Marriage

Hi, 

Isn't this the cutest!!!

I think it accurately describes the way I feel right now.



Not to long ago, actually... about a month ago.
Kurt and I were attending a Marriage Enrichment course at our church.

WOW! It was really awesome, we learnt so much about one another, the skills of a good marriage, and that we are not the only couple that irritate and get annoyed with one another.

We were taught how to deal with conflict and a particular sentence stuck out for me:

"If you are fighting to be right, you are making your spouse wrong, the loser"
DO YOU WANT YOUR SPOUSE TO BE A LOSER??

We were taught that everyone has a love language.
There are 5 love languages to look out for.

You can spot your spouse's love language by their actions and also the things they complain about.

The 5 love languages:

1. Words of Affirmation

“If this is your love language, you feel most cared for when your partner is open and expressive in telling you how wonderful they think you are, how much they appreciate you, etc.”
2. Acts of Service
“If your partner offering to watch the kids so you can go to the gym (or relieving you of some other task) gets your heart going, then this is your love language.”
3. Affection
“This love language is just as it sounds. A warm hug, a kiss, touch, and sexual intimacy make you feel most loved when this is your love language.”
4. Quality Time
“This love language is about being together, fully present and engaged in the activity at hand, no matter how trivial.”
5. Gifts
“Your partner taking the time to give you a gift can make you feel appreciated.”

http://www.kevinhalloran.net/what-are-the-five-love-languages-summary/

We had a session on sex, nothing dirty and "sexual", but sex in marriage and they way that a man and woman's brain is SO VASTLY DIFFERENT.

The session leader played parts of 2 different DVDs (The tale of two brains and Laugh your way to a better Marriage) by Mark Gungor, whom I have become very interested in.

-If you can get hold of those videos, you really should watch them, he is a pastor and keeps things very clean and clear.

 Mark keeps things so simple and explains everything in a very funny way.
He refers to scripture for everything he relates to and I really really enjoyed this session.

Just for the way it was explained and kept so fun and light.

Here are a few of his best quotes:





Kurt Out (Caught Out)

I haven't wanted to make my blog posts too public.
I haven't added it onto Facebook or advertised much.
I did however post my previous post on to my Facebook profile and my fiancé decided to take a read through my entire blog from beginning to end.

According to him, I make more sense writing things down than I do explaining myself in person...

I think writing gives you a chance to THINK and then write, you get to spell-check and fix things up a bit before anyone reads it.

Sometimes I wish I could have a pause or a spell check button in my life.
Can you imagine how awesome that would be?
You could stop, rewind and change that silly sentence you just wrote and start all over again.

Although this blog is in no way perfectly punctuated.

This I Believe (The Creed)- Hillsong

Hi all.

Music and the wonderful emotional connections it brings... has always been my passion.
I have been searching the past week for a song that will make me feel alive for a little while.
Just to remind me of the wonderful, companionate and patient Father I have in Jesus.

You cant expect everyday to be sunshine and roses, and on those days... I love to listen to a good song to remind me that Jesus is Lord and He has a great, spectacular plan for me.

This song is from the No Other Name cd by Hillsong
If you know anything about me at all, one thing you have to know NOW, is that I really really love Hillsong Music.

Please have a read through these lyrics :)
Try if you can to get the CD and listen to it too.
If you have the time... take a listen to "Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)" too... Its amazing to sing to.

This I Believe (The Creed)- Hillsong

VERSE
Our Father everlasting
The all creating One
God Almighty

Through Your Holy Spirit
Conceiving Christ the Son
Jesus our Saviour

CHORUS
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus

VERSE
Our Judge and our Defender
Suffered and crucified
Forgiveness is in You

Descended into darkness
You rose in glorious life
Forever seated high

BRIDGE
I believe in You
I believe You rose again
I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord

CHORUS
I believe in life eternal
I believe in the virgin birth
I believe in the saints' communion
And in Your holy Church
I believe in the resurrection
When Jesus comes again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus                    

Silly Sausage.

There aren't many things that excite Kurt October.
His a simple man with a good head on his shoulders.

He enjoys the finer things in life, he can lay on the couch for hours and do nothing.... or build sub boxes, fine tune his car sound system, eat, watch TV, play xbox and spend time with his blady fantastic fiancé.

However one of the few things that really excite him is... dum dum dum duuuum FOOD.

Kurt loves food.

He loves creating food and coming up with seemingly strange concoctions.

A few Examples:

Kurt's dad came home one weekend with a box full of springbok meat.
So Kurt decided he is going to create a masterpiece.
He melted dark chocolate and soaked the springbok chops in it, put it in the oven and made a sticky-chocolate- type chop.
Although it tasted like ... not fantastic, its the thought that counts isn't it :)

A few weeks after meeting me he made a BIG pot of PEANUT BUTTER pasta which to this day I can still remember as being freaking awesome.

He let me know earlier today that while I wash my hair and beautify myself, he will make us Cauliflower Pizzas.

Maybe next time I can add a pic of that creation too.

Update.

Sooo.

I chopped all my hair off...

I spent months on Pinterest fantasizing of all the possibilities and how each would match my face.

My hair looked like something a horse would eat, I could go on like that any longer.

I had to take into account the pending nuptials (11 April 2015) and how this new 'do' would work with my hair plans.

So I just went for it, before my mind could make an excuse or I could doubt this master plan :)

I printed and downloaded way too many pictures and took them all with for the stylist.

She still managed to bugger it up...
I felt like a 10 year old with a bob, then she began to CHOP my fringe off so short that I can make it spikey. Fantastic

At least my hair feels like a million bucks of silky, shiny goodness.
I decided that I am going to keep it medium length now, just because it feels so bloody fantastic.

Thank God hair grows back.

On the bright white side,
My wedding dress is on order and I will get to build my own preferences and style into it.
The consultant asked me with a big smile on her face whether I would like to look HOT but be uncomfortable OR look average and feel very comfortable.

Erm...

HOT would be good.

My photographer costs the price of my car...so I better look amazing.

All I need now is for the ring suppliers to move their ass..and I may feel like his wedding is falling into place.

This one is for you

VERSE 1

Father God

I come to you now

To declare your Greatness

You gave your son for my wicked ways

That I may be set free

CHORUS

You are the

Maker of my faith

Forgiver of my sin

The lover of my soul

Jesus

VERSE 2

You are Almighty, Majestic

All I will ever need

All glory to you Lord

For all you gave for me

Your amazing love

BRIDGE

Jesus may all creation

Shout to you

Worship your name, Jesus

You are all I want, you are all I need

You deserve all praise

Little Girl

There was a time that I considered myself a song writer...

They may seem stupid, but at the time I felt like it needed to be heard.

Little Girl

Little Girl

You need to remember who you are

You have a destiny, a purpose so great

People will come and go and the feelings will to, but you need to hold on to the things you love

You are amazing, you can accomplish great, and I will be there for you when you need me

Just call me, darling

I will dry your tears and sing you this song

So you know you are my greatest creation

Little Girl

Never give up

You do not see it now, but life has only just started for you

In a few years you will see that there is a way better

And you are a true treasure

Remember I am here

I will never let you fall

I have you in the palm of my hand

My love for you is unchanging, way beyond what you imagine.

 

oK-Day

 

My mama and I decided to go to K-Day this past Saturday 29 March 2014.

Unfortunately we weren't very prepared for the weather and the strain it would take on our bodies.
We packed a huge, and I mean HUGE bag FULL of cool drinks, water, food and took plenty of warm clothes.

 

We didn't realize just how far we would have to carry everything and how freaking warm it would be.

We sunburnt so so badly and by 1pm, we were both exhausted, sore, irritated and dehydrated.

 

It was a fantastic day though, I am shocked at the amount of talent South African Artists have.



 

 

I'll take that Burger thank you...

 

So, my fiancé and I got the best news.

SO SO Exciting!!!

Cannot wait to go dress and ring shopping.

One Hundred Happy Days.

Can I?
Can I really?

I have seen A LOT of these little hash tags all over Facebook and Instagram.
#100happydays followed by a happy message and pictures of yummy food, new things, sunsets, smiles and joy.

I never even considered doing it, BUT then the website mentioned that only 71% of participants actually complete it....challenge accepted.

Hmm..I have to try this. I want to be the other 29%...

All I need now is a phone that can take pictures..no I'm not stuck in the stone age.
I have a fancy phone :) ... Its just decided to grow a bum.
In other words, the camera has a huge crack in it.

Oh well, I will be starting my challenge once I get my phone upgrade next month.
I am hoping for the 7 April 2014, but I will see if I cannot do it sooner :)

If you are interested in joining in on the fun, I have attached the link for you.
http://100happydays.com/

If you would like to follow me once I have started the challenge, you can find me on Instagram.
@chrne

2 My Kurti

I DOnt Know Anymore

 

I have been so drawn to this phrase laterly.

 

It so accurately describes how I have been feeling... lost, excited. expectant, happy, sad, childish, stressed, angry, passionate and frustrated.

 

Isn't there supposed to be a warning label on all engagement rings.

" Wear with care "

" Might cause copious amounts of frustration " 

" This does not mean you are a push over "

" Beware: ALL your long lost family and distant friends now know who you are "

" Enjoy your money while you can "

etc.

 

My fiancé and I have never been the kind to fight or get stuck in one another's hair, yet the past 6 months we have been fighting, arguing, irritated and frustrated.

 

If its not venues, then its what to wear, who to invite, where to go, what to do....the dreaded question, WHO PAYS FOR WHAT?

 

 

Guess its just another step on the stepping stones of life.

 

Post for a pretty girl

A family member of mine has been going through a tough time.
She has lost a lot of weight, YIPEE

BUT, she has also been tackling her alcohol addiction and attending AA meetings, getting her life on track and just fixing all the broken little pieces.

These are some pictures for her for motivation.

DAY, I have decided TO-DAY

Well, this is awkward.

I haven't written in ages and its mildly ridiculous, but also very understandable.

My diet, haha down the drain.
I have decided to stop putting so much pressure on losing weight and rather just take it day by day.
I cannot predict the future and I cannot always have everything right.

So, day-to-day is my new plan.

Today is my mom's birthday and I don't feel happy or impressed about it, I never know what to do on special occasions/ every second weekend when I have to go visit.
I always feel so uncomfortable and frustrated and then I end up cutting the visit short and running back to my comfort zone.

 I rate I am still carrying all the unnecessary drama in the back of my mind.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE...
I am Engaged:)

Have been since 4 October, nothing fancy.
Just personal and very US.

My ring is mighty stunning... I will post a pic.

Slow progress

I mentioned a while ago that i had started my eating plan and things were slow.
I have since only lost an additional 1.2kg but I know its my extreme chocolate addiction thats spoiling things.
LUCKILY I have only been losing and I have not picked up a gram yet.
The two things I have been most dedicated in consuming have been water and CHOCOLATE.

I am not even going to stress.
Winter has this effect on me, once summer arrives I always drop atleast 4kg.

I have been so cold its been making me so hungry for the most ridiculous things.
I have however taken up a new hobby in the meantime, collecting make up.

My friend has been teaching me bit bit, but I have been thoroughly enjoying buying colourful palettes and brushes.
Since this post is a bit more random than thought out and structured I thought Id add a funny picture to lighten it all up.

Funny Pic for the day

 

Had me giggling for a while... hehe

fri.END.ship

Friendship, a relationship of mutual affection between two or more people. Friendship is a stronger form of interpersonal bond than an association.

Loyalty, faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause.

Influence, the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others.

The past year has opened my eyes to a lot regarding friendship, loyalty and overall influence.

I would like to think I am a good friend, we all have faults and little things we lack, but I have always tried to do my best.

I went through a heavy friendship “break-up” last year; it was painful and affected me for a long time. She was extremely special to me and we were friends for a very long time. We shared a lot of special stories, some private and others were how we would embarrass ourselves without even trying.

If I think about my teenage years and even as I became an adult, she was always there and her family carried me through difficult times and struggles. I spent every weekend and holiday with her, and we grew to be part of one another…we learnt each other so well that I could look at her and she would know what I was saying without words.

Her mother, a very strong, opinionated lady who wore perfume that stuck to you for days… she taught me how to cook a few things, how to use a knife and fork, and she bought me things whenever I was in need. She became like a mom to me, someone I could trust.

It’s unfortunate that things change, people change and sometimes… you just grow apart.

Although I loved her very much, she was very different to me. We lived VERY different lives, had very different jobs and responsibilities.

If I were to go back a year or two back, I don’t think I would do things differently; I do think I would be more honest though and voice my opinion in the times when I was too scared to speak.

Life does go on; I have had to learn that the hard way.

Friendships/ friends have the power to influence and change your behavior, even if you don’t want them to. “You are who you hang out with”- you become like the people you associate with.

My dad has a saying: “Like likes like.”

You are more likely to do something crazy, different and wild with a friend than by yourself… As a girl, there is no one’s opinion you want more than your best friends, from clothes to guys and the occasional rant.

I know I would have told my friend a lot more than I would have told my mother.

I don’t think a friendship is about excessive amounts of PDA, or who can out do who. Sometimes all you need is an ear to listen and a hand to hold.

Not everyone is made, designed for long term friendship. It’s not easy to be faithful and loyal to someone even when they aren’t to you.

I find it very hard to trust without question, it’s one of the traits my boyfriend really doesn’t like… I ask too many questions.

I have taken the last year to get over all my friendship issues and focus on ME… I haven’t made time to make new friends and I have become very attached to my boyfriend.

Only recently have I decided to ‘stick my neck out’ and try and be open to something new. I have only made one new friend, but that’s fine. I have never been one for a huge group of friends.

There is still a lot of time for friends and relationships; someday I will feel content with where I am.

For now, I will just continue to work at being open to new possibilities.

Eating what?

Three posts in one day, lets not get too excited.

I started back on the eating plan 29 July.

Three weeks of detox (no carbs, NONE, NILL, ZERO)

And the remaining weeks I get to add 10g carbs a week.

Its been strangely easier than I thought it would be, although the lack of carbs has made me an easy target for sickness (read below post).

I am both excited and DREADING Monday's weigh-in.

Excited because the moment I leave I can have an apple or something CARB-Y.

Dreading, well I have to weigh in after being on my own for 2 weeks...GREAT... I have a feeling this time the loss is hectically slow.

The first time I did this plan I lost 6kg in the first 3 weeks... and I have only lost 2.2kg in the first week this time... I was super disappointed. 

BUT this time, I really need to push through and do this, there is nothing better than feeling your clothes slowly becoming to big to fit the same.

AND because I love to buy clothes ALL THE TIME, this is the best excuse.

I haven't been able to exercise properly for 2 weeks without coughing and wheezing... so hopefully this bronchitis gets the message and buggers off soon.

I will try and keep things as updated as possible, and record my progress as I go.

August, My friend

So, Its been quite a while since I last post anything read-able.

It's been a busy, rushed and tiring month for me... today is my first day back from sick leave.

I was booked off for 3 days with Bronchitis, Sinusitis and Flu... FUN!!!!

Being who I am, I obviously didn't sleep much, I must have got 5 hours sleep a night AND then I kept myself so busy during the day that I didn't even think about taking a nap.

OH WELL..at least it is Friday!

Pictures 3