When Michelle came to stay!

My friend Michelle from back home came to visit me for a few weeks, she came at the end of October and went Nov 9. We had some good times. We did all the touristy stuff like the London eye and Leicester square. While she was here I had my birthday and we celebrated by going to Jamie Oliver's restaurant. It was a lovely night and I enjoyed eating at the restaurant even though it was a bit rushed we were about half an hour late and then we had to be out in an hour and a half. So we went to Leicester square for gelato - yum!

The celebrations didn't stop there on Saturday night we went to the west end to watch Oliver. It was a really good show and I sometimes sang along to those all too familiar songs. We had some pretty good seats although they were quite high and we had a secret entrance we had to go into to get there up many stairs.If I had a pound I could have hired some binoculars to watch it even more clearly. Then on Sunday we met a friend of Michelle's from Sydney and we ate some dinner in Covent garden and then we went to the comedy club. I always wanted to go to something like this but never really wanted to go on my own. I'm glad I got to go though as I had the best time it was so funny. It was like 'whose line is it anyway?' and super hilarious. Lots of laughing I'll defo go back.

We also watched Les Miserables at the west end which I hadn't seen but really enjoyed it was a really good musical.

I had the best time with Michelle and it was so nice to have her around, especially on my birthday.

New beginnings!

On friday Lauren finished and so now I'm on my own. This has been the first time a school has had a 'hand-over' and it's a good school to have that support. I feel I have learnt so much and even though I have taught before I  now feel even more ready to do this. I am excited to see what I'll learn and how that'll help me grow and change as I feel already I have learnt so much and grown as well since I have been here.

So sometimes this week I'll be moving into the flat up stairs. I'm not moving into the room I was going to get orignially but the other room has become available and so I have taken it. I'm so ready to move out of this flat. It has improved slightly but mainly it's still awakward and I'm still spending all my time in my room. I'll be sharing the new flat with a girl named Rachel but only for a few weeks and then she'll move and a new girl will take her place.

Today I went to another new frontiers church not too far from me. I went there a few weeks ago when my friend Michelle came to visit. The people there are very friendly and it had a good feel to it, the teaching was also good both times and one of the leaders sounds like Noel Fielding (very cool) so lots to think about but I've asked for more info so hopefully that'll help.

My other flat mates

Apart from the guy I live with I also have two furry flat mates. Two kittens. I'm not sure of their names but I think the black one is Dusty. They love me and love running around my room looking for nothing and causing chaos. They sometimes hear me when I come home and scratch on the lounge room door to let them out. Now they're getting bigger and they love to attack and play fight but with claws and sharp teeth.

Church shopping

I've had two Sundays of church shopping since I've lived here and so far not much luck, yet.

The first Church I went to was the week before I went to Nottingham. It's a C of E which is normally too traditional, not charismatic enough, but I was told that it was so I decided to check it out. I caught the tube, it was about two stops north, I was running late (as per usual) which wasn't cool. The night before I wrote down directions but after walking for about 10 mins I realised I had got the wrong direction and turned right instead of left after coming out of the station. This meant that I was 30 mins late, great start. I wasn't going to go but when I got there some other people were arriving so I thought why not. I went in to find a very big traditional church that was full of different kinds of people. I stood there for what seemed like a life time looking for a seat. I kept thinking soon someone will come and help me but nobody did. I ended up sitting in their coffee shop area. I was sitting sideways and feeling really on show. I saw some seats in the main section facing the front and decided to be bold and ask if they were spare. They were so I took one. I didn't miss much I don't think they were introducing people who were doing internships in different areas of the church and doing other announcements. After a while the speaker was introduced I think he may have been the pastor of the church. He spoke about hospitality, which I thought was interesting from what I had so far experienced. Afterwards, he said 'now lets continue with this hospitality theme and talk to someone you don't know'. I thought this would be my chance to meet people. I sat in my seat for a bit and then decided to go and get some tea. The lady serving me was nice but really only served the tea didn't really try to do any more. I stood drinking the tea for a while and then decided to leave, nobody spoke to me. I don't think I'll go back.

The second church I went to was an Anglican - again not my usual but you never know. This time I wasn't late but early. I got there to find the door closed, I was a bit unsure if I could go in. I looked around and saw people walking around the back I followed them. I soon realised they were going to kids church. I was thinking of leaving when I saw some people arriving they went in opening the door as they went. To my surprise the church was pretty much empty. I sat down and waited for more to arrive and the service to start. Well not many arrived and the service started late. It was very traditional and cautious feeling. The Reverend was from another church. He spoke about Matt 6:19-24 a good message about serving. I really couldn't wait to leave but then the children came back and had to tell us what they'd been doing, lovely. Well I then went without saying anything to anyone. I won't be going back there.

Next week I'm hoping to go to ChristChurch , they're New frontier's- type of church I attended in Birmingham. It's not close but it might be what I'm looking for. Anyway we'll have to see.

Nottingham

On Saturday I went to Nottingham for my friend Andy and his new wife Lauren's wedding celebration. Lauren is from America and so that is where they got married. As most of Andy's friends and family couldn't go to the wedding they had a celebration here.
It was  nice to see them again and to hear stories and see pictures of their wedding in the US. They seem like such a lovely couple and it was lovely to see them together as husband and wife. I'm sure that they will have a happy life together blessed by God.
It was also nice to see some of my friends from Birmingham. One friend it was good to catch up with was William. We had some good times with our friend Sarah from Canada and it wasn't the same without all of us there together but still good nonetheless. My other friends Zac and Sarah were there with their tiny baby twin boys. They are tiny but have grown heaps since I last saw them just before I moved to London, which is great to see. Another friend Tom and girlfriend Charlie were helpful in picking me up and taking me to my hostel as I decided to stay in Nottingham over night to do some sight seeing. It was also lovely to see Steve and Trudi and their boys who have grown up so much since I saw them as well. They used to go to my church- Oasis in Birmingham but now go to another church. It was good catching up with everyone.
They had a  Ceilidh, which I do normally enjoy but you can't really do it without a partner, so I watched. I had thought it would be nice to have a Ceilidh at my wedding cause it gets everyone dancing. But I'm not sure now, people do like to sit and watch sometimes so really the same people keep on dancing.

The Ceilidh band playing a jig

Lauren and Andy eating some cake

 

 

 

 

 

  

Afterwards I went back to the hostel and starting thinking about what I wanted to do as it was still early. Charlie had told me about an indi movie theartre, so I was thinking about that. When I arrived in my room one of the girls I was sharing with was there talking on skype. When she got off we began talking and I found out she was from Brazil. I tried to invite her to the cinmea but she wanted to stay at the hostel and hang with everyone there. I thought about this but then felt really tired. I had been up to 3am the night before and then got up early to get the train to Nottingham. So I decided to go by myself to the cinema. I found it pretty easily which was good - it wasn't too far from where I was staying. The cinema had a deal which included a meal so I took that offer and decided to watch Tamara Drew. I'd never been to the cinmea by myself but quite enjoyed it. I had a burrito, which was nice and I ate it in a funky bar on some low coffee tables. The movie was good but not sure about it really. I was so tired when it had finished that I just went to bed and even the party down stairs didn't bother me, I was out.
The next day I had a mini sleep in as I wanted to catch up on my sleep so I wasn't so tired for Monday . I then got ready which was easy to do as mostly everyone in my room were asleep. I went into the kitchen to have breakfast. Basically it wasn't very nice jam pots, butter and bread laying about , but where was the toaster? On the floor of course! Yew! Well I had two pieces but not sure if thats safe but we'll see. While eating breakfast I met an Australian guy from Adelaide and another from South Africa. I ate quick as I wanted to see Nottingham castle.

Some different views of the castle. The castle itself has been knocked down and replaced with a palace.

Underneath is sand stone tunnels (caves). They were used for storage and are constantly at 14 degrees Celsius. You could go on a tour of this, so I did.

I really enjoyed learning some more history. It's quite interesting this castle and I'm glad I came to visit it.
Afterwards I went to have lunch in the town and then it was time to go home.

Finchley!

Finchley seems like a nice place I went for a walk when I first came here and took some pictures of the things I saw. I also bought a book with sketches of different things to be found in Finchley. I thought this would be nice and helpful as I like to explore and find different things.According to wikipedia

Finchley is a district in Barnet in north London, England. Finchley is on high ground, about out 11 km (7 miles) north of Charing Cross. It formed an ancient parish in the county of Middlesex, becoming a municipal borough in 1933, and has formed part of Greater London since 1965. It is predominantly a residential suburb, with three town centres.

It's also a predominatley Jewish area, hence why I'm working in a Jewish school. There are also a few famous people who live here. Apprently McFly do, yay! may favourite band in the whole wide world (sarcasm- I only know maybe one of their songs).

Finchley Central tube station sign

Avenue House Estate

A bull in a paddock at college farm around the corner from my place.

A horse and her foal at the farm as well.

A sketchbook of all things that make up finchley.

Awkwardness!

I've been living in London now for about a week and am starting to feel unsure about my living choices. I never would have normally chosen this option but it came to me and feeling like it was easier I took it. Now I'm not so sure, I feel lonely. I wanted to live with others to meet people and hopefully make this time a bit easier but maybe my rash decision has meant that all has changed. The guy I live with has told me that after that 'loud' long night he had with a couple of people it wouldn't happen again and being the trusting person I am I believed this until last Saturday when about 2am I was woken by people talking loudly and music that was even louder and went up a few decibels occasionally. I couldn't get back to sleep until it all went quiet maybe only an hour or so but still what part of it wont happen again was he actually referring to cause I'm sure it happened again. Also it's really awkward between us with not a lot to say I stay in my room and he watches TV in the lounge room. I'm not really talking to anyone of an evening and when we do speak it's brief and uncomfortable. The other night we were cooking dinner together which was awkward as it's a tiny kitchen and because of the awkward silence the only thing really left to do was turn the radio on, so he did. Anyway, maybe it's just early days and things will get better. I will give him one more chance with his partying antics and then I'll have to say something or it'll drive me insane.

My new school

Yesterday was my first day at school. I was a bit nervous but luckily it was a teacher inset day so no children and parents to meet just staff. I arrived and went to the classroom where I met Lauren (the teacher I'll be taking over from) and my TA as well as other teachers. Everyone seemed nice and friendly. Soon after we went into the hall for the day to begin. I began to feel as though this school would be different when the head teacher introduced me to the rest of the staff firstly because that doesn't always happen and secondly because I wasn't the only newbe but I was the only one that hadn't met the staff last term and also I was one of the last people and she remembered my name without a piece of paper to refer to or asking 'oh so sorry what was your name again'. So that was a nice start.
Lauren and Yvette (TA) seem really nice and are happy that I am here now rather than when Lauren goes on her materinty leave and so am I. Again I feel this is a good school, spending extra money to support staff and children so to have as little disruption as possible, which is nice.
Today was a nice day. I didn't really have to do a lot but I'm still super tired. The children don't actually start school until next Monday and it's a staggered start so 10 start next Monday then about 11 more and then the rest which is nice. They'll also be doing half days for the first three weeks. Today we had interviews with the parents and the children came as well. It was nice to get to know them but at first I was nervous and overwhelmed when a very friendly Dad came and smiled right at me. I was so taken a back by his extra smileyness that all I did was smile back - like an idiot. I could have introduced myself or just stood there looking special so I choose to look special and so Lauren had to introduce me or I could be still be stood there, looking special.
I really think I'll enjoy working here. Talking to the staff I have noticed friendliness and teamness. People don't seem negative or important. I mean the head and deputy had their lunch in the staff room (with the staff), never seen this before. This is going to be interesting but I'm excited to see what will happen.

I've arrived, yay!

So after a sad farewell to Flat 11, 7 Oxford rd I drove a pretty packed hire car to my Grandad's in Coventry where I stayed 2 nights. So on Sunday at 4:20pm I drove the car to Finchley.
It was an OK drive apart from the fact that I took ages to get out of Coventry making wrong turns on several occasions but I pretty much drove on the M1 the whole way and then only 3km from the M1 I found my dwelling. Well first I had to find a place to park which seemed almost impossible all the spaces were taken and I noticed the house I'm moving into is the only one without a drive way. Anyway eventually I found somewhere kinda half in a bus stop but there was no where else really.
Well I've got way more stuff than I thought so while my parents were here we drove to Kent where my Uncle John, Auntie Shelia and cousins Sidd and Kiran live. I drove Shelia's car as it was in Coventry getting fixed and my Dad drove the hire car. Both cars were full of my stuff. So John quite nicely put all my things into his van and also drove to Finchley to meet me and help deliver my stuff.So then I had a room full of stuff and heaps of stuff also on the landing outside the flat door. Luckily the guy I've moved in with and his girl friend were here to help unload everything otherwise it may have taken a lot longer. Soon after it was all unpacked John said goodbye and went back to Kent. I then decided I'd better return the car.
So I got into the car and tried putting the address into the SAT NAV and for some stupid reason it couldn't find where I wanted. So after trying for what felt like forever I decided to try and find it on my own. I drove around for a bit with the SAT NAV on I went this way and that left and right and suddenly noticed the street on the SAT NAV. Great I thought so I turned round and got onto the street. I couldn't see the numbers so kept driving. After a while I found a number 523 I kept driving but saw no others. I turned round... several times actually until I realised which way the numbers were going. Finally I found the place and parked the car. Now for some reason I decided to leave it till now to clean out the car and take out all rubbish as well as a bottle of wine left in there by my parents. Why I couldn't have done this earlier at the house I don't know cause then I had a bottle of wine and other stuff to carry in my bag. I also had to fill out details of the car on the envelope. So I did this and then went to find the mail box so I could put the envelope with key and paper work into and then leave. Well first I couldn't find the box and then when I found it do ya think I could get it open, no! So in the end I decided to leave the car and come home with the keys as I didn't know what to do with them.
I remembered the SAT NAV and that you could use it when walking. I put it to take me back to the house, after walking for a few blocks I recognised the area and found a tube station I decided to catch it rather than walk as I didn't know how far I'd driven.
I finally got back to Finchley Central and decided to go to TESCO and get some food. Well no I couldn't it was closed what? At 9pm? So I went to a corner shop and got some breakfast. Shelia had given John some food for me so I decided I'd have that when I got home.
I got home about 9.30ish and went back to my room to try and organise it. I put BBC3 - 'Young, Dumb and living off Mum' on my lap top and started sorting.
I could hear the guy I live with, his cousin was over and they were listening to loud music and talking. They kept coming in and out of the lounge room and were quite loud. Suddenly they went out and it all went quiet.
I continued to sort my stuff out and then decided to finally eat some pot noodles, yum!
I watched a DVD my sister Amanda had made showing my nieces first year of her life. It was nice to see. Then I did a bit more sorting and started to write this blog. Suddenly the guy came home and this time he wasn't just with his cousin there were others. They put on music and were laughing and talking loudly not sure how often this happens and how late it'll go on for but I hope it's something I can deal with as it could be a long four months if I can't. I don't think he needs to stay at home, quiet but I was under the impression he didn't have many friends over and was a quiet guy, maybe, maybe not... we'll see...

I've got some where to live!

So finally it seems that I may actually have somewhere to live and moving is happening. It's not an ideal situation and it's not exactly something I would have gone for originally, but hopefully it'll work out. I went to London last Wednesday and looked at a few places. One was a flat sharing with another girl and the room was in a  loft it also had it's own bathroom. It was nice but I went to look at other places. In the end there was only one other place that I was considering but I decided to give the landlord of the first place a call. I think I must of called him as he was coming home from work as he asked if he could call me back. So he called me back and told me something unexpected. I've had lots of rejection calls so I was preparing myself for this. He told me the room had been taken but only for four months. So he suggested that I could move in with his brother-in-law who lives in another flat in the same building. I needed to think as I didn't fancy the idea of living with a guy, in a group house it's ok but just with one guy not sure. Anyway thought and prayed and went to have a look at the place and meet the guy with my parents (who are visiting from Australia). So the place seemed ok and the guy seemed nice. But I needed to sleep on it I still wasn't sure. The next day I felt it was the right thing to do, it's only four months and I'm free to leave when ever or stay and move into the loft. So then I waited and waited to hear back from the landloard as to if the guy would want me to take his spare room. I wasn't sure if it was going to happen but couldn't really find anything else. So finally it has all started to come together. The guy said I could move in and the landlord emailed me the details. Hopefully I'll be moving soon, yay!

Everything's gonna change :s

Sometimes I think I've done a lot with my life, I've lived in a few different countries, I've travelled a bit and I've met lots of different people from all around the world.  But that doesn't make the next adventure any easier. So now I'm getting ready to move to London and am starting to feel scared, it feels so real now and soon everything will change. I enjoy being in my comfort zone, where life seems easy and everything is in it's place. Moving out of that changes things and makes everything seem so different and even scary.
I've begun packing and am starting to question my choices but know that it was right. I will keep in contact with friends in Birmingham and hope that they will remain friends. I am excited though as I know there'll be lots more people to meet and I'm looking forward to all the adventures that will be had :)