Diane's Big Fat Blog

2012-01-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

Future-proof Your Child: Parenting the Wired Generation by Nikki Bush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Future-proof Your Child" is essential reading for today's parents.

Did you know that our children will be still working in the year 2070! Did you know that many of today's professions won't exist then? It's a daunting thought!

As parents there is a lot we can do to equip our children for the journey ahead. "Future-proof Your Child" discusses the skills and talents required for success and gives practical, forward-thinking advice to parents of the wired generation.

Thought-provoking stuff!

Publisher's summary:

'Stop the world, I want to get off!' is the regular refrain of many of today's time-pressured parents. 'Give me an experience and I'll promise you a relationship,' is the mantra of their children. The world has changed. The future has changed. Childhood is changing. Raising children has never been more challenging – or potentially rewarding. It is increasingly obvious that the world into which our young children will enter as adults, somewhere between 2020 and 2030, will be nothing like the world their parents grew up in, or even the world we currently inhabit. We need a better understanding of the world of the future in order to prepare our children and to 'future-proof' them. Future-proof your Child is a very different kind of parenting book. While it contains many useful practical hints and tips, it also focuses on the context for parenting and child development today. It convinces 21st-century parents of the need to change their approach to parenting future generations. This title will help you to create a framework for your parenting experience as you embark on the highly personal adventure of raising children who will thrive in the future. It is relevant, accessible, practical and inspirational. It will take you back in time and forward into the future to help you make the best choices for your children now! Future-proof your Child highlights the critical importance of making choices, having conversations, and consciously connecting with tomorrow’s children today.

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Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T02:05:00.000-08:00

A Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

I can't believe another year has flown past so fast! It feels just like yesterday that I was posting the children's 2010 Christmas portraits.

The end-of-year-rush was as chaotic as usual. I.must.plan.better.next.year. The family and I are taking it easy today. We did the big feast yesterday so today we're picking on leftovers and staying in our pjs.

Enjoy the love and the tinsel!

Love Di

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Book Review: The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

2011-11-14T10:13:00.001-08:00

The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I L.O.V.E.D this book and so has every one in my book club. Not only is it a book about one of my favourite animals (the ellie) but it is set in a part of the world closest to my heart, the South African bush.

The book is beautiful and heartwarming and leaves you filled with wonder for our natural world. I learned so much about elephants and their intricate communication systems and sixth sense. Add a lesson in conservation and life in the bush and it left me wanting more.

I certainly hope Lawrence Anthony puts pen to paper again, and very very soon.

Summary:

When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of 'rogue' elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in South Africa, his commonsense told him to refuse. But he was the herd's last chance of survival - notorious escape artists, they would all be killed if Lawrence wouldn't take them. He agreed, but before arrangements for the move could be completed the animals broke out again and the matriarch and her baby were shot. The remaining elephants were traumatised, dangerous, and very angry. As soon as they arrived at Thula Thula they started planning their escape...As Lawrence battled to create a bond with the elephants and save them from execution, he came to realise that they had a lot to teach him about life, loyalty and freedom. Set against the background of life on the reserve, with unforgettable characters and exotic wildlife, this is a delightful book that will appeal to animal lovers everywhere.

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Book Review: The Adoration of Jenna Fox

2011-10-26T09:22:00.001-07:00

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?"

The Adoration of Jenna Fox is as wonderful as it is frustrating. The book has a really interesting and brain-tickling premise, which is so s.l.o.w.l.y. revealed that it impacts the overall story, leaving you with an odd sensation of not connecting with key characters.

Seventeen year old Jenna Fox seems to possess a maturity and world-view beyond her years, which takes the shine of the book for me.

That aside, I really enjoyed it. The book asks some intriguing questions about Self and I enjoyed the debate!

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This Weekend...

2011-10-23T07:55:00.001-07:00

This weekend we did a few things out of the ordinary:

We woke up to Mother Nature on our doorstep.

We had no other choice but explore our hearts out.

We spent hours splashing and bombing into the pools. The 34-36C weather helped.

We climbed out the pool shivering and jumped into the car in our wet swimwear to look for horses in pjs.

We made new friends.

We scooted around with our new friends on their motorized walkers.

We fed the horses, who tickled our hands with their whiskery muzzles.

We re-introduced our skin to sand and sun.

We ate loads of ice-cream as it melted and dripped down to our elbows.

We slept in a tent under the stars.

We took midnight, torch-lit walks to the WC.

We woke up to birds singing in the trees and morning visitors.

And we made more friends.

We disturbed the peace and tranquility (though not on purpose).

We pushed on and met more locals.

We explored some of the local homes. None were for sale.

We tried something new (new for some of us).

Others are frequent flyers (or it riders?)

The cuteness nearly killed us (No under 16's allowed to ride on their own - just posing for posterity).

This weekend... we had a blast!!!!

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2011-10-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"In January 1988, aged twelve, Martin Pistorius fell inexplicably sick. First he lost his voice and stopped eating; then he slept constantly and shunned human contact. Doctors were mystified. Within eighteen months he was mute and wheelchair-bound. Martin's parents were told that an unknown degenerative disease had left him with the mind of a baby and he probably had less than two years to live. Martin went on to be cared for at centres for severely disabled children, a shell of the bright, vivacious boy he had once been. What no-one knew is that while Martin's body remained unresponsive his mind slowly woke up, yet he could tell no-one; he was a prisoner inside a broken body.

Then, in 1998, when Martin was twenty-three years old, an aromatherapy masseuse began treating him and sensed some part of him was alert. Experts were dismissive, but his parents persevered and soon realised their son was as intelligent as he'd always been. With no memory of the time before his illness, Martin was a man-child reborn in a world he didn't know. He was still in a wheelchair and unable to speak, but he was brilliantly adept at computer technology. Since then, and against all odds, he has fallen in love, married and set up a design business which he runs from his home in Essex."

What a wonderful read! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Martin's searingly honest recount of his life trapped within his body. Martin's enthusiasm is infectious and you cannot help but be inspired by his story and attitude.

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Book Review: I Can See You by Karen Rose

2011-10-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

I Can See You by Karen Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Eve Wilson's face was once scarred by a vicious assault. Terrified and ashamed, she escaped to the online realm, where she could choose the face she allowed people to see. Years later, her outer scars faded and inner scars buried, Eve has fought her way back to the real world and is determined to help others do the same. Now a graduate student moonlighting as a bartender, Eve researches the addictive powers of online communities. When her test subjects begin turning up dead as a result of apparent suicides, she doesn't know where to turn.
Homicide detective Noah Webster is one of the few people who believe the victims are connected murders. Eve becomes Noah's online guide and realizes that the handsome detective may have secret scars as painful as her own. As Eve and Noah chase a killer who is always one step ahead of them, together they try to overcome the tragedies of their pasts and learn to trust again, but they soon discover that danger is much closer than they think."

I Can See You is a highly entertaining read. It has a well thought out and intriguing plot that will keep you riveted from the start.

I really enjoyed the technological aspects of the book - the hacking and online RPG (role-play gaming). It was a fascinating glimpse into a world quite foreign to me.

The book had a few irritating habits, which is why I only gave it three stars:

- the main character, Eve, although broken and fragile is just too perfect.

- the characters are so transparent that others can read their thoughts through the smallest of body gestures.

- sometimes it feels like there are just too many characters to keep up with. I understand this book is part of a bigger series but a fair bit of time was spent putting characters in context.

Quibbles aside, a very enjoyable read and I look forward to more by Karen Rose.

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We need to teach our daughters (and sons)

2011-09-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

A male friend of mine posted this on Twitter earlier and it really spoke to me.

Hubby and I have talked a lot about the values we want to impart to our children and how those values will serve them when it comes time to choosing partners. It's such an essential component of parenting, especially in World where respect is fast becoming an old-fashioned concept (don't get me started on that!)

Happy Birthday, Beanie!

2011-09-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

A special little girl celebrated her 3rd birthday this weekend! The excitement started on Friday, her actual birthday, with the opening of a few presents before school.

Nothing like bed hair, is there! Excitement mounted with cupcakes to share at school.

Don't expect to see me on Cake Boss anytime soon :-D

Granny popped round after work to see the Birthday Girl and bought with her some gifts from herself and Grampa. The microphone was a hit with the kids - even though they've yet to learn to keep a little distance between it and their phones so every sound is virtually indecipherable!

Saturday we had a Dora The Explorer party for Beanie at home. The weather was absolutely miserable: overcast, windy and cool. It was a serious fly in the ointment because we'd hinted at water play in the party invitation! It all worked out in the end, we had a lot for the guests to do, plus there were treats!

One of the highlights of the party were the animals that popped in for a little visit (provided by Lisa from Wild and Earthly - great service from Lisa and the animals were so well looked after!).

The adults were besotted with this gorgeous chinchilla! Seriously, it has the softest fur I've ever felt, like a wispy cloud.

The kids loved the baby bunnies, guinea pigs, chicken and chicks. Beanie was torn between the baby rabbit and the soft and fluffy chick that cuddled in her fleece.

Mom had to put aside her fear of winged and beaked creatures - shiver shiver. I survived and it was worth the smile on Beanie's face.

Then it was time for cake and the moment kids look forward to for 365 sleeps - time to blow out the candles and enjoy the hip hip hoorays!!

Look at the satisfaction on our little girl's face!

By this time the chill was settling in and it was time for the Piñata! It was a Dora party after all!

(Mom's Cheat Pinata)

Some kids were more enthusiastic with the purple stick than others and I'm glad everyone left with arm, limb and eye in check *wipes brow*.

It was a wonderful afternoon and I'd like to thank everyone who joined us in the celebrations for a wonderful afternoon!

And to our wonderful little girl, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sweetie Pie. Your Daddy and Mommy love you so much and we feel so privileged to have you in our lives.

Book Review: Sylvia by Bryce Courtenay

2011-09-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Sylvia by Bryce Courtenay
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

"Sylvia is the story of the Children's Crusade - 1212 - possibly the strangest event to take place in European history. It is the story of the power of a young girl's love in the midst of medieval darkness to fight brutality and bigotry.''

The book started off promising but lost momentum towards the middle, sadly it never recovered. It is also a very long book and I struggled to finish it as I became bored and fatigued by a story that seemed to go around in circles.

I found too many references to modern ideas with the over all effect of destabilizing the mood the author tried to create. Overall, it is well written and Courtenay sure knows how to create a picture in your mind.

Character-wise Sylvia is generally likable, she is gusty, sharp and modest. Reinhardt, the Pied Piper of Hamelin, is camp, irreverent and witty. The remaining characters are extremes of hideous cruelty or philosophical and tolerant.

Overall the story was bizarre, even unbelievable - though it is loosely based on actual events. I found it hard reading due to the style of language used. The children in the book experience great hardship and suffering, which added to the weight of the book - not easy reading!

This was my first Bryce Courtenay book and I'm not sure I'd jump into another one. The time commitment wasn't worth the meagre ROI.

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Leaning Towards The Sun

2011-09-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

My rocket seedlings* leaning sideways towards the sun, capturing every ounce of light, making sure they'll thrive.

Humans should take note, lean towards the energy.

I'm looking forward to all those salads and yummy dishes.

* 8 days since planting teeny tiny seeds - wow!!

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Count down to 3!

2011-09-10T04:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that our resident cutie pie will be turning 3 in just under a fortnight!

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Summer Veggies

2011-08-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Our veggie patch has been a bit dormant the last few months, with sporadic harvests of spinach, rocket, spring onions, chives, mint basil, parsley and sugar snap peas.

Over winter we increased the size of the veggie garden and added halved wine barrels for deeper rooting plants.

Last week we prepared the soil and planted:

- spring onions
- cherry tomatoes
- blackberry bush
- blueberry bush
- peppers
- cucumbers
- nasturtium

Over the next few weeks we'll be adding to the garden - just waiting for warmer overnight temps.

We've learnt so much in the last year so I'm hoping for even bigger harvests over the next few months!

Love Di

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Book Review: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

2011-08-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that are about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons. Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood--the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mothers--Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah--the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that sustain her through a hard-working youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate connection with the past. Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling with a valuable achievement in modern fiction: a new view of biblical women's society."

I loved, loved, loved this exquisite novel. Dinah will capture your heart as she takes you through her story, the story of her mothers and the mothers of the babies she has help deliver.

The story is engrossing and beautifully written. The female characters are well developed and impart age-old wisdom to an impressionable Dinah.

This is not a Christian book, but a book set in biblical times. Some critics have slandered the book for it's artistic license in straying from the original story. If you can look past this then you're in for a heartrendingly solid tale of love, lust and life.

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