New layout: From Under The Duvet..: October 2006

Monday, October 30, 2006

When I rule the world...


So, the UK has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe. I have a way that could really improve this statistic! It’s simple, really. Teenagers from the age of 13 would be required to help at kids’ clubs – and this would also help there be places for kids to go to.
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Like, I love kids and I hope to have a career involving kids and maybe even have some one day but… Spending ten minutes trying to calm down twenty 8-11 year old girls is not fun!! And I love Anchor Boys – there are some really nice moments but others… aren’t so nice! It makes you realise how much work is involved with kids and how nice “home time” is!

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posted by Rach @ 10:50 PM   3 comments

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Because My Blog Isn’t Educational Enough…

I thought I’d comment on two stories I’ve come across today. One more serious than the other…
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Firstly, a recent study has shown that Northern Irish women are the grumpiest in the UK. I thought I’d check out the definition of grumpy:
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grumpy

• adjective (grumpier, grumpiest) bad-tempered and sulky


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Now, I know I can be grumpy. Most people can be grumpy. But grumpiest?! That’s a bit extreme! But then, we got to thinking about it. Maybe it’s because we’ve a lot to be grumpy about. The weather is not the greatest. It’s only recently NI have gotten good at football. One word: politics. People thinking you know how to use a gun and have experienced several bomb explosions in your lifetime.
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At a recent Geography Association lecture on demography and migration the lecturer (from Leeds) put up a graph showing out migration from NI at varying ages and with separate lines for male and female. Here’s a little what it looks like (very rough generalisation).
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Clearly, a lot of the gals are just trying to get away from the guys!!
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Any other suggestions or thoughts?
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Anyway… On to the next news story. I was reading The Guardian today. And you guys all know I love coffee (well, if you didn’t know you do now) and I do go to Starbucks – their mocha is ok if you ask for extra chocolate. But after reading this article I’m seriously considering not going there anymore. If you don’t have time to read the article just read this:
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"We sell organic coffee for less than £1 a pound but that pound can make 52 specials in coffee shops selling for £2 each, meaning the retailer is selling it for £104. The people who are producing this in Ethiopia don't have enough food, clean water or health centres.” Tadesse Meskela, head of the Oromia coffee farmers cooperative union in Ethiopia,


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That is utterly ridiculous!!! Starbucks had a 22% rise in annual global turnover to £7.8bn in the year to October. And they can’t pay a little more for their products?!
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“Phil Bloomer, Oxfam's policy director, said: "Starbucks has made some progress towards helping poor farmers in recent years, but their behaviour on this occasion is a huge backwards step, and raises serious questions about the depth of their commitment to the welfare of their suppliers. By acting responsibly, they could set an example for others by supporting Ethiopia's plan to help the 15 million struggling Ethiopian farmers who depend on coffee for their survival." "


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Starbucks, continue the good work you started!!! I can’t remember one place in America I went to without saying at least one Starbucks – in NYC you couldn’t go two blocks without seeing one!! They have the opportunity to set a well-known example… Unfortunately, this currently isn’t a good example to set.
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Just something to think about… Besides, The Other Place on Botanic(?) is far nicer anyway…

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posted by Rach @ 4:50 PM   2 comments

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

A Criminal Under Our Noses

Now, citizens of the Field of Saints and the wider world, I feel it is my civic duty to warn you there is a criminal in the area. This individual is very specific in what they take. It is only one thing. But a vital thing if you have had a rough day. This individual gives new meanings to the term Cat burglar. Well, if we're being precise I guess we should say they restore the literal meaning.
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Who is this criminal I hear you ask. It is my cat. Daisy. She looks all innocent but do not let that fool you. She is a theif. She is continually swiping Malteaser's off my computer desk to the floor where she happily crunches on them.
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She must be stopped!

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posted by Rach @ 10:42 PM   0 comments

Monday, October 23, 2006

A Book

So, it's the last week of school before half term (boo to all you English people being off) and I am feeling pretty drained, as outlined in the previous post. I'm just really looking forward to spending at least three days in nothing but pyjamas (and if you are in any kind of doubt that I could do that, don't be). I sent my UCAS form off early last week and I've yet to even receive the letter from UCAS saying they've got it! I am worrying, already!!
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Tonight I went to GB, even though I'd had an icky day – I’ve felt like I need a really long sleep – and I would have happily slept. As I was walking out the door to leave the captain shouted my name. She approached me with a book. We are doing the youth edition of Christianity explored for Bible Study (yes, there is a youth edition - but it's only really out in the States or something, except for the copy we've got which is only for boys, apparently!) and she was at a course thing or something last week with the guy Rico Tice, one of the authors.
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At the course he said he would write something in a book for anyone at the course thing - but no more than three books per person in attendance. Does that make sense? And my captain picked me as one of her three- out of all the people she knew. I just felt so touched - I have asked her opinion on some things and it's been really helpful and nice. And she told him I was great, apparently (a thing I strongly dispute but I now have a lovely book with a lovely inscription from Mr Tice saying he has heard I am).
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When I get fed up sometimes something happens to me and I feel it is a poke from God saying "hey, I'm still here and thinking about you" and this book was that. And after today I just really needed it!
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I realise that was long and rambly but just thought I'd post this - because I know I've been splurging to several people who tune into this and I just thought I’d let you know. And a big huge thank-you to all those I’ve been waffling to – thank you for listening. I really appreciate it and your support!
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posted by Rach @ 10:50 PM   0 comments

My Weekend

Don't we look pretty?
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Well, this weekend I have been out to Zio in Newcastle again. Again, great food! I really reccommend it. And good company - just look at the lovely Rose looking all smiley in the photo on the left. I was told I look ten years older with my new haircut. I don't know whether to be depressed at looking old or to be pleased because I was told I no longer look 14.
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On Saturday I headed up to the cultural delights of Newmills and spent the day with Mary. We made a cake and attempted the jigsaw puzzle invented by the antichrist - seriously, it was horrendous! We spent four hours on it and didn't even had the edges complete! We couldn't find any more pieces and even counted (but got a number over the number on the box..). It was a circular jigsaw with ducks and their latin names. Mary - all the best with your half-term project!
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I came home today (Sunday) and did some homework. Not as much as I should have though. I went to yf thinking I could do with the recharging and it was super challenging but I just feel like a big failure for what I've done recently. I'm feeling quite drained and I'm relishing the thought that in less that five days I will have survived until half term. During half term I am determined to be not exactly anti-social but not all out partying and full schedule-y. I'm actually do my extra reading for English lit and to read all these beautiful books I have mounting up. And get my head a little bit more sorted out and my batteries fully recharged and charge some extra batteries too.
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So, I will apologise in advance for any behaviour I may display both this week and the one after. If I am anti-social I apologise - but I will still talk to you!! Don't worry - I'm not going to sit in silence. Perhaps the opposite, in fact. But I've no real intention of getting out of pyjamas very much (except for changing the pjs I'm wearing, of course) Everyone needs their own time every now and again and I want to stretch out and not bump into anyone. I want to have my To-Do board clean and clear for goodness' sake! There's always something on it. I want it to be completely accomplished. If only for a few brief minutes.
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Right, to bed!
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Rachxx

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posted by Rach @ 12:27 AM   1 comments

Thursday, October 19, 2006

What can I say?

At least they have taste...

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posted by Rach @ 9:31 PM   0 comments

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Isn't it nice when things just.. fit?

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Last night I was up late talking to a friend. Don't you love it when you've wanted to talk to someone about something for ages and then you actually work of the courage to do it? It was a really good, but very challenging conversation and I'll be trying to put the "conclusions" of the conversation into action. It will be challenging but worth it.
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So, I finally shut down the computer and went on to bed. I went to read my devotion-y book and the reading seemed to just follow on naturally from the conversation I had. It was really nice the way everything just fitted together nicely. I've noticed this happening a few times but last night was the "clearest" follow on, I guess.
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Just thought I'd share.
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Talking about computers.. There is nothing that makes me appreciate my lovely quiet Dell I'm sitting at more than the fact I spent almost two hours this afternoon trying to work on the computer that is over seven years old, hasn't worked in a year (the power-thing went so we put the harddrive into the other old computer that was the same age) and is so stupidly slow and loud! I'm backing up "important things" before it's reformatted and passed on.
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It's amazing some of the crap I've thought was important. And it's amazing some of the things you stumble across that you fall in love with again, or bring up old memories- like a poem my granny loved and she asked me to type it up a few months before she died last year etc.
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My UCAS form is now off to the universities! Scary scary biscuits! Prayers appreciated.
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Rachxx

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posted by Rach @ 11:10 PM   0 comments

Monday, October 16, 2006

Big Birthdays

So, this year everyone in my friend-circle is turning 18. It's really rather scary! We're "old" and legally responsible for ourselves! We can legally drink (not that that has stopped some). We can own a liscence to sell fish (always important). We no longer have to get harassed about permission slips for youth events (woot!). The list goes on!
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Tomorrow (Tuesday) is Rose's birthday. Rose has been my best friend since at least Primary One - maybe more if we're counting the year before that we were in Girls' Brigade together. So, already you're getting a picture of her that shows she is very patient and loving - clearly if she has spent 14 years with me and I'm still alive anyway!
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This is just a wee post to say Rose, I love you and I really hope you have a fantabulous day (and you don't get too mad about the cake!!).

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posted by Rach @ 10:56 PM   1 comments

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Pinched from Coffee Paul (well, you both like coffee!)

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We all need to be locked up and opinions should be forced down our throats until we say yes sir and no sir with military precision! Grrr...
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"Blathering on blogs is un-Christian, an Evangelical church has warned." - I think if you scrolled down my posts there would be some faith related comment in at least half of the posts! And there are serious, so-called "un-Christian" behaviour that is surely more important than commenting what you think about x, y or z (I like all the letters equally, for the record).
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I adore the way blogging is compared to "dating seriously too young, underage drinking and general misbehaving".
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I use my blog to think. I get opinions from a wide variety of people and I like thinking these ideas over. If you don't like my opinion I don't mind arguing - and it is a case of take it or leave it! I don't blog becaus I'm bored (well, maybe in the summer..) - I usually fit blogging into the few minutes before bed!
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Anyway, if you're an NI fan - a great result!

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posted by Rach @ 10:29 PM   8 comments

Monday, October 09, 2006

Another Update!

Just to say I love the surrealness of studying philosophy. We're currently doing religious language and how we can talk about something (God) that is beyond our expereince. Swinburne criticises the Falsification Principle by telling a little story...
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Here's the bit of my essay:
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Swinburne criticises the Falsification Principle arguing that many statements “which some people judge to be factual… [and] are not apparently confirmable of disconfirmable through observation” can still have meaning. He uses the example of toys in a cupboard “which to all appearances stay in the cupboard while people are asleep and no one is watching actually get up and dance in the middle of the night and then go back into the cupboard, leaving no trace of their activity…”. The idea that toys come out at night and dance is not falsifiable, but the meaning behind it can be understood.
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I love the way they can be talking about something really serious and then inject a cartoon idea into it...
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Anyway, really good news today: my gold duke of ed book is no longer lost! My GB captain had it! I am so so happy - I was so worried!! Now go and read the post below!

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posted by Rach @ 11:33 PM   0 comments

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Canterbury

So, Canterbury..
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It was nice. Nice setting. Lots of green. I had it in my head that Cardiff (as an AAA) would be my first choice and Canterbury (as an ABB) would be my back up – if both accepted me. However, on the open day I found out that Canterbury only really accept AAA. Pants. I’m still applying to both etc though.
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I think I prefer Cardiff. Easier to get to - you only have to fly into Cardiff and hop on a bus. To get to Canterbury you fly to Gatwick (which is more expensive) to get a train costing £14 to Victoria, to get a two hour train to Canterbury to get a bus to campus. No thanks.. And the Belfast-Gatwick flight is delayed a lot, sometimes up to four hours, and if I missed a last train I’d be spending the night in London.
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The cathedral is gorgeous! The crypt was a little spooky but I survived it. I may put some photos up at some point. I’m wrecked – I’ve been up since 3am with only an hour’s nap since then!
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Before I go I would like to recommend this post on the blog of two American lads. It is a really good analogy and it speaks a lot to me – I have this awful fear that when I die I’ll be taken to this room full of those filing cabinets and every last thing will be read out in front of everyone – it fills me with shame just thinking about that! I know it’s long; it’s worth it though. I'm just dipping into some of the posts on the site but it looks good.
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Also, I’d like to encourage you to read this blog post. Jon has some wise words to say. Go read.
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Have a good week people!

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posted by Rach @ 11:13 PM   1 comments

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Regaining Control of My Duvet

I'll seize the opportunity of Martin being away to move on from the last post. Thank you for replying, those who did. I'm super swamped at the moment so didn't reply individually - but I read them. I did post all comments on this one - regardless of the view, so don't get offended anyone!
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Anyway, I'm off to my duvet! Have a good weekend folks - I'm off to England. I fly out tomorrow at 7pm (I think) and will be back on home turf by 7am on Sunday. I hope Canterbury is nice - will fill you all in afterwards, no doubt (although, I've lots of homework to do in just one day!)
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Rachxx

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posted by Rach @ 11:22 PM   0 comments

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Political Correctness Gone Mad...

See Paul's blog and this article for info and then read my response...
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Disclaimer: this was written late at night - it will probably be edited!!
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"Church of England leaders warned yesterday that calling God 'He' encourages men to beat their wives. They told churchgoers they must think twice before they refer to God as 'He' or 'Lord' because of the dangers that it will lead to domestic abuse."
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I really do not see the connection between God the Father and domestic abuse. Yes, it's a bit wick that every reference to God is male but I don't know, saying "She" seems a little weird. The Bible was written in a patriarchal society and the language will reflect that.
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For me, God the Father suggests a firm but loving figure – the iconic Hollywood picture perfect father kinda thing. However, I do see the point of women who have been abused having the problems with these images. In these cases of abuse, perhaps we do need to refresh our language a bit so we do allow God to be accessible to all people - rather than them projecting their bad experiences with imperfect humans to God. However, many people have experiences of oppressive mothers too – so what can we call God?
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The use of male pronouns in Christianity is widespread. And I mean it's more often male than female. It's only in the past 100-200 years or so that society has began to increase the status of women - the hymn written by Sabine Baring-Gould was written at a time only men were soldiers etc.
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We cannot expect the whole Bible to be re-written. And I think calling God "It" would be a lot worse than "He" or "She". Nor can we really expect hymns that have been around for 100-odd years to be changed.
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Women are mentioned in the Bible – and when they are they are usually symbols of faith. Look at Ruth, Naomi, Mary, Elizabeth – even Rahab who was a prostitute! (Even if Eve gave us a bad name at the start ;-) ). Lydia supported Paul just as Jesus had a group of females that helped him out (somewhere in Luke you’ll find the reference). Jesus often told parallel stories with men and women - The Lost Sheep with the Lost Coin; the Persistent Widow and the Judge etc. Jesus healed women – defying the Oral Law Traditions that mean that made him ritually unclean. He allowed a sinful woman to anoint him. He talks to a Canaanite woman. He gave females an equal status to men - he had female and male followers. It was a discipleship of equals – not one of “Thank you God that I am not a dog or a woman”. Women were not excluded from central rituals and ceremonies.
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The writer’s of the Bible were simply writing in a male-dominated world. The Bible does not really promote one gender above the other. Why are we making such a fuss over pronouns for goodness’ sake?!
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If we cross this line of not wanting to offend anyone we will please no one at all. We can’t please everyone. It’s a complex issue. There are no answers that everyone will agree with.
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It's late, this comment may not make much sense..
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When I head over to Canterbury this weekend I will be sure to pass on my concerns…
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Rachxx

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posted by Rach @ 11:47 PM   4 comments

Monday, October 02, 2006

Bringing God Out of the Box

In Jewish kitchens they have a different set of utensils, soap, cutlery, saucepans etc etc. Some families (if not all) have two cookers and two sinks etc. This is because they can’t mix milk (symbolising life) and meat (symbolising death) when they’re cooking. This is just one aspect of the Jewish law that Jews follow.
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It seems a little weird looking in, but I guess if you’re brought up with it it doesn’t seem that weird. There are lots of rules like this – from cooking to when a man and wife can touch each other (there is about two weeks every month that there is no contact between the two).
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I guess the rules can seem very oppressive and they probably become routine after living that way for so long but I think it could bring God more into everyday life.
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On Sunday nights – after being to a couple of church services (most weeks.. if I can get out of bed in time!) and yf I feel “brilliant! Right, bring on the week – I will have proper quiet times, I’ll open my bible this week, I’ll not do such-and-such… I’ll… I’ll…” etc
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By Monday or, at the very latest Tuesday, I’ve screwed up. I’ve squeezed a quiet time into the two minutes before I switch my light off. I’ve not opened my Bible. I have done such-and-such. And I feel so bad. I’ve even changed the prayer of “God, I will do this for you this week” to “Lord, I will try to do this for you this week”.
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What is it that changes from this time on a Sunday night to tomorrow…?
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Why can’t I bring God out of the Sunday night and five minute quiet times and into the week…?
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Why can’t this be easier…?

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posted by Rach @ 12:03 AM   6 comments