Skip to main content

BONUS POST: In-between

Remember that SA TV ad about Douglas Green? People are asking for directions and the arrows are at opposite ends? Oh what confusion!

I'm kind of feeling in that 'in between' space right now... Like the moment I had yesterday, before red grape juice spills all over your clothes at a lunch outing and you’d think you know better than to give it to the 2-year old balancing precariously on your lap, but you gave it to her anyway, pretty much fortold the mishap in your mind and then had to clean up, embarrassed and sit in stained clothes for the rest of the day...  

(I've seen many people post messages about 2018 being about lessons. I should really learn that grape juice one!)

There's so much pressure on NYE. To be reminiscent to the point of philosophical, be driven, be prepared, be on point. Gosh! I can remember having to coax my older sister into getting dressed up on NYE, every year during high school ...just in case we found (and were invited to join) the Best.Party.Ever!! For what it's worth, we did have some good times. BUT: She was always initially reluctant and I would not take no for an answer. Maybe she already knew what I am only learning now: 

Time is so precious and fleeting! (She preferred to be prepared, know the plan in advance and consider whether that was a good use of her time!!)

During the year, you could've graduated, undergone surgery, had a baby or lost your spouse. We know at least one person in each instance. Or like us, you could've spent half of the year in another country with new customs, people, routines and cultures. 

Now as we prepare to pack it up and arrive at the start of a New Year, we are overwhelmed with emotions, potential and reflections of learnings. 

Did we make the most of this? 
Could we have done anything different? 
Did we enjoy Dunkin Donuts a little too much? 
Will we remember all that we've learnt? 
Are we ready for the next season? 

The next few days will be a trifle for sure! Layers of excitement alternating with layers of nervousness and then the nuts on top! My prayer is that as a family we will take the time - time spent together doing something and time spent resting and asleep ...make the time to be appreciative and hopeful for what 2019 holds. 

Happy New Year to you! 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The week that has been...

"Life as we see it", right? My time so far at the cycle tour office is reminding me of just how demanding life in this age can be - a time seeking instant solution and gratification: We want it now! We won't wait! This is what makes a relaxing, easy going activity seem so rewarding! We've always been fortunate enough to cook with pleasure - obviously more for mine! And since returning from BA, we've also found great enjoyment from leisurely strolls in the neighbourhood or at Sea Point promenade. Take time for this! Here's what we've been a part of this past week: We were encouraged to see a group of students from Bishops come out (even in the rain) and join with the FBC team in painting a mural on the school's new diningroom and kitchen wall. For news and updates visit: http://www.fbcschool.org.za/ We joined over 15 000 walkers in a quest to feed the hungry children in the Western Cape, by participaing in the Blisters for Bread walk on Sunday. We tackl...
1 comment
Read more

That's so amazing about Grace

Scrolling through some photos this afternoon, I came across one of our friend Tarrin-Rae and her new baby girl, Isla, born last Thursday 31 October 2013. Isla Grace Graham I struggled to contain my own emotions as I observed this special moment in Tarrin's life (and new Isla's too) and thought back to my own experiences. I immediately asked Tarrin if I may use this to share a bit more of what I some times feel as a Mom... At first glance, I see relief . She's finally here! We can see her face in real life and we can say out loud "I am a Mommy!" Like my own kids, Isla was in no hurry to be born and labour was induced. What's worse than having to wait 40 weeks to meet your newest family member?? Having to wait longer still! I must confess, that this feeling was mixed with a fair dose of disbelief  on my part too - when I sat quietly resting between visitors and feeds, I had to pinch my literal self and realise - the baby was here. Then I see comfort ....
5 comments
Read more

A trip and a journey

It's a little after 4am and I'm watching my family form letterland characters with their bodies, across my bed. Unless I'm the 'underline' in the word, I have no place to lay my head here... That's a pretty normal situation these days - The only difference today is that instead of a sleepy tussle for my rightful place in the alphabet bed, I'm wide awake, mentally preparing for my drive out to Swellendam at 6am. And it's just dawned on me: this is the first event of the peak season for me, I'm almost on my way out the door and a daunting goal (Ethan's self-soothing) is 3 and a half weeks in motion. Yippee!! I remember thinking about this a lot before heading back to work in August, wondering how (and if!) it could be done and whether I would miss this event altogether because of it - or drive through daily (which aged me considerably during our events in March)... And here I am, almost 4 weeks clear of a 4 year practise - and ev...
1 comment
Read more