Poo!

What was your weirdest/oddest/funniest Christmas pressie?

Mine was elephant poo! Yes, you read that right... I can make paper with it, but don't quite have the setup I used to... so it'll remain safe in it's lil (brown) box. For now.

What was yours?

The unwrapping of Christmas

On Christmas Eve we had a quiet and restful evening together, with a (rather large) plate of crackers, thinly sliced salmon and a variety of cheeses; Brie, Philly, smoked Bavarian, cranberry cheeses. Oh, and the obligatory bottle of wine of course! We toasted absent family and friends and listened to Nat King Cole's Christmas CD.

Usually we are at the Christmas tree (no, we dont have kids, this is us.. two grown ADULTS!haha) by 5am, tearing through our gifts. I think we grew up this year. We lazed in bed, had a coffee and a waffle... then nonchalantly opened some gifts. I got a lovely beaten leather handbag, a couple of BBC period drama DVDs (bless my husband he knows how much I love them!) and a super soft flowery towel. Hubby got a remote control aeroplane, a Choclate Shop chocolate in the shape of a greek god, with 'My Hero' on it... corny I know, but hey! He also got some old war DVDs and a brown leather wallet.



We had a lovely, festive Christmas lunch with my sister in law and husband in Kent. It was a cold drive but a warm welcome. Starters were smoked trout, prawns and cold salad. We kept room for the main course of gammon, lamb with mint sauce, carrots, pumpkin, turkey stuffing (although no turkey, which suited me down to the ground), potato with gravy, yorkshire pudding and of course, the very English tradition of brussel sprouts! Ugh, not something I personally enjoy and I left it (I only took one!) on the plate... I ate a tiny bit, promise!



Pudding was traditional pudding with piping hot brandy custard. This was particularly tasty! After dinner it was pressie time - and then we said our goodbyes. All-in-all a superb day, chilled and relaxed with good food, wine and company. We do not see my sister in law very often so it's a special treat to see her.



We got to chat to family in South Africa and United States which was lovely as usual. I miss my family so much and over birthdays and Christmasses this becomes particularly hard. We happily only have one more Christmas in the UK and then we will be back in South Africa. The last cold Christmas.

Today we awoke late and pottered around in our pjs and furry slippers (okay, that was me in the slippers!). Lance made a tasty gammon with swede mash and tomato basil rice for a late lunch, with some Chilean wine. We did loads of laundry and started packing for our holiday! Only 6 days to go! Got the malaria tablets, sunscreen and fishing gear, camera equipment, pressies for family and board games... the important stuff!!!

*The reason for the season*

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

What a funny joke!

A joke some did not get...

Our Christmas Nativity!

Watching out for Santa's sleigh...

Oh I do hope you all have a joyful and fun Christmas, where your bellies will be full and your hearts warm with loved ones around you. My heart goes out to those that might be spending it alone, in the cold, hungry. Please do spare a thought (and a prayer) for those millions less fortunate than ourselves. At this time we remember God's greatest gift to us, of His son, Jesus. Jesus has brought so much to my life, and my family's.

A blogger called Toasty

I have started following a lovely blog by Toasty today.

His personal blog is about 'commentary on life, popular culture, the news, politics, politicians, religion, language, violence, nihilism, environmental issues, and whatever else happens to cross my desk, screen, and life at any moment. I will also list my favorite books.'

I particularly enjoyed a post about a program he and his wife watched on the telly, about a war-time story he saw on Japanese TV. You can read it here.

My comment on his post is below. I have pasted it here as this post really made me THINK. Not just chuckle or wryly smile as so many other blog posts do, but really made me think. Digest what I was reading. I'll be back for more Toasty, thank you!

'Toasty, what a moving post.

My husband was in the South African army (one of their last conscripted youths in the late 80s), and the stories he has told me are blood curling and chill me to the bone. Seeing people set on fire with a tyre full of petrol round their neck all those years ago remains with him today - the images and the screams... oh the screams... He is a dear man, my gentle and faithful partner, and has been through things no wo/man should. Humankind is so inherently wicked so often.

It's stories like this in your post that remind us that we are all human, we are all real and that we all matter... no matter what background, creed, religion or race we are. Our hearts all beat the same beat, our eyes cry the same tears, our lips crack the same smiles.

Thanks too for your lovely comment on my Christmas post. My hubby took me out for an all English breakfast in the local Wimbledon Village this am and all the shops are busy (even with the credit crunch surprisingly), for me Christmas is all about family and Jesus.

Take care, God bless, and have a wonderful Christmas Mr and Mrs Toasty!'

Christmas time in London

This has been one busy month thus far!

As family leave London early for sunny shores down south, we have started Christmas early with Christmas celebrations - a family lunch, 2 dinners, a ball, and a couple of kids parties. We will be having Christmas in Kent and then head to South Africa for a belated Christmas the first 2 weeks in January, in the Drakensberg Mountains, with family, then onto Mpumalanga and Johannesburg for a week and a half. Will add photos as and when it all happens!

Catch up of the week!

Childminding
We went to my Annual Childminding Borough Ball last Thursday and they presented me (and 2 others in the borough) with a HUGE bunch of flowers for getting the top grading this year at our OFSTED inspection. Was a big surprise (altho Lance knew about it, cheeky boy!), and a lovely evening.



They put on this dinner dance annually as a thank you for the hard work the childminders do for the kids in the borough. We are like mini nurseries anyway, doing the same paperwork, curriculum etc. that nurseries do, just within the home setting. The Early Years team recognises this and appreciates us... which makes the job all the better!



Baby stuff
We have been busy busy our side making appts and are seeing a fertility specialist in Johannesburg in January... interested to see how that goes!!! We have heard back from a couple of Spanish fertility clinics, but are trying South African fertility clinics first. It makes practical sense as we will be holidaying there next month.

Asthma
The heavy meds I am on are having certain side effects.. and one of the things I have with them is being a scatterbrain and you need to repeat yourself a couple times sometimes! I also get tired easily. There are worse side effects though (like going blind!), so I think I am doing okay. But rather that and being able to breathe... they are also adding on the pounds tho, which is upsetting! I do hope I'll be able to only be on the two inhalers and not the steroid tablets when we return to South Africa.

Work in South Africa when we return
I have had strong interest this week in supplying my handmade paper products to a couple of retailers in Johannesburg. I used to have a product design company in Cape Town and we supplied hotels, retail chains, owner shops, did wedding stationery etc.

This closed when we emigrated to England.

Now I had two inquiries, which is exciting as I am glad they love what I did, but I am unable to start providing them with products now, will have to be in 2010 earliest! When we have returned to South Africa.



I have used up all my stock a long time ago, so cannot show actual products to the two potential buyers - but can show pictures of course in January - it's worth talking about now, even though at an early stage.

I am far too busy with my childminding and design freelancing to even fairly contemplate any more work now anyway. I have also been asked by the borough Early Years head to run workshops in the New Year for prospective childminders (at £25 an hour... not a bad idea!), and I am so passionate about it I would love to give this a go. Would be on Saturdays.



Having said that, I am keen to get going when we return to South Africa - 2010 is not far away... We will ensure we have premisis for a decent-sized studio for me, and I could make the paper, then the cards, crackers, invites etc. I am not keen to have a factory and all the staff like I did before tbh, but working from my own premisis and with a couple of helpers during busy times is fine.

I will not supply chain stores again due to the high quantity (and veeeery low prices!) needed, but it would be super to have some consistent clients like the two aforementioned - offering them a variety of quality products within the same product range. This would also lend them exclusivity in the area. They could then also add my wedding stationery to the wedding services they already offer.

So, I will just explain that we will have to wait a bit. We need to do this properly. At least they know the products are good quality (SA Woolworths quality!), can be customised etc. and will be LOCAL!



I am also keen to start a little (maybe even half day only - will see what the need is) playgroup with a few kiddies. I am passionate about kids and paper and design and would love to have a good mix of both... much like I do now - childminding and freelancing - but a tad differently of course! I miss working with my hands and creating different papers. We are also keen to have some kind of self catering business... so lots on the cards, just not too sure how it'll pan out.

At least we know the area we will return to live in in South Africa - somewhere where nether of us have lived before, or have family, and will explore it a lot more in January - we have been keeping a good eye on house and farm prices and like so many, so are confident we'll find one that suits our needs. We will have to buy one in 2010, prior to our return. Would be great if I have a few orders to already start when we move out there!!!

Exciting stuff!

What does the future hold for you do you think?
What plans have you got?
Do you live life on a 'wing and a prayer'?

Baby P

Here are 2 lovely poems, a song on video and a tribute video - all written for Baby P... this little lad and his frightful plight has touched the hearts of many... what happened to him by his own mother and her two male cohorts was horrendous, and should have been stopped, and could have been stopped had care been adequate... especially as the local authorities knew about it! Now it's too late. Heads have rolled and are rolling... justice is being served... but that won't bring this darling lil boy back.

It Shouldn't Happen Here.

He didn't have a voice,
To say I'm hurting.
His tears of pain ignored,
By those to deaf to hear.

Now a little child's spirit,
Is like a silent shadow moving,
For his tormentors souls,
The fires of hell are burning.

We all feel guilty now,
We could not do something,
But we share the pain you felt,
In every paper we are reading.

Every single cut that bled,
Every single tear you shed,
Every single punch you felt,
It shouldn't happen here.

Poet: Martin McGregor

~

It is March 1st 2006 and a precious gift arrives on Earth
So perfect, so handsome, unaware of his worth
He stares around in wonder, at this world he now calls home
‘I’m safe with those who love me, I will never be alone…’

But as months pass, he wonders at life, much harder than he thought
‘Why am I being hurt again, is everything my fault?’
‘I thought these people in my life were here to comfort me’
‘But once again I’m all alone, no help arrives for me’

‘Is this what life is always like, why have I not been saved?
‘I’m feeling quite unsure right now but know I can be brave’
‘Why do they not hear me when I scream out for some love?’
‘Maybe I’ll feel happier with someone up above’

‘I will close my tired eyes now and wish goodnight to Earth’
‘I know there’s somewhere happier where people know my worth’.
‘So please do not feel sad for me, as I move to my new life’
‘The angels have come to save me and to take away my strife’.

‘Their hands are warm and comforting, their hugs make me feel bright’
‘Please don’t forget to wave at me, when you watch the stars at night’
‘I feel at peace, and happy, I’m smiling every day’
‘The angels make me giggle as we run around and play’

‘So happy I am here now where all the angels sing’
‘They make me feel protected, sheltered by their wings’
‘I wake up every morning with a smile upon my face,
‘So pleased that I was taken to this kind and magic place’

‘So happy you all care for me, knew not much love before’
‘I feel so warm and special now I’m loved for ever more’

Poet: Lynne Killick

Tribute song for Baby P - "God Called You Home"

The singer writes: ''My tribute to Baby P - If anyone knows who the author of the poem God's Garden is, please let me know. I dedicate the music I wrote to the memory of Baby P, who was let down by everyone during the course of his short and painful life...''

The second video is a tribute to this lil boy x

Oi vey...

Well the parent in question was hugely apologetic when she saw me - I think she realised she was being unfair and having a hissy fit over nudda - nothing!

She told me she will have to have a 'frugal Christmas' (her exact words) as she is paying me 1 day holiday pay - I told her pay them both later in the year, but she said she'd pay 1 day now, 1 later... I am sorry, but she cannot have a frugal Christmas because of £50? Plus the guilt trip hasn't worked.

I am glad I stayed calm and didn't react, but responded.

... and so it continues...

Well tonight I got a loooong email from her again - hubby saw it first, and is shocked by how pathetic she is being, she is having a fit... and is complaining about me being off (am I not allowed a holiday?), the fact she has to pay me two days paid leave annually, the fact I get paid in advance not arrears... etc... you name it, she's complaining about it.

The LAST thing I will do is go on the defensive and justify why I charge what I do and when etc. It's my business, and she either likes it (she did happily sign her contract 6 months ago) or will have to lump it... if she forgets what's in her contract or doesn't read her newsletters then it's her own fault. This lady has given me much grief over the months and it's always her, never the other parents.

My reply to her essay will be:

'Thanks for the email. Your invoice is below...' No heartstring stuff for me. The kids today behaved better than she is imho.

There's always one eh?

Uh, read your contract?

Do y'all remember my ''Oops, sorry, we are in Spain!'' post from October?

I cannot believe this - I emailed December and January invoices, as I am leaving for South Africa first thing 1st Jan so won't be around for any possible queries. I invoiced 2 holiday days as per contract ...

I get a reply... ''You are going on holiday??? This puts me in a right pickle as I need care for XYZ in January as per usual''

I forward her the long newsletter I emailed parents on 1st September, writing about new toddler group opening close by, OFSTED inspection, new wristbands etc. including MY HOLIDAY DATES from 1 Jan to 26 Jan 2009.

Her reply... ''oh well that's too far back to remember.. now how am I supposed to pay you for days when you arent caring for XYZ, and I cannot work that day as I have to care for XYZ?''

Uh, read your contract? You signed up to pay me 2 days holiday per year.

You know, my communication with my mindee parents is excellent. And she is the only one who ever takes the p... like last Thurs when she arrived half an hour late, but then fetched him half an hour late too... to make up the time...!!!!??? How can she just think it okay to elongate my working day willy nilly???

I have our borough's Childminding Christmas Dinner Dance this Thursday evening... and am worried she will do this again to me...

I had better email her and remind her about her contracted hours.. and that she cannot just play with my working hours because she is late!!! But I had better write this email when I have calmed dooooown

*deep breaths*