After putting
it off for ages, I eventually took my car in to have the oil-check thingy fixed
(v embarrassing to have to explain to the mechanic what you are in for, ‘um,
the oil-check thingy is broken, or so I am told’). Apparently it is called a dipstick. For once Renault exceeded my expectations (which
were very low to begin with; thrice bitten, VERY cynical) and actually sorted
out the problem straight away without me having to resort to tears and
threats. WORST service ever. Makes me
not want to buy another Renault again; and I LOVE my car.
Then, on the
way back to the office, I drove past a tiny, out of the way toy store and found
a Spiderman outfit for Adam. I had been
looking for one for ages in a small. And
it was relatively cheap!
I then had a
very good first meeting with one of my managers. (IBM has a matrix reporting
structure which means that I have 75 bosses with 400 dotted lines.) I really like him. I felt all inspired and motivated after the
meeting. It is good to feel needed and valued.
During
lunchtime I did some SERIOUS retail therapy and bought a pair of really cute
red pumps. I’ve never owned red shoes
before. I like them. They go with my new hair colour*. I also bought Marko some new socks,
underpants and long johns. And Adam some
socks and Kate some new PJ’s. With
fairies on. She loves fairies.
After lunch I got
a call from the vet to say that the results of Chilli’s biopsy came back
negative for cancer! Hurrah!
All in all, a
great day and a good omen for the rest of the week. Be gone sadness! I’ve had enough of you.
* You know how
when you’ve had a new hair cut and it looks great, every one remarks on
it? “Wow, you’ve had your hair cut /
coloured / changed!” Well, what should I
think if nobody remarks on my new hair colour? I see them looking, but no one says anything.
I think it looks that bad. I am
going to leave it for a bit and then after my holiday (am going on holiday at
the end of this week, YAY) I will go in and have it changed to godknowswhat
colour. Not that highlighted blonde
anymore. I didn’t like that. Some colour in between Morticia black and
Streaky blonde. Not red either. Perhaps I should stick to my original
colour. Mousy.
Lastly, I
leave you with this video of Adam and Kate just before bedtime. They were scooting their plastic chairs all
over the house. Please forgive my
appalling singing voice and total annihilation of the songs. We are just leaning
the words to “hello Mother”. Kate was a lot quieter than she normally is, but she still isn't feeling 100% well.
Comments
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
Glad to hear you are having a better time!
Love the video. They are so cute, I especially liked Adam dragging you to where he wanted you. My little girl does that too. I is so cute, but when you are trying to do something it can be a bit tiresome!
Love the video. They are so cute, I especially liked Adam dragging you to where he wanted you. My little girl does that too. It is so cute, but when you are trying to do something it can be a bit tiresome!
Glad you're feeling a bit better. Have you thought about just adding highlights to the color you've got now? Might make it a little less harsh, but still keep the warmth and depth going into cooler weather....?
Long time lurker delurking! Just wanted to say your kids are just gorgeous. My son is the same age as them and he doesn't speak half as well as they do, it's lovely to hear them singing and I hope my son does that soon. Glad you're feeling a bit more upbeat.
Sooooooo cute! Two cuter munchkins I never did see.
So glad you are feeling a bit better, nothing like shoe shopping to pick a girl right up. We love shoes!!! I think shoe shopping should be classified as an alternative therapy in its own right.
Glad to hear Monday was good. Hooray! Idea for the hair (mine is naturally mousy too): Keep the mousy as the base colour and then add subtle streaks of blonde highlights, slightly reddish for the middle highlights, and a medium brown for the lowlights. Overall, you end up with something that is close to your natural colour (so matches your complexion) and yet the glints of the other colours give you the sparkle and pizzaz. The variety of colours also help avoid the brassy look that comes with years and years of blonde highlights. And it's not as noticeable when they grow out.
1: Glad you're having a better time of it!
2: Your accent just makes me happy. That is all, just happy. I smile.
3: I positively LUST after your bathroom sinks.
4: Your children couldn't BE any cuter without turning into wee little puppies or unicorns or something
I read once that the most becoming haircolour is the one you had when you were a toddler--like A and K's age. Maybe that? (Actually I think Morticia is quite cute.)
Personally, I thought Morticia looked good on you...but it is never a good sign when you see them noticing your hair, but not saying a word. Sue's idea sounds like a good plan for you. If it makes you feel better, it could be much worse than silence. I once had a miscommunication with my stylist and got a blonde so awful that people actually winced when they looked at me. Children pointed and said "It's yellow, like the sun." So I tried to go to a more subdued colour from a box and my hair turned green. My husband spent three days assuring me that it wasn't noticeable, then when he realized I wasn't going to cry, he said "wow, in this light it looks like the incredible hulk."
My son loves that song too! Cannot get enough of it. There is a dancing spiderman out that sings and dances to that song that he got for Christmas. LOVED IT! BTW - love your voice. Silly me... your voice in my head did not have an "accent"
1. Will watch video when I get home (blocked at work)
2. Hair colo(u)r -- my assvice: just soften the black a bit with lighter/brighter colour -- especially around the face. Lighter around the face seems to be more flattering as we get *gasp* older! I dyed mine blond for many years. Although it did not look bad, it was not really right either. My new (fab) hair stylist is slowly getting it darker with high- and low-lights. (Not really dark -- base color a dark blond)
LOVE home videos. LOVE them... MORE of them... LOTS MORE.
:-)
Glad to hear things are looking up. Also love the way you call Adam "my boy." Have never heard that before, but loved it. There is so much affection in your voice. :-)
Just the sweetest thing... thanks for an end of day brightener for me! So cute when Adam says i love you!
Glad you are feeling a little better. Yay for a good Monday!
xoxo
I just realized I've been reading you this whole time with a Canadian accent. Silly, but there you are. I wonder if my brain will adjust now that I've heard your speaking voice? You know, like when you're talking to someone with a different accent and without knowing, you start to mimic them?
My husband gets props for asking me if the person he heard on my computer was South African. I think many American assume SA have a British accent, but it really is very different. I didn't realize that until we visited your gorgeous country a year ago.
As for the hair, I think you should post a pic of the red color so we can see!!! :-)
Your little ones are so darned cute! They must keep you so very busy. Thanks for sharing the video, its great to see them in action. Glad your feeling better.
I haven't read any other comments so if I seem to copy anyone else's feelings directly, rest assured, I had them too, honestly.
The accent is too much (in a good way!). Forevermore, I will be reading your blog with your voice narrating it in my head. Love it love it love it!
I also want to share a bit of humor with you and I hope you take it as such. Do you all get Queer Eye for the Straight Guy in SA? Its a show where 5 gay men makeover a hetero slob. Each gay man has his own specialty. Carson's is fashion and HE says only children and whores can wear red shoes. So, T, which are you feeling like today? LOL! I laugh now whenever I see someone who isn't a child or a whore wearing read shoes because quite often they are gorgeous and stylish and I wonder where Carson got that wild idea.
In case you are taking votes, I would like to see more video of those cuties including the accents!
Sorry for the double comments but this has to be said (and I know you must get the Brady Bunch in SA). I am totally freaked out. Where is your toilet????
I love the video! It always shocks me to hear your voice. You sound so different than I imagine. And the kids? They are so stinkin' cute.
I'm glad you are feeling better. Get your hair colored again to match your mood. Its never a good sign when people don't comment on it! I once accidentally died mine orange and no one said a word...
Tertia
I have been reading your blog for ages - you are an inspiring charmer. And your kids even more so! I live in the US and have a question for you - completely off-topic and distracting from the more serious things going on in your life.
If you don't mind sharing with the rest of the world.
What are the mating habits of the South African male? I have recently met one here in the US and am completely baffled. Are they like Brits? Do they like to be in charge? Are they interested in sex right away or prefer to put women on a pedestal? Please share your wisdom, dearest!
(he's an English speaker like you, not a true AFrikaans)
Tertia, you have such a lovely accent! Totally not what I expected to hear..I guess when you just read something someone wrote, you never put much thought into what they sound like in real life...lol
I love, love, love all your stories and videos, as they give me a glimpse into my future (11 month boy and girl). And I must echo Stacy above. Your voice is not what I imagined either - but it is lovely!
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
![Medsitters Au pairs](<a href="http://medsitter.com/" title="Medsitters"><img src=" http://www.tertia.org/medsitter.png" /></a> ){kind=link}
Glad to hear you are having a better time!
Love the video. They are so cute, I especially liked Adam dragging you to where he wanted you. My little girl does that too. I is so cute, but when you are trying to do something it can be a bit tiresome!
Posted by: Vicki | 26 March 2007 at 08:32 PM
Glad to hear you are having a better time!
Love the video. They are so cute, I especially liked Adam dragging you to where he wanted you. My little girl does that too. It is so cute, but when you are trying to do something it can be a bit tiresome!
Posted by: Vicki | 26 March 2007 at 08:33 PM
Glad you're feeling a bit better. Have you thought about just adding highlights to the color you've got now? Might make it a little less harsh, but still keep the warmth and depth going into cooler weather....?
Posted by: JennyK | 26 March 2007 at 08:38 PM
PLEASE MUMMY, HE WANTS THE CAR!
My god Tertia, they are absolute treasures.
I adore them, and seeing them.
Just knowing they are in your life tickles me.
Posted by: blackbird | 26 March 2007 at 08:54 PM
Long time lurker delurking! Just wanted to say your kids are just gorgeous. My son is the same age as them and he doesn't speak half as well as they do, it's lovely to hear them singing and I hope my son does that soon. Glad you're feeling a bit more upbeat.
Posted by: Suburban Mum | 26 March 2007 at 09:06 PM
Sooooooo cute! Two cuter munchkins I never did see.
So glad you are feeling a bit better, nothing like shoe shopping to pick a girl right up. We love shoes!!! I think shoe shopping should be classified as an alternative therapy in its own right.
Posted by: Gina | 26 March 2007 at 09:09 PM
Glad to hear Monday was good. Hooray! Idea for the hair (mine is naturally mousy too): Keep the mousy as the base colour and then add subtle streaks of blonde highlights, slightly reddish for the middle highlights, and a medium brown for the lowlights. Overall, you end up with something that is close to your natural colour (so matches your complexion) and yet the glints of the other colours give you the sparkle and pizzaz. The variety of colours also help avoid the brassy look that comes with years and years of blonde highlights. And it's not as noticeable when they grow out.
Posted by: Sue | 26 March 2007 at 09:20 PM
Good news! This week will be wonderful! As for the hair thing...I too just had my hair done and I've had not one comment! UM!?
Posted by: Kayce | 26 March 2007 at 10:04 PM
I love the way Adam caught site of Kate tossing her head back and forth and started imitatingher for a second. Life time peas in a pod!
Posted by: 21stCenturyMom | 26 March 2007 at 10:04 PM
1: Glad you're having a better time of it!
2: Your accent just makes me happy. That is all, just happy. I smile.
3: I positively LUST after your bathroom sinks.
4: Your children couldn't BE any cuter without turning into wee little puppies or unicorns or something
Posted by: mama-beans | 26 March 2007 at 10:09 PM
I read once that the most becoming haircolour is the one you had when you were a toddler--like A and K's age. Maybe that? (Actually I think Morticia is quite cute.)
Posted by: t. | 26 March 2007 at 10:16 PM
Personally, I thought Morticia looked good on you...but it is never a good sign when you see them noticing your hair, but not saying a word. Sue's idea sounds like a good plan for you. If it makes you feel better, it could be much worse than silence. I once had a miscommunication with my stylist and got a blonde so awful that people actually winced when they looked at me. Children pointed and said "It's yellow, like the sun." So I tried to go to a more subdued colour from a box and my hair turned green. My husband spent three days assuring me that it wasn't noticeable, then when he realized I wasn't going to cry, he said "wow, in this light it looks like the incredible hulk."
Posted by: jc | 26 March 2007 at 10:30 PM
My son loves that song too! Cannot get enough of it. There is a dancing spiderman out that sings and dances to that song that he got for Christmas. LOVED IT! BTW - love your voice. Silly me... your voice in my head did not have an "accent"
Posted by: Kreints | 26 March 2007 at 11:04 PM
Oh, how much do we love a good day that includes retail therapy AND ends with adorable babes on video? ;)
Posted by: projgen | 26 March 2007 at 11:08 PM
I love the way you call Adam, "my boy!" That's darling. What beautiful, sweet kids you have. Cheers!
Posted by: Colleen | 26 March 2007 at 11:11 PM
My favorite part is the 2 childproof locks both hanging unengaged. :P
Posted by: Angie | 26 March 2007 at 11:29 PM
Excellent video!! Enjoyed it a lot. Gosh you have a South African accent :-))))) Also why don't you buy two stools for the bathroom sink?
Take more video it's lots of fun to watch.
Also very glad you are feeling better.
Posted by: Bec (and Charlotte) | 26 March 2007 at 11:43 PM
What a wonderful mother you are!!
Posted by: c. | 27 March 2007 at 12:14 AM
1. Will watch video when I get home (blocked at work)
2. Hair colo(u)r -- my assvice: just soften the black a bit with lighter/brighter colour -- especially around the face. Lighter around the face seems to be more flattering as we get *gasp* older! I dyed mine blond for many years. Although it did not look bad, it was not really right either. My new (fab) hair stylist is slowly getting it darker with high- and low-lights. (Not really dark -- base color a dark blond)
3. SHOES! Yeah baby -- we LOVE us some new shoes.
4. Glad you're feeling better. Onward ==>
Posted by: Kathy B. | 27 March 2007 at 12:18 AM
LOVE home videos. LOVE them... MORE of them... LOTS MORE.
:-)
Glad to hear things are looking up. Also love the way you call Adam "my boy." Have never heard that before, but loved it. There is so much affection in your voice. :-)
Posted by: Heather | 27 March 2007 at 12:22 AM
how come even with my volume all the way up I can't hear it? They look adorable though.
Posted by: puppermom | 27 March 2007 at 01:36 AM
Oh the video is so cute! I love how Adam is always saying i love you! SWEET!
You can put a video up anytime. So cute!
Posted by: Judy | 27 March 2007 at 02:14 AM
Just the sweetest thing... thanks for an end of day brightener for me! So cute when Adam says i love you!
Glad you are feeling a little better. Yay for a good Monday!
xoxo
Posted by: Suzie-Q. | 27 March 2007 at 02:34 AM
I just realized I've been reading you this whole time with a Canadian accent. Silly, but there you are. I wonder if my brain will adjust now that I've heard your speaking voice? You know, like when you're talking to someone with a different accent and without knowing, you start to mimic them?
Babbling now. Cute kids!
Posted by: Working From Home Today | 27 March 2007 at 03:26 AM
Loved the video! They are so precious!
My husband gets props for asking me if the person he heard on my computer was South African. I think many American assume SA have a British accent, but it really is very different. I didn't realize that until we visited your gorgeous country a year ago.
As for the hair, I think you should post a pic of the red color so we can see!!! :-)
Posted by: Hannah | 27 March 2007 at 03:54 AM
They are as adorable as ever and your voice is to die for. Love your accent.
Posted by: Amy | 27 March 2007 at 04:27 AM
Your little ones are so darned cute! They must keep you so very busy. Thanks for sharing the video, its great to see them in action. Glad your feeling better.
Hugs and hope this week is better.
Posted by: Jessica | 27 March 2007 at 04:48 AM
Great Video!
I don't know why I it never occured to me that you have an accent. In my head you sound totally american to me. How american thinking of me, i guess.
Keep those videos coming! YOur kids are darling!
Posted by: elizabeth | 27 March 2007 at 05:16 AM
I haven't read any other comments so if I seem to copy anyone else's feelings directly, rest assured, I had them too, honestly.
The accent is too much (in a good way!). Forevermore, I will be reading your blog with your voice narrating it in my head. Love it love it love it!
I also want to share a bit of humor with you and I hope you take it as such. Do you all get Queer Eye for the Straight Guy in SA? Its a show where 5 gay men makeover a hetero slob. Each gay man has his own specialty. Carson's is fashion and HE says only children and whores can wear red shoes. So, T, which are you feeling like today? LOL! I laugh now whenever I see someone who isn't a child or a whore wearing read shoes because quite often they are gorgeous and stylish and I wonder where Carson got that wild idea.
In case you are taking votes, I would like to see more video of those cuties including the accents!
Posted by: Em | 27 March 2007 at 05:22 AM
Sorry for the double comments but this has to be said (and I know you must get the Brady Bunch in SA). I am totally freaked out. Where is your toilet????
Posted by: Em | 27 March 2007 at 05:25 AM
I love the video! It always shocks me to hear your voice. You sound so different than I imagine. And the kids? They are so stinkin' cute.
I'm glad you are feeling better. Get your hair colored again to match your mood. Its never a good sign when people don't comment on it! I once accidentally died mine orange and no one said a word...
Posted by: Karly | 27 March 2007 at 05:54 AM
Ohmygoodness... thanks for sharing, they are dolls. What fun! Makes me want to wake up my 2-year-old and play with her.
Posted by: Kat | 27 March 2007 at 06:38 AM
Tertia
I have been reading your blog for ages - you are an inspiring charmer. And your kids even more so! I live in the US and have a question for you - completely off-topic and distracting from the more serious things going on in your life.
If you don't mind sharing with the rest of the world.
What are the mating habits of the South African male? I have recently met one here in the US and am completely baffled. Are they like Brits? Do they like to be in charge? Are they interested in sex right away or prefer to put women on a pedestal? Please share your wisdom, dearest!
(he's an English speaker like you, not a true AFrikaans)
be well -
Posted by: Penelope | 27 March 2007 at 07:05 AM
I am so glad dear Chilli is ok. I was praying hard!!
Beautiful video too; darling little chickens!! They are the cutest!!
Posted by: juliette | 27 March 2007 at 07:22 AM
Oh - they are too cute!
Posted by: Lizelle | 27 March 2007 at 09:43 AM
2 year olds just have that way of being adorable dont they?!! They are so beautiful Tertia, and made me smile!
I hope Adam loved the spiderman costume - I admit I dress George up every opportunity I get!
Glad you are having a good week - may it continue for many more
N x
Posted by: Natt | 27 March 2007 at 11:29 AM
Wow, I love your voice! No, really!
And the kids are too, too much. Go to bed? Not when there's a bathroom to explore!
Posted by: Julia | 27 March 2007 at 01:49 PM
Love the video! Glad to hear that Monday was much better for you. No hair assvice. Mine is frightening.
Posted by: Jennifer | 27 March 2007 at 03:52 PM
Tertia, you have such a lovely accent! Totally not what I expected to hear..I guess when you just read something someone wrote, you never put much thought into what they sound like in real life...lol
Posted by: Sandy | 27 March 2007 at 03:54 PM
Your voice is so different from what I imagined. Very deep and sexy! Your accent is fab. and your kids beautiful.
Posted by: Stacy | 27 March 2007 at 09:43 PM
I love, love, love all your stories and videos, as they give me a glimpse into my future (11 month boy and girl). And I must echo Stacy above. Your voice is not what I imagined either - but it is lovely!
Posted by: laura | 28 March 2007 at 01:43 AM