Blogmas - Day 5 - Gospel Choir Service & Christmas Cocktails

Gospel Choir in CCCU Chapel

So myself and my friend Becks are in the Gospel Choir. It's not only students that are in it but lecturers and people from other places.

We had such a great time. We sang a lot of songs by Kirk Franklin (the King composer of Gospel music)

My favourites were "Now Behold The Lamb", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "Reign", "Joy to the World" and "Mary Did You Know". Our conductor also sang us a song with his guitar. I could see my housemates and friends standing up and sing Joy to the World with us. I was really in my element, smiling down at them. It was really something like out of 'Sister Act'. Our conductor was sprinting down the aisle and clapping to the audience. Seriously was a fun night to remember.

Afterwards, myself and my friends went out for a few cocktails and played a bit of pool. I of course went for the cocktails that had more of the percentage of alcohol, compared to the rest of the others. We hadn't been out in a while seeing as we are seriously feeling the nerves getting to us now with everything such as assignments, exams, placement and work. We're all a bunch of busy bees dying to get home and to finally have a break over the Christmas.

The Gospel choir is something of which that I happened to commit myself to, simply because the people are lovely and some that I've met have real soul and passion for music. Every rehearsal that we have, our conductor makes us laugh so so much.

My good friend Becks did a solo in "Now Behold the Lamb"... I still get teary when I hear her sing. If you could just see her, you'd agree that she is just so amazing! Our conductor said that this song will be hers for the next 3 years. 'Proud' doesn't even cover it!

I know this is supposed to be a countdown for Christmas Day but I am actually counting down to the 17th - the day I arrive in Dublin.

11 Days left guys!

Festive Feelings :: 10 :: Music Bringing Memories at Christmas Time!

Music makes everything even more special at Christmas.

I love how it brings memories of the times when I danced in the lounge area in my old house. Well it wasn't dancing, just spinning in circles to the music and had the heat from the range blaring at me.

I have many favourite tunes, but 'The Fairytale of New York' will always be my favourite. I love the traditional Irish instruments in the song. Even though it has plenty of swear words, it for me shows honesty. No mushy stuff. There are lots of ups and downs at Christmas. Fights about the dinner arrangements.

'Rocking Around The Christmas Tree' brings back memories of my dad cooking in the kitchen. 'Driving Home For Christmas' is the song I have a brief flashback to when I was little, sitting in the car, looking out at the Christmas lights on the streets in Dublin.

Even with the most more newish songs, like Michael Bubles, 'Santa Clause is Coming to Town', his voice is replaced with my friend Edel. I can always hear her singing it, with the twists in the songs melody. Music makes me happier. There's no song that gives me bad memories, which is one of the things that I love about music.

Since I've been alone these past few days, I've been listening to my new album 'Christmas at Downton Abbey'. It's been lovely. My favourite is 'In The Bleak Midwinter' by a wonderful, joyful choir. It reminds me of the time when I sang in an all girl choir recital in a hotel back in Ireland. My Gran, brother, mum and dad were all sitting in the crowd. It has always been a favourite of mine, especially as it was the first time I sang in front of a big crowd.

Are there any songs that mean something special to you? Do you feel that they can provide you with happy memories of Christmas?

Thankful Thursday

Hello All.

Doing this post pretty last minute and my excuse being: there was sun shining around all day. 

The picture above is of my Grandmothers gate down at the end of the road. On a grey day it can really brighten up the place. And seeing it brings back memories of me walking down to her house at night, or of feeding the horses over the gate.

I spent today cleaning, which is nice from time to time. I went to our churches graveyard mass, meeting the friendly neighbors and spent some time with my Mums friend, whom happens to be my Godmother, and her kids. It was just so nice being outside with everyone, grateful for the beautiful day we all happened to have.

My 'Thankful Thursday'

Midnight jogging

Tea

Going back time with old family photo albums

Listening to some old tunes with Dad at night - Elvis Costello, Aslan... the usual Dads-thinking-they're-in-a-band music.

Cafe trips with Mum

Seeing the contestants from the 'Rose of Tralee'

Audrey Hepburn Movies - Roman Holiday, Funny Face. I preferred Roman Holiday, even though it really does have a sad ending of a couple being torn apart.

Sunday breakfast in my Granduncles pub - seeing the family and holding my little cousin Maddie (when a baby doesn't cry, IT'S AMAZING!! Heehee)

I hope everyone had an enjoyable week and that you all have an equally great weekend. I myself am hoping to have a very happy weekend, full of love, cake (if I'm lucky) and quality time with my Dad and his family :) *Bring on the 'AWWs'*

Thankful Thursday

Hello hello, to everyone out there in the whole wild wide world!

Apart from getting sick and having to work while being sick, my week went quite alright. Tuesday was the first night in a long time, where I slept happily and comfortably. I'm hoping to get news back on my blood tests tomorrow at the GP's, so here's hoping that I'm okay.

The week really had me drained. But there were times when I did feel ever so happy.

Thankful Thursday

Having the uncontrollable desire to sing 'Happy' - Pharrell Williams, with being asked out for drinks (personally I think the restaurant that I work in, should be a whore house! All the staff do is flirt with one another. But it does bring tears of laughter and joy to my donkey featured face.

Antibiotics - Doctors orders! Penicillin is what has been getting me back into shape! Not trying to advertise drugs here people, but it is in its way making me happy with reaching to a better recovery.

Playing peeka-boo and confessions at College - our canteen has been turned into some sort of timber boxes / plasterboard maze. It's fun with being able to jump out at complete strangers and to not be afraid that they'll come find you.

Midnight snapchats with my great friend Cillian. It's difficult to contain my laughter with the fella, from just a single picture.

Soccer Aid - my brothers commentary is funny to listen to. He questions himself, which is more entertaining than the match at times.

Carnivals, McDonalds & flat shoes.

Day time naps.

Coldplay & Ed Sheerans new albums - just unbelievable!

Graham Nortan & Coronation Street

Just think people, next Thursday will be my final Thankful Thursday post here in Britain until next September.

Thanks for reading sheepys,

30 Day Snap #9 | Jogging in the Woodlands

I was feeling so terribly off yesterday. I felt as though procrastinating was boring. I felt as though I wanted to take out some of my stress, anxiety, whatever... the emotions that were wanting to burst out from me, with jogging. Even with feeling so drained, I just wanted to get out of the house and feel better. I knew that I would disappoint myself if I allowed myself to feel unhappy.

I made myself get all geared up for a jog. I went out to the nearby woods and had 'Coldplays' new album blasting in my ears. Just when I knew I was alone I ran like a wild lunatic through the little path ways, as though I was running away from someone. There were times when I would glance behind me to see whether I was being followed... scary, I know!

I felt so exhilarated out there. The traffic could still be heard, but I eliminated it's horrific noises with music and the sound of my own heart thumping. Regretfully, I could have chosen a better day to go jogging. There was some rays of sunlight to be seen, but it was such a stuffy, claustrophobic day, making it harder to breath when racing through the trees.

I used to at one time in my life take my anger out on my brother, yes I was a terrible sister, you don't know how I regret it now. But now he's bigger than me, so he's usually the one bugging me. Fair enough. I had such anger management issues a few years back and having jogging now in my life really has made such a difference in my life. The pain I feel from jogging, with breathing, is something I can control. I like to know I can control pain. Having it as well, is just a way of letting go. It's a great stress relief!

How do you like to let go of your emotions... nothing so dirty now! But when you feel as though you need to unwind yourself, what does it for you?

Lots of luvin',

30 Day Snap #16 | Miss my Guitar

Hey my fellow marshmallows, 

I'm sorry about being sooooo late with this blog post, but I've been chatting to my bff about her holiday in luxembourg... just chatting for a few hours, as you do... (well it's tradition for us), and immediately talking to her, I think of music, our passion for it, and of how I miss it so much... I miss my guitar and piano, and being able to sing with no people around.

ah well, Im looking forward to getting back to my music :)

30 Day Snap #11 | Out Strolling

Hi everyone!

 Well todays picture is just of me out walking before. I love going for strolls with my iPod. It's perfect for just thinking. Music is just great for whatever mood you may be in. Today I was in a calm mood, listening to 'Birdy' and 'Christina Perri', it's difficult though to be careful while walking, especially with being on the main road. So a little advice, try not dancing to Michael Jackson when walking, otherwise you'll be doing the moonwalk towards a truck.

I spent most of the day chatting to my Best Pal before her big trip to Luxembourg, so cool and I think I may have had 7 cups of tea today... Oopsie :) Well what can i say, I love muh tea!

Does anyone dance while they're walking, if so, I love it :D Heehee!

30 Day Snap #8 | Summer Fair

Bonjour mes amis,

 Well I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. I thought I'd love going places the whole time but hey back home in Ireland I'm not used to it. I usually just stay home one or two days of the week. So... I'M EXHAUSTED LIKE! But a cup of tea lifts my spirit.

I went to a Summer Fair today and met some people that were friendly and interesting. Some kid hit my cousins face so I got protective and went looking for the kid, heehee. There was a jazz band playing as well, sorta cool :)

And I found the most loveliest tea sets... I actually thought about stealing them... I know I'm awful! Stealing a cup! What if I was caught?

Send on your blog links if you like, cos I'm looking around later on to see what everyone is at.

My Love for Beyonces Music

She's the person I go to when I'm feeling up or down... so she is an idol of mine. Hopefully one day I will get to see her :) 'Resentment' and 'Flaws and All' are absolute favorites of mine. She has this passion that not many artists do have. She would be the role model of Artists of whom I would love to be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3-s_EgTvss