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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Turning 30

I turned 30 a couple of days ago. Thought I'd list all the things that I have done and have happened to me in the last 10 years. The list sort of goes from most monumental to less.
  • Being Pregnant and giving birth to A. Sometimes I still can't believe my body created him.
  • Being a mother for 10 months and 1 day. This is still a metamorphosis and everyday I am learning and growing to become the person I want to be.
  • Marrying DH. I am truly blessed to have found such a wonderful person to spend my life with. We've been married over 6 years and 7 months!
  • Having friendships that stood the test of time. 
  • Becoming a SAHM. Although I feel I have accomplished a lot since I started working I always stuggled with work. I frequently felt burned out, like I couldn't cope and just needed a break. I keep waiting to feel like that after bascially being with A 24/7 for almost a year but I very very very rearly feel that.
  • Having climbed in my career. I calculated that between my 4 jobs I have 6 years work experience. I started as a (self taugth) PHP developer and became a systems analyst. Being lucky enough to work with a few people from whom I could learn a lot.
  • Graduating with a Bachelors in IT.
  • Graduating with a Masters in IT.
  • Buying 3 houses with DH and paying off 2!
  • International travel to: Thailand, Singapore, Poland, Mauritius, UAE, US (Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco, L.A, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon), Italy
  • Memorable local travel to: Cape Town, Sun City, St Lucia, Drakensburg, Plattenburg Bay, Kimberly.
 I think the last 10 years was about learning about the big wide world and focused on working and studying. Who knows what the next 10 years will bring but it will be definitely more about family and self discovery.

Another short list of my high/low lights in the last year. (Wow I did a lot of photoshoots!)
  •  Unfortunately my DH was out of the country for my 29th Birthday. I went out to dinner with friends. It was a pleasant day. If I am not mistaken, I was 32 weeks pregnant :).
  • Having a maternity photoshoot.
  • They did a non stress test on me and A and they were not too happy, so I was hospitalised to be monitored and because of a UTI. Everything turned out fine. It was the first time in my life that I stayed over night in hospital.
  • My minute baby shower :)
  • Giving birth to A.
  • Learning to Breastfeed.
  • Everything about becoming a first time mom.
  • Newborn photoshoot.
  • Quiting my job and becoming a SAHM
  • Spending Christmas with SIL.
  • Holiday in St Lucia
  • Photoshoot with A to give as a gift for DH's 30th Birthday.
  • DH's 30th Birthday.
  • FIL's 70th Birthday.
  • Joining DH on a conference to Sun City with A
  • Having a terrible flu while taking care of A.
  • A's first invitation to a Birthday party (his cousins')
  • A's Baptism
  • Putting in an offer on a house (and it being accepted).
  • Going to a baby shower.
  • Joining LLL (La Leche League)
  • Another Birthday Party invitation for A.
  • I also read the following books:
    • Freakanomics
    • Life of Pi
    • Beatrice and Nigel
    • Road Less Travelled

Special Moments: Afternoon Naps

I love nursing A to sleep for his afternoon nap. It's a timeout for both of us before the busy evening begins with making dinner, cleanup and baths. I also love looking at his cute face while he sleeps in the soft afternoon light.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Lentils with rice


Lentils with rice 
3/4 cup uncooked rice
1/2 olive oil
1 onion sliced
1 can lentils, drained and rinsed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cinnamon 
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup plain yogurt/sour cream/ goat cheese (chevin)

Cook rice according to instructions.
While rice is cooking, heat oil on medium heat, add the onion. Cook the onion until brown, about 15 min, stirring frequently.
Add the spices, stir. Add the lentils, stir fry for two minutes, add the peas and stir until heated through. Take off the heat add the rice and stir. 

Serve with yogurt/sour cream/ cheese