mumsisdaughter | Getting to know you (Reply)

- Leave me a comment saying "Resistance is Futile."
- I'll respond by asking you five questions so I can satisfy my curiosity
- Update your journal with the answers to the questions
- Include this explanation in the post and offer to ask other people questions

Questions from

secret_savior
1. Number one book on your to-read list?
So many! There's a huge book that I keep putting off reading because I'd like to read it in one go. I hope it's worth it when I get round to it--
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke.

2. Why did you decide to be a teacher?
I sort of fell into by accident. I got my BSc in Botany and Zoology then didn't know what to do next so took the extra year to train as a teacher while I hoped a suitable job would come up. Then I got my teaching job and stuck with it because I found I liked it. 35 years later I'm ready for a rest--exhausting but rewarding. Look out for the lj entry next July!

3. If you could visit any country (regardless of fears of flying, money, etc) which would it be? Why?
I've always hankered after seeing New Zealand for the scenery (doubly so after seeing Peter Jackson's LOTR) but I reckon I'll never go. I'd really like to go on a Round the World cruise, I think.

4. Did you ever want more kids, or was Jenn always the perfect number?
Thereby hangs a tale :) I have never had a maternal bone in my body. Was never interested in dolls as a child, always wanted cowboy books for Christmas. Never cooed over other people's babies even my sisters'. Didn't really want one of my own, certainly didn't want a boy (sorry). Everytime hubby's mother dropped hints, it made me more determined not to do it. However, I was aware that hubby would make a really good Dad so when he hit 40, I bit the bullet and offered myself up as some sort of human sacrifice. I did it for him, you see. I got the girl first time so there was no temptation to do it again. Still no maternal instinct, probably because I had an emergency Caesarian so did not actually give birth. The knowledge that I was responsible for her nurturing was there and I felt the instinct to care for her. Then when she was about 3 months old, I realised that there was a fascinating little mind inside and my devotion turned to love. Not love for babies in general--I still don't coo over others--but a deep, abiding feeling that she is the best thing I have ever done. She does not 'belong' to me, she has always been her own person, and I feel honoured that I was given the privilege of raising her. Whether this is instinct/DNA selfish gene, metaphysics or spirituality doesn't matter, I know that I would lay my life down for her.

5. What was your wedding like?
A beautiful blue-sky day but rather chilly (October). Everyone there who we wanted to be there. Music specially chosen because we met at folk dancing classes--had to swear faithfully that the book of music would be returned safely: it's amusing looking at the unofficial photos and tracking who was carrying the book in each one. Walked in to 'Nonesuch' one of our absolute favourite dances. Only hiccup was the official photographer's camera failed and he had to send for another (back in the days before mobile phones). All the 'before wedding' photos had to be taken afterwards, the trick being to knock all the confetti off. The brilliant side-effect was that lots of people took rolls of film in case his camera did not arrive in time but it did, so we ended up with 3 albums worth of photos taken by friends and family. I had my bouquet dried and have a framed display of some of the flowers in our bedroom--rather faded after 30 years but a reminder of a good day. I cringe when I hear young brides gush about it as being the Most Important or Best Day of their lives--that suggests it will be downhill from there. I'd marry him again in an instant though the dress wouldn't fit me any more!