Carried For A Moment, Loved For A Lifetime!

Hiya!

The weekend was certainly going well and started back on Friday evening when I was told by my Personal Trainer that I have exceeded all expectations and lost a further twelve-centimeters off my waist this week, along with many more inches lost elsewhere. Over the moon with the results of the last few weeks hard work I got back into my little Orange car and called someone who I knew would be glad to hear from me. Dominos! Yes I admit I fell off the wagon slightly and ordered pizza for Mr. Warehouse and I, collecting it as I drove home in glee. 

Saturday morning I woke early to kindly take Mr. Warehouse in for his early morning shift working overtime. Aren't I such a nice girlfriend! But despite my dawn rise, I still came home and fell right back into bed slumbering until mid-morning. Meeting my Nanny Pumpkin in the horrid weather for a spot of lunch and a walk round some Museum's in Bedford we talked about all sorts as we normally would, touching upon how my poorly grandfather was and how she is yet to become a great-grandma. 

Fast forward a few hours and I was out of the cold and wet, instead sat round the glass coffee table, enjoying a bottle of wine and laughing along at some NSFW material games I got for Christmas. I was certainly enjoying some much deserved Girlie time with my besties, Miss Tweedle-Dee and Miss Tweedle-Dumb who was up from Basingstoke for the weekend. The luxury this time was that Miss Tweedle-Dee's Brother and family were away for the weekend and as such had a Puppy to look after. A bonus in itself you may think, and rightfully so it would be ... Had it not been for the steaming Hot Tub outside! After a dip we came back inside to warm up and dry off, settling down to watch some YouTubers and Vloggers I had never heard of. Then in the fits of giggles I recognized a familiar face. It was none other that an old school friend of mine, Lorraine Mulrooney. Her Mousey complexion and timid voice had not changed since our classroom days and I was pleased to hear that she was doing well. Or not as the case may seem. 

Watching a Video uploaded only recently it started with tears and in it was captioned something about an update on life so far, or something like that. I was devastated  to hear that despite all the wonderful things that has happened in her life since our last encounter - Meeting a wonderful guy it seems, having a little girl and starting what appears to be a successful YouTube channel things were not good. Listening to the heartbreak as she described in emotional detail the reasoning for the tears I wondered how much pain one person can endure. It was a video that sadly described the terrible loss that miscarriage brings to not only the women carrying the child but also the whole family. Not one or even two but five lost babies this women had experienced, all of them with little or no explanation. 

In the UK miscarriage is the most common complication with any pregnancy with an estimated quarter-of-a-million babies and fetuses lost each year. Medical studies show that between fifteen and twenty percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage in the first twelve weeks. But even when you are past the all important first and even second trimester, you are still not out of the woods just yet. One in every two-hundred babies born in the UK are stillborn and figures state that it is fifteen times more common that cot death. And yet no-one knows a definitive answer as to why this keeps happening to would-be parents up and down the UK. 

I cannot even begin to understand or even imagine what a women must go through to see those little lines on a pregnancy test to all of a sudden it being snatched away from you. All the thoughts and feelings you had. All the dreams and hopes for the future. What they would look like, what they would be like. All gone. You will never find out if they had their Daddies nose or even if they inherited your mothers stubbornness. Forever guessing what they would be like as a teenager and wondering what sort of person they will grow into. All of this disappearing almost as if it never existed. I can't fathom what it would take to go through the loss of a pregnancy and all it brings let alone having to bring a sleeping bairn into the world so cruel enough to not let you meet. 

I have yet to experience anything close to motherhood and pray that when I finally get to the point in my life where children would be nice that its journey to my arms is safe and hope that I never have to experience what some amazing women in my life as well as old school pals have had to ensure. But one thing stands out in all these women and that is there incredible ability to sweep it under the carpet, hiding it from all to see. Ladies it is your grief and you should not be ashamed or shy of it. Don't hide it, bring it out into the open and lets talk about your beautiful gift, stolen too soon. Lets cry and hug it out because whilst you will never "get over it" as some people might encourage you to do, life will adjust accordingly and because we are strong together and we will heal, little by little and piece by piece. 

Anyone who is suffering right now and feels like they want to chat, either to me (not that I may be very much help of course) or to a professional, please feel free to speak out and try some of the wonderful organisations who specialize in Miscarriage, Stillborn and lost pregnancies such as Sands, The Miscarriage Association and Tommy's. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Castle on the Hill

Hello Dears!

Finishing work I don't think many of my work colleagues knew that I was taking annual leave, starting with a half day on Friday afternoon. Come half-twelve I was more than ready to finish work and get my hot-tub on! But first I needed to wait for the besties, Miss Tweedle-Dee and Miss Tweedle-Dumb to arrive so that I could drive us all to our home for the weekend. Once they had arrived we popped everything into the car and headed out to the Open Roads. 

Our purpose built, Laxfield Lodges log cabin was set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside and is a part of a couple that the land owner has on his property in order to make a bit of cash on the side. And why wouldn't you make use of your surroundings, bunging in a hot-tub as well to increase profits. All rooms in the cabin were carved from the finest cuts of wood and the cabin itself was comprised of two bedrooms, a double and a twin, one main bathroom with a bath tub and a en-suite to the master bedroom including a rain shower. A separate utility room with tumble dryer, washing machine and storage was hidden along the wooden corridor before you came into the main living area which boasted a beautiful black and white granite kitchen including an incredibly useful island. All the mod-cons and amenities you could ever ask for in a kitchen as well as a six-ring old fashioned range in which you could cook in either the fan or the gas ovens provided. Two leather sofas rounded of the Living area looking out to the large decking and meadows but was accompanied by the glass free-standing dining room table and TV. 

But as you stepped outside onto the wooden veranda you saw the 'piece de la resistance': The Hot-Tub! Covered cleverly with some reeds and bamboo shoots, the hot-tub / Jacuzzi itself was very discreetly hidden from view of the other Lodge and the main house. perfect for a late-night dip and even maybe something a little bit more risky! But on a hot and lethargic Friday afternoon and certainly following the long journey that we had coming over from Bedford, Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I were all itching to take a dip before the sun set. We even found out from the owner that the singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran was from around these parts, and was actually raised in the village down the road from where we were staying. The area even hosted Ed and his female friend, the international pop star that is Taylor Swift in a pub round the corner and and the video shot for Castle on the Hill was actually done nearby and showed the Framingham Castle in the background, a supposed old haunt of Baby-Ed. 

Saturday morning the Tweedles and I all awoke fresh as daisies and ready to start our day. After having breakfast consisting of a cup of coffee and a waffle or two, we all jumped in the car for the 40-minute or so journey to Ipswich in search of some shopping and retail therapy in order to unwind, spending some much needed time together for alas this may be the end of our annual holiday as we knew it. With some swift changes coming up in the next few months and very near future it was clear that we did not have much time to spend with each other, at least not in person anyway. Some make-up, clothes and holiday bits for mine and Mr. Warehouse's holiday to Tenerife in August we we're all officially shopped and dropped, and it would appear that we have dropped right into a Chiquitos nearby for some Dinner. 

Sunday was an unsuccessful day at the farm for a free activity, but I would say that the less said about this the better and so back to the hot-tub to enjoy the last few moments in whirlpool bliss before heading home to reality and work the next day. Suffice to say that whilst we had our holiday squabbles and disagreements as usual it was also an emotional time to reflect on our friendship and realise just how far we had all come from the school girls that met in the playground well over a decade ago. Who knows where our next trip will take us however I have a funny feeling that it will probably involve a little bit of a Chillier climate and even a trip to a Swedish Christmas Market!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Rub-A-Dub-Dub in my little Hot-Tub!

Hiya, 

So it would seem that with less than 100-days to go until myself and Mr. Warehouse Jet off on holiday to Sunny Tenerife I am thoroughly looking forward to the fact that I can lay on the beach drinking cocktails and eat out for every meal. Anyone who knows me will know that holidays are exactly what I want to do in my spare time and with any spare cash, and whilst I have switched jobs in the last year it would appear that money is still an issue when it comes to holidaying. 

Normally it would happen that Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I organise a holiday during the summer months and Mr. Warehouse and I just have to make do in trying to get away at some other point throughout the year. But this year is different, for I am not really able to afford more than one holiday this year especially a big one. With my living expenses increasing after passing my test and getting a car, even with the change in career and more money coming in, I am envious and a tad jealous of my work colleagues that are able to Jet off to far away countries like the Caribbean and Mexico for annual holidays more than just once a year. But I suppose in retrospect if I was still living at home and had little outgoings then I also would be travelling the world. Who knows maybe I would be one of those pretentious posh kids from a middle class military background family that would swan off to Africa or somewhere out in Asia on some sort of gap Year from university in order to "find myself", 

Anyway, for some odd reason this year it seems like much more of a struggle to save the money for spending on Mr Warehouse and my first beach holiday abroad. if I'm honest with myself I slightly regret the fact that we did not book somewhere a little bit more upper class. For Mr Warehouse I am sure that it will be amazing even if we were living in a Mud Hut for a week since his last holiday abroad to a beach resort was his brother's stag do a few years ago. They have been married for over 4-years I think and have a little boy who this weekend, just turned three, I honestly don't know what I would do if I couldn't go on holiday every year - I think I would go insane! Mind you I always class a holiday as something outside of your normal environment. A breakaway to an English seaside resort - Holiday! Visiting family in Southern Ireland - Holiday! Going to see your best friend in Basingstoke for the weekend - OK certainly not a holiday but definitely a break away from the norm. 

Looking back on it now, I am slightly regretful at the fact that Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I never booked anywhere to go away abroad just me and them. But it was their decision that this year we would scrap the summer holiday all in aid of a hot tub weekend, with champagne on ice and lots of giggles and laughter to be had all of it set in the beauty that is the old English country-side. Set in woodland slap-bang in between Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Lowestoft; Laxfield Lodges with a hot tub and Scenic outdoor views is certainly going to take the edge off not being able to be on a beach with the besties!

I shouldn't say too much as this time next week I will have a lot to say about what my weekend entailed and look forward to telling you all about one of the last and final time we will all be together. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Nice Day For A White Wedding!

Afternoon All, 

And so as my problematic complaint against my energy company, British Gas (See last weeks post - 'An Electrifying Discovery'), bubbles away in the background I pack my bags and forget all about it as this weekend was time for a wedding! NO! No, not mine! Haha Phew, no! A relative of Mr. Warehouse's was to be married this weekend and as a result I had been invited for a right old family knees up with my other half and his crazy, crazy family. 

So after searching for nearly two months for a dress I had finally found one, just not in my size. I ordered a UK size 16 - Too small. I ordered a UK size 18 in a different colour - Still too small. I order four sizes too big for my just so I can get the right colour and low and behold it fits. Horrified that I could comfortable fit in such a size I have promised myself that I shall start my new diet and routine on the 1st of June, once all the festivities of May are over, wouldn't want to deprive myself now would I?! Besides, despite our differences the girls and I are finally off on holiday - Yes again, but this time I have got my wish. I am off to the party party island of KAVOS!!! Unfortunately though we have booked outside of season but rest assured where I and my Tweedles go there is always a party to be had, even if it does involve playing innuendo bingo on the balcony and having sun-cream squirt fights. Anyway back to the wedding ... 

Friday morning and the post arrives. I am anxious to see my delivery. Two dresses have turned up and as a precaution I take both with me to the hotel, just in case. Leaving work I was ready and excited to go on a mini-break/exciting weekend away with Mr. Warehouse as well as heating up the dance-floor with some good old Macarena and Cha Cha Slide! However I did not take into account the fact that neither of those songs were invented in the days whilst the happy couple were growing up and so there was Jives and Jigs the whole night through. 

On arriving to the hotel and checking in I had the horror of realising I left one of the most important things behind - My straighteners/curlers. Enquiring at reception as to if there were any spare pairs that had been left by another guest or where I would be able to buy myself a second pair seemed futile, until that is he picked up that gorgeous little telephone of his and rang around some old Crimpers! Finding one that was free and not too expensive either he made an appointment for her to come to mine and Mr. Warehouse's suite. Thanking the man profusely we made our way to our junior suite, rushing up the stairs and into our very own apartment for the weekend. Complete with folded toilet paper, biscuits and sparkling water we were in our element exploring the rooms and squealing when we found something new. As things became heated though and passion ripped through the Redlodge Junior Suite of the Oliver Cromwell Hotel in March, Cambridgeshire, we decided to take a dip in the pool. 

Naughtiness did not avoid us there either and as I beckoned Mr. Warehouse to sneak into my changing room he declined, opting for his own instead. A cool swimming pool, sweaty steam room and sweltering sauna awaited us as we entered but there was only one thing I wanted to do and despite numerous attempts in begging, Mr. Warehouse never did allow me to see how long I could hold my breath for in the hot tub. Far too excited to be in public and in need of a banging Chinese take-out we went back to our room, but not before I attempted another changing room kidnapping. Chinese ordered we settled in for a night in front of the TV and finally hit the sheets, only to be woken several time throughout the night by  what looked like a rather rowdy and shoddy attempt and an incognito drugs deal. 

Saturday morning and alarms ringing Mr. Warehouse and I rolled over and both took one look at each other. After a night of not sleeping well, shouting from outside and heat from the rooms thermostat we were lagging already. prising ourselves from the bedsheets we assembled ourselves together. With my make-up done, eyelashes on, hairdresser been and gone and breakfast finished all we had to do was slip on our outfits and head out to the Taxi-Cab waiting in reception. Pulling up to the front of the registry office I questioned my beliefs in having a wedding inside any venue other than a church, despite being sceptical about religion. The house looked beautiful from the outside, Wisteria billowing down the walls of the old Victorian house looking over the River Nene. Pretty indoors as it was outside, we took our seats in the Library clad in sparkly chandeliers and walls decked with old dusty books. We were soon joined by Momma Warehouse and other family that I knew. 

The ceremony was beautiful and the wedding day as blissful and as perfect as anyone could have hoped. Not everything was to my tastes but then again, it was not my wedding. The brides gown was genuinely breathtaking and something I would have been more than happy to wear; Bride or not! But as the band began to play and the dance-floor became busy Mr. Warehouse and I were surrenders to tiredness, eventually collapsing into bed in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

This weekend made me question a few things though, as I suppose it does when anyone, particularly a women goes to a wedding. Commitment is a big thing and although I do not want my home invaded permanently by the stench of man-fart and odd socks, I am slightly more willing to thinking about it. But certainly not for a very long time yet! What isn't long away though is the annual awards ceremony with work where by people get awards, we all eat food, there's an abundance of free booze and everyone dresses in fancy dress. It is literally my dream come true weekend and unlike this time last year, Cinderella will go to the ball ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx