Addie’s Random Ramblings

Hubby and I were once novices to the world of camping and caravaning. We bought our first caravan four months after we got married. And we have been camping ever since … something we never did as kids, mind you!!! We usually camp over weekends and sometimes for longer periods. We love camping. We get a whole lot of enjoyment out camping. Our kids are just as fond of camping - these days we do it for them most of the time.

We also get a kick out of the enjoyment curiosity of our fellow campers because of our presence in a campsite. Strange but true. People are ALWAYS amazed at our presence in a caravan park.

Since our first caravan trip up until now … our last being this past weekend … we always get the same reaction when we arrive at a campsite. Mind you, we have never been to the same caravan park twice. And we always get asked the same questions from our fellow campers around us … usually in Afrikaans!!

1. Is dit julle eerste kamp? (Is this your first camp?)
2. Julle mense kamp mos nie gereeld nie? (You poeple don’t camp often, do you?)
3. Hoe lyk dit vir my julle sukkel om daai tent op te slaan? (Seems like you guys are having a problem setting up your tent?)
4. Weet julle darem hoe daai ding werk? (Do you at least know how to use that thing?)
5. Haai, dit lyk of julle darem vorder? (Glad to see you guys have progressed.)

Other observations we have made over the years …

1. People stop and stare as we enter our chosen camp site …. ALWAYS!!!
2. Once we start setting up camp, people watch us (usually from a distance) as if they’re watching a local soap opera.
3. The first trip to the ablutions block is usually met with a stiff smile and at times a cold stare.
4. People secretly walk past our campsite to “check” on us.
5. By Sunday afternoon, when we get ready to leave we are heroes silently admired, all because we survived the weekend.

It is so much fun for hubby and I to compare “notes” from our last caravan trip. I must also add that we met very friendly and “helpfull” people on our journeys, too.

Some of the joys of living in South Africa camping!!!

There are times in my life that I need a hug more then I need advise. Times when I need my presence and my efforts to be acknowledged; not with lavish gifts or massive flower bouquets, just with a hug and maybe words of affirmation. I need to be reminded that I am loved. I always do my best when I do things for other people especially my family. I love doing things for my family other people. I will go without so that they can have or be happy. Making them happy gives me so much fulfilment and joy.

But there comes a time when I need to hear those words, feel that appreciation and get that assurances. I know they care about me. I know they care about my wellbeing. I know that they will go without so that I can have.  I know they love me … but when they show it (a hug and a kiss will do, thank you) and pronounce it to the world tell me, it gives me so much gutso and energy. I get such a whole lot of “want to to it again” feeling!!!

I know that they don’t mean any harm, but it would really mean so much to me …

 “I can live for two months  on a good compliment.”  Mark Twain

Today I abandoned ALL forms of study and took my children to the local library … I even joined the library and took out two books, which I intend reading before the due date!!!

And after spending more then an hour at the library we went for a walk at the Union Buildings !

Tomorrow we pack our caravan to go camping for a few days before we all go back to school again!!! 

Well, at least mine for now!!! I am so frustrated at this point in time that I am questioning the use and effort of me registering at U.N.I.S.A to further career prospects!!! All I have been eating, drinking, sleeping in the last few weeks are assignments, books and more books. When is all this gonna end or at least, slow down for just a short while. Here in my neck of the woods its school holidays. I am a teacher work at a school, so shouldn’t I also be on holiday??? My children are home … why can’t I get to spend time with them instead of doing all these stupid assignments!!! What’s being happening all around me while I’ve been slaving away with books:-

• Went to the coast for a few days. I only got to go the beach for a few minutes a day!
• Drama Queen can ride her bike WITHOUT training wheels … I wasn’t even around to take a photo!
• Two weeks of school holidays are gone … only this week left!
• And then there is all the other blogs out there that I don’t get to read anymore!

Not fair at all!!! I am seriously considering quiting my studies!!

Yesterday we my son’s school was having their annual speech festival … what a nightmare a few months before!!!! My son changed his poem three times! He refused to say his poems with expression cos “I don’t feel like it!” He would find more enjoyment from saying everybody elses poem rather then his own! So, come yesterday, I was rather nervous! You see, CJ is not very fond of public speaking of any kind.

The adjudicator made it very easy for the children. She requested them to face her and NOT look at all the parents that were sitting in the classroom … much to the disappointment of the parents!!! CJ later told me he liked the “judge” cos she was not necessary for him to look at all “those” people.

I waited for ten other children to say their poems before it was CJ’s turn … and YES, I knew all the other poems off by heart!!! Needless to say, CJ received a gold award for saying his poem so wonderfully with LOTS of facial expression. I was so impressed cos he never said his poem so well at home!!! Can I add CJ made part of only 4 children to receive gold awards.

I am a very proud mommy!