A Fantastic Christmas!
So yeah, Christmas was good. We spent Christmas Eve in our own home, and then all of Christmas day with Martin's parents. To my complete amazement, no fights all day. Christine was much more relaxed than she usually is at Christmas. Everyone really liked their gifts, the meal was perfect, and I got everything I wanted (except pajamas--I really wanted pajamas).
Martin's gifts went down well. I got him a hand made chinese checkers set, a couple of CDs, some gloves, Christmas socks, and a new titanium and silver ring (to replace the silver ring I gave him when we got married). He gave me a fabulous new handbag, an adorable belt, this gorgeous new necklace, loads of good stuff!
Martin's parents got me a portable massage bed. It's not new, but it's nearly as good as. And it will make it possible for me to practice at home and then start going to people's homes to give massages when I'm qualified. I gave Martin a back massage, but I haven't been feeling so hot lately so that's all I've done so far. Emma is going to have a massage on New Years day. I need the practice desperately!
Speaking of Martin, the poor guy has had a horrible hacking cough for 4 days now. He came home from work early on Tuesday because he hadn't slept all night. He's getting better, but he's still miserable. Work has been boring for him, which isn't helping matters. All of the garages and body shops are closed for Christmas, and that's where about 80% of their business comes from. I hate it when Martin's sick. Especially when he's not complaining about it, because that's when I know he really feels terrible!
We have started working on the guest room upstairs. I almost have the walls ready to paint, which is cool. Martin helped me chip away the plaster that was rotten, and I have put the first layer of dry wall on the holes, and just have one more coat plus the finishing plaster to put on. Then we paint, put up our recycled wooden cladding, strip the carpet, clean up the floor boards, and furnish it. To be fair, though, we already have a bed for the guest room. Just no closets, drawers, woardrobes, or bedside tables. But we DO have two matching lamps!
This weekend I think Martin is going to build the stud wall in the living room. I'm going to keep working on the guest room. Once the stud wall is up, we can do the ceiling. Then we can plaster and paint. After we paint, then we can do the floor. I'm tired of DIY. I think I'd give almost anything to be able to pay someone to finish it for us!
In happy news, we may be getting our kitten soon. We may have located one at Humberside Animal Rescue. They were getting a few in today, and they just need to do a home visit and verify that our home is acceptable for a kitten. Then we can pay the "adoption fee," and pick out our kitten. We could get a little kitty by next week. I'm so excited about that!
Anyway, I need to start cleaning the house since we are having the missionaries over for dinner tonight. Plus, I want it clean in case the HAR people come over for a home visit today! I'll write a bit more later. Happy New Year in case I don't blog anything before then!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Merry Christmas!
I am done with work for over a week, so it should be a VERY merry Christmas for me. It is 10 am and I am still in bed. Don't be all judgmental though--I've been awake since 9!
Last night was a busy one--Ward primary Nativity and social, as well as Martin's Gran and Grandad's 50th wedding anniversary party in Mablethorpe. Martin rode down to that with his sister and I went to the Nativity because I had to play the piano for it. When I was finished with my bit, I drove to Mablethorpe by myself. We stayed until about 10, then drove home. We were both completely exhausted by the time we got here, so it was straight to bed. We didn't even read before going to sleep, really. Martin is at work now, poor guy!
Christmas has come really fast this year. I can't believe it's only three days away. Our Christmas tree isn't even decorated yet, sadly. We got it last weekend, but have been too busy and too tired to do anything about it. I had a night or two when I could have done it, but I didn't want to decorate a Christmas tree alone!
Things are going well here in sunny old England. We've celebrated the first day of winter, to our absolute joy, so the days will start getting longer now. I believe yesterday was the shortest day of the year. Not that it's mattered anyway, as we've been completely covered in a bank of fog all week long. It's been so thick that you can't see more than about 10 feet in front of you. It's an absolute nightmare to drive in, but lovely all the rest of the time. It makes it so you can't see the steel works in Scunthorpe, the docks and factories in Grimsby, and the refineries in Immingham. Yes, a good old pea souper really improves the scenery in the Lincolnshire cities.
Martin is still looking forward to his new job--he'll start working weekends just after Christmas and will start full time on January 22. His group rental manager at Enterprise took him out to lunch on Wednesday and tried to talk him into staying at Enterprise, and he's seriously considering it (I think). I guess he was pretty persuasive and had some excellent arguments. I told Martin I would support him in whatever decision he makes, of course. I just want him to be happy.
I still haven't heard back from the day spa people, so I'm not holding my breath. But in the mean time, my job at Alan Dick is going swimmingly. They treat their temps so well, and it's nice to be considered more than just a piece of office equipment. I am off work all next week as they are closed for Christmas, but I think I get paid for it. Also, after only two weeks there I got a gift voucher from them for Christmas. The people are all really nice, the office is busy but social as well. If I were to stay there, it would be OK with me. There are worse places to work! In fact, I think I've worked in those already!
I need to get going. I have to run into town to pick up a few last minute bits and pieces for Martin's Christmas, get wrapping paper, tape, etc. Then I really ought to clean my house. I've been so tired lately that I haven't cleaned for ages. Even Martin is grossed out by the kitchen (I suggested he might like to clean it, but that didn't get a very favourable response).
Best Christmas wishes to all of you, and I will probably post again early in the new year (if not sooner!)
Merry Christmas!
I am done with work for over a week, so it should be a VERY merry Christmas for me. It is 10 am and I am still in bed. Don't be all judgmental though--I've been awake since 9!
Last night was a busy one--Ward primary Nativity and social, as well as Martin's Gran and Grandad's 50th wedding anniversary party in Mablethorpe. Martin rode down to that with his sister and I went to the Nativity because I had to play the piano for it. When I was finished with my bit, I drove to Mablethorpe by myself. We stayed until about 10, then drove home. We were both completely exhausted by the time we got here, so it was straight to bed. We didn't even read before going to sleep, really. Martin is at work now, poor guy!
Christmas has come really fast this year. I can't believe it's only three days away. Our Christmas tree isn't even decorated yet, sadly. We got it last weekend, but have been too busy and too tired to do anything about it. I had a night or two when I could have done it, but I didn't want to decorate a Christmas tree alone!
Things are going well here in sunny old England. We've celebrated the first day of winter, to our absolute joy, so the days will start getting longer now. I believe yesterday was the shortest day of the year. Not that it's mattered anyway, as we've been completely covered in a bank of fog all week long. It's been so thick that you can't see more than about 10 feet in front of you. It's an absolute nightmare to drive in, but lovely all the rest of the time. It makes it so you can't see the steel works in Scunthorpe, the docks and factories in Grimsby, and the refineries in Immingham. Yes, a good old pea souper really improves the scenery in the Lincolnshire cities.
Martin is still looking forward to his new job--he'll start working weekends just after Christmas and will start full time on January 22. His group rental manager at Enterprise took him out to lunch on Wednesday and tried to talk him into staying at Enterprise, and he's seriously considering it (I think). I guess he was pretty persuasive and had some excellent arguments. I told Martin I would support him in whatever decision he makes, of course. I just want him to be happy.
I still haven't heard back from the day spa people, so I'm not holding my breath. But in the mean time, my job at Alan Dick is going swimmingly. They treat their temps so well, and it's nice to be considered more than just a piece of office equipment. I am off work all next week as they are closed for Christmas, but I think I get paid for it. Also, after only two weeks there I got a gift voucher from them for Christmas. The people are all really nice, the office is busy but social as well. If I were to stay there, it would be OK with me. There are worse places to work! In fact, I think I've worked in those already!
I need to get going. I have to run into town to pick up a few last minute bits and pieces for Martin's Christmas, get wrapping paper, tape, etc. Then I really ought to clean my house. I've been so tired lately that I haven't cleaned for ages. Even Martin is grossed out by the kitchen (I suggested he might like to clean it, but that didn't get a very favourable response).
Best Christmas wishes to all of you, and I will probably post again early in the new year (if not sooner!)
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Quick post--
The Lincoln Christmas market was lovely, and I have some pics to post. Just not right now, as it's been an incredibly busy day and I still have a lot to do. Tomorrow is the choir's Christmas Carol service, and I have been doing printouts of the program and cutting and pasting (literally, not on the computer) music onto card stock. Ugh! It's also the Primary Nativity next week, so we will be practicing that in church tomorrow. We also had a practice this afternoon.
Martin and I finally got a Christmas tree today. It's beautiful--a Norweigan pine with beautiful, full branches. We haven't decorated it yet since we had so much to do, but we will get it done some time in the next three days. I have one more week of work until AlanDick closes for the holidays, so that's good. Some free time, at last! It seems like we never even had a vacation.
In other good news (man, it's been the best week ever this week!) we finally got council approval for our home renovations. It came in the mail yesterday, so now we can build our wall downstairs and finish the front room. I don't know when we'll get around to it, but it should be soon. Then I want to get the guest room sorted out. You know--in preparation for all the people who are going to come and visit me in the next year or so!
Must go--absolutely exhausted and can't go to sleep until I get some stuff done. I'll post more later--promise.
The Lincoln Christmas market was lovely, and I have some pics to post. Just not right now, as it's been an incredibly busy day and I still have a lot to do. Tomorrow is the choir's Christmas Carol service, and I have been doing printouts of the program and cutting and pasting (literally, not on the computer) music onto card stock. Ugh! It's also the Primary Nativity next week, so we will be practicing that in church tomorrow. We also had a practice this afternoon.
Martin and I finally got a Christmas tree today. It's beautiful--a Norweigan pine with beautiful, full branches. We haven't decorated it yet since we had so much to do, but we will get it done some time in the next three days. I have one more week of work until AlanDick closes for the holidays, so that's good. Some free time, at last! It seems like we never even had a vacation.
In other good news (man, it's been the best week ever this week!) we finally got council approval for our home renovations. It came in the mail yesterday, so now we can build our wall downstairs and finish the front room. I don't know when we'll get around to it, but it should be soon. Then I want to get the guest room sorted out. You know--in preparation for all the people who are going to come and visit me in the next year or so!
Must go--absolutely exhausted and can't go to sleep until I get some stuff done. I'll post more later--promise.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
A Great Day!!!
Yesterday was so busy, but so good! It started (for me) at 9 am, when I woke up and got ready for a job interview in Scunthorpe. I went to that, then popped in to see Martin. We had lunch together, exchanged our broken DVD player for one that actually works, then drove over to Hull to take my driving theory test. I got there with time to spare, didn't get lost, found a good parking spot, etc. Then, I took the test and passed it!
While I was driving across the Humber bridge to come home, I got a call from On Loan about the job. The guys that interviewed me thought I would be ideal, and wanted me to commit to 3 months. I want to keep my options open with the day spa job, which I haven't heard on yet, so I committed to a definite period of 8 weeks, with a chance to extend that later. This one may turn into a full time job as well, and I will be making the equivalent of $4 an hour more than I have been making since we got here. I start Monday!
I drove back to Scunny and bought the first of Martin's Christmas gifts, then picked him up from work. We drove into Grimsby and helped out at the Ward single adults Christmas party with the bishop and his lovely wife. It was such a good time, even though it was 3 hours of non-stop work. Then we came home and collapsed--completely exhausted, but so content. Especially because I bought us some new pillows and switched our mattress. I hope today is as good!
Martin is at work right now, then he is playing football this afternoon. After the game, we are driving to Lincoln to go to the Christmas market. It's one of my favourite events of the year, and I have the camera all ready to go. I will post pictures (maybe tomorrow) of the market, etc. Hope everyone else has a good weekend!
Yesterday was so busy, but so good! It started (for me) at 9 am, when I woke up and got ready for a job interview in Scunthorpe. I went to that, then popped in to see Martin. We had lunch together, exchanged our broken DVD player for one that actually works, then drove over to Hull to take my driving theory test. I got there with time to spare, didn't get lost, found a good parking spot, etc. Then, I took the test and passed it!
While I was driving across the Humber bridge to come home, I got a call from On Loan about the job. The guys that interviewed me thought I would be ideal, and wanted me to commit to 3 months. I want to keep my options open with the day spa job, which I haven't heard on yet, so I committed to a definite period of 8 weeks, with a chance to extend that later. This one may turn into a full time job as well, and I will be making the equivalent of $4 an hour more than I have been making since we got here. I start Monday!
I drove back to Scunny and bought the first of Martin's Christmas gifts, then picked him up from work. We drove into Grimsby and helped out at the Ward single adults Christmas party with the bishop and his lovely wife. It was such a good time, even though it was 3 hours of non-stop work. Then we came home and collapsed--completely exhausted, but so content. Especially because I bought us some new pillows and switched our mattress. I hope today is as good!
Martin is at work right now, then he is playing football this afternoon. After the game, we are driving to Lincoln to go to the Christmas market. It's one of my favourite events of the year, and I have the camera all ready to go. I will post pictures (maybe tomorrow) of the market, etc. Hope everyone else has a good weekend!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
The promised post...at last!
For those of you who didn't see us on our trip to the States and are dying of suspense, Martin decided to take the job at The Place. They are going to have a written offer for him on Monday, at which point he will hand in his notice at Enterprise. Scary!!! But he's excited, and that makes me excited for him.
My second interview went well, and I should hear back from the ladies soon. The day spa won't be opening until January, so I am trying to get a temp job in the mean time, and I have an interview for Job Seeker's allowance on Monday in case I can't get anything right away. That makes Martin less stressed.
Also, I am taking my driving theory test and hazard perception test tomorrow in Hull. Should be a good time. I just hope I pass, because it will be a pain in the rear end to take it again. I don't really fancy a trip into Hull, but I suppose it will be OK. It's just an absolute nightmare to drive over there. Maybe I'll see about getting a bus in? There's a thought.
So Martin has been sick all week, poor guy. He was throwing up and . . . other things, and didn't leave the bathroom for like 24 hours. I was feeling a little queasy myself--still am--but had to take care of my man. He wasn't complaining about how he felt, so I knew he was really sick. He's better now, and actually made it in to work today. This is the first day that I've been on my own, and it sure is nice. I've got a lot of laundry done and the bedroom is clean. Hooray!
Anyway, I'm going to post some pictures of the vacation now. Enjoy!
For those of you who didn't see us on our trip to the States and are dying of suspense, Martin decided to take the job at The Place. They are going to have a written offer for him on Monday, at which point he will hand in his notice at Enterprise. Scary!!! But he's excited, and that makes me excited for him.
My second interview went well, and I should hear back from the ladies soon. The day spa won't be opening until January, so I am trying to get a temp job in the mean time, and I have an interview for Job Seeker's allowance on Monday in case I can't get anything right away. That makes Martin less stressed.
Also, I am taking my driving theory test and hazard perception test tomorrow in Hull. Should be a good time. I just hope I pass, because it will be a pain in the rear end to take it again. I don't really fancy a trip into Hull, but I suppose it will be OK. It's just an absolute nightmare to drive over there. Maybe I'll see about getting a bus in? There's a thought.
So Martin has been sick all week, poor guy. He was throwing up and . . . other things, and didn't leave the bathroom for like 24 hours. I was feeling a little queasy myself--still am--but had to take care of my man. He wasn't complaining about how he felt, so I knew he was really sick. He's better now, and actually made it in to work today. This is the first day that I've been on my own, and it sure is nice. I've got a lot of laundry done and the bedroom is clean. Hooray!
Anyway, I'm going to post some pictures of the vacation now. Enjoy!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Back in the UK...
We made it back safely. The flights were boring and uneventful, and the drive from Gatwick to home was unimaginably long. But we are home now and happy to be here. It was great to sleep in our own bed!
I have the job interview in about 1/2 an hour, so I need to get ready for it now. I WILL be posting more--probably tomorrow.
Hugs!
We made it back safely. The flights were boring and uneventful, and the drive from Gatwick to home was unimaginably long. But we are home now and happy to be here. It was great to sleep in our own bed!
I have the job interview in about 1/2 an hour, so I need to get ready for it now. I WILL be posting more--probably tomorrow.
Hugs!
Friday, November 24, 2006
We made it. Back in the USA, and it feels so good to be here!
The flight over was uneventful, to say the least. Minor delays--we arrived about an hour late--but smooth sailing otherwise. Doug and Rae picked us up and we went for Mexican food (bliss). Then we crashed out, and it's been non-stop ever since.
I have loads of pictures to post when we get back to the UK, and right now I want to hang with the family. I will update everyone on the trip, and the MASSIVE surprise that my mom had when we walked in their front door, later.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
The flight over was uneventful, to say the least. Minor delays--we arrived about an hour late--but smooth sailing otherwise. Doug and Rae picked us up and we went for Mexican food (bliss). Then we crashed out, and it's been non-stop ever since.
I have loads of pictures to post when we get back to the UK, and right now I want to hang with the family. I will update everyone on the trip, and the MASSIVE surprise that my mom had when we walked in their front door, later.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Another quick one...
I need to get in to town to take a few tests and do some shopping, but I wanted to post a quick update.
The people at "The Place" (restaurant where Martin applied for the managers' position) have offered Martin the job. He is going to let them know if he wants to take it by tomorrow, so we have a lot of thinking, talking, and praying to do. I am so proud of him though. He saw something he wanted, and he went for it. It's just a little scary--less job security, more money, more hours, and all that. We'll see. I just want my honey to be happy, and I think that taking this job will ehlp with that.
More later. In the mean time, I hope you all enjoy the pictures.
I need to get in to town to take a few tests and do some shopping, but I wanted to post a quick update.
The people at "The Place" (restaurant where Martin applied for the managers' position) have offered Martin the job. He is going to let them know if he wants to take it by tomorrow, so we have a lot of thinking, talking, and praying to do. I am so proud of him though. He saw something he wanted, and he went for it. It's just a little scary--less job security, more money, more hours, and all that. We'll see. I just want my honey to be happy, and I think that taking this job will ehlp with that.
More later. In the mean time, I hope you all enjoy the pictures.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Ah, the family...
Got to talk to mom, dad, Jace, and Krystle last night. I actually stayed on the phone for nearly an hour, and it was wonderful to be able to chat. Martin actually talked to my mom for as long as I did--something that he hasn't done for a long time. I miss my family.
Strange, though, that I still want to be nearer to them, but England really does feel like home now. Our house felt like home from about our second day here--central heating, plenty of space, and, of course, the mortgage. But the other night we were driving home from Grimsby and it occured to me that the whole of Lincolnshire felt like home. I know where everything is, I know the fast way to get places, I am comfortable driving now, and I feel (almost) like a local.
So this is the first day of my second unemployment stint, and I am in bed. I have been sick for about two weeks, and really just need to rest and let my body recover. Well, that and I need to get some homework done and clean my house, but I am going to do my homework in bed. I am so tired! Last night I slept for nine hours, and I could still happily take an afternoon nap! Anyway, I think I might have a few pictures to post, so I'm going to do that now. I have a feeling that I will be posting more often for the next little while. I love being a housewife!!!
Got to talk to mom, dad, Jace, and Krystle last night. I actually stayed on the phone for nearly an hour, and it was wonderful to be able to chat. Martin actually talked to my mom for as long as I did--something that he hasn't done for a long time. I miss my family.
Strange, though, that I still want to be nearer to them, but England really does feel like home now. Our house felt like home from about our second day here--central heating, plenty of space, and, of course, the mortgage. But the other night we were driving home from Grimsby and it occured to me that the whole of Lincolnshire felt like home. I know where everything is, I know the fast way to get places, I am comfortable driving now, and I feel (almost) like a local.
So this is the first day of my second unemployment stint, and I am in bed. I have been sick for about two weeks, and really just need to rest and let my body recover. Well, that and I need to get some homework done and clean my house, but I am going to do my homework in bed. I am so tired! Last night I slept for nine hours, and I could still happily take an afternoon nap! Anyway, I think I might have a few pictures to post, so I'm going to do that now. I have a feeling that I will be posting more often for the next little while. I love being a housewife!!!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
My last day and Martin's trial day...
My last day at Hewden was yesterday, and I was actually quite sad to go. I had such a good working experience, and I had needed one so desperately. They bought me chocolates and a goodbye card. All I got at Volvo was 30 minutes to clean out my desk. Everyone was so lovely, and I am so ready to go out there and get a new job now. After Volvo I just wanted to hide in my house for the rest of my life.
And Martin's trial day--he is going to spend this evening managing "The Place," the restaurant he applied for the job at. They just want to see how he works, and I think that's a really good idea. Part of me really wants him to get the job, and part of me really doesn't. He would be working strange hours again, I don't know how that would affect our home life. But it won't be an issue if I get the day spa job, because I will be working strange hours, too.
Everything seems to be in this strange transitionary phase right now. The weird part is, we are both OK with that. Martin has always been flexible, but I am fairly rigid. I like my traditions and my routines. In fact, Martin's spontanaity (sp?) is one of the things which drew me to him in the first place. But I am really OK with not knowing what the future holds. I know that things will work out for the best, no matter what happens.
Bonfire night was really fun--bonfire weekend for us, actually, since we went to parties on Saturday AND Sunday nights. The fireworks were great, and so was the company. Since (sister-in-law) Cathy split up with her boyfriend, she has been coming to more family things. He didn't like to come, and she stayed behind with him a lot. It's so nice to see more of her. Laurence and Christine managed to not fight for the whole evening, and that made it a good night.
Church stuff is going well. I am absolutely loving my new calling, though I still feel over worked at church. The choir are improving in leaps and bounds, and my heart is so full when I hear them singing something beautifully, and I know that I taught them to use their talents so well. Their sound has deepened, and we are really singing as a group now. On Thursday we learned the parts on "The First Noel." Just the one from the church hymnal, but the arrangement in there is so beautiful. We are doing a Christmas carol service on Sunday the 17th, so our focus is all on Christmas music right now. We split up, men in the Primary room, women in the chapel, and learned our parts. Then we came back together to sing it. I went to the ladies room really quick when everyone was coming back in, and they were singing it when I got back. I have never heard it sung so beautifully. I was quite literally moved to tears. The crazy thing was, they were, too! This group of typically English people, unwilling to show emotions at the most private of times, let alone in public, were visibly moved. I don't think they knew that they would sing together so beautifully until this week. I love it!
The massage course is going well. Just my test to take in Health and Safety, and it should be a piece of cake. I have to take a test on the skeletal system the same day. I am busy and unable to attend class on Wednesday so I have to go in early and take the test. I am also getting plenty of practice--mostly on my friend Emma. Technically, she shouldn't be having massages since she is heavily pregnant and stimulating her pressure points could induce labour. But she has been in so much pain, and she is ready to deliver any day now, and she asked me if I would be willing. So I am careful, use only a light touch, and don't massage the soles of her feet or the palms of her hands, where most danger areas are. I think I am getting pretty good, but it's hard to say. I will be starting to work on paying customers in January. Scary stuff!
Anyway, I need to clean my house as I am hosting a Creative Memories scrap-booking party tonight (my friend Sam is a rep and needs the business--plus it's fun anyway), and I need to make some goodies and clean my house and get a hair cut. And I want to go down to Water's Edge and feed the swans and ducks. Love and miss all my American friends and family, and I will post again soon. I will have more time now that I have a few weeks off.
My last day at Hewden was yesterday, and I was actually quite sad to go. I had such a good working experience, and I had needed one so desperately. They bought me chocolates and a goodbye card. All I got at Volvo was 30 minutes to clean out my desk. Everyone was so lovely, and I am so ready to go out there and get a new job now. After Volvo I just wanted to hide in my house for the rest of my life.
And Martin's trial day--he is going to spend this evening managing "The Place," the restaurant he applied for the job at. They just want to see how he works, and I think that's a really good idea. Part of me really wants him to get the job, and part of me really doesn't. He would be working strange hours again, I don't know how that would affect our home life. But it won't be an issue if I get the day spa job, because I will be working strange hours, too.
Everything seems to be in this strange transitionary phase right now. The weird part is, we are both OK with that. Martin has always been flexible, but I am fairly rigid. I like my traditions and my routines. In fact, Martin's spontanaity (sp?) is one of the things which drew me to him in the first place. But I am really OK with not knowing what the future holds. I know that things will work out for the best, no matter what happens.
Bonfire night was really fun--bonfire weekend for us, actually, since we went to parties on Saturday AND Sunday nights. The fireworks were great, and so was the company. Since (sister-in-law) Cathy split up with her boyfriend, she has been coming to more family things. He didn't like to come, and she stayed behind with him a lot. It's so nice to see more of her. Laurence and Christine managed to not fight for the whole evening, and that made it a good night.
Church stuff is going well. I am absolutely loving my new calling, though I still feel over worked at church. The choir are improving in leaps and bounds, and my heart is so full when I hear them singing something beautifully, and I know that I taught them to use their talents so well. Their sound has deepened, and we are really singing as a group now. On Thursday we learned the parts on "The First Noel." Just the one from the church hymnal, but the arrangement in there is so beautiful. We are doing a Christmas carol service on Sunday the 17th, so our focus is all on Christmas music right now. We split up, men in the Primary room, women in the chapel, and learned our parts. Then we came back together to sing it. I went to the ladies room really quick when everyone was coming back in, and they were singing it when I got back. I have never heard it sung so beautifully. I was quite literally moved to tears. The crazy thing was, they were, too! This group of typically English people, unwilling to show emotions at the most private of times, let alone in public, were visibly moved. I don't think they knew that they would sing together so beautifully until this week. I love it!
The massage course is going well. Just my test to take in Health and Safety, and it should be a piece of cake. I have to take a test on the skeletal system the same day. I am busy and unable to attend class on Wednesday so I have to go in early and take the test. I am also getting plenty of practice--mostly on my friend Emma. Technically, she shouldn't be having massages since she is heavily pregnant and stimulating her pressure points could induce labour. But she has been in so much pain, and she is ready to deliver any day now, and she asked me if I would be willing. So I am careful, use only a light touch, and don't massage the soles of her feet or the palms of her hands, where most danger areas are. I think I am getting pretty good, but it's hard to say. I will be starting to work on paying customers in January. Scary stuff!
Anyway, I need to clean my house as I am hosting a Creative Memories scrap-booking party tonight (my friend Sam is a rep and needs the business--plus it's fun anyway), and I need to make some goodies and clean my house and get a hair cut. And I want to go down to Water's Edge and feed the swans and ducks. Love and miss all my American friends and family, and I will post again soon. I will have more time now that I have a few weeks off.
Friday, November 03, 2006
A rare visit from the master of the house this evening, but Jamie asked me to keep everyone posted on some exciting news! Since we moved in to our wonderful abode, it has been listed as two seperate properties because before we moved in the house was two flats. Now, once we moved in, they still wanted us to pay the property tax on two residences which seemed kind of silly to us. So anyway, we had to submit an application to the council to have them list us as one house otherwise we would have to keep paying 2 lots of council tax, which we weren't particulary pleased about. Anyway, we are now pleased to announce we are just one house! YAY! which is nice.
In addition, I now have a random interview for the manager of a restaurant right here in lovely Barton! My mum told me about it, and i decided to call and they said to come along and so I am off on an adventure on monday.
This weekend is that most wonderful of occasions here in England - Bonfire night! In this interesting event we burn an effigy of a man who attempted to blow up the houses of parliament 400 years ago! So basically we are the celebrating the capture, torture and execution of a terrorist. Fun for all the family! But it really is great as we have a nice warming bonfire on a chilly night as well as fireworks and sparklers. The actual event is the 5th of november but we are going to a party at a friend's family home and then to a little gathering at my mum and dad's. So that's about all to tell. more exciting news to divulge in upcoming weeks.
In addition, I now have a random interview for the manager of a restaurant right here in lovely Barton! My mum told me about it, and i decided to call and they said to come along and so I am off on an adventure on monday.
This weekend is that most wonderful of occasions here in England - Bonfire night! In this interesting event we burn an effigy of a man who attempted to blow up the houses of parliament 400 years ago! So basically we are the celebrating the capture, torture and execution of a terrorist. Fun for all the family! But it really is great as we have a nice warming bonfire on a chilly night as well as fireworks and sparklers. The actual event is the 5th of november but we are going to a party at a friend's family home and then to a little gathering at my mum and dad's. So that's about all to tell. more exciting news to divulge in upcoming weeks.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Quickie!
I am in the middle of dying my hair right now, so this has to be a quick post. Anyway, there's not much to say even if I had the time.
Martin is at his monthly work activity. I took a bath and read my book for like an hour and am doing self indulgent things and NOT doing any housework! Life doesn't get any better than this.
My second interview for the spa job isn't until December 4th, but it's ok. My job at Hewden looks like it could be continuing for another two weeks, and I want a couple weeks off anyway. I am exhausted. Besides, I'm pretty confident about the spa job.
Had the week off school since it's half term, and it was so nice to be able to come home in the evenings. We got some more stuff done in the front room--I put up dry wall adhesive until I almost had a blister, but the long wall is half done now, and it looks great. We won't get much else done this weekend though, as we are both working tomorrow and Martin is playing football (of course. I hate that game sometimes!). Will probably post if something exciting happens, but it's not likely.
Time to rinse.
Can't wait to have "plum" coloured hair!
I am in the middle of dying my hair right now, so this has to be a quick post. Anyway, there's not much to say even if I had the time.
Martin is at his monthly work activity. I took a bath and read my book for like an hour and am doing self indulgent things and NOT doing any housework! Life doesn't get any better than this.
My second interview for the spa job isn't until December 4th, but it's ok. My job at Hewden looks like it could be continuing for another two weeks, and I want a couple weeks off anyway. I am exhausted. Besides, I'm pretty confident about the spa job.
Had the week off school since it's half term, and it was so nice to be able to come home in the evenings. We got some more stuff done in the front room--I put up dry wall adhesive until I almost had a blister, but the long wall is half done now, and it looks great. We won't get much else done this weekend though, as we are both working tomorrow and Martin is playing football (of course. I hate that game sometimes!). Will probably post if something exciting happens, but it's not likely.
Time to rinse.
Can't wait to have "plum" coloured hair!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Almost Legal...
I am almost legal to drive over in England now. As long as Martin is with me, I AM legal. I got my provisional driving license in the mail on Thursday. Quite a relief, as I had to send my passport away with the forms in order to get it. I don't like to leave the house without my passport, so having it in bureaucratic hands for 4 weeks was a little bit nerve wracking. Martin is so happy that I am almost legal! I have another two lessons to take, and I'll be doing those on the 4th and the 11th of November. Then I just have to pass the test. I'm not worried though--should be just fine. I am an excellent driver!
Things are good in old Blighty. The weather has officially turned nasty, and we are only getting about 7 1/2 hours of sunlight a day now. I'm afraid winter is upon us. But, uncharacteristically for the area, it rained all week long and now that the weekend is here, the sun is out. Usually happens the other way around. Martin is playing footie in Holton-le-Clay, and I am going to drive down with him and sit outside working on my course work for the massage thing.
Yeah, massage. The class is going well. We had our first test in Anatomy and Physiology last week, and I'm pretty sure I aced it. I hadn't taken a test in about 8 years, and it was kind of surreal. Everyone seemed nervous about it, and I was like, whatever--no big deal. They go SO SLOW in that class, I don't see how you could NOT pass the tests. It's interesting though--more so now that we are delving into the skeletal system. I'm learning all kinds of cool things. My new favorite part of the body is the radius where it meets the humorus. It has this cool little bit by your elbow that is shaped like a wheel, which makes it so you can actually rotate the bone in your arm. Genius, really, the way the human body all fits together. Talk about form and function blending perfectly. Except for male genitalia--that's just strange!
Still no word on the Day Spa job--they should be calling me some time in the next week to arrange a second interview. I called them late last week and they said they were running a bit behind because of construction on their new building. I'll keep everyone posted. I'd really like to get it, since my job at Hewden is over in about a week's time. I was going to apply for the full time position, but there's a new manager there and I dislike him intensely. He has a mouth like a sailor, and uses nasty language that is degrading to women. Plus he calls me "doll" and "sweetheart" and (my least favorite) "chuck." He does it to everyone, but I dont' know him well enough for him to be that familiar with me. I want to punch him in the face every time he calls me "chuck" and remind him that I DO have an actual name!
Anyway, enough negativity.
Martin and I went to the ward's James Bond night last night. It was good fun, but hard work for us. We were asked to do "mocktails" for the occasion, so we bought a whole bunch of supplies and tended bar for a large portion of the evening. About an hour and a half, all together. The drinks went over really well though, and the relief society president asked if they could get a couple of the recipes for the monthly newsletter. Plus, we got to get all dressed up. That doesn't happen very often, and Martin likes it when I do my hair and makeup at the same time!
Anyway, must go. I have tons of stuff to get done today, and I have to leave to pick Martin up for work in about 30 minutes. One of our cars, the Ford, failed it's MOT (safety inspection, basically, only a lot more strict than the US one), and so we have declared SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) and are down to one car now until we can afford to get it fixed. Blech!
Love and miss you all!
I am almost legal to drive over in England now. As long as Martin is with me, I AM legal. I got my provisional driving license in the mail on Thursday. Quite a relief, as I had to send my passport away with the forms in order to get it. I don't like to leave the house without my passport, so having it in bureaucratic hands for 4 weeks was a little bit nerve wracking. Martin is so happy that I am almost legal! I have another two lessons to take, and I'll be doing those on the 4th and the 11th of November. Then I just have to pass the test. I'm not worried though--should be just fine. I am an excellent driver!
Things are good in old Blighty. The weather has officially turned nasty, and we are only getting about 7 1/2 hours of sunlight a day now. I'm afraid winter is upon us. But, uncharacteristically for the area, it rained all week long and now that the weekend is here, the sun is out. Usually happens the other way around. Martin is playing footie in Holton-le-Clay, and I am going to drive down with him and sit outside working on my course work for the massage thing.
Yeah, massage. The class is going well. We had our first test in Anatomy and Physiology last week, and I'm pretty sure I aced it. I hadn't taken a test in about 8 years, and it was kind of surreal. Everyone seemed nervous about it, and I was like, whatever--no big deal. They go SO SLOW in that class, I don't see how you could NOT pass the tests. It's interesting though--more so now that we are delving into the skeletal system. I'm learning all kinds of cool things. My new favorite part of the body is the radius where it meets the humorus. It has this cool little bit by your elbow that is shaped like a wheel, which makes it so you can actually rotate the bone in your arm. Genius, really, the way the human body all fits together. Talk about form and function blending perfectly. Except for male genitalia--that's just strange!
Still no word on the Day Spa job--they should be calling me some time in the next week to arrange a second interview. I called them late last week and they said they were running a bit behind because of construction on their new building. I'll keep everyone posted. I'd really like to get it, since my job at Hewden is over in about a week's time. I was going to apply for the full time position, but there's a new manager there and I dislike him intensely. He has a mouth like a sailor, and uses nasty language that is degrading to women. Plus he calls me "doll" and "sweetheart" and (my least favorite) "chuck." He does it to everyone, but I dont' know him well enough for him to be that familiar with me. I want to punch him in the face every time he calls me "chuck" and remind him that I DO have an actual name!
Anyway, enough negativity.
Martin and I went to the ward's James Bond night last night. It was good fun, but hard work for us. We were asked to do "mocktails" for the occasion, so we bought a whole bunch of supplies and tended bar for a large portion of the evening. About an hour and a half, all together. The drinks went over really well though, and the relief society president asked if they could get a couple of the recipes for the monthly newsletter. Plus, we got to get all dressed up. That doesn't happen very often, and Martin likes it when I do my hair and makeup at the same time!
Anyway, must go. I have tons of stuff to get done today, and I have to leave to pick Martin up for work in about 30 minutes. One of our cars, the Ford, failed it's MOT (safety inspection, basically, only a lot more strict than the US one), and so we have declared SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) and are down to one car now until we can afford to get it fixed. Blech!
Love and miss you all!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
So Proud of Ourselves!!!
We got some serious work done on the house this weekend. I am about half done with the dry wall adhesive, and we got some insulation up above the window in the front room. Martin even got some plasterboard up, so it actually looks like a wall now instead of a work in progress.
In other good news, I got a second interview for this job at the day spa that's opening up here in Barton. It is literally just down the street--it would take me about 5 minutes to walk there instead of 25 minutes to drive! I went to the first interview on Monday, and really felt like I connected with the woman interviewing me. It was mostly just a great chat, and I had a lot of fun. Then, when I got the letter inviting me back for the second interview, I found out it was the spa OWNER who interviewed me! Glad I didn't know that in advance!
So anyway, if I get the job we will be selling one of our cars. It's been a long time since we were a one car family, but it is so incredibly expensive over here. We can make do with just the one car if I don't have to drive to work--we'll just have to juggle a little bit while I am doing my massage course!
Church was good, though exhausting. It was fast Sunday, and Maritn and I actually managed to fast for the whole time. We actually ended up fasting for 26 hours--accident! We honestly just didn't have time to eat lunch yesterday. The Primary kids are doing their sacrament presentation next week, so we spent two hours practicing that. Trying to keep 25 children quiet and sitting still for two hours isn't exactly my idea of a good time, but the program should go OK.
Drove down to Mablethorpe to see Martin's Nanna after church. We had a good visit, and I got some seeds from her garden. I also got two plants that she was splitting and getting rid of them. I got a big clump of irises and also a glossy green plant called "bear's britches." They are already planted out in my flower beds in back. I can't wait to plant some of the seeds I got.
Anyway, must dash. I have steak pie to finish making for dinner!
We got some serious work done on the house this weekend. I am about half done with the dry wall adhesive, and we got some insulation up above the window in the front room. Martin even got some plasterboard up, so it actually looks like a wall now instead of a work in progress.
In other good news, I got a second interview for this job at the day spa that's opening up here in Barton. It is literally just down the street--it would take me about 5 minutes to walk there instead of 25 minutes to drive! I went to the first interview on Monday, and really felt like I connected with the woman interviewing me. It was mostly just a great chat, and I had a lot of fun. Then, when I got the letter inviting me back for the second interview, I found out it was the spa OWNER who interviewed me! Glad I didn't know that in advance!
So anyway, if I get the job we will be selling one of our cars. It's been a long time since we were a one car family, but it is so incredibly expensive over here. We can make do with just the one car if I don't have to drive to work--we'll just have to juggle a little bit while I am doing my massage course!
Church was good, though exhausting. It was fast Sunday, and Maritn and I actually managed to fast for the whole time. We actually ended up fasting for 26 hours--accident! We honestly just didn't have time to eat lunch yesterday. The Primary kids are doing their sacrament presentation next week, so we spent two hours practicing that. Trying to keep 25 children quiet and sitting still for two hours isn't exactly my idea of a good time, but the program should go OK.
Drove down to Mablethorpe to see Martin's Nanna after church. We had a good visit, and I got some seeds from her garden. I also got two plants that she was splitting and getting rid of them. I got a big clump of irises and also a glossy green plant called "bear's britches." They are already planted out in my flower beds in back. I can't wait to plant some of the seeds I got.
Anyway, must dash. I have steak pie to finish making for dinner!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Sunday, October 01, 2006
General Conference
Conference weekend is much nicer in Utah than it is in Lincolnshire! I miss waking up late, stumbling into the family room, and watching General Conference in my pajamas. Last year we watched it all at the church. This year we went to the Mundays' house and watched it via the internet. Hooray for BYU TV! We haven't watched all of the Sunday afternoon session, as it is bed time over here, but we watched all the other sessions.
I love General Conference. What a great opportunity to learn and grow--and to make any course corrections that may be needed. What a great opportnity to actually get something out of my Sunday activities other than a huge headache from all the Primary children.
Things are going well at our jobs--especially for Martin. He finally made it onto the front page of top performers in total revenue and excess protection sales, which gives him "Matrix Points." He may also make the Elite Club, which doesn't mean anything much to people who don't work for Enterprise in the UK, but basically means he is now eligible to apply for a promotion. He was sort of eligible before, but not really. Hard to explain, but whatever. The important thing is, there's nothing holding him back from a promotion and (hopefully) a little more cash!
We got some work done on the house this weekend, even though most of it was just tidying up. I did some more dry-wall adhesive on the bare brick in the front room, and so we have another bit of the house that looks more like a house and less like a cave. I did about 1/3 of the south wall of the front room, and it looks GREAT! It is nearly ready to plaster. It's hard work though, and I have to be very careful not to over-do it. Last time I really went to town with the plastering, I tore my hands to pieces. I just get so involved. It's incredibly satisfying to make the bare brick into a proper wall!
Massage is good. On Wednesday we had to massage each other for the first time. It was just the front of the leg, but we actually had to get undressed. Stranger than that was touching someone's bare skin--someone we barely knew. It was awkward, but now we have done it once, each time will be easier. And I'm even more glad I chose to do the course, because it really is soothing to give someone a massage. All the family should be really sad they are not here, because I will have to get tons of practice and everyone could have been getting free massages.
Martin and I both went for seperate nights out on Friday--both of us with work--and were both really glad (once more) that we don't drink. There are some serious alcoholics over here. My boss, Alison, is a lovely person, but I lost a lot of respect for her when she actually sat down and planned what she had to do in order to get completely trashed. Martin's work night out ended in a trip to a lap-dancing club which he mised out on because he came home to me. Interesting!
Anyway, doing well. Our finances are more under control now, and that feels good. We are making progress on the house. Martin is doing good at work. I'm enjoying my class. We're actually DOING stuff, which is strange, but nice. How are all of you???
Miss my American friends and family! Come and see me!!!
Conference weekend is much nicer in Utah than it is in Lincolnshire! I miss waking up late, stumbling into the family room, and watching General Conference in my pajamas. Last year we watched it all at the church. This year we went to the Mundays' house and watched it via the internet. Hooray for BYU TV! We haven't watched all of the Sunday afternoon session, as it is bed time over here, but we watched all the other sessions.
I love General Conference. What a great opportunity to learn and grow--and to make any course corrections that may be needed. What a great opportnity to actually get something out of my Sunday activities other than a huge headache from all the Primary children.
Things are going well at our jobs--especially for Martin. He finally made it onto the front page of top performers in total revenue and excess protection sales, which gives him "Matrix Points." He may also make the Elite Club, which doesn't mean anything much to people who don't work for Enterprise in the UK, but basically means he is now eligible to apply for a promotion. He was sort of eligible before, but not really. Hard to explain, but whatever. The important thing is, there's nothing holding him back from a promotion and (hopefully) a little more cash!
We got some work done on the house this weekend, even though most of it was just tidying up. I did some more dry-wall adhesive on the bare brick in the front room, and so we have another bit of the house that looks more like a house and less like a cave. I did about 1/3 of the south wall of the front room, and it looks GREAT! It is nearly ready to plaster. It's hard work though, and I have to be very careful not to over-do it. Last time I really went to town with the plastering, I tore my hands to pieces. I just get so involved. It's incredibly satisfying to make the bare brick into a proper wall!
Massage is good. On Wednesday we had to massage each other for the first time. It was just the front of the leg, but we actually had to get undressed. Stranger than that was touching someone's bare skin--someone we barely knew. It was awkward, but now we have done it once, each time will be easier. And I'm even more glad I chose to do the course, because it really is soothing to give someone a massage. All the family should be really sad they are not here, because I will have to get tons of practice and everyone could have been getting free massages.
Martin and I both went for seperate nights out on Friday--both of us with work--and were both really glad (once more) that we don't drink. There are some serious alcoholics over here. My boss, Alison, is a lovely person, but I lost a lot of respect for her when she actually sat down and planned what she had to do in order to get completely trashed. Martin's work night out ended in a trip to a lap-dancing club which he mised out on because he came home to me. Interesting!
Anyway, doing well. Our finances are more under control now, and that feels good. We are making progress on the house. Martin is doing good at work. I'm enjoying my class. We're actually DOING stuff, which is strange, but nice. How are all of you???
Miss my American friends and family! Come and see me!!!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
5 Years
Wow--Martin and I have been married for five whole years now. Where has the time gone? And was I ever single? It's amazing how time can pass so quickly, and how it can go so slow at the same time!
We have had a really nice weekend so far. Martin and I took the day off work yesterday and we went to the temple in Preston with the Mundays. We had a great time--fun AND spiritual, though not very romantic. We did a session last night and one this morning, and then drove home. And we discovered something we hadn't realised about the accommodation centre at the temple. They have a KITCHEN!
Martin and Lewis cooked us dinner and breakfast, while Emma and I relaxed. She's 6 1/2 months pregnant, and not very well. I have huge blisters on both my feet and it hurts to stand up. So we both played the "sick" card and sat around talking while they did all the work. There's also a fantastic dining/lounge area. From now on when we go to the temple we are going to cook instead of eating out!
We are going to a movie tonight--for the first time in about a month and a half (that's a long time for me and Martin to not see a movie) and I need to get ready. But I'll probably post tomorrow and let you know how church goes. The Primary are preparing for their sacrament presentation, and the choir is singing. Plus, the ward organist is not going to be there. So basically I will be working my butt off for all of church. Better get a good night's rest to prepare for that!
Love you all!
Wow--Martin and I have been married for five whole years now. Where has the time gone? And was I ever single? It's amazing how time can pass so quickly, and how it can go so slow at the same time!
We have had a really nice weekend so far. Martin and I took the day off work yesterday and we went to the temple in Preston with the Mundays. We had a great time--fun AND spiritual, though not very romantic. We did a session last night and one this morning, and then drove home. And we discovered something we hadn't realised about the accommodation centre at the temple. They have a KITCHEN!
Martin and Lewis cooked us dinner and breakfast, while Emma and I relaxed. She's 6 1/2 months pregnant, and not very well. I have huge blisters on both my feet and it hurts to stand up. So we both played the "sick" card and sat around talking while they did all the work. There's also a fantastic dining/lounge area. From now on when we go to the temple we are going to cook instead of eating out!
We are going to a movie tonight--for the first time in about a month and a half (that's a long time for me and Martin to not see a movie) and I need to get ready. But I'll probably post tomorrow and let you know how church goes. The Primary are preparing for their sacrament presentation, and the choir is singing. Plus, the ward organist is not going to be there. So basically I will be working my butt off for all of church. Better get a good night's rest to prepare for that!
Love you all!
Saturday, September 16, 2006
The week behind us...
Let's see, what can I tell you all?
It's been an incredibly busy but very boring week, all at the same time. Martin and I have both been running around like chickens with our heads cut off, but ahven't done a single thing that's new or exciting, or even that much fun!
We've been having an interesting time trying to sort out our finances. We got into a bit of a jam, and have to try and dig ourselves out. When we moved over, I decided to let Martin handle the cash. That may have been a mistake, in hindsight. He has as much money sense as a 4 year old child, and about that much self control when it comes to spending. My fault, too, of course, for not stepping in and taking it over, but it was so nice to not stress about it constantly. Now Martin is stressing about it instead. It'skind of fun to see. Anyway, if we can make it to the end of this month without spending more than around 50 quid we should be ok. I hate living in poverty!
My massage course was fun thins week, I guess. We started practising the different techniques--Effleurage, pettrosage, tapotment, friction, and vibration. I had a homework assignment, to practice the techniques, so everyone has been getting back rubs this week. Martin hates it, but he grins and bears it and moans in pleasure when I am giving him a massage. I have a feeling this course could make me very popular!
Choir was good. I spent most of our time working on tone quality, which was interesting. I told Martin what I wanted to do, which was mainly to make sure our vowel sounds were all uniform, and he had a bit of a giggle. He said, "You want to teach a room full of English people how to speak English?" I hadn't really thought about that, but I realised the irony of it right away. So we turned it into a joke at practice, and it went over ok. After only two practices with me, I can really hear a difference in the choir. They sounded really great by the end of the practice!
We went to the Mundays' house last night for dinner--a yummy curry. I was all about it, because we don't have much food in the house right now. I am trying to make things up from the random cans and rice & pasta we already have, and it makes for strange meals! We stayed there for 3 1/2 hours just talking about everything from Emma's pregnancy and breast feeding to religion and the phrase "the road to Hell is paved with good intentions." I love going to their house.
Today Martin is at work, then has a football game in Grimsby. After he is done there, we are going to the Mundays' again to help Lewis change the oil in his car. Then, we are going to come home and work on the house. And of course, tomorrow is church and all the activities that brings with it.
The past two weeks have been so busy and frantic! When I weighed myself yesterday, I got a pleasant surprise. All the weight I gained when I stopped going to the gym, I've lost again. I phoned Martin up and told him I'd lost 5 1/2 lbs. in the last ten days, and he reminded me that our scales are set in kilos. So actually lost just over 11 lbs. in the last ten days. I think I should be a student for the rest of my life. I use every scrap of energy I consume, and by the time I get home I am too tired to eat. Just can't be bothered, you know?
So that's life for the Gilberts in Barton. What's going on with all of you? I need to do some house work before I have an intelligent life form develop in my bathroom sink!
Let's see, what can I tell you all?
It's been an incredibly busy but very boring week, all at the same time. Martin and I have both been running around like chickens with our heads cut off, but ahven't done a single thing that's new or exciting, or even that much fun!
We've been having an interesting time trying to sort out our finances. We got into a bit of a jam, and have to try and dig ourselves out. When we moved over, I decided to let Martin handle the cash. That may have been a mistake, in hindsight. He has as much money sense as a 4 year old child, and about that much self control when it comes to spending. My fault, too, of course, for not stepping in and taking it over, but it was so nice to not stress about it constantly. Now Martin is stressing about it instead. It'skind of fun to see. Anyway, if we can make it to the end of this month without spending more than around 50 quid we should be ok. I hate living in poverty!
My massage course was fun thins week, I guess. We started practising the different techniques--Effleurage, pettrosage, tapotment, friction, and vibration. I had a homework assignment, to practice the techniques, so everyone has been getting back rubs this week. Martin hates it, but he grins and bears it and moans in pleasure when I am giving him a massage. I have a feeling this course could make me very popular!
Choir was good. I spent most of our time working on tone quality, which was interesting. I told Martin what I wanted to do, which was mainly to make sure our vowel sounds were all uniform, and he had a bit of a giggle. He said, "You want to teach a room full of English people how to speak English?" I hadn't really thought about that, but I realised the irony of it right away. So we turned it into a joke at practice, and it went over ok. After only two practices with me, I can really hear a difference in the choir. They sounded really great by the end of the practice!
We went to the Mundays' house last night for dinner--a yummy curry. I was all about it, because we don't have much food in the house right now. I am trying to make things up from the random cans and rice & pasta we already have, and it makes for strange meals! We stayed there for 3 1/2 hours just talking about everything from Emma's pregnancy and breast feeding to religion and the phrase "the road to Hell is paved with good intentions." I love going to their house.
Today Martin is at work, then has a football game in Grimsby. After he is done there, we are going to the Mundays' again to help Lewis change the oil in his car. Then, we are going to come home and work on the house. And of course, tomorrow is church and all the activities that brings with it.
The past two weeks have been so busy and frantic! When I weighed myself yesterday, I got a pleasant surprise. All the weight I gained when I stopped going to the gym, I've lost again. I phoned Martin up and told him I'd lost 5 1/2 lbs. in the last ten days, and he reminded me that our scales are set in kilos. So actually lost just over 11 lbs. in the last ten days. I think I should be a student for the rest of my life. I use every scrap of energy I consume, and by the time I get home I am too tired to eat. Just can't be bothered, you know?
So that's life for the Gilberts in Barton. What's going on with all of you? I need to do some house work before I have an intelligent life form develop in my bathroom sink!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
It's Back...
It's Saturday morning, and I don't have to be up for another 1/2 hour, but here I am wide awake and typing. Why, do you ask, am I foregoing some much needed beauty sleep? It's because I woke up this morning with a familiar feeling in side, though it took me a long time to realise what it is.
The "longing" is back. Before I had my ectopic pregnancy two years ago (has it really been nearly two years?) I used to feel this way most of the time. My life felt empty and hollow, and I felt like something important was missing. More than anything I wanted to have a baby.
After I discovered I would need to terminate the pregnancy, went through the treatments with the Methotrexate, and was so sick for all that time, the longing went away. For the longest time I didn't even want to consider having a child. I honestly could not have gone through that whole experience again, and didn't even want to take that risk. About six months after I started feeling better from that, I was ready to try again. Mostly because I knew how long it would probably take! But that total desire to have a child has stayed away until now.
In a way I'm kind of relieved that the feeling is back. I guess it means that two years down the line I am fully healed emotionally from the whole experience. In other ways, I am sad to see it back. I know that I will start waking up with a gnawing hunger inside of me that won't go away no matter how much food I eat. I know that I will feel intensely lonely again.
Martin wants to have children, but I don't think he feels it as keenly as I do. I can't explain the desire to anyone. I guess it is a natural urge, to want to further the species, that is born inside every animal on the planet, but there is more to it than that. Last night I was watching Emma read to her daughter, Caitlin. They share this bond that is incredible. I know that Caitlin is annoying sometimes, and she gets so frustrated with her, but I could see that attachment to each other while she read her a bed time story, and it was beautiful. I want that bond with my own child. Mine and Martin's.
In other news, I had my first choir practice as the director on Thursday, and my first massage lesson on Wednesday. Both were good! It was kind of fun to be back in a classroom, and there are some really nice people doing the course. I think I might actually make a few friends, which would be great! And people actually showed up for choir practice! There were 14 people, which is about twice as many as came before! I was so petrified that nobody would show up, and when I walked in to find the choir seats nearly full, I almost cried (you may have noticed that I am a little emotional right now anyway?). Life is going to be incredibly busy for the next little while, but it will be that much better for it I think.
Anyway, time to get ready for the day. Emma and I are going over to the Stake Relief Society Enrichment Activity in Hull, and then we are going bra shopping. Martin is going to work on the house and play footie. Then we are going to town, possibly going to hang out with his matie boys. Busy day!!!
It's Saturday morning, and I don't have to be up for another 1/2 hour, but here I am wide awake and typing. Why, do you ask, am I foregoing some much needed beauty sleep? It's because I woke up this morning with a familiar feeling in side, though it took me a long time to realise what it is.
The "longing" is back. Before I had my ectopic pregnancy two years ago (has it really been nearly two years?) I used to feel this way most of the time. My life felt empty and hollow, and I felt like something important was missing. More than anything I wanted to have a baby.
After I discovered I would need to terminate the pregnancy, went through the treatments with the Methotrexate, and was so sick for all that time, the longing went away. For the longest time I didn't even want to consider having a child. I honestly could not have gone through that whole experience again, and didn't even want to take that risk. About six months after I started feeling better from that, I was ready to try again. Mostly because I knew how long it would probably take! But that total desire to have a child has stayed away until now.
In a way I'm kind of relieved that the feeling is back. I guess it means that two years down the line I am fully healed emotionally from the whole experience. In other ways, I am sad to see it back. I know that I will start waking up with a gnawing hunger inside of me that won't go away no matter how much food I eat. I know that I will feel intensely lonely again.
Martin wants to have children, but I don't think he feels it as keenly as I do. I can't explain the desire to anyone. I guess it is a natural urge, to want to further the species, that is born inside every animal on the planet, but there is more to it than that. Last night I was watching Emma read to her daughter, Caitlin. They share this bond that is incredible. I know that Caitlin is annoying sometimes, and she gets so frustrated with her, but I could see that attachment to each other while she read her a bed time story, and it was beautiful. I want that bond with my own child. Mine and Martin's.
In other news, I had my first choir practice as the director on Thursday, and my first massage lesson on Wednesday. Both were good! It was kind of fun to be back in a classroom, and there are some really nice people doing the course. I think I might actually make a few friends, which would be great! And people actually showed up for choir practice! There were 14 people, which is about twice as many as came before! I was so petrified that nobody would show up, and when I walked in to find the choir seats nearly full, I almost cried (you may have noticed that I am a little emotional right now anyway?). Life is going to be incredibly busy for the next little while, but it will be that much better for it I think.
Anyway, time to get ready for the day. Emma and I are going over to the Stake Relief Society Enrichment Activity in Hull, and then we are going bra shopping. Martin is going to work on the house and play footie. Then we are going to town, possibly going to hang out with his matie boys. Busy day!!!
Saturday, September 02, 2006
I'm STILL Working!
So my last day at Hewden was supposed to be last Friday, but I got a call from the agency on Tuesday morning because Alison wanted me to go back. So I will have work for another few weeks anyway. Martin was really happy. I only spent one day--not even that--unemployed this time. And it was nice to be asked back. In the mean time, I'm applying for more jobs. Wish me luck!
Today is going to be a busy day for Martin. He's at work right now--actually went in 1 1/2 hours early so he could get everything done. I'm going to go work in the back garden for a few hours. Martin's football team have a game in Grimsby this afternoon, so we'll go in to that. Then we are going to come home and work on the house until we can't see. Should be a good day with lots being accomplished (I hope). We haven't got much done on the house lately!
The visit from the conservation department was good--they're not going to prosecute us for doing unauthorised work. We just have to apply for retrospective consent on the walls we already knocked down and get consent for the one we want to build. The guys were actually quite nice about the whole thing. I'm just happy we're not looking at a huge fine or jail time!!!
I do get sick of the way the government meddles in all of your business over here. I have this theory that the British government is turning all of its' citizens into children because they keep making all of their decisions for them. Soon, the adults in this country will be completely unable to think for themselves, simply because they never have to. This theory may have popped up because I am reading Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" right now, or it could stem from the discussion I had with Lewis Munday about the children of Israel last night. Still, I think it's a good theory. You spend too long letting someone else tell you what to do all the time, pretty soon you'll wake up and realise you can't function without constant guidance. Use it or lose it, you know?
The massage course starts on Wednesday, and I'm really looking forward to it. There's a day spa opening just down the road from us, and I think I might be able to get a job there when I'm done with my course. I may even be able to get a job at reception there while I'm still doing the course. That would be nice--I could walk to work in 5 minutes instead of driving there in 25.
The driving lessons are on hold as my pervy instructor is on holiday. He said that I am ready for my test though--we are going to have a few lessons in Scunthorpe, where the test is administered, when he gets back. I have applied for my provisional license, and I need to take my theory test. Soon, I will have a full English driving license!
Martin has been doing really well with the football thing--they have yet to lose a game. He's getting on well at work, and has applied for a promotion again. It's frustrating, because they won't promote him, but they treat him like he's already an assistant manager. He didn't get home until 8 pm last night! But I have faith--he'll get the job when the time is right.
Still on the "I love England" kick. We have been here for a full year now (it was a year on Tuesday), and I have seen the seasons come full circle. Everything is so full and lush right now. The hedge rows are full of berries and fruit, and everywhere you look something is ripe and red. I have taken a series of photos that I will be printing and hanging in our house--all different sorts of berries. I like England in late summer. But spring is still more beautiful.
I met some really nice people, Pat and Brian, the other night while I was out walking at Water's Edge. We were all down there feeding the ducks. It was nice to chat with a few friendly people because it very rarely happens. I'll probably see them again, since they said they feed the ducks about 4 times a day.
That's life for the Gilberts right now. More later!
So my last day at Hewden was supposed to be last Friday, but I got a call from the agency on Tuesday morning because Alison wanted me to go back. So I will have work for another few weeks anyway. Martin was really happy. I only spent one day--not even that--unemployed this time. And it was nice to be asked back. In the mean time, I'm applying for more jobs. Wish me luck!
Today is going to be a busy day for Martin. He's at work right now--actually went in 1 1/2 hours early so he could get everything done. I'm going to go work in the back garden for a few hours. Martin's football team have a game in Grimsby this afternoon, so we'll go in to that. Then we are going to come home and work on the house until we can't see. Should be a good day with lots being accomplished (I hope). We haven't got much done on the house lately!
The visit from the conservation department was good--they're not going to prosecute us for doing unauthorised work. We just have to apply for retrospective consent on the walls we already knocked down and get consent for the one we want to build. The guys were actually quite nice about the whole thing. I'm just happy we're not looking at a huge fine or jail time!!!
I do get sick of the way the government meddles in all of your business over here. I have this theory that the British government is turning all of its' citizens into children because they keep making all of their decisions for them. Soon, the adults in this country will be completely unable to think for themselves, simply because they never have to. This theory may have popped up because I am reading Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" right now, or it could stem from the discussion I had with Lewis Munday about the children of Israel last night. Still, I think it's a good theory. You spend too long letting someone else tell you what to do all the time, pretty soon you'll wake up and realise you can't function without constant guidance. Use it or lose it, you know?
The massage course starts on Wednesday, and I'm really looking forward to it. There's a day spa opening just down the road from us, and I think I might be able to get a job there when I'm done with my course. I may even be able to get a job at reception there while I'm still doing the course. That would be nice--I could walk to work in 5 minutes instead of driving there in 25.
The driving lessons are on hold as my pervy instructor is on holiday. He said that I am ready for my test though--we are going to have a few lessons in Scunthorpe, where the test is administered, when he gets back. I have applied for my provisional license, and I need to take my theory test. Soon, I will have a full English driving license!
Martin has been doing really well with the football thing--they have yet to lose a game. He's getting on well at work, and has applied for a promotion again. It's frustrating, because they won't promote him, but they treat him like he's already an assistant manager. He didn't get home until 8 pm last night! But I have faith--he'll get the job when the time is right.
Still on the "I love England" kick. We have been here for a full year now (it was a year on Tuesday), and I have seen the seasons come full circle. Everything is so full and lush right now. The hedge rows are full of berries and fruit, and everywhere you look something is ripe and red. I have taken a series of photos that I will be printing and hanging in our house--all different sorts of berries. I like England in late summer. But spring is still more beautiful.
I met some really nice people, Pat and Brian, the other night while I was out walking at Water's Edge. We were all down there feeding the ducks. It was nice to chat with a few friendly people because it very rarely happens. I'll probably see them again, since they said they feed the ducks about 4 times a day.
That's life for the Gilberts right now. More later!
Monday, August 28, 2006
The Bank Holiday
What a beautiful day! We were going to go down south or abroad, but instead we stayed close (ish) to home and went to Yorkshire. Whitby, to be exact.
I saw the North York Moors for the first time, and got a little bit homesick. There are miles and miles of nothing, and it's gorgeous! Instead of rolling hills and sagebrush, it's rolling hills and beautiful purple heather. The best part is, it smells amazing!
We had a lovely picnic on the seaside. I'll post a picture of the view from our blanket. Then we went into Whitby itself and strolled around. I think it's my new favourite place in England. It knocked York down a notch.
Anyway, the guys are coming by tomorrow to look at the house. I'll keep you posted on whether or not we get "consent" to modify our own house! (I hate the English government sometimes)
Pictures now...
What a beautiful day! We were going to go down south or abroad, but instead we stayed close (ish) to home and went to Yorkshire. Whitby, to be exact.
I saw the North York Moors for the first time, and got a little bit homesick. There are miles and miles of nothing, and it's gorgeous! Instead of rolling hills and sagebrush, it's rolling hills and beautiful purple heather. The best part is, it smells amazing!
We had a lovely picnic on the seaside. I'll post a picture of the view from our blanket. Then we went into Whitby itself and strolled around. I think it's my new favourite place in England. It knocked York down a notch.
Anyway, the guys are coming by tomorrow to look at the house. I'll keep you posted on whether or not we get "consent" to modify our own house! (I hate the English government sometimes)
Pictures now...
Saturday, August 19, 2006
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