off on retreat

I am off on retreat in a few hours so I am busy packing. It is lovely sunny day but the forecast is not good so I am pondering which season to pack for?!

It has already been quite a busy day: I have been in my office doing some admin that can't wait till Monday and just been to vote. I also have some shopping to do so I little trip to ASDA's is required and I need a spot of lunch.

So, the next time I write will be back on the Ellen Loudon blog because my diaconate year will be over and I will be a priest! I will, of course, be changing the Ellen Loudon tagline and will be making some changes to the format...but I am not sure exactly when that will happen.

Thanks for all your support and prayers this year...it hasn't been the most straightforward of years but it has been far from dull. Loads of love...Ellen. xxx

mary poppins - Expialidocious

This was twittered to me today...and it is a lovely distraction for a hot summer's day

what a week this is going to be!

So here I am starting my last week before I become a priest (do I really mean 'become' - like I will change into someone new on Sunday? I am not sure? But, I am not sure how else to refer to my 'change'...any ideas do let me know!). Anyway, I am ordained priest on Sunday so this week is a going to be a bit busy. I am in the parish until Thursday lunchtime then off on retreat at teatime until Sunday.

I have a long long list of bits and bobs that need sorting before Sunday though you'll be pleased to know most of them are very superficial and none are theological - they mainly involve cleaning, changing the sheets on the bed, visiting people in hospital and in the sheltered accommodation, going to the hairdresser, meeting Henry for various things, buying black clothes dye to revive my clergy blacks and there is a slim chance that I may go to see Girls Aloud tomorrow night (if my attempt at gegging into the Echo Area pull itself off - though to be honest it is not looking good - but I live in hope).

I have written a brief post for re:jesus about the appearance of Jesus' face in a marmite jar which you may enjoy.

Hope you have a good week.

nasty cough

Sorry to not be blogging this week. The usual excuses...but a few new ones: I had a rather stressful preaching assignment for Thursday for Ascension day - an ecumenical service with Eucharist. I felt under a great deal of pressure to develop some ideas about Christ and the founding of the church - which I think I managed to pull off in the end - but it was touch and go until really the last minute.

Added to this stress I have had a nasty cough for a few weeks and I was starting to get really very tired of all the cough cough coughing. Eventually one of my parishioners suggested going to the local chemist and ask for the pharmacist's special cough medicine - called Black Magic (see above)! Well, I can tell you it has worked a treat...you feel absolutely no pain whatsoever and the cough submits very quickly to the black magic potion (if you click on the image above it gets big enough to see the ingredients of the potion - then you'll know why it is so effective).

Mark and Eva are both away for a few days (Eva in Colomendy of a school trip and Mark up Ben Nevis)...so I am home alone - which is lovely. Off to the supermarket now and then I shall potter about the house, eat cake and prepare myself for an evening of rubbish TV with nobody to fight over the control with (I have 3 episodes of primeval to catch up on).

eurovision

Last night saw a (sort of) return to form for the UK at the Moscow Eurovision...Jane and 'the lord' ALW did very well to achieve 5th place. The winner was Norway...see below:


It sounded great last night but today I am already starting to feel a bit irritated by it...but that's the power of the earworm!

Anyway, I had a great evening twittering away during the event and enjoying each offering as it came to us live. Elise and I had plenty to say throughout and couldn't believe it when the last song ended - it seemed to all pass off very quickly.

I hope Philly J had a great time last night in Moscow. I can't wait to hear about what the live interval act was like in the flesh in the stadium. IT must have been fantastic because it looked pretty amazing on the TV. If you missed it here it is again:

The bells the bells

I had some time off today so went off to Liverpool Anglican Cathedral to hear the bellringers chime out John Lennon's Imagine. It seems an unlikely secular hymn for the Cathedral to choose to launch it's initiative to encourage young people to think creatively. Hailed as "A premiere recital and reinterpretation of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ using the bells of Liverpool’s Anglican cathedral and produced by artist Cleo Evans in collaboration with local change ringers." The event was part of FUTURESONIC (URBANFEST OF ART, MUSIC & IDEAS).

It was actually quite a moving experience and I noticed that a few people were drying away tears. A song of hope but also a song of despair...hearing it being peeled out by the bells and then sung inside the cathedral by children who weren't even born when John Lennon died was strangely haunting.

The event has been 'blessed' by Yoko Ono who wrote to the cathedral:
"The sound of your bells will travel around the world and remind people of John Lennon and his belief that there is an urgent need for world peace… like the church bell in the town, which used to ring as the warning to people about impending disasters like flood and fire!

Thank you for thinking of a very important way of bringing change to the consciousness of the world."

stephen fry's audioboo

becoming slightly obsessed with guessing the QI words...can't work this one out at all!? It begins with G...

Jesus and Martin Luther King

You may well know that I have been blogging for re:jesus for a while. Well, I have been writing a series of conversations between Jesus and famous people. My latest is with Martin Luther King and can be found here...

burials at sea

A modern take on a watery classic.

finding fab faces

Date; Saturday May 2nd 2009

Venue St. Lukes Church & District
AKA The Bombed Out Church

Mission to capture your face, yes, yours...get in to town any time after 01:00pm and meet the fabcollective at St. Lukes. Get your portrait taken for free and then you will be given a card with website details, be a part of our launch event and we'll make you famous...well on the internet at least.

The results...

6 degrees of kevin bacon

I always knew it was true!

punk photographer captures the easter story

We are working on the (post)Easter story in our house groups - these pictures capture the story.

World-renowned photographer Dennis Morris is best known for his iconic 70s images of the Sex Pistols and Bob Marley, so his latest project – for which he has teamed up with the diocese of London – is something of a departure. Working with young people from St Stephen’s and St Mary’s churches in Islington, north London, the photographer has produced a series of shots that mark six key events in the Easter story and which will form part of a teaching resources pack. Morris, who discovered photography as a nine-year-old choirboy in east London, hopes that the images will ‘provoke thought and generate discussion around the significance of Easter’

happy chickens

mini pinch

Eva, mark and I play this game when we are out and about...in the car or walking. If you see a mini you shout "mini-pinch" if you see a yellow car you shout "yellow car". There aren't any prizes and no one is keeping score. It is just the catching them first and shouting loudest that's the fun. Picture the glee at seeing a yellow mini!

Anyway, it seems like everymanandhisdog has got a mini or a yellow car at the moment so you have to be prepared for a lot of shouting whenever we are out.

Well, recently I've started having nicer dreams (having had a few months of rather restless nights) and last night was a lovely night of dreams...all peaceful and calm. Until, I saw a mini...in my dream I saw a mini...and then I shouted "mini pinch" and woke myself up. I was very confused...at first I thought I have fallen asleep at the wheel. But, I was all tucked up and safe.

Ahhhhh.

the week ahead

I have been caught up in activities outside the parish for quite a while now but after Easter I can return to 'normal'. Next week I am marking my return with a week at St Deiniol's to do some work on my PhD. I was fortunate to win a scholarship to spend a week there studying and plan to use this time to complete my second draft of my thesis and chill out a bit. I am rather hoping that there will be some spring days so I can explore the gardens and make a visit to Gladstone's house.

I have made an Easter Sunday posting to the re:jesus blog...Happy Easter!

Good Friday

Sorry not to post here - but I have made a Good Friday contribution to re:jesus...

"No Respect" (Youth Culture) - Laura Walsh

Dream - Guerrilla Worship - Liverpool Flash Mob

the London to New York Tunnel

Is it art?
Is it a tunnel between New York and London?
Is it smoke and mirrors?

Take a look at this link and see what you think!

marching in the rain

I haven't been able to make it to London today but it is great to see so many people marching through London demanding action on poverty, climate change and jobs, ahead of next week's G20 summit. There is some good coverage of the event on the BBC website...including some great photos.

We have had a good day resting, gardening and light shopping at the farmers market on Lark Lane. I am feeling particularly tired and in need of rubbish TV and nibbles. Mark and I had a great evening out last night (which is why I am a bit tired today - not used to late nights and spicy food) with some of the people I was ordained with last June. It was lovely to relax and talk about some oft he adventures we have been having. Mine has been a strange year - with a mix of commitments inside and outside of the parish - not exactly what I had expected from my diaconate year. But, I am looking forward to a more normal parish life after Easter. I am struggling to get my head round being ordained priest in June...but that is still a while off so perhaps it will fall into place before then.

Right, I am off to read a bit of my book and doze on the sofa.

later

I will blog again soon...promise. xxx

sheep and LED's

genius...

margie

Today is Margie's 70th Birthday! Margie is one of my parishioners and very funny. On Sunday she and I sang ABBA's Dancing Queen at the Karaoke and we were great! The picture above was originally posted on Mark's blog but I reproduce it here as a tribute to the marvelous Margie and her 70 years on God's earth.

re:jesus - Jesus and Elvis

My latest re:jesus blog - Conversation between Jesus and Elvis.

funny day

It has been quite an odd day. I am very tired and spent most of the morning either asleep or dozing or reading. Then this afternoon Mark and I went to see the mighty Count Arthur Strong. It was a bit strange going to the theatre in the afternoon but once that was got over we chuckled our way through the Counts recollections of his life at the BBBBC. Very funny.

Eva is at a sleep over so we have the house to ourselves and in true Mark and Ellen style are now busy relaxing in separate rooms! What a funny couple we are...

Anyway, I did watch some Tv tonight - particularly enjoyed the dancing for comic relief...the two final acts were these:





I am off back to bed to read my book - The 19th Wife...I must agree with Richard and Judy on tis one - it's a very enjoyable read.

inside the today programme

A useful insight into the today programme:

review of Liverpool City centre carparks

The New Q-park at Liverpool One...cold and confusing.













One of my favourite carparks is the one on the corner of Islington, opposite the national express bus station. It costs £3.50 all day and the man who organises it is suitably grumpy but he has an amazing way of rationalising the cars. He arranges them by size. The 4x4's are parked in one area, the boring fords and vauxhalls are in another area and the small cars are arranged in the middle island. He insists that you park incredibly close to the car next to you (if you complain he suggests that you go on a diet!). To be honest there is a lot to complain about because his technique is both surly and aggressive but I have a great deal of respect for his commitment to car park arranging and have never seen such efficiency. Even after a bit of back-chat he always says goodbye and wishes you well.

Quite the opposite can be said for the new Q-park at Liverpool One. It is expensive, dangerous and far too big (we lost the car today). I am also not sure that there is enough ventilation - I felt sick trying to find the car! Although I like the John Lewis carpark - bacause you get to use the walkway across the bus station this is also a Q-park and has many of the weaknesses of the Liverpool one. I discovered the other day that they also charge for bicycles which seems to be a bit of a cheek because you can't put them anywhere else in Liverpool One.

I am quite happy to walk in to town and get a bus or taxi back...except when it's raining! Hey ho.

sorry

I have been quite caught up in bits and bobs so am a bit lax on the old blogging here at the moment. I am keeping up my re:jesus blogging commitments and my latest is here...

dead buildings

Thanks to Paddy for this link...amazing, silent and sad dead buildings and other abandoned man-made creations...

morph flash mob

Thanks for Johanna for this link - pure Tony Hartesque genius...

cake

I haven't given up cake for lent...so here is a lovely song about cake that amused me this week.

lent

So, lent is nearly here and I have had a good old think about what to do this year. The Church of England has had the idea to social network this lent and is giving out free tweets and pokes (on facebook) during lent. But, seeing as I am quite socially networked already I can only encourage you to get involved and step up my own activity. You can twitter along with me via the twitter link to your right and I'd love to see you on facebook.

Last year I decided to give up white wine and nibbles for lent and it was very successful. I found that I was more energetic, less tired and even lost a bit of weight. I also found that I actually enjoyed the spiritual discipline of actually purging myself of any residual tendencies to depend on white wine and nibbles for relaxation purposes. So, it had occurred to me that I didn't need that discipline again. But, I have found myself looking forward to it so I am going to give this another go.

The last few years I have also been committed to starting something up during lent. So, this lent I am gong to be more assertive about giving thanks before meals, I have some heart-shaped post-it notes that I am going to distribute liberally with blessings written on them. I have a few other possible start-up plans which I will hopefully let you know about in due course.

Tonight Eva and I have a pancake plan - but Mark is off with Da Boyz so he's going to miss out. Hey ho.

da boyz

It has been a hectic few weeks at Loudon Liverpool HQ because Mark has been working on a piece of community theatre that is touring around some Liverpool youth clubs and community centres called Da Boyz. Our usual casual routine has been shattered as we don't seem to ever be in the house at the same time and we just exchange Eva (or she is in childcare or afterschool clubs). It really has been crazy but there is just one week of shows left then we can get back to spending a bit of time together. We are all quite cream crackered at the moment, the house is a tip and we are eating far too much fast food. Hey ho.

re:jesus - Jesus and Lisa Simpson

My latest re:jesus blog post is a conversation between Jesus and Lisa Simpson. Enjoy.

st john chrysostom

Since I have been living at st john chrysostom vicarage I have been asked a few times who this lesser known saint is...for those of you who would like to know more this site seems to cover most of the basics (and so much more).

darkness

Last year was capital of culture year here in Liverpool. This year it is the year of the environment. The city council published details of the initiative in November last year (more details here) and current plans for 2009 include:

* The introduction of a Green ambassadors programme which will ask everyone, old and young, to sign a pledge committing them to completing tasks to reduce their carbon footprint. These will range from reducing the amount of electricity used at home to planting at least one tree or shrub during the year.
* Hosting special events in each of Liverpool's five neighbourhoods to promote debate about all things environmental.
* Launching the city's very own designer bag for life.
* Dedicating one school day for primary and secondary schools which will focus on green issues and the role young people can play in shaping our future world.
* A celebration event to mark the completion of the £14m regeneration of Stanley Park.
* Events which will encourage residents to get out into their local green spaces and learn more about the environmental wonders of the city's parks and gardens, their history and the impact climate change could have on them.
* A major environmental conference to be held in the city.
* Green Fayres selling organic, locally sourced products to be held across the city throughout the year.
* Encouraging residents to get involved in conservation and become volunteers for their local nature reserves.
* A green pantomime which will get the environmental message across in a fun way.
* Making all city council vehicles, such as waste collection lorries, low-carbon to reduce emissions.

One story that caught my eye this week was that a school in Garston went back in time to see what it was like to live without electricity for a day. The North West tonight report (here) shows how they experienced school like Victorian School children for the day.

We have been looking at the story of creation in our Genesis series of sermons and bible studies over the last few weeks and it has certainly provided me with a lot to reflect on in terms of our responsibilities as stewards of God's creation. It may seem like a small step but I hope that the year of the environment has an impact on the way in which we view the environmental impact of our lives in the city.

that was the week that was

Indeed the week has past far too quickly and it has been quite frustrating. But there have been some highlights:
On Tuesday evening I attended my first Everton Labour Group meeting where I received a cool welcome - good to see that local politics remains as bazaar as always.
On Wednesday I had to go to the Build A Bear Factory with Eva (I have very strong views about 'build a bear' that I can not write here for fear of the legal repercussions suffice to say it took all my strength to step over the thresh-hold and help Eva spend the gift voucher that was given by my Mum). I came home feeling spiritually and financially bereft. Having said that it was compensated by a great housegroup/bible study at mine - we are looking at Genesis at the moment and it provoked an interesting debate about sex, sin and redemption.
On Thursday I had my hair done. Due to my current situation (please contact me in person for details) I am trying to blend in...so I have had my hair cut very sensibly and gone to my natural colour (though a bit of colour was applied to cover my grey hair - getting greyer by the day!!!).
Today I am home early and have, for the first time this week, had some time in my office. I have moved some papers about and faffed about - which is nice.

Anyway, I must go and get Eva now. She has a friend over for tea so I must be on best behaviour.

synod and racism

Having grappled with tackling a friend's racist comments yesterday I am very pleased to hear that synod decided to make clear that ordained or lay ministers should not become members 'of organisations which contradict the duty to promote race equality'...one small step!
For updates on Synod do pop onto the Church Times Blog

racist friend

This was an interesting article about how Jerry Dammers dealt with a racist friend. He speaks about his regret at not challenging his friend and points out that if he had been able to speak to him perhaps he might have altered his behaviour. I guess it is up to each of us to challenge inappropriate behaviour and language whenever we encounter it.

Jesus is a friend of mine

I have had a very stressful few days and it is always good to have music to cheer yourself up...and this definitely cheered me up!

beastie boys

Thanks to Patrick for reminding me that Paul's Boutique has been remastered and all is well...genius. I am sick of hearing about the 'hood but today this picked me up no end. lovely lovely.

washing machine

Well, yet again we are without a washing machine. It is very dead - a bit of the cement bit came off and flew through the drum and pierced it - so we are now at the mercy of the loss adjuster waiting for them to condemn it so we can have the cash and get another one. But, how long do we wait? And how do we do our washing in the meantime? The nearest launderette is miles away and both Mark and I are working full time and we have a baby in the house at the moment so the washing is piling up. So, Mark has gone out to see is some bloke in Kirkdale will sell us his 2nd hand washing machine for £40...that should tied us over. As long as the suspension on our car hold up!

I am very tired - I know that is a familiar mantra but, I am starting to feel the pressure of winter and want spring to be here. So, I am going to have a little read of my book - moved on to Stieg Larsson's 2nd book in the Millennium trilogy - The Girl Who Played with Fire . Anyway, must go and chill because I have 2 more services left today and not much reserve energy.

crepe

I must report that Eva and I had a fab crepe at John Lewis last night - after some gentle shopping because Eva had a filling and was feeling a bit vulnerable. I bought the vase I was after...but haven't had time to unwrap it. Had a mad couple of days and definitely don't feel like I am keeping up with events this week.
Where am I?
Being in my little office blogging is a bit of a sanctuary from the madness out in the real world. Not that I can avoid it. It's just nice every so often to have a bit of a hide to recap and recoup. So, that's what I am doing...sitting in my office sharing my stuff with you and with God.

I am off to Kate's 40th birthday bash soon so I must get some prayers in and then get m glad rags on.

My favourite news report of the day is that Gordon Brown's phone went off while he was addressing political and business leaders in Davos - oh dear...it's not looking good is it!?

out of sorts

I am a little bit out of sorts. I am waiting in for the washing machine man and really want him to get here so I can get out the house. The washing machine blew up again on Monday and I do not deal with this sort of thing very well - as regular readers will recall. Also, I have to take Eva to the dentist later and I know I am going to be in trouble again because I am pretty sure she has a black tooth (I just hope it is a baby tooth!). It seems that no matter how few sweets she eats (she has sweets on Fridays) and how often she cleans her teeth (twice a day) she has bad teeth. I am going to have to ask for further professional advice and I may have to ask the dentist to not be quite so nice and tell her like it is...which I am not looking forward to at all.

I have, however, managed to clear my desk of all things except sorting out my receipts for the tax man. I hate this job - all money matters fill me with horror and sorting out receipts seems to be so cruel. I can't really explain why I hat it so but just moaning about it is putting it off for a bit longer so that is a small piece of happiness.

I might take Eva out for a crepe at John Lewis after the dentist just to cheer us up. I might even splash out and spend my Christmas vouchers on a vase. Anyway, best get on with the receipt chore - I am sure I will feel better after it's done and I will then deserve a crepe!

My favourite news story of the day is of the Armarna Princess the fake Egyptian statue which was bought by Bolton Museum a few years back and they have rather boldly put on display again but as a 'beautiful fake' - good on them!

bits and bobs

I am just off to PCC so I can only fit in a few observations...

It took me nearly 30mins to get to church down the road at St Peter's (a 5mins drive normally!) last night because of the Liverpool: Everton Derby game. The traffic was crazy and made much worse by foolish driving. If only curates could have a lights on their cars (what colour would be appropriate) to get passed all the fuss when it is church time. "Move along young man I am a curate don't you know I have a church service to lead" But, sadly I have no traffic rights with my collar on that without. hey ho...

I am doing quite a lot of walking at the moment and there seems a steady increase in dog poo in the area.

I am really enjoying The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - well worth a read if you like modern crime thrillers.

I am loving the 15 mins extra light of an evening.

Anway, I must dash - and put the heating on in church...

barack's bible

Barack Obama had to re-swear the oath of allegiance but there wasn't a bible to hand! According to the Mirror (which I am reading daily for educational purposes at the moment). So they had to improvise. Apparently, Barack had packed his away for the move to the Whitehouse and the special one that usually does the job had been returned to the museum. I wonder how many of us can't find our bibles to do our swearing? If anyone is at a loss I have 15 Good News versions in my office used for Homegroup, 2 NIV's (one given to me by the bishop at ordination), 3 NRSV's, I Jerusalem, 1 Living, 2 King James (I being the family bible, the other being my baptism bible), one that is of unknown translation, 1 Word on the Street (does that count?), and a Message...if only Barack had known.

Whilst I am on the subject of Barack (I think as we now twitter together we are now on first name terms!?) Jonny Baker has written a great blog about his networking skills in the 0tees...the Social Pulpit is worth a read.

re:jesus - Jesus and Karl Marx

Sorry to be absent from here but I have been blogging at re:jesus - here is my latest offering - Conversations with Jesus - Jesus and Karl Marx.

Mrs Beamish

I have been sent this by a fellow curate...having had a 'moment' during the peace this morning it rings a strange bell.

secret platform below grand central station

This intrigued me when I saw it today - news of a secret railway platform.

re:jesus - Coronation Street Cross

My latest posting for re:jesus...

Morrissey

For goodness sake someone love Morrisey will you...it's got so bad he's throwing his arms around Paris cos only stone and steel accept his love...well, he made me laugh out loud with his joyful moaning (and his fab catching of the tambourine) . Anyway, I am off to Paris to give him a big hug.

Eva's letter to Santa

Mark was cleaning Eva's bedroom today and found this letter to Santa on her window-sill. It is an extra-ordinary insight into her inner world and it made tears come out my eyes and my heart ached a little (if you click on it it will get bigger!)...

trinity media

Have branched out to on-line MP3's (thanks for the tip Jon) and it's very exciting...

New Calvinists

Fascinating article on Mars Hill church, Seattle found in the New York Times...

ordination tips

me and my fellow deacons on ordination day!







I was asked today if I had any tips about ordination/starting a curacy. Having had a little think here they are:

- get to know the people who are responsible for your house - we have had a terrible time sorting out the building and it really needed careful negotiation

- set boundaries about answering the door/phone asap...I live in a vicarage and get a lot of cold calls...I wish I had been clearer about when I would answer, what I would have ready for people (food parcels etc) and how I would deal with emergencies (don't assume your parish/incumbent has a policy)

- find a spiritual adviser or someone outside of the parish to speak to about stuff (concerns, spiritual blockages, irritating situations etc etc)

- be prepared to be as flexible as possible over as much as possible - choose to 'debate' only things that are really important to you...

- when you first start it might feel a bit slow - enjoy the slow bit because it gets busy!

- finals, finishing essays, finishing college, leaving college friends, moving, getting family settled, sorting the house, meeting new people, getting ready for retreat, doing retreat, the ordination service etc is all very very tiring - a roller-coaster you have to get on and just hold on tight . There is a period of time when you feel very special (and you are, we all are in God's sight!) but it is important to know that that feeling is not going to last and not to give yourself a hard time when it calms down and (possibly) you don't feel so great about yourself for a bit - it happened to me about 3 days after ordination. It does pass but it was quite painful - I actually felt bereaved. It is ok to have a little cry and a large g&t (or cake or whatever)!

- try to keep in touch with a few theological college friends and keep the network going - great for mutual support and a sounding board

- be very very loving to your family, friends and supporters because they are as exhausted as you but don't get all the attention at ordination.

- if people say 'what would you like as an ordination present' say 'book tokens'.

- make sure you go for a wee before the ordination service starts - it's a long service and you'll be wearing strange clothes for the first time.

- don't wear new shoes for ordination.


So, I hope that helps!?

Christmas - what's the point?

I know it's a bit late but this amused me...

God versus the Advertising Standards Authority
Uploaded by TimClague

ps sorry I am back to links and very little comment...I promise I will explain my lack of interweb attention when I can!

U2

Mark sent me this...to cheer me up...and it did!



"I'm touching Edge's bum" nearly finished me off!

new year - same old me!

The Gaffer Tape that is holding me together!





I am afraid my blogging is slowing down again mainly due to my schedule being completely bonkers. I am being pulled in two different directions at the moment with work commitments and am failing to fill in the gaps. Great big nasty holes are appearing in my world and I haven't the time to sort them out (guess that's what gaffer tape is for)...hey ho.

In order to try to speed things up I have decided to try to twitter (see new widget to the right) but so far I am not even managing to keep that up.

That said I do have some new year resolutions (intentions) to offer:
- Finish PhD (really this has to be done by this summer)
- do more re:jesus blogging
- get (much more) stuck into parish life
- become a priest (in June, I hope)
- find out how to fill in a tax return
- fill in a tax return
- send tax return off
- spend more time with my friends (but not until I finish my PhD!)
- be a more tolerant family member (probably not going to progress this until the PhD is finished but I will at least have a go)

Anyway, best go and do some of the above...

Happy New Year!