You get a chair. You get a light bulb. You get on the chair. You stretch and try and turn the old light bulb. No-one seems to care if you have light in this part of the house or not, except a four year old who can’t do it herself. You stretch a little bit more, but it’s stuck. You can’t call for help, coz when you look down you have a 4 year old looking up to you, literally, expecting her Mommy to change the light bulb so she can play with her toys in her room.
You can’t even let out a power word, because the walls have ears. You get a suitcase. You put it on the chair. Perfect. The old light bulb turns eventually with much effort. You get down and look for the new light bulb, coz on your mission to find the suitcase you left it somewhere in the house.
You find it. You get on the chair. You step on the suitcase. Now you have to find the beginning of the thread so you don’t screw it on wrong. After a couple of turns you find it.
You ask her to switch on the light. Magic!
You walk down the hall past the couch where he sits. You feel like throwing the old light bulb at the Rugby on TV. You throw it in the bin instead, and then you smile and think of a little girl playing with her dolls with the joy of light in her room.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The best friends Mother
“I hope she’s not dating him is she? The poor guy has nothing to grab on to.”
I can remember her fishing for answers that October afternoon. It was my best friend’s mother who wanted to be aware of every move we make. Of course she got me blushing. Oh no, I thought, this was a mistake. When she offered to do my hair for the Matric farewell I did not realize it would come with a price.
She forgot one thing. I was her daughter’s best friend. I knew of all the special moments, and certainly not any detail someone would discuss with their mother. My friend and I did of course share everything, we still do. Somehow her mother wanted to be a part of us but we didn’t let her. She had her time to be young we figured.
From the moment I met her mother I realized there was something a little different about her. Yes, we wanted to know everything. And no, we were not ready for everything. To be honest if someone would ask me today what I had learnt from her I would say absolutely nothing. One has to leave the exploring to yourself I’d say. Maybe I was so embarrassed that I never listened to anything she said.
It’s funny. Her question still sticks in my mind after many years. Truth is, she used another word instead of “dating” and I’m too shy to put it in my Blog.
Of course I lied.
I can remember her fishing for answers that October afternoon. It was my best friend’s mother who wanted to be aware of every move we make. Of course she got me blushing. Oh no, I thought, this was a mistake. When she offered to do my hair for the Matric farewell I did not realize it would come with a price.
She forgot one thing. I was her daughter’s best friend. I knew of all the special moments, and certainly not any detail someone would discuss with their mother. My friend and I did of course share everything, we still do. Somehow her mother wanted to be a part of us but we didn’t let her. She had her time to be young we figured.
From the moment I met her mother I realized there was something a little different about her. Yes, we wanted to know everything. And no, we were not ready for everything. To be honest if someone would ask me today what I had learnt from her I would say absolutely nothing. One has to leave the exploring to yourself I’d say. Maybe I was so embarrassed that I never listened to anything she said.
It’s funny. Her question still sticks in my mind after many years. Truth is, she used another word instead of “dating” and I’m too shy to put it in my Blog.
Of course I lied.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The 4-legged King
I used to cry every Saturday morning when I saw animals in cages we passed the pet shop on our way to do the weekly chores. We did not have a garden to accommodate an animal. I wanted to take one home so badly, just as long as they did not have to be in a cage anymore.
Later when we moved to a bigger place with a garden the thought of having an animal had kind of slipped our minds. Maybe we have gotten so used to the idea that we did indeed forget. One Saturday we passed the pet shop again and my eye caught this cage full of kittens. I realized that we could have one if we wanted one! It did not take allot of convincing on my hubby’s side. (After all he did not have to look after it).
We chose this light ginger coloured kitten but forgot the most important part - to look if it was a male or a female. Lucky for us it was a male. (Later I discovered that a ginger cat is a good call, because 90% of all ginger cats are male.)
He has become a part of our lives in a very special way. It’s like he’s the king of his own castle. We are a match made in heaven. He has found a good home, and I have found the comfort of a loving cat, always looking for a cuddle or a stroke. And always watching Kokkie the cockatiel’s every move, just in case he wants to escape.
Now that I am pregnant he follows me everywhere. He loves waiting in front of the Loo even when I go for the upteenth time. He lays at my feet when I hang the washing. He sleeps on my belly when I watch TV. He has even put his gallivanting on hold for me. He is always there for me now.
He just came and said hello, walked all over my laptop, looking for a belly to sleep on.
Adopting a cat was one of the best things I ever did.
Later when we moved to a bigger place with a garden the thought of having an animal had kind of slipped our minds. Maybe we have gotten so used to the idea that we did indeed forget. One Saturday we passed the pet shop again and my eye caught this cage full of kittens. I realized that we could have one if we wanted one! It did not take allot of convincing on my hubby’s side. (After all he did not have to look after it).
We chose this light ginger coloured kitten but forgot the most important part - to look if it was a male or a female. Lucky for us it was a male. (Later I discovered that a ginger cat is a good call, because 90% of all ginger cats are male.)
He has become a part of our lives in a very special way. It’s like he’s the king of his own castle. We are a match made in heaven. He has found a good home, and I have found the comfort of a loving cat, always looking for a cuddle or a stroke. And always watching Kokkie the cockatiel’s every move, just in case he wants to escape.
Now that I am pregnant he follows me everywhere. He loves waiting in front of the Loo even when I go for the upteenth time. He lays at my feet when I hang the washing. He sleeps on my belly when I watch TV. He has even put his gallivanting on hold for me. He is always there for me now.
He just came and said hello, walked all over my laptop, looking for a belly to sleep on.
Adopting a cat was one of the best things I ever did.
Monday, May 18, 2009
The First Flight
“Come on, come on, we are going to be late!!” Oh heck, I think, did I mention one have to sit for 3 hours in front of the airport doors before the bus arrives that takes you to your plane? It is her first time flying, and she is nervous.
“Get us some coffee; we don’t want to miss that plane!” I get my nervous sister some coffee. And oh, of course, that plane is waiting for us.
‘The bags, watch the bags!” I put the bags in front of me to put her mind at ease.
“Are we really doing this?” It’s too late to turn back now, I think. We got a lift here, remember. That person is halfway home already.
Its half past three on a Thursday morning in early April 2007, we are on our way to Cape Town to visit the family. Whilst standing in the Coffee queue I had to call her, because one of the gay guys queuing had the smell of a roman god. I thought it would take her mind off things..
“What if the plain falls?” Don’t say it out loud, I think. There are people here that are just as nervous as you. But it’s too late, by now we have everyone’s attention.
Some people read the morning paper, like it is an everyday occurrence and just another morning flight to Cape Town. You can spot a Jetsetter from a mile away.
“Are we at the right gate?” I read the tickets for the millionth time. Yip.
2 Hours later the bus arrives to take us to our plane.
When we eventually lift of, it is I that grab her arm.
“Get us some coffee; we don’t want to miss that plane!” I get my nervous sister some coffee. And oh, of course, that plane is waiting for us.
‘The bags, watch the bags!” I put the bags in front of me to put her mind at ease.
“Are we really doing this?” It’s too late to turn back now, I think. We got a lift here, remember. That person is halfway home already.
Its half past three on a Thursday morning in early April 2007, we are on our way to Cape Town to visit the family. Whilst standing in the Coffee queue I had to call her, because one of the gay guys queuing had the smell of a roman god. I thought it would take her mind off things..
“What if the plain falls?” Don’t say it out loud, I think. There are people here that are just as nervous as you. But it’s too late, by now we have everyone’s attention.
Some people read the morning paper, like it is an everyday occurrence and just another morning flight to Cape Town. You can spot a Jetsetter from a mile away.
“Are we at the right gate?” I read the tickets for the millionth time. Yip.
2 Hours later the bus arrives to take us to our plane.
When we eventually lift of, it is I that grab her arm.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Never loose hope
It is early December 2008. I walk down the long passage to the reception desk. Somehow I knew, but did not loose hope until the last minute. My heart beats out of my chest. This is really happening. A million thoughts go through my mind. I don’t feel like crying. I am angry.
She takes the admittance form and her facial expression changes. “I’m so sorry..” I don’t reply, I have no words. Just fill in the damn form so I can get out of here, I think. She picks up the phone: “I need to request an abortion for this afternoon.” Abortion. Isn’t that a bit harsh? She finds me hiding behind the reception desk. Thank you, I think, you’ve got everyone in the waiting room’s attention now. Oh please world, open and swallow me!
At the hospital reception desk I feel like I am under crossfire. “Was this your 1st or 2nd one?” the clerk asks, probably just trying to make conversation while we wait for the slow computer system. Please, I pray, don’t talk so loud, people are going to look at me differently when I walk away here. Half an hour later I am admitted to hospital. The nurses are extra friendly, I sense a bit of sympathy.
The journey home is extra long. He gives me the speech that I come 1st and he would do anything for me no matter what. I don’t listen. The only thing in my mind is the life inside me that is no longer there. Maybe I should have been less excited the last six weeks and told less people, maybe then I would have a hell of a lot less explaining to do now.
It is mid-February 2009 and time for a routine check-up. The dr stares at the monitor and his face lit up.
“You’re not going to believe this…” he says.
I’m 9 weeks pregnant.
She takes the admittance form and her facial expression changes. “I’m so sorry..” I don’t reply, I have no words. Just fill in the damn form so I can get out of here, I think. She picks up the phone: “I need to request an abortion for this afternoon.” Abortion. Isn’t that a bit harsh? She finds me hiding behind the reception desk. Thank you, I think, you’ve got everyone in the waiting room’s attention now. Oh please world, open and swallow me!
At the hospital reception desk I feel like I am under crossfire. “Was this your 1st or 2nd one?” the clerk asks, probably just trying to make conversation while we wait for the slow computer system. Please, I pray, don’t talk so loud, people are going to look at me differently when I walk away here. Half an hour later I am admitted to hospital. The nurses are extra friendly, I sense a bit of sympathy.
The journey home is extra long. He gives me the speech that I come 1st and he would do anything for me no matter what. I don’t listen. The only thing in my mind is the life inside me that is no longer there. Maybe I should have been less excited the last six weeks and told less people, maybe then I would have a hell of a lot less explaining to do now.
It is mid-February 2009 and time for a routine check-up. The dr stares at the monitor and his face lit up.
“You’re not going to believe this…” he says.
I’m 9 weeks pregnant.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
All in good time
I can remember being in high school and the only thing I could dream about was my wedding day and the children I eventually would have. Money was tight and there was little hope for a career. What made things worse was that we lived in a small town, with no opportunities for school leavers. My parents raised me and hoped for the best when I left school.
2 Days after my final Matric exam I was standing on our porch faced with a decision that would change the rest of my life, I just did not realize it then. An opportunity came up to work in JHB. I had to choose between the big City and a laid back life in a small town. I chose the City. Like always, with any decision, there is a price you have to pay. I had to leave the one guy behind that was ready to marry me. He let me go. I’ll always be greatful for that.
When I first came to the City it was so inviting, it still is. I studied and got a diploma attending Saturday classes while working a 40hr week. Then I got my drivers license, oh I was so proud of myself that day. I don’t know what kept me motivated all those years, perhaps it was the thought of going back to that small town. Life in the big city was so exciting, and a lack of excitement my whole life made me want more.
The years moved on and I only got married about 8 years after that day on the porch. At the same time some of my friends back home had their 3rd baby already.
Over the years I have realized that all things happen in good time, you just have to be patient enough to wait for it.
2 Days after my final Matric exam I was standing on our porch faced with a decision that would change the rest of my life, I just did not realize it then. An opportunity came up to work in JHB. I had to choose between the big City and a laid back life in a small town. I chose the City. Like always, with any decision, there is a price you have to pay. I had to leave the one guy behind that was ready to marry me. He let me go. I’ll always be greatful for that.
When I first came to the City it was so inviting, it still is. I studied and got a diploma attending Saturday classes while working a 40hr week. Then I got my drivers license, oh I was so proud of myself that day. I don’t know what kept me motivated all those years, perhaps it was the thought of going back to that small town. Life in the big city was so exciting, and a lack of excitement my whole life made me want more.
The years moved on and I only got married about 8 years after that day on the porch. At the same time some of my friends back home had their 3rd baby already.
Over the years I have realized that all things happen in good time, you just have to be patient enough to wait for it.
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Office
When was it that I first walked into this office? Has it been 8 years? Yes, time has flown, and too quickly if I might add.
Like any other place, it holds allot of memories. Good ones and some bad. I am glad I got to be a part of all this, and I realize my time is running out. Soon I will move on to better and bigger things. It’s just a matter of time.
I can remember the day I got my drivers license and we all celebrated when I got back. Somehow there was always reason for celebration, with lots of wine of course! Then the day came when my future husband walked in, not knowing that 2 years later I would be planning our wedding in this same office.
Once a guy came in with a gun and left with my wedding ring, watch and cellphone. I have been aware of all that is happening around me from that day onwards. Maybe some things has to happen first before you take action.
Soon all this stuff will be standing in a new office 60kms away. I am a bit sad, but excited at the same time. At 30 some new adventures awaits. First I will be a mommy for the 2nd time, a little boy is almost ready to enter our lives in September of this year. Then I will be moving on to a new career. I try not to think about the 2nd part too much right now. Yes I am excited but I have to be a mommy first, then the other things can follow at their own pace.
The fact is, something has happened. I’m taking action.
Life goes on, it’s business as usual.
Like any other place, it holds allot of memories. Good ones and some bad. I am glad I got to be a part of all this, and I realize my time is running out. Soon I will move on to better and bigger things. It’s just a matter of time.
I can remember the day I got my drivers license and we all celebrated when I got back. Somehow there was always reason for celebration, with lots of wine of course! Then the day came when my future husband walked in, not knowing that 2 years later I would be planning our wedding in this same office.
Once a guy came in with a gun and left with my wedding ring, watch and cellphone. I have been aware of all that is happening around me from that day onwards. Maybe some things has to happen first before you take action.
Soon all this stuff will be standing in a new office 60kms away. I am a bit sad, but excited at the same time. At 30 some new adventures awaits. First I will be a mommy for the 2nd time, a little boy is almost ready to enter our lives in September of this year. Then I will be moving on to a new career. I try not to think about the 2nd part too much right now. Yes I am excited but I have to be a mommy first, then the other things can follow at their own pace.
The fact is, something has happened. I’m taking action.
Life goes on, it’s business as usual.
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