Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Bring me sunshine
Thursday, 21 May 2009
A woman's work....
I've long held the opinion that it's nearly impossible to look after everyone, have a clean house, clean clothes and a general state of domestic calm AND work creatively at the same time. There's something about the repetitive tedium of domestic tasks that dampens the creative spark. Or at least it always has done in me. Which means I haven't written anything fiction related for several months.
What is interesting is a very old, dear friend of mine (my mentor in book publishing, waaay back in the day) has similar issues but the key thing is - she's ALSO working. And writing and being published at that.
So I'm right, you can't to do it all. The answer is a) staff - what I wouldn't give for a general housekeeper-cum-nanny or b) let it all fall as it may and get the creative stuff done. Unfortunately, I hate mess so feel compelled to tidy up even if it means shoving stuff randomly in cupboards which drives Dr G mad.
Not sure what to add to that, except, thank god for my cleaners.
Lucy
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
The converse of 'In the Loop'
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Forgive my tardiness, it's been a busy time
Suffice to say, the op went well, the surgeon was great (all the midwives keep saying 'very neat scar' which I hope is true), and the medical staff at Macclesfield Maternity Unit were/are fab.
At risk of sounding like I'm at an award ceremony, I'd like to thank everyone for the cards, presents, flowers, emails, comments and blog postings. We're all doing just fine but our state of wellness is def helped by the fact that bouquets of flowers keep arriving along with parcels, cards etc etc.
I didn't forget you while this was going on, and will write more about the joys of pain relief later, I just wanted to share one thing. Amongst the many 'moments' over the last week, one stands out, which was when I realised that there was nothing better I could be doing other than looking after my new son.
Yes, I know women across time have all felt this, but I haven't. It's rare for me not to be considering what else I should be doing, how many other tasks I could and should be cramming into my day.
But not right now. Right now, I'm doing the best, only and single most important activity there is. I believe it's called 'living in the moment'. And you know what, it feels great.
Lucy
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Film review: Lock, Stock and 2 smoking comic movies
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Film Review: 'In the F*cking Loop'
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Define 'Ready'...
I had to stop for a minute as I said 'yes, well, no but yes'. In my own way, I'm entering a state of readiness. By this I mean:
- I've dyed my hair. Yet another ginger/strawberry blonde experience, I'll be glad when this 3-for-2 dye is finished.
- I've been to the dentist and had my teeth polished. I'm sure the antenatal staff will be glad, nay, relieved to see that.
- I've painted my toenails. No mean feat, have you any idea how hard it is to do any sensible grooming below the waist with a bump this big?
I just haven't packed the bag yet because in my own head, it's not happening till next Thursday. But I'm ready, as you can tell...
Lucy
Monday, 20 April 2009
German Film Festival: The Wave
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Return of the prodigal blogger
BUT no longer, today I start my maternity leave, so apart from minor details like having a baby (due to be delivered by c-section on 30 April), I'm all yours for the summer. In the meantime, here's a few highlights of the last three months:
- I managed a huge product launch of 222 web pages in 6 languages that all went live in one go with no problems. Possibly the smoothest launch I've ever run, and def couldn't have done it without the fabulous Rhona Scott at our digital agency without whom etc etc.
- Sir (aka 'yourfathertheb*stard') had a handbag duel with the Daily(ish) Millbrooker over some point of honour that I don't really understand. Even I felt a twinge of embarrassment and he's been doing this kind of thing all my life. No wonder my little brother is running away to join the navy...
- I've had a surprisingly good pregnancy. Apart from the fact that sometimes I go to bed at the same time as Missy, and I keep getting told that the baby isn't as big as it's supposed to be, I've mostly been fine.
So expect some film reviews over the next couple of weeks along with maybe some pictures of misshapen biscuits. I bet you're all giddy with excitement now, aren't you?
Lucy
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Settling in
Three things have occurred to make this happen:
1. We've made some friends which REALLY helps to make us feel settled. And this meant that new year was spent at a dinner party, as opposed to sitting on the sofa, with Dr G willing me not to fall asleep at 10pm. We were out till 2am. I can't remember the last time that happened (she said, ancient so-called party animal now sounding about 105 years old).
2. We keep bumping into kids in the village who smile and wave at Madam. This means I get a smile and a wave from the mum too. Sounds like a small thing, but that does help to make me feel welcome.
3. I bumped into Madam's nursery teacher at the gym last week and had a lovely chat about kid-free days.
That one was a bit odd as I'm not used to people I call 'miss' talking to me while semi-naked. What is the protocol for that kind of meeting? I looked firmly into her eyes and tried to hide my lady parts without looking uncomfortable. A bit daft really, as she's female and has two kids so very likely has seen lady parts before.
Anyway, all in all, Holmes Chapel is starting to feel more like home. Which is good, as the state of the economy and the size of our mortgage means it's going to be home for quite a few years to come. As everyone always says about getting settled, it's knowing people that makes a place.
I do hate sounding cliched, but they are cliches for a reason, aren't they?
Lucy
Friday, 9 January 2009
The Fog
This week it has exhibited itself in several delightful ways:
- COMPLETELY forgetting several conversations that myself and Dr G have had. Now they were a few month's ago but I'd be hard-pressed to say I was even in the room with him when we talked about it. You can imagine how delighted he was by that.
- Striding purposely upstairs to do something important, but losing the plot as soon as I reach the landing. Not just 'what was I wanting?' more 'why am I here again?'.
- Mentioning that we'd do make purple porridge to Madam then wondering why she was upset when I presented her with a bowl of porridge with blueberries, not purple porridge. I made her cry! It's true, I'm a crummy mummy. More on that later.
- Writing things down on a to do list (sensible) then losing the list (stupid!).
Safe to say it's nowhere near as bad as 'The Fog' (original book by James Herbert for those to remember him). I don't want to murder anyone - well, not yet anyway. Well, okay, not often. Though I did hear about a friend of a friend who's hormones turned her really psychotic and she accused all and sundry of sleeping with her husband. Pregnancy is such a delight.
Anyway, the wonderful She suggested a solution: how about a notepad and a pen on a string round my neck. When something is important, I can then write it down immediately and won't lose the note. Only problem is, I'd look like a mad old lady, like the one I used to see in London. So what's better - the hormonal fog or the old mad bag lady look?
Off to - oh god - I do know this, something to do with water...Lucy