Two days ago I went out with my friend Liz to an organic farm/petting zoo, and park. Her kids are lovely and we spent the whole day togehter. From 12pm to 730. It was crazy we just had tons to talk about and got along fabulously. I had a really great time.
I've also learned the 'painful' lesson of dealing with three kids at a time, although I'm sure Liz was very grateful for my help! I played with Jake her oldest at 2 1/2 years old, and helped him along hte monkey bars, not realizing this migh cause much stress to a 5 month pregnant woman. Yesterday was spent nursing my pride and wounds as I could barely move my back and spent most of the day in bed, with my mother in law around helping me with Natasha. I really did over work myself I think, and was fearful of a miscarriage since I was having bad stomach cramps on top of it all. In the end though all is well, and I slept a full 8 hours, and took some paracetamol this morning. I did rather enjoy spending the time with Liz and her lovely 11month old daughter, and 2 1/2 year old son. That woman doesn't get out much, and doesnt do much other than parenting her children, I dont know how she does just that however because I'd go insane with out my outside activites that define me as a person. She's so fit and active and I can see now why, if my muscles were under the constant stress and strain they were yesterday I'd be as fit as her too. And you know what it's made me really grateful for my little girl who is such an angel and helps clean up all teh time!
I'm really content with life now, besides an aching back. And I am positng pictures and art soon, I've just been slacking because I've been soooo busy! Sorry everyone!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
My Art Endeavors
I'm trying very hard to get enough art together to sell at the market. This is very hard to do I am finding, as I just dont seem to have enough energy left in the day to do artwork. I Was so busy yesterday, and this week is packed with church things and people coming over in the evening. I am going to pick up some gesso/canvas board today to do some more paintings on and get some still life's popped out hopefully.
Wish me luch as I really need to get at least one or 3 more oils done, and like 5 more watercolors before next wednesday.
Busy busy busy...I promise pictures will be updated soon!
Wish me luch as I really need to get at least one or 3 more oils done, and like 5 more watercolors before next wednesday.
Busy busy busy...I promise pictures will be updated soon!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Water Strikes
Flooding is happening all over the UK. It is so bad so many people have had to leave their homes, not because of a few inches of rain, but up to 10 feet of actual flooding. I am going to stock up on more water supply right now, so that if we run out, or have to move back in with my motehr in law, or father in law..we have at least a back up. I'm storing the water and food high up and not low since we are near the river, and in a one-level bungalow. I feel so bad for all those who are flooded out and send my prayers to them.
Whole cars and up to second stories are flooded out. I just can't believe it. We're protected by a "mountain range" from the worst, which is north of here, but it is all very scary.
Hopefully, it won't hit here, but I wont just keep it to hope, and will prepare our family. At least I had already started our food supply, if we need to move or alex's work floods out. It's in the lowest place in Frome right across the river, and has already flooded out twice this year.
Whole cars and up to second stories are flooded out. I just can't believe it. We're protected by a "mountain range" from the worst, which is north of here, but it is all very scary.
Hopefully, it won't hit here, but I wont just keep it to hope, and will prepare our family. At least I had already started our food supply, if we need to move or alex's work floods out. It's in the lowest place in Frome right across the river, and has already flooded out twice this year.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Internet down
My net will be down for a few days, we went into overdraft and have to wait for tax credits to come through to pay for the virgin media bill, so I own't be able to make any outgoing calls for a few days as well. Anyone who needs to get ahold of me needs to call my home or see me in person. Sorry for all thsoe who read my blog- i'll be back online in a few days! cheers all!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Cleaning Chores, Art Chores....
So I walked into my kitchen this morning with it sparkling from the effort I had continously put in yesterday, and for the first time ever I felt pride of cleaning. Real pride. Lasting pride. The kind that makes you warm and fuzzy and walk around with a smile on your face.
This coupled with the fact that I'm dead determined to keep my house germ free has spurred me on to interesting lengths. I found "jim" the mold had come back to haunt us in the baby bed room, from where she had peed through the waterproof coverings onto the mat. So yesterday between all my crazy art attempts (which I have 5 new pieces up on Deviant art) I cleaned out the foam bed piece with carpet cleaner and aired it, letting Natasha nap on our bed. Almost all our laundry is caught up on, and somehow even with all this cleaning as I go along, I still have time for my family and artwork. It's been great. The last few days have been such a huge change for me, and success.
It was me who wouldn't clean up after themselves, though my husband does leave dirty socks where ever they may fall- none of that is as bad as the mounds of dishes I was using and not cleaning. Or the laundry I was putting off...or the bare minium I was cleaning. A lot of this has to do with the fact that I need to get organized before having two kids as I know I'll be even more busy, and if I can prioritize my time and work efficiently it helps loads! My grandma was always great at doing this, and I find myself remembering the things she did while growing up, and admiring her for helping raise us, and do all those many things around her home she did. We even used to make preserves of fruits she grew in her garden...strawberries...cherries...apples.. I don't ever remember a time my grandma wasn't working hard.
I also have some good news; I did indeed get the asda job and after enquiring about it yesterday it should only be a few weeks or so until they find a vacancy for me. Apparently, me being pregnant really doesn't matter in england, because the personnel manager told me that not many people get past what I did and that I did very well. If cleaning wasn't a confidence booster for me, this was. I never thought I was good at interviewing, but someone thinks I am.
In any case, life is good right now, and for hte first time I'm juggling everything, and I've actually learned how to juggle. I love being a mother, wife, and artist. I am no longer focused on just being a mother, and I am so happy with me. I have found me again. Chores? None oft his is painful, I do what I need to do, in order to do what I love. And I'm finding I even enjoy what I need to do.
This coupled with the fact that I'm dead determined to keep my house germ free has spurred me on to interesting lengths. I found "jim" the mold had come back to haunt us in the baby bed room, from where she had peed through the waterproof coverings onto the mat. So yesterday between all my crazy art attempts (which I have 5 new pieces up on Deviant art) I cleaned out the foam bed piece with carpet cleaner and aired it, letting Natasha nap on our bed. Almost all our laundry is caught up on, and somehow even with all this cleaning as I go along, I still have time for my family and artwork. It's been great. The last few days have been such a huge change for me, and success.
It was me who wouldn't clean up after themselves, though my husband does leave dirty socks where ever they may fall- none of that is as bad as the mounds of dishes I was using and not cleaning. Or the laundry I was putting off...or the bare minium I was cleaning. A lot of this has to do with the fact that I need to get organized before having two kids as I know I'll be even more busy, and if I can prioritize my time and work efficiently it helps loads! My grandma was always great at doing this, and I find myself remembering the things she did while growing up, and admiring her for helping raise us, and do all those many things around her home she did. We even used to make preserves of fruits she grew in her garden...strawberries...cherries...apples.. I don't ever remember a time my grandma wasn't working hard.
I also have some good news; I did indeed get the asda job and after enquiring about it yesterday it should only be a few weeks or so until they find a vacancy for me. Apparently, me being pregnant really doesn't matter in england, because the personnel manager told me that not many people get past what I did and that I did very well. If cleaning wasn't a confidence booster for me, this was. I never thought I was good at interviewing, but someone thinks I am.
In any case, life is good right now, and for hte first time I'm juggling everything, and I've actually learned how to juggle. I love being a mother, wife, and artist. I am no longer focused on just being a mother, and I am so happy with me. I have found me again. Chores? None oft his is painful, I do what I need to do, in order to do what I love. And I'm finding I even enjoy what I need to do.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
To be or Not to be?
When I first applied for Asda, I was immediatly sent a letter of rejection, and I put it out of my mind. Then the following day I was called to be asked in for an interview. I was surprised as I had told them I was pregnant and was unsure if I would be offered any job, despite the non-discrimitory laws here in the UK. Those laws mean little if you cannot prove that they are discriminating on any documents or words.
However I went to the interview with a cheerful heart. I was told at the end of the two hour session that I would be contacted in the next few days, with one of three options. Either a) you were accepted and there was a spot available immediatly, b) you were accepted but no spot was available immediatly (for your hours), or c) you were not accepeted.
I went home and waited anxiously for a call or letter. What I received was answer B. So I called to see if there was anyway to be bumped up that list since I knew there was a discrepancy between the hours I wrote as available on my application and the hours they had asked us we 'preferred' in the group session interview. I took the preference litteraly not realizing I was just being silly as I should have written what was already on my application.
Anyways, I called today and was told I would be called since I had cleared that up. Now on the phone I was told specifically what group B meant, and the kind personnel lady told me "You were accepted but put on a waiting list until your specified hours become available for the job you applied for." I know they probably tell everyone this to avoid discremination claims, however, having cleared that up I hope it means I will get the job sooner. It also means they now can't reject me on the basis I am pregnant because of not being rejected all togehter. If that makes any sense. However if they do reject me at this point, I will seek legal advice. I don't want this to continue happening simply because I intend to continue having children. This won't be the first time I run into this problem, and I want to figure out a way to show my best with out needing to dance around the pregnancy subject. I didnt even mention it in my interview since I had plainly put it down in my application, and had they wanted to broach the subject they could have. The only thing they asked that could have been vaugly related would be asking if I'd had any booked holiday time planned for this year. And no I dont. Maternity leave is not holiday, and it won't be this year :P I do feel a bit underhanded for not mentioning it now that I think on it, but I really didn't even consider it because of those lines of reasoning. I take things too literally some time I think.
So now my wonder is, do I continue to pursue this job..or just wait and see what happens? I've been praying and I'm not sure what to do. I need a job, and I need to do my artwork, but so far no one is interested locally in art lessons, and my caricature client fell through. I am not going to give up from a few set backs but I think I need to widen my clientel range, which requires going to different cities. Maybe Carol will help me?
Also, my husband made a wonderful suggestion to offer commision drawings on DND forums. I think this a great idea. I hope it turns out, Anyone else have some creative helpful hints?
However I went to the interview with a cheerful heart. I was told at the end of the two hour session that I would be contacted in the next few days, with one of three options. Either a) you were accepted and there was a spot available immediatly, b) you were accepted but no spot was available immediatly (for your hours), or c) you were not accepeted.
I went home and waited anxiously for a call or letter. What I received was answer B. So I called to see if there was anyway to be bumped up that list since I knew there was a discrepancy between the hours I wrote as available on my application and the hours they had asked us we 'preferred' in the group session interview. I took the preference litteraly not realizing I was just being silly as I should have written what was already on my application.
Anyways, I called today and was told I would be called since I had cleared that up. Now on the phone I was told specifically what group B meant, and the kind personnel lady told me "You were accepted but put on a waiting list until your specified hours become available for the job you applied for." I know they probably tell everyone this to avoid discremination claims, however, having cleared that up I hope it means I will get the job sooner. It also means they now can't reject me on the basis I am pregnant because of not being rejected all togehter. If that makes any sense. However if they do reject me at this point, I will seek legal advice. I don't want this to continue happening simply because I intend to continue having children. This won't be the first time I run into this problem, and I want to figure out a way to show my best with out needing to dance around the pregnancy subject. I didnt even mention it in my interview since I had plainly put it down in my application, and had they wanted to broach the subject they could have. The only thing they asked that could have been vaugly related would be asking if I'd had any booked holiday time planned for this year. And no I dont. Maternity leave is not holiday, and it won't be this year :P I do feel a bit underhanded for not mentioning it now that I think on it, but I really didn't even consider it because of those lines of reasoning. I take things too literally some time I think.
So now my wonder is, do I continue to pursue this job..or just wait and see what happens? I've been praying and I'm not sure what to do. I need a job, and I need to do my artwork, but so far no one is interested locally in art lessons, and my caricature client fell through. I am not going to give up from a few set backs but I think I need to widen my clientel range, which requires going to different cities. Maybe Carol will help me?
Also, my husband made a wonderful suggestion to offer commision drawings on DND forums. I think this a great idea. I hope it turns out, Anyone else have some creative helpful hints?
Monday, July 09, 2007
A new morning
Today I feel great! I woke up full of beans, and alex had so kindly cleaned the kitchen last night for me.
This morning is laundry day and sorting out all the recycling/trash for tomorrow. I cant go out and do my monday shopping because I have to wait for Asda to call and see if I got the job. Which is also making me excitable and nervous.
I've been dancing around the house while getting everything ready. Natasha is feeding herself and i'm taking a moment to write here. I dont know how to some people get to sit down and write beautiful posts because I have just enough time to do this haha.
My mother is so wonderful too, she's sending me some new baby clothes, and a box full of goodies for our family. As well as a little wheely bug for natasha i think. :) I also finnally got the stuff from her to start my clinic art project.
Anyways that's all I had to say for today. It's a beautiful day.
This morning is laundry day and sorting out all the recycling/trash for tomorrow. I cant go out and do my monday shopping because I have to wait for Asda to call and see if I got the job. Which is also making me excitable and nervous.
I've been dancing around the house while getting everything ready. Natasha is feeding herself and i'm taking a moment to write here. I dont know how to some people get to sit down and write beautiful posts because I have just enough time to do this haha.
My mother is so wonderful too, she's sending me some new baby clothes, and a box full of goodies for our family. As well as a little wheely bug for natasha i think. :) I also finnally got the stuff from her to start my clinic art project.
Anyways that's all I had to say for today. It's a beautiful day.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
The Language of Hands
I have been teaching natasha ASL. And this is the list of words she knows in ASL vs the one verbally.
ASL:
Up
Down
Potty
Nappy/diaper
clothes
drink
food
more
want
bed/sleep
mum
dad
clean
dirty
wash
bath
brush
hair
shoes/boots
coat
I love you
kiss
brush teeth
Verbal:
Mum
Dad
bye
up
It's great because Its really helping Natasha learn to read, she loves bringing me books to read her now because she can sign along with them. Or at least some of the basic ones. I'm teaching her animals now :)
ASL:
Up
Down
Potty
Nappy/diaper
clothes
drink
food
more
want
bed/sleep
mum
dad
clean
dirty
wash
bath
brush
hair
shoes/boots
coat
I love you
kiss
brush teeth
Verbal:
Mum
Dad
bye
up
It's great because Its really helping Natasha learn to read, she loves bringing me books to read her now because she can sign along with them. Or at least some of the basic ones. I'm teaching her animals now :)
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Reminiscing
Today I feel a bit lonely. I'm not sure if having never had long time friends, or not having many now has upset me, but it always seems like making friends, and keeping them has never been a strong suit for me.
Which is funny really because I just had a lovely time with Carol and Liz this last week going out with our kids, and playing at the woodland park. I even really enjoyed myself at a dinner going away party for one of my friends in church. I was just getting to know her and now she is leaving in 2 weeks.
I have isolated myself so much being a mother, and with out any transportation, that going to see people is very hard. I think I do something maybe once a month with my 'friends' Carol and Liz, if I'm lucky, and I don't ever get time to sit down and talk to them.
It's lovely having children, and having my husband as friends, but I miss female companionship. Specifically my mother and grandma. They have always been my friends even when I didnt have anyone else, and latly I'm so far away from them I feel all alone.
Well i'm teaching natasha sign language now so at least I can communicate with her better. She now knows almost 10 words in sign language and 4 verbally. It's wonderful to see her grow and develop.
I also did really well at my interview so i'm hoping I make a few friends working. Art work is such a solitary thing it will be nice to have and do both jobs. I guess part of my problem is being so busy that I just dont have the time to sit down and talk to friends for ever. Even if I had someone to talk to for ages besides my mother and grandma.
Which is funny really because I just had a lovely time with Carol and Liz this last week going out with our kids, and playing at the woodland park. I even really enjoyed myself at a dinner going away party for one of my friends in church. I was just getting to know her and now she is leaving in 2 weeks.
I have isolated myself so much being a mother, and with out any transportation, that going to see people is very hard. I think I do something maybe once a month with my 'friends' Carol and Liz, if I'm lucky, and I don't ever get time to sit down and talk to them.
It's lovely having children, and having my husband as friends, but I miss female companionship. Specifically my mother and grandma. They have always been my friends even when I didnt have anyone else, and latly I'm so far away from them I feel all alone.
Well i'm teaching natasha sign language now so at least I can communicate with her better. She now knows almost 10 words in sign language and 4 verbally. It's wonderful to see her grow and develop.
I also did really well at my interview so i'm hoping I make a few friends working. Art work is such a solitary thing it will be nice to have and do both jobs. I guess part of my problem is being so busy that I just dont have the time to sit down and talk to friends for ever. Even if I had someone to talk to for ages besides my mother and grandma.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Cariactures and Things
I have a client wanting me to go to a business party and draw people as caricatures. Since I have never done this, I decided to practice before trying for the job. I have sent these pictures to the client.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Another rainy day..and another...and another...
Today is so busy!
I've got drycleaning to send out this morning, a doctors appointment for my rubella blood test stuff, and I'm going out with friends to a near by park/woodlands area today. That's not including the trip to the dump I have to make to drop off a huge bunch of cardboard (they dont have a recycling center for those things here..) or the order i have to pick up from the stationary place, so i can post more art business cards. I still have to sort out signing up my business with the government! I've already been up since 7 doing dishes, getting everyone ready for the morning and I'm just taking a breather before I launch myself into another busy day.
To make matters worse, it's raining again! lol. It was so nice yesterday. I hope it's not raining this afternoon so I can still go to the park or we'll have to find an inside soft play center for all the kids.
It's just crazy the amount of rain we're getting. I hear the US needs it so i'll try and wish it over there for awhile. We're being flooded out here! At least I got 5 loads of laundry done yesterday on the nice sunny day :)
I've got drycleaning to send out this morning, a doctors appointment for my rubella blood test stuff, and I'm going out with friends to a near by park/woodlands area today. That's not including the trip to the dump I have to make to drop off a huge bunch of cardboard (they dont have a recycling center for those things here..) or the order i have to pick up from the stationary place, so i can post more art business cards. I still have to sort out signing up my business with the government! I've already been up since 7 doing dishes, getting everyone ready for the morning and I'm just taking a breather before I launch myself into another busy day.
To make matters worse, it's raining again! lol. It was so nice yesterday. I hope it's not raining this afternoon so I can still go to the park or we'll have to find an inside soft play center for all the kids.
It's just crazy the amount of rain we're getting. I hear the US needs it so i'll try and wish it over there for awhile. We're being flooded out here! At least I got 5 loads of laundry done yesterday on the nice sunny day :)
Monday, July 02, 2007
Rainy Days
Hello all! I've got a lot to post about today since we're all feeling better here.
I have some new pictures to post as well so bear with me as this will be a longwinded one. As I mentioned everyone is over our illness; which is good because this friday I am going to my interview at asda.
I've been doing artwork like mad too; and have new pictures posted on my Deviantart webpage. Points to link to the left of this post!! <---
For those of you computer illiterate i will post one or two of those pictures here :) Especially the one of natasha and of the watercolor I did.
Other things that are going on is having my 12 week appointment with my midwife last weekend. I told her about wanting to birth at home and she said that wouldn't be a problem. She told me the proceedures they normally go through; and it was all very informative. I got an up to date list on the foods I shouldnt eat; reccomended by the english government and I found some of the differences amusing. Not once did they mention sacrin; but that's becaue it's banned over here from all food products!
Some of the other 'fake' sugars aren't but I just avoid them anyway. I don't like the taste of them; especially when i'm pregnant. Also, while at the medwife's I got to hear the baby's heart beat; which was a real joy to me.
Alex and I are discussing ways of me to promote my art more; and with a job I should be able to have a bit of money to spend on advertising. But what we want to do even more is get a car, and alex driving lessons.
We're hoping to succeed in this before 2008. That's our years family goal; that and going on a vacation together. :)
Also if i'm both able to work and do commision artwork it just means more money for us to do these things listed above. I know it seems like a lot to juggle, but it's already 9 am and I have cleaned the kitchen the bedrooms, hovered, and the front room is spotless. I've even done another load of laundry, had breakfast, did alex's breakfast/lunch, and put the baby down to bed for her morning nap (a few minutes ago). If I can multi-task like that I know I can juggle a job, family, housework and art. It's not easy but it makes my days much more busy and productive.
Speaking of artwork, my mother wants me to do some illustrations for her Clinic which I think will be great for portfolio pieces and my reputation I'm trying to build out here. I'm really excited to get started on them, and I'm basically waiting for the go-ahead and picture references from my mother. I should also be getting my Human Anatomy instructional DVD's in the mail any day now, and this will be a great advantage when trying to help my mother do her pictures.
I still haven't fit in exercising in the day, except perhaps a walk to the park with Natasha when I get a chance. Most of my days are so busy now, I just try to walk to and from errands in order to get my exercise.
Ok the only other exciting plans for the week is seeing our friends at teh weekend for a dinner get-together. They are moving away and it will be sad to see them leave, but it will be fun to see them this weekend anyway.
Oh there is one more thing I forgot! Alex has started a DND group again, which has really lifted his spirits as he gets to see some of his friends once a week. Just because he is a father and workds doesnt mean he cant have friends and buddies. I even agreed to sit down and play with him, however I can't really play for like a 5 block session as they like to do because I have to take care of Natasha and cook dinner ect.
So now that I've blabbered on, it is time for the photos of me and my daughter :)
Alex took this second picture late last night of me..so it's a bit blurry. I was playing with the hampster.
I have some new pictures to post as well so bear with me as this will be a longwinded one. As I mentioned everyone is over our illness; which is good because this friday I am going to my interview at asda.
I've been doing artwork like mad too; and have new pictures posted on my Deviantart webpage. Points to link to the left of this post!! <---
For those of you computer illiterate i will post one or two of those pictures here :) Especially the one of natasha and of the watercolor I did.
Other things that are going on is having my 12 week appointment with my midwife last weekend. I told her about wanting to birth at home and she said that wouldn't be a problem. She told me the proceedures they normally go through; and it was all very informative. I got an up to date list on the foods I shouldnt eat; reccomended by the english government and I found some of the differences amusing. Not once did they mention sacrin; but that's becaue it's banned over here from all food products!
Some of the other 'fake' sugars aren't but I just avoid them anyway. I don't like the taste of them; especially when i'm pregnant. Also, while at the medwife's I got to hear the baby's heart beat; which was a real joy to me.
Alex and I are discussing ways of me to promote my art more; and with a job I should be able to have a bit of money to spend on advertising. But what we want to do even more is get a car, and alex driving lessons.
We're hoping to succeed in this before 2008. That's our years family goal; that and going on a vacation together. :)
Also if i'm both able to work and do commision artwork it just means more money for us to do these things listed above. I know it seems like a lot to juggle, but it's already 9 am and I have cleaned the kitchen the bedrooms, hovered, and the front room is spotless. I've even done another load of laundry, had breakfast, did alex's breakfast/lunch, and put the baby down to bed for her morning nap (a few minutes ago). If I can multi-task like that I know I can juggle a job, family, housework and art. It's not easy but it makes my days much more busy and productive.
Speaking of artwork, my mother wants me to do some illustrations for her Clinic which I think will be great for portfolio pieces and my reputation I'm trying to build out here. I'm really excited to get started on them, and I'm basically waiting for the go-ahead and picture references from my mother. I should also be getting my Human Anatomy instructional DVD's in the mail any day now, and this will be a great advantage when trying to help my mother do her pictures.
I still haven't fit in exercising in the day, except perhaps a walk to the park with Natasha when I get a chance. Most of my days are so busy now, I just try to walk to and from errands in order to get my exercise.
Ok the only other exciting plans for the week is seeing our friends at teh weekend for a dinner get-together. They are moving away and it will be sad to see them leave, but it will be fun to see them this weekend anyway.
Oh there is one more thing I forgot! Alex has started a DND group again, which has really lifted his spirits as he gets to see some of his friends once a week. Just because he is a father and workds doesnt mean he cant have friends and buddies. I even agreed to sit down and play with him, however I can't really play for like a 5 block session as they like to do because I have to take care of Natasha and cook dinner ect.
So now that I've blabbered on, it is time for the photos of me and my daughter :)
Alex took this second picture late last night of me..so it's a bit blurry. I was playing with the hampster.
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