Supermom/wife does it again...........

and fails hopelessly. Okay how do those supermom's/wife's do it?? LOL

There has to be a way to squeeze in some glass melting, there just has to be. I've got a feeling it might be when the whole family is sleeping, but that means no sleep for me. Okay, so I've got to get into some sort of routine. Routine, what's that?? LOL

Today was the mad dash everywhere. Make something out of the project. You all know how I love making a finished piece. Jewellery design not being my forte in life. Then the handyman was over to sort out the fence's energiser so that I can operate it from indoors. Much safer that way. While he was checking out the front door, and doing his thing. I'm franctically doing washing, dishes, vacuuming, and only made it to the lounge and the kitchen was sort of half done. We will NOT talk about the BOMB that has gone off in my studio. Eek!!! Ended up chasing him on so that I could make it to the Post Office in time to post the finished project off to the magazine. On my way I see tons of traffic, there is a mess up on the highway. No way am I going to fetch Brad and make it home in time for my oxygen. So no oxygen. Pouty face!!! Barely home and then the mad dash to fetch Josh. Manage to lock myself outside the house and my purse with all important documentation inside. The stupid door will not open. Finally, get it open after nearly bursting into tears. Handymand returns - wondering just how handy he is. Frustration!! Rush and fetch Josh who is way to happy playing and Brad joins in. Only to get home and find out that one handyman has figured out how to get out of the property. Great!! Thanks for telling me not to hurry. I could have had tea and cake. LOL

Oh, and you'll be happy to know that I am no longer selling my Soul for nothing. My workshop fees have been upped considerably. So we'll see what happens.

How was your day.

p.s. we won't talk about the Estate Agent.........what part of I refuse to deal with you does she not get!!! Of course she could not get hold of Ant, he was in a meeting.

as for hubby....

Hubby messed with one of my clothing accounts that I hardly ever use. Hence his being in trouble!! But he's making ground back to the front line. LOL

3 days of busy!!

It's been 3 days. Eek!! Where do the days go??

It has been hectic. The odd threat of divorce, separation, wanting to smack hubby with a wet, smelly fish and just crazy. LOL Naturally the man I love was in serious DOO-DOO!! He is slowly crawling his way back to the No. 1 position. LOL

So I've been sorting out the homeschooling, downloading loads of books etc. Purchasing files and all that to store info in. Just in case someone decides to report me for something - you never know. I want to have all those ducks in a row. I've also been working on a project for a magazine.

As of yet, still no serious molten glass!! I know, I know. It's just so hard when your mind is somewhere else. Hubby has assured me that a new bottle is on it's way. Like I said crawling his way back. It only took a week or so of begging.

Back to slaving away.

Have a good one.

ttfn

Birthday summary....

Hmmmm, thinking do I bug you now while it is still all fresh in my mind or wait for tomorrow. Then I thought, nah, I'll most certainly have plenty to tell you tomorrow.

The guests started arriving from 12pm onwards. Most of the work had been done with only a few things left to be done. Mignon and I were in the kitchen drinking champs, sorry sparkling wine while I was finishing off the last of the snacks. My parents arrived and then Tanya, Sean and the twins. Eventually we could leave the kitchen for the great outdoors. It was a beautiful and sunny day.

My dad's potje was bubbling away and by the way was very, very yummy!!! And everyone was enjoying the day and socialising. Hubby got the ribs done and by the time everyone had eaten through all the snacks, it appeared the tummies were uhhhm full. LOL. But everyone tucked in to a fabulous lunch. But wait there was still dessert. Extra, extra yummy!! Way too much and I'm not sure Tanya will ever forgive me for making her bake. Eek!!! But it was divine!! Even if there is tons of food left over.

Brad got spoilt and has a few gift vouchers - he's already hassling me to go shopping. This should be fun. I think I'll take a camping chair along - it might take a while. LOL Decisions, decisions!!

I wore my Blue Bulls rugby shirt, much to my dad's dismay. He doesn't like them - not sure telling him that I only really support them because the kicker dude is hunky didn't float well with him either. He thought I was nuts. But then we know that is nothing new. LOL There was then a heated debate about the All Blacks, Aussies and Springboks. My frantic hints to my dad finally hit home when I said but dad, Mignon is from New Zealand - LOL. They're still friends. Sport can end up rather hotly debated. LOL.

So the kitchen is a war zone. Nothing new there. I'm freezing!! But at the end of the day everyone had fun and the food was great. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

Hope you have all had a super weekend.

ttfn

Birthday pics................

The Birthday Guy!!

The Birthday Guy cutting his cake

Cool Dad - Ant with Chief spy dude Josh

Cool Dad - Sean with Christine

The man I love, my bestest friend and soul mate!!

Uhhm......yummy!!

My mom and dad

Sean and Christine

My best friend Tanya with her twin girls (Christine and Katherine)

My BIL Clive who braved Soweto

The rare family pic, but hang on the red head isn't ours LOL. My newphew Matthew.

The twins....don't panic, dad was nearby just in case.

My sister with her adorable nephew, Josh.

Mignon - school mom and friend...Oh and 'sparkling wine' buddy!! Very important.

Happy Birthday Brad, and good morning world....

It's hard to believe that my baby is 8 years old. WOW!! Before I know it he's going to be all grown-up and my time with him before he goes off on his own will seem like a speck on the radar. More reason to treasure every moment!!

I didn't mess up with the presents. Wiping the sweat off my brow with relief. Huge sigh!!! of relief. He loved the Narnia, Prince Caspian arrow thingy I got him. He LOVED Ben 10 - and now he's having fun with his cousins. We had a sleepover. I'm exhausted. LOL

To think this guy beat all the odds. If anything he has been my biggest lesson of all in life. He showed the world just how much he wanted to survive. He beat the odds. It's crazy how those days in hospital feel just like yesterday. I know at this time 8 years ago, I was being prepped and rushed for an emergency caesar, hubby arrived at the hospital already for work - he didn't end up working that day. LOL. Our miracle was born around 09:15 - and now he's 8 years old.

Treasure every moment!!

I was also going to steal a quote from Angela. Nevermind glass, Angela has a way with words. I'll be back.

For all the Glass Artists/lampworkers/glass beadmakers/whatever name you like to go by........ :))

edited to add: "Ha! You thought artists were the sensitive, temperamental part of the equation, didn't you? Nope, the glass can be even more temperamental and egotistical. The artist who remembers that and lets their own ego go for a few moments while in front of the flame will be rewarded."

ttfn

In honour of Randy Pausch

I just discovered that Randy passed away yesterday. I am grateful for all his beautiful words and for what they have meant in my life.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

and to share with you again one of my favourite quotes:

"You've got to get the fundamentals down, because otherwise the fancy stuff is not going to work."

-Randy Pausch-

Angela, you made me laugh....

"but just because a turd of a comment is going to be flushed doesn't make it okay to encourage everyone to join you in the bathroom and have a peek in the bowl"

If you want I must delete it, let me know. But this just made laugh and smile. It is so true.

Now to focus on glass instead of all these 'copy' threads that are stifling the creative processes.

Can you tell I'm loving my Oxford Dictionary.

ttfn

A day in the life of a paranoid white South African Woman

Don't you just hate it when a Friday turns out to be a Friday the 13th and it's not the 13th. LOL

Okay, the dilemma....

Hubby and my BIL run a little business called Funprix. Kids, especially boys get to race remote controls around a track.

So today I ask the usual. How many parties, where, when etc. etc. This is where the 'paranoid white person' bit becomes very apparent. He has booked one of the parties in a Township which you should all know. Soweto.

Firstly, he says to me that he has one in the South. I say the South where?, He says, Soweto - I go deathly silent and then explode. By now you should know that I explode very well. What the HELL do you think you are doing? You are a WHITE man going into a black Township and currently tensions in my books are running high. That word Xenophobia, then the strike action because of the cost of petrol, cost of food etc etc etc.

Over my dead body are you going into Soweto.

Is this putting your family first?

What do I say to your boys should something happen to you???

All this for a couple of hundred bucks.

No way in HELL!!

I have exploded most of the day over the situation. I see it as trying to not put oneself in a precarious position - this is not racism but just plain stupidity. These areas are still no go areas for the majority of white people in this country. I know of a woman who was helping out a shelter where a gun was held to her head and her possesions taken including her car. I see it as being irresponsible putting himself in a situation that could be very dangerous and should something happen have a HUGE impact on this family. I am sorry but I am not having the man I love putting himself in a position that could potentially be fatal. That is just plain STUPID!!

Feeling obliged to do it because he will be labeled really pisses me off!!

Do not get me wrong. They have done plenty of parties in the suburbs involving a variety of cultures - but driving into a hot zone of trouble where you are going to stick out a mile, where your possesions will look rather attractive and the car you drive even though crap will be inviting trouble.

My family comes first.

Living in South Africa

Surrounded by electric fences, dogs who are pets as well as protection, alarm systems and Private Security Companies (the police might show up but then they could show up days later). You are weary of cars following you. You hesitantly wait for your gate to open and you are on constant alert as to what is happening in your surroundings. You don't just stop at a traffic light - you give yourself space in case you need to take off in a hurry, every person who approaches your window could potentially be a 'smash and grab'. It is a way of life. I will soon be wearing a panic button around my neck.

So this is the BAD, tomorrow I'll fill you in on the good. Yep, there is some good.

Deleted post....

I'm naughty - and didn't even notice the comment from Ang before in my haste I deleted the post.

It was just me justifying my going to work vs. stay home situation.

Got loads on my mind but do I bore you all with the details. LOL

Hugs

Frumpy wumpy grumpy slumpy.........

and a TGIF!!!!

Whatever happened to days of a few cupcakes, a birthday cake (fabulous ones that Nan would make - she could put anything together), the odd sweets, the homemade sweets and treats, the ease and enjoyment of a birthday party. And why oh why am I getting myself into a knot???

It has to be right, it has to be perfect or else!! I nearly blew a gasket last night when I saw the attempt at the school cake. I was like - you got to be kidding right. We discussed this right. You did understand me right. I had hoped being the voice of reason and saying that the cakes should just be ordered would be fine but no, hubby knows better. Thank goodness children don't see the faults we do and he loved the cake. My blood was/is still boiling!!!

Don't you just love that ABBA song....'Money, money, money..........must be funny, in a rich man's world' . I've decided I'm decidedly poor. I hate it, I don't like it and I don't want to be here. My brave facade is gone...............hot tears seem to constantly pour down my face. I want to hide in a shell, I'd love to cancel Sunday - no people around. But that is what I want - not what my poor Angel wants.

I am tired of the 'we will make a plan'!!! I am tired of making a square shape squish through a round shape. It's impossible. I am tired of staring at my petrol guage!! It seems to be more in the orange lately and border line empty than anywhere else on the guage.

Yesterday, I found some very very negative blogs regarding South Africa. It broke my heart. Is this the country I live in - a country I am raising my boys in. Needless to say those blogs scared me shitless. I was paranoid - every noise, every alarm and I was on full alert. Is it that bad, I keep asking myself.

Every second it is on my mind. It's been a month and I haven't really played with glass. Yes, I've melted some but out of necessity more than enjoyment. My Etsy shop has stayed the same for over a month now. Nothing new - nobody looking. I used to work on it everyday, now I'm lucky if I happen to check on it a few times a week or only if someone convo's me.

Okay, yep I'm certifiable. Let's find the straight jacket and put it on. But it is not the solution - I need to melt glass, get that Etsy operating fully and try my best.

I miss my Nan right now - she would sort out this birthday party in a blink of an eye. The cake would be perfect....and everything would be just right.

But there is hope, because through all of it I can manage to laugh and smile. Now before Elaine offers me some cheese to go with my whine. LOL My Mamma Bear!!! Let me get something positive done.

Flatulent Bailey...........Eish!!!!!!

A rather uhhm, smelly subject. LOL

This is Bailey our Boerboel puppy, peacefully sleeping under my desk with his soft blankie and chew toy snuggled in behind him. What Bailey is not aware of is how noxious he is. Yowser!! My oh my........I need a gas mask. And it seems exceptionally worse at night. Luckily an article/advert caught my eye in the little paper that arrives weekly or so at Josh's school. It was also a reminder as I had run across these people in Cape Town. The http://www.feelgoodhealth.co.za/ crowd. They have a Flatulent Preventer for pets. I'm thinking it is worth a try - something has got to work. I'm hoping, no praying it is something he will grow out of. Anthony thinks I'm delusional but then what is new.

Thursday afternoon.........

Hi there,

Elaine, divide by 8 and you'll get the $$$$ price. LOL When I was in Toys R Us in Times Square - the prices were so good I could have gone nuts. Thank goodness Deb was my voice of reason. LOL

I had a wonderful afternoon. Aftercare is cheaper. LOL But we had fun!! Too much cake and coffee.

Chatted with some of the school moms. It's great to chat and laugh. I live for adult conversation.

So this is what I discovered today. Please visit this website.

www.michelecourage.com

Elaine, you'll definitely enjoy it. I know I did. If I won the lotto today - there would be a few hanging on my walls.

ttfn

Thursday's manic thoughts........LOL

Firstly, apologies to Elaine and other fellow readers. The day just ran away from me. It didn't help that I typed a long post for an LE thread and that took a while. Especially when I had to hunt down the dictionary. LOL

Got Brad's birthday presents sorted. Hope the guy doesn't hate me. But it is very disheartening shopping for toys and looking at what they charge vs. the approx. lifespan of said toy in this house. He wanted these cool lazer guns. Not too bad at R200.00 as toy guns go. This was for a set - but the guns were connected to the belt thing by a wire. It screamed 'broken within 5 minutes of being taken out of the box'. I couldn't justify spending R200.00 on something which would cause tears and me frustration. Then there was the Star Wars Lego. A teeny box for R240.00 Nothing big at all, I could get a whole megablocks Pirate ship for the same price. Eek!!! It would be built, maybe last a day and then one by one I'm pretty certain the pieces would be AWOL. Just couldn't do it. I know the Star Wars fans are going to hate me. LOL When every penny starts counting, the lifespan of toys becomes a definite issue for me. So we have the Ben 10 PS2 game, Battleships and a book. Possibly another game but we'll see. Kung Fu Panda and Wall E are just too pricey right now. Between R379.00 and R449.00 for a PS2 game. Ouch!! But I so badly want to play the Kung Fu Panda game, so I'm hoping they come down in price one day. LOL

I'm making headway on the homeschooling stuff. I'm finding programmes/curriculums in various subjects to build a stunning curriculum. I'm pretty excited about this. I think it is going to do this whole family good.

Today we are going to have some timeout at Josh's school this afternoon as it is also a place where moms can go for tea and cake while the kids play. Hoping to get a cake baked for Brad's class tomorrow and put a not so healthy mac and cheese together for dinner. Yummy!!

What are you up to??

Oops, I skipped a day....

3 boys in bed

Blowing and popping bubbles

Today's fun thought

The Six Doctors

"The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling"

- Nursery rhyme -

Today's thought

"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts."

~ Unknown

Brad - The early days

Bradley, shortly after he was born. Born at 30 weeks, weighing 1.6Kg's

Our story:

We were heading for a weekend away with my BIL and sister. They had already arrived and we were on our way. Just outside Nelspruit my membranes ruptured at the time I was 22 weeks pregnant. We found a Dr's office who referred us to the Private Hospital. I was told I would lose the baby. In the meantime we had been speaking to my Dr who advised us to head straight back home and go straight to the hospital. We did that.

When the professionals gave up hope, I refused. I lay there for 8 weeks until cramps put a ding in it and an emergency caesar was performed. The fear was because there was not alot of amniotic fluid Brad could be born with hypoplastic lungs. I think that was the term. The first 24 hours were critical. The little guy had steriods pumped straight into those lungs. It was hard...I did not want to leave his side.

I sat there day in and out. Needless to say the hospital had become our home. We knew practically everyone. I watched the Sydney Olympics in that hospital while Brad was strapped to me - kangaroo care.

I still bump into the Head Sister, Wendy who ran the Neonatal ICU. She was my strength in those early days.

8 years later.............and it's hard to believe the start he had in life. It feels like it was yesterday.

Never give up............no matter what cards you are dealt cause you just never know.

Angry with the world vs. you're trying to rip us off

This afternoon I got very, very angry. I'm trying to explain life and death to my 8 year old son and at the same time deal with an Estate Agent who has the audacity to ask me a stupid question. Am I angry with the world? Before I could answer her she puts the phone down. Yes, I am angry at the world right now because something very sad has happened and my 8 year old is distraught - and I'm trying to fix it the best way I can. So yes I am angry at world. But I never got a chance to tell her.

The real answer which I was trying to get across to her was that I was not very appreciative of how she is trying to rip us off. Nevermind the fact that she is trying to play Ant and me against each other and other silly stupid little games she is playing through this whole sale.

Ant went past the house to discover that the 'new to be owners'...and I reiterate 'to be' have started moving stuff into the house. WTF!! We are clueless, as far as we knew they wanted to measure for curtains and kitchen cupboards - not move in. Nevermind the fact that upon speaking to the 'new to be owners' they duly informed hubby they're moving in this weekend. Another WTF moment!! But no occupational rent has been discussed nor have we been informed by anybody as to what is happening. Phone the Estate Agent who tries to tell Ant the transfer is through and it is their right to do what they want. But he hasn't signed the transfer papers. According to her - he doesn't need to sign anything, know anything or do anything.....According to the Attorney's this afternoon, he has to sign...it will take a week or so to get to the Deeds office and the transfer could only take place towards the end of August - according to the Attorney that is. One Estate Agent is trying to get them into there house rent/bond free for a month. And we must cover the costs - she's living in cloud cuckoo land right. Please tell me she has lost her senses.

She is trying to tell me Ant has okayed the move in. Uhhmmm, no he hasn't. Does she make up these conversations. She is one scary Estate Agent!!! Ant is happy with the fact that we lose R10 000 plus interest for the hell of it. No, he is not. Yes, we're struggling to survive but sure we can cover somebody else for a month. No problem....did I tell you we're stinking rich. Yes, I have to agree with myself - that woman is NUTS!!!

So yes I am angry with the world because something horrible happened and it broke my sons heart but I'm blooming PO'd with her for trying to rip us off!!!

Okay rant over, I feel better now.

Mumbling along..........

Today I am meant to be working on my studio/office. Well I did get a desk in and my laptop is now on it and life in the cyber world is much much easier. LOL

I'm trying to locate our photo box. 8 years ago we did not have digital. I am trying to find photo's of Brad's first days. I'll track them down.

Hope you all have a super week.

Hugs

Sunday's photos

Bradley

I rarely catch him just being him. If he sees me with the camera he stops to pose. This time I got him. LOL They grow up so fast. It's hard to believe that this week he turns 8.

Joshua

Just what are you doing?? Apparently my faery keeps falling over. He felt the need to bury it a bit deeper.

Bailey

Growing at a fast rate of knots. Right now the guy is snuggled under my desk.

Sunday's ramblings....

It's been a lazy Sunday. Just as they should be. (Big grin)

I snuggled up with a book, went to the farmstall and got some nice yummy things. We came home and ate our fresh farm bread, cherry jam/jelly and home made ginger beer. Extra yummy. LOL Then it was back to snuggling with the book and with Bailey. He's nice and warm. Pity about those smellies he makes - yuck!!! If this dude is farting like this now, I dread it when he's uhmmm bigger.

Hubby and the boys baked biscuits. Peanut butter, custard and sugar cookies. So we'll have a supply for a few days. Not sure they are going to last long. LOL

I thought about melting glass but hey, I can do that tomorrow. I was enjoying my chill day. The sun is setting. It's getting chilly and I'm contemplating an early shower. Get the body all warmed up. Do some washing and tidy up the studio a bit. I want to clear the soft glass so that I can play with boro. My first love when it comes to glass. LOL

It's Brad's 8th birthday next Sunday. Hard to believe this guy was born at 30 weeks, weighed 1.6kg's was ventilated etc. etc. Now he is turning 8 and still giving his mom grey hairs. I'm desperately seeking Kung Fu Panda the PS2 game. I have one last week to find it. LOL It must be popular as it is sold out everywhere.

Next week I've arranged for my dad to cook us a Fillet Potjie (extra yummy), going to grab some of the ribs we all adore and braai them. And get family and friends to bring salads, wine, drinks etc and I'll supply the Pomagranate Martini's - the Mojito bug has not hit us yet. LOL

Keep safe, have a super Sunday.

Hugs

They're bears, I tell you.

Off to melt glass

I'm showered, dressed and ready.

Off to make friends or enemies with my torch. LOL

Back later

Beautiful friends!!

Do you know I have a few!!

Elaine, Carmen, Maggie, Angelina, a bunch of Divas and many others. Thank you for the kick in the ASS which was duly needed. Love ya Elaine. Can always count on you to be straight forward and honest. LOL Maggie, I hear you Angel. Moving is stressful. I tried very hard NOT to let it get to me and in all honesty I thought I could conquer the world. Give up happy pills, teach, keep at my torch and be a mom and a wife. What was I thinking. LOL Carmen, a beautiful fellow local artist. You do know I consider you to live on that otherside of the huge big pond. LOL Angelina the one who makes fab sculptures and whose blog makes me smile. Thanks for the support. The day is definitely on the up and up.

This afternoon I got to breath. Drink some wine and have some cheese (wink). We had cake, koeksisters and popcorn too. We had friends over for tea and no tea was involved but still we had FUN!!! We got to hash out homeschooling options and ideas and chat. Can I say it was a relief not be saying the whole time. Remember, keep the bead warm, keep spinning, keep turning, too much heat, not enough heat..................I had an adult conversation which did not include bead making fundamentals but the fundamentals of everyday life. Woohooo!!

I think I'm even feeling brave enough to face my torch. There are some urgent teddy's that need making. LOL As well as a bunch of tutorials that I have bought that really need some trying out.

I might just leave boxes that need to be unpacked to hubby and lock myself up in my studio.

I love you guys.....................

Thoughts on thoughts...............

"You've got to get the fundamentals down, because otherwise the fancy stuff is not going to work."

-Randy Pausch-

I've recently obtained the book "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. Within the first few pages I was hooked and after reading this sentence I was really hooked. It struck a chord with me.

Life and many things is just that - getting the fundamentals.

Same most definitely goes for lampworking / glass bead making. Without the fundamentals you're molten glass on a mandrel spinning rather fast going no where.

In the past few weeks I've had some brilliant students and I've tried to change my approach somewhat and I think it has worked. Only time will tell and the road they take with this art form.

But I find myself in the position this morning where teaching is losing it's zing for me. It could be that I have not been able to melt glass for my pleasure. I have certainly revisited the fundamentals quite a few times in the past two weeks. LOL It could be that teaching has become purely about needing the money vs. the enjoyment of it. I want, need to torch but I'm tired - my creative zing has taken a vacation on me. I stare at my torch saying 'What now?' 'Where do I start' and the biggie 'Will what I create sell???' and that scares the hell out of me.

With all the economic chaos around me I'm becoming scared. Wanting to hide in my little shell and only peek out once in a while. Then there are all the 10 million other thoughts wafting through this chaotic, manic brain of mine.

This morning my email is down, my website is down. Deevva we need to talk girlfriend!! Our local host is just way too much of a PITA!!!

The cherry on top of my morning so far has been the "please attend yr. emails. Thanx Michelle" I'm gobsmacked - am I sending myself sms's and last time I checked I must have attended to my inbox about a dozen times already this morning - not including the zillion times yesterday. Nope the number is not mine - must be somebody else....turns out it is someone else not even named Michelle but who is giving me a mouthful because I have not responded to a supposed email that should have arrived. Excuse me!!! I was not really given a chance to explain - but I do know that my emails were working yesterday and I definitely did not get one from the person concerned. I was like well if this is how you are going to speak to me - you can find someone else to teach you. Yep, out of courtesy I phone the number the sms came from. Could this be the reason I want to quit teaching. Quite possibly.

I am a teeny weeny home run studio. I can teach some of the fundamentals required to start glass bead making. I'd need more than 2 days just to get past the tip of the ice berg of what can be done with molten glass. I am NOT able to sell equipment, supplies and yadda yadda. I lose potential students because they want an all in one stop shop. I'm not that and right now I'm not in a financial position to take on our one and only supply shop. I send all my students to them to get what they need. Could this be the reason I want to quit teaching. Quite possibly.

Maybe I have PMS and I'm just having a bad day today. Quite possibly. LOL

But my love of teaching is definitely not what is used to be. It's become a job - and I want to enjoy it and at the moment the enjoyment is not there.

So my vent, ramble started off with the fundamentals. You need them to do all the different things you can do with glass. For me one of the biggies is HEAT CONTROL - without that you're in trouble. It also appears to be one of the hardest to get across to the students well for me anyway and maybe that makes me a bad teacher. Could this be the reason I want to quit teaching. Quite possibly.

So it's friday, I'm PMS'd (most certainly) and I'm a lampworker without a boat at the moment and not even sure in which direction I want to sail right now.

I need my lampworking buddies right now. Sadly, the ones I consider to be genuine friends live on the otherside of a huge huge pond. Love you guys. There is a lampwork crisis moment happening here.

Chat soon...........

Happy Birthday Madiba

May it be all that you hope for and wish.

Josh's Sports Day....

Josh on the jungly gym

Surveying his world

The sack race

Just taking a stroll, who needs to hop

(it's not if you win the race but how you finish it that counts)

Laughter is good for the Soul

Megan and Josh having a good laugh during the egg and spoon race.

War cry!!

What were those words again.........??

Me!!!

No egg and spoon race........but the distance was short and I came stone last. LOL Can you see the hair is growing back - slowly coming back from the Cancer Shavathon.
Anthony aka Dad

He came in 2nd....LOL

Spirituality

A topic that probably means many different things for many different people.

It has been on my mind a lot and purely because of the homeschooling aspect. I have joined various South African homeschooling groups as well as unsubscribed rather quickly as I have found that there is more mention of God than there is of actual homeschooling. This has not helped me when I am out there trying to find as much information about homeschooling as I can. I want to hear about homeschooling not how because of your strong beliefs you have fallen pregnant or that God has told your hubby to do it with you or not. And can someone tell me what is the the difference between and Ismael baby and and Isaac one is..........confused.

Please do not get me wrong. I have nothing against the Christian faith - I have been there, done that, got the t-shirt so to say. But please do not feel the need to convert me or that the only reason to homeschool is because your faith is not taught in the school system and assume that is the reason I would be as well. I'm doing it for many others and the Christian faith is not one of them. I think if you are going to base faiths in schools you need to cover them all and respect them all, not just have one.

So this is me on my soap box.

I believe in Angels, Faeries, hobgoblins and such. I believe in Soul clusters and living multiple lives. I am comfortable with my Spirituality.

Wednesday's thought

"The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses."

- Malcolm X -

Who needs a scale.....

I haven't worn my denims for over two weeks and the good news is that when I put them on this morning there was no sucking in of non-existant stomach muslces to do buttons and zips. LOL Let's hope that soon they will be way too big and a smaller size would be required. Woohoooo!!!

I've got the fab making of a veggie garden going. Thanks to Vas our gardener. Turns out he knows a ton about veggie gardens. Now ours seems way too small. We might have to make it bigger.

Tomorrow is Josh's Sports Day at school. It's going to be fun and apparently there is an egg and spoon race for the moms. This should be fun. LOL

I'm sure I've got to tons to tell you. I'll check back later.

Early morning mist

Tuesday's thought

Fudge

"Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts."

- Author Unknown -

p.s I'm thinking I'm the nut. LOL

Monday's rambles...........

Well at first I was at a loss at what to do with myself. Then I realised there was just way too much to do and got overwhelmed but worked through things methodically in my own way. LOL

By the afternoon I was certain that the reason for my grey hairs is definitely my boys and at one stage I asked if I could have some wine with their whine. They either play nicely or don't and I get caught in the middle. The ultimate referee. LOL

Then there are the student's beads from the Bead show in May that kept getting lost in the post, that finally arrived today. Darn I wish I had kept that slip or pray that I find it in box. Not sure why an overnight parcel would take 3 weeks instead of well a night. Frustrating!!! Guess it is one less thing to worry about.

I also bought some Great Lakes Lettuce, Spinach and Celery - seedlings ready to be planted. I also managed to find some cool tomatoe seeds as well. This veggie garden is going to be fun.

Hope you have all had a super day or are having one.

Sunday morning pics

The makings of a veggie garden...

It has begun. We have some seeds and that but I'm hoping to find some actual seedlings especially when it comes to tomatoes. I think the boys and I are going to have fun. The idea is to plant lettuce, celery, beans, tomatoes (small and big) and some spinach.

Camera shy Smudge.......they're too cute for there own good. LOL

Smudge and Cuddles in the food bowl. Hoping I'll catch them eating an apple at sometime. They love those.

Smudge in the bowl. He/she has the most amazing little eyes.

It is most certainly a dog's life. Bailey snuggled on the be with Josh.

It is Sunday morning. A whole new day. We had some rain last night. Not usual for our area in winter but it was nice. Maybe my lemon grass will recover. I hope so.

Hubby and the kiddies will go and get some of my favourite organic compost for the veggie garden sometime today and I might just beg them to find some tomatoe plants. Celery is major important because Habana our female piggie just loves the stuff. LOL

I have many musings going on in this crazy head of mine. Most importantly the role of the Stay at home mom. I'm sure worldwide we are unappreciated but in our country I feel even more so. The attitude of the Real Estate Agent has just not been sitting well with me at all. I keep telling myself to let it go. To have peace within me I need to let it go. So I am trying very hard.

I have a high school qualification and nothing much else. I am a white female which counts against me right now and if you're a white male even more so - so jobs are not easy to come by. Actually finding a job means aftercare and all of that would eat any potential salary I could earn. So not only would I be away from my kiddies all day and have someone else raise them, I would effectively be working to someone else can raise my kiddies and all of this so society can respect me because I have a job. I say go to HELL!!! Somethings are just far more important, like raising decent kiddies.

My passion is melting glass, being a lampworker. I'm not sure if I've reached artist status or not but does it matter. I enjoy teaching and that is where the largest chunk of my income comes from. I can assure you that my pendants and beads will not make me rich - especially in a country where the economy is KAK (crap) and most people do not even know what a lampworker is or for that matter the quality of a true handmade lampworked bead.

I feel like a butterfly breaking through it's cocoon and going through another lifestage. I was chatting with my student and we were discussing not living in town so to say. It struck me that just moving 10km's has made a huge difference. She lives just opposite the main road in the same area. I cook more now that I ever used to and I enjoy it. I am more relaxed around my boys and we are spending more time outside. I don't feel cramped and stuck. I love making my herbal cup of tea and sitting on the porch and just staring into oblivion and thinking even if it is too cold to be sitting outside. I love to take a walk around our huge garden and plan my next gardening move. And I really must get that scale fixed. LOL Where homeschooling scared the bejeesus out of me, I now look forward to it.

There is more value to a Stay-at-home-mom than Society gives us credit for. And no we cannot spend huge amounts of money on designer hair do's, fancy smancy nails, and designer wear but I know who I am, I am comfortable being a 'slumpadink' and doing what is important to me far outways being stuck in a career that I hate. Yes, I had the career believe it or not - but even though days are stressful sometimes I'd never swop this life for anything.

Estate Agents!!!!

Did I mention that the estate agent who sold our house made an appointment to meet me at the old house and collect the keys on Friday morning. Well it's been freezing cold the past couple of days and on Friday morning with everything that had to be done I made the fatal error of not dressing in layers. There I sat outside the old complex for 30 minutes freezing my butt off in my car as the heater does not work. No estate agent or assistant rocks up. I leave. Guess who phones this morning to find out why I am not there to meet her. What part of I am teaching Saturday and Sunday and only have a gap on Friday morning did her assistant not get!! Her assistant says to me that they will fetch the keys on Friday on their way to a conference. Hmmmm, now I'm the one who is the liar and has it all wrong. My student who had already arrived had to endure my yelling at the Estate Agent, I know not very professional but they have pushed too far. They think petrol grows on trees!!! Now I am the one messing her around on her day off. I told her she was lucky to have a day off as I DON'T!!!!! Because I am a SAHM, apparently I am here for her beck and call, well she had better think again.

She just got a message from me that I will no longer be available at the drop of a hat. That I will NO longer be going to the old house and it can stay the way it is!! I have been cleaning and scrubbing in between my life here and there. No more will I be cleaning and scrubbing at the old house - the way she has handled this whole sale has left me very disheartened and once again I have had to learn the lesson that no one else ever has your best interests at heart. They are purely out there for themselves.

I have not had an outburst like that for a while. I have been getting into the groove over here where stress has taken a back seat until today that it is. What is about Estate Agents that make you want to run for cover.

The good news is that I had a FANTASTIC student. She did brilliantly!!! I might just sneak a pic of her beads. Wow!!!

Now I am back to freezing my butt off. A boerboel who wants to be cuddled and a ton of housework waiting for me. Yep, I deserve a day off!! I am really PO'd by her assumption that because I am at home, everyday for me is a day off. Her attitude sucks and I have been truly angered and hurt by it. Silly I know, but I hate it when people take the high road that because they have a 9 - 5 job they're just so much more important.

Me, who is patiently waiting for my day off!! A day for me where I can do what I want to do not just want has to be done or needs to be done.

Thank goodness teaching is way more fun than work!!!!!!

Saturday's thought....

A House and a Home

"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams."

- Author Unknown -

Info on Bailey

He was born on the 28th April, 2008. He is approx. 10 weeks old going on 11. I think. And he's going to get very big. LOL

The History of the Boerboel

You can check out this link if you would like to know more about the Boerboel breed.

http://www.sabt.co.za/press/History.pdf

Supermom/wife is failing hopelessly

Yep, my supermom/wife cape is MIA. LOL

I had to freshen up a load as it ended up being in the washing machine too long. But it is now out and drying. The second load is in. The bed is made (amazing how that just makes you feel tons better in itself) and the dishwasher is on the go.

At least one puppy is safely home and appears to be happy. If only I can convince Josh that Bailey is a HE and not a SHE!!! LOL Bailey is so comfortable that he is attempting to chew all and sundry. I had better hide all the shoes away and apparently all socks as well. He seems to have a fetish for dirty socks. Yuck!!!

We're having soup tonight. It is so cold that soup sounds like a wonderful idea. Easy too. All of us are trying our best to stay snug and warm.

Thanks for all the tips on ironing. Hmmmm, he might just have to iron his own. Just kidding!! Now if I can get a routine going that would help.

I'll be teaching for two days again. Then a break on Monday, then teaching, Josh's sports day on Wednesday and then Thursday teaching. Not sure how much of a routine I'll be able to get into but once Thursday is over it quietens down for a bit.

There is another tutorial I'm keen to purchase. I love all the artists who are making tutorials available for sale on Etsy. They get to earn good money and I get to learn some new skills. The one I am after is a Pansy tutorial. It beats having to 'dream and wish' another trip to the USA. Which is totally unaffordable right now.

I have also found a Math curriculum that I'm keen on. Math Mammoth. So if anybody has any reviews on it, it would be appreciated.

Off to try the super mom/wife gig .....................later

Bailey our Boerboel puppy

Brrrrr....it's cold

It's ice cold!! LOL I wish we had the snow to go with it but we have snow as the excuse. Snow far away on the Drakensburg Mountains.

A little confession for those of you who don't know me that well. I was one of those spoilt South African's with a fulltime Nanny / Maid. Evelyn has become a family member and is very important to all of us. But hard times have struck and we have had to find alternative employment for her and the economic times being as they are I didn't think we would be able to do it. Yesterday, I got a phonecall about her taking on another part-time position. The people sounded nice enough and this morning hubby took her off to meet them. I'm patiently waiting to hear how her day went. So I hope they accept her into their family as she was accepted into ours.

So spoilt doesn't mean I don't know how to do anything. Okay, I'll admit it, I think I am the world's worst ironer. I'm not too sure if the iron and me are going to be best friends but I'll try. LOL I've been cooking dinners and doing my thing.....and end up flat out exhausted at the end of the day. I just have to get used this new life. My heroes are the woman and men who do do it all!!! WOW!! Now I have to squeeze in time for all that glass I need to melt.

Tomorrow is sort of a free day once I have done the washing, dishes, tidying up etc etc. Then I'll be off to fetch the newest edition to our family, well that is the plan. I have found us a Boerboel puppy from a good breeder. This little guy was the smallest out of the litter and was yet to be picked out. We chose him as he needs to be a family dog not some registered show dude. LOL They are good family dogs and protectors. My next step will be finding out about training. I know there is a school just down the road - so I'll give them a call.

The two little baby guineas are doing so well. I am amazed at how quick they progress. Within 24 hours of their births they were already tucking into carrots, apples and the usual foodstuffs just for them. They are way too cute for their own good. I feel a little photo session coming on. It is too cute how they end up sitting in the food bowl. Which reminds me I need to find out if any of the vets in our area could neuter daddy.....not sure I want to start breeding piggies.

My two day workshop went very well. I'm just tired, teaching takes alot out of me as well. To top it all off it's freezing and I don't do cold well at all. LOL. Time to snuggle up in a blankie and keep warm. Even all the kitties are indoors and Smokey has felt the need to sink her claws into the new bedroom curtains. You'd think she was old enough to know better. LOL

Have a super Thursday evening.

Chat soon...................

Winter Landscape

Wednesday's thought

Staying Young

"The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age."

- Lucille Ball -

The state of my life.......

Oh boy........I seem to be always on the go at the moment. Sadly, that does not include time right now to melt glass. I'm sure once we're settled in things will change.

I'm teaching for the next 2 days, then I have a day off and then teaching again for another 2. In between all of that I have to try and finish cleaning the old house as they want the keys on Friday. I'm starting to wonder if I am super woman. And to add to that - hubby did not come to the party today and get to the required shops in time to get MOjo (the male guinea) a new cage. He needs a new cage as all he wants to do is mate with poor Moggie who has just had two kids.

So ultimately I am happy but feel like I'm living in a whirlwind at the moment.

And did I tell you that we have basically made the decision to homeschool Bradley. Which means I am trying to find info with my internet connection being on the weak side of things right now. I love challenges, can you tell.

I've had my suspicions....

that our one little guinea pig might just be a girl. Why??? Because she was getting extremely fat for eating tons of celery. Yep, she's addicted.

Today I get home from doing errands and there they are. Two little baby guineas. They're too cute for words. A little reminder to myself. DO NOT TRUST THE PETSHOP DUDE!!! LOL

Thank goodness we live in the country - I have good enough reason to be surrounded by tons of animals.

Will keep you updated. LOL

Welcome to world....

Looking out my kitchen window

Tuesday's thought..

Goodness and Forgiveness

"If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness."

- Nelson Mandela -

One step closer to normality.....

Wow!!! It's been busy in my world lately. But we had fun and I'm sure my buttox is looking better for it. LOL

Friday, the kids and I headed out early to attend the craft show. On the way there a mom who I know through Brad's school invited us over to their place for the afternoon. We flew through the craft show. No regret from not having a stand - trust me!! We found something funky for the boys to try, it's called PlayMais (a german product, I think) and we found some really cool funky plants. I must take pics of those. They're in the kitchen. The rest of the day was spent at Aidan's home. It was nice catching up and chatting - they are home schooling which is something we're at 99.9% surity of doing. We got home just after 4pm.

Saturday, was spent at the Urban Market in Midrand. It did not go as well as the previous market. Too many things on this weekend and being mid winter doesn't help either. Crossing fingers that it will pick up from next month.

Sunday, I started to mosaic my gecko/lizard. He's looking interesting. LOL Actually started on Saturday night - but worked on him a bit on Sunday morning. Finished a book and went back to the old house to clean up and fetch some plants. We then did a mad dash home to plant the plants over here. My butt got a real work out. I really need to get batteries for the scale. Got a feeling I'm going to lose some weight. Let's hope so.

The boys are back at school. My studio is mostly working. So life is closer to normal or whatever normal is.

Hope you all had a super weekend.

Monday's thought

"Conditions are never just right. People who delay action until all factors are favourable do nothing."

-William Feather -

One tired bunny............

I've got so much to tell you. It's been a busy weekend. But for now I'm flat out exhausted!!!

Back soon..........

Friday's thought

When I hear somebody sigh that Life is hard, I am always tempted to ask, Compared to what?

-Sydney J. Harris-

that word 'Perfect'

I was just reading through my last post and thinking, I had to be the perfect mom and perfect wife but when it came to melting glass it was just that. Melting glass!!

Glass does not expect miracles from me, it lets me be who I want to be that day. If it's not perfect then so what. It is still beautiful.

Now why can't this pertain to every other aspect of my life. Ughhhhh!!!!

Can I be excused from everything

It is going to take some getting used living out here but I’m sure I’ll get into the swing of things eventually. Having the boys at home does put a spanner in the works as they want me out and about with them and who can blame them. This morning we spent some time in the garden and had some fun planting some flowers.

A lot has been going on in my mind today. A strange obsession about where the Garmin is – that has me in a knot. Home schooling, being the perfect wife, the perfect mom and in between it all trying to melt glass. I still haven’t managed to sort out my studio. In all honesty a bunch of crap has been dumped in that room and sorting it out is going to take a wee miracle.

My internet connection is also not entirely great either. Just trying to check mail has me running around the house trying to find a decent spot where I can get a signal that will hold. It is annoying beyond belief, especially when you get used to having it all the time with no problems at all. A solution is an outside antenna which naturally comes at a cost. And our one and only Telkom (landline solution) will not put any more cables out in this neck of the woods because some characters keep stealing the cables for copper. At least the Securtiy company is jacked up. Guess they have to be when communication in the area is at an all time low.

The cats I’m happy to report seem content. I know Thomas woke me up at some ungodly hour this morning mewing to get in as he had somehow got locked out. Smokey, the old girl is just keeping out of every ones way but doesn’t hesitate to give me a look should I disturb her. The dogs have been zapped by the fence a couple of times, I think they are slowly learning that it is best not to get to close to it. The cows don’t seem to feature that much either or they have just given up barking at the non responsive invaders. LOL

So for now my question for everyone is……Can I be excused from everything. LOL

my favourite coffee mug at the moment