Today has been one of those days. A day where you start out getting out of bed and feeling quite good. Although it is overcast and drizzly, you are still feeling good after breakfast and a shower so you decide to take your nearly 2yr old out to the shops because you need to look for a baby shower present for a friend. Now, the drive to the shop and the initial foray through the shopping centre are still allowing you to feel good. You're looking at your child and thinking 'You are just the cutest thing in the world', and then all hell breaks loose. She wants to keep trying on shoes, you want to walk away; she wants to get out of the pram but you want her to stay in it; you need her to sit in her car seat so you can do up the buckle, she decides that RIGHT NOW she needs to play with the interior light just above her door; you want to get in the car and drive home so you can relax with a cup of tea but you discover that your mobile phone is missing. OMG!!!!!!! The proverbial hits the fan and the monster within is unleashed. After searching through and emptying the entire contents of your handbag, the shopping bags and a most thorough search of the car you nearly see red. Steam is pouring out your ears, visions of traipsing back through the shops and retracing your steps nearly cripple you and the steering wheel has received undue abuse for this catastrophe.
You suddenly realize that the last time you saw your phone it was on the top of the pram, so you open the boot and whip open the canopy of the pram. There, in all it's metallic glory, is your phone. You quietly ease back into the car, start the engine, turn the on some easy listening music and just weep. You are weeping because you saw something in yourself that made you pale with fear, a darkness that you thought you had overcome, the pit opening up and the monster emerging. Not dead and buried as you thought, but merely dormant, waiting for that moment of weakness, to unleash blackness, to spew hot bitter words, to make you doubt everything you thought you knew about yourself, to get you believing its lies.
BUT I have this to say to my monster: I will not succumb, I will not bow down, I will not be cowed. It is you who will succumb, it is you who will bow down, and it is you who will be cowed.
In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Today is Saturday
I have to keep reminding myself what day of the week it is. They all seem to blur into one. Last saturday night I went to a girls' night out at a friends place and decided to stop at Woolies to pick up some delicious treats. I drove into the car park but they were shut (it was about 7:15pm). I could not for the life of me work out why they were shut. Wasn't until I was retelling the story that a friend of mine pointed out the fact that it was actually saturday and Woolies shuts at 4pm. I thought it was friday. Oh dear.
And now to my Top 5: Most loved Books (Fiction). These are the books that I go back to time and again and never get bored with them.
1) The Mark of the Lion Series
A very moving and enriching series written by Francine Rivers. It is set in Ancient Rome and is the story of a slave girl, Hadassah. Beautifully written, I cry every time I read these books.
2) The Foggiest
by David Belbin
I was given this book by my grade 5 teacher Mrs Van der Weyden. I have read this book over, and over, and over, and over ... In fact, I last read it only a couple of months ago. This is the blurb:
"As the Gunn family move into their new Derbeyshire home, a strange fog descends over the country. At first, Rachel and Matt Gunn are as baffled by the fog as everyone else. But when their father disappears from his job at the weather station, the two youngsters decide to investigate - and soon discover the sinister truth behind the fog ..."
It's amazing how a book I was given at the age of 10 can still entertain me at the age of 29.
3) Clive Cussler
Ok, ok, I know he is not a book but frankly, I have found it too difficult to decide which one of his I like the most so I have narrowed it down to 3: The Chase, The Wrecker and The Spy. Plus any of the Dirk Pitt novels. Great action, fabulous locations, dreamy men and some classic one liners.
4) Heidi
by Johanna Spyri
Written in 1880 it is the story of a little girl, Heidi, who, at the age of 5 is sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. He is a recluse and a very grumpy old man who is at first very reluctant to look after Heidi but through Heidi's persistance, and being an inquisitive and loving 5yr old, he gradually softens and deals with some incidences from his past. A beautiful story about hope and love. If you haven't read it, you should definitely get your hands on a copy.
5) What Kay Did
by Susan Coolidge
This book was first published in 1872 (around the same time as Little Women). It is about Katy Carr, a tomboy who is constantly getting into mischief but really just wants to be beautiful and loved. When she has an accident and becomes an invalid, her illness and recovery teach her to be the person she always wanted to be.
There are two sequels, What Katy Did at School and What Katy Did Next.
Of course, I have many, many more books that I absolutely love and adore but then it would probably be my Top 500 Books. And frankly, I know that even for cyberspace, that list would be a little too much. But please, enjoy my list and hopefully you may be interested in reading one of the books from my list, for yourself.
And now to my Top 5: Most loved Books (Fiction). These are the books that I go back to time and again and never get bored with them.
1) The Mark of the Lion Series
A very moving and enriching series written by Francine Rivers. It is set in Ancient Rome and is the story of a slave girl, Hadassah. Beautifully written, I cry every time I read these books.
2) The Foggiest
by David Belbin
I was given this book by my grade 5 teacher Mrs Van der Weyden. I have read this book over, and over, and over, and over ... In fact, I last read it only a couple of months ago. This is the blurb:
"As the Gunn family move into their new Derbeyshire home, a strange fog descends over the country. At first, Rachel and Matt Gunn are as baffled by the fog as everyone else. But when their father disappears from his job at the weather station, the two youngsters decide to investigate - and soon discover the sinister truth behind the fog ..."
It's amazing how a book I was given at the age of 10 can still entertain me at the age of 29.
3) Clive Cussler
Ok, ok, I know he is not a book but frankly, I have found it too difficult to decide which one of his I like the most so I have narrowed it down to 3: The Chase, The Wrecker and The Spy. Plus any of the Dirk Pitt novels. Great action, fabulous locations, dreamy men and some classic one liners.
4) Heidi
by Johanna Spyri
Written in 1880 it is the story of a little girl, Heidi, who, at the age of 5 is sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. He is a recluse and a very grumpy old man who is at first very reluctant to look after Heidi but through Heidi's persistance, and being an inquisitive and loving 5yr old, he gradually softens and deals with some incidences from his past. A beautiful story about hope and love. If you haven't read it, you should definitely get your hands on a copy.
5) What Kay Did
by Susan Coolidge
This book was first published in 1872 (around the same time as Little Women). It is about Katy Carr, a tomboy who is constantly getting into mischief but really just wants to be beautiful and loved. When she has an accident and becomes an invalid, her illness and recovery teach her to be the person she always wanted to be.
There are two sequels, What Katy Did at School and What Katy Did Next.
Of course, I have many, many more books that I absolutely love and adore but then it would probably be my Top 500 Books. And frankly, I know that even for cyberspace, that list would be a little too much. But please, enjoy my list and hopefully you may be interested in reading one of the books from my list, for yourself.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Uh oh, life got in the way
I know, I know, I know. I have missed 3 days. Well, life got in the way. No excuse but it is the truth. No reason to beat myself up, let's just get to it.
Today's Top 5: Trashy TV shows that I secretly love to watch
1) The Hills
That one has really sucked me in. I actually quite enjoy watching their lives unfold, mainly because they don't really live in the 'normal' world. I can't stand Spencer, oh Heidi, whyever did you marry him? And Audrina, kick Justin to the curb. Ok, rant done.
2) Hellcats
Ok, I know it only premiered last week but I enjoyed it in that really trashy TV kind of way. Look forward to the next installment. Ashley Tisdale as a brunette? I think it really works for her.
3) Bold and the Beautiful
Alright, this is the least secretive one on my list but I am going to put it out there. Again, it just sucks you into the vortex and once in, it is very difficult to get out. i spend most of the time shaking my head at the ridiculousness (pretty sure that's not really a word) of the storylines but they do get you watching to see what will happen.
4) 60 Minute Makeover
I think the name says it all. Mostly I am aghast at dodgy workmanship and weird transformations but there are times when they do it well and get it right. Still, it is very much C grade TV
5) How Not to Decorate
If you haven't seen it, it is a makeover show in which 2 interior designers redecorate people's houses. They have 10 days and a budget of 15,000pounds to complete it. Let's just say most of the entertainment is the 2 decorators who just flounce around and spend far too much time arguing over patterns vs stripes or curtains vs blinds. But it is entertaining in a trashy kind of way.
Well, now I'm back on the wagon, I intend to stay there. Have fun thinking of your own list of Trashy TV that secretly you love to watch!
Today's Top 5: Trashy TV shows that I secretly love to watch
1) The Hills
That one has really sucked me in. I actually quite enjoy watching their lives unfold, mainly because they don't really live in the 'normal' world. I can't stand Spencer, oh Heidi, whyever did you marry him? And Audrina, kick Justin to the curb. Ok, rant done.
2) Hellcats
Ok, I know it only premiered last week but I enjoyed it in that really trashy TV kind of way. Look forward to the next installment. Ashley Tisdale as a brunette? I think it really works for her.
3) Bold and the Beautiful
Alright, this is the least secretive one on my list but I am going to put it out there. Again, it just sucks you into the vortex and once in, it is very difficult to get out. i spend most of the time shaking my head at the ridiculousness (pretty sure that's not really a word) of the storylines but they do get you watching to see what will happen.
4) 60 Minute Makeover
I think the name says it all. Mostly I am aghast at dodgy workmanship and weird transformations but there are times when they do it well and get it right. Still, it is very much C grade TV
5) How Not to Decorate
If you haven't seen it, it is a makeover show in which 2 interior designers redecorate people's houses. They have 10 days and a budget of 15,000pounds to complete it. Let's just say most of the entertainment is the 2 decorators who just flounce around and spend far too much time arguing over patterns vs stripes or curtains vs blinds. But it is entertaining in a trashy kind of way.
Well, now I'm back on the wagon, I intend to stay there. Have fun thinking of your own list of Trashy TV that secretly you love to watch!
Friday, September 10, 2010
In a nutshell...
Thank goodness for phyiotherapists! Remember I said about having a crick in the neck? Turns out I have a small muscle tear in my neck. That explains the dull ache and associated queasy feeling. So, I am on strict orders to limit how much I lift and to make sure I balance out what I do carry. Hm, not that easy with a nearly 2yr old and all the paraphernalia that comes with that. But I will do my best. I am pleased because the physio's recommendation is for me to have a 30min massage every week for about 4mths, and often thereafter. Oh yeah. Pity the bank balance won't allow for it. Still, it gave me great satisfaction to deliver that piece of news to my husband.
Alright, on with the show. Today's Top 5:
Things to be thankful for
1) My health
2) My husband and daughter
3) My family
4) My friends
5) The country I live in
And those are my blessings, in a nutshell.
Alright, on with the show. Today's Top 5:
Things to be thankful for
1) My health
2) My husband and daughter
3) My family
4) My friends
5) The country I live in
And those are my blessings, in a nutshell.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Note to Self
Ok Self, here's something you may want to remember for next time, if you have a crick in the neck don't do any heavy lifting apparently it only aggrevates it. Hm, who knew.
But onto to today's Top 5, and I think I'll do All Time Favourite Movies.
1)It's a Wonderful Life
I watch it every Christmas Eve, part of our family tradition. I cry every single time. I love the message and the way in which it is delivered. Beautiful.
2) Anne of Green Gables
'Look Marilla, puffed sleeves' 'I don't know what Matthew was thinking. You're going to have to turn sideways to fit through the door'. A true romance movie. Breathtaking scenery, gorgeous hunk and a storyline that truly appeals to the woman inside.
3) The Scarlett Pimpernel
Maybe not that well known to all but my sister and I LOVE this film. One school holidays we watched it at least once a day for two weeks. I don't know, there's something about swashbuckling, gorgeous, secretive billionaires. "They seek him, they seek him there, those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven or is he in (dramatic pause) hell? (all the ladies swoon) That damned, elusive, Pimpernel."
4) Schindler's List
Boy oh boy oh boy. Talk about an emotional reaction. I cry everytime. This movie provokes such a strong response in me. Such a heartrending telling of life for Jews during WWII. Joseph Fiennes does such a brilliant job as the camp Commandant because each time I watch it I just shake with rage at his callousness, and am bewildered by his total lack of compassion for other human beings.
5) Mulan
This movie really appeals to me. I love the songs, the characters and the message of the film. An all round lovely movie. And I tell you, if it's possible to have a crush on a cartoon character then Shang-Yu is it for me.
Enough of my favourites, what about yours? I think it's really interesting why people choose the films they do to be in their Top All Time Favourites list.
But onto to today's Top 5, and I think I'll do All Time Favourite Movies.
1)It's a Wonderful Life
I watch it every Christmas Eve, part of our family tradition. I cry every single time. I love the message and the way in which it is delivered. Beautiful.
2) Anne of Green Gables
'Look Marilla, puffed sleeves' 'I don't know what Matthew was thinking. You're going to have to turn sideways to fit through the door'. A true romance movie. Breathtaking scenery, gorgeous hunk and a storyline that truly appeals to the woman inside.
3) The Scarlett Pimpernel
Maybe not that well known to all but my sister and I LOVE this film. One school holidays we watched it at least once a day for two weeks. I don't know, there's something about swashbuckling, gorgeous, secretive billionaires. "They seek him, they seek him there, those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven or is he in (dramatic pause) hell? (all the ladies swoon) That damned, elusive, Pimpernel."
4) Schindler's List
Boy oh boy oh boy. Talk about an emotional reaction. I cry everytime. This movie provokes such a strong response in me. Such a heartrending telling of life for Jews during WWII. Joseph Fiennes does such a brilliant job as the camp Commandant because each time I watch it I just shake with rage at his callousness, and am bewildered by his total lack of compassion for other human beings.
5) Mulan
This movie really appeals to me. I love the songs, the characters and the message of the film. An all round lovely movie. And I tell you, if it's possible to have a crush on a cartoon character then Shang-Yu is it for me.
Enough of my favourites, what about yours? I think it's really interesting why people choose the films they do to be in their Top All Time Favourites list.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Hump Day
Ok, Day 2 of my challenge. And today's Top 5 theme is (drum roll please), Favourite Chocolatey Treats:
1) Arnott's Chocolate Monte's
I LOOOOOVVVVEEEE these. One is just never enough. They are rich enough to be delicious but not rich enough to stop at just one, or two, even three ... maybe I shouldn't admit how many I've eaten in a sitting! They are just delish
2) Gloria Jean's Creamy Hot Cocoa
Smooth, very smooth. Slides down just right. And here's a fun fact for you: everytime I hear Michael Buble I just get the urge to drink one of these. He is very smooth too. Mmmm....
3) Mum's Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
Every mouthful is a hug from Mum. Delicious and comforting. One of my all time favourite desserts. In fact, it was my dessert of choice for my 18th birthday dinner. My mouth is watering just thinking about it's gooey, chocolately deliciousness
4) Authentic Italian Chocolate Gelati
Got hooked when we were in Italy. A staple for morning tea and afternoon tea. Just the right thing to cool down on a hot Italian summer's day
5) Ginger Caramel Tarts
Oh boy, almost too moorish to describe. The tang of the ginger, the creamy caramel filling and delicious chocolate topping. I would have to say they're almost better than ...
well you fill in the rest!
Enjoy
1) Arnott's Chocolate Monte's
I LOOOOOVVVVEEEE these. One is just never enough. They are rich enough to be delicious but not rich enough to stop at just one, or two, even three ... maybe I shouldn't admit how many I've eaten in a sitting! They are just delish
2) Gloria Jean's Creamy Hot Cocoa
Smooth, very smooth. Slides down just right. And here's a fun fact for you: everytime I hear Michael Buble I just get the urge to drink one of these. He is very smooth too. Mmmm....
3) Mum's Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
Every mouthful is a hug from Mum. Delicious and comforting. One of my all time favourite desserts. In fact, it was my dessert of choice for my 18th birthday dinner. My mouth is watering just thinking about it's gooey, chocolately deliciousness
4) Authentic Italian Chocolate Gelati
Got hooked when we were in Italy. A staple for morning tea and afternoon tea. Just the right thing to cool down on a hot Italian summer's day
5) Ginger Caramel Tarts
Oh boy, almost too moorish to describe. The tang of the ginger, the creamy caramel filling and delicious chocolate topping. I would have to say they're almost better than ...
well you fill in the rest!
Enjoy
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
My challenge ...
We all need a challenge, and here is mine: to list off my "Top 5" for the next 10 days. They may be serious, funny, challenging, nice or just plain boring but, they will be mine. So here goes.
My Top 5 most disliked household chores (in no particular order):
1. Cleaning the toilet
Need I explain? Ok, maybe I better. Cleaning the toilet was my job, every morning for about 5yrs when I lived at home, always a point of contention between me and my mum. Plus I used to have a very weak stomach, it is a little better now though.
2. Cleaning the bathroom
Too much hair, too much scum and just generally gross
3. Sweeping the floor (sorry Bron)
Only because I end up doing it about 3 or 4 times a day and it never feels any better
4. Washing
Always ongoing, but I guess the bonus is I don't have to do it by hand.
5. Ironing
I think that one's a given.
What are yours?
My Top 5 most disliked household chores (in no particular order):
1. Cleaning the toilet
Need I explain? Ok, maybe I better. Cleaning the toilet was my job, every morning for about 5yrs when I lived at home, always a point of contention between me and my mum. Plus I used to have a very weak stomach, it is a little better now though.
2. Cleaning the bathroom
Too much hair, too much scum and just generally gross
3. Sweeping the floor (sorry Bron)
Only because I end up doing it about 3 or 4 times a day and it never feels any better
4. Washing
Always ongoing, but I guess the bonus is I don't have to do it by hand.
5. Ironing
I think that one's a given.
What are yours?
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