Thinking & Feeling

“The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.” Horace Walpole

Sunday 30 November 2008

The Elves have arrived

The elves have made their first appearance this year so Christmas must be nigh...

They have been to visit before!

and now this year they are rather frisky and street smart too!

After the sighting of the elves we put our Christmas tree up and our advent calendar is ready to roll tomorrow too!
The season is definitely starting now. One week of school to go and then summer holidays and a more relaxed frame of mind kick in. FUN!

p.s. Had a FAB week-end. It was really perfect. I feel like I have been away on holiday :)

Friday 28 November 2008

Brilliant

My manager tried to say 'Bitch & Whinge' and instead he inadvertently spoonerised it as 'Witch and Binge'.

I asked him if that is the PMS version?
LMAO Brilliant!

Thursday 27 November 2008

Innuendo & Double Entrendre FTW!

Conversation at work the other week:
Him: 'So when are we going go play on the track?'
Me: 'Any time I am ALWAYS ready'
Him: 'Ok, tomorrow after work?'
Me: 'Sure... but I just want to wait and see if I get a better offer first' ';)
Him: .... 'Erm... you do know I am talking about GO KARTING right?'
me: 'Yes, don't get all excited!' :P

LOL! I think he was getting a tad worried about what I was expecting of him. But then he is a 6ft5 Frenchman *swoon*

Yesterday he said 'Hey we never went back to the Go Karting'
To which I replied, 'Yeah and I still need to whip your ass'
So he says, 'Er... so are we *still* talking about go karting...?' ;)

He has become so cheeky and rude!

Yesterday he also said, 'So I was perving around facebook...'
I'm like 'Oh that's nice'
and he says; '....On your profile'
Whaaaat!?! o.O I am half embarrassed and half really amused. Funny guy.

It's pretty fun here at work, because I am quite a stout-gat, and do the dirty jokes etc with the guys. There is a group of 4 of us who send each other the rudest of things, which are not fit for general circulation. It is me, Frenchy, our manager & Mike. I actually love being 'one of the guys'.

Now it transpires that 'crazy Frenchman' is leaving tomorrow *sulk* So I told him just now he can't leave, because then who am I going to harass and be inappropriate with? Then I said 'Oh right, Mike is still here... Ok, bye!'

Note to self

Try not to act so looney at work...

I was just yelling across the room (open plan offices) to a colleague. Finished. Thought of some personal crap I have to sort out, so I sighed loudly, put my head in my hands dramatically, and then sat up yawned very expressively and started typing again.

I noticed my manager out of the corner of my eye who was just staring at me with a WTF expression on his face.

I was like "Oh sorry. I am in my own world here. It's called 'Planet Crazy' "

Wednesday 26 November 2008

PRICELESS

I have to tell you my "Priceless" mortification moment a couple of weeks ago!!

Joining a dating site?

Fun & Silly.

Getting propositioned by a lot of weird old perverted farts on the site?

Entertaining.

Being contacted by your ex end-of-marriage crazy-fl
ing employee to say wtf are you doing on a dating site!?

Embarrassing!

Asking him wtf he got the link from, and being told his DAD (who used to be YOUR director) and who is evidently a weird old perverted fart sent it to him.

PRICELESS!!

Ooops. My profile is now hidden. ;) LOL.

Monday 24 November 2008

I thought I was bulletproof...

The Parlotones - Silence

I gather my thoughts in my breast pocket
I write down everything
I wash my vanities in a bucket full of faces,
no traces no nothing
take it easy on me now
silence it’s my turn to talk,
I’m losing my patience skin starts to crawl,
I know what I said I’ve been misunderstood

who’s gonna wipe my tears
who’s gonna wipe my tears
I thought I was bulletproof
guess I’m only human just like all of you
so care for me, love me
treat me like I’m one of you
take it easy on me now

silence it’s my turn to talk,
I’m losing my patience skin starts to crawl,
I know what I said I’ve been misunderstood

who’s gonna wipe my
who’s gonna wipe my tears
wash away the memories of all the pain and miseries
fall in love again and don’t be frightened.

Music to my ears

So tonight my boys ran up behind me, as they do, and got their hands around my ample rear end to jiggle it and started their chant of 'Blobby blobby'. After the first jiggle they stopped and said... 'Hey it's NOT blobby-blobby anymore!?'

I was like, 'Whhhaaaat?! Really? What is it now then?... Sexy?'
Quinn, 'No now it is just blobby'

Sigh, well I guess that's something ;)

** Word of warning do NOT Google 'Fat Ass'! I was looking for a funny pic... *vomit*

Saturday 22 November 2008

Interviewed regarding Egg Donation

So yesterday I was called by the Nurture donor coordinator Mel, to ask if I am prepared to be interviewed for an article about egg donation in the Rapport. I was like, Bring it On!

You may remember that I was on a radio talk show panel on SAFM in Mar/Apr featured with Sister Lillian to discuss 'Dads in the delivery room' from a doula's perspective, and was quoted in the Fair Lady on same topic. My 2 seconds of 'fame'. :)

If you haven't kept up my egg donor experience is detailed below:
Step 1) Registering
Step 2) Being selected
Step 3) The hormones
Step 4) Checking for the eggies
Step 5) Ripening the eggies
Step 6) Getting ready to lay
Step 7) Cluck-Cluck
Step 8) The result
Anyway the reporter contacted me and asked if she could come ask me some questions and get a photo. I was at work, dressed pretty casual, and had not had much sleep or spent much time trying to look decent for the day but thought wtf, why the hell not!?

So they came straight over! They came to my work to interview and photograph me. 2 pretty cool chickies. I think the people at work really do think I am insane now, because I am always doing odd things, and or being inappropriate in some way. ;)

Anyway I blabbed away ... as I tend to do. And the camera chickie took photos while I talked. I hate people photographing me and yet she was so relaxed and nonchalant about it I hardly even noticed her. :)

I think I said some good things, and was adamant it's in not about the money at all, it's so much more than that. For me anyway...

They said they'll scan the article and send to me when it's done. It was actually rather fun!

Update: The article is HERE

Friday 21 November 2008

No Uncle Paul's Party this year

Oh crap, I waited too long to send in our application for the Uncle Paul's Noddy Christmas party, and the cheque I went to so much trouble to get has been returned. :(

Sorry boys, mom fucked up.

Do u see what I see...

One Republic - Stop And Stare

This town is colder now, I think it's sick of us
It's time to make our move, I'm shakin off the rust
I've got my heart set on anywhere but here
I'm staring down myself, counting up the years
Steady hands, just take the wheel...
And every glance is killing me
Time to make one last appeal... for the life I lead

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be, oh
Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're 'here' not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, can u see what I see

They're tryin to come back, all my senses push
Un-tie the weight bags, I never thought I could...
Steady feet, don't fail me now
Gonna run till you can't walk
But something pulls my focus out
And I'm standing down...

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be, oh
Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're here not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, you don't need

What u need, what u need...

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be
Oh, do u see what I see...

Thursday 20 November 2008

Kismet?

Not sure exactly how this happened; serendipity or kismet?
But I have met someone. Someone really special.

As usual in life, you find something when you aren't looking. And I wasn't, I had just got to the point where I was really enjoying being single and unattached to anyone. Just being me for me.

I know I have a lot to say about everything, all the time... but I am still trying to figure this weird incongruous yet completely natural and comfortable alternate reality out, so I am not saying too much for now.

Life is full of surprises.

Wednesday 19 November 2008

Proof

Coldplay - Proof

So I waited for you
What wouldn't I do
And I'm covered it's true
I'm covered in you

And if I ever want proof
I find it in you
Yeah I honestly do
In you I find proof

Light and dark
Bright spark
Light and dark
And then light

So I waited all day
What wouldn't I say
And are there
things in your way
Things happen that way

Oh and if I ever want proof
Then I find it in you
Oh, yeah I honestly do
In you I find proof

Light and dark
Bright spark
Light and dark
And then light

Light, light, light, light

Almost like a running fuckslap....

Harharhar!

Monday 17 November 2008

Family Fun Day

After the Landmarks Race yesterday we went of to my work hosted family fun day - dog and all. We had a great time there.

They had Croquet, Boulles & Cricket competitions, as well as a jumping castle, swimming pool, spit braai and much beer. The boys and dog had an absolute blast and I hardly saw any of them, all 3 got lots of attention and were completely in their element. They ended up having wrestling matches in the pool while sitting on some of the guy's shoulders etc etc.

I had entered myself in the Cricket - as I had fancied myself as a bit of an amateur cricket star. Well it turns out it is clear that I am well, not. *harrumph* I don't have a bad eye for the ball at all, but I can't throw the damn ball far enough! So I am ok when playing with the kids and with a tennis ball, but with a hard ball and full sized pitch I am rather out of my league...

The first game we played I was all serious about it and made sure I was in suitable attire; shorts & tackies etc. I was out after facing only one ball. I hit my ball and got a run and then my team mate tipped the ball (only JUST) so I stayed in my crease, and then they decided on the spur of the moment there was a 'tip and run' rule. It was all confusing with stopping and starting and much indecision, and by the time I was convinced I HAD to run, I was run out easily. So I was out, tail between my legs, sulking, and with my cricket-star dreams in tatters. CRAP! So I drowned my sorrows with a couple of beers. The sure fire way to fix any minor problem or irritation :)

After lunch, which was a yummy lamb spit, I joined in a second cricket game, this time wearing a short tightish skirt and slops.I stayed in for ages this time, ironically. Pretty much every run I ran I managed to lose an item of clothing, and I was having to hoist my skirt up so I could actually run. So I was playing 'Strip cricket'. I lost my hat, slops, and my top! (I had another top on! and I did have a boy-leg bikini on under that skirt ;) )

While fielding I would go sprinting after the balls hit way back into the outfield, and then someone would have to chase after me, because although I can run to the ball and retrieve it quickly, it would then be stuck out there with me. So the other person would have to run almost the whole way out to me so that I could throw it to them and they could throw it on. How do you get muscle behind a throw and get it to TRAVEL!? (I do throw over arm).

Right at the end of the game one guy decided to see how hard/far he could hit and got someone to bowl him a speed ball. I was standing right there and Murphy's law he hit the ball full swing right at me. Thank god I have reflexes. As the ball hurtled towards me I did a matrix-like duck backwards and it literally whistled past my cheek bone! The guy about 20 metres behind me was also nearly taken out by it and asked me to please not duck like that next time as HE was nearly clapped. Dude get your own reflexes!

Anyway after that game my dignity was somewhat restored. So when I was invited to play Boulles. I decided to give it a try. I had NO idea how Boulles works as I had never even really watched it before. Well I won hands down! Yeehaa! There's SOMETHING I am good at! (I guess I am good at most things 'Bullish' being a Taurus and all *groan*.) It was really fun!

We all got home slightly roasted, relaxed, mellow and quite tired after a long and fun day in the sun. I don't feel like working today!

Sunday 16 November 2008

Landmarks 6km Fun Run - Take 4

The first race I ever ran was the Landmarks 6km Fun Run in 2005, I have run it every year since, so this year was my 4th time.

Despite some pretty stop-start running, fitness and general state of mind over the past 6 months, I think I am not doing too badly at the moment. My body is not in terrible shape, but I could and should work a bit harder at cardio fitness and endurance training, but still all things considered I am ok.

So off I went this morning feeling cautiously optimistic that I would do ok. Ok I was arrogantly optimistic... sprouting statements like 'Expect a new land speed record today'.

Anyhow the race started and despite a bit of annoying wind the conditions were pretty good and I mostly enjoyed the run. It is my home turf and I know the area and route VERY well. In fact when I came through the water point at Sportsman's Warehouse, I grabbed two waters and when running through the tables flanked by supporters I lifted my arms up as if I had just won an Olympic medal. It drew some whoops and cheers and applause from the assembled crowd and gave me a bit of a boost for the second half slog back to WPCC.

I finished the 6km in what I think is a respectable 30:40. I just checked my previous results and I have improved every year.

Date Dist
Time Speed min/KM
Nov-05 6 35.00 10.3 5.83
Nov-06 6 31.20 11.5 5.20
Nov-07 6 31.15 11.6 5.19
Nov-08 6 30.40 11.8 5.07

Think I can get a sub 30 next year?

The boys also did their little 750m race again, and were rewarded with ice-lollies this time.

It was a good race and I felt great after that. In fact I felt quite hyped and fiesty. When driving to the shop to get some groceries and then home afterwards. I felt like racing and doing advanced driving... I definitely need to get back to the track soon :)

It’s all gonna be…

I heard this song on the radio just now. I like it.

Tree63 - Alright


I believe a change is going to come
That yesterday is over
I do yeah I do yeah

The clouds have silver linings after all
I’ve seen them with my own eyes
It’s true yeah – it’s true yeah

Though darkness overcomes you now
Morning will break through somehow

It’s all gonna be alright – it’s all gonna be alright
Even this will pass – tomorrow comes at last
It’s all gonna be alright – it’s all gonna be alright
It’s all gonna be alright

The grass is greener on the other side
No matter what they tell you
It’s beautiful – so beautiful

Sow in tears and reap with songs of joy
No sorrow lasts forever
It’s true yeah – it’s true yeah

There never was a darkest night
Without the promise of the morning light

It’s all gonna be…

Saturday 15 November 2008

Warm & Fuzzy

Is how I am feeling today. Quietly contemplative, comfortably numb, relaxed, content and drowsy.

I had a long and busy week, what with a pretty full work schedule and then it being Griffin's birthday with associated cakes, dinners and general celebrating and Grade 1 orientation and and and. In fact I was so fully scheduled I didn't manage to fit a single run in all week. VERY unusual for me!

By the time work ended on Friday I was almost ready to just go to bed. The guys at work decided after-work drinks were definitely the order of the day, and tempting as that sounded - and it really did - I decided I'd better just go collect the boys and head home. That way I could go for a run. I realised I needed that more than a drink. And besides I had plans for the evening already.

So I got the boys sorted out and then dashed off for a quick 6km slog in the wind, via Sportsman's Warehouse so I could register for the Landmark's Fun Run which I am running on Sunday. They had no record of my entry. Crap, but I'll run it anyway. It's not as if they issue results for the fun run anyway. After the run I had 10 minutes to shower and get myself ready and then I had to drop the boys at cubs, where after they were spending the night with their dad.

I then took a slow drive through to Kalkbay to go see the show Rumpsteak.
In his inimitable style Gaetan Schmid, who trained with Jacques Le Coq, dishes up a sizzling hot new show; a staggering behind-the-scenes look at a French restaurant. Fresh staging and explosive theatre are sure to satisfy. Bon appetit!

"RUMPSTEAK " is a one-man show about the everyday drama in a typical French restaurant. Speaking only French, and
confining his movements to one square metre, Schmid plays multiple characters. As if that isn’t challenging enough, he uses no props. Instead, over 800 sound clips populate his performance and aid his transitions from one character to another. Every imaginable restaurant sound, from the splicing of knives to the squealing of boiling lobsters, accompanies his spatially-limited performance.

Schmid says the show is like a good book in that it encourag
es the audience members to use their imaginations. “I give the audience hints and leave them to finish the picture. One person might imagine a character as having a beard, for example, it is a show that people are able to see differently,” he says. Starring Gaetan Schmid & directed by Rob van Vuuren
Reviews follow:
A successful restaurateur, like a good hotelier, usually has a well developed theatrical streak. The Belgian born and Paris Ecole Internationale de Theâtre Jacques Lecoq trained comic Gaetan Schmid takes this to another dimension with his latest one man performance piece, Rumpsteak.

Playing a myriad of characters, each of which become quickly identifiable by their specific comic trait, Schmid takes the audience on a 35 minutes roller coaster racing to and fro between the chefs in the kitchens and the waiters at the tables. Performed entirely on a small cube, using only a limited number of familiar French words and miming to over 800 audio clips compiled by sound designer extraordinaire James Webb, Schmid’s performance is a master class in split-second comic timing. It’s a marathon feat that leaves one slightly frazzled, as after a good tickle.

Belgian-born Gaetan Schmid is a completely engaging actor. Watching someone run on the spot has never been quite so riveting and, although there is no scenery, save his tiny square stage, he keeps the audience chuckling for the entire duration of Sex Machine.

But his witty and clever warm-up routine is just a hint of the talent to follow.

Rumpsteak is a behind-the- scenes look at a French restaurant. Schmid paints a vibrant picture of a bustling kitchen and refined dining area using nothing but body language, smatterings of French and an extensive backing track of sound effects.

It's no lame party trick either - he has perfected his timing down to the very last plink of ice in a glass and click of a ballpoint pen.

There are more than 800 sound clips throughout the show, which fill in the colour. The original sound effects are fantastic, from the coffee percolator to the meat slicer.

If keeping in sync with the razor-sharp knives and squealing lobsters weren't enough, Schmid also portrays the entire staff complement of the restaurant with flair.

All the characters are there, from the chef trying to keep things running smoothly, to the seemingly psychotic butcher, to the flirty attractive waitress, to the camp perfectionist and his chocolate delicacies .

There are the usual stresses of working in a restaurant kitchen, the banter between staff, secrets best kept hidden, unreasonably demanding customers and, of course, a guest who brings the entire kitchen to a standstill.

He takes on each character with aplomb and portrays them perfectly. At times it's like watching a man possessed by the entire cast of a crazy French cartoon. Perhaps that's what makes his performance so instantly enjoyable - the cartoon-like zaniness of his behaviour. His body language and facial expressions are often hilarious in themselves, even without the sound effects to round them off.

Schmid is so full of energy it's almost tiring to watch him, not surprising then that this is a remarkably short show, coming in at under an hour.

The one part which could be a bit distracting, especially in such an intimate setting, is that the constant movement and hot theatre lights result in more than a little perspiration on the part of the actor - but then that probably makes his effort seem all the more impressive.

Rumpsteak is definitely an exciting and different performance. The absence of props means every audience member is free to picture the setting and characters differently and it is not long before you forget that all you're watching is one man on a square platform.

It also doesn't matter terribly much if you don't understand more than "oui" in French. Schmid's expressive acting and the clever sound-effects ensure that most of the audience keeps up.
Another review is here.

I had a really really good time. The show was good, the wine was lovely, the company perfect, and the conversation stimulating. I'd say it was pretty much a perfect evening out.

This morning I was of course tired and a bit hung over, but that's the price one pays. The yin & yang of life. Never-the-less I did a long relaxed run/walk with doggie for about 1.5 hours before I had to go collect the boys, and have been relaxing at home since. I think I'll go to bed early to read and wallow in my fuzziness.

Then tomorrow it's a Sparrow's fart start to be in time for the Landmark's Fun Run which starts at 7am. At least it's 5 mins from home. After the fun run it will be home for a quick shower and then off to our work family fun day. Where I am to play cricket and croquet dahlings.

Tuesday 11 November 2008

We have a Tree/Playhouse!!!!

It arrived yesterday, PERFECTLY timed for Griffin's birthday today!



It was made possible thanks to a nasty break-in in the middle of the night about 2 months ago, and the subsequent payout I got for the stolen laptop. I decided to buy something less portable with the money. The insurance company has changed the way they work and they now pay the money out to a middle man and then you need to order stuff (anything really) through them. You can't just take the cash and use it for groceries - which honestly I probably would have ended up doing - knowing me. The laptop which was taken was an HP Tablet machine costing R19000 to replace! I really wasn't going to get another of those. It does no need to be portable and I wasn't going to spend R19000 on a PC. Despite being in IT I am actually not that much a technophile. And I hate having too much 'stuff' lying around. Probably because I already HAVE a lot of stuff lying around.

Anyway it occurred to me as the perfect opportunity to do something big like this, which I would probably never have the opportunity to consider again. I always wanted a wendy house growing up. I begged and begged for one, and even tried (unsuccessfully) to make my own. If we visited people with a tree house or wendy house I had to go play in it. So much as this is for the boys, it's really for me too (a bit like Roxy, hey?).

Fortuitously I have managed to time it perfectly so that it is G's birthday present, and the new PC will be Q's birthday present... they'll share them both. If it wasn't for that their presents would have been very small this year - I have just had far too many expenses recently (and am having trouble convincing my bank that I qualify for a sole bond for my house at the moment!!)

Anyway so the play house was met with much glee and excitement - and that was just ME! =)



Of course the despite the appalling weather - gale force winds, cold and now rain too.. The boys have insisted on sleeping in the playhouse fir the night. Had the weather been good I might have been fighting for a spot too, but frankly they were welcome to it last night!
I couldn't say no... it's FAR too exciting! I am not sure how much sleep they will have got, but they have been out their all night... I need to brave the rain to go wake them up now.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PUFFIN PIE!!!... ooops I mean GRAFFITI <- his only approved nick name.

Update: They slept there happily the whole night and said it was fine. Griffin even said he had 'a good night's rest.'

Hypothetically cool

Quinn is not normal, he just said:

"Hey when I am 11, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, at 11 minutes past 11.... it would be cool if it was my birthday."

Er, ok then!?

Sometimes open plan offices suck!

Colleague to me just now: 'Hey do some work!'
Me: Lamely, 'I am'
Colleague: 'No you are not, you are smiling. You are NOT working!' :P

Ag fuck it, BUST!

Note to self: Wipe that stupid grin off your face!

Conversation with Griffin this morning

Verbatim:

G: How does the tooth fairy get into the house?
Me: Erm they are pretty small, I think they come in the window.
G: But there are no windows open at night, else the baddies could come in.
Me: Thinks... hey we have a chimney. She must come in there!
G: Hrmm... maybe. Otherwise you and daddy do it... or just you now. I KNOW! I think you are Father Christmas too.
Me: smile
G: If it is YOU, you are actually pretty good at it, because I don't see you buying Christmas presents and don't even feel you putting the money under my pillow!

Monday 10 November 2008

G (I) Joe

Some people never learn... I cut Griffin's hair AGAIN.

He did actually ask me to do it, and I asked him if he was sure sure about 50 times.

He does actually like it, saying, 'Hey I look like a new man!'



More comments I heard them saying afterwards:

G: 'I look so funny.'

G: 'My face looks like a baby!'

Q: 'Griffin, Roxy doesn't know who you are.'

Q: 'You talk the same but you don't look the same.'

Full of Bull?

I have never been into the astrology thing, but for a lark I decided to look up the Taurus profile, cos that's what I am. A cow full of bull! :P

I must say I am pretty floored. Apart from a few little quibbles (I cook well!? Erp not so much any more, I used to though) it is REALLY spot on. Wow!
Taurus Woman

When you come across a Taurus female, the first thing you will notice about her is her undefeatable emotional strength. She is capable of handling the severest of problems, without shedding even a single tear. She has the infamous Taurus temper, but it is seldom displayed. Atleast not until the provocation is too much to digest. She is as feminine as any other female, without the unnecessary tantrums. A Taurus woman has no desire of dominating her husband
. She will let him handle the reins, infact this is what she secretly desires.

A Taurus woman wants a real man, who can make her proud of himself as much as she is proud of herself. However, if he fails in his role, she will take the control in her own hands. Neither will she act like a mewing kitten, nor like a roaring lioness. She is independent and has a mind of her own, but she does not want to dominate in the relationship. Taurean women do not see social status while making their friends. They want to be friends with people who do not hide their true nature and come across as they really are.

Their friends may be a little weird, but they will not be phonies or hypocrites. A Taurus girl doesn't fight with people she dislikes, she simply ignores them and becomes indifferent to their presence. However, she will be loyal to her true friends and they will remain with her throughout her life. In return, she will expect them to stand by her when she needs them. A Taurean woman also gets jealous, but only if you exceed the limits of casual flirtation. Everything has a limit and this also does. It's better not to provoke her anger or you will be very sorry.

She is brainy, but not too much interested in intellectual subjects. She is practical in her thinking and does not feel the need to indulge in mental gymnastics. She is balanced in her approach and you will hardly see her in a restless disposition. A Taurean girl hates anything artificial, be the flowers in her vase or the friends in her life. She has to feel the fragrance of real roses and the presence of real people. The beauty of Mother Nature especially pleases her.

Ugliness of any kind makes her miserable and repulsive. She loves to be amidst colorful surroundings, like gardens blooming with flowers. A Taurean female has a good taste, so please be very careful before taking her out. She is a very good cook herself and you will always be treated to excellent homemade food. She is also very much interested in the art forms, like painting. She is a tomboy at heart and will enjoy many guy-things like horse riding, going on a roller coaster ride, fishing, etc.

All this makes her feel close to nature. She dresses simply, yet elegantly and her fabrics are always feather-soft. Taurus female is very strong and above the usual female insecurities. However, she demands loyalty and will never compromise in this area. She is beyond hypocrisy and has an undemanding and easy-going manner. She wants her man to take her side, especially in public. If he contradicts her in front of other people, expect the temperature to reach beyond the boiling point.

When pushed too far, she loses her cool demeanor quickly. Taurus women make excellent mothers, except for the fact that they cannot tolerate disobedience or defiance in kids. Laziness and carelessness also makes them angry. Otherwise, they will be more of a friend to their children than the typical mommies. A Taurus woman will also teach the kids how to be strong and will protect them from the big bad outside world. She never shirks from or whines about her responsibilities. Her man will be expected to do the same.

She can also bear endless pain and stress, without complaining for a single minute. She is good with finances and knows how to maintain quality in a reasonable budget. She is a very good host and will be there to help her man in any and every way she can. A Taurean woman will care for you when you are ill, will back you in your new business venture and let you take over the control of the home. And, you will always be treated to a warm, cozy home when you come back from office!

Hero

I am half watching the movie HERO. I have seen it before, and loved it.

It seems a lot of people don't really get this genre. I TOTALLY do. So while I hate the usual skop-skit-en-donner movies, these are spectacular, choreographed, fantastical works of art. They are breath takingly beautiful to watch. They really move and inspire me and make me feel like anything is possible; with enough will power, dedication and imagination.

Yes, they are based on martial arts, but that's not all they are, they are intricate stories woven full of deeper meanings and symbolism and told with exquisite visual imagery and emotion. The cinematography is epic and really quite awe inspiring.

I list Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers and Hero as some of my favourite movies ever. Oh and they must be watched with subtitles in the original Chinese. I hate dubbed movies!
Synopsis: Using the assassination attempt of the historical figure, Chin Shi Huang Di (The first emperor of China) as a backdrop, this film attempts to explore and develop a better understanding of the Chinese concept of a hero. In a Chinese cultural context, it hopes to explore the preconceptions and misinterpretations of heroism and heroes. At the height of China's Warring States period, the country was divided into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi. For years, the separate kingdoms fought ruthlessly for supremacy.

As a result, the populace endured decades of death and suffering. The Kingdom of Qin was the most determined of all. The Qin King was obsessed with conquering all of China and becoming her first Emperor. He had long been the target of assassins throughout the other six states. Of all the would-be killers, none inspired as much fear as the three legendary assassins, Broken Sword, Flying Snow and Sky. To anyone who defeated the three assassins, the King of Qin promised great power, mountains of gold and a private audience with the King himself.

But defeating the killers is a near impossible task. For ten years no one came close to claiming the prize. So when the enigmatic county sheriff, Nameless, came to the palace bearing the legendary weapons of the slain assassins, the King was impatient to hear his story. Sitting in the palace, only ten paces from the King, Nameless told his extraordinary tale: For ten years, Nameless studied the way of the sword and resolved to challenge the three assassins. Using the secrets of swordsmanship; Nameless defeated the mighty Sky in a furious showdown.

Following this initial victory, he destroyed the famed duo of Flying Snow and Broken Sword. This time using a weapon far more devastating than his sword - their extraordinary love for each other. The King hung on every detail of this curious story. But then something most unexpected happened - the King has a different story to tell of how Nameless really came to sit there, face to face with the King!

It appears that everything was not so simple. In the centre of the intrigue sits Nameless -a solitary ranger and the King of Qin - the ruler of the Kingdom, with only ten steps between them. Within those ten steps holds an earth-shattering tale of love, honour and duty, a story that moves beyond the reaches of history. A story about what it means to be a HERO. -- © Miramax Film

Sunday 9 November 2008

Journey across Africa update

You may or may not remember that I have been tallying my running distances since I started running in September 2005?

My goal has been to run all the way up Africa. Figuratively of course! In reality I am just plodding around the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, in small and boring increments, but that is hardly exciting sounding is it!? I actually LOVE it though and my music and the voices in my head make it really enjoyable.

Anyway at my last update 11 months ago I had 2800km under my belt and was in Luanda, Angola. I am now just past Bata in Gabon, or 4200km away!
Here is some interesting info, at 10km/h (my usual speed) it would take 407 hours to cover the distance, or 17 days non-stop.

Saturday 8 November 2008

Arb Stuff Today

Here is some stuff (Read: meaningless boring crap) from this week-end.

The boys are with their dad this week-end, so it is just me again. I chose to spend Friday night and Saturday basically alone. I relish quiet alone time now. I love it. I love my own thoughts and space and just musing to myself and listening to music etc.

On Friday night, like a fucking moron, I closed the garage door on my car as I was reversing. We were in a hurry to get the boys to cubs, and had been worried that Roxy was going to dash out as we were leaving, so I was going to close it quickly. Quinn then wanted to jump out and go hold her and he started opening the door - while I was reversing! - and I told him to close the door and stay put, and next thing I knew there was a lovely loud scraping sound and the garage door was on the car! I couldn't really blame anyone but myself, I must have somehow pressed the button without realising it while watching dog, child, rear-view mirror etc etc. So now I have scratched the roof of my car and the aerial is broken off and the roof is slightly dented where the aerial was attached. Gah. Very annoyed with myself about that, and SO unlike me too! Buggery fuck!

Yesterday I woke up ridiculously early. 4:45am!!! WTF!? I forced myself to go back to sleep, and then I woke up again an hour later and decided that was it. I got some coffee and drank it in bed, while Roxy came and went being all cute. After a while I was playing with her; hiding away so that when she came back into the room she couldn't find me, or I would crouch behind the door and jump out and give her a fright as she came into the room, and then we'd roll around laughing. (I really must grow up!) So I was giggling and feeling all fuzzy about her and thinking, WHY did I never really like dogs before?? They are so fun and cute....And then I was reminded. I walked down the passage to find that she had taken my bra - ok I had left it lying on the floor, but still - and had chewed it up! Hello, what's that about!? I couldn't really get upset about it, even though I was a tad miffed. It was actually one of my favourite bras, just comfy and nice looking, pretty but practical too - just right. But I did get it at a factory shop and it only cost something like R20, and I have had it for 2-3 years. So I guess I can cope with it ;)

Then I ran, the long way, to the gym and jumping on 'my' Power Plate. 10 minutes later a class was starting, and they had a space open so I decided to do the class. OMW there were 3-4 things that were mega though. OUCH!

After walking around the shops and then back home I took Roxy to the park, where she gamboled around while I lay in the grass. She would play for a bit and then come over to me to be slapped around a little (she seems to like that!) and then she'd go frolic again. It was lovely.

Then I went off to P'nP Hypermarket to get a new Vacuum cleaner and some groceries etc. When I got home I was going to wash my car, but decided to do some pool maintenance quickly first. BIG mistake. It was so frustrating! The weir cover was stuck. It has been cracked for a while now. My man-handling it to get it off finally broke it! Nooo! Then I struggled to get the other cover by the filter off. The thread on the thing is rusted so you need to be really strong to turn it. No matter how much I willed myself to be stronger it just didn't want to budge. It's times like these that it is so frustrating to be a girl, with physical limitations, and have to sometimes admit defeat. To be willing, and even have the know-how, but not be ABLE to do stuff. I hate that!

I eventually managed to do it, and I oiled and waxed it too, so hopefully it wont be so hard next time. But now the pool is full of dust and leaves from all the wind and the Kreepy doesn't work because the weir cover is broken. I went an bought a new one but it doesn't quite fit and doesn't seal so there is not enough suction to get the Kreepy to work. CRAP! I eventually got fed up at 18:30 and gave up on it all and went to sit on the couch in a 'rit of fealous jage' (as my dad would say). After drinking a Savannah (quite fast too) I realised Canal Walk was still open, and then got the idea in my head that it MUST be fixed. So off I went. Looking a bit worse for wear. Er I was still in sweaty gym clothes and peaked cap - but I had at least taken my shorts off and pulled on the previous day's cargo pants. Plumbers crack & all. LOL. I actually saw my (yummy) manager while marching through Canal Walk and I ducked away as I was not going to socialise in that state! LOL.

I was in such a good mood though giggling and smiling at an SMS conversation I was having and getting some odd stares from people.

This is completely arb but listen to this. I bought puppy food at the Hyper yesterday for R51.99. It had a R15 off voucher with it. SCORE! Anyway the cashier didn't use the damn voucher. So when I went to Canal Walk I took it with me. Hey, it was FIFTEEN RONT. So bokkie there says no they can't refund the voucher, since I bought it at P'nP HYPER and they are P'nP SUPERmarket. Which are 'totally different'. Erm ok whatever. So I say, 'But hang on I have previously bought stuff at a hyper and returned it at a super'. And she agrees that that can be done... So I say, 'Ok fine I'll give it back then, I don't want it'. She's like ok that's fine and proceeds to refund me. She then finds it only costs R44.99 there. So the supervisor comes over and they manually refund the rest. So I get all R52 back.

I then went straight into the shop and bought the SAME THING for R44.99, and handed over my voucher and got R15 off! Where the fuck is the logic in that!? Laugh my ass off. I mean really. So instead of just taking the voucher and giving me R15, they effectively gave me R22! Hahahaha! Dumb asses.

I also got what I hope is an appropriate glue (an epoxy) and mixed some up and fixed my weir cover. By then it was 9pm, and time to stop! I am thinking I really should find something more fun to do on my week-ends off, rather than trying to be a DIY whizz!

Friday 7 November 2008

Random Thoughts

I have been tagged by Laura to do Caths Random Thoughts Meme

Word for the week in my head… “ALIVE”. I have had a really good week or 2, filled with friends, and fun and excitement. I feel really alive again.

Thought for the week in my head… Everything really is going to be ok! I am ok, and I am moving in a positive direction and I like it. I like having the opportunities I do at the moment, and the relative freedom I do. It is liberating and exciting. I do not need to justify myself to anyone. Carpe diem.

Thing for the week in my life… My beloved Power Plate. I am joking of course - kind of. ;) I am not THAT obsessed with it. But it really does work! It definitely gives a good work out and taps into some pretty cool endorphin supplies. I just feel great afterwards. Relaxed, happy and alive! Oh and I have lost nearly all the extra padding which had taken residence on my ass! What's not to love!?

Song for the week in my head… 'No more keeping my feet on the ground' by Coldplay - for the lyrics and possibilities it implies, and Dirty Skirt's 'Daddy Don't Disco' to dance around my bedroom to.

Food for the week in my belly… A delicious huge salmon & blue cheese salad I made. I REALLY loved it. All 3 meals I ate it for.

Colour for the week in my life… Um... bright pink. Not usually, but this week it is.

Smile for the week on my face is… I have smiled a lot this week. At friends, family, strangers. Everyone and everything.

Blessing for the week in my heart… my beautiful children. Who are also going to be ok. Who are settling down now and are happy, and healthy. Who see the excitement in little things and who I can talk about anything with. They are patient with me, and forgiving when I make mistakes. They are my life. They make me feel loved, young and meaningful.

I am going to go with Wenchy, Supermom-Mel, KarenL and Doula Mel

Thursday 6 November 2008

Bubye!

Tonight I went to see a movie with a long standing friend. We ended up having a conversation about someone who has been in my life for the last while, but whom I had started feeling increasingly uneasy about. I had had some trouble figuring the situation out...

I am now at peace.

Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5

I wake up with blood-shot eyes

Struggled to memorize
The way it felt between your thighs
Pleasure that made you cry
Feels so good to be bad
Not worth the aftermath, after that
After that
Try to get you back

I still don't have the reason
And you don't have the time
And it really makes me wonder
If I ever gave a fuck about you

Give me something to believe in
Cause I don't believe in you
Anymore, Anymore
I wonder if it even makes a difference to try
So this is goodbye

Wednesday 5 November 2008

Bovine Guide to Politics

Confused about the difference between socialism, Communism, and the politics of huge corporations? This basic “dictionary” may help.

SOCIALISM


You have 2 cows
You give one to your neighbour

COMMUNISM

You have 2 cows
The State takes both and gives you some milk

FASCISM

You have 2 cows
The State takes both and sells you some milk

NAZISM


You have 2 cows
The State takes both and shoots you

BUREAUCRATISM

You have 2 cows
The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away

TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM

You have two cows
You sell one and buy a bull
Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows
You sell them and retire on the income

SURREALISM


You have two giraffes
The government requires you to take harmonica lessons

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION

You have two cows
You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows
Later, you hire a consultant to analyse why the cow has dropped dead

ENRON VENTURE CAPITALISM

You have two cows. You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island Company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release. The public then buys your bull

A FRENCH CORPORATION

You have two cows
You go on strike, organise a riot, and block the roads, because you want three cows

A JAPANESE CORPORATION

You have two cows
You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk
You then create a clever cow cartoon image called ‘Cowkimon’ and market it worldwide

A GERMAN CORPORATION

You have two cows
You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows, but you don’t know where they are
You decide to have lunch

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows
You count them and learn you have five cows
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows
You count them again and learn you have 2 cows
You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka

A SWISS CORPORATION

You have 5000 cows. None of them belong to you
You charge the owners for storing them

A CHINESE CORPORATION

You have two cows
You have 300 people milking them
You claim that you have full employment, and high bovine productivity
You arrest the newsman who reported the real situation

AN INDIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows
You worship them

A BRITISH CORPORATION

You have two cows
Both are mad

AN IRAQI CORPORATION

Everyone thinks you have lots of cows
You tell them that you have none
No-one believes you, so they bomb the **** out of you and invade your country
You still have no cows, but at least now you are part of Democracy

AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows
Business seems pretty good
You close the office and go for a few beers to celebrate

A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION

You have two cows The one on the left looks very attractive