I read these questions and answers a couple of days ago on blog buddy's blog and really enjoyed them so thought I would give them a go
What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Moved country.
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for this year?
Absolutely, they are the same every year....to eat, drink and be merry....easy to keep lol.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
My nephew and his partner had a little girl and I had Nic.
Did anyone close to you die?
The fathers of two of my best friends so a very sad first half of the year.
What countries did you visit?
England.
What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A wonderful job for my husband which stimulates and excites him.
What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
24 May the day I left South Africa to start our new life in England and 29 July the day my precious third baby was born.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving country and having a baby within 3 months of each other and not loosing my mind completely lol
What was your biggest failure?
Not preparing my husband properly psychologically for this move.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Gall stones which resulted in an operation to remove my gall bladder at 14 weeks pregnant.
What was the best thing you bought?
My Tom Tom Satnav system and the children's DS Lites
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My two older children's -they have taken a HUGE upheavel in their lives with grace and good humour and have proved themselves in their new school and amongst their new friends....I am very very proud of them both.
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Those in power who continue to allow the most horrendous attrocities to go on.
Where did most of your money go?
What money....I am a stay at home mom, or have been for the last 6 months.....other then that probably on the move.
What did you get really, really excited about?
SATC - the scrapbooking weekend that Tracy and I hosted through Scrapkits....it was just one long two day high. Oh and obviously the move and the birth of Nicholas lol.
What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Punk Rocker" - I know it is an oldy, but it was the only cd we had when we arrived here and it reminded me so much of friends back home that I played it over and over again.....Even my mom associates it with being in England.
Compared to this time last year, are you: a happier or sadder? b thinner or fatter? c richer or poorer?
Definitely happier, maybe a little fatter (still trying to shed those baby pounds) and a little poorer as we try to get back on our feet after the move.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Nothing, I am at peace with everything I did and achieved in 2008.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Stressing and worrying, but with me that is like saying breathing lol, so I guess it isn't really an option.
How did you spend Christmas?
With wonderful new friends who opened their home to us and made it a very special day.
Did you fall in love in 2008?
I fall in love with my husband all over again on a regular basis (aaaahhhh sounds a bit corny I know), oh yes and with little Nicholas.
What was your favourite TV programme?
Gilmore Girls reruns which I watched from beginning to end; Strictly come dancing, Gok Won's How to look good naked and Ramsay's Kitchen nightmares.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Definitely not, I try not to go through life hating people.
What was the best book you read?
That is impossible, I read about 40 of them.....but didn't hate any of those so guess they were all good.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Didn't have one this year I am afraid.
What did you want and get?
MY BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What did you want and not get?
Nothing I can think of....what a lovely position to be in if I say so myself.
What was your favourite film of this year?
Mama Mia.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
35 and can't really remember....sure it had something to do with the bratz in the morning and my folks in the evening....first half of the year a bit of a blur......know Tracy was at hobbyX in JHB that weekend.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Wow, I can't think of a thing.....2008 was just a really good year for the Robertsons
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Same old same old....jeans and retro fabrics. Spent a large part of it in maternity wear though lol.
What kept you sane?
Skype....without skype I would have gone mad, need the daily contact with my loved ones back in South Africa.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Fancy as in make the hormones jump....gotta be Gordon Ramsay.....I know I know.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Thabo Mbeki resigning as president of South Africa.....I found it very unsettling, especially watching from so far away.
Who did you miss?
Everybody we left behind.
Who was the best new person you met?
That is easy....Kerry and her husband Rob, they have been absolute lifesavers for us since we arrived.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
It is not the place that makes you happy but the perspective.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Musings....
On my return from the doctors this morning (yes I got an appointment....diagnosis Pharyngitis and antibiotics) I found myself sitting quietly in the car outside our home for a few moments enjoying the peep through of sunshine and the warmer weather (9 degrees today). While sitting I found myself staring at my hands - hands that are finally starting to show their age.....becoming my mothers hands. I remember my mom always saying that about her hands and until today never understanding what she meant.
As I looked at my hands I started to think about my life to date...I am 35 years old and if I am lucky just on half way through my life and I honestly believe that I am one of the lucky ones. I don't have many (if any) regrets and I have had wonderful opportunities and been blessed with wonderful people throughout my life. If I could go back and start again, I don't think I would change a single thing, I would walk exactly the same path with exactly the same people and that is really remarkable and I am eternally grateful......I feel that I have been able to live a truly "charmed" life.
Turning my hands over I think of all the things they have done and achieved....not great acts perhaps like some....but loving acts and acts I hope of kindness, they have cared for and held my 3 precious children, caressed and loved my wonderful husband, touched others with sympathy and shown solidarity in times of hardship....they have celebrated through clapping and shown joy at the simple things, they have picked beautiful flowers, touched a cheetah and stroked the face of an African elephant....they have been held together in prayer and fear, each moment marking a memory. My prayer then is that the next 35 years will pass as the first have, that I will get to touch my grandchildren one day with these same hands and perhaps make a difference if a few more lives.
As I looked at my hands I started to think about my life to date...I am 35 years old and if I am lucky just on half way through my life and I honestly believe that I am one of the lucky ones. I don't have many (if any) regrets and I have had wonderful opportunities and been blessed with wonderful people throughout my life. If I could go back and start again, I don't think I would change a single thing, I would walk exactly the same path with exactly the same people and that is really remarkable and I am eternally grateful......I feel that I have been able to live a truly "charmed" life.
Turning my hands over I think of all the things they have done and achieved....not great acts perhaps like some....but loving acts and acts I hope of kindness, they have cared for and held my 3 precious children, caressed and loved my wonderful husband, touched others with sympathy and shown solidarity in times of hardship....they have celebrated through clapping and shown joy at the simple things, they have picked beautiful flowers, touched a cheetah and stroked the face of an African elephant....they have been held together in prayer and fear, each moment marking a memory. My prayer then is that the next 35 years will pass as the first have, that I will get to touch my grandchildren one day with these same hands and perhaps make a difference if a few more lives.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Monday 12th January 2009
I awoke this morning to a day not unlike what I have always imagined an English winter to be....cold, grey, wet and utterly dismal.....having been sick in bed all weekend with a very sore throat and dry cough I can't say I was delighted with this turn of events especially as I had to have Nic up and out of the house by 9am in order to take Phillip and a group of his classmates on an outing - but then at least the rain meant no frost to chip off the car, so that was some consolation (the novelty of de-icing my car every time I want to go out is wearing very thin).
Having returned from dropping children I decided that the time had perhaps come for me to make an appointment to see my doctor, and this was when the reality of NHS medical suddenly set in....it seemed that as I was not under the age of 16 or over the age of 60, did not have a temperature and had not been vomiting for the last 48 hours and do not have any underlying diseases and had called in after 9am I did not qualify for an appointment today and have been advised to call again tomorrow at 8am to see what they can do to help me.....to be fair I could probably have seen one of the other doctors at the practice, but as I have never been into doctor hopping I have decided to take my chances in the morning.
Now as I sat at my computer muttering about the ridiculousness of my situation I happened upon the three other Bratz and it was during a wonderful catch up skype session with them that the Universe once again reminded me to count my blessings. When Bee mentioned how much she had just had to spend to get her gardener some medical attention this morning....suddenly my FREE doctors appointment seemed rather wonderful, even if I do have to wait for it, and I am now happily coughing myself through the next 24 hours sucking ice lolly's to soothe my throat until I can get an appointment.
Off to baby rhyme time and our regular cup of coffee at Cafe Rouge tomorrow and then not a lot on for the rest of the week - probably not a bad thing considering the state of my health at the moment.
Having returned from dropping children I decided that the time had perhaps come for me to make an appointment to see my doctor, and this was when the reality of NHS medical suddenly set in....it seemed that as I was not under the age of 16 or over the age of 60, did not have a temperature and had not been vomiting for the last 48 hours and do not have any underlying diseases and had called in after 9am I did not qualify for an appointment today and have been advised to call again tomorrow at 8am to see what they can do to help me.....to be fair I could probably have seen one of the other doctors at the practice, but as I have never been into doctor hopping I have decided to take my chances in the morning.
Now as I sat at my computer muttering about the ridiculousness of my situation I happened upon the three other Bratz and it was during a wonderful catch up skype session with them that the Universe once again reminded me to count my blessings. When Bee mentioned how much she had just had to spend to get her gardener some medical attention this morning....suddenly my FREE doctors appointment seemed rather wonderful, even if I do have to wait for it, and I am now happily coughing myself through the next 24 hours sucking ice lolly's to soothe my throat until I can get an appointment.
Off to baby rhyme time and our regular cup of coffee at Cafe Rouge tomorrow and then not a lot on for the rest of the week - probably not a bad thing considering the state of my health at the moment.
Friday, 9 January 2009
Friday 9th January 2009
As I sit typing this my fingers are aching as they slowly defrost after being outside for the last couple of hours....the temp is -4 degrees and the skies are bright blue (whoever said England is grey obviously lived in a very different area to us as I can honestly say I have had more blue days then grey ones in the last 7 months...cold, oh yes, but grey....not for me). I have been out walking most of the day and the children are currently outside sliding around on the black ice....fun when you do it intentionally but can be very scary when you slip without warning as has happened to me a couple of times.
Si out tonight for his monthly poker game with Rob and the boys, he really enjoys this outing and they only play until about midnight so not too bad the next morning. I intend watching Notting Hill and The Holiday which we have rented off "LoveFilms" (wonderful concept....you choose your movies online and they post to you, you post back when finished and they send you the next lot......lovely as postage only takes 24 hours and their is no redistribution of wealth lol) and catching up with my ironing....sigh.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Wednesday 7th January 2009
The temps here are still very low (-8 degrees at this minute) and according to the locals this has been the coldest winter in at least 10 years, this being the longest period snow has actually remained on the ground in memory....it is not as thick as it was on Monday morning, but my back garden is still white as are any areas which don't receive much sun during the day. Apparently the temperatures last night were 10 degrees lower then the same night in 2008....so that is saying something.
I have just returned from a walk (yes it is still possible to go for a walk at minus temperatures lol) and the pond is now totally frozen, the poor swans and ducks are looking very forlorn as they pick their bread off the ice....shame they keep slipping and sliding around, must be very hard for them and they swim to keep warm so it is awful, the park keepers break the ice for them every night in one corner but it just freezes back. Such a very different way of life....shew when I think about how things have changed from this time last year it sometimes takes my breath away.
Kindermusik this morning was lovely and it was the first time I actually missed Moms and Babes...the classes are very similar and run along the same lines. Nicholas LOVED every minute of it and it was wonderful to have that focused time.....we do have it most days, but somehow this seemed different. Off to fetch Megan and Phillip soon and then they are going to bake chocolate brownies for pudding while I make a lovely big cannelloni for dinner - we certainly do eat like kings here as somehow cooking doesn't feel like such a chore....probably coz it is so warm standing in front of the oven (lol).
I have just returned from a walk (yes it is still possible to go for a walk at minus temperatures lol) and the pond is now totally frozen, the poor swans and ducks are looking very forlorn as they pick their bread off the ice....shame they keep slipping and sliding around, must be very hard for them and they swim to keep warm so it is awful, the park keepers break the ice for them every night in one corner but it just freezes back. Such a very different way of life....shew when I think about how things have changed from this time last year it sometimes takes my breath away.
Kindermusik this morning was lovely and it was the first time I actually missed Moms and Babes...the classes are very similar and run along the same lines. Nicholas LOVED every minute of it and it was wonderful to have that focused time.....we do have it most days, but somehow this seemed different. Off to fetch Megan and Phillip soon and then they are going to bake chocolate brownies for pudding while I make a lovely big cannelloni for dinner - we certainly do eat like kings here as somehow cooking doesn't feel like such a chore....probably coz it is so warm standing in front of the oven (lol).
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Tuesday 6th January 2009
What a wonderful day....definitely another diamond. At lunch on Sunday Romy recommended an outing to Horsham (about 30 mins drive) to visit the Springboard Project - this is basically a community based charity focusing on the needs of disabled and special needs children....over weekends the Springboard House is closed to the general public and used for workshops and activities for these kids, but from Monday to Friday it is open to all in an effort to raise money to keep the project going.
The project is housed in an old Victorian style home and each room has been dedicated to a different activity (the entrepreneur in me sighs longingly). The rooms include the "adventure" room where toddlers can enjoy a fully fitted soft-play area with a large ball pool, trampoline and musical hopscotch pad, "Pudseys Playroom" where daily arts and craft sessions are organised, the Jubilee Garden providing a large outdoor area with picnic benches, swings, slides, a play house, sandpit and football area, and the room where we spent all our time today, the "Sensory" room.
The project is housed in an old Victorian style home and each room has been dedicated to a different activity (the entrepreneur in me sighs longingly). The rooms include the "adventure" room where toddlers can enjoy a fully fitted soft-play area with a large ball pool, trampoline and musical hopscotch pad, "Pudseys Playroom" where daily arts and craft sessions are organised, the Jubilee Garden providing a large outdoor area with picnic benches, swings, slides, a play house, sandpit and football area, and the room where we spent all our time today, the "Sensory" room.
This amazing room features a glowing ball pool, bubble tubes, optic fibres, a swinging hammock and a variety of other sensory equipment…and let me tell you it was awesome, we spent about 3 hours in there and all 4 babies were as happy as can be, they lay watching the lights and enjoying the ball pond. Real good old fashioned quality time!!!!!
This afternoon the big children and I did our shopping at Sainsburys and I am now totally convinced that, despite all the advertising to the contrary, overall they are cheaper than Tescos.....Tescos may be a couple of pence cheaper on some products but the amazing "BOGOF" (buy one get one free) specials run by Sainsburys especially on their meat outweighs this across a big shop and since I have been back at Sainsburys my 120 pound weekly shop is back down to between 80 and 90 pounds, not an inconsiderable saving. Prawn Paella for dinner which has become a favourite since we have been here at 3 pounds for 500g it is cheaper than chicken lol.
Tomorrow I am off to my first Kindermusiek class with Hilary and her son George. The class is being run by my friend Kerry which is great as it means I also get to spend an extra hour a week with her which is always lovely.....as I have said before, having Nic has helped me to settle tremendously and has turned out to be a fantastic way for me to make friends.
Monday, 5 January 2009
Monday 5th January 2009
We woke up this morning and it was white outside.....the excitement levels where beyond belief and even I couldn't resist getting out there and
Not quite a white Christmas, but as far as the children are concerned just as good, only sad thing is that they had to go back to school this morning so didn't get to play for very long...we can only hope that it stays on the ground long enough for them to enjoy it when they get home, the forecast does say it should be around until at least Wednesday, so who knows by the end of this winter we may be quite blase' about it all.
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Sunday 4th January 2009
Today was the last day of holidays, and I have to confess to a "back to school" feeling myself.....I have loved the company of having Simon and the children around every day and after a few "teething pains" in those early days we have settled down into such a lovely pace and routine that the house is going to seem very empty tomorrow when they are all back at work and school.
I think little Nicholas is also going to be a bit disorientated as he has really bonded with his daddy over the last 2 weeks and his precious face lights up whenever Si comes into the room....it has been a very special time for them and I think Si is going to miss him just as much.
Joined the ladies from my NCT group and their partners for lunch at the Witch this afternoon, which turned out to be a very pleasant way to while away a Sunday afternoon.....again it highlighted just how expensive it is to eat out in this country and we are going to have to have a few lean weekends to make up for it, but it was fun to be out in company with a roaring fire and interesting conversation, so well worth it I think. Had a bit of a shock on the way there however, I had decided to wash my hair before we went out and left it to dry naturally (as usual)....hadn't however anticipated the below zero temps on the way there and ended up with a frozen head of hair...literally, def another first for England lol.
I think little Nicholas is also going to be a bit disorientated as he has really bonded with his daddy over the last 2 weeks and his precious face lights up whenever Si comes into the room....it has been a very special time for them and I think Si is going to miss him just as much.
Joined the ladies from my NCT group and their partners for lunch at the Witch this afternoon, which turned out to be a very pleasant way to while away a Sunday afternoon.....again it highlighted just how expensive it is to eat out in this country and we are going to have to have a few lean weekends to make up for it, but it was fun to be out in company with a roaring fire and interesting conversation, so well worth it I think. Had a bit of a shock on the way there however, I had decided to wash my hair before we went out and left it to dry naturally (as usual)....hadn't however anticipated the below zero temps on the way there and ended up with a frozen head of hair...literally, def another first for England lol.
Friday, 2 January 2009
Friday 2nd January 2009
After another sleepless night with Nicholas feeding literally every 2 hours, Si and I decided today was the day and after a late afternoon visit to our library we stopped at Sainsburys to buy Nicholas his first solid food.....Hibb Organic Banana and Peach Cereal.
He LOVED his first meal and even cried once or twice when the food was a bit slow in coming....we shared the moment with my folks on the webcam and I think they enjoyed being part of their grandsons first meal....Mom even gave me what for about feeding him too much (lol)...once again thank heavens for technology!!!!!
As I sat finishing his meal with a milk topup I have to confess to feeling a shiver of sadness, my much longed for baby boy is already 5 months old and I am just not sure where the time is going...the first solid meal is one of those big milestones and before I know it he is going to be crawling around and singing nursery rhymes - oh how I wish I knew how to slow it all down.
He LOVED his first meal and even cried once or twice when the food was a bit slow in coming....we shared the moment with my folks on the webcam and I think they enjoyed being part of their grandsons first meal....Mom even gave me what for about feeding him too much (lol)...once again thank heavens for technology!!!!!
As I sat finishing his meal with a milk topup I have to confess to feeling a shiver of sadness, my much longed for baby boy is already 5 months old and I am just not sure where the time is going...the first solid meal is one of those big milestones and before I know it he is going to be crawling around and singing nursery rhymes - oh how I wish I knew how to slow it all down.
Thursday, 1 January 2009
And another year begins
Shew.....as we cleaned house and tossed out old toys, clothes, papers etc in preparation for the new year I really had time to reflect on 2008 and make some decisions about 2009.
As I have said before, I don't believe that we will ever have another year quite like 2008 and I think that goes for a lot of families I know, those who have taken the plunge and left their homes to set up new lives in new countries all over the world....for the Andrews, the Goodenough Hoars, the Rasmussens, the Mortimers, the Littles and the Grays life has changed beyond recognition, for some for the better and sadly for others, for the worse, but one thing has to be said for all of us, we came, we did and we got the t-shirt....so good on us!
For those who remained in South Africa, lives also changed dramatically over the last year, you have lost friends and family members to the "global village" and in some cases to illness, and you have lived with the uncertainty of an ousted president and an ever present threat of crime, and yet all that I know personally have remained positive and upbeat and have an everlasting faith in the country of our birth and that is awe inspiring.....2008 was a great year for most of you despite any hardships....so good on you too!!!!!
As for the year going forward, there are many plans for the Robertson five, exciting job prospects for Simon, high school for Megan and an upcoming visits from my dear friend Mary, Si's sister, Jann and my parents.....loads to look forward to, but no doubt there will also be frustration and sadness in the next 12 months, but we plan to face it all as we have faced the last 12 months, together, with a smile on our faces and a positive attitude and with the belief that together we can get through it all.
The birth of our precious son in July was the realisation of a dream for me and the ultimate gift from my husband....it is no secret that having another baby was my idea and something that Si entered into with reticence, but Nicholas is the soul I always knew was waiting to be born into our family and he has completed us in so many ways.
A very blessed year and we can only hope and pray that we will be favoured again through 2009 and that we will continue to be able to live our dream. My hope and prayers for all my family and friends both in South Africa and abroad is that you find your passion and follow it....as my darling friend Beryldene always says "you have to do what makes your heart sing" - wise words from a wonderful and wise woman.....so if you aren't already doing it, make this the year you listen to your heart and follow your dreams, you will never know if you don't try.
As I have said before, I don't believe that we will ever have another year quite like 2008 and I think that goes for a lot of families I know, those who have taken the plunge and left their homes to set up new lives in new countries all over the world....for the Andrews, the Goodenough Hoars, the Rasmussens, the Mortimers, the Littles and the Grays life has changed beyond recognition, for some for the better and sadly for others, for the worse, but one thing has to be said for all of us, we came, we did and we got the t-shirt....so good on us!
For those who remained in South Africa, lives also changed dramatically over the last year, you have lost friends and family members to the "global village" and in some cases to illness, and you have lived with the uncertainty of an ousted president and an ever present threat of crime, and yet all that I know personally have remained positive and upbeat and have an everlasting faith in the country of our birth and that is awe inspiring.....2008 was a great year for most of you despite any hardships....so good on you too!!!!!
As for the year going forward, there are many plans for the Robertson five, exciting job prospects for Simon, high school for Megan and an upcoming visits from my dear friend Mary, Si's sister, Jann and my parents.....loads to look forward to, but no doubt there will also be frustration and sadness in the next 12 months, but we plan to face it all as we have faced the last 12 months, together, with a smile on our faces and a positive attitude and with the belief that together we can get through it all.
The birth of our precious son in July was the realisation of a dream for me and the ultimate gift from my husband....it is no secret that having another baby was my idea and something that Si entered into with reticence, but Nicholas is the soul I always knew was waiting to be born into our family and he has completed us in so many ways.
A very blessed year and we can only hope and pray that we will be favoured again through 2009 and that we will continue to be able to live our dream. My hope and prayers for all my family and friends both in South Africa and abroad is that you find your passion and follow it....as my darling friend Beryldene always says "you have to do what makes your heart sing" - wise words from a wonderful and wise woman.....so if you aren't already doing it, make this the year you listen to your heart and follow your dreams, you will never know if you don't try.
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