The nave of this church was built in the 10th century, and later additions were made all the way up until about the 15th century. The graveyard here is really spooky, but cool. 5 minutes' walk from my house, as well. I love living in a historic place!

It still blows my mind that holly actually grows in peoples' gardens here. It makes it really cheap to decorate at Christmas!

Martin and Emma (she's the heavily pregnant one) outside the Preston temple. Funny that we're such good friends--she and Martin used to date each other when they were 15 or 16.

Jammy Dodgers are the greatest biscuit in England. They sound like they will be nasty, but Lewis is the devil and got me hooked on them. Now I can't get enough.

The corner of Burgate and the High Street. They've just started putting up Christmas decorations. The greatest Chinese restaurant in the world is on the right. Mmmm. I'm hungry now!

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!!!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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 are Uncle Martin and Aunt Jamie, again!

My older sister Velecia just had her baby--a girl--on Sunday. Martin and I have a new neice. I just wanted to tell the world, and tell Velecia CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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!!!

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!

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!

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!!!

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!

Blue Steel in the Crown, a pub in Shiptonthorpe.

Bashful...

Fancy a fight? This is the place to get it done!

Beautiful Victorian Whitby.

The view from our picnic spot.

Whitby Abbey...

Martin is such an artist with the digital camera, no?

These blackberries made a wonderful blackberry crumble! Tasty!

Mmmmm, brambles!

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...

Ezais in the sandbox.

Martin shows Caitlin how to operate a digger. I think he wants to chuck her off and go for a ride himself!

Our friend Lewis and his son, Ezais. Quite possibly the cutest baby on the planet!!!

Self portrait--Martin the deep thinker with his brooding good looks. Really, he's just trying to remember if he locked the door before we left the house.

Martin and the GIANT Shire horse (retired). Took this one for you, Jace. Seriously, this horse is huge.

Oliver, bottle feeding a calf at Rand Farm Park last weekend.

Martin having bread and nutella in bed. Sexy beast, yes???

A New Talent...

I have discovered that I am quite decent at plastering! Martin and I got motivated to finish the front room last weekend, and we bought some supplies. He was chiseling out channels to run our electrial wiring through, and I decided to start on the plaster. Turns out, I'm pretty decent at it. The best part is, I actually enjoy it as well. It's very soothing and rhythmic. When I'm done, I actually feel relaxed and happy. Best of all, we are finally making the room look better instead of making it look worse. I am going to do some more plastering this morning, and will take some pictures when I am finished for the day.

I only have a week left on my contract at Hewden, so I have laready started looking for jobs elsewhere. There are a few options right now, so hopefully I won't be jobless for as long this time. This job has really made me feel better about working. After Volvo I just wanted to sit in my house all day long and never talk to anyone. Now I'm OK.

So yeah, we're doing well here in jolly old England. One thing that hasn't been so great is the weather. August is supposed to be beautiful and summery. Back home it's usually the hottest month of the year. Well, not here. It has rained every single day this month, and the top temperature has been about 65 degrees F. It gets downright COLD at night. We have had our sweaters and jackets on all month. I am really hoping that it warms up soon, or it will feel like we have an 8 month winter this year.

I really miss the desert! I know that sounds a little bit silly, but it's true all the same. I long for zero humidity with a passion so intense it's almost unholy! It is really wonderful that the grass is so green and flowers grow without watering them every other day, but it would be even nicer to not sweat buckets when it's hot. Even nicer than that would be to have non-frizzy hair again. I miss being able to NOT do my hair and have it look ok. Not great, but not a 'fro! And I really miss knowing that it was going to be nice weather. You never can tell, here.

I may have news about church tomorrow. I'll keep you posted. Now for the pictures I've been promising everyone...

My First Driving Lesson...

I had my first ever English driving lesson on Thursday, and it was good! The guy doing the lesson, Trevor, is kind of touchy feely and pervy, but it was still a good lesson. He gave me some good pointers, and I should be ready to take my test soon. Some of the stuff he taught me to do would make my daddy cringe, but I have to drive a certain way to pass the test so I will do it for a while. But I will not carry on driving that way once I'm done!

Martin and I are going to a fancy dress barbecue tonight, and I need to finish getting ready. Martin is wearing his dad's old Navy uniform, and I have bought a vintage 80's dress. I'll get some pictures and post them later! Unbelievably enough, Martin's dad's uniform fits him pretty well. Laurence's build is slightly less than slim, but he used to be quite a looker! Martin looks great in it--I have always loved a man in uniform! In fact, I have dated a member of every single division of the US armed forces. Personal weakness???

Anyway, must be running now. Pictures to come!!!

I miss the girls!

So now that I am working in an office where the ladies all get along, I miss Becki and Deedee. We used to have such a great time at work, and being at Hewden with Heather and Michelle reminds me of the fun we used to have.

So yeah, here's me sitting at work missing the job I left a year and a half ago, and I'm kind of wondering if they miss having me. It's not that often you have an office full of girls who get along that well and enjoy each others' company that much. Women are usually so competitive! So yeah, Becki, Deedee, miss you SO MUCH!

Doing well here in England. Martin's interview was postponed as they are really busy and down some staff at work. I'll keep everyone posted on that front. We haven't done anything on the house for ages--both of us are so tired, and tired of DIY. but we are going to patch some plaster tomorrow, so that should be fun. I have some pictures to post as soon as I get them onto the computer. Coming soon to a computer near you!

In other news, I have decided to do either a certificate in body massage or a diploma in holistic treatments. The local college is sending me the info and I will decide by next week. Really looking forward to that. The body massage certificate is a 36 week course, 1 night a week. The diploma is one full day a week for 36 weeks. Tough choice! It's a lot cheaper than qualifying in the US, and I will be able to get a job in a spa when we move back to Utah!

Must go to bed--it's nearly 11 pm and I am exhausted!!!

The current state of the living room--getting better, believe it or not!

Two fishbelly white people desperately seeking the sun. We look a little bit darker now, thank goodness!

Martin struts his stuff with Mr. Kipling's mini battenberg cakes. After all, Mr. Kipling makes exceedingly good cakes!

Interpretation: Hello. Please keep your dog on a leash and don't pick the flowers or the manager will politely ask you to leave. Honest--this is a real sign!!!

The Dietician...

This is one appointment that wasn't a disappointment. Martin and I found out that we actually have quite a healthy diet. The lady told us that the only thing I need to do to lose weight is watch my portion sizes, exercise more, and maybe substitute some of our food with low fat options. So yeah, good news, but still frustrating.

Lovely day, though. Since my appointment was in the morning, I didn't go in to work until noon. The day goes by a lot faster when you don't actually have to work the whole time. Work was easy, as well. This current job is totally more what I thought temping would be like. I'm glad I have the job, even though I'll only be there for 4 weeks longer. It has gone a long way toward restoring my confidence in myself and making me less afraid to get out there and work again. Nasty Yvonne really messed with my head.

Martin has another interview for a promotion on Monday, and we're really hoping that this is the one. He could be working in Hessle (just across the bridge from us) or in Grimsby. His sales numbers have been good, though he didn't make the "Elite Club," and he is wonderful at his job!

Martin has nothing to add, so I'll say good night for now!