Nov 21 2012

Gratitude 19 – 21

I have been slack with posting the daily gratitudes. Its hot and I just haven’t been up to sitting in front of the PC for too long.

Anyway this week I was/am grateful for

Monday – That David took the kids to school. It really isn’t a huge thing taking them but it is so nice when I don’t have to bundle everyone in the car, sit in traffic (all 15 minutes of it) on the way home.

Tuesday – We finally found a marriage officer last night. It has been a bit of a struggle so I am glad it has been crossed off the list!

Wednesday – That Jack is spending the night with his granny. He hasn’t slept the last 2 nights and this morning I was more than bleak! So I am very glad that he is spending quality time with his gran! As soon as I am home from fetching the big kids I am going to get straight into bed!!!!

Nov 11 2012

Gratitude – Day 8-11

I forgot to post on Thursday and Friday was a crazy day with no time for blogging!

So a quick catch up

Day 8 – I am always grateful on a Thursday that the children don’t have any extra muruals so we get home nice and early.

Day 9 – I was grateful for the awesome day I got to spend with my sexy fiance.

Day 10 – I am grateful for sunsets like this.

Day 11 – Today I am grateful for my home! We had a lovely 2 days away but there is nothing nicer than your own home

How was your weekend?

Oct 22 2012

I don’t need triathalons, I have a toddler

Yesterday was the third BSG triathalon in their triseries.. Both Cameron and David did so well – both completed their races in their best times. Very proud of them.

The first race I went to I felt super unfit as I watched the ladies walking past carrying their bikes with one hand (apparently the bikes are super light) after they have just run, swum and cycled. But after yesterdays race I am pretty certain I burnt more calories than the whole lot of them put together.

Running after a toddler is not for the faint hearted (or unfit). Watching a triathalon is not like watching a running only race or a gala – you can’t sit in the stands or near the finish line because there are 2 transitions, a start and a finish. So as a spectator I spend 2 hours running up and down. We watch David’s swim start at point A, then run to Point B to watch the swim finish, then to Point C to watch the bikes out – we catch our breath here because the ride is the longest time wise and they come in the same place they rode out. Once bikes are in we run to Point D for the run out and then a mad dash to Point E for David’s finish.

THEN it is quick congratulatory kiss and a dash back to the kids swim start (Point F) and then we pretty much repeat the process but at different points – Cameron’s swim finish is also at Point B. Then it’s quickly to Point G for the cycle transition and Point H for the run out and then back to Point E for the finish.

The dashing is often across the track so it’s waiting for a gap in cyclist or runners and then sprinting to the other side.

It is rather exhausting! Now add a toddler into the mix!!!!

For race 1 I dropped Jack off at the kids area and they were happy but at race 2 there was suddenly a big sign – no under 3′s but I managed to convince them to take him since both the big kid were with him. So I at least got to watch David’s transition in peace but then Cameron left and Kiara made them phone me.

Yesterday’s race track was such that you couldn’t move without crossing it so I kept Jack with me purely because I could get to most points easier than getting to the kids area. But it was CHAOS. I took my eye off him for a second at the swim exit as the Elite men were coming in and he wondered onto the blue carpet that is their “run way” – the elite men are elite and don’t run – they sprint so it was much fun.

The dashing from points A – G were all done with toddler on my hip and trying to watch David come in with one eye and Jack with another was a challenge so I missed the cycle/run transition (not from want of trying). In between Jack doesn’t want to be carried so is walking around, pulling out cables, stealing food, trying to help.

I worked up a sweat in those 2 hours and was exhausted by the time we got home!!!!!

The next race is in Sun City but David and Cam race on different days so it won’t be as crazy but the last BSG one I am leaving Jack with his gran!!! I am all about getting in shape but not this way :-/

Despite all that we had another great morning with the BSG team

How was your weekend?

Oct 15 2012

Weird rashes

About two weeks ago I noticed a small rash on Jack’s legs. It started as little bumps – just on his lower legs. They weren’t red and didn’t seem to fuss him much so I left it.

Then it started getting a little more raised and red – not bright red but clearly visible but still didn’t seem to bother him and he was fine. He also developed a nappy rash but it seemed different – like a flat nappy rash (does that make sense) and the two never met – lol – so the nappy one was in the nappy and the leg one from the knees down.

Anyway the rash is STILL there – small raised bumps, slightly red. My mom-in-law has put a variety of creams on but none seem to actually be taking it away – possibly they are keeping it at bay but not removing it. It doesn’t seem itchy at all.

Any ideas? Suggestions?

THEN I have this weird rash on my elbows – its big raised bumps that get insanely itchy. I am putting bum cream on and caladryl – it takes the itch away but also doesn’t seem to be making it better. Any ideas??

And on a more pleasant note – a few pictures from Sundays triathalon – much fun was had. It would appear I turn into some sort of tiger mom/wife at these events. David swims well and in the last triathalon came out with the first lot of swimmers. This time the swim was rough – he still did well but came in a bit later and then couldn’t find his bike in transition – he was standing talking to himself about the whole thing and his bright red Spiderman towel was CLEARLY visible – I actually started running to the side of the transition to shout at him when he noticed it. Really I was getting mad with him for taking so long. Then Cameron’s swim was cancelled due to the current in the dam so he did a run, cycle run and he doesn’t enjoy the run. Anyway he gave it his all but then started walking on the last run – I sent Kiara to go tell him to run and then I actually started heading over to where he was but then took a breathe and walked away. It upsets me. I told them both I was proud of them but I am getting my whip out and they are going to step it up a bit :-/

How was your weekend? How do you handle your kids/partner competing?

Oct 11 2012

Socialising and what not

Thanks so much for all the comments yesterday Seems all I need to do to get you lot to comment is ask random questions.

It would appear I am more “normal” than David thinks

I hate wearing shoes so as soon as I get home I kick them off and David hates this. He is forever fighting with Kiara and I to put something on our feet. Apparently tiles are dirtier than carpets in David’s mind? Anyway I win on that one.

I will not put anything in my mouth if I can’t handle the texture – like mango’s – I find them slimy and weird. I don’t eat egg at all any more but when I did I couldn’t stand a runny yellow – I actually can not even cook an egg like that. As much as I love sushi I can’t eat the ones where the salmon/tuna is wrapped around it – it freaks me out totally. Apparently this is not normal – David can eat anything – textures don’t freak him out at all.

The bed time one David wins though. If I had my way I would be asleep by 20h00. Most night it doesn’t happen like that but when David is away then I am in that bed before the kids.

We eat dinner between 17h00 and 18h00 – the kids are starving by that time and so I usually just eat with them and then will sit and chat to David when he eats. He feels it is a little early.

I am all about flexibility with certain rules – some things just aren’t worth the fight.

Of course I expect my kids to pick up after themselves etc BUT I also understand that I need to remind them to do it.

I am so glad I am not the only one who talks to the parking attendants :-p Yesterday I had a wonderful chat to these FBI style lifts at Tuks.

Maybe I will ask some random questions once a week to up my comments :-p

Anyway off topic. Last night I attended a dinner with David. It was a client dinner with his boss, colleague and a client. It was the first time I went with and it was pleasant enough but I find those situations rather overwhelming to be honest. David is a people’s person – it is in his blood. He can strike up random conversation with anybody – me not so much and my knowledge of aviation is rather limited – I certainly can not hold my own in a conversation about flights, plane types, piston engines and what not. The wives last night where all a lot older than me (ok not a lot but old enough) and know a lot more about aviation.

All the men can talk about is aeroplanes but the women did discuss kids, schools and all of that but I still found it slightly over whelming. Being a mom I can do. I can hold my own at Moms and Tots and planning parties and what to cook for dinner but being a “socialite wife” – I am not so sure.

Do you and your partner socialise on a work level – with clients etc? Or does he do it on his own and you on your own?

Oct 10 2012

A few random questions

In so many ways David and I are chalk and cheese. He is order and logic and I am creativity and chaos. So we argue a lot.

Not in a bad way but David also likes to be right – so there are many “But thats NOT how it is” kind of arguments.

So I am putting a few questions out there to see who is wrong and who is right.

1. Do you wear shoes when you are chilling at home?
2. Do you not eat food based purely on the texture?
3. What time would you like to go to bed – not what time do you end up going to bed but your ideal bed time?
4. What time do you eat dinner?
5. Is it ok to break the rules now and then and eat dinner in the lounge? Or is a rule a rule?
6. If you tell your child to do something that is routine once (like putting socks in the washing basket) – do you expect them to just do it every time?
7. Have you ever by mistake pushed the “help” button instead of the “card” button when entering a parkade?

I will let you know who “won” when I see the answers

Sep 30 2012

Buffelspoort Triathalon

David has entered the Ironman next year so has started doing triathalons now in preparation for next year and so Cameron decided to enter the kids triathalon.

It was held at the Buffelspoort Dam near Rustenburg so we packed the cooler boxes and all headed out at 5h00 this morning.

The adults race first and then the kids start. They have a 5-8 year category and then the 9-11 one that Cam entered and then the 11-15 year olds

They had to swim 80m, cycle 800m and then run 800m.

We took Kiara and Jack for a quick dip in the dam before leaving!

It really was a fun morning and I was really grateful for the kiddies area – watching Jack at these events is not the easiest thing so eventually I check him into the kids area and could then watch David and Cam race.

What were you up to this weekend.

Sep 17 2012

48 hours

So no one commented on my post from Friday until today – I was considering stopping blogging to be honest – that has never happened to me – well not for many years. I actually may have had a small cry!

ANYWAY there was that show on TV called 24 – it was a cool show – I enjoyed it!

The last 48 hours have sort of felt like that movie!

Yesterday morning David had a race so he was out the door at around 6h30 which was fine. We had to leave at 8h00 so we could watch him finish. Great – no problem – I have this!!! Sort of – my hang over made it a little bit challenging but by 8h15 we were out the door with all kids fed, dressed and 2/3 had brushed teeth – a WIN!

I was told “Race is at Waterfall Park in Midrand babe – gps it” – Great – no problem – I have this – I have WAZE and telmap and Maps on my iPhone! So I punch in Waterfall Park – get there nice and easily except no one else is there and it is no where near Kyalami which it was apparently supposed to be near! So I then type in Waterfall and what do I get? Waterfall Lifestyle, Waterfall Place, Waterfall Village, Waterfall fucking PARADISE. I call David’s mom because she is on her way too but she isn’t answering so I head off in the rough direction I THINK it is. Eventually we see the inflatable end balloon thing! After riding around for 15 minutes we find the right entrance (must say I love these security villages and their cryptic entrances).

There was a lovely play area for the kids so I leave them there and go look for coffee – coffee machine is broken but they can make me a cup for R12 which is great except I only have TEN FUCKING RAND!!!!!!!!!!

Instead of getting upset I go and sit next to the track and watch the cyclists (my mom-in-law had arrived and had the kids under control). Eventually David rides past and is all happy to see me so it made it all kinda worth it. Off he goes for round three. I glance at the time because he has an international flight to catch at 14h00 – it was well after 10h00. He also notices the time and comes back and starts the run – I am standing cheering on – actually I was rather stressed out for him so I was going “BABE STOP checking your mails and RUN!!!!!”

He finishes, we are proud and then we dash off home to get him to the station to get to the airport at 12h00 (if you actually read the above paragraph you will realise this was never going to happen). Drop him at the station and head home with the kids – we decided to pool our cash and get take out and dvd’s – but this was not without drama because when we went home to get Kiara’s cash the neighbours dog had escaped so we had to wait for them to come get her.

Get our take out, get home and kids are watching dvds, Jack is napping and I am pinteresting. BEEP BEEP goes my phone “Missed my flight”! FUCK!

So back I go to fetch him but we decide we want to see where the Pretoria station is so D sends me the street name – WAZE can’t find it, telmap can’t find it but google maps can – so I memorise the directions and off I go! FORTY FIVE MINUTES later I stopped my car at a random ENGEN and called David and said “I am at the Kia – YOU find me” – seriously I drove around and around and around looking for the entrance and could not find it!!!

Get home! Loose my shit about the state of our house – it is ALWAYS so untidy!

Sleep!!!!

David sorts his flight issue out and calls me to please take him back to Hatfield to catch the train – FINE but I was at work and trying to put together invoices for parties and cup cakes, deal with clients making bookings, sorting out what Salome needed to do for the day and putting together a rather complicated order for one of the shops. So off we go. Hugs and love at the station.

Back to work!

12h00 the phone rings and I can hear in his voice he has left something – his yellow fever card! FUCKING GREAT! So mad dash home to find it then to the airport to drop it off and back by 13h30 to fetch kids!!!

Trip their was pretty painless BUT they had closed the road on the other side and the traffic was stopped and backed up for miles and miles. So I ask my dear sweet fiance “what way can I go home to miss that?” – his reply “I don’t know”

Now as much as I love him in that moment I could have reversed my car over his toes and not even looked back!

He eventually says “take the R24″ – awesome! So off I go and take the R24 and then punch into telmap – current location to the kids school (I used road names) – the fucking thing wants to take me BACK TO the R21 where all the traffic is! So when I realise this I am in Edenvale somewhere! I just keep driving and by some miracle end up at Greenstone which I recognise and can get home!!!!

Seriously this all happened in less than 48 hours!!!!!

I take solace in the fact that for 3 nights David has to eat Nigerian food – which isn’t the same as my food – even on the nights I burn the rice and the sweet potato!

(I actually left out the whole search for a proof of residence debacle)

Life is special like this isn’t it )

I am off to cook dinner now, bath the baby, try convince Cameron that a broken TV is not the end of the world and try get Kiara to learn her times tables! Don’t you envy me? You do hey??

How was your weekend???

Jul 18 2012

Travelling with a Toddler

I flew down to Cape Town on my own with Jack! When the arrangements were made it seemed like a good idea and really how bad could it be? He is a baby. I am an adult.

Well let’s just say I will never ever again be flying with a child under the age of 7 on my own anywhere.

The flight there was first thing in the morning so he was calm(ish) but did start screaming for no reason as we boarded the plane and I could see everyone holding their breathe and chanting “Please don’t sit next to me! Please don’t sit next to me!”

The lucky winners were fortunately a young girl who looked petrified of flying and a lady about my age who slept most of the way. We were on the isle and Jack just wanted to escape. He did not want to be held on my lap and wriggled and screamed and moaned but fortunately at Lanseria when everyone has boarded they close the doors and go so we were off pretty quickly and I managed to distract him with a Tupperware full of Flings. The second the seat belt lights went off he was gone – up and down the isle making friends, lying on the floor and charming the passengers.

It was an tiring flight but NOTHING like the flight coming home!!!! I had the big two with me which did make it easier but also didn’t.

The Mango check in lady only gave me 3 boarding passes and not 4 which I didn’t realise until we tried to go into the boarding lounge so there I was hauling all 3 kids and about 5 hand luggage bags back across the airport to get my boarding pass and then back to check in. Kiara had a pair of scissors in her bag so we held up the queue and Kiara nearly lost it when I mentioned the man may keep them – fortunately they were scrapbooking scissors and the man allowed us to take them on (I suspect he was slightly scared of Kiara).

Finally on the plane, bags stashed away, baby being passed from me to Cam and back again. Seat belt lights off and Jack heads straight for the area where the air hostesses are – so I spent 90 minutes up and down with this kid. He would not sit with us for the love of money or flings or chocolate – WE TRIED!

I am extremely grateful to the elderly man sitting behind us who helped me distract Jack during the landing because by then he was over tired, gatvol and just wanted to yell. The flight was 40 minutes ahead of schedule – another thing I was so happy about.

Collecting bags was also heaps of fun. The trolleys at Lanseria can’t fit a baby in so I had to let Jack walk around – he loves watching the bag conveyor belt and touches the black things – disgusting I know and probably all kinds of dangerous but I stand next to him and washed his hands. But at Lanseria this dude decided to reprimand me and asked me to please take away my child from the conveyor belt and I was making HIM uncomfortable. So I picked Jack up and he screamed and screamed – I was standing right next to said man so he got the full force of the noise (a sound I can block out) – he never said another word to me after those 5 minutes of blood curdling screaming!

We got the bags, we got David and I could quiet easily have passed out and slept for 6 days after that trip! It was NOT a whole bunch of fun. Jack is busy. He doesn’t like to be confined. So expecting him to sit still for 2 hours wasn’t fair and over all I think he did pretty well.

A few tips for travelling solo with a busy toddler

Take snacks – lots and lots of snacks!
Don’t try and keep them contained. If it is safe to let them out of the seat – let them out.
Keep your luggage to a minimum – especially your hand luggage.
Book an isle seat as close to the front as possible (I know Kulula puts you at the back – go as far to the back as possible then)
Ignore idiots who make suggestions and pass stupid comments.
Accept help from passengers who interact with him.
ONLY fly solo if you it is a matter of life and death!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jul 16 2012

Family Photo

I will catch up properly later this week but I had to share this photo.

I took it before the seal show at Ushaka Marine World on Sunday. I love the total imperfection. Jack would not sit still despite David’s rather desperate attempts and I managed to capture the family behind us eating their ice creams!