Birthday Pics

The pictures I promised, there are more if you click on Photos in the right hand column.

Just about to go and see my grandparents. I'm running away for the tallest boy's party tonight. It's not my fault I think R'n'B white boys doing hiphop is rubbish!!

Busy Bee

The card my cell group brought me last night to say Happy Birthday and Goodbye all in one.

Pretty much sums up the last week.

The guy on case #2 was... well we couldn't actually decide. So we got discharged on Friday afternoon and we didn't have to go back. Yeay, that lead the way for what turned out to be a pretty awesome 6 days.

Saturday was weddings and parties all round. Mr and Mrs Hearing both looked fantastic, congratulations to them!! It was lovely to see them all dressed up and all their family and friends around them.

Then it was mine and Liz's 21st birthday party (pictures to follow I promise). We had a great night. Lots of dancing and drinking. Cakes made by Nan and speeches made by Dad and Andy. Laughed a lot.

Then on Sunday I did prayers with a hungover Mandy and took Selina back to Luton in time for church, which was great fun.

Monday was my actual 21st, so many presents, and lots of dancing again. I still ache lots.

Tuesday, Chris and I flew to Scotland to surprise Kurios the YFC Scotland band. That was amazing, band were good (but they had been up for 24 hours, so not perfect) and scenery was stunning. Lots of chatting with Jeff and lots of stories.

Flew back from there yesterday and had cell after dinner. Tim amd Ali sang 'kumbaya' and everyone else sang happy birthday. We prayed, watched some John Mayer and Chris has kindly put me up in her house for the night! Much appreciated.

So here I am on Thursday a full 6 days later, exhausted and happy. Couldn't have asked for anything more.

Case #2

Well, I got sworn on to another case yesterday. This one is a bit more confusing, but we go out to consider our verdict tomorrow and I think they may try to make me Forewoman! Argh!

Which also means that I probably won't be called in on friday, so I'll have time to do the shopping for mine and Liz's birthday party on Saturday! Getting more excited.

I also told the University that I would not be taking the position of Admissions administrator, so I'm definitely not going back.

Sad realisation, so I'll head off now and try to avoid talking to any one. Am very tired and quite hungry.

Lazy Sunday afternoon

Been sitting for a while wondering what to type and I have realised that whilst in Essex there's not much I do.

I go shopping, I go to church, I go to the pub, I sleep. All things that are of no interest to the outside world.

This afternoon I plan to re-new my passport and decide to whom I should write letters asking for support next year. That's going to make me feel really cheeky.

All fun and exciting, I might even be able to sit in the sunshine and do it!

Recent Events

Well, it's been a long day...

...winning the Olympics

...meeting an old acquaintance

...getting to the jury waiting room to find that London had been bombed

...coming to a decision for the lady we were trying and getting home

24 hours can be a long time or a short time depending on what you are doing.

I'm sure the G8 leaders will have a long week. Africa will still be the focus, but I'm sure that terrorism will have to be addressed in another space and time.

Dealing with one thing at once is the only way to clear a desk and head full of 'stuff'.

I have a day off tomorrow, after finishing the first case today. I praying that next week will be just as good timing wise, as if we get stuck in deliberation next Friday, my whole weekend is out the window.

Michael, I checked out 12 Angry Men trailer and I really want to watch it! Anyone have a copy?

Jury Service

I thought I might be able to leave it till the end of the week, but I got sworn into a jury this afternoon!

Just thought I'd let you know that it's rather fun.

Of course I can't tell you what case I'm on, if they find out I'll be held in contempt of court and fined or imprisoned, can't really afford either!

The psychologist in me is having a field day. It's so much fun watching people in court, their movements and their voice tone.

The criminologist is also having a great time. The pre- and mis-conceptions that people have come out in the waiting room. It made me laugh inside when my dissertation topic came up and I wanted to argue it out, but we only had a two minute break.

The judge is fantastic, sitting on his rather big bench and over seeing everything. He apologised to the members of the jury for being late, not any one else in court.

The politeness of the lawyers to each other.

And of course the many comparisons made to The Bill and other such programmes.

I love the public, they are humorous.

Implication

I'm back in Essex, after much to-ing and fro-ing, awaiting 2 weeks worth of Jury Service. Fun.

I had an excellent time at the Ignite training day yesterday. Seeing everyone and getting over excited about going to Wales afterwards. Its great fun when other people get excited as well.

We learnt a lot and are even being gifted with a book. Ok so it is 'What every volunteer youth worker should know', but that's beside the point. I'm sure this book will be helpful and I'll have a month to read it.

Went out for dinner after with a few of the girls. A good laugh. I love the way girls can chat about anything and make a long day seem really short. Praying for all of you!

Thinking about the Jesus/God thing still. Thought about the Transfiguration. But even in that God says he's 'my Son'. Implication and revelation. I'm glad that I am part of the revelation of God.

I'm aware that as Church we still get stuff wrong and we are still growing. I think we're at that adolescence stage where some parts are growing faster than others and there's that frustration that other bits aren't catching up as quickly as you'd like.

I'm in the bit that's having trouble catching up.