Spirited Mama

Living a SPIRITED life filled with wanderlust, emotions and everything in between

Category: About me Page 7 of 12

Laryngitis and Lindt Chocolate Bunnies

By

On March 18, 2013

In About me, Chocolate, Family, Health care

Ok, so after we attended my brother’s wedding in Cape Town we got back and I was still feeling under the weather… Ok ok, that’s an understatement. I was “vrot siek”!!!!

I got back to work on Tuesday, I was supposed to be at work on Monday but due us not being able to get seats on a flight home we spent and extra day in Cape Town. We did nothing but behave like tourists. We went up Table Mountain. We went to Lagoon Beach in Milnerton. Had drinks at Wang Tong… Then off to Canal Walk where somehow we ended up at Cape Town Fishmarket and had the yummiest food…. Yes we were hungry but the food was glorious!

We headed back to my Aunt’s place and laughed and chatted and repacked and got ready for bed… (we were to be at the airport at 4:30am — SERIOUSLY— as we were on standby and we didn’t want to miss a seat to get home).  We I fell into bed just after midnight and when my alarm went off at 4am I was dead on my feet.

We left a little late but got there just after 5am waited and eventually was told that we will be put on the next available flight. Now bear in mind that it was Post Cape Argus Cycle Tour weekend and getting a seat on a aeroplane is well almost impossible  – even to those who paid the full airfare… So I took Dudie t the side, we played in the terminal building a bit, the boys went to get coffee and we ended up flat on the floor very close to the standby counter drooling over our weekend pictures.

Dudie eventually drifted off to sleep on my lap.  <Why do we always need to pee at the most in opportune times? Murphy!!!> Luckily, we were checked onto the 7am flight so it wasnt too long of a wait. When we left on Friday morning it was raining in Pretoria. When we landed in Johannesburg it was raining! WTF! We got home. Unpacked like SPeedy Gonzalez, and all fell into bed for a nap!!!! We woke late afternoon and teh boys went to get takeout whilst I tidied up a bit.  We packed and got ready for work and school and just had hot baths and back to bed.

It was a tiring yet amazing time spent with family. We created memories that we will treasure forever. And my Dudie is strengthen his  with the family more and more…. <We’ll be back in April guys>

But back to the point. I managed to get through my work day, without a voice on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I headed to the Doctor, as a precaution because the voice was just not coming back. And I lost it the previous Friday already….Well, turns out my vocal chords were badly swollen and with all the bugs, colds and flus going around I was not doing myself a favour by going to work. I was booked off for the rest of the week with strict instruction to stay in bed and rest. As Dudie was also suffering with post nasal drip for 2weeks things in the Spirited Household was not all fun. interrupted sleep. Snot. Coughs. Aches and pains… And just when you think you’re on the mend someone gets the sniffles again…. I was about ready to put us all into a freakin bubble.

I had intended to do the 21km “Old Mutual Om die Dam” race at Hartebeespoort Dam on Saturday but was given a very firm “NO Racing” instruction by the GP too. So what do you do when you are booked off sick???? I absolutely can not stay in bed for more than 24hours unless I’m hospitalised and they force me to. I have too many other things that I want to do than lie in bed all day 🙂

This is what I did:

Wednesday:

Drop Dudie at school, late of course. Off to the GP. Get home. Administer meds. straight to bed. Fetch Dudie as the guilt just get s to me that I can’t fetch him everyday cos I get home too late.

Thursday:

Drop Dudie, even later than yesterday. Off to shops to pick up few thing. Off to Makro, for a road trip must have – another cooler box just smaller cos we need a plug in “inside” too. It’s just no fun having to stop to grab stuff from the back. LOL. Fetch Dudie early again….

Friday:

Drop Dudie midway through his music lesson – total mommy fail….LMAO! STraight to the shops. Hunt for that perfect bikini 🙂 I found one. Just not convinced it’s  “that” one. Off to other shops for a jacket that I made the store assistant locate on the system for me. Fetch Dudie and veg out in the lounge. We even set up the tent in the LOUNGE! That’s how we roll…

Amongst all of this Dudie was loving the fact that I couldn’t talk…I couldnt say NO or reprimand him. I raised my voice a few times out if frustration for the boys but they obviously didn’t even realise that I was upset…. I consumed copious amounts of Lindt chocolate Bunnies, this is in preparation for EASTER! Of course. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. LOrd knows you can go into shock when you consume too much chocolate. So I was not about to take a chance.

I’m still a bit croaky but on teh mend. I’m at work but ready to dash out of here to gp pack for our Road Trip.

We’re road trippin tomorrow!!!!!!! Happy Dance!

Spiritedmama

P.S. I need to do soem work but will post soem pics from our Cape Town trip soon.

Be happy take 1059*87692374896255…..

By

On March 1, 2013

In About me, emotions, LOVE, Time out

Ok, so I haven’t blogged in a while…. I’ve missed it.

I was stuck in Bloemfontein for an extra night as the flight that I was booked on was cancelled…..3 weeks ago! The travel agent did not see that the airline re-validated my ticket to get me booked on the earlier flight! So I spent another night away from home but I did make up for it when I got home on Friday 🙂 I went home from the airport got the car and went to collect Dudie. As I walked in he was just dozing off for after lunch nap. Boy oh boy the look on my child’s face was priceless.

(He did ask me on Thursday evening, when I called to say I’m NOT coming home, if I could fetch him from school. I said I would try my best.) He immediately requested an afternoon swim and a movie :-). We played some cricket, badminton, had a swim(it was excruciatingly hot), we sang along to a song book, and we cuddled and watched “Happy Feet2” on my bed. Needless to say when he Dude came home at 4pm we were both asleep 🙂 I missed my boys. I think the “time-out” did us good as a family, if you know what I mean.

Apart from all the drama happening right now, we’re off to my brother’s wedding next Friday. (My baby bother is getting married) So tickets to Cape Town are booked. Car is on standby at the Rental company. And now we hope for the best because coincidentally it is the Argus Cycle Tour weekend too.

I chose a word for 2013 – Accept

THis year is just kicking into gear and already it has been very challenging. I’m trying to “Accept” the things I can not  change. And to live my life for me, and my family.

So on that note, I say cheers to 2013! I’ve been hearing and reading the same type of message, not the exact same phrase but it comes down to the same message,  over and over that “Many things in life we can’t control BUT we can choose to be HAPPY!!!!!

Happy Friday

Spirited Mama

Accept…2013!

By

On February 2, 2013

In About me, Words

So I’ve seen a few bloggers choosing a word for the YEAR and I do like to idea of setting a goal for myself but I’m sceptical as I don’t really want to hold myself accountable for it either… Confused? Yeah, that’s just how my brain functions….

I thought I would go easy on myself but I have a little voice repeating stuff in my head. And I can’t get rid of it. So for 2013,

ACCEPT the things I cannot change! I really am beside myself when I’m not in control of a situation. I NEED to feel like I’m behind that steering wheel. So, for 2013 I’m trying to focus my energies on all the positives of life. I know that even though I might not be the “driver” in many many situations I can still have a positive outcome. And even though I might not always understand why certain things happen when they happen, I do know that it is all in GOD’s plan for me.

I ACCEPT the changes that 2013 will bring!

Happy Saturday…

Spirited Mama

 

Snacktime….

By

On January 30, 2013

In About me, JOBS

So whilst I am trying not to lose my mind at work…. This is my snack of choice… but only because I can’t have alcoholic beverages whilst on duty and in public!!!!

I’m so not happy about work right now. And this madness continues until the end of next week!!!!!!

afternoon snack

Cheers for now. Catch you on the sane side…

Spirited Mama

1 Year Blog-aversary….

By

On January 26, 2013

In About me, Birthdays, Blog-aversary

Sooooooooo, it’s been 1 year to the day that I wrote my first blogpost. I’m sort of in disbelief that I’ve been blogging for a year. Where did the time go?

Although it’s Saturday and believe me I would’ve  loved to lie in…(Thanks Murphy – just today the Dudie decided to sleep past his normal waking time(6-6:30am…) he was actually still asleep when I left at 7:25am. I am at WORK!!!! I have to work today. And next Saturday too! We work from 8am – 1pm. As I left home, I made a U-TURN back to KFC for a “Eggs Benedict and cappuccino” breakfast, the drive through cost me an extra 15 minutes, so  I was late for work. BooHoo. I enjoyed my breakfast. I enjoyed the morning drive. Open highway, I could really drive. Fast. And I did. And I loved it. (I am a speed junkie. I have to constantly remind myself that I need to obey the speed limit. I do, when I have my family or fellow passengers BUT when I am alone… My music is blaring, and I’m exhilarated by the thrill of the open roads…)

Within 30minutes of getting to work, we got Latte’s and croissants…And 10minutes later more coffee and muffins… Let me just say that I’ve overdosed on coffee, half of the muffin s still staring at me and my croissant well I think I’ll give it to Dudie… Way to much food for my liking! Even though I love food, it just too much right now.

So on that note, I’m patting myself on the back for my official 1st Anniversary! My blog started off with a very negative spin but with some humour, I hope… And it has transformed into my happy, ok sometimes not so happy but it’s filled with life and real emotions blog an I’m loving it…

Cheers

I’m off to go get some water!

Happy weekend folks

Spirited Mama

Coffee

P.S. We are going out with our Quadbikes tomorrow. This will be Dudie’s first “Official” quadbike outing. My nerves are shot. But I cross my fingers and my toes that all will be well and safe tomorrow….

P.P.S This will be the first time I get on my quad in almost 4years…. I hope I still remember how to ride. I have a manual bike…. Why is it so difficult to find tracks in Gauteng. Any riders out there please do tell about “happening spots”. The place we used to frequent closed down…

2013???? Already!!!!

By

On January 8, 2013

In About me, emotions, Family, LOVE

Phew, to say that this festive season flew by is an understatement. Where did the time go??? For part of my festive season I do wish I can “rewind” and just relive that moment. Some moments were priceless and they are etched in my soul so deep that no can remove them. Family time is important but nothing comes close to “Quality Family Time”.  The love, laughter, joy and happiness that comes along with it is truly magical.

This Christmas I truly had a magical Christmas! We just soaked up one another. It wasn’t all rosy but the good definitely out weighed the bad.

Yesterday, I started working again. It’s was horrible yet liberating at the same time. As much as I adore Dudie, we all need that “alone ” time form one another. So when I announced that it’s school time he wasn’t overjoyed but wasn’t exactly sad about it either. This morning he had a skip in his step as we walked to his class. He was happy, singing and bare feet ‘cos his Teacher said that he can leave his shoes off….

SO for now, I’m catching up to 400 emails. Trying to snack on healthy stuff and keep myself well hydrated ‘cos damn it’s HOT in Gauteng!!!!!

Happy 2013 All!!!!!

Spirited Mama

Be happy

I got my Ipad 4!!!!!!

By

On December 14, 2012

In About me, Christmas, Girly things, Shopping, Tablets

So Christmas came early, for me 🙂

I di some research, and by chance a gentleman mentioned yesterday that the stock of the Ipad 4 will be arriving next week as they only have two units left. So in a mad rush to get home, the boys and I were off to Menlyn to hunt down this Ipad 4.  And luck was on my side. They had received stock earlier and was ready to sell them.

So my Dude got me one. Isn’t she a beauty? I love it.

IMG-20121214-00642

To say that I am happy is an understatement. I am beside myself! ANd thank you to the lovely ladies for giving me their comments when I was still unsure…. This morning Dudie and I had a tussle over MY Ipad. I calmly reminded him that it was in fact MINE and that he is allowed to used it under my or Dude’s supervision.

Next stop, buy Leappad 2 for Dudie so that he can leave my Ipad alone. I have convinced Dude that Dudie NEEDS a Leappad 🙂

Happy Friday Folks.

Spirited Mama

I only got to work at 12:45 today. I’m not kidding. I will not tell you why but it was time well spent with Dudie, impromptu cake shopping, dashing into Woolworths food market amongst other adventures… Let me go spread out the cake on the tables as I am so ready to lick that chocolate frosting off the cake.

I will be on leave from today and I can’t promise that I will blog over this festive season as it is also holiday for me too. But if there is blogworthy material you will definitely read about it here.

If anyone knows where I can find accessories for the Ipad 4 please let me know. I couldn’t even find a case….

The one where I choke whilst driving….

By

On December 14, 2012

In About me, Food & drinks

Ok, this was yesterday’s post but in all the mania at work and me desperately trying to finish up everything so that I can unleash my Festive Spirit, I never got around to posting. And last night was spent in Menlyn Mall. Eating at Fish Aways, we’re a seafood household so this is always a winner with the Dudie! And when no one was looking we sneaked and played in Santa’s playground 🙂 Even took pictures… I was so tempted to climb on the reindeer but Dude gave me “the look” so I digressed. (Generally, I would have ignored that Look but after a staff member of the Magic Company was NOT too happy to see me enjoying the carousel ride with Dudie, yes I get on a horse too, and even more revolted when he saw me sitting in the back of the Red Bus whilst Dudie pretended to be the driver, I decided that it’s best to just let the reindeer be…)

Anyway, yesterday after a very trying, I’m not kidding my child seemed to be possessed, morning routine we eventually set off for school and work. After the Dudie apologised I decided we could have treats, but it was mainly because I was starving and I really craved “junk” food so we had liqui fruits and flings. (Yes, hush, everyone has been guilty of giving their kid “Junk food” before breakfast. OMG, at least the school give him proper cereal and cooked food)

We ate and chatted and laughed and just enjoyed the ride. (Seems the demons left him). After I dropped him I made my way to the Gautrain station. About a kilometer away, I decide to finish my liqui fruit. Whilst approaching the traffic light, I choked on the last bit. And I kinda snorted/coughed/laughed/cried/screamed the liquids out of my mouth onto the dash and windscreen. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh/cry as

1. That choke was painful

2. Now everyone is staring at me

3. My Liqui fruit is finished and I really need a cold liquid to soothe my burning throat

I made my way to the station. Cleaned the car. And made a run for the train. I did some side step manoeuvre and hurt my foot in the process. I leapt onto the train as it was about to leave….  I made it but not without injury. I decided that enough was enough. No more rushing. No more demons. No more crazy. I will do what I need to do when I eventually get to where I need to be to be able to do it. Be it work/home etc…

Exhibit A:

IMG-20121213-00627

 

Spirited Mama

So we missed our flight

By

On December 11, 2012

In About me, Family, Food & drinks, Holidays, Time out

As in true Spirited Family style, we missed our flight… AGAIN! LMAO

Seriously, I’m so over stressing about the flight because somehow, even with all the bags being packed the night before, we still miss our flight. <Murphy?  maybe… But I think it’s in our plan 🙂 >

This WAS our plan:

5:30am                   Leave for OR Tambo (30mins)

6:00 – 6:30            Check in

7:00am                  Take off for Cape Town

This is how it actually went down:

6:15am                 Leave for OR Tambo

In between Dude driving as if we being chased by Devil himself and Dudie asking millions of questions, I shit you not this kid does not stop. <RECENTLY, we viisted the IRENE Christmas Mareket and a lady was watching us whilst we shopped. SHe mentioned that my kid ” does’t stop talking… My response – He’s only quiet when he’s sleeping. But sometimes he talks in his sleep too> I was trying to take pictures. And calmly remind my Dude that no matter how fast we drive, we WILL miss the flight. So let’s take it easy and we’ll get there when we get there…

Dude slowed down. Dudie asked less questions, ok slightly less or I may just have diverted it to Dude. I Do that when I’m mentally tired and Dude is around. I say – Ask Daddy, boy 🙂

So I got this

We arrive at the Airport. Dude dropped Dudie and I with our 3 suitcases, Carry on bag for me, carry on bag for Dudie, x2 stuffed toys, x3 Photo canvasses I made for the family, x3 books for Dudie, x1 Donald duck blankie for Dudie, etc etc

My trolley looked like a pack horse, with a Dudie on top of it all… Bags got weighed… *Ahem* let’s just say that they put them all on at once, Phew… Get into the check in queue and have a full on conversation with myself in my head * You’ve missed the flight best you go smile and be polite over at the standby counter*

I politely, and I may have bumped a few people out of the way, walked pass everyone and proceed to the standby counter. They’re busy with a shift change. I calmly wait and then a nice young man assists. He points out that we have missed our flight and where is the third passenger? I said that he  was parking the car and should be there in a few minutes. He proceeds to reserve seats on the very next flight and says you can go and chill in the lounge whilst you wait… *Ta Da* Cue Dude walking to wards us and I remember… Oh yes, Dude booked Business Class seats for us 🙂 Yes, Business Class.

So we make our way through the check in and take the lift to SAA’s Premium Lounge.  Sjoe, I just can’t get used to this life… Everyone is so relaxed. Your kid can run around but naked with snot everywhere and no one would give a rat’s a$$… Ok, I have NOT  tried that one and I don’t think I ever will. They have staff that will “babysit” whilst you relax/eat cake/have cuppacinos/whatever… And in true Dudie style, he made the Kiddie lounge “homely” aka unpacked toys, spread floor puzzles, messed with the muffin crumbs… within minutes.

When we finally boarded, Dudie was an excellent traveller. Everyone kept oohing and aahing over him. I’m telling you the air/mindset in Business class is very very different. Dudie really impressed us with his Good Behaviour. Reading and chatting like a “normal well behaved” toddler…We got to Cape Town and what a beautiful sight /day it was

IMG-20121117-00274

Shortly after arriving Dude’s Aunt collected us and we set off for our adventures…

Drop off Aunt, say hi to the other Aunt. Stop by the house in Hout Bay, as there was some issues with the alarm, drive through to my cousin in Fish Hoek via Chapman’s Peak, wow, what a sight and pricey I might add… Had a quick lunch, Drive to Soneike to my Aunt, drop bags, settle Dudie before we head off to our function party, shower change, get glammed up, and reorganise our room so that we don’t trip and break a leg when we get back… Might I add that the Dudie was so comfortable that he said goodbye to us whilst we were still getting ready. At the Party, Dude asked me to check on Dudie, message came back with he’s all good and happy and still very awake at 21:20… (Bed time in our house is 20:00) I replied with emoticons and said that it’s ok he’s on holiday too. We partied until 3am… I was still good to go but knowing my child who wakes us at 6/7am even if I only had an hour’s sleep I knew that it was time to call it a night.

And true’s bob, Dudie woke us at 6am. He eventually woke everyone in the house LOL. We had a family breakfast and then sadly had to pack and leave. Next step was lunch at Oupa Charlie’s house. (aka Dude’s dad, whom he only recently reconnected with…) What a lovely afternoon. We braaied, we laughed and I think some silent tears were shed over Dudie. And yet once again, our child was the poster child of well mannered children 🙂

Off to my Parents(if you’ve read older posts you’ll know this is a touchy subject) for a quick visit. Dudie got a bath and I got to spend time with my niece. Oh how I love that little princess. She greeted us with loud chuckles and arms outstretched. Big drooly smiles and baby sounds…. As soon as she is out of sight I long for her.

Off to my Gran, this was an adhoc visit. We literally popped in after 8pm… We eventually got to Hout Bay around 11pm. Dudie was passed out and Dude and I sat in the kitchen eating left over braai and chocolate cake…

Next morning we slept until 7am… Had breakfast whilst Aunt had a swim

IMG-20121119-00346

This is teh view they wake up to each and every morning… We had a light breakfast and got ready to be tourists. We went down to Mariner’s Wharf. Hopped on the Red Bus and headed out to the Waterfront. As we got there teh swing bridge opened, much to MY and Dudie’s delight! I took loads of photos. Dudie spotted Christmas and almost made a run for it.

IMG-20121119-00467

We had lunch at Mitchells Pub. That was awesome!!!! I’m so going back there.

mitchells-outside

We ended off our day with strolls around the Waterfront before heading back to Hout Bay, via Kirstenbosch etc… Dudie and I dosed off on route back to Hout Bay. You know the humming of the bus, the sun on you, the peaceful nature scenes.. I just couldn’t fight it. Sadly, we repacked our bags and had a stroll around the house in the garden. We headed out to the airport and very nearly almost missed our flight again… Luckily, it was slightly delayed and we checked right back into the Premium Lounge. On the flight back Dudie refused to part with his dinner. He loves seafood so when the steward came to collect the trays he said, that is my food. Leave it. 🙂

We were spoilt and loved in all our glory. We soaked up family and friends. We laughed, we danced, we ate, we played, we indulged…. We will be back soon.

Spirited Mama

P.S. Since we changed our focus of tripping to Cape Town, we made it about us, we’ve been having fantastic breakaways… Cheers to many more. I’m heading home. Wrapping gifts and having an Amarula or two 🙂

Observations in my home

By

On December 6, 2012

In About me, Family, Habits, Random

I started this week on such a high, I was planning to just chillax… If you haven’t yet done so read about it here.

Sadly, that dream was shortlived!!!!! As I had back to back meetings and all kids of emergencies not long after I published that post… (Murphy!!!! Eff off)

So, today it occurred to me that certain things are happening, and in the throes of life we get so busy that things go unnoticed…. But as I’ve decided to make an effort to take in my environment, this is what I’ve observed:

1. Conversations take place whilst I’m in the lavatory! (Dude & Dudie always have something to tell me when I’m in the lavatory… I’m not kidding. I’ve mentioned this to them and Dudie cried crocodile tears cos I don’t want to leave the door open and he wants to see me. After Dude explained that it’s my decision to close the door and he should respect that, he now just comes to knock or randomly screams… Are you ok mamma?)

2. Dudie breaks every single crayon in half before he uses them. Even the brand new ones that just came out of the box… Sigh… I have no idea why he does this.

3. Dude is decluttering….. his stuff that’s standing around anyway so it makes sense… He feels that he can’t handle all the stuff being everywhere. But it is in fact him who put it there/left it there/or decided to not put it away…

4. These days we eat more vegetables than before.

5. We eat less junk food/snacks/take aways.

6. You can feel the holiday spirit! Whoop Whoop

7. Alcoholic beverages are increasing. ( After Dudie went to bed on Saturday, Dude & I had a mini shooter party at home 🙂 I did feel like crap when Dudie woke us on Sunday, 6:45am, to say “wake up guys. Let’s go to Church!” So we eventually got to church, very late, but we made it. And had a KFC drive thru breakfast on the way home.)

8. I’m constantly looking for deals/specials/shopping trips…. I feel like shopping ALL the time

9. I bought some Sloggi undies and man oh man it feels like liquid silk on my @$$. LOL. It really does wonders when you wear new undies. Well fr me, at least.

10. Dudie wrote a letter to Santa. Well I wrote it for him. He had a long list of really inexpensive gifts so I guess I’ll indulge him. (We wrote the letter after he had a meltdown in Makro over some stupid watergun thing. I do believe that we have more than enough of those but my child seems to think otherwise. So I suggested a letter to Santa. All smiles by the time we left Makro. ) Oh one of the items that Santa has to bring is Ferrero Rocher chocolates. My kid loves chocolate just like me 🙂

Have a great day. I’m counting the last working days…

Spirited Mama

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