Success...
Thanksgiving dinner went over really well! The pumpkin pie was gorgeous, and the rest of the meal was really good as well. We watched the misionaries tuck in to the food, and they told us that they had both gained about 30 pounds since they'd been on their missions. It reminded me of another success--I've lost 15 pounds since we got here! Maybe not after that dinner, but still, that's cool.
Martin and I had some small success in the family history area as well. Last night we went over to Beverley. It's a groovy little city in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Not only is it a great market town, but it is also the parish headquarters for the Church of England in the area. One of my ancestors was born in Hull, and my grandma has been unable to find out his parents' names. We looked at microfiche last night until our eyes were blurry, and we couldn't find Edward Lofley. But we DID find what looks like his brothers and sisters. We can't confirm that yet, but it was really exciting to catch a glimpse and at least have a maybe where before there was nothing.
Isn't it funny how we always want to succeed? Failure makes you feel so empty and worthless, and it's terrifying to think that you weren't able to make something happen. But those failures stack up on each other, and eventually we succeed because of them.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving!
Well, sort of anyway! I haven't worked on Thanksgiving day since the last time I lived in England, 4 years ago. This day is supposed to be all about family, so I am actually a little bit sad. But we are celebrating on Saturday with Martin's family. Plus, we've invited the missionaries over. One of the Elders is from Utah (Harriman, for any of you who know where that is), and this is his first Thanksgiving away from home. I thought it might be nice for him to be able to celebrate with us.
This will be the first time I have cooked my own Thanksgiving dinner, and I'm a little bit nervous about it. Martin has taken some time off work, so he did all the grocery shopping. I'm taking tomorrow off work and we are going to do all the prep work (plus sleep in, if you want a little honesty) so we only have to cook on the day. We had quite a job trying to find a pumpkin at this time of year. We checked every grocery store in town earlier this week. Martin finally found one at the market, so I am making a home-made pumpkin pie for the first time ever tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
Anyway, we are both doing well. Martin is enjoying his time off, though yesterday it was too foggy for him to go golfing. He's going today instead, and then he's going to Hull to play in a five-a-side soccer tournament with work. I've opted out of sitting and watching him in the freezing cold, and will be going to ward choir practice instead.
I've been sick for a few days as well, and I thought it was just a cold. It turns out that it was my asthma as well. It's strange, because I can never tell when I'm having an asthma attack. Back home it was immediately obvious because I couldn't breathe at all. Here at sea level, there's so much more oxygen, I can still breathe--just not as well. It only dawned on me this morning that maybe I should use my inhaler because I didn't feel that short of breath. I'll learn.
Martin and I went in yesterday to have our tests done for the fertility clinic, and I was very pleasantly surprised with the efficiency in the pathology lab at the hospital. It was actually faster than having bloodwork done in a U.S. hospital. Sure, I had to take a number and wait, but they were fast and efficient. And they said that my doctor in Scunthorpe should have the test results within 3-4 working days. We are almost on our way to having a baby!
Well, sort of anyway! I haven't worked on Thanksgiving day since the last time I lived in England, 4 years ago. This day is supposed to be all about family, so I am actually a little bit sad. But we are celebrating on Saturday with Martin's family. Plus, we've invited the missionaries over. One of the Elders is from Utah (Harriman, for any of you who know where that is), and this is his first Thanksgiving away from home. I thought it might be nice for him to be able to celebrate with us.
This will be the first time I have cooked my own Thanksgiving dinner, and I'm a little bit nervous about it. Martin has taken some time off work, so he did all the grocery shopping. I'm taking tomorrow off work and we are going to do all the prep work (plus sleep in, if you want a little honesty) so we only have to cook on the day. We had quite a job trying to find a pumpkin at this time of year. We checked every grocery store in town earlier this week. Martin finally found one at the market, so I am making a home-made pumpkin pie for the first time ever tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
Anyway, we are both doing well. Martin is enjoying his time off, though yesterday it was too foggy for him to go golfing. He's going today instead, and then he's going to Hull to play in a five-a-side soccer tournament with work. I've opted out of sitting and watching him in the freezing cold, and will be going to ward choir practice instead.
I've been sick for a few days as well, and I thought it was just a cold. It turns out that it was my asthma as well. It's strange, because I can never tell when I'm having an asthma attack. Back home it was immediately obvious because I couldn't breathe at all. Here at sea level, there's so much more oxygen, I can still breathe--just not as well. It only dawned on me this morning that maybe I should use my inhaler because I didn't feel that short of breath. I'll learn.
Martin and I went in yesterday to have our tests done for the fertility clinic, and I was very pleasantly surprised with the efficiency in the pathology lab at the hospital. It was actually faster than having bloodwork done in a U.S. hospital. Sure, I had to take a number and wait, but they were fast and efficient. And they said that my doctor in Scunthorpe should have the test results within 3-4 working days. We are almost on our way to having a baby!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Finally, a Saturday at home!
I have a few minutes today because Martin isn't working and we have nothing planned. Well, not entirely true. We don't have a long drive planned. We are spending the whole day just bumming around Grimsby.
This morning we are going to buy some paint for our bedroom and some plastic stuff to put in our windows (in a desparate attempt to keep our house warmer). I'm going to get a hanging basket for our courtyard, and maybe we'll get a TV stand. Pretty soon our house is going to look like a home!
I tried to take a picture of the house earlier this morning, but our digital camera has a serious aversion to sub-zero temperatures, and it is FREEZING outside--literally. We had our first hard frost two nights ago, and it was nasty. However, I still maintain that cold and wet doesn't feel as bad as cold and dry!
One thing that I find really cool about winters over here is the fog. Because of the ocean currents, the sea is much warmer on a cold night than the land and air are. This usually means that a heavy mist develops over the sea, and since we are coastal here, that heavy fog moves in and settles over everything. I thought I understood fog from driving over the Utah mountains in snow storms, but this fog is so thick you can almost taste it. England should be famous for it's "pea-soupers." You literally can't see more than 2 feet in front of you sometimes!
Anyway, I need to get ready to go out shopping this morning. But here's an idea for anyone who wants to send us a Christmas care package. I want yarn, the soft, silky, thick kind, so I can make myself some hats and scarfs and mittens! I also want Stephen's gourmet sipping hot chocolate, preferably the vanilla kind. It's kind of bulky, I know. But you could take it out of the tub and put it in a zip-lock bag. PLEASE?!?
I have a few minutes today because Martin isn't working and we have nothing planned. Well, not entirely true. We don't have a long drive planned. We are spending the whole day just bumming around Grimsby.
This morning we are going to buy some paint for our bedroom and some plastic stuff to put in our windows (in a desparate attempt to keep our house warmer). I'm going to get a hanging basket for our courtyard, and maybe we'll get a TV stand. Pretty soon our house is going to look like a home!
I tried to take a picture of the house earlier this morning, but our digital camera has a serious aversion to sub-zero temperatures, and it is FREEZING outside--literally. We had our first hard frost two nights ago, and it was nasty. However, I still maintain that cold and wet doesn't feel as bad as cold and dry!
One thing that I find really cool about winters over here is the fog. Because of the ocean currents, the sea is much warmer on a cold night than the land and air are. This usually means that a heavy mist develops over the sea, and since we are coastal here, that heavy fog moves in and settles over everything. I thought I understood fog from driving over the Utah mountains in snow storms, but this fog is so thick you can almost taste it. England should be famous for it's "pea-soupers." You literally can't see more than 2 feet in front of you sometimes!
Anyway, I need to get ready to go out shopping this morning. But here's an idea for anyone who wants to send us a Christmas care package. I want yarn, the soft, silky, thick kind, so I can make myself some hats and scarfs and mittens! I also want Stephen's gourmet sipping hot chocolate, preferably the vanilla kind. It's kind of bulky, I know. But you could take it out of the tub and put it in a zip-lock bag. PLEASE?!?
Thursday, November 17, 2005
We have finally got internet access!
Of course, more importantly, we also have a phone (and a telly, for Martin)! Anyone who wants to call us, just e-mail me and I will give you the number. Don't worry--an international call doesn't have to be cost prohibitive. Martin and I used 10-10-987 and it was actually less expensive than calling across the state. 30 cents to connect, and 3 cents per minute.
Life in England has been getting steadily better and better since we got into our little Hogpenny Cottage. Of course, the day to day things like work and doing dishes are still the same, but what I thought would happen already has--I feel like we finally have a home. Our house IS about the size of a postage stamp (it's smaller than the one in Cedar City, for any of you who saw that one), but it is charming. If I can find our digital camera this morning I will take a few photos of it.
In other good news--Martin and I got our referral to the fertility clinic! They've been in touch via post, and we are going in to have some more tests done early next week. By law, we have to be seen within 13 weeks of our doctor receiving our test results, so we will be having our first appointment in less than 4 months' time. That wasn't as long as I thought it would be. Keeping in mind, of course, that the 4 months is a MAXIMUM! We could actually be seen a lot sooner than that. Fingers crossed everyone.
Martin is still frustrated at work. He is having a hard time adjusting to how his company is run here versus the U.S. Some days are better than others, but Martin is usually so easy going about everything and he's not right now. He's currently looking for something new, even if he just transfers to a different office. My job, on the other hand, keeps getting better and better. Yesterday was a great day for me--hardly any mistakes, and I knew what I was doing virtually the whole day! They've also asked me to stay on until after Christmas, and if my position goes full time I am virtually guaranteed to get the job. That would mean a pay raise and benefits, which I am thrilled about!
So that's the update in a nut shell. Now that we have internet again, I'll go back to posting more regularly. Remember to e-mail me for our phone number, and when you do call, remember that we are seven hours ahead of you!
Of course, more importantly, we also have a phone (and a telly, for Martin)! Anyone who wants to call us, just e-mail me and I will give you the number. Don't worry--an international call doesn't have to be cost prohibitive. Martin and I used 10-10-987 and it was actually less expensive than calling across the state. 30 cents to connect, and 3 cents per minute.
Life in England has been getting steadily better and better since we got into our little Hogpenny Cottage. Of course, the day to day things like work and doing dishes are still the same, but what I thought would happen already has--I feel like we finally have a home. Our house IS about the size of a postage stamp (it's smaller than the one in Cedar City, for any of you who saw that one), but it is charming. If I can find our digital camera this morning I will take a few photos of it.
In other good news--Martin and I got our referral to the fertility clinic! They've been in touch via post, and we are going in to have some more tests done early next week. By law, we have to be seen within 13 weeks of our doctor receiving our test results, so we will be having our first appointment in less than 4 months' time. That wasn't as long as I thought it would be. Keeping in mind, of course, that the 4 months is a MAXIMUM! We could actually be seen a lot sooner than that. Fingers crossed everyone.
Martin is still frustrated at work. He is having a hard time adjusting to how his company is run here versus the U.S. Some days are better than others, but Martin is usually so easy going about everything and he's not right now. He's currently looking for something new, even if he just transfers to a different office. My job, on the other hand, keeps getting better and better. Yesterday was a great day for me--hardly any mistakes, and I knew what I was doing virtually the whole day! They've also asked me to stay on until after Christmas, and if my position goes full time I am virtually guaranteed to get the job. That would mean a pay raise and benefits, which I am thrilled about!
So that's the update in a nut shell. Now that we have internet again, I'll go back to posting more regularly. Remember to e-mail me for our phone number, and when you do call, remember that we are seven hours ahead of you!
Monday, November 07, 2005
The Gilberts have a new home!
Martin and I moved in to Hogpenny Cottage on Friday night, and it is wonderful! Martin and I are both really pleased with our decision to move there. It was especially wonderful when it came time to go to church and we only had to leave 10 minutes early instead of 30. The neighborhood is really quiet and it feels really safe, which is a good thing in Grimsby. Parts of it are really rough.
So here's the complete new address:
Martin & Jamie Gilbert
Hogpenny Cottage, 43A
Algernon Street
Grimsby, Lincs
DN32 9QS
England
We don't have our phone hooked up yet, but I'll get the number to everyone when that's available. We obviously don't have internet yet as our phone line isn't up yet, so that means I won't be posting to the blog very much--just when I can sneak a few minutes at work. And absolutely no pictures, unfortunately. But I am taking a lot of pictures so I can show everyone what our house is like. Hang in there--I will post them eventually.
Martin and I took a trip to Preston on Saturday and went to the temple. I love the Preston Temple--it is so beautiful and peaceful. I don't know why, but it seems so much more quiet than the St. George temple. There is usually an interesting mix of people there as well.
We also bought a second car last week. It's another used one, but this one is nicer than our Seat. It's a Ford Mondeo, white, and it is very comfortable. It's a turbo diesel and gets about 50+ miles to the gallon.
In one week we've gone from living with the parents and making due with one vehicle to our own house and one car each. It feels like we are finally getting on our feet again, but boy are we ever broke!
Martin and I moved in to Hogpenny Cottage on Friday night, and it is wonderful! Martin and I are both really pleased with our decision to move there. It was especially wonderful when it came time to go to church and we only had to leave 10 minutes early instead of 30. The neighborhood is really quiet and it feels really safe, which is a good thing in Grimsby. Parts of it are really rough.
So here's the complete new address:
Martin & Jamie Gilbert
Hogpenny Cottage, 43A
Algernon Street
Grimsby, Lincs
DN32 9QS
England
We don't have our phone hooked up yet, but I'll get the number to everyone when that's available. We obviously don't have internet yet as our phone line isn't up yet, so that means I won't be posting to the blog very much--just when I can sneak a few minutes at work. And absolutely no pictures, unfortunately. But I am taking a lot of pictures so I can show everyone what our house is like. Hang in there--I will post them eventually.
Martin and I took a trip to Preston on Saturday and went to the temple. I love the Preston Temple--it is so beautiful and peaceful. I don't know why, but it seems so much more quiet than the St. George temple. There is usually an interesting mix of people there as well.
We also bought a second car last week. It's another used one, but this one is nicer than our Seat. It's a Ford Mondeo, white, and it is very comfortable. It's a turbo diesel and gets about 50+ miles to the gallon.
In one week we've gone from living with the parents and making due with one vehicle to our own house and one car each. It feels like we are finally getting on our feet again, but boy are we ever broke!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Smudge--
No, he's not our dog. Smudge is the Gilbert family dog--they got him when Martin was about 13 or so. He's the dumbest animal I've ever seen, but he's so good natured and loving. Martin would like us to get a dog, but I told him we can't have one until we have a baby as it is approximately the same level of committment!
Lots of stuff has happened over the last week or so. First things first--Martin and I have a house to live in now! Our new address will be:
Hogpenny Cottage, #43A
Algernon Street
Grimsby
Lincolnshire
I don't know the post code yet. It'll be DN32 6 something something. Apparently the last two digits of your post code are VERY specific--they tell where you are within about two houses. I'll keep everyone posted. I don't know what our new phone number will be yet. Later!
We went to Ikea and bought a bed, and now we have all the essentials--sofa, TV, bed, nightstands, table, chairs, etc. We even have a microwave (luxury!). They're not as nice as what we had before, with the exception of our new mattress, but we'll gradually get nicer things. The important thing right now is having a place of our own.
Speaking of Ikea, I'd never been before, and it was an experience. We rented a huge van from Enterprise and drove to Leeds. Once we were there, we spent about 3 1/2 hours just wandering around their showroom. That place is enormous! We were both a little shell-shocked when we got out, it was that exhausting.
We drove to Scunthorpe and saw a movie in town, and we didn't park in our usual place as the van was too big to fit in the multi story car park. When we got back to the van we discovered it had been broken in to. Luckily, nothing was stolen. But we did have to drive around with no window for another day, and it rained! We called the police, and they basically told us we shouldn't have parked there. This area has a really high crime rate!
No, he's not our dog. Smudge is the Gilbert family dog--they got him when Martin was about 13 or so. He's the dumbest animal I've ever seen, but he's so good natured and loving. Martin would like us to get a dog, but I told him we can't have one until we have a baby as it is approximately the same level of committment!
Lots of stuff has happened over the last week or so. First things first--Martin and I have a house to live in now! Our new address will be:
Hogpenny Cottage, #43A
Algernon Street
Grimsby
Lincolnshire
I don't know the post code yet. It'll be DN32 6 something something. Apparently the last two digits of your post code are VERY specific--they tell where you are within about two houses. I'll keep everyone posted. I don't know what our new phone number will be yet. Later!
We went to Ikea and bought a bed, and now we have all the essentials--sofa, TV, bed, nightstands, table, chairs, etc. We even have a microwave (luxury!). They're not as nice as what we had before, with the exception of our new mattress, but we'll gradually get nicer things. The important thing right now is having a place of our own.
Speaking of Ikea, I'd never been before, and it was an experience. We rented a huge van from Enterprise and drove to Leeds. Once we were there, we spent about 3 1/2 hours just wandering around their showroom. That place is enormous! We were both a little shell-shocked when we got out, it was that exhausting.
We drove to Scunthorpe and saw a movie in town, and we didn't park in our usual place as the van was too big to fit in the multi story car park. When we got back to the van we discovered it had been broken in to. Luckily, nothing was stolen. But we did have to drive around with no window for another day, and it rained! We called the police, and they basically told us we shouldn't have parked there. This area has a really high crime rate!
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