It's (actually) all good!

This is why:
1. I have the sweetest "baby" sisters (see comments, previous post)
2. I have the most loving, caring and amazing husband (also a good canoo-er)
3. I have the most intelligent children in Sub Saharen Africa [sic] :)
4. I live in the most awesome place in the world
5. I have a mad granny next door
6. I CAN drink Savannahs (well, at least, one Sav Lite every now & again)
7. I don't live "in the land of Noooh Eng-ga-leesh" (although some days I do feel like no-one understands me)
8. I now know how to say "hello" and count to 5 in Chinese
9. Kathy will send me Simple Scrapbooks (not sure if it's any closer to America than here, but she said she'd try)
10. Both waxer & waxee survived
11. I have discovered Tempo Peanut
Feeling better already...

Feeling sorry for myself

I'm feeling sorry for myself today. Why?

1. I'm not feeling well. I have a sore throat and stuffy nose. And I can't take anything for it 'cept VitC, Fisherman's Friend and Panado.

2. I broke my rule about sleeping in one of the boys' beds. OK, I use the word "sleeping" liberally - I lay in Matt's bed from 4.17 until about 5.48 this morning, while he slept. I crept out of it before he woke up, so he didn't think I was there all that time. I blame #1 above for my lapse in strength.

3. I had to play bad cop (again) with Matthew's eating at Nana's house. He decided he liked the feel of warm oats porridge in his hands and spread it liberally in 1 square metre around his chair (while Nana & I were concentrating on getting porridge down Timothy's throat). I wondered why he was so quiet while we were feeding Tim...

4. I won't be able to hold Anna tonight when we visit the Schonkens because of #1 above.

5. I would really like to go and buy myself the latest edition of Simple Scrapbooks magazine, but this being a very, very long way from America, I will not find it (or any back issues I don't have). But trying (during work hours, of course) is appealing.

6. I have a bikini wax at 12. And I cannot take drugs or alcohol cos I'm pregnant.

Send me happy dust please (the non-allergic kind). Thanks

Sub-Saharan Africa

I always thought mom had coined the phrase "in sub-Saharan Africa". I see it on the Standard Bank site this morning, and think: "Wow, Std Bank is using mom's phrase... In fact, "sub-Saharan Africa" is now a bona fide region of the world. Cool." Now I'm questioning whether I've put my mom on a pedestal, or whether she is actually as cool as I think she is.
I'll stick with #2.

Mirror

Our boys are nearly at the "why?" stage. At the moment, it's "what's this, mommy" or "what you saying (to me), mommy" or "what you speaking about, mommy". Ad infinitum. It's intensely annoying, especially when you're trying to have a conversation with your significant other (quite a rare occurrence when both boys are awake.) We have a new strategy: answer them once (or twice), then ask them the question back. By answering their own question, they seem satisfied and stop.
Yesterday while the boys were eating supper (cheese toast, tomato & naartjie) and I was making a salad, Tim started: "What's this, mommy?" "Lettuce, Timmo." "What's this, mommy?" "Lettuce, Timmo. What's this, Timmo?" "Lettuce, mommy" (rolling his eyes, like don't you KNOW?) Then Tim starts on Matthew... "What's this, Matt?" "Cuu-cumba, Tim." Here's where it changes... Tim starts clapping his hands and yelling "YAY!!". Then "You clever, Matthew." Gareth & I giggle behind our hands and marvel at our little boy.
I remember being nervous about having kids (nearly 4 years ago, a bit late, although swapping them for a pair of labrador puppies has been a very appealing thought recently), that they would be mirrors. Displaying the best and worst of me for the world to see. Well, there you are. It's happening.

Emma's safe & sound

Emma's hit Tainan, and staying with Kim Wilson (sister to my best friend, how small is this world?) Emma and Kim are chalk & cheese, so that's going to be interesting!

Her email says:
"Arrived safely in Tainan... all good! Lots of South Africans around, all
very friendly and very eager to help me settle in.
Am staying in an apartment with another South African girl who has been
looking after me and showing me around. The apartment is 10min walk from
school,close to all the shops and has a massive pool... all very convenient.
Its extremely hot, 35 degrees (just like when we were in Thailand, Kath).
Everyone drives scooters so have been cruising around on the back of Kim's
scooter (my flatmate) with her in traffic where there are no rules!
Am at school now, everything is VERY different, but the other teachers are
friendly and helpful.Have been out and about quite a bit, checking out the
markets and local Western pubs. We have an hour and a half lunch break now
so am going out for lunch (its extremely cheap to eat out and people seldom
cook) with some of the other teachers."

Missing you, Em!

BTW:
Listening to: Either Prehistoric Animal Brigade, on repeat or Nora Jones (depending on who's in the car)
Eating: Vanilla Yogi-sip

So Emma left today... ("big boy beds" update)

And we cried. It was quite a fiasco, really… SAA strikes meant that the 1-time flight was delayed, and she only had a 2 hr stop-over in Jhb. So we were phoning everyone in sundry to make sure she got onto the flight. And she’d managed to pack her backpack to only 6kgs so that she could take her 2 surfboards (16kgs). 1-time were fine, but CathyPacific put up a fuss. She ended up in tears (real ones) and paid R1,300 to get them on the flight (having to make up an Irish address to change her $s – she’s on an Irish passport). Boy. When I phoned her at 12.43 (flight scheduled to leave at 12.50), she was relieved, and we cried some more.

Some funny moments, at least... Photo on right shows "Thandi & Mary" (Em aka Thandi & Shupiwe aka Mary flying in the face of racial prejudices). Very funny. And I had pants too big on (cos all others too small), so everytime I dissolved into tears (I AM hormonal, you know), my safety pins popped and I had to hold onto my pants, which mean I dissolved into fits of giggles. I must have looked really funny. Shupiwe didn't know whether to console me or to giggle with me. We opted for giggling.

BIG BOY BEDS

This is really an aside, with Em leaving today... Finally the big boy beds arrived! We managed to convert the boys' nursery into this last night in half an hour (including hoovering!) The boys LOVE their Nemo duvets ("du-bays"), thank you Pops & Marion. And are really big boys now. I didn't feel any of that "aaaaawwww, they grow up too quickly", I'm just proud of these two little men of mine. They slept fine - Matt woke once crying for mommy, and Tim liberated himself from big boy bed and big boy room to bang on our door at 5.15. Not bad going. Holding thumbs for the next few weeks (but realistically expected the worse.) Now I can finally start getting the next nursery organised.

The Giz

I had a laugh-out-loud moment today. This doesn't happen often. It's not that I'm a sad person or anything, it's just that I'm a little reserved.
I got out the shower this morning and the Giz was sitting at his empty bowl. Now normally, he jumps off the windowsill, stretches against the shower door and squeaks (he doesn't really meow) to let me know he's there and hasn't been fed for 12.5 hours (which is a lie, because G has usually fed him half an hour earlier). This morning, though, he stays on the windowsill, looks down at his empty bowl without looking at me, and then looks out the window. I just had to laugh. It was like he was trying to be subtle for the first time in his life. Or perhaps he was contemplating leaving for good because we kicked him off the bed about 12 times last night (I finally relented to having his dribbling chin on my elbow.)

"I just can't believe this"

Had to share this pic with you - Emma surfing with dolphin in the Transkei (Mdumbi)

Promise of a "big boy bed"

We had a bad night with Matthew again... we've been bribing him (successfully, thus far) with a "big boy bed" for weeks, and for some reason, this promise slipped his mind last night. Or perhaps it's because we haven't come good on that promise yet (darn supplier in EL - said 6 weeks, which was up 3 weeks ago). So last night we have to go to him, all of 6 times. My conversation went like this:
Me: What you crying for, Matt?
Matt: Matt want you, mom.
Me: Do you remember that you only cry for mom if you've got an eina? Then mom can try and fix it and you can go back to sleep. Do you have an eina, Matt?
Matt: Yes, Matt got an eina.
Me: Where's your eina, Matt, so I can kiss it.
Matt: Inside
AAAWWWWW

Then later
Matt: Whaaaaa
Me (lying on the floor on oversized teddy cos back sore): I'm right here, Matt
Matt: Come to me, mom. Hold my hand.
Me (trying to reach into his cot without moving off giant teddy): I'm here, Matt.
Matt: Come closer to me, mom.

You know, these little guys really know how to get inside you. How can I get cross? So I hold his hand until he falls asleep, and stagger back to bed. Give Gareth a shove next time. "How did you get him to sleep, sweet?" (wanting to know his strategy, esp if it doesn't involve lying on teddy and holding Matt's hand for half an hour). "I got very cross with him." Sorry, no can do. I think that's a Dad's job. I can only feel very sorry for myself today (although I only got up 2 out of 6 times) and talk about "big boy bed" today to see if it'll work again.

Home from holidays

We’re just back from Kenton (yesterday). Had the most stunning weather… thought about all you poor buggers in the UK who don’t have the winters we do. The days were perfect (just a little wind on two days, but we got to fly a kite on one of them.) The boys had a ball on the beach every day. Gareth dug a great big hole, which served as a playpen for a while. Cool. And I even swam…

Now: for those of you out of Africa, but with your hearts still here… Find this book. It’s FABULOUS! Jacqui Taylor’s African ABC. The boys love it, but are still learning the difference between an acacia and an “umbrella” tree.

On Holiday (almost)

We're off to Kenton for a week. The annual family (van Harmelen) retreat... The beach in winter in this country is just wonderful. Lovely warm days, the occasional warm-enough-to-swim water and NO WIND. I'm looking forward to spending time with Aunty Heather and Uncle Derek (the boys call him Uncle Dick and occasionally Father Christmas.) They're really great people. Esp. Heather - she's always been a favourite of mine in the in-law tribe, cos she enjoys a good bottle (or two) of wine and has a great sense of humour.
We're hoping to take the boys up the creek (Bushman's & Kariga rivers) in the canoe and Gareth's going to teach them to fish for bullies using a hook and line. (Ugg... BOYS! We caught them humanely with a net and kept them in a bucket... no dead periwinkles and no dead bullies.)
Other news... I'VE BEEN ASKED TO TEACH ANOTHER CLASS (yes, I'm shouting!) I'm SO chuffed. I've got some goodies together and going to play with it at Kenton. Probably a baby album (for stork party gift). Found some great new Deja Views paper (mix n match, chose the "Kiwi" range).
Also saw the gynae (with the boys... they were VERY well-behaved) today. This babe is already 1.6kg, and will probably be around 3.2-ish when born. Far cry from the 2.1kg Timothy (now brute) was. Amazing. Things looking pretty good. Didn't see any gender-specific parts, but to tell the truth, didn't actually think of looking until afterwards. Matthew told Dr B that it's definitely a brother. Watch this space (for a while... at least 10 weeks!)
Off to a "party" with the newly-arrived Schonkens at lunchtime. Good to have "old" friends around. Phil's just got a new job, which sounds like it's a good promotion (at a new school) in the UK, so he's chuffed. Tried (for the first time) to get Gareth to consider going to the UK. Not likely. Things would have to get MUCH WORSE here... Gareth just feels pretty undervalued in his job, but there are ways to remedy that without the drastic move on becoming a Pom.
And we're planning to go to Australia next year (as a fine family of five, are we sane?), but not as a "look-see"... we just want to see Kath and travel in an amazing country.
This was going to be a quick post. Forgive the verbage.
Later...

Today: ... to the rediculous

3. I was given our yearly calendar today. My initial thought was "how unlike Mvula, so early" until I realised it's a 2005 one. I can tear it in half and it'll be good for me for less than 2 months (I go on maternity leave in September.) Typical. We got our diaries this year in February.

4. I spent R245 on a new "hair-do". I think I should post a pic. It's rather nice, and probably won't look this good again (until I go to the salon for next 6 month check-up)

5. www.right-brained.blogspot.com A really funny account of giving birth to twins. Obviously not from the mom's perspective. Read it. It made me laugh and cry. It smudged my mascara.

6. I gave Gareth two spanking new knives for our 9-year anniversary. He was very chuffed. Hello Mrs Smith.

Today: Sublime...

Things that have made me think today:
1. Our very sweet and shy financial guy was shot in the foot this morning, after tackling an armed attacker in our (Umtata) office this morning. He and Chief took them on - one on one. It seems that they mistook our office (mvula) for the cash loans office (umvimba) upstairs. Garnet narrowly escaped the incident by being a little late this morning. Another good reason never to get to work on time.
2. London's burning

"I've got a blog."

I’ve had two comments about my blog today that made me smile. Perhaps we’re not supposed to do these things for other people, but ultimately we do. To gain some acceptance, to let people see inside our heads, to be entertaining, to play with ideas. It made me think of something one of my “scrapbooking idols” said on her 2Peas profile. Made me giggle to switch it around to blogging:

“Blogging has changed my life.

It has made me a better person. A better wife. A better mother. A better friend. A better listener. A better writer.

My real passion is blogging the everyday moments, all the little things that add up to make our lives so full and wonderful and crazy all at the same time. The little things the bring such joy.

I found blogger.com in April 2005, right when I was beginning my blogging obsession, and felt right at home. I can not begin to tell you the impact this site has made in my life. One of the greatest blessings in my life is the opportunity to be a part of this creative engine.”*

*Ali Edwards http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/cg_bios.asp?id=153 (not to be confused with Ali of "Ode to Ali")

Going Green

Yesterday Emma brought home a surfer-traveler called John. Em is almost as good as mom at bringing in waifs and strays, but usually they’re single-syllable-speaking surfer-dudes (aside from Shupiwe, naturally.) John and I had the most interesting conversation (after picking myself up from the boys’ floor, exhausted) about greywater, sustainable water use (and appropriate technology in rural Africa), urine diversion systems and biodegradable detergents*. Now I’m fired up. About getting our greywater system beefed up and exploring some biodegradable products (not many here). Also having some very unlike-me entrepreneurial tendencies/thoughts. Even emailed Dad for advice. Just after talking about simplifying this life of mine (read “bail out of real world.”) Found a good eco-mag (www.nrdc.org/onearth) and a US line of great looking products (www.seventhgeneration.com). Can you tell how much “verk” Mommy’s doing today??

*detergent - great American word, isn’t it?**
**foot notes are fun, hey?

We are the special two

"And we will only need each other, we'll breathe together,

Our hands will not be taught to hold another's,

... we are the special two.

And we can only see each other, we'll bleed together,

These arms will not be taught to need another,

'Cause we are the special two."*

Gareth and I turn 9 today! Happily. I've bought him a decidedly inappropriate gift (watch this space), which is probably a good reflection of our marriage. We really are the best of friends. He still rocks my world. And he talks me off ledges. What a beaut.

* Missy Higgins "Sound of White" album (slightly altered-by my hand). My favourite album at the moment (deep, slightly dark, v moving & musically brilliant, IMHO). I'll be playing this to bebe#3, cos it'll be familiar to her/him!

In my next life, I'll have a home office like this!

With its classic styling, this adjustable modular system is well suited to a home office. Details like metal label holders and steel bail pulls give it vintage style. The long desktop fits atop two file cabinets to create a desk, three to make a console. A corner desktop provides a spacious work area between two file cabinets; a sturdy metal support leg (see More Images) at the center provides maximum stability. Simple assembly required. The matching file cabinets have the look of vintage bank furniture. The two-drawer cabinet holds letter and legal files; the three-drawer cabinet has two sections for supplies and a large drawer for files. The hutch rests on the desktop and offers two drawers and seven variously sized compartments for supplies. The lateral file cabinet and bookcase can be used separately to create a seamless addition to your work surface or can be combined to create a freestanding unit. The bookcase has a cord cutout on the bottom shelf and can be stacked to create a four-shelf unit. The CPU cabinet has one drawer and can be configured with two adjustable shelves to the right of the opening, or rearranged to create two wide shelves. Drawers are fitted with smooth-rolling glides. Choose Antique White or Black with brushed-nickel bail pulls; or Antique Honey or Mahogany stain with matte-brown bail pulls.

Random thoughts

While staring at a grey (read "white") eyebrow hair that needs plucking, I was contemplating what to write in my blog today... A few things crossed my mind, I'll share with you:
1. I could write something witty about what "scrapbooking for the uninitiated" is, but Heidi already did. :)
2. I could post a pic of my class on Sat (I had a ball), but I left my camera at home, so that'll be another post.
3. Kath's v successful fundraising event (her pic in the Perth Sunday Times social pages is a hoot... she called it "porn star pose" which isn't far wrong!) Can't post the pic cos it's tied up with some others & some few words on a acrobat file, which I have no idea how to get into a jpg to post. But here's one a little more "decent". She raised R10,000 for her charity and is planning for another "event".
*
4. On the way back from Umtata yesterday, my boss/manager Goodenough said "the trouble with earning a living, is that you've got to keep earning to keep living" (or something like that). I have had some days where I would just do ~almost~ anything to opt out. But thoughts about how to simplify my life, turn into "pros & cons" lists, which get too complex to think about. We love our house. We are fiscally** comfortable. We just don't get enough time to ourselves... I'd like to be around more for the boys... This morning I kissed them goodbye (I was only 10 min late), then had to come back upstairs to find my glasses, and Matt said "Mommy, you back" with such delight. And the other day, I heard Em & Tim coming up the stairs with Em saying "Where's Mommy" and Tim saying "Mommy's at verk." But I know I'd just go blazing bonkers if I spent all day, or even half day, at home with them... Eina.

* still using ImageShack to host pics... tried the blogger one, but took way to long
** couldn't resist, I just LIKE that word!

Teaching my first class

Tomorrow I teach my first class... in Scrapbooking. You may have seen some references to this hobby/obsession previously in the blog. Tomorrow's the day. This is something I'd like to do for a living (like most Scrapbook-OCDers), unfortunately in such a tiny town as this, it won't be a "good" living.
I'm teaching a calendar. I made many for Christmas presents last year, and people liked them, so now I'm teaching 8 ladies how to make their own for gifts. A bit early for Christmas, but post-September, the van Harmelen's are going to have a different set of priorities (bottles, more nappies and sleep).
Going to be quite fun - we have to finish 13 pages in 3.5 hours. V v fast.
Wish me luck...

Imaginary conversations & 12 weeks to go...

I have imaginary conversations... Mostly when I'm angry with someone. I answer for them, and get angrier at "their" responses. This is really irritating me. A good friend once called me "unconfrontational" (which actually surprised me, cos I thought I was. Maybe it's relative...), and perhaps it's this. I WANT to confront the situation, but don't really. I don't want to make the situation worse. And I don't want to be wrong. (I know this is criptic, but it's bugging me today, so thought I'd get it down.) Any advices?
I remember once being so angry with Gareth after a bad dream. It's similar, isn't it? It's like I want to say (to myself): "It's just a movie, it's not real life. Get over it."

Only other revelation today: I AM 28 WEEKS PREGNANT. Can you believe it? Only 12 weeks to go. The thought/realisation got me in a spin... So much to do (get nursery ready, check clothes, sleep...)