Category Archives: NarrySays

like a dancing judy.

Posted on December 16, 2010 by Natali| 3 Comments

That is what I felt like earlier this week – like a dancing Judy Garland.

Last week Sunday, my computer decided to say farewell. I have been wanting to buy a new one for a long time, but as we all know, they tend to be on the pricey side of life. But my trusty old friend said no more and decided to switch itself off and stay like that.

Knowing that I had a few things to do – that require a computer – and knowing that I did not have one, left me a little upside down.

On Monday morning I rushed to the nearest computer (work, doh) and looked for affordable computer deals. After 2 clicks I found the best deal of the day, or I would like to think, the best deal of the year. I called the computer store, asked the friendly guy to please put one aside and I will collect it during lunch time. A few minutes after 1pm I was the owner of a brand new laptop.

Now why would that make me dance like Judy Garland? Because I am extremely thankful that I was able to transfer a few cents from one account to another and somehow managed to get enough money into one account to pay for the laptop.

Everything happened so fast and because it was so important to find a new computer, I did not really pay attention to what was happening. When I walked back to work I realized what just happened and how easy it was.

I do not like the word ‘lucky’, but I am a very blessed Narry. Very.

And very, very, very thankful.

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88.

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Natali| 6 Comments

My dearest Oupa is 88 today! He was born in 1922 and I was born on the 22nd – it is my favorite number too (by the way).

He might not be able to outrun you, but he rides his bicycle everyday for at least 3 kilometers. Horse rides too.

He has the biggest heart, will never say anything bad about anyone, but loves to play tricks on anyone and everyone.

He loves to draw, especially horses – and lately pooping bunnies.

I love my Oupa and hope to have him around when he turns 100.

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a few little things.

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Natali| Leave a comment


Yes, that was a long thing – and a lot of it. It will be taking place tomorrow. If you are in the area, it would be lovely to see you there.

There are only a few more days left, then I will be jetting off to a very special place. Extra long holidays mean extra long fun.

Okay, this post is not about ‘little things’ and definitely not ‘a few’ either.

Rephrase.

a whole lotta stuff.

Much better.

Today, I went to the doctor for a check up. I am not the type who runs to the doctor for every little thing, because I believe a bath, lots of water and sleep can fix anything. Today was different, and for as long as The Oprah Winfrey Show is on television, I will be listening to the experts. They were talking about cholesterol, blood glucose levels and a few other things. What better way to start the new year than to know that you are healthy? I made her draw blood (she did not want to at first – apparently I am a reluctant bleeder, thanks!) and got tested for a few things. Yes, there is that few again. Worth it.

Earlier today, my dearest Marenna gave me a whole lotta stuff. Stuff I tend to love.

See? You are jealous, huh? Yeah, I would be too. I do not like the word ‘luck’, so I will not call myself lucky, but I am one happy (and blessed) Narry.

Right now, I am having the shakes, because I want to stick those Star Sticky Notes all over the place. Who needs a cellphone reminder when you have these?

Might have to sit on my hands.

Oh! I have developed a love for stir-fried baby corn and asparagus with garlic and ginger. It has to be crunchy. You have to try it. Remember to sprinkle with a bit of salt to get rid of the bitter taste.

Here is to health, happiness and delayed wrinkles (thanks to Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair).

Yours (with a squeeze),
Narry aka Confessed Post-it addict.

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the thank yous.

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Natali| 2 Comments

In the spirit of the AMAs, I would like to say a few thank yous! To thank everyone who has made my birthday a happy day.

Last year I was very spoiled and had lunch with my good friend, Charles. Knowing that I do not like my birthdays and that for some reason they are not really ‘happy’ days – he went out of his way to make me feel special.

The rest of the day I spent at home crying.

Knowing that my birthday was around the corner I did not know what to expect and in a way I was hoping for it to be a good, but at the same time – a quiet one. No expectations, because expectations killed it last year.

This morning, I woke up at 7am in a room filled with sunshine. All sorts of sunshine – the real and the imaginary. Thirty minutes later, the phone rang. Hello Mamas and Oupa!

It is the 23rd of November already (at least in this part of town) and I think it finally stopped – 5 minutes ago. Earlier 3 messages arrived at the same time and my phone made this weird sound. So I would like to thank my phone for that too. You worked hard today, my boy! Or no, I think it might be a girl, the screen is very pink.

First Kati, and then Eloise who both sang happy birthday! Eloise, I loved the long, extended version. I thank my stars for you, because you are really fabulous and I am happy to have you as a friend. Kati, we have come a looong way. Thank you. Really.

I want to thank my mamas for working hard and dealing with all the cramps on the Monday that happened 2_ years ago. Twenny-what?

My oupa who is my backup daddy, one of my best friends, and my all time number 1 man!

My dad who is bouncing on a cloud somewhere. I think of you a LOT lately. Maybe because you miss me too? I thought of you (like crazy) earlier today when I drove to McDonalds for an Oreo McFlurry. On my way there, Eric Clapton’s ‘Tears in Heaven’ started playing. What is that supposed to mean, huh? Not sure, but those better be happy tears.

To the rest of my family (including Vera and Walls) – I love you. You know why and I am very blessed, knowing that I can call you any time of the day and you are always there. Immediately. All the time.

My amazing friends who know me so well and at the same time understand who I am – thank you for being you. To all my new friends who I have met recently, I am oh-so-happy that I did.

Kati, Johan, Bryce, Tina, Gareth (and Richard Marx) – thank you for dinner, the crazy chopsticks tricks and the sing-a-long session we had. Or wait, I was supposed to add you to the ‘family’ section (above). As if you do not know that already. Squeeze.

Last year Charles said “you have to create new memories” and that is exactly what happened this year. Every call, text message, email, wall post, tweet, mention, hug, kiss, poke (a real life one) and smile.

Thank you.

P.S. If I had to really be at the AMAs with this speech, they would have carried me off the stage already. Nevermind the music that is supposed to make you stop. Try me.

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sometimes i wish…

Posted on November 15, 2010 by Natali| 1 Comment

… that I could somehow tell my Dad that I still think of him and miss him. And even though he thought he was not good enough, he was a very good Papa.*

Things were tough at times and I know that he felt that he disappointed his family and himself, but everything that we went through – as a family – only made us who we are today.

As I am getting older I am noticing little things, little things that he used to do, that I am doing now. Most of the time I only notice the things I got from my mamas, but today I am proud of every little bit that I got from him.

Even the little crooked pinky.

He is not here anymore, and life tends to go on, but there are so many times when I am in the middle of doing something and for a second I really wish that he was here. Sometimes I just reaaally want to ask him “hey what do you think of this?” or even a simple “guess what happened today?“.

Most things you can say to any random person, but there are certain things that you have to tell your Dad. I miss that.

* 'The Pursuit of Happyness' moment.
 
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growing up.

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Natali| 2 Comments

Today I realized that I am turning into a real grownup lately. A healthy grownup too. What made me realize this very important fact? My groceries.

Usually I buy kiddies food. The chicken nuggets with the dinosaurs on the pack. The toaster oven waffles – you know the ones you pop into the toaster and 1 minute later you have dinner. The chocolates or colorful candy – not even to mention the Spider-man cupcakes.

It might be safe to say that I am not a big fan of normal food. I never cook, which is why I called toaster oven waffles – dinner. Did you notice that? Oi.

The last few months dinner usually only happens around 9pm. Woah, that is late. Yes, yes, I know, Oprah said you should not eat after 7pm. Too bad. I was running like a mad person earlier tonight. Exercise.

Wow, real food AND exercise? Yup.

Guess what? I have been eating veggies too. Not just one, but every meal I try to eat 2 different types of veggies. Yum.

In a weird way I am starting to enjoy food again, because for a long time I did not like food or eating very much. If that is even possible. Believe me, it was true.

Sometimes I make extra food during the evenings so that I have a cooked meal for lunch the next day. Otherwise I will opt for the usual piece of toast. As most of you will know by now.

I am lactose intolerant, but can eat little bits at a time. Flavored yoghurt seems to be okay most of the time, especially when it is Black Forest. Yes, I will admit – probably not the best form of calcium, but it is one of the only ones I get.

A healthy, fit Narry is a happy Narry. Even when she tries to be all grown up.

These are the last 3 movies I bought. Who is the grownup now?

Have you seen Fantastic Mr Fox? No? Please do yourself a favor and watch it. It is one of my all time favorites, you will laugh (and laugh). Thank you Wes Anderson, we love you.

Do you know what makes it even better? It is a stop-motion animated film.

Now make a plan to watch it. It is one of those things that grownups do. Really.

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how are you?

Posted on October 18, 2010 by Natali| 1 Comment

Heyhowareyou? One word. That is a phrase – cannot call it a question – that you often hear in the States. Instead of ‘hey’, people like to say ‘heyhowareyou’. They do not really ask you a question though.

By default, when someone asks ‘how are you’ we tend to say ‘fine’. Without thinking about it, right?

Lately, I find myself saying ‘I am happy’. And I really mean that. At the same time when I say those 3 words, everything that makes me happy and everything that I am thankful for flashes infront of me. Not sure why that happens, but when it does – it makes me even happier.

It is very interesting, because most people expect you to say ‘fine’, and then you start talking about the weather. You know how it goes.

Yesterday, when a friend asked how I am, she probably expected a ‘fine’, instead I responded with ‘I am really happy’. She paused for a second, said ‘oh’ and then wanted to know more. Beats talking about the weather.

In a way I think you kind of throw someone off guard, by saying anything else – other than ‘fine’. My new favorite thing.

‘Fine’ is like ‘nice’. What does it really mean, anyway?

Nice. Here is a thesaurus.

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why do you give?

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Natali| 9 Comments

Yesterday, I had a discussion with a guy who asked me if I get an ego boost when I give. Wait, what? Unless I get a brand new car in return for giving someone change, I do not understand how it can boost an ego.

Really? Is that why some people give or do something for someone else? What? Shock. Horror. No, I am not being funny, but I really do not understand it.

I find it very sad if that is the case. Most of the time it is anonymous giving.

Maybe my mind works different, but I automatically put myself into that person’s situation and wonder how I would feel if I had to sit on the side of the road, not have a toy for Christmas, not have shoes to wear and the list goes on.

Giving does not always fix a situation, but it can make a person smile and feel better about themselves. Even if it only lasts a few minutes. It can give them hope, knowing that there are people who still care. It might even encourage them to do something about their situation and help someone else along the way. Chain reaction. Pay it forward.

If it is about ego, I can think of a million other things that would do the job.

What do you think? And why do you give?

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lesson learnt.

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Natali| Leave a comment

Yesterday, I was cold. So cold that it made me feel miserable. My hands turned purple and I could see the veins. You know that type of cold? Funny enough, it was warm outside – 29 degrees C for some, 84 degrees F for others.

Cold and stuck between 4 walls.

Today I woke up knowing that I will be cold, yet again. Purple hands and shivering while people are swimming in the sea.

Where did that get me? Absolutely nowhere, but I ended up being a moody Narry. Who made me miserable? I did.

Did the lightbulbs go on around 6pm this evening? They sure did. Lesson learnt.

If you decide or expect something bad, what will happen? I am not even going to tell you, because you already know the answer.

In case you did not know, it affects the mood of the entire room too.

Bad Narry, bad Narry!

But it is okay, because tomorrow I am going to be myself. If it gets too cold, then I will just have to wear my leopard print scarf and sing-a-long to the Glee soundtrack.

They still talk about my pink leggings, but those are not safe to wear in public.

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mail day.

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Natali| 6 Comments

Today was a good day for mail, that is why I am calling it ‘mail day’.

I left The Hole earlier this morning, because there was a parcel at the Post Office – waiting patiently. Narry, not so patiently. I had an idea of what it might be, but you can never be 100% sure. This time I was right though – my Jeremyville Postcard book arrived. Yiaaay!

When I got home this evening, there were two envelopes from my mamas.

Sorry to break it to you, but I honestly have the bestest mamas in the world. No doubt.

Yup, it is official.

Say hello to ‘Sketches From NY Postcard Book‘ by Jeremyville. Who is Jeremy? Do not even ask.

As you can see, Concrete Hermit sent it and it is by far the best and fastest – international – service. They shipped it within a few hours after placing my order.

Yes, I know, they are not a huge company like Amazon, but still. Amazing. No, not Amazon, Concrete Hermit – they are amazing. Really.

Now back to my mamas. She is also amazing.

Envelope one: I love when she does this. She sends newspaper cutouts every few months. What makes it even more special, is that she will send things that we spoke about – or just something that made us laugh. There is always a picture of a dog.



Envelope two: The princess notebook. The princess notebook that matches my bling.

Princess notebook + bling = “I didn’t ask to be a Princess, but if the crown fits. If the crown fits, wear it.” Ooh la la.

Meant to be, huh?

Here is that face again. It might actually be the mirror image of myself on mail day.

Mail day =  good day. Exclamation mark.

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