Monday, February 24, 2014

From Sequins to Sunshine

As I am so behind with my blog posts, I'm sure this is old news to you.... but "I have an ebook out... Yipppeee!"  This was mainly due to an arm twisted up my back by Alan. Since publishing his books, many people have stated their disappointment that there were no photos in his books, so Alan, in his infinite wisdom encouraged me to work at tidying up my blog posts, of Year 1of us moving here to rural Spain, living off grid with our animals. Just a tad different to living in the cosmopolitan city of Brighton, and doing 'normal' jobs. There are lots of photos included, of our house, family and animals of course. My intelligent beautiful fabbie girlfriend editor dotted the 'i's' and crossed the 't's', Alan formatted it for publication, and we were off.  

It is only a blog, some parts are exciting, other bits not so, but such is life.  I now have 18 reviews, sixteen are 5 star, one 3 star, which was very acceptable, and a hugely embarrasing 1 star.  I must admit that didn't upset me as much as I thought it may.  When Alan has received the occasional bad review, I feel awful for him, protective I guess. Which must have been how my daughter felt when she wrote a reply underneath one of Alan's bad reviews.  The person writing it had said they didn't like Alan or I.  Quite what I had done, I'll never know.  Frankie wrote stating what wonderful people we were with great hearts, bless her.  Maybe it's for the better than her reply seemed to get lost in cyber space, never to be read again. Alan had always said we are putting ourselves out there, so we have to accept the bad reviews.

I love writing my blogs posts.  Some are easier to write than others.  I try and be as honest as I can, but I am quite a private person.  I'm trying to be more open with my writing, but it can be difficult to sometimes find the correct words, if you are missing family, or not feeling well, but I'm getting braver at baring my soul.

If you are one of the kind people that have read my ebook, and you have five minutes to spare to write a review, good or with constructive critism, I would be so grateful.  Just to let you know I have started on Year 2.  I must admit the first half seems pretty dull, but gets more exciting as time goes on. 

I remember a teaching video from Len Goodman (from Strictly Come Dancing, and Dancing with the Stars), at the end he said "If you enjoyed this video please tell all your friends.  If you didn't, just keep it to yourself" I like that.  If you feel like doing that with my ebook, I would be very happy, thank you.

Here's the link if you want to be nosey.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/From-Sequins-Sunshine-Lornas-Spain-ebook/dp/B00H2VEIJ4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top


Monday, February 17, 2014

Welcome to the World Baby Jaxon

Alan reached over to the bed side cabinet to check the text message that beeped in the middle of the night. I knew immediately it was the news I had been anxiously waiting for. As I thought, it was Frankie my daughter, she had been in labour for just over an hour.  I texted her back straight away, and I told her I would turn my laptop on. I brought it into the bedroom, and we shared a very special few hours just the two of us.

I had booked to go to Brighton on December 17th.  Of course there was a risk I may not arrive in time for the labour.  When Frankie had Kaci four years ago I was present at the birth, and apart from the birth of my own children, that was certainly one of the happiest days of my life.  I desperately hoped I would already be in Brighton, but I realize now, for selfish reasons.  I dreamt of being one of the first to see my first grandson, and I also hoped to take Kaci to see her baby brother.  I imagined opening the door and her running in first, with a huge smile on her face, but it wasn't to be.

I would become very emotional thinking of my little girl having a baby, and me not there to give some sort of support, and I really hoped baby would wait.  It was strange however, when I heard she was in labour, although of course I hoped and prayed everything would be ok, my main thoughts and worries were about my baby...... yes she's 25 but still my baby of course!

Unfortunately I had an appointment at the eye hospital that morning.  Another injection under the eye for me, but that was nothing compared to giving birth. Frankie had gone into hospital about 7am so news was then understandably more sporadic. As we approached the hospital car park the phone rang, it was Frankie's mobile, but it seemed to cut off quickly.  I rang straight back and got the answer machine.... gutted!  I had no idea how things were progressing.    

I sat waiting in the crowded hospital waiting room, my thoughts were only on one person. At last the phone rang.  I grabbed it from Alan and rushed out of the department to try and find a quieter spot.  Baby was born, he needed a little oxygen but he was gorgeous and healthy.  Unfortunately the placenta hadn't been delevered and so poor Frankie, after only have gas and air, now had to under go an epidural in order for the placenta to be removed, after other attempts had failed.  Bless her!  

Jaxon (Jax) Browning had come into the world weighing 7lb 5oz with a shock of dark hair.  I'm delighted to report mummy and baby were out of hospital the following day.

My beautiful daughter and baby grandson

Very proud daddy

Big sister Kaci,who is totally in love

Jackson

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Spain Buddy Interview

I was very chuffed to be an interviewee on one of THE best websites for expats in Spain. Spain Buddy. It has fun pages, like crosswords puzzles to help improve your Spanish, some great recipes, and excellent advice for anyone considering relocating to Spain, just for starters.   

Click the link to take you to my interview.  Think you know me?  But do you know what sandwich filling I would be?

http://www.spainbuddy.com/expat-interview-dec-no-4-lorna-penfold/#more-10048

This link below takes you to the home page.  Happy browsing!

http://www.spainbuddy.com





Monday, February 3, 2014

Implant Update... Yes the Tooth Variety!

Another personal one here.... I hold my hands up and admit it, I am in the process of having a few implants.  If you need a reminder of my first appointment, including the first lot of  gorey bits, please check out my first post about it at the link here... (No yucky photos you will be pleased to know).
http://lornaslifeinspain.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/ever-thought-of-having-implants.html

There I was enjoying my break with the family, but I had that horrible feeling hanging over me. That feeling in the pit of your stomach, that can only mean one thing .. a trip to the dentist!  Now I am one of the worlds biggest wusses when it comes to visiting that place.  No matter how lovely they are, let's be honest there are much nicer places to be. Imagine my horror when confirming my appointment, and I was told those horrifying words 'No Lorna, we won't be giving you any sedation, this time!'  At first I thought he was joking.  Sadly not. The big day arrived and I slid in pretending to be brave, hoping that maybe in an hour or so, it would be over.

The procedure for my second stage was started by sticking numerous injections into my mouth.  Into my gums, the roof of my mouth, that was a stinger, and the one that feels like it's going up your nose.  I had already had huge quanties of anaesthetic by the time it was the 'up the nose one' , so I wasn't sure where they were going in the end.  That was fine by me!  The next step was to re-expose the implants.  This is done by making small incisions into the gum... (I know, I know) and a small extension is fitted to the implants. The gums are stitched up again leaving the small posts out, in preperation for step 3.

I'll be honest it wasn't a vary nice procedure, obviously, but I did it.  I did moan a couple of times and they dosed me up a little more.... good good!  I was aware of the suturing, not because I felt any pain what so ever, only from the suture thread tickling my lip.  I did however make a complaint to my denist at the end, and suggested they use code words instead of cut, scalpel and suture - in a joking manner of course, brrr they still make me shiver! To be honest having that done without sedation made me pretty proud of myself. Go me!