Just because it has to be done.
Question 1: Shower in the morning or evening?
Mornings mostly, to wake me up because I’m not a morning person, but in summer often in the evening. Especially if we’ve been at the beach or out all day.
Question 2: City centre or close to nature?
Tricky. It depends. If it’s just me or for a break or holiday I’d say close to nature every time. For our 3 month tour of the USA I’d be happy to avoid cities and only explore nature.
Thinking of the kids in a long-term situation, a city centre is convenient to provide for those essential family needs and the opportunities and diverse sources of learning and entertainment that come with it, is nice to have.
Question 3: Bright colours or neutrals?
I like the style and grace of neutrals, but bright colours make me happy. A neutral background with a splash of colour is the ideal balance for me.
Question 4: Spring or Autumn?
The colours of autumn have always made me stop and stare. I love them and I look forward to autumn every year. BUT. Spring, although detrimental to hay fever and allergy sufferers like myself, is something special.
The burst of new life in every aspect of nature. The change of colour from dull to bright as the signs of winter slowly fades away. The sound of birdsong and newborn baby animals all over the show. How can you not love it? I pick spring. Especially after seeing the dramatic change in the British country side this year, from snowed-out grey everywhere to bright green and colourful within a few weeks. Spectacular.
Question 5: Mint or cinnamon?
Mint
Question 6: Planned or spontaneous?
Spontaneous. I have to say our spontaneous decisions are followed by fast and manic stress fueled, but effective, planning. There is such a thing, I promise you.
I base this on the general conception that most people take months, even years, to think things through before making life-changing decisions and plan for another year or two before execution. Not us. We decide to get married while living in the UK and plan the wedding in South Africa, while we’re in the UK, in 2 months. Then we decide to immigrate from the UK to South Africa, with a family, again only in 2 months. Lately, we decided to travel the world with our three children and left our lives behind in just 3 months. Not sure if that’s spontaneous or bordering on crazy.
Question 7: A movie at home or at the cinema?
Cinema. Nothing beats the big screen and popcorn.
Question 8: Espresso or latte?
Latte.
Question 9: Hugs or kisses?
Oh no. This is difficult. I’m a kisser, but a good hug is as good as a holiday and Brendan gives THE best hugs. I don’t mind hugs or kisses from family and close friends, but prefer a handshake with new acquaintances.
Question 10: spicy or mild food?
Mild. I’m a sissy when it comes to spicy. If the kids can eat it, I can eat it.
Question 11: Leather or lace
Love leather jackets and accessories. Not the naughty kind. Handbags and stuff.
Question 12: Overdressed or underdressed?
I am a terrible dresser with zero fashion sense who often gets it wrong when I try really hard to get it right. Picking clothes each day is a chore I’d love to pay someone else to do for me one day. That and cooking. If it’s up to me I’d wear trainers or flip-flops every day.
I’m usually underdressed, but in the past I’ve shown up to a party or event awkwardly overdressed.
Question 13: Adventure or comfort?
Comfort. I don’t need much to be comfortable and I find adventure in the smallest things. Even while we are on an adventure of a life-time, I am mostly comfortable, because I can make myself and my family comfortable with less than most.
Question 14: TV series or movie?
Lately, TV series. It used to be movies and I am a total movie freak, but I find really great movies, to my taste, are few and far between these days.
Since arriving in the UK, I’ve had numerous late nights to binge-watch The Queen, Vikings and Poldark and enjoyed every minute. Even had an all-nighter once!
Question 15: Rock or country music?
I’m a country girl and love a two-step or line dance.
Question 16: Red or white wine?
A good red.
Question 17: Working alone or in a team?
Alone
Question 18: Swimming or sunbathing?
You can’t sunbathe without a swim! Who does that? Only if the water is really really ice cold will I not swim. I detest freezing water.
Question 19: Fast food or sit-down restaurant?
Sit-down every time, unless Kate is with me. Busy toddlers and sit-down dinners don’t always go together.
Question 20: Matched or mismatched socks?
Whatever I grab.
Question 21: Dancing or singing?
Definitely dancing. I love singing too, but I’m terrible at it. Got kicked out of choir when I tried it in junior school and boo-ed off a karaoke stage after school. People turn around and stare when I sing in church. Heartbreaking
Voice coaching is on my list of things do before I die.
Question 22: Phone or the internet?
Phone. But I’d be lost without either because we use internet for everything. School, work, play.
My phone is valuable because of the memories I am able to capture with it. Photo’s and videos of our children and our life mean the world to me. As long as I have my phone I can always make a plan to get internet, can’t I?
