I can't believe I'm blogging about the weather

For the past couple of months I've been wearing at least 3 layers, not counting underwear.

Long-sleeved t-shirt, thin jersey, thick jersey/ jacket.

Today I only wore the first two layers.

This is big news as it means spring is on its way.

I was thinking about this whole weather thing while driving to work this morning.

I think the reason we feel the cold so much is because we're not geared up for it.

I've been in Europe twice for their "spring" which in the UK and Ireland is much colder than our WINTER.

Side note - a few weeks ago we Skyped with our dear friends in Ireland. Of course we spent a good part of the conversation talking about the weather as we're all slightly obsessed. He is Zimbabwean, she is Brazilian and they're living in Dublin.

The following day he sent us an email saying, "it's a lovely summer's day in Dublin today. 17 degrees!"

I nearly choked on my tea I was laughing so hard :) In South Africa, that's an ICE-COLD winter's day.

The thing is that in colder climates the houses, buses, shops, malls, etc. are all well-insulated and even in 5 degree weather I never felt the cold like I'm feeling it this winter.

I think we also forget to make provision because the switch over is very sudden, in Jhb especially.

Today's high was 20, tomorrow is a whopping 23 (that's shorts weather in PE where I'm from) and before you know it I'll be complaining about the heat (as D reminded me this morning).

We only really have 3.5 - 4 months of true cold weather every year - I know this because 1 May is my date to switch to winter sheets and pillowcases and get out the heaters and sometime after my birthday is when I start wearing short sleeves and a light cardigan for the mornings.

No wonder we forget.

I don't know how some of you do it with serious cold for most of the year. No wonder you go full out and celebrate summer.

Another aside

The last time we were in Dublin it happened to be a "very lovely 18 or 19 degrees one day". Well, you'd swear it was 30 degree weather because people were out in the parks having picnics, letting their kids ride bikes, etc.

Our friend said, "the weather's so miserable here that if there's even an inkling of sunshine, people stop and take notice, and make the most of it"

Isn't that great though?

There's a lesson there for me .

.....

In other news, I had a conversation with a girl on the mentoring course and she didn't know who Air Supply is.

I was gobsmacked.

Okay, so she's about 5 - 6 years younger than I am but come on, Air Supply!

:)

Also, why is it that when the kids play with your CDs and they get messed up, your favourite Air Supply songs start skipping but the ones you could care less about miraculously play perfectly?!

.....

Because of the "unofficial long weekend we had in South Africa, today feels like Monday. On the bright side, two days til the weekend.

How was your Monday/ Wednesday?

P.S. Tomorrow I'm doing a cry baby linky. Get your pics ready :) I told Mandy that I always feel guilty even thinking about posting pics of the babies crying so we decided to get it all out on one day, just for fun.
PPS Now I have to chat to my hosting company to discuss the still-hacked pages on my website. Fun times!

Women's Day

Today we met a friend for a late breakfast.

We were late because Connor was sleeping and she phoned to tell us the place we'd arranged to meet at is closed.

D says it's properly closed, as in closed down, but I'm wondering now if it was just closed today.

Robynne?

Well, she very quickly suggested another place and ..... we hit the jackpot.

Egoli Cafe is a stunning, stunning place for kids. And best of all, is on my side of the world :)

Food was good (D told me earlier that he's still dreaming about that delicious breakfast tramezzini LOL), service was good (thank heavens) and there were lots of different play areas for the kids. The whole thing was very secure and I didn't worry even a little bit.

Unlike our last time at a "kiddie venue" *ahem* Jimmy Jangles/ Jungles which I thought was a complete ripoff (R50 per child per hour) considering the childminder was sitting playing with her cell phone the entire two hours we were there and didn't even bother to look up.

Anyway.

We are definitely going to do this again soon.

It was SO lovely to spend time catching up with our friend and her gorgeous redhead :)

When we got back, we fed the kids lunch outside (my new clever idea because the kitchen stays clean :)) and then they wouldn't come inside so D took a blanket outside and they had some quality time while I organised two drawers of my bathroom chest of drawer thing.

I went outside with my Kindle to try and read but it was a dismal failure in terms of reading - kids crawling on me, etc.

When they started playing with their spit (I don't know where they get this disgusting habit but I FREAK out), I came inside.

Had my cup of tea and about 5 minutes reading and then Connor came to find me to tell me "eat. hungry".

And so started the night time routine for the babies as I fed them the Most Delicious chicken and broccoli ever. EVER!

We had it for our supper last night. That's how I know.

That's the something good.

The something bad is I don't know how I made it because I don't measure and just fling in ingredients.

Good times :)

Do you have a method to remember when you do cool things in the kitchen?

And now I'm going to post on the other blog, quickly write my newsletter and then organise photos for an hour before bed.

Happy Women's Day!

A productive day plus some OCDness

I didn't get everything done that I wanted to do today but I had a lovely day nonetheless.

1. Finished a book
2. Sorted out some photos
3. Played with the kids and found out that Connor does not like this blue jersey as he freaked when I tried to put it on. The purplish-pink sweatshirt was approved though :)
   
4. Bought and posted a baby gift (and may I say, Edgars Bedfordview's service is going down in a major way - last 3 trips = dismal failure in customer service!)
5. Bought too much stationery at CNA (I'm justifying it by saying I'm giving away 37 notebooks so it's okay...)
6. Had lovely conversation with a lady at the post office - her customer service was superb! Also, last time I was there with Kendra the same lady had a conversation with my little girl which is always good. I really don't like people ignoring my kids when they say "hello lady" :)
   
7. Watched Larry Crowne (only about a 6 - wouldn't really recommend it...) - also Nu Metro Bedford, your service also sucks.
   
8. Got some "happy" envelopes ready for posting :)
9. Printed photos to do baby party scrapbook
10. I'm binder ringing everything in sight so much so that I only have two packs of binder rings left. *ahem* all donations welcome as I'm flying through these things. Why oh why do we not have them in South Africa?!
    

I sorted my files so thoroughly that I purged a 2.5 cm (1 inch) pile of one-sided printed paper for the babies to "write" on.

It feels so good.

I also caved and made a friend spreadsheet so I can see when it's getting too long between socials. Feels very OCD to me BUT as long as the end-goal is good, all is well. Right?

Have you decided what you'll do for Women's Day tomorrow?

We're going to have breakfast/ brunch with a friend and then I want to do some more photo and digital organising in the afternoon.

And once that is done, back up.

P.S. I have 3 little somethings for those of you who still read proper print books. If you want one, tell me in the comments and I'll send it to you. I post anywhere in the world so don't be shy :)

Birthdays, organising and me-time

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

I had a lovely day - I said to Julia (yes, you're one of the 5 bloggers!) that it's certainly been my best birthday since the twins have been born. Just being honest.

The one after they were born was honestly one of the worst - D and I were fighting so much because we were both sleep deprived, I had one of the 3 - 4 crying sessions in those first few months on my birthday and it was just super-terrible.

I think the key to this year's success was that I kept my expectations really low :) and I didn't feel guilty about not answering the phone.

And, of course, the kids are just super cute so I kept staring at them in wonder, amazed that they are mine. They are real little people and I wish I could bottle up their energy and cuteness and remember every little thing.

*sigh*

****************************************

I was reorganising some stuff on my desk and in looking through some folders, I found recipe lists mixed in with my business stuff.

Which of course made me grab everything and start sorting.

I have been feeling like I need to clear out a lot of stuff - old papers, things I now see I have no intention of doing...., etc.

My self-imposed rule is if I have a piece of paper by the next "sort" (which happens about 2 - 3 times a year - Jan, around April/ May and then usually September-ish) and I haven't made any progress or had any excitement, then out it goes.

No matter how good the idea.

My desk currently has three piles - business, household and personal.

And because of the interest in yesterday's virtual craft night, I have a new Bible cover (it was the nearest convenient, suitably sized thing) stuffed full of some of my "crafting" ideas.

Yes, I've made a list as I dumped things in so that I know what's in there.

My preferred way of keeping my paper organised is

1) as little as possible
2) as simple as possible
3) regular tweaking

I'm going to use a flipfile (clear plastic sleeves bound together in a folder) for each of those three piles and make the papers fit.

How do you organise all the different categories of paper in your life?


On Tuesday we celebrate Women's Day in South Africa. Of course this means a public holiday.

I love Women's Day and I look for excuses to celebrate the whole month :)

Another of my self-imposed rules is to always take a day off next to a Tues or Thurs public holiday so I'm off work tomorrow.

I briefly entertained noble ideas of going to the gym but quickly changed my mind.

My work gave each woman not one but TWO movie tickets for Women's Day. I could NOT believe how ungrateful some people were.... "I don't go to the movies, moan moan moan......... GRRRR. Quite honestly, I don't care if you don't go. Be grateful anyway.

So I'll be going to a movie, have to run one or two quick errands (posting baby gifts and some clothes to my sister), will hopefully get my hair done and I want to spend about 3 hours on the photos.

What are you looking forward to this week?

P.S. Even if you're not in South Africa, think of something fun you can do on Tuesday for Women's Day :)

37

So today I turned 37.

Judging from today, 37 is a lot more tiring than 36 :)

This morning Kendra and I went to get her some shoes because she was saying that her toes are sore in her current takkies.

While in the store I had the opportunity to do a random act of kindness and cross one more thing off my 36 things list.

My actual entry says to buy a stranger's groceries or meal. What I intended was to pay for something unexpected.

So this (old) lady asked me to read the price of something for her on two items, laundry basins and buckets.

She muttered under her breath in another language and I asked her what the problem was.

Apparently she didn't have enough money for both.

!

I told her I'd pay for the more expensive of the two.

I could see she didn't believe me so I took the basin, added it to my stuff and told her to come with me to the front so I could pay for it.

(I didn't want to just give money - I don't do that - nor did I want to tell her I'd pay for both because then she might get greedy and go BIG just because. Hey, this is South Africa).

In the queue, I reached behind me, took her other item and paid for both.

It was worth it to see that look on her face - loved it!

I was trying to be "secretive" but she obviously said something in her language because some people in the queue made "aha" noises and there were lots of smiles from most and some confusion from others.

And that was my good deed for the day :)

So here is my current list for the next year. I had 41 but I cheated with some and combined them into others.

They are nicely categorised to make it easier for me.

My 37 things list
God/ ministry
1. Finish blogging the Crazy Love book chapters
2. Have a “retreat” all by myself, one night a month
3. Spend time on a consistent basis reading the Bible. I have slacked big-time and only just started up again. Sadly, it’s because I need to hear from Him now.
4. Continue to be faithful in my ministry at the church even when attendance is low. I am doing this unto the Lord and not unto men.

Family (D and babies)
1. Have fun summer family photoshoot – booked already – need ideas!
2. Have family holiday on KZN north coast
3. Make a decent-looking “family rules” printable
4. Get back to Cape Town – it has been too long. I think Dec 2007 was the last time, if not earlier.
5. Do a fun day for the babies’ half birthdays. It will probably involve some kind of fun tradition that I’ve yet to think up plus cake.
6. Take the kids to Gillooly’s Farm – gosh, they haven’t been since they were about 7 – 8 months old and it is unacceptable as it’s right on my doorstep.
7. Find a preschool for the kids that we’re happy with emotionally and financially, and register them for July 2012.
8. Do something different (for us) and fun as a family once a month (today counts for this month :))
9. Two dates with D a month plus movie night on the couch ;)
10. Get wedding, Australia and Singapore photos scanned and in jpg format
11. Get that darn photo wall up!
12. Have a weekend away with D. If that goes well, book overseas trip if there’s a willing family member around.
13. Take the kids to the zoo

Work
1. Have lunch/ tea at least once a week in our work coffee shop to increase my visibility.
2. Bring in between R10 and R20 mil GWP in new business for my company (this is a new position so I’m still getting a feel for what’s realistic but will still be a stretch)

Business
1. Have book published both in print and on the Kindle
2. Write second book and maybe the third one too
3. Attend She Speaks conference
4. Market myself 10 times to church groups to share my story of hope and inspiration with women. That means sending out emails or talking to leaders saying, “I speak about _____. Do you think that would fit with your group?” - just so I don’t fluff it later…

Personal
1. Have photoshoot in Newtown with cool, crazy coloured doors in the background – I can’t wait – thin or not!
2. Give away 37 notebooks as gifts
3. Work out 8 – 12 times a month, either by myself or with a personal trainer
4. Meet 5 bloggers
5. Read 60 books, one of them The Happiness Project
6. Set a deadline for all my “thin” clothes and get rid of them if goal not achieved
7. Declutter and sell bags I no longer use (there are at least 10)
8. Continue to do at least 5 random acts of kindness every month
9. Leave 4 anonymous notes/ send out cards every month with inspiring messages

Fun/ exploring my creativity
1. Do a photobook.
2. Cook 12 new “main course” recipes
3. Cook 12 new recipes in the baking category
4. Do 24 crafty/ creative projects (travel journals, mini scrapbooks, stuff for the kids, etc.), Pinterest-type stuff. Maybe organise a virtual craft night once a month?
5. Do a 2011 month in review mini book and then start 2012 with a new tradition of a mini review every month

That's it.

What do you think? Can you help with any of these? Ideas to help do them easier?

I want to read your lists too :)

Five on Friday

1. When you skip ONE day of reading blogs and your reader announces that you have 120 unread items, it's time to declutter blogs. I'm also thinking about re-categorising my blogs into those I comment on and those I don't, so that I can focus my attention if I'm pressed for time.

2. Last night I was really, really not in the mood to socialise especially after the website story (I'm sure you guys are so tired of hearing about this - imagine how I feel!) but we had our fertility babies six-weekly get together. As usual, it was lovely to get out and connect with the girls, talk nonsense, laugh at other people's parenting issues knowing you're all in the same boat and just have a good time.

3. Straight after my post, I had two coaching calls, one of them with my coach. She listened, listened and listened some more, we chatted a bit and then she prayed for me. I then sent her a section of this post and she sent me the MOST wonderfully encouraging email last night.

4. I've been on a mentoring course for the last two days and it has been fabulous. I'm not much for a lot of theory but I had tons of insights which I have noted down should I feel the need to blog these at any point :)

5. And I've got to say it's really, really nice when the thing you think you're awesome at (for me, coaching) is affirmed by total strangers. They require us to use some specific models with our mentees which I don't use in my business but despite all that, the process still felt very natural to me and the woman had to pry us out of role play (me and my partner) because we were so into it.

And for me?

Well, I have not been getting to bed quite as early as I'd like but it has been earlier than last week.

I haven't exercised this week and I won't go tomorrow morning either.

But I have been kind to myself.

I worked really hard when in the office this week (all of two days!) and even though there are things that are undone, I'm not going into my work email to work this weekend.

I cancelled a workshop that I felt was just too much to do at this point.

I have not been beating myself up about this website. I breathed and wrote to the web person and am taking it easy. Well, for me.

I asked God for clarity and the best way to fix everything and today I twigged that I could take down the hacked page while the website is being fixed. So hopefully things look alright now, otherwise tough. I am done.

What have you done for yourself this week?

You are kidding me

Poor Julia got an "earful" when she emailed me last night to ask me if everything is fine with my website.

See, I had someone mail me to tell me they couldn't access a page on my site.

An "earful" is me venting on the computer :)

I sent the person's email to the web lady who fixed it all the last time and I've just checked and she's replied.

My website's been hacked again.

I honest-to-goodness do NOT have the fortitude to deal with this ANOTHER month in a row. That was 1 July to about 14 July, and here we are again, 3 Aug (yesterday), a month later.

No way!

Why me? We fixed everything, I've been checking for updates, etc.

What am I supposed to do?

I'm so glad I'm fresh off an emotional intelligence course because I'm "pausing" now before I respond and take action.

In any event, if you care, please just pray for my mental energy and clarity of thought.

Because I am THIS close to clicking delete.


New post here

The story of the non-RSVPs

D and I had our joint "party" (D told me it was more like having a few friends over for lunch) on Saturday.

We invited a lot more people than actually accepted and came.

Granted, the 3 that didn't pitch had very good reasons - swine flu and the one friend went to Dbn for a funeral but his wife came.

But I am still amazed that some people just don't bother to RSVP.

After the children's party I learned my lessons and 1) emailed invites so responses would be quick and 2) was VERY clear in the email when to RSVP by, for catering purposes.

I had a better response but still not great.

Maybe it's me?

I read a post somewhere (I think on Facebook) where someone was talking about the same thing and someone said she thinks most people don't RSVP because they're keeping their options open for something better to come along.

I got one of those, "aaaah, yes" moments and sadly, I think that's true.

Terrible but true.

So how do you do RSVPs? Do you RSVP? What's your thought process?

Anyway, so there were 8 of us in total and it was lovely.

A nice, intimate group :)

We got some lovely gifts (I've just finished all the thank-you notes) and even some Exclusive Books vouchers (love!!!).

And here's where it's not good to have a party before the time :)

Today 3 of us got called into the boss's office and the rest of them sang Happy Birthday and gave us gifts.

I loved it.

I usually don't like being sung to when it's just me, but the group singing was fun.

Do you know that of our team of 8, 4 of us have birthdays within 1 week?

Scary.

And the boss's wife's birthday is also sometime this week!

The one lady said, "he knows how to pick his women". Hahahaha

Anyway, one person got a blingy necklace (not my style AT all), one got a voucher to a home store (yessss) and I got the best gift, a clutter-free one.

They paid for a lovely picnic lunch for my family on Saturday at Tres Jolie. The kids can run free and D and I can soak up some of the winter sun.

I love, love, LOVE it. As you know I'm into experiences :) And this actually ties in beautifully to my 37 things list which I will post on Sat morning.

I also got a lovely card with nice words about living big, and reaching goals and all the stuff I'm always rabbiting on about (do you like that word? I saw it somewhere on a blog yesterday and have been itching to use it. ha!).

What kind of birthday gifts do you like?

I also want to talk about thank-you notes but that's a topic for another day. There's a warm bed with my name on it!

My goals for August

Looking at my July goals, I got to 9 out of 12. Woohoo, considering it was such a crazy, horrible month. Esp the website business.

Moving on...

To all you helpful guys encouraging me to run.... I hate running. Hate feeling my more-than-ample bum moving, hate the itching, hate hate hate. Oh, and I have useless knees from too much aerobics in my youth :)

I'm actually really encouraged that I maintained my weight in July. Considering the month I've had where I have not cared a JOT what I ate, the stress I've been under, less than satisfactory sleep (not 8 hours a night - I know, kill me), parties, socials, etc, I'm surprised I didn't gain 2 kg!


I had to restrain myself from only starting with the goals link-up next month since it's already the 2nd :)

This is going to be good for me - to keep myself accountable.

There are no "rules" for this - just write a post saying what you want to accomplish and link up.

Remember, big or small all counts. And let's support one another.


Right, here we go. My goals for August.

1. Organising workshops Sat 17/9 & Tues 20/9 – get at least 15 people booked for each if you can help me spread the word I would LOVE that (the one on 20th is virtual so you can participate no matter where you are in the world)
2. Commission designer for book cover still getting quotes in - I've had 2, waiting for number 3. Do you know any good people? Email me
3. Get book proofread by D
4. Do church talk – work-life balance if you can make it on Mon 15th, come along
5. Work through Organise your Home system and update in time to relaunch in Sept. Get designer to do new graphics, etc.
6. Go on 2 dates with D
7. Social – Fert babies supper, lunch with R, lunch with R & kids, H&E birthday party
8. Get dresser painted turquoise
9. Hair – Brazilian treatment (no, it's not a South African thing - I saw it on another US blog too :))and one other
10. Read 5 books
11. Decide on and book Dec holiday
12. Gym 9 times/ lose 1.5 kg (basically, every Wed and Sat morning in Aug)

What are your goals for August?

P.S. There's about 5 of us in on the Happiness Project - I'm waiting for the author to send me the "book club" guide so we have some thing to work along.

A miracle has to happen tomorrow morning

I have to be up, dressed, ready and at a venue 35 - 45 mins away.

By 7:30.

And be sparkling and "on".

For the person who ambles in sometime between 9 and 9:30, this is going to be interesting.

Best I get to sleep.

********************************

Nanny V was off sick Friday and today (we got an SMS at 11:33 last night - good thing my phone was still on) so we were scrambling.

We were going to book the kids in at D's work's creche (R300 for the 2 kids for the day) but Kendra woke up at 2:30, feverish, so that was a no-no.

Funny, we'd just made the decision about the creche when I started thinking like I couldn't possibly abandon my kids at a new place for the entire day.

But what choice did we have? I have a total of 2 days in the office (now 2 0.5 days left) this week and tons of work.

I worked like crazy and left at 3 with only 1 thing left on my work to-do list (this from the 28 things I had 2 weeks ago) - I feel so victorious.

D volunteered to stay home today for the morning shift and went to rest when I got home.

Apparently they had fun but even a sick Kendra is a very bossy Kendra.

"No, Connor, no sitting on couch"

D - "there's space for BOTH of you on the couch"

K - "no, Daddy!"

Oh my word!

And also Connor said to D who pretended to take a raisin off his high chair, "No, Daddy! No eating Connor's raisins".

I still love the talking though, even the bossy talking.

I now know why there are so many 3-year age gaps between siblings. It's because they get so darn cute at two that the parents start thinking it's a good idea to have another.

I mentioned my theory to D who said to me very firmly, "I am SO done. I have absolutely no desire for another baby. None!"

LOL

Really, is there anything cuter than age 2?

*************************

PS The personal trainer and I are no more... I am exactly the same weight I was a month ago on 1 July, 60.6. On 1 June I was 61.2.

PPS I'm wondering if I should do a monthly goals link up for the month ahead. I know I like the accountability and group support. Would you participate by linking your goals and then at the end of the month how it all went? Don't get thrown by the word "goals" - let's just say, things you'd like to get done this month.

How's your Monday been? What's going on in your life?

Thoughts on a Sunday night

Last night I sat and typed out my 37 things list.

At one point I thought I'd never get to 30, let alone 37. But I ended up with 41 so some editing is needed before I post it on Saturday.

I also had a chance to look over my 36 things list and let's just say, I better go pay for someone's groceries or meal. Quick. I think I'll sneak up and pay for someone's lunch at work - that's going to be the easiest thing.

Otherwise, any ideas?

*********************

We didn't go to church last Sunday because of D being sick. Our church is crazy big and there's a ginormous parking lot and lots of steps (clearly a non-mother designed the place :)) and I was not going to take the chance of one of my babies getting knocked down.

So today when we left them, Connor screamed blue murder.

He loves both of us but he screams for me in these situations.

Picture this - D & M running from the children's class as we hear, "Mummy! Mummmmmmyy!" echoing off the walls.

Oy!

Tonight he was EXHAUSTED and he was drinking his bottle in bed so I sat on his bed and was touching his face (or something).

He says, "Mummy, go. Please go" - if he wasn't so cute I'd feel terrible! But he's so earnest and I can see he just wants some time alone to think and be still :)

This pic was taken a few weeks ago - yes, he's cross because he was left alone while Nanny V bathed Kendra. Mandy, these are not the crying pics I was talking about. Wait - I'm going to do another Linky for crying/ tantruming babies in a week's time. :)


the blur is why I have to get someone to take proper pics of these two - I am missing out. Still, at least I have the memories and I can bribe him when he's bigger :)

***********************

Okay, ad break K just screamed out in her sleep. D went to see her and she said, "where's milk?" D said, "it's the middle of the night - no milk" K then said, "but Connor's got milk" LOL These are the things that scare toddlers - being treated unfairly. Hahahha.

This is Kendra's new thing - the minute she sees me with a camera she hides her face. I've tried to say, "baby, do you know how cute you're being?" - doesn't make a bit of difference.

***********************

I had a gooood shopping day today. Went past a bookshop to look for some stuff for the kids.

There's a particular brand of Christian book (too lazy to slink into the kids' bedroom to look it up - but email me if you want details) they love.

When they were just newborns, we bought Jonah, Noah, David and Daniel for them, and I got a couple extra for my nephew. My kids LOVE these books and we want to get all of them.

They run to me/ D and say, "read Jonah". I don't know if it's the whole "being swallowed by the big fish or the fact that the book goes, "God said go and Jonah said no (Connor loves that bit and then he says, "naughty" (too precious!)).

Kendra loves the David one. Good thing too.

Alas, the shop didn't have anymore of them but we will go back again (maybe on my birthday? :)) without kids and look through properly - you know there's no real browsing with these two trying to grab books.

Oh, the point of this story was there were some other good deals so I got some gifts for the fertility group ladies and of course some things for the kids, D, me and some other gifts to keep around for the random acts of kindness I like to do.

R950 worth! Somehow I just kept throwing things in.

***************************

I had the best of intentions tonight.

I have a whole list of blogs to write. With pics and everything. And then Jayme and I emailed a bit and exchanged pinterest links. And that was the evening gone. I even went to get a BIG mug of tea and a cupcake to fully enjoy the experience.

***************************

As we're on the brink of a new month, I'm determined to get my mojo back. Despite having only 2 full days in the office - Monday, Tues pm and Wed am. Oy.

I'm going back to my dance class on Wed (I've already prepped D) and I will keep a good attitude, listen to and obey God's voice, deal with things appropriately and make this a good week leading up to .... 37

What are you looking forward to this week?

Show me your phone

I'm a girl who loves technology only in as much as it serves me.

I think long and hard about what something will not only add, but also subtract from my life (aside from money).

I'm also fortunate in that I have a "low need for affiliation" - this means I don't care what people think about me, so I'll have old cars, houses, clothes, etc.

I said "fortunate" because I see and hear a lot of people around me say "oh I couldn't possibly wear/ drive/ have that - what will people think?"

Anyway, onto my phone.

I'm not a phone person.

I was late to the cell phone craze. My first phone was a yellow Phillips Savvy - do any of you still remember that?!

Truth be told, I still am not wild about phones - I take it it's fairly rare these days to actually let your phone ring and choose not to answer.

My nanny still (after 20 months with us) looks horrified when I say, "oh, just let it ring, I'm busy right now".

I use a phone to make calls. And sometimes to text when I'm not being totally lazy.

I've said before if people text me and I'm at a computer, I'll email them back (if non-urgent - most things in life are not urgent) or phone, if urgent.

I know my phone can do the email and internet thing but I like being disconnected sometimes.

So... this phone.

I got it nearly 4 years ago (it will be 4 years in Dec). In South Africa, our contracts renew every 24 months.

You're clever, you've figured out I should have had an upgrade by now BUT... I didn't like the phone they sent me (I'm also one of those people who waits for the service provider to eventually phone me 2 - 3 months later to hound me and make me choose a new phone) so after giving it a go for about 6 weeks, I changed back and I'm happy again!

I'm also one of those people who never opens their phone once the SIM card is in.

But just for you I did.

:)

The casing tells me it's a Nokia 6300 and was released in Jan 2007.

for some perspective

I love this phone.

It feels good to the touch (I'm very tactile), is nice and slim, cold and has a nice weight. Easy buttons to press.

What more could I want? :)

Okay, tell us your phone story, or just post a pic of your phone and tell me why you like it or if you don't, why not.

Over to you - go!

Five on Friday

Before I officially start with today's post, tomorrow I'm going to hold a Link party. I want to see your phone and hear why you like it/ don't like it, etc.

Yes, you read right - your phone. I'm convinced I have the oldest phone around (I've had it for nearly 4 years and of course I never get the top-end option so it could be *gasp* 5 or 6 years old!) but MandyE may just give me a run for my money.

So are you in? Tomorrow.... I'll try and post earlier in the day when the kids nap.


1. Life as a stay-at-home mom even if only for a half day, is hectic.

I know that I would be thinner... or maybe not ... as I ran after these two the whole day, shovelling some popcorn in my mouth for lunch at 3:40.

I sat down for the first time when D got home around 6 pm.

!

We had about 3 time-outs for Connor. Kendra has responded beautifully to 123 magic.

One morning this week she ran away with my phone and I said, "that's 1". She whizzed around and as she was running toward me with the phone, said, "no, Mummy, stop counting" LOL

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2. Nanny V is supposed to arrive no later than 7:30 but has been arriving 7:45 - 7:55 most days for the last two months.

This sends D over the edge...

I asked her very nicely to please, PLEASE be on time on Wed as it was D's birthday.

She arrived at 7:55.

La la la...

D announced to me this morning that he just wants this weekend over with and then he is sitting her down and having a serious chat with her.

And of course at 7:55 I checked my phone and found 3 missed calls, all from 7:39 so not very much notice.

It was a male (her boyfriend/ father/ I don't know - she is verrrrrry private) telling me that she is sick and won't be coming to work.

Of course then the scrambling began.

We both decided we wouldn't again phone D's mom to come over (we don't want to impose) and that we'd split the duties.

I had two meetings this morning so I went to work first and then took a half day so I could come home to relieve D.

It all worked out well in the end.

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3. We're having some people over for our birthday party tomorrow and we'd originally booked V to come help with the kids. Of course she won't be well so it's going to be fun trying to host and eat and control the kids. Hmmm.

The birthday banner is up :), the cupcake toppers are ready and I want to get out all the paper plates, serviettes and cups now.

If V were here, I'd use real plates but there's already so much work with the kids. Gosh, they mess when they eat.

Actually, I may still use real plates. I'll let you know. What's your vote? Real or paper plates (they are nice paper plates - I bought the good stuff just in case)?

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4. In my meeting with my boss this morning, I said something like, "oh, my life is so hectic at the moment" and ended up telling him about the personal trainer (because I had to cancel today's session...).

He agrees with all of you that the attitude is not on. Surprising as he is usually very objective about these things.

I also told him that I'm loving my meetings where I get to take charge and control the agenda. He says, "that's not surprising, Marcia" Ha!

Seriously though, I participate more, I don't let things get off track and best of all, if we're finished ahead of time, we stop (the tendency in corporate is to just talk and talk and talk - drives me nuts).

However, since I'm more emotionally aware (since my course last week :)) I also noticed that when one particular person holds meetings, I totally just relax, shut down and don't say a thing. She is a VERRRRRRYY strong personality. That's my issue though. The boss said actually I need to give her that feedback. Um, heck no!

5. And then last but not least, what did I do for me this week?

(I really love participating in this challenge as it forces me to think about prioritising myself)

I took off Wed from working on the business. D and I had our supper, watched Friends reruns and nearly spat out our food it was so funny. I just love Phoebe, LOVE her. Of course Monica is the one I'm most like.... sadly. Which Friends character are you most like?

I sorted out my part of the lounge. We bought a new TV unit (with some of the free money :)) and my videos (yes, don't laugh), DVDs and photo albums are sorted. CDs are always sorted because that would make me crazy (okay, right there, I'm showing my Monica tendencies).

BTW, what is the best (and cheapest) way to get old-style prints scanned and jpged? I don't have a scanner so tell me where is best. I've also heard of a machine you can buy to do it for you - anyone???

I made appointments with the dentist and gynae, and tried to make one with the biokineticist but we're playing telephone tag and keep missing one another.

I also made an appointment to have one of these Brazilian blowout things done and lunch with a friend beforehand.

I feel so good that my lists are shorter as we go into August.

Next up I've got to update my 36 things list and make my next one. I also want to do a new list of accomplishments, something I saw on Laura's blog that inspired me.

What did you do for yourself this week?

Dear Wordpress bloggers

I click through to your blogs, read your lovely posts but I am getting so frustrated trying to leave comments on your blogs.

They seem to go into the ether that is the internet ....

Sometimes I'm quite clever and copy the text first so I can repost it.

I then get a very lovely "WP has detected a duplicate comment" message. Grrrr.

I am very persistent/ stubborn so if there is a contact email, I take the time to email the blogger and tell them to check their spam folder and unspam me.

I did this with Louisa, Julia and with Celeste (AGES ago) and they all unspammed me and my comments were released.

I could almost hear the birds chirping I was that happy.

It's the small things in life, people.

But when there's no contact email or way to contact the blogger, I just give up.

Surely it shouldn't be this hard to give someone some validation and encourage them?!

Just a few blogs that quickly come to mind:

• How do you do it - I am this close to deleting it from my reader because I can't interact and leave my pearls of wisdom (ha!) so what is the point?! I was so persistent on this one that I emailed a previous author who gave me an email, I emailed but no reply.
• The new multiples and more blog is doing the same thing - my comment on Rebecca's recent post is also in the ether somewhere
  
• Laura, the two bloggers you linked to in this post

What do you do? Do you care to mail the blogger or do you just click away?

If anyone knows these bloggers, please ask them to sort these things. I give up!

D's birthday

It's D's birthday today.

Yes, within the space of less than a month, we celebrate all the birthdays in this house.

One crazy month and then it's all over til the half birthdays :)

I didn't do much due to this being the house of sick over the weekend.

However, I spied this idea for a card the other week.

If you don't feel like clicking, Allison's little boy (around my kids' age) got her some flowers and signed the card with some scribbles.

I am a sop and LOVE this idea!

So the kids wrote in a card for Daddy.

They each chose their own colour of gel pen (Nicole, they're the ones you got me - the kids LOVE them) - purple for Kendra and blue for Connor - and I let them scribble in the card, and then I held their hand and wrote their name underneath.

Let me tell you - it is taking some letting go to let babies scribble in a perfectly good card.

It was worth it though when D opened it.

That was it for this morning but this afternoon I hung some bunting in our dining room which I have to take a pic of because it is fabulous.

Each triangle says something positive (it's so me :)) like "you're fantastic, you're superb, you're fabulous" and then it repeats.

Connor then chose the colour candle for D's cupcake - green - and we lit the candle and sang properly.

These two love all the drama of the singing and blowing of candles.

As for me, I've cooked our current favourite (cashew nut chicken) and we're watching a Friends DVD after supper and spending some good quality time together.


How's your Wed been?

So the personal trainer

I got home on Friday to find an email from the personal trainer.

She wanted to know if I was coming this week because she is a student and needs the money and I keep missing sessions and and and

I found it a bit cheeky because...

1. I pay her if I "flake"
2. The only times I legitimately missed I've been sick (twice) and I notify her as soon as I know I'm not going to be able to work out

Of course I had to calm down first because I was cross (there's that impulse control thing) so I mailed her back about an hour later.

I told her I was frustrated because I'm doing things the best way I know how but if she had other suggestions to manage our sessions, to please let me know.

Also, if my life was causing too many hassles in her life (because this is my crazy life!) and she'd prefer not to work with me, I would completely understand.

I was not being snarky; it's the truth.

Life is about choices and you don't have to work with everyone who wants to work with you.

I received an email back on Sunday to say there had just been miscommunication and yes, she wants to work with me to get to my goals.

So we worked out together today.

Seeing as there was a bit of tension, I decided to have a talk to her.

Is this killing you yet? (I know some people don't like confrontation)

Basically, I said that I don't feel like I'm making much progress because we're switching the format of the sessions too much.

Yes, I like the variety (I really do because I get bored far too quickly) but I want to feel like I'm actually getting stronger incrementally.

We agreed to do our normal thing for two weeks and every 5th session change things up (boot camp style) to infuse some energy.

Which all sounds lovely.

Today was lower body and abs which will be interesting tomorrow...

Do you like confrontations? How would you have dealt with this?

Two-year doctor's visit

perfect posture for Spanish dancing (yes, I did for 5 years) -
Lynette, I studied with Fiona Rodel in Bluewater Bay :)

Pure joy
(D listened and didn't include my morning self)

I read Mandy's blog earlier and was reminded that I hadn't yet posted on the babies' visit with Dr S earlier this month.

I thought I'd give them a break this year and take them a day later instead of on their actual birthday like last year LOL

Here is last year's doctor post.


So we were waiting in reception and the kids kept peeking (not peaking) around the corner, trying to check out things.

The doctor came in during one such session, caught Kendra checking out his office, said, "that's okay, you can come in", took her hand and off they toodled.

Too cute.

Of course she looks around at us just to check it's all okay first.

So the two of them start playing with all the blocks and whatnot while D and I chat to the doctor.

We were saying afterwards that we feel soooo different.

In the beginning (say, the first year), we had lists of questions on each baby.

Now we go with nothing except the wellness cards :)

All very strange for me.

The stats

Kendra

Height 85 cm
Weight 9.7 kg
HC 48 cm

Connor

Height 93 cm
Weight 12 kg
HC 50.5 cm

Do you know how these kids scream when they have to lie down on the bed?! Oh my word. Is a fear of doctors built in?!

He is happy with their weights and heights.

He was very impressed with both of their language skills (I remember Connor said something like, "Mummy! Orange chair/ block") and other developmental stuff (identifying colours, the way they interacted with us and with him, etc).

Fortunately I didn't have to put anyone in time out because they were listening but I have absolutely no shame - I will discipline anywhere.

He also asked if they'd been sick since the last visit (no) and if they go to school, etc.

I asked when he thinks they should go to pre-school and he said they really only play until they're 3 so there is no need to rush the process but if we want them to go, then he'd suggest a playgroup maybe 1 - 2 mornings a week from 2.5.

We're still in no hurry but that sounds like a good option for us. I'm just not sure that any of these schools do such a casual arrangement.

So looks like that's it for now.

Next appointment at age 3.

Feels like a long way away (especially after all the medical appointments from year 1) so D and I have decided to take them to wonderful Sister Carla at 2.5 just to make sure they're still on track developmentally.

This is how crazy this month has been - we have still not submitted the invoice to our medical aid to refund part of the payment.

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On another note, today was day 2 (and the last day) of the emotional intelligence course. I am verrrrry excited to start mentoring and feel so privileged to be able to express some of my passion at work.

Thanks for your very lovely comments on yesterday's post (and your email, se7en). I kind-of feel bad that all of this *wide outstretched arms* isn't enough but I have to be honest and it isn't. I know I'm capable of much more. I'm just praying God speaks nice and clear and tells me His plan. And soon :)

How has your Monday been?

PS I've done two party planning posts on the organising blog.
Party planning 1
Party planning 2

A bit down/ 40th

It's very strange for me to feel so blah about life but I really, really, REALLY want July to be over.

I know I can just "shake things off" and yes, I'm trying but there's this pervasive feeling of stress and anxiety lurking in the background.

I really feel like my website being hacked "knocked me for a six" and more than that, wondering where my resilience is. This type of thing wouldn't even have shaken me before and look at me now.

Also I did the budgets last night (on time for a change) and while our personal budget is seriously looking good (and actually balances - no missing money!) the business one is terrible.

From a purely business perspective I could easily just stop the whole thing BUT and this is the thing... I know that God gave me a vision for speaking encouragement and inspiring action to hundreds and hundreds of women. If I take a moment, I can close my eyes and see it plain as day.

I know that is my destiny.

And there's nothing in life that scares me more than not fulfilling my potential. Nothing.

I am trying to be faithful with my gifts.

But yet the question is - am I really making a difference if no-one's being impacted? Of course not. So what's the point?

And I can't justify all the time, effort, energy and money if there's such a small return.

I think I'm doing all the things that people say to do. Marketing regularly, providing good content, etc.

I know a lot of this introspection is also because my birthday's coming up in a mere 13 days and it's a good chance to do some soul-searching, adjust goals and correct the course of my life.

When I turned 30, I had a party and sent around a book for people to write notes in. A friend wrote something like "only 30 and already you've done so much".

That was cute at the time but I now feel "nearly 37 and what have you done the last 7 years?"

(except for the babies, that is)

*sigh*

There is no point to this bit of the blog post except to say, if you pray, please pray for me. I could use some encouragement and/ or clarity/ wisdom.

Thanks.

Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who thinks so much about fulfilling her potential and making a difference. I know I'm not, I just feel that way because not many people talk about this stuff.

Do you think about these things?

************************************

D was still way too sick to take care of the kids by himself on Sat and wanted me to cancel my colleague's 40th but I just can't do that. I know how annoying it is when people RSVP yes and don't pitch, even with valid excuses, and I really wanted to just be there for her.

So I sent my MIL a text "from D" in his tone and language (no frills, just the facts :)) and of course she agreed to come "help him" with the babies.

While I was giving the kids their breakfast I realised we were totally out of bread (we ate my last two hot cross buns from the freezer) so I did a run to the shops. I thought I may be late for my 10:30 hair appt only to find out that it was a 10:00 appt and I was in Pick & Pay at 9:55.

I phoned and she said she could do me at 10:30 too so I whizzed around tossing food into the trolley, paid and raced to the hairdresser.

Raced home, dressed, raced to the venue.

About 5 minutes away from home I realised I'd forgotten my present so raced back, got present and again raced to the venue, our beautiful building at work.

I hope I'm still working there when I turn 40 because I am so having my 40th function there too.

It is just such a magnificent building.

Of course I was a little late and she made a comment which didn't land properly with me.

(a cute thing I learned on the course on Friday was the word "land" - how is that "landing" with you? :))

She does score low on the intrapersonal scale (I'm not fantastic on that scale either btw) but I sat and seethed a bit until I heard her say the same thing to the next 3 latecomers. Sadly, that made me feel better.

I had a lovely time even though I knew no-one at the table.

A did a lovely thing which was to write down something nice about EVERYONE there (similar to what Kirsten did at her baby shower) and she said these things out loud. To about 36 - 40 women.

Yes, some tears were shed. Not by me (my nice stuff was just about being so organised even after the twins were born - I say "I need to be organised otherwise I'd be crazier") though.

Food was good, speeches were lovely and I had a delightful conversation with the photographer, interestingly enough.

Gave her some advice but also learned a thing or two from her, not about photography but about ministry.

I was just ready to leave when I saw D'd sent me two texts asking me to pick up some things.

Do you know how I hate being sent for things? Especially random stuff.

But I tried and after trying two shops, just gave up on one and spent too much money on the other because I wanted to get home to the babies.

D was totally out of it but my MIL and the kids were having lots of fun playing outside.

I love arriving home and hearing their voices go "Mummy!" (K) and "Marcia!" (Connor - this is a new thing which I still find cute) with such happiness and excitement, so much so that I can't be a grouch.

Crazy times and we didn't even bath them last night.

I just felt like I was running right from the time I woke and I needed time out.

Anyway, I plan to have a party for my 40th and this will be one that my kids can come to (they'll be 5 years old!). I like the idea of a "come as you want to be in 5 years' time" - it is so "me" - but who knows how I'll feel closer to the time.

By the way, for me it's not about an expensive party but about the celebration of life.

Do you have plans for your 40th?

PS Kendra and I had some girl time this afternoon. We went to get my prescription filled and then spent a rewards voucher at Exclusive Books on some . She is so tiny that she sat in the little shopping trolley basket, charming everybody :)

PPS I am totally back to normal from the stomach bug, enjoying creams, butter, all sorts of food again :)

Impulse control and a scattered life

In the emotional intelligence assessment my lowest score is for impulse control.

Of course this is not news to me.

I'm impatient and make decisions very quickly.

Case in point.

Apparently I signed up to contribute to another book a few weeks ago.

The first book I wrote a piece for is this one.

I just received the author's submission guidelines and then I remembered, "oh yes, that deadline is FRIDAY" so that just got bumped to the top of my to-do list.

On the bright side, this lack of impulse control is also the reason I get a lot of things done because I first go with my gut and say yes, and then figure out the how later.

Ha!

Fun times.

Seriously though, I have enough awareness that I "sleep on things" or wait til I'm calm before dealing with most things so that I'm just a tad more level-headed.

The psychologist who is training us said I'm not a basket case (yet) because I have a high score for stress tolerance. If they were both low, then whoa - watch out!

Where are you with impulse control on a scale of 1 - 10?

I'd say I'm a 5 naturally, and I adapt to be about a 7 through my "coping" behaviours.

In other news...

Last night I finished a book, A Scattered Life, that I so, so, so enjoyed. One of the best fiction books I've read in a couple of months.

I don't want to give away the plot or the ending (hate it when people do that!) so those who are readers and are going to read it, tell me when you're done and we'll "chat" about it here.

And because I'm weird (yes, I am and not at all ashamed), I googled the author and found her blog. I left a nice comment because I think we could all use some validation.

I do love "meeting" authors through online media - it makes them so real and accessible and I love it! I'm off to get to know her some more now :)
Speaking of validation... I need to tell you all about an AHA moment I had on the emotional intelligence course. Will have to wait for next week!

Do you read any authors' blogs?

PS I read Mary DeMuth's blog because she gives great tips for the writer (as you all know, I like to consider myself one :)) and of course, Angie Smith's (but that one doesn't really count as I was reading her well before she ever thought about writing Audrey's story.

Five on Friday

Wow, thanks for all the comments on the security post. I love reading about how issues like this pan out all over the world.

1. Well, I made it to my course today and it was goooood. *ahem* it's on Emotional Intelligence and is part of my training to be a mentor to others. Seems like it came in the nick of time as I had two issues in my inbox to deal with today - isn't life fun?!
2. Connor and I are better. Let me clarify - we are both eating without V or D :) but my tummy is still doing some crazy noises after a meal so we hope and pray that all is indeed well. However, D is now not well. *sigh*
3. I've just spent 3 hours sorting out my study - my new bookcase arrived today and I've packed everything in there so it's full. It actually still needs to be painted... I bought a raw pine one because I want it a funky colour... but since the house painters are gone (and I don't want them back - let's just say we didn't communicate very well), this will probably take another year. Hmmm, an item for my 37 things list :)
4. There are 3 birthday presents wrapped and ready on the table next to me - it feels good to have that out of the way. I try to do most things by batching so thought as I was preparing tomorrow's gift, to do the other two too.
5. So there's this friend. I invited her kids to the babies' party and she declined. No problem. Then I invited them to our party and I just hear nothing. I refuse to follow up (that's my new rule, by the way, after the babies' party). Do you think she's blowing us off?
   

On a scale of 1 - 10, my week's been about a 5 or 6, very good with the business, bad with the sick, and kind of average all round. I really could do with a good week next week.

How was your week?

P.S. 140 unread posts in GR = a very long time to catch up...