Word for 2020

Word of the year - Grab

There is nothing more powerful than a word. A word for the year is a gift to yourself. This year I am going to GRAB life!

My word for 2019, Resilience, was a powerful word that kept me grounded. It gave me the confidence to power through when times were tough. I can give myself a pat on the back. I have the resilience to grab what life is offering me!

Life is giving us an opportunity. Sometimes we ignore it, and we can never go back! This time we are grabbing what comes to us! We are eager and excited! New beginnings and new adventures await us...

Thank you, Life!

What is your word for 2020?

Welcome 2020

2020 

2020 is going to be a great year! We know it!

2019 was not that great. When I think about it, I just have an overwhelming sense of relief that we somehow got through it... We were in survival mode, and each month got worse and worse! But here we are! We made it!

2020 can only be better!

I am not only saying it to put out positive vibes. We have plans to make it better! Our goals are set, and the wheels are already in motion. I am not at liberty to say much more... Watch this space! The excitement is high!

We had a great holiday staying home. It was Miss Fine's favourite place to be, and she complained each time we had to go somewhere.

We saw Star Wars over the past weekend, and we loved it. I was so apprehensive that it would not be good (because of social media comebacks), but it is an adventure! Go see it, if you haven't yet! We also saw Spies in Disguise at a media launch in the beginning of December, and it is a hoot! It's still in the cinemas, and worth a family outing!

We watched tons of series. The Morning Show (How good is this?. Can't wait for Series 2) , Stumptown, and After Life are a few of the memorable ones.

I am still busy reading Dan Brown's Deception Point. I finished The Afrikaner by Arianna Dagnino. I owe her a review. It is an exceptional book! (This year I definitely must read more!)

Back at work. Back at the grind! Luckily I have a great job (radio archivist), and can't wait to catch up with all the great programmes I have missed.

Happy 2020!

Home Affairs - things you learn while standing in a queue for 7 hours

In the queue at Home Affairs

We spent a whole day at Home Affairs yesterday. It was something that had to be done, but we were not looking forward to doing it. It was a mountain to climb, and it was even worse than imagined! (We are so tired of things that are not working!)

The worst!

- There was a majestic queue that snaked already before eight when it was supposed to be opened at eight.

- They only opened at half past eight.

- We were told that they are off-line at about nine-ish. Most of us had taken day's leave and could not afford to take another day. So we decided to stay put. (Some left)

- We were standing in the sun, outside the premises, until 12 pm. Most of us (especially the white ones, especially) were burnt badly.

- We should have taken chairs, hats, umbrellas, water and food. (Most of us did not)

- The poor moms with babies and children. Some were allowed to go forward, but not all! It was crazy hot in the sun!

The unbelievable!

- They do not tell the people in which queues they should be. Even before entering, you should be told that there is collections queue, and a queue for the id's, passports etc. The poor new mom and dad who waited for hours with the rest of us... Just, No!!!

- The websites are not updated, and we rocked up with outdated forms.

- The websites are not updated with the latest information. WHY? It would help so much to know what to have and bring.

- We only get the forms inside, while the forms could have been dished out in the queues, and we could have started filling it in while waiting for hours.

- Put up signs to let people know how it works. Where should we stand?

The best of people!

- People tell their life stories in the queue. We heard of the couple who were robbed and had to get new id's and driver's licences. She could not get a temporary driver's licence before she got an id. She had to have a driver's licence to hire a car to get back to work... When we last saw her, she was not able to secure the driver's licence.

- People shared food, water, umbrellas and medication in the queue. There was a guy with an injured foot who said he stabbed himself while drunk. (What he said??) Everybody was concerned about the swollen foot.

- People kept people's places in the queue.

- There are some good people working at Home Affairs. There was a guy who kept on working through lunch-time to help people. The rest just disappeared for more than a hour.

- Some gave up their much coveted chairs inside in the queues for older people.


But it is done! We can tick this off!


LOOKING FORWARD TO...

A new year with new adventures!

Family at Home Affairs

TIP:

- Go at 14:30 in the afternoons. Things have quieten down quite a bit, and they have to get you through the queues. (Hopefully!)

Miss your face

Dog Whisperer ;-)

Although we had lots of preparation for our Eldest not being in the house anymore, we still miss her. Every now and again I still expect her to be there... Luckily we can see each other regularly, because they are not living far away.

She's been a student for long where she was away at Uni. Then she became the Boomeranger and we had an extra bonus time with her.

We can't complain, because we still have Miss Fine to keep us busy in the house. We cannot say we have an empty nest. But sometimes it feels like it. Especially when walking past an empty bedroom. We still need to sort out bedrooms, and stuff. I have been procrastinating... (A bit of the blues and the hoarding bug which needs to be called to order!)

We miss you, K. So glad you are sorted with your life and hubby and dogs. It's a new life and new beginnings. We are so glad! It's also a new beginning for us as well!

Kicking this melancholy in it's bud!

New Relationships Talk by Michal Snyman

#AMamaNeedsToKnow - Michal Snyman

'Israeli born, Michal Snyman, a vibrant mother of three and a successful business owner. She shares her incredible story of starting "over" and finding love again, as well as creating a beautiful blended family.' 

I was incredulously listening to Michal Snyman on Thursday night when she told us that she goes to the mirror and says: "I am champion!", "I am beautiful", "I am sexy", "I am the best wife in the world", "I am the best mom in the world", "I am the best daughter in the world", and "I am the best sister in the world". The more she told us of how much she likes herself, and how much she values herself, the more I could resonate to it as well! Yes, she is the most beautiful and sexy and powerful woman I have seen. She is one of the most inspiring people I have met. She is all of that!

Meh... It's Spring again! Things that are going to change...

Spring is in the streets 

The title is one about dichotomy! Yay! It's Spring!
Meh... It's Spring again and nothing has changed!

As excited as one can be about Spring! It is time for regeneration and spring-cleaning! I love Spring AND Summer! It also seems that we have jumped straight into summer as the temperatures are high already!

We can't complain!

BUT...

Serendipity happens more than you think!

Serendipity: A"fortunate happenstance" or "pleasant surprise"

Life Day Spa

What is the odds that my daughter starts working on a Friday, and I have already put in leave for that day?

What is the odds that I am free to be able to drive her to her first day of work?

What is the odds that my daughter's workplace is not far from where I should be for a few hours?

What is the odds that I get invited for a pamper on the same day that I am feeling a bit sad and nostalgic about a new phase in my eldest life? (And also ours?)

What is the odds?

The invite from Cerebra, because "Hauwei shares the love"!

"What? It is only February. It feels like we are halfway through the year. While we can't stop time, we should take a minute - especially if it is to spoil ourselves. Hell, let us take more than a minute, let's do 2.5 hours."

I totally agree with this! We should take more than a minute to take care of ourselves!

This day helped me so much with reflection and focus!
We are moving into a new era in our family!

Pedi and mani pamper at Life Day Spa

Maybe I should have gone with a bit more colour? ;-)

Kitchen Bar at Design Quarter

Kitchen Bar Vegetarian wrap 

There is no such thing as coincidence!


Thank you Huawei and Cerebra!!

Feeling nostalgic on my Eldest's first day at a real job

She got a job! She's not The Student only, any more! She has a job in the Corporate World and we are very proud!

I had to drop her off today at her workplace. This is a new beginning! 

I am feeling a bit nostalgic today! It is like a first day at school, high school or university. It is a new phase in her life, but also ours! (There's a few tears here! But that's just me!)

This is where we want our children to be! Independent adults who have their own careers!

"We" made it!

"We" successfully helped her to become her own!

I think we do have "license" to say that we have a part in it!

We are very proud of you, my Girl!

My words of wisdom today: Don't be a wise-ass, but listen to what they are going to teach you! (I cringe when I think back to my own first job, and how smart I thought I was! I was a real pain in the bud...)

Take all the experience you can get!

Photo: Junior SEO Copywriter walking away to her first job!

Grateful for 2012

52 Weeks of Grateful

I am linking up with Maxabella Loves and Kidspot with their weekly 52 weeks of Grateful.for this year.

There is nothing that self-motivates and aspires than a grateful attitude and perspective on life.
I am copying what Maxabella Loves says about "noticing better" (her words):

I’m Bron from Maxabella loves... and years ago I started writing down three things every week that made me feel grateful. Just plain grateful, nothing special. However, the power of gratitude to lift and inspire is amazing and before long I realised that I was living my life looking for things to be positive about. Even in the midst of a slow or difficult week, I would feel hopeful, energised and just bloody lucky to be here. One way or another, being grateful just changed the way I look at life.

This week I am... Grateful for 2012!

A New Year is overwhelming, and has the ability to knock you down with responsibilities and routine and  stuff to do...

The word for this week Beginnings fits in perfectly with being grateful about 2012. 
A New Year of New Beginnings! 
A New Year of starting afresh. 

I am always saying that I love new beginnings, and that we are allowed to make as many new beginnings that changes our lives and us for the better. 
My first blog post "Mom blogging"  states that it is all about new beginnings...
If I did not make a new beginning in a previous life, I would have "drowned" in a situation that was intolerable! 

The Toddler started her year at a new pre-primary school. She loves it already because she did not want to leave this afternoon!

The student in our home is leaving for varsity for a whole new exciting adventure!

Hubby and me will have a different family life this year as well...
Minus a family member... More time? We will see!
We have personal and physical and financial and spiritual and emotional and intellectual goals to set, and some to change this year!

Whoop-whoop! 2012! You are going to be great year!
Let the NEW begin!

Proud of her

Today was a big day! Not only did The Toddler start at her new school, we also had another celebration!

The matric results were announced!

Our daughter got four distinctions. She missed one by 1%, and is going to ask for it to be remarked!

I am so proud of her! She worked hard, and she's got something to show for it!

There are some of the top achievers who say that it comes easily, and one even said "Because I can!" (he got 12 distinctions)...
But most have to work for it!

What I also admire of my daughter is that she is well-balanced.
She takes time to spend with her boyfriend and friends, she loves reading, and she loves keeping active...
I could not have wished for more!

She is extremely excited to start her new year at varsity!
A new chapter is beginning for her this year!


Well done, my girl!

Related posts:
Grade 12 - the stress is getting to me
Officially unemployed
How do moms do exams?

(Photo: Elise du Toit Photography)

First day at a new school

Finally, the first day at a new pre-primary school for The Toddler!
She is starting with a 4-year old group of kids.

I've had nightmares about it...

It feels like I am sending my child to real school for the first time! Everything is structured and organised.

But it's a beautiful place, and the teachers are qualified and very welcoming!

We made specially sure that The Toddler got enough sleep by doing a long sleep drive last night. It worked!

Until there was thunder and lightning! And she woke up again... (I felt like cursing the weather!)

So this morning she was still sleeping. She was supposed to eat something because they don't do breakfast at school anymore...
She was sleeping the whole new route we have to travel to school as well!

We were there early, before the gates opened, and showed her the play area through the fencing!
She showed some interest...

I also tried showing her what I packed in her bag, but she told me to put it back again! (*She's sorted!*)

We went to her class, and looked around. I was thinking of spending some time with her checking it out, but when the teacher tried to take her, she started to cry...

That's when we had to leave... With me crying as well!
And the Head of the School walking past with a smile and saying: "It is always the same in the New Year!"


I hope she's going to be okay?
What is a good time to phone the school? 10 o'clock?

My Word of the Year: Energy

Lynette at Creative Moments has come up with her word for the year: Breathe! I love the idea of a word chosen for a specific year. It is like a mantra you can resort to every time things start to feel overwhelming! Thanks, Lynette, I am borrowing it as well! (I hope I am allowed?)

I have been walking around, thinking racking my brains about my word. I went back to my post about my New Year’s resolutions: 2011 – Here we come! Fun and a healthy lifestyle springs to the fore!  I can come back to me again! Does that sentence make sense? I have been focusing on the baby/toddler now for about three years. The pregnancy, and then Ta-Da!: 24/7 Mieka!

We won’t give her less attention or love, but she is beginning to become her own little person. And sometimes she is keeps busy all on her own! Last night she “watered” plants in the garden for longer than half an hour. Give her pen and paper, and it is a sure 15 minutes (at least) where the toddler keeps busy! *sigh of relief!*

I want to do things for myself again, and I want to exercise. The words Vitality & Motion and Move-ment come to mind. Motion is Energy and Energy is Life. Life is Source (God). Source going right back/forward to the endless ebb and flow of Life itself. Energy in Motion!

Energy is not a calming word, but the mere mention of it gives me a kick of the much-needed Life I need this year. I want to be good to myself, and I want to MOVE! Literally and figuratively!

Energy! Works for me!

What is your word?

Divorces lead to funny stories

Each year when we tick off another anniversary, I always think back and compare my previous life to what I have now. It is of course way way better!

I had a previous life (it feels like a reincarnated life, so far removed it is from us now), which ended in divorce. It was one of the most awful and traumatic times of my life! It was as bad, no! - Even worse – for my daughter! For years she blamed me for the split, and wished we were just a whole family again. I know that is the wish of all kids who are impacted by divorce! Now the teen understands what it was all about, and she herself has put down a few rules with regards her own dad...

I had great friends who stood by me during the difficult times. (I will always be grateful to them!) Two of my friends who had two boys came to visit us after we moved into a flat on the third floor of a block of flats. The boys were extremely impressed with the stairs in the building. They were playing on the stairs for the duration of the visit. They were even sad to leave...

On the way home they asked their mother when they are going to get divorced.

Shocked, my friend asked them why they wanted them to get a divorce.

Because they wanted to stay in a flat as well where there are stairs...

My friend’s husband was, of course, not impressed at all! Not at all!

(Photo: Patrick Pretorius Photography)

About me: Powerwoman

That’s me! The better version of me! ;-)

Powerwoman is a go-getter in life.
She is able to juggle work and home with ease.
Powerwoman is a wonderful mother, and a great wife!
She is an activist and a feminist!

Whenever I need a bit of extra Powerwoman, I revert back to her!
Powerwoman always do the right things!
Powerwoman is also very opinionated, and always speaks her mind!
(I do love Powerwoman!)

This blog is about becoming a parent after the age of 40, the second time after 15 years. It’s all about new beginnings. Being a working mom and married for a second time. Mieka came 21 December 2008. The meaning of her name is “new fountain” in Japanese.

My life has been about new beginnings; coming from a bad emotional manipulative first marriage, but doing it again with a wonderful husband this time.
The teen keep us very busy, but we enjoy her with all her excitement about her life unfolding.
And of course: we are in awe of the new miracle of life. Baby keeps us very busy, but we are enjoying her going through all of the developmental milestones. Her dad thinks she is the most beautiful baby on the planet, ever!

I (Powerwoman) try to smile at some of the daily grind and rat race that we found ourselves in here at the south point of Africa. Very interesting times…

Powerwoman is on top of The Quickening

I need to step out into the fast lane, because it feels like it is going way too fast for me! Am I the only one, or are there other people out there also feeling as if everything is going much quicker than before?
I heard (have no idea where) that there is a quickening in time, but maybe it is only in my mind?
January is speeding by, and I haven’t yet started with my new year’s resolutions. My gym bag was packed this morning, but when I opened my car boot at work this morning…no gym bag. Sabotaging myself?
It also feels as if I can’t get up to speed at work as well. Something to do with the toddler waking us up every hour of the night? She has a bit of a cough.
But enough of the whining!
Powerwoman is here, in 2010! I am ready for you.
See me speeding by in the fast lane!

The Year of the Toddler (New Year’s resolutions)

It’s always a good idea to start a new year with resolutions. I had years where I said I do not have any resolutions! I was of the opinion then that it’s not worth it; resolutions are being made and get broken very easily. But it’s not very motivating to not have resolutions, and at the end of the year you can’t take stock of what has been achieved!
Last year (2009) took us by surprise with the baby! I did not have time/energy/motivation to work on resolutions. It feels like we had a year of survival! Surviving the baby! (Smile!) That was our only focus for a year. And it was a great year! Dries also says it is extremely gratifying to experience life with a little one – he would have been much poorer without her. Ditto for me as well!
But Mieka is a year old now, and she is becoming her own person and more and more mobile.
This year is going to be one of resolutions in progress. This year is going to be one of goals! I am going to work on a full set of resolutions: family, physical, spiritual, mental, financial, and vocational...
There is a sense of optimism in the air. A positive vibe is embracing us all. The Year of the Toddler is going to be a good one for the family! The Teen is also going to be a source of joy for the family, as she has been the previous year!

2010. Here we come!

Happy New Year to you all!

A new year with new beginnings! Last year (2009) caught us off-guard with the baby coming three weeks early. We are only beginning to catch up now…
This year is going to be planned with New Year’s resolutions and goals! I love new beginnings!
Let’s begin! (Smile)

(Photo: Best friends!)

Splits and children

Divorces have a devastating effect on the children. No new revelation!
Arnia believed and hoped for years that I and her dad would get back together again and that we would be a family again. We split up when she was 6 and got divorced the next year. Until she was 12 years of age I was blamed for making the move. But she did not know and understand the reasons for the move, and it was only when she herself was confronted with the reality of the situation that she started to make a mind shift. The reality of the situation was that the X was an emotional manipulator, which sometimes moved in the direction of violent aggression. The X was and is a leach that sucks the people dry around him, and do not positively contribute to any environment. The X also did not contribute financially towards his daughter’s upbringing.
That was our story, but we have moved on. We have a new family life, and that is what this blog is all about. New beginnings, every day!
Yes, sometimes it IS better for the children when the parents split!

Photo: One of our new beginnings!

New Fountain

I found this on my computer. I was just commenting last week on the thorn tree in our garden, and how it reminds me of new beginnings and the rhythm of life. We went through a very traumatic experience, but now we have Mieka to celebrate life with. Her name in Japanese translates to “new fountain”.

Ode to the unborn baby
4-2-2008
You could have been 14 weeks already. A unique human being was becoming our son. But on the 4th of January 2008 you were dead already. No life. You were only a very small peanut on the sonar screen.
It is one of the toughest things that ever happened to me, and it seems like it is something to shy away from. Very few people ask you how you are feeling, and even less people make a commentary about your precious life!
You had life. We had a new life in our midst, and we were starting to live a new life with you in mind.
I feel guilty to have felt those negative emotions in the beginning. We were not really ready for a new life. Would we ever be ready?
I feel guilty for having sensed your maleness and for feeling negative to bring someone into the world which I do not understand.
But I miss you! Intently!
We have continued with our lives. I have taken only two days from work, and even felt guilty about taking the time.
But I miss you the whole time: In the morning when I get up, and I feel my empty belly. My breasts that have returned to normal; it aches for you. During the day, at work, I think of you constantly. I do continuous searches on the Internet. To try and understand what could have gone wrong. Where did we lose you?
No! No, I am not coping well! You may think that! I am smiling, but it does not reach my heart.
I miss you!!!