Carb-a-licious!!!

Thats Mande in the pic....the blashing bride, you looked very nice I am very proud of you kiddo!

Ok, Ok, Ok! I know I said I was only going to put a photo of me at least until I have lost a few stones but I just couldnt help it, I really like this photo of me...fat or not, I was so happy and it shows! My lil sis was getting married and if that is not a good reason to look yummy, radiant and fabulous then I dont know what..... enjoy!

SAT NAV

Yepeee!!! My darling husband bought me a sat nav so the countryside is my oyester! Can you imagine getting lost in the middle of nowhere on a dark rainy day with the children in the car...nightmare!!! So I am really looking fwd to enjoying this baby and he bought a top the range type but didnt cost too much. ( I hope not) says the lovwa. Oh plus I have this interview in York at 6pm so the sat nav will come in very handy and I guess you are thinking ah finally she should start work...no no no no my dear friends I have decided to go to school...imagine?! hitting the books again...as if I have ever done it before...lol! actually this time I am really serious and I have found something that I am really passionate about and before I can start braging about how wonderful my career will be after I finish studying, I will wait for that acceptance letter and hopefully I will be able to wow them at the interview...you know me, intelligent things do sometimes come out of this big mouth I have been blessed with....plus charm and enthusiasim. lol! ok, I am putting you off. I will go and finish my red wine and go to bed.

nitey nitey...and you say pyjam pyjam

Livin' la Vida Loca (George is back!)

Hello everyone, George came back yesterday . It was lovely having him back and he came home earlier than expected which was great, he helped with feeding times, feed them babies, bathed them and read them bed time stories and guess what I was doing?????? No, I was not running around like a crazy chick, I put my feet up and poped a bottle of wine and caught up with master chef professional and later we watched 'I am Sam' . OMG, I am have always been a Sean Penn fan he is absolutely my old time fav, in this movie his performance was brilliant and I cried buckets full and for those of you who havent seen this, I strongly recommend that you do, he acted the part of the autistic/mentally handicapped man who had a baby with a homeless chick and she ran off and he kept the baby and then there was this courtroom drama about where he was fighting to retain the custody of his daughter (Dakota fanning).

His lawyer Michele Pfeiffer who was a real witch from hell at first and then she softened up and really warmed up to Sam, he changed her life. This movie would change anyone's life and how we look at life and people with learning disabilities....brilliant performance from all three.

So yes, it was a lovely pleasent weepy evening....and I have gone soft! Which is good because I was begining to worry that I might have stopped crying completely. Eish tough life.

Shoka night at the Hotel Intercontinental Lusaka

I cant believe it is almost 4yrs since the last time I was in Zambia. Thats my wonderful Mother in law in the photo. This day was just lovely, we went to the intercon for a swim and later had massages.Friday night at the Intercon they have shoka night, after our lovely Zambian massages (uku china) we had some drinks and then later made our way to the pool side. Upon arrival those of us that drink 'munkoyo' (traditonal Zambian brew)It was just the best I have ever had. The last time it was drunk in our home back in Zambia some people got really ill and ever since then I never touched the staff. (Mum had gone to a kitchen party and brought some home...we vowed never to touch outside catering munkoyo again)

Oh, lemme tell you about Shoka night, there was so many different types of traditional Zambian foods as well as western but you know how it is, I had to keep it real and feast on the food that I have not eaten in ages...kalembula, kapenta, finkubala, lumanda, chibwabwa, impwa, dried fish, fresh fish, chicken, beef, game meat and even crocodile (tastes like fish/chicken) It was pleasent and I would eat it again. The entertainment was great, we were entertained by traditional dancers and lekker Zambian music...awe mwandi it was wonderful and a very good introduction to George and Mum of what was to come later while staying in Zambia.

Anyway, we went to Safari Lodge for two days, It was awesome, peace and tranquility (iye can I use these two words in one sentence??? anyway you get the picture right.

My Mother in law is very adventurous, she once went to Lusaka West with my Aunt. They traveled by mini bus, it was jam packed ! you can just imagine chickens, children crying etc...the mini bus was moving side to side trying to dodge the pot holes, she could not believe the speed the mini bus was travelling at, they got to their destination safely and on their way back they had lunch at Lusaka city centre, plate of chips and sprite, we were there for a short time and there was just so much happening, matebeto for George who got up and danced with the Makishi and I must say I was so proud of him and I was happy he was having a wonderful time.
We managed to squeeze Livingstone in our trip, was there for 4 days and I only have one word to say, AMAZING!!! It was a well deserved break from Lusaka, we swam everyday, bird watching, swimming in devils poo (oh my, what was I thinking???), elephant safari, eating and more eating.


I am now looking fwd to taking the boys home, when they are old enough to understand so they can enjoy themselves (air tickets are so pricey!) So if you are you planing a trip to Zambia one must really make it worth their while and that is exactly what I plan to do. Take my boys to rural Zambia, so they can have a taste rural life....Lusaka has become like a little JHB and kids are just not growing up the way we did, playing chidunune, climbing mango and guava trees (yum yum), playing with cars made of wire (motoka yama wire), touch oh and we used to go in the bush hunting (urban bushes having nothing in them) we were just so convinced that we would find some wild animal or something...but those were good times.......People want to bring up their children the western way of life, but to be honest with you, its not even something to admire, you really have to be here to appreciate what you have back home and the natural things children have access to...making cars, climbing tress, playing house and cooking (outside, maybe under a mango tree or something) you dont have to pay to play! children playing football and there is just lots of other children to play with...you know everyone in your community and everyone knows you, I am talking about Ubuntu way of living. We dont even know or talk to our niegbours, yes I would say hi when I see them but heaven forbid something happened to me while George was away...the kids would be alone and no one would notice (HOW SAD IS THAT????!)
while I am talking about unfriendliness and the western way of life, recently a 17yr old boy /man died in his flat and was only discovered 3mnths later (only because the mail had piled up and the post man got curious). May his soul rest peace..
Ok, gotta go! happy reading!

Children having fun

Likoji at Big Sheep Little Cow in Bedale

Zangi at a summer BBQ in Northallerton, an event that was organised by all the churches in the area, It was very nice, the sun was out,the BBQ was fantastic & the live music was great! everything was for free and the kids totally enjoyed themselves. Thanks for inviting me Jennifer, we had a blast.

xox

Get ready for 2010

We just love Grandma's garden

Likoji, Zangi and Iris in Grandmas garden...Ok this garden is just beautiful and tranquile I just love it! Ok next time I will post a better photo where you can see it nicely.

Bettys Brown Bread Ice Cream Sundae

This was a very special day to me because it was the day I became a British Citizen, after the ceremony, we went to Bettys ( One needs to visit one of these posh tea rooms when you are in North Yorkshire) they serve delicious Yorkshire and Continental confections in the shop, and an elegant Café Tea Room serves teas and meals in the traditional English style.

I was told the brown bread ice cream sundae was to die for and ooooh It was so nice but maybe not to die for...one must only die for their family or their country not food...ok I love food maybe I would.
Notice Zangi's facial expression....hmmmm very nice!

I cant get enough of Polyvore but here is my last item

I just cant get enough of making up my own little outfits, ofcourse these are the things I would like if I had money but not lots of them though because then you just dont appreciate them. I think the glasses makes this whole out fit fabulous but a wee bit geeky.




I would wear this outfit if I was going to the Royal Ascot...its cool and does not scream here I am look at me but it quietly steals the show and says hey...I have got class and I am a lady, and my horse is wininig. yepeeee!

Congratulations Nel and Niel

My Friend Nel, gave birth to a lovely baby boy born at 7.30 am both doing really well. 7lbs 3oz...Congratulations to both of you and I cant wait to see your new addition to the family, Iris (baby's big sister) must be happy! and it will be hard work tearing her away from her lil bro. We are very happy for you love and we will make our way to Ripon sometime next week.

On another note, last night was the 2nd night alone with the kids at home and it went really well. Baby didnt sleep too wonderful, was crying and just couldnt settle, he must be teething or something, other than that, it was cool...hey I didnt even take the rolling pin for extra protection.

We are at home all day today, well I took the boys out for a walk in the morning to get some fresh air but other than that....it is boring and the weather sucks! What else is new heh.

In the News

Frence presidents wife, Carla Bruni on Jools Holland...Yasis!! I honestly dont know what to make out of her. (France's first lady of pop) come on, you have a country to look after, wake up and smell the cocoa.


South African prosecutors say they will challenge a ruling dismissing charges against ANC leader Jacob Zuma.

ZUMA TIMELINE
June 2005: Sacked as deputy president
October 2005: Charged with corruption
December 2005: Charged with rape
April 2006: Acquitted of rape charges
September 2006: Corruption case collapses
December 2007: Elected ANC president; re-charged with corruption shortly afterwards
September 2008: Judge rules corruption case cannot proceed
2009: Elections due

The rape charges story was hilarious!! If a man says that he had a shower after having sex with a woman who is hiv postive and hence there is no way he would have caught it then he is not fit to rule the country or even lead people.

The corruption in Africa especially in this case, is something I would really not want to go into....1 )I will swear until my face turns blue 2) talking or even thinking about it makes my blood boil...so I will not upset myself any further.

Ok enough day dreaming....but this is also very cool!

a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?.mid=embed&id=2834371">

Going out.... With hubby or maybe with the girls .






Nice!!! Kicking about and I absolutely love the red watch, kinda reminds me of my very first watch though it was not this expensive and mine was purple...wonder what happened to it.

I love these blue moccasins...and the pink shirt is just lovely. I was thinking the glasses are very Kanye West and I also like the bag very much! Well you know what they say if you cant go shopping go to polyvore and make up some outfits.

We are not going to Ripon

I just recieved a call from Sophie (Nel's Mum) that her water broke last night and she has gone into hospital and will be there to be observed and see how things go, she only has a week to go so I think this is really it! Soooooo excited.

Now I have to explain to dear Zangi why we are not going to Iris's house anymore and move onto plan B (Funky Farm) boy I hate that dirty place and Zangi loves it...what can I do, the weather is crap!

Now that we are not going, I have a few minutes to bitch about Zimbabwe and Mugabe oh and the Western world....hmmmm where do I start.

Did you notice how both Morgan and bloody Mugabe were so uncomfortable standing next to each other and the hand shakes were so faaaaake! Mugabe is a meniac and a terrorist and the people of Zimbabwe should have seen this and voted him out...beat the monkey out of him or something

Zangi is being mean to his brother....better get going, I will be back for more bitching...(I didnt even start).

Good Morning

Well, Our first night alone was brilliant, I first drunk a half a bottle of red wine, you know just to calm my nerves and I also spoke to Mande (my baby sister) talking about how scared I was blah blah blah by the time I put the phone down I was a bit tipsy, so I took my rolling pin and off to bed.

I slept like a baby except I woke up 3 times, first I went to the toilet, second time I was cold so I jumped out of bed and put on my fleecy night gown and then the third time Zangi was talking to himself and I ignored him and went back to sleep (he normally wakes up at night, we hear him chating or singing for about 30mins and then he goes back to sleep) so it was not too bad....I am sure day 2 will be much better...except I can see that the boys are missing their Daddy.

Oh....an interesting article I have just read (BBC News)

Nigerian anti-polio chief removed
The chief of a village in northern Nigeria has been suspended from office for divorcing his wife because she had her children immunised against polio.

Buluma Ali has been ordered to re-unite with his wife or face "dethronement".
The head of Maisandari district said a traditional ruler was supposed to educate subjects on the importance of getting children immunised.
In 2003, some Nigerian Islamic leaders said the immunisations were part of a Western plot to make Muslims infertile.
They brought a halt to the vaccination campaign in the north of the country for a year, during which the number of new cases exploded.
"[Mr Ali] still believes that polio vaccine can render children infertile," Borno State spokesman Usman Ciroma told AFP news agency.
According to the UN World Health Organization, Nigeria is the only country in Africa and one of the four worldwide where polio is still endemic.

Anyway, we are off to visit Nel and Iris in Ripon today, wish me luck... I have never driven to Ripon from Northallerton before, so it will be a bit tricky.

Have a nice one!!!

We miss you darling

George is away down south for four days and we really miss him already and I hate sleeping in the house alone (well with the kids). Having lived in South Africa it really messed me up big time, I always lived in fear especially when I was alone in the house. You know where you are laying in bed and listening to every sound and movement outside....I hated those days and I would give both my legs not to live in fear again.

Eiiish.... I read in the news yesterday about a man who was murdered over a cell phone and I further went and read the South African news paper online (Sun) what people are getting killed over is just rediculous!!! Cell phones....are you serious!! As much as South Africans will turn round and point fingers at the Zimbabwean immigrants, there has always been violence (blacks killing blacks, whites killing whites, whites killing blacks and blacks killing whites.... Eish I dont know if I am making any sense but all I have to say is that South Africans have always been ************** *******. Ok I am really sorry but this subject just makes my blood boil, in future to avoid me saying anything horrible or name calling, Iwill not talk about it (I will try not to).

Anyhoo, instead of me setting camp on the landing, Ihave decided to take the rolling pin with me. So here goes...... will let you know how it goes tomoz. nite nite

We liiiiiiiiiiiike

a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?.mid=embed&id=2835033">

This is nice and I would probably wear this hanging out on those nice but not too hot summer days..... love the watch!

The wonderful British weather

May I just start by saying how rotten the weather is, the past three years, we have hardly had any summer and I just hate the fact that it rains all summer...whats up with that???! and dont even get me started about how every play group or social gathering for children is closed...why??? what the heck do they expect us to do with our children....????

Last week sunday, hubby and I took the boys swimming and it was choker block! It was so full I was even uncomfortable to get into my bathing suit...seriously this is not on.

Today it is not raining so at least I have been able to do some washing, took the boys to the park and they had a lovely time and made a new friend. I cant go to places I normally go because the some village on the way is flooded and the road is closed, so I have to get on the A1 to go and visit friends....I just dont think it is worth it dragging my precious on the A1....I hate it and it is scary!

A month ago we went to Robin's hood bay.... very nice, on our way we went to Whitby and had fish & chips at a place called the mag pie (recommended by my wonderful Mum in law) It is world renowned and the fish was lovely!!!! the best I have ever had of course no fish bits the breams we buy back home at kamwala market...anyhoo, the fish is great and I strongly recommend to anyone going round those parts of the country to go there.
After we had our very deliiiiiiish lunch, we went to the beach (Robin's hood bay) very nice place, the tide was in so it was a bit hectic and I fell in the water...Do not go there if you have been to the beaches of Cape Town, Durban (you will be disappointed and might not enjoy it) I found the water was generally dirty and there was not so much space...anyway better luck next time hey

I seriously need to visit different places in Britain, I just feel like I have not travelled and seen the beauty of this lovely country.

No Photos

I have decided that I am not going to post any photos of myself until December 2008....and you are wondering why, well....I am have finally got my fat arse to start using the trademill and also watching my portion sizes and I am hoping to lose at least 2 stone by December....more than 2stone willbe a bonus by the way.

Anyway, I just thought I should let you all know and also give you permission to say OMG you are fat!!! I just figured if I am going to continue eating and not excercising as I have been for the passed years then yes.....I deserve all the oh you are big..oh what happened kind of talk.. anyway moving on.

I have also taken most of my size hmmmm excuse me, clothes to the red cross just so I dont have anything else to wear and hopefully I will be able to fit back into my more suitable size 12 clothes....I hope that will motivate me anyway and no shopping for a VERY long time and must I say, George is so happy with the no clothes shopping decision, its the best decision I have made in a very long time....so Mr, you wait until i am a size 10 -12 (there will be no stopping me).

Ok that is enough rumblings about my weight......

Ta!

Welcome! Mwaiseni

Hi everyone, welcome to my new blog, I am hoping to have nice and lovely things on my blog, from talking politics, family happenings, photos etc
Zangi is potty training now and he is really doing so well so far...no accidents yet and he is the only person I know who has managed to have a "happy poo poo". Ok (three days ago he did a poo in his potty and it looked like it was a smiley face hence the term happy poo poo), he had me in stitches and I took a photo, I just have to remember not to show him the pic when he is 18yrs .

Likoji is 9mnths now, crawling and has 4 teeth, he is vibrant and such a happy bundle of love, I never expected to be a mum in such a short span of time. But it is a blessing none the less.

I am not doing too bad for the first entry to my new blog am I????? anyway I should go and have a relaxing bubble bath and go to be ^_^. I need my energy and inspiration if I should write exciting stories and family happenings.