The Purple Journal

So much has happened...!

2007-04-19T09:49:00.000+02:00

In the last few months! Some high- (or low-) lights

I wrote my exams and only passed 1 out of the two
We went on a family trip to nelspruit (got some great pics - I will post soon
Easter has come and gone...we stayed home and went on a few day trips
I have started CROCHETING! Mainly to make lovely crocheted flowers for my pages lol but I am loving it and have started making a granny square blanket for Tyla (colours are cream, brown and pink). I will take some pics and post soon

I have been tagged! by Robyn

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

wierd things about me:

I LOVE socks more than i should!
I hardly ever close cupboard doors
Spring is my favourite season
I love the beach - my favourite is anstey beach in Durban
My dream destination is Phuket, Thailand
I LOVE books!
Purple is my favourite colour

Happy Valentines Day!

2007-02-14T14:49:00.000+02:00

I love you Jerome!

5 years ago....

2007-02-01T13:55:00.000+02:00

on this day I said I do to the man i love, my best friend, cutie pie, sexy babe...He is the best thing that ever happened to me. We have been together fro almost 10 years and i cant imaging my life without him. I love you Babe!

BE

2007-01-30T14:41:00.000+02:00

Thats my word fro this year a la Ali. She says to choose one word that will be a theme of sorts for 2007. Mine symbolises being the best me i can be striving fro my goals but also being comfortable enough to just be me - relaxed..take everything in my stride. I have just finished y exams...YAY! it's such a huge relief. Just wait fro the results and hope I have passed - that will mean i get my honours degree and get to attend my FISRT ever graduation ceremony! I want to rest and scrapbook and watch movies this weekend. I want to try to do as little as possible except spenmd time with the children...i have felt really guilty about spending so much time with the books. I must post some photos and the art journal I have been doing on emily's blog.I have been having a lot of fun with it.... All for now... I have so much to do - a lot of New Year type stuff which has been put off because of the exam preparation:

planning / goals / resolutions for the year
BIG spring clean and declutter and chuck out
get a new planner inner
scrap some of my favourite pics from lat year
couple of minibooks that i have been planning and wanting to do while i have been studying

I have also applied fro a new job here - it would be a great career move fro me as well as a much better salary package. I havent heard anything fro about 2 weeks - so dont know if thats a good or bad sign! Holding thumbs though. I will post some pics of what we have been up to later in the week.

HAPPY TUESDAY!

well hell!

2007-01-16T14:57:00.000+02:00

Its been too long! It is at the satge where i feel like i cant blog until I have some thing REALLY good to say! LOL! All that pressure to perform since I have been away for so long! Lots happening here:

my sons first day of "big school"
i wrote my first exam - research methods - i should pass hopefully
one more exam (29th) to go and i will be finished my degree.
no new years resolutions yet
my word for this year is BE

Thats all - will try to do this more often!

Life and everything else...

2006-12-15T13:33:00.000+02:00

I feel like I havent blogged for ages! Probably because i HAVENT! Things have been really hectic and I have been out of the office a lot, on TRAINING for ever and stressing about exams far too much! I couldnt sleep last night i think partly because i am starting to stress about exams and not studying...the same old story at this time of the year. Everything is all very Christmas-y here. People are talking about gifts and things they need to do lots are already on leave and gone away on holidays. The good news is that the roads are MUCH emptier and that means an extra few minutes sleep in the mornings LOL! We have bee doing lots of family things - braais and parties and outings...nice I also havent shared pics here for a while...so i leave a few recent ones...

Long time...

2006-11-13T09:39:00.000+02:00

no Blog! Also long time no scrapbook! I have been mojoless for a couple of weeks and even though I have tons of beautiful phoots, I have had no wish or opportunity to scrap them... I have a few christmas projects that I want to do - the big one is a family book fro my dh sister who is in Arizona and who we havent seen fro 6 years... A lot going on here for the end of the year - usually things have quietened down enough to start doing some planing for next year... I also have to start studying fro my exams in January because i know I will not be able to study over Christmas... We are probably having Christmas at our house this year - I love Christmas at home family, food and SO much fun! much going on at home as well - we are going through the terrible threes?? with my daughter - she can be so defiant and naughty, we are getting to wits end with her...I keep telling myelf that it is a phase that WILL pass even though it seems like it has lasted forever. The children have 2 weeks of schoold before the summer / christmas holidays. My last day will probably be the 21 December and get back the 8 Jan - I really cant wait fro that - I feel tired and frazzled like I really need a agood rest. Happy Monday!

The meaning of my name...

2006-10-31T09:16:00.000+02:00

Found this website link at one of the blogs i visit - some of the information is quite accurate.. Top songs of 1974 The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand Seasons In the Sun by Terry Jacks The Streak by Ray Stevens Having My Baby by Paul Anka Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas Billy, Don't Be a Hero by Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods Annie's Song by John Denver The Loco-Motion by Grand Funk TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) by MFSB with the Three Degrees I Can Help by Billy Swan http://www.paulsadowski.org/NameData.asp You entered: Sharma Gail Brauns There are 16 letters in your name.Those 16 letters total to 65There are 6 vowels and 10 consonants in your name. Your number is: 11 The characteristics of #11 are: High spiritual plane, intuitive, illumination, idealist, a dreamer. The expression or destiny for #11:Your Expression number is 11. The number 11 is the first of the master numbers. It is associated with idealistic concepts and rather spiritual issues. Accordingly, it is a number with potentials that are somewhat more difficult to live up to. You have the capacity to be inspirational, and the ability to lead merely by your own example. An inborn inner strength and awareness can make you an excellent teacher, social worker, philosopher, or advisor. No matter what area of work you pursue, you are very aware and sensitive to the highest sense of your environment. Your intuition is very strong; in fact, many psychic people and those involved in occult studies have the number 11 expression. You possess a good mind with keen analytical ability. Because of this you can probably succeed in most lines of work, however, you will do better and be happier outside of the business world. Oddly enough, even here you generally succeed, owing to your often original and unusual approach. Nonetheless, you are more content working with your ideals, rather than dollars and cents. The positive aspect of the number 11 expression is an always idealistic attitude. Your thinking is long term, and you are able to grasp the far-reaching effects of actions and plans. You are disappointed by the shortsighted views of many of your contemporaries. You are deeply concerned and supportive of art, music, or of beauty in any form. The negative attitudes associated with the number 11 expression include a continuous sense of nervous tension; you may be too sensitive and temperamental. You tend to dream a lot and may be more of a dreamer than a doer. Fantasy and reality sometimes become intermingled and you are sometimes very impractical. You tend to want to spread the illumination of your knowledge to others irrespective of their desire or need. Your Soul Urge number is: 7 A Soul Urge number of 7 means: With a number 7 Soul Urge you are very fond of reading, and retreating to periods of being alone and away from the disruptions of the outer world. You like to dream and develop you idealistic understandings, to study and analyze, to gain knowledge and wisdom. You may be too laid back and withdrawn to really succeed in the business world, and you will be much more comfortable in circumstances that are tolerant of your reserve, your analytical approach, and your desire to use your mind rather than your physical being. You are very timid around people that you don't know very well, so much so at times that casual conversation and social situations can be strained. You tend to repress your emotions to the extend that some people have a good bit of difficult understanding you. You tend to be very selective with friends and you don't easily adapt to new environments or to new people very quickly. The negative traits of the 7 include becoming too much the introvert and isolated from others. Your Inner Dream number is: 4 An Inner Dream number of 4 means: You dream of being a very solid citizen that people can depend upon. You strive for organization and predictable order. You want to be recognized as a person with a plan and the discipline to make that plan work like clockwork.

Happy Birthday Jordan!

2006-10-13T11:31:00.000+02:00

Ok its 1 day late - butbetter late than never! My baby boy had a blast on his birthday which started with all of us singing him awake with a "cupcake with a candle on it" as per his request. we ghave him his present and packed up his cupcakes (spiderman) and party packs for the 25 boys i his class. I picked him up early from school so that he could get some remote control truck time in and make the muffins and other stuff for the family who were coming to wish him in the evening. He got more presents - i think his favourite was a mini pool table from his aunty! I will post some pics from last night here later...

2 weekends in a row...

2006-10-03T08:32:00.000+02:00

we have gone away as a family and have had a blast! It was so nice just to get away, relax and spend time AWAY from the TV... The weekend of the 23 Sept we went camping to Warmbaths which is a resort: www.belebela.co.za the weekend of the 30 sept we went to mongenalodge and had a great rest...next to the pool and on a stunning game drive

I've been tagged!

2006-09-28T16:28:00.000+02:00

By the talented Robyn The rules are : List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets. Tag 5 friends and list them. Then, those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag 5 more people. Dont forget to let the people you tag know by posting a comment on their blog! My 5 weird things:

I hate reading instructions and step-by-step guides
I always forget to close cupboard and wardrobe doors
I love pens and have to have some in my bag all the time
I would live in sandals if i could
I always look at peoples feet / shoes when i meet them for the first time
I cant ride a bike
I dont eat regular tomatoes, but will eat the small salad ones
I cant eat green peppers cooked, but love them raw in a salad

Thats actually 8, but there you go....

I dont have anyone to tag...

All about my Dad

2006-09-11T15:09:00.000+02:00

Today is such a sad day for me...2 years ago I lost my Dad... I miss him so much...I have done a few layouts about him...its so hard to capture the essence of someone and I find it very difficult to talk about him to people who are not family and didnt know him...he was a very complicated man very tormented towards the end, but very happy at the very end to have his children around him at last...

Oh...Monday, Monday

2006-09-04T09:01:00.000+02:00

Today is one of the worst Mondays EVER! I am so NOT in the mood for work...wish I had 1 more day of the weekend...although...I AWlAYS feel like that on a Monday. Weekend was great - we di nothing all day on Saturday..that was nice..Sunday I made lunch, we took a Sunday afternoon drive and had my Mum and her friend over for tea and cake (I made shorbread biscuits and scones - yummy!) Some layouts to share from last week...

back at work

2006-08-28T09:41:00.000+02:00

and so NOT loving it! I have been away on training for a week and i SO did not miss being at work. Today I feel so down and depressed to be back here...so much to do and none of it is anything I enjoy doing...I am so admin based in my job that i dont get to do what I enjoy doing the most which is create and deliver training courses. There are three girls from our team who have resigned and are working in their last few days here...I am SO envious! I must just try HARD to focus on the good and there is lots of good happening in my life:

things are going so well for me and my family - we are all happy and my children are well adjusted
we have friends and family who love an support us whenever we need it
I have a beautiful home filled with love and laughter
I HAVE a job and this means i can feed and clothe my family and provide a roof over their heads
I bought some lovely clothes for myself over the weekend.
I am wearing my new grean peasant style top today that makes me happy
Winter is on its way out and spring is around the corner - summer will be here soon and thats my FAVOURITE time of the year!
I have 4 brand spanking new books that I can read! One of these is the sound of paper that I vae been wanting to read for about a year...can wait to read that!
My darling husband bought me the new Corrine Bailey Rae cd and had it delivered to me at work last week! So sweet! I have been wanting that cd for a while and LOVE her music!

I think thats enough to be grateful for and I am sure I will come out of this "funk" soon. Happy Monday to all

more layouts

2006-08-11T11:20:00.000+02:00

a few layouts....

2006-08-11T10:47:00.000+02:00

Some layouts and Happy Friday to you!

In case anyone was wondering...

2006-08-03T15:47:00.000+02:00

I decided to turn the offer down! I could unfortunately not take a salary cut even though the job is ONLY 5 KMS from my house! I have been for a few other interviews, but no other offers yet.I am getting quite discouraged, but I know I wont find something overnight so i must just be patient. I leave you with the cutie pie - my nephew. Other news: We are having the coldest spell that we have had this winter. Rain, sleet and snow yesterday! Also a nice surpirse last night...a blackout in my entire area last night and the ligths are still not on today! so i look forward to a cold house and no bath unless the power comes back on!

an offer

2006-07-24T16:32:00.000+02:00

I have been made a job offer! I have a layout, which blogger is not allowing me to psot...so i will put it on here tomorrow ... much excitement!

Happy birthday J!

2006-07-21T14:38:00.000+02:00

I love this man so much!

Happy birthday babe and may you celebrate many, many more...may all your dreams and plans be fulfilled.

Reasons why i love you:

your wit and humour
your sarcasm
smiling eyes
curly girly eyelashes
good heart
generous nature
forceful ideas
the love you show me and the chilodren
being a willing provider and supporte to us all
wonderful father and husband...

Have a great rest-of-your-birthday!

Love you

Some News and a couple of layouts...

2006-07-19T09:30:00.000+02:00

News first

I have been applying for jobs and have been for so many interviews already (mainly at agencies so far) but I am going for a NAtional Training Manager assessment at Nashua mobile tomorrow...so I'm holding thumbs.
I went for an interview yesterday at a nice company - very small and seems very nice AND only 5 kms from my house as opposed to 45 kms I travel to work every day - so 890 kms of travel per day will be reduced to 10 kms a day!
I have lost about 2 kgs in 2 weeks...slow but I am trying to stay positive
I DROVE MYSELF to work yesterday! Very impressed with myself - no stress, i wasnt worried...just relieved that I COULD do it and that it wasnt as bad as i thought it would be!
I am going shopping for a suit for my big assessment tomorrow - hoping to find something stunning and SLIMMING!

Tyla's birthday!

2006-07-04T13:50:00.000+02:00

My baby girl turns 3 today! She is so precious...I love her so much..she has changed such a lot and is growing into a strong, assertive little girl... Some things about Tyla:

chatter box
loves cheese
Is a meat eater
tries to bully her brother
loves books, pink and Barbie clothes
has a vivid imagination
knows the colours red, pink and yellow

Sings

baabaa bleshee have you any whoo (baa baa black sheep have you any wool)
abcdofg (abcdefg)
ringaringa rosies, a pocket filla posies

says

Nember (remember)
Lets pretend
buby you (by you)
Liblit (little bit)
Touside (outside)
Bust (bus)
Bossd (boss)
you wanna piece of me?
oh baby, oh baby

She is the funniest, most assertive 3 year old in the world!

today

2006-06-27T17:08:00.000+02:00

I have been applying online for jobs...Also enquired about joining a weighless group here at work - they have meetings every Monday...so I want to join that...Alos HOPING that Angola win their match tonight - but its SUCH a tough game! They play Brazil...almost impossible to beat them! But they have done well to get this far... I have Thursday and friday off this week to spend with the children who are on holiday - so this is a nice short week! Happy Tuesday!

just Jordy

2006-06-20T18:00:00.000+02:00

a girl and her dad

2006-06-20T15:20:00.000+02:00

its been a while!

2006-06-19T12:38:00.000+02:00

So whats happening with me?

am unhappy in my job
am overweight

What am i going to do about it?

update my CV TODAY and start applying for jobs seriously
get out my exercise bike and start by spending 15 minutes a day on it. I also want to go back to my low carb eating plan...

Not all bad though...

We had a wonderful faily weekend - just my family...we went out on Friday to a park / farm place, saturday we wnet to a lake nearby and Sunday was spent home spoiling the Dad! Altogether a wonderful weekend - just a pity that Monday eventually comes!

Leave you with some layouts....

Happy Friday!

2006-06-09T08:27:00.000+02:00

So glad its Friday! Mornings are really hard in winter, so i look forward to 2 days of not-getting-up-at-the-crack-of-dawn! Actually before the crack of dawn...so weekends i get to sleep in a bit...

feeling down...

2006-06-07T12:30:00.000+02:00

got this quote and its appropriate for me today

Its Friday...

2006-06-02T15:39:00.000+02:00

I am not well, I have a bad case of sinusitus and just feel yugh...cant wait for hometime...at least I can rest (hopefully) over the weekend...I also have 2 sick children at home - this winter has been a killer for us -it feels like they have stayed sick for the last 2 months...hopefully all will be well by Monday

a few layouts

2006-06-01T12:32:00.000+02:00

points to ponder

2006-05-31T10:24:00.001+02:00

Play!

2006-05-31T10:24:00.000+02:00

My girl

2006-05-30T12:43:00.000+02:00

just a quick one of my baby girl...she hasnt been well and that makes my heart so sore for her...

My Boy

2006-05-26T10:36:00.000+02:00

some girls...

2006-05-26T09:56:00.000+02:00

my daughter and nieces

just the two of us....

2006-05-26T09:19:00.000+02:00

turn your cants into cans...

2006-05-25T08:13:00.000+02:00

I love this quote and today is PAYDAY! Yay...I am hoping that I will be able to go out and spoil myself in some way today! Happy Thursday

Catch up

2006-05-24T09:00:00.000+02:00

Lots been happening, but also not much=0) if THAT makes any sense!

I am getting my performance bonus and "special" bonus tomorrow! I can wait....
I am buying a car - Hyundai Getz...I will post a pic here when I take delivery..
I plan to do some (a lot!) of scrapbook shopping with some of it YAY!!
Work is WORK...I am not happy here and am just waiting it out for 2 months then I will start looking seriously for another job
I feel like I am constantly behind on all the things I need to be doing - my learnership I have been busy with the current project for over 6 months and feel like I just cant FINISH!
I have a varsity assignment that was due on Monday and I havent started...I just cant get motivated to get it DONE in this cold...when I get home in the veneings, I just want to get under the blankets and watch TV until bedtime...its SO COLD!
Weather has been horrific - we were supposed to have temperatures of -2 yesterday, but apparently, it only got to 2 degrees..cold enough if you ask me! There is no sign of respite - we are going to get some SNOW this week! how COLD is THAT going to be!
I am also going to get myself some books to help me through this cold weather! I definitely want the Sound of Paper, and maybe the Dan Brown book - there is 1 I have not yet read.
I want to plan an evening out on Saturday with Jerome...hope that works out...

Thats all for now....

Happy Wednesday!

And another...

2006-05-19T08:23:00.000+02:00

used the free kit from the digichick for this one...she is so confident and sure of herself..does not need approval or input from ANYONE! such a willful girl who know what she wants...I hope as she grows she keeps the confidence she has to be herself despite what others may say or think...

Some layouts...

2006-05-18T08:14:00.000+02:00

I have been on a bit of a digi roll (hehe, sounds like a lunch time meal!)

Long time no blog!

2006-05-17T09:23:00.000+02:00

I have been mia for a while - life has been a bit hectic! I dont have the time or freedom I used to have to blog... I really miss it so am going to try to blog early mornings when I just get in to work before there are people around...I am not unhappy here, just dont feel as free as I used to feel with my own office and making my own rules!

Some good things have happened:

I have received my payslip and my bonus is HUGE! I will be able to buy myself a small car and do a few other things I have been wanting to do
children are both doing well at school

Other things I have been worrying about:

have not handed in my assignment which was due on MONDAY!
my needs analysis is STILL not finished!
worrying about my role hjere at work

Things I have been doing that i want to stop

eating wrong! I have been having pies for lunch everyday - I need to start bringing my salad in to wiork everyday again
no scrapbooking
watching too much tv

Things want to start doing:

scrapbooking again
reading more
more creativity
revisit my goals for 2006 and start working on those again

I havent even started Rhonna's Challenge 3 - I want to do that as well...hopefully will strat with that again - I found the challenge helps me to make a commitment to the goal I am trying to achieve so I WILL start that today - will post tomorrow my journalling

Happy Wednesday!

Life has been HECTIC!!!!

2006-05-08T17:11:00.000+02:00

the past 2 weeks have been hectic:

I have moved office and now live in a new building with new colleagues and a whole new reporting line
My husband had an ear operation
my son had chicken pox
my home helper's daughter was sick - she was away fro a week
I have 2 overdue assignments that I cant seem to get done

These are the higlights - so I have not worked on my 21 day journal - but optimist that I am I am telling myself that I will "catch up"....I believe in the challenge but things have been too hectic

I have been snapping up a storm, but blogger is not allowing me to post - so I will try tomorrow

Happy Monday!

Staying positive...

2006-04-28T12:22:00.000+02:00

I have decided that is going to be the purpose of this reound of the {21} Challenge... I am really struggling to stay positive and create anything with all the changes at work I have been feeling so down...I have decided that I will do a gratitude journal type for this round...I will start today...I want to make gratitude a HABIT! I will post as soon as I get something down...I am also going to be away fow a week ... Yesterday was a holiday here - Freedom Day, so we went to Zoo lake...Some pics from the day... Taken with my NEW PHONE the Nokia N70 - I LOVE this phone - so many cool features! Have a happy friday and great weekend...Note my daughters new short hair? She decided to give herself a haircut and cut half her pony tail off, so I had to cut the rest of her hair!! I will post pics of that soon

My 2 babies

2006-04-21T14:44:00.000+02:00

just 2 quick one of my 2 babies - love them..they are both so different

Day 19-21

2006-04-18T09:42:00.000+02:00

Day 16-18

2006-04-13T10:21:00.000+02:00

I have been away for 2 days - yesterday i did my test for my drivers licence - I failed! I was so depressed, I slept for the rest of the day...Anyway -I will not give up, I will book another date and try my best to get it second time around!

Days 13 - 15

2006-04-10T12:02:00.000+02:00

Day 12...I am enough

2006-04-07T10:10:00.000+02:00

This seems almost too personal to post....I have put this in the comments at Rhonna's blog..."Development of character! That really hits home! This challenge is so much about how I see myself in terms of WhAT I CAN do if I put my mind to it. Its not just about a healthy eating plan, but about my body and self image that I have had entrenched in me since I was a teenager. Nervermind what size I was (I was once 54 kgs in my 20's, and still though I was overweight), I saw myself as fat IN MY HEAD! This challenge is about accepting myself, as much as it is about getting healthy and losing some weight. Thanks Rhonna and all the other 21ers for the inspiration and encoragement" The quote says: "Our busy lives force us to focus on things we do from day to day. But the development of character comes only as we focus on who we really are" The graphic is taken dirctly as Rhonna did it - thanks for the inspiration.....

Day 11

2006-04-06T12:03:00.000+02:00

Going strong... brought some snacks for later in the day so that should solve that problem...I need to get a scale so that I can weigh myself and track my progress (or lack thereof=0) Its getting cold here and we are starting to lose the leaves on the trees --- Thanks to all of you who have left enocouragement and advice - I appreciate it so much and love being part of this group...Have a great Day 11!

Day 10...

2006-04-05T16:23:00.000+02:00

I feel better today - still sticking to the eating plan - I know it will take about 2 more days before I am totally into it and the cravings stop...just have to stick to it

Day 9

2006-04-04T15:21:00.000+02:00

Today I started my new eating plan...I feel really hungry right now, so I will have to add something to what I allow myself for an afternoon snack so that I dont end up buying junk from the vending machine... I also want to get on my exercise bike at home...wish me luck! I

Day 8

2006-04-03T16:04:00.000+02:00

Days 5-7

2006-04-03T15:42:00.000+02:00

I am back....{21} challenge journal entries

2006-04-03T09:34:00.000+02:00

I am back after a gruelling week! Last week was HECTIC! I was on a week long training programme and in the midst of my wooden floors being sanded and sealed. This involves:

flloors being sanded (everything in the house is then covered in dust)
living in said dust
moving ALL sawdust-covered belongings out of abovementioned house (onto verandah, backyard, maids quarters and shed)
Floors being sealed (with strong smelling industrial strength wood varnish)
Strong smell drives all the people out of the house
Above mentioned inhabitants of the house left sitting on the pavement
Kindly brother in-law offers temporary accomodation
Said family packs a bag and moves for 4 DAYS!!!
Varnished floors take 3 days to dry
Furniture sleeps outside in Johannesburg, South Africa - one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Luckily nothing is stolen!
Sunday afternoon, father of said family deems the floors dry enough for furniture to be moved back into the house. Move begins at 3.00 on SUNDAY AFTERNOON!
Monday 5.55 am - Time to get up for WORK!!

This is a summary of my life over the past week. Did I mention that the OTHER contractor (who started 1 MONTH AGO is STILL NOT FINISHED????? I am hoping that he's constant "we will be finished today" is finally, finally true when I get home this afternoon!!

Anyway, I managed to get some {21} Challenge entries done...I have not managed to get around to seeing many

Monday, Monday

2006-03-27T16:40:00.000+02:00

Its 4.40 and almost home time ...it looks like a major storm is brewing, so I will probably be stuck in traffic on the way home..ore rain...YAY! It feels like it has been raining non-stop here since Christmas! It can possibly be that long, but thats how it feels...There is a definite nip in the ais and winter is on its miserly way! I will be away from my office for the next week and hope I can nip in to check emails etc, so I may not update, but Rhonna's challenge has started and it is so cool! I am doing a weight related one this time - I need to lose some weigth but I need to quantify it for myself a bit more - so I am thinking about this one...I will post as soon as I am back in office next week on my progress. I really love these challenges - the inspiration from Rhonna and the other participants, the feeling of belonging to a group of like minded people wanting to change the way they do something - amazing - so I look forward to it... Happy Monday!

Today I...

2006-03-23T07:57:00.000+02:00

Feel ambivalent in so many ways:

Annoyed that the renovations are STILL not complete, yet happy that some rpgress has been made and we ARE getting there!
Happy that we have done most of what we wanted to do in the house (an entire new kitchen and bathroom, new kitchen appliances, a shed in the back yard, sanding and sealing the wooden floors throughout the house) - not so happy for the things that had to be left out (built in wardrobes in the bedrooms, paving for the driveway, levelling the backyard)
Happy that I have registered for my last 2 courses for my Industrial Psychology Honours degree, dreading the WORK it entails
Happy that I will finally have someone ot report in to (my reporting line has changed at work), but feeling unsettled about getting into an new team, how I will fit in, what will change in terms of my work and what I do
Happy that we are getting much needed rain, SICK to DEATH of RAIN!!
Thats me today and some great news is that the fabulous Miss Rhonna is started the {21} Challenge over at her blog! Check it out - I have sigbned up for it again becauseI SO enjoyed the last one - I just have to decide on the habit I want to work on to make or break...any suggestions???

Friday thoughts

2006-03-17T13:54:00.000+02:00

Worrying about this girl. She has been coughing for about a week. The doctore says its a slight chest infection...she is on the medn though - I am hoping she will be well enough for school next week.

Have been working hard to submit assignments this week...hopefully it will be done by the ned of today.

My home is still a shambles from all the renovating, but it will hopefully be all over soon. I will post pics soon.

I am SO happy its the weekend! I am in for a LONG weekend - I am on leave on Monday and Tuesday is a holiday! 4 LONG days off! Hopefully I can get some scrapping in! =0)

Happy Friday!

Day 21!

2006-03-15T08:05:00.000+02:00

Finally! Day 21 is here and WE have created the habits we set out to accomplish 21 days ago. Mine was to create something everyday and I have done that! I love creating and this process has encouraged that to become a habit and not something that is hit and miss...staying consistent.

I have enjoyed the process so much and all the wonderful ladies who have been on this journey with me. Thanks to all of you who have encouraged me and inspied me with you wonderful work. A BIG thank you to Rhonna who gave us daily inspiration with her quotes and encourage ment and WONDERFUL works of art (go over to her site and check our her wonderful work!). I have really enjoyed this and would love to do it again with another habit...soon!

Day 18, 19, 20

2006-03-13T13:29:00.000+02:00

Day 17

2006-03-10T09:12:00.000+02:00

Happy FRIDAY!!!! Yay the weekend is HERE!

Traditional journal entries

2006-03-10T08:36:00.000+02:00

The scans are not the best and have taken all the colour out of these for some reason - you can get the general idea though!

Day 16

2006-03-09T08:52:00.000+02:00

This journey has been amazing so far...thanks to all of you who have left such encouraging and generous comments on my journal... I love all your work too and try to visit as often as I can...you ladies are amazing! Day 16 uses my favourite colour combination - blue and brown...

Day 13, 14, 15

2006-03-08T09:11:00.000+02:00

Also, I PASSED!! I PASSED!!! ALL 3 honours subjects that I wrote In January! I am beyond excited about that... Happy Wednesday!

Day 12

2006-03-06T15:58:00.000+02:00

I chose my own quote for today's art journal entry...in other news:

We have our bathroom back! We were without a bathroom or runing water for about 3 days last week. We had to use the outside tap for cleaning and went to Jerome's brother for bathing! Not nice!

I went for my first 2 driving lessons on the weekend! I was not as bad a s I thought I would be! Tonight I go driving with my husband...wish me luck!

I hade my Performance review this morning - it went well - I should get my full bonus and a decent increase!

Day 11

2006-03-06T14:30:00.000+02:00

I am enjoying this cahhlenge SO MUCH!!! I am really loving all the quotes given as inspiration everyday and the women taking part are so talented. Rhonna of course is SO talented and insopiring! I have so far stuck to the habit I am creating which is to create something everyday and am enjoying that too...even if it is only an entry to my traditional challenge journal, or a latyout, or writing something...I am really enjoying all of it....

Day 7, 8, 9, 10

2006-03-03T11:27:00.000+02:00

Happy Friday!

Traditional journal Day 1, 2, 3, 5

2006-03-02T11:57:00.000+02:00

The scans are not the best ...I am doing a very handdrawn and painted feel to the traditional journal I am doing....I have enjoyed doing these and even though they are not the best looking, I love them. I have battled my inner critic (I cant remember which challenge participant that i visited this morning told their critic to get lost - I had a good laugh at that and thought I would tell mine the same!) to post these and have decided to just do it... especially after seeing all the beautiful entries...I must pos mine first in the future then visit the others! It is very intimidating the tallented people that are taking part in this challenge so here goes before I talk myself out of doing this!

What happened to Day 5...?

2006-02-28T13:48:00.000+02:00

Day 5 was done, but done in my actual book. I scanned it in at home last night, but only have internet access at work...I was supposed to bring it to work on my memory stick today, but forgot! So I will load it as soon as I remember! I am doing a digital and traditional book for this challenge...Some days I will do both, some days I will print out what I have done digitally and stick it in my book. Both ways I am really enjoying, although I am really a beginner at both methods and use Powerpoint for my digital layouts. I need some time to try to figure out how to use Photoshop which I have at home. Also, I forgot to say I GOT MY LEARNERS LICENCE!!! At the ripe old age of 31! I am now a menace on the roads...and will go for my first lesson on Saturday. The Job I applied for at the bank has not come through yet, but I went for psychometric tests and will hopefully hear by Thursday whether I have the job or not! Wish me luck on that one...

Day 6

2006-02-28T13:40:00.000+02:00

I love this quote...change and taking risks. I need this careerwise right now. In my mind and heart, I have left this job. Its just my body that is still here. The passion, drive and love I had are gone. They will not come back. So it is time for me to move on to a new challenge. Something that I love and where I have prospects to do different things of MY CHOOSING! I have always been willing to change, but the change must be something I want to do, not something that circumstances have forced on me. So I am CHOOSING to change!

Day 4 - Creating a habit challenge...

2006-02-27T15:54:00.000+02:00

getting something down....thats what this challenge is all about. Not over thinking. feeling free to explore. being creative for creativity's sake. allowing myself to try new things. not worrying about messing it up. feeling free to create "bad art". developing. I have taken the challenge and am loving it! I am still a couple of days "behind"...but this is my day 4. I read something in the SARK book that am reading last night and I woke up with this phrase repeating in my head (that sounds a bit psycho, but you know what I mean!). We create better in a community.

21 Days...

2006-02-24T11:47:00.000+02:00

I have been following this on Rhonna's blog and have decided to do it... its a 21 day journey to change, develop, master and conquer a habit. It will be done art journal style and she gives daily quotes to inspire those taking part. Go over and have a look for more information! I am starting today and will "catch up" hopefully over the weekend... My goal is to create something everyday in whatever medium - writing, layouts, cards art journal This is a poem I wrote when I did the Artists Way last year... and my journal entry for today I will add the digital stuff that I do and try to get the other pages of my journal scanned in to post. I am SO EXCITED about this! When I first saw the post, i thought it was a great idea. But I have never done any kind of "challenge" apart form the ones I set myself, so thought this would be a good way to show commitment and make sure I carry it out until the end!

Artist...

2006-02-22T16:58:00.000+02:00

Let go

2006-02-20T14:50:00.000+02:00

I can't deviate from the plan! Depending on what the plan is, but generally...I like to stick to the Plan. I put a lot of time and effort into the Plan, and like to stick to it as far as I can. I am not spontaneous or impulsive or unstructured. I am not a fly -by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of girl. I generally don't do "spur of the moment" I like to plan. I enjoy thinking things through and mapping out all the angles. I dont think well under pressure (which is why I never do well in arguments=0) I always think later " I should have said..." which is always funny and witty and clever in my head. I must stick to the Plan as far as possible - if the Plan must change...it must be on my terms and because I have thought it through and things have changed. I like structure and order and some path that is being followed. I can be very. inflexible. I know that and am trying to change. Its only about some things though. Somethings maybe that i think are not THAT important I can be quite relaxed about and "let it go"...just depends on the issue, and my mood at the time.. I am finding my inflexibility coming to the fore wit the renovations at the house...and having to fight it all the time! I am a natural Worrier by nature...but I am learning to let go. To trust more. Trust others. People that love me. I dont always have the answers. My way is not always the RIGHT way! Let go. Trust.

Flowers...

2006-02-17T13:22:00.000+02:00

Today I...

2006-02-16T13:51:00.000+02:00

Feel better than I have in a while. I have been feeling down mainly because my family has been disruptedover the last 2 weeks. I travel about 45 km to work everyday through a huge amount of traffic. I get a lift with someone I work with everyday. For the last 2 weeks he has been sick in hospital. I am not sure waht is wrong with him and worry about him, BUT that leaves me without a lift to work...SO I have to come to work with Jerome everyday who works on the other side of town...He also takes the children to school everyday..This means we all have to wake up at 5.00 am and leave the house by 5.50 at least. I we dont (and we havent on some days) Jordan is late for school which i HATE! I feel so bad every morning because

everyone has to wake up extra early because of me
they now have a 2 hour trip to school
I dont have a set way of getting home every evening and have to ask for lifts from people who live near me which I HATE
Jerome has to come and fetch me from wherever i get dropped AFTER he drops the children off...

As a result of all of this, we are all exhausted and worn out when we get home and I feel like it is ALL MY FAULT!

Anyway, I feel better. I have got a date to write for my learners, and have been called to write tests for the job at the bank next week, so hopefully things are looking up!

Love these two...

2006-02-15T07:09:00.000+02:00

I wanted to post this yesterday...kits are the Shabby Princess free kit

Heart Day...

2006-02-14T11:23:00.000+02:00

Happy Valentines Day. Its a good day to remember those you love and what you love about them....

picture from the window

2006-02-08T14:25:00.000+02:00

outside my husbands office - bleak!

Raindrops on roses...

2006-02-08T11:42:00.000+02:00

and whiskers on kittens.... ("Favourite Things" from the Sound of Music) I wish I had such happy thoughts about the rain! All I see is dull, miserable COLD weather! Today is cold and overcast and REALLY miserable. You would think after and ENTIRE SUMMER of this we would all be used to it, BUT I AM NOT!!! I want hot humid weather. I want to perspire and be thirsty. Thats what we DO here in summer! Wev wish for icecream, the beach and lazy afternoons spent in the sun. I dream of long bright evenig that disolve into orange and pink and purple sunsets...follwed by long warm nights with the windows and doors open to coax the breeze into the house.Did I get that this summer? Not once. Have I got that? I look outside my window from my office and I see and endless grey sky with the trees blowwing in the gales blowwing outside! LOVELy summer weather! I want a decent summer before winter arrives! Please!

These two cuties.....

2006-02-07T15:31:00.000+02:00

Thopught I would put a quick one up of my 2 cutie pies. Taken at their aunties house a week before Christmas.

Randoms....

We are in the middle of making a decision about contractors for the kitchen and bathroom renovators
Our cricket team SUCKS, so does our soccer team +0( they have not been doing well
I have been BUSY DOING WORK!!!!
I havent heard from the agency re: the job at the bank. I'm actually not worried about whether i get it or not. If it happens, it was meant to be if not, it was not the right time. Although it was a nice job, there are things I want to do here, so the longer they take, the better for me!
It has been raining here for 2 days - I am so SICK of rain!
SICK SICK SICK of ADS!!!!! They are bombarding and overwhlmingly taking over the WORLD!
Tonight is the Amazing Race and Prison Break - LOVE LOVE Tuesdays!
I want to write some letters tonight - hope to get to them in between TV shows! LOL
Have been wihout a lift to work for 3 days - its very annoying and stressful! Thanks to DH who hase been doing drop offs and pick ups of me and the children for school! I love tyou Jay!
Happy Tuesday

Thinking...

2006-02-03T15:44:00.000+02:00

About this man today. My wonderful Dad. He left us too soon. The picture on the left is of him when we went camping one year about 20 years ago. On the right is one of my sister and me with our children about 2 months before he died. We didn't know then how sick he actually was... I loved and miss him SO MUCH!

What scrapbooking item are you???

2006-02-02T15:03:00.000+02:00

You are PAPER!You are an all natural basic person who likes to act as a foundation to others. You are willing to take a backseat in most of your relationships and let others take the spotlight, while you show your support and help them shine! Underneath it all, you are the one who makes it all happen. You are the focus and stability in any group, even if you are not the leader. Others look to you to set the pace and provide ideas for ways to get things done. But Paper Beware - sometimes you get a little edgy with the people who look to you for support and can give them some papercut remarks that can hurt their feelings. Remember to watch what you say, because you are best when leading by example.

Eventful....

2006-02-02T14:00:00.000+02:00

Day yesterday!

My daughter had her first day of school! We were so nervous that she would cry and not want to stay when we left but she was absolutely FINE! She was a bit scared at first, but the other children were very sweet. The teacher showed her around all the toys and different things they were going to do and she was quite fascinated. Eventually she sat with the other children who rolling out playdough and she seemed to be fine. We stayed hovering around for a little while, then left. They phoned me at about 9.00 to say she was absolutely fine, she was really well behaved and had tried verything already! Shes a real little go-getter!
Jerome and I had a quick anniversary breakfast at Wimpy - it was nice noty having to worry about children misbehaving and not eating etc.. for a change. We chatted about stuff - nice
I had an interview with the bank. It went really well, and they have shortlisted me and want me to come in and do some personality and psychometric tests. I am holding thumbs for this one! The money is good and most importantly it will be a CHANGE!!!
I met with Jordans teacher who says he is doing well at school and seems to have settled in. She says he is a very sweet and caring, loving boy=0). She says he has problems with word selection, if it does not improve, we may have to send him for speech therapy, so we are going to wait and see if it improves.
Dropped the children at home, then went to the mall for a while - Jerome bought a BIKE!
Got home and the children rode their bikes with their Dad
Had supper and collapsed on the couch....

Phew - hectic.

Today I have not yet heard back from the agency regarding when they bank wants me to go in and do the tests, so I will just wait and see.

Happy Thursday!

Ten on Tuesday : 10 favourite articles of clothing

2006-01-31T17:16:00.000+02:00

1 Pair of indian sandals i had in Varsity 2. Pajamas 3. My night gown 4. any sandals / flip flops 5. strappy tank tops 6. my 2 gypsy skirts (an orange and a brown) 7. Long orange linen dress-top 8. my levis from varisty 9. t-shirts 10. 3/4 khaki pants that makes my hips look smaller!

Married to this man....

2006-01-31T16:00:00.000+02:00

for 4 years tomorrow... (we have been together for 9 years) He sent me this quote this morning......

Everyone has his own fingerprints. The white light streams down to be broken up by those human prisms into all the colors of the rainbow. Take your own color in the pattern and be just that. --Charles R. Brown

How sweet is that?????

I love you Jay - my best friend, entertainer, sarcastic, funny man. Lover, father, provider and caregiver. The most caring loving person I have ever met. I am the luckiest woman to have you in my life. May we see many, many more happy anniversaries. I LOVE YOU!

Oh happy day....

2006-01-30T11:53:00.000+02:00

The weekend was eventful and busy... we visited a few kitchen showroomsto get an idea of pricing and looks we like on Saturday. But before we go to that my wonderful husband agreed to stop at a scrapbook shop sale they had 50% off all their books! Was I happy=0))))) I got three books, some letter stickers, 2 sheets of rubons and lovely purple flowered paper - oh happy, happy, HAPPY! Got this book by Donna Downey This one by Cathy Zielske And THIS ONE by Ali Edwards!!!

Little wonderfuls...

2006-01-27T14:07:00.000+02:00

Pedicures Clinique soap Glycerine soap A smile from my daughter My son sitting on my lap My husbands smile Long bubble baths NEW BOOKS!!!!! Reading away a Sunday afternoon Spicy koeksisters ( like a doughnut with cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice and ground ginger in the dough but twisted into a plait shape with syrup and coconut over it) Mince curry and roti (indian flatbread) Writing in my journal An afternoon spent scrapbooking Waking up LATE! Pajamas Sandals Gypsy skirts Sand in my toes at the beach Sea spray on my face New swimming costumes Braai’s in the backyard A 5 hour drive ending in the views of the sea from the car window Fresh strawberries and pineapple at the fleamarket Journalling and Morning Pages Letters and cards in the post A full body massage A tall frosted glass of water Finding a cute notebook to journal in The promise of the weekend on a Friday afternoon Long Summer days An unexpected visit from a friend Christmas holidays (the beach, sand and surf) Watching a game of cricket the whole day on TV Finding a book I have been wanting cheap at the fleamarket Family lunches Planning ANYTHING! Making Lists Buying (and getting) presents!

The countdown....

2006-01-27T13:46:00.000+02:00

....to the weekend has started! it is 1.50pm here and I am SO ready to go home! Weekend plans:

grocery shopping
"window" shopping for a vendor to do our kitchen cupboards
Hopefully some scrapping
Miniature golf with the children on Sunday afternoon

A very happy pic of me and my husband just before christmas. We are totally amused because we were trying to figure out the timer on our camera and where it should go to get us noth into the picture ...I suppose you had to be there...=0)

Quote for the weekend

Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life. -Pablo Picasso

I leave you with a picture of these two cuties...my daughter in the back(she goes to school next week Wednesday for the first time - suspect Dad will cry - I will let you know =0))) and my niece at the front

Quote for today..

2006-01-25T09:20:00.000+02:00

I have just finished reading chapter 7 or the "Superb Seventh Month" of Sark's Make your Creative Dreams Real - I am enjoying it so much. Very inspiring stuff.

The Ecstatic Eighth Month which I am reading now is all about allowing yourself to do things even if they are not perfect.

SARK says "one of the most inhibiting factors for creative-dream living is how oftent we think we need to do something perfectly or well to begin it". Just do it and give yourself permission to do it badly. Take the pressure to do well or "perform" off and just make a start.

Today is payday! Yay=0)

Excellent Monday News!

2006-01-23T14:06:00.000+02:00

I have had an interestingMonday...we have just decided to take out a 2nd bond on our house to do some fixing and renovating. This has been a HUGE step for me because I hate to take in more debt. Later this morning I called the place I have be paying for my unversity loan. Not only have they been paid off completely, THEY owe ME MONEY!!! Yay! So they are going to refund me the money (who knows when that will be) they are going to confirm with me exactly how much! Also my bank loan is almost paid off (2 months to go!!) Yay! Happy Monday! This is a picture from the Durban Bay standing on the bay looking towards the city. View from the bay looking out to the sea.

Me and my girls...

2006-01-20T10:39:00.000+02:00

Me and my girls had a slumber party about 10 years ago. Lots of fun, laughter, dancing and FOOD!! I was a young, fresh 21 years old! We really could party hard. I was still a university student and all my friends were working. Our frined Tanya (not in the pictures) had a green Opel and that was our transport. We used to go clubbing Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday (who parties on a Tuesday??). It used to be just us girls having fun, fun, fun... Oh to be young again=0)

I've been tagged

2006-01-19T08:51:00.000+02:00

By Nicole (my first blog tag!!!=0)) 3 Jobs You Have Had 1. Sunday school teacher at church (unpaid job=0) 2. Sales assistant at Woolworths in the children’s department 3. Trainer at TBWA Hunt Lascaris advertising agency 3 Movies I Could Watch Over and Over 1. The Sound of Music 2. Shrek 3. um…. 3 Places I have lived 1. Durban 2. Johannesburg 3 TV Shows I love to watch Survivor / The Amazing Race CSI The Home network channel 3 Places I have been on vacation Cape Town White River, Nelspruit Umtata 3 Websites I Visit Every Day Twopeas Wish Jar Journal Ali Edwards 3 of my favorite foods Mince curry and roti Calamari rings Beef lasange 3 Places I'd rather be right now 1. Durban on the beach 2. shopping 3. at home with my children 3 Bloggers I am tagging: Jazz ? ??

A quote and a layout

2006-01-18T15:09:00.000+02:00

Just a quote I want to share. Today has been event-full. I went and saw a school for my daughter to start attending in February. I liked it, and the lady seemed really nice and caring. Very sensitive and responsive to the childrens needs.They get individual attantion because it is such a small school (+/- 10 children) I then went to my interview for the training manager position - it is with my companies competitor and I am ot sure about the position...They also interviewed me for another position they have at Nedbank - So I will wait and see what happens. This is one of me and my son in the corner on the beach over december. The journalling came out a bit small it says: "There is nothing better than being in Durban over December. The heat, humidity, sand and sea. It all means home. I love every part of this beautiful city. the place that grounds me, keeps me connected to who I am and where I come from. I love taking my children to the beach – a treat they cant enjoy as much as I did- but enjoy they DO!"

Top Ten on Tuesday: 10 Favourite current shows

2006-01-17T09:56:00.000+02:00

Survivor
The Amazing Race
CSI
Desperate Housewives
The Days
The Cooking channel
The Home channel
Lost
ER
The OC

The glee of me....!

2006-01-16T15:13:00.000+02:00

This is what glee looks like! I opened my present from Jerome on Christmas day and what do I get? Not 1 not 2, but THREE of SARK's books !! Oh joy! Also a Richard North Patterson book and 3 soaps in beutiful boxes...Merry Christmas ME!!!!

Back at work.....and a holiday update...!

2006-01-16T11:32:00.000+02:00

Back at work and strangely content to be back – note not happy, just content. Manily due to getting back into a familiar routine and have INTERNET ACCESS! I have missed it although one of my work resolutions is to spend less time on the internet and more time actually doing some work! Lets see how long that one lasts! I fell much better –mainly because EXAMS are OVER!!! Don’t even ask how they went – the last one was AWFUL! I only studied for that on ehte DAY BEFORE the exam and that is just not good enough! Anyway I gave all three my best shot – now I just have to wait for the results! EEEK! My holiday Seems like a distant memory now although it was fun and I got to spend some time with my mother which I haven’t done for a while. We had such fun just her, me and the children (my two and one of my sisters’). W e took the bus to Durban – we left at about 8.00 in the evening and got there at about 2.00 in the morning with slleping children and piles of bags and baggage (someone took my nieces bag by mistake -luckily they realized it before leaving and ran back to do the swop with us!). Friday 16 dec Was a public holiday so we were desperate for the beach. Cleverly, I had left my costume at home so I had to try to get another (except that at the till to pay I realized I had left my wallet at my grans house so we had to drive back there to get it! I felt like a fool! We went to the workshop after the slight detour and the fleamarket was open – we shopped a bit and I found a costume and some jewelry. I bought spices and the Indian spice shop there and we had lunch at Orientals where I have my BEANS BUNNY!! Yummy – I was one happy girl. On our way home we went to Wilsons wharf and watched the boats (in the rain) ate lychees and did some shopping. NO SWIMMING – too much rain! Saturday 17 Raining! Did some grocery shopping for the house Sunday 18 Went to Scottsburgh beach - lovely the children swam and played in the sand - great time. Also went to the fleamarket and bought some 2nd hand books and a lovely top. Monday 19 a bit of shopping at the pavilion in the morning and lunch on the beach, with a bit of swimming and playing in the sand until it started RAINING! Tuesday 20 Rained - stayed hom with the children and some movies Wednesday 21 Same as above! Thursday 22 Drove to one of the beaches. We swam for about and hour until it started RAINING!!!! We then went and bought rotis which we went and ate at the beach (yes, in the rain!) Friday 23 My sister arrived (1 day early) - we did last minute shopping (with ALL our children in a packed mall!) and Saturday 24 Surprise arrival of my BROTHER! 25 Lovely family lunch, visit to Jeromes mother in the afternoon for a teleconference call to his sister who is in Arizona 26 drove back home I got to do some, but not ALL the things on my list because of the rain - but it was nice - nice to be with my Mum, nice to spend time with the chldren and nice to be around family Plans for the new year: • My biggest goal this year is to get my drivers license. At 31 years old I think it is way overdue! • I also want to GET A NEW JOB! This one was kick started for me by getting a call from an agency (I saw this as a “sign”) looking for a training manager offering A LOT more money than I am getting now and it will be out of MIDRAND ( a 2-3 hour drive every morning!!) • Do something creative everyday! • Write more • Date night with Jerome 1X a week • Spend more time doing things with my children There are many others but these are the main ones. That’s quite a lot…I am just glad to be feeling better and have the dread of the exam over. I now feel like it’s a New Year with new challenges and PLANS to make! Happy Monday to you all!

New Years message

2006-01-04T16:29:00.000+02:00

I wish you blessings from God. Time and fun ith family. Laughter with friends. Find fulfillment in all you do and realise your destiny in 2006. May happiness be the norm and all your hopes and dreams come true in a New year filled with promise.

Raining Buckets...

2006-01-04T08:22:00.000+02:00

...AGAIN today! Its not cold at least - there is a slight nip in the air...but the grey / black sky gives a really gloomy feeling to the day. I feel slightly better today because I got some studying done yesterday and am about to start again in a few minutes ( I have made some progress: the pens are out, the textbook is open in front of me:0). It took us 1hr 15 minutes to get to work this morning because of a terrible accident on the freeway we stood in that for over half an hour. it was a white van and looked like it rolled into the island on the freeway - terrible way to start the day....

Happy New year

2006-01-03T07:27:00.000+02:00

I have entered the New Year with mixed feelings. On the one hand the year stretches in front of me with so much promise and potential. On the other:

It has been bucketing with rain since about 4.00 this morning - not the best start to my new year at wotk!
I write an exam in 6 days for which I am not close to being prepared (a total of 3 exams in 5 days!) This is my main source of anxiety - just a general feeling of failure and that I have wasted this year and the money I will have to pay work back if I dont pass because thats the policy here

I really wanted to start the new year off wit an ispiring post about my holiday and goals and dreams for the year, but this is how I feel now. Hopefully things will get better as the day goes on 0 its only 7.55 am after all!

TODAY ...is the day...!

2005-12-15T07:18:00.000+02:00

FINALLY!!!!!! Today is my last day until 3 January. I leave tonight for Durban and Will be swimming in the Indian Ocean tommorrow as early as I can get there! Some sites to visit to see where I am: http://www.durban.gov.za/eThekwini http://durban.kzn.org.za/durban/

Things on my to do list while I am there:

Visit Scottsburg beach
Ansteys beach (this is a 5 minute drive from my Granny's house where I will be staaying)
A day at Ushakaland www.ushakamarineworld.co.za (water slides and rides as well as an aquarium and dolphinarium)
Visit to mini town
A day at the flea market
The Pavillion shopping centre
Visit MANY family memebers
Go to the docks to see the boats, also Wilsons Wharf
A trip out on a boat for the children
Umgeni river bird park (I lived 10 minutes away from this all my life and NEVER visisted there!)

HAve a wonderful festive season and all the best for the new year.

2005-12-14T16:43:00.000+02:00

1 more day....Tomorrow night I leave for Durban!!! YAYYYYYY