Things I have done this week:
Played Monopoly (GV Girl No. 2 won - she has a future in the world of commerce, unless the predictions of global economic meltdown for 2008 are correct).
Played Scrabble (I won!).
Spent pressie money and installed Mac OS X Leopard and 1Gb extra memory on our Macbook Pro. This was mostly so that I can use bluetooth stereo earphones and keep my Bootcamp installation up to date. It was surprisingly quick and easy to do, and managed to retain the Windows XP installation with no problems.
Sent back GV Boy's PC graphics card to the manufacturer for replacement under a lifetime warranty. We'll see what comes back and when.
Did various wee diy jobs that have been needing attention. This included trying to fix the washing machine. I failed, but it has a 10 year warranty, so all should be well eventually. Ms GV was seen handwashing clothes. My offer to take her down to the Kelvin to wash the clothes there in order that we show solidarity with the world's poor was not well received.
Learned that Ms GV was recently asked for proof of her age when buying a bottle of wine in a supermarket. Not bad for a 40-something!
Had a quiet New Year with Jools Holland's Hootenanny (Ms GV and aforementioned daughter being away in a youth hostel on the shores of Loch Ness). I say 'quiet', when what really happened was that one of the members of our little community had mates round until 5 or 6 in the morning.
Conference called with colleagues (can't say what about, or both you and I will be in big trouble and something unfortunate might happen to us ).
Prayerfully dwelt on the state of things - friends who begin the year with news of serious illness of loved ones; the mess in Kenya; the assassination of Benazir Bhutto; the predictions of economic doom and Anglican schism.
On the other hand there's been time to contemplate some of the opportunities for this year too:
- the new hall project coming to fruition (God is good - we are already almost halfway to our fundraising target with the gifts and pledges already made being so encouraging). Rumour has it that I might undertake a 'little' fundraising exercise with some friends. I've offered to bring the defibrillator......
- a possible sabbatical. This summer, I'll have been in ordained ministry for twenty years and rector of St Silas' for thirteen years, so it's time to recharge the batteries in preparation for the next stage of ministry here. I just need to pin down how to spend my time profitably. I've a few ideas, but suggestions are also welcome....
- trying to get a better work/life balance. This has been skewed way too much towards the former, and I feel as though the Lord has been telling me to get it sorted out.
Now, having rested, it's about time to get into gear for 2008. Bring it on............
Hi David
Why don't you re-charge your batteries a bit by joining some of our St Ninians crew who are walking St Cuthbert's way at the end of June over about a week?
may do you good to get away - I like to combine physical things with thinking things.
It may do you some good?
cathy
Posted by: Cathy Wilson | 06 January 2008 at 01:48 PM