God's Gifts To Me Today

1. A new girl(she's german and is turning 18 in one month) checked in this morning to the hostel and she's staying in the same room I am, so I asked her if she wanted to come with me to Ripley's, and she said yeah. we ended up not going because it was too expensive for her(I am going on Sunday though) so we ended up going to the Embarkement area to see Big Ben, St.James Park(awesome beautiful park btw). we couldnt get into downing street because you're not allowed, but we stood at the front gates, which was cool. then we went to trafalquer square,and into the national gallery. i must say, it was kinda cool. i saw this paiting of christ, a head shot and it depicted his suffering, but i couldnt find it in the shop. oh well...will try online. then we got on the tube and she went back to the hostel, and i went to dinner and then to see "Coco before Chanel" which is a good movie! i like learning about strong independet women like her. it was good and i am proud of myself for taking an initiative. we problaly wont get to hang out again, since i have tons of stuff i booked for my last days(so sad!!)in England, but i am proud that i did take that initiave and had a good day. take that Simon! lol
2. went to see "coco before chanel"today and it was such a good movie. she seems like she was a woman who was strong...independent. I like women like that...it's the way I want to be.
3. had a double soft cone ice cream...finished a good 3/4 of it!!
4. saw big ben today...i love that tower!i never get enough of it! everytime i see it, it just hits me ...wow! i am in england!!it is so much more beautiful live than in pics...pics dont do it justice. i need to buy a big ben statue or something...a good one.wow. amazing. am in love with it!
5. i think the movie theatre might have given me the "15 and under" price for my ticket! they charged me 3 pounds less than they usually do.

location: London,England

Today's Gifts From God

*warning: this is one of those days where something not good happened and then it was sorted but following that several small things happened which normally would be okay but under the circumstances makes you upset.so these good things will include...lows*

1. i was upset this morning so like the girl i am turning into, i went to get my hair done because it makes me feel better. it did...kinda. but it was still nice. love my hair straight! it didnt make me feel as good as it normally would though, but it helped a bit.
2. to cheer myself up i went to my fav pub in london for lunch. it's like a mini tradition during my time here...go to the Dickens Tavern for lunch. havent done it in a few days though. it did cheer me up a little but...i was reading one of the shopaholic books, and it was an emotional kinda part of the book, with the husband getting mad at her, her sister not wanting anything to do with her...and she cried in it and...yeah, i didnt start crying crying, but tears did come out. however, it was nice sit there and read my book and eat my sausage and mash...it's a nice pub!
3. went to see the King Henry VIII exibition at the british library. seems weird to me to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the accesion to the throne of a guy who killed 2(?) of his...6 wives, but hey, he was their king lol JK. it was pretty cool. it turns out that anne boleyn was not overly beautiful or anything...just "standard." how cool is that? she got a king chasing after her, wanting to marry her and breaking off from rome, from the catholic religion just to get an annulment/divorce from his first wive to marry her...all on her personality and wit. u have to admire that. you also have to say...at least King Henry VIII was not shallow you know?
4. went to see "Wicked" for the 2nd time since I've been here. so so so good!wow...i bought the soundtrack from the original cast, and it wont be as great as the girl singing tonight...i am in love with her voice(it was the understudy again. she is amazing!). i was a little teary by the end though. granted, i've been teary this whole day, but it is such an amazing play! it...ties for first place with the Lion King.
5. had dinner at Garfunkels: chicken tikka masala. spicy but good...had to hold back the tears again though...almost had a crying fit, but i held it together.

location: London,England

Today's Gifts

1. had mcdonalds-finished ALL of it
2. went to dinner at this nice chinese buffet near my hostel.
3. did not cry on the outside today
4. did not die today
5. went to see a movie today

location: London,England

Today's Gifts From God

1. went to the War Cabinet Rooms. it was...amazing!truly beyond words to be able to be in the place where wiston churchil "ran" the british strategy during world war II...it is truly increable!
2. went to see Peter Pan at kensington gardens! it was magical. only word i can use...truly magical.
3. went to St.James Park before going to see Peter Pan. such a beautiful park!! beautiful lake, flowers...wow. i had dinner at the (expensive)place there called "inn the park" and it was good! their sundaes were delicious!
4. had a piece of chocolate cake and a sprite before dinner. the wind dropped my first piece so i had to get another, but it was delicious.
5. did not cry today.

location:London,England

July 27,2009 Gifts

1. had lunch at my usual pub...really nice.
2. went to the British Library. had a tour around the library and it is amazing!! seriously...so many books that you have to order them from one of their 4 basements when u need one and it takes an hour to get there! crazy huh?!?!it is amazing! wow....
3. went to see the proposal again...hilarious!must get the DVD when it comes out.
4. I booked tickets to see Peter Pan at the Kensington Gardens tomorrow @7:30pm. should be lots of fun!
5. saw beautiful sunset clouds on my way into the cinema
6. found out something really cool today...a little bittersweet but mostly sweet :)

Location:London,England

Today's Gifts

1. Went to see a shakespearean play at the globe theare today! the play was Troilus and Cressida and I fell in love with Shakespeare! the emotions, the excitement, the words....seeing it in its original venue was beyond words. it made it come alive you know?
2. had dinner at this fab pub right on the thames right by the Globe. good views and good food! it was a cute pub, if a bit expensive. but hey, last week in England!
3. went to the evening service at St.Paul's. awesome. amazing. thought provocating.
4. did not cry today
5. at the end of the day, I was...ok.

location:London,England

Today's Gifts

1. Went into Oxford today. didnt really do all that much: ate a late lunch, browsed around High Street, got an alcoholic drink(Malibu Coke-SO good!the smell alone was intoxicating...so should have made it a double! lol), then had dinner at my fav restaurant there: Perrie Victorie Bristrot, and then got on the train home. it was nice being there, but somehow not the same. I did tear up on the train back though. it just hit me that...this is good-bye. I am going home next wednesday! in a week and a half! I dont want to say goodbye at all! Oxford was so so pretty though: all the flowers and things in bloom! it was nice to say a proper good-bye.
2. rode a london bus for the first time today! the 332 to paddington via kilburn! I was nervous but I am excited and proud of myself! on the way back, I rode above the driver(sat in the top level both times). it was awesome! :) :) LOVE double decker buses!!!!!
3. had a malibu coke today athe eagle and child! i almost made it a double! lol :) the smell was SO good!! oh, it was delicious!might go back next saturday and get a double!! lol
4. did not cry too much today
5. saw a beautiful sunset today

location: london,England

Today's Gifts From God

1. I made it to the British Museum!! I learned quickly that it is way better to be at places like that when they open the doors in the morning to avoid the crowd! I dont do museums all that well in crowds, so I saw the Rosetta Stone and got outta there. there were some cool things too, so I might try and wake up and make it there when they open the doors. still,seeing the Rosetta Stone was really cool!
2. Had a Basking Robbins Sundae!!it was really good :)
3. Booked a tour for August 3, 2009 and I am REALLY looking forward to it! interested?ask me :)
4. had dinner at this really nice chinese buffet. it was good! although I must agree with my friend and say that chinese buffets do make you kinda sleepy! :)
5. did not cry today.

location:London,England

God's Gifts

1. I went to Dickens Tavern again. I really love that pub! I want to try this pub near the hostel where I am staying at. the first time I went there they said the kitchen was closed, and it looks good. pubs are good for breakfast, lunch, and hang out places,get a drink, sit down and relax. they usally close kitchens around 6-7pm or so, so not good for dinners. plus they get BUSY during the night. during the day, they are usually not crowded at all. I enjoyed it! it is a nice and cool pub.
2. I was going to go the british museum since I did not make it yesterday, but the central line was not stopping at Notting Hill station and it would have taken a long way to go east and then north, so I decided to leave it until tomorrow. there is this new movie coming out tomorrow called "Antichrist" and I want to go see it. so I will do lunch, British Museum, and then movie. should be a good day. it will be a good day. lol anyway, I decided instead to go get tickets at the globe. it was WAY more expensive than I thought. I am not standing for 2 hours, so I paid 33 pounds for a sititng ticket. totally worth it though! they are for Troilus and Cressida, and it is on Sunday@1pm, so my plan is to go to St.Paul's Cathedral for service then cross the millenium bridge and go to the Globe. so excited!!
3. crossed the millenium bridge today! this is the bridge that gets knocked down in the 6th Harry Potter film. it is a pretty cool bridge and it is cool to have seen it in the film and then go see it live you know? u can see St. paul's cathedral and Tower Bridge from it. really neat!
4. had mcdonalds for dinner tonight. i know, way unhealthy, but cheap.
5. decided to go into oxford on saturday
6. did not cry today

location: London,England

Today's Gifts From God

1. I went to the British Museum today, but had a hard finding it, and once i did there was only 1 hour before it closed. so i will go back tomorrow. it seemed really neat so I am excited :)
2. had lunch in London's longest pub: the dickens tavern. it was long, and the food was good! it was a neat pub and i liked it!
3. rode the london eye for the second time! this time i only took 4 pics and truly enjoyed the view and took it all in you know? plus, i wasnt THAT afraid of the heights. London is so increably beautiful!
4. saw "The Proposal" tonight!it was so funny and I laughed so much! I like movies that make me laugh. they are the best kind :)
5. didnt cry on the outside today. that counts right? lol

location: London,England

Today's Gifts From God

1. today I slept in until 11am!! although I was woken up by a text at 5:30 in the morning by a friend(you know who you are). sadly, that wasnt so bad compared to Brent's texting me at 3 in the morning last summer to send me the details of when we were getting together the next day! :) I am just so irrestiable to text in the early morning hours!lol(JK JK)
2. I went to McDonalds today...I know, 3rd time this week!! and I finished the quarter pounder again!didnt finish all the fries or donuts because i was charging my cell phone and they told me i coudnt use the plug! how silly and stupid is it to have a blog in the dining area of a fast food restaurant and the customers cant use it!!especially when they wi-fi!!but i did finish the cheesburger, which i am quickly getting addicted to! lol
3. Brent is back from the Bush!! I was so excited to get his email this morning saying he was back. he is still in Papau New Guinea, but at least he can have access to the internet again and email!!cannot wait to see him!! :) :)
4. smiled a lot today
5. did not cry today
6. I went to see this movie(I love that I am 5-7 minutes away from a theatre via tube!!) called "moon." it was good and everything, but it was a sci fi movie, and I cannot believe I went to go see it!me and sci fi?not exactly best friends, but it was good anyways.lol...

location: London,England(for another 15 days)

Today's Gifts From God

1. had my hair done today!shampoo and straighting, of course. the lady was really nice and friendly. getting my hair done is turning into one of my go-to-things when I am upset, sad, or a little down. it's like they're scrubbing all my troubles away. for a few minutes away. and i do love my hair straight. it is when love it the most. I do love the curls when they're wet, it is when they are dry that they go frizzy!I love that the salons here offer ur tea or coffee. granted I dont drink either of those, but it is still so cool that they ask. so proper and nice! :)


2. I hung out with my friend Wes from ACU and his friend Richard today! they're doing this backpacking trip around Europe and they were in London so I got to see them! :) it was SO nice to be with a friend of mine from ACU. it reminded me of my other life, the life I left backthere and all the people. they do mean a lot to me, and while I havent forgotten that at all, it has kinda...dimmed since I've been here so long and have fallen in love with it you know? it was nice to be with Wes as well...he always makes me laugh and he's funny and very...charismatic I think? he's a good friend and I am so glad the crush on him thing didnt ruin that at all. in general, it was good for me. I may be leaving something behind and that is really hard and tough and heartbreaking and painful and sad for me, but I am going going back to something...all my friends, ACU, classes, southern hills...a whole life is waiting for me. a life that I built out of nothing when I moved to Texas for college not knowing anyone. I love that life; it'll be nice to go back to it.
3. had a nice dinner of sausage and mash at a pub tonight. it was with Wes and his friend Richard btw. it was a nice pub. it was funny because some of the dishes were buy 1 got 1 free, and so they did that, but they forgot they could have gotten another one with mine, and Wes kept explaing that over and over...lol. he also kept telling me to hurry up(slow slow eater)because he wanted to get a soft serve cone from McDonalds. I told him to watch it(he's not exactly going to the gym you know and it would be a shame to lose that figure lol). silly guy huh? lol...when he left me at the tube stop I told him to watch the ice cream in Italy(where they are headed next); it has 4 times the amount of sugar as the ice cream in the USAbut my dinner was nice! it was a nice pub. I LOVE pubs!!they are beyond awesome. i would say we should have them in america, but it is an english/british thing and they should stay here. i am gonna miss them though!coffee shops are just not the same! lol...
4. I bought an Oyster Card for this week, and will top up at the end of this week. I am way excited because I get zones 1 and 2 on the tube and any bus, so it is pretty sweet and makes getting into the tube so quick and easy! plus, it kinda makes me look and feel like a someone who lives in London(Londoner?)! lol..I know, I am dork. but I have ambraced it and accept it. lol...
5. I laughed a lot today. I LOVE laughing, even though I dont like my laugh or smile. go figure. oh well. I still LOVE laughing!!

location: London,England

July 19,2009 Gifts

1. got to london safely, in one piece, without too much trouble. the train was delayed by 10 minutes, which was annyoing,but other than that, it was good. got a seat in the last train cart,section...whatever it's called, which was the quiet zone. the train was pretty empty, so i found luggage racks and it was only me and another man so it was nice and quiet. good train ride!
2. the hostel is really really sweet! seriously, it is the best hostel I've stayed in so far. I lucked out in choosing this one!
3. I went out to get some dinner, and ended up walking about 1 -2 miles problaly looking for a place. i was so hungry yet really picky for some reason. I finally went into a mcdonalds, and got a quearter pounder meal(large)and 2 donuts. finished all of it except 1 1/4 of the donuts. however, for me, that is pretty good!lol
4. I am meeting my friend Wes and his friend Richard tomorrow!!they are doign this europe backpacking trip and they're in England so we're gonna hang out!I am really excited!I am actually gonna SEE in person one of my friends from home!havent seem one of those in such a long time...January in fact! so I am WAY excited!!
5. something...special and bittersweet happened today.
6. did not cry too hard today. I know this sounds weird when i put these inhere, but after all the crying I did last summer...trust me, it is a good thing.

location: London,England

July 18,2009 Gifts

1. new personal text message record: 5 hours! I never could understand how people could talk/text for hours...I can now :) lol...
2. went to see "public enemies." it was an okay movie, but it did kinda make the FBI look like idiots at times. it was okay and i liked it, but it wasnt my type of movie. too much shooting and lous bangs for my taste...had a bit of a headache when i left actually.
3. went to see Harry Potter 6 for the second time today.i dont like all they added and left out but it was so good anyway! the last scene where they all raised their wands to get rid of the dark mark was so moving and symbolic!loved it! cannot wait for the 7th one!
4. i went to mcdonalds between movies to get something to eat(duh!)and i got the 1/4 pounder meal, and i had double cheese! two pieces of cheese with the meat between them! maybe they're always like that but i felt lucky! lol...i am such a dork arent i? :)
5. I did not cry today.

location: (for the last time for awhile)Nottingham,England

July 17,2009 Gifts

1. went to see transformers 2...for the second time!I was crying at the end. weirdly enough, when i went to see it the first time i was with a bunch of guys so i did tear up a little but did not really cry. this time i did. wonder if there's a connection?of course, did not help problaly that those guys(or one of them in particular)were huge sci-fi geeks(and computer geeks as well; i mean, who reserves the newest version of windows 3 months in advance?!?!lol)and so they knew the original transformers series and so did not like the movie. i guess i can kinda understand because i am so the same way with harry potter. maybe it is easier to cry during a movie by yourself?
2. it rained today...i know it is weird but i like the rain. makes me feel like the world is being cleaned and reminds me that starting over anew...corny huh?
3. on my way to the cinema today, while it was raining, i saw this street cleaning venicle, and i found it hilarious because...it was raining!why would u clean the streets while it is raining?!?!like washing ur car in the rain you know? found it funny...
4. had dinner after the movie at this place called "flaming dragon." it is a chinese buffet. really good!
5. i did not cry today
6. i laughed today

location:nottingham,england

July 16,2009 Gifts

1. I went to see Ice Age 3 in 3D today. the 3D was actually good and it was such a cute movie :)
2. had lunch at this fast food chinese place! had chicken friend rice. didnt finish all of it of course...huge serving plus I tend not to fully finish meals. but it was really good!
3. had dinner at Bella Italia. so good, I LOVE that place. will miss it when I am back home.
4. talked to a friend today.
5. did not cry today.
6. ordered a DVD that I watched while overhere.
7. ordered Lurlene McDaniel's newest book...came out in May, but her lastest one anyways. i love lurlene mcdaniel's books.
8. learned that nicholas sparks has a new book out in september and they are making a movie out of Dear John that comes out in february 2010!!!!

location: nottingham,england

July 15, 2009 Gifts From God

1. Had a good lunch at this mexican grill restaurant in the corner house. chiquitos, I think it was called. so good!
2. beautiful day today...sunny and warm but not too hot
3. watched harry potter and the halfblood prince today! they added and left out a lot of stuff but it was still awesome!loved it! cannot wait to go see it again on saturday!
4. I have now had my longest text conversation. actually, my first real text conversation. going by the text messages, it was 4 hours! seriously. seems like a long time to me, but am not experienced with text conversations, so I dont know. sometimes my being braver in writing than I ever could be in person is...discerning. this is one of those times. i never would have said some of the stuff I said to him during that text conversation than i would never have in person...good or bad? i think it good just...discerning. DARING though, so I am living up to my tattoo...
5. I did not cry today
6. made an appointment saturday at 4:30pm at this salon in the corner house to do my hair. it will be my dress up day. as much as i dress up anyway, but i will wear my make up. :) :)

location: nottingham,england

Today's Gifts

1. I checked into the hotel I will be staying at here in Nottingham until sunday. it is called Castle Hotel and I love it! not fancy but very nice :)
2. I went to see a movie today...Bruno. very silly, graphic, and no plot at all but it was a good movie to see to shut my mind off you know?
3. I had lunch(and only realy meal for today)at pizza hut. it was good! I was unable to finish the individual pizza but hey, that's me. :) and it will help me to lose weight. I am a little...fat but I am working on it :)
4. did not cry today
5. I took the bus from nottingham to stapleford and back again...just for the heck of it. I love bus rides...
6. I booked my saturday tickets for harry potter!so excited to go see it! since the whole going with other people thing doesnt look to be happening, I am going to go on saturday night anyway and dress up...as much as i dress up: my skirt, leather boots, and make up...and do my hair nice. why not?
7. am going to go see HP tomorrow! if I can get tickets at the door, which I doubt it! :)
8. put up lots of pics today on facebook, as well as videos. since i am no longer an intern, I feel totally free in my commenting

location: Nottingham,England

God's Blessings To Me Today

1. went to church today. I love going to church here and knowing everyone that is there. I love Southern Hills and cannot wait to go back, but it is so nice and so...family like atmosphere here.
2. after church went on a picnic with my host family and Curtis's host family to this beautiful park in matlock. so beautiful! we played baseball. well,me and the guys did. it was fun! :) reinforces my wedding reception idea. :)
3. I feel like I did a good job on talking and interacting with the teens today. I am not sure if it's good enough, but I feel like I did a good job; today and this week in general.
4. I got picked up(physically not in a sleazy way,although that would not be too bad given my lack of experience with guys lol) by one of the guys here. not one of the teens, but close to my age. profile: jon, 23, working, takes bus to church or walks to church(6 miles each way!). I almost hit my head on the floor because he picked my up by my legs. first guy to ever touch my legs and the furthest I've gone with a guy. I know...tragic isnt it? :)
5. one of the teens, beth, keeps telling me I would make a good couple with David(assistant with youth clubs, always in motion, cool blonde hair). not that i care, but it is a nice that someone thinks me normal enough to actually say that. :)
6. laughed a lot today. a lot!!!

location: long eaton, nottingham,england

God's Blessings To Me Today

1. went to see a movie today! my sister's keeper. I was crying by the end, holding back the flow of tears so it was a good movie.
2. had lunch at this chinese buffet place called "flaming dragon." the food was good!
3. had dinner at bella italia. delicious!
4. oxfam called me, and i start volunteering this tuesday, 1:30-5:30pm. so excited!!! cannot wait!!
5. did not cry today. that is a good sign.
6. got a call from gary green today,and it was nice. no lecture and no anger. just concern. the texas accent was so strong though. guess i am not used to it anymore. :)
7. stepped in bubble gum. like in the movies... i am such a dork!
8. four more days until harry potter!

location:long eaton, nottingham,england

Gods Blessings To Me Today

1. got to sleep in until 10:30am today! :)
2. rode the bus into nottingham. i know it is strange, but I LOVE long-ish car/bus rides where i can put on my ipod/music and just think and relax.
3. had a nice lunch at Bella Italia today. my ususal chicken dish and starter of ciabbatta bread with olive oil and balsamic. so sweet!
4. had fun at clubs today. except for the part where curtis said something about me having a crush on david, with david in the room, and even though he was just joking...not funny! other than that, good times.
5. did not cry today

location: long eaton, nottingham, england

God's Gifts To Me Today

1. had my usual lunch at my fav long eaton city centre pub.
2. laughed a lot today
3. saw a gorgoeous sunset today. life is so beautiful isnt it?
4. not really something that happened today, but it is only 6 more days until harry potter 6 comes out!!!!!!
5. I did not cry today

location: long eaton, nottingham,england

God's Gifts To Me Today

1. had a lot of fun with Andrea and Jamie and their kids! those kids have so much energy! their names: madelyn, hannah, samuel(sam for short), phoebe, and esther. they did my hair and i read them 2 stories...it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed being around their family.
2. had a good lunch today
3. saw a beautiful sunset today
4. it rained today. loved it!!!!
5. i had a bit of a rough day today, and i called my dad tonight(5pm his time) and talked to him and explained it all and he made me feel better about everything. funny how that goes right?

i did have a rough day today, but i am proud that i can still find 5 good things in this day and be able to say that it was a good day because it was. those kids were great and the visit made my day :) :)

location: long eaton, nottingham, england

God's Gifts To Me Today

1. Went into Nottingham today today. I need a new pair of sneakers(my old ones are dirty and not suitable anymore). cost £54($81) but they are PUMAS and I loved them and they are worth it. :) cannot wait until they arrive!
2. saw a movie today :year one. so funny! I love jack black.
3. had a good lunch at bella italia. I have missed ciabatta bread dipped in olive oil and something else. :)
4. it rained today. inconvinient, exasperating, and annyoing, but i love rain! so refreshing.
5. did not cry today. not on the outside anyway, but that's a different story :)

location: long eaton, nottingham, england

God's Gifts To Me Today

1. It was pouring raining today, and as annyoing as it was, I liked it! I love rainy weather, nice and cozy.
2. has a nice lunch at pizza hut today...bbq chicken wings to start and chicken alfredo sauce. yummy!
3. saw a gorgous sunset today.
4. fav meal and my fav long eaton pub.
5. bought a michael jackson cd today.
6. bought new red earphones for my ipod.
7. did not cry today.

location: long eaton, nottingham, england

God's Gifts To Me Today

1. it was such a beautiful day today!
2. my brother turned 30 today!!!!! I texted him a happy birthday and he texted back that he was getting so old! LOL. I love my big brother and am so happy and thankful that he's still here.
3. went on a visit with curtis, simon, and david to Allan and Chritistine's house for dinner and it was a lot of fun and really nice.
4. club tonight was fun. we made stained glass windows with colored tissue paper. it was fun!
5. I did not cry today.

location: long eaton, nottingham, england

God's Gifts To Me Today

1. got to sleep in until 10:30 this morning! so nice!
2. went into nottingham this afternoon. purposely went on the bus route that went the long way. it was really nice.
3. had a nice dinner at pizza hut: chicken alfredo.
4. went to my fav long eaton pub for lunch and had my usual.
5. played this awesome game called Taslisman tonight. totally lost, but I was not really trying to win at all. I was in it for the fun. it was fun :)

location: long eaton, nottingham,england