tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10924439458591668902023-11-15T22:40:11.878-08:00The Ramsden AdventuresAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-55819887318469657642014-10-01T11:19:00.000-07:002014-10-01T11:19:04.947-07:001 year later...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I'm home sick from work with a stomach bug, reflecting on this last weekend away with the youth group from church. Long story short I found myself reading through my old posts from my original and very first blog (gdlong.wordpress.com). Lately I keep battling with this feeling that I've lost something in my spiritual walk- something of my passion, faith, & worldview. However, I was comforted to find in reading my old posts - things weren't as perfect as I think I remember. Following Jesus was always a struggle, it is and always will be. Jesus said the gate is small, the path narrow, and only few find it (Matt 7:14). The rewards are for those who overcome (Rev 2-3) - so that must mean not everyone does. But the truth is you can never be stagnant. Either you're moving forward or moving backwards. Anyway.... that's another blog for another day.<br />
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What I really wanted to say here today is that I am grateful I kept a blog. I can always think back & remember my experiences, but I won't be able to remember my thoughts - uuunless I record them. So today I am happy I did....which made me realise I have missed a whole year of recorded thoughts I can never get back. I also realised that while my previous blog was all about reflections and theological thinking.... there weren't very many life events.... like my whole relationship with Simon was never mentioned (minus the only reference - we're getting married in 4 days)! Probably THE biggest thing going on in my life at that moment in time. In contrast, this blog is very much all events and next to no reflections. SO here is my attempt to turn things around and get back to both recording, but also reflecting on life.<br />
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I last left you with a post about us getting our first apartment together and Simon starting a job that would have him in London. Well a whole year has gone by aaaaand he's still in London. That is CRAZY to think. At first I found it very hard. I didn't like coming back to the apartment, I didn't like cooking for one, I didn't like being alone. Can you blame me? Up until that point in time I had never EVER been on my own. From growing up in a house with three girls, to going to college and having a roommate every single year, all school breaks spent with family or camp or Simon, when we finally got married to give us time to figure out where to go/what to do we moved in with Si's parents which ended up being a two year affair (where Simon's sister and her whole family lived with us for 2 months straight) - so for the first time in my entire life.... I was alone.<br />
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So I made a plan - it helped being in full time employment (cause most of your day is eaten up by work). That just left four evenings to fill (Mon - Thurs) and fill them I did! I started teaching online and set weekly dinner dates. It was a God thing - I know. I ended up meeting this other woman who works at Lancaster Uni too. She had just moved into town on her own, going through a divorce. We both met when we needed it the most. We ended up hanging out each week, cooking together, watching shows, sharing life. It felt like I was in college again, the nickname grew - my weekday friend.<br />
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So the weekends were reserved for my handsome hubby. For the most part we made it work - we were both happy and made the most of our time together. However, nearly all church events are on weekends and friends & family want to see him too (can't keep him all to myself unfortunately). So it means we've had to sacrifice either time together or relationships with others. But honestly.... it became the norm. It wasn't weird or hard for us, just life! You adapt and before you know it you are content.<br />
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The news is we are now buying a house. Hopefully, if all goes well, we'll get to move in by the end of October. There is a new project that has started in Manchester and Simon should be put on it in November. Which means it's close enough so that he can commute from home! So we are very excited about this change - which will finally allow us to have a conventional marraige :)<br />
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Lately I've been thinking a lot about our future. I've not done that in a while. I don't know if that's because of the house & feelings of finality it brings. In truth up until now we have been in transition- year 1 of marriage I was studying & commuting to Durham, year 2 Simon was studying, year 3 we finally were able to stand our own two feet, move out and get grown up jobs. I was on fixed term contracts so I was focused on that indefinite contract which came in April, Simon only just got his beginning of September. So we begin year 4 having achieved what we set out to do 3 years ago - security, stability, a place to bring up a family. But why I am now unsure of what I want? I keep thinking about my dreams as a teenager, as a college student, I never cared about stability or security - I just wanted to do God's will and make a difference in this life. Not that I can't do that in my present context. I don't know - but what I do know is that I'm thinking about it again. And I'm drawing back in, extending my ear... and hoping that God will whisper.<br />
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Bring it on year 4!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-11177966623981337952013-09-30T13:37:00.000-07:002013-09-30T13:56:25.502-07:0010 Reasons Why I Love My Wife.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 150%;">My
Wife is definitely one of my greatest heroes and this post is really an
expression of the increasing wonder, gratitude and love that I've been feeling
for her lately. This isn't an exhaustive list, but simply the first 10 that
came to mine.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--> 1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Hard
Worker:</b> Gina is THE hardest worker I've ever met! She works two jobs,
teaches a young girls life group, helps at a youth club, teaches a Sunday
School class and has a significant role in the worship team. Somehow, she still
manages to excel at everything she puts her hand to and does it all with a
smile on her face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--> 2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Loved…By
Everyone:</b> One of my little nieces is an extremely wary little girl; she
often clings to her mum and rarely leaves her side. However, within minutes of
meeting Gina she was playing and laughing with her like she had known her
forever. Gina is now firmly rooted at the pinnacle of the pecking order with
all the girls. This extends beyond children to youths, adults and the elderly.
I've lost count of the all the dear old women that que up after church to give
Gina a hug and thank her for her Piano playing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--> 3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Strong:</b> It’s not
easy being a consultant’s Wife, If I work on
Projects in London then I'm away for most of the week and it falls on Gina to do a lot of the stuff I should really
be doing (this week for instance - fixing the boiler). She has never complained about it but soldiers
on, taking it all in her stride.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><b>People
Magnet:</b> Gina is the only person I know who can talk to another woman on
the train for half an hour and come away with a business card and a request to
hang-out sometime. She has a great enthusiasm for life which is infectious to
all those around her. I’d rather do nothing with her than something with
anybody else. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><b>Dancing:</b> Gina has a
dance for just about everything. The most recent 3 I saw were “I got Jelly Belly’s dance, new flat dance, and the Suits theme song dance”. Never fails to make me
smile.</div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><b>Go-Getter:</b> Gina might
not say she is ambitious but she really is… and I love that about her. She,
like me, wants to be the best at what she does and always strives to do better –
amazing each employer she has had in the UK. When she knows what she wants she
makes it happen and that inspires me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She laughs at my jokes</span>:</b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Gina gets me, I can
be myself around her and enjoy making her laugh with my quirkiness. She is
definitely my number 1 fan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She likes to talk</span>:</b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> This woman can talk
a lot about anything and though she might not know it, I love to listen. It’s
too quite when she is away and I miss the frequent late night discussions on
how our future could pan out or how we will start exercising and dieting tomorrow.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjjuAC-NBjNSowSIwMOTRESepwzUoVCNd-F0bhkO8alAyFjRykrRMsUvNzGZOU41ivT31U_HP2SP5jAN78bsFMmiWJbfwzxUlr-OoxN9FhXTd7io5lzPVlAYad_sNcCDH2iL6qGerqhE/s1600/Beaut.jpg" 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/AVvXsEgBjjuAC-NBjNSowSIwMOTRESepwzUoVCNd-F0bhkO8alAyFjRykrRMsUvNzGZOU41ivT31U_HP2SP5jAN78bsFMmiWJbfwzxUlr-OoxN9FhXTd7io5lzPVlAYad_sNcCDH2iL6qGerqhE/s200/Beaut.jpg" width="171" /></a> 9)<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She’s beautiful</span>:</b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Gina’s a stunner and
I stare at her all the time, even when she is not looking. She does not need
makeup or designer labels to look amazing… She’s simply a natural beauty!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="line-height: 150%;"> </b><span style="line-height: 150%;">10)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Because, for some
inconceivable reason, she loves me: </span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I've</span><span style="line-height: 150%;"> never doubted my Wife’s affections for me, even during the rows we have. She
always lights up when I walk in the room. She tells me every day. She proves it
with her patience and shows it with her actions. She loves me.</span></span><b style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">During these last</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 150%;"> two years of marriage I have had an
ever-increasing sense of luck and gratitude to be married to Gina.... I love her.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12293288547196074012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-48860059995689765802013-09-03T14:25:00.003-07:002013-09-03T14:34:41.572-07:00Happy 2nd Anniversary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have much to be thankful for today. My heart is glad. I will share them with you in pecking order:<br />
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1) Today Simon and I celebrate 2 years of marriage. To be honest, this year seems to have flown by quickly! It feels just yesterday we celebrated our first (actually, I think the blog post for it is only a few down! haha) It's been a year of waiting and preparation. Get that grown-up job, finish up that degree, save the pennies. Uneventful, but good all the same. Lot's of family time (Stevie and Michelle moved back from Australia with their three princesses, my family came over to visit us in the UK). It's been good. Here's a picture of us to mark year 2:<br />
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We decided to dine in this year, bought some steaks and lit up the room with candles. It was lovely.<br />
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2) We ended up celebrating a day early, because Simon had to travel down to Reading today. Yesterday he handed in his dissertation and tomorrow is day 1 of his new job! I am so grateful and proud of this man I call my own. He has worked
hard and it has paid off! I'm excited to get our weekends back (no more
extra hours spent in the library!) It was bittersweet seeing him off at the train station :)<br />
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3) Today we put in an application for our own apartment! Ah! Yes, the time has finally come to move on from Calla Drive :) Hopefully, if all goes well, we'll be moving in in 2 weeks time. Unfortunately, there are no pictures yet, but surely those will follow in due course. </div>
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So all and all a big day for the Ramsdens. Thank you Lord for the good times ;)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-76335967320527849872013-08-23T01:48:00.002-07:002013-08-23T01:51:07.919-07:00Rushed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm afraid this lovely vacation to Greece has come at the wrong time! Well, when I booked the flights, the August dates seemed perfect for several reasons: 1) I'd be able to catch a few days with my dad before he left for America; 2) I'd get to spend the entire trip with my sister Kali, who will be in America all of September; 3) I'd get the extra day off work, due to a national holiday; 4) the flights turned out surprisingly much cheaper than I expected; 5) I'd catch a bit of that August summer heat!<br />
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However, I get back on the 29th August and Simon leaves on the 3rd of September. Leaving us with four days (two of which I have to be at work for and one is a Sunday), practically one day to get things sorted. And by "things" I mean our new home.<br />
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At first we thought we'd wait till October time to start renting our own place. However, before coming to Greece, we scheduled a viewing of an apartment (since we wouldn't have many chances to look at potential homes together). We were both really excited about it, & then they rang up to cancel it (due to short staff) and reschedule for Wednesday (but I had left for Greece by then). Simon went to view it on his own.<br />
<br />
Since then, he has viewed two other places. On the one hand, I feel the rush and understand that he wants to be around to get it all sorted before leaving for Reading. But on the other hand, I want to be there too! But by the time I get back, there won't be enough time for it (unless I do it on my own without him after he has left). I've left for vacation at the busiest time! Suddenly, these dates don't seem so perfect anymore.<br />
<br />
We've waited 2 years to get our place, do you blame me for wanting it to be special? For us to take our time to find the right place? To make it home together. I hate feeling rushed.<br />
<br />
But this is our predicament and I'd rather it be this way, then have no job at all. So here I am in Greece and I don't get to be here often. I will not worry, for all will happen in due course. <br />
<br />
Change is coming soon! Tis exciting and scary, all at once!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-40557268687432953972013-08-17T01:26:00.001-07:002013-08-17T01:34:23.570-07:00Back again...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow! I seriously can't believe it's been 7 months since I last wrote on here!! That's ridiculous! I guess it just shows how little time you have to yourself when you work full time.<br />
<br />
Alright, let's get you up to speed! I got the temporary job at Lancaster, which did get extended in the end (6months total). I really enjoyed working there! But unfortunately they were unable to promise a job (due to funding) & the person I was covering for was probably coming back (if funding was approved, which it was), etc. So I kept my eyes open for other jobs going at the University. Eventually, something came up in Research Support & I went for it. Even though I had very little experience, they took me on! I started July 1st & it was quite a steep learning curve. But I love it & am happy to be working there. Just last night the whole office went out for a meal & it was good fun ;)<br />
<br />
Other news, Simon's nearly finished with his masters & has been offered a job with Oracle Corporation, as a Technical Consultant. The first year they will train him up & then place him within the company. He's super excited for the opportunity & I couldn't be more proud of him :) Thankfully, they've told him he doesn't have to relocate because they'll be sending him all over the UK. So we've decided to stay in Garstang for now, if he is going to be away I'd rather stay near family & friends. It's a new chapter in our lives, which begins Sep 4th.<br />
<br />
I'm off to Greece tomorrow! My very first ever paid vacation!! Meaning, I still get paid even though I'm not working. But I'm mostly excited to spend time with family!! So I really should get out of bed & get packing!<br />
<br />
I'll try & make a better effort to stay active on here- add to the blogs titled "Married to a consultant..."<br />
But there's still a couple weeks left before that madness begins. & I get to fill them with sunshine!<br />
<br />
Chat soon xx<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-71616021364911681932013-01-16T10:54:00.002-08:002013-01-22T11:59:55.336-08:00Moment of truth...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So... I've been avoiding writing on here.<br />
<br />
Since handing in my last assignment and cutting my ties with Durham I've been seeking a job. The search began with excitement and energy. The thrill of getting an interview stuck with me for days. Yes, I would be teaching an online course for SAU, but that wouldn't start till 6 months later. Mattersey Hall was unfolding, but I already expected it would bring more experience than income. So I needed an office job to help pay the bills and allow me to pursue online teaching. I remember feeling SO busy mid September even till mid November! I was getting plenty of interviews, but the rejections were okay at first. It was all about putting in the effort and waiting for the right one to come along. Surely enough, I was offered a job mid November and would be starting two weeks later. However, it turned out to be a "shady" job, in the sense that they wanted me to work long hours for less than minimum wage. As I began poking around and speaking with work rights representatives, they decided to not hire me in the end. The rest of November and especially December was quite difficult, mostly because I lost motivation. I felt there was no point putting so much effort and applying to so many places, when it brought forth no fruit. I couldn't understand why God was leading me in such a way. Because you know, if he wants something, it happens!<br />
<br />
Well the good news is that I was offered a job today. It's only a 3 month temporary contract, but it's a way into working at Lancaster University. It's full time, best pay, grade 5 (quite high responsibility) and the same place Simon studies (so we can car-pool!). It could potentially be extended. If nothing else, I have a good job to add to my Resume/CV. Plus, the next door neighbor says they always get you more work after working there once. Things are looking up!<br />
<br />
So I've been avoiding writing on here.<br />
<br />
In these last couple months I have often felt like a failure. No one wants to write about that. And I don't only want to always write about the good things that happen. But I guess, you don't always understand why you are in a situation, or God's timing, or what the lesson is. Often when you're in it, you don't feel like you've learned anything at all. But I do want to praise Him even when things don't seem to be going right. He's been so good to me for so long, I'm sure this is another measure of goodness. Patience is a virtue after all, and virtues don't just develop over night.<br />
<br />
So here's to a new job, which I'm quite terrified to start. Here's to change. May I write more frequently and follow Him more closely.<br />
<br />
Ps. Simon is doing great with his masters. He got some results back and is doing pretty dang good. I'm proud of him. He's a hard worker :)<br />
<br />
Till next time ;)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-78203673259019603382012-10-16T01:59:00.002-07:002012-10-16T02:04:53.106-07:00Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow... I just realized its been over a month since I last wrote. Time has flown by. It feels like yesterday that picture of us was taken. <br />
<br />
Anyway, to give you the 4-1-1.... I finished my work in Durham and joined the club in the hunt for a job. Maybe I have been avoiding writing because there's no victory post, but I think for the most part I've just been busy. I've joined this UK benefit system that helps you find work (which is nice) but they also demand a lot of your time (not so nice). Also, the youth weekend away at church just took place (a week ago) and the preparations for that were also time consuming. I've done some work for Mattersey and have been practicing driving ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD! Crazy, I tell ya!<br />
<br />
To be honest with you, I expected to be able to get a job much sooner. But it just seems to be really difficult times at the moment and jobs are scarce. Degrees mean next to nothing. It makes me all the more thankful for the work experience I gained whilst studying at SAU. The future is still fuzzy... there are ideas and desires (much wishful thinking) but things don't go according to plan... or shall I say, they take longer than you would like ;) It's alright, always good opportunities for growth.<br />
<br />
On a brighter note: Simon has begun his Masters and is really enjoying it! He was a bit worried going in, but very quickly has gained confidence. I love seeing him study! haha, how weird is that! He has a group he'll be working with the whole year: a guy from India, a girl from Romania, Indonesia, Taiwan, and a couple Chinese people. He's one of the two British people on their whole course! So it's quite interesting to hear the stories he comes home with. I'm very proud of him. I'm excited to see where this leads him.<br />
<br />
I miss you guys. I'll try and stay on top of things and share, even if things aren't going as hoped. It's all part of life :) Cheerio!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-89316380569137987142012-09-08T06:05:00.001-07:002012-09-08T06:11:10.434-07:00A lot of good things happened this last week...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
1) On Monday, Simon and I celebrated our very first wedding anniversary :)<br />
(in case you don't have facebook, here's a pic!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N86NSui141ktrTWjl3L9yv6SN3YX2akMLCdjOqO15W06fpnMdDrpxQlSIUve2Mw5_avK2fQLxIBXba4O9bQOa2xot9clYBp-9YdKzwb8dybBWKTg7YChUx_daZV6wq1f3jBlS3lAUwY/s1600/528041_10151206961299434_859318896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N86NSui141ktrTWjl3L9yv6SN3YX2akMLCdjOqO15W06fpnMdDrpxQlSIUve2Mw5_avK2fQLxIBXba4O9bQOa2xot9clYBp-9YdKzwb8dybBWKTg7YChUx_daZV6wq1f3jBlS3lAUwY/s320/528041_10151206961299434_859318896_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Simon came up to Durham and we spent the day together. The weather turned out to be absolutely lovely! We walked along the river and enjoyed a day in town. In the evening we enjoyed a nice meal out & purchased a journal as a gift for each other ("paper" after all!), starting our very own little tradition :)<br />
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<br />
2) On Wednesday I handed in my MA dissertation thesis!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSCIaKj65Rt6lv0acFYw0S7G-9V_wy6xffVjgVjdtd0mgGVB-iHY5n6wXdmOhjWAjVnC6mtvu4kkiwtPtsYqOq5biQkIpxDNpDHS94kI2PAoz9_ngxv9hhfkc71-DIXVOGk70xmIPj-U/s1600/386152_10151209362404434_881233150_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSCIaKj65Rt6lv0acFYw0S7G-9V_wy6xffVjgVjdtd0mgGVB-iHY5n6wXdmOhjWAjVnC6mtvu4kkiwtPtsYqOq5biQkIpxDNpDHS94kI2PAoz9_ngxv9hhfkc71-DIXVOGk70xmIPj-U/s320/386152_10151209362404434_881233150_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Print, bind, and submit! DONE! That's a whole year's worth of work completed! It actually turned out to be more nerve wrecking than I thought. haha. I had this feeling I was missing/forgetting something! But most of all it felt good :)<br />
<br />
3) On Friday I handed in my final assignments and made the trip back home. After 10 days in Durham, over 10,000 words typed up, it was time for one last train ride. Here's a glimpse of how many train rides I've done in the last year:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2VfpA5kvUx6Fpw2gUQ76EwK8S8APis-mmQpTRkuDRVcpoZ-Oqh2JZsKcBQH0aMp7l_mMpSzm76jLQEijzhfF6Aqjw4QY3fYFk3LUCLeJfvscAEapH0KxT1p_1H8Z5zAufQhBoaq8bc8/s1600/391660_10151213888319434_799057119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2VfpA5kvUx6Fpw2gUQ76EwK8S8APis-mmQpTRkuDRVcpoZ-Oqh2JZsKcBQH0aMp7l_mMpSzm76jLQEijzhfF6Aqjw4QY3fYFk3LUCLeJfvscAEapH0KxT1p_1H8Z5zAufQhBoaq8bc8/s320/391660_10151213888319434_799057119_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to be done. I've had this real sense of accomplishment since handing it all in. However, I won't find out my results until the end of October/early November so I can't technically say I've got an MA. It'll come!<br />
<br />
I'm excited about the next phase in life. It does feel like a chapter has ended. Simon starts his Masters October 2nd. I'll be looking for another job on top of my online teaching. And I've set my heart on getting my UK license sorted! We're officially celebrating our first anniversary with a little trip away (two nights in the Lake District) end of September. Good things ahead!<br />
<br />
Today, change feels good :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-303536044454243642012-08-25T12:20:00.004-07:002012-08-25T12:21:37.950-07:00Such wonderful fun in the sun!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's hard to believe we're back in England after what felt like a whole summer in Greece. These last three weeks have flown by, but when I think back on all that took place I am reminded of the many fun memories and feel heartache creep in. I would have been perfectly happy to stay there even longer! I really enjoyed being with my family, spending valuable time with my sisters, cousins and friends. Truth is I'm finding it harder each time to say goodbye.<br />
<br />
Week one was full of wedding planning, checklists, getting organized and making game plans, Olympics, Drawsomething crazy cousin chill time, girl time, occasional dissertation work, and sermon prep. The occasional anxiety attack (for all the preparations), but for the most part a nice chilled summer holiday.<br />
<br />
Week two welcomed people from all places: USA, Hungary, England, Spain.... 10 people staying at our house, an extra 8 near by. This automatically meant fun meals out, beach time, coffee shops; but also setting up the location for the wedding! Chairs, pews, decorations, tables, center-pieces, FOOD! Lots of sweat in the sun, setting up for the big day! Bachlor and Bachlorette parties! Craziness to the max!<br />
<br />
Week three kicked off with a glorious wedding :) All the hard work, the creativity, the preparations finally paid off. The service was beautiful and the reception that followed joyous. I felt so proud that day and blessed to be part of the celebration. May I say... the first dance..."around the world I searched for you" so romantic! This week was also accompanied by a trip to the Island of Corfu! 3 nights and 4 days, enough to enjoy a mini vacation. Simon, myself, my parents, Christi, and a couple from Spain all set off with the sense of accomplishment as the newly-weds were happy on their honeymoon (a cruise around the Mediterranean islands).<br />
<br />
Friday came all too soon and so did the goodbye hugs at the airport.<br />
<br />
Now back home, back to reality, I've got a Masters to finish. And oh! Did I mention? Simon is beginning his in October! Another prayer answered! Lot's to look forward to in the month of September. I am eager to be finished! Please do be praying, I've got lots to do before September 14th. But oh the joy, when it's all complete! So I'm back up in Durham tomorrow for the next few weeks.<br />
<br />
Here are a few highlights of the trip:
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Cousins!</div>
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Simon and my Pappou!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-980754794046869602012-07-26T02:16:00.002-07:002012-07-26T02:17:36.402-07:00Yesterday was a good day!<span style="background-color: white;">I've been in contact with a Bible College here in the UK, Mattersey Hall, since March. For months and months now I've been trusting their word for future employment. At times, if I'm honest, I've gotten impatient and frustrated with their slow response and lack of detail as to how it will all work out and exactly what they wanted me to do. Finally, on Tuesday morning I got in touch with the Academic Dean of Students and a meeting was arranged. </span>Wednesday morning, <span style="background-color: white;">Simon and I drove down across the country .</span><br />
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The trip started out hopeful, I was a bit nervous, I guess interviews always tend to have that affect on you! </div>
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We encountered a bit of traffic, avoided the full force of it, and fortunately found the College just fine and made it on time!</div>
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My meeting lasted a good 3 hours. I shared a meal of fish cake and chips (french fries), spoke with the new Director of Distance Learning and the College President himself.</div>
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I came out satisfied and hopeful of the future! The wage is not ideal (it is a small Bible College with limited resources), but it definitely is a start! The best bit is that it doesn't interfere at all with the time I have to finish my dissertation and MA course! </div>
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Unfortunately, the trip back wasn't as good. We hit tremendously horrible traffic. It took us 2 hours to move 2 miles! But arriving home, showering up, and cuddling in bed with the West Wing left us feeling relaxed and happy.</div>
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Indeed, God holds all things in his hands :) I am so thankful to see a bit more of what the near future holds. Thank you Lord :)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-79076389249549162122012-07-10T07:02:00.000-07:002012-07-10T07:06:03.389-07:00Don't you just hate the waiting?<span style="background-color: white;">I hate the waiting. </span><br />
Waiting to hear back about that one application...<br />
Waiting to hear backing concerning that job opportunity...<br />
Waiting to hear back so we can finally plan the next phase in life.<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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Waiting, waiting, waiting...<br />
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...I just hate it.<br />
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Yeah... we're just in that waiting stage right now.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1092443945859166890.post-45028252854844633692012-06-22T01:51:00.001-07:002012-06-22T01:51:55.421-07:00So Simon and I have decided to start a blog together. We can't promise to be consistent in our posts or always have exciting adventures. The idea behind this, is when we are finally able to start our own family to keep a journal of the journey (especially since many of our relatives and friends live in different countries). But I guess our family began when we both said, "I Do". So here we go, the beginning of something new. I hope you are not bored already!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12463894395994236264noreply@blogger.com0