esprit de l'escalier

Closing time

2006-12-22T01:58:00.000+02:00

Finally. Another year of ups and downs comes to an end.

As I sit sipping my coke I think of all the things I've done and accomplished in the past twelve months - I'd say I'm pretty happy with how it all turned out.

This will be the last blog post for 2006 - I will have more to tell and many more Flickr pics to share in the new year.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Candybar

2006-12-12T09:43:00.000+02:00

Say hello to my new toy!

Weighing in at only 112 grams and at only 15mm thick, my new phone - a sweet and sleek Sony Ericsson M600i - was picked up from the MTN store yesterday.

This is not ordinary handset and it's definitely no iPod or EOS wannabe. Yes, so it doesn't have an on board camera or play 5000 songs but it does exactly what I want and need it to do. I'm actually glad it doesn't have a camera - I bought a 350D for a reason - and the phone would look too bulky and chunky with a camera anyway.

Essentially the M600i is a cellphone with PDA functionality to keep your life organised and in check. It has a nice 240x320 pixel touch screen with options of a "dual QWERTY" keypad, virtual keyboard or handwriting recognition.

It's slim and stylish with a cheeky blue glow. I miss the joystick in the middle already but it seems to have moved to the side as a jog dial instead - works well though.

It's got your expected SMS, MMS, email, media players and games as well as other neat things like RSS feeds, flight mode (I've always wanted that). I believe the UK and US versions have GPS and road maps - nice!

There's no wi-fi but I'm not sure you REALLY need it when you have 3G, USB, Infra red and Bluetooth. Wi-fi seems redundant with this phone AND I don't need to find a hot-spot to use it :)

I love it!

16 Days - Take two

2006-12-07T04:46:00.000+02:00

This is just an update to say thank you to everyone who responded to my "16 Days of Activism" post.

I received a number of responses from many people, especially from those who chose not to comment but instead write to me personally and share their stories.

I also learnt so much about some of my friends that I would never ordinarily have known unless I wrote this post and created a channel for them to open up.

Thank you for letting me in on your lives.

It's always nice to feel like you are never going, have gone or going to go through something alone.

16 Days of Activism

2006-12-03T09:26:00.000+02:00

I can't help but feel obliged to write about this.

I have fond memories from my childhood, but along with that are experiences that a child should never be witness to.

'Til today, I can recall many nights of hearing my dad pull up in the driveway at home after a night out at the pub. My mom would quickly usher both my brother and I to our bedrooms telling us not to come out until dad was asleep. We could hear him yelling at mom - accusing her of arbitrary things.

When things would get really heated, my brother and I would brave out into the kitchen asking "why are you fighting?" - hoping they will stop.

It's hard enough as a child seeing two people who claim they love each other fight the way they did. But it's even worse watching your father smack your mother around. Whether it be watching her crash through the coffee table in the lounge or seeing the bruises on her body a day or two after.

For anyone who's reading this and thinking "why didn't she just get out?". You can't just "get out". It's a lot harder than what it seems from the outside. It goes deeper than that. When someone constantly beats on your self-esteem, breaks down your self-confidence and toys with your emotions on a daily basis, you tend to build this co-dependent relationship and you feel totally reliable on this person.

I never wish I saw the things I did when I was a child. But I did. It's made me a stronger person today but it's something I have to deal with and will never forget.

I love you mom.

Further reading here

10, 000+ Views!!!

2006-11-21T17:12:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I realized that I have over 10, 000 views on my Flickr account! Wheeeee!

Got Moo?

2006-11-12T17:38:00.000+02:00

I unfortunately missed the Flickr promotion of Moo cards. I lack a Pro account, so even if I did get there in time, I wouldn't have been eligible (boo!).

I manage to get my hands on the Skype promo though (yay!) and in just more that two shakes of sheeps tail these cute little numbers arrived in my mailbox.

You can customize these cards with either your Flickr photos or emoticons and text from Skype. On the back, your contact details.

I can't seem to bring myself to actually give them out though...

I heart Google

2006-10-03T17:56:00.000+02:00

Lately I've found myself spending all my free time at work sightseeing on Google Maps - What a blessing!

Here's s few of my favourites:

1. The Interdimensional Portal
2. Michael Jordan's whopper of a mansion
3. An apparent mid-air refuelling
4. Area 51 - Yeah it's bland but it's not exactly open to the public so this is about as close as you'll ever get!
5. The Mega Ramp is the brainchild of professional skateboarder Danny Way. It’s a nine-story monster half pipe built out in California’s desert where Danny set world records for the longest and highest air on a skateboard in 2002.
6. A big-ass pink rabbit
7. uShaka Marine World in Durban
8. Disneyworld (Florida) - You may want to scroll up, it's pretty big Disneyland (California)
9. A flying car (yeah it's tiny - but it's still there!)
10. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, then you’ll have heard all about everyone’s favourite show, ‘Lost‘. And if you’re a fan, then you’ll know that the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42 are of great significance.

So what happens if you use the numbers as latitude and longitude co-ordinates? Obviously you could use them in several different ways, but if you stick to the rough area where the survivors believe flight 815 crashed, then you’ll find this tiny little island

It's quite addictive isn't it? (Yes!)

Google Sightseeing is a great place to look for more...

Here's a thought

2006-08-21T17:16:00.000+02:00

What do you think will happen to the Playboy mansion and all the little bunnies that live there when 'ol Heffy kicks the bucket?

Ideas anyone?

The News is NowPublic

2006-08-03T17:06:00.000+02:00

I received an email on my Flickr account today from Lisa Murch, the Manager of Contributor Relations at NowPublic.com.

She asked me if I wouldn't mind sharing by submitting my photos relating to the article about the recent snow the Western Cape had experienced (as well the sleet in Johannesburg - yay!). The article can be found here if you're interested in reading it. I submitted my photos from my Flickr account and all I had to do was complete quick and easy registration that literally took like 2 minutes! - I love easy registrations!

The site is a non-commercial, public news service that uses stories and footage from non-news sources - as Lisa describes it.

Essentially the site is trying to get ordinary people to write about the news and things that are important to them but without all the propaganda or over-exaggeration that a journalist might throw in because the juicier they make it the more copies they might sell. So essentially we're getting honest (perhaps not necessarily accurate) reports and views about what's happening in the news around the globe.

I also think that this makes a great way for anyone looking to become a journalist to get some "practice" writing articles for a news site.

The site is also very big on intellectual property and allowing you to keep ownership of your submissions:

"Our system automatically embeds credits, contact information, and licensing agreements in your photos and videos so that anywhere the photo goes, your information follows. This means that if someone posts your image on their blog, anyone who sees it will be able to find you.

Not only that, you can dynamically update this information at any time, even on copies in outside circulation."

So change the news. Find a story. Add something to it. Make the news better. The news is NowPublic.

I'm such a Rebel!

2006-05-02T17:10:00.000+02:00

I bought my first digital camera just over eighteen months ago, an Olympus C-160 to be exact. Such a basic little thing but nevertheless, it did the job. I landed up giving it to my mom as she has been wanting a digital camera for so long but can't afford one at the current time in her life. In the interim I've been making use of Warren's Sony and ever since moving to Cape Town, my interest in photography has grown.

The desire and curiosity has always been there but my life has never posed the opportunity to persue those desires - which would often lead me to many days/months/years of frustration and often tears of not being able to express myself in a particular medium that I felt was 'me'. My way of expression involves money, atleast for the tools needed, and I would often selfishly ask myself why I wasn't born into a rich family.

I remember I wanted a camera in primary school already. They had photography classes and so badly wanted to go but I didn't have a camera and there was no way my folks were going to get me one either - or pay for my classes.

I've waited a long time to finally get something that I wanted - and a good one at that - and for the first time this weekend I had the satisfaction of purchasing one of those things I've always wanted - a brand spanking new Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT.

Mr Norris

2006-04-19T16:45:00.000+02:00

Well with all the sudden Chuck Norris interest going on I've decided to post a few Chucky jokes (no, not the horror movie) to perhaps 'brighten' your day a little. The pic was taken by Warrenski while we were up in Jozi. It's best viewed large.

1. Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
2. Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.
3. There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.
4. Chuck Norris drinks napalm to quell his heartburn.
5. Chuck Norris can ping 256.256.256.256 and get a reply.

Want more?

Thank you Egyptians!

2006-03-16T16:34:00.000+02:00

Today I have taken the time out to thank the Egyptians for creating one of life's small pleasures.

Pie.

The pie has been around since the ancient Egyptians from 2000 B.C. At some point between 1400 B.C. (Greek settlements) and 600 B.C. (the decline of Egypt) the pie is believed to have passed on to the Greeks by the Egyptians.

From Greece the pie spread to Rome somewhere around 100 B.C. by which time pies had already been around for some 1000 years. The first known pie recipe came from the Romans and was for a rye-crusted goat cheese and honey pie.

Pies appeared in England in the 12th century and were predominantly meat pies. The crust of the pie was referred to as the “coffyn” and there generally more crust than filling. Sometimes these pies were made with fowl and the legs were left outside the pie to act as handles. For a long time the pastry crust was actually not eaten, serving only to preserve the moisture and flavour of the filling.

Information from Wikipedia

Then 'til now

2006-02-14T17:46:00.000+02:00

Well firstly I'd like to give a very hearty congratulations to Jason and Rene on their marriage on Saturday 4 February 2006. Wa couldn't have said it better!

Also the J&B Met was a real jol - I met Nicole Fox and she is such a sweetie pie! I managed to win R235 off of a R50 bet (not bad).

Warren's birthday is coming up soon along with a... well... long awaited visit from Nat and Ian. Can't wait to see you guys!

And don't forget The Summer Reunion Party happening on 25 February 2006.

Oh and, Happy Valentine's Day everybody!

Stunt Double

2006-02-08T14:18:00.000+02:00

Ever wondered, if you had to play a celebrity in a movie, who you would play?

Probably not.

Well here you can upload your photo and get matched with celebrities that best match your facial features. Okay that signup thing is a bit of a schlep but it can be fun to see who you resemble.

Here's my matches along with the photo I submitted.

The right comeback too late

2006-02-06T17:19:00.000+02:00

While sitting at table seven at Acidman's wedding on Saturday evening, Jono and I were discussing the name of my blog (he happens to think that it's a brilliant name - thanks Jono).

It occured to me that not many people may know what "esprit de l'escalier" means or how I decided on it. So I've taken it upon myself, with the help of Wikipedia of course, to give you a little explanation about what it really means and how it came about.

As you may (or may not) know, the direct translation of "esprit de l'escalier" is "Wit of the Staircase", Wiki describes it as:

"thinking of the right comeback too late"

Which is exactly what it is.

The story was "Originally a witticism of Diderot, the French encyclopedist, in his Paradoxe sur le Comédien. This combination of words was first used in order to describe a situation when a person offended by somebody at a party just grumbled instead of giving a proper, defending answer, getting, as a result, in even more silly position and thus being "forced" to leave the party; and here it comes the "stairs" word - while the annoyed was going down the stairs that "brilliant" answer just poped-up in his mind, nevertheless it was too late."

I find myself in this situation on a regular basis but never knew there was a name for it. When I started my blog, I obviously had to create some sort of name (and I'm terrible at creating names). My usual thing when naming is to just grab a super, ultra huge Oxford dictionary, open random pages, scan the results and decide whether I like it or not. I ran across "esprit" first and liked it but needed more. So I checked the other options down the page and found "esprit de l'escalier" and that's how I discovered the words.

My little Linux penguins

2006-01-21T03:11:00.000+02:00

So here I am on a Saturday morning.

I'm sitting here at work typing away while I hear my sweetheart breathing. We've had an awesome night out at Springbok with a R50 all you can drink special. We're too drunk to drive so instead we've eaten boerewors rolls and pies from the Engen and trudged upstairs to our work, because it's safe and warm. Wa is lying on the table and Vorn is on the floor. Both are asleep. Kinda makes me want to join them.

I'm a little drunk myself.

A year and a day

2006-01-06T15:33:00.000+02:00

So yesterday Wa and I (kinda) celebrated a year of meeting one another on the site. This time last year we were exchanging our first few messages. I remember how excited we were.

It's just really weird to think that a whole year has passed since.

I don't believe in resolutions for this year. However, I have decided on a few things that have been more like dreams I wish to accomplish this year, one being to get back into art and to improve my musical abilities.

I trust everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year. For those who I know who have been in car accidents during the festive season, I hope you make a quick recovery.

The Freedom Toaster

2005-12-19T20:45:00.001+02:00

Empowered by The Shuttleworth Foundation, The Freedom Toaster is a conveniently located, self-contained ‘Bring 'n Burn' facility, where users bring their own blank discs and make copies of the open source software they require.

Now aint that nifty?

"Burn free, as free as the source flows..."

'Tis the season to be jolly

2005-12-19T18:10:00.000+02:00

And I can't seem to feel the festive vibe.

I guess it's because I've spent all my money. I've created new debt for myself after I've just paid it all off. I'm away from my friends and family over Christmas for the first time. I'm not too sure how to handle it just yet. Not too sure how I'm feeling about it either.

I've been feeling kinda vulnerable and sad and a whole bunch of other mixed emotions.

I wish I could find time.

I'm hoping to make the most of next year. A new job, new salary (yay), hopefully I would have the design for the site Wa and I are working on, and I can make things happen for the both of us!

Perhaps a late Christmas gift to myself.

'Cause I can!

2005-12-06T17:29:00.000+02:00

Seven Things I Want To Do Before I Die
1. Travel.
2. Learn a new language.
3. Perform for a live audience.
4. Be in a magazine.
5. Fly a bi-plane/helicopter
6. Sail on fancy yacht.
7. Get married and have kids.

Seven Things I Cannot Do
1. Park.
2. Hold my breath underwater for longer than about 30 seconds.
3. Tell good jokes (Or atleast I don't think so).
4. Speak in public.
5. A somersault.
6. Eat insects, internal organs of animals, mince pies or rice cakes.
7. I struggle to cross roads (don't ask).

Seven Things That Attract Me To My (romantic interest, best friend, whatever applies to you)
1. Intelligence.
2. Communication.
3. Awesome laugh.
4. Sense of humour.
5. Creativity.
6. Playfulness.
7. Ambition.

Seven Things I Say Most Often
1. Snuggly!
2. Goood goood good!
3. Yummy.
4. My Wa-wa.
5. Fuuuuck!!!
6. I use the word "excited" a lot.
7. *slirp* (More Onomatopoeia though).

Seven Books, Or Series (I presume on T.V.), That I Love
1. C.S.I.
2. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.
3. South Park.
4. The Amazing Race.
5. The Simpsons.
6. Tell Me Your Dreams by Sydney Sheldon.
7. 8 Simple Rules for Dating my Teenage Daughter.

Seven Movies I Would Watch Over and Over Again
1. The Crow.
2. Charlie's Angels.
3. Empire Records.
4. Austin Powers.
5. Honey.
6. Saving Private Ryan.
7. Centre Stage.

Seven People I Want To Join In Too
1. Warrenski.
2. Darren.
3. Shannyn.
4. Chris (for entertainment value ---> Agreed)
5. Nicky.
6. Acidman.
7. Anyone else really.

Flash them bling bling y'all

2005-12-06T15:33:00.000+02:00

Human beings are funny things really.

Now I've always been fascinated by humans. I'm fascinated by their behaviour, their actions, interactions and reactions to the world around them.

This is not a dig on my own kind or anything, but merely an observation.

Assuming the person is right-handed, have you ever noticed how a woman’s left hand suddenly becomes the most functional part of her body when she gets engaged?

She'll answer the phone with her left hand, pick things up, hand things to other people, wave at her friends, and play with her hair. Hell, she'll even write with her left hand! She'll do anything just to show it off!

Okay fine. So I'm a woman and I'd do it too! I mean, if my boyfriend proposed to me with a rock, sure I'd also show it off at every moment I can, 'cause yes, I would be proud to be engaged. Nothing wrong with that.

It's natural.

I hate the fact that I've neglected my drawing skills

2005-12-02T17:12:00.000+02:00

I miss art.

I loved my art classes at school. Both of them. My art teacher was a short little old lady who brought her seven year-old Boxer named Maks to school everyday (without fail people) in her, what once was, a teal and orange Suzuki Jeep, which is now, an Opel Corsa. The dog would slobber all over our school bags in the class as he tried to sniff out what we had for lunch. He would occasionally let out a nasty for all to smell. I still wonder what the hell she fed him.

I spent most of my time in art class and I must admit I learnt a lot. From nature and people, to religion and... well... dogs. I learnt to appreciate art for what it really was, and I fell in love with art.

I loved the day trips out to galleries around town and saw just how awesome local art is. And it really is THAT amazing!

Since leaving school, I've really felt that I have neglected my art skills. I don't draw anymore. I don't paint anymore. I'm scared that I may lose the skills that I have developed since I started drawing at the age of seven. It makes me sad that I have almost forgotten about one of the things I love most. All this time and effort I have put into my work to improve it and to improve myself, will all be gone. I get frustrated when I try get back into it, and my work is not as good as it used to be. I've taken an interest in photography lately and sometimes I feel like it's an excuse because I've just become too lazy to draw it, so instead I'll just take a picture.

I'm not sure if it's because I've become lazy, or if it's sheer interest. I just need to make time for art.

It's once again time for the stupid Thursday joke..... this time with a festive twist

2005-12-01T13:02:00.000+02:00

What do you get when you cross a pickle with a reindeer?

A dill doe.

Keep it moving

2005-11-30T13:19:00.000+02:00

When I moved to Cape Town, one of the biggest stresses in my life, was to find a job. I had worked at a small satellite company back in Jozi, where I felt very at home. I thought that I wanted to work for a large company and get all the perks, but I was very wrong.

I handed in my resignation today. I'm just not happy here and it's not what I thought it would be. I feel bad for some people though, but it's something I have to do.

Warren's boss has offered me a position at their company and I've accepted. We are both a little concerned that seeing each other everyday my have an effect on our relationship, but I'm trying to see things in a more positive light. There are many advantages coming from this and it is going to be trial and error. I'm very happy that I'll be moving jobs and uber excited.

I'll be starting a new year with a new job! Wish me luck!!!

Next question

2005-11-23T16:47:00.000+02:00

The security is definately up to something.

They're visiting me once again, only this time asking me if there are any people with "disabilities" on my floor.

I kinda think the librarian's a bit of a disability.

But that doesn't count, right?

Question

2005-11-21T14:07:00.000+02:00

Should I be worried if the security from downstairs comes to my floor and hands me a 25 page booklet on bombs, bomb threats and bomb awareness training?

9 drawings for projection

2005-11-14T14:41:00.000+02:00

I cannot remember the last time I had such a discouraging Saturday. It felt like I accomplished nothing, which, in actual fact, is true. Okay, besides getting all the washing done which I do just about every Saturday. So that hardly counts as an “accomplishment”. But let’s not harp on the negative and let’s try look at things in a more positive light. I’ll just keep telling myself that “these things happen for a reason”.

I saw an advertisement in the newspaper for William Kentridge’s 9 Films for Projection. For those non art fans, Kentridge creates short films from a succession of charcoal drawings. He uses the same piece of paper whereby he adds and erases the changes as opposed to using a new piece of paper each time, leaving the traces of the previous drawings. He photographs each change and creates a short film.

I have never tried to make illustrations of apartheid, but the drawings and films are certainly spawned by and feed off the brutalized society left in its wake. I am interested in a political art, that is to say an art of ambiguity, contradiction, uncompleted gestures, and certain endings; an art (and a politics) in which optimism is kept in check and nihilism at bay.

— William Kentridge

I remember studying his work at school in both art classes I attended. I studied him as a local artist in painting and theory, and as a graphic artist in drawing and printing. There’s just something about his work that I fell in love with.

Wa and I attended the open-air projection on Sunday evening, as it rained out on Saturday (adding to my fruitless day). We parked ourselves on our blanket on the lawn under, what I was hoping would be stars, but which turned out to be clouds, we packed some snacks and of course, the wine! There was also live music (a pianist and the Sontonga Quartet, along with a talented vocalist.) It started to drizzle a little into the screening but Wa and I took cover under our blanket, and we huddled together which was really quite fun.

It was a great experience, and I’m sure my art teacher would be proud of me!

And now... for your entertainment... the stupid Thursday joke

2005-11-10T13:13:00.000+02:00

A man goes to the zoo, but when he arrives there is only a dog....

.....It was a shitzu.

Flickr addiction

2005-11-09T11:13:00.000+02:00

I think I have a Flickr problem.

I don’t know what it is.

I dreamt about Flickr last night and all these cool pictures of my old house.

Maybe I’m suffering from a mild case of nostalgia or something.

I want to live in Flickrland with all the awesome pictures.

I’m weird. I know.

A few things I’d love to do/see before I die.

2005-11-01T15:57:00.000+02:00

1. Travel the other four provinces of South Africa that I haven’t seen yet.
2. Visit another country.
3. Learn to play the piano or violin.
4. See my face in a magazine.
5. Learn Dutch or Portuguese (properly).
6. See the Northern Lights.
7. Get married to the man of my dreams.
8. Experience motherhood.

Love is what you make of it

2005-10-25T18:32:00.000+02:00

So I’m not your average girl. I like video and PC games, rude jokes, drinking beer, cars, watching sport and yes… I like to look at other women. I’m sure I can burp better than a few guys I know too. But this doesn’t make me any less of a woman. I still like to shop, eat chocolate, watch soppy movies, get my nails and hair done and gossip with my friends about anything and everything.

Maybe it’s because I grew up with an older brother or maybe it’s just because I enjoy balance in my life. I like keeping up to date, but don’t let current trends over rule my instincts or let society override my individuality that lets me explore both sides.

On many occasions I’ve often been dragged into debates as to which is the better sex and I’ve never been able to say. Each side has some things better than the other. Like for example: I think men deal with physical fighting better than what women do. Men simply take it outside, or in the bar or wherever, bliksem the shit out of one another and the aftermath involves a handshake a drink and a possible friendship or mutual agreement. Women drag it on for days and spread rumours, plan revenge attacks on the other by replacing their shampoo with hair removal cream and what not. It’s insane and really unnecessary. Women on the other hand are better nurturers and caretakers and make a home organised and worth living in. Obviously there are always exceptions, as there always are.

My point though, is that I like to sit on the fence, and that I like being neutral and I don’t like taking sides.

My post is aimed at a recent question posed about being single.

There could be many reasons as to why you’re still single. You could be afraid of getting too involved too soon or there may be a fear of failure or maybe you’re too different. Maybe you’re just too demanding. A relationship is based on a ratio of 1:1 and a balance of 50/50 with the exception to balance potentially being 100/0, meaning all give and no take. Assuming the other person also doesn’t expect anything in return, the operative word here being “expect”. Love is not supposed to hurt. The easiest relationship you can have is to meet someone who is similar to you in as many ways as possible, with enough differences to keep each other keen and learning new things. Someone who gets the best of you, who makes you comfortable so that you come out your shell, someone who makes you feel sleepy with love, someone who you can talk to for ages without an awkward moment.

But do not toy with hearts, if you are not willing to let your heart be toyed with.

15 Things I've learnt in Cape Town... so far

2005-10-13T17:13:00.000+02:00

Insects are super-sized.
Tabasco sauce is half price.
Alcohol is cheaper.
Coloureds and Muslims are more prominet than black people. It's the opposite in Jozi.
Like. Wooow! People like... don't really speak like they're from the mouuuuuntain and stuff!
Car registration numbers are not as fun as those in Jozi.
Suped up cars are a rare sight.
Clubs seem more "go-to-be-seen" as opposed to "drink-to-get-drunk"
The water really is that cold, but you get used to it if you stay in there long enough.
The wind is hectic.
There are more inter-racial relationships compared to Jozi.
Some guys have smoother skin and healthier, longer nails than what I do.
I still love the beach.
Creative culture is encouraged.
The city really is a pretty awesome place to be.

Book of note

2005-10-07T13:54:00.000+02:00

I’m not so much of a reader. In fact, I’m not a reader at all. I don’t even know how I managed to get the “Best Reader” award when I was a kid; never mind how I passed my English Literature exams.

I never finished any of the novels we were given in school and I’m just grateful that most of the books were now readily available on video. Now I could cram over a hundred pages into an hour and a half, and not only that, but I had all my brother’s notes from previous years to answer all the questions (Does that syllabus ever change?)

On many occasions I would try pick up a book - and finish it, but I just couldn’t do it. I wasn’t even half way through and I’d feel the ever familiar dark cloud of boredom come over me.

Until recently…

Now keeping in mind, I’ve only ever read one book, cover to cover. (Yes folks, only ONE! – It’s rather sad, I know)

But I’ve found another book that I simply can’t put down. It’s filled with murder and mystery, suspense, intrigue, cryptography, iconology, religion, art, architecture, conspiracy theories, mathematical principles and theories (yes, maths people!)

It’s so good. It’s definitely worthwhile giving “The Da Vinci Code”, from Dan Brown a read!

Nano-nano-nano-na no no no!!!

2005-10-05T11:49:00.000+02:00

So maybe I’m ignorant and oblivious to this latest trend that has bowled so many people over with its quaint little features and trendy colours.

In my eyes it’s just a glorified, modernised and upgraded version of a walkman.

That’s it.

I mean really… When are you actually going to use an Ipod?

My brother and I had walkmans when we were kids and the only time we ever used them was when we went on holiday and were forced to endure one another’s company in the back seat of the car for an exceeded amount of time. Our parental units decided that it would keep us from fighting, at least until we got to our destination.

So why get an Ipod?

You can’t listen to it in the car.
You can’t listen to it at work.
If you’re home alone, it’s silly using it because you might as well crank the valuum up on the hi-fi.

The only place you can sort of use it, is at the beach, which Jozi lacks and from what I’ve seen, is just a trendy and fashionable beach accessory in Cape Town. I guess you can use it at the gym but that’s just another trendy reason for buying one.

So can anyone tell me, honestly, what their reasoning is for buying/wanting to buy an Ipod?

Spamalicious

2005-09-26T17:44:00.000+02:00

Kinda like that word...

Anyways... due to the amount of spam I've been receiving, I've decided to add word verfication for comments onto my blog to prevent mass spamming.

Please let me know if you find this new "feature" a pain or a pleasure.

Gotta keep moving on...

2005-09-21T18:26:00.000+02:00

Last night, for the very first time in a month and a half, I saw a familiar face that previously, I had seen so many times before and each time, took for granted.

My first family visit.

My cousin Lindsay flew down from Jozi on business yesterday. She gave me a call and we arranged to meet for drinks later in the evening. I was so excited to see her and we chatted about family and filled me in to all that was new. When we walked her back to her hotel and said our good-byes, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss.

As happy as I am in Cape Town, I still miss my family and friends, and yes, I know I’m allowed to. There is many a time when I still sit and say to myself, “I can’t believe I’m in Cape Town”. I don’t think it has struck me, just what I really have given up to be with that one person I love. Either way I was going sit with some sort of loss. Yes, I needed a change and I needed to break away from the mundane life I was living and try and make a better life for myself, I just wish it didn’t have to mean sacrificing pretty much everything I know. When I think about it now, it may be better. Moving on with the lessons, but leaving all the baggage behind. Starting new, but with a head-start, if you know what I mean.

Off to a fresh start

2005-09-10T21:36:00.000+02:00

After much deliberation, I've finally managed to create a new look for my blog, which, if I do say so myself, doesn't look too shabby! I've been meaning to do this months before I even moved to Cape Town, but I'm glad I've left it 'til now, only because I needed some assistance from my intellectual partner in crime, and thanks to him I've learnt a great deal about HTML.

Other than that, on the job front (for those of you who don't know already) I kicked some ass during my interviews and won hands down. I'll be starting my new job on Monday, as Client Liaison.

What would you do with your extra hour of daylight?

2005-09-09T11:08:00.000+02:00

Kulula.com is on a mission to introduce daylight savings to South Africa this time next year.

If you're interested in signing the petition or want to read more about it, you can visit their site here.

Round 2

2005-09-01T11:11:00.000+02:00

I received a call from my agent (Adelaide) this morning saying that she had good news for me. I tried my best to put on my “I’m awake” voice when in fact I was still half asleep. We chatted a bit and she informed me that the company, in which I had gone for an interview last week, was interested in seeing me again.

Nice.

Adelaide said that she liked my personality and after doing her short listing, I came out on the top of her list.

Nice.

I have to put my best foot forward tomorrow and hope that HR is still happy with me and that the marketing department likes me.

Damn, I need to find something to wear.

Welcome home

2005-08-25T10:40:00.000+02:00

It’s strange to think that just under a month ago, I was still over 1400km’s away from what I called home, to where I am now. My new home. It’s frightening just how quickly things are moving. I’ve come from a place where I knew where everything was, to place where I have no clue where anything is. It’s a daunting feeling, but I’m learning Cape Town bit-by-bit and it’s taking a lot of patience. Wa quizzes me in the car about roads and areas, and it seems to be helping me to get my bearings in order.

On the job front, things are slow. It gets frustrating when you get no feedback from potential employers. I don’t know if it’s just a Cape Town thing, but these people are really taking their time! I chatted to Nat on MSN the other day and she helped lift my spirits. She calls it “preaching”, I call it “motivation”. You’ll be happy to hear that I have an interview with a law firm tomorrow. Not particularly my cup of tea, based on personal experience, but it’ll do for now. And who knows, maybe this one will be better than the last.

“…And I don’t believe that anybody, feels the way I do about you now…”

2005-07-29T13:15:00.000+02:00

Well this is my last post until I get to Cape Town and get myself sorted.

As I’m writing this, I have about thirty minutes left in my office, before I say my good-byes to my colleagues. My boss was kind enough to give Nicky the rest of the day off too so she could come home with me.

I’m nervous, and excited.

I’m going to see all my friends tonight at a little farewell party at Mimmos.

I’m nervous for that too.

I’m going to miss everyone I know here, but I guess it’s all part of the deal.

Take Care.

Soon, soon the sun will set…

2005-07-26T10:25:00.000+02:00

On the way home in the plane, I just sat there. I’m glad I opted for a window seat so I only had one person I had to “entertain”, which happened to be a six year-old girl. I just wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone. People were staring at me as I boarded the plane; I guess it was obvious that I had been crying. After take off I sat watching as the lights of Cape Town slowly faded away beneath me. I started to cry. Again.

All I could think about was Warren.

They dimmed the lights on the plane and I landed up falling asleep for the rest of the flight. I woke up just before we landed. It was raining in Jozi. I guess they felt the same for me up there as what I did down here.

I got home and got into bed. I cried. I picked up the phone and called Wa to let him know that I was home. We spoke for a while. I cried some more. I don’t think I have ever cried so much over one person.

Adjusting to my home.

Days got better as time moved on. Two days later it was my birthday.

“Hello my love. Wanted to be the very first in line to wish you a very happy birthday Stayed up specially. So wish that I could share your special day with you. I’m sorry that you have to feel so heart sore today, but take comfort in the fact that 1400km away is someone who loves, misses and cares for you deeply. All my love X”

Yes. I cried.

Things have gotten so much easier over time. We spoke about how we felt about one another and our relationship.

The thought of having to see Wa again would be awesome, but the fact of having to leave again would probably tear me apart. I didn’t want to have to leave Wa again like I did before. I decided that I would be willing to sacrifice all I have here in Jozi, to be with Warren.

We had agreed upon mid-September as the most suitable time. Unfortunately the landlady decided that she wanted to increase the rent to a ridiculous amount. We couldn’t afford to stay there anymore and I had asked Wa if we couldn’t move things up a little. Wa wasn’t too keen but it but it wasn’t much of an option. I felt bad for asking because I knew it wasn’t what he wanted and I didn’t want to make him feel like I was messing him around.

…And moving on.

It’s four days to go. I’m excited and nervous, but more excited than nervous. I know what Wa means when he says, “it’s a different type of nervous”.

Warren makes me perpetually happy, and there is nothing more important than one’s happiness. I believe in us, and I can only hope that things will turn out the way I hope they do.

After all, it seems like dreams really do come true.

The start of something great

2005-07-19T14:07:00.000+02:00

Hey Candice

Wow, I must admit, your email earlier this morning pretty much blew me away! Thanks so much for your awesome sentiments.

Wanted to reply with something decent, which is why I didn't reply right then and there. Am at work at the moment, and it's crazy here! But, I just couldn't resist and make you wait all day just to hear from me.

I think your photos are absolutely stunning!! Then, after I first read your profile I knew instantly that you were someone that I wanted to talk to. You're a fantastic person!

Warren

Such a honey. I’m so glad that Wa decided not to procrastinate this time (unlike my first day in Cape Town where I had to nag him for two hours to take me to the beach)

I really enjoyed chatting to Wa throughout the day, and so wanted to continue our conversation into the evening, and wanted to give him my cell number, but thought I would come across as being too forward, so I decided against it. I had left the office and upon my return the following morning, I found this message in my inbox: -

Thanks for your mails today... I know I've been a little slow on replying. Got so much to tell you!! :)

Hope this isn't being too forward, but my number is 083 955 **** - would be cool to SMS or chat later.

Have a great evening!

Great.

Guess I wasn’t the only one feeling that way.

So that day, between talking about visiting one another, sharing beds, nicknames, more pictures of each other, life history, living arrangements and whatever else came along. I decided to surprise-call Wa at work for the first time. Caught him off guard – Fantastic! I can’t even tell you how nervous I was, I was probably shaking, I still had no idea what possessed me to pick up the phone, but I’m glad I did it. I still think Wa sounds yummy on the phone. Hmmm…

Keeping in mind, I was still seeing this other tosser. I read one post in particular on Wa’s blog (I think I Cracked it).

I saw myself it that similar situation and on more than one occasion. I kind just sat there. He had said it perfectly: -

girls in physically and mentally abusive relationships find it so hard to let go and move on because they are perpetually driven by the overwhelming importance that they place on achieving their goal and belief that they will be successful in changing their guy, even when it means sacrificing who they are in the process of achieving that goal.

I was shocked. That was me.

At that moment I had taken out my cell phone, typed a message to, my now ex, saying I didn’t want to see him anymore and that I deserved better. I kicked his sorry ass to the curb!

Where to from here?

Wa and I landed up talking about the physical distance between us, and how sad it would be if two people who, like ourselves, were so good for one another, but never had the chance to meet face to face. Now, if I checked those logs correctly, it was my idea to plan a little vacation. Considering I had never been to Cape Town before and it was a destination I have been meaning to visit… I thought why not. It was just up to Wa whether he would mind my visit or not. Turns out he was juuust fine with it.

From Cape Town with love

After arranging my flight and everything else, I was set for a 12-day holiday in Cape Town, with someone I hadn’t met, yet had fallen in love with already. Many people were sceptic with my what I wanted to do, but I was determined to do what I felt was right. I wasn’t going to let anyone change my mind.

I was kinda nervous when it got closer to my departure date. It’s such a mixed emotion of excitement and nervousness with a touch of “I’m a little scared”.

On the plane, I sat next to a Scottish guy, Calum, and one of his colleagues. We chatted about business, travel, our personal lives, commented on how good British Airways’ breakfasts were, and even played a few games, like, “Guess-The-Starsign”.

I had left rainy Jo’burg, and arrived in sunny Cape Town, pretty darn nervous. I got off the plane, not quite sure where I was going, but with the help of my trusty new friend, he managed to show me where I needed to go. While I waited patiently for my luggage, Warren started SMSing me. Crazy man.

The minute I saw Warren, I couldn’t help but smile. Wa constantly reminds me of my dorky wave from that day (as I’m typing this I’m even blushing). When I hugged him I just didn’t want to let go. In an instant, my fear of meeting Warren and disappeared into thin air, I felt so comfortable being around him that I knew that I didn’t have to put on some sort of a façade to make him like me. I couldn’t believe I was finally in Cape Town; this is the day I’ve waited for.

12 Days

Looking back now, the amount of time I spent with Warren on vacation is the same time I have to wait until I see him again. All I can say is that I hope it goes just as quick as before.

We had such an awesome time together, and a stack of photos to prove it. We headed off to Rantanga on Thursday where we ate some dodge food. I felt so sick that evening and Wa was kind enough to go to the 24-hour pharmacy at 11 o’clock to get me something with hopes of making me feel better. Needless to say I just couldn’t keep anything down. We road tripped around the Peninsula, drove on bumpy roads to Franshoek and Stellenbosch, we ate too much Sinnfull ice-cream and whole lot of other awesome things as Wa has already mentioned.

I had to leave on Sunday 3rd April, I was crying on the Saturday already. Yes, call me a pansy, but I couldn’t help it, I just couldn’t fight it. I really didn’t want to leave that night. My flight was delayed so we sat in a quiet corner on the airport floor, talking about the last twelve days and looking through photos. If Warren had asked me to stay and to not get on that plane, I would have said, “Okay”.

My Hot Warren

2005-07-12T09:48:00.000+02:00

The New Year started off, with nothing out of the ordinary. I arrived at work, got myself organized. Switched on my computer. Checked my mail. The usual.

The previous day, I had signed up on some random dating site with mainly Americans on. One of my colleagues suggested that I try something local. So I did. I headed off to Ananzi Dating, with no “real” intentions of finding a boyfriend, as I was kinda involved already, but hadn’t seen the tosser in two weeks. This was purely out of fun, just to see what would happen.

I signed up, set up a profile (with a pic) and in no time, I was browsing away. I found a few people I thought were decent and added them to my favourites. I browsed a few pages with guys fitting my search criteria: Female seeking Male: Aged 20 – 25, anywhere.

Clicked, page one. Page two. Page five.

Scrolled down.

Wait.

Scroll up.

OMG! WHAT A HOTTIE!

This picture caught my attention and blew me away completely! I couldn’t stop smiling (Whoever took this picture, is an absolute honey! I so love it!). I definitely added him to my favourites. Throughout the rest of the day, I managed to con some 47-year old Pom, with One-liners, into buying me a subscription. Nice.

When I arrived at my office, 4 Januray 2005, I immediately went to my PC to check my mail and see if there were any new advances. As I logged in, to my delight, a messaged popped onto my screen saying that someone had bought me a gift subscription. Love-leee!
I immediately sent Warrenski a message, saying how cool I think he is. I got no reply. Fine. Okay. I waited a little while longer. No reply. So I thought to myself, I’ll send him another one, if I don’t get a reply from that, then I can safely assume that he’s not interested. So I sent number two and to my surprise…

I got a response.

Boulevard of Broken Songs

2005-06-29T10:44:00.000+02:00

At the age of 12, I received my very first CD. I was so chuffed with it, that I listened to it every day after school and gathered pictures and stories about the band. Even my schoolbooks showed evidence of my growing obsession. Oasis, proved to be a hit and “What’s the Story, Morning Glory” is still one of my favourite CD’s of all time, along with my second favourite band, Green Day. “Dookie” was the second CD I ever owned and they too, grew on me in a very big way.

These two bands have become the base, to what I’ve come to know, as “good music”. At the time of discovering these bands, they were no longer on the Top40, or even on the radio for that matter. I’m so excited that Green Day and Oasis are now on the same Top40 together! And last night, I heard something I thought I would never hear. A mash-up of Green Day and Oasis – A dream come true.

Since the release of Jay-Z / Linkin Park’s “Collision Course”, I’ve been curious about this whole, mashing up of tracks from two different bands and creating a new track. I think it’s great, and now, the two most prominent bands in my music collection have mashed it up. “Wonderwall” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” sounds wicked together! You can give the track a listen if you like.

It's a nice day for a white wedding

2005-06-22T10:23:00.000+02:00

I hit a realization yesterday.

I think I'm scared to get married.

One of the ladies at work just got engaged. She’s 20. Now many girls, from a young age, fantasize about their dream-wedding one day. I, on the other hand, didn’t. Not once did I ever think about my wedding day when I was a little girl. Sometimes it makes me question myself.

Another colleague of mine got married when she was 20. I chatted to my boss about how old she was when she got married. She was 23. My cousin got married recently. She’s 28. Then I look a little closer to home. My mom got married at 18.

I know I’m too young to get married right now and I know that I would like to one day. But, I realized that I’m too scared to get married and I fear that when I’m thirty or fourty, I’ll still be saying, “I’m too young to get married.”

I’m scared of what I don’t know. Okay, so who doesn’t fear the unknown?

The only other idea I have, of what married life would be like, is if I take a look at my parents. I’ve lived in the same house as they have for as long as they’ve been married, well almost. If I look at the two of them and seen what I've seen, then I’m not so sure I even want to get married, and that worries me!

Am I going to misinterpret something that is probably really amazing because of the image I have in my head about my parents?

Found this...

2005-06-21T15:09:00.000+02:00

... Interesting post.

What the future holds

2005-06-20T10:43:00.000+02:00

So Nats had me thinking after I read this post.

Thinking about it, a lot of people think I'm crazy, wanting to give up pretty much everything I have to be with a man, who at this point, feels like everything I have. Which is exactly it. He is everything I have, so it doesn't feel like I'm really giving anything up, although there are people that I love dearly that I'll be leaving behind.

Up until the beginning of this year, I was just hanging around, playing the field, and generally just doing whatever I felt like doing. I missed the male companionship and even though I have a brother, it's not the same kind of companionship. If you've ever been in a long-term relationship, you'll know what I'm talking about. I think I’m ready to get involved again and to be in it for the long run, and I know he is too.

Everyone I tell my story to, thinks I'm making a "mistake". They ask me questions like, “What if it doesn’t work out?”

Then it doesn’t work out.

I know that I have a bit of a reputation for doing things out of the ordinary, so to speak, but it’s just the way I am. I’m a risk taker.

Based on my history and all the curve balls life has thrown at me, which is a lot, I have learned but one thing.

Hope floats.

Todays Biology Lesson...

2005-06-14T12:02:00.000+02:00

So Warren thinks I'm on drugs just because I'm in a super cool mood today. Considering my current situation in Jozi, I think I have good reason to feel mighty happy on a day like today. Besides the fact that I have this awesome guy for a boyfriend, who might I add, has such a sexy giggle. He doesn't think so. WA-ever!!!!

I felt really shitty on Saturday, and I couldn't really figure out why, but thanks to Warren, he (and the medical sister) diagnosed my symptoms.

The diagnosis: Anaemia

I have to go for a haemoglobin test. That will tell me what's plotting in my blood, aka, to see if I have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of the cells in my body. Great. Another problem stacked onto the others I already have. But do not fret, I've sent my trusty co-worker to the pharmacy to get me some Iron tablets. I wonder if it was safe giving her my bank card...

National Portuguese Day

2005-06-10T10:49:00.000+02:00

Today is National Portuguese Day.

The only reason I know this is because my bosses are Portuguese and they were kind enough to share their day with the rest of the office. They brought some traditional bite-size snacks, my favourite being the mini chourico (chorizo) sausage rolls and, yes, you guessed it, Pasteis de Nata!

Hmmm… Thanks boss.

Walking Contradiction - I'm a Victim of a Catch 22

2005-06-09T09:21:00.000+02:00

At least once in your existence, you will get caught up in a really sticky situation, and no matter what option you choose, you will always ~~loose~~ lose.

That, my friend, is a Catch 22.

Okay, kinda. Wikipedia descibes it as: “one may encounter a Catch 22 where one cannot get a job without experience, but one cannot get experience without a job.”

So either way you’re screwed.

At this point in my life, I am caught stuck in a Catch 22, and it’s not the first time. I really hate being in this situation, especially because I cannot get myself out of it. The only way I can get out is to just sit, and be patient, which I’m not very good at. I’m growing increasingly irate and at a rapid pace too, or maybe that’s just PMS.

Maybe I need to take up Tai Chi or Yoga or something…

Serial Killer

2005-06-07T12:26:00.000+02:00

I’m having a rough day at work and this is all I can offer you today: -

A serial killer and his victim are walking into the dark, creepy woods.

The victim says, “I’m scared!”

The serial killer replies, “You’re scared? I have to walk back alone!”

Gillette Generics

2005-06-03T10:36:00.000+02:00

I walked into the kitchen at work this morning, and found two of my male colleagues talking about how often they change their razor blades.
The conversation went something like this (Please note that James is Bulgarian and Marcos is Portuguese): -

James: Hey listen, my man. Do you shave?
Marcos: Yeah, of course I do.
James: How often?
Marcos: Every morning. Why?
James: So…uh… how often do you change your blades?
Marcos: Every few days. Why?

Then they started rambling on about how expensive blades were (Is this what guys really talk about?).

Now, being a Gillette kinda girl myself, I know how pricey blades can be. I landed up joining the conversation briefly. Marcos said he was chatting to the owner of the store down the road, and the owner had said that some people use a new blade everyday. Some people buy three packs for the month. Are these people shaving their whole bodies or what?

Is it just me, or do guys really use blades that often?

Why has no one thought about making generic razor blades? (and I don’t mean those el-cheapo ones either) I mean, like they do with printer cartridges.

Noodle Vs. Noodle

2005-06-02T09:56:00.000+02:00

I really like this Oats-So-Easy stuff. It’s by time the made those sachets bigger, I was tired of eating two. Today I have chocolate flavour (with miniature chocolate drops). Yum. I quite like the Caramel and Apple and Cinnamon flavour too.

So no guesses as to what I have for lunch today. If you suspected 2 minute noodles at all, you would be correct. Gotta love that stuff, and the funny thing is, the cheaper the noodles, the better they taste! Hmmm… Shrimp flavour!
I used to buy mass amounts from this Chinese dude a while back. It worked to something like 50c per packet and the tasted amazing! I wonder where he disappeared to...

Auction

2005-05-31T12:26:00.000+02:00

Do you think it's weird, if your co-workers auction off left over pieces of chops that they had for lunch to fellow colleagues?

My Jozi's Rhythm

2005-05-30T10:11:00.000+02:00

Warren and I have decided to pick our top 12 pictures during my 12-day stay in Cape Town. So feel free to check them out on Flickr.

Friday night took me to Melville with Nicky, Ruaan and Graeme. We had a few drinks at Cool Runnings before taking a drive to Sevende Laan, where we popped into Transky briefly, only to find it looked more like a watering hole for male homosexuals on drugs. Which it probably was. So giving that a miss we headed off to Ratz. After some Tequila and bad conversation with an old school mate, we were off again, this time to Tokyo Star. A weird and trendy, yet cozy club with an arb oriental theme. After a while, we found ourselves watching how people dance. Besides the fact that most of the people were dancing like they were freaking out on drugs, which they probably were. It was interesting to watch everyone’s unique style. Maybe that’s why I like Dance so much. It’s a diverse way of being able to express yourself with movement. I find expression in Art, but also in Dance. Dance tells a story. I think that being able to express yourself with movement is a great thing, and to me, it’s a way of telling people a story about you. Probably, subconsciously, and some, in my opinon, not a very good story, but a story nonetheless.

Bribery

2005-05-25T15:15:00.000+02:00

Should you, or should you not, have to bribe a *true* friend?

Nicky. Lets start with you...

Hooray for Cabaret

2005-05-23T14:15:00.000+02:00

On Friday Nicky, Tim and I decided to head off to Carnival City Casino to watch the comedy evening at the Supersport Bar. My brother looked like he needed cheering up, we felt bad, and so we tagged him along.

Upon arrival, we stepped into the bar, walked all the way to the back, near a dark room with a purple glow illuminating from behind black curtains. We asked the bouncer outside about the comedy evening and he said that it was twenty rand to get in and there was a Cabaret show on tonight too. Score!

We seated ourselves in a cozy, semi-circular arrangement, so we could all see the stage. We ordered a round of drinks and chatted about one another’s week. After a short while, the lights dimmed, and the announcer introduced the show. Six, good-looking, well built girls came parading out on stage in tiny little outfits while another sang. We all thought this was going to be some really arb dance act, until they came out to do their second dance…

…They fluttered on stage in airy purple pants and pink tops. At that point, the guys thought this was crap and was a waste of time but as soon as they lifted up their arms, we realized this was a semi-porno Cabaret act.

The guys quickly changed their minds.
We were entertained by Cowboys, Mermaids, Devils… you name it!

Imagine that...

2005-05-19T12:46:00.000+02:00

So Warry and I were chatting on the phone last night (no surprises there) and briefly dicussed what 'your ideal/dream job' would be. I was curious to know as to what everyone elses ideas of their ideal/dream job would be, 'cause not all of us are as lucky as, let's say, The Wa himself, to be doing something that you love. I, personally, fancy myself as a personal shopper, but that'll never happen. Other than that I think I'd love to do some sort of design whether it be fashion or interior. A wedding planner sounds interesting as well...

Men = Dilemma

2005-05-18T10:24:00.000+02:00

Once again I was faced with the milk issue this morning. I just don’t get it.

Okay, so being aware of the fact that ninety percent of the people who read this blog are male, this post is intended to give, us females, insight into the male psyche… and to help my mate.

So here’s the deal: -

A dear friend of mine has been dating a guy for about four months now. They see one another twice a week and call each other twice a day, one being lunchtime the other at night. He is a student studying IT, she a Sales Rep. He is a few months younger than her but she tends to like being a “sugar-mom”.

Recently he went away for the weekend with his mates. She could have gone with him if he had just waited four and a half hours… but he didn’t.

Upon return from the weekend away, she claims: “He’s not the same.”

His music genre has changed from funky, hip-hop, Yfm-style tunes, to “depressing” (as she put it) stuff like, Placebo. His attitude has changed and now he suggests they see a little less of one another. They fight regularly about everything imaginable.

Is he trying to tell her something?

Is this just a phase?

Is he just not that into her?

Another thing, they’re planning on going away for a total of seven days together. She’s paid for the plane tickets (he’s a student). Is it possible that he is staying with her only to get a free vacation and after that dump her and make her feel used?

I think “they say” is the biggest lie of all. “They say” love hurts. As far as I’m concerned, love isn’t supposed to hurt. Love shouldn’t be so complicated. Given that there will be a few bumps in the road… but not to the point where you have to re-mould yourself.

Silly Girl

2005-05-16T12:09:00.000+02:00

Okay so it’s Monday… AGAIN.

Woke up late because I Master Reset my phone only to forget that it reset my alarms too.

Silly, silly girl.

I seemed to have made amends with Claire on Saturday night at Pamela’s braai. It felt awkward seeing her again (It’s amazing what alcohol can do). She had balls coming there on Saturday, I’ll give her that. I guess she realized she screwed herself over. I remember in one of our arguments she told me I was going to be alone because no one would want to be friends with me after what had happened. Needless to say I told her off, with colourful language, and in the end, Karma took a detour.
Turns out she’s actually alone. Her parents have emigrated to Tanzania, her sister to the UK. Her best friend is staying with her out of pity and the rest of her (tiny) circle of friends have ditched her saying her attitude sucks and she needs to get a reality check.

So who’s laughing now? ...Silly girl.

Chicago Bulls

2005-05-12T16:06:00.000+02:00

LOL...I found this picture during one of my Google Image searches, had to laugh. Only in america...

I love everthing I am (and everything I'm not)

2005-05-12T10:23:00.000+02:00

I am an individualist. A non-conformist. I am open, honest and truthful. I am monogamous. I am an artist. I am a believer in God and the supernatural but I am not religious. I am a bitch when I have PMS that I cannot control. I am a dancer with bad ankles. I am a lover of peanut butter, ice cream and junk food and have never been on a diet because even though I know that I am not perfect, I think I look good. I am young, brave and daring. I love playing Tekken 3 on my Playstation and am proud to say that I EARNED over 7 million credits in Gran Turismo 2, purely by winning races. I am a fan of English Premiership soccer but I hate the sport locally. I love playing music at full volume when I’m home alone so that I give my neighbours a run for their money. I love dipping my French fries in ice cream because it tastes like waffles. I am a sensitive soul but I have built walls so that people wouldn’t think I am. I kicked ass at Mortal Kombat 3 on Sega, so much that no one would challenge me because they knew they would lose. I love stationery because it is the medium to all I do. I love black and white photos more than those with colour. I love warm clean (coarse) towels. I love watching (good) ads on T.V. I am the only girl I know who plays Magic: The Gathering. I like drinking Amstel. I can read, write and understand music, yet I cannot play before an audience. I stand up for my beliefs and for those who are important to me. I am not anorexic or obese, so leave me alone if I pick up or lose a kilo or two. I am not a smoker and proud of it. I am not a virgin and I am not a slut. I am a winner. I have hopes and dreams. I am a believer that some day I will make a success of myself and all those who said I wouldn’t make it will be eating their words.
I am a woman.
I am me.

New Blog

2005-05-09T13:32:00.000+02:00

okay so I've created a new blog.

Why? I hear your enquiring mind ask.

I don't know.

I guess I figured there is always something that you'll always love. I, personally, am a scent-orientated person. I really like the smell of nice things. It triggers my memory and conjures up different images, ideas, emotions and thoughts. Like pastels for example, I love the smell of oil pastels. It reminds me of primary school and how simple life was then.

so if you have anything that is happiness for you... feel free to share them.

Blue Monday

2005-05-09T12:42:00.000+02:00

Okay, so I've had a pretty emotionally stressful weekend, but lets just hope this next week proves a little less stressful and a little more fruitful.

Otherwise, I had a yummy lunch today. A Toasted BFA sandwich (on brown bread) and then I had some cream spinach. A bit of a weird concoction, I know.

Milk-Check

2005-05-05T15:20:00.000+02:00

Okay, so I’ve complained about this before.

Here’s the background: -

We, at work, drink long life milk. So, naturally, every now and again, the milk WILL get finished and it is assumed, that the person who finished the last bit of milk, will replace the empty carton with a new, full one.

So, can someone please tell me, why there are people out there, who leave a milliliter or two of milk in the carton, so that when I decide to make myself a cup of coffee, I have to use milk that’s at room temperature?

Lusitoland

2005-05-04T12:43:00.000+02:00

Once again I’m sick as a dog. I seem to have contracted the flu for a second time this year. Lucky me. But I think I have Lusitoland to blame for that. I decided to go to the Porra Festival on Sunday, where it was freezing, but after a few Caparinhas – Portuguese Style - you don’t feel the cold.

I stumbled upon a stall, selling rip-off T-shirts and found a few for Hello Kitty, aptly named, Goodbye Kitty. At first glance I thought the concept was quite awful, but somehow I fell in love with them. So I bought two…

South African Celebs

2005-04-29T13:50:00.000+02:00

I’ve come to a conclusion, after listening to a few ads on the radio, that South African Celebs aren’t “bad” enough.

Lets do a comparison shall we: -

US Celebs: Notorious for their drug habits, wild partying behavior, driving around in their flashy Ferrari’s, showing up at red-carpet events half naked.

I read weird articles about how Tommy Lee seduced a Transvestite or how Farrah Fawcett wants to be loved by Anna Nicole Smith.

Then we take a look at our local flavour: -

SA Celebs: The biggest news we get is Lee-Anne Liebenburg having lunch with her boyfriend Danny! Scandal! Or how about Patricia Lewis, walking her dogs. Gasp!

Why aren’t SA Celebs as bad ass their US counterparts?

Ass Kicking Tots?

2005-04-28T19:55:00.000+02:00

I crawled out of bed at about 10:30 AM yesterday morning, made my way to the lounge where my brother was getting his ass kicked in Warcraft. Needless to say the game lasted the whole day, literally. He only got off the damn PC at about 17:30PM that evening.

I decided scrambled eggs on toast was the order of the day, with my brother eye-ing me out in the kitchen hinting that he’s hungry. So naturally, being the cool sister I am, I made him four.

After sitting around enjoying my day off, I was doing some channel hopping and ran across The Power Puff Girls. Now since I can remember, I’ve been a fan of the show along with others from Cartoon Network (I even like the Power Puff Girl’s heart-shaped chips). The thing that irked me the most was the fact that it’s supposed to be a kiddie’s show, and yet there were flashes of stylized comic characters in black and white.

Now if my knowledge serves me well, it looked like Anime. Now Anime is a style of comic / illustration of Japanese origin and if I’m not mistaken, Anime became popular around the 1980’s in America. Some of these Anime videos were altered to American standards or not shown at all due to the large amount of violence (and some contain pornography – mainly the OAV’s – I think).

Besides the fact, that The Power Puff Girls are three kindergarten kids who have super flying powers and lasers from their eyes, that show looks pretty violent for kids.
But I guess it was Freedom Day after all yesterday, so I suppose I could let it slide.

Finding (a different type of) Nemo.

2005-04-25T17:32:00.000+02:00

I’m sure sometime in your life you’ve wondered if there really is that one special person out there, who’s designed in almost the same way you are. The person who shares the same views on life as you do, same or similar goals, interests.

Based on personal experience with men, I found that I had dated men who all had the same thing, or similar things in common with one another. It’s like a pattern that repeated its self, and yet every time I found a new boyfriend, it wouldn’t last. Just like the previous one, it almost became predictable. I noticed that all of those I had dated previously, resembled some what of the image I had conjured up in my head, of what my ideal guy might look like. I was basing my “ideal guy” on looks first, and then trying to work around his personality. I think I was going for what he looked like first so that I could identify him when I saw him, and each time hoping he had a personality to match. Each time I did this, I proved myself wrong.

I started wondering if there really was such a thing as a Soul Mate and whether Soul Mates could also be those of the same gender.

Were Soul Mates just a story for those without love to make them feel better? Saying that there really is someone out there for them, they just needed to be patient.

Between me, and my best friend at the time, we had concluded that we were one another’s Soul Mates. But when I look back at that, I think we were both just in denial about our situation with men. I do, however, believe that Soul Mates can be those of the same gender, I also do believe that some people are lucky enough to not be limited to one such thing.

So how do you know when you’ve finally found your Nemo?

I think I’ve found my Nemo. After searching for someone who sees the world from the same point of view as I do, shares similar, if not, the same things I do, enjoys my company and doesn’t mind if I want to hold the remote control once in a while. I think I’ve finally found what I have been looking for, and it turns out that he was somewhere I wasn’t looking. He caught me by surprise and totally blew me away. He makes me feel incredible inside and makes me feel the way I’ve always wanted to feel.

All I can say is that when you finally meet that someone, you'll know then and there, if they're a keeper.