On the phenomenon of “Lads Mags”
So I know that growing up in rural Utah is like being raised in a plastic bubble. You are completely cut off from mainstream popular culture. But I moved away at an early age; saw the world, experienced life, etc. I wouldn’t say that I was completely sheltered (despite my parents’ best efforts). I have come across something in England that shocked me at first, but now just disgusts me. It’s the infamous “Lad Mag.”
The “Lad Mag” is a semi-reputable publication, either a newspaper or a magazine, which caters to an audience of 16-35 year olds. The news is gossipy and fun—the literary equivalent of a Big Mac opposed to a 3 course sit down meal. The articles are mostly about various sports or the newest cars, and are generously broken up by pictures of half naked women.
The page three girl, a regular feature of the less reputable newspapers, is practically an institution over here. Remember the pop star Samantha Fox from the mid-80’s? She got her start as a page three girl. There are loads of quasi-celebrities over here that are famous for their appearances on page three of The Star, The Sport, or equally “classy” papers. These girls, like Zoe, 24, London, are famous just for taking their tops off and appearing nearly naked in a national newspaper. One paper even lets the girl show off how clever she is, by printing one of her comments on a little news snippet called “the news in briefs.” Clever play on words, but still disgusting, and the magazines are worse. Page after page of topless girls is briefly broken up by some stupid story about the latest antics of some football club’s manager. And where can one buy these magazines? Anywhere! They’re not even put on the top shelf so young children can’t reach them. They aren’t even covered up, like Cosmopolitan in most Utah grocery stores. You can walk into any supermarket and be greeted by a bevy of bare breasts.
You can almost forgive the “lads” who buy the magazines. I know the whole “boys will be boys” argument is a pathetic excuse, but it’s still socially acceptable. It’s all the married or otherwise attached men who buy them that really bother me. They sit in the cafeteria during their breaks and ogle the pictures of scantily clad young women, commenting lewdly on their bodies with no consideration for their female colleagues sitting next to them. They sit there with their pasty pale faces and sagging beer bellies critiquing the figures (never faces—funny, that) which would be the envy of most women. And then they go home to their wives or girlfriends, who will never look like the page three girl, and don’t even think twice about how degrading their actions at work are to the women they profess to love. People say that women set an unrealistic standard of beauty for themselves, but I think it’s mostly the men.
I think perhaps one of the worst things about this casual nudity is that it becomes normal after a while. Even the most sensitive person still reads the story on page two, seeing the picture of Zoe, 24, London, on page three but not really noticing it. And maybe that’s the worst part. These women are exposing their bodies to the world, and most of the world glances at them without really seeing them. This shocking display goes completely unnoticed, and that girl’s desperate bid for attention is, in the end, a waste of time.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
A Solution—Sort Of…
A few days ago I got to talk to my lovely sister Angie. I hadn’t talked to her in ages, and it was so nice! Her daughter Haven sang me “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and I also spoke to Anya (the most beautiful child ever!!!).
In the course of the conversation, it came out that people over on t’other side of the pond are a little upset that Martin and I aren’t planning on finding out the sex of the baby. Not because they are dying to know or anything, but because they want to buy stuff for Maggot and can’t find anything cute that’s gender neutral. Here’s my solution.
Don’t buy us anything.
Just kidding! If you want to buy gifts for the newest grandchild, great grandchild, niece or nephew, feel free. We have virtually nothing for a baby, and I love getting packages in the mail. But we won’t really need much for the first few months because the baby’s only going to be eating, sleeping, crying, and pooping. All we need are little onesies and sleep suits, and we have bought the newborn ones that we need. Maggot will need church clothes, and that’s about it. What we WILL need are little outfits for 3-6 months or 6-9 months, so if anyone wants to buy gifts, just wait until after we’ve had the baby and know its sex. See—everybody’s happy, right?
So yeah, in pregnancy news, I’m feeling really good now! My morning (and mid-day, and evening, and middle of the night) sickness is virtually gone, and I am starting to get a bit of my energy back. Sometimes I actually manage to forget that I’m pregnant! The baby is definitely growing, because I am getting a little pregnant belly and I can sleep through the night without having to get up to use the bathroom. Hooray!
In Martin land, the job is going well. Valentine’s Day was a big success, and their business has really picked up since then. It would seem that diet season has officially ended, so he might start earning a bonus soon. He is working on the house like crazy, and our guest bedroom is nearly done. He’s got some cladding to put up on the wall, the door, radiator, and trim to paint, and the floor to do. Then we can start getting the furniture up there and move back to the front room. It’s really coming along.
In me news, things are pretty much the same as always. Work continues to be a chore to get to but a delight to stay (most days). I still really like all the people I work with, and most days I stay really busy. College is going well. I’ll start my assessments next week, and hopefully will be fully qualified shortly.
That’s the update.
A few days ago I got to talk to my lovely sister Angie. I hadn’t talked to her in ages, and it was so nice! Her daughter Haven sang me “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and I also spoke to Anya (the most beautiful child ever!!!).
In the course of the conversation, it came out that people over on t’other side of the pond are a little upset that Martin and I aren’t planning on finding out the sex of the baby. Not because they are dying to know or anything, but because they want to buy stuff for Maggot and can’t find anything cute that’s gender neutral. Here’s my solution.
Don’t buy us anything.
Just kidding! If you want to buy gifts for the newest grandchild, great grandchild, niece or nephew, feel free. We have virtually nothing for a baby, and I love getting packages in the mail. But we won’t really need much for the first few months because the baby’s only going to be eating, sleeping, crying, and pooping. All we need are little onesies and sleep suits, and we have bought the newborn ones that we need. Maggot will need church clothes, and that’s about it. What we WILL need are little outfits for 3-6 months or 6-9 months, so if anyone wants to buy gifts, just wait until after we’ve had the baby and know its sex. See—everybody’s happy, right?
So yeah, in pregnancy news, I’m feeling really good now! My morning (and mid-day, and evening, and middle of the night) sickness is virtually gone, and I am starting to get a bit of my energy back. Sometimes I actually manage to forget that I’m pregnant! The baby is definitely growing, because I am getting a little pregnant belly and I can sleep through the night without having to get up to use the bathroom. Hooray!
In Martin land, the job is going well. Valentine’s Day was a big success, and their business has really picked up since then. It would seem that diet season has officially ended, so he might start earning a bonus soon. He is working on the house like crazy, and our guest bedroom is nearly done. He’s got some cladding to put up on the wall, the door, radiator, and trim to paint, and the floor to do. Then we can start getting the furniture up there and move back to the front room. It’s really coming along.
In me news, things are pretty much the same as always. Work continues to be a chore to get to but a delight to stay (most days). I still really like all the people I work with, and most days I stay really busy. College is going well. I’ll start my assessments next week, and hopefully will be fully qualified shortly.
That’s the update.
Friday, February 16, 2007
I am starting to get a proper little pregnant “bump,” and it is really freaking me out!
OK, prepare for more neurotic ranting. With my ectopic pregnancy, I was convinced I was starting to “show” before I found out about the whole thing. Then I found out about the problems, and I felt right stupid for thinking I had a normal pregnancy. Now I know everything is normal. I have seen the baby—seen its heart beating, seen it moving. I have had my pregnancy confirmed by several different medical professionals. And yet part of me still feels this is not real, and that my growing belly isn’t me being pregnant. I really feel like I am just getting really fat.
Martin is really great about the whole thing. And I am actually losing a little weight through the bum, thighs, and midriff. I really am only gaining on my tummy. But it still feels fake. Like maybe I have wanted to be pregnant for so long that I have convinced myself I am but it’s all in my head.
On a very positive note, now that the baby is getting bigger (he’s about the size of a clenched fist right now), he’s lifting out of my pelvis. This means that my bladder has its own personal space back, and I can sleep through the night without getting up to use the toilet. Hooray! I am also sick a lot less, though it hasn’t gone away completely. I still have to be careful about what I eat and when I eat it, not let my stomach get empty, and avoid certain smells that really make me ill. Sleeping all night long is really making a huge difference!
Martin is still getting on well at work. Valentines Day was good for the restaurant, though not good for the two of us. We didn’t see each other all day. Martin was asleep when I left for work, then he was at work when I got home. I went to college, and then he came home for a brief break between lunch and dinner. I got home from college at about 9:30, and he didn’t get home until midnight. I woke up for a few minutes when he got into bed, but that was it. We’re going out to dinner tonight to celebrate instead. He is working the day shift instead of the evening.
College is going well. I am completely caught up in my course work and have passed off all of my exams. We have next week off for half term, and when we come back I start doing my assessments. I have to check with my instructor and see if I can do my assessments a little bit faster—before my pregnant belly starts getting in the way. If everything goes well, I should have my assessments done by around April or May. Then we hand in our portfolios in June, and have our little graduation ceremony. Once I have my certificate, I can start practicing. I’ll be 7 months pregnant at that point, so I probably won’t be able to do much right off, but I’ll have that qualification. I’m really excited about it.
We did some baby shopping last night, and picked up two little outfits to take the baby home from the hospital in. One for a girl, the other for a boy. We have pretty much decided we don’t want to find out the baby’s sex in advance. Martin had so much fun picking out the boy outfit, since he got to buy little miniatures of the clothes he wears, but he freaked out about the girl stuff. He denies it, but he really doesn’t want to have a little girl. The thought of it terrifies him, mostly because a girl would be so strange to him. He wouldn’t know what to do with her. If it is a girl, I’m sure he’ll figure it out soon enough. Anyway, we now have an adorable cream coloured dress and little cream coloured socks, or tiny denim shorts and a preppy little button down cotton shirt. Both outfits are absolutely adorable!
That’s the Gilbert family update. Sorry it’s mostly about me and Maggot. He’s really all I want to talk about right now.
OK, prepare for more neurotic ranting. With my ectopic pregnancy, I was convinced I was starting to “show” before I found out about the whole thing. Then I found out about the problems, and I felt right stupid for thinking I had a normal pregnancy. Now I know everything is normal. I have seen the baby—seen its heart beating, seen it moving. I have had my pregnancy confirmed by several different medical professionals. And yet part of me still feels this is not real, and that my growing belly isn’t me being pregnant. I really feel like I am just getting really fat.
Martin is really great about the whole thing. And I am actually losing a little weight through the bum, thighs, and midriff. I really am only gaining on my tummy. But it still feels fake. Like maybe I have wanted to be pregnant for so long that I have convinced myself I am but it’s all in my head.
On a very positive note, now that the baby is getting bigger (he’s about the size of a clenched fist right now), he’s lifting out of my pelvis. This means that my bladder has its own personal space back, and I can sleep through the night without getting up to use the toilet. Hooray! I am also sick a lot less, though it hasn’t gone away completely. I still have to be careful about what I eat and when I eat it, not let my stomach get empty, and avoid certain smells that really make me ill. Sleeping all night long is really making a huge difference!
Martin is still getting on well at work. Valentines Day was good for the restaurant, though not good for the two of us. We didn’t see each other all day. Martin was asleep when I left for work, then he was at work when I got home. I went to college, and then he came home for a brief break between lunch and dinner. I got home from college at about 9:30, and he didn’t get home until midnight. I woke up for a few minutes when he got into bed, but that was it. We’re going out to dinner tonight to celebrate instead. He is working the day shift instead of the evening.
College is going well. I am completely caught up in my course work and have passed off all of my exams. We have next week off for half term, and when we come back I start doing my assessments. I have to check with my instructor and see if I can do my assessments a little bit faster—before my pregnant belly starts getting in the way. If everything goes well, I should have my assessments done by around April or May. Then we hand in our portfolios in June, and have our little graduation ceremony. Once I have my certificate, I can start practicing. I’ll be 7 months pregnant at that point, so I probably won’t be able to do much right off, but I’ll have that qualification. I’m really excited about it.
We did some baby shopping last night, and picked up two little outfits to take the baby home from the hospital in. One for a girl, the other for a boy. We have pretty much decided we don’t want to find out the baby’s sex in advance. Martin had so much fun picking out the boy outfit, since he got to buy little miniatures of the clothes he wears, but he freaked out about the girl stuff. He denies it, but he really doesn’t want to have a little girl. The thought of it terrifies him, mostly because a girl would be so strange to him. He wouldn’t know what to do with her. If it is a girl, I’m sure he’ll figure it out soon enough. Anyway, we now have an adorable cream coloured dress and little cream coloured socks, or tiny denim shorts and a preppy little button down cotton shirt. Both outfits are absolutely adorable!
That’s the Gilbert family update. Sorry it’s mostly about me and Maggot. He’s really all I want to talk about right now.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Magical Work Ethic to the Rescue (Again)
Not for the first time in my life, today I am grateful for the work ethic that my wonderful parents began instilling in me from an early age.
Emma, the OTHER pregnant temp at work, got sacked yesterday. They said that it was because of a combination of performance and attendance. Personally, I think it was more attendance than anything else. She was pretty sick, just like me, but unlike me she called in sick a lot. I just toughed it out, threw up in the toilets at work, sucked on mint candy, and struggled on. And now, she is gone and I still have a job. I’m sad to see her go, but still—Hooray!
As each day passes, I feel a little bit better. But then, just when I think I’m in the clear, I have a really bad day. But I am just a few days shy of my second trimester, and I am thrilled about that! Another delightful pregnancy quirk that has just cropped up is insomnia. I get to sleep just fine, but then my bladder wakes me up at 3 am (seriously, you could set a clock by it!). I get up to use the bathroom, then I lie in bed awake for the next hour and a half. I finally start to get some good sleep again about an hour before my alarm goes off. It doesn’t matter how much I’ve had to drink, nor does it matter how tired I am before I go to bed. Fabulous. Jenny (at work) says it’s just my body preparing me for the sleeping habits of my baby. Thanks for that, Jen!
We are having another cold snap over here. It was -3C this morning. But the snowdrops are blooming, and the daffodils are just beginning to peek their heads above the ground. We should be awash in a field of yellow in the next 4 or 5 weeks. Spring is coming, and I am so excited. England in the spring is more beautiful than anything I’ve ever seen. I didn’t take many pictures last spring, but I promise to be much better this year. Seriously beautiful!!!
Not for the first time in my life, today I am grateful for the work ethic that my wonderful parents began instilling in me from an early age.
Emma, the OTHER pregnant temp at work, got sacked yesterday. They said that it was because of a combination of performance and attendance. Personally, I think it was more attendance than anything else. She was pretty sick, just like me, but unlike me she called in sick a lot. I just toughed it out, threw up in the toilets at work, sucked on mint candy, and struggled on. And now, she is gone and I still have a job. I’m sad to see her go, but still—Hooray!
As each day passes, I feel a little bit better. But then, just when I think I’m in the clear, I have a really bad day. But I am just a few days shy of my second trimester, and I am thrilled about that! Another delightful pregnancy quirk that has just cropped up is insomnia. I get to sleep just fine, but then my bladder wakes me up at 3 am (seriously, you could set a clock by it!). I get up to use the bathroom, then I lie in bed awake for the next hour and a half. I finally start to get some good sleep again about an hour before my alarm goes off. It doesn’t matter how much I’ve had to drink, nor does it matter how tired I am before I go to bed. Fabulous. Jenny (at work) says it’s just my body preparing me for the sleeping habits of my baby. Thanks for that, Jen!
We are having another cold snap over here. It was -3C this morning. But the snowdrops are blooming, and the daffodils are just beginning to peek their heads above the ground. We should be awash in a field of yellow in the next 4 or 5 weeks. Spring is coming, and I am so excited. England in the spring is more beautiful than anything I’ve ever seen. I didn’t take many pictures last spring, but I promise to be much better this year. Seriously beautiful!!!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Clarification...
I do NOT know if I am having a boy or a girl. I don't even suspect it might be a boy. It is way too early for any of that. We are calling the baby "he" for simplicity's sake.
Also, we have nick-named the baby Maggot. Sorry to all of you who think that's a horrible name for a fetus. He looked like a maggot at my first ultrasound. Plus, he was making me miserable and I didn't like him very much at the time (though, of course, I love him!!). The name just kind of stuck, so that's what he'll be called for the time being. Don't worry though--he (or she) will have a proper name when he's born!
I do NOT know if I am having a boy or a girl. I don't even suspect it might be a boy. It is way too early for any of that. We are calling the baby "he" for simplicity's sake.
Also, we have nick-named the baby Maggot. Sorry to all of you who think that's a horrible name for a fetus. He looked like a maggot at my first ultrasound. Plus, he was making me miserable and I didn't like him very much at the time (though, of course, I love him!!). The name just kind of stuck, so that's what he'll be called for the time being. Don't worry though--he (or she) will have a proper name when he's born!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
We went to my second ultrasound yesterday, and it was even more amazing than the first one!!!
So, first things first, despite my neurotic panic that something would go wrong, everything looks normal. The strange mass on my gestational sack is nearly gone. It is small enough to be considered within the ranges of "normal," and didn't even get mentioned in my paperwork. The baby is growing at a normal rate (he's 48mm long right now) and I was only one day off in my calculation of my due date. New date is August 19th.
I thought the first ultrasound was amazing, and it was, but this one was so incredible. Even though Maggot's only about 2 inches long, he really looks like a baby already! And he was moving around like crazy! I joked with the woman doing the scan that I wasn't sure if I was excited to feel that or not. The first time I saw him move I nearly cried. I really have a baby inside me!
Martin had a good time at the scan as well. He actually showed a little excitement (shocker)! I could tell he was happy because when he saw the baby move he got this amazed expression on his face and he said, "I made that!" He also said that the baby MUST be his, because it wouldn't stop jiffling around. The technician actually had a hard time getting measurements because Maggot wouldn't hold still. I was so relieved to see our little acrobat.
For the 30 minutes after the scan Martin and I walked around with big, dumb grins on our faces. When I got back to work everyone ooohed and ahhed over the picture, even though you can't see much. I am so happy right now!
So, first things first, despite my neurotic panic that something would go wrong, everything looks normal. The strange mass on my gestational sack is nearly gone. It is small enough to be considered within the ranges of "normal," and didn't even get mentioned in my paperwork. The baby is growing at a normal rate (he's 48mm long right now) and I was only one day off in my calculation of my due date. New date is August 19th.
I thought the first ultrasound was amazing, and it was, but this one was so incredible. Even though Maggot's only about 2 inches long, he really looks like a baby already! And he was moving around like crazy! I joked with the woman doing the scan that I wasn't sure if I was excited to feel that or not. The first time I saw him move I nearly cried. I really have a baby inside me!
Martin had a good time at the scan as well. He actually showed a little excitement (shocker)! I could tell he was happy because when he saw the baby move he got this amazed expression on his face and he said, "I made that!" He also said that the baby MUST be his, because it wouldn't stop jiffling around. The technician actually had a hard time getting measurements because Maggot wouldn't hold still. I was so relieved to see our little acrobat.
For the 30 minutes after the scan Martin and I walked around with big, dumb grins on our faces. When I got back to work everyone ooohed and ahhed over the picture, even though you can't see much. I am so happy right now!
Friday, January 26, 2007
I'm disgusted with myself right now. It's Friday night, and I am sitting at home alone watching (gasp) REALITY TV!
It could be worse, I guess. It's "So You Think You Can Dance," so at least they're actually doing something. But really, I couldn't find the remote and couldn't be bothered to change the channel. CSI is next.
Martin is working, and should be home in about 1 1/2 hours. For once I didn't come home and crash. I cleaned the bedroom and folded some laundry. I think the worst of the sickness and exhaustion are behind me, thank goodness. I have been up since 6:30 this morning, and I still feel human.
Martin's loving work! I went in for a few minutes tonight while I was going to the grocery store, and I got to watch him working for a little while. He fits right in, and looks like he's worked there for years. I may not like it that I'll be spending Fridays alone for the foreseeable future, but I like it that Martin loves his job.
It could be worse, I guess. It's "So You Think You Can Dance," so at least they're actually doing something. But really, I couldn't find the remote and couldn't be bothered to change the channel. CSI is next.
Martin is working, and should be home in about 1 1/2 hours. For once I didn't come home and crash. I cleaned the bedroom and folded some laundry. I think the worst of the sickness and exhaustion are behind me, thank goodness. I have been up since 6:30 this morning, and I still feel human.
Martin's loving work! I went in for a few minutes tonight while I was going to the grocery store, and I got to watch him working for a little while. He fits right in, and looks like he's worked there for years. I may not like it that I'll be spending Fridays alone for the foreseeable future, but I like it that Martin loves his job.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Martin’s Job…
Martin’s first day at work was good, I think. For those of you who know him well, you know that he doesn’t really show excitement or anger or fear, or any emotion, really. He is so typically English and blasé about everything. When he got home last night he just looked really tired.
He said that the restaurant was pretty busy, and he worked a 10 hour day. But it was 10 hours spent doing things he likes to do, and I think that will make all the difference. Plus, he left the house at 8:45 am instead of 7:15 am and walked to work. I think that was probably the selling point! He is at work now, and I am curious to see how his day went today. Sally and Nadine, the owners of The Place, are taking him to lunch in York on Monday. He’s being wined and dined! They will be working with him all this week, and he will be on his own starting next week.
Work continues much the same for me. Every day sees me a little bit more comfortable with my duties and a little more confident in the work I am doing. The little office alliances are becoming clearer and the petty arguments seem more obvious. But everyone is still so lovely. Funnily enough, there are three of us that are pregnant at work. Kerrie is due on April 23, Emma is due on September 5, and I am due on August 20. I am the oldest one by about 7 years. Oh well, c’est la vie.
In pregnancy news, I think the worst of the morning sickness is past. Either that or I am learning to manage it better. I no longer spend all my time fighting nausea. I really only get sick if I let myself get too hungry, which has happened a lot this week. It seems like no matter how much I eat I am still starving. But I am being good and eating fruit, veggies, and yoghurt for my snacks. It seems like I don’t have enough meals in the day to get all the stuff that I need. Thank heaven for pre-natal vitamins!
It’s kind of funny that my eating habits have changed so much. I have actually lost about 8 kilos since I got pregnant because I have been really trying to get all the fruit and vegetables in. I eat like a pig, but it’s all healthy, good stuff. But even with the weight loss, my clothes are starting to get too tight. I’m at that really annoying stage where you can’t tell if I’m pregnant or if I just need to lay off the chocolate. The other day Martin told me I was starting to look a little bit pregnant. Then he got worried, and asked me if he was allowed to say that. I love my husband!
Martin’s first day at work was good, I think. For those of you who know him well, you know that he doesn’t really show excitement or anger or fear, or any emotion, really. He is so typically English and blasé about everything. When he got home last night he just looked really tired.
He said that the restaurant was pretty busy, and he worked a 10 hour day. But it was 10 hours spent doing things he likes to do, and I think that will make all the difference. Plus, he left the house at 8:45 am instead of 7:15 am and walked to work. I think that was probably the selling point! He is at work now, and I am curious to see how his day went today. Sally and Nadine, the owners of The Place, are taking him to lunch in York on Monday. He’s being wined and dined! They will be working with him all this week, and he will be on his own starting next week.
Work continues much the same for me. Every day sees me a little bit more comfortable with my duties and a little more confident in the work I am doing. The little office alliances are becoming clearer and the petty arguments seem more obvious. But everyone is still so lovely. Funnily enough, there are three of us that are pregnant at work. Kerrie is due on April 23, Emma is due on September 5, and I am due on August 20. I am the oldest one by about 7 years. Oh well, c’est la vie.
In pregnancy news, I think the worst of the morning sickness is past. Either that or I am learning to manage it better. I no longer spend all my time fighting nausea. I really only get sick if I let myself get too hungry, which has happened a lot this week. It seems like no matter how much I eat I am still starving. But I am being good and eating fruit, veggies, and yoghurt for my snacks. It seems like I don’t have enough meals in the day to get all the stuff that I need. Thank heaven for pre-natal vitamins!
It’s kind of funny that my eating habits have changed so much. I have actually lost about 8 kilos since I got pregnant because I have been really trying to get all the fruit and vegetables in. I eat like a pig, but it’s all healthy, good stuff. But even with the weight loss, my clothes are starting to get too tight. I’m at that really annoying stage where you can’t tell if I’m pregnant or if I just need to lay off the chocolate. The other day Martin told me I was starting to look a little bit pregnant. Then he got worried, and asked me if he was allowed to say that. I love my husband!
Monday, January 22, 2007
A GREAT weekend and wonderful news…
My birthday was smashing! Martin and I went to the temple on Friday and spent Saturday driving around the Yorkshire Dales. It was nasty weather, but a beautiful drive. I have some fab pictures to post when I get a chance. Thanks everyone for my lovely gifts. It really softens the blow of getting older.
So today marks a milestone that Martin and I have been waiting patiently for. Most of the family already knows, but today’s the big BLOG announcement. Martin and I are going to have a baby! I’m due in late August.
I am 10 weeks pregnant, and today marks the end of the embryonic phase. I officially have a fetus (although we have called it a baby from the beginning.)! We found out about it on the 15th of December, and I already had an ultrasound to make sure everything was normal. The ultrasound was on the 3rd of January, and it was the most amazing and emotional experience I’ve ever had. I was only 7 weeks then, so there wasn’t much to see, but the baby is in the right place, and we saw its heart beating. I have another ultrasound scheduled for next week, and then I will start seeing the midwife.
So yeah, I think I have a pretty good excuse for not posting more often. Every spare moment I have (and there aren’t many, believe me!) has been spent sleeping. I’ve been completely exhausted and sick since the day I conceived, but we are still so excited! Martin has been great—really taking good care of us. And he is working much harder on the house now so it is done when the baby is born.
Speaking of Martin and in non-baby news (Martin accuses me of only talking about the baby recently so I’ll try not to), his last day at Enterprise was last Wednesday. It’s been a little bit weird for him, but I think he’s happy about it. He starts at The Place tomorrow, and he seems cool about it. He’s pretty nervous though. We bought him some new black shirts for work since that’ll be his new uniform and he’s getting a haircut today. This should be interesting. I know he liked his new job this morning when I had to get up and get ready for work at 6:30 and he stayed in bed. I’m sure we’ll settle into a routine soon enough.
This week we are working on our first clients at college. We’re only doing a back massage, not a full-body massage, but I am a little bit nervous. The massage bit is fine, but I’m not quite sure how to do record cards, explain the treatment to a client, etc. My first client is Fran Anderson, Lewis’s mum. She’s excited for the massage, and I have given her a leg and abdominal massage before, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Next week is the first full body client, and Emma is coming in for me. That one is a little bit nerve wracking. But I got to practice the back massage on my college buddy Selina, and she liked it. Martin may be getting several massages this week. I’m sure he won’t complain!
My birthday was smashing! Martin and I went to the temple on Friday and spent Saturday driving around the Yorkshire Dales. It was nasty weather, but a beautiful drive. I have some fab pictures to post when I get a chance. Thanks everyone for my lovely gifts. It really softens the blow of getting older.
So today marks a milestone that Martin and I have been waiting patiently for. Most of the family already knows, but today’s the big BLOG announcement. Martin and I are going to have a baby! I’m due in late August.
I am 10 weeks pregnant, and today marks the end of the embryonic phase. I officially have a fetus (although we have called it a baby from the beginning.)! We found out about it on the 15th of December, and I already had an ultrasound to make sure everything was normal. The ultrasound was on the 3rd of January, and it was the most amazing and emotional experience I’ve ever had. I was only 7 weeks then, so there wasn’t much to see, but the baby is in the right place, and we saw its heart beating. I have another ultrasound scheduled for next week, and then I will start seeing the midwife.
So yeah, I think I have a pretty good excuse for not posting more often. Every spare moment I have (and there aren’t many, believe me!) has been spent sleeping. I’ve been completely exhausted and sick since the day I conceived, but we are still so excited! Martin has been great—really taking good care of us. And he is working much harder on the house now so it is done when the baby is born.
Speaking of Martin and in non-baby news (Martin accuses me of only talking about the baby recently so I’ll try not to), his last day at Enterprise was last Wednesday. It’s been a little bit weird for him, but I think he’s happy about it. He starts at The Place tomorrow, and he seems cool about it. He’s pretty nervous though. We bought him some new black shirts for work since that’ll be his new uniform and he’s getting a haircut today. This should be interesting. I know he liked his new job this morning when I had to get up and get ready for work at 6:30 and he stayed in bed. I’m sure we’ll settle into a routine soon enough.
This week we are working on our first clients at college. We’re only doing a back massage, not a full-body massage, but I am a little bit nervous. The massage bit is fine, but I’m not quite sure how to do record cards, explain the treatment to a client, etc. My first client is Fran Anderson, Lewis’s mum. She’s excited for the massage, and I have given her a leg and abdominal massage before, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Next week is the first full body client, and Emma is coming in for me. That one is a little bit nerve wracking. But I got to practice the back massage on my college buddy Selina, and she liked it. Martin may be getting several massages this week. I’m sure he won’t complain!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Hello my faithful blog readers!
Sorry I haven't posted for so long. Life is so busy right now, and I haven't been feeling so hot. Basically, I do what I have to do every day, then immediately go to bed. If you are feeling neglected, you should see the state of my house. It is disgusting!
Things continue much the same as ever. Work is good for both of us. Martin's last day at Enterprise is next week, and he is getting pretty excited for that. He'll have a few days off (to get stuff done on the house hopefully) and then he'll start at "The Place." I am really starting to learn the ropes at Alan Dick and now have my own e-mail address, logon, and set of defined duties. Of course, I am not there today. I am having some problems with my asthma and have to go to college tonight as I am taking two tests. There was no way I could work all day and then do three hours of college. I hate being sick!
We went to Martin's work holiday party last weekend, which was pretty fun. It was in Sheffield, and we were late leaving. Martin drove like a maniac the whole way there, and we made it in record time. The dinner was great, the compan was pretty good, and watching everyone get falling down drunk was a real treat, as usual. I did get a fabulous new dress out of the whole deal, and was pleased to look classy AND covered up. There were some seriously skimpy outfits there. We didn't stay very long--only about 3 hours--but were glad we went all the same.
We are now on afternoon church, which is great! Sunday morning we went for a walk down at the Water's Edge Park. We took a loaf of stale bread and fed the ducks. It was really strange though, because along with the usual ducks and moorhens and swans, there was a flock of terns (kind of like seagulls, only different). We really had a good time feeding them, because they are super aggressive and got into fights over the bread. A few times they even snatched food right out of the other birds' mouths (think the "Mine" seagulls in Finding Nemo). It is kind of bad that it's dark by the time we get out of church, but that won't be the case for very much longer. Summer is coming--though not fast enough for my liking!
Anyway, I need to get some homework done and study for my tests, so I'd better close for now. I promise I will be better about posting--or I will at least try to be!
Sorry I haven't posted for so long. Life is so busy right now, and I haven't been feeling so hot. Basically, I do what I have to do every day, then immediately go to bed. If you are feeling neglected, you should see the state of my house. It is disgusting!
Things continue much the same as ever. Work is good for both of us. Martin's last day at Enterprise is next week, and he is getting pretty excited for that. He'll have a few days off (to get stuff done on the house hopefully) and then he'll start at "The Place." I am really starting to learn the ropes at Alan Dick and now have my own e-mail address, logon, and set of defined duties. Of course, I am not there today. I am having some problems with my asthma and have to go to college tonight as I am taking two tests. There was no way I could work all day and then do three hours of college. I hate being sick!
We went to Martin's work holiday party last weekend, which was pretty fun. It was in Sheffield, and we were late leaving. Martin drove like a maniac the whole way there, and we made it in record time. The dinner was great, the compan was pretty good, and watching everyone get falling down drunk was a real treat, as usual. I did get a fabulous new dress out of the whole deal, and was pleased to look classy AND covered up. There were some seriously skimpy outfits there. We didn't stay very long--only about 3 hours--but were glad we went all the same.
We are now on afternoon church, which is great! Sunday morning we went for a walk down at the Water's Edge Park. We took a loaf of stale bread and fed the ducks. It was really strange though, because along with the usual ducks and moorhens and swans, there was a flock of terns (kind of like seagulls, only different). We really had a good time feeding them, because they are super aggressive and got into fights over the bread. A few times they even snatched food right out of the other birds' mouths (think the "Mine" seagulls in Finding Nemo). It is kind of bad that it's dark by the time we get out of church, but that won't be the case for very much longer. Summer is coming--though not fast enough for my liking!
Anyway, I need to get some homework done and study for my tests, so I'd better close for now. I promise I will be better about posting--or I will at least try to be!
Friday, December 29, 2006
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!
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 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
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