E - Vida

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 descri...

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/...

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 ...

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...