Sunday 13 November 2011

Big Shout Out to all the Mummys ... Now Go Easy on Yourselves

I don't know what category my blog falls into, or even that I need to think of it in that way, but I do remember when starting it that I didn't want it to be another Parenting or Mummy blog. I think of my family and friends reading when I blog, not the WWW. Overly excited though I am to read that someone in Malaysia and Russia is reading mine. But I try and keep mine more general so the folks at home don't get bored. Not that my parents would ever tire of hearing about the kids.

And just the fact that I have to try, think and pre plan what I write to make sure that I don't just write about being a Mum, is a testament to how much being a Mum has taken over my life.

And not that there's anything wrong with Parenting or Mummy blogs, I like reading them. One of the most wonderful things that social networking (and I'm a huge fan myself) has brought about is connection with more people. Nothing helps us validate and understand ourselves more than other bods going through all the same crap.

I search out the blogs that excite and interest me and they're at times inciteful, intelligent, well funny but often also very stressed and sad writings.

And Mum's everywhere are blogging like ce-razy because they at last have an outlet for their previously hidden thoughts and feelings about motherhood. I say it's a good thing me. May blogging do for this and future generations of mother's what Valium and Prozac did for those past. Ha!

Friday 11 November 2011

I'm Trying to be a Little Greener

No, I'm not talking about this ...

partywiththis.com

I'm talking about this ...


Hubby and I run an Eco Playground company, Yippy Toys using as much recycled material as we can and I'm trying to think of ways to improve my own carbon footprint. I'm not normally such a Goody Two Shoes but methinks this is important. The planet, our future, our kids future. No, really. Sadly for me, it's got to be easy and not remotely time consuming. If I can't fit it easily into my life then with all the best intentions, it just ain't gonna to happen.

Note - This isn't the first and wont be the last I'm sure UK/SA comparison on my blog. Sorry, I blog what I know right? 

In the UK like with a lot of things, the Government kinda take over and do it for you. Zzzzz :) Each Council (like a Province) is rewarded by weight for how much recycling they produce each year. And guess what? Your recycling is monitored too and if you don't recycle enough, your Council bill will be higher than your greener neighbours. Oh yes.

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Repeat After Me

I found this text here and had to post it, it could be my daily chant!

But don't envisage me down on knee praying, with a sweet and placid, perfect Mum smile on my face. More like muttered under my breath, through gritted teeth, few added expletives - as I investigate the surprisingly calm sounding call from my hubby "baby, I think our boy just said he tipped a tin of paint all over the back yard, don't you wanna go check? ...."

Oh give me patience when wee hands
Tug at me with their small demands
And give me gentle and smiling eyes
Keep my lips from hasty replies
And let not weariness, confusion or noise
Obscure my vision of lifes fleeting joys
So when, in years to come my house is still
No bitter memories its room may fill

Friday 4 November 2011

Four Year Olds Thoughts

I might make a page of things the kids say, been done before I know but sometimes they're just so damn, heart tuggingly cute.

And sometimes they're so funny or so surprising, I spit my tea out. Usually whilst simultaneously snorting it up my nose. Not many people can claim to have that affect on me.

Todays created a small amount of tea spray-age and snorting and was sweet enough for me to want to pop a post up...

I was talking to my four year old about him starting a new school soon and he was concerned about missing the family while he was there.

"Be alright Mummy" he concluded "I'll find a little boy that looks like my brother, a little boy that looks like Daddy and a little girl that looks like mummy. I'll play with them all the time so I won't miss you".

Thursday 3 November 2011

Just a Thought ...

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade right?

This is what I said to myself last night when preparing dinner. I don't have much currently in the way of kitchen appliances or stuff and found myself trying to chip carrots for frying with a large meat cleaver.

I've never been able to 'chop chop chop' with big knives at high speed like chefs and trying to hold the large blade like a small veg knife just wasn't working and frankly, I was fearful for my fingers.

So I stopped, I had a think and then stood a piece of peeled carrot, not unlike a tree branch in shape, upright on the chopping board, stood back and started axing my carrot as if I was making firewood.

It worked, and it was a heck of a lot more fun than I normally find preparing carrots to be.

Now I just need a check shirt and a chain saw and I'm ready to tackle the spuds ...

My New Kitchen Knife