Life is Beautiful!

Since the 2nd of February I have been blessed by my mom's presence here in Pensacola. She finally came to visit me and decided to come for ten weeks.

People look at me in amazement at how long that sounds, but I kindly remind them that when you are spending R10,000.00 or $2,000.00 on the airfare alone you are going to want to make the most out of your trip. Something has to make up for the ridiculous fee!

Needless to say, I have missed my mother incredibly although I didn't really notice it as much as when she arrived. I suppose that one tends to get used to the situation and adapt in order to get on with the everyday life.

My boss asked me if I am enjoying having my mother around and I say "Of course! I have not cleaned my house since the week before her arrival, and my washing machine that broke before she came has been replaced, although I have not gotten to use the replacement either. I also very rarely cook. Then, since I am quite indecisive, she helps me with my outfits and hairstyles in the mornings before work. I am considering taking her on as permanent staff - if only she wasn't as highly qualified.

Speaking of qualifications, my mother declared in the car one night that she would finish a whole bottle of champagne by herself should she get her blasted doctorate degree. Of course, the next day she got an e-mail from her professor that she had passed. We promptly bought two bottles of champagne for celebration that evening. Isn't that just so like God to say, "Oh, really? Let's see how serious you are!"

Apart from the obvious bonuses of having my mother with me, it has been very uplifting to be able to speak Afrikaans again and to use words like "lekker", "sjoe", "eina!", "broe", "ja" instead "yeah", and many more words that are just lost on the Americans.

My mother has also had to contain her laughter at the pronunciation of certain words here and, clearly, the Southern accent has been quite a scream. For instance, a pecan pie ("peecin" in South Africa) somehow morphed into "puhkahn" in America. And, when you argue with them about the pronunciation they will firmly stand on the fact that they are right - not too surprised there. Next time we see each other, I will enact the Southern accent thing for you.

Shopping has also been a lot more fun. And, since Larry's work schedule has just started to get hectic again, I find life so much more enjoyable with someone who can go exploring with me. We are decorating my house and also sprucing up my wardrobe.

Amongst other things, a mother is someone who knows you better than you think. But most importantly, she is someone that I can be completely honest with and still save face afterwards. Now that is an important person!

P.S.: Watch this space for more photos and stories of our adventures...