Making money hand over fist.

I found another interesting article on the BBC today - here. I know there's a desperate shortage of sperm and egg donors and many many people desperate for children, so I can understand why NHS Grampian has gone down this route.

But, the first thing that came in to my mind wasn't how altruistic the gesture is or how important donated sperm and eggs are for research, but how men could get cash per my blog title!!!

Of Otters and Minis

I'm a sucker for a cute animal story. I read this on the BBC newsite. Very cute, especially the photos!

Sad, Sad, Sad

My husband and I don't watch TV, but there are some programs we miss. Thank God for DVDs and the BBC iplayer!

Last week we finished watching Doctor Who series 4. I love the Doctor. Who else could save the universe with a tardis, sonic screw driver and psychic paper???

David Tennant's made the role his own. For many of us who remember it first time round, Tom Baker was the definitive Doctor. I don't know, in many ways I think David Tennant eclipses him.

I have a friend who is friends with David Tennant's Dad and I keep trying to get her to get me his signature. No joy; she won't ask for her kids! She does remember Sandy MacDonald talking about his struggling actor son. Well, he may be famous now, but the struggle goes on.

The thing that makes me sad, other than realising I cry at the end of series 2 and 4 and can quote verbatim some of the scenes, is on the night we finished the 4th series, I dreamt a sermon, based on the adventures of the Doctor. This is disturbing for many reasons, including:

1. Only children are supposed to dream about TV.
2. I've never preached a sermon in my life.
3. A Doctor Who based sermon!!!
4. I can remember it vividly - I never remember dreams.

Strangely, though, I remember when I was a kid my then minister doing a Doctor Who children's address. I can't remember what the message was, but I remember how cool I thought my minister was for that.

Well, on the back of the dream, I started writing a sermon. All I have to do is find a time when it would be appropriate and bible readings which would tie in with the message of the sermon.

I really need to get out more!!!

Supervisory Blues (2)

I've now had a reply from my presbytery rep. I thought the rep was to help out if you had issues. Okay, so it may be I have had issues with my supervisor's style, but I know that isn't something I need to bother the rep with, as it's all part of the learning process. I would have thought my supervisor being off-sick for at least 2 weeks is something the rep should be helping me with.

She didn't seemed too worried. I was supposed to be meeting with her and my supervisor tomorrow and suggested to her we could possibly meet without him. She thought I didn't need to meet with both pf them at the same time, but thought best if my supervisor was there as he knows my progress.

I also asked what would happen if my supervisor were to be off longer term. The way his Dad was talking, that may be the case. She just said something about she was sure my supervisor would keep 121 informed and they would arrange something.

So, if the rep doesn't know what happens in this situation and defaults responsibility to 121, what is the point of the presbytery rep? From all the paperwork I have from 121, the impression I had was this was exactly the situation where I needed them.

I really hope my supervisor isn't off any longer, but I contacted my rep to tentatively set up a vague "what if" back up. Looks like that isn't happening. I think I'll speak to my friend who is (or used to be) on the ministries council and knows the set up of the CFA. Maybe she can help. I know the people at 121 are lovely, but a little slow to put things in place. I'm worried this may delay the whole process and the opportunity for selection conference this year will be gone.

An I making a mountain out of a mole hill? Possibly. And, if everything is delayed, I'm sure it will be for a reason.

Supervisory Blues

My supervisor has been signed off sick for at least 2 weeks. I was speaking to his Dad this morning (who was doing the service). Apparently he's been doing too much and it was all getting on top of him. Not good news and I, of course, passed on my best.

I must admit, when I discovered my supervisor was also training a reader, I did wonder how he could have enough time for us both, never mind performing his day to day ministerial duties. I did bring that up during my extending enquiry and at the beginning of the CFA.

Now, from a purely selfish point of view, I'm concerned how this leaves me. I currently have no supervisor. I have e-mailed my presbytery rep to let them know the situation and get some guidance. Hopefully they will be able to give me some guidance/help in the meantime.

That all said, I pray my supervisor has a speedy recovery and God will help him and his family through this time.