tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/I have a tendancy to type what I am presently thinking...particularly in emails and msn conversations...occasionally in essays. So I thought if I had a blog where I could present my ideas to the world, I might save those people who receive huge emails from me some time.MokoFeed2009-11-12T07:53:47+01:00tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2008-03-15:/2008/03/15/back-to-blogging-3881122/DaniC2008-03-15T13:26:26+01:002008-03-15T13:26:26+01:00 <p>So I have some time to kill before lunch, so I decided to return to the old distraction of blogging. Admittedly I had forgotten I had a blog, yet when I just checked my stats. 200 people looked at my blog in February! Shocking considering I haven't blogged since July 2007! </p> <p>So I have been thinking about the culture of complaining recently; mainly in light of a study we did at housegroup last week on Philippians 2:1-18. Verses 14-16 reads <em>"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..."</em></p> <p>Now the context of this: it's written to one of the early churches in Philippi (eastern Macedonia) and so is written to Christians as encouragement to live the best life in Christ, in light of the fact that their lives had be saved eternally by Jesus' death on the cross. This is not meant to be a legalistic list of 'do's or 'don't's (confusing grammar) which I guess is how many people see Christianity sadly. I can assure you from my own life it's so much more than that - there is no reason why as a non-Christian I would have tried to not complain; it is only because I know that God gave everything to save me that I want to live a life that doesn't carry on as if that had never happened. </p> <p>So, "do everything without complaining or arguing..." Have you ever tried this? Now I'm not hugely confrontational as a person these days which I must attribute to God working in me and changing me; but complaining - it's SO easy. When my alarm goes off in the morning, instead of thanking God for another day and the breath and life to live it - I think 'Do I really have to get up?' 'How am I ever going to finish that essay/reading etc?' This passage speaks directly into that. I recently defined discipleship as "living lives that don't undermine the words we're speaking". Is my grumbling undermining the glorious gospel I'm proclaiming...or even more, is my grumbling replacing the glorious gospel I should be speaking?</p> <p>By grumbling I'm slotting right into the world. This passage speaks of living a life that is distinctive where we're shining like stars...is that really how I live. I was watching Bill Bailey last night with my housemates and he notes this culture of complaining - particularly in popular music (in the broadest sense...not cheesy pop). As I type I'm listening to the 'Just Great Songs' album...and it's so true...grumble, complain, whine; and these are the great songs! (I'm not having a shot as the album...I like it musically...lyrically I'm reassessing).</p> <p>Whilst there are difficulties in life, true difficulties and painful moments most of us grumble because we can't think of something better to say. I have something better to say - it's the message of my Lord and Saviour so why do I join in this moaning? whoever said the Bible was out of date and irrelevant...I beg to differ <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>As a Christian the challenge is to live this spurred on by Christ's strength and grace; as a human I beg your patience as I stumble and fail. Why do I write this? Well I could just blog; and probably grumble, however perhaps this might encourage someone to live a more pleasing life to God, and thus bring Him glory; or perhaps it might just challenge a preconception about Christianity. Either way I pray God uses it as He will.<br> In Christ x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2008/03/15/back-to-blogging-3881122/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-07-22:/2007/07/22/summer_spain_and_distressing_spelling~2683149/DaniC2007-07-22T21:58:18+02:002007-07-22T21:58:18+02:00 <p>So it's summer - yey. My favourite time of year. At least it is when it's sunny. However I have been in Spain for the last two weeks where it is perfectly sunny and nice doing an IFES mission. Basically 60 of us from 13 different countries went out and put on events and talks to share about Jesus with the students and people out there. It was fantastic - although I miss it loads now and wish I was back out there. I think it was the best team I've worked on by far and I met some really lovely people there.</p> <p>Oh and distressing spelling... Well facebook has gone all funny with millions of applications - one of which is a Zombie fight - I don't really get it but on one of my friend's profiles it says he is a a "Leftenant Zombie" - ahhhhhh Lieutenant please...it's distressing. I mean it doesn't even look right. Having written this I am sure I have made spelling mistakes in this - but I hope not. Dictionaries - wonderful things. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/07/22/summer_spain_and_distressing_spelling~2683149/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-06-16:/2007/06/17/tears_and_weddings~2466122/DaniC2007-06-17T00:18:11+02:002007-06-17T00:18:11+02:00 <p>Ok so the title is slightly more dramatic than is quite possibly necessary...but quite frankly, not my problem.<br> So the last few days has involved a whole lot of preparation for Lucy's wedding - hair on Thursday, shoes on Friday and dress fitting today; needless to say excitement levels are pretty high. Which for anyone who has known me a significant amount of time must be a bit of a shock that I am excited about hair, shoes and dresses. A far cry from the 14 year old tomboy playing football with the guys and the girl who had prior to her sixth form prom never bought a dress; and throughout school (had she not been somewhat cripplingly conscientious)would have been first to sign the petition to change school uniform from a nearly compulsory skirt and a pink and white checked blouse. Not that having three people stare at you whilst someone does unknown things to your hair doesn't still freak me out a little. Also, aside from the fact that I have regularly sized feet, shoe shopping would have at one time ranked up in my top 10 most hated activities. Not any more - I guess a girl can change. So Lucy gets married in about a month and a half - count down!<br> And the tears..? Not much change there - I'm an uber wuss when it comes to films/TV/novels and tonight we finished off our 'Dawson's Creek' marathon (which has been running from Freshers' Week this year) and it is absolutely and completely emotionally draining, especially the 1hr40 bonanza to finish. Wept my way through the second half - nightmare - although I was somewhat amused to discover that Kirsty and Hannah were as bad as me and Lucy relatively controlled. Personally I reckon she just wasn't paying attention. Although complete breakdown was prevented by some rather hilarious revisiting of past episodes and some dreadful haircuts. Happily the house Pacey/Dawson divide remains as strong as when we started - takes all sorts to make the world go round, plus some people are simply just wrong <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/06/17/tears_and_weddings~2466122/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-06-12:/2007/06/13/i_think~2442857/DaniC2007-06-13T00:37:15+02:002007-06-13T00:37:15+02:00 <p>I think I have come to the conclusion that I think I think too much... I can't be sure, but latest evidence does support this. I've just sat downstairs watching 2 enthralling episodes of Dawson's Creek (subjective opinion) yet pondering how I was going to carry a mug, 2 glasses, a bowl and a yoghurt pot (with spoon) in one trip to the kitchen without dropping anything. To be fair, they were in my peripheral vision but 1h30 minutes thinking about it! It took me precisely 2 minutes to come up with the plan the rest was me just wondering about would it work/contingency plans - and that's without a single cup of coffee! Phew imagine what will happen when I have to make a real decision.</p> <p>...In case you were wondering plan A worked like a charm. G'night</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/06/13/i_think~2442857/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-06-09:/2007/06/09/kidney_beans~2422423/DaniC2007-06-09T15:13:04+02:002007-06-09T15:13:04+02:00 <p>Three things to note:<br> 1) Kidney Beans do not taste good uncooked (apparently raw they are poisonous)<br> 2) Kidney Beans explode after roughly 4 and a half minutes in the microwave<br> 3) Kidney Beans don't taste any better post explosion<br> That is all </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/06/09/kidney_beans~2422423/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-06-07:/2007/06/07/so_what_s_new~2411609/DaniC2007-06-07T16:15:48+02:002007-06-07T16:17:29+02:00 <p>Just under a month since I last posted - poor effort.<br> So what has changed since last month:</p> <p>Well my knowledge of animals has increased. Apparently male cows don't produce milk, which renders every picture of a male cow I have ever drawn wrong (admittedly that isn't a huge number). And also only female chickens lay eggs and not every egg could become a chicken. I seriously never knew this yet I have a sneaking suspicion I really should have...Hannah has now explained these things to me.</p> <p>I now know where the fresh coriander section is in Sainsbury's (and that coriander only has one 'r' in it)after Hannah sent me to Sainsbury's to get fresh coriander, mushrooms (yuk) and spring onions (amongst a few other more recognisable items).</p> <p>I have started my dissertation - by which I mean I have scaled the four flights of stairs to the theology section only to discover that there is a whole monster shelf on Aquinas' '<em>Summa Theologica</em>' and that there are multiple volumes of which I had to find one. After twenty minutes of searching I discovered the desired volume only to find my search rendered useless by the fact it was written in Latin - nightmare. My search was not aided by the fact that as per usual half the shelves were too high and I had to stand on one of those silly stool things to reach - which is a little embarrasing - yet provides a new perspective on the library - or at least I suspect it would were the library not full of books - but then I don't suppose it would function quite so well as a library. I now have 2 possible copies of the right volume however I am not convinced that I didn't just pick up the same book twice...swapping to Calvin is looking more tempting by the minute. However, I'll give it a go.</p> <p>Paul has got engaged - which is very exciting (if not a little scary)<br> I have my first dress fitting next Saturday for my bridesmaid dress for Lucy's wedding - which is now less than 2 months away.<br> I have discovered that there are some truly hideous wedding dresses and wedding paraphernalia whilst flicking through wedding magazines and have also seen that some people most definitely have more money than sense.</p> <p>I have also discovered Nottingham Castle - well not in the truest sense of discovered. I went last Saturday with my parents and it was a beautifully sunny day and it was so so pretty. If you get the chance go see it in the sunshine (if you live in Notts and go in the week it is free too).</p> <p>One final thing that really surprised me - Disney films. Now I liked them when I was younger, but the other night we put 'Beauty and the Beast' on as a bit of late easy viewing and it was fascinating - really. I sat there thinking "Dani, you're 20, seriously" but no it was well good. Also we remembered most the words and quite happily sang along which was much fun. The funniest part has to be when the Beast if getting ready for the big dinner with Belle and goes incredibly fluffy - really very funny - honestly. If you want to prove me wrong you must watch it...And on that note... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/06/07/so_what_s_new~2411609/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-05-18:/2007/05/18/not_much_to_say_but_it_beats_revision~2292709/DaniC2007-05-18T16:13:21+02:002007-06-06T12:25:28+02:00 <p>The delights of long days with no lectures and few ventures outside the house has arrived. The joy of exams. Although the afternoon after a morning exam always promises a nice rest. It's amazing what amuses you during revision period....suddenly trawling around university websites looking at masters courses (it's just an idea) becomes fascinating. </p> <p>What to wear for an exam is not usually an issue, however I decided it wasn't entirely appropriate to wear my Who? hoody to an exam on the Life and Teaching of Jesus, in fact it might be advisable not to wear it to New Testament or Christology and Atonement either. (Point noted)</p> <p>However, as the weather has finally picked up and it isn't raining that is a big bonus except that my distraction techniques can now extend beyond watching DVD's to going for a walk / run, playing tennis, sitting in the garden. Ooooo I watched 'Mansfield Park' yesterday as a post-exam treat. Aww it is so lovely and I adore Edmund. Unfortunately it did break my 'never watch a film before reading the book' pact but it couldn't be helped. I wanted to watch it having just finished re-re-re-reading the enchanting 'Pride and Prejudice', and Hannah has my complete works of Austen.</p> <p>Right having now raised my concentration level above that of a mousse I should get back to atonement. Bye x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/05/18/not_much_to_say_but_it_beats_revision~2292709/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-04-22:/2007/04/22/in_other_sporting_news~2138267/DaniC2007-04-22T15:16:29+02:002007-04-22T15:16:29+02:00 <p>Ok so it's quite a big weekend for sports...something that is not helping my current essay and lack of time crisis. (Fair enough neither is blogging). Whether it is Heineken Cup or play-off and relegation battles, marathons or even Brian Lara and Duncan Fletcher's last games there is one bit of sporting news which won't make the headlines. That is Nottingham Ladies Handball Team finally won a match this season! As one of about 4 English people who play in Notts and about 24 who play in England...it is my duty to flag this up. In our last match of the season we beat Oxford Ladies 25-16 (spurred on by a disallowed goal by yours truly...sooo close) The fact that it was Oxford was pretty nice as well... although I am truly truly glad they rejected me.<br> It was our last match of a rather disappointing season so it was nice to finish in style, especially as it was the last game ever for a couple of people. The next season starts in October...so we'll wait to see what that brings...and in the mean time get nice and lazy...just kidding. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/04/22/in_other_sporting_news~2138267/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-04-06:/2007/04/06/penguin~2046436/DaniC2007-04-06T21:54:40+02:002007-04-06T21:54:40+02:00 <p>This made me laugh!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1307399" title="Penguin"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/399/1307399_21c9f0d36e_m.gif" alt="Penguin" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>More at <a href="http://www.animalshaveproblemstoo.com">www.animalshaveproblemstoo.com</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/04/06/penguin~2046436/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-03-29:/2007/03/29/the_joy_of_research~1998346/DaniC2007-03-29T17:01:05+02:002007-03-29T17:02:55+02:00 <p>Having enlightened upon the novelty of researching an essay before writing it a few months ago, and the ease that said action brings to writing an essay I am now regretting it.<br> Well, I'm not regretting it in the sense of it will make my essay more coherent and other such wonderful things, but in the sense that I am baffled and my brain is absolutely full at this moment in time. (Hence this blog to stop it exploding)<br> I'm currently researching 4 essays (Nightmare!) but have abandoned one for now. The real issue is that 2 at least are incredibly intriguing, and somewhat influential to what I believe. As a result of this I am unable just to put it aside and stick it in the "I'll sort out that later" part of my brain. This doesn't annoy me, in fact I think this is precisely why I do theology and what theology should be (to some extent). I just can't see an end to the reading, and really want to start writing...that and diminish the pile of books that currently towers over me.<br> I craftily avoided (chickened out of) taking philosophy of religion last semester yet today I have found myself reading both "A philosophical enquiry into how we can speak of a personal God" and "The Philosophy of Religion" - I'm only trying to answer an essay question on prayer and I'm now into defining God and other such wonders. My biggest objection is I just get to a point where I'm satisfied with the answer and then I realise there are still a good 5 pages left in the 'relevant' chapter, at which point my heart sinks and I realise that some genius has come up with at least another objection to it, which I have to be aware of so as not to seem ignorant, which then gets resolved to pretty much the same point as before but with an added clause which I'd already assumed/ignored/not thought of (with the 3rd of those being most frequent)<br> The other joy of my life is Latin. The relevant research text starts with (English)words and concepts which I have absolutely no idea what they mean, as the pages pass I begin to draw together something which resembles understanding. The hope is then that the conclusion the author draws will verify my understanding. It's looking good and then they stick the vital phrase in LATIN! It's not big and it's not clever. I then have to draw on 'all' my French, Spanish and Greek attempts to try and decipher some translation, and failing that just rearrange the letters and syntax till they resemble my desired translation and bingo. I used to think Latin was a dead language...I'm wrong it seems- theologians are determined to keep it going. Granted a lot of old texts are Latin but surely they've been translated by now <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"> but then that brings up the whole concept of language and meaning (an avoided chapter in Philosophy books).<br> Well I've drawn at least one conclusion from all this - it is impossible to know everything. Actually two conclusions - if you stack many books up they WILL fall over. Right coffee, then back to work. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/03/29/the_joy_of_research~1998346/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-03-26:/2007/03/26/grand_day_out~1979301/DaniC2007-03-26T16:34:09+02:002007-03-26T16:34:09+02:00 <p>Well bit of a misleading title since lazed around in pyjamas half the morning. But then began the W'ton comeback tour of trying to see everyone. Went to lunch with Helen which was lovely and then her car broke down so we fixed it, then we drove to mine and fixed it again. So am not officially a mechanic...the fact that we used the wrong tools and didn't even know the name of what we were fixing is irrelevant..the car didn't work, now it does - genius.<br> However, it's nice being home, thus far. Unfortunately my week of uberly excessive motivation and geekiness has completely worn off leaving me with four essays, lots of research clogging up my head and no motivation. Fortunately one essay is very engaging as it involves me trying to find a flaw in Anselm's theory of atonement. Dani v's Anselm, something I never thought I'd see. Bit of a giant-killing essay attempt, which has also made me question my dissertation topic as I am presently finding this much more intriguing.<br> Have also been having a peep into the scary world of post uni and testing the waters with the parents about some ideas...so far so good. Right might go sit in the sunshine - sunny sunny Wolverhampton - turn up for the books! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/03/26/grand_day_out~1979301/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-02-28:/2007/02/28/springtime~1820770/DaniC2007-02-28T14:14:28+01:002007-02-28T14:14:28+01:00 <p>It's spring time!!!!! (Which also means it's nearly summer and almost flip flop weather yey) There are daffodils and croci...official plural of crocus and sounds better than crocuses. It fits in better with Latin verb conjunctions...not that I know Latin. But anyway it is most definitely spring. Walking back from Handball last night it was positively mild (though I had just been running around for and hour and a half and was wearing t-shirt, hoody, coat and scarf)almost warm. I thought I could also see stars which would have topped the evening off but it was just the planes on the flight path to NEMA... needless to say that took me a good few minutes to work out.<br> But it is sunny and springy and I'm in a very good mood because of it. I can also cut the grass soon which means it's definitely nearly summer.<br> Anyway enough of reading this, go play in the sunshine. <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/02/28/springtime~1820770/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-02-22:/2007/02/22/memorable_day~1787522/DaniC2007-02-22T20:34:23+01:002007-02-22T20:34:23+01:00 <p>Today was a bit memorable, not intentionally, and somewhat embarrassingly, but there's no reason others shouldn't laugh with me. Also as a result I am stuck at home bored.</p> <p>Well it all started when I agreed to give blood with Hannah. I am pretty scared of needles but having had a blood test last semester and it not being too bad I agreed to do it. She's a bit of an old hand and assured me it would be fine, might hurt a little but that I'd be fine. Right (btw in no way do I blame Hannah for the events that follow) I was quite happy going along, a little apprehensive but thought it'll be fine. Preliminaries went well (was hoping somehow wouldn't be suitable but hey we'll go with it). They knew I was a first timer and were really really lovely. They did the business, hurt a little but I was doing it. Slightly strange beeping starts from my machine...eek. It's all fine just turns out I don't bleed fast enough. Easily solved...they give me something to squeeze. Eventually all done. Remove the needle, sorted. They had caught on I wasn't a huge fan of needles so were treating me well and got me to stay lying down longer than normal just to make sure I'd be fine. The guy kept checking I was alright and I really was.</p> <p>Finally done, I can now stand up slowly and go get a drink. Walking was fine, although I was having a stress about having got my finger stuck in my bag and therefore looking a bit of a plank as I couldn't put it on my shoulder. Sat down, Hannah (having been done for ages) comfortingly checks I'm ok. "Yes fine thanks...ooh...ooh, I'm about to go" Clunk I pass out. The darkness had fallen and ringing commenced and I blacked out. I came round on the floor, very confused with lots of people checking I was ok (pretty embarrassing!). </p> <p>(Here's the best bit) I was beginning to feel vaguely normal again except my ears were still ringing, this seemed to stop but I could still hear some ringing sound but different. I told the lady, (Hannah has filled me in on this bit) at which point both Hannah and the lady looked at each other and then realised they could also hear it. Very puzzled we (they) quickly realised I had pass out next a microwave and that was ringing. That set us all off giggling...me more and more so as I realised what had happened. </p> <p>Apparently my body reacted badly (this isn't normal!) so I've also been banned for a year...I don't know, you try to help <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"> . I was also told I couldn't play handball tonight..rubbish.</p> <p>They sorted me out and let me leave eventually...thus turned up to my lecture 40mins late..good effort, but apparently I had the best excuse my lecturer has heard in a while..sorted! Really do give blood though, they are so good and it's over really quickly, well from what I saw of everyone else. And who knows you may even get a funny story to tell from it. Plus they really need it to save lives. </p> <p>They already had remembered my name because apparently someone who had just left their team was called Danielle Cook (you have to put your full name on these things...tsk) but I think the microwave story clinched it...famous, at least in the blood giving world! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/02/22/memorable_day~1787522/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-02-20:/2007/02/20/essays~1776336/DaniC2007-02-20T22:45:00+01:002007-02-20T22:45:00+01:00 <p>I have been "writing my essay" for two days now...total word count----0 good work 'eh. I have surprised and frankly surpassed myself with distraction techniques. Music is the root of the problem, playing and listening. Got a new sustain pedal for my keyboard (much delayed Christmas present from the parents, which I had to order myself!) which arrived as I was leaving for lectures this morning...nightmare. Secondly I have discovered some classics on my computer which just had to be listened too. Thirdly had a good ole classical session yesterday whilst filing my lectures notes so far for this term..slight improvement on last semester.<br> Other distraction techniques...doing washing, tiding (very necessary), pondering Mission Week shenanigans and generally quite a lot of daydreaming...oooh tiredness.<br> I popped home between lectures today to pick up a book and went to sleep (needed) but when I awoke I got majorly confused about time and thus ended up at my lecture half an hour early...nightmare. However, Cat then appeared with Mini Eggs...yey. Day ended nicely with a text from my lovely brother...although there was a definite short quip in there but was nice.<br> Also had Pancakes..yummy. It is possible to have a whole meal of pancakes and I am just about converted the idea of savoury pancakes...but only with lemon and sugar pancakes for desert! Classics are the best. Happy Pancake Day! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/02/20/essays~1776336/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-02-17:/2007/02/17/bridesmaid_dress_shopping~1757823/DaniC2007-02-17T19:25:44+01:002007-02-17T19:26:52+01:00 <p>I have now been thoroughly initiated into the world of shopping for a wedding...Oh how little I knew. It was somewhat weird at times but really great fun.<br> It turns out that if you mention you are shopping for a wedding in a normal shop you get your own personal shopper (with obligatory compliments <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> ) who shows you round...so that's what being engaged is all about.<br> We then tried on several dresses, some really nice, some fairly unflattering. It turns out that green is the current wedding colour...green is not Lucy's theme, and thus some difficulty.<br> Having owned precisely 1 dress in the past who knows how many years it was good fun dressing up. Also am liking muchly the fact that sizes are larger than the marked sizes...instant weight loss!<br> By the end of the trip we had one particular contender but we are far from done. We're going again in 2 weeks and we have to have appointments this time...scary...no hiding in the changing room until you're sure it's right.<br> But yeah wedding shopping...lots of fun but hard work. I'm sure it'll all be great on the day though! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/02/17/bridesmaid_dress_shopping~1757823/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-01-26:/2007/01/26/proper_letters~1623497/DaniC2007-01-26T01:30:19+01:002007-01-26T01:30:19+01:00 <p>I have decided that one of my favouritist things of all has to be proper letters. I received one this morning from a very good friend of mine and it is one of best starts to the day. I like emails, texts and phone calls but letters definitely top the list. They're more personal, more honest and you can see the little mistakes and quirks made along the way. You end up sharing things that just wouldn't come up in conversation and can take time to think how to say it and how to reply. I also love the way that with some friends you know who it is just by the handwriting on the envelope and that makes me smile. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/01/26/proper_letters~1623497/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-01-20:/2007/01/20/tympanic~1585687/DaniC2007-01-20T01:09:02+01:002007-01-20T01:09:02+01:00 <p>I have a new favourite word ( I am fickle with words so this is subject to change without prior notice or much time having elapsed) Tympanic - means to act like a drum head..what and adjective. Anyway this was found whilst looking for another word in the dictionary. I quite like dictionaries, it tends to take me four times as long as the average person (extensive studies have be done) because I get distracted by other weird sounding words. My revision has provided me with a plethora of these- not that I remember too many of them.</p> <p>I found a quote a while ago that went something like "theology should lead to doxology" well it said something about how studying theology should lead to worship, and I concur. Now that's all very well and good when you're having a nice read of apologetics or a good ole Bible study but I've often found it rather hard in regards to my degree. The fact we frequently get a huge heap of heresy to digest doesn't help. But in the last few days I think I might of cracked it - I say I but what I really mean is God has worked. Whilst walking to my exam the other day and being in a thoroughly bad mood that I had a 9am exam on the first Monday of exams we (me and Han) bumped into Mark Aldham who became quite excited about the prospect of writing about Kingship in the Old testament (part of what I had to do) and who told us to "enjoy the exam". (This reminded that at Cornerstone the night before the guy had briefly touched on some of my exam material and I remembered feeling ooo maybe some of this could be even more useful than I thought.) Me, thinking this impossible, although I prefer exams to coursework, decided I would enjoy myself, and I did! Really (ok so I am now a geek and will be ostracised in theology lectures). Granted nice questions came up but really it made sense, the things I was writing are important, even the bits I thoroughly disagreed with (some strange ideas about kingship and wisdom) because they just emphasised actually that God's way is amazing and especially the Kingship bit which shows so amazingly God's grace and the way His ways are higher than our ways.</p> <p>I also have an exam tomorrow (should sleep soon) on the "Theology of Paul" and revision (besides being slightly time restricted) has been great and there really is now way you can study it and understand it properly without being moved to praise. Even this has it's quirky 'interpretations' but it is amazing just how the truth shines through so strongly. One of the topics is Salvation and Righteousness...I got so excited in the lectures as often it really was the gospel being explained and shown to be logically and reasonable (and true), although it was also a bit of a bring back to the ground seeing some people just so apathetic towards it, as if it was just an explanation of why 1+1 =2. And then revising it leaves me just stunned sometimes, a couple of times whilst reading at home (I even did the extra reading it was that good) I just had to stop and praise God. Good stuff - just got to learn a few Bible quotes now for the exam...oh the chore! </p> <p>Have also decided my dissertation topic - Hannah's not impressed that I have already decided and for once am organised. It's going to be on the role of women in leadership in the church (preferably in terms of what the Bible says about it rather than a look at the historical actualities). Very excited as means that the reading I'm doing anyway will as a bonus be useful for my dissertation, on top of for personal opinion/decision making. Oh got the vicar question again on the train the other day: May I take this moment to point out that not all theology students become vicars. Yes some do, other work in secular society, and also you don't have to be a vicar to work in a church. There it's said. Right definate bed time now before a day of revision and exam. 4.30pm on a Saturday!...oh yes enjoy it.</p> <p>Final thing, I made Rice Krispie cakes today, I forgot how much like a kid they make you feel. Although I did hit a new all time low by burning water... turns out it's possible....and it smells a lot. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/01/20/tympanic~1585687/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-01-16:/2007/01/16/it_s_that_time_again~1561120/DaniC2007-01-16T12:57:25+01:002007-01-16T12:57:25+01:00 <p>That's right it's spring time! Although you wouldn't think it looking at the weather...boo for rain. Although semi-considering donning wellies and going rain dancing...beats revision - (Yes, it's also <em>that</em> time.) Am meant to be trailing off up to the library to return Old Testament books and acquire some books of Paul, but it rains so I blog instead. Was also meant to be playing tennis today but looks like that's off. It was an attempt to regain some dignity after losing 3-0 at badminton to Hannah...re-match...competitive..ME?! But I have seen some bulbs growing in our garden and some squirrels about so I'm consoling myself that it is now Spring not winter and that it'll soon be summer...yay. Not that I'm wishing the year away...just wish it could be summer all year.</p> <p>Committed the ultimate Facebook crime yesterday..at least Han gave me a hard time about it. I had a 9am exam so got up about 6.30am to get ready and have a last minute read of notes and quotes. However, I forgot when setting my alarms (3-just to be safe)that my clock is 15-20 mins fast so got up even earlier than I meant to. By the way my clock is digital so if anyone can explain how it gains time I'd be very interested...well maybe not very but yeh. So with my extra half hour I read all my notes, lulled myself into that pre-viewing-of-questions I know what I need to know state and had half an hour to kill so I checked Facebook. Apparently this is and issue...I think not.</p> <p>Am exam free till Saturday now but am going home tomorrow and Thurs for my brother's 18th (My little brother is 18!! WHAT?!) so probably should return to the Theology of Paul. I actually really enjoy this module so don't mind revising it. Also get to revisit some Greek so that should be fun. Oh look it's lunchtime...maybe will start after lunch...hmm self-discipline. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/01/16/it_s_that_time_again~1561120/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2007-01-07:/2007/01/07/a_rather_too_quiet_day~1523627/DaniC2007-01-07T02:22:29+01:002007-01-07T02:22:29+01:00 <p>I guess as it has turned midnight that this is about yesterday really, and thus henceforth replace today with yesterday every time I erroneously type today instead...saves me the hassle. (Could get confusing if I talk about tomorrow).<br> As the result of a far too late cup of coffee I am awake...there are other contributing factors, which I won't bore you with.<br> Well yes, in reference to the title, I have today spoken to exactly one person! I don't know his name, but I do know where he lives...basically it was a neighbour dropping some post round for me. So basically conversation was Him: "Hi! Is this you?" (wielding two book shaped passages addressed to me)<br> Me: "Err yes"<br> Him: "Oh good, they were delivered to mine number(x), I don't know why"<br> Me: "Oh, me neither, but thanks"<br> Him:"No problem, here you are, bye then"<br> Me: "Thanks, bye"<br> So as you can tell it was riveting. The lack of personage and impending exams left me with one thing to do...revise. So for once I did, and also I read a a book off the reading list, well the relevant parts anyhow. </p> <p>The other highlights of my day being watching Tamworth and Liverpool loose in the FA Cup...boo. I don't particularly support either of these teams but I'm always up for a bit of giant killing (re.Tamworth..plus it's relatively near my home town) and I don't like Arsenal (re Liverpool).</p> <p>The day was redeemed with a fine viewing of 'Sense and Sensibility'. Have never seen it before and wasn't in the mood for a completely soppy predictable chick flick so went for a bit of Austen class. I wish I lived in Austen times - although I think I'd be pretty lame and get bored pretty quickly - but the politeness and charm and balls and other 'diversions' are all quite nice. Clothes...not so sure on the practicality of the ladies dresses but did bring back memories of 'Pride and Prejudice' in Sixth Form. 4 nights in one week of period costumes was probably quite enough - although it was quite fun. The blokes clothes though, top half very nice, approving of the shirts and coats, but the trousers are very strange and what's with the socks? Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars epitomises my point very well. Was actually surprised that I could take him seriously in character after the many chick flick eligible bachelor roles, but he pulls it off quite well, although not nearly as well as Colin Firth as Mr Darcy...and that is honestly and truly just a comment on their ACTING. </p> <p>It is a lovely story, although I'm not entirely content with the ending. I don't want to ruin it for those who haven't seen it (invite me round when you do watch it, please) but only one of the relationships sits entirely comfortably with me...two at a push...three if I'm in a really good mood. The third being if I really believe she loves him, which I'm not entirely sure, I think she is meant to. I also feel bad for Willoughby, he definitely made many mistakes but the parting shot of him makes me feel somewhat bad for him. There are also some incredibly funny characters in it, Hugh Lawrie (the guy who plays 'Dr. House') is particularly good and it had a chuckle at sundry other moments...so blokes it's not all romance...mostly though, and there is a sword fight. Anyway you are going to have to watch it now to understand what I am blithering on about. Happy viewing. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2007/01/07/a_rather_too_quiet_day~1523627/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-12-31:/2006/12/31/the_funniest_thing_i_ve_seen_in_a_while~1498338/DaniC2006-12-31T16:14:47+01:002006-12-31T16:14:47+01:00 <p>(except Qi which was rather funny last night)<br> Well this morning I was happily driving home from church (I wasn't happy because I had left church but was just happy) and I pulled up on the main road ready to turn right across a dual carriageway and another car came the other way to turn left (into the same road) and I heard an alarm going off. I then realised it was coming from the car turning left. That was fairly amusing but then I also noticed that the left indicator was flashing (fair enough she was turning left), followed by the right indicator, followed by both indicators...twice. (At this point I stalled from laughing...rather embarrassing...twice.)and repeat.<br> The little old lady then preceded to drive down the road blissfully unaware until she got to my road where she stopped opposite the turning and merrily stepped out and into her house leaving the car flashing and beeping away.<br> Well there you go then.<br> Happy New Year for tomorrow...May God bless you x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/12/31/the_funniest_thing_i_ve_seen_in_a_while~1498338/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-12-28:/2006/12/28/and_so~1488927/DaniC2006-12-28T22:58:47+01:002006-12-30T19:09:28+01:00 <p>Well it's been a while so thought I'd post, plus the typing is a much more convincing state of workingness than facebook and gets me out of playing Yahtzee with the family. It's not that I don't want to play Yahtzee...actually it is that completely. It is th eonly game I have never ever ever won, in fact I don't think I've ever come anything but last in it. (Commence the sad music) - so maybe I'm sulking but actually just don't like the game, plus Ad's 'friend' Amy is here so she can replace me for the evening. (They are "just friends" <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0">) </p> <p>Last night I was getting really fed up of being stuck indoors and really wanted to go for a walk away from cars and building and stuff like that, and lo and behold I went upstairs and found a text asking me to go for a walk at Baggeridge today! Yey! So today met up with Em, Gem, Si, Craig and Heather and took Heather's little dog 'Scamp' for a walk. I say little dog but he had the upper hand in speed and also could pull me along relatively easily on the lead - just to clarify he was on the lead and I was holding it (it seemed ambiguous the way I typed it). </p> <p>It was really lovely, Baggeridge is a nature reserve in an old colliery (What I mean is an old coal mine...not sure if colliery was the right word) and is one of the much nicer areas of Wolves. It has a lake and a river and waterfall, and we walked from there to Himley Park which is also very nice. There's nothing like wrapping up on a cold day and ambling along chatting. It was very muddy - superb, and we had a good laugh. I was also happy to discover that on the way my car struggled to get up the hill leading to Baggeridge as much as, if not more, than I did when I last cycled up it when we rode to Himley. Actually the last time we rode there was disasterous; my bike had flat tyres so I borrowed Ad's which even at it's lowest I couldn't reach the floor so kind of had to fall off intentionally each time, Em's bike got stuck in some high gear making it near impossible to ride up the hills, she swapped with Si but his bike was also too big for her. So you can imagine the scene Si nearly dying uphill (on a pinkish bike if I remember rightly), and me and Em following along and then when we stopped just kind of falling off - carnage.</p> <p>One of the things I do like about coming home for the holidays is just how with some people it doesn't matter that you've only chatted once or twice all term, things are still comfortable and you can catch up 'enough' in five minutes, but also have that much to talk about that you can also talk for hours. Also a couple of my friends are involved in CU's at their uni's and it's very exciting hearing what's happening there.</p> <p>Oh I have just looked at the date and realised I might be back at uni in just over a week. Oooo, can't wait to see everyone again - but will have to, wait that is.</p> <p>Returning to Baggeridge, I was thinking as I drove there today, what on earth is Baggeridge. Now with my reasoning it makes more sense for it to be called Badgeridge. No not a big pile of Badgers (Emily) but a hill (ridge) where badgers live..see makes sense. The others disagreed...but nevermind. It was good, however I have very muddy trainers so may get off here and endeavor to clean them. Ciao </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/12/28/and_so~1488927/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-12-22:/2006/12/22/penguin_week~1469934/DaniC2006-12-22T23:04:16+01:002006-12-22T23:04:16+01:00 <p>This week has been a very good week for penguins (except one...). Channel 5 has done a rather great week on penguins. Very cute fluffy (I typed fluffly first and frankly I think that's a better word) baby penguins - which have brown fur when they are born...and they look very funny when they are starting to lose it. Also the massive hillside full of penguins was quite a sight.</p> <p>Also I am approving of the penguins ranking of offspring...the second born is most important...the fact that I just happen to be second born is a mere co-incidence. <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"> Although I disapprove that the parent penguins just disgard the first egg in favour of the second which means it usually becomes lunch for some horrible bird of prey...a little harsh. The only two bits I disliked was when a penguin got eaten by a seal/whale or something...don't show that! and when a seal gave birth, which Nigle Marvin had "always wanted to see"...not me.</p> <p>My favourite penguin is the Emporer Penguin, although the Macoroni penguin has the coolest name undisputedly. <a href="http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/7897/emperor_penguin4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/7897/penguin.html&h=728&w=909&sz=42&hl=en&start=16&tbnid=bJVusFdjdJwi2M:&tbnh=118&tbnw=147&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpenguin%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG"></a> <a href="http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/7897/emperor_penguin4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/7897/penguin.html&h=728&w=909&sz=42&hl=en&start=16&tbnid=bJVusFdjdJwi2M:&tbnh=118&tbnw=147&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpenguin%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG"><a href="http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?">http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?</a> imgurl=http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/7897/emperor_penguin4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/7897/penguin.html&h=728&w=909&sz=42&hl=en&start=16&tbnid=bJVusFdjdJwi2M:&tbnh=118&tbnw=147&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpenguin%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG</a> Has some rather cool pictures, especially the penguins at sunset. </p> <p>Also Happy Feet, I haven't seen it yet but am going next week with my sister. I've already got Mumble...the star of the show, free with my washing powder and my sister got me Mumble's mom and he should be sitting at Marl waiting for my return, sadly he is vacuum packed at present. I have decided that I would quite like to be a penguin...sadly I don't think this is possible.</p> <p>On a simlar theme, me and Gem watched both Ice Age and Ice Age 2 today in quick succession. Strangely Ice Age 2 is better than the original, although there were some very sweet moments in both, and the little kid was too adorable in Ice Age. However, the romance of Ice Age 2 wins the day, who would have thought...a ten tonne mammoth and a 9 tonne possum...classic line. Plus wouldn't you be eternally entertained having Sid around?! Two good films though, and it's been a good day generally really <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> . In case I don't blog again before Christmas : Happy Christmas! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/12/22/penguin_week~1469934/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-12-20:/2006/12/20/ironing_christmas_cards_and_other_such_f~1460987/DaniC2006-12-20T16:08:02+01:002006-12-20T16:08:02+01:00 <p>The joy of being home, where the subjects of ironing and Christmas cards make it into my blog.<br> Yesterday I did the most ironing I have ever ever done...even if you added everything else I'd ever ironed together. And I'm still rubbish, although I have quite a neat shot with the squirty thing. Mom's ill at the moment so had to do the ironing to stop her doing it. Also had to drop in some stuff to mom's work for her, where I worked over the summer, and returned back with lots of presents and cards for her. It was her birthday on the 17th and all the kids had made her a birthday/Christmas Card (some even managed to get "Get well soon" in before sending it...quick work). Me and mom spent lunch time going through them and having quite a laugh. They were incredibly cute, some very amusing mistakes...apparently my mom is the best "display teacha" which I know what that means but choose to conjour up the image of my mom trying to teach whilst being stapled to the display boards. I wish I could get a picture of some of these cards up...it brightened my day.<br> Am slightly bored in Wolvo now, although it was really nice seeing friends the other day, we did a quiz and got our best position yet...1/2 a point off third prize...so close. Am baby-sitting for a couple from church tonight so that should be fun and then we have the annual extravaganza which is Wolvo Christmas Party, basically about 40 of us from our year will meet up which should be really cool.<br> Wouldn't mind being back at uni but then that means exams...I have three...one on the first day of exams - a Mon at 9am!!, one on the very last day of exams - A Sat at 9am and then one on the Sat in the middle at 4.30pm...I don't think they could be at worst times...pah! At least they're spread out. Anyways enought talk of exams...and enough talk generally...nap time perhaps? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/12/20/ironing_christmas_cards_and_other_such_f~1460987/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-12-16:/2006/12/16/yummy_yummy_yummy_i_got_food_in_my_tummy~1445905/DaniC2006-12-16T18:36:38+01:002006-12-16T18:36:38+01:00 <p>Christmas Dinner...possibly the best meal of the year...even when five complete novices cook it. Last night we had a rather scrumptious house Christmas dinner. Turkey, roast potatoes, carrots, sweetcorn, sprouts (yuk), beans, gravy, homemade cranberry sauce and bread sauce...mmm<br> Rather rather nice. Kirsty and Hannah were largely the heroes in this escapade. I cut some neat potatoes, went out for an hour and pealed a load of carrots (after they had already been chopped) and provided lots of helpful hints such as, I don't think they're meant to look like that. Also discovered what bread sauce was for the first time, as did the rest of the house except Hannah...northerners tsk. I'm still not sure what it was but it tasted good. The meal went largely without incident...mild-extreme burning of the Yorkshire Puddings rendering them unedible sadly, but the burning smell and smoke has now gone. We started eating at 8.30pm and finished roughly 11pm...slightly late...although Santa did secretly come between main and dessert; and we grew some snow and made a duck swim across our bathroom sink.<br> Santa's arrival was supposed to be a secret santa, however sadly Lucy and Hannah worked them all out...I don't think I did, until they were opened and then I could tell just by what had been brought. But I like to think that I still don't know and it's still a suprise.<br> This morning I also discovered something that I have believed to be true for over a year now. It is possible for me to pack down my whole room in the intervening period between my parents original estimated time of arrival and their actual time of arrival. This is usually 30 mins minimum and an hour and a half at their best/worst. So drove home today and need to start unpacking now. Bleugh, don't like unpacking. Also returned home to find our bathroom muchly changed and also muchly improved.<br> So not much else to report I guess. Bye x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/12/16/yummy_yummy_yummy_i_got_food_in_my_tummy~1445905/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-12-11:/2006/12/11/it_s_christmas_time~1424169/DaniC2006-12-11T01:18:38+01:002006-12-11T01:18:38+01:00 <p>That's right folks, I have been to my first carol service and so it begins. Love carol services, although seeing the band playing tonight did really make me miss playing in S.P's Concert Band and W'ton Youth Orch and playing melodious harmonies whilst trying not to giggle at the inevitable event of someone lighting someone else with the candle having got too involved in blasting out "Hark! The herald angels sing" or other such fantastic carols.<br> (S.P's being my old school [not that I have a new school] - for some reason St. Peter's became S.Peter's, I seem to remember it being something to do with not wanting people to think we were called Street Peter's (also St. like Saint) 'cos that was an accident waiting to happen)</p> <p>Other exciting things, well Lucy got baptised today! Very lovely service. Also nice dinner. And, as with all things Lucy, a couple of very funny moments, (which she may well kill me for sharing) the first being the holding of the nose as she went under and second being her remark to Ali of "Well I didn't think I'd get THAT wet" - Full immersion Lucy?? But was very nice and met Lucy and Ali's family who are lovely. (That should earn me a few points back...though I do mean it sincerely)</p> <p>Just watch a rather lousy chick flick - Cinderella Story (may have mentioned it last time I watched it). Predictable just isn't the word. Then wasted more time doing the "Find your prince quiz" oooooh. Needless to say I didn't find him...sob. I got the incredibly geeky guy...Lucy grr got the rather nice *ahem* guy from the film...can't remember his name. BUT as she is already engaged...he's still free. (Reality Dani...film, film, film) Although Hannah made me laugh, as I voiced my disgust that the film was possibly the least realistic film ever, she did point out that perhaps Spiderman was less realistic; and although I haven't seen Spiderman I'm conceding she might be right.</p> <p>Hmm have just remembered a missed call from my parents from Wednesday, possibly bit late to call them back... probably some inconsequential thing such as organising how I'm getting home for Christmas...might be an idea to plan that. Would quite like to drive home along (singing to cheesy radio station all the way) but can't envisage that happening...don't think parents trust me on the motorway alone yet...admittedly I do get quite scared of motorways.</p> <p>So yeah hometime the end of this week. Not sure how I feel. Quite like the whole Nottingham bubble. Will be nice to see family and friends and re-unite the ultimate quiz team - "University challenged" (we thought that up all by ourselves...) for a few rounds at the Westies. Also Heather will be back form Canada which is muchly exciting. </p> <p>By the way, I'm waffling because I'm wide awake and my housemates have gone to bed and I have no-one to talk to - except you <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> However you don't deserve this, so maybe will resort back to facebook/replying to some emails I just found. (oh have just discovered I can make the noise Donkey makes in Shrek 2 (the popping noise not eeeyore) ) Oh and todya I heard rumour of a Shrek 3 movie Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo I don't really like Shrek (just kidding) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/12/11/it_s_christmas_time~1424169/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-12-08:/2006/12/08/all_i_want_for_christmas_is_you_and_you_~1416017/DaniC2006-12-08T17:43:52+01:002006-12-08T17:43:52+01:00 <p>No inspiration for title, other than I can hear Lucy playing that song. Also did watch the end of Love Actually the other night and caught the classic moment where the girl is singing said song and points at the boy (who is in love with the girl...well as far as a 9year old can be in love) and then at several other people and his face is hilarious, in an amzingly expressive way...watch it and see (although keep the tissues near by...not that I cry at it...having seen it 4 or 5 times...ahem)</p> <p>So after and incredibly long title explaination. The life of Dani...<br> I have finished ALL my courseowrk for the year *doing a little celebratory dance* such a relief. Bring on Christmas...although it has already landed in our living room, santa's grotto eat you're heart out <img src="/img/smilies/icon_confused.gif" alt=":-/" class="middle" border="0"> It's...shall we say Christmassy (to be diplomatic). Lucy is very excited about Christmas.</p> <p>For the first time this week I am properly awake, refreshed and not feeling ill (ignoring the ill after too much chocolate feeling). I never get ill at home, but have had two nasty coughs recently, but last night slept for 12 and a half hours (good work)and woke up happy today, especially as the day is completely my own.</p> <p>Finally for this post, I was very happy to discover people had blogged whilst I'd been working away and I appear to have been tagged by Jon on this question thing which I think I'm meant to post and fill in so here goes:</p> <p>Four jobs you've had in your life</p> <p>1. Primary School Receptionist<br> 2. Exam Invigilator<br> 3. Waitress (Silver service don't you know)<br> 4. Childrens Entertainer (well I'm being paid tomorrow night to look after kids at a 50th Birthday party...does that count)</p> <p>Four jobs you wish you had</p> <p>1. Working in a church where I could just discover what God wants me to do, what I'm good at and be free to do it<br> 2. Professional student<br> 3. Touring with an orchestra<br> 4. I used to want to be a paramedic...briefly</p> <p>Four movies you can watch over and over again</p> <p>1. My Girl (yes I am 12 really)<br> 2. Stepmom (get the tissues ready...in large quantities)<br> 3. A Walk to Remember (although it is actually terrible and sad and happy all at the same time)<br> 4. Happy Gilmore was quite funny and watched it twice in on week once...and it's the first film on this list I don't need tissues to watch</p> <p>Four cities you have lived in</p> <p>1. Wolverhampton<br> 2. Nottingham<br> 3. that's kind of it... although I've been to Bath for more than a week several times.<br> 4. </p> <p>Four TV shows you love to watch.</p> <p>1. Home and Away<br> 2. Neighbours<br> 3. Strictly come Dancing<br> 4. They think it's all over</p> <p>Four places you've been on vacation/travelled to</p> <p>1. USA - New York and Boston<br> 2. Portugal<br> 3. Slovakia (and Czech Republic)<br> 4. Spain</p> <p>Four websites you visit daily</p> <p>1. Facebook<br> 2. Hotmail<br> 3. <a href="http://www.bored.com">www.bored.com</a> (although not daily)<br> 4. Uni/nine20 email (again not daily)</p> <p>Four of your favourite foods</p> <p>1. Custard!!!!!<br> 2. Rice Pudding<br> 3. Yoghurt<br> 4. Apples</p> <p>Four things you won't eat</p> <p>1. Mushrooms<br> 2. Prawns<br> 3. Some animals...e.g. rabbits, duck (if it's identifiable as duck), dogs, cats<br> 4. Nuts...probably a good things, more neccessity than choice.</p> <p>Four things you wish you could eat right now</p> <p>1. Custard (ready made sugary stuff)<br> 2. A nice orange (sometimes you get not nice ones...I would like a nice one)<br> 3. Mom's cooking (depending on what it is...shh don't say I said that)<br> 4. Dunno, not that hungry (just had some chocolate..so if you'd asked my half and hour ago..chocolate)</p> <p>Four things in your bedroom</p> <p>1. Me!!!!<br> 2. A penguin...sadly not a real one...but how good would that be<br> 3. My keyboard<br> 4. Mess</p> <p>Four things you wish you had in your bedroom</p> <p>1. A Scaletrix...ooo<br> 2. Table tennis table<br> 3. A penguin<br> 4. Squidgy walls...oooh</p> <p>Four things I'm wearing right now</p> <p>1. Odd socks<br> 2. Slippers<br> 3. Baggy jogging trousers (great for when you don't have to leave the house all day)<br> 4. Pink top thing</p> <p>Four people you'd really love to have dinner with</p> <p>1. Paul came round for tea last night and was complimentary about my cooking so he can come again<br> 2. Friends I haven't seen in a while<br> 3. Friends I have seen recently<br> 4. The frog out of A Christmas Carol...he seems like a laugh (avoiding awkward questions through humour..hmmm)</p> <p>Four things I'm thinking right now</p> <p>1. I'm rather cold<br> 2. I really do wish I had a real penguin...could I persuade the landlord<br> 3. The future<br> 4. I've got to send an email</p> <p>Four of your favourite things/people</p> <p>1. Jesus<br> 2. Friends and Family<br> 3. That would be telling (oh the ease with which to set people's minds racing)<br> 4. Laughing is one of my favourite things</p> <p>Four people I tag</p> <p>I don't know, is this like tag where you run around tagging people...in which case, i'm off to sneak up on Hannah whilst she doesn't know we're playing....hehehehehhe </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/12/08/all_i_want_for_christmas_is_you_and_you_~1416017/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-11-30:/2006/11/30/greetings~1384225/DaniC2006-11-30T02:15:10+01:002006-11-30T02:15:10+01:00 <p>Greetings Earthlings, (no real reason for that comment...other than tiredness and possibly too much sugar)<br> Why may you ask I am up and blogging at this hour. Well I am awake...good starting point and I have just finished writing my talk for the Biblical Evangelism Conference I am going to at the weekend, wooo. It's meant to last 10 minutes and at slow and clear speed lasts 10mins and 14 seconds so with inevitable high speed nervousness I should be fine. The passage I'm speaking on is John 8 v31-59, at which my initial reaction was eeek no way, what have I signed up to? But after some prayer and a bit of research it was sooooo good. It is such a theologically rich passage (either that or I'm really good at infering meaning on things...Im guessing the former) and I'm really glad I had it now, especially as parts of that passage I would normally just read and not really study and also kind of dismiss it as an awkward passage. 2 Tim 3 v16 and all that jazz, that showed me.<br> Now just have to do the presentation, not usually worried about speaking in front of people, and have notes infront of me...and happily it's not in French - of course like most things in my life (was just reminising on the disaster of French oral exams...bleugh). The bit I'm not looking forward to is the critique afterwards, not 'cos I'm scared of what they'll say and I know it'll be incredibly useful...I just don't like people talking about me in front of me (or behind me for that matter)it's just awkward. But am looking forward to the weekend.<br> Just one last essay to go and it's hell...no really! I'm writing about Dante's Inferno...it's all about hell! Fortunately I'm writing on a Canto I've already presented on, although not sure I can write an essay in the style of 'Spooks' like my presentation. Also (re)-discovered why most of the books about Dante were in a foreign language (Italian) as I was reminded that Dante originally wrote in Italian...aha <img src="/img/smilies/icon_idea.gif" alt=":idea:" class="middle" border="0"><br> Funny comment that cracked my up at nine20 tonight (there were several but ill just do one) I was talking about the Christmas event we're having and asked if anyone could do poster stuffing (beats me as to what I was trying to say although I did starting thinking about Turkey and stuffing mmmm) but Kathryn replied immediately and perfectly straight with "Well I don't know what it is but I'll give it a go" (maybe it was a be there moment). Any suggestions?<br> Right best be off as I have just remembered have to get up early (7:15am bleugh), but tis for good reason so I'll console myself with that.<br> Nighty night. x x <img src="/img/smilies/graysleep.gif" alt=":zz:" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/11/30/greetings~1384225/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-11-23:/2006/11/23/post_essay_hurrah~1359425/DaniC2006-11-23T02:30:04+01:002006-11-23T02:30:04+01:00 <p>Have recently finished my second essay of the year...hurrah, or indeed Huzzah which as Kirsty informed me today was some Medieval expression of joy..or something...shame I was talking about Uzzah in 2 Samuel at the time. Although perhaps I was mentioning the seminar we did where the name Uzzah was mentioned and I felt the need to shout (in whispered tones) Huzzah - perhaps not one of my more concentrating moments, that seems to ring a bell.</p> <p>So anyway, other than a final read through the essay is ready to hand in. It has been both the most difficult and easiest essay so far. Most difficult in that the title was just "An exegetical study of Judges 6" and thus gave very little initial structure. However it was also rather easy to write I tried a new approach, that of doing losts of research and note taking before attempting any writing rather than doing it as i typed in the hope of some scholar agreeing with me. It was really intersting and gave me lots to grapple with and got some theology in, rather than just historio-criticism, which was cool, and is what I was really interested in.</p> <p>Also had nine20 tonight which was amazingly encouraging. The application section and prayer time at the end were so encouraging and also chatting to the group about various evangelism/apologetics issues was good fun, and really encouraging that it seems they are engaging in conversations with their peers. Also we're doing Jonah and combining that with my Old Testament module, and the teaching at Equip and houseparty (Daniel and Jacob in Genesis) at the moment it's really helping me understand more and more of the Old Testament and also to see its application a lot more. Good times.</p> <p>Speakign of houseparty, it was good fun, met lots of new people, including lots of enthusiastic freshers which is great, and some amazing teaching, worship and fellowship. Also a rather exciting wide game.</p> <p>Right me thinks it's sleepy time, although it's really cold in my room...hmm might re-investigate the central heating...or at least get whoever set it last time to redo it. Also have to read 'Jane Eyre' for religion and lit, so that's become bedtime reading...soooo good, quite romantic, although at the moment stress....what's going to happen? Let's find out Zzzzzz </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/11/23/post_essay_hurrah~1359425/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-11-14:/2006/11/15/debates~1331267/DaniC2006-11-15T00:51:28+01:002006-11-15T00:51:28+01:00 <p>I have a bit of a tendancy to get myself into silly debates and get quite involved in the discussion. The two current ones involve horses. 1) Which would win, 1 horse sized duck, or 100 duck sized horses? See facebook group for my arguements...duck every time.<br> 2) Related...Me and Hannah were discussing the size of horses and I reckoned there must a horse as tall as her room...she disagreed. We then got well into the discussion and ended up measuring Hannah's room...roughly 8foot9inches...so now I have to find a horse taller than that. I have preliminarily conceded on this arguement as the Newsround website informs me the tallest horse is only 19.5 hands and therefore 6ft10...gutted. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4250000/newsid_4255000/4255059.stm"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4250000/newsid_4255000/4255059.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4250000/newsid_4255000/4255059.stm</a></a> tells the full story.<br> However, during my search I happened across a number of amusing sites:<br> A handy horse height converter (terrible pun I'm sorry...well not really)<br> The worlds tallest dog : <a href="http://www.local6.com/news/5182294/detail.html"><a href="http://www.local6.com/news/5182294/detail.html">http://www.local6.com/news/5182294/detail.html</a></a><br> Mainly funny due to the quote: "I've seen him twice now, and he's a really tall dog," a neighbor said." I mean was that the best quote they could get?<br> Also the worlds shortest horse: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=409317&in_page_id=1770"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=409317&in_page_id=1770">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=409317&in_page_id=1770</a></a><br> which "couldn't even jump over a bucket"...well that must be a meaningless existence.<br> So yeah a good half hour wasted there. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/11/15/debates~1331267/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:danicook.blog.co.uk,2006-11-13:/2006/11/13/work~1327393/DaniC2006-11-13T23:52:57+01:002006-11-13T23:52:57+01:00 <p>After today I now have an immensely higher respect for science students. For a long time now (well at least since September) my timetable has been bigging my housemates. Well I really can't help it if I only happen to be taking 50 credits this semester and as such only have 7 hours lectures a week, which co-incidently leave me with Friday off each week. <img src="/img/smilies/grayyes.gif" alt=":yes:" class="middle" border="0"> Bliss. However, after getting the feeling of starting to be labelled as the lazy one of the house I decided to do a full days work. I got up at 8.30am ( be amazed as I am not usually a morning person for all the coffee in Columbia) and set off for the library at 9.30am. I then stayed in the library a read lots and lots about Judges Chapter 6, on which I have to write a 2500 exegesical essay. I lasted till 12.30 (just realised I did 3 hours not 2 yey) when I realised I was really hungry, so I took my sandwich down to the lake and ate and read some more...at least until the geese got too near and scared me ( I don't like flappy things).</p> <p>In this post-trauma stress I decided to return home and continue working. So I took the long route around the lake, i.e. from Portland, towards science city then back up towards Beeston. Couldn't resist, it was a beautiful day. Upon arriving home I was delighted to find Hannah home from reading week so talked to her till 2. I then remembered it's my mom and dad's wedding anniversary on Wednesday so popped to the post office and posted a card. Upon my return I had to start work on the Handball club budget for the year. Nightmare...how to budget starting with a Private account of -£31..woo. by 9pm/the start of 'Spooks' I finished it. I did have tea and helped set up Globe in the mean time.</p> <p>So yeah after a full day's concentration I do have a new found respect for science students with 9-5 lectures...but then I guess that's why I took a humanities course <img src="/img/smilies/graysmilewinkgrin.gif" alt=";D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Oh yeah the other thing I did today was to produce a sheet with 500 little squares on it. Each square represents 1 hours work towards my course. It's like a behaviour chart that some kids have I guess...maybe I really am 5 years old, but my course says 1 credit is meant to be equivalent to 10hours work...and so 50 credits-500hours. Decidedly long way to go still, but I want to be honouring God in my course so here we go. And I get the bonous of getting to colour in the little squares...plus lectures count, as does essay prep, good stuff. So yeah this week I'm going to have 9am as my latest wake up time and try and work really hard...I guess only time will tell. CU Houseparty is Friday, yey, should be good.</p> <p>Anyways, sleepy time, and I've bored you long enough. Ciao x </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://danicook.blog.co.uk/2006/11/13/work~1327393/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>