I have been so stressed out recently.
Firstly the Chinese Baby milk situation has totally freaked me out, and I am so thankful that I have stuck with the breastfeeding (for so many reasons)
Secondly, I have just discovered the atrocity that is BPA. How I never knew about this, I don't know. There is a chemical in baby bottles (amongst other things) that is immensely toxic to humans, causing disturbances in hormones and increasing chances of diabetes and cancer.
Thirdly, I went to the supermarket to buy some milk last week and could not believe the choice. I normally buy from the organic store, but I was after hours so had to go to the "pretend market" (the type where all the apples are the same shape, size and colour, but don't actually smell like apples). Why is there a whole aisle dedicated to milk? Blue top, yellow top, pale blue top, red top, mans milk, extra calcium, calcitrim, protein enriched, energy milk, womans diet milk... not to mention the flavoured soy, rice and almond milks. I remember when my milk was delivered in the morning by the milkman, in a bottle with a silver top - totally ecofriendly as it was easily recycled, it was local ( I could see the cows that it came from out of my bedroom window), and my milkman drove an electric van. I just don't get it?
I am too tired to lead a great debate on this subject... but need to get it off my chest. You see, I just don't get it.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
The great unknown...
Well, the house has sold!
So, there is definitely no going back now.
Settlement date is 10 October, and we depart the land of the long white cloud on 11 October - heading to Brisbane. The plan is to have 6 weeks in Australia slowly making our way from Brisbane to Sydney in a camper van (with a 5 1/2 month old baby? - yes, thats right!) We are getting excited, but at the same time I feel sick, nervous, confused, scared, sad.. is it possible to feel all those things at once? Of course it is - I am a woman.
NZ has been fabulous to me. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had here. I have surfed, hiked, off roaded, SCUBA-d...eaten scallops caught fresh 2 minutes ago, caught and cooked my own snapper, grown delicious veggies and made beautiful pasta.
I have fallen in love again and again with my adventurous hubby who never ceases to amaze me - he is the most caring person in the world and I am so proud to have him as a best friend. And of course, NZ has given me my gorgeous wee girl.
Career wise, I would never had had the opportunities in UK that I have had here. Who would have imagined that when I left school with no idea of what to do, that I would end up being a bank manager...? A manager that broke the rules injecting creativity and care into the mundane world of finance. While other managers focussed on stats in their Monday meetings, I ran riot creating "service murals," "brand portraits," and watching Timon and Pumba. And it paid off (phew!)
NZ has been a grand adventure to us. We have made it work by truly "living for the moment." We used the FISH philosophy and have had fun everyday. If it wasn't fun, we changed it. If we couldn't control it we didn't worry about it. The plan is to continue like this in UK.... I can't help but worry about how this may go down. Will we be eventually 'voted off the island"? The big brother culture over there may not be able to cope with 3 born again free spirits.
My greatest fear is that we conform to the norm. Especially when it comes to raising Maya. In NZ it is fine to be a barefooted, baby wearing, breast feeding mother. I am what I consider to be a "balanced attached parent." Will this attitude be frowned on? Will I be told to wean? Will I be made to feel like I am spoiling my girl?
Remember, Kiwi, no one can make you feel anything, unless you give them your permission! I must be staunch, stand tall and ride on the wave of my mana (that's maori for power). I must envision the haka if I start to "feel" something other than ok. I must remember that although I am a Brit (and a proud one at that) I have had 6 years developing my kiwi spirit. No one can take that away from me.
So, there is definitely no going back now.
Settlement date is 10 October, and we depart the land of the long white cloud on 11 October - heading to Brisbane. The plan is to have 6 weeks in Australia slowly making our way from Brisbane to Sydney in a camper van (with a 5 1/2 month old baby? - yes, thats right!) We are getting excited, but at the same time I feel sick, nervous, confused, scared, sad.. is it possible to feel all those things at once? Of course it is - I am a woman.
NZ has been fabulous to me. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had here. I have surfed, hiked, off roaded, SCUBA-d...eaten scallops caught fresh 2 minutes ago, caught and cooked my own snapper, grown delicious veggies and made beautiful pasta.
I have fallen in love again and again with my adventurous hubby who never ceases to amaze me - he is the most caring person in the world and I am so proud to have him as a best friend. And of course, NZ has given me my gorgeous wee girl.
Career wise, I would never had had the opportunities in UK that I have had here. Who would have imagined that when I left school with no idea of what to do, that I would end up being a bank manager...? A manager that broke the rules injecting creativity and care into the mundane world of finance. While other managers focussed on stats in their Monday meetings, I ran riot creating "service murals," "brand portraits," and watching Timon and Pumba. And it paid off (phew!)
NZ has been a grand adventure to us. We have made it work by truly "living for the moment." We used the FISH philosophy and have had fun everyday. If it wasn't fun, we changed it. If we couldn't control it we didn't worry about it. The plan is to continue like this in UK.... I can't help but worry about how this may go down. Will we be eventually 'voted off the island"? The big brother culture over there may not be able to cope with 3 born again free spirits.
My greatest fear is that we conform to the norm. Especially when it comes to raising Maya. In NZ it is fine to be a barefooted, baby wearing, breast feeding mother. I am what I consider to be a "balanced attached parent." Will this attitude be frowned on? Will I be told to wean? Will I be made to feel like I am spoiling my girl?
Remember, Kiwi, no one can make you feel anything, unless you give them your permission! I must be staunch, stand tall and ride on the wave of my mana (that's maori for power). I must envision the haka if I start to "feel" something other than ok. I must remember that although I am a Brit (and a proud one at that) I have had 6 years developing my kiwi spirit. No one can take that away from me.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Chocolate Therapy
Last week we went "over the hill" to the Wairarapa Valley (look for Martinborough wines in the supermarket - Savs and Pinots). There is a lovely town there called Greytown - French influences for some reason, and lots of lovely antique shops. My favourite shop of all is Schoc - the chocolate therapy shop. They make delicious chocolate in all kinds of delicious flavours. The best part is that you can try before you buy - which we made the most of!
I would have loaded pictures of what we bought, however I ate it all too quickly!
However, here is the lovely logo so you can recognise it if ever you see it
I would have loaded pictures of what we bought, however I ate it all too quickly!
However, here is the lovely logo so you can recognise it if ever you see it
We bought: Lime and Chilli, Seasalt (which is divine with champagne), 75%, Earl Grey and White chocolate with Cardamon (my favourite).
I am wondering how I will survive back in Blighty without this type of therapy....cadburys just won't cut it anymore!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Mamma Mia
Maya and I attended the Mums and Bubs session of Mamma Mia at the movies today, and I have to say that it was fabulously cheesy, and I loved it!
However, there is a song toward the end that I have never heard before called "Slipping through my fingers" Its a mother singing about her daughter growing up, and how she feels she is losing her... well, you can imagine - I cried my eyes out. Poor wee Maya must have thought I had lost the plot. It moved me enough to dash out and immediately purchase the CD, and I have been playing it all afternoon.
I think I will have to retire to bed now - I am red eyed and emotionally fraught. Oh dear, my girl is only 3 months old - how will I actually cope on her first day at school/graduation/18th/wedding...?
However, there is a song toward the end that I have never heard before called "Slipping through my fingers" Its a mother singing about her daughter growing up, and how she feels she is losing her... well, you can imagine - I cried my eyes out. Poor wee Maya must have thought I had lost the plot. It moved me enough to dash out and immediately purchase the CD, and I have been playing it all afternoon.
I think I will have to retire to bed now - I am red eyed and emotionally fraught. Oh dear, my girl is only 3 months old - how will I actually cope on her first day at school/graduation/18th/wedding...?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
We've done it!
Well, we've done it now. The house is "on the market."
I am 80% sure we are making the right decision. I love NZ, but timing and fate seems to be telling us to head back home.
Things happen for a reason, eh?
I've been homesick for a while now, and with Maya's arrival family has become immensely important to me. The thought of her growing up not knowing her grandparents, aunties, cousins... well, to be frank it breaks my heart.
My nightmare pregnancy brought home to us both just how far away we are. Things got quite serious there for a while, and my poor hubby could have ended up here alone with both Maya and me in ICU (or worse). Its at least 30 hours, and $3000 for anyone to get here. Hideous - it doesn't bare thinking about.
So, check it out: http://www.nz.open2view.com/Property/187329?key=ad4256453fffe19ac373&search_id=6346429
Any interest?
I am 80% sure we are making the right decision. I love NZ, but timing and fate seems to be telling us to head back home.
Things happen for a reason, eh?
I've been homesick for a while now, and with Maya's arrival family has become immensely important to me. The thought of her growing up not knowing her grandparents, aunties, cousins... well, to be frank it breaks my heart.
My nightmare pregnancy brought home to us both just how far away we are. Things got quite serious there for a while, and my poor hubby could have ended up here alone with both Maya and me in ICU (or worse). Its at least 30 hours, and $3000 for anyone to get here. Hideous - it doesn't bare thinking about.
So, check it out: http://www.nz.open2view.com/Property/187329?key=ad4256453fffe19ac373&search_id=6346429
Any interest?
I've been tagged!
I've been tagged by Europachic! Thanks hun.
The rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog
2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others that you like and tell why.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post. (I don't know 7 people so have tagged 3)
OK, my song choices are....
1, Guns and Roses Paradise City - the ultimate housework song. If I need to do a major spring clean I put on the "gunners"
2, Pina Collada ( I think its Rupert Holmes) I can't help but dance to this one, and I love the cheesy lyrics - so easy to sing along to
3, Land of Hope and Glory, or the official title - Pomp and Circumstance. This brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. I get goosebumps. I love Last Night of the Proms for this song alone.
4, Its a Kind of Magic - Queen. This song sadly reminds me of work, and an amazing conference I went to. It was played everytime we needed some motivation.... and it worked. (I think it was a bit of a cult conference - along the lines of Tony Robbins!) Now when I hear it I still feel inspired to "WoW my customers"
5, Poi e - The Patea Maori Group. Unless you are a Kiwi, you won't get this one... but I encourage you to Youtube it. Its a fab song with a totally awful video. However, it was created by a group of people to raise money and awareness for their plight when the whole town was made redundant when the local industry closed its doors. Very catchy, and quite inspiring. Unfortunately, the town is a real ghost town now.
The 3 people I now tag
One Fabulous Mom
The Persuader
Get Artsy, Mama
The rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog
2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others that you like and tell why.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post. (I don't know 7 people so have tagged 3)
OK, my song choices are....
1, Guns and Roses Paradise City - the ultimate housework song. If I need to do a major spring clean I put on the "gunners"
2, Pina Collada ( I think its Rupert Holmes) I can't help but dance to this one, and I love the cheesy lyrics - so easy to sing along to
3, Land of Hope and Glory, or the official title - Pomp and Circumstance. This brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. I get goosebumps. I love Last Night of the Proms for this song alone.
4, Its a Kind of Magic - Queen. This song sadly reminds me of work, and an amazing conference I went to. It was played everytime we needed some motivation.... and it worked. (I think it was a bit of a cult conference - along the lines of Tony Robbins!) Now when I hear it I still feel inspired to "WoW my customers"
5, Poi e - The Patea Maori Group. Unless you are a Kiwi, you won't get this one... but I encourage you to Youtube it. Its a fab song with a totally awful video. However, it was created by a group of people to raise money and awareness for their plight when the whole town was made redundant when the local industry closed its doors. Very catchy, and quite inspiring. Unfortunately, the town is a real ghost town now.
The 3 people I now tag
One Fabulous Mom
The Persuader
Get Artsy, Mama
Friday, July 18, 2008
Hunting for style
To accomplish my mission of reinstating my fashion sense and becoming a yummy mummy, I have treated myself to a nappy bag. Its the Skip*Hop Duo, and I love it.
Look at this yummy mummy. I'll look just like her soon - except with bigger bazoombas!
Skip*Hop are fab - I love this:
I'd like it for eating off myself, never mind for when Maya starts eating.
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