Happy New Year

Here we are on the 2nd of January - 2 days into the year already and yet it doesn't really feel like a new year - probably because I don’t feel ready to start slogging with work and stationery orders. Oh, need I say I haven’t even bought a ‘work’ diary yet - talk about procrastination!

So what did you all get up to on new years’ eve? We had a quiet evening at home on the 31st and had a few friends around for a braai which was great. I think we all surprised ourselves as none of us thought we’d make it to 12am, given that we’ve all got toddlers and know that an early morning wake-up call is the order of the day, not allowing us much sleep, BUT we got to midnight without a problem.... but not long thereafter we said our goodbyes and I’m sure we were probably all asleep by 1am. Somehow the razzle dazzle of days gone by, with hang-overs and the rest, don’t hold the same attraction when it comes to new years’ plans, especially those of us with kids, but that’s okay - we still have a good time even without inebriation.

It’s been great to be able to catch up with friends I’ve not seen for a while, this festive season - especially those who have come ‘home’ from abroad - one of whom I saw today for the first time in 10 years, Shantel. It was a relief to see she hadn’t changed a bit - and she said I haven’t changed either?! Now is that a good or bad thing?! What has changed I might add is the hip measurement, but that’s what January is for - to get back into shape and aim to lose weight to fit into the bikini next summer... that makes it 9 months to lose the mince pies around the waistline, sunshine. So best I get my A into G.

None-the-less, it’s onward and upward and on the 7th Jan, most of us will be heading back to work which I think we’re all dreading to some degree, but all good things come to an end. The key is to plan the next holiday or weekend break, so there’s something to look forward to but after the expense of Christmas, most of us will likely need to ‘recover’ before shelling out dosh for a holiday. I have to say, I’ve enjoyed this end of year ‘break’ - it’s been a fun-filled and relaxing time, and special time spent with family and friends which is always good. We’ve not been able to ignore the ‘to-do’ list which has involved doing housework and a few other errands, but the maid comes back on the 7th Jan so it’s not too bad. I’ve even managed to get some gardening done, but there’s so much still to do.... a long road ahead!

I’ve just glanced out the window to see that the blue skies we’ve come to enjoy of late, have become cloudy... in anticipation of the wet weather we have been warned about. We can’t complain though, as it’s been a wonderfully sunny festive season. And for all those holiday-makers.... hope you enjoyed the weather and get to go back home to your part of the country a browner shade of purple/white. Seriously though... it’s quite okay to be pale.... them rays are quite vicious and it’s not worth getting fried.

Mark’s mom left today to fly home to the UK, where the temperatures are wicked, but she’s only home for 4 weeks before she comes back to SA for a few weeks again, to be here for Jordy’s party in Feb, so it’s not all bad.

There’s not much news to report really... we’re just making the most of this week to relax and spend time with friends, which will allow Jordy to see his little friends which will be good for him as he’s missed it this last week. While it’s a slog, the beauty of my job is I’m able to work from home, albeit long days at times, but hopefully this year will be different and allow me more time with Jordy. Of course, on the 16th of Jan, Jordy will be going to preschool - to the hedgehogs group. He’s going every morning initially for the first 2 weeks, and thereafter only 3 mornings a week and we think he’s going to really thrive as he’s such a sociable little soul. We’ll keep you posted on his progress!

Without much further ado, we just want to wish you from us all, a peaceful, happy and prosperous year ahead - all you wish for and more! May you be kept safe and healthy and have more time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life - enough to sustain you and keep you smiling even when the road is rough. Hopefully we’ll get to see most of you again soon!

Lots of love
x Robs & the boys