You know how it goes… photographers never have photos of themselves. Well, the same is true for me

The only reason I took this photo of us this evening is because Connor’s theme at school this week is “Me and my family” and I had to do something about it.  So out came the camera and I rested it on a chair (I don’t actually have a tripod) and set the timer

So now… there we all are… I think for the first time on this blog

And Connor has his photo for school  Mission accomplished!!

Ooh and btw, it’s our 15th wedding anniversary this week!!

OK, I’m a little behind with my bucket list project but today I accomplished another thing on the list…

I jumped off a building.

And I managed to get almost my entire family to come along with me, and we made it a bonding exercise! LOL!

We went to the Orlando Towers in Soweto and my mom, Elaine and myself did the power swing and Bryan did the bungee jump… while Lance and my dad watched the kids and took photos from the ground.

I have a few things about today that I just have to put down… and this blog is the best place I can think of doing that… considering this bucket list item was actually all about fear and the unknown and trust… let me talk about just that…

- Elaine is generally scared of heights… and I’m so pleased she did it in the end And she looked a lot braver than I felt I looked just before she jumped!

- It’s freaking high up…. 100m into the air.

- The only thing that really worried me up there, were the cables.  In the photo of me just getting off the ledge, you can see the 3 cables that connect to the towers… I was convinced I would swing into them!!

- I would have prefered to go first just so I didn’t have to wait so long, but I love that my mom did… and she seemed to thoroughly enjoy it

- It’s a pity I wasn’t able to take a camera up there.  The view was incredible.  Absolutely amazing!!

- I think one of the reasons I was so frightened, no, I know, was trust.  I wasn’t sure that I could trust the cable, even though they told you so many times about the checks etc… and I’d watched my mom and sister do it… it was scary to trust it.

- That free fall of 40m before the cable took the strain and swung me out… took my breath away completely. I only screamed when I started relaxing when the swing started.

-The R100 extra charged for the photos was well well worth the money.  I’m so glad I have close-up proof of how inelegant I look jumping off something!!

- While I was waiting for the swing to come up again, I sat down, and I must’ve looked scared shitless, because the one dude came and sat next to me and asked me what I was thinking.  I didn’t tell him.  I was actually visualising myself swinging… yip… I do that.  I get through things by visualising them.  In fact, I was at that moment, visualising getting over the railing and swinging… not from the platform. In my mind I’d done it… and that’s why I didn’t chicken out in the end.

- It felt really surreal up there.  I kept looking ar0und to drink it all in… and willing myself to remember all the details.  Without a camera on me, I felt naked and had just my memory to remember.

- I’m glad the boys were there to see me do it.  Bradley very proudly told Ouma on the phone this evening that I jumped off a building in Soweto. She must’ve had a heart attack… more because we were in Soweto though and I can’t think that she believed the rest!! LOL!

I’ve put all the images onto my photo blog, so hop on over there to see…

The only thing I regret about the day, was that the restaurants in Vilakazi street were all closed because of the public holiday… I would have liked to have lived out the rest of the planned day, and taken my family around Soweto… I just loved that part of the city Instead we went to my parent’s house for pizza and a swim.

It was an amazing day, and one that we’ll never forget.

I’ve got itchy feet.  Serious itchy feet.

I’ve already signed up for 2 photography workshops in January.  One is a boudoir workshop for one day by Yvette (Innovate Photo), and the other is an online 1 month long course on expanding my mind for lifestyle photography, run by a US photographer.  I’m thinking I need to be pushed again… I feel like I’m getting stale.

And now I saw this course… and oh wow I’m so tempted!

This five week online class complete with inspiring lessons, real life stories, secret missions, audio interviews and hands-on activities will help you take your dreams from the realm of wishing into everyday motion.

Something has to change… and I think this time I need help… just got to figure out how… maybe something like this course?

It’s actually all about pushing my boundaries and trying to be brave I think…

So, there are a lot of bloggers and IG’ers doing a thankful and grateful meme this month, and posting photos every day with the things that they’re grateful for.  I decided not to partake in it… mostly because of time issues.  But today I attended Wenchy’s 11th Thanksgiving lunch that she hosts every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in the US.  For the US readers of my blog, Thanksgiving is not something we ordinarily celebrate in SA.

Anyhoo, she throws a magnificent shindig every year, and invites her friends and family.  This year it was held at their home, and for a change I didn’t take my camera out of my bag… instead I took one photo with my iPhone. Only one… the one in this post.

Everyone gets a turn to speak.  Everyone gets a turn to say what they’re thankful for and grateful for this year.  Even Bradley spoke today… in front of all those people… and there must’ve been more than 50 people there today.  I was so proud of him

So when it was my turn to speak, my brain went to mush.  Partly because of my sinuses that have clogged up my brain waves… but anyhoo, I decided I have quite a bit that I’m grateful for, so I’ll just blog it instead.

1.  I’m grateful for my husband and kids who let me think up crazy ideas and just go with them.  Like jumping off buildings.  Seriously… this is what I said!! LOL!

2.  I’m grateful that I’ve been able to tell the stories of so many people this year.  Seriously… and that’s the only other thing I said today… crazy hey?!

And this is what I should have said… I’m grateful that…

1.  My husband and kids let me dream up crazy things to do… and let me do them.  Lance does smile, and sometimes shake his head, but he never tries to stop me.

2.  I have so huge supporters in my husband and parents for my career issues that I’m having this year.

3.  I can live out my dreams

4.  I’ve been able to tell Kathy’s cancer story

5.  I’ve been able to show the love between so many people this year

6.  The dogs are calmer and not so looney anymore and my garden is starting to recover from their puppy phase

7.  Friends in my computer who send me the most awesome emails just to let me know that they’re thinking about me.  They read between my blog lines so very well.  You know who you are

8.  Friends who let me just sit at parties now and don’t expect me to take my camera out all the time… they understand that I need the timeout

9.  Connor who is growing up and so very cute, and so very maddening.  and who ever so often says… “Mommy wouldn’t that be a nice photo, get your camera out”

10.  Bradley who is still the gentlest soul… but who fights in a very ugly way with Connor at times (hopefully this stops soon)

11.  My mom who picks the kids up every single day from school and does the afternoon mad rush with extramurals etc

12.  Lance telling me when something I’m wearing doesn’t look good.  He’s normally right

and finally… that our little family is healthy.

Life is just insanely hectic right now, and I know it’s all my fault for making it this way.

I’m actually not sure how I’m going to get through this month.

This is what I did this weekend:

Friday night… edited about 1000 wedding images.  Didn’t feel like blogging.

Saturday… met a bride at a temple to scope it out for next week’s wedding. Then went to her future MIL’s house around the corner and discovered that they run a feeding scheme once a month, and they were preparing for a lunch where they were going to feed 500 kids and a few hundred adults.  So I got my camera out and took a few photos… they will be blogged about tomorrow.  Then went home.  Picked up the kids and took them to the shops to buy a pressie for today’s party, and food. Got home and made lunch. Had a nap for 30 minutes which gave me a headache.  Watched Connor swim for 10 minutes, and left Lance doing that when I left the house for the photoshoot.  Did a family photoshoot.  Got home and started supper.  Watched a movie with the kids. Lance put the kids to bed while I started editing and blogging.  Went to bed early, cos my eyes were just not staying awake… 10:30pm

Sunday… woke up 7am with the dogs howling and whining for food.  Fed said dogs.  Left Lance to feed the kids, while I had a shower, got dressed and then took the dogs to Walkhaven for a walk.  They had a ball.  Kimo was so very good today. He was attacked by another big dog, and stood his ground, but let me seperate him from the other dog and then ran off to the marsh to rather play with his sister in the black mud.  Dropped the dogs off at home, to pick up the kids.  Drove to the other side of town for Aaron’s party. Actually did nothing at the party .  Got Steers on the way home for lunch cos I’m too tired to cook.  And now I’m blogging.

This is what I’ve got planned for the rest of today:  Attend the Tranquil Treats Christmas launch party with the kids at Lifestyle at 2pm. Get home to drop the kids off.  Go to a photoshoot in a park.  Then phone bride for next week’s wedding… and meet her at sunset for a few photos under a jacaranda tree. Then come home and I suppose cook and bath… and then edit and blog.

And the next 5 weeks are looking kinda the same if not busier.

I need sleep.

I actually wish I could take my editing to work, cos that would let me catch up and then maybe I could sleep.

I’ve been struggling with a cold for the last few days, and I can’t seem to shake it.  It’s just not bad enough to go to the doctor.

So tonight, after the cough mixture just wasn’t working and I was continually coughing, I thought I’d nebulise myself… it works for the boys… well…

You seen, what I’d forgotten, and remembered just now, was that Combivent was the stuff the hospital used to stop the contractions when I went into labour with Connor at 34 weeks.  If you didn’t know me then and didn’t read my blog then, I was in the labour ward for 4 days while they tried to stop the contractions.  By the fourth day I was just shaking all the time from the stuff, and the gynae said that if he wasn’t born that day, that I would have heart failure because my heart wasn’t coping.

Well, as I sit here typing up this blog post, I’m feeling the same way…  All fidgety and shaky and getting heart palpitations… scary shit!

And memories of all those days of being hooked up to machines… and lots of visitors… and struggling to hold pens to play Sudoku came rushing back…

So, guess I won’t ever be doing that again, will I?

But the coughing has stopped!

So, thought I’d update you on the latest about my boudoir shoot after the umpteen beautiful comments that I got on my last blog post, as well as the umpteen tweets about the location etc.

I got a DM last night from the photog, saying that the location we were going to use, is no longer available.  So now there are only 2 options… rent a hotel room or use my bedroom.  At this point I’m going with option B, because:

• I looked at a few hotels on the interweb today, and none of their rooms jumped out at me.  They were either too OTT or too small or downright boring… apart from the villa suites at the Fairlawns hotel… holy moly that looks nice!
• The last time I did a boudoir shoot in a hotel we actually got the room for free, but I doubt I’ll get that right again, and although the room was great it wasn’t the most private of spaces, which I’m not too keen on.
•  I don’t actually have time to waste looking for a room and getting a good price.
• My bedroom needs to be redecorated anyway… Lance painted a few weeks ago and nothing matches anymore… so this is an excellent excuse.

As for my outfits, that shopping is going pretty well.  I popped into La Senza this afternoon, and bought a little hot pink body number with suspender straps very similar to the one in the image  LOL this is going to be fun

So, in a nutshell, after my little shopping spree to find the rest of my bedroom stuff, I think I’m set for this Exciting times!!

You know I’ve booked my boudoir shoot for this month’s bucket list item?  Well, I did. And I’ve already actually paid for it in full.

Today, I was determined to go hunting for one or all of my outfits that I’m going to wear during this shoot.  So after meeting up with Tiana to collect my next gadget that I’m reviewing for Girl Guides, I decide to go shopping.

First let me say, that I know what my flaws are… my tummy isn’t exactly flat, and my boobs aren’t exactly big, and my hips are not exactly small… so my plan is to get those body chemise/baby doll outfits to hide my tummy… and a bra and panty outfit with those stocking hookup jobs.

I make a beeline for Woolies first because I’d seen slinky outfits in their Sandton store before… but they didn’t have my size in the one I wanted.  So, then I go to La Senza, my favourite place… and my oath didn’t realise the price! But anyhoo, tried a gorgeous black and pink spotty number on.  While I’m in the change room I start getting antsy about the way it’s looking even though it does actually fit (a concern in the beginning because of my flat chestness).  Then decide to wander over to Temptations… and bingo… found an outfit which is half the price and they had 20% off everything in the store… this time all black and lacy… and OMG made by Playboy which Lance thinks is extremely funny… it even has little Playboy thingy dangling between the bra cups.

Anyhoo, the point of this long ramble is the following… I’m now getting cold feet.  I think I look a little silly in the outfit, and my thighs stick out and it doesn’t really hide my tummy, and I have to be careful about the bra area or else it gapes.  Ho hum… me and my body issues.

I chose the photographer I did because I don’t want to look fake.  I want the photos to look like me.  However, I’m praying that she will make me look good even though it will be just me and my make-up and I won’t look like the frumpy lumpy mommy that I am.  My logical side of my brain is telling me to stop worrying because I chose her because I know she’s that good.

Seriously though, I should really have done this after doing a few months of gym… but we all know that’s unlikely to happen.

Oh well, I never said this bucket list was going to be easy.  It’s about getting out of my comfort zone and learning about myself.

When I got home and spoke to Lance about my insecurities he told me I was being silly, and that he loves me for me anyway, and he can’t wait to see the photos.  That doesn’t make it easier though.

And then a few minutes later, we watched SYTYCD and this dance happened…

… and Bradley says “Mommy, you are amazing..  just the way you are” and Lance smiles.

Best I get over myself.

One of the items on my bucket list is having a facial and massage every month.  Now, I’m not too sure when I’d mark that one as done, because I’m actually not sure it’s big enough to warrant being on my list.  It’s there though, because pre-kids I used to go to a salon or day every single month for a facial or pedicure or massage and I do miss that me-time.

But anyway, I walked to the RMB building in Sandton last week for a meeting, and realised that there was a spa at the bottom… I didn’t even know it was there… and decided to book a facial.  It’s the Professional Touch Day Spa… and they use Sans Soucis products

And I went today for my facial lunch hour, and I’m definitely going to book more.  I had their fire extinguisher facial which is specially for sensitive skins, and OMW my face feels like a million bucks right now.  Instead of normal exfoliating beads, she used an enzyme peel… and then an aloe vera mask.

The best part though, wasn’t actually the facial, but the experience.  I haven’t been for a facial in many months, and within 5 minutes I could just feel myself relaxing.  I didn’t realise just how very stressed my whole body is.  It’s been an insane time, and not only am I hectically busy on weekends, but work is just exceedingly stressful and has been for the last 4 months… and I can’t see the end in sight.

It was actually fantastic using my lunch hour for something that rejuvenated my body properly.

It’s well worth it, so if you work in the Investec or RMB or Nedbank buildings in Sandton, do yourself a favour, and book an hour out of your diary over your lunchtime (which you’re full entitled to even though corporate culture may dictate otherwise), and walk to the Professional Touch Day Spa in 2 Merchant Place… and take a proper break from the stress (just remember to take some more makeup )

I think I’m going to book a pedicure next… or maybe a massage…

Disclaimer:  I was not enticed or asked to blog about the spa and was no remunerated in any way, shape or form.