Being a Boffin

I am at my mums house trying to be a computer boffin and figure out why her dial up keeps dropping the connection. Man, I wish she would splurge on ADSL or something which keeps her online all the time - at least then she could join the blogging world! For the time being she is knitting baby clothes!! Ok, gotto go - see ya folks in a couple of days!! I only have sporadic access to the net so you will hear from me every now and then... until the 3rd of Jan when I am back in the work saddle again.

My little Snowy was laid to rest today. I am so sad. He was one of the pair that we took in when they were abandoned by our freakishly cruel neighbors when they moved away without him. We discovered that something was wrong with his teeth, hence he would always prefer soft food to the pellet kind. Anyway, I took him off to the vet to get his teeth sorted this morning, as this would most certainly also sort out his 'inability to gain weight' problem. Alas, but we discovered that he was suffering from Cat Aids. Thankfully he has not had any sexual contact with our other three beloved furry children, nor any fights where blood was drawn. So they are in the clear. I have been crying all morning and am just managing to keep it together right now.

Go well my Snowy, know that you are loved with my whole heart. I hope that the last six months that you lived with us, we made your life a little better, warmer, friendlier, and that you finally got to experience real love. I will always remember you.

If you get lonely in the great beyond, look up 3 old ginger pals of mine, Perky, Mickey & Buddy, they spent 17 years of their lives with me before taking the journey to the other side. Perhaps you can share a tray of catnip with them and reminisce about old times?

I love you boy. 

Wow, I won ten pounds on the UK lotto last night!!!! Woo Hoo!!!! But instead of getting the winnings paid out, I've decided to let it roll on more entries. I'm quiet happy to let the ten pounds go, for the chance of say, ten million. ;) Come on universe, I'm going to be a momma!! Momma needs to feed her kid!!! 

Well well...

I am really happy, scared, excited, flabbergasted, shocked, to find out that I am pregnant. I am also seriously out of pocket right now, as I have just had to upgrade my medical insurance to be able to cover all the countless Dr appointments that I now will have to attend. I was a bit undecided as to whether or not we would go the 'kids' route. I decided to leave it up to 'the universe', and guess what? The universe wants me to be a mom! One third of me wants to dash off and start buying baby stuff, another third of me wants to say 'hey steady on, you're only 3 weeks pregnant and anything can happen up to 12 weeks', and the last third is saying...'oh god, no skiing trip next year...no tropical holiday'...etc etc. The hubby was in shock for a short while yesterday, but he was SO FRIGGIN HAPPY about it after that, his cheshire cat like grin started to annoy me. The fact that he tried to force me to eat vegetables this morning for breakfast 'for the baby' didn't add to his charm either. Despite his claims (but 2 weeks ago) that he wasn't ready to be a dad yet, this morning was telling me that he 'was so ready to be a dad now'. I think he was just scared in case by some chance we weren't able to have kids. I was told by a spiritual reader two years ago that my first child would be a boy, and so far everyone I've told has started referring to the no doubt still single celled organisim implanted in my uterus as 'he'. (without the knowledge of my reading). So I'm pretty convinced that it's a 'he' too. Ronan Connor. Those of you who know my married last name, will realise the irony of my choice of second name. Those of you who don't know my last name, the only clue that I will give, is to say, " There can be only one. He is immortal ". If you have no idea what I'm talking about go and rent the movie "Highlander"!

Joy and Rapture

It's 18h30 and I'm on an evening shift here, helping out at my ticketing agency. I'll be outtahere in about 30 minutes providing there are no changes. Oh, did I forget to mention that the test (two separate ones) came back positive? Holy Guacamole. Life just got interesting folks.

Quiz Time

Because I don't want anyone threatening me with a slow and painful death (or the fear that no-one will...and I won't get a chance to fill out this great quiz). Since I am a complete sucker for quizzes...here goes... Three names you go by: Vanessa Van Vanvan Three screennames you have: Valkyrie Vanvan ScrapDesign Three things you like about yourself: Sense of humor Capacity for optimism My creativity Three things you hate/dislike about yourself: My current weight Lack of Self-confidence (as a result of my current weight) I'm a tad lazy... Three parts of your heritage: Dutch German Danish(way-WAY back) Three things that scare you: Ill health To not live life to the fullest Financial loss Three of your everyday essentials: Having a conversation with each of my 6 animals (2 dogs 4 cats) A hug and kiss from the hubby Enjoying the view from our house Three things you are wearing right now: cargo pants t-shirt make-up (am wearing shoes that I hate so I won't mention them) Three of your favorite bands/artists (at the moment): Enya Moby U2 Three of your favorite songs at present: Satisfaction - Benny Benassi Heaven - DJ Sammy (such a happy song!) Canned Heat - Jamiroquai (can anyone tell me where I can download this?) Three things you want to try in the next 12 months: Lose 30 kg Fall pregnant (fall...? Like it just sort of happens?)...I think... Host a wildly successful scrapbooking retreat Three things you want in a relationship (love is a given): honesty respect sense of humor Two truths and a lie: Money is not important in life I want to be stinking filthy rich It's about giving, not receiving. Three physical things about the opposite (or same) that appeals to you: eyes hands view on life Three things you just can’t do: Approach people I don't know and start a conversation out of nowhere A punch front, round off, flip-flop, layout somersault with a double twist. NOT finish a pizza, no matter how full I may be. Three of your favorite hobbies: Scrapbooking blogging horse-riding (don't get to do it much lately) Three things you want to do really badly right now: Get a toasted bacon and cheese sandwich, cos I'm starving. Pluck up the courage to go and buy a pregnancy test because my period is late (it's never late) Put on a pair of pointe shoes and jete across the room. Three careers you’re considering: Professional scrapbooker (I wish!) One where I earn a lot of money, and don't have to do much! House wife!! (i.e. book club, scrap club, car pool, wine of the month club, tennis club, riding club) Three places you want to go on vacation: Canada & the USA again The Maldive Islands Australia and New Zealand again. Three kids names: Ronan Connor Sydney Erin I don't think I'll have a third one. Three things you want to do before you die: Retire financially secure A first class 'round the world' trip. Meet all my internet friends

This is one of the spa rooms - how beautiful, and restful to be able to see the ocean and the fish swimming below while you're getting a massage!  Just in case there is any confusion - I don't actually have a holiday booked here, I am just dreaming about it!!!

I am in serious need of a holiday. I have been working my butt off for the last week at my ticketing agency, helping them with one of their clients who is spending millions on travel this month - and thus changing their flights and minds every five seconds. I am really looking forward to my 10 day break starting on the 24th. This is the Hilton Resort in the Maldives, isn't it gorgeous? I'll post another pic in a minute so you can see more...and dream a bit with me. :) 

No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.296 / Virus Database: 265.5.4 - Release Date: 15/12/2004

Go on, humour me!! Please add your pin to my guest map!! I added it yesterday, and my little icon is feeling very lonely out there by herself. 

Beyond Brain Bubbles

Every now and again, I find myself getting thoroughly spiritual. By spiritual, I don't necessarily mean uber bible basher. I mean connected. To the planet. To the universe. To the Cosmos. I start feeling, intuitive. Psychic. Powerful. I feel like I can change the world. With lightning from my fingertips. With the power of my mind. With the power of the ancients long forgotten. I feel the landscape talking to me, speaking to my soul. Whispering words I remember, but never said. From lives past. I remember a time when I could fly. I remember a utopian future. I recall the ending and the beginning before time existed.

Gosh, thanks!

To Mary Lou of Life After Nexcom, a HUGE thank you for the great Christmas card you sent me, which I received yesterday! What a treat to get it from half way around the world. I'd love to return the favour but I fear it won't get to you in time. So a big hug & the best Christmas wishes to you and your family this Christmas. I hope it's a really good one!!

Such a Dumbass, ...yeah, me.

I am such a twit sometimes. There I was all enthusiastic about this downloadable free software, and I didn't even post the URL. (!) www.picaboo.com is where you need to go to download the software to create the online picture albums.

This is an amazing tool!! Create and share actual online albus, add music, comments and share them with your picture pals!! This is great if you need a scrapbooking fix, or if you can't be bothered to scan in your big pages, you can still create something worth sharing with someone else, overseas etc. This is going to be perfect for my MIL and SIL to keep in touch, so that the MIL can see the SIL's kid growing up! I am having a lot of fun with it. Email me if you want to let me know your 'picture pal name' or if you want mine and we can share pics!! (clearly that cup of coffee has seriously perked me up) 

Totally Tired

I am sitting here yawning - it's quite embarrassing actually, because I can't seem to stop! Thank de lord that it is Friday today, because I may not have lasted much longer. I had quite a stressful afternoon yesterday at the other office looking after someone else's clients flights, and they kept changing their minds about their flights, like 90 minutes before they were due to fly! It was hectic. There were about 8 different people involved from different parts of the country, so it was quite a challenge, and not the easy relaxing afternoon I was expecting. Dang.

I have a secret

Just before I head out..(see post below), I wanted to ask all you keen crafters out there, to leave me a comment with your favourite links to craft/scrapbooking sites. I am trying to compile the worlds largest database of scrapbooking sites...for a secret reason...for something that I am launching...soon...so would my blogging buddies help out? Please send me all your favourite links by way of my comments box, to add to my database...pretty please..? (I promise you'll be the first to know when its up and running - and if you twist my rubber arm, I might tell you sooner)...

Hey Everyone, I am going to be working out of another office from 11am onwards, so won't have much time to post. So I just thought that I would leave you with a picture to mess with your mind. :) Hope everyone has a really good day out there! 

Yee-hah!! I actually blogged about this yesterday, as well as blogging something else from email - and neither post has appeared on my blog...so...hmmm any body seem my posts? They're AWOL! 

The Cats' House - Fish bowl living

Whilst blogwalking today, specifically at 'Music and Cats' (see my blogroll) I was commenting on a really cute picture of cats snoozing, and someone else had commented, leaving the link below. For any cat lover, this is just adorable, go and check it out if you have time. Now i just have to go and convince the hubby that while we're in this DIY mood, that we need to install one of these in our house too! http://www.catshouse.com/cats_house/%20tv_rm/ch_walk_tv_03.htm

What a doofus.

*** Strong Political Oppinion to Follow***

***Not for sensitive Blog Walkers***

Ok, I have tried to be non-political as possible on this blog, especially when I get strong feelings about politicians that are holding office in a country other than the one I'm living in. However, this is the last straw. I have just read in a local newspaper, that the complete asswipe that has just been re-elected to a certain North American country has decided to undo 30 years of US environmental legislation, and open up a pristine environmental protectorate in Alaska, to oil drilling. Did your Saudi buddies get you to do it? Shmuck? Do you think that the polar bears and arctic wolves and harp seals are going to enjoy having you in THEIR territory, f*cking up their environment and destroying THEIR planet just because YOU need more money? Do you realise that the rest of the civilised western world think of you as the dumbest politician in US history? Do you realise what kind of damage will be done to whales and dolphins and other creatures living in the oceans by your oil spills? WAKE UP AMERICA your leader is destroying your own country, and our planet and leading you down a path you do not want to go. While I'm on the subject of what a complete bottom feeder Dubya is, why should your sons and daughters be sent to fight in some god forsaken country, sent to die to make one man and his family richer? Why should they DIE in the so-called 'name of democracy'? Democracy, MY ASS! SMELL THE COFFEE AMERICA I challenge everyone of you who blog, to blog about this issue. Bloggers are getting more and more media coverage all the time and if enough people are reading you can change the way people are thinking and stop them just blindly following their current administration because of loyalty. How loyal will you be when your wildlife and way of life are destroyed to feed one mans greed?

Big Strong...Couch Potatoes

These guys are from one of my favourite TV shows called "Big Strong Boys". For those of you who haven't seen it, they are basically DIY gods!! Anyway, so the hubby and I in all our worldly wisdom, decided that it would be a good idea to turn off our satellite tv for the Summer. Doing so, in order to spend more time outdoors, getting fit, going out...instead of being the slovenly couch potatoes that we have become... So of course on Saturday morning, just as I'm settling into the couch to watch the next episode of my favourite DIY show...I realise, hmmm... no more satellite. The strangest thing starts to happen...suddenly the colour that I painted the lounge/kitchen area 2 years ago is starting to bother me... It suddenly overwhelms me in such a way, that before I know what I'm doing, I'm at the paint section of our local hardware store, getting paint mixed up and am halfway around the room with the roller by the time the hubby gets home from his round of golf. (!) He was a bit thrown, and unprepared for the sudden change that the lack of satellite tv has apparently wrought in me! I basically had loud thumping music on, covered in paint from head to toe and doing a wierd kind of DIY dance when he came in. Within a few minutes, the bug had infected him as well, and we were back at the hardware store buying no less than; a 2 metre work bench, a jigsaw, a mitre saw, a power drill, an orbital sander, and several other things that I don't know the function of, and we're finally getting around to doing everything that we always said we'd do. By Sunday night I was nearly done with the lounge area (just the front door section left), and the hubby had successfully sanded down our TV cabinet, and I'm nearly done white washing it. (y'know that nice whitewashed look that allows the woodgrain to show through?). I'm also going to get the the hubby to make me some scrapbooking frames, the 12x12 ones that cost a fortune in the shops that allow you to slide your pages in and out from behind the glass. I need at least three to start off with, and maybe more later. He's also keen to build me a desk especially for my crafting, so that I have somewhere to store all my goodies. Something along the lines of the Crop In Style Modular furniture. If he's any good at it, maybe I can flog a few to the stores around here... Anyway, so here's Monday morning and I am so stiff all over my body, all the painting has given me a better work out than the gym could ever! Plus we're improving our house at the same time. Yesterday, I realised that as I was painting, I had a particular tune stuck in my head, after a while, I realised that it was the theme song from 'Big Strong Boys'. Needless to say, without satellite tv, I'm not going to be able to watch them until around April, so if I can't watch 'em, I can sure be 'em.

Dream...Dream ON.

Hmmm, I had a great dream last night. Now before y'all get excited, it was very PG. No R ratings on this one...unfortunately. I dreamed that I spent the entire night talking to yours truly pictured above. If he is anything like the persona created by my subconscious, well then he's an extremely nice guy. The dream probably has something to do with the programme that I saw all about him on the History Channel entitled 'famous'. I am now armed with a list of his early movies, which I was not aware of, which I am going to add to my Amazon.com wish list. One in particular entitled "Hammers over the Anvil". It's apparently about this guy (Crowe), horses and the Austrialian countryside. "I'll take 'Valkyrie's Fantasies' for $1000" - answer "What is Valkyrie's ultimate fantasy?" Those three ingredients are a sure winner, Crowe, horses, Austrialian outback. Yeah. Now somebody hand me the popcorn. I wonder if he'll ever visit SA? Not that I want to bump into him, or get stuck in an elevator or anything with him. At least not until I've been going to the bloody gym for 6 months solid. (!)

Farewell's

Well, my SIL is leaving this evening for Manchester with toddler in tow to meet up with her hubby and get settled back in England. It is sad to see her go, and needless to say the MIL is devastated at losing her grandchild to a foreign country and her grief is palpable. I hope that the SIL and her hubby do well over there, well enough to enable them to come back again. They've only been here for 3 years, and I am sure that had the hubby really put his mind to it, they could have made it work here. But since he's totally English(and I do mean TOTALLY), they tend to get a bit set in their ways and really stubborn, and I guess going back to England was the easy way out for him. Before I get the whole of England declaring war on my blog, I am married to a guy who grew up there, who's father is a Scot and mother is a pom, so I am totally qualified to make that statement. Anyway, I am getting annoyed even thinking about why they're going, so I'd better just leave this right here before I get myself even more worked up. At the end of the day, their decisions have zuck all to do with me, and yet because the MIL and FIL are here and they ARE affected by these decisions - ultimately it does affect us, but we're not allowed to say anything about it. You know what else? Now it's going to be up to me to start producing grandkids, and well, I'm not even sure that we're ready...

Html messy

Ok, not sure how my page is currently being viewed by anyone, but it appears totally differently to me, when I use a) IE 6 and b) Firefox....? I can't seem to find the problem...anybody? Anybody?

Giving Thanks

Bruns Girls http://www.theindependent.com/stories/113004/new_bruns30.shtml is the link if you want to read the whole story. This is a really heart warming story, about an avid scrapbooker, who is losing a battle with breast cancer, and how her scrapping friends stepped in to help her finish her albums so that her daughters would really know their mom one day when she was gone, and the huge things that happened.

I have been sucked into a bottomless void! I made the colossal mistake of logging onto zone.com and found this bastard of a game called 'Bejewelled 2'. It's not even that great, but it's a bit like Mah Jong, in that once you start, that's it. No loo breaks, no time to take a sip of that coffee on your desk, no time to look up and out of the window...must play...must play...fingers tired...must play, right hand cramped over mouse...must play...must improve score and get fake trophy....must play....