http://stores.lulu.com/sandysbooks
Yup...i've Self published four of my books - so far so good with four sales. lol. i'm thinking of publishing a scandalous memoire... nah. My life isn't scandalous enough. I know, i'll write a memoire of the Dyers life... they're pretty wild.
Sands x
Monday, 25 August 2008
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Fireblades and bikes in general...
They Say that a child is impressionable. Hitler said "Give me a child until he is 5 years old and he will be Nazi forever!" (or something like that, don't quote me or anything, I took bio and not history)
Needless to say, Dad made sure she saw and loved bikes before she could walk.
Sigh * Pity he crashed his to smithereens.
Sands x
Thinking things through...
Sometimes in life it pays to think things through and plan ahead.
Sands x
It has finally happened!
Well, I went ahead and did it. I published one of my books! I joined an online publishing company and published my short novella "The Princess and the Shepherd" on www.lulu.com so excited! It costs $12.30 and looks so cool. As soon as I have time on my hands I will get the cover looking better and republish it. I have another ook - it was a trilogy but i'm joining the third bok to the second and making it a two part - it's called Thorngate.
YAAAAAAAAAAAY.
Sands x
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Weight Loss
Hey all, don't think I've forgotten about my Weight Loss Diary! I have now gone off Bread (as in yeasty bread) I can eat Rye bread, Provitas, Ryvitas etc, I have also gone off Sugar, I only have Fructose now. It has made all the difference! I have energy for longer and my weight isn't so erratic. Yay. I am hoping to erase my water retension history!
Gym has taken a back seat since Franc's accident but i'm sure all will get back to normal as soon as he is back at work from month end.
Sands x
Automated Response PART:TWO
A conversation between my husband and "victoria" on skype lol!
[2008/08/09 04:43:21 PM]
Victoria says: Hellowing! :)
[2008/08/09 04:45:09 PM]
Francis Doherty-Bigara says: Hello
[2008/08/09 04:45:16 PM]
Victoria says: Nice to meet You! My name is Victoria, i'm 22 years old pretty woman from New Orleans, that love chatting with interesting people. How can I see Your photos?
[2008/08/09 04:45:53 PM]
Francis Doherty-Bigara says: That was quite a quick response, is it automated?
[2008/08/09 04:45:59 PM]
Victoria says: oh... sorry... my daddy comming soon... see you later! you can see my videos and live messages at my site http://imacomputa.com/vicky I'll meet you when comming back :*
[2008/08/09 04:46:10 PM]
Francis Doherty-Bigara says: thought as much
Sands x
A Baby Choir for Hire...
Needing singing babies?
Call Kim Swan and Sandy Bigara at (+27)555BABYSING.
Our babies do Swing, Jazz, Folk Rock and Gospel. All in harmony, all the time.
Sands x
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
The video that made my day...
I just found a video that made my day – it involves two VERY pregnant ladies, lets call them “Kim” and “Sandy” it is filmed on a very shaky cell phone camera, at a dodgy KFC in the heart of
Yes, it was rigged. I sneaked in ahead of Kim and got the crowd (all ex-pupils on a sleep over) to act like Kim was a superstar. I am still smiling at the looks on our faces and those HUGE tums!
Sav has been a miserable baby today, all drama and moans urgh. I persevere.
Sands x
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Tears in the night and a little dog called Tiny…
The picture says it all, my life in a small selection of megapixels.
After chatting to my sleep deprived darling friend Kimmi (http://www.kim-happy-day.blogspot.com) I realised that the power really is in the hands of our children (0 – 21) to keep us up at night. I hope that somewhere between 3 and 12years we will have some respite before the night clubbing starts and we (the mothers) lose sleep again, I mean, who else will be sitting up at 11pm high on coffee to yell "where the hell have you been??" but us mums? Reurgh.
It seems little Chloe is not wanting her bottle, Sav played the "let's waste formula…again!" game over a day or so and it was
a. highly annoying
b. highly annoying
and,
c. a little worrying
From what I can see, Kimmi is worried and quite possibly annoyed ; ) babies. ergh.
She came right - but who knows for how long, in the meantime I am glad that at least one sleep deprived mommy is up with me at night. Kimmi – let's be constructive and send each other mint scented love bubbles while we're up respectively. That way we'll never run out of love bubbles! Wait, check that idea – what if a love bubble wakes me up in the middle of the night? with my luck at the moment it would miss my cheek, break my nose and bring out a love bubble allergy…
Ok, the dog named tiny, When Sav was four months old I bought her the Tiny Love DVD Magiq ( I swore them in a previous post) well, after dealing with a really helpful Mandy at Dejon Distributions I am now the owner of two microchips and a new Tiny the Dog DVD companion toy. Whew.
Much love to all out there, Francis is doing ok after his accident and TWO operations.
Sands x
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
SANDY - The past three weeks
20th July
On Friday 18th July Francis had a very bad Motorbike accident. He was travelling up Sparks rd and swerved to miss a car that crossed the road infront of him. He ramped his Yamaha R6 up an anthill and launched it 2m in the air, it travelled approx 10m airborn and summersaulting until it hit an elecrical box on the side of the road. His bike was broken in two and Francis came to land about 2m from the bike on his back.
On Friday 18th July Francis had a very bad Motorbike accident. He was travelling up Sparks rd and swerved to miss a car that crossed the road infront of him. He ramped his Yamaha R6 up an anthill and launched it 2m in the air, it travelled approx 10m airborn and summersaulting until it hit an elecrical box on the side of the road. His bike was broken in two and Francis came to land about 2m from the bike on his back.
He has a broken collarbone, multiple grazes, bruising and soft tissue damage to his back and legs. His Femur Tip (ball joint at the top of his left leg) is fractured and may need to be replaced. His pelvis is damaged, with his leg pushed up into the pelvic girdle. On Monday he is going in for a CTG scan and then the Specialist (one of the best) will plan for his reconstructive operation on Tuesday. He will be hospitalised for at least two weeks and it will take a few months for him to walk properly. He wont be able to drive for a while.
24th July
This morning much to my dismay, Francis was moved from General Ward to the High Care facility. He was having trouble with excessive sweats, nausea and a rapid resting heart rate. I was very upset at first but after speaking with the Nursing Sister I was reassured that he was doing much better and was being monitored very closely.
I went in this evening to see him and he was in a great mood, they had changed his drip to another brand and had taken him off the morphine (he was having a reaction to it we think) these changes made a huge difference.
I had the opportunity of meeting up with Jo there, she was on her way out and Francis was really encouraged after seeing her - thanks Jo - go mammabear!
I took one look at him and said "right ...dinner time" he wasnt interested, so in the wily way of a seasoned wife, i started chatting while breaking up his sandwidges and feeding them to him bit by bit. after a fun chat about our dogs (or something) I said "all done!" and he was shocked. Then I looked at him again and decided that the "Raiders of the lost ark" look was really so 1976 and promptly ordered a razor, hot water and a towel. By the time I left, he was smiling, his sheets and bedding were all straight and tucked in nicely, he was full of food, clean shaven and smelling like fresh deodorant. Job done!
Now, the only serious part is this: His heart rate is not normal at this point, it isnt bad enough to warrant huge concern but if it doesnt stabilize over night they will be calling in a cardio specialist. His resting pulse rate goes from 97 to 160 and back down again while he is lying quietly. We have had so much prayer and support - it has made everything seem do-able.
Some Thanks:
Maryanne (and Phil) - thank you precious lady for your call from the States - it made me smile - I'm so sorry i missed it!
Cris - thanks for your vote of confidence xx mwa mwa
Kim - for the food, the tea, running to my house in time for the ugly cry and the constant calls and support xoxoxoxox
Rach - for being so willing to assist me 24/7 you star
Jo - for being so flexible (visit, no visit, visit...) and supportive of us, and for being brave while your son is so ill.
Shan - for being there, and for checking up on me. moomoobaabaa.
Kara and Bill - for your sweet email =)
Gran - for letting Sav and I sleep in your bed. For the love and encouragement xxx
Grandmere - for your phonecall, the support was appreciated.
Vee and John - thank you for your phone calls and email =)
Trace - thanks for looking after sav while i visited Franc tonight x
Our Homegroup and Paula&Blaise - for the calls, prayers and visits, you keep us inspired to get there!!
Terri - for rescuing us with bottles, nappies, formula and baby gadgets at the trauma rooms! For feeding me and allowing me to sleep like the dead in your comfy spare bed! hughug
My Mom - I could not have coped without you - I know that you are behind Francis and I 200% and I'm so grateful for you. I love you.
Thank you for babysitting, driving around, rescuing me and for letting me just be in your home. Francis sends his love and thanks as well.
Basically every person on this list has either visited Francis, spoken to me in person or called me, some of you have even babysat, and opened your homes to me, you've fed me and encouraged me - it has helped me to be strong for Francis. Thank you again =)
Lets, hope that my gorgeous Hubby gets up and going soon. I will keep you all posted as things develop.
3rd August
Well, my husband is back home – after a hellish two weeks sans-husband, I have him on my couch and in my home! It is so nice to see him when I want to – laugh with him, hug him and annoy him again = )
He was in general ward for 4 days,
theatre 1 day,
back to general ward for 1 day
and then into ICU-High Care for 3 days
and back to general ward for 5days.
Not cool.
After the operation where the surgeon joined 6 pieces of femur together with big gigantuan screws Franc returned to general ward only to discover that his heart wouldn't slow down – his resting rate would go from 60 – 160 and back again for no reason. After they moved him to high care they put him onto meds, and monitored him 24/7 to try and establish what was wrong with him.
The diagnosis – Supraventricular Tachycardial Arrythmia. In short – Top of heart beats quicker than it should. Blood does not get pumped efficiently and Franc is left exhausted, weak and living a less-than perfect life.
He is on Hexarone now and in two weeks he sees the Cardiologist. He might have to go to JHB for an electro operation – electrocuting the heart muscle.
We are not taking this lying down though – we are sending him to Dr Kiepiel a homeopath who will diagnose him and treat him holistically
6th August
Well, last Thursday I fetched a weak but happy husband from the hospital and brought him (slowly) home. He was very emotional and exhausted, frustrated and optimistic (that's Franc!)
On Friday I decided to go with my gut feeling and started treating him with homeopathic meds - natural medicine. He responded immediately (as in he went of the prescription painkillers and was recovering more every hour) so i decided to call Dr K a homeopath in Kloof (she is the best in SA and there is a three month waiting list) I really felt that she would be able to help him. I called on Friday and spoke to the receptionist, told her a little of our story. She told me that the soonest appointment would be in September! I just gave her all of the times that suit us and left it there – within 15 minutes she received a phone call from a client who was cancelling! The open appointment was for this Monday at 10:30 (the time that I said would suit us best!!) She was so amazed at this that she bumped us up to the top of the waiting list and called us saying "this is too strange, has never happened before – the appointment MUST be for you!"
Saturday was a great day for Franc – my private music students came for their lessons and he had a great time telling them all his story, then My Mom and Dad popped in to bring us a milktart and some brownies, followed by a visit by Jo and Shan =0)
Sunday was quiet and restful – ie. Mommy worked and Dad and Baby slept ;0)
So, on Monday we headed off to see the doctor and spent an hour and a half there with franc hooked up to an Quantum machine (It diagnoses and regulates the body condition) and throughout Monday Francis was much better, Monday evening after our guests left Franc went through an awful detox process – he was very ill for about 4hrs.
Tuesday morning we went in to the hospital to have his staples removed and I told the doctor about Francs collarbone sticking up at a funny angle – he did an examination and booked franc right there for an operation this morning at 9am! So now, my gorgeous bionic man has four steel screws in his hip and a steel screw/plate in his shoulder to hold his collarbone together.
24th July
This morning much to my dismay, Francis was moved from General Ward to the High Care facility. He was having trouble with excessive sweats, nausea and a rapid resting heart rate. I was very upset at first but after speaking with the Nursing Sister I was reassured that he was doing much better and was being monitored very closely.
I went in this evening to see him and he was in a great mood, they had changed his drip to another brand and had taken him off the morphine (he was having a reaction to it we think) these changes made a huge difference.
I had the opportunity of meeting up with Jo there, she was on her way out and Francis was really encouraged after seeing her - thanks Jo - go mammabear!
I took one look at him and said "right ...dinner time" he wasnt interested, so in the wily way of a seasoned wife, i started chatting while breaking up his sandwidges and feeding them to him bit by bit. after a fun chat about our dogs (or something) I said "all done!" and he was shocked. Then I looked at him again and decided that the "Raiders of the lost ark" look was really so 1976 and promptly ordered a razor, hot water and a towel. By the time I left, he was smiling, his sheets and bedding were all straight and tucked in nicely, he was full of food, clean shaven and smelling like fresh deodorant. Job done!
Now, the only serious part is this: His heart rate is not normal at this point, it isnt bad enough to warrant huge concern but if it doesnt stabilize over night they will be calling in a cardio specialist. His resting pulse rate goes from 97 to 160 and back down again while he is lying quietly. We have had so much prayer and support - it has made everything seem do-able.
Some Thanks:
Maryanne (and Phil) - thank you precious lady for your call from the States - it made me smile - I'm so sorry i missed it!
Cris - thanks for your vote of confidence xx mwa mwa
Kim - for the food, the tea, running to my house in time for the ugly cry and the constant calls and support xoxoxoxox
Rach - for being so willing to assist me 24/7 you star
Jo - for being so flexible (visit, no visit, visit...) and supportive of us, and for being brave while your son is so ill.
Shan - for being there, and for checking up on me. moomoobaabaa.
Kara and Bill - for your sweet email =)
Gran - for letting Sav and I sleep in your bed. For the love and encouragement xxx
Grandmere - for your phonecall, the support was appreciated.
Vee and John - thank you for your phone calls and email =)
Trace - thanks for looking after sav while i visited Franc tonight x
Our Homegroup and Paula&Blaise - for the calls, prayers and visits, you keep us inspired to get there!!
Terri - for rescuing us with bottles, nappies, formula and baby gadgets at the trauma rooms! For feeding me and allowing me to sleep like the dead in your comfy spare bed! hughug
My Mom - I could not have coped without you - I know that you are behind Francis and I 200% and I'm so grateful for you. I love you.
Thank you for babysitting, driving around, rescuing me and for letting me just be in your home. Francis sends his love and thanks as well.
Basically every person on this list has either visited Francis, spoken to me in person or called me, some of you have even babysat, and opened your homes to me, you've fed me and encouraged me - it has helped me to be strong for Francis. Thank you again =)
Lets, hope that my gorgeous Hubby gets up and going soon. I will keep you all posted as things develop.
3rd August
Well, my husband is back home – after a hellish two weeks sans-husband, I have him on my couch and in my home! It is so nice to see him when I want to – laugh with him, hug him and annoy him again = )
He was in general ward for 4 days,
theatre 1 day,
back to general ward for 1 day
and then into ICU-High Care for 3 days
and back to general ward for 5days.
Not cool.
After the operation where the surgeon joined 6 pieces of femur together with big gigantuan screws Franc returned to general ward only to discover that his heart wouldn't slow down – his resting rate would go from 60 – 160 and back again for no reason. After they moved him to high care they put him onto meds, and monitored him 24/7 to try and establish what was wrong with him.
The diagnosis – Supraventricular Tachycardial Arrythmia. In short – Top of heart beats quicker than it should. Blood does not get pumped efficiently and Franc is left exhausted, weak and living a less-than perfect life.
He is on Hexarone now and in two weeks he sees the Cardiologist. He might have to go to JHB for an electro operation – electrocuting the heart muscle.
We are not taking this lying down though – we are sending him to Dr Kiepiel a homeopath who will diagnose him and treat him holistically
6th August
Well, last Thursday I fetched a weak but happy husband from the hospital and brought him (slowly) home. He was very emotional and exhausted, frustrated and optimistic (that's Franc!)
On Friday I decided to go with my gut feeling and started treating him with homeopathic meds - natural medicine. He responded immediately (as in he went of the prescription painkillers and was recovering more every hour) so i decided to call Dr K a homeopath in Kloof (she is the best in SA and there is a three month waiting list) I really felt that she would be able to help him. I called on Friday and spoke to the receptionist, told her a little of our story. She told me that the soonest appointment would be in September! I just gave her all of the times that suit us and left it there – within 15 minutes she received a phone call from a client who was cancelling! The open appointment was for this Monday at 10:30 (the time that I said would suit us best!!) She was so amazed at this that she bumped us up to the top of the waiting list and called us saying "this is too strange, has never happened before – the appointment MUST be for you!"
Saturday was a great day for Franc – my private music students came for their lessons and he had a great time telling them all his story, then My Mom and Dad popped in to bring us a milktart and some brownies, followed by a visit by Jo and Shan =0)
Sunday was quiet and restful – ie. Mommy worked and Dad and Baby slept ;0)
So, on Monday we headed off to see the doctor and spent an hour and a half there with franc hooked up to an Quantum machine (It diagnoses and regulates the body condition) and throughout Monday Francis was much better, Monday evening after our guests left Franc went through an awful detox process – he was very ill for about 4hrs.
Tuesday morning we went in to the hospital to have his staples removed and I told the doctor about Francs collarbone sticking up at a funny angle – he did an examination and booked franc right there for an operation this morning at 9am! So now, my gorgeous bionic man has four steel screws in his hip and a steel screw/plate in his shoulder to hold his collarbone together.
I have just spoken to him and he is slurring but confident it was a good op. He said something about me being his nurse - so I'm both scared and curious at this point ;0)
So, after hours of crying, intense stress, a crying and broken husband, two weeks of missed work for both of us (it's hurting the pocket now!) and a 6 month old baby in tow, we are seeing the light at the end of a very long dark tunnel.
Keep well and thanks again for the support
Sands x
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Grannies, Trolleys and Ralph
Well here are some photos from the past few weeks, my little Bunkie, Savanna, is getting so big!
Here she is with my Mom (Gransie) Sav has two very cool Grannies. She has Gransie (above) and Granny Jo. We had the pleasure of seeing both Grans on Saturday and Sav had a ball being tickled, kissed hugged and played with! She is a real cutie and has both ladies wrapped around her little soggy finger!
She doesn't use the built in baby-chairs at the shops now - oh no. She sits in the toddlers seats in the Trollys! She loves it! The tellers have watched her grow from a One day old baby (yes I was at Spar the day after I gave birth) and then they saw her in her little car seat, then in her kango pouch bouncing away and making friends with everyone, and now she is a 'big girl' and sits up in the trolley = )
She makes her neurotic mum a little freaked cos she insists on chewing the plastic advert panel - oh no! So we go armed with disposable napkins which I tie on...chew away Sava.
She is too sweet – she can stand on her own now, holding on to something, and she's a wiggle away from crawling! She's also learned the word "NO" and thinks its very funny when Mum gets cross and says firmly "NO! Don't eat your own P**p!" she just stares at me with a slight frown of annoyance and then…smiles. I could just do my nut.
Oh, and another thing – I can't get to grips with – My 6 month old wears 9 – 18month clothing, and has 18-24months tops. She is so TALL! If I stand her on my lap, her eyes are just above mine. Little monkey.
Talking about monkeys, the neighbourhood monkeys are back with a vengeance. We have a new dog – The Cork. (See previous posts) and he has done a great job of keeping them well away from our garden (and my flowers!) but the other day ~gasp of horror please~ a monkey moved my curtains to the side and cased the joint. The following day while I was out the said monkey opened the window and Came. Into. MY. KITCHEN!! Ok, if I had been in the house at the time the previous sentence would have all been in big caps and there would be a dead monkey in my garage.
Long story short – after deducing that I did not have "…der's a rat in da kitchen" (cue music: UB40) I realised that the sharp fang marks all over my butternut were in fact from Monkey. I'll call him Ralph. Ralph, is lucky that he escaped with his life, when Ralph decides to make a reappearance he will discover my dastardly plan… I have tied the window together = ) sorry Ralph. Try next door.
Keep well, and I hope to be writing more posts soon.
Sands x
Update: Francis
Well, my husband is back home – after a hellish two weeks sans-husband, I have him on my couch and in my home! It is so nice to see him when I want to – laugh with him, hug him and annoy him again = )
He was in general ward for 4 days,
theatre 1 day,
back to general ward for 1 day
and then into ICU-High Care for 3 days
and back to general ward for 5days.
Not cool.
After the operation where the surgeon joined 6 pieces of femur together with big gigantuan screws Franc returned to general ward only to discover that his heart wouldn't slow down – his resting rate would go from 60 – 160 and back again for no reason. After they moved him to high care they put him onto meds, and monitored him 24/7 to try and establish what was wrong with him.
The diagnosis – Supraventricular Tachycardial Arrythmia. In short – Top of heart beats quicker than it should. Blood does not get pumped efficiently and Franc is left exhausted, weak and living a less-than perfect life.
He is on Hexarone now and in two weeks he sees the Cardiologist. He might have to go to JHB for an electro operation – electrocuting the heart muscle.
We are not taking this lying down though – we are sending him to Dr Kiepiel a homeopath who will diagnose him and treat him holistically.
Keep us in your prayers
Sands x
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