I have always been a firm believer that EVERYTHING in life happens for a reason and although we may not be able to see the design at the time, if we allow it God will guide our lives in the right direction and place people and situations in our path for a purpose.
Today was a reminder to me of just this....in our busy and hectic lives in South Africa, my friend Amanda and my paths never crossed, we lived in the same town and knew many of the same people and yet we never met. A few short months after she moved to England however we were introduced and I can't tell you the difference this amazing woman has made in my life.
We click and connect on so many levels and can literally spend hours chatting and debating. Amanda fires my entrepreneurial juices and reminds me of a side of myself which is dormant for the moment. A day spent with her really is food for my soul and I return home excited and enthusiastic, intellectually stimulated and restored.
A diamond of a day!
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Sunday 16th January 2011
Si and I decided to leave the older two children at home today while we went back to the new house to wash carpets and get the painting finished. Nicholas was as good as gold and spent hours patiently playing with his train set, riding his black bike round the lounge and generally keeping himself busy.
Rob joined us mid morning and with the music blaring and the beer flowing it actually turned out to be such a stunning "work party". We managed to get lots done and by the time I left at 2.45pm for "Holiday on Ice - Energia" the boys where starting the second coat on the lounge/dining/family room.
Megs, Phil and I thoroughly enjoyed the show again this year and it is def a tradition that I think we will keep going. Only sad part of the day was that due to conflicting time constraints we were unable to have a good chat with my mom on her birthday.....love you mom, hope it was a special day, we were with you in spirit!!!!!
Rob joined us mid morning and with the music blaring and the beer flowing it actually turned out to be such a stunning "work party". We managed to get lots done and by the time I left at 2.45pm for "Holiday on Ice - Energia" the boys where starting the second coat on the lounge/dining/family room.
Megs, Phil and I thoroughly enjoyed the show again this year and it is def a tradition that I think we will keep going. Only sad part of the day was that due to conflicting time constraints we were unable to have a good chat with my mom on her birthday.....love you mom, hope it was a special day, we were with you in spirit!!!!!
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Saturday 15th January 2011
I collected the keys from the estate agent yesterday and words can't describe the feeling when I walked through the door for the first time in order to meet the plumber who was coming to service the boiler. Si and I had never rented before moving to England and there is something about owning your own home that gives you a real sense of security and belonging.
We were up early this morning and at the house to start painting before 9am....all three children got involved with the painting of boy's room and before long the dull beige walls where a lovely cheerful blue.
Unfortunately energy had started to flag by the time we reached Meg's room. She did give it her best for a while but ended up heading off to the local swimming pool (which is within walking distance) with her friend. Nick Nick had also had enough by this stage so after a quick trip to Crawley to collect more paint, I was forced to return home with him for the afternoon while Si returned to the house to finish painting our bedroom and the stairwell.
Meggie has the smallest room in the house and I was delighted when she chose the new Dulux Luminescent Paint which has light reflecting particles in it and really lifts and lightens the room. I am hoping to go back with Si in the morning to wash the upstairs carpets and get cracking finishing off the children's bedrooms.
We were up early this morning and at the house to start painting before 9am....all three children got involved with the painting of boy's room and before long the dull beige walls where a lovely cheerful blue.
Unfortunately energy had started to flag by the time we reached Meg's room. She did give it her best for a while but ended up heading off to the local swimming pool (which is within walking distance) with her friend. Nick Nick had also had enough by this stage so after a quick trip to Crawley to collect more paint, I was forced to return home with him for the afternoon while Si returned to the house to finish painting our bedroom and the stairwell.
Meggie has the smallest room in the house and I was delighted when she chose the new Dulux Luminescent Paint which has light reflecting particles in it and really lifts and lightens the room. I am hoping to go back with Si in the morning to wash the upstairs carpets and get cracking finishing off the children's bedrooms.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Wednesday 12th January 2011
Boxes, boxes, boxes and more boxes blaaag......all I seem to be doing at the moment is packing and the house still seems incredibly full which is really scary considering half the kitchen is stacked to the ceiling with completed boxes. Two more sleeps till we collect the keys and then it is a full on weekend of painting.
Monday, 10 January 2011
Questions and Answers
I am in the process of editing my blog in preparation for printing and I came across the following "questionnaire" that I answered in January 2009 and thought it would be fun to repeat the process 2 years on.....
What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Tobogganing in 18cm of snow
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for this year?
Didn't make any in 2010 but have plans to keep the ones I have made for this year.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin's partner and 4 of my closest friends here in England all had their second children
Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately not, but a close friend lost her precious grandmother.
What countries did you visit?
South Africa
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Patience
What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
16 October and seeing my dad again for the first time in over 2.5 years and 22 December when we signed the final contracts for the purchase of our new home.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being a wife, mother, daughter and friend and still keeping a little bit of time for myself.
What was your biggest failure?
Fortunately for me 2010 wasn't really a year of failure.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major, and occasional cold or cough but nothing serious at all
What was the best thing you bought?
Our house and my Nikon D90 camera
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
The big children have both made a HUGE effort at school this year and I am very very proud of both of them.
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Julius Malema's - I have been very sad at some of the things he has said and done in South African politics in 2010 but fortunately living so far away I am not directly affected by his madness.
Where did most of your money go?
On our house.
What did you get really, really excited about?
My 4th pregnancy and the purchase of the house....so lovely to know we will be in our own home in 2011
What song will always remind you of 2010?
I am dreadful with remembering the names of songs and artists....so can't think of a single one right now
Compared to this time last year, are you: a happier or sadder? b thinner or fatter? c richer or poorer?
Happiness on a par (has been an excellent 3 years); fatter (but hoping it is all pregnancy related) and richer, if not in money than definitely in love and relationships.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Family outings, we were a little complacent in 2010 but intent changing that going into 2011
What do you wish you'd done less of?
worrying....I tend to be a worrier and it turns out so much of what I worried about was really insignificant in the big scheme of things.
How did you spend Christmas?
With the Viljoen's as we have for the last 3 years - our family in the UK
Did you fall in love in 2010?
I have loved my husband every day for the last 20 years so no need to fall in love in 2010
What was your favourite TV programme?
The Mentalist and Greys Anatomy
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't believe in wasting energy hating people, it only hurts the one doing the hating.
What was the best book you read?
Really enjoyed Windsong by Tamara Mckinley but can't say I have a fav as read far too many.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Am still stuck in the 80's so a real saddo
What did you want and get?
MY OWN HOME
What did you want and not get?
Not a thing I can think of, even got to see my dad, so a wonderful year!
What was your favourite film of this year?
The Twilight series....have a bit of a crush on Edward I have to admit
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
37 and spent a lovely evening at Zizzi's while Kerry watched the kids for me.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hearing my parents where coming to live in England ;0)
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Boring...intend a fashion makeover once this little cherub has arrived.
What kept you sane?
My husband...he really is my rock
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Robert Patterson (Edward from Twilight)
What political issue stirred you the most?
I haven't really followed politics too much in 2010, just doesn't seem to be time
Who did you miss?
My parents, even though we spent 2 wonderful weeks together in October.
Who was the best new person you met?
Don't think I met anyone new in 2010, the people I have got to know in England are all becoming old friends now.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
There is a "price" for everything in life, you just have to decide if you can "afford" it, and if you can then find happiness in your decision and focus your energy forward rather than backwards.
What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before?
Tobogganing in 18cm of snow
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for this year?
Didn't make any in 2010 but have plans to keep the ones I have made for this year.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousin's partner and 4 of my closest friends here in England all had their second children
Did anyone close to you die?
Fortunately not, but a close friend lost her precious grandmother.
What countries did you visit?
South Africa
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Patience
What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
16 October and seeing my dad again for the first time in over 2.5 years and 22 December when we signed the final contracts for the purchase of our new home.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being a wife, mother, daughter and friend and still keeping a little bit of time for myself.
What was your biggest failure?
Fortunately for me 2010 wasn't really a year of failure.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major, and occasional cold or cough but nothing serious at all
What was the best thing you bought?
Our house and my Nikon D90 camera
Whose behaviour merited celebration?
The big children have both made a HUGE effort at school this year and I am very very proud of both of them.
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Julius Malema's - I have been very sad at some of the things he has said and done in South African politics in 2010 but fortunately living so far away I am not directly affected by his madness.
Where did most of your money go?
On our house.
What did you get really, really excited about?
My 4th pregnancy and the purchase of the house....so lovely to know we will be in our own home in 2011
What song will always remind you of 2010?
I am dreadful with remembering the names of songs and artists....so can't think of a single one right now
Compared to this time last year, are you: a happier or sadder? b thinner or fatter? c richer or poorer?
Happiness on a par (has been an excellent 3 years); fatter (but hoping it is all pregnancy related) and richer, if not in money than definitely in love and relationships.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Family outings, we were a little complacent in 2010 but intent changing that going into 2011
What do you wish you'd done less of?
worrying....I tend to be a worrier and it turns out so much of what I worried about was really insignificant in the big scheme of things.
How did you spend Christmas?
With the Viljoen's as we have for the last 3 years - our family in the UK
Did you fall in love in 2010?
I have loved my husband every day for the last 20 years so no need to fall in love in 2010
What was your favourite TV programme?
The Mentalist and Greys Anatomy
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't believe in wasting energy hating people, it only hurts the one doing the hating.
What was the best book you read?
Really enjoyed Windsong by Tamara Mckinley but can't say I have a fav as read far too many.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Am still stuck in the 80's so a real saddo
What did you want and get?
MY OWN HOME
What did you want and not get?
Not a thing I can think of, even got to see my dad, so a wonderful year!
What was your favourite film of this year?
The Twilight series....have a bit of a crush on Edward I have to admit
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
37 and spent a lovely evening at Zizzi's while Kerry watched the kids for me.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hearing my parents where coming to live in England ;0)
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Boring...intend a fashion makeover once this little cherub has arrived.
What kept you sane?
My husband...he really is my rock
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Robert Patterson (Edward from Twilight)
What political issue stirred you the most?
I haven't really followed politics too much in 2010, just doesn't seem to be time
Who did you miss?
My parents, even though we spent 2 wonderful weeks together in October.
Who was the best new person you met?
Don't think I met anyone new in 2010, the people I have got to know in England are all becoming old friends now.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
There is a "price" for everything in life, you just have to decide if you can "afford" it, and if you can then find happiness in your decision and focus your energy forward rather than backwards.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Friday 7th January 2011
Can't believe how much we have accumulated in the last 21 months....I have had to concede to Si that I am in fact a hoarder and really don't throw anything away (until we move that is). I am going to try especially hard in the new house to dispose of stuff more regularly but with a loft, who knows what I will be able to stash away.
We are visiting the house tomorrow for a final measuring of all the rooms for curtains beds etc and then we can collect the keys on Friday the 14th to start moving in. Shopping for paints tomorrow and now have the floors and white good ordered so doing well. Have packed about 8 boxes so far but it isn't even a dent, Si and I are going to have to really get stuck in this weekend.
We are visiting the house tomorrow for a final measuring of all the rooms for curtains beds etc and then we can collect the keys on Friday the 14th to start moving in. Shopping for paints tomorrow and now have the floors and white good ordered so doing well. Have packed about 8 boxes so far but it isn't even a dent, Si and I are going to have to really get stuck in this weekend.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Tuesday 4th January 2011
My first entry of this new year, and I have a wonderful positive feeling that it is going to be another AWESOME year for the Robertson family....and if it is not, and the road does rise up to meet us at some point, I know that we will once again huddle down against the hardship and come out stronger on the other side.
On that note I find myself wanting to blog the following experience, and some of the thoughts that it has generated in me......I had a long chat with a good friend of mine on the phone earlier, she has just returned from South Africa where her family spent the Christmas holidays and the sound of despondency when she said "but we had to come back here" (meaning England) really really struck me. So much so that I found myself mentioning it to my family over dinner.
Are we really that different? What has made us genuinely able to settle in this country? Why didn't we feel it a "punishment" to have to come back here? I honestly don't know why it is working for us, but I do know one thing for sure...all 5 of us are genuinely and honestly happy and settled here.
My children love the freedom of walking and Independence (from their mouths) and the weather really isn't an issue for them. We give ourselves the 3 months from Mid November to Mid February to "veg", to completely hibernate and spend whole days in our jammies - I don't nag them about television and laptops and I don't force them to venture out in the freezing cold just because they need some exercise, we read huge numbers of books and spend hours cuddled under warm snuggly blankets.....bears and squirrels do it after all (hibernate that is) and they are happy productive creatures in the summer.
In the summer we LIVE....our souls are restored and our spirits rejuvenated, we go places and we do things and I make sure that all the way through the relatively short bitter cold weather we have something to look forward to....an outing a month from March to October, places they want to visit and wild swimming in the rivers. We have stopped trying to fight the changes this emigration has brought into our lives, we are "doing as the Romans" so to speak, we have held onto our African values, morals and beliefs but we have learned to embrace the changes, accept the losses and find our bliss.
All that is not to say that every day is perfect, we have moments filled with terrible longing for the people we left behind, but life is a choice after all.....we chose to live here and now like I have said to my children we can choose to be happy or we can choose to focus on the bad and spend the rest of our time here longing to be somewhere else which just seems such a waste of our few precious days in this world. Guess it may just simply boil down to us being some of the lucky ones.
On that note I find myself wanting to blog the following experience, and some of the thoughts that it has generated in me......I had a long chat with a good friend of mine on the phone earlier, she has just returned from South Africa where her family spent the Christmas holidays and the sound of despondency when she said "but we had to come back here" (meaning England) really really struck me. So much so that I found myself mentioning it to my family over dinner.
Are we really that different? What has made us genuinely able to settle in this country? Why didn't we feel it a "punishment" to have to come back here? I honestly don't know why it is working for us, but I do know one thing for sure...all 5 of us are genuinely and honestly happy and settled here.
My children love the freedom of walking and Independence (from their mouths) and the weather really isn't an issue for them. We give ourselves the 3 months from Mid November to Mid February to "veg", to completely hibernate and spend whole days in our jammies - I don't nag them about television and laptops and I don't force them to venture out in the freezing cold just because they need some exercise, we read huge numbers of books and spend hours cuddled under warm snuggly blankets.....bears and squirrels do it after all (hibernate that is) and they are happy productive creatures in the summer.
In the summer we LIVE....our souls are restored and our spirits rejuvenated, we go places and we do things and I make sure that all the way through the relatively short bitter cold weather we have something to look forward to....an outing a month from March to October, places they want to visit and wild swimming in the rivers. We have stopped trying to fight the changes this emigration has brought into our lives, we are "doing as the Romans" so to speak, we have held onto our African values, morals and beliefs but we have learned to embrace the changes, accept the losses and find our bliss.
All that is not to say that every day is perfect, we have moments filled with terrible longing for the people we left behind, but life is a choice after all.....we chose to live here and now like I have said to my children we can choose to be happy or we can choose to focus on the bad and spend the rest of our time here longing to be somewhere else which just seems such a waste of our few precious days in this world. Guess it may just simply boil down to us being some of the lucky ones.
Friday, 31 December 2010
Friday 31st December 2010
As I cleaned the kitchen this morning I found my mind wondering and, as I am sure is expected on New Years Eve, I found myself reflecting on 2010 and what it has meant for the Robertson Family. It has been another stellar year for us and I am continually grateful to God for the blessings our family have again received this year.
- We have all continued in good health with only a very few visits to doctors through the year
- Si found, obtained, started and loved his new job
- Megs managed to work her way up into the top streams for year 8 through hard work, commitment and determination
- Phil has finally found a teacher he really relates to and is settling down at school
- Nick continues to thrive and capture the heart of all he meets
- We had the most awesome trip to South Africa and a chance to reconnect with precious family and friends after almost 3 years
- We have found and bought our home with the help of my parents and I really believe this is the beginning of a huge new chapter in our lives.....in fact as of tomorrow the Blog will be renamed "Burgess Hill and Beyond - a new Chapter"
- After a fair amount of trying we were finally blessed with a much anticipated 4th pregnancy to complete our family
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Tuesday 28th December 2010
Another bank holiday here today so Si and I took the opportunity to get the house back into some semblance of order and start clearing out for the move.....well for the morning anyway.
This afternoon while Si and Phil played on the X-box and Megs watched telly, Nick and I built trains.....I love love love his wooden train set (as does he) and we spend many happy hours building and playing together.
Lovely end to a lovely weekend.
This afternoon while Si and Phil played on the X-box and Megs watched telly, Nick and I built trains.....I love love love his wooden train set (as does he) and we spend many happy hours building and playing together.
Lovely end to a lovely weekend.
Monday, 27 December 2010
Monday 27th December 2010
It has been a good Christmas.....it hasn't been a traditional Christmas in the sense of time spent with family, but it has certainly been one filled with love and amazing fellowship.
After a magic day with the Viljoens on Christmas day we went on to spend boxing day with Dave, Hillary and their two gorgeous boys, George (one of Nick's best friends) and Ben and then this evening it was off to drinks with Sarah, Jack (one of Phillip's best friends) and Megan. It has been good to feel included in so many warm homes and to know that our life here and circle of friends is ever increasing and enriching.
Spent the afternoon shopping in the annual sales for things for the new house and I am LOVING all the savings we are making on items we would have had to buy anyway....the countdown has now begun and we only have another 18 sleeps before we can start moving.
After a magic day with the Viljoens on Christmas day we went on to spend boxing day with Dave, Hillary and their two gorgeous boys, George (one of Nick's best friends) and Ben and then this evening it was off to drinks with Sarah, Jack (one of Phillip's best friends) and Megan. It has been good to feel included in so many warm homes and to know that our life here and circle of friends is ever increasing and enriching.
Spent the afternoon shopping in the annual sales for things for the new house and I am LOVING all the savings we are making on items we would have had to buy anyway....the countdown has now begun and we only have another 18 sleeps before we can start moving.
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