My school has had an OFSTED inspection and we are now waiting for the lead inspector’s report to be published. My mum is really suffering with her fibromialgia and is in pain all over her body right now. At church, we are having a Team Ministry Homeslessness Awareness Week, starting on 29th January. I’ve been thinking about this, and I also think that the issue of Poverty and the role of Foodbanks is crucial, particularly in my town. People can have jobs and homes, but having paid their bills, then don’t have enough money for food, and that is where foodbanks come in. I’ve added a link to the website for The Trussell Trust on the Blogroll. The Trussell Trust is a charity that was instrumental in getting the foodbank concept up and running in Britain. Take a look to see where your nearest foodbank is, because increasingly people across the country, with the current economic climate, are seeking help from them.
This is a new series, on BBC 2, and they’re back on Barra, with Father John Paul. Scraggy Aggy, an elderly parishioner who always speaks her mind, is vocal in her opinion that RC priests should be allowed to marry. Father JP feels that if priests could marry their heart would be divided between family and parish. I have to say though that C of E vicars seem to get on ok, but then maybe in the eyes of others, maybe they don’t! He also told Scraggy Aggy “No one would have me”. I know I work in a Catholic School, but I’m not Catholic, so I’m going to say this: I think Father JP is cute, and I would definitely be his wife! Lol! 
Why say that the class of 2011 were there, when some were obviously missing, including Rory? It wwas a good programme, but although I thought RB would be with his family, I was filled with a bit of hope when they said that! And then he wasn’t there! Poo! 
I’m not using the word resolution, cos nine times out of ten they fail, as i’ve said. I have, however, made a list of things to do. this includes writing to my sponsor child in Armenia more often, and posting on here at least once a week! There! I’ve said it! Now when it doesn’t happen, you can all post saying “Ha! Ha! You can’t even manage that!”.
I hope for positivity, love and compassion for the world. I am looking forward to the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond jubilee…but i am going to be watching everything on telly as opposed to being there. The Olympics especially is going to to make London crazy, and I think it’s crazy enough!
Giving presents, buying presents, having colds, open houses, christingle and crib services…there is one thing I realised, awful as it may seem for a Christian to admit, that one thing has been missing from this most special month. Jesus. God. I sat back and thought about this, but only two or three days before Christmas. I gave my presents, saw my friends, shared the love I feel for them and my family, made cards and pieces of jewellery to give, did my good turns by helping Maggs night shelter with some donations of food that I hope and pray were useful to them (or will be), and delivered services to children at our church which is always a challenge for me. If I had to comment on stepping outside my comfort zone, that would be it. One thing Christians should remember at this time is the preparation for the arrival of God’s most precious gift. His Son. Christmas does not end on Christmas Day. It begins, and continues until the first Sunday is February when we celebrate Candlemas. I know that God was there in all my actions, but I should think more about keeping God in my head and my heart too. Christmas is special because friends and family spend time with you and give you gifts to me, this is incredibly important. I had handmade cards and gifts from friends, which will always have a special place in my heart. It is a time to help me remember how essential relationships are and how we must preserve the memories from these times always. Always.
When I was about 5 or 6, I can remember visiting my paternal grandfather (God rest His Soul; he died in 1993) every Saturday evening for tea. The highlight of the evening was watching JIm’ll Fix it. I loved that programme so much! I knew he also did lots for charity, but I don’t think I really understood how much until I watched the tribute programme tonight. I was saddened when I heard of his death. Behind the quirks and the costume like fashions, was a man who existed to use that fame and renown to help others. £45 million raised for charity! I don’t even think the philanthropy of someone like Simon Cowell (whatever you think of him, he has done a lot for charity) has matched that! Sir Jimmy received his OBE and his knighthood for his charity work. Both were richly deserved, but they didn’t stop him doing more and more. He will be very much missed.
Every single member of staff in any school around the one I work in, appears to have copped for this evil snotty cough and cold bug. I’m still coughing now, although I’m relieved to say I’m not as snotty as I was on December 16th when my school broke up for Christmas. I’d seen at least 2 or 3 other members of staff with noses buried in hankies that week. Not nice at all!
Yes, Ok i know. Everything I write today is going to be in retrospecftive. Then again I guess everything is, when commented on in a blog. The comments are usually made after the event…that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! The final competition, with Jason giviing way to Chelsee and the eventual winner, Harry, was no surprise at all, although I think everyone was surprised when Chelsee got 39 points instead of 40. Revel Horwood gave her and 9 instead of a 10 when the other judges gave 10s. You have to say though, if anyone is going to mark harshly, it will be him. the dancers from the series came back for one last group dance. it was a latin dance, so although the wiggling hips and gluteus maximus of The Bremner was rather nice, dance wise it was as painful as his latin dances ever were! RB is still the hottest bloke there though. Harry was cute, don’t get me wrong, but The Bremner…..*sighs deeply and flutters eyelashes*…
It’s 17.09 according to my computer (I’m still at work but my contracted hours end at 4:30 so if I’m still here, it is my own time), and I am about to go and meet my dad at the bus station. I’ve been watching a programme called “Rory Bremner and the Fighting Scots” which was originally broadcast on BBC 4 and can now be found in 6 segments on youtube. Really good, cos you get him and not so much of the impressions. The impressions are excellent, but Craig Revell Horwood has commented that the more nervous RB gets, the more impressions he does, until they are constant, and that can get really boring, and prevent you from seeing the man behind them (Which RB admitted to on Desert Island Discs in 2003, is exactly what he does). CRH isn’t the only person who I’ve read a comment from like that. It’s nice to hear RB himself, cos the man is lovely:)
Jusice is done, four weeks too late! Finally! I probably wouldn’t be so happy if RB hadn’t been up against her and Anton last week, but she was still pretty ropey anyway, so yours truly is pleased. And Rory, you’re still hot sweetheart! Tee Hee! 