Month: June 2006

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…

That’s the song playing in my head…It’s On by Superchicks. I love this song. It’s so get up and go! Which probably isn’t the music one should be listening to at 1 in the morning, but oh well. I am fresh out of the shower and wide awake, why not go with it. To say the last couple of weeks have been hectic and frantic would be an understatement.

So much is going on, at the same time, nothing out of the ordinary, well aside from my whole countdown thing, not much is really new. If that makes sense.

My days are just as busy as it usually is.

Coming back from Salzburg and getting back into the groove of London was a little difficult…especially the work part of it. Instead of chilling me out completely it just heightened my lack of motivation and patience to be there dealing with the same old frustrating politics, I know most of my frustration lay in myself. Mainly because I found it so hard to change my mindset regardless how hard I tried, and in completely honesty I haven’t trying all that hard. All I know is I want out of there and fast.

I moved in with the Lin’s….Gloria, Frank and Noah a couple of weekends ago and it has been great. I am loving the time and opportunity I am getting to hang out with Gloria, the late night talks and early morning catch ups. I feel incredibly blessed by their graciousness. Just as I am grateful for Sherrod and Jaco for letting my crash on their couch for over a month. My roomies, I miss you guys! *sigh*

From the time I arrived from Salzburg my sched has not stopped flying from one plan to the other. Trying to spend quality time with significant people in my life. It has been a blast, at the same time the nostalge is hard to ignore, for in most of our heads we are ticking off the days up there. On Sunday I got a brief glimpse of what the coming weeks may become as I hugged Mei goodbye. Though she will be back just before I leave, it is literally days before I go. Saying goodbye to her made it real. REAL-er than I thought possible. Blubbering mess I became in a moments notice. Ate Ghie, Ate Grace and Mei didn’t quite know what to do with me. I think at that moment the whole ‘BUNSO’ thing spoke a thousand words. Even Ashe has admitted that the pennies began to drop for her too.

Time is drawing to a close. In saying all that, I am excited to be going home. I know that it’s a whole new chapter. It’s a brand new season. It’s just sad that I will be leaving people who have become such a family here in London. I know that dynamics are bound to change, and I will embrace them when they do, I guess it’s just about trying to hold on to a good season while you think you can. There are a handful of people whom I will miss dearly. People whom I do day to day life with. Some more prominent than others…but irreplacable all the same, all equally significant and important.