What's happening?

I really don't know what's going on... I just don't get to uploading ANYTHING per this blog! Only reason I'm doing this now is because - yet again - I'm stuck sick at home... awaiting another check-up this comiing Friday! Story of my life!

What I have managed to do is keep my OTHER blog updated (kinda) and happy - AllAboutDatsun.blogspot.com as well as my Facebook Page. Its easier (for me) uploading comments there than a PROPER blog post! Its weird.

Jodie showing off her medal (at the school evening)

But such a lot of AMAZING things have happened in the past few weeks I've been away here... My daugher Jodie received a Diploma from her school (with a medal) for her excellent performance in ALL learning areas. What a joy THAT was (came as quite a surprise too!).

Jordan enjoying her ride-on car! Watch out!

Then Jordan Riley had her 3rd birthday... and we were elated to spend such valuable time with her, spoiling her... we also used the opportunity to get her potty trained... we only had to suffer 2 or 3 days... we were amazed! Okay - to be fair - we have tried before!  :-) 

Not forgetting, just before Jordan my father also celebrated a birthday! Precious times! Also a quick shout-out to Loxton, his wife and my cousins, Natalie and Madelein! There are more, but I can't always keep tab. That my wife does for me! LOL!

Uncle James - ONE in a MILLION! We miss you!

We also had some sad times... I still expect my uncle James Murray to surprise me with quick call, SMS or visit... We were caught totally off-guard with his passing... we miss you... RIP.

Zeandre and my son Revano at the "masked 21st"

Our God Child, Zeandre-Ann also turned 21 in the "down period." Its not always we get to spend time celebrating someone's life - and Zeandre really deserves a life full of happiness, joy and blessings from above. Then with someone like Geraldine to lay down her footsteps, there's not a lot that COULD go wrong, hmm?

And now we're looking forward to our leave days, holiday with family. Pity my wifey has a few things holding her back - even just a little - but that's part of life. Or is it? Then lastly, to my mom who passed her final 3rd year exam and will be capped for her 3year degree next year January! We're so proud of you! You are truly an inspiration to us all!

I should make time for the blog... Let's see what happens...

Wifey's Party

My wife, Rene, celebrated her 40th birthday on 10 September - we had a small family gathering - but she also planned a little something with some of our friends. This was celebrated yesterday, 14 September 2013. Here's what we were up to...

Tired on the day (10th) after family gathering

 

JoJo (Jodie 'n Jordan) assisting with the party balloons

Snacks were on offer, including the wifey's famous rolls!

The Cake table grew as the evening progressed! :-)

No one wanted to have their pictures taken... perhaps due to weather?

Baby Zena enjoyed my attempt at playing photographer!

Heads in prayer to get the party underway properly

Wifey didn't want to give a speech though!

  

Elmarie offered a few words for her sister!

Plaatjies sister and friend prepping for dishing food

Mervin and Wilma enjoying themselves

Waylenn & Cecilia always makes our day!

Favourite couple Jonathan & Anthea brighten our little gathering

Big smiles from Table 1's BIG DADDY!

Rene's idea of Chinese Lanters with faity lights were a hit!

In the end, fun was held by all! There was a slight split between Rene's Table No. 1 (work collegues) and my "Metrorail buddies." But that never dampened our spirits. Wifey, here's to the next 40+ years for you as you celebrate life! I can't wait to share it all with you....

Here's looking at our next adventure... our trip to Hermanus next week Saturday!

Friday the 13th

Well, I can honestly say it! We survived Friday the 13th... Seems that most people treat it like a normal day these days, or they have put up a great act according to me! Or perhaps I just know a lot of weird people, who knows???  (^ ^,)

I took the the fun out of its sails - I advised most of my friends via social media and e-mail: "Be glad, it could have been Monday the 13th! At least now the weekend looms!"

Tomorrow the wifey has a party planned - she celebrated her birthday the other day, 10 September 2013. Darling, I still love you with all my heart! I trust that the Lord will bless and keep you for the next 40+ years!

Here's looking at the future!

Snow on Table Mountain

It finally happenend! After much anticipation and waiting - its nowed again on Table Mountain! Not a big thing for many - but for us in sunny South Africa its HUGE! The last time it snowed here was 2years ago! As we now say: No wonder its so cold!   :-)

Pics courtesy of tablemountain.net

Scale Model Table Mountain also covered in snow

 

Proteas covered by the white dust

 

I just love this pic!

 

WHAT a Saturday!

Yes, what a Saturday! Didn't go as planned (as always) and it turned out better than planned... had some unexpected visitors from a few friends... this after I got a nice car craving, as I'm missing my project ride... something that sucks away much needed funds... and I'm still smiling as its all good - its my 1971 Datsun 1600! You have to be a car freak to understand...

I got my DATSUN fix! :-)

Clive 'n Jonathan

Clive's Baby - Datsun P510

Clive's P510 Engine Bay *drool*

FEED ME! One day (perhaps)... on my ride....

Jonathan's 1400... Where's the 1200?

To explain: The reason women buy shoes and boots by the box full... its the SAME motivation why men buy car parts & tools as if their life depended on it!

Here's looking towards tomorrow... another day away from work! :-) BUT, one day closer to getting my ride back...

National Women's Day

National Women's Day is an Annual Public Holiday in South Africa on 9 August.This commemorates the National March of Women on this day in 1956 to petition against legislation that required African persons to carry the "pass", special identification documents which curtailed an African's freedom of movement during the apartheid era.

On 9 August 1956, more than 50,000 women staged a march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the pass laws) of 1950.

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What a day! Today, on South Africa's National Women's Day, I got time to spend some quality time with my mom, Dolly, and my two princesses, Jodie (aged 6) and Jordan (aged 2). It was such a joy to see my kids having a blast... it also hit me that its been a while since I've just spend time with my mother for no apparent reason to be close to her! Here's hoping there'll be more time granted to me in future! #LoveYouMom!

So where's the wifey you ask? My wife - Rene - was invited by our sister-in-law to a High Tea! I used these few hours to spend with my girls and mother. Obviously I had to try and make some time for my wife, which came in an invite by my brother-in-law for a family get together over some potjiekos and even cray fish! That was truly enjoyable!

Now I'm focusing on what to do with the rest of my weekend! Today truly felt like a Saturday. And even for a winter day, Cape Town truly granted us all an awesome Winters Day with a lovely sunny day! Here's looking at the next year's Women's Day, God willing!

If you haven't had the time to spend some time with some the special women in your life - I do hope you'll take a day and make the most of their company! 

Yet another - Fuel price hike

The petrol price increased (yet again) last night by 32c a litre to R13-18 for unleaded petrol... R13-18! What is the world coming to? Where is it all going to end? Its not funny anymore!!! Gone are the days that we joked that the price of petrol will one day go above R10 per litre. Some of us are wishing it could return to those figures...

On the 2nd of January 2013 the price of petrol was R11-51. During the last couple of months that price was updated monthly and we are experiencing most of the losses. Check it again, since the beginning of the year the petrol price increased by R1-67. This might not seem much, but we are paying more for 1 litre of petrol than it cost for a 2 litre COKE!

If you normally threw in R250-00 at a time, it would mean the following:
   - Now, you'd get 18.968 litres
   - In January, it was 21-720 litres

Most of us estimate to run at least 10km/litre (car dependant), so we're doing about 30kms less! That's a trip to the beach, meeting up with a few friends, taking the wifey somewhere special... And we have to make up for it somehow...

But wait, its not just us... Taxi's, Busses, Shops - ALL feel the burden... and sooner or later the increase in petrol creeps into our daily lives with food prices and public transport fees following...

Now think on this:
The Minister of Finance announced on 26 February 2013 that the Fuel Levy and the Road Accident Fund on petrol will increase by 15.0 c/l on 03 April 2013. The Fuel Levy on petrol will amount to 212.0 c/l. The Road Accident Fund on petrol will amount to 96.0 c/l with effect from 3 April 2013.

Worst is that fuel levies never decrease if and when the petrol price decreases (if that ever happens). Meaning we'll never return to the low petrol prices of old... 

All we can do is hope and pray that we can adjust as quickly as possible - cause not matter what - we need to buy petrol to fuel our rides. Catch22, hmmm?


Quick history lesson:
The first four-wheeled electric car was built by the German engineer Andreas Flocken in 1888.

Family values

Trying to find myself made me realise that I need my family and friends in my life to guide me... But more than anything, I need my kids. I've tried to connect to all three (3) my kids over the weekend... Revano, Jodie and Jordan. What I found is that things were not going to be easy... But as I needed them, nothing will stand in my way to reconnect to my kids.... Or my wife, Rene.

I thank God for the opportunity to adjust my lifestyle, my routines... And getting the most out of my life!

Finding myself...

Recently I've had some major ups and downs in my life! I wasn't sure what exactly I had to do to get out of the rut. Needless to say things got out of hand quickly, starting in my family environment - something I vowed would never happen. But as they say: Never is a long, long time.

I had to make a decision, and quickly. So my option was... instead of taking things out on my family, friends and colleagues at work, I'd take a break away from it all (called my manager and asked for 2 days off) and rather reflect inwards - and find myself! Yes, find myself.

I took the opportunity to reflect on what makes me tick... if all this was perhaps not just me being upset for not achieving specific goals, or being stuck in routine, or not being there for my family and friends. Anything was possible. And I noted that once I started making small changes in my life, I noticed changes in others.

Question is, WHY?  Because the way I started treating people surrounding me different, they started treating me different. And it all started with me!

Have you taken the time to invest in yourself? Especially as of late? I hope you find the time too! And you'll notice that even the slightest change in oneself can make a big difference around you. Every bit helps!

Another day... Check-up Day

Today is check-up day... I need to get to the doctor just to re-evaluate my health status. I try and do it once every 6 months - as people always say: You can't put a price on your health...

 

Recently we've had the kids and cousins quite sick. My brother's youngest, Cody, even had to go for a quick operation on this nose / sinus. My little one, Jordan, had issues with her mouth... its all making you think about what they mean to you - and if you'll always be there for them in future!

 

Then I'm thinking of following up on my project ride - which isn't really getting anywhere - my 1971 Datsun P510 1600. It needs a lot of work, but I love it so much I can perhaps invest some time (and money) in it. Believe it or not, I even thought of selling her recently.

 

But whatever I decide, or the doctor says: I'm going to be positive and not let anything stand in my way from here on end.

 

Be blessed!

me

Keeping me busy

It looks like I've found a couple of things (interests) to keep my busy... or should I say - focussed. All just not to go through life with the same routine... need change... constantly... I easily fall within that mould, no hole! And I must say, I'm loving it...

First off, I've been giving some of my time voluntary to assist a trust assisting with study bursaries. Have invested a few hours, trying to give some of my "skills." Then I've also started another blog on one of my loves... the Datsun brand of vehicle. New release scheduled for this coming Monday - refer http://goo.gl/cBWdk.

Next, I should re-invest a lot of time into my kids... especially my son, aged 16. Seems when I have a new interest, I focus all of my energy there. Should find a middle ground somehow.. and soon. For the sake of myself, and my family.

Trusting you find yourself soon...
John

Time to reflect

?

1 July 2013... That's today's date... I almost can't believe that 6 months have passed in this year! SIX MONTHS! This is  a good time to reflect... Where has the year gone? Its quickly running its race towards year-end...  And now I ask myself... what have I achieved so far?

Me that's stuck in my routine... going nowhere, slowly, encircling the sun as the Earth journeys aorund it effecting change of seasons... and I have nothing of value to show... or do I?

What have I wanted to achieve this year? Can't purely be to see the Year End? To survive the rat-race? Didn't I set about to make a change in myself and thus hopefully bring a small change to my family & friends, colleagues, etc?? Or is this too much to ask of myself?

I think there's still a lot that I can do... That's why re-examining its so crucial, its key - 'cause we can adapt! So I'm making a decision today - I'll achieve all of my goals this year... Let's re-align ourselves once again... change is good... but perfecting life is better!  ;-)

I've found myself...

Does that sound right? I've found myself... I've been going through the motions the last couple of months and can't determine where all that time went! Where did it go? Its like routine... settling in slowly and before you know it... you're stuck in a cycle you cannot get out of...

But as I said, I found myself... I'm re-investing in myself. I'm investing into a 2nd Blog on an idea that's been circling my mind for so long... and its given me time to even blog here... Not bad I'd say. Finally I look forward to coming home and work on some ideas and logo's and post(s), etc.  ( o_O)  Weird hey.

But who cares... I've found myself. Here's to me!

Hope you have found yourself as well...

Proud father

Today I just wanna shout out to the world how proud I am as a father to my wonderful kids. Its not always one has the opportunity to let your kids know how you feel, so these moments are truly precious.

I am one of those who believes in the value of education and therefore I'll measure my kids against their school report cards - something my wifey can't stand. I'm trying my utmost to not do that anymore... but in the end we all know that these reports will be the measuring stick by which we are eventually measured: Highest education, Cum-Laude (or not) - which results in great vs average CV's and possible work opportunities...

But I'm losing focus. My kids Revano (aged 16) and Jodie (aged 6) passed their 2nd Quarter Examinations - both have improved their marks! And what more can I ask of them.

Revano - especially to you I wanna say I am proud of you my son. I know you are capable of SO much more. Just believe in yourself. The World is waiting... go out and grab all opportunities with BOTH HANDS! I wish only the best for you! God bless and keep you safe!

Jodie - Daddy loves you my darling. I know you are just starting out with your schooling - but it always helps when you enjoy what you do, enjoy playing teacher and enjoy learning in general. I trust that God grants me the opportunity to see you through your scholastic years. Stay the wonderful little princess that you are.

Then, to my "BABA-rush-KA" Jordan (aged 2) - who terrorises my mother-in-law on a daily basis (Thanks Ma Cynthia) - You already have your own personality, you're already your own little person. I pray God keeps you safe, I pray he brings His healing hands over you and releases you from the dry eczema...

To my lovely wifey - Rene - I thank the Lord for someone like you in my life! Please hold my hand as we try our utmost in raising our kids. We don't know what the future holds, but as long as I am here, as long as I'm breathing... I'll give my all to make all of you happy.

I love you with all my heart!
John, aka Hubby, aka Fatty Daddy, aka "me!"

Indoors...

So, I fell ill at work last week Thursday - so much so that an ambulance was called in to take me to be hospitalised. Makes you re-look your life, where you're standing and who you got surrounding you.

Needless to say, I'm stuck at home now... bored out of my scull! But I am getting some valuable time with my two year old princess - Jordan Riley - and I should try and connect more with my six year old - Jodie Leigh... soon. Luckily I was instructed by my manager to take an additional few annual leave days off, so I'm hoping to make the most of my time off towards the long weekend.

Be blessed, one and all!
Jojo-RSA

Guys night out

After planning, cancelling, shifting dates and such it is finally here... Tonight I have planned the ultimate Guys Night Out - Poker Night - using a great friends man cave as our venue!

It took a while to get everything in place, but come what may - tonight will see us form a brotherhood around our poker table (like Arthur's Knight's of Old). We'll keep it simple, we'll keep it clean - and as millions of people can state: I'm all in for Texas Hold'em Style Poker!

What are your plans?

Time to blog

I've thought hard about it... I've invested into this blog and its about time I stick with an idea. I should re-invest time into this, ensuring some of my ideas, thoughts and memories are preserved within the pages.

So, it would be in my best interest to continue with this blog!
Yes, its time to blog!

Monday Blues... #whatareyoutalkingabout?

I thought that today will be a typical blue Monday for me... But funny enough, it wasn't. What happened you would ask? As if I would know... Actually, I think the weekend had a great part to play. Finally made up my mind to call my wife's car my own... having ideas on making it to my linking... and my mood for the day was a typical....

Its been a while

Yes! Its been a while. I cannot believe it! What's happened that I couldn't even manage one post in 5 months? I guess the fad wore off? I got lazy? New interests? Workload? Who knows...

All I can say is that I'll try my utmost to upload some blogs again...

I do miss it.