Lozza's Place

New York

2012-01-26T11:44:00.003Z

I leave to go and take a chunk out of the big apple on Monday. This trip has snook it's way up on me very fast. In fact I will probably make a check list this evening to make sure I'm prepared lots to do this weekend but I'm going to combine it with lunch with my sis and niece.

I'm excited about the trip it's going to be great catching up with an old friend. It's a very odd feeling for me to be excited about a trip but also looking forward to getting home before even leaving.

In other news - we looked at the Lord's prayer in home group last night. It was a really cool home group!!!

Saw this and thought of me!!!

2012-01-19T11:31:00.002Z

Wishes come true :)

That awkward moment when

2012-01-13T09:02:00.002Z

You're on a date and in the restaurant is a table full of people you know!!!

So then I said...

2012-01-05T18:54:00.002Z

I had to dye my hair dark. It was so embarrassing the other day when I went to the hairdressers and saw my 3 tone hair very clearly in the mirror and then had to attempt to explain to the hairdresser why I had 3 tone hair. After flustering my way through my lack of attention to my hair I said "I should really put a nice dark brown on it" her response in a kind of telling off tone was "a dark brown would make a very good base colour"

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T10:06:00.000Z

So then I text...

2011-12-31T10:05:00.002Z

"There is an F1 review on today on bbc 1 at lunchtime. It's probably going to go a bit like this - Vettel won and again and again and again and then won the whole thing but I thought you might want to watch it".

2011 in review

2011-12-29T18:49:00.002Z

January

Got hit on by the guy who owns the newsagents (again).
Studying counselling hard and writing 800 word essays weekly
Really enjoyed a group family night

February

I was missing Nami and her royal coolness
I got excited about the 2011 F1 season
I enjoyed a valentines date with my friend Alison... Chocolate and chick flick.
I had the dreaded lurgy

March

We got moved to a random college room
I booked a flight to Barcelona
Tried circuit training
Hated circuit training

Started to study the book of Acts

April

I had a royal wedding party
I went to Turkey with my mum and dad
My dad got extremely sick
I handed in a 22,500 word journal (it felt good)
My Aunty turned 50 and we celebrated

May

Maz gave birth to Honor 7 weeks early
Went to Barcelona, drank sangria, caught up with Michael, Ryann and Ben & Di.
Went to the Spanish Grand Prix – and supported Webber with the Aussies.
Someone found my blog by google searching “wake up my pork monster”
Tommy blogged.
I found out I was gona be an aunt..
I gave my blog a makeover

June

I took a counselling exam and was convinced I failed
I took my dad to see the Senna movie at the cinema for Father’s Day
Was reminded of Canada

July

I got rudely awoken by The Milkman (apparently they do still exist)
My sister got married
Someone found my blog by google searching “a poem about snot”

August

I found weheartit.com and fell in love with it a little bit
Visited a friend in London
There were crazy riots in cities in the UK
My dad was in hospital

September

Went on a girly weekend with the girls
Stood on a surf board in the sea
Started to enjoy the world cup
Bought a pair of Toms
Found out that I passed my counselling exam

October

Studied the book of Peter
Went to Crete
Enjoyed the World Cup
Found out I had to have some root canal fillings 

November

My Dad just started to feel better
My Niece was born
Became a Team Leader with Bristol Nights
Started Christmas shopping

December

I was ridiculously busy with Christmas everything
I had two root canal fillings
Enjoyed a vegan movie dinner party at the Spruces
Had a love Christmas with mum, dad, sister, brother-in-law and niece

Bring on 2012 and all it has!!!

Cheers!

2011-12-28T21:19:00.003Z

So Christmas is over and now we're looking to New Year.

I love Christmas and it was a nice one this year. It was great celebrating it with baby Izzy (my niece) the new member of our family. Even if she did spend most of the nights crying and some of the day but no in all seriousness she was a joy. She can smile now sometimes admittedly it's passing of wind but other times it's a definite smile. I'll be glad when the colic has gone and there are a lot more smiles.

I ate too much and have definitely gained a few extra pounds and I've also managed to go out and do some retail therapy in the sales and bought myself a new coat and some new black jeans.

This Christmas has been fairly relaxing for me as well and I really feel that I needed to just chill, stop and relax for a while and I don't feel guilty for doing just that.

Over New Year's I'm heading to a friend's place for some games and fun. I'm quite looking forward to it and I'm also looking forward to 2012 and all it brings.

Cheers!!!

Searchalicious

2011-12-24T09:22:00.003Z

Someone found my blog by google searching

"Have you seen my babals"

I dread to think what babals might be and I'm more concerned that by searching them you find me!!!!

From the mouths of 5 year olds....

2011-12-24T09:15:00.002Z

While watching "Arthur at Christmas" my friend's 5 year old said

"Christmas can't be ruined just because Santa doesn't come because Christmas is all about Jesus not Santa".

I couldn't have put it better myself.

Merry Christmas Everyone.... xxx

Impressive...

2011-12-18T22:46:00.002Z

I asked a friend to sing to me today.

He obliged.

He started singing "Amazing Grace" but I soon realised there was something not quite right about his version of "Amazing Grace". I think it had something to do with the fact that he was singing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "The First Noel".

It was impressive he somehow made the words fit perfectly to the tune.

I heart Bristol Nights

2011-12-17T02:17:00.002Z

Although I don't heart it quite so much tonight.

It was DEAD!!!

So much for it being "Black Friday" the Friday before Christmas when everyone goes out and ok I had one or two conversations but no good God conversations.

Two other team members had two good conversations but it was quiet as anything.

I'm home by 2.15 and with not much to share apart from extremely cold feet even through 3 pairs of socks and that I could really do with a hot water bottle in my bed with me right now but just cant be bothered to sort it out.

Night world.

Busy busy!!

2011-12-16T18:12:00.002Z

To say I've been busy these last few weeks would probably be an understatement. I don't actually think I've stopped. I'm looking forward to Tuesday when things will finally begin to slow down for me and I'm looking forward to Christmas break when I can break for a while.

I'm going out with Bristol Nights tonight and I'm really looking forward to it - should be a good night and I'll try to do my usual 3am badly typed blog.

I've already heard stay another day three times on the radio this week. You've got to love East 17 but more so you've got to love this time of year.

Anyway I may have been busy but I certainly haven't forgotten the reason for this season. I love Jesus.

Surprise!!!

2011-12-05T22:11:00.001Z

Sometimes, people surprise you.

Sometimes they surprise you in a good way and sometimes they surprise you in a not so good way. Either way you end up surprised.

For me this weekend was full of surprises.

Christians that stare!!!

2011-11-22T14:34:00.003Z

There is this guy who stares at me. He's married so he's not staring at me to hit on me (at least I hope not) but you know that feeling you get when you sense someone is looking at you? well I get that feeling and when I look up low and behold this dude is full on staring at me.

It's one of those stares that makes you question if you have toothpaste on your chin or chocolate round your mouth which knowing me and messyness that could quite possibly be the case.

However, I spoke to someone else and said that this guy is kind of freaking me out with his staring. The person I was chatting to about it told me that he thinks he has some kind of prophetic ministry and he's probably asking God for a word for you.

Well, I'd rather go without and just have him not stare at me. It's freaky.

Christians that stare are freaky. I don't like being freaked out.

So please don't randomly stare at people unless of course they have something on their face and then tell them - hey you've got chocolate round you mouth that's why I'm staring at you. Otherwise people are just gona view you as weird. A weird, Christian, starer and lets face it no one want to be known as a weird christian starer.

The one where they don't know that we know that they know.

2011-11-13T20:08:00.002Z

So, it's happened again. You may (or may not) remember my mum's surprise 60th. When my uncle Jeff let slip to my mum, so my mum pretended not to know, then my cousin (Uncle Jeff's daughter) slipped to me that my mum knew because of her dad so then me and my sister pretended not to know that mum knew and then made my mum act surprised on the night knowing that she knew. Are you following? Yes? Good.

So, it's happened again.

Mum: (speaking to my dad) Oh there is part 2 of a documentary about George Harrison on later I'll have to watch that but I must have missed part one

Dad: Well, check see if it's till on Iplayer.

Loz: *stood trying to make faces at my dad telling him to shut up*

*Mum leaves the room*

Loz: Dad I think that's the same as what I've bought her for Christmas we have to stop her watching it. Can you cause a power cut, or watch something else, make her record it and I'll accidentally delete it. But do something.

Dad: That's not gona happen I'm sure she'll like it regardless as to whether she's already seen it.

Loz: That's not the point I thought it was a really good Christmas present and now it's gona be spoiled. It doesn't matter just don't say anything to her she'll just have to watch it twice.

*I go to church*

*I get back from church*

Mum: I've decided I'm not gona watch that George Harrison thing now your dad wants to watch something else.

Loz: So you're recording it?

Mum: Maybe haven't decided.

*I walk into the kitchen*

Loz: Dad you told her didn't you.

Dad: It was the only way but I told her not to tell you she knew.

Loz: She didn't I worked it out.

Dad: Well, don't tell her you know that she knows.

*Goes back into the lounge*

Loz: I know that you know. Just so we both know.

Check the link below

http://youtu.be/tvaD-29pQBY

I heart Bristol Nights

2011-11-12T02:53:00.002Z

It's probably been a long time since I've done a 'I heart Bristol Nights' blog.

Tonight I went out with Bristol Nights. Myself and Jamie are now leading a team together and it was our first night out as team leaders. It was scary because we've had no training and 2 days ago one of the girls from Bristol Nights asked some other people from Bristol Nights to send me the Leaders check list. However, this check list never arrived. So we just totally blagged it and the blag worked. We successfully led a team.

Everytime I go out with Bristol Nights I'm always astounded by what great opportunities God gives us to share His love.

Tonight one of the opportunities was just being there from 7pm through to 9.30pm it was heavy raining and part of me was considering cancelling the night completely but I'd decided we should meet everyone and then make the decision wehn down there as to whether it's too wet or not. At 9pm I prayed. I prayed that the rain would stop. Now most people would call this a coincidence and even I might call this a coincidence but all I know is BBC weather predicted heavy rain until 3am. From the moment we met the bus at 10.30pm until 2pm when we packed up there was not one spot of rain. So some might call it a coincidence and I might call it a coincidence but I also might call it answered prayer.

The thing that struck me tonight is that everyone I spoke to was foreign....

Guy 1: Was an Egyptian. He was Christian from an orthodox upbringing but he told me as long as Christians believe Jesus is the son of God and have relationship with him we're all the same. He was interesting he was on his fourth degree. He'd come to the UK to study dentistry, he used to be a vet but after working with animals and animal owners he'd decided it was time for a career change. He was interested in the project and liked the idea of getting involved however, he was going to find it hard with the amount of study he has to do.

I found it somewhat amusing that the first guy I talk to happens to be Christian.

Girl 1: Was from Sweden. She was blonde. That's neither here nor there apart from I stereotype all Swedish people to be blonde. We didn't talk to much about God, I saw her facial expression change when I told her we're sharing Jesus' love and I knew that for her it wasn't the right time to go down that road. So instead while she slowly drank her hot chocolate I listened to her explain how she celebrates Christmas in Sweden, how they celebrate on the 24th December and how all the houses have triangular lights in the window so every street looks so beautiful. And how advent is a massive thing in Sweden not only the calendars but they celebrate advent on tv and radio too. By the end of the conversation her hardness had disappeared but it was time for her to go home. I pray she comes across the love bus again because I think next time she does she'll be a little more open to receiving Jesus' love.

Guy 2: Was from Hungary. He had a different type of belief it was half budist half something else that he had randomly made up (I can't spell budist and it's too late to look it up and when I clicked on the red underline the only option it gave me was nudist and he wasn't one of those). He told me he prays but he doesn't pray to God but he prays to a something. He told me he was lonely and he had needs and some of his needs was need for a girl. I was glad at this point that Jamie was also part of this conversation. I explained to Him that in the bible God gives us a promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. I told him that your something you pray to might just be God. So your something will never leave you or forsake you so when you're lonely pray it might help. He seemed to accept that.

Guy 3: Was from South Africa although it was hard to tell because he'd lived her for 10 years and picked up a rather posh accent with just a slight hint of a South African accent. I recognised this guy and I realised that I might have spoken to him last time I was out with Bristol Nights. We got to talking and he told he was a vague Christian. I asked him to explain what a vague Christian was and he basically explained that he believes in God and believes God created the world but he sees visible signs of evolution and thinks that Christianity and evolution don't go together. He said he thinks the bible is a guideline to live but was written by man so doesn't take all of it as completely true. He struggles to believe that Jesus is the son of God because he finds it hard to believe a virgin could give birth but he does think Jesus was God's son in the same way that he's God's son and that he thinks God favoured Jesus and that Jesus meant a lot to God. It kind of felt like he wanted to believe but he struggled believing. By the end of the conversation we had established that he praised God at home and prayed to God not regularly but occasionally. However, after he's prayed he always wishes he prayed more. He said that in South Africa he grew up in a strict church and if you didn't believe what they believed you were in the wrong and because of his opinions and views he keeps his faith in God very private but He's never stopped believing. He then said I've even managed to make some of my friends that believed in Science to doubt Science and consider the Christian faith a bit. I ended up telling him that he thinks he's different to other Christians which is why he doesn't want to attend a church but I think from what he's told me he's very similar to other Christians. I challenged him to try and up the amount of prayer he does and even encouraged him to not be put of church because his views might differ from others.

Guy 3 was the last person of the night I spoke to and to be honest we spoke for a very long time. I could go on and on about the conversation but what I know is I really felt that God wanted this guy closer to Him and I pray that He draws closer. He's in a relationship with God and yes he struggles with Christian beliefs but if I'm to be totally honest I've been a Christian now for 16 years and I still struggle with some Christian beliefs. I pray God draws Him close.

So, tonight was a really good night for conversations with foreign people. I think a few of the other guys had some great conversations as well. It's as if we were meant to be out tonight it might not have been particularly busy but Jesus was in quite a few conversations.

I heart Bristol Nights and I heart Jesus.

Just call me Aunt Loz

2011-11-02T15:35:00.002Z

You know times have changed when the first time you see your niece is on a photo on facebook!!!!!....

However, she looks like a real cutie. Born at 2.15am on Wed 2nd November weighing 6lbs 2oz.

Hopefully, I'll find out her name when I meet her in real life later.

A bundle of baby joy awaits me...

An Ode or a Poem - you decide!!!

2011-11-01T19:51:00.001Z

I can’t get past hello

I really wish I could

It’d be good if conversation would flow

In the way I think it should

I’m pretty sure you think it to

That this isn’t just in my mind

I am stumped on what to do

When your smile is so kind

Next time we meet

I am definitely going to try

To get past hello my sweet

but to not get too close to goodbye.

Faith like Peter

2011-10-30T16:42:00.002Z

As far as bible characters go I can often feel inadequate. I try to put myself into their situations and wonder how I would respond in the same situation. I often question why I can’t hear God in the same way and as clear as the likes of Paul, Noah and Jonah. I often question if I’d be as obedient when God requires me to step out of what I know and where I’m comfortable.

However, when I think about Peter one of the first things that comes to my mind is that Peter is someone who made mistakes very public mistakes. I can identify with him because I sometimes make pretty obvious blunders too. His aim was always to try and be close to Jesus. He had security in their relationship and a confidence that spoke out. In Matt 26 v 35 Peter makes a bold statement to Jesus “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” and later on he goes on to deny Jesus three times.

Peter suddenly does not make me feel quite so inadequate. The characters are human and they make mistakes. Just like me.

Don’t let that put you off how inspirational Peter actually was though. Peter was a very bold man and his actions often revealed how much faith he had.

In Matthew 4 v 19 Jesus says: Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Without hesitation Peter (and his brother) drop their nets and follow.

In Luke 5 v 5 - 6 Peter had a bad day fishing and hadn’t caught very much. Jesus urged him to take the boat out again. He did and then he caught so many fish he had to get help to haul them in,

In Matthew 14 v 25 –30 Jesus walks on water and Peter remarks that he should be able to walk on water as well. Jesus invites him to try and for a moment he does, he walks on water as well. Yet when he sees the unlikelihood of it he begins to sink and Jesus helps him up. Yet in his confidence in Jesus, Peter did the impossible.

Peter is an inspiration to me, yes he made mistakes but he didn’t allow those mistakes to hinder him. God said follow me and Peter followed, God said cast your net and Peter cast his net, God said walk on water and Peter walked on water.

So, if like me you compare yourself to others and think I don’t know how I’d respond if I was faced with the same situation. Try and rely on 4 Philippians 13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Peter made mistakes but he believed it. I’ll make mistakes but, like Peter, I also believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It is because of that belief that I shouldn’t let my feelings of being inadequate or my fear of making a mistake hinder what God has in store for me.

Post Secret

2011-10-30T16:28:00.005Z

It's just an assessment. It's not even the actual appointment for a root canal filling yet I already

find myself beginning to get anxious inside. After the 2004 incident when I had the same treatment on the same tooth I think I can justify my anxiety...

Guessing I'll be relying on prayer tomorrow "in all things don't be anxious but by prayer and petition let your requests be known to God" Here's hoping for some answered prayer.

Have I mentioned lately?

2011-10-29T20:51:00.001+01:00

How much I love my Toms?

Well, I love them a lot!!!

Crete I think I love you!

2011-10-27T19:42:00.003+01:00

I am back. I had a lovely holiday in Crete. I read this book....

I then visited the very island the book was based on. Spinalonga a former leper colony.

Enough day dreaming of Crete - I'm back now and it's rained all day today!!! THANKS ENGLAND!

Off to Crete - see you when I get back xx

2011-10-16T22:45:00.002+01:00

Loz: Trouble is it's gona be so cold when I get back.

Friend: You haven't even gone yet and you're already whining about the weather when you return just go and enjoy the sunshine.

Loz: Ok then I will....

Boulevard of Broken Dreams!!!

2011-10-16T22:37:00.002+01:00

I went to an open mic night this evening at a local pub. A friend of mine was doing a slot. He dedicated a song to me. It was my fault I requested he do it because I like it.

The song was.... Boulevard of broken dreams by green day. At first I found it quite nice to have song dedicated to me at an Open mic session. Then he started to sing and I remembered the lyrics of the song and then I found it highly amusing...

I walk a lonely road

The only one that I have ever known

Don't know where it goes

But it's only me, I walk alone

I walk this empty street

On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams

When the city sleepsAnd I'm the only one and I walk alone

I walk alone

I walk a...My shadow's the only one that walks beside me

My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating#

Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me'til then I walk alone

Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, aaah-ah,Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah

I'm walking down the line

That divides me somewhere in my mind

On the border line

Of the edge and where I walk alone

Read between the lines

What's messed up when everything's alright

Check my vital signs

To know I'm still alive and I walk alone

I walk alone

I walk a...My shadow's the only one that walks beside me

My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating

Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me'til then I walk alone

Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, aaah-ahAh-ah, ah-ah

I walk alone

I walk a...

I walk this empty street

On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams

When the city sleeps

And I'm the only one and I walk a...My shadow's the only one that walks beside me

My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating

Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me'til then I walk alone...

Did you miss me?

2011-10-12T15:28:00.002+01:00

Did you miss me?

I can't believe it's been over a week since I last blogged. Talk about getting slack.

Thing is I've been busy.

Good news is my holiday is less than a week ago. Bad news is I have tooth ache and I've been on antibiotics been prescribed more antibiotics and have to have a full on root canal treatment on the tooth that caused me to swell up like a balloon previously. And that's not the end of it the treatment will cost approximately £400.00. There goes next year's holiday.

However, Wales is still in the Rugby World Cup my Welsh half is very happy about this my English half not so much. Up early again Saturday to watch the red dragons against the French. Hope Wales win.

Anyways just popping in to say hi. Catch you soon reader/readers.

4 girls, 4 pairs of free sunglasses, way too much fun!!!

2011-10-03T15:35:00.011+01:00

Heatwave? in England? in October?

2011-09-27T15:58:00.003+01:00

I am loving this sunshine. It's come just in time for my weekend away in Devon. Where I am going to hopefully attempt to stand on a surf board, where I am going to eat pasties, and where I'm going to have some fun times with the 3 girls I'm going with.

However, this sunshine is perfect blading weather. In fact the best weather we've had for blading since May but the conkers are out which means the weather might be perfect but unfortunately the ground is not. There will be conkers everywhere which means only one thing, if I were to go blading, there is no way I'd stay upright.

I've only had 2 skating sessions this year thanks to the weather and now I can't skate thanks to the conkers.

Oh well at least I'm going to have some Ilfracombe/Woolacombe times this weekend.

Not only that I've had my blades in my boot all summer just in case I come across somewhere on my travels for a random skate and last week I took them out of my boot and put them in my cupboard. I put them away for the winter.

I'm not complaining though. Oh no... I love this unexpected sunshine!

Post Secret

2011-09-25T17:03:00.003+01:00

Shhhhhhhhh don't tell them but I can't wait until they have a baby. I hope it's soon....

What a (Satur) day...

2011-09-24T18:26:00.002+01:00

Alarm went off at 6.45am

I headed downstairs with my blanket

Turned on the TV

Made a cup of tea

Watched England thrash Romania

Showered

Got dressed

I fried an egg

Watched New Zealand trash France

I polished my car inside

I cleared out all the rubbish in my car

I hoovered my car

I washed my car

I put water in my car

I put oil in my car

I drove to the garage and bought an air freshener for my car

I put air in my tyres

I got back in time to watch F1 qualifying

I chucked left over lasagne in the microwave for lunch

I then tidied and hoover my bedroom....

Now it's time to make tea and have a relaxing evening maybe in front of the TV

This Saturday has been a clean and TV kind of Saturday!

LozzaRose

2011-09-23T09:56:00.003+01:00

The LozzaRose thing...

So quite a few people ask me why "LozzaRose"

And the story goes like this...

Lauren is my name over the years friends ahve called me Loz or Lozza. When I went on a short term mission in 2004 to Uganda the Ugandans couldn't pronounce Loz it came out as Rose.

And there you have it.... LozzaRose and being a typical English rose the name fit.

Conkers

2011-09-21T16:13:00.001+01:00

Conkers are a sure sign that the seasons are changing. It feels like they're out early this year. However, during my lunch break the sun was shining, the Westerly blustery wind was blowing and Nami, Nigel and myself headed to the park to collect conkers!!!!

Happy Autumn!!!!

Post Secret

2011-09-18T16:09:00.004+01:00

He told me - men that are jerks give the rest of his gender a bad name. He told me - he wasn't a Jerk. He told me - he would be honest. Turns out.. He lied.

Searchalicious

2011-09-16T14:39:00.001+01:00

Someone found my blog by searching

"there were moles on her"

I don't know why I found this amusing I just did.

Ha!

Conversation Discussion Conversation

2011-09-14T22:49:00.003+01:00

I love small group stuff, like a home group or bible study, when you come together to discuss Jesus and ask questions in a non threatening environment. Small groups are a place where it's okay to openly share views and opinions. However, I think I'm not doing that great at the whole small group thing lately.

I feel like sometimes I'm too open - that sometimes I don't have a full understanding of something and that my views are slightly different or a lot different to others in the group.

We had a thing called 'grill the preacher' the other week and although it was brilliant and some excellent questions were tackled I found myself talking too much and taking over slightly and I got home and just felt like I shouldn't have said so much and I should have been quieter.

Tonight during home group we got on to some tough topics; including tithing and again I came away feeling that I may have been too vocal in discussion.

Truth is I've been longing for some gritty discussions for a long time and at home group I feel in a comfortable enough environment to share my views. I just think maybe I sometimes need to tone it down slightly.

I text Shaneen (my home group leader to apologise) in case the conversation was too much but she replied saying "she loved it and thought it was great discussion and that we should be having more of it".

This put my mind at ease although I really must remember to not get so caught up in the discussions.

We also watched a DVD called Indescribable. It was a reminder of how big God is and how small we are and yet he still wants to be close to us and call us friend. He has the whole universe in His hand yet he wants to be in relationship with us.

I can be too opinionated, I can struggle with situations and I annoy myself so I'm sure I annoy other people, I get things wrong and I make mistakes yet Jesus he still loves me. He's a pretty awesome God and that is my view and my opinion..

Now in other news - I'm hoping to read Love Wins by Rob Bell soon. Apparently for some Christians it's a controversial book. However, I like the way Rob Bell questions things and gets you thinking why you believe what you believe. How he draws scriptures to your attention. I have a funny feeling "Love Wins" is the sort of book I'm going to really enjoy.

My Toms

2011-09-13T16:26:00.001+01:00

Have arrived.

In other news..... I've booked a holiday.

UCB has made me delirious!

2011-09-12T16:39:00.001+01:00

UCB Christian Radio have played Delirious twice in the last 3 hours.

It's as if the radio heard me when I said to it

"please play more delirious songs"

Just did a "Lauren"

2011-09-09T10:50:00.002+01:00

The story goes a bit like this...

I went round my friend's house last night and they offered me some chocolate cake. I didn't want it. It's not often I don't want chocolate but I felt it was too late to be eating chocolate cake. So she wrapped it in foil and gave to me to take home. "Excellent Ican have that with my cuppa tomorrow" I thought..

I got home and I put the cake in the fridge.

This morning I took the cake out of hte fridge and put it in with my sandwiches. I've been looking forward to my late morning cuppa with my piece of chocolate cake since I started work.

I made myself a cuppa I unravelled the foil ready to enjoy my cake to find left over pork in the foil... My heart sank.....

So this guy is pretty good with words

2011-09-07T22:20:00.001+01:00

Toms....

2011-09-06T16:53:00.002+01:00

I've ordered a pair of Toms. I can't wait for them to arrive. I don't think I've ever been more excited about a pair of shoes.... Check them out here

This makes me happy!

2011-09-06T14:30:00.000+01:00

Rugby World Cup draw 2011

Pool A
New Zealand, France, Tonga, Canada, Japan

Pool B
Argentina, England, Scotland, Georgia, Romania

Pool C
Australia, Ireland, Italy, Russia, United States

Pool D
South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Manu Samoa, Namibia

9 September:
New Zealand v Tonga, Eden Park, Auckland (0930 BST)

10 September:

Scotland v Romania, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill (0200 BST)
Fiji v Namibia, Rotorua International Stadium (0430 BST)
France v Japan, North Harbour Stadium, North Shore (0700 BST)
Argentina v England, Otago Stadium, Dunedin (0930 BST)

11 September:

Australia v Italy, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland (0430 BST)
Ireland v United States, Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth (0700 BST)
South Africa v Wales, Wellington Regional Stadium (0930 BST)

14 September:

Manu Samoa v Namibia, Rotorua International Stadium (0330 BST)
Tonga v Canada, Northland Events Centre, Whangarei (0600 BST)
Scotland v Georgia, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill (0830 BST)

15 September:

Russia v United States, Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth (0830 BST)

16 September:

New Zealand v Japan, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (0900 BST)

17 September:

Argentina v Romania, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill (0430 BST)
South Africa v Fiji, Wellington Regional Stadium (0700 BST)
Australia v Ireland, Eden Park, Auckland (0930 BST)

18 September:

Wales v Manu Samoa, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (0430 BST)
England v Georgia, Otago Stadium, Dunedin (0700 BST)
France v Canada, McLean Park, Napier (0930 BST)

20 September:

Italy v Russia, Trafalgar Park, Nelson (0830 BST)

21 September:

Tonga v Japan, Northland Events Centre, Whangarei (0830 BST)

22 September:

South Africa v Namibia, North Harbour Stadium, North Shore (0900 BST)

23 September:

Australia v United States, Wellington Regional Stadium (0930 BST)

24 September:

England v Romania, Carisbrook, Dunedin (0700 BST)
New Zealand v France, Eden Park, Auckland (0930 BST)

25 September:

Fiji v Manu Samoa, Eden Park, Auckland (0330 BST)
Ireland v Russia, Rotorua International Stadium (0600 BST)
Argentina v Scotland, Wellington Regional Stadium (0830 BST)

26 September:

Wales v Namibia, Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth (0730 BST)

27 September:

Canada v Japan, McLean Park, Napier (0500 BST)
Italy v United States, Trafalgar Park, Nelson (0730 BST)

28 September:

Georgia v Romania, Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North (0730 BST)

30 September:

South Africa v Manu Samoa, North Harbour Stadium, North Shore (0830 BST)

1 October:

Australia v Russia, Nelson (0330 BST)
France v Tonga, Wellington Regional Stadium (0600 BST)
England v Scotland, Eden Park, Auckland (0830 BST)

2 October:

Argentina v Georgia, Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North (0100 BST)
New Zealand v Canada, Wellington Regional Stadium (0330 BST)
Wales v Fiji, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (0600 BST)
Ireland v Italy, Carisbrook, Dunedin (0830 BST)

Quarter-final One: 8 October
Winner Pool C v Runner-up Pool D
(Wellington Regional Stadium, 0600 BST)

Quarter-final Two: 8 October

Winner Pool B v Runner-up Pool A
(Lancaster Park Stadium, 0830 BST)

Quarter-final Three: 9 October

Winner Pool D v Runner-up Pool C
(Wellington Regional Stadium, 0600 BST)

Quarter-final Four: 9 October

Winner Pool A v Runner-up Pool B
(Lancaster Park Stadium, 0830 BST)

Semi-final One: 15 October

Winner QF1 v Winner QF2
(Eden Park, Auckland, 0900 BST)

Semi-final Two: 16 October

Winner QF3 v Winner QF4
(Eden Park, Auckland, 0900 BST)

Bronze final: 21 October

Loser SF1 v Loser SF2
(Eden Park, Auckland, 0830 BST)

Final: 23 October

Winner SF1 v Winner SF2
(Eden Park, Auckland, 0900 BST)

Winner of the Booker Prize

2011-09-01T14:17:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I finished a book I've been reading for a little while.

A book titled "Disgrace" by J.M.Coetzee,

It was the most uncomfortable book I've ever endured. I'm not sure if I enjoyed it. I didn't warm to the characters but I was determined to get to the end of this book.

It was one of the Daily Telegraph top 100 must reads and it was the winner of the nobel prize for literature in 2003.

I bought it in a charity shop for £1.25.

I'm not sure what I made of it. At times I felt very uncomfortable while reading it.

I told myself I wasn't allowed to start another book until I'd finished this one and now this one is finished I can't wait to start a Nora Roberts book I got for my birthday.

Roll on this evening. I'm looking forward to being tucked up in bed with some chick lit to get engrossed in.

Maybe I just don't appreciate literature that has won the Booker Prize that or I'm just a bit out of my depth!

Wedding goodness

2011-09-01T13:51:00.001+01:00

It's my cousin's wedding tomorrow. I can't wait!!!

I will be staying and a 3* hotel in Falfield and enjoying time with the family and celebrating love. One of my best celebrations ever..... Love love.

I got my day outfit and evening outfit ready and tonight the pamper session takes place.

Looking forward to a good ole wedding this weekend.

Niceness!

I do silly things...

2011-08-30T13:23:00.004+01:00

It happens sometimes...

Like the time my hand got stuck in a coke machine and the time I jumped on a rotten log and it disintegrated beneath me and the time I fell over naked in a communal shower and the time I repeatedly stroked a taxi drivers arm and many many many other silly things.

In comparison today's silly thing really wasn't at all that silly except I had an audience, a very handsome suited man. Why Oh why!!!!

This is my life and it's about time I just got used to it.

I heart it

2011-08-24T13:41:00.005+01:00

Thanks to the traffic that comes to my blog. I've found a new website it's called www.weheartit.com and I heart it. I really really do. Some great images on there.

Here are some of them.... I heart them....

Thankful

2011-08-23T11:56:00.003+01:00

I've been a little grumpy these last few days - I have my reasons. I was praying grumpy prayers and being just a bit miserable in general.

I was listening to UCB Christian Radio this morning and they were talking about the powerfulness of thanksgiving. Even when you feel down, or you're going through a hard situation how powerful it is to remember the positives, to be thankful for what God has done and what he's given to you.

It was a reminder that God's done so much for me and that I have plenty to be thankful for. I should also be thankful when I'm feeling a bit crap because God is more than able to overcome my crap.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5 v16 -18

Emotions in music

2011-08-22T15:57:00.010+01:00

Ah I might need to say this is a fairly female post. Not that I'm saying men don't do this I just don't imagine many men to confess to doing this anyway...

Back to my point.

Music in general has a way of stirring up emotion. We use music in church to express feelings to God. When in a new relationship we suddenly may want to give that love we feel a song and then for a couple that song becomes their song or on a date we'll put love songs on in the background to make the atmosphere more romantic.

These are some of the couple songs that I've had with previous relationships

My Love is your love by Whitney Houston

I'm yours by Jason Mraz

Sometimes I run by Britney Spears (give me my due I was 16)

Groovey kind of love by Phil collins

I believe I can fly by R Kelly

I like them but then I probably chose most of them although the guys in their romanticness were always willing.

And then there are some classic break up songs. I remember listening to these on repeat after breaking up with the same people who I had the above couple songs with.

Just haven't met you yet by Michael Buble

Think Twice by Celine Dion

Nobody knows it but me by Tony Rich Project

You oughta know by Alanis Morriset

All at once by Whitney Houston

I can't help but wonder why music stirs up so much emotions. Even now when I hear some of these songs I'm reminded of the feelings of the past.

Weird!

Enjoy

2011-08-15T22:49:00.000+01:00

Seeing the Positive

2011-08-15T15:51:00.003+01:00

I was in London this weekend visiting a friend. While I was there I went to Hillsongs London (my friend goes there).

As we came to pray for London and the recent riots the minister put a completely different spin on it.

He said

"lets put this in perspective hundreds of young people in London were rioting. Not thousands just hundreds. This week throughout the UK young people have been on Christian camps up and down the country. The Hillsongs Youth camp was on this week and Soul Survivor took place this week as well and thousands of young people gathered together committing to aim to live right lives. not hundreds but thousands. It's a shame that didn't make news."

He continued to pray for all affected by the riots but I liked the way he spoke he had a refreshing positivity amongst what can only be said as constant bad news given through the media and through our own talk.

God is good. He give Joy and Strength in the midst of hard times. Just sometimes we focus so much on the hard times we forget our gifts of joy and strength.

Away for the weekend!

2011-08-11T22:40:00.001+01:00

Make Peace NOT war!

2011-08-09T14:26:00.004+01:00

My first thought about the riots happening in London were thoughts of disbelief. How could people set out to cause so much devastation regardless of what they damage and who they hurt? Appalled and shocked by the rioting actions of this nation is an understatement. I feel ashamed.

I had a very black and white view. The rioters are in the wrong. How dare they?

Then my mum said “ shouldn't we be asking what’s making them riot? I’m not condoning the rioting but let’s put this into somewhat of a grey area rather than a black and white one. The majority of the riots are from the younger generation in deprived areas. Their voices aren't being heard. The unemployment rate is going up. Once again fears of major recession in our country. Student fees are raised so people that might want to study from the underclass now can’t afford it. Now the rioting isn't right but is their anger?”

My mum’s somewhat understanding view of the riots took me by surprise. And no she wasn’t condoning it she was just pointing out the underlying issues that have been brewing for some time. Could this have been prevented if the people living in deprived areas felt that they were being heard?

Rioting continued and the spread to Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester and other cities in England.

Then I watched this footage (Just one 'small' incident amongst lots of rather big ones)

And regardless of my mum’s “yes but what’s making them riot?” question. My second thought mirrored my first thought: How could people set out to cause so much devastation regardless of what they damage and who they hurt? Appalled and shocked by the rioting actions of this nation is an understatement. I feel ashamed.

There might be some people out there who are rightly angered by some of the events in the UK but nothing justifies this chaos that is currently taking place in cities across the UK. People causing damage to properly, looting shops, setting fire to things, mugging people who are already injured and causing people to feel unsafe in their homes.

Now for the God bit:-

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3 v 9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God – Mat 5 v 9

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone – Rom 12 v 18

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world – John 16 v 33

Eventful Evening

2011-08-08T20:54:00.002+01:00

Went to the hospital this evening to visit my dad.

There was an elderly gentleman in the bed opposite. He was being 'minded' by a student nurse. He needed to be minded because he'd come back from an operation and was 'confused'. I'm not sure if he was confused as a result of having the op or where he suffered from dementia before the op and is still suffering from it now.

The nurse was constantly watching him and following him. He wanted to taxi to take him home, he put his shoes on, he packed his bag, and then got his bag mixed up with someone else's bag. He came to look at my dad's kindle and digital radio to see if it was his and if he could pack it. You could see throughout the evening he was getting more and more eager to leave and with the eagerness came agitation and with the agitation came aggression.

He walked out of the ward and headed to the exit - all of the nurses on the ward were now on watch. However, he wasn't going to give up, he wasn't going to return to his bed.

In the end he punched a student nurse in the face. We got escorted out through the medical staff's exit as not to cause any more disturbance to the already disturbed ward.

As me, my sis and my mum headed out of the ward we saw security on their way up. When we got out of the hospital we called my dad to explain he'd punched someone in the face and if he does end up back in the bed opposite to not cause this guy any distress or it might be my dad on the receiving end of a punch.

Get home and my dad rings my mum. This guy is back on his bed opposite my dad being restrained by 2 security guards.

Well, hopefully my dad will get a peaceful night sleep. I guess after almost a week of nothing there had to be some kind of excitement.

Where would we be?

2011-08-04T12:41:00.003+01:00

I've been listening to the new CD by Mat Redman on repeat this morning. It's called 10,000 reasons. As a whole the CD is okay!!!! But there are some awesome lyrics in some of the tracks - here are some lyrics from the track "Where would we be"...

Where would be without your love? We'd still be lost in darkness

Where would be without your cross - you made a way to save us...

Oh your love your love

Safe in the arms of your embrace

breathing in your freedom

Nice nice nice lyrics!!!

Hot Fuzz moment?

2011-08-02T16:08:00.003+01:00

Nigel: Do you want anything from the shop?

Loz: Cornetto.

"Danny Butterman: Do you want anything from the shop?
Nicholas Angel: Cornetto."

Almost over

2011-07-29T14:17:00.004+01:00

Finally, my dad has a date for his heart valve replacement. Next Thursday. This is great news because he's been pretty poorly and it's been a real hard year.

If what I read on the internet is correct he'll be in intensive care for 24 hours after the op, in hospital between 7 -10days and a full recover can take up to 3 months. Roll on the end of November.

Please pray for my dad over the next coming weeks

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4 v 6.

Almost blur

2011-07-26T12:38:00.002+01:00

This morning I was rudely awoken by THE MILKMAN!!!!!!!!

At 4am.

I knew that milkmen still existed but it was still a shock at 4am to realise the thing that had woken me up was the milkman, and his noisey milk float, delivering milk.

I heart Bristol Nights!!!

2011-07-23T02:41:00.002+01:00

Tonight I went out with Bristol Nights but unfortunately I didn't have any great God conversations although plenty of people on my team did.

I however got the volunteers...

Girl 1: I love what you do, how do I go about volunteering. I'm not a Christian in fact I don't believe at all but I will respect what you believe and I'd love to volunteer.

I took her name and email address and passed it onto a Trustee

Couple 1: We just heard about what you do from someone who walked passed us. We'd love to volunteer.

I pointed to the trustee and told them to talk to him...

Guy 1: Hi you'll have to excuse me I'm a bit drunk but I'd love to give you a donation. Tell you what let me tell you my story. When I was 16... Yes I was an underage drinker I used to come to the bus and grab a coffee on my way home and by the time I got home I'd be sober. I love this bus it's brilliant can I give you a donation.

Me: We don't take donations - we give for free so we don't want you're money

Guy 1: So do you do this for free are you a volunteer? Wow I'd love to volunteer. How do I go about volunteering?

I walk with him to the Trustee and tell him to give him his name and email address.

Thankfully the Trustee had the same view as me, well if the team is mainly Christian and they're willing to respect that then why not? It might end up being a great witness. However, both me and the trustee never quite expected 4 sign ups in one night - when we usually get NONE! Bizarre or what?

Oh and I got proposed to by a very drunk man in his late 50s who was already married and had a kid my age. He told me I should be flattered I couldn't help but disagree with him. He was too drunk to be offended.

Night World.

Bad Food Friday

2011-07-22T12:15:00.001+01:00

Is going to live up to it's name today.... Just sayin'

Golden Dream Cocktail

2011-07-21T15:11:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I was looking at a menu for a new restaurant that has opened in town. I couldn't help but cast an eye over their cocktail menu.

Last night I went to bed and when I woke up I'd been dreaming about cocktails. I don't tend to dream very often but this dream was pretty vivid.

I was walking around the shops holding a large martini shaped glass in my hand. In the glass was a red drink like this

At the shops I was searching the shelves for Tequila. I wanted to make a Tequila sunrise. Then I woke up - I didn't want to wake up though. I hadn't even taken a sip of the cocktail. What a sucky ending to a rather good dream.

From my own mother

2011-07-18T18:35:00.003+01:00

"Lauren have you ever considered bronzing your legs"

Love my friends

2011-07-18T13:00:00.003+01:00

FACT!

I did a "little" Lauren

2011-07-09T12:01:00.001+01:00

I went on to the F1 website and pressed convert the timing to my local time. It didn't seem to work. I pressed the button 3 times until it dawned on me that this weekend's GP is in England. Doh!

The Pub

2011-07-08T14:47:00.003+01:00

Last night I met Nami and Gemz at the pub for some girly banter. We are girls of habit and there is a sofa in this pub and it's our sofa. We always sit there, we get to the pub, we kick our shoes off and we curl up on the sofa chin wagging. It's just the way it works. Apart from last night. It was like that "Friends" episode when they get to Central Perk to find their chairs occupied.

I was first to arrive at the pub and I text Gem to say "our sofas are taken". Gem was second to arrive and looked over at the sofas we both looked at them "Friends episode" we said in unison and found some hard seats to sit on. The worst part was it was girls who were on the sofa so it was almost like they were imitating us.

Then Nami turns up

Nami: I don't like these seats, can't we try those seats *point at exactly the same seats just in a different part of the pub*

Loz: Lets face it Nami we're not gona feel comfortable on those seats either

The girls on the sofa finally leave and we, well we like perfectly normal girls run to the sofas, kick off our shoes and curl up chatting finally feeling once again comfortable and at home in the pub we love on the sofas we love.

My Sister got married - Good Times :)

2011-07-05T16:26:00.002+01:00

Searchalicious

2011-07-05T16:24:00.001+01:00

So someone found my blog by google searching

"a poem about snot"

Once again this blog proves me to be one very classy chick.

He's got my back :)

2011-06-28T14:19:00.001+01:00

His word brings me peace even when I'm not particularly fearful...

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

Time to get to the bottom of it.

2011-06-24T12:16:00.007+01:00

In my head I have titled 2011 "The year of the sore throat" because since the end of 2010 I've had about 5 sore throats - pretty much averaging one a month. It's been tiring and frustrating.

Anyway, I've been coughing for about a week so I went to the docs this morning. After me describing the symptoms to her she thought I might have asthma. She did the blow in a thing test and I should have been hitting around the 500 mark but I did it twice and both time I got no higher than 350.

As a result she has prescribed me an inhaler just for a month to see if it reverses the symptoms I'm to take it twice in the morning and twice at night. Then she also said she wanted me to have some bloods taken to test to see if I'm anaemic or if I have diabetes as someone with these illnesses struggle to fight infections. As an extra precaution she wants me to take a chest x-ray just to make sure there's nothing going on in my chest but also chest x-rays can show up asthma. I've got a repeat appointment with the doctor for a month's time to see how I'm getting on.

It's nice to be taken seriously and I'm hoping that soon enough I will no longer be coughing, wheezing and whining about having a sore throat because I would have got to the bottom of it and found a cure. Also, I want 2012 to be titled something far more positive.

Off Day!!!

2011-06-22T16:29:00.004+01:00

A few weeks ago I had an "off" day. I got home and I started to cry, and I cried and I cried and I had no intention of stopping.

I said to my mum "I'm having a bad day, I'm wallowing in self pity and I'm allowing myself to. Tomorrow is a new day but today I am sad and I'm not going to feel bad for feeling sad".

Some people may have judged me for the choice I made that day to cry instead of smile but if I had smiled it would have been fake and I'm not so keen on fake. My mum didn't judge me, she allowed me to have my "off" day and she even bought me chocolate.

The next day I woke up and I was still a little sad but my choice was different. Yesterday was yesterday and the day I woke up was a new day and I treated it like a new day. The past is in the past and I can't stay stuck there.

It's ok to have an occasional "off" day but don't make your "off" days a regular occurrence because that just isn't fun for anyone including yourself and those closest to you.

Searchalicious

2011-06-21T13:23:00.001+01:00

So today someone found my blog by google searching

"africans don't live on trees"

I love how people randomly fall across Lozza's Place.

MSN Whoopsie?

2011-06-20T21:11:00.002+01:00

Lozza: Any news on my travel friends Agent Maria?

Lozza: I have no idea why I just wrote the words "friends" when I should have written the word "plans" maybe now that question makes sense.

Attack of the munchies

2011-06-19T20:35:00.003+01:00

Today I have eaten....

A fried egg and a slice of toast

2 digestive biscuits

1 chicken and mushroom pasty

A bar of dairy milk

2 lamb chops, boiled potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cabbage and gravy.

Half a punnet of cherries

A chip butty

And then I said....

"I was feeling peckish so I popped to the garage to get something to eat. I've bought 2 chocolate mousses and a pack of winegums to munch on. But in my defence the chocolate mousses are weightwatchers!"

No Smoking Please

2011-06-17T13:57:00.003+01:00

I currently have a man walking around the building testing the smoke alarms. He is testing them by smoking a cigarette and blowing smoke into the detector - apparently this is a tried and tested method. I just think the dude wants a smoke and doesn't want to go out in the rain.

Father's Day Treat....

2011-06-16T16:05:00.000+01:00

...For who exactly?

I had the bright idea to take my dad to the cinema last night as his Father's Day gift.

We met up in town. I went down straight after work and he bought me a beer at one of Bristol's smallest pub and then we pottered to the waterfront and watched the film Senna at the Watershed (an independent cinema).

The film was brilliant and I loved it. Part of me thinks it was more of a gift for me than him but he also thought the film was excellent and it reminded me that we watched the GP that Senna died together in 1994.

So, this Father's Day I had a really good evening with my dad, enjoying the 2 things we both enjoy - Ale and Motorsport.

Memories

2011-06-14T21:25:00.003+01:00

A friend of mine is in Canada at the moment and it's caused me to remember the fun times I had in Canada. Here is a run down of the madness.

Maz and I arriving as very naive 19 and 18 year olds
Throwing up on the flight after one too many oreos
The scary motorbike accident that kept me awake in the hostel bed at night
My hand getting stuck in a coke machine
Drops of jupiter
The boy who was very pleased to see us in a lift
The live music in a rooftop bar
Mike's hard lemonade
Maz hurting her ankle and hobbling everywhere
Pancakes and maple syrup
Sneaking me into bars underage
Dressing up in the most random fancy dress
1.... 2.....3...... Testicles
A very bad rendition of Hey Jude
Me singing the YMCA with Maz doing the actions
The almost but not quite skinny dipping incident
The man who sat playing cards with us in the hostel and then standing up and being the same height as he was sat down.
Getting pictures with Mounties
Somehow managing to get home in one piece.

Oh and Canada was a pretty amazing country!!!!!

These little feet of mine :(

2011-06-10T20:59:00.003+01:00

Last month when I was in Barcelona I walked around in a pair of gladiator sandals. The same sandles I walked around Turkey in and had no issue what-so-ever. Yet in Barcelona these sandals managed to give me 3 blisters on each foot so I had 6 blisters in total. Some of the blisters were actually on the ball of my foot making walking pretty darn painful and slow.

I probably should have worn more sensible footwear but to be honest I don't get to wear sandals here often because my feet are like ice-cubes most of the time and sensible footwear isn't pretty or does it go with my summer dresses which too I don't get to wear here very often so there was kind of reason for my madness.

Anyway, I don't like to pop blisters. So I didn't pop them. Now where the blisters were the skin is chapped and hard and really dry and nasty.

On top of that I've managed to cut one of my toe nails a bit too short which has caused the toe to bleed and when my toe hits the top of my shoe it hurts. I'm being a bit wimpy but it does.

I've booked a pedicure the day before my sisters wedding. I'm hoping my feet will be in better shape by then. I've always hated my feet. It's part of the reason I chose to put my tattoo on my foot. I hate my feet so much if it went wrong it didn't matter it wouldn't change the way I feel about my feet. Thankfully I love my tattoo.

Anyway, to end on a light note - one of my favourite quotes

“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.”

And in my case their shoes are probably far better for my feet than my shoes.

A large glass of my fave?!

2011-06-07T20:45:00.002+01:00

Friend: Loz how much bacardi do you actually have in that bacardi and coke?

Loz: Just an average amount plus a bit more or maybe a lot more. I'm struggling to remember precisely.

Love one another? Really?

2011-06-03T10:58:00.004+01:00

These last couple of days I've been really challenged on the whole "loving each other" thing and what it means.

You see sometimes people drive me mad. I probably don't say too many complimentary things about the people that manage to rub me up the wrong way and sometimes I can be darn right rude and horrid. Not particularly loving character traits.

1 Cor 1 v 10 : I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

And

1 Peter 3 v 8 : Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

Sometimes I really struggle with this.... And I know I'm not alone but sometimes loving one another is hard. I guess no one said it was going to be easy.

Dear Lord.. I pray that you will help me to love people even when they rub me up the wrong way. Remind me Lord that I have many faults and that I shouldn't judge others. If there is something on my mind that I can't let go of I pray that you will give me the courage and the strength to approach the person and deal with the situation. I'm sorry for my character flaws and I ask your Holy Spirit to help me in my daily walk with you to be more compassionate. In your name I pray. Amen

Andy Murray according to my mum...

2011-05-30T19:21:00.002+01:00

Loz: Is that Andy Murray losing again?

Mum: Yeah the twat.

Loz: *shocked* Mum!!!!

Mum: Sorry I meant to say prat.

Weddings, Babies and... The weather!

2011-05-30T15:58:00.003+01:00

One of my best friends Maz had a baby during the early hours of Saturday morning. Honor was born 7 and a half weeks early and is doing brilliantly albeit very little, diddy, tiny but I bet extremely cute. I'm going to visit tomorrow and I can't wait to see the new mum and dad and meet the new addition to their family.

It's Bank Holiday Monday here today and the weather has been miserable. I decided to venture to MotherCare to buy a gift for the new baby. WOW what an experience I felt so out of my depth shopping for a baby - I had no idea what would make a good gift. In the end I opted for some very sweet little shoes and a set of funky bibs. Kind of didn't seem very original!

I met up with Gem earlier in the day we headed to the pub. Gem has recently got engaged and it was great to hear all about her wedding plans. Both the fun stuff and the stressy stuff. It's quite funny we both get to the pub, kick our shoes off and curl up on the pub couch and then we just chat for ages like a pair of girls. I swear we treat that pub like it's our living room sometimes but it was so good catching up with her.

I wish I knew what was next for me though so many of my friends and family are either getting married or having babies and I am soo happy for them. I'm just feeling a bit like I have no idea what God wants for me. I wish He'd just tell me it would make my life so much easier.

Anyways, yesterday Tommy came over and watched the F1, it was an awesome race, and I was kind of sad that I wasn't there. The friends I was with in Barcelona did go and I'm pretty jealous that they got to experience Monaco and all the prestige and glamour of it.

I'm pining for some sunshine and warmth but I guess sometimes we just need the rain.

Roll on summer - I miss you!

Made myself laugh...

2011-05-27T14:49:00.001+01:00

...today - when I spelt suite sweet.

You know you've spent the weekend with Aussies when....

2011-05-23T21:19:00.002+01:00

you start using words like....

"Awesome"

"Righto"

"Douche"

and "Bogan"

in everyday sentences.

I did a "Lauren"

2011-05-23T19:33:00.002+01:00

I was sitting in the back of the taxi. I reached forward and started stroking my friends arm to get his attention to take my share of the taxi off me.

Friend: "What is this?"

Lozza: *thinks that's not my friend's accent* *looks in front of her* oh sorry that's the passenger side at home.

So there I was stroking the taxi driver's arm while waving 5 euros in his face. My 3 friends that were with me in the taxi were wetting themselves laughing and it became quite a joke.

It was pretty funny and pretty embarrssing and I don't think I'm gona hear the end of it for some time to come!

Are you my friend?

2011-05-17T11:49:00.002+01:00

2 children come running in...

Child 1: *looks to the other child then points at me* is she your friend?

Child 2: *looks at me and remains shy and silent*

Child 1: *looks at me* are you her friend?

Oh I was dreading this question. I've never seen this child in my life before but to say "no I'm not her friend" sounds ever so mean.

Loz: Um no I don't know her...

Child 1: *looks back to child 2 and in a rather stern voice states* No she is not your friend.

Just an innocent conversation with 2 random children but how mean did I feel.... Very!

Searchalicious!!!

2011-05-16T16:01:00.002+01:00

I love the fact the 2 people found my blog by google searching...

"Wake up your pork monster"

I have no idea what the above means or why it would link you pork monster searchers to this very classy blog. But to those of you who are trying to wake up your pork monster I sure hope Lozza's Place has helped and you're very welcome here. You'll likely fit right in.

So then this happened..

2011-05-13T20:35:00.002+01:00

beep beep (well actually buzz buzz my phone was on vibrate).

Tommy Text: Guess what?

Lozza Text: What? What? What?

Tommy Text: I've just done something I haven't done in 29 months...

Lozza then decides to look up 29 months ago on her blog thinking sometimes she records Tommy's life as well as her own. Nope nothing!!! Ah she'll look up Tommy's blog and see if there are any clues on there... And then.... OOooohhhh.... Tommy has blogged for the first time in 29 months. WOW flip Wow.

Read it here http://thezooshavealltheanimals.blogspot.com

So then I said....

2011-05-12T12:01:00.000+01:00

"This is the very clear difference between you and me.... you see you like fixing things it gives you joy and if I just wouldn't break things that would give me joy"

Just call Me Aunt Loz!

2011-05-07T21:43:00.002+01:00

Farway Friend: Congratulations on finding out you're going to be an Aunt. That great news but you know it also means you're getting old.

Lozza: As for that last comment... are you 3, 4 or 5 years older than me I can't quite remember :p

Revamp....

2011-05-07T16:05:00.002+01:00

As I'm guessing you've noticed I've given my blog a complete revamp. It was time for a change. Hope you like the new look it's going to stay like this for some time to come!

Just an update

2011-05-06T16:00:00.003+01:00

Since arriving back from Turkey it's been an odd few weeks.

God's confirmed some things for me which is good and he's confirmed some other things in some really perculiar ways which I haven't decided yet if it's good or not haha!!!.

My dad has been in hospital in Turkey since the day I left and he's being flown home this weekend with a doctor as an escort. I'll be very glad to have my parents home, it's no fun being sick and abroad.

Barcelona is all sorted. After week's of trying to get my friends organised they are now organised. Which makes me happy. 2 weeks and counting!!!!

It hasn't rained yet since I've returned and I'm actually missing the rain if that's possible or maybe I'm just getting fed up with having to water plants.

I am looking forward to having a fairly lazy weekend in front of the F1....

Happy days!

Voting is NOT sexy!!!!!!

2011-05-04T13:33:00.003+01:00

To encourage people to vote in the local elections the BBC is running an advert titled.....

"Voting is Sexy"

To be quite honest it's putting me right off voting....

So then I said....

2011-05-02T15:47:00.003+01:00

while on skype to my dad

"There are some good looking ones and there are some good looking weaker ones too.. Oh this conversation would be so much better if I wasn't talking about the runner beans"

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T19:43:00.001+01:00

I would never call myself a royalist. However, escaping the talk of the royal wedding of Will and Kate has been impossible. So instead of beating them I decided to join them.

I laid on nibbles, invited a few friends round and enjoyed the royal wedding.

Now for the news. And repeats galore!!!

One of "those" phone calls....

2011-04-28T11:06:00.002+01:00

Phone calls with Tommy Bean... Just the usual then

Tommy: Jonesy you ok...

Lozza: Yep all good. You coming Home Group tonight?

Tommy: No I'm going to the cinema to see Scream 4

Lozza: oh cool. I haven't watched a horror movie in years. Not that I would actually want to now anyway

Tommy: What was the last one you watched?

Lozza: I saw Wolf Creek before going to Australia but I must have watched one since then. Oh yeah I saw Freddie v Jason.

Tommy: Loz you watched Freddie v Jason with me and that was well before you went to Australia in 2006.

Loz: I went to Australia in 2005

Tommy: No you went to Australia in 2006

Loz: Did I? No I definitely went in 2005 I thing I would know

Tommy: No you went in 2006 because it was the year of the world cup

Loz: well, I don't follow football so I'm not going to remember world cup years but I was convinced I went in 2005.

Tommy: hang on I'm online I'll look up when wolf creek was released..

Loz: sooo...

Tommy: well it was released in 2005 but you could have watched it in 2006.

Loz: Hey check my blog. That's how we will know for sure. Go back to October 2005 and October 2006 and see which one talks about Australia.

Tommy: Oh. Ok. You did go in 2005.

Loz: I knew it... I did go in 2005

Tommy: Anyway, my original point still stands we watched Freddie and Jason before you went to Australia because it was released in 2004.

Loz: And at least you're right about the fact that I went the same year as the football world cup you just got the year wrong. Isn't the footie world cup is 2 years after the rugby world cup and 2 years before the rugby world cup so it would have been in 2005.

Tommy: No Loz, we had the footie world cup last year and it's the rugby world cup this year. They're only a year apart.

Loz: Right... So now we've both got dates wrong! But as it's all sorted I'm off bye Tommy Bean

Tommy: Bye Jonesy

Peaceful yet Stormy!

2011-04-28T10:59:00.002+01:00

nearly there

2011-04-16T19:06:00.001+01:00

And it's nice to sit down.

Today seems to have been all go what with qualifying this morning, a hair appointment, lunch with a friend and then packing for my holiday.

Thankfully it's all come together quite nicely and now I'm sat with a cuppa and a chocolate bar watching come dine with me......

Not long now till I go.

pre-holiday natter!

2011-04-12T15:53:00.001+01:00

So we’re midway through April and I can officially label this year “The year of the sickness bug”.

Once again for the fourth time this year - I feel rough!!!! It’s hardly fair but partly my fault which I guess I’m aware of. I seem to not be fully recovering from the previous lapse which unfortunately means I’m picking bugs up easier and it would seem my immune system is shot to pieces. I’d still like to blame the long cold winter but that’s getting increasingly difficult to do with the glorious sunshine I can see out of the window.

I took the day off work today. The plan was to get things ready for my holiday this afternoon. I haven’t really stuck to the plan. I feel rough and therefore haven’t really done anything to do with my holiday at all apart from think about it and how I really need to have it.

I usually go on holiday around April/May time and find it’s a good time to go away. A few months into the year to a place that is a pleasant temperature. Not too hot and not too cold.

To be honest I don’t really have much to say. I want this cough to disappear, I want to stop coughing up green stuff and I want to feel perfect for my holiday. On my holiday I plan to do very little – just soak in the sun, read, wander round and eat good food. Roll on next week. Hopefully a week in the sun will be just what the doctor would have ordered if I actually went to the doctors... obviously.

How Rude!

2011-04-07T14:20:00.002+01:00

Today I accidentally sent a friend a blank email... This was the reply I got...

"love the empty email - you finally have nothing to say... never thought i'd see the day"

And how does that make you feel?

2011-04-06T14:40:00.004+01:00

Last night I handed in my whole journal 22,500 words worth!!!

At my course I also have to have 3 assessments and an exam. I did my first assessment last night and it was the hardest of the 3. Good news is I passed.

How does that make me feel?

Pretty chuffed.... Pretty darn chuffed.

Feeling Good....

2011-04-05T15:17:00.003+01:00

I had a feeling today was going to be a good day when I heard The Spin Doctor's song 2 Princes on the radio while driving to work.

Good tune....

I did a 'Lauren'

2011-04-03T17:44:00.004+01:00

*Doorbell*

Lozza: Ok Carly I want you to look straight in the mirror on your left hand side as it would seem you've had a minor make-up disaster but it's ok we can fix it I'm sure.

Carly: Lauren that's not make-up. I was punched in the face and I tried to disguise it by wearing dark eye shadow.

Lozza: oh right. Ow. Looks painful.