Sunday stuff

Despite winter temperatures this past week and our first Spring rains (sing Hallelujah, say it), its turned out to be a beautiful day today ... hard to believe that yesterday I wore a coat when we went out and that we had the gas heater on in the lounge in the evening.

Schatz and I went to buy a plant for the pot that stands in the corner of the garden.  We decided on a tree.  We also bought some seedlings, their happy little faces and pretty colours are irresistible.  Schatz has spent this morning planting the loot.
 

 

I've done laundry, tidied the kitchen, hung out the laundry, carried bags of potting soil, cooked breakfast, played with kitties, given Jodi a bit of a brushing (oh boy, she needs days of brushing to get rid of her Winter coat) and inbetween checked mails etc.

 

I'm looking forward to lots of new items on the blog next week.

 

 

Hope your weekend is fabulous and your weather superb. 
 

43 ways to simplify your life

Here are 43 ways to simplify your life and save time and energy for the things that really matter.....

1. Turn off your cell phone.

2. Process email only twice a day.  (If only that were possible in my day to day job life)
  
3. Go to bed early.
  
4. Get rid of (or at least reduce) commitments that you do out of obligation.
  
5. Create a weekly meal plan.
  
6. Automate your finances.
  
7. Purge as much unneeded clutter as possible.
  
8. Keep your paper shredder on top of your recycling bin.
  
9. Add items you want to a wish list as you think of them.
 
10. Get a label maker or write labels out by hand.
 
11. Set your clothes out for the next day the night before.
 
12. Make your lunch for the next day the night before.
 
13. Make time to catch up with an old friend.
 
14. Just say no.
 
15. Ask for experiences not things for your birthday and Christmas this year.
 
16. Tell the truth.
 
17. Keep your list of addresses and phone numbers up to date.
 
18. Consolidate debt.  19. Create an organizing system that works for you.
 
20. Keep a bag for garbage in your car.
 
21. Carry a notebook and pen with you where ever you go.
 
22. Unsubscribe from emails, newsletters or RSS feeds that don’t provide value anymore.
 
23. Apologize immediately when you realize you’ve done wrong.
 
24. Enjoy the present moment as much as you can.
 
25. Take time to really see the little things in life.
 
26. Reduce the amount of TV you watch.
 
27. Get outside.
 
28. Create morning, daytime, and evening routines.
 
29. Ask for help.
 
30. Do things at home as much as possible (eat, date nights, entertain etc.).
 
31. Don’t get caught up in other people’s drama.
 
32. Let go of the self-imposed need to be perfect.
 
33. Focus on a simple, but healthy, eating plan.
 
34. Share responsibilities.
 
35. Reduce your wardrobe to a few versatile items.
 
36. Be positive.
 
37. Start a gratitude journal.
 
38. Finish old tasks before taking on new ones.
 
39. For every new item that enters your home set two free.
 
40. Want what you have not what you don’t.
 
41. Revisit what you carry with you in your purse or wallet.
 
42. Focus on one thing at a time.
 
43. Store new garbage bags at the bottom of your garbage can.

Sources: Zen Family Habits January 26, 2010


About Dr. Mercola

Dr. Mercola founded one of the most visited health sites on the Internet, Mercola.com and has a practice, the Optimal Wellness Center, in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

For more info: visit www.mercola.com

10 days ...

I took a little unexpected break from my blog.  I missed it ... but I think it was time for a break all the same.

The little people in our house were with their Dad from the 30th until yesterday.  Now, our life returns to a sense of craziness and normality.  I miss my children yet at the same time enjoy the change of pace.  It's different when you don't need to keep an eye on bedtime and ensure the kids are not spending all their time on the PSP, PC or in front on the TV and getting enough sleep.

They asked Graeme and I how our week was without them and we both said much the same, work, home, work home.  They looked a little disappointed.

I have a list of books sitting on my bookshelf that I have intended to read over the past year, but just keep getting sidetracked, so I committed to start doing a little reading each evening.  I've started with Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult.  She's one of my favourite authors and my head still reels when I think of the story line to The Pact and The Plain Truth.  So far, I'm reeling at the storyline in this book as well.  The next book on my list, from my newest favourite author is One True Thing by Anna Quindlen.  I've read Blessings and Every last one .  A comment from an interview with Anna Quindlen in which she said the following "We think that if we do the right things, provide the right kind of care and oversight, we can keep our children safe from any perils" and I admit there's a part of me that believe this and I'm sure the majority of mothers out there feel the same.  If we just do it right, keep it all together.  Then I have A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini , which I've started to read previously but put down and then left it for so long I knew I'd simply need to restart.  The worst part is that I'd gotten half way. 

But, I'm past the half way mark with the present book and should be finished by the weekend.  I am considering whether or not to invest in an e-reader or Kindle but I think I would miss the whole book experience ... opening the book, flipping through the pages, the feel and smell of the paper ... reading a few lines here and there then going back to the start, turning the book to read the review ... I think I'd miss that too much, but it would be so much easier to slip a gadget into the handbag or pocket and be on the go.  Sigh, so much to consider.

We put up new curtains in our lounge this past weekend as well.  What started out as a curtain for the window as you walk in by the front door, ended up  being the entire lounge.  I must say, they are pretty and glitzy and make a welcome change to the room.  I moved some items out of the lounge and moved others around.  I'm still not done and am looking at putting up a mirror I've had for years, but also quite like a round mirror I've seen previously. 

We also ended up with a new gorgeous purple quilt and two purple cushions covers for our bedroom.  Slowly it's taking shape.  I'd put off using the new duvet cover, but just am tired of waiting and who knows, we may never get to redo the upstairs, so I'm loving where I am right and making it pretty.

So, that's a bit of an update of where I am ... photos will follow soon.

Be fabulous, be creative ... love your life and your space.

... bye bye weekend

I'm about to head for my evening shower and that will officially signal the end of yet another weekend, A.L.R.E.A.D.Y.!  Seems that no matter how hard I plan, I just don't seem to achieve all the 'me' things I plan, namely scrapbooking or doing some work on my website ... but, I did get to spend the entire morning yesterday with Jarod ... we went shopping, just the two of us, we had breakfast and he did not need to compete with anyone for my attention the whole morning.  It's not often that he and I get time alone and what was great, was how affectionate he was towards me the rest of the day and the evening ... it was great.

I did more sorting in my wardrobe this morning ... I have decided to stop trying to fool myself into believing that I could successfully do 'T.G.A.A.D' ... I failed completely.  I keep saying 'enough' ... but then I got to the stores and I see a shirt that screams my name and shoes that jump off the shelves onto my feet ... and skirts and pants that get a strangle hold of me and demand to be taken home ... sigh ... so I've given up fooling myself, however, my wardrobe is not lying, it's taking strain under the weight.  I had to hang clothing double, much as I don't like to, but I could not move the hangers anymore.  So I cleared the bottom draw of my chest of drawers and put my jeans in there and between that and the double hanging, its allowed for a little more 'movement' ... I still dream of this, but my clothing collection is a little larger but it would be great to have all the shelves and shoe boxes and just the sheer space in this closet. 

www.containerstore.com

 But alas, mine won't be looking like this anytime soon, but it's a lot better than it was when dawn broke.  I'm working at it every weekend and seem to be making headway .. now if only I could convince G-man that I really do need his closet ... ah, dreams are good friends ... but a tidy wardrobe is better and a few new items, divine ... and with that I wish you a good night and sweet dreams, hope the week ahead is fabulous and stylish.

Ciao bella ...

P.S. ... if the anonymous visitors passes by ... please answer this question ... are you per chance my good ol' net buddy Miss Judi?  The comment about the camera being flood on the mission trip rang a bell.

The look of my life today

The 'sunburst' salad Schatzie made me for dinner.

Jarod and I ... he's getting so big and his face is maturing quickly.

Little Miss Fashionista and I sharing a giggle.

My favourite lamp.

 I love how the sideboard shines ... it's just beautiful.

Point!

Chino - our gorgeous blue eyes kitty we nicknamed Blondie.

The weekend that was

My everything is sore this morning ... thumbs, buns - the lot.

But much was achieved.  Missy is kitted out and sitting on a bus on her way to Blyde River Canyon with her school.  The above bed, thanks to G-man is fuller and planted ... and thanks to me, the pavement is weeded.  And, thanks to the little men and G-man, there are just a few of the previous owners rocks left outside.  The Man moved mounds of sand, the boys cleared the stones and worked their tails off.

Even the dogs gave a hand or two.  The ugly patch above is now covered in soil from the pavement and getting more level and pretty soon, the ugly rockery will be gone - just give me enough time.

Slowly, slowy and as the neighbour said, Rome wasn't built in a day. 

My niece waxed miss boo, we out for a yummy dinner with our neighbours and I'm sitting at my desk wishing I had 8 more hours of weekend :-).

I shall do more pictures when I get home, should I remember of the bed as it looks now.

I do enjoy a pretty garden and going to the nursery and seeing all the pretty flowers blooming ... the promise of summer - it's just around the corner now.

Weak-end

Its so unbelievable that again, Friday has found us.  How is it possible that the days seriously feel as though they're speeding up.

We have lots of little itty jobs to do this weekend such as

• shopping for the princess who leaves for a week long school trip on Monday. 
• Get to my niece for a wax. 
• Get the rest of my little mans birthday gifts as he turns 10 on Sunday.  Their dad sent money and we got him another controller for the Wii from him.  G-man also got him a game for the Wii from us and his brother bought him a wooden puzzle a good few weeks back which needs to be wrapped.  He has said he wants the board game Clue, so I need to get that.
• I'd love to stop by the nursery and get the Strelitzia I have my eye on for the front bed I'm out on the pavement. Got the Strelitzia and then some.
• Gift for my nephew whose birthday was on the 7th.
• Start sanding down the chair for my future boudoir (I need to get it sanded so that I can take it down to the blind society to have the rattan redone on the backrest).

The birthday boy has agreed to celebrate next weekend as the week just slipped by, and he would like to go to The Magic Company with his friends. 

Should there be a free second for me this weekend, I'd like to do a little more work on my scrapbooking and possibly get around to printing a few hundred photos/sorting a few hundred in anticipation of actually scrapbooking.  I started getting a kit that I bought back in February 2009 (shhhhh its embarasing enough) cut out and ready to scrap, then realised that I was not sure which photos to use.  I had a set all ready, but then was not too sure they were the right ones for the layout - this happens often, but at least most of the cutting, inking, chalking is done for when I do use it. 

I will also be keeping an eye out for linen for my future bedroom.  I bought two cushions yesterday and although I'd seen a set of linen last month, when I went back to the site they say it's sold out.  Disappointing, but who knows, maybe a blessing in disguise as the colour and texture are never quite what they seem when viewing it on a site.

Rock on Friday ... have a fabulous weekend.

Monday, Monday - so glad you came ...

... you may wonder what I'm on about, but this weekend was filled with nigglies and I'm honestly glad it's Monday, in one way or another.

Firstly, Jazz had invited a friend over to sleep.  So, I arranged with the lady who transports the kids home that he could ride along.  I get home, no friend and Jazz says his friends mom said she'd drop him off.  Well, eventually he calls and is told that the friend now wants to stay over on Saturday.  I was livid - what the hell is up with South Africans, white South Africans, that they're beginning to take on the ethinic style of just arriving when they please, or simply changing arrangements as it suits them.  What the hell is that makes people feel they're so important that I'm simply stoked to rearrange my weekend for them?  Well, fine, he wants to come at 12 on Saturday but I say no 3 as we had arranged to visit the Brynaston Organic Market.  Need I say, he did not show, not even a call to say 'sorry, ain't gonna make it'!

Saturday morning arrived all beautiful with clear blue skies and gorgeous sunshine.  So we hastened the clan and got ourselves dressed and headed off to the market.  G-man took his bike as he was marshalling a funeral of a biker in the afternoon.  Off we headed to the market and as we got there, his bike was squeaking noisly.  He walked through a few stalls, debating with himself if he should stay or go.  Eventually I suggested he goes as his head was simply not there, and since he was due to ride and marshall a funeral, I felt it better that he get his bike seen to, however, we had ordered a name necklace for the Boo and a ring for myself before he took off.  The little people and I meanered through the stalls for at least another hour and a half, enjoying the crafts and such.  We bought some delicious veggies and nuts, a plant and a gorgeous birdfeeder.

We then headed for home, not without me first driving in totally the wrong directions as I'd missed the turn, then got so befuddled, but after doing two roundabouts, I finally found my way.  I'm beginning to think that a GPS as a birthday gift would be a good thing at this point.

Lamberts friend from his previous school called and asked to stay over, so they were busy busy the rest of the afternoon.

Sunday morning we puttered around ... G-man hung the bird feeder, then worked on the boys bike ... I got to hang laundry and played in my wardrobe.  I asked my Mom if she had any brooches she could part with and she gave me 5, so Boo and I went up to collec them.  I left my lights on in the car and the battery ran flat ... silly me but it's worrying since I had not been visiting for long.  So there we were, my teeny tiny little girl and I pushing my car up the road ... lol ... we got it to the corner about 20m away which felt more like 2000kms, where it's a downhill and then I managed to get it started.  Ech - need to remember to turn the lights off as my car is very basic and has not warning signals :-(

So we headed off from the nursery as I wanted to see what affordable plants I could get for the bed I'm creating outside the front gate.  I got three trays of seedlings and two 'false heathers' which G-man planted for me in the afternoon.  I also popped upstairs to the scrapbook store to look for an ink stamp as the one I'm fond of using is running a little dry.  They did not have the same colour, but I got another shade and a few pieces of paper.

We then headed next door to KFC for a little bite to eat.  The boys had gone off to ride the bike while we out doing the girl stuff.

So around rolls Sunday afternoon - I had helped Jazz with his Industrial Revolution and G-man was looking for pictures of steam engines and flying looms and i was in Beans room speaking with Bert when I saw movement outside in the road and what looked like teens having a fight ... I walked towards the windows to have a better look and then realised it was our neighbour across the road.  I shouted at G-man that their was a fight and that our neighbour was being attached by his estranged son-in-law, and he promptly took off downs the stairs and out the gate at the speed of light.

Its made me sad and mad and furious ... I don't know the whole story, I don't really want to know the whole story ... but there was the little one's, a little brother and sister, he crying and terrified and her screaming and begging, saying 'Daddy please, don't hit my grandpa' ... my heart just breaks.  I ushered the two of them inside to get them away from it, but of course, the damage is already done, there is their grandpa who they live with bleeding and their dads girlfriend is attacking their mother.  It just sickens me that grown ups, role models, the nurtures, behave this way in front of their children :-(.

Boo was very upset as she watched the whole fight from her bedroom window.  She was very stressed and weepy and I think what caused the most upset for her, besides the sight of blood, was when the son-in-law hit Graeme with a chair leg that he pulled out of his car.  I don't think she realises just how much he means to her and seeing him being hit angered her so badly and I imagine the feeling of helplessness in the situation escalated her emotional reaction.

Of course, that just blew all hopes of getting any scrapbooking done right out of my galaxy and upset the entire evening.

So, tell me then, how was your weekend?

My Friday "to do: list (for the weekend)

I tend to get around to Friday and just slack off and only seem to feel motivated to get lots done by Sunday afternoon, and then I complain bitterly about wasted time and get all irritated with myself because I end up spending a whole chunk of Sunday doing laundry.

This week, I decided to try and avoid this hamster wheel I've created all on my own.

My list yesterday read as follows :

1. 
   
   Go to PO and see if I can pay my car licence there. Accomplished with a telelphone call, but need to go to a PO in Ekurhuleni
2. 
   
   Return The Kite runner to Norma  Accomplished without leaving the house as she came round last night to show me her cute new car
3. 
   
   Fathers day e-card for Keenan
4. 
   
   Fathers day gift for Graeme Done as well as cards bought
5. 
   
   Plug for heater
6. 
   
   Blinds - upstair pc area/kitchen
7. 
   
   Tidy handbag
8. 
   
   Finish sewing bathroom curtain
9. 
   
   Hem beige pants
10. 
    
    Hem black pants
11. 
    
    Take receipts to Pick 'n Pay (The P'nP down the road donates a percentage to the school of your choice.  They have the local schools listed with little pigeon hole type things that you place your receipts in - such an awesome initiative)
12. 
    
    Return mail to PO (a woman who rented from the previous owners still has tons of mail coming here)
13. 
    
    Buy cat food

I have already done three loads of laundry since last and tidied out a bit of my wardrobe.  It is quite packed and I needed to remove of the summer things I won't wear for the next 3 months.  Watered the petunia, fed the birdies who decended on the feeder with a sense of urgency. 

At least I feel ahead of my own game for a change.

Now, I'm going to get my hiney out this chair and go hang the last load of laundry and maybe haul out the sewing machine and finish the bathroom curtain for the boys bathroom.

At least it's not freezing cold today ... and the sun is shining.

F.f.f.f.f.freezing still

My little car was f.f.f.f.frozen this morning and f.f.f.f.freezing inside.  Luckily my heater works like a charm and my schatz kindly did the gentlemanly thing and scraped the ice off the windscreen.  I almost think it's time to buy an ice scraper ... but hopefully she won't need to be parked out in the cold for too much longer. 

Some of the plants have taken a big knock and I'm glad I packed my fuschia's in the garage as I'm sure the frost would have wrecked havoc with them.

Its almost weekend ... just a few hours to go.  Got a 'to do' list building here and I must not let the cold sway me from getting of it done.  

Wondering what I should get my schatz, the pseudo-dad for Father's day ... hmmmm. 

Well, let me get back to clearing my inbox :-)

Keep warm ... keep snuggly.

Cruising for inspiration

I like this idea by Design Sponge - I'm thinking Christmas already

Red and white ... ribbons and such. 

Heck, just hang out on Design Sponges website - it's pure inspiration overload!!!

Catch up

I've been MIA due to the craziness of my life the last couple weeks.  A roundup of the import happenings follows :

Feb 16 : Spoke with the Deputy head at my childrens primary school as my big boy was not coping and was having very angry outbursts, where he spat in his sisters face and coaxed another boy to hit his younger brother.  School books show he's battling and he says he's not coping.

Feb 18 : First visit with the psychologist - suggests anger management training and that psychometric tests be done.

Feb 20 : Two hours of psychometric testing done.

March 2 : Meet with psyhcologist and get a brief outline of the outcome of the testing.  Am told that the big boy is M.A.D. at the older sister.  No clear indication available as to why!

March 4 : Receive psychologist and psychometrists report - T.A.I.L.S.P.I.N.  Spelling below grade.  Reading below grade.

March 9  : Take all three the little people to optometrist for eye tests.  All three need glasses, however, big boy needs to be checked by an Opthalmologist first.

March 15 : Big boy started phonic lessons - love love love Aunty Jayne.

Somewhere in between this, we discovered a water leak that was hosing down my corner pantry cupboard.  Eeeek.  At first we thought it was due to the upstairs shower being blocked earlier in the week, however, it turned out that there were two leaks in the piping.  It's been more than two weeks and my corner cupboard is STILL packed out on the stairs!

Please please please let the renovators come this week for the sake of my sanity and our nannies!!

I don't know how much longer I can live with the craziness of our house like this.

Some before and present photos

Kitchen

How it looked the day we got the keys, see the missing door - don't even ask!

This picture taken about a month after we moved in - starting to take shape.  Painted the kitchen about three shades darker than it was when we moved in.  Just love the colour.

Fat Chef clock above back door from Mr. Price Home.

Pictures above sink from Builders Warehouse.

Wicker baskets Mr. Price HOme.

Schatzi putting up the new light, see the painted workbenches - just love the cherry red they're painted in.

And a rare viewing .... me in the lift at the office this morning

Red handbag : Nine west

Trousers - Charter club at Edgars

White top - Edgards

Black and grey bead necklace - Edgars

Silver stacked bangles - Truworths

black patent wedge heeled peep toes - Truworths

Yellow beach tote - gift with purchase of Aromatics by Clinique.

Really crappy quality picture - but me all the same.

Fabulous Friday

 At last ... it's Friday!

I got inspired.   I took Wednesday off and made it into a mom's saturday, since we've been so busy with the kids and the house and the demands of life, I just needed a little slice of me time.

I went and had my hair cut and coloured by my hairdresser ... then was gifted money for shoes by my schatz.  I got a gorgeous black and white pair of 'jarmin' type shoes.  They're gorgeous and I can't wait to wear them next week.  Just need to plan my outfit to best show them off though.

The weekend is upon us and we're making our plans.  Kiddies have their study course tomorrow morning.  The rest of the day we've agreed to get some work done in the garden.  I have some plants to repot and stuff to dig out and throw out.  I am hoping the weather stays coolish as it's more bearable to work outside. 

Hope your weekend is fabulous :-)

Uninspired

.. that's how I look and feel.    Hairstyle has grown out - and the grey is showing.  Wardrobe needs some spice - but I'm not sure which spice! 

This mom needs an overhaul ... it's been a mad dash from one thing to another the last few weeks and I'm feeling totally burned out.

Homemakers Fair was great.  Awfully tiring though.  Successful!  We found the fridge.  Ordered and paid for it.  We also bought a set of patio furniture.  I can't wait for it to arrive.  No more dragging the dining room table out when we want to eat outside!!  Yippee!!!

Will share photos soon!!!!

Our house, in the  middle of our street/ our house was our castle and our keep - Our House - Madness

Shopping ... shopping ... shopping

We had a fairly hectic morning ... dropped big-guy off for his psychometric testing and headed off to look for the fridge we'd seen on special.  Sadly, some long story about the supplier not supplying which had us turn and leave the store empty handed ... no sir, we are not settling for a fridge where the freezer is on top!  G-man is 6"3 and will be knocked out if the freezer is on top.  I'm not keen on a side by side - so we'd decided we want the Samsung, where the freezer is at the bottom ... now if only we could find it in stock! 

Litte man scored 4 comics using the money Grandad sent for Christmas!  Miss Boo has been in luck ... two pairs of pumps last night and a cute pair of demin shorts today.  She was looking ueber cute as well and I'm sorry I did not get a photo of her cute outfit this morning.  Suddenly, she's really thinking twice about what he adorns her body with and it's so cute to see this butterfly being born.

After doing piles of laundry once we got home, we headed to Builders Warehouse ... for what you may ask?  Well, "just because" G-man said.  We left with a gorgeous new light for the kitchen (pictures to follow), news cushions for the lounge and a mirror for big-guys room.  Seems the boy now feels he needs to 'check my look in the mirror' as well.

I got a funky pair of brown sandals ... my other pair are driving me nuts as the strap slips off and I feel as though I'm wearing slip-ons - and I'm so bummed as I absolutely love the old pair ... I paid a whole R90 for them when G-man and I went down to Durban in July 2008 and all the women I know just love them.  Also indulged in a purple cardigan and striped long sleeve pull-over from Pick 'n Pay.  Best part, the brand that Pick 'n Pay sells here is one sold in Target.  How I wish we had a Target here, I just loved the store when I visited the States.

Tomorrow we're off to the Homemakers Fair ... I'm quite excited.  We have some specific areas to visit and I'm hoping there are some good deals to be had.  Just loving that our home is taking shape and starting to 'fit'.

Check my look in the mirror/wanna change my clothes my hair my face - Dancing in the Dark, Bruce Springsteen

Homesick

I don't like to say it often and seldomly ever ackowledge it. Mostly, I try my best to dismiss the feeling by ignoring it and keeping ueber busy ... but there are days, where it just does not leave, it wraps itself in my thoughts and tugs at my heart and I find its often brought on by seeing images of Europe ... today, I feel homesick. Today, I'd like to ride my bicycle with the kids along the stream and say hi to the cows and look at the hanging geraniums or take a walk along the banks of the Isar River and stop at Backhaus Weiss for Sonnenblumen Brot and buy a block of Butterkase, or for a Radler at the beer garden ... yip, I'm homesick.

Moved?!

Yes, all our possessions are at the house, the beds are made, the furniture is fairly arranged, curtains are mostly hung, 80% of boxes unpacked ... but do I know where anything is? lol

We are all exhausted. My G-man is tireless. He's an absolute angel and I adore him more than ever .. if only I had the energy to prove it to him ;-)

Photos in the not too distant future I hope.

Slow and Steady

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies;

but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and,
as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour,

some heavenly blessings!

~Henry Ward Beecher

... and I have a bountiful harvest of heavenly blessings in my life!

We're getting there ... slowly we're making progress and Friday is the big part of the move with our beds and lounge suite etc. due to be moved to the new house. We have taken tons of stuff down to the house already, but this is the 'family' move.

G-man has worked so hard at the house ... putting up new curtain rails, a built-in wardrobe and light fittings in Miz T's room and ... and ... and ... he's just wonderfully awesome. Night before last he worked 'til 1am and yesterday said he'd left me some surprises ... well he'd gone and put up the 'fat chef' clock and the work benches in the kitchen ... I was not expecting that to be done just yet so I am pretty thrilled and they look great. Last night I went down to hold the wardrobe doors for Miz T's wardrobe - he did a sterling job ;-). My thighs are protesting though this morning.

I have tons of curtains to still 'pull' and hang and a good few still to purchase. Nowhere near as far as I wanted to be, but I will have those that can go up hanging tomorrow evening. The rest will be the one's brought from the present house. I'd so love to wash them all first, but that's just not going to happen at this point.

I took more photos last night but when i got home, found that our DSL line had finally been disconnected (although I had asked that both the phone and DSL Line run 'til the end of the month, seems Telkom marches to the beat of their own drum) and I could not add the newies to my facebook. I may try and get some new one's up here in the meantime or on my site but with no access at home it may be a bit of a challenge ... no promises right now as our lives are so 'deurmekaar'.

Have yourself a fabulous day now.

The 'Great Trek'

Yes folks, the time has come ... the packing is nowhere near done and there is still TONS to be done at #5, but tomorrow we start our 'Great Trek'. I've taken tomorrow and Monday off work and tomorrow the first thing that will happen is that I will take Felicia our maid down to the house to clean the kitchen and I'll do trips to collect the boxes for the kitchen while G-man sorts out the fence issue. He will then start moving whatever he has decided to do first. Hopefully tonight we can get the curtain rails up and I can start getting the curtains ready to be hung, at least the new ones for the hundreds of new windows!

Saturday morning our new carpets will be fitted. After that, we still need to put up the skirtings in Miz T's bedroom and build the cupboard but I'm not too sure when that will happen, maybe only on Sunday. Her room also has no light fittings as yet. I have also taken Monday to get bits 'n bobs sorted out.

I dont' know if I'm just VERY stressed, or getting flu, but I've been a wreck yesterday and today ... all emotional over the smallest thing.

So, hopefully when you hear from me again, we'll be settling into our new home!

Have a fabulous weekend and keep me in your thoughts.

This 'n that and the other

The house transfer is through. We collected our keys last week Monday. The people from whom we purchased are, well, umm, dirty and of the worst diy crowd of clowns ever. I don't know, when we double checked every property, that we missed so much with this house. Were we simply tired? Frustrated? Feelin' the pressure? What the heck! But, all is not bad, but 99% of everything in the house needs to be fixed. The kitchen cupboards 'drag' on the rim above, the geysers are not installed correctly! The motor on the garage door is broken. The curtain railings are all rusted and warped. It's just an unbelievable second grade job on everything ... but still, there's a glimmer of hope within that we did not buy a complete lemon. I'm hanging in there and keeping positive. Every door, every cupboard door needs to be sanded and painted. The insides of the cupboards, the window frames, window sills, skirtings, cielings ... ack. If I'd seen this couple before we made the offer I'd never have bought their home!!!

We have hired a painter to start tomorrow. He has commited to completing the job by the 14th. This will give us time to move and clean up at the house we're renting. I'm stressed. I'm waking at 4am every morning .. if it were warm I'd get up and do something constructive, but it's just so cold that at 4 am that I dash to the loo and dash back to bed.

So, hows your stress levels?