Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Setting up house together

It is official, we have bought a house together and moved in. We are now co-owners of a beautiful penthouse in the suburbs.

We still have some unsorted boxes, but I am hoping to get to them between Christmas and New Year.

We are getting married in less than 3 months... and I can't wait for my week on the beach for the wedding. It is going to be awesome! Think beach, beach, beach.... aaah....

So anyway, happy merriness and all that jazz.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

3 lazy bums in bed

Today the 3 of us (The Genie, The Leprechaun and me) only got out of bed at 11am. I think it is an all-time record for us.


We usually get out of house by 10pm (take into account that we get up an hour before leaving)... anyway... no more late night movie watching :)

Monday, September 14, 2009

Will a relationship last across a cultural divide?

This is a pretty tough question to answer especially since my busted relationships were always with people from the same (sorta) cultural backgrounds as me.

I guess it all depends on what is important to you and just how much you are willing to compromise.

In my current relationship:
  • He is English (obviously, being a Leprechaun and all)
  • but he understands my language
  • He is allergic to cats
  • but after 2 years he has conversations (just like me) with the cat
  • I really never liked spending too much time with parentals
  • but I like his and don't mind seeing them (besides... I like Leprechauns)
  • I really hate cooking
  • but I cook for him - sometimes
  • We make decisions together
  • but also have things we do apart
What is important in a relationship and how do you know if it will work for you?
  • Can you see yourself becoming part of a team?
  • Does he/she take your interests/likes/dislikes into consideration before planning something?
  • Do you like his/her skew nose/mouth or teeth - or can you stand that weird laugh?
  • Do you feel special after the newness wore off?

I can't believe I fell in love with a Leprechaun

... words straight from the uber romantic movie, PS. I love you.

I really can't believe that I just happened to find my own Leprechaun on African soil and just happened to fall in love with him. Yep. I'm damn lucky.

I've heard it so many times that obviously I will be doing a post about the question - "Does marriages/relationships across cultural borders work?"... but that is in my next post :)

6 months people - then I get married and become Mrs Deysel-Leprechaun. Pretty cool.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Coo-eeee

I know, I have been dead quiet for a whole month and a bit – but this time I have a really good excuse. I went to boot camp for a whole month after work. I ran my legs into serious knee injuries and ran further still until the last night when I finally killed a quad muscle too.

It has been a week and I’m still at the chiro and doing my hot pack/cold pack routine. I miss boot camp.

What is new in the life of the Leprechaun and Suzy? Well, the Leprechaun and I are getting married in 6.5 months on the beach. We have signed some nice papers and may have some great news soon. We’ve also decided to get rid of a lot of stuff so I will still sort through my stuff.

I’m also noticing that Mr Genie is really starting to get old. I’m suspecting he is losing his sense of smell. My kitty better not get old on me...

Sunday, July 12, 2009

The men in my life

Last night something really hilarious happened, but let me give a little background information...

My extra large kitten sleeps on the bed. He takes more than a quarter of the bed – leaving me with a quarter.

Last night the Leprechaun put the kitten in his kitty Igloo and boing... out is kitty. He jumped straight onto my chest and first stood there for a good scratch. I think the Kitty tattle-taled on Mr Leprechaun for throwing him off the bed!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Dating questions answered

So many questions, so little time! I love getting questions... so keep ‘em coming!
  • Where did you meet your fiance? Was it related to the internet dating or like so many comments I read you need to meet someone in your social circle? Does internet dating work?
We used to work together about 5 years ago – but back then I ignored him as he was a real player and I really wasn’t about to become a number. Then one sunny day (almost 2 years ago) he contacted me via Facebook and we went on our first date (ever) – it took him about 2 weeks to ask me out though. The rest, well, is history.

Social circle... what if there are no eligible guys in your social circle. In my case the guys were either (a) short (b) was dating my friends (c) bored me to tears. Then there is also the little problem of if you date someone in your social circle and you have a nasty break-up... then you most probably will bump into him/her more often than someone from outside your friends’ group.
  • Did dating a whole lot of people make you good at dating and being more sociable? Maybe give you the confidence to put yourself out there?
I don’t think you’ll ever think of dating as recreational again after going on so many dates, but it also has its upsides. You get to meet people and learn to pick up on things that you dislike faster (saving the both of you a lot of time). It also helps you to become a great conversationalist that can get a "dating interview" started.

It never is easy to just put yourself out there – it never was easy for me, that is why I chose to go the online dating route. Apparently I never noticed when guys flirted with me in person (at clubs, bars, etc) either – I guess they felt rejected and decided to not walk up to me to actually talk to me!
  • Did you ever remain friends with some of the guys on the dating web sites or was it pretty much 'let just be friends = dont call me again' - i.e. Can you use internet dating to meet friends?
I definitely met quite a few great guys while being an online dater. Some I really didn’t have anything in common with others were great friend material. I still chat to 2 or 3 of them – never really see them anymore as they are hitched now. I do however still get great tips from them about awesome restaurants!

In the end it doesn’t really matter where you meet your next (or last) boyfriend/girlfriend. The only thing that matters is that you meet the one that makes you happy.


Thursday, June 18, 2009

Spending time together

After almost 2 years of dating the Leprechaun and I are still having fun. We have just had a long weekend and decided to stay at home with my beloved Mr MooKow.

Our first day off, get DSTV on again – after 6 months they might have new programmes one. I watch TSN and Zone Reality... and my Leprechaun... Hallmark, Action and Series.

Day two – there was a day two? I think we washed clothes and stayed in watching DSTV. Lame, I know.

Day three – awesome, we went shopping and had lunch with his mom.

Day four – put up the new clothes line and discover the new blind from Makro has no strings. Very disappointed and iffed off about that blind – returning it this weekend.

Mr MooKow (the cat) enjoyed having his minions around.

PS. Will answer the questions on Friends & Neighbours blogpost on my next post!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Friends and Neighbours

Winter definitely has arrived in all its force. It is dark by 5:30 in the afternoon and the wind has a chill that makes me reach for a jacket.

We have had quite a few hectic weeks at home with my family visiting and we are solidly booked for the next 2 weeks as well. I really don't understand the need to be social during winter. I can think of nothing better than to sit in front of the gas heater with a balnket and my favoutite Jelliebean - while the Leprechaun makes dinner.

We're good friends with our neighbours right next door and for the last 2 years we have shared break-ups, new boyfriends, tragedies and lots of coffee. Last week was definitely one of the saddest days as my neighbour's cat was killed by a speedster in the complex we live in. So, after taking the body for cremation at my vet, we were pretty upset and decided to all just have dinner together - for the first time with the new boyfriend.

So anyway, that is the small talk done. Now for some pearls of wisdom!

I can definitely see that opposites attract (sometimes). The guys are so different with Neighbour being the party animal of note and New Guy being so laid back. It just shows you that even if you dated bad boys in the past, it never is too late to let the good guys win.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Cold winter nights

It really amazes me that winter just pitched up and decided it is time for cold dark mornings and early sunsets...

Lucky for me, the Leprechaun and I have a TV in the bedroom and can cuddle comfortably - and snugly - while watching a DVD.

We've also been talking about our honeymoon a bit. Pretty cool stuff we're planning. :)

Monday, May 11, 2009

What my Leprechaun did for Mommy's Day

Men are known to be great big ogres. They don't remember birthdays, anniversaries or pretty much anything other than food.

This weekend the little Leprechaun phoned his 'Mommas', bought her a potted indoor plant, a card and invited them to the movies to see Dirty Dancing on the big screen. Just to top it off he made a potjie (stew on a outdoor fire or gas cooker) for 6 - and it was delicious.

I must admit that I'm the one that can't remember anniversaries. I can remember birthdays - and I buy great gifts most of the time.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Things people say

Today I took my visiting sister, bro-in-law and child shopping. During the day the conversation turned to my bathroom... yeah I know... pretty weird.

So anyway, the kid said that she needed to go to the bathroom and then my evil side somehow kicked in... I said to her that I didn't like people using my toilet. She then asked where the Leprechaun goes (haha... ). The very smart answer: He has to go outside and dig a little hole and as soon as he is done he has to cover it - just like my cat!

The day goes by and I didn't think about it again until a few hours later when she asked with big eyes where she should go! (haha...) We then explained that I was only joking and that she can use the toilet.

An hour later the Leprechaun used the toilet and she came running to tell me that he was in there! Imagine the good laugh I had about my private toilet that I don't share with my live-in FIANCE.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Who's the man?

The Leprechaun is!

I love April with all its public holidays. All the looooong weekends have given us time to do some DIY projects. Today we bought the wood to build an additional cupboard. The Leprechaun has put it together and I have stain varnished it to fit with the rest of my furniture, unfortunately we need another tin and a bit of varnish to complete it... SIGH. I can't wait to put all my sexy little shoes on the bottom shelf. I think it is going to be great.

I really appreciate that my little Leprechaun can do DIY stuff... and know what he is doing. Ja, ja, I can hear you... so can't you do it Suzy? Of course I can, afterall, he used my tools. Tools that I know how to use, but here goes the pearl of wisdom...

Girls, take note... Let the man in the house swing the tools. I don't know why, but it makes them feel manly.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Can beggars be choosers?

Yes! Definitely!

Why do people think that when you are single you can't choose to wait until you've met the right person? I don't think there is anything wrong with being 30 and not married. A piece of paper won't really make such a big difference in your life - unless it is a ticket to some exotic destination.

Who wants to be in a relationship just for the sake of being in a relationship anyway? A warm body in bed that you don't care for = a can of rotten peas, but a warm body that you care for = someone to share that last rolo with!

Another reason to rather be a chooser... the high rate of divorces.

Anyway, so I got a comment on my previous post... and the person thinks I'm single. Ok, so the cat has been out of the bag for... um oh well, more than a year - I'm engaged. Have been for more than a year now... to my Leprechaun.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Don't Date Down

Yeah, you know what I mean... dating down is a no-no.

Simple Scenario:

X dates Y
X is not rich, but smart as hell
Y is rich, but dumb as hell

X is thus the one dating down. Y is dating up (which is completely acceptable).
Anyone can make or loose money, thus Y is actually no better/richer than X.

So, get your priorities straight and look for someone that is on your intelligence level. If a social level is more important... then get someone on your level.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

All work no play relationships

One or both married to the job? No good...

You have to have balance in a relationship. Some play, some work and good quality time together.

See, after 30 the pearls of wisdom just spill from my keyboard.

Friday, March 27, 2009

The Getaway

It really is great to be in a relationship with someone like my Leprechaun. Not only doesn't he nag (like some men do) when I want to shop a little; nor does he complain too much that I wake at 6am and by 7am wake him to get ready for the beach; and spends the whole day on the beach; and have the little romantic streak to take me for those tedious beach strolls (I know, it is not easy walking on beach sand)...

So anyway, my pearl of wisdom for the day (now that I am 30...)

Dating someone that does not share your interests will make it a little harder to spend quality time together. You may be so different that between work and hobbies you only get to spend an hour a day together before going to bed.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

I'm in the mood to dish out some wisdom...

I've been reading the Adv. Barbie/Cezanne case on and off in the newspapers. On the one hand I feel sorry for her, on the other I think that what she did was just despicable.

The Summary:

This chick got involved with an older man. He is a bit twisted and manipulative - so he took over playing god with this chick. They got caught doing some nasty stuff and he skipped the country leaving her to face the music.

The Lessons: (you know how much I love my lessons)
  • If you date a pervert and play along, you will eventually get caught - you'll go to jail and be somebody's bitch.
  • If you are in an abusive relationship, you can get out. Dial a number, get out, stay out.
  • You don't need to sink as low as the person you are dating.
  • If you want to sing for the world, make sure you can actually sing.
  • Date someone you respect AND that respects you.
10-4 oor en uit/over I'll be back older and full of lessons and wisdom when I turn 30.

Happy Birthday to ME

... and then there was 2 days left of being in my 20s!

Interestingly enough my life is not more interesting than it was 2 seconds ago. I'm still watching movies and working a whole lot.

I better get good presents this year. Else I will change my will and leave everyone a zap.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

When can I start feeling young again?

30. It really is a big number.

I can still remember my 21st birthday. Standing in the kitchen making all the snacks with my then boyfriend. My best friend arriving late and cleaning out the plates - while talking more than everybody put together.

On my 25th I got horribly drunk on red wine with one of my dearest friends. The poor guy even offered to help me puke (really disgusting, isn't it?). The next day I had a hell of a hangover.

My 28th was fabulous. 5 girls on holiday in Ballito. The night out... the drinks were cheap and I got a lot of free drinks. I was really drunk - at least I had no hangover the next morning.

Why is it that when you turn 30 (or older) it really is just a depressing affair? Don't bs me and tell me I should have a big party because it will make it all better. BS. It won't turn back time, therefore I really don't need to hear "aaah the big 3 0..." wow.

Anyway, if you are still young enough to think birthdays are fun, sod off and go stand in a corner. You make me sick. Speak to me when you turn 30.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

How to survive a break-up

Life throws us many curves, sometimes more than we think we can cope with.

I've been through a lot of break-ups / make-ups and final demises of relationships. Some were particularly hard to get over - others not so much.

Get Stuff

You don't have to go all out to get all new stuff, but changing bedding for a room or changing the colour scheme of 1 area will already be a step in the right direction. As soon as you start erasing the lousy ex's existence from your home, you take away the hold he has and memories of him. (This speeds up the recovering time after a break-up.)

Get a really sexy number to wear out. It doesn't have to be super reavealing or tight, just something that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Connect with Friends

Even if you neglected your friend while you were in a relationship with someone, they will take you back. Friends are forgiving - and besides, everyone understands.

Meet new people. Get your ass out of the house and stop pondering about the what ifs and could have beens. You need to get out and live a life that you never even dreamt about. Join a book club or something.

Get a Hobby

Are you one of those hobbyless people? Then get a hobby. It doesn't have to have sticking power - it just has to be enjoyable for now.

Delete that number

There is a reason it didn't work out. Doesn't matter if it were you or him/her that ended the relationship. Save the number under asshole or idiot if you have to. (It works for me...)

Get Pretty

Go for that facial or day at the spa (invite a friend). You will feel much better for a few hours.

Try a new colour lipstick or shoes - or dress.

Conclusion

You were whole before and you will be whole one day again. Besides he/she never deserved someone like you in the first place.

When you get older... different things matter more than the low-life idiot you dated.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Catch and Release

I watched Catch & Release this weekend. A real tear jerker - but with a good lesson (or 2).

Summary:

The groom drives off for his bachelor's weekend and dies. His funeral then takes place on their wedding day. The bride-to-be/widow
then finds herself in the midst of lots of drama ie. Mom-in-law asks for the family heirloom on her finger and a possible child that her departed beloved supported.


Facts:
  • Women tend to rely on their boyfriends/fiances/husbands too much and then something happens and they suddenly have to get up and take control.
  • Women tend to trust too easily and are always the last to know about affairs.
  • Some women too easily let their bf/fiances take the lead in the relationship - when this ends the woman is left to drown in normal life.
The Lessons:
  • If you live with a guy (and depend on his share of the rent etc) then you need to have a signed contract/agreement.
  • Never just trust your partner blindly, but don't be completely psycho about his getaway weekends.
  • Get your will done if you intend on getting married but put a clause in that says this part only kicks in when you are married etc. (In the event of you procrastinating with your will in future.)
  • Make sure you can afford to maintain a lifestyle and home even if it is just for a few months after a break-up/death - just until you can get a new roommate or move to something cheaper.
As always, keep on dating and have fun!

Saturday, February 28, 2009

The little PINK comforts of life

How do I put it without sounding too insane. I still love pink, the brighter and louder - the better.

Today we went shopping for bedding and I walked out with chocolate and pink pillows for the living room... a creamy fitted sheet and pillows in my favourite pink. I know most men would feel intimidated by so much pink, but my little Leprechaun can handle it :)

This week was kind of rough. Lots of work and things going on right now. From people's birthdays to my mom visiting.

I definitely need to grab a holiday away from home (poor Mr Genie). Definitely somewhere by the coast, no tv, no internet, no nothing. I can dream, can't I?

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Kitten love

Mr Genie has been a big part of my life for the past 9.something years and last weekend he got into a little cat fight. My Leprechaun was the first to be downstairs... even though I was the first to get under 2 cars to fish my unhappy kitty out.

Since Saturday, I'm proud to say, Mr Genie is now again my personal bodyguard. When I wake up, he is on the bed. When I get home, he is on my parking space.

... I just have to train the Leprechaun to cook during the week :)

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Emergency money for dates

Today I realised why I always keep money in my cellphone pouch...

I first started putting a note into my cell's pouch way back when I first started clubbing. This continued when I started seriously dating... and it stuck.

Why keep money aside

I call it my emergency money. I may part with my handbag involuntarily, but my cellphone... aikona. Plus, what if you needed to catch a taxi or phone a friend after a bad date where you lost your handbag...

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Bridezilla

Dating was a breeze compared to organizing a wedding. Suppliers are slow and load prices... I'm just about ready to jump in my car and drive 1 000km to get stuff sorted.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

How insane can weddings drive brides to be?

... in my case, pretty insane!

On the best of days I already am not a very understanding type of person - but when it comes to the wedding... I can say it is 90% about the bride and 10% about the groom (unless of course he wants to organize it!).

Anyway, for guys that currently has a Bridezilla, hang in there. You were crazy enough to propose, deal with it.

BTW, I found some articles on www.goddess.co.za about weddings etc.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Romantic Getaways

I think it is necessary to go away together - on little weekend getaways... by the beach, make that on the beach.


I found this dreamy looking holiday spot on www.Stay-SouthAfrica.co.za - it looks really yummy. The deck... then the ocean. If only I had the leave!

I dream of being quiet little waves and blue blue waters... in Mozambique!

Well, back to earth, a getaway for 2 that won't break the bank. I looked on www.Stay-SouthAfrica.co.za and there were quite a few options of budget accommodation available... with the wedding and all, we gotta sometimes for less.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Being the Constant Gard'ner

Nurturing a relationship is like having to play the gardner. Too much or too little of anything can kill it. Gardening is hard work, a lot of guess work and even more natural coaxing and love of the "plant"

If you are one of those people that really can't stick it out and just about ready to quit the dating scene, why not try your hand at growing a plant from a tiny little seed? If you are able to do this, you most definitely are a caring person that just needed a bit of patience - and a break from dating!

Friday, January 9, 2009

I am a bad Suzy

This week I just don't feel like anything. I don't want to get up and I don't want to get out. I just wan to stay at home with the black cat torturing me.

I'm toning up with the Wii Fit :) Happy about that.

Not much else I have to write about... hopefully next week will be better.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Looking for another pea for your pod?

After some really weird conversations these last few weeks, I have come to the conclusion that some of my guy friends are insane.

They complain when they are single but would find the smallest fault with the women that they are interested in / getting involved with. The worst part, I sometimes think that some of the guys should rather get a doll - she would be perfect. Won't complain, won't nag, would be almost on the same intellectual level...

Then this weekend I went out with one of my oldest girlfriends in Pretoria. We had a fabulous time out at some club. Obviously my dancing queen days are only a distant memory, but we had a ball on the dance floor.

We later joined 3 guys at their table, 1 married, 1 heartbroken and the other from the UK. It was a fun night where we had company but didn't want to get into our panties - imho, a bonus.

Afterwards we went home and talked about the good old days where we still worried about going to a club like that and worried about picking up men. Those were the (not so good) old days!