E - Vida

I'm pretty sure that I was still fast asleep at this time, 9 years ago... Sure, it was an early wedding, but hell, I was just a fresh 20 and still took as much sleeping allowance as a teenager! Tonight - I guess being on the back end of meds, all slept out thanks to the previous day of bedrest and of course, being woken up by our 3-year-old who has wet the bed (again) is more than enough to get you up and at'em at 2am. So while I may not have previously set this time aside for reflection, here we are... Our wedding anniversary can stir up all sorts of memories and feelings; The ooh-la-la of the day - that's me remembering how silky smooth my hair was! The dress - the one that I have in my possession for the first anniversary ever but I can't a damn fit into! The prep - excluding the cover up for the bad tan lines from our outing to Bordtjiesdrif The nerves - especially when I stood at the front door of the house and yelled back inside to my family, "I

Before my last post, I played around with the layout template. It bothered me that I could still see a post from June that spoke about me saying goodbye to my old job. Every time I scrolled down the page, there was a sneering voice in my head telling me that I hadn't made any progress since then - especially since here I was, back at this job! A tough mind game for a task-orientated girl like me. These days I'd like to think of it as full circle " t hrough a series of developments that lead back to the original source, position, or situation or to a  complete  reversal of the original position " (Merriam Webster)   for a good reason... A season of big lessons. A serving (or 3) of humble pie. A wake up call. I could not say these things out loud at first. I was riddled with disappointment, exhaustion and many, many questions; How come I was accepted into the programme but didn't feel at peace about it? Were my desires misplaced or misunderstood? Why wa

I logged on the other day and found numerous half-baked posts; The one about college. The one about the hospital. The one about Christmas looming. The one about outings the kids enjoyed. The one about Pa and Ma coming back...and even one about painting the house! Many others didn't even make it that far though. I don't know why I was so hesitant to post these as they came to mind. After all, we're about ' life as we see it '. Honestly, I think it was a combination of time constraints brown-paper-packaged in exhaustion and tied up with strings of fear. One of unpublished posts was aptly titled, "More than words can explain" and it pretty much sums up the last 3 - 4 months, the lapse since my last post. Right now, the weekend is looming and I'm looking forward to down time with the kids even if the weather blows. I don't need the rugby, the sunshine or a braai to help me...although it wouldn't be made to feel unwelcome! Happy

Saying goodbye to the Cycle Tour office During event times, the crew live off breakfast packs. It's the 4am stale muffin/soggy cheese sandwich/cold apple combo that it sometimes a little hard to swallow given that our digestive systems are still asleep...among other reasons! And of late, one of the race admin staff had taken it upon herself (to nominate her husband to) put together something a little more user friendly. It was very well received! To this end, we spoke fondly about breakfast packs even outside of event weekends. And on my last day in the office, I was presented with a breakfast pack of the super fantastic variety - it was a fitting send off. I probably should've secured a service like this for my college days ahead! Despite my efforts to depart quietly, our Team put together a special brunch (to celebrate???) my going away and I was touched by the kind words and well wishes. I hadn't realised how almost 7 years of contracts there had made me as much

I started this blog mainly to document my family's story...from newlyweds to parents of an only child and then a family of four. I never promised that my stories would always be Crabtree & Evelyn and good thing too because today is one of those less pleasant instances. As I leaned over and petted his head, I realised how unfamiliar his fur felt. I had not been close to him in a long time. It triggered the lump in my throat and I quickly excused myself, saying that I needed to find the leash. I never did find the leash, but by the time I returned P-J was already walking with him outside and to the waiting car. I stopped at the front door to try and catch my breath and stop the tears but they just wouldn't cease. I cried openly as I handed over the bucket of food and his Beeno treats. Today we were saying goodbye to Jax. Jax arrived early in last month in our effort to help out his previous family - who already had many pets and couldn't take him to their new re

Since my last post, I’ve received quite a lot of feedback including well wishes and concerned interest. I really do appreciate both - it reminds me that I am taking on a big responsibility and hopefully keeps me encouraged as we tackle this new chapter head on. But some of the questions! These are the most common three -  Q: Is this something you’ve wanted to do? What I’d like to say A: Not really. I chucked a few options in a hat alongside nursing – including mechanic, baker and juggler – and picked one! What I rather say, because it’s true! A: Yes! I have a real desire to serve people – which could shed some light on my 10+ years spent being a Personal Assistant. More specifically, I’ve wanted to help people with more than just a kind smile and a listening ear, but also with the necessary skills - to be available, to be knowledgeable, and to put high standards and quality care into action. At school-leaving age, I considered a few roles that could match this descriptio

My most exciting news of the month is both thrill-worthy and shrill-worthy... I AM GOING BACK TO SCHOOL ! I have been accepted into Nursing School. See below my record of the process to date: Since ???            Desire to become a Nurse Over the years     Contacted universities and nursing colleges for info                                 but never felt sure about giving up my day job  06/01/2015        Came across advert on social media                               who would've thought?   07/01/2015        Contacted Mediclinic to verify online posting!!                               because you never know... 12/01/2015        Application sent                               feeling sure about applying and slightly less sure about my Matric Maths result! 12/03/2015        Psychometric Assessment (Johannesburg)                               that's right - all the way to Jozi for the day because of a technical glitch  22/04/2015        Intervi

This month the Baxter Theatre offered Jorja's school tickets to the Crown of the Russian Ballet as part of their Tchaikovsky composer studies. We were very excited to take Jorja to her first ballet ...but behind our backs we were tossing a coin to determine who would have to lug her up the stairs and out to the car if she fell asleep before the final Act!  Turns out, you can't fall asleep when you're sitting dead centre in the front row... I know that P-J already insta'd the pointe shoe resin out of this date night (proud Dad!) but it was such a special treat for us that I just had to say it again. "   PJ just asked what he should wear that night -  My reply, " It's the ballet. It's a date with your daughter. Dress like you'd want the guy taking her out on a date to dress. "  Too soon? His reply, " Ironing my shirt ... And then this, for those who based or otherwise out of South Africa, is what happ

"Our kids see us at our worst, and still love us." A ray of hope once you've gotten over the regret! This Mother's Day, I decided to get real -        Dear Kids,  I’m sorry for - Being untidy Holding back hugs Cutting you off Being distracted Being lazy Making you give it up Scolding you for no good reason Scaring you with my behaviour Not holding your hand more You are precious to me You were created to be a blessing I love you Dear Mom, I cried in the car the other day when I imagined life without you I got mad! Because I don’t spend good time with you I felt embarrassed…because despite your brave efforts, I focus on your faults As I get older, you mean more yet I show it less And it’s costing me precious time I’m sorry You've  supported me as I grow up – become a young lady, a Wife and now a Mom too – nursed a broken leg and a broken heart, helped plan a wedding, shown me how to bath my

Now and then I hit a spot on my blogging journey that results in no posting. Whether its primary cause is busyness, information overload or simply and sadly the inability to string together a couple of sensible sentences - I still don't know. What it does create though, is an opportunity for me to get juiced up on other blogs (cue: writer envy) and remind myself of why I made the decision to blog in the first place, back in 2010. So if you've been checking in here regularly and you haven't found anything worthwhile, don't be alarmed. We are simply checking the wheel alignment and should resume normal programming shortly.

I am a self-proclaimed and accurately diagnosed sugar addict and I would choose dessert over dinner 90% of the time. There's just something sweet about all of life's lekkertjies ...Did I mention that in February when I gave up social media, I also gave up refined sugars? Sure I didn't because that did not go nearly as well or last nearly as long. Yesterday, after enduring  a kid's birthday party, a visit from a sister with a Cinnabon and the remnants of the Easter Weekend, I wasn't sure if I'd wake up this morning from my self-induced sugar coma. Scary! So this morning - after realising that I had in fact woken up (and given thanks for it) I decided that I have to make some guidelines for myself...and possibly go and get a few health assessments done after. In order to not make it blatantly obvious how I try to justify why diets are unrealistic, I will mix them in to the paragraphs - like a fruit cake ...oooh.... A little bit of sugar goes a long way:  St

On 18 February 2015 (not for Lent, but coincidentally so), I started my social media fast. I decided to take a break from the distraction, the unquenchable inquisitiveness, the easily accessible bragging platform and the inevitable comparison. All of which I am guilty of. Like I said, it was quite coincidental that it tied in with a period in the calendar where people participate in a season "of fasting, moderation and self-denial." Initially, I found it strange to not log on concurrently with my email programme and news source site first thing in the morning - since my fingers can do that even if my brain is not yet awake - and at times I listened longingly as people shared what had been posted or commented on since I had been gone. But in the end, I could tell that this was a good and necessary break from what is quite rapidly defining us - social media activity. In fact, I could recommend it and should probably encourage you to do it more often than just once a year.

After weighing up the post topic options and not wanting it to sound as though we're rushing the process, I settled on the one that you see: On the Button - because despite feeling a little impatient about meeting this bundle-size addition to the Klaasen family and a host of tell tale signs that he was already on his way, we firmly believe that Button will be born right on time. Last Sunday, after a month of hustling and re-arranging, we finally managed to secure a lunch date with Andel, Robyn and Zac that we could invite friends and family to in our effort to have a relaxed, co-ed baby shower. The sun (and traffic) came out in full force and we enjoyed a lovely lunch in the Kid's Carnival area at Lekke Neh on Weltevreden Estate. First, we had to convince Andel and his male cronies that it was okay to attend the baby shower...and then we had to make sure that Rob stopped taking on extra work on the weekends - which was resulting in us pushing the date closer and closer t

Without a doubt, I can say that I went to the Michael Buble concert on Thursday with the youngest fan - and there were many other kids there to contend with. But I win...because dear Button is still in utero - if only just! Back in October, on the road to Swellendam for an event site recce, the news broke of the upcoming Cape Town show. I immediately added it to my Secret Santa wishlist and secretly hoped that Kim would score some VVIP tickets from her then employer, Heart 104.9FM! When Santa delivered something else and Kim resigned from Heart, I resigned myself to watching reruns of the David Foster dvd at home. But when a heavily pregnant Robyn asked me to be her plus 1 on Thursday, all hope was restored! This was my first ever time inside the Cape Town Stadium and I was in awe... Having googled  "What to consider when taking a pregnant person to a concert" extensively the previous night, I kept my eyes peeled for toilets, emergency exits, disabled access and vendors

For our youngest's birthday on Monday past, we planned a pizza dinner on the Promenade - just a few of his favourite things at the moment. After weeks of beautifully balmy weather, we did not expect the grey and windy conditions that prevailed - even with some drizzle!  So the picnic moved home, but very little else changed -  We did paper plates and cups, wetwipes and serviettes a plenty, juice boxes, flasks of coffee and hot chocolate...and pizza boxes strewn all around! Jorja even whipped out a picnic blanket and laid it out over the carpeted lounge floor. She's always game for a good party - which was quite obvious by her 3 outfit changes in as many hours. We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating Ethan's life with family and friends - even under iffy weather conditions - and he had a blast sharing in some of his favourite things! 

Yesterday I came across an article in a local family magazine where the Mom spoke of a separation anxiety issue. Interestingly enough, it was not the kid suffering from it nearly as much as the Mom was! It got me thinking about how as parents we often think that we are here to teach our kids everything. When in actual fact, they teach us just as much - if not more? Case in point: I can't stand the sight of  a cockroach - dead or alive. I have smashed many a dustpan while in a fit of uncontrollable rage against a cockroach - not because I'm the Indiana Ashleigh of vermin hunting, but because I don't want any part left of the roach - a part that could possibly reproduce or mutate to come back and irk me! Yesterday evening I found a cockroach in the spare bedroom. I was horrified. Might I add that P-J despises them almost as much as I do and to this end, refuses to assist in these situations. It's quite ridiculous, the two of us, I know. Be that as it may, there l

A conversation between P-J and Jorja about acquiring a car once she’s able to drive: Jorja : So when I’m older, I’ll learn to drive... P-J : Yes, but you get your own car Jorja : Really? P-J : Yes. We aren’t buying you a car Jorja : Awww. Maybe I can take Mom’s? P-J: No. You can’t just have it. You can buy it Jorja : I won’t have to buy it. It will already be paid for. And you don’t pay more money on something that’s already paid for. Made you look!

As I sat last night cleaning off Jorja's 7th (or 8th) version of nail polish of the Summer holidays, I thought about how differently we'd approached the start of the new school year - compared to last year. Right at the beginning of January 2014, we shopped for uniform and shoes, sourced lunch menus and painstakingly labelled every fold, frame and shoe lace of whatever was heading into the wide world of big school. In January 2015, I quickly stopped by the school shop for a few absolute essentials (that school shorts would have to do another 2 terms at least!) almost forgot to collect the new bright, white shoes from the Klaasens - especially imported from the UK on their holiday - and planned school lunch by standing in front of the fridge trying to tune into my creative mind's eye... Ha! Needless to say, we are a lot more mellowed out this year. But that does not take away from the life-preparing experience that is: learning. I think to a large degree, we downplay

What's not to love about a New Year? Clean slates, new diaries, hopes, goals and timelines. I fall for it every time. This year is no exception because each year I hope to be a better version of what I was the year before. My 2014 was a memorable one - A first year at school, travels, progress, growth and success at the workplace and more! But upon closer in(tro)spection, I found that the year also held: Too little listening for all the talking, Too much planning and too little implementing, Too much eating with too little exercising! Too little encouraging to balance out the sighing, Too many distractions and too little attention, Big investments in low priorities, And big efforts spent on things with little meaning. I look forward to the year ahead; Not because I think I will right all the wrongs of the year past, but because I know that the mere fact that I can identify these areas of concern means that I can work a little more on them...

When our Christmas Tree moved house with us, we lost a lot of its trimmings (including the lights) on the way! I thought for sure it would look to be lacking festive cheer, but Jorja took charge of the decorating this year and it looked perfect! All packed up by 27 December though!  We set the 18 seats in a long line with simple blue and white decor, punctuated with striking orange roses and barbeton daisies - compliments of a pretty bouquet my Mother-in-Law gave me for our 8th wedding anniversary. Initially, Jorja was concerned about the fact that it didn't look like a traditional birthday party, but as long as we were still singing Happy Birthday , she was keen! The real reason for the season While Chef P-J prepped in the kitchen, the kids took to the bicycles found in Pa's store room. Jorja went vintage and Ethan found a scooter that fit his style well. Finally, it was time to eat! But first, let's consume a Father Christmas-shaped