Mondays

Still thinking about what mistakes mean in our lives. One of Liz's friends wrote on her blog that she had been wasting time at work looking at random blogs, by clicking on the 'next blog' link. As I was bored I'd thought I'd do the same (as today seems to be never ending). After a lot of blogs in foreign languages and a 'Buy a Thai Bride' site I found one that had a great quote on it. Not sure who J J is but here it is

Mistakes are the portals of Discovery. J. J.

How very true? I have a very bad concept of mistakes. I hate making them and if I do make one it's like my world ends- complete overreaction on my part. I am good at accepting that other people make them and forgiving them for it- hey even expecting it of them. I hardly (never say never) think it's the end of the world for them. And so often I have given the advice that mistakes are opportunities. I just wish I could see it a bit more than that. So I'm mediating and mulling on the quote above.
The most obvious thought is that it is really true mistakes open up a part of your character, situation or personality that you had never thought about. New depth, new areas to discover what it means to be alive. And a new depth to your relationship with Jesus- a time again for him to break through in power. Please do Jesus.

This week

I can't believe it has been a week again since I last blogged. Not that that much has happened. I nearly sold the Vespa but not quite. Really getting quite desperate to sell it, but hey if no-one wants it not much I can do about it. Going to write little ads over the weekend and put it in shops around chorlton and see if there are any results.

I did have a bit of a brain wave and deep moment this week. One of those light bulb, realisation moments. There is no such thing as failure. Let me explain.....If you do happen to make a mistake or make a decision that in hindsight may have not been the best, your life doesn't suddenly stop. It doesn't suddenly slow down and you don't die from it. Every situation you face and every consequence of every decision you make actually teaches you something. You can't actually fail, all you can do is change direction, learn something new or try again. (Obviously this is not quite the same in math exams or such situation- I'm talking about failing in life- you can fail in them, but even then you can try again and again)
Mainly this thought came about when someone said that Canada may not work out and we may find ourselves back in England having failed. But I realised that that wouldn't really be failure just a different turn of events. Failure is something our very competitive society has put on us- the permanent striving to be better then someone else- the others- who are richer, better off etc then us. But life isn't about winning and failing it's about living. It's about enjoying every day with its ups and downs. It is a relief to know that I cannot fail at life but just learn to take a different road, go in a different direction. The seeming failure is merely an opportunity to try something new and what a privildge that is. I think I am finally learning to be a person who sees the glass halve full instead of halve empty.:o)

wonderful friends

This weekend has been full of reunions with some of my favourite people and now all with partners. Scary how much we have all grown up and changed. As Katy W said I think we would have all freaked out had someone said to us at the age of 21 that at 28 we would all go for a walk at a National Trust property with our boyfriends/fiance/husbands!! but how much fun and how much love there is.
Friday night Katy Bryan Craig and I went to see Evelyn Glennie at the Bridgewater Hall. She is a deaf solo percussionist. Not that you can tell she is deaf at all. Amazing musical broadening experience. She used her body as an instrument and flower pots!! Quite incredible.
Saturday was lunch with Fiona and Richard Mac, Laura Burton and Ric, Lorna and Craig. Brilliant fun including when the waitress dropped the vinegar bottle on the floor....:o)
Then off to Styal park and then bowling.

Now I have to say that we were all smashingly amazing at bowling. Not sure what happened there but for the first time in my life I scored more then 100. Has never ever happened before. Then off to the curry mile for a traditional, student day reminiscing curry. I can't remember the last time I was that happy. I thank them all for being there and for loving me and Craig so much and making the effort to come together from all over.

Here is to many more reunions and fun and laughter. Probably at my wedding !!! Can't wait....:o)

The ring

Yeah whooo the ring is back on my finger and it is gorgeous. Our new jeweller definitely knew is stuff better. Was beginning to miss it a lot so I'm glad it is back. Gives a bit more substance to when I'm telling people that I am engaged. It's funny that people do automatically look at your ring finger when you tell them, and when there is nothing on there you can see the thoughts ticking "yeah right she is!" it may just be a fleeting thought for most but you can tell it's there.

Other news is that finding a photographer we can afford is definitely harder then first thought. We'll get there.

Too much time to think

Today I had to sit in my car waiting for a gas man and an electrician from 8am-11.40am. I saw the rain come down, lightning and thunder and as I forgot to bring a book to read I had far to much time to think. I've realised more and more lately that over the past few years I have turned into a very negative person. I expect the worst of people, of myself, of situations etc. I can't seem to find when this kicked in or whether I have just always been like that but because you forget the bad stuff in your past you can't remember. Certainly my journals of 5-6 years ago are pretty negative too. The one thing I definitely was was more assertive. Where did it go? When someone does something that bugs me I don't feel like it would be right for me to stand up to myself. I never had that. Is that a Christian thing? Have I spent to look always wanting to be a servant and concentrating so hard on that that I have become a doormat for people? Too scared of becoming aggressive rather than assertive...mmm definitely had to much time to think............................. (PS this is only a rant)

Chilled weekends

Had one of those lovely weekends spent out and in just the right amount. Out on Friday night- was meant to be at a party but the venue was double booked so found ourselves at the Mint Lounge. Was ok. Saturday I spent most of the day asleep, at the stables and watching favourites like X factor strictly come dancing and Fear Factor- Couples reunion.

Went to St. Michaels on Sunday. I think I'll like that church. Congregation is a bit old and we sang Shine Jesus shine but the people are lovely.

Not much else to report.

Canadian Affairs

Back now from a wonderful week visiting the Ranch. It was suprisingly gorgeous weather. Hot hot hot I say. The trip was a meeting trip for Craig's parents and my parents. In true Ulrike style all things are done the intense way and to say that the week was intense is a bit of an underestatement!! Anyone who knows me well knows that I find going on holiday in groups very difficult and this was no exception. 6 people all trying to be compromising without voicing what they want to do that day!!!! But all in all it was great.
We managed to go to the most boring ranch ever. It's called the gang ranch which is the oldest ranch in B.C. and has been downsized to 1 million acres from 4 million!!! You'd think major tourist attraction but alas not really- there is not much there. But the drive there was worth it.
Also managed to get the parents in law on horses, which was good fun.
Craig has found a new love in Gucci- at last we found a horse he gets on with and is fast enough for him.
We have decided to move out there in the spring of 2008 for at least a year if not longer. Can't wait.

Pictures of the hols to follow.