So there we are... 24 years and 1 day in my existence on the planet. Today I had a looooooooooooooooong lie-in, which was great - it's something that rarely happens, so I enjoyed it today. Then I was in Newtownards with mum (one of her favourite places to go, as well as Ballymena).
So now I'm almost ready to go out for bowling... will maybe get back on later to update the scores (again, it's partly dependant on whether I get a decent score...), so watch this space!
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Friday, April 29, 2005
Weekend
The weekend, here we come!
After a long and busy week at work, it's nice to get to Friday afternoon, and have the weekend stretching out in front, with nothing to do! And even better this week - Monday is a bank holiday, so I'm off!
Tomorrow night is the 10-pin bowling with my friends for my birthday. Depending on results, I might tell you how I get on... The competition is normally fierce among the fellas, and the girls generally don't seem to mind how they do. But so long as I beat my arch-nemesis, Jordan, then I will be happy!
Sunday night then we have the Bishop with us for a service of Confirmation in the Cathedral, and then later in the evening, we have a joint YF with Stewartstown, Albany and Brigh, where Primrose Leahy is speaking to us on Kosova and her mission experiences so far. Primrose works with ECMI (European Christian Mission International).
Monday has nothing planned yet, which will be nice - I wouldn't want to be doing too much, but no doubt, the family will have plans!
After a long and busy week at work, it's nice to get to Friday afternoon, and have the weekend stretching out in front, with nothing to do! And even better this week - Monday is a bank holiday, so I'm off!
Tomorrow night is the 10-pin bowling with my friends for my birthday. Depending on results, I might tell you how I get on... The competition is normally fierce among the fellas, and the girls generally don't seem to mind how they do. But so long as I beat my arch-nemesis, Jordan, then I will be happy!
Sunday night then we have the Bishop with us for a service of Confirmation in the Cathedral, and then later in the evening, we have a joint YF with Stewartstown, Albany and Brigh, where Primrose Leahy is speaking to us on Kosova and her mission experiences so far. Primrose works with ECMI (European Christian Mission International).
Monday has nothing planned yet, which will be nice - I wouldn't want to be doing too much, but no doubt, the family will have plans!
New photos
Just a quick note to let you all know that new photos have been added to my album site - the link is on the righthand side of the page, or if you're too lazy to look for it there, then click here.
Old Getting...
Yes, I am 'old getting', with today being my 24th birthday... so this is just a wee nod to Donna, who has been reminding me for the past fortnight or so that I'm getting old... Time seems to be going so quickly...
My present from mum and dad was a contribution towards a trip to London in the summer, to a conference organised by the Proclamation Trust. A big thank you to all those who also sent texts wishing me a happy birthday - they were all appreciated!
But it doesn't really feel any different being 24... although I am getting closer to the top of the hill, and it's all down from there! Or as David McCarthy said... 'only 41 years to the pension...'
My present from mum and dad was a contribution towards a trip to London in the summer, to a conference organised by the Proclamation Trust. A big thank you to all those who also sent texts wishing me a happy birthday - they were all appreciated!
But it doesn't really feel any different being 24... although I am getting closer to the top of the hill, and it's all down from there! Or as David McCarthy said... 'only 41 years to the pension...'
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Computers...
I started typing this earlier, and the computer froze, so hopefully I'll get it done this time...
I'm not long out of my computer course that I'm doing in work. It's the ECDL Course, which is a fairly widely recognised qualification across Europe. It covers seven areas, with seven exams: Theory; File Management; Word Processing; Powerpoint; Databases; Spreadsheets; and Internet and Email.
The last exam I did was in databases, and such a night of it I had... The first computer I was on froze, and wouldn't let me print any of the relevant pages; so I moved to another computer, which shut down completely, and wiped my disk in the process. So it was that I moved on to my third computer, and had to start the whole exam from the beginning again... Oh, I was so glad to get it finished and saved!
I'm now working on spreadsheets, which seems to be fine... but watch this space for updates on my progress!
I'm not long out of my computer course that I'm doing in work. It's the ECDL Course, which is a fairly widely recognised qualification across Europe. It covers seven areas, with seven exams: Theory; File Management; Word Processing; Powerpoint; Databases; Spreadsheets; and Internet and Email.
The last exam I did was in databases, and such a night of it I had... The first computer I was on froze, and wouldn't let me print any of the relevant pages; so I moved to another computer, which shut down completely, and wiped my disk in the process. So it was that I moved on to my third computer, and had to start the whole exam from the beginning again... Oh, I was so glad to get it finished and saved!
I'm now working on spreadsheets, which seems to be fine... but watch this space for updates on my progress!
Tidy?
A major part of my life seems to be spent in tidying... and having both a bedroom at home, a flat in Tyrone, and an office, the work never seems to end.
In the office today, my desk seems to be just a mountain of paper and books and anything else you can think of... So I think it's time for another tidy-up session, especially before Stephanie, our secretary/financial administrator comes in again tomorrow - she likes to keep me on my toes, and keeps on at me about getting rid of the mountains of newspapers in front of my desk... but they're very important to be kept. So if you're looking a story from the Newsletter, Irish News or Tyrone Constitution from the past year or so, I could probably sort you out!
In the office today, my desk seems to be just a mountain of paper and books and anything else you can think of... So I think it's time for another tidy-up session, especially before Stephanie, our secretary/financial administrator comes in again tomorrow - she likes to keep me on my toes, and keeps on at me about getting rid of the mountains of newspapers in front of my desk... but they're very important to be kept. So if you're looking a story from the Newsletter, Irish News or Tyrone Constitution from the past year or so, I could probably sort you out!
Bane or blessing?
This is just something I was thinking about recently... are computers harmful or useful; are they a bane or a blessing? Computers are becoming so much a part of our existence, with people communicating more and more by email; more business and commerce being done over the internet; internet banking being a more popular option, and the expectation that any successful business or individual will have access to the internet, or a website... But is all this good or bad?
The potential for bad exists - as in all things, even if their original intentions were for good, humans will find ways of corrupting them, prompted, no doubt by the chief liar himself... and so we see things like hackers, and people accessing other people's bank accounts etc and cleaning out the money in them. Also, the amount of filth that can circulate on the net, through dodgy websites; people not being honest in chatrooms and targetting youngsters; and all the other host of bad things that can happen. And, there's also the fact that the internet can be addictive, combined with the fact that time seems to go a lot quickler when you're online, leading to the possibility for an awful lot of time being wasted sitting staring at the screen (with the possible health risks to the eyes that this contains...).
But there is also a huge potential for good! I wouldn't agree with the Ebay community values where they say that 'people are basically good', or that it is possible to 'bring out the best in people'. As a Calvinist, I would rather believe in the Total Depravity of man, in that there is nothing inherently good in man - I know this from my own experience of myself, and with the backing of Romans 3, which tells us that 'all have sinned', and that there is 'no one righteous'.
And yet, fallen sinners that we are, the internet can be used for good, as we seek to spread the wonderful message of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which opened the way to heaven to those who believe, giving forgiveness of sins and eternal life. It is to this good end that I intend to continue using this blog. I am a Christian, unashamedly, and therefore must spread the good news of the Gospel to those around me, in whatever ways I have at my disposal - one of which is the internet!
Which brings me to an interesting website... It turns out that last Sunday, 24th April, was designated as 'Internet Evangelism Day' Why not check it out, and get inspired to spread the word through the net?
The potential for bad exists - as in all things, even if their original intentions were for good, humans will find ways of corrupting them, prompted, no doubt by the chief liar himself... and so we see things like hackers, and people accessing other people's bank accounts etc and cleaning out the money in them. Also, the amount of filth that can circulate on the net, through dodgy websites; people not being honest in chatrooms and targetting youngsters; and all the other host of bad things that can happen. And, there's also the fact that the internet can be addictive, combined with the fact that time seems to go a lot quickler when you're online, leading to the possibility for an awful lot of time being wasted sitting staring at the screen (with the possible health risks to the eyes that this contains...).
But there is also a huge potential for good! I wouldn't agree with the Ebay community values where they say that 'people are basically good', or that it is possible to 'bring out the best in people'. As a Calvinist, I would rather believe in the Total Depravity of man, in that there is nothing inherently good in man - I know this from my own experience of myself, and with the backing of Romans 3, which tells us that 'all have sinned', and that there is 'no one righteous'.
And yet, fallen sinners that we are, the internet can be used for good, as we seek to spread the wonderful message of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which opened the way to heaven to those who believe, giving forgiveness of sins and eternal life. It is to this good end that I intend to continue using this blog. I am a Christian, unashamedly, and therefore must spread the good news of the Gospel to those around me, in whatever ways I have at my disposal - one of which is the internet!
Which brings me to an interesting website... It turns out that last Sunday, 24th April, was designated as 'Internet Evangelism Day' Why not check it out, and get inspired to spread the word through the net?
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Moving on up...
Things were fun in the office this morning, with a bit of furniture moving, as we consolidate the operation from two offices into one. The office now is looking a bit of a mess, with one cabinet in particular sitting at an odd angle in the middle of the floor, but we will get it all sorted soon enough!
But all this thinking of moving reminds me that my time here is short... today 5 months will be my first week at College, with all the challenges it will bring. I've been in contact with some of the other people who will be starting, and I think it's fair to say we're looking forward to it all, but with just a bit of trepidation.
There will be big changes, going from a job to being a student again; moving from a wee tiny village in the countryside, to living and studying in the big city of Dublin; moving from living alone in a flat, to being amongst thirty or so other people in the halls; from having a steady wage to living on the grants available; and many others I can't think of at present!
But it is very exciting, believing this to be what and where God wants me to be, and walking in his paths; learning more about him, and some ways in which to share the faith with those around us in our new parishes; growing and developing in my faith, and hopefully laying aside those things that hold me back, or cause me to stumble all too frequently. But I find hope and encouragement in this verse: 'being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 1:6)
Even so, Lord, have your way with me, and lead me on!
But all this thinking of moving reminds me that my time here is short... today 5 months will be my first week at College, with all the challenges it will bring. I've been in contact with some of the other people who will be starting, and I think it's fair to say we're looking forward to it all, but with just a bit of trepidation.
There will be big changes, going from a job to being a student again; moving from a wee tiny village in the countryside, to living and studying in the big city of Dublin; moving from living alone in a flat, to being amongst thirty or so other people in the halls; from having a steady wage to living on the grants available; and many others I can't think of at present!
But it is very exciting, believing this to be what and where God wants me to be, and walking in his paths; learning more about him, and some ways in which to share the faith with those around us in our new parishes; growing and developing in my faith, and hopefully laying aside those things that hold me back, or cause me to stumble all too frequently. But I find hope and encouragement in this verse: 'being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 1:6)
Even so, Lord, have your way with me, and lead me on!
Books...
I realise this is a huge topic that won't ever be covered in one posting, but I might as well make a start on it...
One of my favourite authors is John Grisham, because I find that all of hisbooks are interesting, and gripping, in that once I start one, I have to finish it, and find out what happens... I got into Grisham rather late, with the effect that most of his books had been published by the time I started reading him (maybe 3 years ago). As far as I can remember, it was Dave Lowry who got me started on them, so thanks Dave!
Perhaps my favourite one of the lot is 'The Testament'. This is the story of a lawyer who goes to a remote part of Brazil to try to find a woman who is a missionary, and has been included in her father's will. Again, maybe I like it more because it combines faith in the telling of the story, as in the sacred oratorios (see the posting entitled 'Music').
Among Christian writers, my favourites include Fred Leahy, and Don Carson. They bring a depth of clarity, and sound exegesis of the Bible. Another writer I like, but who has passed on from this world is JC Ryle, the first Bishop of Liverpool. His commentaries on the Gospels are particularly good, with insights and illustrations on virtually every verse.
At present, I have started the Left Behind series, having completed book 2 last week. I'm not sure what to make of it, although the writing itself is similar to Grisham's in the gripping page-turning style. No doubt there'll be a lot of discussions with friends as to the whole area of the second coming... although if St Malachy's prophecy is true, then there will only be one more pope after the current one. Which leads to the question: Are you ready for the second coming of Jesus, not as a baby, but as King and Judge?
One of my favourite authors is John Grisham, because I find that all of hisbooks are interesting, and gripping, in that once I start one, I have to finish it, and find out what happens... I got into Grisham rather late, with the effect that most of his books had been published by the time I started reading him (maybe 3 years ago). As far as I can remember, it was Dave Lowry who got me started on them, so thanks Dave!
Perhaps my favourite one of the lot is 'The Testament'. This is the story of a lawyer who goes to a remote part of Brazil to try to find a woman who is a missionary, and has been included in her father's will. Again, maybe I like it more because it combines faith in the telling of the story, as in the sacred oratorios (see the posting entitled 'Music').
Among Christian writers, my favourites include Fred Leahy, and Don Carson. They bring a depth of clarity, and sound exegesis of the Bible. Another writer I like, but who has passed on from this world is JC Ryle, the first Bishop of Liverpool. His commentaries on the Gospels are particularly good, with insights and illustrations on virtually every verse.
At present, I have started the Left Behind series, having completed book 2 last week. I'm not sure what to make of it, although the writing itself is similar to Grisham's in the gripping page-turning style. No doubt there'll be a lot of discussions with friends as to the whole area of the second coming... although if St Malachy's prophecy is true, then there will only be one more pope after the current one. Which leads to the question: Are you ready for the second coming of Jesus, not as a baby, but as King and Judge?
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Selection?
This is not my own, but is something I came across a while back, and it made me smile. Under the premise of the following, Jesus' choice of disciples wouldn't have been approved of by psychologists or business consultants, except for one. Yet we must never forget that God says: ' "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." ' Isaiah 55:9
Dear Sir
Thank you for submitting the names of the twelve men you have picked for management in your new organisation. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant.
It is the staff opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. They do not have the team concept. We would recommend that you continue your search for persons of experience in managerial ability and proven capability.
Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has absolutely no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, place personal interest above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel it is our duty to tell you that the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau has blacklisted Matthew. James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus definitely have radical leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic-depressive scale.
One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self-explanatory.
We wish you every success in your new venture.
Yours sincerely
Therefore, the example of the disciples is a great encouragement to me, in that God still calls ordinary people who mess things up, and aren't worthy for the task they have been called to. A verse that a friend gave me last night fits in here most appropriately: 'I can do everything through him who gives me strength.' (Philippians 4:13)
Dear Sir
Thank you for submitting the names of the twelve men you have picked for management in your new organisation. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant.
It is the staff opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. They do not have the team concept. We would recommend that you continue your search for persons of experience in managerial ability and proven capability.
Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has absolutely no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, place personal interest above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel it is our duty to tell you that the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau has blacklisted Matthew. James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus definitely have radical leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic-depressive scale.
One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self-explanatory.
We wish you every success in your new venture.
Yours sincerely
Therefore, the example of the disciples is a great encouragement to me, in that God still calls ordinary people who mess things up, and aren't worthy for the task they have been called to. A verse that a friend gave me last night fits in here most appropriately: 'I can do everything through him who gives me strength.' (Philippians 4:13)
Photos
After having no photos on the blog for ages and ages, I have now worked out how to get a photo on my profile - one from the camera of Scott Mackey, leaning on a lectern... perhaps a potent sign of my future...
I have also begun a new online photo gallery at fotopic.net which you can get to via the link at the righthand side of the page. Included so far are random pictures of me and my friends at various things; as well as a nice picture of Craigmore viaduct outside Newry, and one of the Cathedral taken from across the Lagan last summer.
I rather enjoy taking pictures, but since getting the digital camera a couple of years back, I have tended not to print pictures, instead just having them on the computer. This has led to the fact that most people haven't seen my pictures, so you are indeed privileged to have the chance to see them now! Take the opportunity while you can...
I have also begun a new online photo gallery at fotopic.net which you can get to via the link at the righthand side of the page. Included so far are random pictures of me and my friends at various things; as well as a nice picture of Craigmore viaduct outside Newry, and one of the Cathedral taken from across the Lagan last summer.
I rather enjoy taking pictures, but since getting the digital camera a couple of years back, I have tended not to print pictures, instead just having them on the computer. This has led to the fact that most people haven't seen my pictures, so you are indeed privileged to have the chance to see them now! Take the opportunity while you can...
Choir
I've been in the Choir in Dromore Cathedral for about 16 years now... I'm a veteran in the cause! Back in the day, I used to sing soprano, and do all the really high descants at Christmas etc... Nowadays, even thinking about them makes my throat sore! Although I do have a go, for fun, the odd time, just to show the girls I can still get them!
For a while then, when my voice broke, I tried the tenor line, but now I'm a bass, which is fun, booming out the bass line and putting everyone else off their notes! But every so often, if the tenor line looks more enjoyable, I do a wee switch for a verse of a hymn, just for variety...
I'm going to post a photo of our choir, from just before the Harvest evening service last year, so check out the box above for that...
For a while then, when my voice broke, I tried the tenor line, but now I'm a bass, which is fun, booming out the bass line and putting everyone else off their notes! But every so often, if the tenor line looks more enjoyable, I do a wee switch for a verse of a hymn, just for variety...
I'm going to post a photo of our choir, from just before the Harvest evening service last year, so check out the box above for that...
Monday, April 25, 2005
Ullans
Ullans is the Ulster-Scots word for Ulster-Scots. Some people think it isn't really a language, just a badly spoken English dialect, but I would tend to say it's a language... It's probably where I fit in, in terms of heritage and family ties.
I can only speak a wee bit of it, but am hoping to set about trying to translate a couple of services of the Church of Ireland into Ullans, so that at some point in the future, it may be possible to have a service conducted in Ulster-Scots.
When time permits, I will try and include some words, but for now, I'll add a link to the Ulster-Scots Agency. You can find more information on their work by clicking here.
I can only speak a wee bit of it, but am hoping to set about trying to translate a couple of services of the Church of Ireland into Ullans, so that at some point in the future, it may be possible to have a service conducted in Ulster-Scots.
When time permits, I will try and include some words, but for now, I'll add a link to the Ulster-Scots Agency. You can find more information on their work by clicking here.
History
And so another history class is finished...
Tonight we were looking at the Plantation of Ulster, an interesting period, where things aren't quite what they would appear to be a lot of the time. There are so many myths about Irish history, that our course is an attempt to correct them, and put out a balanced version of our shared history.
More information about the book I am writing can be obtained by looking at my work website, check out the link for 'West Tyrone Voice' and the history page there...
Tonight we were looking at the Plantation of Ulster, an interesting period, where things aren't quite what they would appear to be a lot of the time. There are so many myths about Irish history, that our course is an attempt to correct them, and put out a balanced version of our shared history.
More information about the book I am writing can be obtained by looking at my work website, check out the link for 'West Tyrone Voice' and the history page there...
Music
Hey guys (this is still slightly strange, talking to people who I may not know, who read these random thoughts, but anyway...)
I don't know what your taste in music is, but let me tell you about mine. I can listen almost anything, except when dad's in the car and insists on listening to 'Wild Country' radio station which seems to broadcast from Newry direction. I am not going to give out the frequency, partly because I can't remember it, and also because I wouldn't subject anyone to it by choice!
I suppose that by choice, I would prefer to listen to classical music, and have a slowly growing collection of classical cds. These range from Purcell's Funeral Music of Queen Mary (1694) through to stuff by Rutter. My favourite category of classical music (if such a category exists outside of my head), is the sacred oratorio. I suppose these mean I can develop faith / devotion, while also enjoying the classical music.
Pieces I would include in this category would be my all-time favourite bit of music, Handel's Messiah, Mendelssohn's Elijah, and Handel's Gideon, to name but a few. Messiah is an amazing piece, with all the lyrics taken from the Bible, using the prophecies looking forward to Jesus, then telling of his life, death and resurrection. The most famous part of it is something which probably everyone knows - the Hallelujah Chorus.
I don't know what your taste in music is, but let me tell you about mine. I can listen almost anything, except when dad's in the car and insists on listening to 'Wild Country' radio station which seems to broadcast from Newry direction. I am not going to give out the frequency, partly because I can't remember it, and also because I wouldn't subject anyone to it by choice!
I suppose that by choice, I would prefer to listen to classical music, and have a slowly growing collection of classical cds. These range from Purcell's Funeral Music of Queen Mary (1694) through to stuff by Rutter. My favourite category of classical music (if such a category exists outside of my head), is the sacred oratorio. I suppose these mean I can develop faith / devotion, while also enjoying the classical music.
Pieces I would include in this category would be my all-time favourite bit of music, Handel's Messiah, Mendelssohn's Elijah, and Handel's Gideon, to name but a few. Messiah is an amazing piece, with all the lyrics taken from the Bible, using the prophecies looking forward to Jesus, then telling of his life, death and resurrection. The most famous part of it is something which probably everyone knows - the Hallelujah Chorus.
Elections
We're now in the midst of the election season, and here in Northern Ireland we have two elections on the one day - an interesting day on so many levels. The date will be 05-05-05, which is also Ascension Day (but more about that when it comes round!). We will be electing representatives at both local government, and Westminster levels, so it could be a confusing time, with two electoral systems in operation.
Please don't expect much political debate on this blog, even being a politics graduate, and taking a keen interest in such matters, I'm not going to reveal my allegiances - if you know me, you'll have a fair idea how I'm going to vote.
Voting is all about choices, and choosing representatives. 1 Peter 1:20 tells us that Jesus was chosen before the creation of the world to die for our sins. The Bible also teaches us that God has chosen the elect to be saved, whose names are written in the Book of Life. To Him be praise and glory forever, who has called us to salvation, and by His grace, has counted us as righteous through the atonement provided by Jesus' death on the cross.
The challenge is: have you found salvation in Christ? Have you chosen Jesus as your Saviour?
Please don't expect much political debate on this blog, even being a politics graduate, and taking a keen interest in such matters, I'm not going to reveal my allegiances - if you know me, you'll have a fair idea how I'm going to vote.
Voting is all about choices, and choosing representatives. 1 Peter 1:20 tells us that Jesus was chosen before the creation of the world to die for our sins. The Bible also teaches us that God has chosen the elect to be saved, whose names are written in the Book of Life. To Him be praise and glory forever, who has called us to salvation, and by His grace, has counted us as righteous through the atonement provided by Jesus' death on the cross.
The challenge is: have you found salvation in Christ? Have you chosen Jesus as your Saviour?
Home again!
What a busy first day back in Northern Ireland! Yesterday we had early Communion, then the 10am modern service and the 11.30am traditional service, then later on, we had 'Awe' - the Summer Madness worship event in Shankill Church, Lurgan.
And Monday seems to be a a busy day as well, with monitoring from the Brussels trip, meetings, and then my Irish History class tonight. This is one of my most enjoyable parts of my work, having researched the history of Ireland (trying to explode the myths on both sides). We have a 9 week course, walking through the landscape of history from the earliest days to the modern days.
We're also hoping to publish the research in a book, though an offer of funding from the Community Relations Council, but more details of that later on, when I have gotten through the painful process of editing conducted by my boss, and later by CRC...
More posts will follow when I have time - thank you to all those who have already read my ramblings so far. If you also have a blog or a website, email me the link and I'll try and include your link on here somewhere! Or if you can suggest topics for me to talk about, I'll certainly consider them.
And Monday seems to be a a busy day as well, with monitoring from the Brussels trip, meetings, and then my Irish History class tonight. This is one of my most enjoyable parts of my work, having researched the history of Ireland (trying to explode the myths on both sides). We have a 9 week course, walking through the landscape of history from the earliest days to the modern days.
We're also hoping to publish the research in a book, though an offer of funding from the Community Relations Council, but more details of that later on, when I have gotten through the painful process of editing conducted by my boss, and later by CRC...
More posts will follow when I have time - thank you to all those who have already read my ramblings so far. If you also have a blog or a website, email me the link and I'll try and include your link on here somewhere! Or if you can suggest topics for me to talk about, I'll certainly consider them.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Brussels part four
This is definitely the last posting from Brussels, and as it would turn out, it may well be the quickest I have been able to type, finally knowing where all the keys are...
In case you think I was bluffing, here is the layout of the French keyboard:
A Z E R T Y U I O P ¨ *
Q S D F G H J K L M %
< W X C V B N ? . / +
Also, to get numbers, you have to use shift, as the number keys are primarily used for:
& é " ' ( § è ! ç à )
Talk about annoying! Normally at home I can almost type automatically, without thinking where the keys are, but here it was completely different. But afer 4 days, I am used to it! Now when I get home I won't be able to use the 'proper' keyboard for a while...
What else is there to say from Brussels? I have my case packed and ready at the hotel, so i am in the city centre or a final walk around, grab a bite of lunch, then meet up with the group at central station for the bus run out to the airport.
I have thoroughly enjoyed being here again, and would recommend anyone to come and see what it is like. And to my msn buddies... I'll see you again soon!
In case you think I was bluffing, here is the layout of the French keyboard:
A Z E R T Y U I O P ¨ *
Q S D F G H J K L M %
< W X C V B N ? . / +
Also, to get numbers, you have to use shift, as the number keys are primarily used for:
& é " ' ( § è ! ç à )
Talk about annoying! Normally at home I can almost type automatically, without thinking where the keys are, but here it was completely different. But afer 4 days, I am used to it! Now when I get home I won't be able to use the 'proper' keyboard for a while...
What else is there to say from Brussels? I have my case packed and ready at the hotel, so i am in the city centre or a final walk around, grab a bite of lunch, then meet up with the group at central station for the bus run out to the airport.
I have thoroughly enjoyed being here again, and would recommend anyone to come and see what it is like. And to my msn buddies... I'll see you again soon!
Friday, April 22, 2005
Brussels part three
So here I am, yet again in an internet cafe, as I hadn't much else to do tonight. The rest of the group are having an easy night in the hotel, but I thought I would take another wee jaunt out on the metro, so I might as well add a wee bit more while I'm here...
Dinner earlier was good but I possibly ate too much... the starter was some sort of cheese in breadcrumb type thing, then main course was chicken and ham in a pancake with chips. Then for dessert, they brought out these huge waffles with cream on top... although thankfully this time I didn't put any of it down me... That would have been too much given my earlier performance.
And the city carries on into the night... one thing that struck me the other week when in Dublin city late on was that there were more people about Grafton Street at after 11pm than you would find on the busiest day in Dromore. And it seems to be the same in Brussels, with lots of people hanging about the streets and riding the metro system. I suppose I maybe should have explained in the first report, but the Metro is an underground system like the tube in London, with trains every 5 minutes through the day, and every 10 minutes or so at night. Rather impressive! However, once the buzzer sounds to say the doors are closing, they do, whether you're in or not!
Tomorrow is our flight home in the evening, so I think we'll have some time in the morning to look about the shops or whatever. Thankfully it's a straight run from the airport to home, up the new M1, so it shouldn't take too long.
Then Sunday will be the usual busy day, but with a minor variation. Instead of the evening service and YF, the YF is going to Shankill Parish in Lurgan for an event called 'Awe', billed as a pre-taste of Summer Madness.
Then the following Sunday night we're hosting Primrose Leahy, a missionary from Kosova, who will share a bit of what she does out there (other than be on msn some afternoons!)... Coming along as well will be our friends from Stewartstown, Albany and Brigh Youth Fellowship. For those who haven't heard of these places, they are in County Tyrone, sort of near Cookstown!
Dinner earlier was good but I possibly ate too much... the starter was some sort of cheese in breadcrumb type thing, then main course was chicken and ham in a pancake with chips. Then for dessert, they brought out these huge waffles with cream on top... although thankfully this time I didn't put any of it down me... That would have been too much given my earlier performance.
And the city carries on into the night... one thing that struck me the other week when in Dublin city late on was that there were more people about Grafton Street at after 11pm than you would find on the busiest day in Dromore. And it seems to be the same in Brussels, with lots of people hanging about the streets and riding the metro system. I suppose I maybe should have explained in the first report, but the Metro is an underground system like the tube in London, with trains every 5 minutes through the day, and every 10 minutes or so at night. Rather impressive! However, once the buzzer sounds to say the doors are closing, they do, whether you're in or not!
Tomorrow is our flight home in the evening, so I think we'll have some time in the morning to look about the shops or whatever. Thankfully it's a straight run from the airport to home, up the new M1, so it shouldn't take too long.
Then Sunday will be the usual busy day, but with a minor variation. Instead of the evening service and YF, the YF is going to Shankill Parish in Lurgan for an event called 'Awe', billed as a pre-taste of Summer Madness.
Then the following Sunday night we're hosting Primrose Leahy, a missionary from Kosova, who will share a bit of what she does out there (other than be on msn some afternoons!)... Coming along as well will be our friends from Stewartstown, Albany and Brigh Youth Fellowship. For those who haven't heard of these places, they are in County Tyrone, sort of near Cookstown!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)