…a brief glance…

Gday! Apparently, so I’ve been told, I am sounding more and more Aussie of late, but what’s funny is that my friends who have witnessed mySkype Converastion with UK friends have pointed out that my Pom accent comes out…I think it’s hillarious because both parties would so argue to the contrary.

So a new week at work begins, and it is HECTIC! But I looovvvve it! So busy my head spins, and that’s the fun part. Everyone’s busy and just working away. A few digs here and there, but total team environment. Makes a fresh change! There’s total support amongst the team and no animosity. Above all else, no one sleeps on the job and gets away with it. Ooopsss…did I let that slip? My bad!On my first day My trainer fully arranged an escort for my walk to the station on the way home. From then on Anthony and I wait for the other before heading to the station. Makes the journey faster. My Team Leader is pretty cool, and Kristine, my Trainer and I have loads of laughs, at each other’s expense.

This weekend was another busy weekend. Friday night I had dinner with my cousins and God children. So I got to play with them Friday night, which was nice. My God daughter Ashlee Rose certainly has gotten used to me quite quickly. Took no time for her to start bossing me around. All of three years old! Nice huh!

Saturday my sister came over because she lew out to NZ on Sunday for work…it’s good for some ey! Though sucks for her cause she won’t really get to see much as she is only there for a few days. Bummer, if I didn’t have a job I’d go with her. We went shopping at the SQUARE. My bro, sis & I which we haven’t done in years so that was fun. We met up with my Mum there too. Afterwards we hung out here, downloaded more stuff on Bert. After my Ats left, my friend Jes came to pick me up for Our Girl’s Night In at Val’s house. Where we ate far too much, watched movies (I swore I wouldn’t watch Notting Hill for awhile, and I realise why I swore that as soon as I watched it *sigh*), we chatted, and we were there till almost 3am if not 3am. Thank you Ramir for giving up your house for us, and agreeing to be shipped off to the rest of the boys at Blair Athol. Thank you also for cooking us our dinner before you left. Thank you Val for being such a gracious host too. For frying the spring rolls! =)

Sunday hung out at the homestead. Cleaned my room…sorta! Ironed clothes, and then car napped the car! Well it was with permission! I went to the mall to exchanged my Hair Straightner….I hear the murmurs of ‘But your hair is straight??’ Yeah yeah! Then I picked up Jes, and then Ann before heading off to Hillsong Sydney! Yay! It was such a great service, and certainly felt like a taste of the Welcome Home I know and love. I love that they use the same intro we do in London, and every time I see them pan to our chior, my heart warms. If I close my eyes while I’m jumping up and down, I swear when I open my eyes, I almost expect to see some of my nearest and dearest there. Phil Dooley spoke and the message was entitled ‘Is it Love?’ It talked about how there are so many ways to describe love and at times we take for granted the weight of such a powerful word. Sometimes it’s so easy to spit out those words and not really mean it, and sometimes, we don’t say it when we really need to. Love is the foundation of all relationships, the strength or the weakness of it lies on how you use love in it. Food for thought huh! Phil D pointed out the real love is sacrificial love, and when you think about it, it totally is! Not even in a negative way, but in that selfless way. What you would do for a friend. Especially your family! So looking forward to next weekend. It’s super weird to be at church and having Marty lead worship, Donna Crouch doing the prayer and praise, Robert Ferguson do the offering and Phil Dooley give the message. It was awesome though!

I went a little nutso at the resource centre… I got previous messages from Hillsong Women, and I picked up a couple of Gary’s ones too…I was feeling a little Hillsong London sick okay! Besides it was all on sale… she says with justification. I love the new CD. It has all my recent fave songs in it! Totally cool.

After the service my friends and I went out to dinner, so not unlike the last year and a half of my Sundays in London!

It’s still fairly cold at the moment, but it’s almost over. Getting up in the freezing cold is a bit of a challenge, but it’s all good. I am enjoying the travel to work. Despite the hike. What can I say, Bert keeps me well entertained. My routine is almost set. After work I head to the gym and work out for over an hour before catching one of the last connecting trains home without a half an hour gap. I get home, shower, sit in front of this PC to quickly check my email and then PASS OUT. In the midst of all that try and hang with my Mum. Sooo tired! So, I’m going to bed. Just wanted to say hello and what not. Hope all is well with everyone.

Much Love,
E

Tuesday 25th July 06

Hiya! As most of you know, I have been back in Sydney for about three weeks now, and though it has been fun getting back and catching up with everyone, I thought I had better start looking for a job properly this week! Yay! And I got a phone call yesterday, well a few (from the adds I answered) but this one in partiular grabbed me.

I did a phone interview yesterday, and was in the office of that particular recruitment agency early this morning, and was on my second interview with the actual company this afternoon, and about an hour later I got the job offer, and I start bright and sparky tomorrow morning! YAY!!!!

It’s for a IT Company (go figure) who also out source a Financial Services teamed up with Rams. Or something to that same effect. I will be doing Customer Service. The role is very similar to what I was doing at the MPC before I left. It pays great, which will set me up for my studies next year, and the best part is that I may be able to do both without giving up the other, as I found out my desired University is like around the corner. It’s a temporary postition so I’m not tied. The interview I had today was with my Team Leader and we totally got along. The place has a very relaxed feel to it. Professional, efficient, and I’m so going to be challenged, re-learning and learning more and more about the Financial Insitution and all it’s dealing, which will free me from boredom. I’m well excited.

I have sooo been praying for God to present me with a job that will give me the opportunity to be challenged, and something that I could potentially keep doing once school started depending on the workload. This place is pretty close to everything…aside from home that is, but hey I could live with the hour and a half journey. I like to read! Besides, that’s what Bert’s (IPOD) for. There’s a gym in the building. Opportunity for growth in the company. Such a nice atmosphere too.

I’m excited! Well, that’s what’s new with me! God is soooo amazing!

Hope all is well with everyone. Take care and be blessed. Love lots, E

…Another year older! Oh my word! Though it has to be said, it doesn’t feel any different. It’s after midnight and technically my birthday has finished, but the festivities shall continue over the course of the weekend. Spoiled? Just a touch!

My day began extremely early…well especially if you count the phone calls and text messages at midnight. But my morning officially began with Ashe’s wake up call at 7 in the morning. But I was pre-warned, so it wasn’t like it was a rude awakening or anything. Ashe and I had our good chat…the typical hour long type! Catching up is always great. Her phone call was soon followed by everyone else. From my cousins, aunt, to Ghie, Grace & Mei, to my old friends, high school friends and even ex workmates. It was well cool. So to all those who remembered, thanks so much, you so totally brightened my day!

I spent the morning running errands with my Mom, driving her around and what not. We had to get last minute stuff for the pancit (noodles) which is tradition to always have when there’s a birthday for LONG LIFE. Picked up the Spring Rolls that my Mom’s friend had made for me. Bummed around at home before having to get ready for the family dinner at Bongiorno’s Italian Restaurant, a place which we frequented back in my day!

So funny, all the cousins (kids) were in one long table and the adults (parents) were in another. How things never change regardless of how old you get. It was nice to have quality time with my siblings and cousins. There’s bound to be a few laughs when you get all of us in one room. Usually at each other’s expense!

Tomorrow I have dinner with my friends, which I am looking forward to. I have been getting back into the whole picture slowly yet surely. How some things never change, in some ways it’s comforting.

Saturday night is reserved for my sister, my girl cousins and my somewhat adopted older sister. Girl’s Night In. Which shall be well fun!

It’s bizarre, because the more time that passes, the more it feels like I never left, but in saying that, I feel the distinct difference in me. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one who sees it, and if I am, it’s scary to think it can just slip away. In two years I have learned to stand on my own, and though I make compromises in order to avoid ruffling of feathers I am aftrraid that if I keep doing that I end up in the same place I started. Where do you draw the fine line? How do you draw it?

Today was a good day. I’m grateful for it. I’m thankful that I am settling down, little by little. I am learning to close the door to a season that has ended, and all that goes with it. I held on so tightly because it felt like if I held on, then I hold on to what I have learned, what I have grown into, but I am slowly learning that I have to hold on to the lessons and not the season. If that at all makes sense. I can’t hold on to my independence, by holding on to the place where I learned them from. I can only retain them by retaining the lessons I learned. It’s a choice. Soooo, I am making that choice.

Anyways, it’s almost one and tomorrow’s going to be a big day too. Hope y’all have a great weekend ahead.

At my Sis’ Birthday 010706 (with the Brother and the Sister!)

It has been sometime since my last blog and I figure it?s time to update. So here tis? my update from OZ.

I am hours away from having to do a testimony at my friend?s church, and though I have a deep sense of peace about what I had written, the thought of standing in front of everyone is a little more than NERVE racking.

Week Two over, and it seems that the initial shock of no longer being in London has worn off.

Well it?s now Monday morning. I know, I know, I?m getting slack. It seems harder to blog of late.

I spent most of the week at my sister?s place and hung out with the Ats?! On Saturday I had my friends? church?s Anniversary. The testimony I wrote was thrown to the side as it all changed when I got there.

Saturday evening was spent with my old friends. It was nice to be able to catch up properly and little by little it?s starting to feel ?home? again. The boys played poker and the girls?well, there was karaoke involved, so you can picture the laughs that was had at each other?s expenses. Once again I thank my beloved friends for picking out POINTED songs on my behalf!

I am currently enlisting myself to numerous agencies and applying for countless jobs and now playing the waiting game.

In the spirit of my upcoming ?coming of age? ? I have been shamelessly shopping. Last week while I was at my sister?s place we went shopping. I finally got my IPOD. (Thank you C for organising my pay!) I have decided to call him Bert. So Bert and I have been hanging out a lot of late. Hey, I?m unemployed I have time to play with my toys and even name them. Have I mentioned my phone is called Ernie? It seemed only fitting, seeing as I got them both on the same day. You can reach me on Ernie +61 410 583 784!

I?ve been having a lot of good days. Some days are harder than some, but I know with time, it?ll fall into place.

I am driving more and more, which I am enjoying and looking forward to being able to do it without adult supervision, but it does give me bonding time with my Mom. Even if it means biting ones lower lip and gripping the wheel extremely hard to preserve composure.

?Right! I said RIGHT!!!? she says as she points to the left. *e looks confused*

We?re having a family dinner for my actual birthday. All 20 of my immediate family! We?re going to the local Italian Restaurant that we used to frequently visit before I left. Then Friday I have dinner plans with my friends. Saturday, I have a Girl?s Night with my sis? and cousins, which will be fun seeing as it?s going to be the first one for me. Initiation me thinks! FUN FUN!

Anyways?best go. Muchos hugs!

Thanks Ashe for my surprise in the mail.

I always knew that saying goodbye would be tough, that it would be heart and gut wrenching. Boy was I right?

This past week, not having work has been such a nice ‘PLEASURE’. Not having to wake and literally bribe myself to go to work, to the place that literally did my head in. In summation, this past week has been yet another ‘last things’ filled week. I had a nice girls night out on Monday with Amy and Ivy. Where we went to SheBu one last time to go to dinner at the ever famour ChopChop Noodle House, before heading over to SheBu Vue for a movie…note to movie goers out there, do not even attempt to watch ‘Friends with Money’, not even as a last resort. You’ll regret it, I tell ya you will.

Tuesday I got to hang out with one of the handful of favourite people have at work…though Em doesn’t actually work there anymore…but I digress. We met up at Notting Hill Tuesday afternoon just to hang. Which was quite fun. I love hanging out with Em, she’s so funny. When the three of us (Em, Craig & yours truly) get together, chaos would be one of the words to describe us. After a casual ‘see ya soon’ we parted ways and I made my way to another All Girl Dinner with my Buds Ashe, Iz and Maz. We ended up at Giraffe Marylebone. It was a last group dinner before Ashe headed for Rwanda.

Wednesday I was blessed enough to have lunch with not only Ma Stew but also Pa Stew. I so love hanging out with those two. They totally kill the inner cynic in me when it comes to relationships. One day when I grow up… hehe! Wednesday evening Sherrod came over and hung out with me as I babysat for Noah (the cutest baby ever!). Amusingly enough, I watched yet another boy fall at Sherrod’s feet. Quite literally too. Noah just adored her. He kept crawling all over her and sharing his toys. It was rather cute.

I am thoroughly enjoying being here in the Lin Household. I love the talks I get to have with Gloria. Getting the chance to play with Noah. It’s so cool that he recognizes me more and more. I love coming home and chatting to Gloria and Frank about the day that’s passed. It’s just nice.

Thursday I paid my last homage to HarperCollins. I had lunch with Nena and Gunjan, Jacker’s joined us a little while later. I hung out at the place for quite awhile…sad I know, but it was a lot more fun knowing that I didn’t habe anyone watching and questioning my every move. I got to say goodbye to the few I wanted to say goodbye to. Afterwards I headed over to Costa to kill time before going to Sulgrave Road to help Aimee with set up for Connect. Connect, was a little sad, but…

I left Connect early to head on over to Ashe’s as I was spending the night so that we can travel to the airport together very EARLY the next day. After all the planning of her taking me to the airport, I end up taking her as she heads over to Rwanda on a Missions trip with church for Hope Rwanda. Praying that she remains safe. Ashe and I literally did not sleep that night. We stayed up all night talking and watching Dawsons Creek, throw in Ice cream, and it was like our usual sleep overs.

Friday morning we headed for the airport, both falling asleep on our feet due to tiredness. After her checking in we hung for a little while before having to say our dreaded goodbyes. Due to our tiredness and lack of energy, the flood of tears came in spurts, and though words were few, the heavy sighs and silence spoke volumes. Can’t wait till Parsons Green Roomie!

After the emotional goodbye I just wanted to go back to Marble Arch and pass out, but due to my lack of brain activity there was a whole key thing that prevented that thought till an hour later. To which when I got in, I fussed around instead of napping. Soon it was time to meet Deano for Mamma Mia.

Mamma Mia ROCKED. I loved it. Dean did too, which made it even more cool. More than anything, it was great to have the opportunity to hang out with Dean and just really talk, which we never really get to do at Church or even Connect. Though the Musical was great, my favourite part was just hanging out with one of my buds. After Mamma Mia we met up with the Kel-ster and headed over to Covent Garden…I love that place. Had dinner at Firestone where they had the best pizza. Then the three of us walked back to Leicester Square for Starbucks for a little while before parting ways.

Saturday was reserved for Sher. I met up with Sher and Justin at Canary Wharf for lunch and a movie. We ended up at Wetherspoons, and watched ‘Fearless’ which turned out to be a really good movie. After the movie, Justin went off to do his own thing while Sher and I headed for Hyde Park to soak in the afternoon sun and enjoy the movie seeping out from the Music Festival thing. We soaked for awhile before heading back to F & G’s to grab a picnic blanket and pick up food at Sainsbury. Upon our return we scoped out places where you can hear the music really well…couple of hours later we were chilled on the picnic rug listening to James Blunt singing ‘Goodbye my Lover…’ Twas a good day with Sher. I shall miss her!

Sunday…today…words can’t even begin to form nor express what I felt today…not to mention the exhaustion I feel as a result of today. Too many people to say goodbye to. Too sad. Crystal made me cry, and that was always going to be a given, but it wasn’t until we were standing in front of church saying goodbye, that it hit me…I wasn’t going to see her, Jeremy, Aimee, anyone…for a long time. Though it wasn’t goodbye, it certainly felt very close to it. I also never realised just how much I was going to miss everyone. Especially the one I was hugging at the time…yep Crystal. I can’t describe it, the easiest way to describe the enormity of the situation was when she was hugging me goodbye, I felt like I was hugging my sister goodbye. The closest I ever felt to that moment was when I hugged my sister goodbye before jumping on the plane to come here. So Crystal and Jeremy…that pretty much sums it up. Thank you for making me family these last few months. It’s been an honour to be a part of it. Love you guys!

I also got to say goodbye to some of my kids and it was mucho sad. It’s hard to believe that I won’t see them grow up, and when they do get bigger, they’re not really going to remember me…but it certainly has been an honour serving at Kids Church and in the Family Room, getting to know the kids and families. All of whom I shall miss.

The girls and I had late lunch, early dinner at Busaba, one last time. As always it was great to hang out with the Ate’s.

After the service, a few of us ended up at Starbucks and I am thankful, as I got the chance to say goodbye to a few of my Connect-er’s properly. Lil’ Brad, Alex, Ivy, Buster, English Mel, and a few others too. Which was sad, but necessary. I saw almost everyone from Connect today, with the exception of Deano, so hopefully I can catch him before I go.

Heading back home I felt emotionaly spent, and over tired. Hence it is 2:25am and here I am blogging in between eating cereal. I should really go to sleep seeing as I have a full day tomorrow. When I got in Glo was awake so we got to chat for awhile. I love our talks.

?Do you ever find yourself taking a picture in your heart?pausing for a moment, letting everything sink in, taking in every little intricate detail, who was there, what they were wearing, where they were sitting, what the expression on their faces were? I did that today. It tugged at my heart in such a way that I needed to make the quickest exit as it brought me to tears.

The house on Sulgrave Road has not only been a home for our Connect Group?it?s been home in the most important ways a place could be home. Every Thursday without a shadow of doubt or hesitation, no matter how badly your week or day has been, once someone opens that door, regardless who it is, you were showered with a welcoming smile and a much needed a hug, without fail it always touched you to the very core. For it was real and it is genuine. It is welcome home.

No matter if it?s your first time, you?re a regular, or you live there (whether officially or unofficially) these people make an impact in your life, and you make an impact in theirs. Needless to say I love my Connect Group to bits. I feel so incredibly blessed that God has positioned me to do life with such an amazing bunch of people. How timely it all fell together. H?Smith Connect had a way of drawing the very best out of you. At the same time it made you step out of your shell. For at the other side were a bunch of people encouraging you with open arms.

Tonight as I turned my back to say something, my heart leapt out of my chest and sadness crept in. That familiar lump in one?s throat as tears threatened to fall as I realized it was the last time I was going to be standing in that house. By that doorway, sitting on that floor, in a single moment numerous memories came flooding in. Countless weeks of Connect flashed before me?the hours we spent in the kitchen, staying late to chat, I even recall a session of D4, and who could ever forget Pa?s special way of saying ?J? ?hehe. That?s only to name a few. As I looked at that room one last time, I take note as my eyes fell on the people that have such a special place in my heart, with these guys I have revealed heart and soul?week after week ?months down the line I realize that in that room is where I began to really find me and who I was. So many tears were shed in that room. The strength I now have was taken from those around me. Most of all, in that room I learned to seek God above all else and do it wholeheartedly.

It?s just a room?It could have been anywhere but I am thankful it was in Hammersmith, and it was in Sulgrave Road, with the greatest bunch of people I have ever met.

I am grateful that God loves me so much that he has blessed me with such awesome people to do life with. People who have come alongside me and encouraged me to grow. So Hammersmith Connect?Thank you. Know that no matter where I am, every Thursday night, my heart will be with you?so in the words of Lil? Aimee?Can I get a whoop whoop?

It’s hard to grasp how fast time is flying by lately. I cannot even begin to fully comprehend that in less than a few weeks, I am going home…for real.

The last week was spent subtly saying my goodbyes. A dinner here and there. Hanging out sporadically. Ashe and I are currently in agreement to live in our bubble of denial for as long as we possibly can. Which at this point will not be for very much longer, seeing as I have to take her to the airport for her trip to Rwanda…you gotta love it, she’s supposed to take me to the airport and here I am taking her.

Tomorrow is my last weekend on team. Though it’s time I needed to take off, I am so gutted by it. I love those kids, but I will still see them in the coming weeks. WHOA!

17 days to go…

I am trying to make the most of it. Spending time with my crew…some more than others. Just enjoying the last few moments in London. Hence I am more than glad that I finish work on Friday…it certainly puts a dampen on my self created determination to enjoy every moment. So sick of the politics and what not of that place. So over it! Friday here I come!!!

Frank, Gloria and Noah are gone for the weekend, and the house feels empty without them. Hope their having a great time in their holiday.

On Friday my girls from work and I went out for lunch…a swish lunch at the Hammersmith River Cafe. Why is it that when you put SWISH and Hammersmith in one sentence, it doesn’t quite go? I digress. It was great to have a private lunch with the girls. Girls that I have developed a friendship with in my time at HarperCollins, with the exception of a couple that couldn’t make it, and another who doesn’t fit the GIRL criteria…they are the people I have grown to love and adore at work. Who make worka bearable place to be.

Hannah and Anne I met in our stint for London Care Action Day where we painted that mural for the school, they have been such amazing blessings to have at work. The first girls, along with Nena who I developed a friendship with. They rock! Then there’s the Jackers! Another Flippin Kiwi! My Paris bud, she cracks me up! Gunjan, Laur, Lauren G, Robyn and Emma M are also great, and though I don’t see them as much as the others, they’re awesome chicks. Thanks for the present you guys!

After a crappy day, with the exception of an hour and a half for lunch with the girls, I was more than ready to go home and leave that place. Got to spend the evening with Izindi, which was fun. We tried to watch DVD’s but ended up talking instead. Typical girls.

Today I was totally LAXED, I didn’t get out of my Jammies till almost 4 in the afternoon. Spent an hour at Wesley Owen bookstore, which apparently is more than enough time to do some form of damage. Ha! Reading material for the 28 hour flight home thank you! Afterwards I cooked dinner for my Connect Girls and just watched Finding Neverland. As always, I cooked Lasagna. I know, I know, I must learn to cook something else. Hey! It’s the one thing I have perfected and can do in my sleep!

Have I done a recap on my week? No? Hmmm… well on Monday Ali and I met up at Leicester Square for dinner and walked around. It was great to catch up with her. I think we spent the last year planning to do the dinner we finally did on Monday.

Tuesday Amanda and Melissa, my movie buddies and I hung out at Fulham Broadway, also known as Hillsong Broadway. My history with Melissa and Amanda is centred around movies, the first time we met we were watching a movie. Every time I saw them socially after that we watched a movie with the exception of Tuesday…they’re cool. Love them to bits!

Wednesday I finally picked up the remaining luggage that has been residing at Ate Fe’s for almost two years. There was nothing really in it aside from the books I apparently read when I first got here. Oh my word, 12 books in like less than two months, what was I? A nerd? Apparently! Great another reason for certain people to bring out my geekiness and the fact that I out-geeked (I had to take one of those how much of a geek are you tests!) them…and most of the IT department at HarperCollins. Man that’s sad!

Thursday I headed over to Sherrod’s for dinner as we celebrated Jaco’s birthday. It was so nice to be back at the Lucey Way Manor again. Had dinner, packed up most of my belongings into the boxes I am going to send home as well as take my backpack with me so I can estimate how much I can fit in there. How ridiculous is it that they expect me to fit 2 years worth of accumulated stuff under the weight of 20 kilos. Like helloooooo! Are they joking? I had more than that coming here. Blah blah!

Anyways…I best go. It’s after midnight, I should get ready for sleep…but my mind is still racing. Hmmm…what to do what to do!

Hope you all had a fab weekend. Love lots…