Officially only 30 days left in 2009 - Wow, quite a scary thought, feels like just the other day we were preparing for our first Christmas in England and now we are just a couple of weeks away from our second, certainly has been an eventful 12 months and one I will look back on with fond memories....but more of those reflections on 31st December :0)
Last night was our first frost of the year and I was downstairs bright and early this morning defrosting the windscreens before the school run....has def been a very mild autumn by all accounts, and with only 22 days till the longest night, the days will soon start to lengthen and before we know it it will be Crocus and Daffodil time again and I will be the happiest little camper in England.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Saturday, 28 November 2009
I am so excited.....
At the end of January my wonderful husband turns the big 40 and as he has ALWAYS wanted to learn how to ski I have just booked us a skiing weekend in Scotland to celebrate his birthday....I know I know, not quite the Alps but as the South Africans still haven't sent me Nicholas' passport we are very restricted as to where we can go.
We will be flying to Inverness on 29th January and then self driving to our resort in Avimore where we will spend two days learning to ski and hopefully having the time of our lives......I just can't wait!!!!!
We will be flying to Inverness on 29th January and then self driving to our resort in Avimore where we will spend two days learning to ski and hopefully having the time of our lives......I just can't wait!!!!!
Friday, 27 November 2009
Friday 27th November 2009
I am just so proud of my daughter......Megan's secondary school hosts 2 "learner reviews" per year where the children (and their parents) get together on a one-on-one basis with the tutors to discuss the children's progress so far and set goals and targets for the next 6 months.
Well today was Megan's review and I was just so pleased with her progress thus far, she has really applied herself this academic year and is so far achieving above average in all her subjects- the children are not given a quantitative result at this stage (that comes next term) but are rather graded on their attitude and behaviour and whether or not they have met the curriculum standard thus far.
Megan scored the highest possible on all three counts across the majority of her subjects (9 in total), so we are VERY proud parents ....math's is the only area of concern but it was so heartening to be in a school where I could actually discuss her support program and KNOW that something will actually be done about it, the missed 18 months of education really seems to be rearing it's ugly head in this area, but with luck we will be able to get it sorted out sooner rather then later.
Well done my Megan, you really have shown that with the right support there is no stopping you!
Well today was Megan's review and I was just so pleased with her progress thus far, she has really applied herself this academic year and is so far achieving above average in all her subjects- the children are not given a quantitative result at this stage (that comes next term) but are rather graded on their attitude and behaviour and whether or not they have met the curriculum standard thus far.
Megan scored the highest possible on all three counts across the majority of her subjects (9 in total), so we are VERY proud parents ....math's is the only area of concern but it was so heartening to be in a school where I could actually discuss her support program and KNOW that something will actually be done about it, the missed 18 months of education really seems to be rearing it's ugly head in this area, but with luck we will be able to get it sorted out sooner rather then later.
Well done my Megan, you really have shown that with the right support there is no stopping you!
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Thursday 26th November 2009
Not a whole lot going on at the moment.....life has returned to normal after my flying visit to South Africa, well almost....it would seem I have returned to an even more AMAZING husband then the one I left and he now gladly does all the washing for me as well as helping me ensure that our 3 children pull their weight when it comes to keeping the house tidy - yes even little Nick now knows the meaning of the words "tidy up" and makes an effort to put all his toys back in their boxes. It would seem that Simon's week as "house husband" helped him realise just how much I have to achieve in a day and he has a whole new appreciation for the demands on my time....but whatever the reason I am ETERNALLY grateful and a much much much less stressed mommy :0)
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Shopoholics
Megs has been in dire need of some new winter clothes, so this morning her and I hopped on the train to Brighton for a girly shopping day. I am so enjoying having an almost teenage daughter and it was great fun to run in and out of shops (it was POURING with rain at times) and giggle and laugh while she tried on clothes.
Of course as soon as we got home she had to dress up to show her Dad her new clothes....I just couldn't resist this clip of her showing us her new track pants assisted by baby brother Nick :0)
Such a lovely day Meg....you really are becoming my GF xxx
Of course as soon as we got home she had to dress up to show her Dad her new clothes....I just couldn't resist this clip of her showing us her new track pants assisted by baby brother Nick :0)Such a lovely day Meg....you really are becoming my GF xxx
Thursday, 19 November 2009
On reflection.....
I have been back in the UK for almost a week now and I am finally starting to settle down and process my flying visit to South Africa......since returning I have really tried to look at this country with new eyes and to compare it with South Africa in a frank non-biased way, my conclusion....this is impossible.
You couldn't find two countries more different if you tried and there is simply no way to compare them - South Africa is passionate, exciting, magnificent in scenery, noisy and wild, the people are amazing problem solvers and the men stand tall and walk proudly.
England on the other hand is gentle, tranquil, serene and calm (well where I live at least), there is very little need for problem solving here and I guess to some it may be boring and frustrating, but to me it has definitely become home and I am obviously at that time in my life when a little bit of stability is just what I need to feel balanced :0)
This trip to South Africa was another first for me and in many respects it was a HUGE part of this journey, I MISS my family and friends more now then two weeks ago when I had learned somehow to live without them in my day to day life, their absence is once again a huge raw wound but I know that with time it will heal again and I will be stronger for it.
This trip helped me to realise that life has gone on in South Africa without us (as well it should) but it also meant I walked the streets without recognising a soul and suddenly I no longer "belonged" there. This feeling is not without its sadness as I don't fully belong here either....by English standards we are still new comers to the village and will be for many years, so I am a little in limbo at the moment I guess and I would be lying if I said it hadn't unsettled me slightly.
All that said however I am so grateful for the opportunity to return, even if the reason was sad as it is all part of the process and I am glad I was able to do it on my own the first time so that I can be ready to help my family through it in August when we all go back together.
You couldn't find two countries more different if you tried and there is simply no way to compare them - South Africa is passionate, exciting, magnificent in scenery, noisy and wild, the people are amazing problem solvers and the men stand tall and walk proudly.
England on the other hand is gentle, tranquil, serene and calm (well where I live at least), there is very little need for problem solving here and I guess to some it may be boring and frustrating, but to me it has definitely become home and I am obviously at that time in my life when a little bit of stability is just what I need to feel balanced :0)
This trip to South Africa was another first for me and in many respects it was a HUGE part of this journey, I MISS my family and friends more now then two weeks ago when I had learned somehow to live without them in my day to day life, their absence is once again a huge raw wound but I know that with time it will heal again and I will be stronger for it.
This trip helped me to realise that life has gone on in South Africa without us (as well it should) but it also meant I walked the streets without recognising a soul and suddenly I no longer "belonged" there. This feeling is not without its sadness as I don't fully belong here either....by English standards we are still new comers to the village and will be for many years, so I am a little in limbo at the moment I guess and I would be lying if I said it hadn't unsettled me slightly.
All that said however I am so grateful for the opportunity to return, even if the reason was sad as it is all part of the process and I am glad I was able to do it on my own the first time so that I can be ready to help my family through it in August when we all go back together.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
12-14 November 2009
When I arrived back in South Africa my parents and I agreed that although the reason for my visit was a sad one, there was absolutely no point in being miserable and that Boompa would have wanted us all to enjoy my visit and get the most out of it that we could.
With that in mind Mom and I did lots of shopping and money spending together, she taught me how to make beaded Christmas decorations and it was lovely to just talk and catch up and spend time together. I was also able to spend good quality time chatting to my dad about our life in England and it was lovely to actually see him again after such a long time......to be able to sit and chat and enjoy our dogs and cat together was a great gift and definitely food for the soul.
Wednesday night we joined the Dolloways for dinner at the Blockman (ex Butcher's Block) in Pinetown - oh my word, I was in heaven and I certainly wish I had ordered a 400g fillet steak rather then the 250g which I devoured with great relish.....you simply don't get meat like that in England and certainly not at the price we paid for our magnificent dinner. A good memory and so wonderful to spend time with such good friends and family, Kerry and Kevin have ALWAYS been there for us and it felt like old times being together again.
Thursday morning Bee fetched me at 7.20am for breakfast at the Beat in Hillcrest....both Bee and Tracy had cleared their calendars for the day and it was incredibly special to sit and chat and laugh over coffee before heading out for a pedicure and day at the Pavilion (complete with Wimpy Cheeseburger for lunch of course) - the only thing missing was Linda, our little group had a huge hole without her but we communicated via text through the day and she was so with us in spirit.
Words cannot describe what being with these two woman again after 18 months was like for me, as an only child they are truly my sisters and it was food for the soul to spend time with them and in both their homes......I think if I could just convince them to come and live in England life would be perfect :0)
Friday morning was a bit of a last minute dash around for Mom and I before spending the afternoon with Mom's friends....all the ladies in my life that I have known forever and who I think of when I think of the significant people in my life - it was awesome to spend time with them and catch up and again it was another restoring day for me.
Saturday came all to quickly and after a relatively quiet morning at home packing and a quick coffee with Bee and Mary I was off to the airport to once again start my long 24 hour trip across the globe.
A very short trip, but one which has restored me no end and given me the strength and courage to continue on our journey here ....an unexpected gift amidst a great sadness.
With that in mind Mom and I did lots of shopping and money spending together, she taught me how to make beaded Christmas decorations and it was lovely to just talk and catch up and spend time together. I was also able to spend good quality time chatting to my dad about our life in England and it was lovely to actually see him again after such a long time......to be able to sit and chat and enjoy our dogs and cat together was a great gift and definitely food for the soul.
Wednesday night we joined the Dolloways for dinner at the Blockman (ex Butcher's Block) in Pinetown - oh my word, I was in heaven and I certainly wish I had ordered a 400g fillet steak rather then the 250g which I devoured with great relish.....you simply don't get meat like that in England and certainly not at the price we paid for our magnificent dinner. A good memory and so wonderful to spend time with such good friends and family, Kerry and Kevin have ALWAYS been there for us and it felt like old times being together again.
Thursday morning Bee fetched me at 7.20am for breakfast at the Beat in Hillcrest....both Bee and Tracy had cleared their calendars for the day and it was incredibly special to sit and chat and laugh over coffee before heading out for a pedicure and day at the Pavilion (complete with Wimpy Cheeseburger for lunch of course) - the only thing missing was Linda, our little group had a huge hole without her but we communicated via text through the day and she was so with us in spirit.
Words cannot describe what being with these two woman again after 18 months was like for me, as an only child they are truly my sisters and it was food for the soul to spend time with them and in both their homes......I think if I could just convince them to come and live in England life would be perfect :0)
Friday morning was a bit of a last minute dash around for Mom and I before spending the afternoon with Mom's friends....all the ladies in my life that I have known forever and who I think of when I think of the significant people in my life - it was awesome to spend time with them and catch up and again it was another restoring day for me.
Saturday came all to quickly and after a relatively quiet morning at home packing and a quick coffee with Bee and Mary I was off to the airport to once again start my long 24 hour trip across the globe.
A very short trip, but one which has restored me no end and given me the strength and courage to continue on our journey here ....an unexpected gift amidst a great sadness.
10/11 November 2009
Being back in South Africa is still slightly surreal and I can't believe that a week ago today I had absolutely NO IDEA that this is what the universe had in store for me....I think the greatest thing that I have taken away from my grandfather's death is that life is so unexpected - in his case it definitely wasn't short, he was 82 when he died, but right to the moment of his death he had no idea what was coming and I have found that a very stark and sobering realisation.
We really don't know what is around the next corner and where we will be an hour, week, day, month or year from now, so we plan for the best and never think about the worst. Boompa's death however has certainly woken me up and I am so glad that I am able to visit South Africa and spend time with the people most important to me, and I hope that I will never forget and slip back into my old ways of always preparing for tomorrow and forgetting to LIVE today.
The preparations for the funeral have all gone smoothly and although the service itself was perhaps not exactly like my grandfather would have wanted, it served its purpose for the living and we were able to say goodbye to a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend surrounded by people who cared.
Caio Boompa you will be missed and forever remembered.
We really don't know what is around the next corner and where we will be an hour, week, day, month or year from now, so we plan for the best and never think about the worst. Boompa's death however has certainly woken me up and I am so glad that I am able to visit South Africa and spend time with the people most important to me, and I hope that I will never forget and slip back into my old ways of always preparing for tomorrow and forgetting to LIVE today.
The preparations for the funeral have all gone smoothly and although the service itself was perhaps not exactly like my grandfather would have wanted, it served its purpose for the living and we were able to say goodbye to a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend surrounded by people who cared.
Caio Boompa you will be missed and forever remembered.
Monday, 9 November 2009
9th November 2009
My how things have changed in the last 8 days.....as I sit typing this I am back in my parents home in South Africa and if you had told me a week ago that that was a possibility I would have called you crazy.
Sadly my grandfather passed away very unexpectedly on Wednesday and it is moments like those when the distance seems HUGE and although in the very first moments after the call I didn't plan to return it didn't take me long to realise that for me that wasn't an option and fortunately with the support of my wonderful husband and amazing children I was able to board an Emirates flight on Saturday night to return to Durban.
I will be here for the funeral and to spend time with both my parents and of course some very special friends before returning to England on Sunday.
Life is very short so remember to love and live and though it was your last day!
Sadly my grandfather passed away very unexpectedly on Wednesday and it is moments like those when the distance seems HUGE and although in the very first moments after the call I didn't plan to return it didn't take me long to realise that for me that wasn't an option and fortunately with the support of my wonderful husband and amazing children I was able to board an Emirates flight on Saturday night to return to Durban.
I will be here for the funeral and to spend time with both my parents and of course some very special friends before returning to England on Sunday.
Life is very short so remember to love and live and though it was your last day!
Sunday, 1 November 2009
1 November 2009
What a hectic week - well not hectic in the rush around way, but a bit hectic in the stressy "eish" kind of way.....on Wednesday afternoon my precious Nicholas decided the computer was taking up far too much of mommy's attention when he wasn't feeling well and gave it a little kick....right off my lap and onto the floor.
Needless to say the computer didn't survive, and both Meg and Phil were quite surprised that Nick did as they were convinced I would have killed them if either of them had done it (lol I really am not THAT bad)....anyway that sorta set the tone for the next couple of days while I waited with baited breath to find out if all our data would be recovered off the damaged hard drive. I am delighted to say a full recovery was done and I am now happily back typing away and doing my best to ignore the general weekend chaos that is my home :0)
The children have had a lovely half term and Megs has been in a busy social whorl for most of it which is really really lovely considering a little over a month ago she was finding it quite hard to find her space socially at her new school. Megs is back to school tomorrow and then Phil on Tuesday...Si is on leave from Wednesday and Nick is with his day mother on Thursday so dh and me are planning a lovely romantic date day....about time and we DESERVE it ;0)
Needless to say the computer didn't survive, and both Meg and Phil were quite surprised that Nick did as they were convinced I would have killed them if either of them had done it (lol I really am not THAT bad)....anyway that sorta set the tone for the next couple of days while I waited with baited breath to find out if all our data would be recovered off the damaged hard drive. I am delighted to say a full recovery was done and I am now happily back typing away and doing my best to ignore the general weekend chaos that is my home :0)
The children have had a lovely half term and Megs has been in a busy social whorl for most of it which is really really lovely considering a little over a month ago she was finding it quite hard to find her space socially at her new school. Megs is back to school tomorrow and then Phil on Tuesday...Si is on leave from Wednesday and Nick is with his day mother on Thursday so dh and me are planning a lovely romantic date day....about time and we DESERVE it ;0)
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