driving in the slow lane (part 2)
So last week I told you how my husband had set a challenge for me to ‘drive like a granny’. Well. The results are in. My hubby said that I wouldn’t see that much of an improvement with my fuel consumption from the first try, however, I managed to get an additional 75km (46mi) out of my tank! I was absolutely gobsmacked! I generally get about 620km (385mi) out of a full tank of petrol, but the fact that when I had to put in more fuel, my odometer was sitting at 695kg (431mi) blew my mind away. Don’t get me wrong… I still ‘put foot’ as such, especially with all of my idiot truck drivers on our roads, but wow. I am genuinely impressed and cannot wait to continue saving money on petrol, ESPECIALLY the way the price keeps jumping up.
So, I don’t dress like a granny, but it looks like I’ll be driving like one from now onwards…
G
Add a comment May 2, 2012
Tags: consumption, driving, fuel, husband, kilometers, miles, petrol, slow lane
laziness and bliss
So half way through my Freedom Day public holiday, my bestie messages me asking if I’d like to tag a long to the beach with her. Um, yes! So off the princess and I went, piled into her car and made our way down to a little quiet spot on a beautiful stretch of beach.
I didn’t pack anything for my princess to play with, but wow how just the sand can entertain a 2 and a 1/2 year old! She ran herself silly, in and out of the sea, made sand castles with her ice lolly and even tried eating the sand after face planting it a few times…
But days like that are what I live for, the pure, simplistic bliss that is life.
Here’s to the next blissful day.
G
Add a comment April 28, 2012
Tags: beach, family, public holiday, relaxation, swimming
driving in the slow lane
I am a naturally aggressive driver. I drive pedal to the metal, hard and fast. I like to get my destination quickly, and I like to get away from slow, idiotic drivers who are just so dense and ‘safe’ in their little driving bubble. However, this obviously means that I go through quite a bit of petrol each month. Something my hubby hasn’t been too thrilled about seeing as he’s the one who foots the bill…
So on Monday night he gave me a challenge of sorts; drive like a ‘granny’ with my latest full tank of petrol to try and get a comparison. So basically what this means is the following :
1 – no unnecessary acceleration
2 – no unnecessary braking (not needed as I won’t be accelerating)
3 – going through my gears slowly and smoothly, and also using them to slow me down, thus reducing my braking
4 – controlling my road rage (blush) thus not accelerating and braking unnecessarily
So I filled my tank on Tuesday night, and I started driving like a ‘granny’ as soon as I left the petrol station. I cannot believe I’m admitting this… But I can already see a drastic improvement in my fuel consumption. I’m quite stunned actually, in a very good way! And in all honesty, I’m quite enjoying the ‘chilled’ drive, just brushing off other idiots on the road, just sticking to the rules of the road and doing my thing. And you know what I’ve realised but taking the ‘chilled’ approach? There are a lot of drivers out there who not only don’t know how to drive, think they own the roads and are just plain a**holes, but if everyone just took a chilled approach to driving, there might just be a lot less accidents on our roads.
G
Add a comment April 26, 2012
Tags: consumption, driving, fast, life, petrol, slow
Cell / Mobile Phones – grr argh!!!!
So I got a new phone last week. All excited, I got home and psyched myself up to do the whole back-up-the-old-phone-and-restore-to-new-phone thingy-majig. Suddenly, at the end of the back up, my laptop tells me that there was some sort of error, do I want to retry? Apprehensively, I say yes, and all seems fine. I then WIPE my old phone, as my hubby wants to use it, and copy his information onto my old phone. Switch it on, and hey presto! – all is well. I then turn on my new phone and…
Do you know that heart stopping feeling, when your stomach has sunk to the bottom of your toe nails, and you don’t know how to get it back up into your chest? Yep. That. My back up has restored all of my contacts and messages, but none of my media. 1,500 plus pictures, mostly of my daughter, gone. I actually didn’t know what to say. What was the point of crying, shouting, screaming or running around in hysteria? It wasn’t going to bring the images back? Well so what – I did all 4 anyway!
Technology; there to help us, make our lives easier, but I swear that it is also the bain of my existence most days. Whatever happened to the simple little phone that you could make and receive calls on? Remember how excited we all were when sms / text messages came out – wow, what technology! Now we can send HD pictures wirelessly, music, e-mails, all through a little smart phone that I wanted to smash into the wall… But seeing as the phone was only 24 hours old, I didn’t think that that was the best idea…
The best part is, I have to take the phone back to the shop today, as it has a missing pixel on the screen, right in the middle of the phone, and today is day 7, the last day that I can return the phone for a brand new one. Let’s just say I will not be the one putting all of my information onto the new phone; the in-store techician can! Because, at least that way, if he stuffs it up, I can have a proper bitch fit and not feel guilty about it!
Remember, dance like no one is watching, and if they are, make it a show that they’ll never forget.
G
Add a comment March 22, 2012
Tags: cell phone, e-mail, guilt, guilty, mobile phone, music, photos, pictures, technician, technology, text
kindergarten / creche / play school (huh?!)
So last year my daughter’s creche was under threat of closing, as the owner was emigrating and my husband and I were unsure of what to do. After scouting several creches, we settled on a wonderful little creche that was a bit more expensive and a little further out. So at the end of December I forked out the January fees, a lump in my throat when I clicked ‘pay’ on the internet banking. Oh, this excludes the not-so-small non-refundable deposit I paid in October.
So our princess started her new creche last Monday, and by last Friday my husband and I sat down and spoke for over 2 hours, as there was something very wrong with our daughter. Not only had I had several issues with bottles and items of clothing not coming home (as well as a teacher issue :/) our daughter had started pulling her hair out. Now, not a piece or 2, but 2 whole handfuls of hair. This happened 3 times during the week. She was withdrawn, subdued, and quite honestly, depressed. (A depressed toddler – not something I ever want to experience EVER again)
So long story short, I contacted the new owner of her old creche and she took her back, no questions asked. Within 3 days of being back, I had my happy, carefree little princess back. What have I learnt from this experience? My princess doesn’t thrive in a huge schooling environment, at least not at the age of 2.
I mentioned above that I had a hard time figuratively paying the school fees in December, but at the end of the day, I cannot put a price on my daughter’s happiness.
She comes first. Always has. Always will.
G
Add a comment January 20, 2012
Tags: children, school
so where do we stand
A lot has happened to me these last few months. A beloved member of my family passed away, another was diagnosed with a serious disease, other members of my family decided to end their relationship, and my princess turned 2. My hubby and I finally made the big move and found our own place, and moved out of my mom’s house, a huge step for me, and heartbreaking for my mom.
Work has been a rollercoaster of emotions; 1 minute I’m doing a phenomenal job and the next I’m being told how absolutely incompetent I am. I’ve had a lot on my plate work wise, which has resulted in me going into work very early some mornings, meaning I’ve been utterly and totally exhausted upon my arrival at home. Exhaustion added to mild laziness plus a hate of all domestication, leads to just a wee bit of friction between mommy and daddy.
Life has most certainly been trying and um, interesting. There are decisions in my past where, when I think back, I do sometimes wish I’d chosen differently, but then I wouldn’t have certain thing today that I do have. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about decisions, or rather the lack of decision making on my part… I have never been a big decision maker; I’m a follower more then a leader. This has served me well in my life, but too often, not so well.
But that, my friends, is a story for another day.
Do it like you mean it, ALWAYS.
G
Add a comment November 19, 2011
Tags: children, happiness, life, marriage, stress
How to get fired – guaranteed 11 step programme
Step 1 – offer to do a delivery for your company to a customer that you KNOW will have cash waiting for you
Step 2 – not realising that you’re being filmed, place the said money into your handbag once you have done the delivery
Step 3 – realising that your game is up (1 month later) send out 1 x lame ass e-mail to your boss, stating that you have no idea what happened to the money, and that you’ll pay it back
Step 4 – get arrested for theft, at work (damn, not quite but oh so close!)
Step 5 – get sister to bail you out
Step 6 – come to work the day after you were arrested, to continue working for the company that has just accused you of theft
Step 7 – get handed your letter of immediate suspension and get asked to leave the premises (immediately of course)
Step 8 – have disciplinary enquiry where you deny all charges and profess your innocence, until a dvd of you pocketing the money is shown
Step 9 – admit guilt
Step 10 – be found guilty by relevant labour brokers etc
Step 11 – be handed your letter of immediate dismissal, and are informed that you are NEVER to set foot on work premises EVER again
Oh, and whilst all of this is going on, DO NOT forget your other criminal case, you know, the one where you’re being sued for credit card fraud…
Guaranteed to work, EVERY TIME…
G
Add a comment September 16, 2011
Tags: charges, criminal, enquiry, fraud, guide, guitly, innocent, theft
Domestication… (Insert shocked face here)
So those who know me, know that I am not the most domesticated of people. I iron what I need, eat a sarmie if I’m hungry, barely make my bed and laugh at a broom. But now that the hubby, princess and I have our own ‘space’, someone’s gotta keep it clean and tidy… Ummmm…
So the hubby has been fantastic in cooking supper every single night and I’ve been washing the dishes, something I am used to and don’t mind too much. Yet I detest washing the princess’ bottles. I have to bribe my husband with sexual favours (hahaha) to avoid washing and sterilising her bottles. As hubby works from home a lot, he’s had a lot more time to unpack boxes and do the washing and do the cleaning etc. But we said just before we moved into our own place, the Saturday’s would be our ‘clean-up’ day. Do everything that needs to be done and have Sunday’s for ourselves to do what we pleased.
- Yeah, ummm, not so much hey!
So last Saturday I was not well at all, and was couch bound for most of the day. I had actually planned to try and complete the balance of the unpacking, and then sweep, mop, clean etc. But that did not happen. I apologised profusely to hubby, and he is luckily a very understanding man, and it wasn’t that bad. But I made it clear to him that this Saturday I would be fully domesticated (someone help me now) and do my chores.
So up we get at 06h00 (yawn), as we wanted to start our day at the early morning market. I was not a happy chicken, but did my bit and showered whilst hubby got the princess ready. Off we went, me still half asleep and fully grumpy, and ended up having a lovely morning at the market, ended instantly by the princess’ cries of a wet nappy, and having nowhere to change her.
Once back at home, we managed to occupy the princess with a Barney dvd of all things, and by the time the dvd had finished for the SECOND time, I had accomplished the following :
Entire house swept
Entire house mopped
5 loads of washing hung up and brought in
5 loads of washing folded and put away
4 boxes unpacked
For a woman who is good at being domestic, but not good at the physical domestication (if you know what I mean) that is an accomplishment of note! I am damn proud of myself – YAY ME!
But wait, next Saturday I have to do it all over again… Oh boy. Looks like domestication is going to become a daily part of my life…. MOMMY!!!!!!
G
1 comment September 10, 2011
Tags: clean, cleaning, domestic, dvd, home, hubby, husband, hygiene, market, mop, princess, sweep, tired
Life, or something like it
So I haven’t blogged in a while. A long while. A lot has happened since my last blog. Let’s see, where to begin.
So the hubby, princess and I have moved into our own place (finally), we celebrated being together for 8 years at the end of August. It’s been an interesting 2 or so weeks, what with having to budget properly (eek!), trying to settle 3 dogs who have been barking mad, and me trying to become more, what’s the word, oh yes, do-mes-ti-cated… (I think that’s how it’s pronounced).
Don’t get me wrong; I am a perfectionist, and when I start something I ensure that it’s done correctly. It’s not that I’m not good at being domesticated, it’s that I’m not good at it, if you know what I mean… I’m the sit-on-the-couch-and-be-lazy-and-relaxed kinda person, not get on my hands and knees and scrub and clean and wipe and sweep and mop… I don’t mind the washing so much, as the machine has to do the physical washing of the clothes; I just hang it up! I must admit, that I don’t mind the ironing so much. But please take note that I only iron what is required, when it is required…
It was also my amazing mom’s big 5.0 a few days ago. Life has been a bit tough lately, what with us moving out, me ‘growing up’ as such, so I decided to treat her to a supper theatre evening. Best thing the hubby and I could have thought of. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the evening, my mom did too. It was a spectacular show, awesome food and my mom got a bit ‘tinkled’ as she put it. Would quite happily do it all over again.
The latest bit of news in my life isn’t so happy or welcome. Yet someone else that I love and hold dear in my heart was diagnosed today with the big C. Why can’t cancer get cancer and just die already? Listen, it’s not a death sentence as far as I’m concerned; you can beat it with the right mindset and treatment, but seriously, enough is enough for this woman. She is now the 3rd woman in my family to be affected by this disease; the first 2 are no longer with us. If I could take it away I would, believe me.
So happier things to discuss, is the planning of my princess’s 2nd birthday! Will someone kindly explain to me where the hell the last 2 years have run away to, let along the last few months… It’s 3 months to Christmas! Anyway, hubby and I have decided that this year it’ll be a Mickey and Minnie Mouse themed party – she loves Mickey Mouse, and I mean loves him! She dances and now SINGS along to his songs on Disney Channel. Aah, she is just becoming such an independently amazing little girl. I didn’t know that I could love anyone as much as I love her. She totally completes me, and her tight hugs and sloppy wet kisses are just such a privilege!
So remember, life happens, deal with it. It’s not always about the destination; sometimes the journey is more exciting and worthwhile.
G
xx
Add a comment September 8, 2011
Tags: birthday, cancer, daughter, family, home, house, mom, mother, moving, party
Work, or something like it
I like my job. In fact, I love my job. I like the fact that my boss generally leaves me alone as long as my work is generally up to date (haha) and that he’s understanding when I need to leave early, come in late etc. I just wish that there were 3 of me, because I honestly feel like I am never going to be up to date!
The last couple of weeks I’ve been going in early to work , like 02h00 early, as I find that I accomplish more in those wee hours of the morning, than if I was to stay late. I have a hubby who is really understanding, and takes our daughter to creche, and understands when I phone him in a flat panic at 16h25 needing him to drop everything to fetch our daughter from creche, because my day hasn’t gone exactly as planned. And I love those rare moments, when I do actually have nothing to do at work. Like today, from 13h12 – 13h15. But in all honesty, things are going well at the moment, and apart from being pretty much exhausted all of the time, things really are going ok.
I have this one customer, who is a job all on its own. I work in production, but my boss has given me the account to handle, as it really is, one of THOSE accounts. Almost everyday I have to deal with rejects, emergency drives to their factory, fighting with them to accept rejects, begging, pleading and almost on my knees regarding the rejected stock, and then once in a blue moon, things actually do go my way. A day or 3 will go by where there are no rejections, all deliveries go smoothly, and my grey hairs recede just a little. But then my phone starts ringing, and the screen says, PRIVATE NUMBER.
Oh ****.
Add a comment August 22, 2011
