…a brief glance…

My Birthday Week!

Well another birthday has come and gone. It has to be said, that aside from the absence of my family and closest friends, it was one of the best birthdays I have celebrated.

Lorena arrived Tuesday afternoon and we pretty much bummed around in the evening. Walked around Southside Mall for awhile before deciding on Nando’s for dinner. We spent the evening catching up, we even watched ‘Object of my Affection’. At around 11 in the evening my phone began buzzing with messages followed closely by the phone calls an hour later. By about 3 I was asleep. Thanks to all those who called and messaged me on my birthday, whether you’re here in London, or back home in Sydney, or Philippines. I truly felt spoilt and very much loved!

I had work on my birthday but only for ¾ of the day. In all honesty productivity level was on a low that day…then my care package from home arrived. Thank you Fedex for delivering so promptly! Lorena came to meet me for lunch and we had lunch with my work buddies, which was nice, though C couldn’t make it because he was in Glasgow. After lunch I was presented with a cake and a balloon…which I had to carry home with a bunch of flowers and bags full of goodies from home. Thanks Lorena for carrying the other half!

Thanks to my Ma and my Ats for organising it all. For all the goodies in the box, for my sister’s labour of love with my spindle requests! I keep telling you, you’re my favourite sister! I swear! =)

After fighting off lethargy we began to get ready for the night ahead. Dinner with my closest friends and I was truly looking forward to it. Predictably we were running somewhat late, not for the restaurant but for poor Ashe who was waiting for us. To my defence, if you saw the height of my shoes, and the fact that I was wearing a skirt, you’d have some sympathy!

The evening went extremely well and I totally enjoyed it. As I looked around the somewhat long table, I had to smile. The girls that surrounded me were girls in my life that had made a significant impact in my life.

To my right was Ang, who’s in my Lifegroup. Making the transition from HSK to Parsons Green was a breeze because of the welcome she showered upon me, and the constant encouragement and blessing she is to me. Ang’s determination to serve with gladness is always inspirational.

To my left was Bek, also known a Buhbooo! *E ducks*. Boo was one of those unexpected blessings that God drops in your lap. From the moment we met, we couldn’t shut up. Then Loretta’s birthday just sealed the bond that made us the kind of friends that we are. Through rants and raves, through the silences and frustrations…you read me too well.

Then there’s Loretta, ‘R’ was and remains a gift. The way we met will always be a chuckle moment. When Brett introduced me to his wife, I never would have imagined what an amazing impact she would play in my life. Each friendship is treasured and holds a special place in my heart, ‘R’s love and friendship is no different!

Lorena, who I guess can be categorized as one of my first friends in London. Your coming to London to visit on my birthday means more than words can express. I am sooo glad that you came. That you got to meet my friends, and get a glimpse of my current world, what a change from the last time you were in London huh, when I was bound and determined to go home. You got to meet the people in all areas of my life. Your presence this past week has been awesome.

Asheley Lotter, my fellow Colour Conference Worship Baby….we’ve been through heaps, Dawsons Creek and back again! You understand my incoherent blubbering and despite the amount of times I’ve changed my mind about everything, you sit there patiently while I reassess.

Sherrod, getting to know you these last couple of months and hanging out with you has been awesome. You challenge me in ways I can’t even begin to eloquently put. You challenge me to strive harder in building that relationship, and stepping up that level. You’re an amazing woman of God, and an amazing friend! Next time we go straight to dessert, none of this walking all over London and back again!

Mei knows that she was my inspiration to join the Worship Team. From the moment you saw Mei worship, you wanted to be where she was. In that zone! It has been an incredible experience serving alongside her. Glad we went out to that massive Vietnamese Dinner get together, otherwise I might have not gotten to know you.

Maz, when I think of Maz I have to smile because it warp speeds me back to when we started hanging out. I feel that a lot of my growing up was influenced by many people, but who I grew up beside, would probably be Maz. She knows what I mean by that, and no matter what, through time and distance, I will always treasure those moments.

Ate Ghie & Ate Grace…well, they’re like my Ate’s (older sisters) in every essence. They look after not only me, but my friends…who consequently have become theirs too. Ate Grace keeps me up all hours on the phone! Well not so much recently because I fall asleep on her. Ate Ghie, is always there to listen about anything and everything. Ate Ghie & especially Ate Grace will not hesitate to make sermon (and lecture me) when they see fit. I appreciate you both!

As the dinner drew to a close and I blew out my candles, my eyes got somewhat watery. I chuckled as, in true Bek style she began to pull out a punnet of strawberries and raspberries from underneath the table and garnish each slice of cake with them. Boo, I totally appreciate your eye for detail and your efforts to make my birthday a memorable one.

The following day Lori and I made our way to Hammersmith Tube station, bound for the centre of London, but not before going to Lunch and Harper Collins Pub Hang out OSP. After which we headed for the Harper Collins Staff Bookstore for the bargains! I got to introduce Lori to C who was back from Glasgow that day, which was cool because she got to meet most of my friends. While in the middle of the conversation however, the reports of the bombings came about…Hmmm, needless to say we headed for home…by foot!

Friday I spent at home bumming out, recovering from the late nights! That evening I had another birthday dinner celebrations with my Kids Church Team, which was sooo nice. I loved being with and celebrating my birthday with them.

Saturday morning was Women’s Brunch @ Munster Road! Images of melted chocolate continue to haunt me. It was a totally chillin’ day which was nice. We spent Saturday evening just hanging out at home and watching DVD’s with Lana, which was nice.

Lorena left for Italy the next day, but not before sitting in at Kids Church and seeing bits and pieces of big church, and I’m sooo glad she enjoyed herself.

This week kinda feels like anti climax, I guess it’s me feeling tired and sluggish from such a big week…bouncing back from late nights and long days aren’t as easy as before.

In a couple of weeks…Germany, here I comes!!! So excited. Going to go shopping for my sleeping bag this afternoon. September has been booked for the launch in Paris, which is going to be amazing. We got a really good deal on the Eurostar! Yay!

Anyways, that’s pretty much how my birthday week was. Will write more later, (Yeah right you say!) Hope all is well with you guys, thanks for reading my blog! Catch you all soon!