tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83390942011-07-08T17:47:56.380+01:00the random musings of a real life hobbit... Now, where did I put that ring?....Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.comBlogger11781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-30691458690267916602009-09-19T23:02:00.001+01:002009-09-19T23:05:20.203+01:00I have a new Blog.<br /><br />It's for a new journey I've not long started.<br /><br />You can find it <strong><a href="http://moreteevicar.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">here</span></a></strong>.<br /><br />Bye!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-3069145869026791660?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-77711670863400688662009-03-08T01:11:00.002+01:002009-03-08T01:34:12.015+01:00Today's passage talked about how the opposite of love is selfishness. It talked about the type of person who is always consumed with themselves, their own thoughts and opinions and basically their own little world. <div><br /></div><div>Today's theme was all about thinking of your spouse ahead of yourself, putting her needs above yours and living in a way that says meeting her needs is more important than your own.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today talked about being satisfied by meeting her needs rather than your own, and finding your fulfillment in that, rather than living in a way where your own needs must constantly be met. </div><div><br /></div><div>A few questions were posed to ask today, which I found helpful and very challenging:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Do I truly want what's best for my spouse?</li><li>Do I want them to feel loved by me?</li><li>Do they believe I have their best interests in mind?</li><li>Do they see me as looking out for myself first?</li></ul><div>I found these very challenging, as they are not only checking my motives towards my wife, but also examining how I actually feel about my motives, i.e. the reason behind them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Very often I can do things because I know Meg will like them, but if I really am honest about it, because I have an ulterior motive, or so that I can use it later as a negotiating point; i.e. "I did so-and-so for you last week, why can't you do this?..." </div><div><br /></div><div>That is not service based on love and unselfishness, that is called manipulation and inducing guilt.</div><div><br /></div><div>So often I do things because I feel I should, but not because I want to. A heart of love should compel me to do these things, not a devotion to duty, like a worn-out soldier following orders. Does my wife really believe that I want the best for her? She'll only decide that based on how I've treated her and acted around her up until this point in our marriage, if I haven't given her reason to trust me and trust that my decisions are based on love for her, then she won't be convinced of my love for her...</div><div><br /></div><div>She needs to see that I have her best interests at heart, that I put her first in everything I do.</div><div><br /></div><div>My Dare? To buy her something that says to her "I was thinking of you today"...</div><div><br /></div><div>I bought her some flower pots and seedlings, one for the kitchen, lounge and bedroom, as I know living now in a city, she misses the natural beauty she was so used to seeing every day. In fact, I got her to choose the flowers she wanted to plant.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7771167086340068866?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-3301701081141828272009-03-07T10:43:00.002+01:002009-03-07T10:51:47.087+01:00We're off to Tatton Park this morning as I have a Saturday off!! Check out <a href="http://www.tattonpark.org.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">here</span></span></a>. This will tell you all you need to know. It's about an hour on the train roughly, and then a two mile walk. It'll be a nice day.<div><br /></div><div>Hopefully, the weather should stay good, it's sunny at the moment, but rain is forecast later, so we'll see! I'm gonna bring the brollies just in case!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm making some Brioche bread in the breadmaker, and have added some raisins, let's hope it turns out! We've got a party at Graeme &amp; Kathryn's house this evening, and I said I'd bring some Brioche, but forgot to buy chocolate chips to put in it, so raisins will do! </div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who don't know, Brioche is the slightly sweet bread that is made with milk and easy to tear and share... It is niiiiiiiice!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I've done the dishes from last night, (we had friends round for a meal) and I've started the Breadmaker off, so I think I'll go get a shower and get ready to go out. Meg's ready, and has gone to get some nail polish remover while I get myself ready.</div><div><br /></div><div>See you later, we're taking a camera, so hopefully we should be able to post lot's of good photos of lovely plants and flowers on Facebook later! :-D </div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-330170108114182827?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-89249229928664059912009-03-07T00:24:00.002+01:002009-03-07T00:37:53.488+01:00This just gets harder!!<div><br /></div><div>How kind am I as a husband?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do I really show genuine kindness to my wife?</div><div><br /></div><div>I mean... GENUINE kindness?!</div><div><br /></div><div>The kind of kindness that shows careful thought and planning, yet no bragging? The kind of kindness that just is, that expects nothing back?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do I ever do things for my wife because I know she'll like them, or do I always have an ulterior motive? Is it for my best or hers? </div><div><br /></div><div>All questions I've been forced to ask today as I've looked at the subject of kindness and how it plays a huge part in marriage. The kind of attitude where nothing is too much effort, nothing is not worth doing to bring that smile to her face. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's an attitude that I have occasionally, but not often. Mostly I'm very selfish and my first thought of every day is not "how can I make her happy?". I'll admit, it feels almost impossible to live like that, but surely God is in all this too? How can I say I follow Him if I'm not showing kindness to my wife? </div><div><br /></div><div>Do I look for ways to ease her burden, whatever that burden might be? It could be something as complex as helping her work out a math or work related problem, it could be something as simple as making the supper/a cup of tea for her when she looks tired. It could be taking her out for a meal when she looks a little down. It could be going out and getting her meds when she's feeling unwell, it could even be just being willing to sit there and offer a hug, or a kiss, or lifting the hair out of her eyes and telling her that I love her. All ways of being kind to my wife.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I'm being patient, kindness will follow. It's the next stage of treating my wife with respect. If I'm patient, I'm putting time in my schedule and my day to be kind to her. </div><div><br /></div><div>Again, although it seems complicated, it really isn't. It's all about small actions and responses that say "I love you, and you're worth spending this time with in this moment, despite what I have to do today".</div><div><br /></div><div>It's about showing her how much I love her through small things, something I'm not good at and need to be. How is she gonna know that I love her if I'm at work and can't ring? I could leave mementos, things that express how I feel, little notes, scribblings, things that show her that even though we're apart, I'm thinking of her. </div><div><br /></div><div>I could send her more texts during my day.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8924922992866405991?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-27687336903746767292009-03-05T23:56:00.000+01:002009-03-07T00:22:12.826+01:00Patience.<div><br /></div><div>Something that you wouldn't think a 40 day journey on improving your marriage would start with, but it does.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even though I'd read the novel and seen the film, and was therefore familiar with how the central character started his 40 day journey, I was surprised to find it starting this way.</div><div><br /></div><div>At first I thought I would be great at this, after all (without wanting to sound like I'm blowing my own trumpet) I have the reputation of being patient! Patient with strangers in the shop, who usually have issues and hurts and problems and just want someone to talk to, being the type of person who can stand there and listen to people and talk with them for hours... All that is actually true about me, and yet...</div><div><br /></div><div>Those I love (particularly my wife) often get the short end of the stick when it comes to my patience. It's not a case of waiting for things, it's actually a case of waiting for her. Something as small and as simple as waiting to let her finish the train of thought she was on, letting her fully express what she wants to say about how she feels about something, whether good or bad, not telling her off like a child when she makes a mistake or does something I don't like...</div><div><br /></div><div>All these and more are ways in which I show a huge lack of patience with her, and all ways in which I fail her every day as a good husband. I'm so quick to jump in, to comment, to volunteer an opinion, to tell her how I think it should be done. I don't wait for her to finish anything. When I read the passage before the particular dare for today, it talked about the kind of person who's impatient, not just in their opinions but also in their actions, and how they can be a nightmare to live with. </div><div><br /></div><div>That person has been me, and I felt such a sense of shame in how I'd treated my wife, almost as if she was a silly schoolgirl, as if my opinion mattered more. Ok, not in obvious nasty ways, but in ways that were much more devious and subtle, ways that actually long-term could undermine her and not build her up as a person, make her think that she has to respond to what I think all the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really am so impatient as a person. I shout at the computer when it goes slow and doesn't do what I want, I can sometimes belittle what she thinks and feels by just not being present to hear what she has to say because I'm somewhere else working out an answer and a response in my head before she's finished speaking!! </div><div><br /></div><div>It's opened my eyes today to just stop and look at how many times a day I give off impatient vibes:</div><div><br /></div><div>When she spills a drink by accident, instead of tutting and moaning, to laugh it off;</div><div><br /></div><div>When we're discussing something and I know she's going to disagree with me, give her time to finish and honestly listen to what she has to say BEFORE responding why I'm the one who's right;</div><div><br /></div><div>By listening before giving advice;</div><div><br /></div><div>By giving her time to repeat herself when I didn't hear what she said, instead of irritatingly saying "WHAT?" </div><div><br /></div><div>Loads of things I've learnt today, just by trying to keep my mouth shut and not be the first response. </div><div><br /></div><div>And the dare?</div><div><br /></div><div>It was to NOT say anything negative about or to your spouse today, and if you can't say anything positive, to keep your mouth shut. </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't keep my mouth shut in either case unfortunately. I had to rush out in the rain because I knew I'd blown the dare already, and buy her a Chai Latte as a form of apology, because I know she likes those, and a promise that I'd try harder.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lot's of things I've learnt today about patience, and being patient with my wife.</div><div><br /></div><div>Roll on Day 2!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2768733690374676729?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-26876713673756404822009-03-05T14:28:00.000+01:002009-03-07T00:24:18.758+01:00Ok, I know it's been a while since I've posted, and those 2 or 3 of you who still read my blog will be frustrated that I can't give you anything on my "Big News" comment since I last posted...<br /><br />But...<br /><br />I'm now starting a 40 day journey called <a href="http://thelovedarebook.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">"The Love Dare"</span></a> , based on a book of the same name, featured in a recent film called <a href="http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Fireproof</span></a>, starring <a href="http://www.kirkcameron.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Kirk Cameron</span></a>.<br /><br />Meg and I got the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fireproof-Eric-Wilson/dp/1595547169"><span style="color:#ff6666;">novel</span></a> for Christmas, and read it together in january, and it made such an impact on us that we decide to watch the film, and then start the "<a href="http://thelovedarebook.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Love Dare</span></a>". <em>(there... enogh links for you?!!)</em><br /><em></em><br />Anyway, we wanted to start it together, but I have only just started it, due to my inherent laziness, and am a day behind my lovely wife. This'll probably work better, as we'll be looking at different subjects on different days.<br /><br />I've been married now for, let's see...<br /><br />6 months and 17 days, and you would think that I'd be pretty happy about my marriage, considering that we're technically still in the "honeymoon stage", but reading the novel and watching the film made me realise that I've alot to learn about being the best husband I can be for Meg. I have to shamefully admit that I cried through various parts of the film when I watched it, only because the central character (Caleb) reminded me of me so much. Not so much that our marriage is on the rocks or anything, but the fact that I get impatient and lose my temper over so many uneccesary and silly things, and it's Meg who bears the brunt.<br /><br />I started today, and I'm gonna commit to posting at the end of each day, how it's gone, what I've learnt and what I need to improve on. It'll be personal to me, but I'm obviously n0t mentioning personal stuff about Meg. This is my space and it'll be about me.<br /><br />So, here we go.<br /><br />Forty days to study how I can be a better husband and hopefully a better follower of Jesus.<br /><br />I'll post later tonight on Day One!<br /><br />Tarrah for now!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2687671367375640482?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-86271305300116666692009-02-06T14:59:00.002+01:002009-02-06T15:01:26.207+01:00I'd just like to say before my wife reads your comments and has a heart attack, NO!<br /><br />Lol<br /><br />It's something else, though I should have guessed that's what people would think!<br /><br />*laffs at his own naiveity*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8627130530011666669?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-55076339997621783912009-02-05T22:12:00.001+01:002009-02-05T22:13:37.639+01:00Most people choose a New Year to make changes in their lives and I'm no different...<br /><br />However this change is SO BIG I can't talk about it yet because it hasn't happenned yet...!!<br /><br />Confused?<br /><br />I hope so!<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5507633999762178391?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-50832699112323281532009-02-04T22:55:00.003+01:002009-02-04T23:34:38.344+01:00Meg and I went to church tonight to hear a visiting preacher I've never particularly got on with. I was looking forward to an interesting sermon, while I may not like him personally, he certainly is entertaining to listen to.<br /><br />Well, I wish I hadn't gone. The evening ended with my wife being upset because he made comments during the sermon/talk about "american republicans" and "american christianity" that were huge generalisations. Basically he was advocating the idea that you can't be a republican and a christian, and if you're both AND american, you're basically in the wrong.<br /><br />It's funny, because I think if I ever live in America, I'll probably vote Democrat personally, but the sweeping generalizations he made tonight about Republicans, and American Christians in particular, I couldn't let go. I went to talk to him afterwards and made a polite comment that he might want to think about the generalisations he makes whilst in the pulpit, as he can never tell who's in the audience, as he upset my republican american wife, and he came over to talk to her and asked her what she'd read, as if she was uneducated simply because she was american. He then proceded to try to get her to agree with him, and not once did he apologise that he'd upset her or offended her feelings.<br /><br />I honestly felt ashamed to be british at that point. It's not that I'm Republican, in fact some of what he said I agreed with tonight, it's just the way he demonised republicans that upset me. Why as Christians do we feel the need to justify our "position" by slagging someone else off?!<br /><br />I just don't understand it. There's a kind of arrogance that sweeps over us when anybody threatens our point of view, or chooses to disagree with us, that to justify ourselves or our viewpoint, we have to climb over everybody else's, or tell them how wrong "they" are?!<br /><br />Where is that in the Way of Jesus?<br /><br />When did the pulpit become an opportunity for us to slag off the people we disagree with? Shouldn't we be teaching what Jesus taught in the way we live, to love our enemies? Surely we can agree to disagree because in the end, we're brothers and sisters who follow our Master?<br /><br />When did following Jesus or preaching become about scoring points?<br /><br />I just really don't understand it. Since I married an American lady, it's really opened my eyes to the amount of taunts, jokes and general anti-americanism there is in this country, and I just don't think there's a need for it at all. In fact, it's bordering on racism at times.<br /><br />So, for all you republican americans out there in britain, I want to apologise. I am ashamed to be British tonight. I might not always agree with you, but I promise not to demonise you. At least tonight proved to me that I do actually really love her, because I'll defend her against arrogant people, even if I don't hold all of her views myself! I'm off to stew in my own irritation now....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5083269911232328153?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-85906287492769072242009-01-27T15:00:00.001+01:002009-01-27T15:02:03.628+01:00Read <a href="http://news.uk.msn.com/odd-news/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13331209"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>this.</strong></span></a><br /><br />I'm just speechless lol!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8590628749276907224?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-40523853663149506162009-01-27T08:25:00.002+01:002009-01-27T08:28:38.418+01:00It's early.<br /><br />I'm off to walk to work now.<br /><br />(I've been regularly walking to work for the last few weeks to save money. The City Centre is about 3.6 miles away so it takes me about an hour and ten minutes)<br /><br />Got to pack my suit in my backpack and get going, I've got some good sermons to listen to on the way!<br /><br />That's it for now.............<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4052385366314950616?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-58200025709523475582009-01-26T22:41:00.002+01:002009-01-26T23:19:17.750+01:00Ok, it's been a long time I know, so here goes.... (deep breath)<br /><br />I am married (five months now!) and loving it! We're still figuring out our own routine, which is a bit complicated, not because of schedules, but because I'm so, erm... ditzy!<br /><br />I think we're getting there, but because I'd lived on my own for 3 and a half months before we got married, I'd quickly developed my own routines and foibles, and Meg kinda wrecked them when she arrived!! I'm happy to say that actually, there was lots of very good reasons why they should have been wrecked, and she was absolutely right!<br /><br />Although I actually enjoyed food shopping and other stuff, (which is generally weird for a guy I know) I actually realised after she started doing it herself that I really wasn't as great at it as I thought surprisingly! Meg has an eye fr bargains and good deals, and I haven't really got the brain for it to be honest. On the few occasions when we first got married that we went together, I kept getting distracted by foods and treats and yummy stuff that looked good, but was actually designed to look appealing, while not being that great a deal! We eventually decided that she should do the food shopping, and I would only lend a hand when they were heavy things, or she needed to buy a lot. It's worked well so far!<br /><br />Marriage is alot different to how I thought it would be, but it's so much better!! It does take a lot of work, especially if you're a bloke who wasn't really very used to talking, and who's communication skills resembled a mute rhino. Thankfully I am (slowly) learning to appreciate the art of "talking" and not just making noises to give the appearance of listening to my bride.<br /><br />My biggest battle so far has honestly been with that dreaded idol, the TV. If you've grown up in a family where it's always on in the background, for a while it seems really strange and almost blasphemous to use the remote for what it's meant for, and turn it off. It was something that took some getting used to, and in a way I'm still battling against it, but I think I'm starting to win now. It just seems to be my default source of comfort and security, so much so that sometimes I switch it on and walk away from it, without even watching!<br /><br />Work has been really difficult. With plummeting sales and unreachable budgets every month, things aren't looking very positive for the shop at the moment. Last week, I received instructions form my Area Manager that I have to cut my staff budget in half by the beginning of March, which means I'm going to have to make some staff redundant. It's an awful business, and because we're due to gbe moving the shop in September anyway, the future looks a bit uncertain at the moment. I'm trying not to worry about it, as if they don't move the shop but close it in September, I will at least be entitled to redundancy, which could give me a month or two to find a new job. Mind you, having said that, jobs around here are not exactly growing on trees at the moment.<br /><br />Church is good, but challenging at the moment. We're going through the book of Romans at the moment in the morning, and asking "What Would Jesus Say To...?" in the evenings. It's a series looking at what Jesus might have said to lots of different characters, both fictional and literal. Last night we looked at "What Would Jesus Say To Barack Obama?", and our Pastor suggested Jesus might refer Barack at the start of his presidency to a verse in Micah:<br /><br />"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (NKJV)<br /><br />It was actually quite a good sermon, and got me thinking on ways of being more practical as a church, to respond to those whose needs are greater than ours. Will (one of our Pastors) reffered to God always telling Israel to look after the "orphan, the alien and the widow", and he's actually taking a sabbatical in April for three months to think through some ways in which we as a church can make a practical difference in our community in the future. It'll be exciting to see what he and God come up with in the coming months.<br /><br />I actually got to do part of that today, as I had lunch with Liviu, (pronounced "leeve-yoo") a Romanian guy who's been coming to our small group for the last 9 or 10 months with his brother Mercia (pronounced "Mercha") as they'd come to the UK to find work. Mercia came first, and wanted to find a local church, and had seen our website! Mercia actually went home just before Christmas, as he couldn't find any more work at the moment. We became good friends with him in our small group, and since his brother went home, meg and I have become friends with Liviu, inviting him round for supper every Friday for the last couple of weeks. Liviu's english wasn't brilliant at first, but it soon improved as he had to practice before he came round to eat!<br /><br />Unfortunately, the job offers that Liviu had had fell through this last week, so after staying an extra month after his brother went home to Romania, sadly Liviu had to go today as well. I had lunch with him today, and we talked about how hard it is to fit in when english isnt your first language, and when you don't know the culture, etc. These are some of the things that I've been learning from Meg, because although we both speak the same language, the british and american culture is very different, and from time to time Meg has found it a struggle to come to terms with, something which I need to be aware of and help her with.<br /><br />It was sad to see Liviu go today, it's been really good to have him in our home group every wenesday, even though at times he couldn't make a long contribution. Hopefully, him and Mercia will be able to find jobs in the next few weeks back home. We'll keep in touch, and maybe they can come back someday.<br /><br />Anyway, that'll have to be enough of an update for now, as my wife is calling me to go help her fix a duvet so she can go to sleep!!<br /><br />Bye for now.....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5820002570952347558?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-70324941268527225352009-01-26T22:27:00.001+01:002009-01-26T22:41:21.219+01:00<ol><li>That rumous start from the simplest comment mis-interpreted</li><li>That washing up is actually FUN whilst listening to Coldplay</li><li>That the best language to share is not english but friendship</li><li>That COOKED celery tastes YUMMY!!</li><li>That the best tasting food ALWAYS makes a mess when preparing</li><li>That laughter really is the best medicine</li><li>That I have zero knowledge of grammar</li><li>That I also have zero knowledge of punctuation</li><li>That my wife is (nearly!) always right</li><li>That I like vanilla coffee</li><li>That stuffed toys can be cute AND funny</li><li>That I don't like Jonathan Edwards (the theolgian)</li><li>That Reading is good for you</li><li>That the best condiment with a good meal is good conversation</li><li>That you shouldn't have to work at love, but you do have to!</li><li>That Bebo Norman is excellent for chilling out to!</li><li>That TV rots my mind and my heart when I let it</li><li>That dishwater used to wash home-cooking dishes gets dirty REAL QUICK!!</li><li>That wherever I am in the world, I want to be with Meg</li><li>That sometimes our biggest fear is fear itself.</li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7032494126852722535?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-55988461618921041062009-01-26T22:07:00.002+01:002009-01-26T22:25:02.718+01:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SX4oYdQKKYI/AAAAAAAAAmM/5q5QrEqr4B0/s1600-h/P8165682.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295714612468656514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SX4oYdQKKYI/AAAAAAAAAmM/5q5QrEqr4B0/s400/P8165682.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Well, what can I say?!<br /><br />It's been five months and 10 days, and I'm still loving every minute of it...<br /><br />That day does feel a long time ago sometimes, but it never fades from my memory.<br /><br />I have lot's of memories from that day...<br /><br />The hot, scorching sun listening to dad preach after we'd given our vows to each other<br /><br />My face being absolutely covered with mosquito bites, so much so that from one side I looked like I'd been attacked by a swarm!<br /><br />Your smile as we walked down the aisle afterwards, with everyone smiling and crying and knowing we'd finally done it and got there!<br /><br />My brothers and sister teasing me on my penguin suit, even though they were wearing posh stuff too!<br /><br />The glorious sunshine that we thought wouldn't appear that day<br /><br />Trying to show my nearly 2 year old nephew how to take a picture with a camera<br /><br />Feeling that it was the happiest day of my life.<br /><br />I love you Meg! (and I get to keep you!!)<br /><br />:D<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5598846161892104106?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-25918520342954585402009-01-01T13:44:00.002+01:002009-01-01T13:52:17.470+01:00Wow, I've been away for a lonnnnnnnnggggggg time!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">HAPPY NEW 2009!!!</span></strong><br /><br />Ok, now I've got that out of the way, I'll explain why I'm posting again after so long an abscence.<br /><br />I've decided (even though I don't usually do them) that I'm gonna make one resolution to regularly blog again, starting today.<br /><br />If anybody is still out there who is still interested, I LOVE being married, and I love my wife very much! Marriage is certainly a major change in your thinking, your outlook, in fact your life. While the last four and a half months haven't been easy, they have been absolutely spectacular, and I wouldn't swap it for anything! Yes, yes I know I'm still a newlywed, but I genuinely mean it. Proverbs is right when it says that he who finds a wife finds a good thing.<br /><br />Anyway, I'll do a longer update tonight, when I've got the time; Meg and I are off to my Mum and Dad's for dinner... Yum!<br /><br />I hope to catch up with some of you soon!<br /><br />Bye for now!<br /><br />Jm<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2591852034295458540?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-61750782877989555612008-08-02T14:25:00.002+01:002008-08-02T14:45:14.119+01:00I guess you all know it's 2 weeks today till my wedding in the states to a beautiful woman!<br /><br />Well, there are certain preparations you have to make before you're married, and I thought the following story would amuse people out there, as a very inexperienced male goes into a well-known chemist that has the same name of footwear, if you get my drift...<br /><br />I went fearfully into the Chemist clutching my previous grocery shopping list with one item circled and underlined nervously, approached the counter, very carefully making sure there was no-one else around, I even waited for a few minutes until the queue cleared, and asked for the particular product I needed.....<br /><br />My actual words to the sales assistant were: "<em>This is a bit embarassing, but I'm getting married in two weeks, have you got any ********?" lol</em><br /><br /><em>The girl behind the counter must have been about 20 years old at most and said</em> <em>"what's that, I've never heard of it?" </em>mortified I had to explain that it was a ********!<br /><em>(You would have thought the fact I said I was embarrassed and I needed it because I was getting married would have been a clue!)</em><br /><br />She said <em>"oh!"</em> and <strong>SHOUTED</strong> (!) across to her colleague <em>"this lad needs some *******, where do we keep it?"<br /></em><br />The thought rushing around inside my rapidly blushing mind? - <strong>GAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </strong><br /><br />It may be my own paranoia, but I'm convinced every single woman in the place looked at me like I was a pervert or something!! :-( <br /><br />Eventually something was found, but it involved at least two female sales assistant searching the aisles, and picking up things and saying "is this it?" To which I barely whispered <em>"no, I don't think so", </em>keeping my gaze to the floor so I could avoid eye contact wth every person in the shop...<br /><br />Eventually, a suitable product was found, and after paying, I quickly escaped, almost running to catch any shreds of dignity that I had left which were escaping through the door....<br /><br />I'm sure I heard laughter as I left, a distinct female tone...<br /><br />:-(<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6175078287798955561?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-10492119834028469992008-07-21T20:49:00.003+01:002008-07-21T21:22:05.128+01:00I'm pretending to be civilised folks.<br /><br />Yes, that's right, you heard me right.<br /><br />I'm currently sitting at my desk, typing out this post whilst listening and chilling out to... ah, currently I have "Meditation From Thais", a classical piano piece playing in the background.<br /><br />Actually...<br /><br />It's not just in the background.<br /><br />Actually...<br /><br />It's keeping me sane.<br /><br />I have precisely 19 days until I fly out to the States, and then I will have precisely 6 days before I am wed to the girl of my dreams. No... she is real, I mean THE girl of my dreams. I'm absolutely bewildered by the rush of emotions and feelings I'm having at this moment, realising I'm giving my life to someone else, and commiting the rest of my days to a woman that I love, till death do us part, as I will say in a few weeks time.<br /><br />Don't misunderstand me, it's not fear. Fear is the furthest it's ever been from me in actual matter of fact. It's Joy. Pure unadulterated joy that I've found someone to spend my life with, someone who I'm attracted to, someone who I love to laugh and cry with, but most of all, someone who fascinates me and enthralls me, and who interests me on the tiniest level. I'm truly humbled by what God has done for us both in these last eighteen months or so, and maybe it's the music I'm listening to, but I feel so at peace and so grateful to God for bringing me someone as beautiful as Meg into my life.<br /><br />I don't just mean on the outside, though she is incredibly beautiful. I mean someone who has that rare quality of being beautiful on the inside too, someone who captivates me and who is kind and graceful and generous and all those things every man secretly wants in his bride. As men we may mess around and struggle to be serious and have a bit of depth to us at times, but secretly deep down, we all want that beauty to rescue, that beauty to fight for, that girl that brings out a protectiveness in us, and that we long to hold close and keep safe.<br /><br />Meg brings out all those things in me, and I confess, I'm no man really in the masculine scheme of things, but somehow, my heart aches to be all those things for her, and my instinct is to care for her and be gentle with her and protect her. Not because she's some wisp of a thing with no backbone and timid to the point of weakness, but rather because I see a passion and a love in her that awakens feelings of protection in me, almost as a great work of art compels you to appreciate it.<br /><br />I cannot verbally state how much I love her, and I'm finding amazingly that my love for her has grown and grown in leaps and bounds since even we were last together a week ago. I can't wait to declare my love for her publicly in a few weeks time, and to state to the world how much she takes my breath away. She is truly beautiful, not just a skin deep shallow beauty, but one that is God created and lasts and lasts, and one that compels it in others too.<br /><br />I can't help but pour out my feelings as I blog because I can't keep them in. I've been waiting for such a long time to find a person who I could spend the rest of my life with, not in some soppy way, but in a real gut wrenching way. Someone not only who I would be amazed at, but someone who would compel me to be a better man, a better Jesus Follower, a better husband, a better person.<br /><br />I can't really express it here, but I know I'm going to weep like I never have at my wedding, and you can call me a big girls blouse if you want, I don't care!! It's not just because I love her so deeply, it's because God has been so unbelievably good to me this year. Jesus has given me everything I ever wanted in a wife, and he's given me a new job, and a home to live in, and so, so many other things this year. He's provided when we've needed stuff, provided patience when we found the going tough, and provided grace when we found the going rough.<br /><br />All through the Visa Application, we were so fearful that it wouldn't go through and that we'd be separated. All our fears were ever so gently wiped away by the One who knows our doubting hearts. Three days was all it took. 3 days!!! God is so full of Grace and gives and gives and gives until you think he musn't have anything else to give, and He gives a little more. His love and His gentleness with me break my heart.<br /><br />And all this spoken through the gift of my beautiful bride.<br /><br />I can't wait to see her walking down that aisle to meet me.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1049211983402846999?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-64132919413589635292008-07-16T22:12:00.002+01:002008-07-16T22:21:54.402+01:00I can't believe it!!!<br /><br />1 more month of singleness!<br /><br />Well, Megan flew over for a week and she flew back yesterday to make the final preparations for our wedding in Maine on the 16th August.<br /><br />I have a strange mix of emotions realising that's it's just one calendar month until I marry my beautiful fiance, but mostly excitement. The night before she left, we went over the vows with my dad (who's marrying us) and I think at that point, hearing those ancient words (we're using the traditional vows, words like "I give you my troth", etc) I must admit, I got just the teensiest bit nervous!!<br /><br />Not nervous of spending my life with Meg, because that's all I want at this point with having so many separations, but just nervousness about the holiness of it all. To make those promises, in front of God Himself... that's a little scary!!<br /><br />It's good though. I need to be a little scared, because if I was totally confident and approached it knowing I can be everything she wants then I would be making a huge mistake. Meg and I love each other, and I can honestly say she is all I want, but if I'm looking for some huge emotional physical sponge that can meet all my needs for the rest of my life in Meg, then I'm looking in the wrong place. It's really important for us to keep reminding ourselves that it's in the giving of love to each other through our relationship with God that we'll make this work, not some silly sentimentality that says we'll never argue or disagree.<br /><br />I'm excited at what God has for both of us in our life together, and excited about what he wants to do through us as uniquely, as a couple. I guess time will tell what that will eventually be!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6413291941358963529?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-89990423212466310342008-06-28T13:00:00.002+01:002008-06-28T13:09:59.592+01:00Long time no blog I know.<br /><br />Megan and I have had so much to do, so many documents to file, so much internet research and phonecalls, and so much busyness...<br /><br />But it's all paid off!!<br /><br />Megan was granted her 2 year Visa to live in the UK as my Spouse yesterday!!!<br /><br />We're so excited and so pleased, there just aren't the words!!<br /><br />Because of a technical hitch we didn't know about, Megan has only 28 days to enter the UK from yesterday, so she will be coming over to visit for a week or so before the end of July! She could wait until after the wedding and the honeymoon, but that then has a knock on effect of reducing her two years because we didn't realise we could post-date the visa.<br /><br />Her visa has multiple entries in it, so she can visit the U.S. as often as she wants during the next two years, and return to the U.K. We were worried at one stage that when she got the Visa, she wouldn't be able to go home for two years, but thankfully that was mis-information!<br /><br />After all our prayers and worrying, her visa was granted in three days!!! God has been very good to us, and those of you out there in the blogging world who have prayed or held us in your thoughts, whether briefly or contsantly, thank you so, so much!<br /><br />I'm off to be domestic and clean, as I've got a day off today!!<br /><br />I will try and keep more up to date with blogging now that all the Visa stuff is over, and work is starting to calm down a bit.<br /><br />Oh yeah, work.<br /><br />Hmmmm. Far far too much has happenned in work over the last few months to explain in a sentence, so I'll post on that and on my general health in the next blog...<br /><br />Only 40 days to go until I'm married!!!<br /><br />:D<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8999042321246631034?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-66145433344423927982008-05-29T22:53:00.002+01:002008-05-29T23:26:09.968+01:00That is my life at the moment!<br /><br />2 months and 18 days till I marry the woman of my dreams, and theres still suits to sort out and a visa to apply for, but I'm at least in my ownplace with running hot and cold water, electricity, tv, a bed and three piece suite and most importantly, internet access!!<br /><br />I don't ask for much, do I? ;)<br /><br />I shall blog a bit more now that I'm online at home, because I just don't have the time in work at the moment.<br /><br />tarrah for now!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6614543334442392798?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-17141820636118148822008-05-17T01:08:00.002+01:002008-05-17T01:11:01.598+01:00No, no I've not been weeping tears of joy or sadness!<br /><br />I'm leaving home, my parents hone, for good tommorow!!!<br /><br />I'm moving furniture into my and megan's flat tommorow (or should I say today cos of the time), and then I'll be living there!!!<br /><br />It's so exciting!!<br /><br />Anyway, I'd better get to bed, I'm up in six and a half hours...!!<br /><br />:-)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1714182063611814882?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-87321293744311010942008-05-16T16:57:00.002+01:002008-05-16T17:00:22.006+01:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SC2vhlgFpcI/AAAAAAAAAY8/et_MxqrCsQk/s1600-h/sleepybear.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201006136220034498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SC2vhlgFpcI/AAAAAAAAAY8/et_MxqrCsQk/s400/sleepybear.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8732129374431101094?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-662735699661057472008-05-07T20:23:00.002+01:002008-05-07T20:30:14.665+01:00Well, I have a house phone, a filter coffee machine, a 6ft fridge/freezer a kettle, an oak video cabinet, a tv licence and running water...<br /><br />That's about it at the moment!!<br /><br />I haven't moved in yet, and I've kept the electricity switched off at the moment to save money, but I'm hoping to hire a big van for the 17th, and that weekend will be my official moving in date!! It's only next weekend, it's not far away!!<br /><br />In 2 weeks time, I should have broadband installed, although I've got to buy a usb wireless adaptor first. I've been advised to get netgear.<br /><br />Well, that's it for now, I'm off on saturday so I'm going to go and clean like a maniac, hoovering and cleaning the oven and the kitchen and the fridge, etc while I've got the chance before I move in.<br /><br />Life is at a hectic pace at the moment, but I'm surviving so far!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-66273569966105747?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-91333876867569108732008-05-01T23:56:00.013+01:002008-05-02T12:50:44.538+01:00<div align="center"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr_CdkfbVI/AAAAAAAAAY0/RRDvlwqKdKg/s1600-h/Flat-76.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195745537887792466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr_CdkfbVI/AAAAAAAAAY0/RRDvlwqKdKg/s400/Flat-76.jpg" border="0" /></a> The outside of the building... (I'm not telling you which number we are though!)<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr-3NkfbUI/AAAAAAAAAYs/8PaaTeFoo8A/s1600-h/Flat-71.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195745344614264130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr-3NkfbUI/AAAAAAAAAYs/8PaaTeFoo8A/s400/Flat-71.jpg" border="0" /></a>The door to our floor...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr-fdkfbTI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ok2YL4lbDtA/s1600-h/Flat-54.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195744936592370994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr-fdkfbTI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ok2YL4lbDtA/s400/Flat-54.jpg" border="0" /></a>The front door of our flat (from the inside)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr-ONkfbSI/AAAAAAAAAYc/AuuIySwHea0/s1600-h/Flat-43.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195744640239627554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr-ONkfbSI/AAAAAAAAAYc/AuuIySwHea0/s400/Flat-43.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is the second (spare) bedroom...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr9_tkfbRI/AAAAAAAAAYU/hl-lDdPE8qg/s1600-h/Flat-31.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195744391131524370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr9_tkfbRI/AAAAAAAAAYU/hl-lDdPE8qg/s400/Flat-31.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the entrance to our Master Bedroom, with en-suite shower and loo!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr9I9kfbQI/AAAAAAAAAYM/d-vBNio3ofc/s1600-h/Flat-32.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195743450533686530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr9I9kfbQI/AAAAAAAAAYM/d-vBNio3ofc/s400/Flat-32.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />En-suite shower, with handy coathooks!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr83dkfbPI/AAAAAAAAAYE/MNn5189vC3c/s1600-h/Flat-27.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195743149885975794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr83dkfbPI/AAAAAAAAAYE/MNn5189vC3c/s400/Flat-27.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Master bedroom...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr8mtkfbOI/AAAAAAAAAX8/U1_n2GLvHxY/s1600-h/Flat-23.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195742862123166946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr8mtkfbOI/AAAAAAAAAX8/U1_n2GLvHxY/s400/Flat-23.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Bathroom... (separate to en-suite)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr8adkfbNI/AAAAAAAAAX0/iKmG7Mbx-6o/s1600-h/Flat-18.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195742651669769426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr8adkfbNI/AAAAAAAAAX0/iKmG7Mbx-6o/s400/Flat-18.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Hallway... (duh!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr7r9kfbMI/AAAAAAAAAXs/ZWeSnxS4IvE/s1600-h/Flat-05.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195741852805852354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr7r9kfbMI/AAAAAAAAAXs/ZWeSnxS4IvE/s400/Flat-05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kitchen area off Lounge...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr6_9kfbLI/AAAAAAAAAXk/P-RL8gicwj0/s1600-h/Flat-01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195741096891608242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SBr6_9kfbLI/AAAAAAAAAXk/P-RL8gicwj0/s400/Flat-01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lounge/Diner area with french doors...</div><div> </div><div>there you go, that's a tour of our unfurnished future home!</div><div> </div><div>We're so happy!!</div><div> </div><div>:D</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-9133387686756910873?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-46481147807673350342008-04-29T12:27:00.003+01:002008-04-29T23:03:07.162+01:00Well it's been all-go here at the Cullen parental Household.<br /><br />After a few weeks of flat-hunting, and trans-atlantic messaging and phonecalls and texts and image-sending, I've found one that Meg and I are happy with. I signed the rental application today, and I have to wait 48 hours for my details to be checked out and for it to go through.<br /><br />So, very soon I could be in Meg's and my new flat!!<br /><br />:D<br /><br />It's very exciting, we're really pleased with it, and because it's two bedroom, we could have guests stay eventually as well!<br /><br />If there's any hitches (which there might because I've been low-income for a long time until I got the Manager's job - now I'm up to just below average - Christian Retail for you!) then my Dad has agreed he can step in as Guarantor for us.<br /><br />Here's hoping the next 48 hours will hold some good news for us!<br /><br />:-)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4648114780767335034?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-56051523483003850062008-04-27T23:27:00.001+01:002008-04-27T23:27:40.417+01:00<img src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/buffer.gif" height="4" /><br/><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.reverbnation.com/widgets/get_generic_widget/28.swf?emailPlaylist=artist_107950&backgroundcolor=EEEEEE&font_color=000000&autoPlay=false" height="300" width="180" wmode="transparent"> </embed><br/><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/c./a4/28/107950/Artist/0/User/link"><img alt="Ruth%20Cullen" border="0" height="12" src="http://www.reverbnation.com/data_public/resource/image/28/player_footer.gif" width="180" /></a><br/><img src="http://cache.reverbnation.com/widgets/buffer.gif" height="4" /><a href="http://www.quantcast.com/p-05---xoNhTXVc" target="_blank"><img src="http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-05---xoNhTXVc.gif" style="display: none" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt="Quantcast"/></a><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/bHQ9MTIwOTMzNTIwMzcxNiZwdD*xMjA5MzM1MjY1Mjc1JnA9MjcwODEmZD1ibG9nJTVGcGxheWVyJTVGZmlyc3QlNUZnZW4mbj1ibG9nZ2VyJmc9MQ==.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5605152348300385006?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-15984634910839276482008-04-23T20:18:00.002+01:002008-04-23T20:37:18.567+01:00It's just occured to me that I might seem a bit of a strange one if people really got to know me in the ms blogosphere, since I don't belong to any local chapters, or groups, whatever you'd call them, and I only know one other person with MS in the "real world".<br /><br />It might look like I'm living in denial, I'm not I can assure you, but I don't tend to think about it alot, because I figure it's just better to get on with things, as there are a lot more people worse off medically speaking than me.<br /><br />I'm not that bad, sure I feel tired alot, I get spasms and my legs feel like lead alot of the time, but apart from wierd sensory symptoms I'm not actually that bad and have a lot to be thankful for. When I was first diagnosed, just over five years ago, I went into a panic, and looked at groups locally, but (and correct me if I'm wrong people please!) my local MS group seemed to be very poorly organised, and full of older people who had had the condition for years and years, and were quite disabled. I felt kind of out of place, but was confused as when I attended a newly diagnosed session organised by my local MS nurses, there were loads of people around my age there. (I was 29 at the time)<br /><br />I went to look at the website of my local group last week just out of curiosity, and the website is exactly the same, and the same dates on it even! It just looks old and dated and out of touch to me, and frankly puts me off. I do feel a bit isolated at times though...<br /><br />Would anyone know of a group that meets in Liverpool UK, young adults, twenty or thirtysomethings? I've not found anything, though I guess I could ask my nurses at my next appointment.<br /><br />One of my biggest fears was realised the first phone call I had with one of the main organisers of the group, who I'm sure was in his sixties (no offense meant, I just mean in comparison to me) and was very very negative. I guess once the MS really kicks in, and you have to endure increasing levels of disability, it must be very difficult to remain positive and to lighten up, but as I've not experienced that yet, it's hard for me to understand. Not that I'm saying that we shouldn't share our hurts and struggles, just not all the time constantly!<br /><br />I was put off my local group, because when I spoke to the gentleman, he obviously asked me when I was diagnosed, and what symptoms had brought about the diagnosis. As soon as I had told him, he basically replied with <em>"well it'll get much worse than that don't you worry", and also "you work full time? Well you'll have to give that up eventually... I did, you know"</em> which I realise is true, but wasn't exactly the best thing to tell someone when they're newly diagnosed!<br /><br />Maybe it's that experience that put me off, maybe it's just because I can be quite introspective at times. *sigh* I don't know.<br /><br />I've been thinking lately that I want to meet with people with a similar experience of life, but I don't want to meet just to moan about my symptoms, or discuss ailments or treatments. Heck, I can do that when I'm older with practically anybody, and probably will!!<br /><br />Are there any positive, fun groups out there with normal people in them?!<br /><br />(gee, I know this post sounds harsh, I was just being honest!)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1598463491083927648?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-77144776687664778272008-04-23T19:59:00.004+01:002008-04-23T20:05:24.680+01:00<div align="center"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SA-HL9kfbKI/AAAAAAAAAXc/J9xphQmuZ4U/s1600-h/15122007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192517534957399202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/SA-HL9kfbKI/AAAAAAAAAXc/J9xphQmuZ4U/s400/15122007.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nuff Said.</div><br /><br /><br /><br />(* = My nephew Jacob)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7714477668766477827?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-43149359615466945862008-04-21T19:27:00.002+01:002008-04-21T19:32:53.172+01:00Mytalented sister is at it again.<br /><br />Her friend (Jay Norton) has produced one of her songs and given it an electro/dance feel, and it's so good, I honestly would buy it. It sounds incredible, I'm trying to encourage her to send it to Radio 1.<br /><br />Anyway, before I brag anymore about my sister, here's the link:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/ruthcullen"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Ruth's Player</strong></span></a><br /><br />The song is called How Long, though she has other songs of hers on there.<br /><br />How Long just blows me away, it's so professional!<br /><br />Go Ruth!!!!!!<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4314935961546694586?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-55747536742467073082008-04-21T07:33:00.003+01:002008-04-21T07:45:53.767+01:00So, I haven't really had a good week, and I find myself getting ready for work not having had a good weekend either.<br /><br />One of the wierdest symptoms of M.S, I've found, is one that starts when you've overdone things. Your body kind of rebels against you, and the only way I can try to describe it, is that your whole body feels "on edge".<br /><br />Everything you touch literally gets on your nerves, and you long for the numbness to come back. Seriously, it's like your sense of touch goes nuts, and everything you accidentally brush up against, or knock into (your balance is usually off as well so this happens alot) sends your senses reeling.<br /><br />You find that you have a background sense of irritability as your nervous system goes into overdrive, and everything upsets you, to the point where you want to shut yourself away from the world and go lie down in a darkened room alot, or go be a couch potato and let "Doctor TV" try his mind-numbing therapy on you.<br /><br />I've hardly done a thing this weekend, mainly because my body had had enough. There was one point last week, where I was so stressed in work, that I started getting dizzy out of the blue and had to stop for 5 minutes to go and have a cup of (decaffeinated) tea.<br /><br />The hardest thing I find about all this, is sharing it with others. I should have talked to Meg about it, but when I'm really tired and fatigued, I find it hard to find the words and express myself. It's like my brain is emmersed in thick pea soup and there's a constant fog and mental block to battle against.<br /><br />I'm hoping today will be different.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5574753674246707308?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-27241724053360796372008-04-12T07:33:00.002+01:002008-04-12T07:53:34.718+01:00*sigh*<br /><br />My computer (desktop) is very ill. It's only about three years old, but it seems the usb ports are failing on it. (apparently I've overloaded them and caused a permanent conflict in the main usb circuit board)<br /><br />I've sent it away to see if it can be fixed, and meanwhile I'm using my Dad's laptop during the evenings, but I'm not holding out much hope, because hard wired usb's are notoriously hard to fix apparently, and just putting in a temporary one doesn'y work for my Voip Phone, it has to be hard wired...<br /><br />On the health front, I've been having very painful itchy swellings on the soles of my feet and also near my arch and on my wrists stretching down towards my little finger. They almost look like an injection site reaction, being very red and angry and swollen, and then after a few days they die down and then reappear again somewhere else!<br /><br />I've had this problem for more than a week now, and it's very uncomfortable to walk on at times. The desire to scratch the affected area is almost more than I can bear, and so far my local G.P. has no idea what it is, and the M.S. Specialist Nurses say it's nothing to do with M.S. (and I quote) "because M.S. is an invisible disease, it doesn't have physical symptoms"...<br /><br />Right.<br /><br />Tell that to my muscles in my legs when they twitch and spasm. Tell that to my waterworks that aren't working properly at the moment for which I will (in a couple of weeks as I'm waiting for them) be self-catheterising myself on a weekly perhaps daily basis.<br /><br />In fact, tell that to my back that often has severe lower pain, and also to my whole body when I've occasionally run out of spares, and am down to my last teaspoon!<br /><br />I just don't know what it is, it happens in work and at home, sometimes it looks like an insect bite but I've compared the cleaning chemical stuff at work and at home and they're completely different. I'm very good with personal hygiene, it's not mites or anything, if it was my shoes that I wear, why would it have started randomly this last week?! Besides, my doc examined my feet and said that my arches were fine, no collapsing, etc. You don't have lymph nodes in your hands and feet, so thankfully it can't be any nasty white blood cell stuff...<br /><br />The only thing my poor G.P. made a guess at (and he admitted it was a guess!) was that it was possibly arthritic, as the swellings had happenned near joints. Why would I suddenly have developed arthritis though?! I don't have a physical job, and yes I walk a lot cos I don't drive, but not any amount that is excessive?<br /><br />I really have no clue and I wish I did, it's extremely annoying to have no answers to this particular malady.<br /><br />Any suggestions I can look into, apart from me developing a resistance to Copaxone? (I'd thought of that, but my Consultant thinks that Highly unlikely, I'd be the first person literally to do so, and besides, I've only been injecting it for maybe three years)<br /><br />*sigh*<br /><br />Any suggestions of areas to look into anyone?!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2724172405336079637?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-18882221864348814692008-04-11T23:43:00.001+01:002008-04-11T23:45:01.425+01:00Summed up by one word when you are enduring a 4,000 mile separation from your wife-to-be...<br /><br />COMPUTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Nuff said.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1888222186434881469?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-69703433341833784152008-04-11T07:33:00.002+01:002008-04-11T07:41:28.368+01:00It's 7:30, I'm up and about to pour (decaffeinated) coffee into my tired body, and prepare to go to work.<br /><br />I'm normally more of a morning person, but this week it's been an effort. Thankfully today I feel a little better, though I have a very busy day ahead of me. I've got a rep first thing, and then I have to chase up two Bookstalls for two Events, get on top of all the shop accounts invoices and paperwork (I did the majority of it yesterday thankfully!) and then stop for some lunch.<br /><br />Then, I have another rep in the afternoon, Timesheets for all my Part Time staff to do so they get paid at the end of this month, arrange a Leaving Interview for one of my staff who is retiring next week, prepare all the paperwork and training documents for her replacement; then I have a brief interview at our local BBC Radio Station to talk about the Promotion we're running as a chain at the moment "Bibles For India".<br /><br />The basic idea is that we're encouraging people to give us all their spare/old Bibles so that we can parcel them up and send them to our brothers and sisters in India, many of whom don't have their own copy of the Bible.<br /><br />Hopefully we'll get a good response after the interview starts airing from Sunday onwards!!<br /><br />I hope I don't start to fall asleep by that stage in the afternoon!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6970343334183378415?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-25999310723183401002008-04-10T23:02:00.002+01:002008-04-10T23:07:22.983+01:00Ok, I should have done this a loooooooong time ago, but for those of my few readers who enjoy healthy lives, and want to understand an analogy of what having Multiple Sclerosis is really like, whether a mild form or not, please click on this <a href="http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/the_spoon_theory/"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>link</strong></span></a>.<br /><br />It's a very well-known analogy in many circles, but particularly for M.S.<br /><br />It'll maybe give you an insight into how it feels at times.<br /><br />Right, talking of spoons, I'm off to bed because I should have been there 30 mins ago...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2599931072318340100?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-57899952813390210762008-04-10T14:07:00.002+01:002008-04-10T14:10:24.640+01:00Lonely?<br /><br />Lost in the bottom of the barrel, wondering when that special someone will come to find you?<br /><br />You're aware that you're different from everybody else, people are harsh and judge by appearance and you get left behind all the time...<br /><br />Forsaken and lonely, you meek out you're existence while your world crumbles around you as you see your colleages chosen over you every time...<br /><br />Well don't worry, little lonely broken Custard Cream, I will choose you!!<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5789995281339021076?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-22590043175406815242008-04-06T20:02:00.002+01:002008-04-06T20:18:52.072+01:00It's a common theme for me these days.<br /><br />Whether it be with work, my spiritual journey, or my relationships with the people I love, at the moment I'm being constantly called to renew things.<br /><br />Whether it's a new renewal of my commitment after being away for two weeks to make my shop as successful in spiritual things as I can; or a committment to make my relationship and forthcoming marriage to Megan as strong as it can be; or a commitment to knuckle down and find out what God really wants for my life and be the disciple He wants me to be; frequently at the moment I feel a desire to set out on roads I've not gone down before, and it's scary and exciting all at the same time.<br /><br />I've been in my new role at work for a little over three months now, and I feel like I'm only just scratching the surface in terms of the changes I want to make and the impact I want the shop to have in local ministries and in being a resource centre for the Church as a whole.<br /><br />I've got plans, but plans, as we kinow, take time to develop and build, and I'm finding that frustrating, because I'm such an impatient person. My dad always tells me about when he goes as Pastor to a new church, he waits a few months to see how it operates, and only when he sees how things tick after a while, does he make suggestions of change. It's very wise advice, though not entirely the same situation, since the shop isn't new to me, and therin lies my frustration. I need to see it with fresh eyes, to have a vision for what it could be and not just what it is now.<br /><br />I guess I could say the same in my relationship too. There's alot of frustration there too. Not with Meg, but rather with being separated from her by such a vast distance of ocean. With being so near on the end of a phone every night, but yet so very far away. With all the stuff we still have to do connected with the visa for her, and there's only four and a half months left!!<br /><br />I'm living with frustration in where I am on my journey with God. I feel like there's so much more I need to learn and grow in, and so much more I could be doing at the moment, but so little time I have to do it in. I just don't want to be one of those people who look back in twenty or thirty years time and say "if only" over and over again. I want to see God do amazing things NOW.<br /><br />That's my problem.<br /><br />Impatience.<br /><br />I guess we all live with it to some degree, but I'm reaching my threshold at the moment, and I think God is purposefully allowing me to live at this level of impatience so I'll learn to trust in His Sovereignty more, and stop trying to make a go of things and solve things myself.<br /><br />So, welcome to the place I live, it's called Limbo! The space between faith and fear, between hope and despair, between courage and cowardice. I feel the challenge constantly at the moment, do you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2259004317540681524?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-64357109674365313512008-04-02T07:54:00.002+01:002008-04-02T08:14:35.285+01:00I've had a long week, and it's only Wednesday, so I knew I was in for trouble even before I received the following email this morning:<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Subject: You won the sum of £485,000.00 GBP from Yahoo! Msn Awards</em><br /><br /><em>Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:10 -0400</em><br /><br /><em>From: </em><a href="mailto:yahlt11@aol.com"><em>yahlt11@aol.com</em></a><br /><br /><em>To:<br /></em><br /><br /><em>You won the sum of £485,000.00 GBP from Yahoo! Msn Awards, you are hereby advice to get back to us by contacting with your Clearance Officer REV FATHER JOHNSON for your Claim.Agent Name: REV FATHER JOHNSONE-Mail: </em><a href="mailto:rev_fatherjohnson2006@hotmail.com"><em>rev_fatherjohnson2006@hotmail.com</em></a><em> Tel: +447031848598 </em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em>As soon as our agent hears from you, he shall commence the process that will facilitate the release of your fund to you. You are therefore advice to furnish your claims agent with the below informations</em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em>FULL NAME:......................................................</em><br /><br /><em>COUNTRY:........................................................</em><br /><br /><em>HOME ADDRESS:................................................</em><br /><br /><em>MOBILE NUMBER:...............................................</em><br /><br /><em>HOME NUMBER:.................................................</em><br /><br /><em>AGE:................................................................</em><br /><br /><em>SEX:................................................................</em><br /><br /><em>MARITAL STATUS:............................................</em><br /><br /><em>OCCUPATION:.................................................. </em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em>Yours faithfully,</em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br /><em>Mrs. Carol Jones</em><br /><br /><em>On line co-ordinator for</em><br /><br /><em>YAHOO AWARDS &amp; WINDOWS LIVE PROGRAMME, </em><br /><br /><em>Sweepstakes International program.</em><br /><br /><em></em><br /><br />I was very tired this morning, and my mischievous side was raging as I'm fed up of getting these types of scam, so I decided to reply:<br /><br /><br /><p><em>Dear Rev Father Johnson, </em></p><p><em>Thank you for your kind offer, I must say I was very surprised to hear from you as we haven't spoken in years!! How is your wife doing? </em></p><p><em>Is her leg still bad with the varicose veins, and does she still have trenchfoot? I hope her leprous acne is not giving her too much trouble? I do hope she is well, as these things can be very nasty at times, and I was only saying to my mother the other day how dreadful it must be for her. </em></p><p><em>I didn't realise you and your wife had gone into International money awards, it's a step up from a carboard box in Chippenham High Street isn't it!! Well done you! </em></p><p><em>As I know we're life-long friends, could I ask a small question? If I were to provide you with my details as you requested, could you first send me your copy of your data protection certificate number, so I know they will be kept safe? </em></p><p><em>Also, if you could let me know how exactly you want your agents to be furnished? Would you like velvet or perhaps kashmere would be a nicer touch as it is smooth to the skin and very lightweight. If you are employing people in the Secret Services, then perhaps they should be taught what is appropriate to wear when they are killing, chasing and tracking people? Only my opinion of course, I haven't reached the enormous echelons of business and power that you have! </em></p><p><em>Please pass on my regards to your wife and 50 children, I look forward to hearing from you my friend; </em></p><p><em>Yours Affectionately; </em></p><p><em>Englebert Ramsbottom.</em></p><p>We shall see if I get a reply...!!<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6435710967436531351?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-77856418408327504942008-03-27T08:02:00.002+01:002008-03-27T08:04:38.051+01:00The latest contributions are out, you can find them <a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/carnival-of-ms-bloggers-7.html"><span style="color:#ff0000;">here</span></a>.<br /><br />Please go read!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7785641840832750494?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-40941930980580067172008-03-25T16:31:00.004+01:002008-03-25T16:36:02.450+01:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/R-kbj7tS05I/AAAAAAAAAXM/OlMOzy_qmOk/s1600-h/076edit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181703150403507090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/R-kbj7tS05I/AAAAAAAAAXM/OlMOzy_qmOk/s400/076edit.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4094193098058006717?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-60121309244610025862008-03-22T13:12:00.004+01:002008-03-22T13:51:02.627+01:00Well, it's reached that stage.<br /><br />The stage where I have to stop pretending I don't have M.S. and face the facts.<br /><br />It's funny, when you have a relatively mild form of MS like I do, with only occasional muscle spasms, a lot of tiredness (as opposed to fatigue which I KNOW is different, because I've experienced it!) and occasional annoying things like facial ticks, it's easy to just lie to yourself that nothing really is wrong with you, that injecting yourself everyday with copaxone is a normal occurence, but then something happens.<br /><br />I've had problems for the last year or so with my waterworks and bowel movements, (gee don't I sound like a 180 years old or something!) and even now just typing this out makes me writhe with awkwardness inside, but it's a problem I tried to ignore and just get on with, that has got increasingly more frustrating and embarassing. For the past six months I've been seeing MS nurses and Continence nurses, learning neutral terms like "leakage" to discuss issues and situations I've found myself in occasionally that are not horrific, but certainly embarrassing.<br /><br />The problem is, they've become a bit more frequent than just occasionally, and after months and months of me putting it off I've got an appointment next week at the Continence Clinic to teach myself ISC. This means Intermittent Self-Catheterisation, maybe two or three times a week, and in layman's terms for those of you out there not familiar, involves sticking a tube up areas that have never seen the light of the sun.<br /><br />As a male, apparently it's alot easier process to go through, but takes a lot longer tubing for obvious reasons. (why can I not hide a male ego based grin when I type that? - I wish! heh! ) I've watched the video, with reactions between mild horror and faint amusement at my Dad's reaction when he merely looked at the diagrams, (I saw him physically recoil and say in a loud voice "oh son, no! no!") and I'm now mentally ready to start learning the process.<br /><br />Comments made in an understanding way like, "it might hurt the first time, and when you get to the Sphincter muscle before the bladder, pushing it through that might hurt alot and you might pass out" didn't exactly help my enthusiasm for this treatment, but needs must.<br /><br />I've decided to approach this in a scientific, cold, emotionless manner, much like a boy looking at a small bug under a microscope would. (please don't draw any conclusions from the microscope comment - Ed) Whether this approach will be successful, or whether I will run screaming like a 12 year old girl from the room, remains to be seen.<br /><br />I guess most guys wouldn't have a problem flopping out their member in front of a female nurse, but I'm a little different that way, it will be a highly embarassing situation and thoughts of a sexual nature will be the last thing on my mind when I attempt to stick a tube up.... actually never mind the description, I feel nauseous just thinking about it!<br /><br />Needless to say, I'm not looking forward to it, but I know it will be better for me in the long run, and hopefully be a relief in more ways than one. When I first started injecting copaxone, more than two years ago now, it felt very strange and alien, I guess this is just the same. All part of the "fun" and crazy journey of MS.<br /><br />Well, those of you who do, please say a prayer for me on Wed 26th at approx 9:10 am GMT, I'd appreciate it...<br /><br />An Extremely Nervous Guy.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6012130924461002586?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-34906256717834398092008-03-19T13:58:00.002+01:002008-03-19T14:04:12.900+01:00Yes, yes I know.<br /><br />One thing you should know about me is that Procrastination &amp; Laziness are two of my greatest Gifts, however they are not being used much at the moment!<br /><br />I'm so blummin' busy!!!<br /><br />Anna, my new Senior sales has started, and I'm in the midst of training her at the moment, which is interesting, as if you've been at any workplace a long amount of time, you tend to just do things on autopilot until you have to explain them to someone! :p<br /><br />The last two weeks were fantastic, I spent them with the love of my life, and we got quite alot of wedding stuff organised for August. (the big day approaches...)<br /><br />Anyway, I have to be off now as end of lunchtime approaches and I have lot's of... well... Manager-ish type stuff to do...<br /><br />Bye!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-3490625671783439809?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-56732250402272419942008-03-19T13:51:00.002+01:002008-03-19T13:55:37.706+01:00<a name="7115885654796144955"></a>See Below.... My Blogging Friends!!<br /><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html">MS Awareness, Blogging Friends, and a little Link Love</a><br />There are at least 137 MS Bloggers out there actively discussing whatever suits their fancy. Below you will find many of these suspects....wait... I mean lovely blogger friends who happen to have multiple sclerosis.Remember how I mentioned a group project was in the works? Well here it is. As the founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers, I'd like your help in spreading the word, and in doing so we will strengthen the bonds of our own little Multiple Sclerosis Blogging Web (and share some linkie love with each other). If you are not an MS Blogger, but are a regular reader here, please feel free to help spread the word too.<br />Here's what you do:<br />Copy the entirety of this post<br />Create a new post and paste this content<br />Visit 3 of the blogs listed below which you were unfamiliar<br />Leave a comment on their blog encouraging them to participate<br />Please add <a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/">Brass and Ivory</a> to your sidebar, if it's not alreadyNew editions of the Carnival of MS Bloggers will be presented bi-weekly at <a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/">Brass and Ivory</a>. Previous editions will be are archived <a href="http://carnivalofmsbloggers.blogspot.com/">here</a> and the button below has been revised to include the new link. Please update your sidebar.<a href="http://carnivalofmsbloggers.blogspot.com/"></a><br />Names of the Blogs - Name of Blogger (if known)<br />and # of posts in 2008 (as of 3/5)<br />Newly brought to my attention!!!<a href="http://persnicketyquilts.blogspot.com/">Persnickety Quilts (Dianne)</a><a href="http://scrapsandthreadtales.blogspot.com/">Scraps and Threadtales (YankeeQuilter)</a><a href="http://leehaven.blogspot.com/">Living Life at LeeHaven (Karen)</a><a href="http://barbarany_9.blogspot.com/">Barbara's Tchatzkahs</a><a href="http://middle-age-mania.blogspot.com/">Middle Age Mania (Tricia)</a><a href="http://curmudgeonette.blogspot.com/">Curmudgeonette (Pamela)</a><a href="http://tokyo-girl.blogspot.com/">Tokyo Girl Down Under</a><a href="http://mimad.blogspot.com/">Mima's Doings</a><a href="http://markandms.blogspot.com/">Mark and MS</a><a href="http://bjjemartinscasa.blogspot.com/">Home Sweet Home (Jennifer)</a>9 Brand New MS Bloggers joined the blogosphere in 2008!!New! <a href="http://carolemsblog.blogspot.com/">Carole's MS Blog (Carole)</a> 49New! <a href="http://greatmastications.blogspot.com/">Great Mastications (Orla)</a> 37New! <a href="http://journals.aol.com/ladydriversammie/movinonwithms/">Movin' On with MS (Sammie)</a> 26New! <a href="http://emmalouiserichards.blogspot.com/">Me, Myself and MS (Emma)</a> 10New! <a href="http://beingammey.wordpress.com/">Being Ammey</a> 8New! <a href="http://lifshen.blogspot.com/">Blogbuster (Daniel)</a> 6New! <a href="http://etsycrest.blogspot.com/">Etsy Crest (Shelby)</a> 6New! <a href="http://sclason.wordpress.com/">Serina's Blog</a> 5New! <a href="http://imbeatingms.blogspot.com/">I'm Beating MS (Michael)</a> 2Most Prolific MS Blogger - so far in 2008!!<a href="http://jimspoliticalthoughts.blogspot.com/">Jim's Deep Thoughts (Jim)</a> 231Top 10 Rather Prolific MS Bloggers - so far in 2008!!<a href="http://dj-astellarlife.blogspot.com/">A Stellarlife (Diane)</a> 109<a href="http://mser4.blogspot.com/">Merely Me's Multiple Synchronicities (&amp; Sclerosis)</a> 90<a href="http://fridayschild.blogdrive.com/">Friday's Child</a> 70<a href="http://msplaques.blogspot.com/">My Journey - Living Well with MS (Diana)</a> 69<a href="http://sunshineandmoonlight.wordpress.com/">Sunshine and Moonlight (Kim)</a> 65<a href="http://natalief.livejournal.com/">The MonSter Ate My Branes! (Natalie)</a> 65<a href="http://mocklog.typepad.com/queen_mediocretia/">Queen Mediocretia of Suburbia</a> 60<a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/">Brass and Ivory (Lisa)</a> 56<a href="http://www.brain-cheese.blogspot.com/">Brain Cheese (Linda)</a> 52<a href="http://lazyjulie.blogspot.com/">Maybe I'm Just Lazy (Julie)</a> 5128 Moderately Prolific MS Bloggers - so far in 2008!!<a href="http://maggsbunny.wordpress.com/">Maggsbunny (Maggie)</a> 48<a href="http://msshad.typepad.com/ordinaryms/">Living with Multiple Sclerosis (TC)</a> 47<a href="http://msmyway.blogspot.com/">MS My Way (Callie)</a> 43<a href="http://bugsbikesbrains.blogspot.com/">Bugs, Bikes, Brains (Shauna)</a> 39<a href="http://lazscott.livejournal.com/">Dancing with MS (Lazscott)</a> 37<a href="http://ttcmb.wordpress.com/">Trying to Catch My Breath</a> 37<a href="http://swampangel65.blogspot.com/">A Florida Journal (SwampAngel)</a> 35<a href="http://chapter-06.blogspot.com/">Now We Are Six (Tish)</a> 33<a href="http://mjwoh.blogspot.com/">Reality Check (Michael)</a> 32<a href="http://accessdenied-livingwithms.blogspot.com/">Access Denied (Herrad)</a> 31<a href="http://multiplesclerosisblog.blogspot.com/">Multiple Sclerosis Blog (Charles of MSBpodcast.com)</a> 30<a href="http://msactivist.blogspot.com/">MS Activist (NMSS)</a> 29<a href="http://idontknowhowtodie.blogspot.com/">Self-injecting Chinese Hamsters since 2007</a> 27<a href="http://shirl-hhandh.blogspot.com/">Shirl's the Girl (Shirley)</a> 27<a href="http://disablednotdead-anne.blogspot.com/">Disabled Not Dead (Anne)</a> 26<a href="http://blog.healthtalk.com/multiple-sclerosis/life-with-ms/">Life with MS (Trevis)</a> 26<a href="http://living-with-ms.blogspot.com/">Living with MS (Blinders Off)</a> 25<a href="http://mdmhvonpa.blogspot.com/">White Lightning Axiom - Redux (mdm)</a> 25<a href="http://scoile.livejournal.com/">Stevers!</a> 23<a href="http://wordsalads.blogspot.com/">Word Salads (Have Myelin?)</a> 23<a href="http://danieldoo.blogspot.com/">Danieldoo (Vivian)</a> 22<a href="http://journals.aol.com/daddyleer/CaregivinglyYours">Caregivingly Yours (Patrick)</a> 20<a href="http://www.4ever4given.com/">Deo Volente (Lisa N)</a> 20<a href="http://vvbms.blogspot.com/">Down the MS Path (Vicki)</a> 19<a href="http://lottalatte.blogspot.com/">Do You Have That in My Size? (Denise)</a> 17<a href="http://jennsnook.blogspot.com/">Jenn's Nook (Jenn)</a> 17<a href="http://fty720.blogspot.com/">Fingolimod and Me (Jeri)</a> 16<a href="http://humanlifematters.blogspot.com/">Human Life Matters (Mark)</a> 1651 Mildly Prolific MS Bloggers - so far in 2008!!<a href="http://mslol.wordpress.com/">A Life of Learning with MS</a> 15<a href="http://www.rathnait.net/blog/">Behind Blue Eyes (Zee)</a> 15<a href="http://katyandmike.blogspot.com/">Katy and Mike's Adventure (Katy)</a> 15<a href="http://livinglifeasasnowflake.blogspot.com/">Living Life as a Snowflake (Sharon)</a> 15<a href="http://www.restperiod.ca/">Mandatory Rest Period (Kim)</a> 15<a href="http://www.msmaze.com/">MS Maze (Mandy)</a> 15<a href="http://myjourneywithms.blogspot.com/">My Journey with MS (Christina)</a> 15<a href="http://mscompanion.blogspot.com/">The Multiple Sclerosis Companion (Pat)</a> 15<a href="http://kellpattsblog.blogspot.com/">'Tis Herself (Kell)</a> 15<a href="http://shortinthecord.blogspot.com/">A Short in the Cord (Joan)</a> 14<a href="http://blindbeardsmsblog.blogspot.com/">Blindbeard's MS Blog</a> 14<a href="http://bubbiesblog.blogspot.com/">Bubbie's Blog (Cathy)</a> 14<a href="http://azchick.blogspot.com/">One Crazy Chick (Chris)</a> 14<a href="http://patspond.blogspot.com/">Pat's Pond (Pat)</a> 14<a href="http://cutter.tblog.com/">Rants and Musings (Cutter)</a> 14<a href="http://gandksmom.blogspot.com/">G and K's Mom</a> 13<a href="http://ms-toolkit.blogspot.com/">MS Toolkit</a> 13<a href="http://newlydiagnosedms.wordpress.com/">Newly Diagnosed with MS (Andrea)</a> 13<a href="http://wonlife.wordpress.com/">One Life (Stephen)</a> 13<a href="http://davesmsblog.blogspot.com/">MS Not Just a Diary (Dave)</a> 12<a href="http://raynesworld.blogspot.com/">Rayne's World (Jayme)</a> 12<a href="http://bellonadarling.blogspot.com/">Chaos Personified</a> 11<a href="http://mymsjournal.blogspot.com/">My MS Journal (Jaime)</a> 11<a href="http://purelypatsy.chroniclelive.co.uk/">Purely Patsy (14 yr old Patsy)</a> 11<a href="http://victoriamaryplum.blogspot.com/">Victoria Plum - Technician! (Victoria)</a> 1126 Less Prolific MS Bloggers - so far in 2008!! <a href="http://brokenclay.org/journal/index.php">Broken Clay (Katja)</a> 10<a href="http://markpickup.blogspot.com/">Mark Pickup (Mark)</a> 10<a href="http://runfromms.blogspot.com/">My Chain Driven Ride through Life in Alaska (Michelle)</a> 10<a href="http://www.deborahgray.org/">Deborah Does Navel-Gazing (Deb)</a> 9<a href="http://www.margomilne.com/wordpress/">Funky Mango's Musings</a> 9<a href="http://mamasquirrel.wordpress.com/">Inside the Mind of a Squirrel</a> 9<a href="http://livingwellwithmultiplesclerosis.blogspot.com/">Living Well with MS (Michon)</a> 9<a href="http://reversems.blogspot.com/">No Time for MS (Courtney)</a> 9<a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/michkap/archive/tags/Multiple+Sclerosis/default.aspx">Sorting It All Out (Michael)</a> 9<a href="http://www.travelswithlucy.blogspot.com/">Travels With Lucy (Virginia)</a> 9<a href="http://mscaregiver.typepad.com/ms_caregivers/">MS Caregivers (Prudence)</a> 8<a href="http://donna.innereyes.com/">Can You Hear Me Now? (Donna)</a> 7<a href="http://blog.irreverence.co.uk/?cat=12/">Irreverence is Justified</a> 7<a href="http://multiplesclerosisnotes.blogspot.com/">Multiple Sclerosis Notes</a> 7<a href="http://lauren-livingwithms-aolcomlglbgl2003.blogspot.com/">My Tysabri Diary (Lauren)</a> 7<a href="http://www.chrishasms.com/blog.html">Chris Has MS (Chris)</a> 6<a href="http://diaryofmsx.blogspot.com/">Diary of MS X (7 Divas)</a> 5<a href="http://electrical-disturbance.blogspot.com/">Electrical Disturbance (Stephan)</a> 5<a href="http://www.knowms.com/">Know Multiple Sclerosis</a> 5<a href="http://msintheoc.blogspot.com/">MS in the OC (Frank)</a> 5<a href="http://ms.deborahgray.org/">MS News and Notes (Deb)</a> 5<a href="http://msrecoverydiet.com/blog/4">MS Recovery Diet Blog (Ann)</a> 5<a href="http://theendomorph.blogspot.com/">The Endomorph (Ruth)</a> 5<a href="http://thejawsofmylife.blogspot.com/">The Jaws of My Life (Jaws)</a> 5<a href="http://www.mysclerosismultiple.blogspot.com/">Time to Deal with MS (Homer)</a> 5<a href="http://yodamamma.blogspot.com/">YodaMamma MS &amp; More</a> 538 Barely Prolific MS Bloggers - so far in 2008!!Some of these folks have multiple blogs or co-blog and are loved none-the-less!! Let's help spread the love and let them know that WE know they are appreciated.<a href="http://msmeans.wordpress.com/">Carolyne's MS Odyssey (Carolyne)</a> 4<a href="http://defeating-illness.blogspot.com/">Defeating Illness (Chris)</a> 4<a href="http://wednesdaythursdayfriday.blogspot.com/">Intent, Context, Perception (Chris)</a> 4<a href="http://themonsterstory.blogspot.com/index.html">Libbi's MS Journey (Libbi)</a> 4<a href="http://msrecoverydiet.com/blog/3">MS Recovery Diet Blog (Judi)</a> 4<a href="http://autoimmunelife.blogspot.com/">My Autoimmune Life</a> 4<a href="http://sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com/">The Life &amp; Times of Sancho Knotwise (JM)</a> 4<a href="http://zenpretzeltrick.blogspot.com/">The Zen Pretzel Trick (Zen Angel)</a> 4<a href="http://when-it-is-raining-cats-and-dogs.blogspot.com/">When it's Raining... (Keeley)</a> 4<a href="http://rwboughton.livejournal.com/">Kebenaran - The Truth</a> 3<a href="http://sisterjane.blogspot.com/">Montana Homecoming (Sister Jane)</a> 3<a href="http://atlanteanproductions.wordpress.com/">Ms Quill</a> 3<a href="http://realitychick.wordpress.com/category/ms-multiple-sclerosis/">Reality Chick (Keli)</a> 3<a href="http://catchmydiz.blogspot.com/">Catch My Disease (Lisle)</a> 2<a href="http://clodsandpebbles.blogspot.com/">Clods and Pebbles</a> 2<a href="http://dissonanceink.com/blog/">Dissonance</a> 2<a href="http://georgiamsadvocates.blogspot.com/">Georgia MS Advocates</a> 2<a href="http://www.lazydogpub.com/">Lazy Dog Public House</a> 2<a href="http://lookingforwardwithms.blogspot.com/">Looking Forward with MS (Pamela)</a> 2<a href="http://icensnow.blogspot.com/">Surviving MS in Alaska (Michelle)</a> 2<a href="http://trrishp.blogspot.com/">These Pretzels Are Making Me Thirsty (Trrish)</a> 2<a href="http://troysmsxp.blogspot.com/">Troy's Multiple Sclerosis Experience</a> 2<a href="http://youmeandms.blogspot.com/">You Me and MS (Judi)</a> 2<a href="http://camillesmsadventures.blogspot.com/">Camille's MSadventures</a> 1<a href="http://commentcolumn.blogspot.com/">Comment Column (Virginia)</a> 1<a href="http://blog.thesmithlife.com/">Erik's MS &amp; Lyme Blog</a> 1<a href="http://pdhelp.blogspot.com/">Hop Bloody Hop (Philip)</a> 1<a href="http://jennsjourneywithms.blogspot.com/">Jenn's Journey with MS (Jenn)</a> 1<a href="http://cyndees.blogspot.com/">Living with MS (Cyndee)</a> 1<a href="http://mismorphicms.blogspot.com/">Mismorphic's World of MS</a> 1<a href="http://www.activemsers.org/blog/">MS Musings</a> 1<a href="http://msyoungadult.blogspot.com/">MS Real Life Stories &amp; Issues (Kristin)</a> 1<a href="http://postcardsofmylife.blogspot.com/">Postcards of My Life (Sherry)</a> 1<a href="http://rebootingtimes.blogspot.com/">Rebooting Times</a> 1<a href="http://shoester.blogspot.com/">Shoester (Doug)</a> 1<a href="http://the-bs-of-my-ms.blogspot.com/">The BS of My MS (Heather)</a> 1<a href="http://betweencoffees.com/pincushiondiary/">The Perseverant Pincushion (Trish)</a> 1<a href="http://tysabrihelp.blogspot.com/">Tysabri Help (Deej)</a> 1Having too many items from various posters to count: <a href="http://community.livejournal.com/ms_support/">LJ Users with Multiple Sclerosis</a>And finally - 26 MS Bloggers who have been silent in 2008!! <a href="http://artslaveangst.blogspot.com/">Angst on a Shoestring (Gina)</a><a href="http://dandelionsinbloom.blogspot.com/">Dandelion Wine (Lynx)</a><a href="http://judodoug.blogspot.com/">Doug's MS Journal (Doug)</a><a href="http://msallinmyhead.blogspot.com/">It's Not All in My Head (Optimist)</a><a href="http://abovetheabyss.blogspot.com/">Just Above the Abyss (Heidi)</a><a href="http://lifewithmsseekingacure.blogspot.com/">Life with MS , seeking a cure (Karyl)</a><a href="http://mstaichi.blogspot.com/">Managing MS with Tai Chi (Joel)</a><a href="http://www.managing-multiple-sclerosis.com/">Managing Multiple Sclerosis (Vince)</a><a href="http://www.marciarita.com/default.php">Marciarita</a><a href="http://thesurfaceofthings.blogspot.com/">Michele's Blog</a><a href="http://www.mikemartonfi.com/myblog.aspx">Mike's Place</a><a href="http://www.ms-myscene.blogspot.com/">MS - My Scene (Virginia)</a><a href="http://amandasrantsandraves.blogspot.com/">My Complications (Amanda)</a><a href="http://mydemyelination.blogspot.com/">My Demyelination (Tina)</a><a href="http://meandms.blogspot.com/">My MS Experience</a><a href="http://objectofmyinjection.blogspot.com/">Object of My Injection (Michelle)</a><a href="http://insimpleterms.blogspot.com/">Say It Isn't So (Mouse)</a><a href="http://kselden.blogspot.com/">Talk Story with Kimberly</a><a href="http://netxperiment.com/wordpress/">The Great NetXperiment</a><a href="http://jaimehagarty.blogspot.com/">To Be Continued... (Jaime)</a><a href="http://rickshawdiaries.blogspot.com/">Truth and Beauty (Baraka)</a><a href="http://miss_suzy.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Tryin' to Imagine Bliss (Suzy)</a><a href="http://whatismstome.blogspot.com/">What is MS to Me (Dave)</a><a href="http://willymsrant.blogspot.com/">Willy's MS Rants</a><a href="http://windamongthereeds.blogspot.com/">Wind Among the Reeds</a>Hard to categorize:<a href="http://www.ihavems.com/">I Have MS (Tim)</a><a href="http://www.jamesshuggins.com/h/ms-1/multiple-sclerosis.htm">Huggins' MS Pages (James)</a><a href="http://www.mymultiplesclerosis.co.uk/">MS - A Personal Account</a><a href="http://www.msprotocols.netfirms.com/">MS Protocols (Jeff)</a><a href="http://msbpodcast.com/">MSB's Podcast</a><a href="http://lotties.brainiac.com/ceegee/aboutme.htm">MSing Around</a><a href="http://multiplesclerosis.blogharbor.com/blog">Multiple Sclerosis Blog and News</a><a href="http://multiplesclerosissucks.com/">Multiple Sclerosis Sucks</a><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ouch/">OUCH! It's a Disability Thing</a><a href="http://www.shof.msrcsites.co.uk/">Squiffy's House of Fun</a><br />Thank you for helping to build a stronger MS Community.<br /><a class="first" href="javascript:" src="http://www.sphere.com/widgets/sphereit/js?siteid=siflare&amp;flare=true&amp;url=" script="document.createElement('script');" widget="='undefined')" sphere="='undefined'" theurl="http%3A%2F%2Fbrassandivory.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html">Sphere: Related Content</a> • <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html&amp;title=MS">Stumble It!</a><br />Posted by LISA EMRICH at <a class="timestamp-link" title="permanent link" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html" rel="bookmark">8:00 AM</a> <a title="Email Post" href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955"> </a><a title="Edit Post" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955"></a><br />Labels: <a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/search/label/Blogging" rel="tag">Blogging</a>, <a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/search/label/Carnival%20of%20MS%20Bloggers" rel="tag">Carnival of MS Bloggers</a>, <a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/search/label/Multiple%20Sclerosis" rel="tag">Multiple Sclerosis</a><br /><a name="comments"></a><br />23 comments:<br /><a name="c116059974638484546"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05564125285937262315" rel="nofollow">Taxingwoman</a> said...<br />Hi! Lisa Thanks for letting me know about thisI will be home tomorrow and will give it my attention. An interesting project !<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c116059974638484546">March 6, 2008 10:54 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=116059974638484546"> </a><br /><a name="c5164697181336881053"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04478852688645497036" rel="nofollow">BRAINCHEESE</a> said...<br />VERY NICE! You took a great deal of time and energy to provide this post...thank you!Linda D. in Seattle<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c5164697181336881053">March 6, 2008 11:53 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=5164697181336881053"> </a><br /><a name="c3391625754787546225"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13202264108356942158" rel="nofollow">Lazy Julie Baker</a> said...<br />Thanks, Lisa. I'm copying your cutting and pasting right now. Blog on, Sista! :-)Lazy Juliehttp://lazyjulie.blogspot.com<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c3391625754787546225">March 7, 2008 12:13 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=3391625754787546225"> </a><br /><a name="c9196338540705867703"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11434005931260725748" rel="nofollow">Nancy Carroll</a> said...<br />This post has been removed by a blog administrator.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c9196338540705867703">March 7, 2008 12:30 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=9196338540705867703"> </a><br /><a name="c2291485458961752474"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11862850657925658079" rel="nofollow">Diane J Standiford</a> said...<br />Lisa, I feel bad for the bloggers with few posts---they may be doing the best they can. I will have to add that fact to my blog. I don't want anyone to feel bad if they have not posted as often as others.I commend you for gathering the MS Blog links. That was a lot of work.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c2291485458961752474">March 7, 2008 2:31 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=2291485458961752474"> </a><br /><a name="c8834558767869378339"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03109286529955936165" rel="nofollow">Blinders Off</a> said...<br />Thanks for letting me know Lisa.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c8834558767869378339">March 7, 2008 4:20 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=8834558767869378339"> </a><br /><a name="c311380920506099352"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06402145656806012096" rel="nofollow">SwampAngel65</a> said...<br />Hi Lisa,Thanks for letting me in on this great blogging idea. I'll be sure to follow your steps and get things set up tonight when I get home from work. Good job!!!<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c311380920506099352">March 7, 2008 7:14 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=311380920506099352"> </a><br /><a name="c1476051901070269751"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/07631238942909923311" rel="nofollow">Merelyme</a> said...<br />wowee! you have done so much work on this project! this is great...i will definitely go a-visiting soon. this is really nice what you are doing here and will be of great benefit to all.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c1476051901070269751">March 7, 2008 7:24 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=1476051901070269751"> </a><br /><a name="c2211464839118063958"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05961503858715547705" rel="nofollow">TickledPink</a> said...<br />Hi Lisa,Thanks for doing this! I've already found 3 wonderful new MS bloggers I didn't know of before. :-)Great idea...but you are full of those, aren't you!?!~Jeri<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c2211464839118063958">March 7, 2008 11:20 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=2211464839118063958"> </a><br /><a name="c5133044709349829243"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17405996670753227739" rel="nofollow">Frank</a> said...<br />Lisa,I just love this blog! I think you've managed to turn it into a true community forum.It will be linked to my MS in the OC blog @ www.msintheoc.blogspot.com.Frank<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c5133044709349829243">March 7, 2008 2:11 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=5133044709349829243"> </a><br /><a name="c1687040989847137475"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17956614259563861254" rel="nofollow">Orla Hegarty</a> said...<br />Thanks for putting this together and including me on your list Lisa.I have chosen the road less traveled when it comes to 'treating' MS - and remember - there are no treatments, only 'disease modifying medications' (wtf?). So, I do not take any prescribed medications.I realize that others have chosen different paths and wish all of you well. I started my blog in the hopes of connecting with other blogging MSers who are choosing to 'treat' this condition via a dietary approach. I have yet to connect with someone like that but I have connected with lots of like minded bloggers who treat their health conditions with diet changes. That support alone has been so very wonderful for me.If there are others on 'the road less traveled' for their MS then I'd love to hear from you. Namaste to all.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c1687040989847137475">March 7, 2008 2:40 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=1687040989847137475"> </a><br /><a name="c8450299756412978914"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/09734433683039844640" rel="nofollow">Christina K. Brown</a> said...<br />cool!When I get back from my cruise (leaving tomorrow at 4am...)I will do this!<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c8450299756412978914">March 7, 2008 3:37 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=8450299756412978914"> </a><br /><a name="c262670676812600272"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12636656959074070720" rel="nofollow">Jim</a> said...<br />I just got home from work. Its cool. I will catch up tomorrow since I am not doing anything tomorrow. Yippee !!!Thanks for sharing.Hugs, Jim<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c262670676812600272">March 7, 2008 5:08 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=262670676812600272"> </a><br /><a name="c1982110701816447234"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02431529112232392276" rel="nofollow">Miss Trish</a> said...<br />Thanks so much for this initiative! I'd only posted on my blog once this year before now. This initiative and other recent connections with MS bloggers has made me conscious of doing two things: blogging more often (for which I have a basic remedy to help me get back into a rhythm) and blogging more explicitly and more vulnerably about my journey with MS. Lots of my blog, especially in the early days, is taken up with simple stories and observations about life. As it [the blog] progressed, and as I progressed on my journey with MS, the MS got a mention every now and then. The title is, of course, in direct reference to the fact that I inject Rebif thrice weekly.Keep up the good connections!- Miss Pincushionwww.betweencoffees.com/pincushiondiary<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c1982110701816447234">March 8, 2008 9:55 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=1982110701816447234"> </a><br /><a name="c1740649016095760269"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14000299655117252000" rel="nofollow">J. Patrick Leer</a> said...<br />I'm guessing this is an extension of Braincheese's "102 Blogs about MS". Both of you have taken extraordinary time to make such listing available.THANK YOU for listing me as "moderately" prolific. I am always fretting about screen time.Caregivingly Yours,Patrick Leerhttp://caregivinglyyours.com/http://journals.aol.com/daddyleer/CaregivinglyYours/http://caregivinglyyours.blogspot.com/<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c1740649016095760269">March 8, 2008 5:15 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=1740649016095760269"> </a><br /><a name="c192332665081714174"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10862232056342347990" rel="nofollow">LISA EMRICH</a> said...<br />Thank you all so much for participating!! I'm excited about the potential for greater support and connections.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c192332665081714174">March 8, 2008 7:01 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=192332665081714174"> </a><br /><a name="c2792817653987506523"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11840209409286594625" rel="nofollow">trrish</a> said...<br />ha! I didn't know anyone was keeping track. I'll get more prolific :-)good work,trrish<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c2792817653987506523">March 8, 2008 7:52 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=2792817653987506523"> </a><br /><a name="c8264733767586780253"></a><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/www.realitychick.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">Keli</a> said...<br />Thank you, Lisa for opening up the doors for those of us with MS. Through your site, I have found so many others with this illness . . . we are a brave band of sisters and brothers and it helps to know there are so many of us that understand, commiserate and who can just say, "I've been there. I know what you're saying." So thank you again! You are definitely a shining star!<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c8264733767586780253">March 10, 2008 11:17 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=8264733767586780253"> </a><br /><a name="c8376425242026497719"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13728207969811635579" rel="nofollow">herrad</a> said...<br />Hello Lisa,Thanks for leaving a comment about Carnival of MS Bloggers on my blog.Just been copying and pasting and visiting three blogs I had never heard about, but thanks to your brilliant links list they are all there for me to visit.Brilliant!Love,Herrad<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c8376425242026497719">March 11, 2008 3:46 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=8376425242026497719"> </a><br /><a name="c6362055351465719174"></a><a href="http://barbarany_9.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Barbara</a> said...<br />I don't blog just about my disability - I do talk some about invisible illness (MS), pain, fibromyalgia, MS along with a lot of other subjects but I am linking to you!! Great posts on this blog!<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c6362055351465719174">March 12, 2008 10:15 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=6362055351465719174"> </a><br /><a name="c661918708023689731"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00887616496204490212" rel="nofollow">Anonymous</a> said...<br />This post has been removed by the author.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c661918708023689731">March 14, 2008 12:23 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=661918708023689731"> </a><br /><a name="c3373794386068530100"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00887616496204490212" rel="nofollow">Anonymous</a> said...<br />On unnecessary assholishness:In light of <a href="http://blog.thesmithlife.com/2008/03/munchausen-syndrome.html#comments" rel="nofollow">this fucking bullshit</a>, I am quite honestly considering deleting my entire blog.I really don't need to find pejorative, condescending posts by invasive, Bible-thumping ignorant breeders when I am (for the most part) attempting to mind my own fucking business.Just an FYI.-X.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c3373794386068530100">March 14, 2008 12:25 AM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=3373794386068530100"> </a><br /><a name="c6333533895929668512"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14743207408545185869" rel="nofollow">Yoda Mamma</a> said...<br />It might be the ol' MS poopy-brain but I have no idea what it is that you want us to do...copy this entire page? And create a new blog? I already have a blog so why would I need to make another one? I am so confused! IF I could just add my existing blog to the list, I'd do that but create a new one is just not something I feel a need to do.If anyone is interested my blog is yodamamma MS &amp; More. If you want to add it to your list, please do.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c6333533895929668512">March 17, 2008 1:24 PM </a><a title="Delete Comment" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=6333533895929668512"> </a><br /><a onclick="'javascript:window.open(this.href," toolbar="0,location=" statusbar="1,menubar=" scrollbars="yes,width=" height="450" href="http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;isPopup=true">Post a Comment</a><br /><a name="links" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></a><br />Links to this post<br /> <a href="http://barbarany_9.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-week-help-spread.html" rel="nofollow">MS AWARENESS WEEK: Help Spread The Information!</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbarbarany_9.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fms-awareness-week-help-spread.html"> </a><br />Lisa Emrich's blog, Brass and Ivory has quietly been an on &amp; off read for me. She writes with clear strength about living with disability, chronic illness, the state of healthcare and the realities of life for people like her &amp; I. To ...<br />Posted byBarbara atMarch 12, 2008 9:38 PM<br /> <a href="http://journals.aol.com/daddyleer/CaregivinglyYours/entries/2008/03/10/caregiving-ms-bloggers--ms-awareness-month/1335" rel="nofollow">Caregiving: MS BLOGGERS / MS Awareness Month</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Fjournals.aol.com%2Fdaddyleer%2FCaregivinglyYours%2Fentries%2F2008%2F03%2F10%2Fcaregiving-ms-bloggers--ms-awareness-month%2F1335"> </a><br />MS BLOGGERS --- March is MS Awareness Month. Lisa, of Blogger journal Brass and Ivory, has assembled an extraordinary project --. MS Awareness, Blogging Friends, and a Little Link of Love. A listing of “at least 137 MS Bloggers out ...<br />Posted bydaddyleer atMarch 10, 2008 2:00 PM<br /> <a href="http://clodsandpebbles.blogspot.com/2008/03/join-movement.html" rel="nofollow">Join the Movement.....</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Fclodsandpebbles.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fjoin-movement.html"> </a><br />One stitch at a time is how I'm approaching my knitting these days. As long as I just keep focusing on that one little stitch at a time then things are pretty manageable. It allows me to focus on the moment and the process of knitting ...<br />Posted byLady Wentworth atMarch 10, 2008 2:43 AM<br /> <a href="http://mslol.wordpress.com/2008/03/09/linking-it-forwardkudos-to-lisa-emrich/" rel="nofollow">Linking it forward…Kudos to Lisa Emrich</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Fmslol.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F09%2Flinking-it-forwardkudos-to-lisa-emrich%2F"> </a><br />MS Awareness, Blogging Friends, and a little Link Love. There are at least 137 MS Bloggers out there actively discussing whatever suits their fancy. Below you will find many of these suspects….wait… I mean lovely blogger friends who ...<br />Posted byaglol atMarch 9, 2008 3:08 PM<br /> <a href="http://electrical-disturbance.blogspot.com/2008/03/in-summer-of-2006-i-had-just-purchased.html" rel="nofollow">In the summer of 2006, I had just purchased some Burt's Bees Hand ...</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Felectrical-disturbance.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fin-summer-of-2006-i-had-just-purchased.html"> </a><br />In the summer of 2006, I had just purchased some Burt's Bees Hand Salve, which I really like. It has a strong odor, but one I find pleasant, and it works well for me. I took it with me on my work trip to Denver in August, ...<br />Posted byStephan atMarch 8, 2008 10:57 PM<br /> <a href="http://carolemsblog.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-post-wouldnt-post-and-now-im-way-too.html" rel="nofollow">An Interesting Project</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolemsblog.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fmy-post-wouldnt-post-and-now-im-way-too.html"> </a><br />My post wouldn't post and now I'm way too tired to start over.Never fails when I forget to save, something goes wrong. Lisa at Brass and Ivory ,has an interesting project going on. Check out the March 7th post ...<br />Posted byTaxingwoman atMarch 7, 2008 10:42 PM<br /> <a href="http://brain-cheese.blogspot.com/2008/03/testing-my-computer-skillslisas-linky.html" rel="nofollow">Testing My Computer Skills...Lisa's "Linky Love Post"...</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbrain-cheese.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Ftesting-my-computer-skillslisas-linky.html"> </a><br />This post comes from Lisa at Brass &amp; Ivory...she's painstakingly taken the time to put together an extensive MS Blogging list. I do hope I have "done the right thing" here by trying to follow her simple instructions to repeat the post ...<br />Posted byBRAINCHEESE atMarch 7, 2008 10:27 PM<br /> <a href="http://top10diets.bestdietpro.com/2008/03/07/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and-a-little-link-love/" rel="nofollow">MS AWARENESS, BLOGGING FRIENDS, AND A LITTLE LINK LOVE</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Ftop10diets.bestdietpro.com%2F2008%2F03%2F07%2Fms-awareness-blogging-friends-and-a-little-link-love%2F"> </a><br />T-Nationn H Top 10 Rather Prolific MS Bloggers - so far in 2008!! A Stellarlife (Diane) 109 Multiple Synchronicities &amp; Sclerosis (Merelyme) 90 Friday’s Child 70 My Journey - Living Well with MS (Diana) 69 Sunshine and Moonlight (Kim) 65 ...<br />Posted by atMarch 7, 2008 1:14 AM<br /> <a href="http://lazyjulie.blogspot.com/2008/03/here-blog-there-blog-everywhere-blog.html" rel="nofollow">Here a blog, there a blog, everywhere a blog, blog!</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Flazyjulie.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fhere-blog-there-blog-everywhere-blog.html"> </a><br />One of my fellow MS bloggers sent me the following message and I thought I would do my part to spread the love: MS Awareness, Blogging Friends, and a little Link Love There are at least 137 MS Bloggers out there actively discussing ...<br />Posted byLazy Julie Baker atMarch 7, 2008 12:15 AM<br /> <a href="http://sclason.wordpress.com/2008/03/07/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and-a-little-link-love/" rel="nofollow">MS Awareness, Blogging Friends, and a little Link Love</a> <a title="" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-backlink.g?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;postID=7115885654796144955&amp;backlinkURL=http%3A%2F%2Fsclason.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F07%2Fms-awareness-blogging-friends-and-a-little-link-love%2F"> </a><br />brought to you from Brass &amp; Ivory… MS Awareness, Blogging Friends, and a little Link Love. There are at least 137 MS Bloggers out there actively discussing whatever suits their fancy. Below you will find many of these suspects….wait… ...<br />Posted bysclason atMarch 6, 2008 11:40 PM<br /><a class="comment-link" id="Blog1_backlinks-create-link" href="http://www.blogger.com/blog-this.g" target="_blank">Create a Link</a><br /><a class="blog-pager-newer-link" id="Blog1_blog-pager-newer-link" title="Newer Post" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/you-less-than-three-my-blog-you-really.html">Newer Post</a> <a class="blog-pager-older-link" id="Blog1_blog-pager-older-link" title="Older Post" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/big-insurance-company-vs-mild-mannered.html">Older Post</a> <a class="home-link" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/">Home</a><br />Subscribe to: <a class="feed-link" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/feeds/7115885654796144955/comments/default" target="_blank" type="application/atom+xml">Post Comments (Atom)</a><br /><a href="http://carnivalofmsbloggers.blogspot.com/"></a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=HTML&amp;widgetId=HTML4&amp;action=editWidget" target="configHTML4"></a><br />"Lisa claims to be only a professional musician but I've been in this business for 35 years and I have to say she has a lot to contribute on the issue of health care policy."- Robert Laszewski"Kudos to Lisa Emrich for consistently producing high level analyses of living with disability."- Zagreus Ammon"Some people are brave, some strong, and sometimes they write well, too. You might consider this interesting blogger who posts on the hows and whens of telling other people about not-so-obvious physical problems. I'd say it would take trust to do that, and guts. Check this one out at <a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/who-do-you-tell-when-do-you-tell-and.html">Brass and Ivory</a>. Excellent, excellent post."- TherapyDoc"I have come to grow very fond of Lisa. She is very passionate about the topics she writes about and is not afraid to voice her opinion. This is one tough lady I am telling you...and Lisa has a kick butt list of all the MS blogs you never knew existed until now. Her site is full of information and support. So do go visit. You will be glad you did."- Merelyme<br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=Text&amp;widgetId=Text1&amp;action=editWidget" target="configText1"></a><br />Almost Famous Me<br /><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=Image&amp;widgetId=Image2&amp;action=editWidget" target="configImage2"></a><br />From Sweet Merelyme<br /><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=Image&amp;widgetId=Image6&amp;action=editWidget" target="configImage6"></a><br />An Award from Jeri<br /><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=Image&amp;widgetId=Image7&amp;action=editWidget" target="configImage7"></a><br />My First Award<br />Thanks Jim!<br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=Image&amp;widgetId=Image4&amp;action=editWidget" target="configImage4"></a><br />A Heart Award<br /><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=Image&amp;widgetId=Image5&amp;action=editWidget" target="configImage5"></a><br /><a href="http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/36861/?utm_source=bloggerschoiceawards&amp;utm_medium=badge&amp;utm_content=besthealthblog"></a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=HTML&amp;widgetId=HTML2&amp;action=editWidget" target="configHTML2"></a><br />$7000 for 4 months<br /><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=Image&amp;widgetId=Image1&amp;action=editWidget" target="configImage1"></a><br />Health Care Blogs<br />[<a class="normal" id="exp1199233022_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />Health Care Blogs<br /><a href="http://blog.hcfama.org/">A Healthy Blog</a><br /><a href="http://www.bioethicsforum.org/default.asp">BioEthics Forum</a><br /><a href="http://califmedicineman.blogspot.com/">California Medicine Man</a><br /><a href="http://consumerfocusedcare.blogspot.com/">Consumer-focused Healthcare</a><br /><a href="http://crasspollination.blogspot.com/">Crass Pollination - An ER Blog</a><br /><a href="http://curinghealthcare.blogspot.com/">Curing Healthcare</a><br /><a href="http://www.medrants.com/index.php/">DB's Medical Rants</a><br /><a href="http://dinosaurmusings.blogspot.com/">Dinosaur Musings</a><br /><a href="http://www.disabilityblogger.blogspot.com/">Disability Blogger</a><br /><a href="http://drhebert.squarespace.com/">Dr. Hebert's Medical Gumbo</a><br /><a href="http://www.revolutionhealth.com/blogs/valjonesmd">Dr. Val</a><br /><a href="http://drwes.blogspot.com/">Dr. Wes</a><br /><a href="http://www.epi.org/">Economic Policy Institute</a><br /><a href="http://www.everypatientsadvocate.com/blog">Every Patient's Advocate</a><br /><a href="http://everyoneneedstherapy.blogspot.com/">Everyone Needs Therapy</a><br /><a href="http://fixinghealth.blogspot.com/">Fixin' Healthcare</a><br /><a href="http://www.gooznews.com/">Gooz News</a><br /><a href="http://healthaffairs.org/blog/">Health Affairs Blog</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthbeatblog.org/">Health Beat Blog</a><br /><a href="http://healthblawg.typepad.com/healthblawg/">Health Blawg</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthbusinessblog.com/">Health Business Blog</a><br /><a href="http://healthcareblues.blogspot.com/">Health Care Blues</a><br /><a href="http://healthcarebs.com/">Health Care BS</a><br /><a href="http://healthblawg.typepad.com/">Health Care Law Blog</a><br /><a href="http://healthpolicyandmarket.blogspot.com/">Health Care Policy and Marketplace Review</a><br /><a href="http://hcrenewal.blogspot.com/">Health Care Renewal</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthpopuli.com/">Health Populi</a><br /><a href="http://healthcare-economist.com/">Healthcare Economist</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthyskepticism.org/">Healthy Skepticism</a><br /><a href="http://honestmedicine.typepad.com/">Honest Medicine</a><br /><a href="http://www.improvehealthcare.org/">Improve Health Care</a><br /><a href="http://insureblog.blogspot.com/">Insure Blog</a><br /><a href="http://jonswift.blogspot.com/">Jon Swift</a><br /><a href="http://www.kaisernetwork.org/">Kaiser Network - Health Policy News</a><br /><a href="http://www.joepaduda.com/">Managed Care Matters</a><br /><a href="http://medinnovationblog.blogspot.com/">Med Innovation Blog</a><br /><a href="http://www.myjourneywithdepression.com/">My Journey With Depression</a><br /><a href="http://doctorrw.blogspot.com/">Notes from Dr.RW</a><br /><a href="http://www.grahamazon.com/">Over My Med Body!</a><br /><a href="http://pharmafraud.blogspot.com/">Pharma Fraud</a><br /><a href="http://prescriptionproject.org/blog/">Prescription Project</a><br /><a href="http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/">Respectful Insolence</a><br /><a href="http://mdredux.blogspot.com/">Retired Doc's Thoughts</a><br /><a href="http://blog.lib.umn.edu/schwitz/healthnews/">Schwitzer Health News</a><br /><a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Pharmaceutical_Research_and_Manufacturers_of_America">SourceWatch on PhRMA</a><br /><a href="http://health-counterspin.blogspot.com/">The Antidote Counterspin</a><br /><a href="http://theblogthatatemanhattan.blogspot.com/">The Blog that Ate Manhattan</a><br /><a href="http://carlatpsychiatry.blogspot.com/">The Carlat Psychiatry Blog</a><br /><a href="http://scienceblogs.com/thecheerfuloncologist/">The Cheerful Oncologist</a><br /><a href="http://thehappyhospitalist.blogspot.com/">The Happy Hospitalist</a><br /><a href="http://www.thehealthcareblog.com/">The Health Care Blog</a><br /><a href="http://executivephysician.blogspot.com/">The Physician Executive</a><br /><a href="http://www.kalimao.blogspot.com/">The Politlcal Cat</a><br /><a href="http://sentineleffect.wordpress.com/">The Sentinel Effect</a><br /><a href="http://whitecoatrants.wordpress.com/">WhiteCoat Rants</a><br /><a href="http://www.workerscompinsider.com/">Workers' Comp Insider</a><br /><a href="http://www.worldofdtcmarketing.com/index.html">World of DTC Marketing</a><br /><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/health/">WSJ Health Blog</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList6&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList6"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199233022_link'), 'exp1199233022');<br />MS Bloggers<br />[<a id="exp1199232771_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />MS Bloggers<br /><a href="http://swampangel65.blogspot.com/">A Florida Journal (SwampAngel)</a><br /><a href="http://mslol.wordpress.com/">A Life of Learning with MS</a><br /><a href="http://shortinthecord.blogspot.com/">A Short in the Cord (Joan)</a><br /><a href="http://dj-astellarlife.blogspot.com/">A Stellar Life (Diane)</a><br /><a href="http://accessdenied-livingwithms.blogspot.com/">Access Denied (Herrad)</a><br /><a href="http://artslaveangst.blogspot.com/">Angst on a Shoestring (Gina)</a><br /><a href="http://barbarany_9.blogspot.com/">Barbara's Tchatzkahs</a><br /><a href="http://www.rathnait.net/blog/">Behind Blue Eyes (Zee)</a><br /><a href="http://beingammey.wordpress.com/">Being Ammey</a><br /><a href="http://blindbeardsmsblog.blogspot.com/">Blindbeard's MS Blog</a><br /><a href="http://lifshen.blogspot.com/">Blogbuster (Daniel)</a><br /><a href="http://www.brain-cheese.blogspot.com/">Brain Cheese (Linda)</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/">Brass and Ivory (Lisa)</a><br /><a href="http://brokenclay.org/journal/index.php">Broken Clay (Katja)</a><br /><a href="http://bubbiesblog.blogspot.com/">Bubbie's Blog (Cathy)</a><br /><a href="http://bugsbikesbrains.blogspot.com/">Bugs, Bikes, Brains (Shauna)</a><br /><a href="http://camillesmsadventures.blogspot.com/">Camille's MSadventures</a><br /><a href="http://donna.innereyes.com/">Can You Hear Me Now? (Donna)</a><br /><a href="http://www.caregivinglyyours.com/">Caregivingly Yours (Patrick)</a><br /><a href="http://caregivinglyyours.blogspot.com/">Caregivingly Yours (Patrick)</a><br /><a href="http://journals.aol.com/daddyleer/CaregivinglyYours">Caregivingly Yours (Patrick)</a><br /><a href="http://carolemsblog.blogspot.com/">Carole's MS Blog (Carole)</a><br /><a href="http://catchmydiz.blogspot.com/">Catch My Disease (Lisle)</a><br /><a href="http://bellonadarling.blogspot.com/">Chaos Personified</a><br /><a href="http://www.chrishasms.com/blog.html">Chris Has MS (Chris)</a><br /><a href="http://clodsandpebbles.blogspot.com/">Clods and Pebbles</a><br /><a href="http://commentcolumn.blogspot.com/">Comment Column (Virginia)</a><br /><a href="http://curmudgeonette.blogspot.com/">Curmudgeonette (Pamela)</a><br /><a href="http://lazscott.livejournal.com/">Dancing with MS (Lazscott)</a><br /><a href="http://dandelionsinbloom.blogspot.com/">Dandelion Wine (Lynx)</a><br /><a href="http://danieldoo.blogspot.com/">Danieldoo (Vivian)</a><br /><a href="http://www.deborahgray.org/">Deborah Does Navel-Gazing</a><br /><a href="http://defeating-illness.blogspot.com/">Defeating Illness (Chris)</a><br /><a href="http://www.4ever4given.com/">Deo Volente (Lisa N)</a><br /><a href="http://diaryofmsx.blogspot.com/">Diary of MS X (7 Divas)</a><br /><a href="http://disablednotdead-anne.blogspot.com/">Disabled Not Dead (Anne)</a><br /><a href="http://dissonanceink.com/blog/">Dissonance</a><br /><a href="http://lottalatte.blogspot.com/">Do You Have That in My Size? (Denise)</a><br /><a href="http://vvbms.blogspot.com/">Down the MS Path (Vicki)</a><br /><a href="http://electrical-disturbance.blogspot.com/">Electrical Disturbance</a><br /><a href="http://blog.thesmithlife.com/">Erik's MS &amp; Lyme Blog</a><br /><a href="http://etsycrest.blogspot.com/">Etsy Crest (Shelby)</a><br /><a href="http://fty720.blogspot.com/">Fingolimod and Me</a><br /><a href="http://fridayschild.blogdrive.com/">Friday's Child</a><br /><a href="http://www.margomilne.com/wordpress/">Funky Mango's Musings</a><br /><a href="http://gandksmom.blogspot.com/">G and K's Mom</a><br /><a href="http://georgiamsadvocates.blogspot.com/">Georgia MS Advocates</a><br /><a href="http://greatmastications.blogspot.com/">Great Mastications (Orla)</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/dir/">Health Central's MS Shareposts</a><br /><a href="http://bjjemartinscasa.blogspot.com/">Home Sweet Home (Jennifer)</a><br /><a href="http://pdhelp.blogspot.com/">Hop Bloody Hop (Philip)</a><br /><a href="http://www.jamesshuggins.com/h/ms-1/multiple-sclerosis.htm">Huggins' MS Pages (James)</a><br /><a href="http://humanlifematters.blogspot.com/">Human Life Matters (Mark)</a><br /><a href="http://www.ihavems.com/">I Have MS (Tim)</a><br /><a href="http://imbeatingms.blogspot.com/">I'm Beating MS (Michael)</a><br /><a href="http://mamasquirrel.wordpress.com/">Inside the Mind of a Squirrel</a><br /><a href="http://wednesdaythursdayfriday.blogspot.com/">Intent, Context, Perception (Chris)</a><br /><a href="http://blog.irreverence.co.uk/?cat=12/">Irreverence is Justified</a><br /><a href="http://msallinmyhead.blogspot.com/">It's Not All in My Head (Optimist)</a><br /><a href="http://jennsjourneywithms.blogspot.com/">Jenn's Journey with MS (Jenn)</a><br /><a href="http://jennsnook.blogspot.com/">Jenn's Nook (Jenn)</a><br /><a href="http://jimspoliticalthoughts.blogspot.com/">Jim's Deep Thoughts (Jim)</a><br /><a href="http://www.mswebpals.org/">Jooley's Joint (MSWebPals)</a><br /><a href="http://abovetheabyss.blogspot.com/">Just Above the Abyss (Heidi)</a><br /><a href="http://katyandmike.blogspot.com/">Katy and Mike's Adventure (Katy)</a><br /><a href="http://rwboughton.livejournal.com/">Kebenaran - The Truth</a><br /><a href="http://www.knowms.com/">Know Multiple Sclerosis</a><br /><a href="http://www.lazydogpub.com/">Lazy Dog Public House</a><br /><a href="http://themonsterstory.blogspot.com/index.html">Libbi's MS Journey (Libbi)</a><br /><a href="http://www.msworld.org/html/life_on_cripple_creek_column.htm">Life on Cripple Creek Column</a><br /><a href="http://blog.healthtalk.com/multiple-sclerosis/life-with-ms/">Life with MS (Trevis)</a><br /><a href="http://lifewithmsseekingacure.blogspot.com/">Life with MS, seeking a cure (Karyl)</a><br /><a href="http://livinglifeasasnowflake.blogspot.com/">Living Life as a Snowflake (Sharon)</a><br /><a href="http://leehaven.blogspot.com/">Living Life at LeeHaven (Karen)</a><br /><a href="http://livingwellwithmultiplesclerosis.blogspot.com/">Living Well with MS (Michon)</a><br /><a href="http://living-with-ms.blogspot.com/">Living with MS (Blinders Off)</a><br /><a href="http://cyndees.blogspot.com/">Living with MS (Cyndee)</a><br /><a href="http://msshad.typepad.com/ordinaryms/">Living with Multiple Sclerosis (TC)</a><br /><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/ms_support/">LJ Users with Multiple Sclerosis</a><br /><a href="http://lookingforwardwithms.blogspot.com/">Looking Forward with MS (Pamela)</a><br /><a href="http://maggsbunny.wordpress.com/">Maggsbunny</a><br /><a href="http://mstaichi.blogspot.com/">Managing MS with Tai Chi (Joel)</a><br /><a href="http://www.managing-multiple-sclerosis.com/">Managing Multiple Sclerosis (Vince)</a><br /><a href="http://www.restperiod.ca/">Mandatory Rest Period (Kim)</a><br /><a href="http://www.marciarita.com/default.php">Marciarita</a><br /><a href="http://markandms.blogspot.com/">Mark and MS (Mark)</a><br /><a href="http://markpickup.blogspot.com/">Mark Pickup (Mark)</a><br /><a href="http://lazyjulie.blogspot.com/">Maybe I'm Just Lazy (Julie)</a><br /><a href="http://emmalouiserichards.blogspot.com/">Me, Myself and MS (Emma)</a><br /><a href="http://mser4.blogspot.com/">Merely Me's Multiple Synchronicities (&amp; Sclerosis)</a><br /><a href="http://thesurfaceofthings.blogspot.com/">Michele's Blog</a><br /><a href="http://middle-age-mania.blogspot.com/">Middle Age Mania (Tricia)</a><br /><a href="http://www.mikemartonfi.com/myblog.aspx">Mike's Place</a><br /><a href="http://mimad.blogspot.com/">Mima's Doings</a><br /><a href="http://mismorphicms.blogspot.com/">Mismorphic's World of MS</a><br /><a href="http://sisterjane.blogspot.com/">Montana Homecoming (Sister Jane)</a><br /><a href="http://journals.aol.com/ladydriversammie/movinonwithms/">Movin' On with MS (Sammie)</a><br /><a href="http://www.mymultiplesclerosis.co.uk/">MS - A Personal Account</a><br /><a href="http://www.ms-myscene.blogspot.com/">MS - My Scene (Virginia)</a><br /><a href="http://msactivist.blogspot.com/">MS Activist (NMSS)</a><br /><a href="http://mscaregiver.typepad.com/ms_caregivers/">MS Caregivers</a><br /><a href="http://msintheoc.blogspot.com/">MS in the OC (Frank)</a><br /><a href="http://www.msmaze.com/">MS Maze (Mandy)</a><br /><a href="http://msmeans.wordpress.com/">MS Means (Carolyne)</a><br /><a href="http://www.activemsers.org/blog/">MS Musings</a><br /><a href="http://msmyway.blogspot.com/">MS My Way (Callie)</a><br /><a href="http://ms.deborahgray.org/">MS News and Notes</a><br /><a href="http://davesmsblog.blogspot.com/">MS Not Just a Diary (Dave)</a><br /><a href="http://mspipeline.wordpress.com/">MS Pipeline</a><br /><a href="http://www.msprotocols.netfirms.com/">MS Protocols (Jeff)</a><br /><a href="http://atlanteanproductions.wordpress.com/">Ms Quill</a><br /><a href="http://msyoungadult.blogspot.com/">MS Real Life Stories &amp; Issues (Kristin)</a><br /><a href="http://msrecoverydiet.com/blog/4">MS Recovery Diet Blog (Ann)</a><br /><a href="http://msrecoverydiet.com/blog/3">MS Recovery Diet Blog (Judi)</a><br /><a href="http://mssilverlining.blogspot.com/">MS Silver Lining</a><br /><a href="http://ms-toolkit.blogspot.com/">MS Toolkit</a><br /><a href="http://msbpodcast.com/">MSB's Podcast</a><br /><a href="http://lotties.brainiac.com/ceegee/aboutme.htm">MSing Around</a><br /><a href="http://multiplesclerosisblog.blogspot.com/">Multiple Sclerosis Blog</a><br /><a href="http://multiplesclerosis.blogharbor.com/blog">Multiple Sclerosis Blog and News</a><br /><a href="http://multiplesclerosisnotes.blogspot.com/">Multiple Sclerosis Notes</a><br /><a href="http://multiplesclerosissucks.com/">Multiple Sclerosis Sucks</a><br /><a href="http://autoimmunelife.blogspot.com/">My Autoimmune Life</a><br /><a href="http://runfromms.blogspot.com/">My Chain Driven Ride through Life in Alaska (Michelle)</a><br /><a href="http://mydemyelination.blogspot.com/">My Demyelination (Tina)</a><br /><a href="http://msplaques.blogspot.com/">My Journey - Living Well with MS (Diana)</a><br /><a href="http://myjourneywithms.blogspot.com/">My Journey with MS (Christina)</a><br /><a href="http://meandms.blogspot.com/">My MS Experience</a><br /><a href="http://mymsjournal.blogspot.com/">My MS Journal (Jaime)</a><br /><a href="http://lauren-livingwithms-aolcomlglbgl2003.blogspot.com/">My Tysabri Diary (Lauren)</a><br /><a href="http://newlydiagnosedms.wordpress.com/">Newly Diagnosed with MS (Andrea)</a><br /><a href="http://reversems.blogspot.com/">No Time for MS (Courtney)</a><br /><a href="http://chapter-06.blogspot.com/">Now We Are Six (Tish)</a><br /><a href="http://objectofmyinjection.blogspot.com/">Object of My Injection (Michelle)</a><br /><a href="http://azchick.blogspot.com/">One Crazy Chick (Chris)</a><br /><a href="http://wonlife.wordpress.com/">One Life (Stephen)</a><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ouch/">OUCH! It's a Disability Thing</a><br /><a href="http://www.ozms.org/modules/wordpress/">OzMS Bloggers</a><br /><a href="http://patspond.blogspot.com/">Pat's Pond (Pat)</a><br /><a href="http://persnicketyquilts.blogspot.com/">Persnickety Quilts (Dianne)</a><br /><a href="http://postcardsofmylife.blogspot.com/">Postcards of My Life (Sherry)</a><br /><a href="http://purelypatsy.chroniclelive.co.uk/">Purely Patsy (14 yr old Patsy)</a><br /><a href="http://mocklog.typepad.com/queen_mediocretia/">Queen Mediocretia of Suburbia</a><br /><a href="http://cutter.tblog.com/">Rants and Musings (Cutter)</a><br /><a href="http://raynesworld.blogspot.com/">Rayne's World (Jayme)</a><br /><a href="http://mjwoh.blogspot.com/">Reality Check (Michael)</a><br /><a href="http://realitychick.wordpress.com/category/ms-multiple-sclerosis/">Reality Chick (Keli)</a><br /><a href="http://rebootingtimes.blogspot.com/">Rebooting Times</a><br /><a href="http://insimpleterms.blogspot.com/">Say It Isn't So (Mouse)</a><br /><a href="http://scrapsandthreadtales.blogspot.com/">Scraps and Threadtales (YankeeQuilter)</a><br /><a href="http://idontknowhowtodie.blogspot.com/">Self-injecting Chinese Hamsters since 2007</a><br /><a href="http://sclason.wordpress.com/">Serina's Blog</a><br /><a href="http://sharingourdays.blogspot.com/">Sharing Our Days (Sean)</a><br /><a href="http://shirl-hhandh.blogspot.com/">Shirl's the Girl (Shirley)</a><br /><a href="http://shoester.blogspot.com/">Shoester (Doug)</a><br /><a href="http://blogs.msdn.com/michkap/archive/tags/Multiple+Sclerosis/default.aspx">Sorting It All Out (Michael)</a><br /><a href="http://www.shof.msrcsites.co.uk/">Squiffy's House of Fun</a><br /><a href="http://scoile.livejournal.com/">Stevers!</a><br /><a href="http://www.msviewsandrelatednews.com/blog5/">Stu's Views and MS Related News</a><br /><a href="http://sunshineandmoonlight.wordpress.com/">Sunshine and Moonlight (Kim)</a><br /><a href="http://icensnow.blogspot.com/">Surviving MS in Alaska (Michelle)</a><br /><a href="http://kselden.blogspot.com/">Talk Story with Kimberly</a><br /><a href="http://the-bs-of-my-ms.blogspot.com/">The BS of My MS (Heather)</a><br /><a href="http://theendomorph.blogspot.com/">The Endomorph (Ruth)</a><br /><a href="http://netxperiment.com/wordpress/">The Great NetXperiment</a><br /><a href="http://thejawsofmylife.blogspot.com/">The Jaws of My Life (Jaws)</a><br /><a href="http://sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com/">The Life &amp; Times of Sancho Knotwise (JM)</a><br /><a href="http://natalief.livejournal.com/">The MonSter Ate My Branes! (Natalie)</a><br /><a href="http://mscompanion.blogspot.com/">The Multiple Sclerosis Companion (Pat)</a><br /><a href="http://betweencoffees.com/pincushiondiary/">The Perseverant Pincushion (Trish)</a><br /><a href="http://zenpretzeltrick.blogspot.com/">The Zen Pretzel Trick (Zen Angel)</a><br /><a href="http://trrishp.blogspot.com/">These Pretzels Are Making Me Thirsty (Trrish)</a><br /><a href="http://www.mysclerosismultiple.blogspot.com/">Time to Deal with MS (Homer)</a><br /><a href="http://kellpattsblog.blogspot.com/">Tis Herself (Kell)</a><br /><a href="http://jaimehagarty.blogspot.com/">To Be Continued... (Jaime)</a><br /><a href="http://tokyo-girl.blogspot.com/">Tokyo Girl Down Under</a><br /><a href="http://www.travelswithlucy.blogspot.com/">Travels With Lucy (Virginia)</a><br /><a href="http://troysmsxp.blogspot.com/">Troy's Multiple Sclerosis Experience</a><br /><a href="http://rickshawdiaries.blogspot.com/">Truth and Beauty (Baraka)</a><br /><a href="http://miss_suzy.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Tryin' to Imagine Bliss (Suzy)</a><br /><a href="http://ttcmb.wordpress.com/">Trying to Catch My Breath</a><br /><a href="http://tysabrihelp.blogspot.com/">Tysabri Help (Deej)</a><br /><a href="http://victoriamaryplum.blogspot.com/">Victoria Plum - Technician!</a><br /><a href="http://whatismstome.blogspot.com/">What is MS to Me (Dave)</a><br /><a href="http://when-it-is-raining-cats-and-dogs.blogspot.com/">When it's Raining... (Keeley)</a><br /><a href="http://mdmhvonpa.blogspot.com/">White Lightning Axiom - Redux (mdm)</a><br /><a href="http://willymsrant.blogspot.com/">Willy's MS Rants</a><br /><a href="http://windamongthereeds.blogspot.com/">Wind Among the Reeds</a><br /><a href="http://wordsalads.blogspot.com/">Word Salads (Have Myelin?)</a><br /><a href="http://yodamamma.blogspot.com/">YodaMamma MS &amp; More</a><br /><a href="http://youmeandms.blogspot.com/">You Me and MS (Judi)</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList4&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList4"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199232771_link'), 'exp1199232771');<br />MS Forums<br />[<a id="exp1199237401_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />MS Forums<br />MS Forums<br /><a href="http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/">Brain Talk Communities</a><br /><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/ms_support/">Live Journal MS Support</a><br /><a href="http://www.meandmyms.org/forum/index.php">Me and My MS</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/">MS Central</a><br /><a href="http://www.mschristian.org/mscforum/">MS Christian Forum</a><br /><a href="http://www.msfacts.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi">MS Foundation Forum</a><br /><a href="http://forum.mslog.com/">MS Log Forum</a><br /><a href="http://ms-people.com/forum/index.php">MS People UK</a><br /><a href="http://www.msrefugees.proboards82.com/">MS Refugees Forum</a><br /><a href="http://www.montelms.org/MSCommunity/MS_SPEAK/">MS Speak Forum</a><br /><a href="http://www.mssupportnetwork.com/msforums/index.php">MS Support Network</a><br /><a href="http://msworld.org/forum/index.php">MS World Forum</a><br /><a href="http://p198.ezboard.com/bmsrcsharing">MSRC Sharing Forum</a><br /><a href="http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/">Neuro Talk Communities</a><br /><a href="http://www.patientslikeme.com/welcome/community/ms">Patients Like Me</a><br /><a href="http://www.revolutionhealth.com/groups/multiple-sclerosis-support">Revolution Health</a><br /><a href="http://www.thisisms.com/forums.html">This is MS Forum</a><br /><a href="http://wehavems.ning.com/forum">We Have MS</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList1&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList1"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199237401_link'), 'exp1199237401');<br />MS Support<br />[<a id="exp1199465451_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />MS Support<br /><a href="http://www.nmss.org/">National MS Society</a><br /><a href="http://www.msassociation.org/">MS Society of America</a><br /><a href="http://www.msfocus.org/">MS Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.atlasofms.org/">Atlas of MS (msif)</a><br /><a href="http://www.faceofms.org/">Face of MS (nmss)</a><br /><a href="http://msworld.org/html/index.htm">MS World (nmss)</a><br /><a href="http://www.msmeans.ca/">MS Means...</a><br /><a href="http://www.msmoms.com/">MS Moms</a><br /><a href="https://www.mymsmyway.com/">MyMS MyWay</a><br /><a href="http://www.activemsers.org/">Active MSers</a><br /><a href="http://multiplesclerosissucks.com/">Multiple Sclerosis Sucks</a><br /><a href="http://www.mscooling.org/">MS Cooling Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.mssupportnetwork.com/">MS Mobility Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.brainandspine.org.uk/information/publications/brain_and_spine_booklets/multiple_sclerosis/index.html">Brain and Spine Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/MS.html">Job Accommodation Network</a><br /><a href="http://www.mscrossroads.org/">MS Crossroads Connections</a><br /><a href="http://www.ms-selfhelp.org/html/welcome.html">MS National Therapy Centres (UK)</a><br /><a href="http://www.msrc.co.uk/">MS Resource Centre (UK)</a><br /><a href="http://www.erasems.com/">Race to Erase MS</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList8&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList8"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199465451_link'), 'exp1199465451');<br />MS Consortiums<br />[<a id="exp1199237742_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />MS Consortiums<br /><a href="http://www.mscare.org/cmsc/index.php">Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC)</a><br /><a href="http://www.ms-in-europe.org/news/">European MS Platform</a><br /><a href="https://www.imsgc.org/">International MS Genetics Consortium</a><br /><a href="http://iomsn.org/">International Organization of MS Nurses</a><br /><a href="http://www.multiplesclerosiscoalition.org/cms/index.php">MS Coalition</a><br /><a href="http://www.msif.org/en/">Multiple Sclerosis International Federation</a><br /><a href="http://www.mstrust.org.uk/default.jsp">Multiple Sclerosis Trust (UK)</a><br /><a href="http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG8">National Institute of Clinical Excellence</a><br /><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/">National Library of Medicine</a><br /><a href="http://www.neurologynow.com/">Neurology Now Journal</a><br /><a href="http://www.rims.be/">Rehabilitation in MS (RIMS)</a><br /><a href="http://www.sfn.org/">Society for Neuroscience</a><br /><a href="http://www.thisisms.com/">This is MS (News)</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList3&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList3"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199237742_link'), 'exp1199237742');<br />MS Foundations<br />[<a id="exp1199232496_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />MS Foundations<br /><a href="http://www.acceleratedcure.org/">Accelerated Cure Project</a><br /><a href="http://www.myelinrepair.org/index.shtml">Myelin Repair Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.msandyou.org/">NMSS - National Capital Chapter</a><br /><a href="http://www.myelin.org/">The Myelin Project</a><br /><a href="http://www.trishmsresearch.org.au/">Trish MS Research Foundation (Australia)</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList5&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList5"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199232496_link'), 'exp1199232496');<br />MS News and Articles<br />[<a id="exp1199589257_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />MS News and Articles<br /><a href="http://www.acceleratedcure.org/news/bcp.php">Accelerated Cure - In the News</a><br /><a href="http://archneur.ama-assn.org/">Archives of Neurology (AMA)</a><br /><a href="http://www.healingwell.com/ms/">Healing Well</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthology.com/multiple-sclerosis/multiple-sclerosis-treatment/focusareasub.htm">Healthology</a><br /><a href="http://www.mscare.org/cmsc/index.php">International Journal of MS Care</a><br /><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/sections/multiple_sclerosis/">Medical News Today</a><br /><a href="http://www.mrc.ac.uk/NewsViewsAndEvents/index.htm">Medical Research Council</a><br /><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/multiplesclerosis.html">MedlinePlus - National Library of Medicine</a><br /><a href="http://www.mscare.org/cmsc/MS-Exchange.html">MS Exchange - CMSC Newsletter</a><br /><a href="http://news.mslog.com/">MS Log News</a><br /><a href="http://www.mscare.org/cmsc/MS-News-Room.html">MS News Room</a><br /><a href="http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=254">National Health Services Direct</a><br /><a href="http://www.neurology.org/">Neurology (AAN)</a><br /><a href="http://www.neurology.org/cgi/collection/multiple_sclerosis">Neurology - MS Articles</a><br /><a href="http://search.nejm.org/search?p=Q&amp;ts=rss&amp;w=multiple%20sclerosis&amp;af=&amp;method=and&amp;isort=score">New England Journal of Medicine</a><br /><a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/health/diseasesconditionsandhealthtopics/multiplesclerosis/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier">NYT Health News</a><br /><a href="http://msj.sagepub.com/">Sage Journals Online</a><br /><a href="http://www.msviewsandrelatednews.com/blog5/">Stu's Views and MS Related News</a><br /><a href="http://www.bostoncure.org:8080/">The Boston Cure News</a><br /><a href="http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/default.htm">WebMD Health Center</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList11&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList11"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199589257_link'), 'exp1199589257');<br />MS Research Centers<br />[<a id="exp1199465306_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />MS Research Centers<br /><a href="http://www.centerwatch.com/patient/studies/cat102.html">CenterWatch Clinical Trials</a><br /><a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/term=Multiple+Sclerosis">ClinicalTrials.gov</a><br /><a href="http://www.chg.duke.edu/diseases/ms.html">Duke - Human Genetics</a><br /><a href="http://www.mrc.ac.uk/ApplyingforaGrant/HighlightNotices/MultipleSclerosis/index.htm">Medical Research Council</a><br /><a href="http://www.hopkinsneuro.org/ms/">MS Center at Johns Hopkins</a><br /><a href="http://www.ohsu.edu/ms/">MS Center of Oregon</a><br /><a href="http://www.ucsf.edu/msdb/">MS Genetics Group</a><br /><a href="http://www.ms-research.org/">MS National Research Group</a><br /><a href="http://msrrtc.washington.edu/">MS Rehab Research and Training Center</a><br /><a href="http://www.msaustralia.org.au/msra/">MS Research Australia</a><br /><a href="http://www.msrcny.org/">MS Research Center of NY</a><br /><a href="http://www.digitalbristol.org/members/msfirst/">MS Research Unit at BGH</a><br /><a href="http://www.mscare.org/cmsc/CMSC-NARCOMS-Information.html">North American Research Committe (NARCOMS)</a><br /><a href="http://www.erasems.com/">Race to Erase MS</a><br /><a href="http://www.slcmsr.net/">Sylvia Lawry Centre for MS Research</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList10&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList10"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199465306_link'), 'exp1199465306');<br />Rx Assistance<br />[<a id="exp1199237842_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />Financial Assistance<br /><a href="http://www.needymeds.com/">NeedyMeds.Com (highly recommended)</a><br /><a href="http://benefitscheckup.org/">Benefits CheckUp</a><br /><a href="http://www.cdfund.org/about.html">Chronic Disease Fund</a><br /><a href="http://www.copays.org/">Co-Pay Relief Fund</a><br /><a href="http://www.freemedsandsolutions.com/">Free Meds and Solutions</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthwellfoundation.com/index.aspx">HealthWell Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.kpmsfoundation.com/">Kelly Packowski MS Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.modestneeds.org/">Modest Needs.Org</a><br /><a href="http://www.mshelp.org/">MS Helping Hands - (WA State)</a><br /><a href="http://www.ms-researchandrelief.org/">MS Research &amp; Relief Fund (UK)</a><br /><a href="http://www.msassociation.org/programs/cooling/">MSAA - Cooling Equipment</a><br /><a href="http://www.msassociation.org/programs/mri/">MSAA - MRI Diagnostic Program</a><br /><a href="http://www.rarediseases.org/programs/medication">NORD Co-Pay Assistance Program</a><br /><a href="https://www.patientaccessnetwork.org/">Patient Access Network Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.patientadvocate.org/">Patient Advocate Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.uneedpsi.org/">Patient Services Incorporated</a><br /><a href="http://www.pparx.org/">PhRMA's PPA (not recommended)</a><br /><a href="http://www.mindlink.org/prescription_help.html">Prescription Assistance Info</a><br /><a href="http://www.rxoutreach.com/">Rx Outreach (generics only)</a><br /><a href="http://www.sweetrelief.org/index.html">Sweet Relief Musician's Fund</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList9&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList9"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199237842_link'), 'exp1199237842');<br />Health Coverage Information<br />[<a id="exp1199237282_link" title="show/hide" style="COLOR: #003366; TEXT-DECORATION: none" onclick="'toggle(this," href="javascript:">+</a>]<br />Health Coverage Information<br /><a href="http://www.amsa.org/uhc/">American Medical Student Association</a><br /><a href="http://www.apuhc.com/">American Patients for Universal Health Care</a><br /><a href="http://www.americansforhealthcare.org/">Americans for Health Care</a><br /><a href="http://avecassandra.blogspot.com/">Ave Cassandra</a><br /><a href="http://www.guaranteedhealthcare.org/">CA - Guaranteed Health Care</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcareforall.org/">CA - Health Care for All</a><br /><a href="http://www.onecarenow.org/">CA - One Care Now</a><br /><a href="http://www.chcf.org/">California HealthCare Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.guaranteedhealthcare.org/">California Nurses Association</a><br /><a href="http://www.cepr.net/">Center for Economic and Policy Research</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcareforallcolorado.org/">CO - Single Payer UHC</a><br /><a href="http://www.setaxequity.org/">Coalition Supporting Equity for our Nation's Self-Employed</a><br /><a href="http://cohealthinitiative.org/">Colorado Consumer Health Initiative</a><br /><a href="http://www.communitycatalyst.org/">Community Catalyst</a><br /><a href="http://cthealth.server101.com/">CT - Coalition for UHC</a><br /><a href="http://www.universalhealthct.org/">CT - UHC Foundation</a><br /><a href="http://www.dividedwefail.org/">Divided We Fail - AARP</a><br /><a href="http://www.everybodyinnobodyout.org/">Everybody In Nobody Out</a><br /><a href="http://www.factcheck.org/">Fact Check</a><br /><a href="http://www.familiesusa.org/">Families USA</a><br /><a href="http://www.ffhs.org/">FL - Floridians for Health Security</a><br /><a href="http://www.coverageforall.org/about_us.htm">Foundation for Health Coverage Education</a><br /><a href="http://www.commonsensehealthplan.org/">GA - Common Sense Health Plan</a><br /><a href="http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&amp;docid=f:h676ih.txt.pdf">H.R.676 - "Medicare for All"</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthfinder.gov/">Health Finder (HHS-ODPHP)</a><br /><a href="http://www.hla-inc.org/">Health Law Advocates, Inc.</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcare-now.org/">Healthcare-Now!</a><br /><a href="http://www.cbhconline.org/">IL - Health Care Justice Campaign</a><br /><a href="http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/">Insure Kids Now</a><br /><a href="http://www.masscare.org/">MA - Campaign for Single Payer HC</a><br /><a href="http://www.mainepeoplealliance.org/health_care.html">Maine People Alliance</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcareforall.com/HTML1.phtml">MD - Health Care for All</a><br /><a href="http://www.medicareforall.net/">Medicare for All</a><br /><a href="http://www.coact.org/">MN - Citizens Organized Acting Together</a><br /><a href="http://www.muhcc.org/">MN - UHC Coalition</a><br /><a href="http://www.talkaboutrx.org/">National Council on Patient Information and Education</a><br /><a href="http://www.nationalhealthcouncil.org/">National Health Council</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcareforallnc.org/">NC - Health Care for All</a><br /><a href="http://www.pnhp.org/pnhp-ny/">NY - PNHP Metro Chapter</a><br /><a href="http://www.spanohio.org/">OH - Single Payer Action Network</a><br /><a href="http://www.uhcanohio.org/">OH - UHC Action Network</a><br /><a href="http://www.wecandobetter.org/">OR - Archimedes Movement</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcareforalloregon.org/">OR - Health Care for All</a><br /><a href="http://www.pnhp.org/">Physicians for a National Health Program</a><br /><a href="http://www.prescriptionaccess.org/">Prescription Access Litigation</a><br /><a href="http://pdamerica.org/articles/news/2007-06-23-11-17-02-news.php">Progressive Democrats of America</a><br /><a href="http://www.protectyourhealthcare.org/">Protect Your Health Care</a><br /><a href="http://www.protesthealthcare.org/index.htm">Protest Health Care</a><br /><a href="http://www.righttohealthcare.org/">Right to Health Care</a><br /><a href="http://www.seiuhealthcare.org/">SEIU Healthcare Union</a><br /><a href="http://www.sickocure.org/">The Sicko Cure</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcareforalltexas.org/">TX - Health Care for All</a><br /><a href="http://www.uhcan.org/index.php">Universal Health Care Action Network</a><br /><a href="http://www.utahhealthalliance.org/">UT - Quality Coverage for All</a><br /><a href="http://www.vthca.org/">VT - Health Care for All</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthcareforallwa.org/">WA - Health Care for All</a><br /><a href="http://www.webeillin.org/">We Be Illin'</a><br /><a href="http://www.wisconsinhealth.org/">WI - Coalition for Wisconsin Health</a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=LinkList&amp;widgetId=LinkList2&amp;action=editWidget" target="configLinkList2"></a><br />toggle(getObject('exp1199237282_link'), 'exp1199237282');<br />Recent Comments<br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/quilting-bloggers-spread-ms-awareness.html#c8746670719647862985">I love how you pulled all this together! Thank yo... </a> - Karen Dianne Lee<br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/stuff-that-makes-life-easieror-not_17.html#c742973512765026795">Cool gadget! I'm always looking for things to make... </a> - Miss Chris<br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html#c6333533895929668512">It might be the ol' MS poopy-brain but I have no i... </a> - Yoda Mamma<br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/music-antics.html#c5435950571926643556">When I was in Junior High and High school, I playe... </a> - Jim<br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/stuff-that-makes-life-easieror-not_17.html#c9205858919855895145">That is added to my shopping list for the future. ... </a> - Jim<br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=Feed&amp;widgetId=Feed1&amp;action=editWidget" target="configFeed1"></a><br /><a href="http://www.msbpodcast.com/"></a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=HTML&amp;widgetId=HTML5&amp;action=editWidget" target="configHTML5"></a><br />Blog Archive<br /><a class="toggle" style="COLOR: #003366" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html?widgetType=BlogArchive&amp;widgetId=BlogArchive1&amp;action=toggle&amp;dir=close&amp;toggle=YEARLY-1199163600000&amp;toggleopen=MONTHLY-1204347600000">▼ </a><a class="post-count-link" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2008-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&amp;updated-max=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&amp;max-results=50">2008</a> (67)<br /><a class="toggle" style="COLOR: #003366" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html?widgetType=BlogArchive&amp;widgetId=BlogArchive1&amp;action=toggle&amp;dir=close&amp;toggle=MONTHLY-1204347600000&amp;toggleopen=MONTHLY-1204347600000">▼ </a><a class="post-count-link" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html">March 2008</a> (16)<br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/quilting-bloggers-spread-ms-awareness.html">Quilting Bloggers Spread MS Awareness</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/stuff-that-makes-life-easieror-not_17.html">Stuff that makes life easier....or not.</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/everythings-fine-by-sid-schwab.html">Everything's Fine by Sid Schwab</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/music-antics.html">Music Antics</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/random-thoughts-how-few-simple-words.html">Random Thoughts - How a few simple words can break...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/carnival-of-ms-bloggers-6-country-of.html">Carnival of MS Bloggers #6 - A Country of Our Own</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/warning-steroid-induced-annoyance-ahead.html">Warning: Steroid-induced Annoyance Ahead</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/is-diet-answer-to-treating-ms-symptoms.html">Is Diet the Answer to Treating MS Symptoms?</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/drink-up-drug-up-read-up.html">Drink Up, Drug Up, Read Up</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/you-less-than-three-my-blog-you-really.html">You Less-than-three My Blog, You Really Less-than-...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html">MS Awareness, Blogging Friends, and a little Link ...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/big-insurance-company-vs-mild-mannered.html">Big Insurance Company vs. Mild-Mannered Insurance ...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/joining-ms-party.html">Joining the MS Party</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/multiplicity-of-mis-simplification.html">A Multiplicity of MiS-Simplification</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/stuff-that-makes-life-easieror-not.html">Stuff that makes life easier....or not.</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/what-difference-does-165776833-make.html">What difference does $165,776,833 make?</a><br /><a class="toggle" style="COLOR: #003366" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html?widgetType=BlogArchive&amp;widgetId=BlogArchive1&amp;action=toggle&amp;dir=open&amp;toggle=MONTHLY-1201842000000&amp;toggleopen=MONTHLY-1204347600000">► </a><a class="post-count-link" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html">February 2008</a> (27)<br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/letter-from-mother-of-ms-patient.html">Letter from Mother of MS Patient</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/carnival-of-ms-bloggers-5.html">Carnival of MS Bloggers #5</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/federal-money-for-multiple-sclerosis.html">Federal Money for Multiple Sclerosis Research</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/pr-for-ms-ogilvy-and-betaseron.html">PR for MS - Ogilvy and Betaseron</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/who-is-your-hero.html">Who is your Hero?</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/stuff-that-makes-life-easieror-not.html">Stuff that makes life easier....or not.</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/in-honor-of-academy-awards-oscar-night.html">In Honor of the Academy Awards - Oscar Night for S...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/ms-carnival-5-submissions-due.html">MS Carnival #5 - Submissions Due</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/who-needs-to-know.html">Who Needs to Know?</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/gooz-news-hosts-health-wonk-review.html">Gooz News hosts the Health Wonk Review</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/yippee-yay-go-federal-trade-commission.html">Yippee! Yay! Go Federal Trade Commission!!</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-musti-mustblog.html">I must...I must...BLOG!!!</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/schip-in-news-again.html">SCHIP in the News AGAIN!!</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/ms-forums-online-where-do-you-go-to.html">MS Forums Online - Where do you go to talk?</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/carnival-of-ms-bloggers-4-valentines.html">Carnival of MS Bloggers #4 - Valentine's Special</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/annoying-mysteries-of-life-from.html">Annoying mysteries of life from a frustrated blogg...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/sharing-grace-in-face-of-illness.html">Sharing Grace in the Face of Illness</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/clear-communication-is-key.html">Clear Communication is Key!!</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/fear-and-anxiety-what-are-your-dreams.html">Fear and Anxiety - What are your dreams?</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/ms-carnival-4-submissions-due.html">MS Carnival #4 - Submissions Due</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/health-wonk-review-is-hosted-at-health.html">Health Wonk Review is Hosted at the Health Busines...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/who-do-you-tell-when-do-you-tell-and.html">Who do you tell, when do you tell, and why do you ...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/joshua-means-yahweh-god-rescues.html">Joshua means "Yahweh (God) rescues"</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/blogroll-amnesty-day.html">Blogroll Amnesty Day</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/preparing-for-your-doctors-visit.html">Preparing for Your Doctor's Visit</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/depression-and-drugs-what-do-you-take.html">Depression and Drugs - What do you take?</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/get-your-carnival-button-here.html">Get your Carnival Button here!!</a><br /><a class="toggle" style="COLOR: #003366" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html?widgetType=BlogArchive&amp;widgetId=BlogArchive1&amp;action=toggle&amp;dir=open&amp;toggle=MONTHLY-1199163600000&amp;toggleopen=MONTHLY-1204347600000">► </a><a class="post-count-link" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html">January 2008</a> (24)<br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/01/billy-tauzin-to-be-honored-at-montel.html">Billy Tauzin to be honored at Montel Williams MS F...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/01/carnival-of-ms-bloggers-3.html">Carnival of MS Bloggers #3</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/01/love-depression-and-loneliness.html">Love, Depression, and Loneliness</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/01/as-world-passes-by_28.html">As the World Passes By...</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/01/ms-carnival-3-submissions-due.html">MS Carnival #3 - Submissions Due</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/01/why-my-blog.html">Why My Blog?!!</a><br /><a href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/01/invisible-challenges.html">Invisible Challenges</a><br /><a class="toggle" style="COLOR: #003366" href="http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/03/ms-awareness-blogging-friends-and.html?widgetType=BlogArchive&amp;widgetId=BlogArchive1&amp;action=toggle&amp;dir=open&amp;toggle=YEARLY-1167627600000&amp;toggleopen=MONTHLY-1204347600000">► </a><a class="post-count-link" 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href="http://www.addthis.com/feed.php?pub=lkemrich&amp;h1=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2Fbrassandivory&amp;t1="></a><a id="idSiteMeterHREF" href="http://www.sitemeter.com/stats.asp?site=s11brassandivory" target="_top"></a><br /><a href="http://www.prchecker.info/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.blogburst.com/"></a><a title="Medicine Blogs - Blog Catalog Blog Directory" href="http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/health/medicine"></a><a title="Blog Carnival submission form - carnival of ms bloggers" href="http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_3178.html"></a><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&amp;add=http://brassandivory.blogspot.com"></a><br /><br /><br /><a style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; DISPLAY: block; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; FONT: 26px/16px 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; COLOR: #390; PADDING-TOP: 0px; HEIGHT: 38px; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; TEXT-DECORATION: none" href="http://technorati.com/blogs/brassandivory.blogspot.com?sub=tr_authority_t_js">65</a><br /><br />_uacct = "UA-2919780-1";<br />urchinTracker();<br /><a href="http://www.edrugsearch.com/edsblog/healthcare100/"></a><br /><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3500936220214961312&amp;widgetType=HTML&amp;widgetId=HTML3&amp;action=editWidget" target="configHTML3"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5673225040227241994?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-62608660488744403952008-02-25T21:09:00.003+01:002008-02-25T22:41:31.957+01:00Phew.<br /><br />Yes I know I haven't been around, internet-ically speaking for a while.<br /><br />Life has been a series of tasks and steep learning curves and new insights and self-disclosures; and that's all just preparing for marriage, never mind work!!!<br /><br />Life has been very very busy.<br /><br />I am enjoying it though, immensly. Getting to know the love of my life, not just how she kisses, or what her favourite colour is, or other shallow things; getting to know her real, beating, honest beautiful heart, finding out what makes her want to get up in the morning, and what makes her feel alive, and what her dreams are. All that and more is what I've been discovering as we've chatted on the phone over the last few weeks since she's been back in the States.<br /><br />I'm so thankful to God that I had the nouse and wherewithal to buy these usb phones that cost us nothing to use, apart from our own internet connections. Yes, sometimes the signal is bad, and when you're having a deep conversation and the connection drops, or times out, or stalls, it can be extremely frustrating, and in my case, can result in more than a little internet rage towards technology in general. On the plus side though, it is SO nice to hear the voice of the one I love so clearly across 4,000 miles of cable and wireless connections, under seas and continents and roads and houses. And the fact that there's only minimal delay.<br /><br />This week I have two staff appraisals, (it's that time of year again!) four different stock orders to source from four different companies, month-end accounts to do in one night, the evening before I fly out to spend two glorious weeks with the love of my life... I'm SOOOOO looking forward to it!!<br /><br />When you start your working day at 7:30am, and finish at 6pm for 6 weeks non-stop, with about 30 mins on average for a lunch break, sometimes munching away while you work, a holiday seems even more a pleasant idea than it is usually! Not that I'll be resting all the time I'm there.<br /><br />I have wedding rings to buy, a honeymoon to pay for, my sister's bridesmaid's dress to pay for, <br />and a very in-depth conversation with the British Embassy in New York to start with... Phew I'm tired already!!<br /><br />There is one consolation though: I get to spend time with my stunningly beautiful fiance whose lips and arms I've missed terribly over the last five weeks.<br /><br />*contented sigh*<br /><br />It's a trip tinged with bittersweet emotions though: this will be the last time we see each other for five months, till the week before our wedding. FIVE MONTHS!!<br /><br />*sigh*<br /><br />We'll cope, I know we will. She has deadlines, so do I, she has new areas of work to explore, plan and think about, I have a new home to find for us, and furnish; she has new dreams to birth, and old ones to let die; I have new roles to start and old ones to relinquish. It's gonna be a busy few months for us, but it'll be exciting!<br /><br />I've never felt so fulfilled and happy as I do now. It's very hard being apart 90% of the time, but when we're together finally as husband and wife, it's all gonna be worth it.<br /><br />:-)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6260866048874440395?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-87723177658649278492008-02-03T01:20:00.000+01:002008-02-03T01:35:40.834+01:00It seems strange to be sitting here writing at the computer when my life has been so hectic lately up until this point.<br /><br />With lot's of very very early mornings and late finishes, my life has become a blur of activity mainly revolving around the shop, and then chatting on the phone for hours with Meg. Nothing else really happens of any importance, and my life feels a bit shallow at the moment, full of "busyness" but without an end goal in sight.<br /><br />I find it interesting that it's precisely at this time that God's been making his presence known to me in lots of little ways throughout my day, whether it's a random thought about Him that pops into my head, or a verse of scripture, or a line of a song, just a little reminder that He's around and watching over me.<br /><br />It's strange, have you ever had that moment of worship when you suddenly are able to realise how present God is? That He's not just an idea or a concept, but a living breathing Spirit present with you? I've had many times over the last few weeks where I've been listening to a song on the way into work, and I've just suddenly felt almost overhwelmed by God and wanted to burst into song, or burst into tears. Not tears of sadness, tears of Joy, about what He's doing in my life at the moment, and how He's blessing me. I have a beautiful, kind, generous, gentle lady who's willing to be my wife, a new job with a level of responsibility I've always wanted, a chance to mnake a difference where I am, so many things to be grateful to God for.<br /><br />It's not that I have stacks of money, or my life is amazingly different in some prosperity way, in fact my life is still very boring at times, and I still have the weekly drudge and monday dread, but something's different now.<br /><br />If I really think hard now, the only real measurable difference now is that I have hope for the future. Hope for a beautiful wife and new dreams for both of us, hope for a job that excites and challenges me, and hope that God has a plan for my life.<br /><br />I hope that these moments of inspiration continue to happen as I learn to depend on my Heavenly father more and more.<br /><br />:)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8772317765864927849?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-46351949835825667522008-01-10T19:14:00.000+01:002008-01-10T19:16:49.436+01:00Due to an understandable and very small mistake in Head Office, the recruitment process hasn't started for a replacement for the role I was previously doing, so it looks like I will be the only full timer at work until the end of March, as well as managing the shop!!!<br /><br />Oh well, it's my fault...<br /><br />I asked God to stretch me and teach me this year!!!<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4635194983582566752?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-70464572876927271322008-01-10T13:34:00.000+01:002008-01-10T13:47:48.085+01:00Yes, yes, I know I haven't posted for Aeons...<br /><br />Well, I'd like to tell you all my excuses now; the fact that Christmas in Retail is like crazy crazy time, and you don't have time to stop and think, never mind blog; the fact that my lovely, beautiful, gorgeous, kind and beautiful fiance has come to visit me and flew in on Boxing Day; the fact that I've been promoted and started on the 2nd Jan as Wesley Owen Liverpool's new Branch Manager... oh there's so many excuses I could give you!!<br /><br />Anyway...<br /><br />Suffice it to say I have been VERY busy, and hardly noticed the dawn of a New Year, and unfortunately was ill over Christmas, so the whole season passed by me without much excitement from me!<br /><br />I think only now am I starting to think in terms of a New year, with new op[portunities and challenges, etc. The first few days as the new Manager were excruciating! I had a 17 box recall of stock to get done, and most of the shop to rearrange and re-stock after Christmas. It's only really today that I'm starting to feel on top of things, and anything remotely like a routine has started.<br /><br />This year is a big year for me. I'm getting married this year, (how long have I waited to say that?! - HEE!!!! :p ) and the marriage service will be on another continent approx 4,000 miles away!! It will require me to use up the rest of my annual leave for this year, to book three weeks over the wedding period; one week before and two weeks after...<br /><br />This will be the year that I finally move out of my parents house; flat viewings will start on Saturday with Megan, but they're only at the viewing stage at the moment just to give us an idea of how much we'll be paying for what size generally, etc. The real flat-hunt will probably start in may/June, as I'll need to have a place of my own by then, to put on the Spouse Visa application we'll have to send off for megan before the Wedding!!<br /><br />Oh yes, there's also that. We have to undergo the whole process of applying for a Visa for Megan to enter the UK and to settle here after six months. This costs money and lots of it, and will involve LOTS of paperwork and many, many signatures!! We're finding out more details from the British Consulate in New York when we ring them when I'm over in the states for two weeks of Wedding Planning in March!!<br /><br />So, as you can see, I'll be busy!!<br /><br />Can I be let off please for not blogging?!<br /><br />Pretty Please?!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7046457287692727132?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-70845175620800450152007-12-14T12:49:00.000+01:002007-12-14T12:51:00.616+01:00Please go to the following link and read <a href="http://news.uk.msn.com/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=6992189"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>this</strong></span></a>.<br /><br />That's my kinda scientist!!<br /><br />:D<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7084517562080045015?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-58065751285773601852007-11-27T16:30:00.000+01:002007-11-27T17:24:30.583+01:00Well, it's 16 days till my interview for the Manager's job at work, and I pleasantly discovered yesterday that I had two days off this week!! I completely forgot that I had planned in to the rota a lieu day that was I owed next to my day off. So, I have had today off, and tommorow. I've strategically planned that today and tommorrow, I shall be working on notes for myself for the upcoming interview, as the last interview I had, about two years ago, as part of the feedback I was told I gave a very good interview, but because I hadn't mentioned certain things they knew I'd achieved and had exoperience in, they didn't give me the job at the time.<br /><br />Obviously I'm glad now that that didn't work out, but I want to make sure I don't do the same thing again, so am producing myself some notesto refer to during the interview. i think last time I forgot to say or bring up certain things because I was nervous, so I want to make sure I don't do that again.<br /><br />I don't plan on reading from it, as that would give a very bad impression from an interviewers point of view, but I intend to use the notes as a kick start to my memory, and in case I lose my train of thought through nervousness. I'm actually looking forward to the interview, as strange as it sounds, because I'm preparing fully for it and I get to tell them what I've learned and about my vision for the future of the shop. It's not often you get the chance to give your vision on your place of work, and such a direct input on where you feel things are going, and so I think it's a good opportunity to shopw them that I think they've underestimated me so far.<br /><br />I am rfeady for Management and have been for a while, but for some reason they've never seen that potential before, maybe because I hadn't learnt to express myself properly and my ideas.<br /><br />yesterday I had an informal interview for a new part-time role within the company I'm also being considered for, and it went very very well. the person interviewing me asked me to explain the role that they were considering giving me to her, and in the end she took two pages of notes based on my knowledge of the subject, which I was very pleased about, not because I have an enormous ego, but because she obviously thought my ideas had merit, otherwise she wouldnt have written them down. It showed she was taking me seriously, and that gave me more confidence in putting my ideas forward.<br /><br />In thinking of the title for this blog "preparation", I've been pondering whether or not God has been working all the things in my life out over the last couple of years to prepare me for this moment in my life. I know that sounds dramatic, and I don't mean it to, but I'm at the point currently were it feels that my life is about to undergo a massive change for the better in terms of personally and work-wise. I'm getting married in August, deep down something that I never thought would happen to me, and I've got the opportunity (if selected) to start a new job, encompassing also two new roles within the shop and within the company, both of which full utilise my gifts and my passions. It seems almost too perfect to be true, and I'm excited to wait and see what God is gonna do in the next few months, both with my life and with Megans.<br /><br />It's exciting to look back and see all the times I've struggled about being alone, and about feeling powerless in my job, not utilising the gifts I believe I've been given, and then to have this opportunity in work come up with two roles and the chance to stretch myself and realise my potential, and to finally find someone I can be myself with, who accepts me as I am and loves me. It makes me wonder whether all the times I've struggled were to prepare me for this point?<br /><br />I realise that sounds a bit dramatic, and you're thinking "come on, you haven't got the job yet, and it's only getting married!", but both of these things are going to be life-changing for me, in the sense that they're opportunites for me to grow and develop as a person, and in my relationship with God. I'm amazed God's even given me the opportunity to apply for these roles, even if I don't get them<em>! (obviously I do want them though!) </em><br /><em></em><br />It's almost as if, for a long time I've believed that my life was just stagnant, not going anywhere, I was doing the same job I always had, feeling the same lonliness and lack of purpose, etc. It feels as if God has turned me round, patted me on the shoulder, pointed to a seemingly beautiful but far-away horizon, and said "...go on, go for it! I know you can!..."<br /><br />Please pray for me at the moment those of you that do, I feel that I'm on the verge of becoming a different person, and it's an exciting, fretful, worrying, brilliant time!! :D<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5806575128577360185?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-40184630173712460772007-11-22T13:23:00.000+01:002007-11-22T13:46:54.885+01:00So it's Thanksgiving, a day that i don't normally celebrate, but I find myself sitting here pondering lot's of things to be thankful for this year, and one of them is that from this year on, I will be celebrating it because of one of those things!! <em>(if you understood that last sentence, email me and I'll send you a smartie!)</em><br /><em></em><br />Before I give you my list of things to be thankful for, go <a href="http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=2564082642719M227915443Y&amp;product_id="><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>, for some thanksgiving fun!! Click on the acorns, it's hillarious!! :D<br /><br />This year, i am thankful for:<br /><br /><ol><li>Megan - who's stolen my heart and who I've found my soul-mate in, a love I've found that will be truly life-changing</li><li>A new future filled with possibilities</li><li>A God who has done amazing things for me, and created circumstances that have given me endless joy</li><li>A new depth of understanding about God and what He's like and lots of other things that I've reached through various writers</li><li>A new appreciation that God is good and for me</li><li>My health - no major incidents or setbacks</li><li>My friends - people who have stood by me, and got excited with me this year as good things started to happen</li><li>My Church - for leaders who have vision and are taking us all forward to know more and more of Jesus and how we can impact the world on His behalf</li><li>For the beauty I find all around me, in relationships, in nature, and in God</li><li>For knowing that however my life changes this next year, I will always be secure in Jesus and His love for me</li><li>For custard cream biscuits</li><li>For sheets of rain</li><li>For the smile of a loved one</li><li>For knowing I'm growing as a person, and am not the same person I was last year</li><li>For infused tea</li><li>For filter coffee on cold nights</li><li>For touch and the warmth of a hug</li><li>For seeing opportunity for love</li><li>For purpose and direction</li><li>For Love, divine and human</li></ol><p>that's my list, what's yours?</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><em></em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4018463017371246077?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-48822639842462143532007-11-21T21:15:00.000+01:002007-11-21T22:51:58.988+01:00Yes readers, you'll be forgiven for thinking "isn't that obvious?!", but I'm afraid I have no more entertaining ideas for Blog titles at the moment, and that's the best i can do! Incidentally, I have had some deep profound thoughts today, but mostly inspired by<span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><a href="http://www.donaldmillerwords.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>this</strong></span></a> person.<br /><br />I've been reading the first book he ever wrote, now called "<a href="http://www.donaldmillerwords.com/painteddeserts.php"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Through Painted Deserts</strong></span></a>", a winding, conversational part biography, telling of the time he went on a road trip from Austin Texas to Portland Oregon with a friend in a rickety old Volkswagen van.<br /><br />He's more famous (he would laugh at the use of that word I guess!) for his second book, Blue Like Jazz, which again slightly biographical, tells of his faith journey from his young teens to late twenties, and how his views and experience of God have evolved and broadened and become less and less religious, and more and more personal. The sub-title to the book is "non-religious thoughts on Christianity" and it is very apt, as the topics and discussions he recalls are anything but religious, bordering on the insanely funny and sarcastic and silly at times, and yet always deeply profound.<br /><br />Anyway, here is what got me thinking today. Don and his friend Paul (who is far more laid back than him) have finally reached the Grand Canyon during part of their road trip, and decide to hike down to the bottom to camp overnight. The evening before they are due to leave, he ponders his life, sitting on a bench, and writes:<br /><br /><em>"...I was raised to believe that the wuality of a man's life would greatly increase, not with the gain of status or sucess, not by his heart's knowing romance, or by prosperity in industry or academia, but by his nearness to God. It confuses me that Christian living is not simpler. The gospel, the very good news, is simple, but this is the gate, the trailhead. Ironing out faithless creases is toilsome labour. God bestows three blessings on man: to feed him like birds, dress him like flowers, and befriend him as a confidant. Too many take the first two and neglect the last. Sooner or later you figure out life is constructed specifically and brilliantly to squeeze a man into association with the Owner of heaven..."</em><br /><em></em><br />He writes again:<br /><br /><em>"...Life is a dance toward God, I begin to think. And the dance is not so grateful as we might want. While we glide and swing our practiced sway, God crowds our feet, bumps our toes, and scuffs our shoes. So we learn to dance with the One who made us. And it is a difficult dance to learn, because it's steps are foreign..."</em><br /><em></em><br />Reading this really made me think today about my life and the way God has been working in it, and the idea that God delibertaely puts things "in our way", so to speak really grated on me at first. Then, I thought again about the times that I've known God the closest, and they've been the times that I've had to work out where he's going, because I hadn't a clue, I couldn't work it out myself, and I just had to follow.<br /><br />So much of what Jesus said about the way we should live our daily lives, putting everything in his hands and just trusting Him to work it all out, is so foreign to me. I like to be forewarned, foreplanned and in control. I like to know what's going to happen before it does, and surprises generally aren't a good thing, no matter how well motivated. I need to learn to just sit back, and trust, and stop stressing and plotting and toiling, and just rest in God's plans for me. He will work His will for my life out, as I live it, and it's in the living of it that He will reveal Himself to me.<br /><br />Just a thought that occured to me today, go and read his books, they're really good for making you ponder and think, and just slow down mentally and take things in, drink Truth up like it was a cool lemonade on a hot day, no fuss no hurry, just enjoying the moment. That's what I need to be doing every day when I spend time meditating on God and His Word, just try to dwell in each moment and stop striving to be something, when God wants me to be a some<em>one</em>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4882263984246214353?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-41682870309880140592007-11-19T20:34:00.000+01:002007-11-19T20:52:04.743+01:00Ok, so I haven't blogged for a while, and even when I have they've been sporadic.<br /><br />I have lots of thoughts about many things tumbling through my head, and lately it's been difficult to just pin one down to write about, so tell you what...<br /><br />I'll tell you what I've been thinking about today!!<br /><br />(Read at your own risk: the owner of these thoughts does not take liability for any mental illness that may result.)<br /><br /><strong>JM's Thought List For 19/11/07:</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><ol><li><strong>Bother!! I've run out of shaving gel! (7:03am)</strong></li><li><strong>Where are my socks? (7:35am)</strong></li><li><strong>Have I got time for a cup of tea?! (8:10am)</strong></li><li><strong>Bother! I'm late for work!!! (8:15am)</strong></li><li><strong>Should I be worried that I'm thinking about money all the time now?</strong></li><li><strong>Does God know how stressed I am?</strong></li><li><strong>Will I cry at my wedding?</strong></li><li><strong>Does God know what it feels like to be lazy?</strong></li><li><strong>Is fire in the context of talking about Hell, more of a picture of refining, or is it a picture of punishment?</strong></li><li><strong>Will God enjoy torturing people? If so, do I want to worship a God like that?</strong></li><li><strong>Am I being blasphemous thinking this?</strong></li><li><strong>Am I going mad?</strong></li><li><strong>Is God laughing at me with all these questions, or am I making Him mad?</strong></li><li><strong>Will I ever stop this incessant talking to myself in my head, or will I drive myself terminally insane and just murder someone with a large rubber axe someday?</strong></li><li><strong>Why does my sister have (sometimes) bad taste in music?</strong></li><li><strong>Why does my Boss get all het up about stuff that really isn't important?</strong></li><li><strong>What does it feel like to have no hope?</strong></li><li><strong>Can I get away with eating four twixes without anybody noticing they're gone from the biscuit tin?</strong></li><li><strong>Will my bladder ever work properly?</strong></li><li><strong>Howq come I prefer tea over coffee now? Is it just because of megan's influence, or is it my mothers?</strong></li><li><strong>How can I lose more weight?</strong></li><li><strong>Could I ever take the plunge and move to the states?</strong></li><li><strong>What will my wedding be like?</strong></li><li><strong>Will the weather be good?</strong></li><li><strong>Will I be boiling hot in a suit?</strong></li><li><strong>Can we get it all organised and ready before Aug 16th?</strong></li><li><strong>Will I get this job?</strong></li><li><strong>Am I insecure?</strong></li><li><strong>When will I have kids of my own?</strong></li><li><strong>Is my life ordinary?</strong></li></ol><p>These are some of the crazy random thoughts I had today...</p><p> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4168287030988014059?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-70220314782292347672007-11-02T20:53:00.000+01:002007-11-02T22:24:20.621+01:00Phew.<br /><br />The weather is getting colder, the nights are drawing in, old ladies are hardly seen after 5 pm out on the streets, and a horrible dehumanising illness has gripped the general public, turning every man, woman, and child into a zombified, grasping, egotistical version of themselves...<br /><br />That's right, it's nearly Christmas.<br /><br />Speaking as a person who works in retail, I utterly utterly detest this time of year. It marks the greatest event this world has ever seen, the height and culmination of all of human history and longing, and it brings out the worst in us; the worst kind of selfishness and greed. I just don't get it. How can something so good be turned into something so bad?!<br /><br />Before some of you say "ah he's talking about the blind unbelievers", actually I'm not.<br /><br />The longer I work in a Christian Bookshop, the more I have to rely on God's strength and goodness to help me escape cynicism. Every year I see people who claim they follow God, and who I'm sure earlier in the week have been praising God, and yet using that same breath, use it to moan because somethings not exactly the way they want it to be, or the wrong colour, or not enough choice. In the same minute that a child is orphaned by Aids, or a single mother struggles to find food to feed her children, or a Pastor prays to God for the money to come from somewhere, anywhere so his village can have clean water for once; in that same moment, these people moan, and consume, consume, endlessly consuming.<br /><br />Yeh I know I'm part of the problem, because I create the market and the demand for some of this stuff, part of which is, if I'm brutally honest, just kitsch disguised as Christian product.<br /><br />And yet...<br /><br />What i think of kitsch can be used to encourage someone, I know that, I've seen it happen. But something satill niggles at the back of my mind amidst all our back-slapping and egotistical self-encouragement. Are we missing something? Are we so comfortable with our lives that we've forgotten what it is to suffer? Are we so wrapped up in having "stuff" that we've forgotten who gave it us in the first place, and where it came from?!<br /><br />The good news of the coming of Jesus I celebrate, I dance with joy at in my heart. My eyes well up when I realise that the Kingdom is now finally here, on earth, in Him. This festival of consumerism, this excuse to forget others, this small reason for hedonism doesn't match what i read in the Bible. This "christmas" I don't recognize at all anymore.<br /><br />I know, I know I'm being harsh. But am I?<br /><br />What does it mean for me, here and now in November 2007 that Jesus came? Does it change me, invigorate me, cause me to feel others pain, long to meet their needs, long to show them a God who loves them who lives in my flesh and bones?<br /><br />I don't know, I just don't know.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7022031478229234767?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-81660036051358621702007-10-31T23:52:00.001+01:002007-10-31T23:59:02.994+01:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RykH2te78UI/AAAAAAAAAWw/xFzbxqW23PU/s1600-h/Megs+Photos+423.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127638287241703746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RykH2te78UI/AAAAAAAAAWw/xFzbxqW23PU/s400/Megs+Photos+423.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This picture was taken in Ireland, when we went on our coach trip around the Antrim Coast.<br /><br />I'm so grateful to God for letting me meet and propose to this beautiful, intelligent, fun joy-filled woman.<br /><br />She's everything I want and I'm still amazed she said yes!<br /><br />I can't wait to see her on Boxing Day, and to marry her in August.<br /><br />:D<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8166003605135862170?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-85333435367560131182007-10-31T18:20:00.000+01:002007-10-31T18:21:29.087+01:00I've just found out:<br /><br />The interviews for the job Im applying for are on 13th december...<br /><br />Eeeeeek!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8533343536756013118?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-30298997850356044102007-10-29T08:34:00.000+01:002007-10-29T08:47:55.073+01:00Well, life is speeding along at an incredible pace at the moment, and I don't just mean because it's approaching Christmas!<br /><br />I've just got engaged in the last month to a stunningly beautiful girl who's also my best friend, (yeh, yeh I know get the sick bags out!!) and I'm also applying for a new role in work...<br /><br />My boss has given in his notice for New years eve as his last day, and so I've just applied for the Managers job at the shop. I reckon the interviews will be early December, so I should know by Christmas whether I've got it or not hopefully. I think I've got a good chance, having been with the company for ten years, and having worked as Senior Sales, Branch Supervisor and then Deputy Manager. We'll have to wait and see, I'll keep you posted! Obviously because I'm getting married, it would be great to get a new job and to have a rise in wages...<br /><br />The other change is that at some point next year BEFORE the wedding, I'm gonna have to move out, and get a flat that both me and Meg are happy with, which is gonna be interesting since she's 4,000 miles away at the moment!! I'll have to have had my own adress for about two months I reckon, so that I have utility bills and a rental agreement to use as document evidence that I intend to travel back to the UK and not stay in the states after the wedding. Also, I'll need them so that Meg can apply for a Spouse Visa after we're married.<br /><br />The good news is that apparently because I'm not applying to reside in the states after the wedding, I don't need to have a Fiance visa, but can simply go to the States on a normal tourist one I usually use, e.g. the Visa Waiver Program. So that's a big relief out of the way!<br /><br />The biggest change for me obviously will be to get married and end my days as a single man. This is a huge thing for me, not just for the obvious sharing my life with meg, but also the fact that I have to knuckle down and start being responsible now, as I have to think of someone other than myself from then on. It's a huge commitment to make, proising to share your whole life until death with someone, but I'm confident that as long as we keep God at the centre we'll be fine. Besides, I've a feeling that marriage is going to be a very exciting adventure for both of us!! ;) :p<br /><br />Anyway, off to work!!.....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-3029899785035604410?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-85948310126448675042007-10-29T08:23:00.000+01:002007-10-29T08:28:50.299+01:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RyWLMNe78TI/AAAAAAAAAWo/acVaDp7FhCc/s1600-h/Megs+Photos+278.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126656792725287218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RyWLMNe78TI/AAAAAAAAAWo/acVaDp7FhCc/s400/Megs+Photos+278.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It's not a very good picture 'cos it's a bit blurry... but that's it!!</div><div> </div><div>Oh and the date I quoted previously was a Sunday in 2008... D'oh! So the actual date will be the 16th August lol</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8594831012644867504?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-62398702368419793802007-10-26T20:08:00.000+01:002007-10-26T20:11:19.741+01:00It's been set.<br /><br />No more excuses, no more days of spending money without thinking, no more hours of day-dreaming and wishing my life away....<br /><br />The Date Of Doom has been set....<br /><br />17th August 2008.<br /><br />(I'm overjoyed really, viewers!! :p)<br /><br />:D<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6239870236841979380?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-45212538289451318342007-10-25T13:51:00.000+01:002007-10-25T14:01:24.671+01:00Meg has gone home.<br /><br />I kissed her goodbye at the airport very early this morning, and felt that a part of me just crumpled up right there on the floor.<br /><br />I'm having a bad day in work and I know it's partly because I'm missing her already.<br /><br />I know that we're getting married, and we both love each other, but this is the hardest thing I've had to face, being this far apart, that a webcam is the only option.<br /><br />It'll be a long journey for her today; she left manchester at 9:30 and will be flying for 6 and a half hours till 4-40pm our time, and then an eight hour layover for her flight to Bangor tonight. it means she'll have been travelling for nearly 24 hours, so I guess she'll be sleeping for a while when she gets home!!<br /><br />Off to work...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4521253828945131834?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-77646829097986147072007-10-13T08:53:00.000+01:002007-10-13T09:05:38.690+01:00No, I'm not going to start a lengthy discourse on the subtleties of the American Right, or the nuances of Brownite Britain...<br /><br />This is just a short note from me to say that Meg and I got engaged on Tuesday night!!!!!<br /><br />A photo of the ring will be posted as soon as we get back from Northern Ireland, which is where we are at the moment, visiting family. For those who are interested, a brief description follows:<br /><br />The ring is a nine carat white gold ring, with a dazzling blue topaz stone in the middle (9mm diameter apparently!) It has small diamonds all around the band.<br /><br />We're both very happy, and we hope to get married next summer, though the exact date is unknown as yet, as we have the nasty and long drawn out process of visa applications, etc!!<br /><br />Anyway, I'm off for a coach tour of the Antrim Coast now, I'll blog soon!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7764682909798614707?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-72488235754870813992007-09-22T10:22:00.000+01:002007-09-22T12:02:33.132+01:00Ok, on the Thursday, (30th August) which also happenned to be my birthday, Meg took me to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge &amp; Observatory, and one of her favourite places just next to it, Fort Knox. <em>(not <strong>THE</strong> Fort Knox with all the gold unfortunately, that's somewhere else in the States!!)</em><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>The Penobscot refers to the River it crosses, and is a Native American name meaning "where the river widens" or "where the white rocks are". The word "Penobscot" is actually a mis-pronunciation of their original tribal name which was "Penawapskewi". Even though this was a mistake by the English colonialists in pronunciation, they have adopted the name as the name of their Native American nation, or tribal group. Apparently there are 2400 Penobscot native americans in the States today officially registered. </div><br /><div>If you want to know more, please go <strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penobscot"><span style="color:#ff0000;">here</span></a></strong>, it's very interesting, and it gives you an idea of the original culture and history of this part of Maine!</div><br /><div>Anyway, here are some pictures from The penobscot Narrows Observatory, 442 feet above the River! The picture below was taken from the Penobscot Bay side. In the distance you can see the Bay, and parts of Belfast I think. I think that might be Mount Kahatdin in the background, but I'm not sure!!<br /></div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112974071129353474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvTu0_dyrQI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/P2nMgVmeHbc/s400/Maine+Pictures+124.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><br /><div>Below you can see just how high we were!! I took this picture looking straight down when we were in the Observation Tower. It's so high that you have to get a lift up to the top that would rival any Evil Genius's Secret Headquarters, as it whooshed up very fast and we were there in no time!! I think I made a comment that I was a little claustrophobic at one point, but the left wasn't actually that small, I think there were about 6-8 people in it with us, and it didn't feel too crushed. The guide at the bottom of the Lift gave me a funny look, I think because he heard my accent, or maybe he overheard the claustrophobia comment!! lol</div><div></div><br /><div>If you look carefully, the bright blue car parked just to the right of the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, <em>(which was built in the 1930's and was the original Bridge spanning the River) </em>is actually Meg's car!!<em> </em>Fort Knox which I'll post about next, was just around the corner of the coast on the top left of the picture... </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112973375344651506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvTuMfdyrPI/AAAAAAAAAWI/YLiGeDwwcPY/s400/Maine+Pictures+120.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>Here below you can see the green of the coast around Belfast and Penobscot Bay. This was taken looking to the right of the mouth of the river.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112972980207660258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvTt1fdyrOI/AAAAAAAAAWA/xj6mUazQHbQ/s400/Maine+Pictures+142.jpg" border="0" /><br />This next photo below I took next, and is slightly to the left of the earlier photo. You can see the wideness of the mouth of the River, and why a Fort was built a little further down the Coast to defend Maine against a seaward attack of the English!!!<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112972366027336914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvTtRvdyrNI/AAAAAAAAAV4/bjsXjz4Nc8E/s400/Maine+Pictures+146.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><br /><div>Below, you can see the coast before you reach the Bay and Belfast, taken again from the opposite side to the mouth of the river. Look at all the forested areas!! </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112971476969106626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvTsd_dyrMI/AAAAAAAAAVw/sQKj2RRfrY4/s400/Maine+Pictures+119.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><div>Taken again turning round to the Mouth of the River where it opens into the Atlantic. I think the Interstate you can see winding it's way along the coast is the one we came on.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112970171299048626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvTrR_dyrLI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Rve6uLUl-yk/s400/Maine+Pictures+114.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Below is the same area but taken using the zoom, so you can see a little bit more of the detail of that house I really liked in the bottom slightly off centre!! It seemed to be on it's own and I liked that lol<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112969643018071202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvTqzPdyrKI/AAAAAAAAAVg/U06s3V3ftZ0/s400/Maine+Pictures+112.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Another photo more to the left of the head of Penobscot River, and you can see where it joins the Atlantic... </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112968917168598162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvTqI_dyrJI/AAAAAAAAAVY/8vgveO8ZcWU/s400/Maine+Pictures+110.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><div></div><div>I tried to take a picture of Meg standing against the windows of the Observation Tower, but because it was very sunny that day it didn't turn out so well, as it's mainly a sillhouette. I still like the picture obviously though!! ;) :p</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112978241542597906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvTynvdyrRI/AAAAAAAAAWY/lc4z6cwqeu4/s400/Maine+Pictures+144.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>For those of you who are interested in Engineering, it's a fascinating Bridge, and the way it was built is amazing!! the white housings that surround the bacle stays of the bridge are filled with nitrogen gas to prevent corrosion and the bridge is made of cast cement which was poured in place by specially made equipment. It's built on the head of the Penobscot River, where it enters Penobscot Bay, and then flows into the Atlantic. The river's original source is in Mount Kahatdin.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112981312444214562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RvT1afdyrSI/AAAAAAAAAWg/osY60x9VTrg/s400/Maine+Pictures+138.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div>Ok, so we'd done the Narrows Observatory, next was Fort Knox....</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7248823575487081399?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-76943460418906810402007-09-21T20:46:00.000+01:002007-09-21T20:55:45.701+01:00I am going to blog more photos and stories about my visit to Meg, but have not found enough time to do it with being back at work and then chatting to Meg in the evenings...<br /><br />I am off tommorrow, so after a hearty unhealthy fry up breakfast tomorrow, I'm going to blog alot!<br /><br />I'd just like to say that I'm very happy at the moment. Not in a sugar-coated sickly way, but genuinely happy and grateful to God for what He's done in my life lately, and the ways He's proved His love to me. So many little ways that I could go on all night.<br /><br />But I won't!!<br /><br />There's lot's of things materially that I want and I could have eventually, but most of all I want to know Jesus more, and know more the depth of His love, for me and others. I've been increasingly aware of how much he paid for me lately, and how the ways in which I live life in an almost blinded defeatist way, waking up and waiting for "fate" or something. But God isn't like that.<br /><br />Really, when you look at the heart of the message of the Bible, God is Good, and he loves.<br /><br />he loves me, and He loves you and wants us to know that great love.<br /><br />That's worth living for!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7694346041890681040?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-63602857033297513222007-09-16T19:14:00.000+01:002007-09-16T19:43:43.872+01:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ru12E1bM1VI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Bd6LboaPnnE/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+084.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110870977568101714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ru12E1bM1VI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Bd6LboaPnnE/s400/Maine+Pictures+084.jpg" border="0" /></a> We finally drove a bit further from Misery Pond, and looked for places to stop that would be good for a sighting. Meg's Dad told me that Moose come out at dusk, and they come near bodies of water so they can drink.<br /><br />They're notoriously shy of human contact and are rumoured to be very hard to see, so Jim didn't promise anything!! We found a place that looked promising, as it was near a large-ish lake/pond, and it was a little off the beaten track, in fact the van we were in barely had enough space to get down as it was a single track road.<br /><br />We found a place that was part marsh part pond and pulled in to the side of the road, and climbed out of the van and each chose a perch near the bank to sit still and be quiet. Nat &amp; Phoebe being the adventurers that they are, climbed into a nearby tree whose branches were overhanging the lake, and wound together into a cool almost tree house naturally.<br /><br />I wasn't as confident as Meg on my tree climbing or balancing skills, so I let her climb in beside Nat and took a picture!! After that, Meg climbed down again and we sat on a stray limb that was near the ground, watching the other side of the pond for any sign of moose...<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ru11ylbM1UI/AAAAAAAAAVI/vsbIEV5wDtw/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110870664035489090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ru11ylbM1UI/AAAAAAAAAVI/vsbIEV5wDtw/s400/Maine+Pictures+080.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here you can see through the trees to the other side of the pond that we were watching in total silence, all you could hear was the angry buzz of insects flying about and the crickets and grasshoppers chirping. It was so silent there that I got a fit of the gigles, and meg had to poke me to be quiet! lol!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ru11gVbM1TI/AAAAAAAAAVA/bQ4SMjn2oTc/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110870350502876466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ru11gVbM1TI/AAAAAAAAAVA/bQ4SMjn2oTc/s400/Maine+Pictures+079.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was at about this point that I felt a strange sensation on my forearms and then realized that a Mosquito army had come in force to place it's claim on Brit flesh!! I was covered with the things, both large and small, and for the next two weeks I kept noticing new and bigger itchy bumps that appeared randomly all over my body! I'm not sure if they just got everywhere, or whether it was the case that I just reacted to the bites, but from that night on (the Tuesday!) I kept applying myself with generous amounts of moisturising cream in the evenings, which is when it seemed to be at it's burning and irritating worst!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ru1yylbM1SI/AAAAAAAAAU4/9yP0JhKlU7s/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+078.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110867365500605730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ru1yylbM1SI/AAAAAAAAAU4/9yP0JhKlU7s/s400/Maine+Pictures+078.jpg" border="0" /></a> This again was a really beautiful and unspoilt quiet place, and I didn't see any other people around at all, and it was nice to sit there in the undisturbed silence, even though I was bitten to death by midges and mozzies!!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6360285703329751322?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-603346868480985532007-09-13T18:56:00.000+01:002007-09-15T20:19:24.537+01:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ruws-VbM1RI/AAAAAAAAAUw/nwTLdfDAiDY/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110509126573413650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ruws-VbM1RI/AAAAAAAAAUw/nwTLdfDAiDY/s400/Maine+Pictures+077.jpg" border="0" /></a> These are all photos of a place called "Misery Pond", although I've no idea why it's called that. It was so beautiful, and I got carried away taking lots of pictures.<br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwszVbM1QI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Z1VysFCiUpM/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+076.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110508937594852610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwszVbM1QI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Z1VysFCiUpM/s400/Maine+Pictures+076.jpg" border="0" /></a> Above and below, you can see the sillhouettes of Jim (Meg's Dad), Meg, and her sister Page.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwsmFbM1PI/AAAAAAAAAUg/Oz3EQpfsqHM/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+075.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110508709961585906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwsmFbM1PI/AAAAAAAAAUg/Oz3EQpfsqHM/s400/Maine+Pictures+075.jpg" border="0" /></a> It wasn't actually sunset, though it looks that way. What happenned was I didn't realise I was looking towards the sunlight, so the lens was over-exposed!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwsaVbM1OI/AAAAAAAAAUY/3FNWlEbmF-4/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110508508098122978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwsaVbM1OI/AAAAAAAAAUY/3FNWlEbmF-4/s400/Maine+Pictures+074.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Here you can see how sunny it was, with Page's head accidentally in the corner of the shot!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwsOFbM1NI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/vx_tuIj9UZg/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110508297644725458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwsOFbM1NI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/vx_tuIj9UZg/s400/Maine+Pictures+073.jpg" border="0" /></a> The water was like glass in this lake... It was amazing.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ruwr-lbM1MI/AAAAAAAAAUI/a1E2ru0Em4I/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110508031356753090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ruwr-lbM1MI/AAAAAAAAAUI/a1E2ru0Em4I/s400/Maine+Pictures+071.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the far centre of the picture, you can barely mnake out Nat &amp; Phoebe, who both decided to go climbing... (apparently they did that last time!)</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwrsFbM1LI/AAAAAAAAAUA/nc5GV5BgcVg/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110507713529173170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuwrsFbM1LI/AAAAAAAAAUA/nc5GV5BgcVg/s400/Maine+Pictures+070.jpg" border="0" /></a> They're next to the big boulder in roughly the centre of the picture...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul8AFbM1KI/AAAAAAAAAT4/xFIgy06W8JE/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+069.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109751593126646946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul8AFbM1KI/AAAAAAAAAT4/xFIgy06W8JE/s400/Maine+Pictures+069.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here they are coming back to us...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul7n1bM1JI/AAAAAAAAATw/qQnOffDC18E/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+068.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109751176514819218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul7n1bM1JI/AAAAAAAAATw/qQnOffDC18E/s400/Maine+Pictures+068.jpg" border="0" /></a> My favourite picture in this set. I love the way the sunlight is reflecting off the water and off my lens. :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul7ZVbM1II/AAAAAAAAATo/gklXfFbhyJM/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109750927406716034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul7ZVbM1II/AAAAAAAAATo/gklXfFbhyJM/s400/Maine+Pictures+067.jpg" border="0" /></a>Another almost identical one... I love the cloudy sky in this one as well.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul7N1bM1HI/AAAAAAAAATg/dS-CmDQWJhs/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+066.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109750729838220402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul7N1bM1HI/AAAAAAAAATg/dS-CmDQWJhs/s400/Maine+Pictures+066.jpg" border="0" /></a> You can see the pines growing on the edge of the lake here... I'd love to go back and spend more time here, possibly with my tripod so I could use the digital zoom more...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul6_1bM1GI/AAAAAAAAATY/V-8JqSAiiL8/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+065.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109750489320051810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul6_1bM1GI/AAAAAAAAATY/V-8JqSAiiL8/s400/Maine+Pictures+065.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sorry... another one lol<br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul6xFbM1FI/AAAAAAAAATQ/-5oXREkpfdY/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+064.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109750235916981330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul6xFbM1FI/AAAAAAAAATQ/-5oXREkpfdY/s400/Maine+Pictures+064.jpg" border="0" /></a>and yet another corner shot...</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul6fVbM1EI/AAAAAAAAATI/cfWQUlqaqIQ/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109749930974303298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul6fVbM1EI/AAAAAAAAATI/cfWQUlqaqIQ/s400/Maine+Pictures+063.jpg" border="0" /></a> You can see the sun has moved since I took the last few shots, as it's higher up in the sky!!<br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul6SFbM1DI/AAAAAAAAATA/2KD7FbJgTGA/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109749703341036594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rul6SFbM1DI/AAAAAAAAATA/2KD7FbJgTGA/s400/Maine+Pictures+062.jpg" border="0" /></a> I don't know what to say. I love the peacefulness and serenity of this scene. There were no other people there except a guy further up the bank who was waiting for three of his hunting buddies to come back with their catch, which they hoped would be a bear!! Meg's Dad chatted to him for a while while we looked round and I took lot's of photos!! these are my favourite scenery ones of the whole trip I think. <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-60334686848098553?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-2992477287233765272007-09-12T20:52:00.000+01:002007-09-12T23:35:53.048+01:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ruhng1bM1CI/AAAAAAAAAS4/aTtN-67SYPo/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109447591046468642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ruhng1bM1CI/AAAAAAAAAS4/aTtN-67SYPo/s400/Maine+Pictures+061.jpg" border="0" /></a> This was our first "photo stop-off point". I'm a bit annoyed because I can't remeber the name of the place or the lake, perhaps Meg will leave a comment to tell us.<br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhnNFbM1BI/AAAAAAAAASw/_WRDRQA-4vk/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109447251744052242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhnNFbM1BI/AAAAAAAAASw/_WRDRQA-4vk/s400/Maine+Pictures+060.jpg" border="0" /></a> I just kept taking pictures of it because it was so beautiful and the colours were so vibrant; all the blues and greens...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ruhm41bM1AI/AAAAAAAAASo/3MYuK_hzfas/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109446903851701250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Ruhm41bM1AI/AAAAAAAAASo/3MYuK_hzfas/s400/Maine+Pictures+059.jpg" border="0" /></a> The water also had this serene peacefulness about it that I just fell in love with. <em>(ok now I'm sounding like an emotional american lol) </em><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhmoFbM0_I/AAAAAAAAASg/4N1eqwc6PvA/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109446616088892402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhmoFbM0_I/AAAAAAAAASg/4N1eqwc6PvA/s400/Maine+Pictures+058.jpg" border="0" /></a> Maybe someone can answer this?! What type of trees are they? I was told but I can't remember now.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhmS1bM0-I/AAAAAAAAASY/lDaVRBzk9sk/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+057.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109446251016672226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhmS1bM0-I/AAAAAAAAASY/lDaVRBzk9sk/s400/Maine+Pictures+057.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I think we must have stopped here for about ten minutes and I'd been told it was just a quick stop as we had a ways to go, so I just snapped and snapped and snapped pictures nineteen to the dozen!! i wish I could remember the name of this place...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhmEFbM09I/AAAAAAAAASQ/6ImOprmYd0g/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109445997613601746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhmEFbM09I/AAAAAAAAASQ/6ImOprmYd0g/s400/Maine+Pictures+056.jpg" border="0" /></a> As you can see, it was a lake surrounded ny Forest, like most of Maine seemed to be, or certainly the area of Maine I was in anyway...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhkO1bM08I/AAAAAAAAASI/hI0eA7S7Qm8/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+055.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109443983273939906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhkO1bM08I/AAAAAAAAASI/hI0eA7S7Qm8/s400/Maine+Pictures+055.jpg" border="0" /></a> Do you recognise the islands in the middle Meg? can you remember where this is?! it was definitely on the way up to "Misery Pond" which is anything but miserable and which I'll show you in my next post tomorrow...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhkClbM07I/AAAAAAAAASA/Bf65NS1NEt4/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109443772820542386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhkClbM07I/AAAAAAAAASA/Bf65NS1NEt4/s400/Maine+Pictures+054.jpg" border="0" /></a>I love trees next to water. It makes me think of the verse in revelation that talks about various trees (including the Tree Of Life) being next to a grand River that sweeps through the Heavenly City where God dwells with His people. I hope it'll be like this, I imagine it will be...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhjvFbM06I/AAAAAAAAAR4/43a3cRD5-A0/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109443437813093282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuhjvFbM06I/AAAAAAAAAR4/43a3cRD5-A0/s400/Maine+Pictures+053.jpg" border="0" /></a> last picture. I zoomed into the islands to see what they were like close up. they were still a distance away though! And the best photo of my whole holiday was to come next at Misery pond, little did I know...</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-299247728723376527?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-18520467404717153302007-09-12T19:46:00.000+01:002007-09-12T20:50:26.291+01:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug3E1bM05I/AAAAAAAAARw/qPkFXRuQpmY/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109394333451998098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug3E1bM05I/AAAAAAAAARw/qPkFXRuQpmY/s400/Maine+Pictures+052.jpg" border="0" /></a> All of the following pictures were taken from inside the car while travelling, which explains the streaks/reflections/general messiness of them!! On Tuesday, Meg's dad got all excited and decided that because he was off work, he should take his family and the "british person" to go see if we could find a Moose...<br /><div><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug2lVbM03I/AAAAAAAAARg/wHFLDyuAvSU/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109393792286118770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug2lVbM03I/AAAAAAAAARg/wHFLDyuAvSU/s400/Maine+Pictures+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These were some of the views along the interstate as we drove past... Notice the very fashionable streaks...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug2YVbM02I/AAAAAAAAARY/BdUrFTg5aOs/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109393568947819362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug2YVbM02I/AAAAAAAAARY/BdUrFTg5aOs/s400/Maine+Pictures+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Nearly sall of the interstates were like this as we drove... mile after mile of forest...<br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug2ElbM01I/AAAAAAAAARQ/OWqS2YvE0h0/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109393229645402962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug2ElbM01I/AAAAAAAAARQ/OWqS2YvE0h0/s400/Maine+Pictures+048.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And this view I loved!! Coming down a big mountain and seeing the other side of the canyon... :p<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug131bM00I/AAAAAAAAARI/pF_oUrApK_g/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109393010602070850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug131bM00I/AAAAAAAAARI/pF_oUrApK_g/s400/Maine+Pictures+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I even took one out of the front of the car, it at least gives you an idea of how green maine tends to be! All the way there, meg's Dad was telling me where I could expect to find a Moose, and how it would react if we met one...</div><div> </div><div>And here was me thinbking that a moose lived in the fridge!! D'oh!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug1sVbM0zI/AAAAAAAAARA/34QFjXV_sPg/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109392813033575218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug1sVbM0zI/AAAAAAAAARA/34QFjXV_sPg/s400/Maine+Pictures+045.jpg" border="0" /></a> In the photo above you can see the typical mode of transport of the average Mainer... A pickup.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug1albM0yI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ZDK1aWgGQWw/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109392508090897186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug1albM0yI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ZDK1aWgGQWw/s400/Maine+Pictures+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Again, by the side of the road... more forest, apparently this particular bit we drove past looked ideal to see a Moose, apart from the fact there was no way into it...<br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug02VbM0xI/AAAAAAAAAQw/UEg-kALIl1c/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109391885320639250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug02VbM0xI/AAAAAAAAAQw/UEg-kALIl1c/s400/Maine+Pictures+043.jpg" border="0" /></a> More forests and rivers pass us by as I start to get more and more excited as the landscape seems to be getting wilder and wilder... I wonder if we're going to end up in the middle of nowhere pushing the van...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug0qFbM0wI/AAAAAAAAAQo/HywEYxC_tbo/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109391674867241730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug0qFbM0wI/AAAAAAAAAQo/HywEYxC_tbo/s400/Maine+Pictures+042.jpg" border="0" /></a> Again, I can't resist taking more pictures out of the window as we speed past...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug0dlbM0vI/AAAAAAAAAQg/5g5BC8GQ2yc/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109391460118876914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug0dlbM0vI/AAAAAAAAAQg/5g5BC8GQ2yc/s400/Maine+Pictures+041.jpg" border="0" /></a> A valley of trees separates to reveal another river...</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug0OVbM0uI/AAAAAAAAAQY/TSJKHxtekNw/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109391198125871842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rug0OVbM0uI/AAAAAAAAAQY/TSJKHxtekNw/s400/Maine+Pictures+039.jpg" border="0" /></a>And then I go and wreck it all by mis-timing pressing the button and get a picture of a fence!! A fence I tell you!!! D'oh!!<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1852046740471715330?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-77862849493159152992007-09-12T19:25:00.000+01:002007-09-12T19:35:44.351+01:00<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugvflbM0tI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Bs80yUB8uyM/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109385996920476370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugvflbM0tI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Bs80yUB8uyM/s400/Maine+Pictures+031.jpg" border="0" /></a> I forgot to mention that after we'd been to the seaside, we ironically went to do that most traditional of British Bank Holiday activities, Ice Cream Eating!!<br /><br />Meg's Dad and I both fancied a Large Cone Blueberry Ice Cream, and I can honestly say it was the biggest ice cream I have ever eaten in my life!!! This was taken after we'd all had our fill of ice cream. From the front of the photo to the back: Meg, nat, Page, Phoebe, Jim (Meg's Dad) and Susan (Meg's Mum)...<br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7786284949315915299?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-75652284973679154052007-09-12T18:40:00.000+01:002007-09-12T19:18:03.508+01:00<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugo9VbM0sI/AAAAAAAAAQI/B8ROpkXDRwQ/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109378811440190146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugo9VbM0sI/AAAAAAAAAQI/B8ROpkXDRwQ/s400/Maine+Pictures+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well, all these photos are from the Bank Holiday Monday, and the first day we really went anywhere in my USA adventure. I thought I'd start with positively the worst photo of me I've ever seen. It really is quite frightening. It was taken outside of "Perry's Nut House" in Belfast, Maine. <em>(yes, you heard right, they're not very original; in the US they keep nicking our place names)</em> <br /><br />Perry's actually is quite well known other than being a touristy knick knack place and provider of good fudge, it used to have loads of stuffed animals that the previous owner had hunted and shot and stuffed and mounted all around the walls. They still have one or two but most of them were sold off to collectors when new owners took over.<br /><br />Now the newest owners are trying to restore it's original antiquarian style and are trying to buy them back. However, all i bought from there was fudge. And very good it was too....<br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugoylbM0rI/AAAAAAAAAQA/STGmbB0lAIk/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109378626756596402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugoylbM0rI/AAAAAAAAAQA/STGmbB0lAIk/s400/Maine+Pictures+016.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is actually the first photo I took, and of course it's of Meg siting in the lap of a giant stuffed Bear inside Perry's.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugoY1bM0qI/AAAAAAAAAP4/u-koVneRwcM/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109378184374964898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugoY1bM0qI/AAAAAAAAAP4/u-koVneRwcM/s400/Maine+Pictures+033.jpg" border="0" /></a> After we visited Perry's, we drove down the road to Searsport, which as you can see is a beautiful bit of coastal scenery. Meg and I sat on the rocks and I took some pictures of her siblings searching the rock pools a distance away. (I also managed to sneak a few kisses while they weren't looking. tee hee!)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugoAVbM0pI/AAAAAAAAAPw/V383DSSuz_U/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109377763468169874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugoAVbM0pI/AAAAAAAAAPw/V383DSSuz_U/s400/Maine+Pictures+038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is more coastal scenery. It was a very hot and sunny day, it was really nice. However there wasn't any breeze as you would normally experience on a Bank Holiday in the UK...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugnw1bM0oI/AAAAAAAAAPo/UM_6wnM6ZnQ/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109377497180197506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugnw1bM0oI/AAAAAAAAAPo/UM_6wnM6ZnQ/s400/Maine+Pictures+037.jpg" border="0" /></a> More coastal scenery.. Sorry I do like my landscapes...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugngVbM0nI/AAAAAAAAAPg/Frzsve3shFQ/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109377213712355954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugngVbM0nI/AAAAAAAAAPg/Frzsve3shFQ/s400/Maine+Pictures+035.jpg" border="0" /></a> The two tiny figures you can see to the left of the picture are Meg's two younger sisters, Page and Phoebe. <em>(not that you can hardly make them out but there you go anyway!)</em><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugnFVbM0mI/AAAAAAAAAPY/qzOanCb-YgA/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109376749855887970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugnFVbM0mI/AAAAAAAAAPY/qzOanCb-YgA/s400/Maine+Pictures+032.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>More scenery from a different angle... Apparently the white building at the right hand side on the other side of the coast is an Oil Storage Facility!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugm0FbM0lI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/9JlgTv0d8YU/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109376453503144530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugm0FbM0lI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/9JlgTv0d8YU/s400/Maine+Pictures+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This isn't scenery but the sign made me laugh as it was meant to read "Deli Sliced Ham" and because a letter had obviously fallen off it made me laugh lots...<br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugmg1bM0kI/AAAAAAAAAPI/inarv9K9Ljs/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109376122790662722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugmg1bM0kI/AAAAAAAAAPI/inarv9K9Ljs/s400/Maine+Pictures+024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I should have mentioned, before we walked down to the water's edge, we ate a picnic in the parkland up on the cliff, and a friendly furry native came to greet us and nick some of our lunch!! I nicknamed him "Bubba" with a southern american accent, which made everybody laugh...<br /><div><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugmJ1bM0jI/AAAAAAAAAPA/SNMlX4dTqj8/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109375727653671474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugmJ1bM0jI/AAAAAAAAAPA/SNMlX4dTqj8/s400/Maine+Pictures+022.jpg" border="0" /></a> More american seaside framed by leaves, which I liked...</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugltFbM0iI/AAAAAAAAAO4/ku5bkOblvdU/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109375233732432418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RugltFbM0iI/AAAAAAAAAO4/ku5bkOblvdU/s400/Maine+Pictures+020.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Nat, Phoeve and page trying to drown themselves jumping from stepping stones near the sea...</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugk_VbM0hI/AAAAAAAAAOw/An2lEkGct3s/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+021.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109374447753417234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/Rugk_VbM0hI/AAAAAAAAAOw/An2lEkGct3s/s400/Maine+Pictures+021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It really was pretty there, and it was well worth going, although I didn't get that many photos, because I was too busy mellowing out on the rocks with meg sitting beside me. That was a really, really relaxing day, just the way to start a holiday... :)<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7565228497367915405?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-14800336661572101002007-09-10T19:21:00.000+01:002007-09-10T19:43:46.166+01:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuWOZ-ZzH6I/AAAAAAAAAOo/Tnsa86VOx90/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+518.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108645929220775842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuWOZ-ZzH6I/AAAAAAAAAOo/Tnsa86VOx90/s400/Maine+Pictures+518.jpg" border="0" /></a> The above photo is the drive leading to Meg's house. You turn right off the gravel road onto it. On the left of the picture, notice their vegetable patch, in which they grow their own cabbage, corn, squash and various other nice tasting stuff!!<br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuWN0eZzH5I/AAAAAAAAAOg/nyMiqMJBJ2o/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+520.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108645284975681426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuWN0eZzH5I/AAAAAAAAAOg/nyMiqMJBJ2o/s400/Maine+Pictures+520.jpg" border="0" /></a> Above, my first unsucessful picture of her house, blocked by the tree!! You can see the garage on the left, and their picnic table, which I thought was neat!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuWNReZzH4I/AAAAAAAAAOY/yULUzdj2PU0/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+521.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108644683680259970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuWNReZzH4I/AAAAAAAAAOY/yULUzdj2PU0/s400/Maine+Pictures+521.jpg" border="0" /></a> A better picture of the garage and one of their many storage sheds!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuWMIOZzH2I/AAAAAAAAAOM/OIHQwgsy_JE/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+524.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108643425254842210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuWMIOZzH2I/AAAAAAAAAOM/OIHQwgsy_JE/s400/Maine+Pictures+524.jpg" border="0" /></a> A better picture of the house. It's actually three stories, but when Meg's Dad Jim first started building the house, it only had one storey at first!! they just kept building and adding to the house as the years went by!! I would presume in some ways, that's the advantage of building a house in wood and not with bricks, though of course a fire would be devastating, as the whole thing would burn down...</div><div></div><div>If you click on the picture to expand it, you will see the decking at the front of the house that they recently had built, literally in the last few months, and which is fabulous for sitting out on in the sun to read.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1480033666157210100?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-88815523292145281802007-09-10T17:25:00.000+01:002007-09-10T17:37:39.075+01:00<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuVweOZzH1I/AAAAAAAAAOE/MOWo2DPr7po/s1600-h/Maine+Pictures+196.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108613016886386514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_GP8XgQHyJBg/RuVweOZzH1I/AAAAAAAAAOE/MOWo2DPr7po/s400/Maine+Pictures+196.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />She is Beautiful &amp; Funny, is she not?!<br /><br />My whole two weeks in America can be summed up in that smile...<br /><br />:-)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8881552329214528180?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-75841064167630873642007-09-10T16:05:00.000+01:002007-09-10T19:18:39.100+01:00Well, I'm here sitting at my old familiar desk, sipping My Cinnamon Cream Swirl Green Mountain label coffee I brought back from the States and am having a time of reflection.<br /><br />I've had a shower and three hours kip, and am starting to feel faiurly normal again. I don't whether it's just the fact of knowing I've had two of the best weeks of my life, or whether it's because I've got that "it's good to be home" feeling, or whether it's the jetlag; but I'm strangely reflective and thankful and upbeat.<br /><br />There are lot's of things that stood out to me about America, and particularly the state of Maine, and here are some of them. <em>(my apologies to those of my readers from other parts of the States or Canada, but as I didn't visit there, I can't comment on your "worlds", though I'm sure I'd have a great time there as well) </em><br /><em></em><br />I have taken over 690 photos, (!) so it's taken me a while this afternoon to upload them to my computer and to sort through them, I promise I will post some, but obviously not all!! I'll gradually post them on here over the next week, but you'll have to be patient with me, as there's alot of them, and alot of background information I brought back so I can properly comment on them. <em>(that was Meg's brilliant idea, to bring back leaflets and information on the variopus places we had visited) </em><br /><em></em><br />She had the idea because she keeps things as keepsakes, to remind her of good memories, etc, but they'll also be useful for me in remembering the details when I post the pictures!!<br /><br />So, back to my reflections on Maine...<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><p><strong>It's oustandingly beautiful.<br /></strong></p><p>Whether you're talking about the endless examples of maple, birch, pine and countless other areas of forest, or the numerous lakes, or the grandeur of the many mountains, or the simple beauty of winding country lanes, the natural beauty can be seen everywhere. I'll post some pictures over the next few days as examples. They're mostly not from the area where meg lives, as we went driving to lot's of places, but they are all different areas of Maine. If I have the details and can comment, I will.</p><p><strong>It's breathtakingly peaceful.</strong></p><p>Although we did visit some of the main "cities" and towns away from where Meg lives, I did notice that although the cities were naturally busier, none of them were bustling as ours would be. I didn't come across any cities that seemed to be buzzing, more like a quiet"getting on with it". Even when we visited Portland, one of the main cities in Maine, with it's own small airport, I still didn't feel the tension and busyness I sense when I'm here in Liverpool. in that sense, most places I visited felt "countryfied" even if they were major cities. <em>(sorry I didn't get any photos of Portland... we visited it on Friday but there was a heatwave, and a combination of the heat and not seeing anything that particularly caught my eye, meant that I was very unotivated to take pictures at all, even though I had my camera with me!!)</em></p><p><em></em> </p><p><strong>The people are friendly.</strong></p><p>Whether i was talking to country bumpkins, (they call them "hicks" there!) city folks, or just people serving me in restaurants and cafes or shops, people seemed to be very polite and friendly towards me. maybe it was my accent, but I think very generally speaking, because of the history of the state and it's massive english influence, people tend to be more laid back and less emotional than other americans I had a stereotype of. </p><p>I guess partly it must be to do with the fact that alot of Maine is farmland and the agriculture industry is a big part of the economy there. If you have a state made up of a lot of farmers and dairy herders, etc you would have a state full of people who are patient, hard-working and used to long hours, etc and generally kind.</p><p> </p><p><strong>It's not as materialistic.</strong></p><p>Ok, yes it has all the shops and retail brands that everywhere else in the states has, but generally alot of the people I noticed when they were shopping didnt tend to buy alot of luxury items or uneccesary things. It's not like Maine is backwards, they have all the starbucks and friendly's and wendy's and barnes and noble's, etc, it's just that they don't seem to be as busy as other places you see on ads about america on tv, and there's a more relaxed pace of life. It's not all about the hard sell. You buy something if it's useful and if it works, not because it looks good.</p><p> </p><blockquote></blockquote>Well, those are some of my intial thoughts on Maine as I experienced it... any thoughts you americans out there? have I mis-represented the rest of you, or even mis-interpreted your own state? Please comment!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7584106416763087364?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-16861871967656262322007-09-03T21:29:00.000+01:002007-09-03T21:42:47.982+01:00Phew!!<br /><br />What can I say?!<br /><br />It's Monday afternoon at 4:31 here and I'm sitting on the couch in Megan's Lving om with the laptop unsurprisingly on my lap. The sun is blazing outside, and it's about 82 degrees, and if I twist my neck slightly and look out of the window, I can lots and lots of trees and green.<br /><br />Yes, it is official!<br /><br />Meg and I are dating, and it's great!!<br /><br />We've had lot's of smooches and cuddles and are both very very happy.<br /><br />Today we've decided to mellow out and haven't done much, and this afternoon Meg booked her flights to Liverpool, and she's coming for three weeks!!!<br /><br />I've also booked my flights back here for March next year, as I've booked the time off work already, and got the flights at stupidly cheap prices as they were booked in advance. America, (or this part of it anyway) has proven to be vastly different and better than I thought, and the landscape here is breathtakingly beautiful. I've done so much in the last 7 days that I can't write about it all now, but I will blog in detail when I get back to the UK.<br /><br />I brought two kodak memory cards with me, and so far I've only used about half of one, but I intend to take lts more pictures as Meg and I are going hiking in the mountains tommorrow. I've taken about 300 pictures of various places so far, but I intend to take more, and to choose the best ones and post them here when I get back to the uk.<br /><br />I don't really want to say any more now, other than we are both very very happy, and watch this space in future months because both of us feel something special happening between us and we don't know what the future holds!! ;)<br /><br />Bye for now! *big grin*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1686187196765626232?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-85395992485663992802007-08-24T12:01:00.000+01:002007-08-24T12:07:42.440+01:00So, I'm siting here at the computer in the office at work, with a thousand million thoughts rushing through my brain, trying to concentrate on just a few of them so i can focus and get through today!<br /><br />That's right, it's my last day in work before two weeks of stateside happiness!!<br /><br />I'm flying from manchester tomorrow at 9:50am, which means I have to be at the airport at 6:50am, which means (because I'm a nervous wreck about new things) I'll be getting up at 5 to re-check everything I've packed and to have a quiet 30 minute quick panic session before I have to leave for the airport!! :D<br /><br />It's my first visit to the States, and excitement does not begin to describe the emotions and feelings I'm experiencing at the moment, but I'm sure I'll be cool calm and bond-like by the time I am sitting on the actual plane lol<br /><br />Oh well, time to go, if I don't blog again before I leave I might blog from Margo's laptop in the States, but I'm not promising!! If not, I'll blog in two weeks time!!!<br /><br />Tarrah!! :p<br /><br />:D *grins idiotically*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-8539599248566399280?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-45944871067597933102007-08-23T08:05:00.000+01:002007-08-23T08:19:39.886+01:00"Ultimately, you cannot legislate against hatred any more than you can legislate that people should love one another, or should give to the poor. That is an issue of the heart, an issue bigger than the Juristiction of the Law, it's an issue of the human condition of sinfulness..."<br /><br />Discuss people.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4594487106759793310?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-15590501859048997682007-08-21T21:10:00.000+01:002007-08-21T21:43:11.661+01:00Well, here I am again sitting at my desk, ready to give all my eager writers a tasty morsel of the adrenaline-filled adventure that is my life...<br /><br />Actually... I think I'll just write about my day, that's more believable :p<br /><br />Well, everything was fine and dandy this morning: I got up, got showered, got dressed, <em>(remembering to put on my "scruffy" boxers, as all my smart and tidy posh ones are packed away!! - as a side note, does anyone else have their best and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">worst</span> underwear that they wear, or is that just me?! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lol</span>)</em> and finished dressing, put my lenses in, and then remembered I hadn't done my usual dose of injections...<br /><br />I went downstairs and got them out of the fridge, left them to warm up a bit <em>(it hurts more if they're cold!)</em> and then injected as usual, this time using the cold gel pack before and after, like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MdMhVonPa</span> had suggested.<br /><br />Everything was fine, i was a bit sore but all was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ok</span>, and I started to finish dressing. I put on my shoes, and suddenly, about a minute after I'd injected, I suddenly got hot, and I mean VERY hot. My whole head felt like it was going to burst with the heat, and I could actually feel the heat coming off of my face. My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">chest</span> suddenly got extremely tight, and i suddenly found it difficult to breathe.<br /><br />I realised that I'd had a reactions to the injections, so lay on my bed for a while.<br /><br />I've been taking this medication for nearly 4 years, and I'd been told in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">beginning</span> that a side effect can be a slight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">anaphylactic</span> shock and tightening of the chest sometimes, and if that happens to go lie down until it subsides. Well, I've only had that happen about 3 or 4 times since I've been taking this, but today was the worst reaction I have ever had.<br /><br />I really don't know why, the medication was labelled the same, i wasn't any more tired than yesterday when I did it, and I injected myself properly, with the needle gun at the right depth, etc. It was just a one-off <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">weird</span> reaction, but it really threw me, because I wasn't expecting it. It was actually so bad, that I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">texted</span> my colleague and told her I'd be in late to work as I'd reacted to my medication. I decided I was gonna wait until the tightness in my chest and shallow breathing stopped, which took about twenty minutes. I guess it's the same sensation an asthmatic has during a medium attack.<br /><br />I just lay there on my bed until it passed, and was thanking my lucky stars that I'd realised what it was, 'cos if I was the panicking type, I could have made it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">a lot</span> worse by running scenarios through my head!!<br /><br />On a positive note...<br /><br />My granny and grandad are coming over on the boat from Belfast <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">tomorrow</span>, cos they're going on holiday with mum and dad on Thursday night to Scotland for five days. It should be a nice break for them, as my grandad hasn't been too well lately, and has been using his wheelchair a lot more as his legs are getting weaker. It'll be good for my granny too, as she still looks after him and pushes him round even though shes got severe angina and a weak heart!! Hopefully mum and dad can take the strain off them a bit and give them a good break :) They're actually going off to celebrate their wedding anniversary <em>(on the 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> when i fly out to the states!!)</em> so I think it's extra nice of them to want to include my granny and grandad in their plans :)<br /><br />As a consequence of my granny and grandad coming, it's been all hands on deck as we rush around tidying up before they come <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">tomorrow</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">lol</span>! I have already vacuumed the Living Room, Front Room, and the Hall &amp; Stairs, and tidied my own room and vacuumed. <em>(my room isn't finished yet but it's a lot better than it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">lol</span>)</em> Thinking about all this tidying, and spending all day yesterday ironing for my holiday, i actually think I've done a whole weeks worth of domesticity in two days this week <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">lol</span><br /><br />Gaelic in the title is pronounced "Gal-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Ick</span>" as it's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Scottish</span> Gaelic not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Irish</span> Gay Lick <em>(that sounds rude <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">rofl</span>!!)</em> and it refers to the band I'm Listening to at the moment, an old album of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Runrig's</span>, a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Scottish</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Gaelic</span> progressive rock band. I've <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">missed</span> listening to these guys, they're absolutely superb and use <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Lot's</span> of different instruments, both traditional and modern in their songs. Their albums are usually a mix of Gaelic and English, and even though I can't understand the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Gaelic</span> songs, I still enjoy them both lyrically and musically, as they translate the lyrics into <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">English</span> on their album covers. :) Both languages of songs are usually about battles and warriors and historical events and all exciting stuff. They're not heavy rock, so you can hear all the words, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">a lot</span> of their music is mellow but powerful if you know what i mean.<br /><br />Anyway, they're good!<br /><br />I think this is my longest most rambling post to date so I shall stop here!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1559050185904899768?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-59777264064277522412007-08-20T20:48:00.000+01:002007-08-20T21:04:26.816+01:00Well, it's been another busy weekend that's over...<br /><br />I had another friend's wedding on saturday that i was playing at again, but unfortunately I felt far too tired by the time it came to go to the evening do. So, I decided to stay in instead, which is probably a bit naughty of me, but I reckon I need to conserve as much energy as I can this week, because I'll use alot of it up on saturday with rushing round like a headless chicken and generally panicking...<br /><br />yes, that's right... on saturday i flight out to stay with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.margowriter.blogspot.com"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Margo</span></a> and her family for two weeks!!! I'm ridiculously excited, and to keep me from too much panicking about flying to the states and all the excitement that will bring, I decided to pack ridiculously early today as I had a lieu day off work. I did all my washing yesterday, and spent most of the entire day today simply just ironing two weeks worth of stuff ready. I packed my suitcase at about 4:30/5, and have now finished packing except for a pair of combats I was wearing which I changed out of and have now washed and need to iron as I'm taking them with me.<br /><br />Apart from that, and the addition of toiletries, etc, I'm all done!!!<br /><br />Yes it is way in advance, but I'd rather have it that way. I've never been on a journey this long before, and am a bit nervous about being on a plane for 8 hours, but packing early has helped some of the nervousness.<br /><br />Well, I'm off to iron this last pair of combats, and then go and talk to a pretty american lady I'll be seeing in approximately 5 days!!!!<br /><br />:D :p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5977726406427752241?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-25662606527003170422007-08-16T19:08:00.000+01:002007-08-16T19:22:31.931+01:00Ok, some clarifying needs to happen!<br /><br />I have been doing my own washing and ironing for the past ten years, it is not a recent thing, but I decided on that particular day to celebrate it lol<br /><br />On a more negative note, I've been a bit of a pratt and lost my rail pass, which had my bank card in the back! I rang first thing on Tuesday morning and got it blocked, and the bank assured me a replacement would be with me by Friday or Monday. I hope I get it before I jet off to the states; I do have 'holiday money' already, but I always feel a bit more secure with my card in case of emergencies, etc.<br /><br />Also, I have had a very old freind start popping into the shop quite regularly (three times so far this week) and chat to me about his problems. This is something Im used to, working where I do, but i am slightly worried because, even though I know I'm not a doctor, I have been sensing something's not quite right with him, and I'm absolutely convinced he is suffering from a form of Paranoid Schitzophrenia. He keeps talking about how he's upset someone "high up" and how people are following him in cars and how strangers seem to be shadowing him, etc. He seems to trust me, and I've tried to be encouraging and not threatening each time he's come in, but I'm a bit worried I might say the wrong thing one day, and he'll flip in the shop and turn violent.<br /><br />I'm not really sure what to do in this situation. I know he's not on any medication, as he said he was on anti-depressants for a while, and they made him much worse. he really says some scary stuff when he's talking to me though, and it's not your usual christian bookshop nutter stuff about world wide conspiracies; all of the conspiracies centre around him and his day to day life. He doesn't get seen at hospital when he's had an accident, it's because he's upset "them", he gets turned down for a loan, it's because "they" don't want him to get one, etc. It's very worrying, and frankly I feel a bit over my head, and am not sure what to do.<br /><br />Anyone got any suggestions?!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2566260652700317042?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-25232918084083235442007-08-13T17:06:00.000+01:002007-08-13T17:08:24.536+01:00This morning I ironed my own shirt that I had washed myself.<br /><br />That is all.<br /><br />Bow to my boypower...<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2523291808408323544?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-46282478787823200962007-08-13T12:53:00.000+01:002007-08-13T13:06:42.694+01:00<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pheeeew</span>!!<br /><br />Sorry for another day's blogging <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">absence</span>, I've had rather a couple of busy days!!!<br /><br />Yesterday was a crazily busy day, in which I left the house at 10:20, and didn't get back home till 7:45!!!<br /><br />I went straight from my morning service after church to my Dad's church, with Andrew, John and Graeme, <em>(Bass, Drums, and keyboard player respectively)</em> because we'd agreed to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">their</span> worship band for the Chinese Fellowship that meets in his church's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">building</span>. they were having a special Covenant service, where they were becoming a Baptist <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">chruch</span> officially, and becoming a church in their own right as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wirral</span> Chinese Christian Church. <em>(they'd been linked and started off as an off-shoot from the Liverpool <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Chinese</span> Gospel church, but saw the need for a separate fellowship in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wirral</span> area) </em><br /><br />It was really exciting to be part of the service celebrating the birth of a new church, and although the service was a bit long, <em>(it was all bi-lingual, so everything said in Cantonese was repeated in English a moment later, and vice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">versa</span>!!)</em> it was a brilliant exciting service to be a part of!! We then packed up all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">our</span> gear at 5-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ish</span>, and headed back to our own church to play for the evening service there!!<br /><br />I was whacked when i got home, but then was revitalised to speak to the lovely Margo on the phone, and then a little later on cam! <em>(her voice, then her beautiful self on cam... how much more can a man want?! ;) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">lol</span>) </em><br /><br />Anyway!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">lol</span><br /><br />It's been a very busy weekend, and the week looks to be no different. Tonight I am off to the gym straight from work, and then off to church for a music practice for a wedding on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">saturday</span>! Thursday night I have a curry night with some of my mates from church, and we're having a "lads night" with three of us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">lol</span>, should be fun!! :p<br /><br />I also have to choose the songs for Sunday morning as I am leading then, and we have no data projector, so they'll all have to be from songbooks!! (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">grrr</span>!)<br /><br />Anyway, i am also busy in work so I shall have to go!!!<br /><br /><em>(p.s. I've had to keep correcting the word busy, as in my haste I've been typing "busty" every time! i wonder where my mind is at today.... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">rofl</span>! :p)</em><br /><br />Bye!!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4628247878782320096?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-16077940770982720542007-08-10T16:59:00.000+01:002007-08-10T17:07:11.372+01:00It's SERIOUSLY quiet in the shop.<br /><br />So quiet that I can stand here and type this.<br /><br />I've been resisting blogging waiting for a customer to approach, and I've just been checking my emails every ten minutes but I got really bored!! I'm up to date with everything I can think of, and I have no more tasks/projects for today, and we close in little over 30 mins, so there would be no point starting one even if I recalled one suddenly!!<br /><br />It's been fairly quiet today, bu even though I moan about being bored, it's still a nice feeling to have got through all my priorities and tasks for today. I can just imagine some idiot will come in at 5:25, you just watch!! lol<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1607794077098272054?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-75454849908897858482007-08-10T16:21:00.000+01:002007-08-10T16:22:12.143+01:00That is all.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7545484990889785848?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-56293438491013981902007-08-10T11:03:00.000+01:002007-08-10T11:25:35.737+01:00Ok so today I am sore and weirded out.<br /><br />Those of you who read this blog may know I inject myself daily with a drug that hopefully will help me long term with my ms, though it is thankfully mild and not progressive at the moment. I've injected today and have had massive red welts appear on my thigh that are very sore. This does happen quite alot, but recently it's been happening every day, and as I inject in the morning, by bed-time they've usually healed themselves. I think it's just a reaction of my sensitive skin to the constant injecting, and I know I should cycle my injection sites more, but I find it such a hassle to inject other areas, and my thighs are easiest to reach, and I find them less painful than my stomach.<br /><br />Today i think my skin is rebelling against the constant injection though, because it feels like I need some anti-histamines, as these welts are very very hot and they sting like mad when i walk, as the fabric of my trousers I wear for work rubs against them. My MS nurses have told me about a soothing gel I can get and I think I'll go looking for it soon if these reactions carry on like they have been.<br /><br />Obviously Id rather have the welts than have a relapse, but it does bug me at times when its very sore. Is there anybody else out there who has MS, injects copaxone and knows of a solution? Am I using a wrong injection technique or something? I use the auto-inject pen because I find it easier than staring at an inch long sharp needle; I guess there's still a bit of denial going on there, even after three years of injections!! If anyone has any tips please leave a comment!<br /><br />In other news, I've been having SERIOUSLY weird dreams the last couple of nights; in one I was horrified to find I was supposed to be marrying my sister, I've no idea why, I have no incestual thoughts or desires, it was horrible. In the dream I kep trying to tell everyone there was a mistake, but people were carrying on in the preparations as if it was normal!! <em>(I haven't told her because she'd probably have the same reaction as I did and want to throw up!)</em> I woke up feeling really weirded out.<br /><br />The night before last, i dreamt there'd been a terrorist attack for some reason in Liverpool City Centre where I work, and I'd been on lunch in another part of town, and came back to find glass and wreckage and people running panicking everywhere, and for some reason, the chairman of our company was there... It was really weird.<br /><br />There's not been anything I've watched or listened to on any media thats talked about these things, so I can't think of at least something rational that would have triggered these dreams, and it's freaking me out a bit as I wonder each time I go to sleep what I'm gonna dream about next!!<br /><br />As strange as it sounds, I'm wondering whether it's related to the MS. This disease attacks my brain, and is going on all the time, so maybe as it moves arounbd different areas it affects your unconscious?! I realise I'm grasping at straws here, but I need some explanation, as I don't normally remember my dreams at all, and only the last few days has this started. I'm not stressed about anything in particular, or worried, although i am excited about going to America on holiday in just over two weeks, but I don't think it would be that... Would it?!<br /><br />Any one got any suggestions apart from insanity? lol<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5629343849101398190?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-41763950190407801122007-08-08T13:54:00.001+01:002007-08-08T13:54:41.840+01:00I want to go to the gym today, but I have to wait for my washing to dry....<br /><br />*sighs dramatically*<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4176395019040780112?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-9767358216190367022007-08-08T13:51:00.000+01:002007-08-08T13:52:41.370+01:00"You have successfully cast Orchideous spell on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=642418981">Meg</a>! As a result, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=642418981">Meg</a> is covered with flowers from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=507921718">John-Mark</a>'s wand..."<br /><br />Hmmmmmm...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-976735821619036702?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-20557735502450357182007-08-08T10:49:00.000+01:002007-08-08T10:52:25.844+01:00I've been up for two hours, it's my day off, and what do I do?!<br /><br />Sit unwashed and smelly for said time in front of my computer looking at <a href="http://facebook.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>facebook</strong></span></a> and changing "stuff".<br /><br />I'm becoming an addict, but at least the downward spiral is happening more slowly than others.... hehe :p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2055773550245035718?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-74278412827979040642007-08-07T22:19:00.000+01:002007-08-07T22:33:14.843+01:00Today in the shop we had some very scary indian and african catholic nuns.<br /><br />On several occasions I was serving someone and they interrupted the conversation I was having with the other customer, spoke over both them and me, and demanded to be served there and then. They were very insistent and demanding.<br /><br />I can't help but think that if you want to marry God and give your life over to Him, then you should certainly get to know Him a bit better and display his characteristics like patience and longsuffering...<br /><br />I'm not catholic and never have been but I can see why older men who used to have nuns in their schools growing up, avoid them now in later life... Sheeesh!!<br /><br />Owing to two separate accidents yesterday afternoon, involving me standing on a piece of sharp metal, and also falling off a revolving chair, (see my previous post!!) I now have a cut right foot (between the toes ouch!) that is hurting and stinging like mad, and a left ankle that is slightly swollen and throbbing!! Who says my house is safe!!<br /><br />Tonight I met up with Andrew and Graeme in church to practice for a special service in my dads church building on sunday. The local chinese fellowship who meet in the building are having a covenant service as they are becoming an independant baptist church in their own right for the first time!! Four of us from my church are going over to do the music for them as they have no musicians, and we had to work out chords and melody to three songs we didn't know that they've chosen, one in cantonese!! We got through it though and figured all the music out by listening to cd's.... (Graeme has a photographic memory for sound, and plays very very well by ear) Not that I'm saying he plays the piano with his ear you understand, he actually uses his hands cos if he didn't that would be silly... anyway... er.....<br /><br />Anyway!! He plays music like in the old movies, and Andrew and I were in hysterics as we narrated the story of the Good Samaritan to old style silent movie music rofl!!!<br /><br />I've said we're gonna do it one day seriously for the kids in church they'd love it... If we can keep a straight face that is lol<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7427841282797904064?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-55753797669865269562007-08-06T19:29:00.000+01:002007-08-06T19:58:43.126+01:00Yes.<br /><br />It's True.<br /><br />You may have heard the rumours, and I can confirm, that they are, in fact true.<br /><br />On Sunday afternoon, I, the cack-handed, DIY-challenged reprobate that was known as the king of accidents and disasters of a DIY nature, managed to put together the flat-packed DVD/CD Cabinet that I bought recently, <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">ALL BY MYSELF!!!!!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I, of course am rather pleased with this triumph, and will post pictures to prove it shortly.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">It took me all afternoon, as it was not a simple shelf creation, but it has sliding glass doors and resembles a cabinet, with adjustable shelves!!</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">This victory over the demon of bad DIY cannot be underestimated, and I fully intedn celebrating it all week, and using it to spur me on when I buy new bookshelf cabinets in a few months time!! </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>(my present bookshelf is literally falling apart... I had a minor mishap involving me trying to reach for something, falling off a revolving chair, trying to grab a shelf to stop my fall, and the shelf snapping in two, and all the books falling on my head... it was not a pleasant experience, but I guess it would have been hillarious to see...)</em></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></em><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">During this afternoon of DIY adventure, i suddenly realised how much i sweat. I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but when I get very hot or active, I sweat worse than a horse... Seriously, it's disgusting!! It literally pours off me, and within seconds I can have soaked through the shirt or tshirt I'm wearing!! I really couldn't believe how sweaty i got on sunday simply hammering in some divets and screwing in some screws and holding (fairly) large pieces of wood whilst doing it. It was hot on sunday afternoon, but that's besides the point!!</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">You should see me at the gym, it's gross lol</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">If I do end up married, I will be amazed, as I really am deep down a minging minger lol</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">In other news, i have been waking up with a LOT of sleep sticky stuff in my eyes this week. I don't know if it's because I wear contact lenses and some of the solution solidifies overnight, or whether it's just because I've been so tired lately, but I'm fairly sure it's not the beginnings of conjunctivitus, because I've had that before. I think it's just a sign that I'm a bit tired and run down this week, maybe a bit of a warning for me to slow down a bit.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Oh well, I've bored myself now, I'm off to snap photos of my DIY masterpiece!!</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5575379766986526956?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-50682257851965737752007-08-06T19:20:00.000+01:002007-08-06T19:29:13.440+01:00I'm still excited!!<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5068225785196573775?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-78656523092274976532007-08-04T19:16:00.000+01:002007-08-04T19:17:30.032+01:00I've just very nearly serenaded myself to sleep!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7865652309227497653?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-78726793013720692472007-08-04T12:03:00.000+01:002007-08-04T12:32:28.621+01:00Well...<br /><br />Where do i start?!<br /><br />It is very humid and warm in Liverpool today, in fact the weather forecasters claim that's it only 70 degrees Farenheit, but in the shop, with our temperature gauge, it actually says 85!!! I have all the doors open, and there is a very slight breeze, but with humidity at 64 %, it feels very close and threatening. I'm sure we're gonna have a thunder storm.<br /><br />I am absolutely shattered today. I am at the end of a six day week in work, and although I had four or so hours during the day yesterday to attend my freinds wedding, it didn't feel much of a break as I was playing guitar in the service, and only had time for a quick cheese sandwhich before I had to dash back to work, then finish at 5:45pm, and dash back home to get changed and go to the evening celebration!!<br /><br />I got home last night at about 12:40, and by the time I got stuff ready for the morning, brushed my teeth before bed, etc, it was about 1am.<br /><br />This is not really great considering I was in work for 8:30 this morning. I have absolutely no motivation today, my Boss is due back on Monday, and I have loads of things I should be doing in preparation, and I just don't care. i am absolutely brain numbingly bone achingly shattered.<br /><br />last night at the wedding "do" was interesting. they had a really amazing live band that went through loads of styles and old hits, even james' brown "I feel good", which was superb. The only down side to the night was that I seemed to be the only single person at my table, and although that doesn't usually bother me, for part of the night people reached that stage where they wanted to dance/talk/snog with the person they came with, and I was left feeling a bit silly. i wasn't particularly lonely or feeling sorry for myself, I've generally got over that now, I just felt a bit out of place. it was a strange feeling as I did actually mostly enjoy the night.<br /><br />My friends wedding went really well, and the music group at church did her and her husband proud. The only funny thing was their entrance and exit music. they'd chosen to use music from a cd, and it was nice, I'm not criticizing their choice, but because of the grandeur of the music background, (to me) it felt a bit silly in a small church setting. Someone standing next to me leaned over as my friend walked back down the aisle with her new husband, and whispered "I can't help thinking listening to this that there should be a massive screen somewhere in the church scrolling credits" lol!!<br /><br />Ah well, it was their choice and they had a brilliant day before others and before God, which is the point I guess!!<br /><br />I would like to mention at this point that i don't have any pictures, because in the hecticness of the day, i forgot my camera and left it on the desk even though I'd charged the batteries all day in readiness!! I was very annoyed at myself over that, but had to shrug it off in the end.<br /><br />22 Days!!!!<br /><br />That's precisely how long I have left before I go on my first ever trip to the United States to stay with Megan and her family for two weeks, and I'm very very excited!!<br /><br />Everything that I need has been bought in preparation, currency ordered and arrived, etc, the only thing I need to do now is pack, which I haven;t started because it's way too early and I'm determined to beat my nervous paranoia that usually accompanies me in trying to pack weeks and weeks in advance to stop me worrying about forgetting something!!<br /><br />It was a strange feeling sitting there last night in the midst of all those couples, knowing that i am single and yet have the possibility of not being in the very near future. It was kind of like being in a relationship limbo, where you are single and yet you're not, because your thoughts are with someone else, not through choice, but through circumstance.<br /><br />That's given some of you gossip fodder now hasn't it?! ;)<br /><br />Anyway, I must go before the whole of my lunch time is over...<br /><br />Bye for now!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-7872679301372069247?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-17839066991924308472007-08-02T08:05:00.000+01:002007-08-02T08:07:11.742+01:00Yes, this is my first post for a while, and to just really really annoy you and because I'm gonna be late for work if I carry on telling you what has been going on in my life since I last posted....<br /><br />I'm going to keep it short!!<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1783906699192430847?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-19568789962805183202007-07-20T21:08:00.000+01:002007-07-20T21:16:34.291+01:00That's right.<br /><br />Tommorrow will be the entire memory of my whole childhood that i can remember, starting at eight, and going right through till about 14.<br /><br />Tommorrow I watch TRANSFORMERS THE MOVIE...<br /><br />Nuff said!!<br /><br />*is looking forward to it very much*<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-1956878996280518320?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-60534547082726556452007-07-19T11:37:00.000+01:002007-07-19T12:55:47.685+01:00At Last!!<br /><br />The British Summer has ended, and the days of rain, hail, and snow have hopefully finished!<br /><br />I've been off all week, as I had to use a week of leave up, so I've been nice and relaxed and chilled, which I needed to be honest!<br /><br />I've done really domestic things all week, and hardly left the house. One thing I would like to highlight to all you bloggers is to go and check <a href="http://www.ijm.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=178&amp;srcid=-2"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>this</strong></span></a> site out.<br /><br />It's the website of International Justice Mission which I've just started a monthly standing order to, to support. There are still 27 million people in slavery at the moment globally, and IJM seeks to work alongside lawyers and attorneys who help to free the oppressed and literally defend the orphan and the widow. Many people in developing countries arent aware of the laws that are set in place to defend them, and many widows and orphans become victims of greedy in-laws who seize the property and legacies that are actually theirs by right. IJM seeks to right these wrongs, and offer a legal service alongside it's partners to help them win these cases, and be on the side of true Justice.<br /><br />Basically, IJM is a Christian Human Rights Organisation, started by it's founder Gary Haugen, who was the U.N. Director Of Investigations in 1994, after the Rwandan Genocide.<br /><br />They're a really worth-while organisation, and have offices all over the world, including the UK and the US.<br /><br />The UK website for IJM is <a href="http://www.ijmuk.org/index.php"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>.<br /><br />Another organisation that is worth looking at is <a href="http://www.compassion.com/default.htm"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>.<br /><br />Compassion International works with local communities and offers a sponsorship program to release children from poverty, and help with education opportunities.<br /><br />The UK site is <a href="http://www.compassionuk.org/site/pages/ui_home.aspx"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>.<br /><br />The Bible teaches all the way through that to follow God is to care about Justice and Righteousness, and to care about how we live and interact with people. Giving aid, sponsoring children, supporting human rights organisations, all these are ways for us in the West to do our part and use the resources that God has given us.<br /><br />Please go and check out these websites.<br /><br />Please go and check them out, they do an amazing work.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6053454708272655645?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-34544676597131716522007-07-11T14:56:00.000+01:002007-07-11T14:58:18.020+01:00A member of staff has been carrying a usb MEMORY stick around on a necklace type thingy for the past half hour because she forgot it was there!!!<br /><br />Am I the only one in the world who finds this extremely hillarious and ironic?!<br /><br />:p<br /><br />:D<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-3454467659713171652?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-60355708962575905672007-07-09T16:22:00.000+01:002007-07-09T16:23:21.026+01:00I've just very nearly killed myself witha Thorntons Large Chocolate Ice Cream.<br /><br />*deep satisfied sigh*<br /><br />When I asked for large I didn't realise they meant three scoops!!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-6035570896257590567?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-47127819220865158102007-07-09T13:36:00.000+01:002007-07-09T13:37:27.867+01:00That's all I have to say.<br /><br />:(<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4712781922086515810?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-26931119774423690752007-07-08T13:58:00.000+01:002007-07-08T17:33:51.035+01:00Well, it's been a busy few weeks for me in the shop, and I haven't blogged very much either because of a lack of energy or inspiration.<br /><br />I've had stocktakes, month end accounts to do, yesterday in work I priced up seven boxes weighing approximately 700 kg which contained boxed gifts to go out in the sale, and also this week on Tuesday I lifted approximatley 1000kg in total over the afternoon of boxes and orders, put them into cages in the loading bay of the shopping centre, and got the lift up to the back of the shop, befcause the lorry driver/delivery guy seemed incapable of helping me.<br /><br />Overall, it's been a thoroughly exhasuting and frustratin tow weeks, and I'm glad most of it is over. I've done a whole shop promotion changeover this last week aswell, and this next week ahead of me I have more gifts to pricepoint and pile up in boxes. The week after, with it being near the end of July, I'll expect to slowly start getting dribs and drabs of Christmas stock coming in, both boxed cards and individula ones, and gifts. It just never seems to end at the moment.<br /><br />I'm relieved this week though because my Boss is on holiday and so is off all week. That sounds a very nasty thing to say, but my boss is a good man, but a workaholic. Most people seem to have a wall that they seem to hit before they will stop whatever they're doing and take a rest, but my boss doesn't seem to have that capability, and works and works till something is done and finished. While that is a very admirable quality in a manager and a senior manager, it is very exhausting for me, whose energy levels are suspect at the best of times...<br /><br />For the last two weeks, I've spent my day off during the day mostly sleeping or just chilling out recharging my batteries for the week ahead, and that's what I'm doing now. I'm listening to Diana Krall, (jazz/easy listening always seems to relax me) and just about to go make myse;lf a lemon and ginger tea, while writing emails, blogging and hopefully reading in about half an hour's time.<br /><br />Life just seems to be constant projects and stress and work related stuff, punctuated with brief moments of respite. It's ok though, because just when I'm starting to feel the pinch of burnout, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, because I have a whole week off next week, (from the 14th) and I'm really looking forward to that immensley!! Lot's of sleeping in, lots of relaxing and doing absolutely nothing apart from excercising and reading and surfing on the net!! I may even go over to visit my family in belfast for a few days, we'll wait and see.<br /><br />here's hoping I can get through this week without too much stress spoiling my break....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-2693111977442369075?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-5849985536412023092007-07-03T08:01:00.000+01:002007-07-03T08:17:08.700+01:00A well known UK worship song tune, nicked by me and re-written to describe this week generally speaking...<br /><br />These Are The Day-hays Of Noah<br /><br />These are the day-hays of Noah, but not in the way you might think;<br />For Britain was always an island, but now we're close to the drink;<br />Oh these are the days of great rainfall, of flooding and water extreme;<br />And we are the people caught up in it, we are the ones you hear scream:<br /><br />"Behold it comes! pouring from the sky! not a bird in sight, theyre clever enough to hide! Lift your brolly, it's the year of sipping tea, to try to warm us up, and console our soaking feet!"<br /><br />These are the day-hays of Noah, H20 being restored;<br />And these are the days of endless precipitation, making our britishness raw;<br />Oh these are the days of great brollys, so big they can cut off your head;<br />And these are the days of the great big wussy's, deciding they'll bunk off work instead;<br /><br />"Behold it comes! pouring from the sjy! not a bird in sight, they're clever enough to hide! Lift your brolly, it's the year of sipping tea, to try to warm us up, and console our soaking feet!"<br /><br />I thank you.<br /><br />Thos brits out there may hum this tune all day in your head if you so wish.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-584998553641202309?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-45813849188064158582007-07-02T19:58:00.000+01:002007-07-02T20:00:29.047+01:00I'm aware I haven't blogged for a while. I'm having a bit of a mare at the moment, work is just stupidly stupidly busy, and I have a ton of projects/reports/stuff to do and a petty petty beast of a man as my manager.<br /><br />I'm pretty peed off at the moment, so my apologies but I can't blog until these next few days are over and my mood has changed significantly.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-4581384918806415858?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-90058748819193639492007-06-28T14:04:00.000+01:002007-06-28T14:05:50.824+01:00Ok, can I eat the rest of my footlong Veggie Delight in the 6 minutes left of my lunch hour?!<br /><br />You bet I can.<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-9005874881919363949?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339094.post-55523896298312569102007-06-27T19:05:00.000+01:002007-06-27T19:20:41.472+01:00I have a new myspace that eventually will have some of my own acoustic music on it.<br /><br />For now, because I'm struggling to find the time to use my sister's mac, and because I haven't quite got to recording everything yet, I've put two tracks from my old band, one sung by me after our lead vocalist baz left (<em>2000 years</em>) and one sung by Baz, our original vocalist. (<em>Blurred</em>)<br /><br />Both songs were written by me and you may mock... er I mean listen to your heart's content!"<br /><br />I plan to do acoustic versions of them soon to put on, but for now, it's the old stuff!!<br /><br />My new myspace is <a href="http://myspace.com/clutchingatashes"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>, please bear in mind a couple of things as you listen:<br /><br />1. This was at least ten years ago!<br />2. We were a rock band<br />3. Although we used very good equipment to record, it was all done in our church hall!<br />4. I have been training my voice since then, so now ten years later can sing better than it sounds there lol<br />5. The other track Baz sings may not have loaded yet, as it was big! <em>(and he did have a better voice than me then, though ten years on I think I could give him a run for his money!)</em><br />6. Both songs take a while to load as they're big files!<br /><br />Ok. That's all the disclaimers I can think of at the moment!!<br /><br />:p<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8339094-5552389629831256910?l=sanchoknotwise.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03617588175106082661noreply@blogger.com3