Hey hey...

Today has been quite an exhausting one. Jake & I had to be up at 4:45 in order to be at Dubai International by 6am. Dubai is 3 hours ahead of the UK, which effectively means that we've been up since 1:45, which is really hard to get my head around since I only got home at about 2:30 this morning...

Mark and I had a great night out last night at a beach bar outside one of the gazillion hotels along the coast line. We had a fabulous evening and the weather was just perfect for lazing outdoors with a drink (or four) in hand. It was a fabulous end to a wonderful stay in Dubai. It's a gorgeous city and so full of life. Just, if you're ever planning a trip in that direction, try to go there during their winter. I loved the weather now, but it gets too hot to venture outdoors too much during the heat of the day. Humidity's a problem too, but I was dying to be warm and I've been warmed...

The flight from Dubai to London was pretty uneventful. Jake was incredibly good, although he watched TV from begining to end of the 7 hour flight. The food and service was really good and I've been very impressed with Emirates so far.

Jason & Sandi collected us at the airport and we came back to theirs. Wendy, Kristian and Lily came around for drinks and early supper with the kids. I think Jake scared poor little Lily out of her mind and she wasn't impressed when he came towards her. She's such a little lady and he's such a little terror. It's 9:15 now and Jake's been in bed for nearly 2 hours. He's exhausted. It's still light outside, so feels early still. I'm really tired though and I'm looking forward to crawling into my bed later.

Oh, before I forget - happy birthday to Jason!! You've had a good day with me arriving and all, hope you're making the most of the dirty thirties now that you're well and truly settled into them!!

Off to Disney tomorrow till Thursday night, so will try post again on Friday or Saturday from Scotland. Such an exciting week!

Sending lots of love to you all,

Sue XXX

Farewell Dubai...

After 3 very warm days (yesterday went up to 42 and today is definitely warmer!), Jake & I will be flying out of Dubai to London early tomorrow morning. The weather has been incredible, just what my body needed. It's been fantastic swimming and wearing summer clothing again...

Our trip into the desert yesterday was fabulous and I'm sure it's going to go down as one of the highlights of our trip. We left home at about 4:30 yesterday afternoon and met up with Mark along the way. Jake & I hopped out and drove quite literally into the middle of no where with Mark. Sue and David drove ahead of us and it was a very entertaining journey. It included Sue and David getting stuck in the sand and us having to get out of the car in the 42 degree sunshine to help push them out. Needless to say, by the time we got to our final destination, a glass of wine was much enjoyed. It was such an incredible experience (dune bashing is a serious adventure, even though I'm told our trip was tame) and one I'm so thrilled we got to experience. We stopped off at a little restaurant for a light dinner and eventually got home again around 9:30pm. Jake was a little terror and wouldn't go to sleep - when I eventually went up, at 12am, he was still awake. He chatted to himself until about 12:30 and is pretty exhausted today.

This morning, Sue took Jake & I down to the Mall of Emirates, which is huge, but quite similar to Canal Walk crossed with Cavandish. Lots of designer stores and it's really not any cheaper then shopping at home is. Didn't buy too much, but had to buy one or two momentos of our trip here. The mall's connected to the indoor ski slope they have here - it's unbelievable. Jake was really fascinated by it all and was quite disppointed that he couldn't go in to touch the snow (actually, he wouldn't shut up about the fact).

Tonight Mark and I are going out to dinner, but won't be having a late night - he has work tomorrow and I have to be up just before 5 to leave for the airport. I plan to put Jake to bed quite early, so that I can get out the door without any drama later. I've got to pack up before I go too, so busy afternoon at home for us. Right now, we're on our way for a swim, back in a sec...

Phew. Considering the outside temperature must be 40+ , the pool was about 35 degrees - hardly refreshing. We also walked to the pool that's slightly further away in the hope that it'd be cooler, but it wasn't. Definitely cooler indoors.

Besides that, Sue and David have been so hospitable. I haven't been allowed to do a thing. Every time I've gone near the sink, I've been bustled out of the kitchen. They've spoilt us to lunches and dinners and have been so wonderful, we've had such a super time.

Anyway, here are the much awaited photos, I'll keep them down to just a few...

Our trip to the beach at the Tower of Arabia... Proof that I did actually get in the water... The boy who loved the water... In the warm swimming pool in Sue and David's complex... The Souk... Hubbly Bubbly... Jake & David feeding a wild camel in the desert... We went down this slope...

The upload thing's so slow at the moment, I've got tons of pictures, but it's taking too long to upload.

Off to London tomorrow, where we'll be met at Gatwick airport by Jason & Sandi. Looking forward to catching up with everyone there too. Monday we're off to Disney 'till Thursday. Thursday night we go back into London, then head out to Scotland on Friday morning. I'll probably not get a chance to do any blogging before then, but should catch up with more news and photos soon after.

Jake's already missing home, he keeps asking to go back to our own home and he's really missing the dogs - keeps asking to see the photos of them. Shame, very sweet. Must phone home this evening.

Hope everyone's doing well!

Lots of Love,

Sue & Jake XXX

It's SO hot!

Dubai is HOT! Actually, hot would be an understatement. It's 38 degrees outside. We've already been to the beach this morning and spent about an hour in the water (also about 30+ degrees). It was divine. We went down to the beach running along side that famous hotel that looks like a sail (I can't remember the name, but translated from Arabic, it means the Tower of the Arabs). There's also a hotel there that looks like a breaking wave. I have beautiful photos that David took of Jake & I, but will only post them up later today - I don't want to mess about with Sue & David's PC too much and David's out right now. We left the beach just after 10am - it was far too hot to stay down there any longer. Even so, at 10am, the sand was too hot to walk on and I was sweating (not perspiring) by the time we got back to the car. Thank goodness for aircon. We arrived back from the beach and headed straight for the pool, also 30+ degrees. It's not even refreshing. Still, I can't complain, when I think of all of you in the freezing cold back in SA. Jake's having a ball, he loved the beach and I couldn't get him out of the water. He's much braver then when we were in Greece last year. He's really enjoying the pool, but he's not up to showing off his swimming skills, I think he trusts his swimming teacher more then me.

For breakfast, we had paw-paw from Sri Lanka and toast. Jake had porridge with David. Jake's quite a 'routine-orientated' kid. On Saturday and Sunday mornings at home, he loves the tradition of having fried eggs with my dad, his 'Pa'. I don't actually think he particularly likes eggs, but he loves the tradition that goes along with the egg-making and eating. He gets everything ready for my dad - takes the eggs and butter out, puts the toast in the toaster, makes sure there are knives and forks out, along with sweet chilli sauce (I know) and chutney. Once the under-cooked eggs (sorry dad, but they are) are ready, they each grab their cups of coffee and sit around the dining room table to enjoy. They eat off one plate and it's a mouthful for you, a mouthful for me. It's Jake's favourite and he cannot wait for my dad to get up in the mornings to make him eggs. At the moment, since his Pa's not here, he loves making porridge (American oats) with David. He bustles off to the kitchen, chatting all the way and then sits and helps David prepare the meal. Then they sit at the dining room table, watch the parrots in the garden and eat their breakfast. He's really made himself quite at home here already, it's very sweet. He actually said this morning that he is at home. That said, he talks about everyone at home all the time and has loved looking at the photos I uploaded onto my camera of home.

Not much other news to post. We had a lovely dinner last night and Jake & I both slept like the dead. Jake only woke up just before 8 this morning. This afternoon we're off to some supermarket (not sure how my child will handle it) and out to lunch. Later we're going out into the desert. We'll stop somewhere along the way home for a drink/light dinner too. I can't wait, this has been something I've really been looking forwards to. Hopefully, I'll have some good pics to post tomorrow. Not sure of plans for tomorrow actually, it's such fun living from moment to moment. I'm already feeling very relaxed and plan to make the most of this trip from beginning to end!!

Be back later with photos.

Sending lots of love,

Susie xxx

We're here...

Just a very short note to let you know that we've arrived safely in Dubai. The flight was good, although I didn't sleep more than an hour. Jake managed about 5, so we're quite tired now. Besides that though, the flight on Emirates was really pleasant and they spoilt Jake with yummy food and presents too, so he's still smiling. Sue and David met us at the airport and we're settling into their home nicely. Jake & David have already picked and eaten paw-paws together and are sitting looking for parrots in the garden. Hope that we'll all get on OK. Mark's coming around later for roast lamb. It's about 35 degrees here already, so definitely going to need to go for a swim soon. Nice to be hot again.

Sending lots of love to you all, Sue xxx

Well, well...

I awoke this morning to a 4 year old, excited beyond words! His excitement has not rubbed off on me at all and since I'm still at work, slaving away at record pace, I don't really feel like I'm going anywhere yet. After lying in bed for an extra 5 minutes, Jake confessed that he wanted to take "Nini and Pa" (my parents) with us on our holiday (I guess he's remembering Greece) and that he doesn't want to say goodbye to anyone. He also doesn't want to go on the plane, but he does want to go on the fast train (Eurostar). I'm guessing that he just wants to get to Disney's, which is at the end of the fast train line. So, in about 40 minutes, I'm going to be finishing off work and heading home to wash my hair, shower, shave my legs and get ready to go. Jake also needs his hair done and a shower. And then I'm going to try convince Jake that he really needs to go with me. Added to all of that, the weather in Cape Town today is absolutely gorgeous! a real spring-type day. I love it when the air's crisp and clear and this is going to have me longing to get home at the end of my trip.

Keep your blogs updated for me!!

Lots of love,

Sue xxx

Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye...

The time for Jake & I to wizz off on our holiday is almost here. The bags are packed and we're almost ready to go. Just 31 1/2 hours to go. I can't believe that the time's actually here. We booked the trip so long ago, we've been going forever. But, tonight will finally be the last night in my own bed for 25 days. To say that we're excited at this stage would be an understatement. Jake is literally bouncing off the walls and I don't think he'll ever sleep tonight. I'm up-to-date with work, I just have to go and sort out payments and salaries at the bank tomorrow and then I'm done. I'm feeling quite good about things, but I know that lots of little problems will crop up while I'm away. Oh well, I guess that just means that they'll be happy to have me back again when we return from our trip.

Thanks to everyone for the wishes of a safe and happy holiday, I'm sure we're going to have an absolute ball. Wendy, see you on Sunday, ca't wait!!

Sunday night dinner with my parents, sister & her boyfriend... Jake & Rosie... Getting his holiday haircut... And getting more then a little upset with me for taking photos of him with his shirt off...

I doubt that I'll get a chance to post anything tomorrow, so much to tie up still. So, the next time you'll hear from me, I'll be in some far off land.

Lots of love

Sue XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I have been bad...

It's been a whole week since my last post, and I'm feeling quite out of touch with the world. I haven't even had time to read my favourite blogs this week. To say that life has been busy would be an understatement. Work is completely manic and I have so much to get done before I jet off next Wednesday. Yip, just 5 sleeps to go. We're just a little excited about it and our suitcase (yes - just one little one for both of us) has been packed and waiting for weeks now. I think Jake might be a little disappointed when we land in Dubai instead of Disney, but at least he'll have Disney to look forward to. And I'll have it to use as bribery (yes I do bribe my son!) to get him to behave well until we get to Disney. Added to the business of my working day, I've found that everyone wants to see us before we go, it's quite crazy. I'd imagine they'd want to see us when we get back home with bags full of presents (not) more. Anyway, I might just manage to catch some sleep on the flight (I never do), if I wear myself out completely in the next few days. Jake, as usual, will pass out the moment the plane leaves the ground and I'll have to force him to wake up to put his belt on just before we land. Lucky devil. But, I'd much rather be exhausted myself then try to manage a tired child in a foreign country. I've spoken to our friends in Dubai and they've organised someone to meet us as we get off the plane. Basically, they have a name board, take us through customs (no queues), help with luggage and then take us through to the arrivals hall, where our friends will be waiting. Quite novel and the thought of having some help when I arrive in a foreign country with Jake is a huge relief.

Other then that, a huge congratulations to Veronica and Steven on the safe arrival of little Sarah. I know that she will bring you much love and happiness through the years and you will love her more then you ever thought possible! I'm going to be visiting this afternoon

I'm off to a spa in Wellington tomorrow afternoon for the night with some girlfriends. The timing's not great with our holiday coming up so soon. I still have so much to organise. Still, I think the break will be good and I'm looking forward to some time out again. My parents will be looking after Jake and I think they're looking forward to having him to themselves a bit just before he leaves. My mom's feeling quite emotional about us leaving, although I know the break will do her (and us) good. I'm sure she's looking forward to having a relatively quite and tidy home for a few days anyway. And, those of you who have loved ones living far away, will know that 25 days really isn't a long time.

Lastly, I've been very bad with taking photos, let alone editing or posting them. These are just a few I took of Jake eating his spaghetti (his favourite) on Wednesday night...

Took this one this morning while we were waiting in the car for school to open. See how much he loves my camera?

Hope you all have fabulous weekends!!

Lots of love,

Sue xxx

Happy Birthday!

To my beautiful baby sister (only just) - Happy 30th Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day and a beautiful year. Remember, you're part of the 'Dirty Thirties' now - you'd better let me know if that's true. Love you lots and lots, Sue xxx

Update...

Well, last night was a good night. Jake didn't wet the bed. Granted I had him up at 9:30 (nothing); 10:30 (nothing); 2:00 (wee) and then he got up at 4:20 and snuck into my bed, very proud that he hadn't wet his bed. Truth be told, I bribed him. I told him that if he didn't wet his bed last night, he could sleep in my bed tonight. Seems to have worked and I'll keep persisting at it, until things go back to normal. I'll bribe him again next week, for a night in my bed next weekend. And I'll keep waking him up. Fingers crossed that it all goes OK from here, although I'm nervous to get too excited, too quickly.

I also spoke to Joanne a bit earlier, turns out the new new lady who's taken over from me at their offices has resigned. I can't believe it. The first replacement only lasted 2 days, before resigning and I was called back into help them. This girl's been there for about 10 days in total and resigned yesterday saying that there's too much that needs to be sorted out and that the books are in a mess. The books are in a mess and they're in the process of sorting everything out. She was aware of this when she started and she was offered a huge salary to do the job. Turns out young people want lots of money for doing very little work. As soon as they're faced with a challenge, they run. Truth be told, I enjoyed the work I did at Jo's company. It was challenging and busy and hard-working. I can't help but really get really mad with these people who quit so simply after not even giving themselves a chance to settle in. Imagine how satisfying it would be to see it all come together? How rewarding it would be to know that you've done a job well? So, although I know that my not helping them is putting them in a bit of a tough spot, I just can't give up more of my time with Jake to them. Besides anything, my permanent boss is going to get mad with me if I do. And, added to that, I'm going overseas in 19 days time for 25 days, so won't be much use to them anyway.

Besides that, we've got quite a busy weekend ahead. Jake's got a play date with his little friend, Jodie, who he tells me he's going to marry one day. It's the first proper play date I've had with him and I'm quite excited about it. He's got a friend coming over on Monday and has been invited to someone else on Wednesday. I'm going to have to get him a diary soon! Besides that, we've got 2 birthdays tomorrow and a ton of shopping to get through. Thankfully, not much on in the evenings, so I can doze in front of the TV and have an early night or two.

Lastly, just a short note to my brother-in-law, Paul: good luck for your exam tomorrow. We'll all be thinking about you and I'm sure that you'll be smiling again by the end of the day! Paul's writing his final exam for his Chartered Financial Analyst course (not sure if it's a diploma - he's already got an MBA, so this is just to go on top of that) tomorrow - he's such a clever boy!! My sister married for brains and looks!! And I'm sure she's looking forward to having her husband and life back again after

Enjoy the weekend!

Lots of love,

Sue xxx

Photo Friday: Portraits

Since I love taking photos so much, as you all know, this was quite a difficult subject for me. Not through lack of understanding, I just have so many that to pick a favourite was quite a tough call. I've given it lots of thought and last night, while I was lying in bed, I remembered this photo that I took of Jacques in April 2003. Amber, our Ridgeback had given birth to a litter of 10 Ridgeback puppies (9 survived) and our lives were turned completely upside down. It was an awesome, though totally heartbreaking, experience for both of us and one that I hope to repeat with Jake one day. Although, I'd probably chose to breed something a lot smaller so that I didn't end up with 9 puppies that I had to say goodbye to at the end of it all. This picture was taken when the puppies were 2 weeks old and Jacques' lying fully clothed in the bath adoring one of his "grandchildren". I know it's not the perfect photo in any way, but I really like the clarity of Jacques' face. I love that I can see his facial hair, his hairline, his curly lip, I adore his eyelashes and, man, look at those eyebrows (eyebrow?)!! Hee-hee-haaaaa-haaaaa! How funny. But I love that I can see them and look at him with such clarity, this is one of my favourite pictures I have of Jacques. Just seems so real...

XXX

The stresses and strains...

This last week has been a relatively challenging week for me. I don't actually know how to deal with it and actually just feel like sitting down in a heap and crying my eyes out...

Jake's started wetting his bed. For me this is a minor disaster. Besides that we're going on holiday in 20 sleeps time (WHOOOOO-HOOOO!!) and will be staying at other people's homes, Jake's just always been such an easy kid that I don't know how to deal with problems like this. He was 2 when when he decided one day that he no longer needed nappies. The transition from nappies to underpants went relatively easily and within 2 weeks, he was using the loo like a big kid. 2 weeks later, he told me that he didn't want to sleep in a nappy and we've never looked back. Between then and now, he's wet his bed less then 10 times, which I think is pretty good. So, about 10 days ago, he started wetting his bed and I've had one dry night since. I've started to limit the amount of fluid he takes after 5, he goes to the loo before bed, I wake him up when I go to bed and if I get up at any time during the night, I take him again. He still finds time to wet the bed though. Besides anything, it's done nothing but rain this week, so getting everything dry in time for bed again is a nightmare.

I've been through all the options as to what's caused this sudden change in my child's behaviour. Why is he suddenly wetting the bed, where he used to be able to wake himself up and go to the loo on his own whenever he needed to. He's 4 and has been toilet trained for 2 years, for flipsakes. Anyway, it suddenly dawned on me this morning what's a very strong, probable cause. it's Father's Day next weekend and I'm sure that and I am pretty sure that this is what's concerning him. He's also very aware about age and death at the moment. He also likes to sleep in my bed, something I've never allowed, but recently I've started to let him chose a night on the weekend to sleep with me. Oh, he has been sneaking into my bed during the night for a while now, but only at about 3am, which I don't really mind. Actually, I quite like it. And since there's no one else in my bed, it's not an issue. So, I'm also not sure whether the bedwetting is his way of sleeping with me. I'm trying to bribe him and last night I told him that he wasn't allowed to come into my bed if he wet his. He did wet his bed and after I'd turned everything around and changed him, I made him sleep in his bed. He wasn't happy, but hopefully tonight will be a better night.

Anyway, it's all quite stressful and very confusing. I feel quite sad over the fact that Father's Day might be such an issue for him and I just hope that we are able to resolve it soon. I know that he has to learn how to work through Jacques' death and how to deal with it in his own way, but it just seems so unfair that he has to face up to such harsh realities of life while he is still so little. I know that life's not fair and that "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", but I'm 31 and he's only - he's still a baby.

Before I end off, on a happier note, I'm back to working half days again and I'm loving the extra time with Jake. We've got play dates set up for today, Friday, Monday and Wednesday, which I've never been able to do with working fully time. We've been riding bikes, climbing trees (in between the rain), building puzzles, watching movies. It's amazing and I love every moment of my time with him. Even more exciting at the moment, though, is that in 20 more sleeps, Jake and I will be leaving on our big adventure. I can't believe our holiday's coming up so soon. It feels like I've been planning this for so long, it seems hard to believe that it's actually happening within a few days. I got our suitcase out and put a few things in it (just gifts) - I plan to travel extremely lightly. I just can't imagine having tons of luggage to manage and a 4 year-old, so one togbag type thing and two rucksacks is all we'll have! 20 sleeps!!!

Must run, this is longer then expected. Hope everyone's well!!

Hugs & kisses,

Sue xxx