Superman_ChRiS

Oz Blog....Help?

2007-02-19T00:02:00.000Z

Calling all lovely Sutton Bloggers, Im leaving UK on 25th Feb and obviously need to set up a nice new blog for my trip.

Previously Mr EB has suggested 'chrisisonholidayforayearhaha' and 2nite 'imtravellingroundtheworldandyou'renot'.

Does anyone have any nice short ideas for the name of my blog? Im thinking something like 'random_one_down_under'???

Also, I want to say a big honest thank you to every blogger from SCBC for being so wonderful. 2day I had a really mixed day, from feeling so very alone/isolated early afternoon to being surrounded by amazing friends, old and new, at The Vesey. Although Im about to embark on an exciting year round the world a part of me wishes I could spend more time with you all, especially getting to know some of my newer friends...... but hey all in God's time eh?!

You're all Bea...utiful!

Doors.....

2007-02-16T11:40:00.000Z

For those of you that listenend to the Chris Moyles' show on Radio1 this morning this will appeal, otherwise you'll just see this as another random post from the Random One:

Dave's tedious link included "there are 3 types of doors, push, pull and revolving", which later lead to the rest of the team correcting Dave as there in fact many other types of doors:

Sliding
Garage (up and over)
Gull Wing Door (like on sports-cars and the delorien)
George-Doors
Dumble-door
Front Door
Trap door
Back door
Side Door
Patio Door
Mor-door

Also, I wanted a reason to post a picture of the Delorien on my blog!

Pls feel free to comment on other doors.......

Struggles & Maddness

2007-02-14T16:04:00.000Z

Correct me if Im wrong but it seems the Blogging World of Sutton/Erdingtonshire has slowed down alot in 2007. Could it be a new strain of influenza that the Jolly Green Giant has unleashed?

I feel like I left my senses, motivation and memory in 2006, so far 2007 feels really strange. Ok I haven't exactly lazed around doing nothing all day but I can't remember much of whats been happening! That said I've been doing a mix of activities this week, filing and shredding with Heidi, DIY with Beci, TV watching and of course more preparations for Australia trip!

Maybe Im just lacking in motivation not having a reason to wake up and get going in the mornings.

Last night mum had a phonecall telling her our fake Auntie (94) had passed away in her sleep, I feel kinda bad for not being too upset...... I was upset but my tears were for Matt as it brought everything flooding back. Please pray for me, alots going through my head right now and I want to be level-headed when I get on the plane at Heathrow in 10days.

P.S. Anyone up for an outing to a local cinema next week? (Not Tuesday eve as Im on PJ's team who will win the Curry Quiz Night)

Happy Snow-day!

2007-02-08T10:14:00.000Z

Timelord this one's for you.....Happy Snow-day to you, Happy Snow-day to you, Happy-Snow-day to the Timelord, Happy Snow-day to you (This also goes for the Posh Bird and Pip Ford, neither of whom are privelaged members of the Bloggers-circle.....yet!).

Yes not one but TWO Mr-Men for you

....although Im not so sure Mr Christmas

will actually be spotted today?

If anyone see's Mrs FLN tell her to put leashes on Robbie & Rudolf or they may get lost in the white stuff!

_______________________________________________

Mrs Teapot here's a belated Mr-Man post for your 21st B'day last weekend:

"Mr Funny lives in a teapot shaped house, and drives a shoe shaped car. If there's something funny that he can do, Mr Funny will do it. You'd better get ready to laugh when Mr Funny visits!"

Birmingum, it's gureat?

2007-02-04T16:12:00.000Z

Saturday The Random One met an Aussie friend who also happens to be a Villa fan, and went along to to Villa Park to witness a vitory for the original claret and blue against the claret and blue pretenders (West Ham). It was a great match with Villa winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from new signing John Carew...prompting a comical new chant from the Holte End "Carew, Carew, Carew's On Fire" As it was my last visit to Villa Park before going on my trip round the world, I took my new camera along so here are a few snaps from the game....

A Gareth Barry corner..... which came to nothing!

This one is for Mrs Teapot & the Pixie to drool over...

One thing that did come up earlier in the day, I tried to show Mark some of the 'sights' of Birmingham but after going round the Bull Ring and to the Town Hall I ran out of ideas! Granted Millenium Point could have been visited. This morning Helen suggested the NIA & Sealife Centre & IMAX Theatre but what other landmarks would you suggest be part of a 'Birmingham-Tour'?

Ikea

2007-01-30T19:06:00.000Z

So how do unemployed expatriates from London spend their days......... visiting Ikea of course!

This afternoon The Jolly Green Giant, its not easy being small, and I went to Ikea in Wednesbury...... an eye-opening experience. Aaron found some bargains for his new flat and we even found a high chair for Ju...... along with a miniture table and chairs, she didnt want to purchase them with us around but I reckon she'll be back to buy them another time!

Google Yourself.....

2007-01-29T19:16:00.000Z

I googled my name and came back with 1,390,000 hits!! Aside from the obvious Christopher Reeve, apparently I sell knives!

F-R-I-E-N-D-S Challenge

2007-01-29T17:38:00.000Z

Calling all fans of 'that hit American Tv show FRIENDS'. I was sent the scene-it interactive dvd board game by my good friend Helen (or Monica as I like to call her) last year and want to have a get-together for some of us to play the game one night.

I don't have numbers for some people so if you're up for the challenge (I warn you Im big Ross-type geek at this game) then let me know. Was thinking maybe this Wed or Thurs as my parents are away, but other venues are just as good!

Mrs FLN's Grub

2007-01-27T12:01:00.000Z

So yesterday I spent several hours in Birmingham sorting my flights around the world, then headed to Mrs FreelanceNerd's house for what we later termed as "Bruea" being part-breakfast, part lunch and early tea. Mrs FLN rustled up some delicious bacon sausage and scrambled egg sandwiches complete with brown sauce...... I feel the need to inform the blogger world of this simple yet delicious meal........ if you should ever drop by Mrs FLN's house then why not ask to try one of her sarnies, it'll be well worth it!

Mansize Yorkie

2007-01-25T15:27:00.000Z

I must say Im a little disappointed, walking back from Sutton to my parents' house I became very hungry/craving chocolate. So I purchased a mansize yorkie but it didnt really do the job, I was probably attracted more by the name of the bar, strange that! Cadbury's dairy milk is always quick to quench my chocolate-cravings though, I did text my friend Sarah who works at Cadburys asking if she could divert a truck to my house but nothing doing =(

On a random note, after hearing from the English Blogger and Mrs FreelanceNerd this afternoon that the reindeer and orbs have been upto recent blog adventures I though I should introduce Spike:

2007

2007-01-24T11:49:00.000Z

Day 24 of 2007......

I sit on my bed on laptop as have actually managed to find a wireless network, beats using the slow desktop we have! Last night I spent an hour or so with Mrs Teapot and Mr Timelord hearing about their contacts and trip to Australia, to help in my preparations to spend a year over there. It came up that I hadn't actually blogged this year so this is long overdue!

What to say? Well this year has not been easy so far, coming back to Sutton to help train old colleagues up was fun but stressful as workload was too much and a lack of communication between Sutton and London didnt help..... but hey I got through it! I guess you could say I lived the high-life for a while, driving between London and Sutton every week, working in Sutton but living in London at weekends was fun for a while but now it's ended the tiredness has really caught up with me. Im not used to relaxing though as in London if I wasn't working Id be rushing around seeing people, church on Sundays so always lots on. Saying "Au Revoirs" to the friends I've made in London was very hard and emotional and a big part of me wants to still be there, but that chapter has closed....for now =( Trying to slot back into the social scene in Sutton hasn't been easy, all my friends are amazing people but they've all moved on in their lives since I moved to London so adjusting to the pace of life and getting to know people again isnt easy. Worth persevering though!

On to the future; I asked Martin on Sunday how long it would take to get a VISA for Australia, my heart sank when he said 2-3months! Anyway when I got home went online and read through the Oz embassey websites and applied online for a 12-mth working holiday VISA, sent it through at 1am Monday morning and around 5pm the same day an email came back with my VISA confirmation....praise God!!!!!!! Since then I've been to see sta travel in Brum who specialise in helping students/YOUNG PEOPLE on travelling, the guy I saw recommended a round-the-world ticket which would see me fly to Hong Kong, Singapore (2-3days stopover in each) then Oz where I'lll make my way from Adelaide round the East Coast, hopefully going to the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne in mid-march, flying to NZ then Fiji, Cook Islands, LA to see the sights of LA & San Francisco and fly home from Vegas!!!! (Heidi you should fly out and go to THE OC with me!!!) This isnt cheap but is only slightly more expensive than just a return ticket to Oz so it's pretty tempting! Kinda scared but also so excited about doing this!

If anyone reading this hasn't spoken to me about any experience you have or friends/family I could visit in Oz then please let me know so we can meet for a coffee or something to talk.

Anywayz time for lunch but I will blog more, although probably should get a new address for the Oz trip........ "Superman down under"...... suggestions welcome except from the English Blogger!

The Windy Island.....

2006-12-30T16:50:00.000Z

A few beautiful photos from my recent holiday with the Jolly Green Giant in Fuerteventura.......

This is probably my favourite shot, love it!

Le Hotel, if you look closely you mat spot some of the millions of German's inhabiting the hotel!

Landmark Goals

2006-12-30T16:38:00.000Z

Dipping into my nerdy side I thought Id post on the Premiership goal scorers:

Goal 1 - Briane Deane

Goal 5,000 - Chris Sutton & Andy Townsend

Goal 10,000 - Les Ferdinand

Goal 15,000 - Everyone's 2nd favourite Fulham player Mauritz Volz!!

Goal 20,000 to be scored by a Villa player?? Gabby Agbonlahor I reckon, assist by Isaiah Osbourne!

Viva Fuerteventura!

2006-12-14T20:23:00.000Z

So we're back from our week in Fuerteventura, and loving being back in the cold windy UK. Many blog posts will follow with wild and wonderful pictures..... including some not so flattering ones of the Jolly Green Giant!!

The theme tune to our holiday is from the terraces of Craven Cottage "Ooh Ooh Ooh, Carlos Bochenegra"..... last night edited by Az to "Ooh Ooh Ooh, Junior Agogo".... but no-one knows who he is.

They're Back.....

2006-11-30T23:06:00.000Z

Yes I have been back to the Premier Travel Inn and, amazingly, it would seem every room has a painting as below. I think they're giant balloons that have slowly lost air from within & have decided to take a path across the sea.

What do you think......

2006-11-28T17:17:00.000Z

about the pedestrianisation of Norwich City Centre???

Partridge S1 or S2?

2006-11-20T21:53:00.000Z

So having got back to London 4 hrs later than planned I was in the mood to chill.... spotted my brothers' Alan Partridge DVD's, but which one to watch? Decided on S1 but it was one of those insanely difficult decisions, images and quotes filled my head as they do when deciding between different seasons/series' of a show.

Those of you with the unique appreciation, understanding and sense of humour of the great man with the big plate, pls let me know your thoughts on this question.

Matt would be in like a shot, oh the great memories of weekly Partridge quotes by text, and the many hours spent together watching and quoting Partridge, banishing Heidi to the kitchen! =D

Hotel Life

2006-11-18T22:22:00.000Z

With my current yo-yo-ing between Sutton and London for work my boss has allowed me to either have a hire car or stay in a nice hotel. So I thought I do a nice random blog about the lovely cosy hotel I stayed in for 3 nights last week, the Premier Travel Inn on Whitehouse Common Road (which will mean nothing to non-Sutton ppl).

Lovely comfy double-bed.

Ample room for storing the suits/ clothing..... there's even a fan hidden away in that cupboard!

Nice Cosy Bathroom...

Some dodgy-looking characters have been seen in this room.....

I enjoyed the time here, although a bit sad when you're eating in the pub next door all by yourself, had my Accounting revision text a pad and paper for company though..... living life on the edge I know! The Premier Travel Inn hotels guarantee a good nights' sleep.......for me they certainly delivered......... Id definitely recommend you try it if you're in the area.

I shall be back there in a few weeks, so if any Sutton ppl fancy a cheap meal let me know =D

Casino Royale

2006-11-18T01:05:00.000Z

I went on a 'Bond and Bonding' evening with Ben, Chow-Yee and John 2nite in Shepherds Bush.....tickets only £7.75 at vue...... seems cheap to me as it's usally £8-9 at odeon/vue in London.

Anyway my main thoughts on the film and Daniel Craig.... too much manly flesh and....PIERCE COME BACK, WE FOGIVE YOU FOR 'The Matador'.

Shouldn't really compare to previous ones, but it's natural......Not enough gadgets/car chases or John Cleese as Q. 30-40% darker and we see a different side to the Bond character which I guess is good. The 'Bond-girl' was well-chosen though, Eva Green played ' Vesper Lynd' and I would not say no to her being my wife!

Wrong Profession?

2006-11-16T13:34:00.000Z

Thought Id try a posting with no pictures, radical I know but it works for English blogger.

This week I've been staying in a hotel all by my lonesome and have been thinking a lot about my life, specifically working life. You shouldn't dwell or make decisions when you're tired or not in the right frame of mind, but I really do think Im in the wrong profession. Accounting is fun, they teach at college/uni, maybe Im just in the wrong area/sector as I take no enjoyment from working with McDonald's currently.
I guess the biggest question on my mind for God is How do you know if you're in the right field of work, or on the right career path? Maybe understanding 'right' comes first?!

The Bridge

2006-11-11T00:47:00.000Z

You'll have noted by now that Aston Villa feature prominently on my blog-site, so here's an other Villa post all about my experience of watching 'Aston Martins Claret & Blue Army' play at Chelski last week:

[Special thanks go to Mrs Gellar aka Helen's Mum for kindly obtaining match/coach tickets to Stamford Bridge for Rob & I]

It was the middle of a crazy-busy week in Sutton I caught 2 trains from Sutton to London where I met Rob and we had a lovely delayed tub-ride to Fulham Broadway, arriving in the 'Shed End Upper' just before kick-off. The scoreline didn't bother me in the end, Chelsea fielded pretty-much their strongest team and despite Villa giving it their all the gulf in class showed.

Stamford Bridge is an impressive stadium, but the home-fans disappointed me they only cheered 4 times, after each goal scored whereas the Villa faithful (6,000 barmy brummies) were cheering on the Villa for the whole game, even more so with each goal conceded and we continued long after leaving the ground. A few of my favourite Villa chants included "Have you won the European Cup, European Cup, European Cup?", also (aimed at Mr Lampard) "Where were you in Germany?", "Martin, give us a wave!", and he did......I was very impressed Mr O'Neill also walked over to the fans after the game and waved, thumbs up to all of us, an amazingly nice guy". Although Chelsea are an awesome skilled side, I lost respect for Didier Drogba who fell over and conned the referee constantly.

I did feel a great sadness inside though at several points, including when Frank Lampard (who it was a thrill to watch in the flesh) scored as I would so love to have turned to Matt and slapped him! Such a big part of our friendship focused on Villa-related banter....... when Juan Pablo scored his brilliant own-goal against Spurs a few weeks back; it's a moment that would have Matt in hysterics for weeks!

He'd also have chuckled, as will you, to know we almost missed the coach back to B'ham! Due to timing Rob and I had come down by train but had a coach ticket back, problem is there were 2 coach parks and obviously we went to the wrong one.......just made it back to Stamford Bridge to see most of the other coaches in convoy down main road...... after desperately trying to get on on a coach we were let on the very last one and got home to Sutton about 2am!! (I knew God would provide for us but still pretty stressful!).

Roll on the next game!

Top-10's

2006-11-11T00:04:00.000Z

So im gonna treat the world to my top 10's, combining EnglishBlogger's TV shows with JollyGreen Giant's chocolate bars:

TV Shows:
FRIENDS
LOST
OC
SCRUBS
Alan Partridge (s1/2)
Match Of The Day
Columbo
Smallville
Scooby Doo
Thomas the Tank Engine

Choc. Bars:
FREDDO Bars
Cadburys Fudge
Lindt
Sainsbury's Fairtrade bars (cuz you feel good believing your supporting a good cause!)
Yorkie
Cadburys Dairy Milk
Aero Mint
Tootsie Roll (does that count?)
Cadburys Buttons
Milkybar Chunky (housepoint to Monica Bateman for reminding me of the goodness thats in a Milkybar! They'll be one waiting for you in December!)

Choc to avoid:
Hersheys
Milka
the limited edition Pink Yorkie

New list - Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks IN THE WORLD:
Fanta Madness
Fanta Madness
Another bottle of Fanta Madness
Apple & Melon J2O
2 litre bottle of Fanta Madness
Schloer (elderflower one)
Pineapple Juice
Water
Irn-Bru
Lucozade Orange

Now I know these may be contraversial to some of you, but just accept them!

Trains

2006-11-02T20:21:00.000Z

or should I say steam-powered LOCOMOTIVES. These are my favourite method of transportation in the big wide world. A summer trip with my family to Clevedon reunited me with some good old fashioned pre-Richard Branson trains:

Who needs a tilting Virgin Pendelino when you can ride the Clevedon-Minehead bullet-train?

Steam Trains can even operate back-to-front.......revolutionary!

Something Different.

2006-11-01T22:09:00.000Z

Im having a tough week, back in Sutton training my old supervisor to take on my job..... that part is fun but so hard to do other tasks at same time, 2day I didn't leave office until gone 7pm ={ So when I read English Blogger's latest blog I decided to follow his lead (basically copy him) with some nice random photos of my own.....

This being the skyline taken from the Trifle Tower. Followed by my brief reign on the White Witch's Narnia thrown:

Last Saturday Ruth and I got through a humongous bar of Dairy Milk, here's what she has to say about it:

You have one minute to find Wally.......

Has the Bubble burst?

2006-10-29T09:32:00.000Z

Yes, football again! My second passion in life. Yesterday my beloved Aston Villa lost for the 1st time this season....and lost well! Aston Martin's Claret & Blue Army, the ONLY unbeaten team in England, were on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline at Anfield =(

This picture is of the 1st Liverpool goal.....notice Liam Ridgewell's tight-marking as Olof Melleberg desparately sticks out a leg.

I heard a rumour that the Jolly Green Giant is being watched closely by the powers that be at Aston Villa, he could soon be challenging Milan Baros for a starting place!!

It's 'only a game' ....... but one I probably focus too much time and passion on.....cuz I just love it!

Swimming.....

2006-10-21T22:19:00.000+01:00

I did something random 2day, took a trip to a London Swimming Pool!!

It was very good, despite suffering from the latter stages of man-flu..... I managed 20-30 lengths I think and also discovered another Villa fan in London. Watched Villa-Fulham in a pub full of fulham fans, only one who didnt cheer when they scored!

Anyway, back to Swimming and the last time I went anywhere near a swimming pool in Sutton this happened........

and this 'young' lady was seen fleeing the scene........

Praise

2006-10-19T14:25:00.000+01:00

Last week I read an amazing book entitled 'Prison to Praise', by Merlin Carothers (link should be attached). It's not a huge book so some of you out there (Jolly Green Giant, Robbie and maybe Rudolf) may find it an acceptable read!

What I got out of it is that we really should praise God for all things, there are many examples the author has used of things that we wouldn't even comprehend praising God for, but with faith we see God's purpose & reasoning unravel. It's really on my heart know to be thankful for all things, like right now I have a deadly strain of man-flu mixed with tube-flu, normally Id be annoyed at being ill but I know God's shwoing me I've been overdoing things the last week and not resting or spending time with him. There is meaning in all things, even sitting at a desk at McDonald's HQ (apparently??!!). Praise is amazing although its not until we step out in faith in the spirit that we experience the true wonder and power of praising our Father.

However I know some of the above may strike a nerve with many people, whilst I say I want to praise God for all things, there are some things I just don't see how I can praise him for. The loss of Mr FreeLanceNerd standing out as a prime example, with time it'll be right to understand this and to be able to praise God for his purpose here. For now though it's human weakness on my part, maybe Im happy to keep sailing on the calm waters going nowhere, afraid to brave the oceons!

Oh Happy Days......

2006-10-15T00:56:00.001+01:00

Another long exhausting week involved struggles at work, strengthening of faith, and a return to the Theatre of Mediocracy (located in Aston, Birmingham). Friday was arguably the most challenging, starting with the delightful journey from SW to North London on a packed tube train with my overweight luggage case whose handle almost fell off during the trip! Being the only person in my team working today meant alot of things to do and not enough time to do them....grr!! The afternoon at work ended with me agreeing/confirming to the ptb (powers that be) in the McDonald's Finance world that Im to stay until 31 December then leave McDs........ FREEEEEEEEEEE (almost!!). A train ride and family-catchup-time later I was sat happily in The Parkhouse, Sutton Park, with my beloved Sutton friends Mrs & Brother FreelancNerd, Jolly Green Giant, Chav-Clayton, 'Posh-Bird', The Elf and a unique teacher whom I have a message for below:

Highlight of the weekend was watching Villa-Spurs, it was also weird for 2 reasons:

was weird and sad not having Matt next to me singing and joking/moaning about Villa!
Villa were a different team, not quite world-beaters but for me at least, they showed passion, skill and commitment.
Not since FA Cup Semi-Final at Wembley in 2000 have I witnessed such an amzing atmosphere at a Villa game, fans were so passionate and alive, AND with some new songs!!

Here’s a historical picture taken from the biggest stand-alone goal-end stand in Europe (enjoy the beauty!!)

Today I return to London and it’s gonna be a long but fun day……. No fewer than THREE birthdays; Ruth and Sarah Young turn 23 (followed by Mike tomorrow) and Esther (oldest child of family I lodge with) is 7, so Kidz Klub at church is gonna be more like a party!

Latest ramblings

2006-10-08T00:36:00.000+01:00

So today has been long and interesting, began with me crawling out of bed around 9.30, spent most of the morning/afternoon at my good friend alex's house would you believe it STUDYING of all things! I have paid to re-sit in November the Accounting exam I failed back in May......and Alex being kind and great and also studying the same paper, has offered to help me study. It was actually productive for both of us....ok so spent much longer than examiners would suggest on questions but at least it helped us. PM played on Pro Evo, scored a cracking consolation goal curteousy of Mark Viduka.....although naturally Australia went down 2-1 vs the mighty engerland.

It was also the 7th birthday party of Esther Holloway, oldest daughter of Adrian & Julia whom I lodge with...... they offered me some of her b'day cake to which I joked there was the danger Id finish it all off....... couldn't resist setting it up to look like I HAD demolished it when they got back from a friends' partay...... may get a mention at church 2moz for that!

This evening saw the debut of my new F-R-I-E-N-D-S: Scene It! DVD game with a couple of friends. I was sent this by my wonderfully unique friend Helen "Monica" Frances Bateman.... naturally I won the inaugural game but Im sure I'll face tougher challenges!

2moro is a different day no doubt packed with highs and lows, for which I must trust God to help me through!

Decisions

2006-10-01T02:52:00.000+01:00

We all have to face and make decisions that can change our lives in different ways. Just over a week after my great friend FreeLanceNerd left this earth, another bomb dropped on me....this time from work. Think I've mentioned it in previous posts, anyway I was faced with 4 decisions:

Relocate from McD's London Head Office to Sutton Coldfield (where I started), doing same job as I do now just in Sutton
Remain In London Head Office and do a Payroll job
Ditto but new planning role in McD Supply Chain, which I later discivered would involve 'frequent' travel to our Manchester (Salford) office.......... YES this would allow me to see the legendary davebateman from time to time.
Take the redundancy package offered, probably staying on until end of this yr to help with the relocation of franchising department to Sutton.

Not really great at making these kinda decisions...... well how many 24-yrolds face redundancy?

Id ultimately love to go travelling to Canada/Australia/THE WORLD, or at the very least get out of the 'processing' roles I've worked at since age of 18. SO when I returned to London after Matt & Chris's Thanksgiving Services I had to have a 'catch-up' meeting at work. The result of which left me with just Options 3 and 4.

Returning to Sutton full-time would be the easy thing to do, I could do it in an instant and have family/friends/church there so settling back in wouldn't be the hardest thing in the world........BUT I can't leave London, at least not yet, yes it's incredibly hard and tiring living down here yet at the same time the challenge is good to help me grow both as a person and in faith. Think Im leaning towards Option 4 as it would mean I can leave McD's with no animosity (spelt right? Monica pls advise!!) AND with a nice bit of redundancy pay! Bonus would be I come back to Sutton for a month or 2 to help train new ppl up, so get to spend time with the wonderful ppl of Sutton!!

AM meeting with some guys on Monday about Option3 though so pls pray that goes ok and that I make the right decision whehter to take it or go with Option 4.

In addition another tough decision...... whether to stay with current lifegroup in Central London, or move to LG in SW london where I now live. For now I've decided to give new one a go, meets in house I live in plus most ppl live close by which is great for building new friendships and developing faith!

Decision 3....... whether to continue with new 'fresh-cooking' regime, or go with microwave meals!?

Matt

2006-10-01T02:12:00.000+01:00

I've tried so many times to get these pictures uploaded here, finally worked WOOHOO!! To the right taken at Matt's 29th B'day...... several people I showed this too actually thought it was Frank Lampard, much to Matt's amusement.

Below is my new Laptop background, Heidi so engrossed on the DS with Matt showing his amazingly unique laughter-pose combined with those lovely legs! Happy Memories =D

The French Bird....

2006-09-30T05:33:00.000+01:00

Intrigued? Well sadly it's not as juicy as you'd hope!

A lovely, and rather attractive French lady named Olivia Zanucchi has just completed a 3-month placement at the delightful McDonald's UK HQ, a break from her Accounting degree in Paris. As you can imagine having a foreigner working with you who doesn't speak much engerlish is a daily delight! But looking back it's been wonderful to see her engerlish develop, despite the influences of a Sutton-Brummie, cockerney and Staines-girl!

Highlights have included cockerney Marcia referring to Olivia as "French Bird"..... something 'Livvy' still does not quite understand, believing she was somehow being compared to an actual flying-thing!

She lived with her boyfriend in Earls Court so I had the pleasure of tube journeys with her, this week we even managed to watch 30mins of Oceons 11 on my VAIO between Leicester Sq & East Finchley!

The most exciting thing for me is that she now owns AND is reading a French-translation of 'The Shock of Your Life" by Adrian Holloway (whom I just so happen to be lodging with).......... for those of you in Sutton with the surname Stafford you'll know this as "Le Shoc de ta vie" Oui Oui?? Pourquo? Je suis desole! Je ne sais quoi? This book I gave to her as a gift and feel quite happy with this mini-evangelism act!

Last night a few of us ventured to Covant Garden and enjoyed some fine engerlish food and French wine whilst having some banter over the French-English language barrier. Ashamedly the French & English parties did at one point teach one another a few expletives! Meeting Olivia's boyfriend Remee (spelt wrong) was fun as he doesn't have a good a grasp of the engerlish. Fun was had over cartoons such as Ducktales, Dogtanion, Albert the 5th Muskateer, Tin-Tin & those loveable but annoying Smurfs, but sadly they were non-plussed when I brought up Postman Pat!

I will miss having Olivia around at work, but now I have 2 friends I can look up in Paris or Nice so God's planted a few seeds there =D

A few pictures......

How I'm doing

2006-09-30T03:46:00.000+01:00

Well it's coming upto a month since my last post, honestly haven't known what to write despite numerous times thinking "oh I'll post this when I get home".

Ever since receiving the fateful voicemail and speaking to Heidi I feel I've lost control of my life. Beginning with the mad dash back from London to 4 Oaks (and getting lost on underground in my panic), seeing and weeping with the wonderful ppl in Sutton (my bro even came back from uni especially to be with me, Rob's so amazing!), coming back to London to the joys of McDonald's to keep busy, then a week later being told mine is 1 of 5 roles being relocated to Sutton Office as part of major UK Accounts Re-structure, 2 days before coming back to Sutton for Matt & Chris's Funeral/ Thanksgiving Services......THE hardest days of my life and of so many others' Im sure. Sleep has become a problem, keeping myself so busy with work/socialising not allowing myself time to rest, to reflect and most importantly to give it all over to God......... I'd greatly appreciate prayers for discipline and a level-head at this time.

Can't help feeling selfish in saying how totally lost and confused at how I am/ should be feeling and dealing with the loss of Chris & Matt..... I know so many people knew and spent much more time with them than I did, but Matt especially has a major impact on my life. Knowing I could always text, email or call him even from London was such a comfort and I guess something I took for granted. Whatever I needed help/advice/support on Matt would always come up trumps such was his gifting from God. I have nothing but happy, random, comedy memories of times shared........ in fact the last I saw of Matt was in the presence of God at Soul Survivor: Momentum in August. I left early to catch train, normally Id hug Heidi and do the old BB-handshake with Matt, but we had a proper manly-hug which I now see as God's way of allowing me to say 'goodbye' from this life. Ok this brings me to tears but it's ok to weep, something I've learnt from this tragedy.

Don't know how/when it will get any more bearable to take on board M&C's departure but little things like nice/funny pictures of Matt/Heidi and listening to his 'Soundtrack to your life' songs do give me a sense of peace.

Right now I have a big career decision to make, Matt is one of the 1st people I wanted to go to for advice, Heidi you have so much going on that I dare not bother you right now. So I'm down 2 advisors, prayers, clear-thinking and most importantly time with God are what will guide me but that's so much easier written than actioned!

Anyway I won't ramble on any further, the words have stopped coming as it's 5am on Sat morning 23 hours since I last was asleep! (Does anyone know if blogspot limits number of photos uploaded each day? Tried numerous times to upload to this post, yet it allowed me to put loads on my next post?!)

Random Asides....

2006-09-30T02:41:00.000+01:00

So while posting the last blog on how I've been doing I had a thought to put some pictures on of my life in London, beginning with the amazing family Im currently lodging with (Adrian, Julia, Esther & Bethany Holloway) ---->>>>

Here's a couple of lady-friends by the Thames one Sunday evening after church (left to right Shelley, Heather, Carmen & Charlotte. Shelley's t-shirt is for our church; ChristChurch London, pretty cool eh! Heather's from the Wirral which, apparently, is NOT Liverpool!!!)

A couple of posts ago I talked about saying goodbye to Anna as she flew back to Sydney, I love this one taken of the 2 of us at Westminster tube, particularly my photgenic-face!

This next one is from June of the Lifegroup Im in, taken in Starbucks our usual meeting-place. Heather again far left, Shelley, Joy (another 'non-scouser' from the Wirral, when she puts on scouse accent it's to-die-for!) Welsh Anna (love u my banter-friend!), Andy and Paul (my rock in London) and Janine completes the photo.

Now this one of Helen 'Monica' Bateman is a new personal fave of mine. So so proud of you for going to America and striving through despite the hardships at moment. Doesn't she just blend right in there? =)

This has actually cheered me up, amazing how we sometimes don't appreciate just how many people we have in our lives that care for us and are helping us on this journey we call life.

Hope you enjoy these. =D

Manflu

2006-09-08T22:29:00.000+01:00

I'd like to start by saying this is not meant as a 'moan' but more of a male statement of fact!

Guys will fully understand the seriousness of manflu....... especially my good friend FreelanceNerd who i know 1st hand has suffered the torments...... as recently as the Soul Survivor 'NewDay' event. So bad was it that it forced him and Mrs FreelanceNerd to hire a caravan rather than stay in a tent!!!!!

No other strain of influenza has proved as deadly as the male-variety, it leaves the sufferer with what can only be termed as 'excruciating' unrelenting pains of the head, nasal, legs, back and chestal areas. The brain pretty-much switches off during the illness as well.

Even a mild-form like the one that kept me away from work today can feel like the end is coming. It doesnt help that one has to put on hold any rest/sleeping until 8.55 to contact employers to notify them of your absence for the day, but a nice long sleep goes some way to aleviate the man-flu......... the problem is it may return at any moment without prior warning..........

Don't Like Goodbyes!

2006-09-04T00:07:00.000+01:00

So today a very dear friend got on a plane and went home to Australia.

Id only known Anna since June when we met on a treasure hunt between the lifegroups at our church in London, but in the time I've known her she's become a very good friend, one of those people who you just seem to click with so well.

Although I must admit I did grow too emotionally attached to her, for a while thinking she might be "The One"......... God impressed upon me though to let the feelings go, as much as I thought it would be good for me to just confess my aparent undying love for Anna it would not have been appropriate considering the timing. Instead I can remember the good times and close friendship we have, hopefully I'll get to look her up when/if I travel to Sydney next year.

Which reminds me........ if any of you friends of mine in the world wanna go travelling/holidaying in Australia in 2007 then let me know...... I would love to go with friends we'd have a blast plus would motivate me to actually go and not just talk about going!!

Whats going on with Football recently?

2006-09-03T00:44:00.000+01:00

"It's a funny old game!"

But I think already this season is the most random yet, 3 weeks in and already the following bizarre occurances have occured:

England score 9 goals in 2 games without conceding.... Peter Crouch gets 4 of those
West Ham shock the world by signing Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Corinthians, arguably 2 of the best young footballers in the world right now signing for the Premierships 'other' claret and blue team!
After 3 games the Premierships top scorers contain Villa's Juan Pablo Angel, an ex-WBA striker in Kanu, and Bobby Zamora...... BIZARRE!!
Nottingham Forest, my 2nd fave team in the midlands, are 3 points clear at the top of League 1 (Formerly Division 2, the 3RD most important league in England) with only 2 goals conceded in 6 matches....although there was a flash of old-skool, they lost to Accrington Stanley in the Cup. WHO ARE THEY? I hear u ask!!
I played football in Hyde Park and scored my 1st goal of any sort for over a year!

Apologies if I have ommitted any other relevant bizarro facts/opinions!

What's Gonna Happen?

2006-09-02T09:32:00.000+01:00

So I've just got up at flippin 9am on a Saturday morning and already my brain is thinking about deep meaningful questions:

What happens at the end of 'time', do the true christians go to heaven, whaqt happens to everyone else? Does the world/our lives just stop, does God press the pause button while pointing at the earth?

Some of you will know I've read the 1st 2 of the 13-book LEFT BEHIND series, by Dr. Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins (http://http://www.leftbehind.com/), which start with 'The Rapture' whereby Jesus takes all of his true believers/followers to Heaven. There are links/usage of bits of the Bible book Revelation used but out of context. Below is an extract from the book website about 'The Rapture':

Actually, the word rapture isn't used much these days, but it would be fair to define it as an "exhilarating ecstasy." This is not the idea behind the word used to describe the day Christians will be instantaneously transformed—their mortal flesh will be turned into eternal bodies that will never die. These believers will be caught up in the clouds to meet their Lord, Jesus Christ, and remain with him forever. When believers speak of being raptured, however, they are not referring to the incomprehensible joy of being immediately in Christ's presence as well as being transformed into heavenly beings. Rather, in this context, rapture means "to be snatched away."The opposite of being raptured is to be left behind. The Bible says that believers will be left behind when Jesus raptures believers. Unbelievers are those who have rejected friendship with God by rejecting Jesus Christ, and they will be left in a world where there are no Christians anymore. This is the basis for the Left Behind series. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:50-58; John 14:1-3).

I've read through the book of Revelation (last book in the Bible for those of you who don't know..... !) but its not 100% clear, lots of numbers, scrols, angels, judgements, battles....yeh I summed that up pretty well!

Id welcome your comments/thoughts on this.

Anyway must brave the rain, shoppping to do then cleaning before the family Im staying with arrive home from Guernsey.

Its all Splendid and Tremendous.

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Initialising....

2006-08-28T10:07:00.000+01:00

Hmmmm not sure if anyone can or will read this, but seeing as I accidentally set this up I might as well see if it works!

Quite exciting joining the world of blogger 'geeks' me thinks.

Been up to quite a bit recently, newfrontiers 'Newday' event in Uttoxeter, Community Shield in Cardiff "You'll never walk alone" is awesome to experience with Liverpool fans, a real sense of unity among men and women!

Then followed Soul Survivor: Momentum, an awesome time where God welcomed so many people into faith. Had a great time with Ruth Mike Anna Kay etc, plus Matt & Heidi.... its ALWAYS lovely spending time with you oldies hehe.

Villa doing well too, probably cuz Helen is over in America and can't jinx Villa Park, only kidding!!

I moved into a new place in Fulham/Hammersmith area 2 weeks ago with the Holloway Family, leaders at CCL Church, love it!! Downside is its an hr from work so have to navigate 2-3 tube lines twice a day, but its all good for God. Also the house is 2 mins from Craven Cottage so I can always hear the lack-of-Fulham-fans-chanting on matchdays!!

Hope everyone is keeping well, I miss all of you in Sutton. Keep in touch people.

Much Love

ChRiS

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