Quote of the week!

 

 

YouTube - Tiësto - Speed Rail

 

One of my favorite Dj’s!!

You are special!

Hello again everyone!

Hope everything is going fantastic with everyone back home!

"You are the only you God made... God made you and broke the mold." ~ Max Lucado

This month had been pretty normal so far. School for the boys, my host parents working more and summer said its good bye! With autumn upon us more and more people are getting sick. First the boys were sick, then I got sick then Christopher got sick again! Just when I thought everything went back to normal my best friend got sick too and so did my host mom! Between all this chaos going on, the hectic schedules, flu bugs, carving pumpkins and decorating for Halloween I decided I need to focus and take a deep breath again. It’s difficult to take a moment in your busy day to really appreciate the little things that makes an average day extra special! Every day before I start working I take a walk and sit in the park where I get the boys when they get off the big yellow school bus. I cherish each moment of silence I have because once the boys are back from school, there is no turning back! The park is really pretty this time of year, the squirrels are running around gathering food for winter and just having a ball of a time. The leaves are also changing colours; green, brown, yellow and dark red. It is amazing how so many colours can make a tree really visible between all the other trees. Just like all the leaves have a special colour, each one of us has something special about us. Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human. We all are unique and special with our unique talents and gifts, the Lord gave you talents to use it in His name and spread the world! So go out and try to make a difference in someone else’s life, who knows; that person might have a ton on his shoulders and just needs a smile, you might just make that person’s day!

One last quote: "Remember, you are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes."~ God

Until next month, Bon Voyage!

Lots of love

Cynthia!

XxXxXx

Nelly - Just A Dream

Die Heuwels Fantasties - Sonrotse

Best friends forever!

Family all around!

Hello from the U.S of A!

“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” ~Eva Burrows

Yes, it’s me again! I hope everyone is doing well and as healthy as always! If you have been seeing pink ribbons lately popping up everywhere that is because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is not too late to get involved. This month has been very hectic not only for me but for many other Au Pairs. School started everywhere and new adventures are ahead of us. Aside from school starting it has been a pretty normal month. This month some of the A Pairs volunteered at a Cancer Rally for Kids. Of course everyone dressed in pink, even the men! We helped at game stands and made the day special for the whole family.

When I was busy at the booth, I regularly saw families walk by. Big families and small families but it did not matter the size of the family, I could see the love in their eyes and hear it in their laughter. To me, family means putting your arms around each other and being there, forgiving the unforgivable, loving each other through thick and thin. When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.

The family, we were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.

Let us all tell our family members how much we love them and care for them; they might not be there tomorrow!

One last quote that I really love. “You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.” ~Desmond Tutu

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts!

Love you all!

Cynthia!

XxXx

Things I love the most!!

 

 

 

 

 

Tiësto feat. C.C. Sheffield - Escape Me

Pre-School Graduation.

This is me with the boys on Kyle's (on the right) Pre-School's graduation. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. He starts Kindergarden next tuesday and he is exited as a bird with a french fry!

Tubing on Lake Norman!

We had so much fun on the Lake tubing and swimming! I will miss going out on the Lake when I go back home. I love feeling the wind in my hair and the water in my face! I could get used to this....

AuGuSt!*

Hello again from the U.S of A!

This month has been a very busy month for me and my host family. You want to know more? Then read on!

At the beginning of July my host mom told me that we are going on a road trip all the way from North Carolina to the Hamptons, which is in New York! I wanted to pack immediately and get in the car. During our stay in the Hamptons we would be visiting friends of the family, my host mom’s mother and grandmother as well as her cousin. I was very curious as to why my friends got all exited when I said I was going to the Hamptons so I did a little bit of research. The Hamptons refers specifically to about 24 villages and hamlets in the towns of Southampton and East Hampton on the far, east end of Long Island, New York. These townships occupy the South Fork of Long Island, stretching into the Atlantic Ocean. The Hamptons form a popular seaside resort, one of the historical Summer Colonies of the American Northeast. They have some of the most-expensive residential property in the U.S., with three in the Top 10 most-expensive zip codes. Consequently, as a phrase, "The Hamptons" has been associated with great wealth and is known as a playground for the rich and famous. People like Howard Stern & Beth Ostrovsky, Tommy & Thalia Motttola, Alec Baldwin, Lorne Michaels and Soprano star Edie Falco, Renee Zellweger and John Bon Jovi & wife and many more! So the two boys, my host mom, my best friend and I were off to New York. Maria and I stayed in the Hamptons the Sunday and early Monday we were off to New York for three days! I was going to spend my 20^th birthday in New York! I love New York now more than ever! We went to the Museum of Natural History, Central Park, Madam Tussauds Wax Museum, Times Square and St. Patrick’s Cathedral where I lit a candle in the memory of Aunty Val. On my birthday we went to Bunny Chow, a South-African restaurant and had Bunny chow for dinner! It was an amazing day that I will never forget!

A week after we got back from NY I had a barbeque for my birthday with all my Au Pair friends and new friends. We had so much fun and laughed a lot, we especially enjoyed the cake! We also went to an event known as The Monster Jam, where Monster Trucks race around a dirt track to be the ultimate champion Monster Truck Driver.

This month was full of fun and exciting events. I hope the next few will be just as fun!

Lotsa love and kisses!                 

Cynthia

XxXx

Facing your fears!

Hello everyone!

Bernard Edmonds~ “To dream anything that you want to dream ,that is the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do, that is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits, that is the courage to succeed.”

This month has been a long one, with lots of twists and turns, but I got through it! I also did a very important thing this month; I faced one of my greatest fears, heights!

I went to an amusement park called Carowinds with my friend Maria and two exchange students, one from China and the other from Turkey. The park was enormous with more rides than you can imagine but more rollercoasters than any other ride. I’m terrified of hights so I decided today is the day I overcome it. I started with the rollercoaster closest to the ground and worked my way up. It was horrible at first, I did not know if I would survive and thoughts about falling constantly went through my mind, terrifying me even more! I prayed so much; over and over I recited Psalm 23 hoping I would make it out alive! Guess what? I survived! I tackled the rest of the rollercoasters except two of the highest; my tummy would not have made it out alive! I was very proud of myself for doing that but I don’t think I’m completely over my fear of hights so I’m going back and doing it again! Yay me!

I have many more fears that heights, a fear of drowning, a fear of disappointing the ones I love and many more. I know it’s not easy facing your fear but it is worth trying to overcome it. In the end you can say “I did it”!

If you are dealing with fears and insecurities from old head programs, have compassion for yourself. Just love your insecurities, fears and resentments. Release and forgive them as they come up. Judging, beating or repressing insecurities just gives them power. Then you have a pattern that never gets resolved. Recognize that your real security is built from your relationship with your own heart and with the Lord.

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience by which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed so go ahead and stand up to your fears and doubts, you can do it!

I would just like to say Happy Birthday to my amazing mom. Have a better birthday than Queen Birthday of Birthday land! May the Lord bless you out of your socks!

Lots of hugs and kisses!    

Cynthia*

XxXx

Hello Seattle (Remix) - Owl City (NEW VERSION!!!!!)

Avatar and earth.

It has been a while since the film Avatar has been released. I went to watch it in December 2009 with my boyfriend. We both loved it, the graphics where out of this world, there was action, love, romance, heartache and tears for me! Some people did not like the film for some reason and why I do not know. I think there is more to the film than meets the eye. In the film the Na'vi people are very protective towards nature and the soil they walk on. They protected it to the very end when the War broke out. We can learn a lot from them. We are causing so much chaos but living the way we think as normal. We are polluting, burning, damaging and breaking down our earth. We are suppose to protect it, not break it down. There are a few people out there that are trying to make a difference such as Al Gore, whom I admire a lot and Leonardo De Caprio.

Avatar delivers the message that the web of life is one and we can access a bond with plants, animals, and other life forms. Why can’t all nations, all countries, all cultures work together to make a difference.

Plants on Pandora.

 

 

Lets all try and make a difference one step at a time. I know I am!

Lotsa love

Cynthia*

XxXX

Die Melktert Kommissie - Proudly South African

Louise Carver - Harder Than I Thought

Selena Gomez & The Scene - Round & Round

Wasserfall - Suikerbos

I love New York!

 

Hello everyone!

Hope all is well. I want to tell you a bit about my trip to the famous city that never sleeps, New York! I am going to Long Island University to complete the 60 hours or 6 credits as part of the Au Pair program. I did not have a wide variety of subjects to choose from so I chose Women in American History and Government and Politics in America. I had to do two pre-course assignments for both subjects, a two page paper on any women in the History in America, I wrote about Rosa Parks. For the American government I had to compare the laws of America with the laws of South-Africa, now that was interesting. I was really, really petrified of being all alone at the airports, I am awful with directions. I have decided the next time I go to New York, I am walking! Airplanes and I don’t go very well together. I had to get from the Charlotte Airport to the JFK airport in New York. Then from there I had to take a train to the Jamaican Train Station and from there I had to take another train to the Hicksville train station to meet my friend there, from there we took a bus to the University. What a way to travel! We checked in and went to our dorm room where we shared a room with another Au Pair. We had dinner and went to our first class. When we got to the dorm room, we were shocked! The dorms were in a state or maybe we were just spoiled? The next morning our classes started at 9 am and ended at 8 pm, we were all exhausted and still had to complete class work for the next day. Oh, how I missed my bed! In both countries! So we finished class at 3pm Sunday and our new class began again at 6pm till 9 pm about women in American History. I loved this class not only because it was about History but it was about how women influenced history, these ladies were amazing, standing up for the rights of women to vote and have a say in the social society. They changed the course of history and many lives too. We did research about many women in different categories such as politics, medicine, literature, athletics and many more. We looked at women from time periods such as 1600’s to the 2000’s. Women are and were courageous, no matter in which time period. Women even made a difference in the Bible for example Maria, Jesus’ mother; she was one of the most popular women figures in the Bible.

After we left the University we went to New Jersey to stay at my friends place until Thursday. We had fun with the host children, two very active girls. On Thursday we slept in the city, New York City. Friday morning we went to a South-African party where we watched the first soccer game between South-Africa and Mexico. It was an exciting game indeed and I am so proud of our amazing country. For the rest of the day we explored New York, the parks, shops and museums. The day was too short to see everything we wanted to see, I will have to plan a next trip in the near future. My favorite part of our expedition was Madame Tussauds Wax museum. There are eight Madame Tussauds Wax museum Museums around the world, each with its original wax celebrities. I got to meet Madonna, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, The Beatles, Spice Girls, President Obama and his wife and many, many more. The life-like figures are made exactly identical to the real person, height, wrinkles and all. That night we went to a South-African restaurant called Bunnychow and had some food from home! I met so many South-Africans living here, still missing home but making a better life for them here, not specifically NY but in the USA.

The USA is an amazing place with so much to see and so much to do, I am sure to have many more adventures in the months to come.

I hope everyone is having as much adventures as possible.

Lots of love Cynthia

XxXxXx

 

Me kissing George Clooney!

World Cup!

Go Bafana Bafana! You can do this, make me proud! Win this for all of us!

Wish I could be home to be part of it though!

 

FIFA World Cup 2010 commercial

I love my dad!

I love my dad!

I love you because you're my father, but you're really so much more,
You're a guide and a companion, a friend and a mentor. You taught me by example as a role model, how to be my own person, how to believe in myself, instructing me without controlling me.

You pay attention to me, you listen to what I say even though I sometimes only make sense in my own little world. You pass on kind words of wisdom about love, life and our Father above. Whenever I'm in trouble, get stuck in the mud with my quad or just need my tears wiped away,you are always there to lend a hand! I know sometimes we have our differences and argue about silly things like the weather and we both want to be right but all is forgiven over our favourite ice-cream or a bowl of popcorn. I know we only met 2 years ago but these 2 years have been the time of my life, a rollercoaster ride without a doubt but  an experience of a lifetime! 

I wish you all the best that you take on and the adventures that await you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do for me, I could not have asked for a better father!

You are the perfect father,                     
And I'm your biggest fan!

I love you lots like jelly tots!

Happy Father’s day!

Family.

I miss my family back home very much, they mean the world to me. They are always there to pick me up when I fall down and to help me learn from my mistakes. They give me exactly what I need to survive in this world, with all its turmoil and trouble, twists and turns. They accept me for who and what I am and help me back on the right path when I stray away. God gave us family to be our foundation along with Him to help us be the best we can ever be and achieve our goals. Everyone should appreciate their family, you only have one!

 

My mom, dad and me!

T I ft Justin Timberlake Dead And Gone

South Africa Accent

Ons koning kom - Juanita du Plessis

Never give up!

Creativity….!

Nothing encourages creativity like the chance to fall flat on one's face.  ~James D. Finley

Hello everyone! Hope all is well that side. This month has been very busy with the boys and family. We are regularly attending baseball games and art shows at the boy’s schools, they are very creative I must say. The art work the boys did were splendid, out of this world. From an early age one could see that some of the little ones’ talent were obvious.  Each piece of art, each masterpiece was special and unique in its own way. Some of us only discover what our talent is at a later stage in life, whether it is singing, writing or even a sport like soccer or rugby (Go Bulls!). Some are better at working with people or children but whatever it is, we all have an undiscovered talent inside us that the Lord has blessed us with, with time we will discover what it is and use it in His name. Our talent is a gift from God that we should use to its full potential in amazing creative ways.  I believe we all are creative, but just in different ways, some are creative when it comes to problem solving, others are creative with baking cakes or writing. Creativity is the opposite of routine, by changing a single step in your daily routine, you make your day so much more exiting and unpredictable. I know some people don’t like change, but change is good, it keeps us young and on our toes. At first the change is frightening but when you take a step back you will realise it was all for the best. Everyone has to learn to think differently, bigger, to open to possibilities and an essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail. We will fail, but then it’s time to stand up and try again. Chaos in the world brings uneasiness, but it also allows the opportunity for creativity and growth. Let’s all try and be creative in our own unique way!

Sunday School!

Hello to all the little one’s and the not so little one’s. Hope you are having a great time at school and doing your homework, even though I know you don’t like it. Homework is good, it gives you the opportunity to be creative in the classroom and outside. When you are given the opportunity to be creative, use it. I showed my creative side in my essays and projects but sometimes, I have to admit, I over do it, to much sparkle here or too much colour there, but it was fun! Get to know your creative side and explore it.

Hugs and Kisses

Cynthia

XxXxXx

 

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

Broken hearts.

We all have gone through that stage of heartbreak and tears, and we all got through it even though it did not seem like it at that point. Maybe we even thought the world was going to end but it didn’t, we got stronger when we reached the light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Ek Kan Weer In Liefde Glo

Die Spinnekop

You've just gotta love the Afrikaans language - and Nataniel!
Die Spinnekop - deur Nataniël -

Ek weet nou nie hoe jy oor spinnekoppe voel nie maar ek ry eerder 'n fiets sonder 'n saal as om een te konfronteer.
Ja, gisteraand lê ek rustig en lees, minding my own business.....bedlampie brand baie "domesticated" en sag met die komplimente van Cash Crusaders, toe ek so 'n sagte geskarrel in die kamer hoor. Ek dog eers dis die mot wat wil selfmoord pleeg teen die bedlamp se bulbpie...

Kyk... nee, mot se kind sit so stil soos 'n pedigree foksterrier wat razor blades skuit. Toe's die skuifel geluid weer daar en ek skrik alles regop wat plat was...en pap wat op was!

'n Onaardse gedrog van 'n spinnekop met W.P. rugbykouse, en wat as weltergewig kan inweeg, toer teen 8 000 refs oor die vloer en spring sommer so met die laai se handles teen die bedkassie op!
Op slag kak ek my beste linne in 'n herfs kleurskakering in. Lyk of iemand my bed kapoenkleur, so tussen kak en pampoen gespray paint het. Ek moer alles, boek, bedlamp, asbak, glas, die toetie tot op die laagste vlak van die kamer, die vloer. Ek skrik my enigste aambei wat ek het dat hy op my kuite hang! Nou's die moerse spaaider nog tussen my en die kombuis, waar ek, omdat hulle my so mollesteer, deur die jare, 'n arsenaal van Doom vergader het. Nou weet ek, nou sal ek flat out moet hol vir daai Doom.

Ek pluk my enigste halfnat Jockey aan sodat die aambei my nie pootjie nie. Toe trek ek weg kombuis toe dat die briekmerke soos 'n straatkaart in my Jockey vergader... en ek 10 sekondes by die kombuisdeur moet back paddle om nie twee agterdeure te hê nie.
Lord of the Dance se gat my bra!

Terug..... Daar sit die bliksem nog! Sommer so met die briektrek spuit ek al.... gelukkig net Doom! .....Osoonlaag en al daai goeters, se moer! Spuit hom leeg!

Duik my harige vyand soos Ryk Neethling agter die bedkassie in. Moer toe moet hy wees na daai dubbel Doom en strontreuk wat nou dikker as toffie in die kamer hang. Ek trek die kas bietjie vorentoe, skiem nog so ek het gewen, toe skielik hol daai 4 wheel drive monster van 'n aardsgedrog teen die muur uit, reg voor my oë verby, tot kophoogte.

Agt oë soos Beetle wheelcaps kyk my vierkantig in my twee ogies. Nou's dit nag. Ek verlaat myself, my water breek, my knieë swik, my longe loop leeg, my lippe parteer van mekaar.
Ek beskuie my weer sonder enema. 'n Kreet verlaat my binneste, ontsnap oor my trillende lippe. Dis toe dié klanke wat Black Sabbath en Uriah Heep na die Drakensbergse seunskoor laat klink. Dit was maar ook Spiderman se laaste asem, want net daarna los hy als en kom skeef skeef grond toe, soos fisant stront in vlug.
Al retererende het ek en Doom die veldslag gewen!

 

'Letters to Juliet' Trailer HD

New York here I come!

The excitement is building up with only three weeks to go until I go to New York! I am very exited to see the town and meet lots of people!  At the University I will have the opportunity to meet Au Pairs from all over the world again like at the orientation in January. I will be sure to take tons of photos and get lots of souvenirs to take home!   

 

 

uShaka Marine Park: SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL

David Guetta feat. Lady Gaga - Distortion (New Leaked Song 2010)

Afrikaans - Kurt Darren - Hemel Op Tafelberg

South Africa 2010 World Cup Official Song - Waving Flag - K'naan

Cute Kitties!!

 

 

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a voluntarily-observed holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín. It is celebrated primarily in the state of Puebla and in the United States. While Cinco de Mayo has limited significance nationwide in Mexico, the date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day, the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.

Happy Cinco De Mayo veryone!

Where I live in South Africa and where I am now.

This is where I live in South Africa.

This is where I am now in the United States. 

Facebook | Dra pienk vir Marzanne / Wear pink for Marzanne

Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Time: 12:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Die hele wereld / Anywhere and Everywhere!

Description

Vir Marzanne en haar gesin .... teen misdaad in Suid-Afrika ...Vertel vir almal hoekom jy pienk dra op hierdie dag....neem fotos...as jy deel van Marzanne Kruger se groep is,kom plak dit hier op die groep se muur...kan ons 3000 fotos haal ????? GO FOR IT !!!!

For Marzanne and her family... Wear PINK against crime in South Africa ... Tell everybody why you are wearing pink on this day and encourage them to wear pink as well ... take alot of photos ... if you are part of Marzanne Kruger's group, place your photos on the group's wall ... Do you think we could get 3000 pictures???? Try your best... GO FOR IT!!!!!

Link: Facebook | Dra pienk vir Marzanne / Wear pink for Marzanne

YouTube - Sean Kingston - Eenie Meenie feat. Justin Bieber

 

One of my favorite songs this year!

Things South-Africans can say!

South Africanisms…things you will hear South Africans saying …….

A beginner's guide to the South African language/culture.

Braai
What is a braai? It is the first thing you will be invited to when you visit South Africans. A braai is a backyard barbecue and it will take place whatever the weather. So you will have to go even if it's raining like mad. At a braai you will be introduced to a substance known as mieliepap. (type of grits)

Ja!
Pron. yaa, meaning yes, affirmative or just an acknowledgment like yeah or yip.

Ag!
This one of the most useful South African words. Pronounced like the "ach" in the German "achtung", it can be used to start a reply when you are asked a tricky question, as in: "Ag, I don't know." Or a sense of resignation: "Ag OK, I'll have some more mieliepap then." It can stand alone too as a signal of irritation.

Ag Shame!
This one is used a lot..... Pronounced like the word above combined with Shame. Can be used in various contexts as in "that's adorable!" or "that's horrible!" can be confusing but its always a reaction to something.

Magtig!
Afrikaans word used as a sign of complete exasperation as in "Oh good grief!" pronounced with the same sound as Ag! combined with 'tig' also using the throat! Most expressive when children make a big mess in your kitchen and leave it for you to clean up! Used like 'My (pron. may) Magtig, what a mess!'

Donner
A rude word, it comes from the Afrikaans "donder" (thunder). Pronounced "dorn-er", it means "beat up." A team member in your rugby team can get donnered in a game, or your wife can donner you if you come back from a braai at three in the morning.

Eina!
Widely used by all language groups, this word, derived from the Afrikaans, means "ouch." Pronounced "aynah". You can say it in sympathy when you see your friend the day after he got donnered by his wife.

Hey!
Often used at the end of a sentence to emphasize the importance of what has just been said, as in "You're only going to get donnered if you come in late again, hey?" It can also stand alone as a question. Instead of saying "excuse me?" or "pardon me?" when you have not heard something directed at you, you can always say: "Hey?" Could also be fairly derrogatory, when calling someone whose name you don't know, as in "Hey you, come here!"

Izit?
This is another great word to use in conversations. Derived from the two words "is" and "it", it can be used when you have nothing to contribute if someone tells you something at a braai. For instance, if someone would say: "The Russians will succeed in their bid for capitalism once they adopt a work ethic and respect for private ownership." It is quite appropriate to respond by saying: "Izit?" (Really?!)

Ja-wel-no-fine
This is another conversation fallback. Derived from the four words: "yes", "well", "no" and fine", it roughly means "OK". If your bank manager tells you your account is overdrawn, you can, with confidence, say: "Jawelnofine."

Klap
Pronounced "klup" - an Afrikaans word meaning smack, whack or spank. If you spend too much time in front of the TV during exam time, you could end up getting a "klap" from your mother. Can be used with reference to giving someone a good slap as in "You gave that oke a snot klap!" In America, that is called child abuse. In South Africa, it is called promoting education. But to get "lekker geklap" can also mean to get motherlessly drunk.

Lekker
An Afrikaans word meaning nice, this word is used by all language groups to express approval. If you enjoyed a braai thoroughly, you can say: "Now that was lekk-errrrrrr!" while drawing out the last syllable.

Tackies
These are sneakers or running shoes. The word is also used to describe automobile or truck tyres. "Fat tackies" are really wide tyres, as in: "You've got lekker fat tackies on your Vôlla, hey?"

Dop
Pron. dorp.This word has two basic meanings, one good and one bad. First the good: A dop is a drink, a cocktail, a sundowner, a noggin. When invited for a dop, be careful! It could be one sedate drink or a blast, depending on the company. Now the bad: To dop is to fail. If you "dopped" standard two (Grade 4) more than once, you probably won't be reading this.

Saarmie
This is a sandwich. For generations, school- children have traded "saamies" during lunch breaks. In South Africa you don't send your kid to school with liver-polony (liver sausage like Neese's!) saamies. They are impossible to trade.

Bakkie
This word is pronounced "bucky" and can refer to a small truck or pick-up. If a young man takes his "girl" (date) in a bakkie it could be considered as a not so "lekker" form of transport because the seats can't recline.

Howzit?
This is a universal South African greeting, as in "how is it?" and you will hear this word throughout the country. It is often accompanied with the word "Yes!" as in: "Yes, howzit?". In which case you answer "No, fine."

Now now or Just now
In much of the outside world, this is a comforting phrase: "Now now, it's really not so bad." But in South Africa, this phrase is used in the following manner: "Just wait, I'll be there now now, or "I'll see you just now" ." It means "a little after now" or in a short while.

Tune grief
To be tuned grief is to be aggravated, harassed. For example, if you argue with somebody about a rugby game at a braai and the person had too much dop (is a little "geklap"), he might easily get aggravated and say.: "You're tuning me grief, hey!". To continue the argument after this could be unwise and result in major tuning of grief.

Boet
This is an Afrikaans word meaning "brother" which is shared by all language groups. Pronounced "boot" but shorter, as in "foot", it can be applied to a brother or any person of the male sex. For instance a father can call his son "boet" and friends can apply the term to each other too. Sometimes the diminutive "boetie" is used. But don't use it on someone you hardly know - it will be thought patronizing and could lead to you getting a "lekker klap".

Pasop!
Pron. pus-orp. From the Afrikaans phrase meaning "Watch Out!", this warning is used and heeded by all language groups. As in: "The boss hasn't had his coffee yet - so you better pasop boet" Sometimes just the word "pasop!" is enough without further explanation. Everyone knows it sets out a line in the sand not to be crossed.

Skop, Skiet en Donner
Literally "kick, shoot and thunder", this phrase is used by many South African speakers to describe action movies. A Clint Eastwood movie is always a good choice if you're in the mood for a lekker skop, skiet en donner flick. Charlize Theron has been in some good Skop Skiet & Donner movies...her name is pron. Trorn!

Vrot
Pronounced - "frot". A expressive word which means "rotten" or "putrid" in Afrikaans, it is used by all language groups to describe anything they really dislike. Most commonly intended to describe fruit or vegetables whose shelf lives have long expired, but a pair of old tackies (sneakers) worn a few years too long can be termed "vrot" by some unfortunate folk which find themselves in the same vicinity as the wearer. Also a rugby player who misses important kicks or tackles can be said to have played a vrot game - opposite to a "lekker" game (but not to his face). A movie was once reviewed with this headline: "Slick Flick, Vrot Plot." Also if you get “motherless”, this could also be referred to as being ‘vrot’.

Rock up
To rock up is to just sort of arrive (called "gate crash" in other parts of the world). You don't make an appointment or tell anyone you are coming - you just rock up. Friends can do that but you have to be selective about it. For example, you can't just rock up for a job interview.

Scale
To scale something is to steal it. A person who is "scaly" has a doubtful character, is possibly a scumbag, and should rather be left off the invitation list to your next braai.

Ja-nee
"Yes No" in English. Politics in South Africa has always been associated with family arguments and in some cases even with physical fights. It is believed that this expression originated with a family member who didn't want to get a klap or get donnered, so he just every now and then muttered "ja-nee". Use it when you are required to respond, but would rather not choose to agree or disagree.

Sommer
As in 'sawma' - meaning "just because" . If a Mom asks her child why he stole a cookie, he'll say "Sommer !"- especially when there is no reason.

Muti
A widely used Zulu word meaning medicine, pronounced 'mooty'  as in "Have you taken your Muti?"

Jislaaik !
Extreme surprise - Jislaaik, those takkies are vrot!

Aikona!
Pronouced : Eik-orna! A Zulu response to something unbelieveable as in "no way!" or "not a chance"  - Aikorna!

Bliksem!
An expression of amazement - as in "Bliksem, thats incredible!" Similar to Jislaaik!

Fundi
A Fundi (pron. Foen-dee) is someone who is an expert in something as in "He's a real fundi at Maths!" (as in mathematics, never math!)

Moegoe
An idiot - someone who is really stupid! (pron. moo-gchoo)

Dodgy
Something suspect, as in "Jislaaik, that oke was a crook - very dodgy character!"

Kif
Really cool

Sif
Really gross!

Sies!
Pron. sees, meaning Yuk!

Shongalolo
Pron. Shong-ga-lor-lor - A Zulu word for a large black millipede with a crusty shell in segments which goes "crunch" when you step on it accidentally

Film
Pron. Fill 'em - same as in film or movie

Goef
Pron. Goo - ff, accent on the first syllable - meaning a swim, as in "I'm going to have  a quick goef!"

Baf
Unacceptable teenage word for a fart!

Slash
Guy / pub slang for taking a pee, as in 'I need a slash"

Dwaal
Wandering around aimlessly and can't focus on anything, as in "I'm in a complete dwaal today!"

Donga
Pron. Dong- ga, A ditch at the side of the road, a calvert as in " I veered off the road and went into a donga!"

Veld
Pron. felt, The bush or countryside

Bundu bashing
Pron. Boen-doo, as in "After I hit the donga, I found myself bundu bashing in the veld!"

Voetsek!
Pron. foot-stzek, An acceptable expletive meaning  get moving out of here!
Hamba!
Pron. Hum-ba, A Zulu word with the same meaning as above, but not rude.

Skuit
Pron. skate, meaning a loser, hobo, a down and out person

Tsotsi
Pron. ts-sot-si, A Zulu word for a ganster, hoodlum

Dagga
Pron. Da-gha, Marijuana as in Cannabis

Kak
Pron. Kuk, meaning crap - as in "That Dagga is really Kak!"

Pomp
Pron. por-mp, Extemely rude version of to have sex!

Naai 
Pron. “nigh” as in “night” – means sewing or the act of sticking your needle into something. Crudely can mean sexual intercourse, also known as having a “pomp”.

Aangenaaide Familie
Un-pronounceable by a non-SA! Slang Afrikaans for family-in-law as in family that have been “sewn” to you by virtue of a “pomp”.

Doos
Pron. Do-is. Afrikaans for 'box" - used to decsribe a stupid person (very rude, not to be used in poilte company) referring to a woman's genitalia! As in " Stop being such a complete doos!"

Walkies
Going for a walk, as in "I'm going walkies with the dogs!"

Tog!
Pron - to-gh, meaning something like "Oh Dear!" or Gosh!

Skottel
Pron. Skot-til, A plough shear shaped wok used for cooking at a braai (barbecue) outdoors sometimes comes attached to a propane bottle

"Hey?""Excuse me?" or "pardon?" when you have not heard something directed at you, you can say: If you want to use it at the end of a sentence, you can say something like   "Ag donner, this mieliepap is very hot, Hey"

Is it?  This is a great word in conversations.  Derived from the two words "is" and "it", it can be used when you have nothing to contribute If someone tells you at the braai: "The Russians will succeed in their bid for Capitalism once they adopt a work ethic and respect for private ownership."   It is appropriate to respond by saying: "Is it?"

Mielie Pap: pron. meely pup - the SA version of grits - a corn meal staple that is eaten for breakfast or at a Braai with a lekker tomato & onion 'Sous' (sauce).

"Mrs Balls" Chutney: She actually existed!  She has earned a place of honour in South African kitchen history. Chutney is, of course, of Indian origin and is pickled fruit prepared with vinegar, spices and sugar.  South Africans are known to eat it with everything, including fried eggs. Some even put it on their mieliepap.

"Now  Now": In much of the outside world, this is a comforting phrase:
"Now, now, don't cry-I'll take you to the bioscope tomorrow."  But in South Africa, this phrase means a little sooner than soon: "Ill clean my room now now now, Ma."   It is a little more urgent than "just now" which means an indefinite time in the future.

Boet: This is an Afrikaans word meaning "brother" which is shared by all language groups.   Pronounced "boot" as in "foot", it can be applied to a non-brother.  For instance a father can call his son "boet" and friends can apply the term to each other too. Sometimes the diminutive "boetie" is used.  But don't use either with someone you hardly know - it will be thought patronising and you'll probably get 'donnered', hey.

Graze: In a country with a strong agricultural tradition, it is not surprising that farming words crop up (pun intended) in general conversation.   Thus to graze means to eat.  If you are invited to a Bioscope show, you may be asked: "Do you want to catch a graze now now?.

Catch a tan: This is what you do when you lie on the beach pretending to study for your matric exams.  The Brits, who have their own very odd phrases, say they are getting "bronzed".  Nature has always been unkind to South African schoolchildren, providing beach and swimming pool weather just when they should be swotting for the mid-summer finals.  If you spend too much time catching a tan at exam time, you could end up catching a sharp klap from your Dad.

Don't lie: It means unbelievable or amazing. It does not mean that the person telling a story is lying.

Great website with tons more South African slang-isms!

http://www.wavescape.co.za/bot_bar/surfrikan/slang.html

 

My favorite store in Mooresville….so far!

I hope South-Africa will especially Port Shepstone gets a store like this, we sure do need it! It has everything you can ever think of under one roof! How amazing is that!

Justin Bieber - Baby ft. Ludacris

Love

Everyone says love hurts, but that isn't true. Loneliness hurts. Rejection hurts. Losing someone hurts. Envy hurts. Everyone gets these things confused with love, but in reality love is the only thing in this world that covers up all pain and makes someone feel wonderful again. Love is the only thing in this world that does not hurt.

Fun Month!

Hello everyone! Hope you had an awesome month and a great easter with family and friends, I know I ate way more sweeties than I was suppose to!

  I would like to tell you a bit about my adventures this month. This month winter finally changed into spring, one day it was freezing and the next it was summer. Here the seasons change radically, and sometimes you can have all four seasons in one week! On one of the scorching days we went out on the jet-skiis, I was so exited! So off we went, Kristine (Host mom) Kyle (youngest boy) and me (Super Au Pair) on the jet-skii. Everything was great untill we hit a very sharp turn and tumbled into the Lake! I thought I was going to have a heart attack! Even though we had life jackets on, I still got the fright of my life and so did Kristine and Kyle! Never letting him drive again! As the weather got warmer meant we can swim in the pool, some exercise for me to work off the all fast food and chocolate pudding! Spring also meant pollin for this state. Everything outside you touch is yellow and sticky! I never knew I had allergies untill this month, it got so bad that I lost my voice.

A new Au Piar joined our State this month, Clare from Durban. I was so exited to meet her and that gave me an excuse to do some shopping! Joy and I met her at Berkdales, a famouse outside mall near Huntersville. There"s fountains and pretty flowers everywhere, lots of shops too. Unfortunatly I did not buy anything, not even a pair of shoes, a shock, I know! We had a great time and got to know each other a lot better. The weekend after that Joy slept over at my place, we had some fun girl time! We went shopping at Target, my favourite store since Mr. Price. I needed to get some shoes for my walk in closet I have been dreaming of, with lots of shoe space. It would be a great welcome home present. (Hope you read that dad)! Hiehiehie! The next day we went on a tour of Lake Norman and had lunch on the boat with all the other Au Piars, so much fun! We also have a ne addition to our family here, Abby, a ladredor that was released from the Blinding Eyes association, I think she has way too much energy,more exercise for me!

I hope everyone had as much fun as I did this month! May be the Lord be with you every step of the way!

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand."-Mother Teresa

A very cute story:

A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination, and looked at the old pages as he turned them. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible, and he picked it up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a tree that had been pressed in between the pages. "Momma, look what I found!" the boy called out. "What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked. With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered: "I think it's Adam's suit!"

I hope all of you are doing well. Marlana and Aline, I will e.mail you soon and I won't forget you Daniel. Ruben hope you have been good, I want a huge hug when I get back, you too Kirsten! Bianca and Jorge, hope you've been great too, say Hi to your grandparents for me, when you eat some of your Grandmothers' amazing treats, think of me too! To the rest of the little ones, I miss you guys too, remember to do your homework and read your Bible too! And put on your listening ears you hid away in the closet as Kyle would say!

Lots of lovies and kisses
Cynthia*
XxXxXx

My fave pic of the day!

Best book ever!

I have never read a book as addicting as Twilight! I can;t seem to put the book down! The way everything is described gives me the freedom to create a picture of  beauty and innocence in my mind. I wish that fairytales were true, I guess some do find their Prince on a white horse, I know I did. We tend to think that we are meant to be alone, but I know that its not true. The Lord knows where our soulmate is and when the perfect time to connect is, we should just learn how to be patient and trust in the Lord completely. True love really exists, you just need to find it, even if it takes you forever..!*