Pregnant Pause

It looks like Thumper will arrive on schedule. But the build up has just seemed like a long wait - in a very dull waiting room. This is what is meant by a pregnant pause - everything on hold...waiting. So here are some random thoughts I've had while on pause:

Men and women respond very differently to a full term pregnant belly. Women smile as if sharing a secret. Men tend to show you the whites of their eyes...

The Good Man has to have the worst timing in the world. Toothache presented at three o'clock on Sunday morning... when all dental practices in the greater Virginia area were closed... until today. The cynic in me wonders if this is fatherly pre-baby attention seeking. But actually losing a tooth seems like overkill.

Autumn is my favourite season here so far. But then Summer was ridiculously hot and humid and autumn is cool and ridiculously beautiful. So I'm thinking maybe I'm just holding onto my sanity. And I have yet to experience Winter and Spring so further research will be required.

And on the theme of lists, Reluctant Memsahib, who is currently very concerned about her sanity has tagged me. The idea is to answer questions with seven word answers. While my brain is currently mud, it appears I can still count to seven so here goes:

1. Where were you ten years ago?

On a mountain top in South Africa.

2. What's on your to-do list today?

Currently attempting to not go into labour.

3. What if you were a billionaire?

In this economy? I'd be an exhibit!

4. Five places you have lived?

Hermanus, Germany, Zambia, Scotland, Kenya (and others)

5. Three bad habits?

Grumpy, bossy and emotional. I AM PREGNANT!

6. Snacks you like?

No room left for snacks inside me...

7. Who are you tagging?

La Pagina Portena who needs a job

Mom/Mum who may already have done this

Safari Stories whose last post made me laugh...

So, tomorrow's the big day. I'll let you know how it all goes. In the fullness of time...

Question Tag

Lady MacLeod tagged me with these questions forever ago and I have neglected them. Apologies Lady M.

What were you doing ten years ago?

Let's see. I was chasing a corporate marketing career for a large financial services institution in Cape Town. And I was newly married to my good man. We had bought the cottage you see on the right side of the screen - our home, even now while we travel.

What were you doing one year ago?
I was about to leave Glasgow to spend a month in Cape Town helping my Mom care for my Dad. The month turned to six weeks as it became apparent that the lung cancer he had fought for over a year was to take him. Bambi came with me but the Good Man had to stay behind for much of that time. It wasn't great.

One of the many things I learnt through this time was the importance of all family members in times of crisis - the toddler who gives reasons to smile just by being there and the support of a husband shown from afar. The roles we are to play aren't always obvious, but they are always important.

Five snacks you enjoy
Biltong
Droewors
Cheese - all types
Cashew nuts
Chocolate (heck, I'm a girl after all!)

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics
Twinkle Twinkle little star
Baa Baa Black Sheep
The Wheels on the bus
A B C D
Chelsea Dagger

I would like to stress that this question required the songs I know the lyrics for - not the songs I listen to after bed time. And that Bambi has a deep affection for the Fratellis, requiring knowledge of the lyrics so that humming can be inserted over inappropriate stanzas.

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire
In which currency? I was a millionaire in Zambian Kwacha. I bought groceries and paid my bills.
But if I were a pound millionaire I would:
Go for a facial
Renovate my house in South Africa
Take my Mom to Vietnam
Have a shot at persuading the Good Man to consult from home.
Split the difference between Habitat for Humanity and the Starfish Foundation.
I'm actually quite happy with my lot and fear that a truck load of money would quite spoil that.

Five bad habits
I absolutely cannot keep my opinions to myself.
Blogging - which isn't actually bad - but the amount of time I dedicate to it could be considered unhealthy.
I can't say no or exercise restraint when confronted with good food or good wine.
I am loud. Volume is a habit.
I brag about my daughter a lot. She's brilliant and I simply feel the world should know...

Five things you like doing
Reading good blogs - ones that make me laugh and ones that make me cry.
Swimming - I do about 2kms a few times a week
Cooking - especially when I don't have to clean up afterwards.
Painting. This is not to say I'm any good but I enjoy it nonetheless.
Going to the African bush. Wild places heighten the senses and simply make me feel more alive.

Five things you would never wear again
Stilettos - how can they possibly be worth it?
A boobtube. Too much has gone south.
A bikini. Bambi was a big baby. She now has a big mother. I don't feel the need to reveal too much more of this...
My wedding dress - served its purpose.
White lipstick and blue mascara - what was I thinking when I was fourteen!?!

Five favorite toys
Non-misting swimming goggles (although what they allow you to see can be frightening)
Blogger
Youtube
The Good Man
Bambi

I tag:

Reluctant Memsahib
Iota
Gwen (with her walking boots)
Annie (whose Blooming Marvelous)