So a simple question

Hi,

Hello!!!!

Testing,

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If anyone still reads, this hey!!

Trying to be goofy!!!!

Life is quite weird, I followed my Mum and Dad interest for me which was 'Child care.' Can you imagine me being goofy in front of children and adults? Yeah, me neither. I mean children did enjoy my company though I couldn't  direct the children and cannot raise my voice. I am a very quiet, reflective person. So it might took me a while to try something and tell myself and eventually put my hand and say 'child care is not for me.'

As my apprenticeship is  funded by Newcastle College, I went into college met my tutor and spoke to a career advisor who knows about different courses the college offers. He asked a very simple question, 'What would you like to do?'  Well for that question might be a simple question to you for me on the other hand, this question have endless amount of answers.

Looks a bit like a love heart

For me my answer is, 'I like to take photos.'   For this post I want to tell you a little more about that.

Avocado and chocolate cake

For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed taking photos whether it's of my recent concoction in the kitchen (like that avocado and chocolate cake I made) friends or even the world around me. It doesn't really matter if I see a moment worth capturing I am gonna capture it. Now by no means do I think I am best photographer. I know that and I don't let it stop me I mean by choice I exclusively use my phone camera to take my photos because I love the convenience and simplicity  of it. I feel like my eyes I have see, the world just a little bit differently than most people and my phone helps me capture those distinctions. Look closely there is beauty all around us high up in sky or low down in grass near around the corner far out into the distance there's beauty around and each subject has different angles to appreciate.

Don't fear an idea, I'll be the first to admit that sometimes I go extreme heights just to take a photo, I have stood on one to many restaurant chairs and lie down on one too many city streets just because I had an idea. I try and not let the thought of appearing silly all the weird looks I get stop me from doing what I want to do. I know I am taking a dope photo, so who cares what people think.

Do what you love and love what you do. I know I haven't said this before but I really want to put it out there  into the world when I take photos or do really anything creative it's because I love it. Plain and simple you don't have to be amazing to love what you are doing something if you enjoy it that's all that should matter. Drive needs no push, passion needs no pull and motivation only needs you.

You know appropriately they say a picture's worth a  thousands words because my hope for this post is that it leave you with a thousand questions but mainly one particular, 'What do you like to do?'

Journey to the cross- The Commotion

"Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves, and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, 'Is it not written 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers.' And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city" (Mark 11:15-19).

That is it, all my hard work over the last three days, gone to the drain, thanks to that joker on you left hand side standing next to the fig tree.

Then everyone is talking about pigeons? Pigeons are everywhere but why is everyone just talking about it like the British  people just won't stop complaining about the Weather. Apparently, some pigeons even flew to the Holy of Holies, and the priest was not in the best of spirit when they saw the pigeons flying and making a nuisance of themselves. I can tell you! It is gonna take ages to round them up.

Mind you, I am sure pigeons are homing birds. Aren't they? In that case, if I shake a bag of food, and back they all come. Though my coins that I worked hard for, won't do that. If it would, it would not help my circumstance as you know what all those beggars are like in the temple courts-one chink of a coin they would come running like chickens round the seed. When that madman turned the table over, half the money didn't even hit the floor before it was gone!

Poor Jedidiah, got told to get off the courtyard! What is the world coming too? He wasn't doing any trouble, I know those Ark of the Covenant models he sells are on a tacky side, but still the point is that Jedidiah doesn't deserve to get off the courtyard. Crucifixion's too good for guys like that. What do we pay the temple guards for, anyway? They should be making sure these luncatics don't even get-in-especially if they are armed.

You got to be careful around here, people spurting insults like there is no tomorrow, and no one wants that, especially in their little holy bubble. Can you hear, that? Absolutely quietness, I bet you, that they are planning on something.

But you see! We are smart enough not to say it to their face. As we don't want to cause a commotion, not on their home ground. So we are still going to be alive by the end of the week. Well that is my hope!

Journey to the cross: The Donkey

Now when they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. Right away you will find a donkey tied there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet. (Matthew 21: 1-11)

Jesus asked Matthew and Judas to go to the village and find a donkey in town. Of they went, trodding along  and bickering with each other on their way to town to find a donkey.

"Judas you haven't spoken since Jesus asked us to fetch a donkey, are you OK? As you never shut up? Oh, you are not steamed up about getting a donkey? After all, Jesus put us in charge because he relies on us, has complete trust and faith that we accomplish this task. Furthermore, if we couldn't he wouldn't put us in charge. Got that! Now please, would you just cheer up, even a minute, I don't think I can handle another second of your grumpy face."

"Just hold your horses please, a baby donkey is silly, its not an animal for a saviour of Jerusalem to ride on? I said to Jesus I knew a quy with a good horse, but oh no he wasn't having any of it. I tell you something, people would think  Jesus lose his marbles by riding on a flipping baby donkey?"

"Really, is that why you got your grumpiness face, over nothing. Did you not hear the crowds roaring-hosanna to the Son of David, and all the rest of it. If you didn't, something is definitely wrong with you, we were right in the middle of it! There was nowhere to hide. Mind you, I never thought a poor fisherman from Galilee would be able to say that!"

"You always think you a better than me, don't you. They might be cheering today, as you cannot boo to a king when he is standing near you? He might chop your head off! What he should off done, was to ride in with a horse and start a revolution. I told him if he waited. we would get somewhere. Though he wasn't listening, just gave me that funny look to say he has and if I was a little child being rebellious towards a parents or an adult. That was my que to get that annoying, ridiculous, ludicrous donkey."

"Ah poor little Judas! Cannot deal being wrong, can you? Is your pride hurt by going to find a donkey and not a horse? Were you born to better things?

"Would you just shut up, Peter!! You are doing my head in. I can deal being wrong, but you stepped over the boundary with pride. Just if Jesus wants to be king, he ought to start acting like one.  You know act your age than the shoe size. That's what I think, anyhow."

" Oh come on, it's only banter, don't be so stroppy! Maybe Jesus is finding his feet of being a king. It might be a lot of work that goes undercover that meets the eye. It reminded me of that bit from Zechariah, you know?  How does it go?  'Rejoice, daughter of Zion!  Here comes your king, triumphant and victorious; humble, and riding on a donkey."  Something like that, anyway.  Surely fulfilling ancient prophecy is pretty good for a messiah?

"Oh, Bartholomew the scholar.  Ancient prophecy's all very well, but it's not much use in the here and now, is it?  What we want is the new world Jesus was talking about, with us all on thrones and the Romans kicked out.  Isn't that what we're following him for?  Isn't it, James?  John?  You two were quick enough to try and bag yourselves the best seats for when Jesus is in charge."

"Hey, stop pressing people buttons, that was our mum, not us.  Anyway, you heard what Jesus said about that.  'The last will be first and the first will be last,' - which now I think about it, fits in pretty well with his king-riding-on-a-donkey act.  If you're looking for power and glory, Judas, I think you're following the wrong guy."

"Yes, and that's just what's so frustrating.  He could do anything, Jesus could. Anything!  He's got that spark, that... that.. charisma.  You've seen him!  He just has to crook a finger and people will do what he wants.  If anyone could save this wretched country he could - and I thought he was going to do it!  And then he sat on a donkey and threw it all away.  Just threw it all away."

What a run!

First time ever since a long time, on purpose I left my phone at home, took my fitbit off and run, with no plan, no destination, no maps. Just two feet and roads! In the end I run to Wylam and back via a massive hill. And something just hit me, O.K. first off don't worry I am not injured just has a light bulb moment. I haven't been doing any Christianity work, apart from going to church I tend to set aside ten minutes in the morning reading the bible and ten minutes in the evening. Recently, that came to a standstill. So as I was running and let my mind go off on one. I thought to myself, you know what I miss reading the bible and getting closer to God.

I like Lent, it gives us a chance to start new, with a new clean slate, though first of all you have confess any sins and receiving absolution. I have been taking part in Lent, again like last year I didn't give up something as I always found that my attention is not Jesus it's on that one particular thing that I gave up. Instead, I had the phrase 'What Would Jesus Do?' and do one thing for someone like sending them a card saying you miss them. Say hello to someone! Really simple things, but it can make a difference to that person who receives your kindness. In a way, it shows Jesus love.

Despite how it can often feel, Christianity is not about manufacturing suitable emotions.  Christianity is a statement of fact.  Christ reigns.  I do not.  However sinful I do or do not feel, Lent is a time of moving myself from a throne to a cross, in order that Christ may move from a cross to a throne.

We are now about to enter a week called, 'Holy Week,' we are reminded of what Jesus did for us and how His actions define Him. Because He rose from the grave, we know that Jesus is the author and perfecter of our lives. He is our security and significance.

I decided after I came back from my run, that I would be writing a series, called 'Journey to the cross.' I feel the name fit quite appropriately, since I am nowhere near the cross  and following Jesus. After all in holy week and easter as a whole we are reminded that Jesus died on the Cross for us, for our sins.

If you are interested in reading the 'Journey to the cross,' come back on the Sunday 25th March, I got a bit writing to do till then!!!!!!!!

Escape

Trees, trees, trees

Branches, sticks, leaves

Whipping, gashing, slashing at my arms

I can't get away no matter how fast I run

Tripping, falling, crawling on the floor

Ragged cuts, tattered clothes, jagged breathing as I start to slow

My eyes are heavy, my vision blurred

Distant images start to stir

He's right behind me, he's catching up

I have to keep moving, but my legs have had enough

Getting dizzy, about to pass out, a distant figure starts to stand out

A distant scream, a whispered plea, I can't believe it came from me

Pulse is racing, a feeling of hands, a gentle hush as I'm helped to stand

It's him, he's caught me, please strength don't leave me yet

Let me be anything but his sullied pet

I have to leave, I have to get away, I fall to my knees and let my head sway

Stopping, he stares at me and gives a mirrored laugh

Then he reaches for me as I start to move back

I'm to slow, he's to fast, I can't get away, he's taking me back

I can't let this happen, I must react

Head's too fuzzy, I'm getting too weak

I'm stumbling over my own feet

One chance, a pull, a twist, a pop and a moan

I'm not the one with a broken bone

I'm still running, he's still coming

My strength's about to give out

Dead end, cliffs end, water and rocks below

Tell me, if you had a choice which way would you go?

Anxiety got a big grasp of me, I was trying to walk away from it more like jogging. I decided to write a poem about what I am thinking and feeling. I just have to move forward, somehow-muster some strength.

Running against the riptide

All I want to do is run,

Run away from my emotions

Run away from my conflicts

Run because that's all I can do.

Swim because that's all I can do.

Cycle because that's all I can do.

Am I training for a triathlon?

Maybe!

Why?

Mind doesn't get on.

It tells me 

I am not good enough

I am lazy

I am not clever 

I don't have any potentional

Yet people tell me,

You are worth it

Am I?

I'm running against a riptide

Away from the darkness

Before it engulfs me

And eats me up

Running away is easy

Running on pavements is easy

Overcome those annoying thoughts

Isn't so easy.

Is it courage to run away

Or to put up with it

Why now?

The sun is out.

I could be reading my book outside yet

My mind is full of useless thoughts

Just anxiery playing up

It will slide up again 

And not down into a spiral
How low can get the spiral get?

How long would that take?
The jounrey that is never my miles, or meters.

Who knows how long the journey would take?
That could be an hour time
That could be in a day time
That could be in a week time
That could be in a month time
That could be in a year time

Who knows?

Who knows what to do with anxious mind?
Run
Cycle
Swim
Walk
Bake cakes
Read

Its like waiting for the world to end

What can you do when anxiety consumes you?
Before eats you up

Knock knock!

Who's there?
Rebecca
Rebecca Who?
See you have already forgotten me!

OK, I know it's a terrible joke. Right? Just to warn you my fellows readers, I am writing this with endless cups of coffee, you might as well grab a hot drink and get some biscuits out. Just don't let me near those chocolate digestives nor any hobnobs they might end up having legs and go on a walk!!!!!!

This blog has been a bit neglected, hasn't it? Sorry for those who keep refreshing their browsers. I am back to blogging again, I think!! Don't get your hopes ready, though.  Guessing this is the point where, I explain why I haven't been blogging. Well if you cast your mind back to the previous post, you can probably tell I am not with it, and struggling with my mental well being. I have been right in the dumps and every time I see the light at the end of the tunnel I get spun around in the dark again. I started typing up the August monthly musings, and I might as well share it with you.

Just how much stuff do I need for a few days away?

So the last few days of July and beginning of August I was Down South for a very brief few days to see my family and relatives. I had a day swimming with my Cousin Seth, Auntie Clare and my Grandma.  All that hard work of swimming and been splashed by Seth it was time for a nice cup of coffee and carrot cake. After all, it has a serving of vegetable so it counts 1 of my 5 day. I had a day seeing my friend from my course in Farnborough for a nice coffee and lunch out. It was such a shame I didn't had a lot of time on my hands otherwise I could go out for a run. I had a very good day with my friends from school which did involve baking from an old fashioned cookery book, marshmallows been thrown at Lawrence and he did some magic in the kitchen, making a cake in 1 minute. (Is that even possible?)  Then I met up my with my friend Michal  with a nice cup of coffee in my local café, well used to be my local-which was really lovely. Then I walked back to my old house to see my next door neighbour and my parents for the lift back to my Grandparents. Unfortunately I couldn't go out for a run as I ate loads of cake and marshmallows, well the ones that weren't on the floor. Oh yeah, and my friend Lydia did the 'Chubby Bunny' challenge. My last day, was spent in the garden doing gardening! And a very l---o---n---g journey back home. Gosh that was exhausting just writing about it!

That really has been the highlight of the last three-four months. I am going to get back in gear with this monthly catch up starting again in December monthly musings!

Who said, you cannot make a ox bow lake, when you're on the beach?

Well there is one other thing that happened in August, my friend Lawrence came up for a few days. Which has been a rather busy few days mainly exploring Newcastle and lots of walking!! Who needs a car, when you have feet and a good transport link?! We visited The Angel of North, and visited a beach, though we had to walk quite a bit for our "fish 'n' chips." We walked to a KFC had our brunch, we were half way into town so we decided to walk to town via the cows field. Still hate walking into a cows field, even though we named each cow "Frankie and Bennie." Explored the town center a bit more and went to a tea house. For some odd reason, Lawrence and I decided to watch Tomas the tank engine. I think I can now see, why my friends are bit worried about me!

Sunset by the river tyne!!

I think this is my new favorite photo! I had my grandparents over for a few days. My Dad walked my grandparents off at Beamish. The next day Dad and I walked my grandparents off in Newcastle city center. The following day my grandparents were planning to go home, maybe it's so they can actually relax!! But they stayed another day to recover from the busy two days. You can tell our family loves walking!! Can't you?

Time for a story. Make that two stories. I went to waitrose to get  a sweet treat, only one rule it has to be reduced. Second thing was to get some oil. And finally a free coffee. The person who served me asked, "How old are you?" I said, "I am 19 years old" Can I see your proof, please, you are a bit young to be 19." "HMMMMM, I'm afraid I don't have anything to say that I am 19 years old" My friend Phillipa was giggling to herself near the sweets section. Eventually when she stopped giggling she showed her university card and told the person who served me "She is 19, but acts like a 5 year old" REALLY!!!!!!!

So it's still Halloween, people knocking on your doors for "Trick or treat" I cannot remember what I did last year, and said to my Mum,"I don't think we are going to get a lot of knockers." Oh boy, was I wrong. Every time I was away from the door, there was a knock, I was running saying "I am coming" It started with a box full of sweets thought to myself, these are mine. Surely we will have no knockers. Soon that box full of sweets came to a handful, maybe I should put some fruit in just to make the box more full. Guess what? Children were actually picking the fruit. Next year, the box would only contain the fruit and box with the sweets is mine. I am not sharing. Anyhow, who said sharing is compulsory?

Pondering about life

I have been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life, as in long term and what is the next step on my life journey. Life is never easy, you think you got it figured out. Then it just gives you a massive snake to climb down and you end up where you started.  I did a 12 weeks course for level one childcare, which I have passed.

What is not to like about Hygge?

Thinking about having a year or two working full time, in order to save up money for university to study for psychology. However, I am unsure whether or not this is a good thing to do. As the subject psychology is a very broad subject and I don't really have a career aspiration. Speaking about aspiration, I would like to move to either Denmark or Germany.

I embarked a new project, the project 333 where you have 33 clothes and accessories for three months. That seemed a bit of  a daunting project, so I put all the clothes that can only be worn in one season in a suitcase. Anything that I only wear once in the suitcase. Okay the tricky part, what items of clothing do I not wear? Not an easy task, when you tell yourself  'I will wear that one day' chances are if hasn't been worn that one day you will wear it would never happen. I got a whole suitcase full of clothing that I only wear depending on season, items of clothing that I only worn once. And items of clothing I do not wear. I thought, I would end up buying my clothing or miss my clothes. Actually I don't! And one good thing, is that when I walk into a clothing shop, I don't end up loving things as I used to, instead. I ask myself, "Do I truly need this?" "Can you wear this in other seasons?" "Does it match with the clothing I already have" "Can I afford this?" Which is also goes hand in hand with Frugal living, hence the lookout for reduced sweet treats!

Recipe time

See, I do wash up!!!!

Before I tell you my recipe, I have to tell you the story first. My parents were out in evening, I was listening to a podcast and knitting away. I was determined to get my back of my jumper done this evening, no matter what time of actually finishing it. None of the chores that should be done was done. So quickly I made a cup of tea, running around to make sure what needs to be done was done. Saw the time! 8:30 Parents are back soon, what can I make really quickly. HMMMM Skype message my friends "Hi, I sort of got carried away with time. I need something quick and easy to cook, any ideas?" One of my friends in Germany called Rachel. Messaged me back, "You can make, penne all'arrabbiata in thirty minutes." She even gave me a link, I had a chili that needs to be used up  and had majority of the ingredients in the house apart from the Pecorino cheese though mature cheddar cheese would do the job. 

MMM.... pasta loaded with cheese!

My adaption to the recipe:

Dash of oil

1 fresh finely chopped chili

1-3 clove of glove finely chopped

1 can of tomatoes (could be chopped or just normal)

1-2 teaspoon of sugar

1 vegetable oxo cube

200g of pasta

Either fresh parsley or dried

Pecorino cheese or any cheese you have

1) Put the kettle on, for the boiling water for pasta and your cup of tea. While the kettle is boiling, put a small pan on  medium heat with a dash of oil, meanwhile put the garlic in a class jar with the lid on, and shake it up and down for around 30 seconds this is to take the skin of the garlic off. Chop the garlic up really finely. If you like your food spicy then just chop chili, whereas if you are like me you just like the flavor of chili but not so much of the kick then remove the seeds out of the chili and wash you hands no touching eyes. They will sting like made, even worse than chopping an onion. The kettle should be boiled, so put that into another saucepan, make your cup of tea. Put the garlic and chili in the saucepan for two minutes or until the garlic is soft and golden, whatever you do, do not let it go burn. It taste revolting! 

2) Put the pasta in the saucepan full of water. 

3) When the chili and garlic turns into that nice golden colour, you put the chopped tomatoes in, if you don't have chopped tomatoes an normal tinned of tomatoes would do. Use scissors to cut the tomatoes up. Season with pepper and salt if you wish, I sometimes find the chopped tomatoes on a sour taste so I put either one teaspoon of sugar in maybe two, with one vegetable oxo cube. You normally dissolve it in boiling water, though sometimes you just want the flavor not the liquid so I find if you grind it with your fingers it does the job. 

4) When the pasta is done to your taste, I like my pasta to be al dente, reserve some of the liquid to add to your sauce this will give the sauce more body because of the starchiness. Add the sauce into the pasta for  minute. 

5) Put your dish in the microwave for a minute,  sprinkle some parsley on your penne all'arrabbiata. If you don't have any fresh parsley you could if you wish use dried and put that in the step three after you put the vegetable oxo cube in. Grate some cheese if you got some Pecorino cheese lurking in the fridge than serve it what that, if not and you just got normal cheese in your fridge use that. 

6) Enjoy you pasta! 

Cuddling up with a book with a hot drink while the fire is on. Digital image. The NBC news. 13 February 2017. Web. 24th November 2017. <www.nbcnews.com>