New Blog

Hi guys...my new blog is over on http://www.aboutlife.com/divenn so head over and check it out there!

Sound of the Underground

Last night at Pastorate we got on to discussing where the earth dug out to make way for the London Underground had gone.

We know the Northern line earth made Primrose Hill but any ideas on where the rest of the earth from the other lines went?

Answers on a post card to Mr Mackesey

Running

Even though I run at least one 10K a year I still don't count myself as a runner.
I'm not sure even after having done a Marathon that I would.
The problem is that first 15 minutes, it doesn't matter how far I run the first 15 mins always make me want to turn back and head for the shower.

It took several years for someone to tell me that lots of people feel like this, for a long time I only ran for 10 mins and then walked as I couldn't cope with the feeling that my lungs were going to explode.

It was in Denver when someone else signed me up for a 10K that I finally broke the barrier and low and behold by minute 16 I was enjoying running and felt like I could carry on...at least for another minute.

Why am I reminiscing about running? Because yesterday I went for my first run with Richard and it was the most enjoyable run I have done yet. It was only a few K but I loved chatting away as we headed round Clapham Common and know that it will become a favourite past time of ours. If I hadn't originally pushed through the 15 mins though I would have been sat in the flat and would probably be a stone heavier!

So I encourage all you non-runners out there to give it a go and push past the 15 min mark.
Try it...you might just like it!

Slave labour

Recently there was a push to reduce the working hours of new doctors which I am so very glad about. I certainly wouldn't want to be operated on by someone who has been on the go for 36 hours.

What worries me more though is the hours that the leaders of the country have to work. They have to read papers before they start their breakfast meetings, they then work through lunch have meetings over dinner and get home very late in the day when they are presented with the lovely red box. The paper work from that normally takes a couple of hours and then they can start thinking about constituency work.

How on earth are they supposed to keep their family life going amongst all that?

I'm very grateful to have such dedicated men and women working on the policies of this country.

Ambassador...you are really spoiling us.

Last night I went with the big boss to the Chinese Ambassador's residence for dinner.
Now given my current job that is not very surprising but as we sat down for I had an overwhelming feeling gratefulness for my parents and the way they brought me up.

I am guessing that when we sat round the table in Swansea and they taught me to use chopsticks (I think I was about 8), they probably weren't contemplating that I needed to be taught the etiquette for a meal with the Ambo. However, they did it because they love me. So thank you Mum and Dad!

Unfortunately I didn't listen so well when they taught me to pace myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two courses, felt a little full by the fifth, bit the head off a marzipan panda on the 7th, refused the 9th and almost burst on the 12th. I have seriously never eaten so much!

And that was all after eating some chunks of cheese...oh yes it's a top tip. If you have to go out to dinner with your boss and know there will be quite a bit of drinking then line your stomach with a little milk and eat some cheese, it's amazing at soaking up the alcohol!

Getting up

This morning I woke to the sound of my radio talking about a story that had just leaked from the Government which is never fun when you are one of the few people with prior knowledge. Suddenly everyone is a suspect and the investigations are never fun, but then I reassure myself that people would know I would never sell a story to the Sun...or so I hope.

Anyway I jumped out of bed and headed to HTB's prayer meeting for those in Politics. What a fab way to start the day. Worship and prayer followed by a great breakfast and lots of networking, maybe not everyone's cup of tea I admit but I had a blast.

I've already had an invite to go to dinner with one party...any other offers?

Salami Mafia

I work in a very quiet office and when things get just too darn quiet (or it's 2pm and time for the Archers) I pop radio 4 on the web. It has been babbling away in my ear for a couple of hours now and my attention was just caught by 'the Food Programme'.

They were discussing Eastern European food and some guy launched into a rant about the Salami Master in Hungary.

Now, I visited Budapest last year and saw no evidence of an evil meat wielding mafia, they may be underground but then I did go and venture into the stalagmite subterrane there but there was no evidence there either.

So if you know more about the maleficent sausage preponderant please let me know.
Or maybe you have knowledge of Hitler's replacement in Germany, Heir Wiener?
How about the UK? I think Bernard Matthews rules our hot dog gang.