is a cultural thing, in Northern Ireland most people know what it means to be a Christian, they understand that those who 'get saved' undergo a life changing experience. Here on the mainland that isn't the case. On the mainland most people believe themselves to be 'a good person', generally speaking people believe there is no such thing as sin, other than child abuse. Certainly most people on the mainland would be left confused and somewhat perplexed if they were told that a Christian doesn't go to the cinema, doesn't go to the pub, doesn't watch tv. doesn't do the lottery, must wear a suit/smart dress for church etc etc. The church is viewed as being irrelevant whilst millions rush about their daily business trying to fill the spiritual void in their life with so much dross.<br />
<br />
There is no possible way we can, any longer, think of England as a Christian nation - so many people do not know the true meaning of Christmas or Easter, so many think of Jesus Christ as nothing more than an expletive - they don't know Who He is or What He has done for us.<br />
<br />
When I read the bible and read about my Lovely Saviour I see Him meeting people at the point of their need, whatever that need maybe. Certainly that is where He meets me. Indeed this is something that the Free P ministers often preach about and yet, it seems to me, that very often the needs, as seen from the Free P pulpit (and others I am quite sure) are only for those in the grip of vices such as alcohol, cigarettes and gambling. In reality, for most of us, our needs are not that extreme. In fact I would even suggest that we are all struggling with the same sin, however it manifests in our daily lives, we don't love Jesus. Surely it is this that needs to be addressed for those millions who never enter a church unless someone is being hatched, matched or dispatched - and even those occasions are becoming fewer and fewer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpb2-QzusShG3OB1XSZBtNj8RD6mygOL9cqOUIuJifjiv6I9SejnluX9SY7NhBs1FpSOJZjACXeokADtMBBZ4ZvnMPswhOsYko8yJKAhQ990kv09-iG6QV_gA68E2kc5L2c3g/s1600/church+attendance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpb2-QzusShG3OB1XSZBtNj8RD6mygOL9cqOUIuJifjiv6I9SejnluX9SY7NhBs1FpSOJZjACXeokADtMBBZ4ZvnMPswhOsYko8yJKAhQ990kv09-iG6QV_gA68E2kc5L2c3g/s200/church+attendance.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, what is my conclusion? Only this, I am a Christian, I believe the Whole of The Bible, I believe Christ is the Only Way to Eternal Life, and, other than that, I haven't a clue anymore!<br />
<br />
*waves goodbye*jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-11072115084477976102013-03-09T21:58:00.001+00:002013-03-09T21:58:22.750+00:00Smoking and SmellsIn an earlier post I talked about our impending house move and the reasons for it. One of the things I forgot to mention in the list of things I dislike about our current residence is the smell.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtHafEB-jCTAbWePe_mVubK5O1JcTc5BjMzx68HU9v4cKlzplB90v4jp77HwvCMPLsrsF8iVLO8W41jhqIr-Qgxy6yz5B67JGtL4VsJ3WwYZmZv9H95XyNJLUmPNcFzsWJBxw/s1600/smells.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtHafEB-jCTAbWePe_mVubK5O1JcTc5BjMzx68HU9v4cKlzplB90v4jp77HwvCMPLsrsF8iVLO8W41jhqIr-Qgxy6yz5B67JGtL4VsJ3WwYZmZv9H95XyNJLUmPNcFzsWJBxw/s320/smells.png" width="320" /></a></div>
We didn't notice it straight away, but, we soon began to smell cigarettes. Quelle Horreur. As an ex-smoker I find the smell of cigarettes particularly obnoxious - even though it is more than 20 years since I smoked. As an ex-smoker I am also quite sensitive to the smell. At first I thought I was losing my marbles (even more than usual) or had a brain tumour or something (I have read of people who had <a href="http://www.ehow.co.uk/facts_6328700_phantom-odors-brain-cancer.html" target="_blank">weird things happening</a> to their sense of taste and smell - turned out it was their first symptom of a brain disorder). When sitting in a particular place in our living room I was sure I could smell smoke, but none of us partake in that disgusting habit anymore. So, on smelling stale tobacco in the bedroom of The Ginger One, who suffers with asthma, you can imagine my indignation. We eventually decided the smoke must be seeping through the walls of our house from next door! Goodness knows how many cigarettes the residents of that abode smoke for that to happen!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G0uIDzmfNuI7u56qcikwWinc6g9geWqiv_zlH4y0BbNR769xypGgyWZsE77rzBjoDr-2sYB2RC6-SHDspLaI1HoHNRAL7LdqGYc8dHnfGtio3Pnadc-6pV7URUPs8a8w70e8/s1600/female+smoker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-G0uIDzmfNuI7u56qcikwWinc6g9geWqiv_zlH4y0BbNR769xypGgyWZsE77rzBjoDr-2sYB2RC6-SHDspLaI1HoHNRAL7LdqGYc8dHnfGtio3Pnadc-6pV7URUPs8a8w70e8/s200/female+smoker.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Eventually we found it so unpleasant I rang the environmental health department. To give them credit where credit is due, they did come and have a sniff - they could smell it clearly in the bedroom. And recommended that I seal up the cupboard! Since the house next door belongs to the council they did say they could come and have a look if things didn't improve - but seriously who wants that hassle?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSX9I9rYdtB1WP_Kc3UDtlxUtv5VYumLXlh1IpWrihdsgf_5lmcYYM5L6zhIhCfhQ6FQEW2VpLidLn-EIJX4zbLE64xCK2_6SBlVrNprPF7IKAXezd-1V4KKZ0nTsocKkG8gl/s1600/top-smokerman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSX9I9rYdtB1WP_Kc3UDtlxUtv5VYumLXlh1IpWrihdsgf_5lmcYYM5L6zhIhCfhQ6FQEW2VpLidLn-EIJX4zbLE64xCK2_6SBlVrNprPF7IKAXezd-1V4KKZ0nTsocKkG8gl/s200/top-smokerman.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
So, what is the moral of the story? Several things. Be aware that next door's smoking habits may affect you and your home. Surprisingly there are still middle aged women who smoke heavily and smoking still kills, so, if you smoke I suggest you stop. Now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUMuWQOYZtew5ZPZ501wKC_O0wlUWh4j6zPkV57QVJ6FCt3GzRJiIms6WVzX7NxQQebgNJiKMlQnteq3rHEF1esGF8vvdZhgX-jb-5CtU-pGE5EUuMAbDuaua6uZu6kf6wLcp/s1600/Smoking_Kills_by_pu3w1tch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUMuWQOYZtew5ZPZ501wKC_O0wlUWh4j6zPkV57QVJ6FCt3GzRJiIms6WVzX7NxQQebgNJiKMlQnteq3rHEF1esGF8vvdZhgX-jb-5CtU-pGE5EUuMAbDuaua6uZu6kf6wLcp/s320/Smoking_Kills_by_pu3w1tch.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
*waves goodbye*jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-23477650232822020422013-03-09T17:58:00.000+00:002013-03-09T17:58:15.691+00:00Silence Really is GoldenMy Regular Reader will, no doubt, be aware that I am a little bit more rock and roll than other people, a few more sandwiches short of a picnic, more nuts than a bar of Wholenut in fact. In short I am slightly eccentric/insane/dippy/nutty as a fruitcake/any of the above.<br />
<br />
I am not yet at the stage of Crazy Cat Lady - largely because I don't
like cats, and Crazy Non-Shedding Allergen Free Dog Lady doesn't have
quite the same ring to it really.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DNmupSrQjybbxBW2PmS0Z7gS_WkgORFmL1rRdqPs1K2_rGfLvDSkfzIC-p5Mz1Opy0_VoN9kiu3zZHywf_0Y5f3hKqrZwLmxM1KRyCEBF0jo7tMxdrxQQPM-P6ArFgyAmgk9/s1600/crazy+lady+cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DNmupSrQjybbxBW2PmS0Z7gS_WkgORFmL1rRdqPs1K2_rGfLvDSkfzIC-p5Mz1Opy0_VoN9kiu3zZHywf_0Y5f3hKqrZwLmxM1KRyCEBF0jo7tMxdrxQQPM-P6ArFgyAmgk9/s200/crazy+lady+cartoon.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb8gdfXUust5RzzddY9X2h5rXaan85c_UswPqU2gdfwuYgPLNMnuqWhSQ1PaayLFbjZSsUn-hkJ-vFKuyeqDBd8I9wQAr90m8Bb3HAsU7nC5avLY4txtsJtdTW17r6Zmlypak/s1600/of-all-the-things-ive-lost-i-miss-my-mind-the-most.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb8gdfXUust5RzzddY9X2h5rXaan85c_UswPqU2gdfwuYgPLNMnuqWhSQ1PaayLFbjZSsUn-hkJ-vFKuyeqDBd8I9wQAr90m8Bb3HAsU7nC5avLY4txtsJtdTW17r6Zmlypak/s200/of-all-the-things-ive-lost-i-miss-my-mind-the-most.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There are a number of reasons for my 'Mental Health Issues' - as my GP likes to call them, not least overwhelming mental and emotional exhaustion. And, apparently, this kind of thing affects a great number of people, probably more than any of us realise.<br />
<br />
Probably the most stressful thing for me is something that many of us complain about but which we rarely seem to address - I know that I contribute to the problem as I have a voice like a foghorn, not to put too fine a point on it. Yes, Dear Reader, I am talking about that bane of modern living<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggu5fpy5VCNsJUutLKLZpWyQfcvJZjTVu1vJYyqGcxbSrH4pjwKN_bgXlboygG0q1gtAMiT3SVephQkpftgPGBNGwr3kWumEF0ojncsepbT3HdFij5cvBNemkAkeQwOPc9aJ3z/s1600/noise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggu5fpy5VCNsJUutLKLZpWyQfcvJZjTVu1vJYyqGcxbSrH4pjwKN_bgXlboygG0q1gtAMiT3SVephQkpftgPGBNGwr3kWumEF0ojncsepbT3HdFij5cvBNemkAkeQwOPc9aJ3z/s200/noise.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Actually, I don't know which is worse, noise or technology and its increasingly intrusive role in our everyday lives. Let's stick with noise for today. Sometimes there is so much noise it actually makes me want to cry - when I have to visit the Health Centre, or hospital for example, and there are people chatting, phones going, babies crying, children making all the noises they make, beepers beeping and of course the incessant mobile noises. All clamouring for space in my head and, quite frankly, I don't want them there. I prefer my head to be an oasis of calm, a place of babbling brooks, fields of tulips, daffodils and poppies, lush green forests where I can sit and read a book and drink tea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvvsWimCNCaFsPr_0FVqknwakj4gejmID3xTBN5l1RctncQGy3CVOajbdS7cV0mkuHhIfa5L3TFjfTMfHoGYuIHH93YAvK3xho2y4NFrvHnYDBK9v0VXVbn9POce8sQw2OtCW/s1600/Field-of-red-flowers-desktop-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvvsWimCNCaFsPr_0FVqknwakj4gejmID3xTBN5l1RctncQGy3CVOajbdS7cV0mkuHhIfa5L3TFjfTMfHoGYuIHH93YAvK3xho2y4NFrvHnYDBK9v0VXVbn9POce8sQw2OtCW/s200/Field-of-red-flowers-desktop-wallpaper.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlSDzpYw3w3KafEvNifmPmf6Xy6bpgPYmmjFixUMgv1LBQSX7XW_do4I4oON74fHPrae8L_8YpKKEY1hbaVoqL_-AUKt_7batVf6f3W7K19hCoOl_IKggd1AKQMFeRv3aAs6R/s1600/peace.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlSDzpYw3w3KafEvNifmPmf6Xy6bpgPYmmjFixUMgv1LBQSX7XW_do4I4oON74fHPrae8L_8YpKKEY1hbaVoqL_-AUKt_7batVf6f3W7K19hCoOl_IKggd1AKQMFeRv3aAs6R/s200/peace.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes, yes I know, totally unrealistic, but, a Crazy Lady can dream can't she? Anyway, the point of this post is to share something interesting I noticed in a daily newspaper. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://nonoise.selfridges.com/" target="_blank">Selfridges</a> have instituted a quiet policy in some areas of their stores - it is called the No Noise Campaign. Reader, what an absolutely wonderful idea. It seems that it has really caught the imagination of some people as a number of big companies have issued what I am guessing are limited editions of their products which harmonise with the minimalist approach to shopping that Selfridges are taking in some parts of their stores.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZ66bKn-A28_XNmgBLT-aXooINA_GEUp3UKzXUOSsOVk-0Z7_-bwT_-7Dhmw4DXOvp0Zi8UlDZbdhBdrbvyUwGblrFkzfocq43o6OoKxcJKoWmcM6dMDecbtTY9gd6hULrqM5/s1600/selfridges_no_noise_01-500x267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZ66bKn-A28_XNmgBLT-aXooINA_GEUp3UKzXUOSsOVk-0Z7_-bwT_-7Dhmw4DXOvp0Zi8UlDZbdhBdrbvyUwGblrFkzfocq43o6OoKxcJKoWmcM6dMDecbtTY9gd6hULrqM5/s200/selfridges_no_noise_01-500x267.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What a great idea! And one which I wish I could implement in my house. A quiet zone is something I would really enjoy. I do, on occasion, wear ear plugs in order to read and block out the sounds of the TV, the Ginger One on his various screens and his breathing, plus of course my neighbour's very loud music, the car alarms and Charlie my dog who never, ever, stops barking. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, that's my thought for Saturday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*waves goodbye*</div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-74242287336013056542013-03-03T10:26:00.002+00:002013-03-03T10:26:27.933+00:00The Tale of a Gas CookerSo, we have been living in rented accommodation for about six years now, the first house was a new build with a lovely kitchen complete with integrated oven and hob. The one we are in currently was a bit of a last minute thing and has a pretty rubbish kitchen with a dreadful Belling cooker - somewhat similar to the one in the picture, but not as new, or as clean for that matter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFhZgF-qiFtKEdrxr70xWpmB7WudZ1XrLU_3jit9VANtzORhzMD9LVnVHuP5qrHBL1OfZQlVs3kT2CCu6QPzrvtNRIRcLe3olwYonmrA3KTpQAc7bYYPwgvPWfYrxpXIo9YS1/s1600/cooker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFhZgF-qiFtKEdrxr70xWpmB7WudZ1XrLU_3jit9VANtzORhzMD9LVnVHuP5qrHBL1OfZQlVs3kT2CCu6QPzrvtNRIRcLe3olwYonmrA3KTpQAc7bYYPwgvPWfYrxpXIo9YS1/s200/cooker.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
In fact, when we moved into this property the oven was so disgusting it was unusable and I got one of those professional oven cleaning companies to come in and sort it out.<br />
<br />
In the two and a half years we have lived here The Gas Man has been three times to do the official Corgi check on all the equipment, including the cooker as it is mentioned on the inventory. This time it was a different guy and he condemned the cooker!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBek1SnUOX1YKz5cGdrK85msCO0HFO8NQOUHLtYCf6euRi1aNeEym8cE5nzwagzmlIHGEc-xshVTEGbvVQDNdIZRUS0MjKtYfCe-80x1JR6xAm57-zNMdkfGb-OcstWpr-uUd/s1600/woman+in+shock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBek1SnUOX1YKz5cGdrK85msCO0HFO8NQOUHLtYCf6euRi1aNeEym8cE5nzwagzmlIHGEc-xshVTEGbvVQDNdIZRUS0MjKtYfCe-80x1JR6xAm57-zNMdkfGb-OcstWpr-uUd/s200/woman+in+shock.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, Dear Reader, I am a woman who does like to cook - admittedly the dire state of such a basic cooker has meant that not much cooking has been done of late, but, there has been enough to prevent Dearest Ginger Son from eating his own arm! When The Gas Man called my landlady to report the condemned and unsafe nature of the cooker her reply was thusly -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
'It's not mine, I left it there as a favour, it belongs to the tenant. If she rings the council they will take it away'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Quelle Horreur as they say across the channel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, at first I wasn't unduly perturbed. After all I didn't like the cooker anyway, here was an ideal opportunity to buy one that I did like. That is until I measured the space - 57cm. The only cooker that would fit in that particular space is, you guessed it Reader Of Mine, the same Bally Belling already in situ!!! And they run at around £300!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnA0eAbe5i9k4DL5glu6gO4JTxkIdC88__bJEkHUERcIovst5tulpM_RA6DBoWvDze7MzSsSeFL5zhzgRnDeV9WWi79djgwD6ehmDMioRZueJ2qBTBqam-imMw_uMPuSVJv73/s1600/fainting_couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnA0eAbe5i9k4DL5glu6gO4JTxkIdC88__bJEkHUERcIovst5tulpM_RA6DBoWvDze7MzSsSeFL5zhzgRnDeV9WWi79djgwD6ehmDMioRZueJ2qBTBqam-imMw_uMPuSVJv73/s200/fainting_couch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I started thinking about all the other stuff I don't like about this particular house -</div>
<ul>
<li>The bathroom leaks into the kitchen unless I keep a towel wedged against the bath and has a mouldy ceiling</li>
<li>The electrics need rewiring - several things give an electric shock when plugged into a particular socket and if I have the washing machine on I have to pause it in order to boil the kettle</li>
<li>No dining room</li>
<li>It is in the middle of a big estate</li>
<li>It's expensive</li>
<li>It now has no cooker </li>
</ul>
There are probably more but you get the gist. Then my Beautiful Daughter heard our tale of woe and, well, she Blew A Gasket. And immediately started looking for another house for us to rent. And we found one.<br />
<br />
So, March 21st will see us take possession of our third rented home in six years - we lived in our own home for over 25 years. I handed my notice in for this house and informed the landlady that the cooker is not, in fact, ours but hers and so I will neither be taking it with me nor arranging for its removal. So, she is coming to take it away in the next few days - which means we shall be cooker-less. Ah, well, I have a slow cooker, a microwave and a George Foreman Grill - I daresay we won't starve, but how Dearest Ginger Son is going to cope without his daily fix of oven chips I do not know. Perhaps he will eat his arm!<br />
<br />
I have, already, started to pack boxes and am thankful that when we left our home of 25 years we did get rid of a lot of stuff. Plus most of my books are still packed away - the new house has plenty of shelves which is wonderful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNrzqL4wZYqm7KYDwVObnlAKUIwJteHaIyLPlz8O5hG-GLGfjJK67fkMqom55Njm8ss_LO3CRw3WzkWRj3igSNcsmrtlQqzgsWxBsHsNC-c6vjtwUhO8Dj9fVb1jQwRBlo5P8/s1600/9063738-a-funny-man-with-a-huge-pile-of-boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNrzqL4wZYqm7KYDwVObnlAKUIwJteHaIyLPlz8O5hG-GLGfjJK67fkMqom55Njm8ss_LO3CRw3WzkWRj3igSNcsmrtlQqzgsWxBsHsNC-c6vjtwUhO8Dj9fVb1jQwRBlo5P8/s200/9063738-a-funny-man-with-a-huge-pile-of-boxes.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
So, we are becoming like nomads, but, since my home is not on this earth but rather with my Saviour I don't really mind.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*waves goodbye*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-61112652921674891802013-03-01T14:06:00.001+00:002013-03-01T14:06:11.476+00:00Regularly Irregular Blogging<b>So, it has come to my attention that I am, in fact a terrible blogger. Despite my best intentions I never seem able to keep a good flow of witty and interesting posts coming. Ah well. I don't suppose it matters.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Several things have happened in the last few weeks - the silence from my blogspot was, in fact, somewhat deceiving. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Firstly I made myself a study space, the early stages of this excluded a computer, I now have my own which is especially marvellous and may well mean more blog posts for you to peruse Dear Reader. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I liked the idea of a compact study space since I do live in a small house. So, when you google 'small study space' there are lots of wonderful suggestions, including these -</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYBg_7ndex63MIHAjfbK6V0Epgt3JkEsBukAnk0QUaAC3xuQOaq6CezA-hDF9pvfVgKJxJiZntQNtHM6RSgDBlFa2BfxH9lMA5omiD6lsYU2SwUTX3nOvOq1jl9vCLhQM8fus/s1600/DIY-small-workspace11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYBg_7ndex63MIHAjfbK6V0Epgt3JkEsBukAnk0QUaAC3xuQOaq6CezA-hDF9pvfVgKJxJiZntQNtHM6RSgDBlFa2BfxH9lMA5omiD6lsYU2SwUTX3nOvOq1jl9vCLhQM8fus/s200/DIY-small-workspace11.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div>
<b>How lovely! Of course the reality is vastly different - for a start off, my space is in what I like to, euphemistically, call my 'Utility Room'. This means my first attempt at creating an oasis of calm in which I can diligently read, study and compose looked like this -</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4au6GuhC1dfV79BFIwzjVyjTA7jFOVL2EzEbxlicKfVl82VzpXrJgfLicG-ZgkyETAqWn2laQsRLYpIpFV04YEyfhmuLluV7BZRdU6v1D9aUe1K2rnsTKaiSiLOC9ew93QTt/s1600/DSC00114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4au6GuhC1dfV79BFIwzjVyjTA7jFOVL2EzEbxlicKfVl82VzpXrJgfLicG-ZgkyETAqWn2laQsRLYpIpFV04YEyfhmuLluV7BZRdU6v1D9aUe1K2rnsTKaiSiLOC9ew93QTt/s200/DSC00114.JPG" width="150" /></a></b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Note the absence of a a computer, books, files etc. Also, what you can't see here is my Lovely Son's very expensive pushbike. Eventually I was taken to <a href="http://www.ikea.com/" target="_blank">Ikea</a>, another story in itself, where I bought a bookshelf, some file/storage solutions and a couple of chairs. Then I did a little bit of moving around and ended up with this -</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir941eAmSO2ZGoVD7jFHp2a_NU8MFhyphenhyphen7qtQDftdAZEqwkDimisKQ5w8m7G1BhrS4LprUAAT92M_FYR4tJH7Pc7o8RuOSra_9WVSwAWmY6YxX-eFFE3cLXX3BjAkIke-aKuBOPS/s1600/DSC00133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir941eAmSO2ZGoVD7jFHp2a_NU8MFhyphenhyphen7qtQDftdAZEqwkDimisKQ5w8m7G1BhrS4LprUAAT92M_FYR4tJH7Pc7o8RuOSra_9WVSwAWmY6YxX-eFFE3cLXX3BjAkIke-aKuBOPS/s200/DSC00133.JPG" width="200" /></a></b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Here you can see the bike, just, but not the fridge/freezer! On the plus side I am seated right by a window, everything is in easy reach - including the kettle and coffee making supplies.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>So, there you have it - my reality version of a small, compact study space.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Unfortunately, or not as it happens, we are now moving house - which means I will once again have to find the ideal spot in which to assume my student persona. That's another post entirely.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>*waves goodbye*</b>jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-76460134048014317172013-02-08T14:39:00.002+00:002013-02-08T14:41:25.105+00:00First TutorialSo, last night, Thursday, was my first tutorial. My tutor appears to be very nice - I had spoken to her already on the phone, so the ice was broken. I spent the day trying to instill a sense of zen calm into myself, without success. My lovely daughter gave me a pep talk, reminding me that I should really go to the first tutorial at least. By 6 p.m. I had the beginning of a migraine and palpitations that felt as if my chest might burst. In fact anxiety and stress are my secret super powers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu2BVpWoA4Jf9rW0kS6xDQiGnmqTEsTPqUw1N5uYcgpLQycGGz85QvKiAoj_-egqRVLWmkAeDBuTIcPOojiBsqXZnLG-aCT33NkwnnFWyUgYfwRVwo6hToysC141oGdwSj79p/s1600/Stress_and_anxiety_funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu2BVpWoA4Jf9rW0kS6xDQiGnmqTEsTPqUw1N5uYcgpLQycGGz85QvKiAoj_-egqRVLWmkAeDBuTIcPOojiBsqXZnLG-aCT33NkwnnFWyUgYfwRVwo6hToysC141oGdwSj79p/s200/Stress_and_anxiety_funny.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My husband gave me a lift to the Open University regional centre, where the tutorial was to be held. I had my book bag with a pencil box, notepaper, drink, reading glasses etc and was ready to go. Then we couldn't find the door, or even the building, cue my husband yelling out of the car window at some poor innocent stranger. We asked for directions but when we found the campus it was pretty big and we still weren't sure where we needed to be. At which point I said 'let's just go home'. My head and chest felt as if they were going to explode and I was heating up to boiling point. Finally we found a door that appeared to be open and spotted some people!!! Hurrah! I quickly mumbled to the security guy 'Is this the right place for the AA100 tutorial ?'. Everyone replied in the affirmative !<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsisxzkgRWq_RYMHOxzThIXF_Aw91lsiKU1vggInK_uqZy8HfZHOVAFSlGlHWwg8G3jvF83DNGAomOjipjDAEKQpEZQ0BsyVIHrK3on6IvKN7RMdZ_6uHouoam9C2083sewGT/s1600/exploding-head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsisxzkgRWq_RYMHOxzThIXF_Aw91lsiKU1vggInK_uqZy8HfZHOVAFSlGlHWwg8G3jvF83DNGAomOjipjDAEKQpEZQ0BsyVIHrK3on6IvKN7RMdZ_6uHouoam9C2083sewGT/s200/exploding-head.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
After signing in I got in the lift with a lady who had a hearing dog with her, she was really nice and said, 'is it your first time? follow me'<br />
<br />
Which I did.<br />
<br />
Right into the wrong tutorial.<br />
<br />
Reader, I was embarrassed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eQaPi5hdB387gQX6aWTgqulfjmf7fdsHRteQwKTNhLtuPsOK_c0JHIBUS2omswVjcEZ3wlLwoSWUEbeIjszke-9UEzeCemYRQK3f7tHDEOWYBI95HwkjVw7KbFe9SqJmIja6/s1600/Embarrassed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eQaPi5hdB387gQX6aWTgqulfjmf7fdsHRteQwKTNhLtuPsOK_c0JHIBUS2omswVjcEZ3wlLwoSWUEbeIjszke-9UEzeCemYRQK3f7tHDEOWYBI95HwkjVw7KbFe9SqJmIja6/s200/Embarrassed.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Especially because I didn't realise my mistake until a man I had assumed was a student stood up to talk - my tutor is a lady. At this point I hurriedly gathered my belongings and ran out of the room.<br />
<br />
Consequently by the time I got to the correct room I was hyperventilating, overheating and the palpitations were in overdrive!<br />
<br />
However I needn't have worried. Out of a possible fifteen students there were seven of us, six ladies and one young man. After an initial icebreaker* where we introduced ourselves we did a couple of exercises on close reading and interpreting of historical documents - these were connected to Cleopatra, next week we will be tackling Dr Faustus. One way or another. We left just after 9 p.m. and although I found the whole thing extraordinarily difficult I did enjoy it and will endeavour to go next week. I think I will be missing the visit to the Art Gallery though!<br />
<br />
* Whenever someone mentions an icebreaker I am reminded of an occasion, many years ago, when my mother, then living in <a href="http://www.scarborough.co.uk/" target="_blank">Scarborough</a>, attended a seminar for one of the voluntary organisations she was involved in. The icebreaker required each attendee to share something from their personal life that they had found difficult to deal with. My mum shared about how hard she had found it, as a churchgoer, when I met and married a Turkish Muslim. Mum talked about the cultural and religious differences as well as the language barrier. Another lady was listening very intently and at the end leaned across to mum in a conspiratorial manner and said 'I know just how you feel dear, you see, my daughter married a <a href="http://www.whitby.co.uk/" target="_blank">Whitby</a> boy'.<br />
<br />
Which just goes to show, it's all about perspective.jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-53086210578882398152013-02-08T12:38:00.000+00:002013-02-08T12:38:22.672+00:00Officially A Student. I am.So, on the 2nd of February I became a student of the <a href="http://www.open.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Open University</a> which is, as I am increasingly discovering, a truly marvelous institution. I intend to increase my blog output as part of my student experience - my first module is named Arts Past and Present and appears to include quite a bit of reading and writing! And analyzing for that matter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlV9T2crm-7vTaf5f9jatTJKRsV7T42oUPPxiIp5Xv1YAugtJLqaLXW3K_xzNt5NNDK_NrX8GMwrgtLnksymknIxQi-Se19EYrMaDNWrrkrOEzcm0yy6XRCtHwjU9Ro9xE24B/s1600/study.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlV9T2crm-7vTaf5f9jatTJKRsV7T42oUPPxiIp5Xv1YAugtJLqaLXW3K_xzNt5NNDK_NrX8GMwrgtLnksymknIxQi-Se19EYrMaDNWrrkrOEzcm0yy6XRCtHwjU9Ro9xE24B/s200/study.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I have been ruminating about signing up to the OU for a number of years, but, it never seemed to be the right time. Nowadays I have a lot of free time and would like to be able to work towards getting back into the workplace - albeit I would prefer to work from home. Maybe I could do proofreading or something similar. Initially I have signed up to do an Open Degree, a BA - science really isn't my thing.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rfOavTmLiDCoEqK-FH8cHJXkIfA3ZUbt2aA04C1n2FAZCKWq6O6n1BQ45nXDkHjSj2bYoCUz-OwoT0jLH5A0jXb8UQyU5OpmZZrMOPjPAZpz-btY-EST7t-Y2Jsn5KrfRMIL/s1600/science.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rfOavTmLiDCoEqK-FH8cHJXkIfA3ZUbt2aA04C1n2FAZCKWq6O6n1BQ45nXDkHjSj2bYoCUz-OwoT0jLH5A0jXb8UQyU5OpmZZrMOPjPAZpz-btY-EST7t-Y2Jsn5KrfRMIL/s200/science.jpeg" width="200" /></a>The reason for this is that when working toward an Open Degree it is possible to mix and match modules according to personal taste and interest. Now my interests lie with religion (and faith, but that of course, is a different kettle of fish entirely), history, culture etc etc. At 18 I had hoped to read Anthropology at university but didn't get the required A-level results. So, now I am thinking I may switch to a more specialised degree in Religious Studies or History - I am finding a History degree very attractive as it covers the Reformation.<br />
<br />
So, our first tutorial and assignment cover the reputation of Cleopatra and a section from the play Dr Faustus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjOQkQOjoUdsGLEWu3TuNEDFIPBgEHoqi2Sn7LGmgRpdPUHrVwY4_JgDGDb8rQrm5yUoSzll4t2QmSSk-UpErqAZIry18oh5Xa8zTAPy5LSuxna7zvKF2H5o6GMqPnyBMEMDY/s1600/g3-cleopatra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjOQkQOjoUdsGLEWu3TuNEDFIPBgEHoqi2Sn7LGmgRpdPUHrVwY4_JgDGDb8rQrm5yUoSzll4t2QmSSk-UpErqAZIry18oh5Xa8zTAPy5LSuxna7zvKF2H5o6GMqPnyBMEMDY/s200/g3-cleopatra.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQNqlYM4yUJp-NnYoWlWmuGfBejijWiNbYijO9PxosNDiSES_lslGZ67rPHfEBAro39UNcF0uNwn8s0ER6uH8Y9DlbOe3z8xa9bbasHKjyTKRNToyJ_gf9_1AX4SnIDyI35Kx/s1600/Faustus-tragedy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQNqlYM4yUJp-NnYoWlWmuGfBejijWiNbYijO9PxosNDiSES_lslGZ67rPHfEBAro39UNcF0uNwn8s0ER6uH8Y9DlbOe3z8xa9bbasHKjyTKRNToyJ_gf9_1AX4SnIDyI35Kx/s200/Faustus-tragedy.gif" width="137" /></a>Now, I don't know if, you, dear reader, know anything about Cleopatra or<br />
Dr. Faustus - but I didn't. When I think of Cleopatra I think of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056937/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Taylor</a> and the 1963 epic or even Amanda Barrie in the 1964 production <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057918/" target="_blank">Carry on Cleo</a>. So I kind of imagine she was typically Egyptian (leaving aside that in the cinema at least she is generally portrayed by white Anglo Saxon women) with that distinctive hairstyle etc. However, she was, of course, Hellenistic in origin and, as evidenced by some artifacts, wore her hair in a more typically Greek fashion. It is also interesting to note that, unlike the portrayals of her in the cinema, she was, most likely, extremely intelligent and an astute politician. Films tend to portray her as being a stunningly, beautiful temptress who used her feminine wiles to get her wicked way with and even, in the case of Antony, emasculate the most powerful men of her time - probably not true. Even her beauty may be a figment of cinematic imagination - coins from the period depict her looking more like a very stern Judy than a sexy Elizabeth Taylor!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q5GLgYk5GU3RicWrUbEMJ4YF4IMjhNmnElipAp_1TvwFtToH_MQvmeHhLgzkNL8f_AhBXjUWRvd-5Vm9VD0E8JyVE9LwveCLRZbq73HQ-hMReD-t1afTyPUhUa0mmcUWIyiv/s1600/punch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q5GLgYk5GU3RicWrUbEMJ4YF4IMjhNmnElipAp_1TvwFtToH_MQvmeHhLgzkNL8f_AhBXjUWRvd-5Vm9VD0E8JyVE9LwveCLRZbq73HQ-hMReD-t1afTyPUhUa0mmcUWIyiv/s200/punch.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
However, history is written by the victor and so our perception of Cleopatra is coloured by those who wrote about her - and most likely they were her enemies.<br />
<br />
So, onto Dr Faustus. The language of the play doesn't bother me, it was written by <a href="http://www.marlowe-society.org/" target="_blank">Christopher Marlowe</a>, a contemporary of Shakespeare, credited with the 'development' of the iambic pentameter. Since I read the Authorised Version of the bible I find Faustus relatively easy to read and understand. Marlowe is an interesting, and enigmatic, character, biographies about him tend to start with his death and there is some debate as to whether he was one of Walsingham's spies or whether he had betrayed God, Queen and Country and converted to Roman Catholicism. When I first read and listened to Dr Faustus my immediate thought was what a dreadful, sad play!! Here is a man who, seemingly, has everything - a tremendous intellect, a first class education, amazing opportunities to improve the world around him and benefit others and what does he do? Chooses to sell his soul to the devil. For a period of 24 years - which, in my not so humble opinion, is the worst bargain since Jack sold his cow for a handful of beans. It seems to me that Faustus is a character who can be easily transposed into today's society. We increasingly see and hear of individuals who have, or want, EVERYTHING, who are dissatisfied with their lot in life and go to desperate measures in order to feel content and fulfilled.<br />
<br />
What people forget is that we are made by God, for a purpose, that purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him FOREVER. This phrase actually comes from the <a href="http://www.opc.org/sc.html" target="_blank">Shorter Catechism </a>with proof texts from the Bible. So, if we have no personal relationship with God we will feel discontented and miserable, and nothing we do will make any difference - because, at the end of the day, only God Himself can, in effect, complete us. It seems likely to me that Marlowe, when writing this play, was undergoing a crisis of faith it is my hope that, when he was murdered, he was a saved man.<br />
<br />
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<b><i><span class="text John-3-16" id="en-KJV-26137"><sup class="versenum">John 3:16 - 18 </sup>For
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.</span><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-KJV-26138"><sup> </sup>For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.</span><span class="text John-3-18" id="en-KJV-26139"><sup> </sup>He
that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only
begotten Son of God.</span></i></b></div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-71376690638018054002012-12-07T09:36:00.001+00:002012-12-07T10:14:29.626+00:00Freaky Friday.......So, I have been up almost all night! Firstly I found myself taking part in some very interesting Christian/Muslim dialogue - something I always enjoy. Then, The Ginger One came downstairs looking very sorry for himself and clearly in a lot of pain - he has been complaining of pain for a couple of days and has been out of sorts for a few weeks. Being the sympathetic mother that I am I told him to take some paracetamol and see how it went! To be fair the pain did appear to be getting worse, so, I rang NHS Direct - I don't know why, I have rung them before and it appears they always say the same thing 'You need to see your GP'. Anyway, whilst we waited for the nurse to call back the pain once again worsened. So, I ended up getting my husband to come and take The Ginger One down to A and E.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM9vU87oN7dDsh2g4h6jxCK021KSaEejxv9GWmck3vf7bONjT_QLE5zVzvBgR2Ezmtw77erxYibvEyM9XJ9sKYidlhZ9Mjk9qCg3e3mrfPC26ze5G56nTbLmKBnO55GRkAY3j/s1600/AE-Department.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM9vU87oN7dDsh2g4h6jxCK021KSaEejxv9GWmck3vf7bONjT_QLE5zVzvBgR2Ezmtw77erxYibvEyM9XJ9sKYidlhZ9Mjk9qCg3e3mrfPC26ze5G56nTbLmKBnO55GRkAY3j/s200/AE-Department.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Since we now live in a metropolis there are no worries about whether the unit is open or if there will be a doctor on duty! Some hours later I received a text saying The Ginger One has three kidney stones which may have to be dealt with surgically. Now, if, like us, you are a fan of the TV show Friends, you will, no doubt, have the following words rattling around your brain -<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Mr. Tribbiani, I'm afraid you've got kidney stones."
"Well, what else could it be?"
"Kidney stones."
"Or?"
"Kidney stoooones!" </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMBlU44myB1pFP6ZA_iHqpIO7GqUuAaD7zBAZodmWR5TOlIUOa9jslFXx5Dr2HFPuBnuy4g9y3TAsrygwOKAXjg5pOzsSIKI3acAxyAtY0QThy5qSnWDJJM9J0R81DLw7YuYL/s1600/kidney+stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMBlU44myB1pFP6ZA_iHqpIO7GqUuAaD7zBAZodmWR5TOlIUOa9jslFXx5Dr2HFPuBnuy4g9y3TAsrygwOKAXjg5pOzsSIKI3acAxyAtY0QThy5qSnWDJJM9J0R81DLw7YuYL/s320/kidney+stones.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Needless to say The Ginger One was feeling a lot better after being given some morphine and this morning the surgeon has said he needs a radioactive scan before probable surgery. At this point I would just like to give thanks for the NHS - what a wonderful institution and how blessed we are in the UK to have it!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On another note the BT engineer finally arrived, by this time I was asleep in the living room!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14ekJ5EPWFgONJwWIEJYQfXZnSvbPjEqWy3hZyS1lTJhWYD38g5JzVAmnWZSlLM_m7oMgGVrBeem-DSjgKdtQK1uLuCRTxkEhhY1Zi_oIIuDptR8-FqupsQLdUapVT_5Va9uq/s1600/dozing_off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14ekJ5EPWFgONJwWIEJYQfXZnSvbPjEqWy3hZyS1lTJhWYD38g5JzVAmnWZSlLM_m7oMgGVrBeem-DSjgKdtQK1uLuCRTxkEhhY1Zi_oIIuDptR8-FqupsQLdUapVT_5Va9uq/s200/dozing_off.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
He carried out all the necessary checks and replaced some stuff - even though we have been problem free since Wednesday night, he thinks that the problem was in 'The Box' and has been rectified by different engineers - it seems that each area of our telecommunications industry works in a bubble unconnected to any other area!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, now I am waiting for The Ginger One to arrive back home and finishing off my mind map from yesterday.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*waves goodbye*<i> </i>
</div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-47865064241034868612012-12-06T17:38:00.003+00:002012-12-06T17:38:19.399+00:00Open University!Well, my study materials have arrived.<br />
<br />
*Great Excitement plus Huge Apprehension*<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtNtrFsyW_f3mDs4lAzjNbUZ4PToovzhihDW1gMXeKzqD6jr8LEJI5y3tng8myBCgaxx1L1KmVr_sgBzbBYGxnHnlwCwJna4umg3Dm7d3pbDtde5IQ-UF_qBuFuiKVK7oiKnp/s1600/442145-Royalty-Free-RF-Clip-Art-Illustration-Of-A-Cartoon-Excited-Woman-Jumping-In-A-Robe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtNtrFsyW_f3mDs4lAzjNbUZ4PToovzhihDW1gMXeKzqD6jr8LEJI5y3tng8myBCgaxx1L1KmVr_sgBzbBYGxnHnlwCwJna4umg3Dm7d3pbDtde5IQ-UF_qBuFuiKVK7oiKnp/s200/442145-Royalty-Free-RF-Clip-Art-Illustration-Of-A-Cartoon-Excited-Woman-Jumping-In-A-Robe.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I would quite like these to be side by side, but I have no idea how to do that!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0HvKkRLrlBXYC-B5hsDm54lvgpK37SCwcA2T0WntpH0fDW8uM-yZTYd9cCALcLbP1EXbzB_eFP9Ycg2TdAKX5WoTMSzpVEYT2ThrKgTN-MFy4xrI9DKWbqczVv2wj-qqLFwp/s1600/cartoon-panic-attack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0HvKkRLrlBXYC-B5hsDm54lvgpK37SCwcA2T0WntpH0fDW8uM-yZTYd9cCALcLbP1EXbzB_eFP9Ycg2TdAKX5WoTMSzpVEYT2ThrKgTN-MFy4xrI9DKWbqczVv2wj-qqLFwp/s200/cartoon-panic-attack1.jpg" width="181" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have four text books, a study guide, four DVDs, one CD and some books containing illustrations. I have created a little study space for myself in what I euphemistically call our utility room - in fact it is a tiny annexe off the kitchen which already contains our fridge, washing machine, as set of drawers and, when he is at home, The Ginger One's very expensive bike. However my desk is under the window and I plan on getting one of those bird feeders that stick on the outside - we have a resident robin which is lovely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This afternoon I have been reading up on Contemporary Christian Music and the Tolerance Movement - I have created another mind map! When I have assimilated my thoughts and notes I will probably post on this somewhat divisive and controversial subject.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Going to read the Study Guide now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*waves goodbye* </div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-87521975060765067672012-12-05T23:09:00.002+00:002012-12-05T23:09:36.762+00:00The Common Cold<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/>
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
If it so common
why hasn’t science come up with a cure yet?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
The common cold
is a dreadful thing – bound to cause untold misery for several days at least
and likely to linger, in some form, for longer. Whether it is residual
coughing, snuffling, deafness or cotton wool headedness, the effects of a cold
seem to go on and on until the next one arrives. Much like buses, I suppose.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
What I want to
know is this – if a common cold really is that common and if it really isn’t
that serious, which, let’s face it, it isn’t. Then why, oh why, hasn’t anyone
found a cure or, even better I suppose, a vaccine. Now, don’t get me wrong, I
am not one for taking loads of medicines etc but, a cold does make a person
feel really rotten, and, in my not-so-humble opinion, it’s about time that the
scientific community found a way to cure it rather than just mask the symptoms
with an endless array of vile tasting hot lemon drinks and other potions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
I have been offline for almost a week now - my super fast, super reliable, never drops BT Infinity broadband isn't working, I seem to have been on the phone for hours, the engineer is *supposed* to be coming on Friday - after my original appointment was 'mysteriously' cancelled by 'somebody'. I hate how reliant we all are on the internet these days. It really is taking over the world - what would happen if someone pulled the plug I wonder. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
Just sayin’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
*waves goodbye*</div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-30131198691965648662012-11-29T23:18:00.000+00:002012-11-29T23:18:03.770+00:00Exactly WHY is everything a battle?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";"> Today I feel as if I have
been through the wringer. I am still suffering the remnants of my cold (the
‘common’ cold – worthy of a blog post all of its own) and am now in possession
of antibiotics and an inhaler to deal with a chest infection. Evidently, two
bottles of Benylyn are insufficient for some coughs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe7qfQzwZmFvR_95_3CY1iJyU36mRVzGGhRKozsuoTn1kEeLja9VU-3vG4g_G6ioqBnaAwd45vWnW83MclmABF7xa5tHrG84JHl2BaNAs-NSQHMHPntauhvlObhuMA5W6f7Jt/s1600/Cough-syrup-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe7qfQzwZmFvR_95_3CY1iJyU36mRVzGGhRKozsuoTn1kEeLja9VU-3vG4g_G6ioqBnaAwd45vWnW83MclmABF7xa5tHrG84JHl2BaNAs-NSQHMHPntauhvlObhuMA5W6f7Jt/s200/Cough-syrup-007.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">One of the things that
happens when I am ill is that I tend to suffer from narcolepsy - and very
disconcerting it is too! Sometimes it’s the first symptom that appears!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">Anyway, in between bouts
of heavy sleeping I have been checking out my Open University Web Page to see
if there is anything I can do to be ready for the first module in February – so
I have listened to the Dr Faustus radio play, for example. This morning, as I
staggered into the living room in search of hot Ribena and a quiet corner to
cough my heart out I noticed that the broadband light was orange when it is
supposed to be blue. Quelle horreur! What kind of mischief and mayhem was going
on?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">It is not my first time
with faulty broadband so I carried out all the standard checks – turned it all
off, turned it all on, checked all the cables etc. No joy. So, I rang BT – it
was just after 7 a.m. but, in this day and age, I expected them to answer, or at
least to say ‘We’re closed ring back later’ – after all, even my GP surgery can
manage that. But no, no answer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">So, sometime after 9 a.m.,
when I had enjoyed a short, cough free ‘nanny nap’, I rang BT. Again. The Voice
told me to check all the cables etc and to restart the computer, so, even
though she is electronic I did all that. Again. No joy. So, I ended up talking
to what I assume was an extremely nice young man from the Indian sub continent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhteHJxbby0KWKKybHue0h8csdP19-JvSDKVbQzVA_37Lk9NeRNXBs_JwhdHB6wHfP5phZrBGBWFCQGtXM5Vk2xlwY8LmQLQqxIlKud81qG5525eGkVHf6qTyI97y6GwDaLLHY/s1600/infinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhteHJxbby0KWKKybHue0h8csdP19-JvSDKVbQzVA_37Lk9NeRNXBs_JwhdHB6wHfP5phZrBGBWFCQGtXM5Vk2xlwY8LmQLQqxIlKud81qG5525eGkVHf6qTyI97y6GwDaLLHY/s200/infinity.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">I have several objections
to call centres that are based in India – for one thing what’s wrong with
giving jobs to people here in the UK – I need a job, I bet I even I could work
in a call centre. Secondly, as a result of being married to a foreigner for
over twenty-six years I can tell you that, more often than not, they are
rubbish on the phone. I think research shows that spoken information is
interpreted visually as well as orally – certainly, this is something I notice
with my Lovely Husband. On the phone, he doesn’t pick up the visual clues that
help him when he talks face to face and even after all of these years of being
married to a slightly loopy lass from Yorkshire who talks a mile a minute he
doesn’t always understand what is being said. He doesn’t get some of the
colloquialisms or we talk too fast – and he hates talking on the phone because
he struggles to make himself understood and to understand, and believe me his
English is pretty good. My experience of the call centres is that I say something, the person on the other end ignores what I have said and gives me a reply that, basically, makes no sense.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCcjE6kDDLfm_hwedK4KaDvzpBfpXYEiXReDFZLpRr-pE4zDSlvkGN431shO_roXgStv1hKQdqnxQDSRwNTVxVUxsKTN750pcRDatD1l7H3-9HIBOLeL7WeD0sIUDlBlM3KgD/s1600/baby_gibberish_thumb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCcjE6kDDLfm_hwedK4KaDvzpBfpXYEiXReDFZLpRr-pE4zDSlvkGN431shO_roXgStv1hKQdqnxQDSRwNTVxVUxsKTN750pcRDatD1l7H3-9HIBOLeL7WeD0sIUDlBlM3KgD/s320/baby_gibberish_thumb.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">So, I really don’t like
talking to call centres on the Indian Sub continent. I suppose because I am
still feeling pretty grotty the whole thing seems a lot worse than it probably
is. Anyway, back in April we signed up for BT Infinity – after being, quite
happily with Sky – the BT Vision didn’t work properly – well, it worked on
teacakes, stopping at every currant. And the internet kept dropping. I kept
telling them. Two engineers that came out to the Vision box noted that internet
service was intermittent. Eventually the Vision issue was resolved when I lost
my incredible cool and told BT I was leaving them and going back to Sky and had
no intention of paying any penalty as they had broken their contract with me.
The upshot of that little escapade is that we got one of the new YouView boxes
and a slight reduction in the monthly payment for BT Vision – I was happy with
that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">Despite the issues with
Vision being resolved the internet has kept dropping – they said it’s because
the infinity cables are new and need time to settle; infinity is very sensitive
and needs time to adjust and if anything knocks it then that may well cause it
to drop etc etc. But, still my internet kept dropping. So today, no internet.
At all. I have my OU and Farmville to sort out; The Ginger One needs to check
his UCAS page and laugh incessantly at stuff that isn’t even funny; </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">The guys in India tried to
get me to do all the turning on and off again as well as re-setting Infinity
modem and then just kept saying stuff like</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Give me one minute Ma’am and I will surely
fix this problem for you’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">‘Just give me three
minutes Ma’am and I will call you right back’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">‘Just give me fifteen
minutes Ma’am and someone from the next level will call you right back’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">I have spent all day on
the phone getting nowhere and ended up with a promise that an engineer will
come on Monday and can’t get here any quicker because of the floods that are
all over the UK.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">At this point, I did think
my head might just explode.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxrlMkTYO0sb_LSCgd74GTADzVQdgKs0t9AIjjHRVYixYURYginwpiLriqpieRy8h36RWbGkzNlOcbw6pxmta1qeqGP5pR9fd5G67ar4Rq61hLWsYhHFiCbmfMSdABISfE4Gh/s1600/exploding_head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxrlMkTYO0sb_LSCgd74GTADzVQdgKs0t9AIjjHRVYixYURYginwpiLriqpieRy8h36RWbGkzNlOcbw6pxmta1qeqGP5pR9fd5G67ar4Rq61hLWsYhHFiCbmfMSdABISfE4Gh/s200/exploding_head.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">Now, here’s an interesting
thing. There is no cross over between engineers and customer service. If you
talk to tech and ask for a manager, you can’t get one. The only way I have
found to get someone who will actually listen to what I say and then act on it
is to ring up and say I want to cancel my whole account and that I will not,
under any circumstances, pay any penalty. If you say this, you end up with a
lovely person in Newcastle!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">The engineer still isn’t
coming until Monday but Barbara, for it was she, listened to what I said, made
notes, talked to her manager and is making a Level Two Complaint on my behalf.
I have no idea what a Level Two Complaint entails but I really hope I get a
refund or something.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">So, my whole point is, why
do we only get the service we should already be getting when we reach the point
of losing our temper? If you see what I mean. We pay for the top BT package –
The Ginger One likes to game, we watch T.V and films online etc. If I am not
getting the service I am paying for surely the company should be making every
effort to rectify that and to accommodate my needs; rather than trying to fob
me off with call centre operatives who are clearly reading from a script and
have no clue how to deal with a deranged, germ infested Yorkshire woman, who is
being deprived of Farmville and Dailymail Online</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">If you are wondering I
wrote this in Word and will cut and paste it into my blog, should I ever be
back in cyberspace – I do wonder what will happen to the font and the
formatting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #632423; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC";">*waves wearily goodbye*</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.85pt; text-indent: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-61804310857683530732012-11-25T14:16:00.000+00:002012-11-25T14:16:05.209+00:00Why Does my Ethnicity matter?So, I have a nasty cold that is making me feel, as we say in Yorkshire, 'proper poorly'<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi8omidXkeW6qdGb19jlhoZ9ojVXjkffLeXoLpOLv5O05e3DBA1xjLkAx4s9spXSXc25rnl9QXmHQ390shaMaMyfhvGnx5GJ7Q5j5NUXPuOCCJQoqEMqFL77oV16IFIwQdaNf/s1600/headcold.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi8omidXkeW6qdGb19jlhoZ9ojVXjkffLeXoLpOLv5O05e3DBA1xjLkAx4s9spXSXc25rnl9QXmHQ390shaMaMyfhvGnx5GJ7Q5j5NUXPuOCCJQoqEMqFL77oV16IFIwQdaNf/s200/headcold.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Actually, this is a pretty good representation of how I am feeling - add to it a persistent cough and no sleep and you can guess that I really can't be bothered with very much of anything.<br />
<br />
However.<br />
<br />
The burglar alarm has been going off next door for over an hour<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TrlCL63eGHPzGN2JyAzRRAeasqoLTfuM7iEunepDTfkClQsgGq4kXoqaJ6elAx7w0LAduDpw71o1JA6Qbe0LqSein_SYZK8iBcGOP71sMwiJ1nLUhrBchlilh9z7Sgkg9Qv9/s1600/Man-screaming-in-bed-surr-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TrlCL63eGHPzGN2JyAzRRAeasqoLTfuM7iEunepDTfkClQsgGq4kXoqaJ6elAx7w0LAduDpw71o1JA6Qbe0LqSein_SYZK8iBcGOP71sMwiJ1nLUhrBchlilh9z7Sgkg9Qv9/s200/Man-screaming-in-bed-surr-007.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, clearly this isn't me, indeed I am a lady, but, you get the gist. Add the two pics together and come to your own conclusion about the kind of Sunday I am having. Anyway, I assumed it was a car alarm (they go off regularly in the salubrious area in which we live), until my other half delivered my shopping and said it was actually next door's alarm. What to do? Go round there? Too dangerous - even on a quiet Sunday afternoon Nottingham appears to be a hotbed of violent crime. So, I rang the non-emergency police number (101 if you were wondering). I explained to the switchboard dude what was happening, at the end of the conversation he said -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
'I call myself White British. What about you?'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHdxE2gAhrAWi9ATXxSp_fy9qUVJekTIKmrdQa2xiOB2dPxLhPgQlku1mZf3k0GpEKRhnf_NkHTU4OIpK40nc3p3XN9TKiNk8f8aQ82MbttpEE4KeJHm8qG3nptYW_5U6H22L/s1600/shock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHdxE2gAhrAWi9ATXxSp_fy9qUVJekTIKmrdQa2xiOB2dPxLhPgQlku1mZf3k0GpEKRhnf_NkHTU4OIpK40nc3p3XN9TKiNk8f8aQ82MbttpEE4KeJHm8qG3nptYW_5U6H22L/s200/shock.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously? My neighbour could be getting burgled, murdered or who knows what and you want to know my ethnicity? Maybe this is because I dialed the non-emergency number, but, even so I don't see the relevance. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are wondering I told him I am white English and that my neighbour is Black English - but why does it matter? My neighbour is a lovely lady and, obviously, I am aware that she is Black, just as she is aware that I am White - but what does it have to do with ANYTHING?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am beginning to think that I am, indeed, a Bear of Very Little Brain and that I just don't 'get' the world we live in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*waves pathetically goodbye and goes back to hot Ribena and trash TV*</div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-35410808610146045622012-11-21T15:47:00.002+00:002012-11-21T15:47:49.614+00:00Why do we pray?<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is something I have been thinking a lot about lately. Why do we pray? I don't just mean *why* - I suppose I really mean why do we BOTHER? Which is a different thing and also something I feel guilty about just thinking!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a Christian I believe that the Bible is the one and only Truth, God's Word, given to us as our rule for faith and life. the Bible says men should always pray and not faint.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">Luke 18:1 and 21:36</span></i></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #783f04;"> And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought </span><span style="color: #783f04;">always</span><span style="color: #783f04;"> to </span><span style="color: #783f04;">pray</span><span style="color: #783f04;">, and not to faint;.....Watch ye therefore, and </span><span style="color: #783f04;">pray</span><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span><span style="color: #783f04;">always</span><span style="color: #783f04;">, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. </span></i></b></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Elsewhere I have read that prayer is the lifeblood or the oxygen for the Christian. In my own life it seems to me that I feel much better when I have a regular and consistent prayer life - at least that is my recollection since sadly it is some time since I had such a thing. Which is, perhaps, why I am thinking about it so much lately. We have probably all seen those signs outside churches:- </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjN3qWw4fSVawSS3JXqUjNibm5xEagka-hX9tCzpRpI_YrG3DwWy0ofv7XxBC-ZxodDTsNA0_e7eIRklECteCBgzmqf7K3BKAv0KC0atbheG_MogZ65aer0R18lZX2xJ-oFfy/s1600/7daysweak350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjN3qWw4fSVawSS3JXqUjNibm5xEagka-hX9tCzpRpI_YrG3DwWy0ofv7XxBC-ZxodDTsNA0_e7eIRklECteCBgzmqf7K3BKAv0KC0atbheG_MogZ65aer0R18lZX2xJ-oFfy/s200/7daysweak350.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I do think it's true. I do feel weak, and feeble. And certainly I am not walking the walk I used to walk. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Which causes me much anguish. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is one text which really amazes me, well, actually the whole Bible amazes me, every time I read it. But that's another post.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #660000; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles+7:14&version=KJV">2 Chronicles 7:14</a></span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.</i></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you see that? *MY* people, *THEMSELVES* *THEIR wicked ways*</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Followed by - THEN.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Huh. Just one word. 'THEN' but what a difference it makes. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The LORD expects us to confess our wickedness, to be humble and to seek Him out. And THEN He will change things - because, apparently - </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBbVmvTn4y7_VSUYGTCehDpRsuDga08bkbN41_wjtwMGPR7zR8fPzOljYIyZfDUKV0fVu4SAKOJFk5z113VneR-nmp8ze4kZU-Gd1azEXTjncKWNWN2hKTMXsxyfXYAuaOK_o/s1600/prayer+changes+things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBbVmvTn4y7_VSUYGTCehDpRsuDga08bkbN41_wjtwMGPR7zR8fPzOljYIyZfDUKV0fVu4SAKOJFk5z113VneR-nmp8ze4kZU-Gd1azEXTjncKWNWN2hKTMXsxyfXYAuaOK_o/s200/prayer+changes+things.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then of course we have the word MY - MY people - I think it is safe to assume that this means those people who believe in the God of the bible - Christians in fact. So, it seems to me that the state of the nation is something that should weigh heavily on those of us who profess Christ - because, I think, it is we who are called to confess our sins, to humble ourselves and to cry out to the Lord Himself.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been reading a book lately called <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Do-Something-Decision-Without/dp/0802458386" target="_blank">Just Do Something</a> - the blurb says </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>'Just Do Something: How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers. Writing in the Sky etc'</i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLriFa3woDx5EpqLvd6PmEPGJr2KXJgXzBi1qxGYelVIDzaMNjqiQx3Q-Q-YYf3WtmbhB9aKY82IgZ6Vq9uZUsIFrGYdTlDQu_D2ucz0EKpY83Bm6yX7dgLzrFsXodSJOQcv8/s1600/just+do+something.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLriFa3woDx5EpqLvd6PmEPGJr2KXJgXzBi1qxGYelVIDzaMNjqiQx3Q-Q-YYf3WtmbhB9aKY82IgZ6Vq9uZUsIFrGYdTlDQu_D2ucz0EKpY83Bm6yX7dgLzrFsXodSJOQcv8/s200/just+do+something.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
The book talks about how much time Christians waste whilst trying to ascertain God's Will For Their Lives - tinkering with relationships, churches, jobs etc. waiting for that all important clear indication of the Lord for His Perfect Will For Their Lives. But, actually, the author suggests that, in fact, God doesn't need to tell us what to do every step of the way - His Plan for us is already revealed in His Word -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Matthew 6:33</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<b><i><span class="text Matt-6-33" id="en-KJV-23316">But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.</span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness - so, I think, that means loving God first, putting Christ first in all that I do, obeying His word - and then doing what I think is best for my life. The bible teaches the responsibility of man - unlike the Qu'ran for example, which teaches only the fickle whims of Allah and that, no matter what, our destiny is already laid out for us - leading to the fatalistic attitudes so prevalent amongst Muslims. Now, don't get me wrong, I believe in the Sovereignty of God - certainly He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, but this Sovereignty of God does not mean that man has no need of personal responsibility in life. Thus the Muslim may well choose not to wear a seat belt when driving because whatever happens is the will of Allah, a Christian will wear the seat belt because it is the responsible, sensible, safe and legal thing to do, knowing that if something were to happen it is still within the perfect will of our Heavenly Father.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
Oswald Chambers said that we should 'Trust God and do the next thing' - that was over one hundred years ago. My experience is vastly different to this - my experience has resulted in a crippling fear of being out of God's perfect will for my life, a crippling fear of prayer - how do I know if what I am praying is God's will? And an almost superstitious reliance on finding so-called 'proof texts' in order to justify my plans. I don't think God wants me to live in fear - in fact the bible says -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<b><i>1 John 4:8 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
Now, I am no expert theologian, far from it, I am, in fact, an old bird of very little brain, but, it seems to me that this verse is saying that because fear causes torment, and perfect love (as we get from our Heavenly Father because of what Christ has done for us on the Cross) casts out that fear, then if we still experience fear then we have not given ourselves wholly to Him. I may be wrong - probably am in fact. But, the conclusion I have come to is this. God doesn't want, or expect, His people to spend hours and hours trying to discern His will - His will, for all of us, is already clearly outlined in His Word. No. What God wants is for us to trust Him, to seek Him with all our hearts, minds and souls and to get on with being salt and light in the place we are, and, I think, that if we don't like it there then it is O.K to want to change things without worrying if change is what God wants - I don't think that old time Christians spent hours trying to second guess God - I think they just got on with living their lives in obedience to His word and becoming more Christlike in the process. Because the text in Matthew says that if we look for the kingdom of God and His righteousness FIRST <b>then</b> everything else will be given to us - and of course I don't believe that is meant in material way but rather that we will become the spiritually mature active Christians able to be used by God in our little corner of the vineyard that we all want to be. Praying and reading the bible should be the priorities in our lives - because then we are prepared to face whatever comes our way, whether that is an unbeliever to talk to, a fellow believer who is struggling or just some kind of hiccup at work - I think I agree with the author of this little book, and with Oswald Chambers, stop wittering and Just Do Something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
By the by, I am aware that in some of my posts, usually the ones I have had in the drafts folder, the font colour and size tends to vary - I have no idea why this is nor how to correct it. Consider it a foible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: left;">
*waves goodbye*</div>
jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-10686197142760625352012-11-20T11:23:00.001+00:002012-11-20T11:26:05.608+00:00The role of women.....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:0cm;
mso-para-margin-left:17.0pt;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-indent:-17.85pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Is a sticky subject. It’s
all too easy to offend. If we praise and enthuse about stay at home mums then
those that work get prickly. If we praise and enthuse about those who go out to
work and, seemingly, 'have it all' then those who stay at home feel
undervalued. As a Christian, I believe the Bible is my rule for faith and life.
What does the bible say about the role of women? Proverbs 31 is one of my
favourite passages; this is what it says - </span></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #993399; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">"Who can find a virtuous woman?
For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust
in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not
evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly
with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from
afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household,
and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the
fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with
strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is
good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle,
and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea,
she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for
her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh
herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is
known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh
fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength
and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth
her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh
well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her
children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is
deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be
praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her
in the gates."</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QUXEr-OWXmCfO1K-FVOE1Qr6v7lyKSSF3ZP6ZgKsOsUpRoWBKlH11qz3I5M2iJI9xKV_aZnG5ptudYovSmImdGnNYlxXPNpoA0NScRZ6qEe4xr9J1si3a8nwAIQqmHdi0a06/s1600/rubies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QUXEr-OWXmCfO1K-FVOE1Qr6v7lyKSSF3ZP6ZgKsOsUpRoWBKlH11qz3I5M2iJI9xKV_aZnG5ptudYovSmImdGnNYlxXPNpoA0NScRZ6qEe4xr9J1si3a8nwAIQqmHdi0a06/s200/rubies.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">What a high standard! And one about
much is written, I don't intend to add to what is already available. Well, not
much anyway!! In Titus 2 it says -</span></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #993399; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">"The aged women likewise, that
they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to
much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be
sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste,
keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be
not blasphemed."</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Many people
are of the opinion that these verses, together with Genesis 2:18 which says - </span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #993399; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And the LORD God said, It is not
good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." </span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">actually
demean women. I would venture to say that those people haven't read the verses
properly or in context, or even that they don't really understand what they
have read.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #993399; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></i></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The word 'help meet' for example, this
means someone suitable to keep Adam company, a perfect fit - and of course, Eve
was perfect since she was provided for Adam by the LORD Himself. How important
it must be then for us to seek the LORD's will when we are waiting for our
future spouse.</span></i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gentium Basic";"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:0cm;
mso-para-margin-left:17.0pt;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-indent:-17.85pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In light of these verses you can
imagine my irritation when, this morning,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I heard a woman vicar on the BBC News promoting the need for women
bishop’s within the Church of England (I am not clear whether this means within
the world wide Anglican church and what the brethren on the African continent
think to this). As part of this woman’s argument in favour of women bishops she
stated that men think that women in the church are fit only for cleaning and
flower arranging. It seems to me that if this what the men in this Woman Vicar’s
church believe then the fault lies with her – she should be teaching what the
bible says about the role of men and women – of course if she did that then she
would soon discover that her role as a vicar goes against the Word of God. Hmm.
Catch 22. </span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Many people don’t realise that
actually a truly godly man is instructed to love his wife as Christ loved the
church – since Christ laid down His life for us, that is, in my opinion, a tall
order. Actually, one of the many things I love about the bible – and why I
believe it to be the Word of God – is how it addresses husbands and wives.
Husbands are instructed to love their wives sacrificially and romantically,
whilst women are instructed to love, respect and honour their husbands – and in
my limited experience, this is exactly what both men and women want from their
partner.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">It seems to me that if the church – by
which I mean the Church of England, I know that many non-conformist churches
already do this – were teaching their parishioners the truths of the bible they
would soon see that there is no need for ‘new things’ – the bible talks much
about ‘old ways/paths’ – because actually the bible is sufficient for all of us
and for all of our needs. It is interesting to me that the roles of men and
women have become so blurred that it is now having a negative effect on society
as a whole. Read almost any research which shows, time and again, that women
are happier at home, that children thrive better where mums are at home, many
girls express the wish that they could aspire to be a wife and mother rather
than have the big career that is generally expected of them. Men need to be men
– they need the responsibility that comes of providing for a wife and children,
nowadays many men are not ready to provide for a family until their late
twenties – but in fact they should be ready to face that responsibility much
earlier. Is it right to encourage young people to take gap years and then mire
themselves in thousands of pounds of debt so that even when they want to marry
they are simply not mature enough either financially, spiritually or in their
character. It seems to me that our society is becoming so materialistic that it
is assumed that both parents must work in order to provide their children with ‘everything’
– but, again, the research shows that children are happiest when their parents
give of themselves. If we stopped focusing on what we imagine we need to have
rather than on what is best for our family then we will find that it isn’t
necessary for women to work long hours away from the home – this would also
mean that there are more jobs for men. </span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Read the passage from Proverbs 31
(above) – this is a highly talented, highly successful, highly respected woman
who brings honour to her husband as well as to herself. Which woman wouldn’t
want that? The woman in Proverbs 31 makes a great role model for our daughters –
what a pity that those women who think they are called to teach in the church
don’t make it their focus – and complement that teaching with what it means to
be a truly godly man who takes responsibility for his family and who
understands the value of hard work and sacrifice (the bible teaches that if we
don’t work then we don’t eat – an old fashioned adage that flies in the face of
our ‘I want it all and I want it now society.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Those who feel that being a housewife
should be preceded by the word ‘only’ should consider what a keeper at home
actually does – yes, it may well be repetitive and even boring at times, but,
isn’t every job? Creating a home takes time, love and skill, add to that the
responsibility of raising children and I think it is safe to say that being ‘only
a housewife’ is one of the most demanding, and necessary, jobs available.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Women bishops? Pah.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Gentium Basic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">*waves goodby*</span></i></b><br />
<br />jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-78418507926524135892012-11-14T13:29:00.002+00:002012-11-14T13:36:51.043+00:00A Racial Divide?So, I have been hearing, and seeing, a lot about the racial divide so prevalent in today's USA. Apparently. The election coverage, even here in the UK, has focused on how 'The Whites' voted for Romney whilst 'The African Americans' and 'The Hispanics' voted for Obama.<br />
<br />
I realise that I maybe appear naive in the extreme - but this idea of voting along racial lines is something new and quite foreign to me. I watched a programme recently on the BBC entitled <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20067565" target="_blank">Family Guys: What Sitcoms Say About America Now</a> (the link is to an article - I don't think the programme is still available even on iPlayer). The programme was actually very interesting - and, for me, more than a little shocking. The reason? I never knew that African Americans have their own shows! Apparently The Cosby Show is the last sitcom that crossed the viewing racial divide - appealing to both whites and African Americans. Friends - one of my own personal favourites - has no black characters, so, apparently, an African American version was created for the black community (I am assuming there are 'Black' TV channels - I may be wrong). The commentator also remarked that inter-racial romances are still 'edgy' - he cited Happy Endings which has a mixed race couple who kiss on screen - this is, evidently, still something to be carefully considered before a programme is aired.<br />
<br />
Seriously? It's 2012 people - are there really people out there who do or don't watched TV shows because of their racial dynamic? Are there people out there who object to seeing a mixed race couple kiss on screen? I find it difficult believe that these types of attitudes really exist - surely the programme makers are exaggerating? In a country such as the US which, as I understand it, is a country which can truly be described as racially diverse how can there be such division? And does it extend to every day life?<br />
<br />
Another programme on prior to the American election was aired on Channel 4, <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-american-road-trip-obamas-story/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1" target="_blank">The American Road Trip: Obama's Story </a>this programme concentrated on the so-called 'swing states' and featured respected journalist Matt Frei talking to middle America - he commented, at one point, quietly and whilst in his car 'will this election be decided on race' (my paraphrase).<br />
<br />
However disturbing I found these two programmes what I found online when I googled 'racial divide in the US' was even more worrying - article after article outlining incidences of disparities apparently based on race. I looked at this <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/06/us-usa-education-inequality-idUSTRE82507620120306" target="_blank">one </a>on the Reuters website that deals with education - but this is really the tip of the iceberg.<br />
<br />
When telling my mum, who has traveled extensively in the US in her camper van, about the two programmes I had watched my disbelief was compounded further by some of her experiences during those travels -<br />
<ul>
<li>When in the Southern states she noticed that Black Americans frequently failed to make eye contact with her, or smile - even in stores unless she made the first move</li>
<li>When she traveled to DC by train and sat with a black lady the white lady at the same table turned her back on the black lady and excluded her from the conversation. On the same trip a white man who had been deep in conversation with my mum walked away mid-sentence when he realised the black lady was sitting with her.</li>
<li>When mum visited the Martin Luther King museum she was the only white face there</li>
<li>Many Americans had no concept of life without segregation even in their history - in the UK we have never had separate water fountains or public bathrooms for example </li>
</ul>
I have heard people talk about 'white pubs' and 'black pubs' in Essex - but I assumed these were the result of location, it is well known that many minorities tend to live in clusters, particularly those who have only recently arrived. My own in-laws tend to mix only with other Turkish families - the grandchildren are, no doubt, becoming more integrated. But surely this kind of segregation does not extend into wider society? <br />
<br />
Anyway, this is something I have been thinking about for quite a while and I confess I am no nearer understanding it or dealing with it. I can not understand why anyone, black, white or hispanic, would be offended by a mixed race couple on TV, I don't understand why any general programme would be specifically targeted at a particular racial group, (I know that some programming is culture/religion/or race specific - I suppose I am thinking more about entertainment programmes).<br />
<br />
Then I realised something - on my Facebook account, used for playing the games, I have lots of friends from all around the world including the US - I have met them through game forums etc. and guess what? None of them are Black! Some are, I think, Hispanic, but I have no Facebook friends who are black American! I shocked myself! Surely African Americans play Farmville and use the forums? What I don't like is how this new information has changed my worldview - I have started to notice mixed race couples and black characters when watching TV, and I never did this before - to me race is just not an issue, and I don't know why that is? Am I just naive? Or Stupid? I should say that I do have black brits on my FB.<br />
<br />
I also like watching programmes about prison - documentaries. The racial divide is clear to see in this kind of programming since there are just so many African Americans in American Prisons - what I never knew is that this divide extended into wider society.<br />
<br />
*sadly waves goodbye* jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630463.post-48826847076803499382012-11-13T19:19:00.000+00:002012-11-13T19:19:41.121+00:00My first Mind MapActually, it probably isn't my first - I just didn't know what a mind map was before!! I did this in rough first with <strike>parchment and quill </strike>pen and paper and then completely outdid myself and transferred it to the computer - then I needed a teenager to take a photo so that I could put it on here - learning how to do that is a step too far I fear! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxZxbb99U6qkta70u7fpBarFDJQEPgVE7urJRxcjxCkJKZZpcEDfoMVOLlYEKpY4SmQLylaGlw07MHiVxL1L2IMLywvhwRrCD8E-e4Njbl5DCv-EwIw_9JiFO8wbkEYTD1YAb/s1600/mind+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxZxbb99U6qkta70u7fpBarFDJQEPgVE7urJRxcjxCkJKZZpcEDfoMVOLlYEKpY4SmQLylaGlw07MHiVxL1L2IMLywvhwRrCD8E-e4Njbl5DCv-EwIw_9JiFO8wbkEYTD1YAb/s320/mind+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I thought finding something out about Christopher Marlowe would serve me well as I read Dr Faustus. Actually it was very interesting - who knew the 16th Century English Secret Service was the best in Europe with agents across the whole continent as far as Turkiye.<br />
<br />
So, that's me for the evening. I'm A Celeb calls.<br />
<br />
*waves goodbye*jottingsbyjoolshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06519679311602341330noreply@blogger.com0