Well this will be my last post before we go on our holiday, and I am so happy. The afternoon has really dragged though, and it has been a stressful morning, trying to get everything sorted out, that needed to be sorted out.
I joined this “community building” site called Facebook, which Jackie introduced me to, and it is surprising how many people you know are on it. It is a lovely way to check out what everyone is up to, but I think that I still like to have my blog so that I can write long stories… Very sentimental about things like that.
I hope to write while we are away, and I will try post when I can, and when there is enough signal for the phones to connect to the internet. I think the thing that I am looking forward to the most is that I won’t have to rush around according to a schedule. Yes at the Kruger we will have to make sure that we are back in the camp by 6pm but apart from that there won’t really be a schedule. And this time I do plan to finish Wyrd Sisters this time, and I have some other books that I would like to get stuck into as well. The good thing is that during the evenings we will be able to relax and do that.
Something that has amazed me so far, is how people have been astounded that I am going away for 2 weeks and they want to know how I managed to get all the leave, like it would have been mission impossible. I have to smile about it though.
Tomorrow is going to be a runaround, and Paul emailed me a little while ago to say that he will be working tomorrow which is a bit of a bummer. So, I will have a bit more running around to do, but that is fine. I hope that I will get everything done on time. Everything includes dropping my budgies off at my mother’s for the holiday. At least they will be able to keep Cheeky company. I was thinking of starting the run around this afternoon rather so that I have less to worry about tomorrow. I think I will do that.
I am also going to collect my new book, The Power of a Praying Woman, which I hope will be a great read, and something that I will really benefit from. You know, sometimes you get so busy praying for other people that you end up forgetting about yourself, and I don’t think it is completely the way things should be. So, hopefully I will have my nose and heart stuck into that one for a while on our holiday, and I will come back feeling energized by that as well.
That’s me. Don’t forget to check back every now and then to see what’s happening. Unfortunately I will only post pictures when I get back.
Friday 25 May 2007
Wednesday 23 May 2007
Talking Budgies
Alright, so this afternoon, I took the leap and I have bought a nest box for the birds. BlueBoy and BabyBlue seem to be very lovey dovey, and have been for an age, so I reckon that it would be an idea to see if they want to make a little family. I just need to check with the lady from the pet store how old the birds would have been when I got them, so I make sure that I don't kill them by letting them breed too young.
Well, it is almost time for hot chocolate and a movie. Snuggling with my hubby and watching a comedy is a good way to spend the evening.
I have attached another pic of the clouds from this afternoon's trip home. They were in a fascinating circular pattern, as if there was a cyclone eye right above Pinetown. Still looked stunning.
Well, it is almost time for hot chocolate and a movie. Snuggling with my hubby and watching a comedy is a good way to spend the evening.
I have attached another pic of the clouds from this afternoon's trip home. They were in a fascinating circular pattern, as if there was a cyclone eye right above Pinetown. Still looked stunning.
Tuesday 22 May 2007
The hot and cold of it...
I meant to post these pictures yesterday, but didn’t get a chance, and plus one was taken on the way home.
The grey clouded one was yesterday morning. They were the most fascinating clouds ever, and then on the way home, the sun set was awesome, so I figured I would capture that as well.
The weather has taken a very cold turn here and we are all freezing (in Durban, 11 deg C is freezing), and dressed up in our winter woolies. That should last about a week and then we will be back into the swing of warm sunny days again.
There are 5 more sleeps till we leave for our holiday and looking forward to it immensely. Two weeks away from the hustle and bustle of life, and into the hustle and bustle of nature. I do know that it will be freezing in the berg, and not the “Durban freezing” either. The good and proper kind. I just need to remember some lip ice so that my lips don’t end up looking like they are a hundred years old.
Last weekend, was a bit of a blur for me, but nothing terrible or anything. The Super 14 Rugby final was on Saturday, and after and awesome game, the Bulls beat the Sharks by a point or two, I wasn’t paying terribly much attention, however, I must give credit to the guy who scored the last try, it was splendid! It was a great game to watch, and probably all too stressful for most of the country. On Sunday we went to the Bot Gardens to have a farewell picnic for our friends Linda and Gareth, who have moved to Pietermaritzburg. We will still see them, so it was just a get together more than a final farewell. It was stinking hot, and there was also a berg wind which just made it hotter. But, but the evening, it had cooled somewhat, and by Monday morning, the jerseys were being tried on to make sure they fit.
The grey clouded one was yesterday morning. They were the most fascinating clouds ever, and then on the way home, the sun set was awesome, so I figured I would capture that as well.
The weather has taken a very cold turn here and we are all freezing (in Durban, 11 deg C is freezing), and dressed up in our winter woolies. That should last about a week and then we will be back into the swing of warm sunny days again.
There are 5 more sleeps till we leave for our holiday and looking forward to it immensely. Two weeks away from the hustle and bustle of life, and into the hustle and bustle of nature. I do know that it will be freezing in the berg, and not the “Durban freezing” either. The good and proper kind. I just need to remember some lip ice so that my lips don’t end up looking like they are a hundred years old.
Last weekend, was a bit of a blur for me, but nothing terrible or anything. The Super 14 Rugby final was on Saturday, and after and awesome game, the Bulls beat the Sharks by a point or two, I wasn’t paying terribly much attention, however, I must give credit to the guy who scored the last try, it was splendid! It was a great game to watch, and probably all too stressful for most of the country. On Sunday we went to the Bot Gardens to have a farewell picnic for our friends Linda and Gareth, who have moved to Pietermaritzburg. We will still see them, so it was just a get together more than a final farewell. It was stinking hot, and there was also a berg wind which just made it hotter. But, but the evening, it had cooled somewhat, and by Monday morning, the jerseys were being tried on to make sure they fit.
Thursday 17 May 2007
About Impatience
I thought that I would post this as it is something that I think we often forget. Please feel free to visit The Vine for more of these devotionals, which you can have sent to your inbox daily. I want to thank Bob Gass and the team from The Vine for the seeds they have sown in my life.
The Word for Today
with Bob Gass
Thursday, May 17th, 2007
Don't Be Impatient
Let patience have her perfect work, that ye May be [mature]... wanting nothing.
James 1:4
Just because it hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean God has changed His mind. While you are waiting - God is working. The timing may not be right for Him to get the ultimate glory, and you the maximum benefit. That's why the Bible says: "Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect [mature]… wanting nothing." Impatience is a sign of immaturity. Children can't wait for anything! So, are you being childish or showing maturity? God sets His watch to accomplish His purpose, not ours. Paul writes: "We know that all things work… according to His purpose" (Ro 8:28 para.). When you understand God's purpose you won't permit things that are contrary to it, including hurry and worry. You'll also know how to allocate your time, your energy and your money - who you should spend your life with and who you should not.
God says, "I make known the end from the beginning" (Isaiah 46:10 NIV). First God sets the goal, then He determines the steps that lead to it. And what are we supposed to do while we are waiting? Listen: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour" (Habakkuk 3:17 NIV).
Begin thanking God today for what He's done, and what He's going to do on your behalf, because He will - He absolutely will come through for you!
The Word for Today
with Bob Gass
Thursday, May 17th, 2007
Don't Be Impatient
Let patience have her perfect work, that ye May be [mature]... wanting nothing.
James 1:4
Just because it hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean God has changed His mind. While you are waiting - God is working. The timing may not be right for Him to get the ultimate glory, and you the maximum benefit. That's why the Bible says: "Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect [mature]… wanting nothing." Impatience is a sign of immaturity. Children can't wait for anything! So, are you being childish or showing maturity? God sets His watch to accomplish His purpose, not ours. Paul writes: "We know that all things work… according to His purpose" (Ro 8:28 para.). When you understand God's purpose you won't permit things that are contrary to it, including hurry and worry. You'll also know how to allocate your time, your energy and your money - who you should spend your life with and who you should not.
God says, "I make known the end from the beginning" (Isaiah 46:10 NIV). First God sets the goal, then He determines the steps that lead to it. And what are we supposed to do while we are waiting? Listen: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour" (Habakkuk 3:17 NIV).
Begin thanking God today for what He's done, and what He's going to do on your behalf, because He will - He absolutely will come through for you!
Tuesday 15 May 2007
While browsing the news this morning
I was browsing the Business Day website this morning (15 May 2007) and an article on stressed employees caught my eye. I know that I have been feeling a little stressed for the last while and decided to have a brief glance at it. And as all of my avid readers (I wish) know, I like to find out what is behind things and how we can make them better. A lot of my friends will vouch for it, so you never know, I may need therapy!
According to this article, between March 2005 and March 2006 45 out of every 1000 employees took time off work for psychological reasons. This has apparently risen to 65 in a thousand from March 2006 to March 2007. That is a scary thought. They also mentioned that the average number of days employees take off for these reasons is about 4,6 days per year, which is double what they would take for other illness. This is a hectic statistic.
In my attempt to find some way to ease the stress, I stumbled on some tips. They included keeping a positive attitude, accepting that there are things that you can’t control, be assertive and not aggressive, learn relaxation techniques (imagine all of us doing yoga in the training room), regular exercise, eating healthy-well balanced meals, getting lost of rest and sleep, don’t depend on alcohol or drugs to relax you, look for social support (so chat with friends) and time management.
But, I know that a lot of you can’t get around to the exercise routines, due to the busy home life, but there are ways and means of getting some exercise in. Like, I’m going to repeat some of the cliché sayings *cringe*, take the stairs, park far away from the mall entrance so you can get some walk in. How about taking 20 minutes out in the afternoon, to walk around the block when you get home? Think about it. It could be quality time that you get to spend with your spouse or friends, and chat (another tip from above) and just get some fresh air. All you need is a 3 times a week walk. I’m not asking for a marathon.
Ok, so I am already working on the positive attitude (Happy Days) and working on the exercise, Paul makes sure of it.
According to this article, between March 2005 and March 2006 45 out of every 1000 employees took time off work for psychological reasons. This has apparently risen to 65 in a thousand from March 2006 to March 2007. That is a scary thought. They also mentioned that the average number of days employees take off for these reasons is about 4,6 days per year, which is double what they would take for other illness. This is a hectic statistic.
In my attempt to find some way to ease the stress, I stumbled on some tips. They included keeping a positive attitude, accepting that there are things that you can’t control, be assertive and not aggressive, learn relaxation techniques (imagine all of us doing yoga in the training room), regular exercise, eating healthy-well balanced meals, getting lost of rest and sleep, don’t depend on alcohol or drugs to relax you, look for social support (so chat with friends) and time management.
But, I know that a lot of you can’t get around to the exercise routines, due to the busy home life, but there are ways and means of getting some exercise in. Like, I’m going to repeat some of the cliché sayings *cringe*, take the stairs, park far away from the mall entrance so you can get some walk in. How about taking 20 minutes out in the afternoon, to walk around the block when you get home? Think about it. It could be quality time that you get to spend with your spouse or friends, and chat (another tip from above) and just get some fresh air. All you need is a 3 times a week walk. I’m not asking for a marathon.
Ok, so I am already working on the positive attitude (Happy Days) and working on the exercise, Paul makes sure of it.
Monday 14 May 2007
Not quite so Happy Day
As hard as I try today can’t be a particularly happy day. Paul is on his way to Botswana on business for 3 days. Ok, ok, so it is only two nights, but still, it’s not nice being home alone for two nights. However, it does mean that I can finish Terry Pratchet’s Wyrd Sisters without feeling guilty.
This weekend was a busy one, with lots of “admin” type home stuff to do, so it wasn’t particularly exciting. However, I think that the mom’s all had a happy mother’s day. Paul whipped up at yummy 3 mushroom and bacon pasta for supper with our mothers, and we spent lunch and some of the afternoon with Peggy, Paul’s step mother. The pasta went down like a home sick mole (to quote my brother) and there was still some left over for supper tonight. There was also lots of rabbit food, so I think I will be munching through a pile of leaves tonight…
I also phoned Ouma yesterday to find out how she was, and she is getting better. It has been worrying that she is unwell, but she said that she was feeling better and was able to get up and walk around, with a walking stick, and even went across to visit my aunt and uncle.
Yesterday, I got to meet a lovely lady, who happens to be Arthur’s wife. Arthur is in our homegroup, and a wonderful person, so it only goes with the territory that his wife would be as lovely. They looked frightfully happy together, and she mentioned that she was looking to stay in Durban, and possibly resign from her job in Bloemfontein. It was funny how Arthur was pushing for her to be a house wife (in jest I would imagine) and she was fighting it like anything. I had a good chuckle. So, Arthur said that she would be joining us for homegroup, which is lovely. Now just to find her a job here in Durban! Prayer works well!
This weekend was a busy one, with lots of “admin” type home stuff to do, so it wasn’t particularly exciting. However, I think that the mom’s all had a happy mother’s day. Paul whipped up at yummy 3 mushroom and bacon pasta for supper with our mothers, and we spent lunch and some of the afternoon with Peggy, Paul’s step mother. The pasta went down like a home sick mole (to quote my brother) and there was still some left over for supper tonight. There was also lots of rabbit food, so I think I will be munching through a pile of leaves tonight…
I also phoned Ouma yesterday to find out how she was, and she is getting better. It has been worrying that she is unwell, but she said that she was feeling better and was able to get up and walk around, with a walking stick, and even went across to visit my aunt and uncle.
Yesterday, I got to meet a lovely lady, who happens to be Arthur’s wife. Arthur is in our homegroup, and a wonderful person, so it only goes with the territory that his wife would be as lovely. They looked frightfully happy together, and she mentioned that she was looking to stay in Durban, and possibly resign from her job in Bloemfontein. It was funny how Arthur was pushing for her to be a house wife (in jest I would imagine) and she was fighting it like anything. I had a good chuckle. So, Arthur said that she would be joining us for homegroup, which is lovely. Now just to find her a job here in Durban! Prayer works well!
Friday 4 May 2007
Swan Lake… *sigh*
It was beautiful, graceful, amazing.
Paul and I went to see Swan Lake, as you know, from yesterday’s post, and it was magnificent. We went to have pizza for supper first, and then off to the Playhouse. We were nearly all the way at the back, but it was worth every penny spent on the tickets. The dancers were graceful, and the lake scenes were my favourite. The “bad guy” was excellent, and he certainly made you know that he was the bad guy. By 10:30pm we were exhausted though. The orchestra was also amazing, and they were conducted by a Russian conductor, who I’d imagine tours with the troupe. It was just awesome to be there and to experience it. I think I thanked Paul about 10 times during the show for taking me. It was the first Ballet I have ever attended, and I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I did have a giggle every now and then, thinking of my friend’s twins trying to perform this gracefully, after hearing stories of the ballet recital that she went to watch. But, they say you need to start small, and I am sure that the dancers last night also had clumsy beginnings.
Please visit the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s website at www.spbt.ru to see some of the stunning dancers. There is also a link to the lead’s website, and there are a few STUNNING photo’s from the ballet.
Happy Friday!!!! Enjoy the weekend.
Paul and I went to see Swan Lake, as you know, from yesterday’s post, and it was magnificent. We went to have pizza for supper first, and then off to the Playhouse. We were nearly all the way at the back, but it was worth every penny spent on the tickets. The dancers were graceful, and the lake scenes were my favourite. The “bad guy” was excellent, and he certainly made you know that he was the bad guy. By 10:30pm we were exhausted though. The orchestra was also amazing, and they were conducted by a Russian conductor, who I’d imagine tours with the troupe. It was just awesome to be there and to experience it. I think I thanked Paul about 10 times during the show for taking me. It was the first Ballet I have ever attended, and I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I did have a giggle every now and then, thinking of my friend’s twins trying to perform this gracefully, after hearing stories of the ballet recital that she went to watch. But, they say you need to start small, and I am sure that the dancers last night also had clumsy beginnings.
Please visit the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s website at www.spbt.ru to see some of the stunning dancers. There is also a link to the lead’s website, and there are a few STUNNING photo’s from the ballet.
Happy Friday!!!! Enjoy the weekend.
Thursday 3 May 2007
After the weekend
Well, the long weekend has come and gone. The leadership retreat wasn’t as much R&R as I was expecting, but it was good none the less. I think everyone enjoyed it, and there have been a lot of reports of refreshed and rejuvenated people. African Enterprise was a beautiful venue, the food was great, Paul and I got to share a lovely little “bachelor cottage” and it was lovely. Ok, so there were two single beds, but nothing that we couldn’t remedy :o)
Then on Monday it was dead here in the office, half the population in SA took the day off, as 1 May was of course Workers Day. So, I sat here at my desk looking out my window at the sunshine again, and wishing that I was at the beach with my brother. On Tuesday he did a marathon, his first and the last qualifier for the Comrades Marathon in June. Yes, he is crazy enough to want to run 87km. I know I have lots of room to talk, after riding almost the same route on my bicycle, twice. He was very happy as he managed to finish it in 3 hours 53 minutes. Then I went home and checked the photo’s I took, and then had them printed for my brother and his running partner.
While all this was happening I was “slaving” over a yummy sausage casserole, in the slow cooker, which I decided to make some changes to the original recipe and finding that the updated recipe was better than the original. We had that for supper :o)
Tonight, Paul is treating me to Swan Lake! I am SOOOO excited. It is one of those events where I wish I could take a camera with me, just so that I never forget it. You know how memories are, how they eventually get fuzzy edges and it fades away with time. I will post details after I have seen it though.
Then on Monday it was dead here in the office, half the population in SA took the day off, as 1 May was of course Workers Day. So, I sat here at my desk looking out my window at the sunshine again, and wishing that I was at the beach with my brother. On Tuesday he did a marathon, his first and the last qualifier for the Comrades Marathon in June. Yes, he is crazy enough to want to run 87km. I know I have lots of room to talk, after riding almost the same route on my bicycle, twice. He was very happy as he managed to finish it in 3 hours 53 minutes. Then I went home and checked the photo’s I took, and then had them printed for my brother and his running partner.
While all this was happening I was “slaving” over a yummy sausage casserole, in the slow cooker, which I decided to make some changes to the original recipe and finding that the updated recipe was better than the original. We had that for supper :o)
Tonight, Paul is treating me to Swan Lake! I am SOOOO excited. It is one of those events where I wish I could take a camera with me, just so that I never forget it. You know how memories are, how they eventually get fuzzy edges and it fades away with time. I will post details after I have seen it though.
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