Fancy That

Back to the Future

2011-11-23T12:14:00.001+10:00

I'm surrounded by some amazing people in my life. People who do extraordinary things and inspire me to want to be better. At everything. I gave up looking back and harping on things that I can't change but today I've been thinking about how much my life has changed in the last 10 years. I'd love to be able to meet the me then and tell her a few things. I'm sure I'm not the first to think this so I'm not claiming this is an original thought. Obviously I can't do this. I don't regret the things I've experienced in the last 10 years either but I'm loving parts of my life so much right now I'm wishing I'd started earlier. So my new goal for every day is to make sure I appreciate all the goods things in my life and thank God for them. I'm going to keep challenging myself and surrounding myself with all the positive people I can.

Someone I'm only starting to get to know posted a link on her Facebook wall yesterday that got me into this pondering state of mind - you should read it : http://paleogirl-push-it.tumblr.com/post/13105183805/25-questions-to-ask-yourself )

'If not now, then when?'

They all make you think don't they? So much to do and I have time if I want it so I've just got to start doing it. This is how I choose to live my life now. I want to be able to look back and say I wouldn't change a thing.

Hit Me!

2011-11-02T16:24:00.002+10:00

Never delete. That’s what they say. Put it out there, leaveit and let others decide. Maybe it’ll be a real gem one day. Everything had tostart from something. I’m sure someone thought selling bread already slicedwould never catch on and hey the cliché ‘that’s the best thing since sliced bread’ has to mean it caught on in a big way.

So I swam 30 lengths of a 50m pool today. Swimming is sosoothing. It’s just you and silence. Well, mostly silence except for thesplashing, the deep inhaling and the kids. It is silent when you are under thewater. My point is simply that I tend to find inspiration when I’m swimming.Actually it may be just a water thing for me to be honest. I get hit with theinspiration bat lying in the bath, standing under the shower, in the rain ohmost especially in the rain. Maybe, if I believed in reincarnation which I don’tthink I do, I was a cloud or a fish in a previous life. Can you even bereincarnated as a cloud? It isn’t really permanent, tends to dissipate. Somaybe not a cloud.

I swam and cleared my head, to make a path for the futurecareer inspiration I was hoping for to paddle its way in to my thoughts, when Igot an eerie feeling. You know the feeling you get in Horror movies where thegirl wakes up in the middle of the night to a noise and goes to investigate(normally clad in a see through white singlet and her underwear) and you arescreaming at her ‘Stay in bed! Lock the door! Stop you stupid hot chick you aregoing to die!’ – you know that feeling? The something bad is about to happenfeeling – well, I got that about halfway through a free-styling lap. I stopped.Treading water I looked underneath me (old habit, I’m scared of the KreepyKrauly) – nothing. Then a flash of hot pink caught my eye. I knew what was coming.I couldn’t turn back. I was going to have to face it when I reached the otherside of the pool. I would need to face it sometime or get out the pool and makea run for it.

So I swam, I swam for my life to the other side. I had toopen my eyes. I had to turn around to go back. I looked. There ‘it’ wasstanding by the side of the pool like a bad David Hasselhoff impersonator – themiddle aged man in the hot pink budgie smugglers.

Try clearing your head of that image. No inspiration for metoday.

Boo! I see you!

2011-10-31T21:03:00.000+10:00

I'm in a reflective mood today. It is Halloween Monday, 12 week Challenge came to a gloriously successful end on Saturday. I'm pretty happy with what I've achieved and loving my new lifestyle. But it is Monday today. Last night as I lay awake listening to the rain I began to ponder. I pondered over many things. Mostly about what happens next. I have to make sure the ghosts of my past don't come a-creeping back in to my daily habits.
Life over the last 12 weeks has been hectically demanding but undeniably uplifting at the same time. Determined not to lose that momentum I made sure that I got up and went to my early morning RPM class at the gym. Best thing I could have done. Started my week off in the right way as it always does. Ally, my instructor is awesome! I've set myself new fitness goals for the next 8 weeks (Christmas - can you believe?) and I'm ready to go. Boo! There is no scaring me away! I'm a Gym Freak now!

Next thing I need to focus on is my career. A much needed change has to happen come January and I want to make it a positive one. I want to get me that career that will make me say 'Hell yes! I love my job!'.
I've got no conclusions yet on that one.

Monday is almost done for me and so I wish you all a Happy Halloween. Hope it's a hoot!
Yes, I'm very corny today. It's my blog I can write what I want.

A simple end to a long day...

2011-10-27T21:27:00.002+10:00

I promised myself I would write every day but today has been long and I'm tired so I will simply leave you with this poem:
There once was a girl name Jay
who moved to a land far, far away
She's nothing left in her head
It's time for her to go to bed
She'll be back some time tomorrow
Parting - it's true- is such sweet sorrow!

Goodnight everybody!

I feel Italian

2011-10-26T19:06:00.000+10:00

I have a passport that says I am Italian but with my pasty white skin I've never really looked the part. Until tonight. I just had my first ever, ever Spray Tan! Yes, you heard it here first. Me - until tonight - a Spray Tan Virgin.

It is a rather bizarre ritual I have to say. I didn't really know what to expect. Of course, I've read the literature. I've seen it on episodes of Friends and Sex and the City. Others have told me what to expect, what to wear, how to stand, what not to do and to just close my eyes and wait till it's over if I'm not enjoying it.

'Put this on' my always cheery Beautician friend, Kym, said as she handed me what looked like a tampon. It was in fact a very sexy paper g-string. O la la! I may stock up on some paper underwear for those special occasions when you just want something that is easily torn.
She instructed me on the correct way to stand once I was suitably attired. With my legs apart, facing the back wall of the shower and my arms in line with my shoulders bending at the elbows - a bit like a scarecrow. Too easy.

She left me to prepare. Paper g-string on I waited for the knock that would mean this is it, there is no going back. It came. In fact there were two of them. Light and fast. Knock, Knock!
I assumed the position as Kym armed with what looked like a paint spray bottle simply said, 'This may be a little cold.' And you know what - it was.
After that I closed my eyes and followed the instructions: turn to the right side, turn your head away, turn to your left side, face me, lift your head, keep your eyes closed.
And just like that it was over and I was all alone in my paper g-string with a mirror and a hot air blower that looked a bit like a vacuum cleaner. But man oh man was I brown! Dark brown like my Sicilian ancestors would have been!

Of course, most of the dark will wash off in the shower in 2 hours and I'll be left with a shade only 2 shades darker than my normal pasty white. For now though I almost feel like I've been on a long holiday and worked hard for this tan. It is amazing the confidence a tan gives you. I may do this again... and again!

So where was I?

2011-10-25T13:57:00.000+10:00

6 months have flown by since my last post and my life has transformed somewhat. I'm coming to the end of a 12 week challenge at my gym and to say the experience has been one of the most rewarding of my life may be overstating it but I do feel rewarded. Besides losing weight, getting fitter and healthier I've learnt a few things about myself in the process.

You know what? I reckon I'm pretty friggin' awesome! Perhaps I should sign off here and allow you all time to ponder the enormity of my awesomeness. Let me bask in all the comments that will no doubt concur that I speak the truth.

I know. I know you've missed me.

In all seriousness I do feel awesome. I met some really inspirational people over the last few weeks and I now call them my friends. I'm surrounded by positive people and energy in my every day life and I'm feeding off it. I've discovered I push myself harder in group situations and have uncovered a competitive streak I never thought I possessed (think I got this from my mother). It is working for me though because I'm mostly competing against myself. I've set myself goals and have to push myself harder every week to achieve them. Folk around me throw around the phrase 'I beat my Personal Best today' and that is what it is about - beating yourself to better yourself.

I'm turning into a walking, talking motivational poster.

I've been throwing myself into this challenge for the last 12 weeks and don't intend to slow down much after it is finished on Saturday - I have been neglecting the creative side of my brain though and it's feeling a little rusty. So today I set myself a new challenge: to delve into my craft every day.

And so the journey begins again...

They are coming to take me away! Ha ha hee hee!

2011-04-15T13:51:00.000+10:00

When my alarm woke me up rather rudely this morning I took my earplugs out and was assaulted by bird whose chirp sounded like a game of Space Invaders. Then a thought popped into my head, just a one worded thought. Friday.

My next thought was for Saturday. And then I wanted to go back to sleep. See the thing is this, I'm a little scared for tomorrow. I'm waking up around 5am, getting dressed in my finest gym gear and heading down to a park to take part in my very first Boot camp. Yes, that's right people! I am waking up before the sun on a Saturday to voluntarily take part in a torture, I mean Exercise, session - military style.

This is the new me. Or it will be.

Good times

2011-02-17T12:05:00.000+10:00

My friend Adam and I used to have a game we liked to play - back in our misspent youth when we still hung out at Alternative nightclubs dressed in black and wearing our Doc Martins. Good times. The game involve the age old tradition of People Watching aka Peopling. We'd pick random strangers and give them a back story. The stories were worthy of the greatest Tabloids and some of these folk, if their stories were true, should have been interviewed by Oprah and had a book deal in the bag. I'm not talking about short one lined biographies but epic tales, multiple characters that navigated their way through some pretty sophisticated plot lines. I wish we'd recorded some of them.

I've started playing the game again. I'm going to share my stories with you on this here blog. Yes sirree Bob! I'm bored I need entertainment so I will begin to entertain myself. I'm going to try get pictures of the main characters if I can. It'll have to be undercover. How exciting!

A 40-something lady shopping in our local IGA superstore a few nights ago was wearing a white vest top, teeny weeny blue shorts, the thickest woollen black socks I've seen worn in tropical (yes that means it is a warm place) Queensland and no shoes. I think she deserves a story.

I didn't get the photo but I can paint a picture without one. So watch this space for the story behind The Lady with the Black socks.

One more sleep!

2011-01-18T12:18:00.000+10:00

Watched the movie Julie and Julia again. Did you ever have one of those movies that cheer you, inspire you and that no matter how many times you watch it, it just gets you every, every time?

I think it is because both the woman portrayed in this movie attacked life with such passion.

The perfect movie to watch on the eve of my 35th birthday. 35. Not quite sure how I let this happen but it is here tomorrow and nothing I can do about it.

I do love birthdays. And that number doesn't really worry me. Life just gets more exciting the older you get and there is still so much left to discover, learn, see in this world. All it is, is a reminder to get busy living.

I've just realised in these last 2 post of mine I've got out my soapbox and been preaching a little. Must be because I'm getting so much wiser in my old age.

Did I mention it is my BIRTHDAY tomorrow? YAY! Later Reader!

Can you imagine it?

2011-01-14T14:14:00.000+10:00

I've been watching on TV the last few days the floods in Queensland. Watching things and people fight not to float away. Water is so powerful, and so hard, when it comes at such a force, to protect yourself from.

I've watched farmers sob into the camera. All their crops gone. I've seen heavily pregnant woman surrounded by all they own. No home to bring her new baby back to. I've seen the same footage over and over again yet I'm moved every time. The death toll climbs steadily and there are reports saying that some of the 50 odd people (they say bodies but there is still hope right?) may never be found. One body was found 80 kilometres from where he went missing.

Can you imagine it? We complain every day about something. Something we wish we had. Something else we wish we could do.

Imagine losing everything. Be thankful today.

7 days in.

2011-01-07T16:06:00.000+10:00

With a word or two I'm back in the game.

2011 literally started with a bang for us!

And ever since we seem to have had nothing but rain, rain and more rain with a smattering of sun just to fool us into thinking we live in the Sunshine State. Luckily we haven't been flooded where I live but my car has never been cleaner.

On to other things besides the weather. This morning as I sat working I was startled awake by a THUD.

A poor Lorikeet had flown smack BANG into my window. Poor fella sat dazed, confused and, I'm sure, a little embarrassed on the wet grass for a while before flying off and hiding away. I think I heard chuckling from all the other Lorikeets! Who here hasn't walked into a glass door before? Well I haven't but I've seen loads of people do it and I ... sympathised with them, of course.

How is this for a coincidence? I drafted this post early this morning, then in my daily reading of my regular blogs I came to Wozzel. Read Wozzel for a new way to deal with glass doors. Words to live by. I'm getting a hammer.

I'll be back in a whizz.

Strange things in a Strange Land

2010-10-27T10:19:00.000+10:00

When you move to a new country noticing cultural differences is common. Adjusting to these differences can be the biggest obstacle you need to overcome before you start to feel like you are part of a community. Sometimes it never happens. Sometimes the things you see are so bizarre and unfathomable that you find yourself waking in the middle of the night screaming: 'NOOO, not my favourite tekkies!'*

I've been noticing these:

What does it mean? Is it part of a group initiation ritual here and if I'm called upon to take part do I get to choose the tekkies I chuck? What if I can't get them to loop over? Do I get some practice throws? Does everybody know about this ritual except me?

I really don't know how I'm managing to sleep at all with this mystery haunting my every waking thought.

*trainers

Aren't they lovely?

2010-10-17T18:28:00.000+10:00

Meet my new obsession: shoes!

Da Do Run Run Da Do Run Run

2010-10-06T11:01:00.000+10:00

I've told you all about my new running mission. It has been going quite well - I've steadily built myself up to 7 minute running slots - so I run for 7 minutes walk for 2, run for 7 walk for 2, you get the idea? This for a *pka these-legs-were-made-for-walking-girl is quite an achievement.

I just did a little victory dance all by myself. It is an impressive routine - you'd laugh your ass off!

Yesterday, however, (even longer pause for effect) I couldn't, I just couldn't, get out of my bed at 5:15am. I'm not a morning person. Never have been and I'm working on training myself to be one. One change at a time. The Sun, unfortunately, love, love, loves the morning and in my neck of the woods is rising earlier and earlier making a later running time not just exercise but a torture session in Hell.

So instead I headed to the gym and selected a treadmill closest to the fan. Warmed up with a 2 minute fast paced walk and then off I ran, and ran, and ran, and ran. 14 minutes later I returned to walking pace. That's a doubling of my normal time. I was too shy to do my victory dance at the gym but I imagined myself doing it in my head. I am legen-wait-for-it-dary (I do love Barney Stinson)

How does that happen? Is it easier to run on a treadmill? My legs are stiff as sticks today so I must have used different muscles. Any experts out there know why I can run for so much longer?
I'm almost afraid to hit the rugby field again - my mere 7 minutes is going to feel like failure.

Got to run (love a bad pun) - catch you later!

*previously known as

All the better to hear you with my dears!

2010-09-26T16:36:00.000+10:00

I got my assignment done and in good time you will all be pleased to know. I do love William Shakespeare. So much so that I've contemplated naming my unborn children after his characters. If only the boys names weren't so, well, so naffy. Now I know naffy isn't a real word but sometimes no real words fit and then you have to make up new ones to get your point across. It is allowed. I've decreed it.

Seriously though - can you imagine how much a young lad would be teased on the playground with a name like Horatio, Romeo or Mercutio?

That brings me to another topic entirely: Plastic Surgery. I've got ears. Two of them, in fact. They perform their function more than adequately and I really can't complain about their size. Small, dainty- even been called pixie like. Have a look at a Pixie's ears, will you please? Cute, little, often pointy (mine lack that characteristic) and they protrude. Beautiful!

Therein lies my complex.

Up till the age of 9 I was totally unaware of the protrudingness (another one of my own words) of my ears. That all changed when I started at a new school and made a new best friend. My best friend and I were as inseparable as best friends could be. Teachers even used to confuse us because apparently we looked alike enough to be sisters. BF obviously did not like this confusion. On the first day back at school in the third term I went to sit next to her as usual at the desk we shared.

BF: 'I don't want you to sit here'

Me: 'But why?'

BF: 'I don't want to be your friend any more'

Me: 'But why?'

BF: 'Because I don't like your ears!'

True story. And so began my love/hate relationship with my ears. I begged my Mom to let me have the operation to put my ears back. She put the case to my father who declared, 'There is nothing wrong with your ears.' Wallet closed. I did inherit my ears from my Dad so I think he was a little sad that I wanted to undo this genetic connection.

As I've grown older I've outgrown the complex but still whenever I'm asked would you ever have Plastic surgery and, if so, what would you like to change? My first choice is always 'My ears!'

What would you change?

A mere procrastination...

2010-09-19T15:23:00.000+10:00

I think I've mentioned before that I'm a mistress to Procrastination. Right now I should be doing prep for a Hamlet assignment that is due this week but I suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to write a blog, check my facebook and shop on ebay. All important stuff. Can it wait till I'm finished my assignment? Well, yes but that is entirely my point. Besides, if I wasn't so inclined to add to my stress levels and wasn't so very good at working under pressure, you might never get to read another of my titillating blogs ever again.

We did enjoy Melbourne. Cool People. Cool vibes. Fantastic food and I'm still dreaming about the Bloody Hot Bloody Marys. If you ever find yourself in Melbourne - head to Chapel street to a place called Yellow bird for brekkie. Breakfast Burrito and a Bloody Hot Bloody Mary. You can't go wrong.

Ooooh and he got me some new shoes. Killer heels but it is a price a girl must pay to look sophisticated and sexy. Or the price he must pay rather. They are so pretty.

If the truth be told I'm more of flat shoe gal but lately I've found myself drawn to heels.

So to Melbourne we shall return and hope she will be happy to have us. I forgot to charge my camera battery so no photos to share but that might just be for the best.

I'm going to head out for a run now to focus my thoughts on Hamlet - 'To be, or not to be, that is the question -'

Farewell!

In and out

2010-09-10T14:09:00.000+10:00

I know I've been gone a very long time this time. Lack of time if my only excuse. Thanks to those of you who have left me comments, emailed or texted me to find out when I'd be back. All 2 of you. It really did wonders for my ego.

Alas, my time today is short but I solemnly promise I'll be back next week. Sometime. I swear. Off to Melbourne for the weekend.

Take care now

A Perfect Day

2010-08-11T20:09:00.000+10:00

I think everyone at some point in their long or short life ponders, even if only for a moment, how they will die. On Friday I thought my time had come. Obviously, seeing as I'm writing this, I thought wrong.

I guess it makes for a pretty funny story though, so I will share it with you and let you all have a laugh at my near-death experience. I set out for my daily walk-jog on what I can only describe as a beautiful Queensland morning. If I had died that day, at the very least, it would have been the perfect day to do it. I made it all the way to the sports fields that I amble around. Most mornings I'm kept company by some arrogant Magpies, some yellow billed birds I don't know the name of and a few Ducks. We all pretty much keep to ourselves. They do their bird thing, I trot. Friday was no different except today we had some extra company - some kids doing athletics training on the track next to mine. My witnesses. This was the setting for the scene of my near demise.

On my third lap I approached two Ducks who were ducking around and I thought they would move away as I approached. Now this isn't something I'll admit too often but, wait for it, I was wrong. It happened out of nowhere. I should have seen it coming. The bigger Duck didn't move. He turned. Looked me in the eye. I was looking down at the time. He put his head down, strained his neck as far as it could go without popping off and aimed his beak at me. He quacked something rude in Duck language to me. I didn't have time to explain I didn't speak Duck before he charged. Forget ambling, I sprinted with that little... I mean, big Duck charging behind me. I must have got 10 metres, feeling chuffed I'd outrun the monster duck, when I turned.

The Duck was 9 1/2 metres behind me.

True story. Remember I said I had witnesses. I'm sure you are all pleased that I'm alive and well.

A rant, because I feel like one...

2010-08-03T18:37:00.000+10:00

I know people say this all the time but time is flying by. It feels like yesterday we were celebrating Christmas and here we are today in August. Life is rushing by too rapidly for my liking. I'd like it to slow down. I'm not sure I'm ready to be 35 in 2011 so I'd appreciate if 2010 stuck around just a wee bit longer. Alright?

This morning I heard that Selfridges in the UK is already putting up Christmas decorations in their stores. Hamley Toy store has launched their Christmas catalogue. Harrods is next. Things have not gone quite so mad in Oz yet. That I'm aware of anyway.

I remember being a kid (memory of an elephant I have). I remember the excitement started to build soon as you started to see the decorations, Father Christmas in the stores and on the TV and school closed. Then there was the big night in our city when the City Council turned on the Christmas lights down the main street in the CBD and my folks would pile us 4 kids into the back of the car and drive us down the road to 'ooh' and 'aah'. Good times.

Now. Now kids will still have another 5 months to wait. I wonder has the enchantment I remember from Christmas time been lost to the seekers of the Big Bucks?

I'm glad I was a kid then and not now. Rant over. I'm out.

Run Ninnles, run!

2010-07-29T10:45:00.000+10:00

I've set myself a new challenge. I know those of you who know me are going to laugh, scoff and call for the real Me to come forward and rid the world of this imposter. Alas, what I am about to reveal to you is a real goal I've set myself and I am determine, that's right, determined to achieve it.

That is also exactly why I'm putting it on here - time to make myself accountable to you all and not just to myself.

Next year, date is yet to be confirmed, around the 1st August I'm going to compete in the 10km running event at the Brisbane running festival ( you can check out the the site for 2010 here: http://www.brisbanemarathon.com/ )

Now for some of you this may not seem like such a big challenge but for me this is HUGE. I'm new convert to this running malarchy. I've always been a firm believer that the only time there is a need to run is if you are being chased by one or all of the following:

a) A person wielding an axe, gun, or anything that could do serious bodily harm.

b) An animal with big teeth to eat you with.

c) Those little men trying to get you into a white jacket.

I can say I'd run faster if any of the above were behind me but at the moment everyone tends to overtake me.

I'm a beginner but already I've worked my way up from running for 1 minute and walking for 3 to running for 3 minutes and walking for 3. So I'm improving - one step and one minute at a time.

Challenges are good for the body and soul. Anyone fancy joining me?

Why, hello

2010-07-23T14:50:00.000+10:00

It has been a while. I know. Cruising along through my busy life has meant I neglected to visit this place. I've missed it. There has been a hole in my life and it is a grumpy hole. Some things must out and this is where I like to out them.

I know I'm probably not making any or much sense but I'm back. So I'll be seeing you in a short while. Not too long at all. Hope I still have some readers out there.

What was that you said?

2010-06-12T17:48:00.000+10:00

I have the greatest conversation skills in the world. I've decreed it. The pros of working from home far outweigh the cons but there is one thing I miss: conversation. The unending silence got to me first. I hear you. Turn on the music. I did that. iTunes is a sanity saver and my singing voice, previously reserved for my car and the shower, is improving daily. The music led to my next problem. Familiar tunes evoke memories and what fun are memories without someone to share them with? No fun at all I'm here to tell you.

One morning, a week or two ago, all that changed. My new laptop has one of those reflective WLED True life screens (I'm such a nerd). When the background light is dull and the screen dark I can see myself. That morning I started with a friendly 'Hello' and then the conversation flowed. Now I've become so skilled I don't need to see myself reflected back at me to have a convo. Oh no! A simple desire for a cup of tea starts off a day of delightful chattering. It reminds me of a childhood friend I had, Jody, no-one could see her but me. That didn't matter much. Difference is, I guess, this time I know I'm talking to myself. It makes me smile. I can be rather charming, it's alarming how charming I can be.

I love working from home. We do.

What if it is all a conspiracy?

2010-05-27T10:44:00.000+10:00

I've made a startling discovery. I went for a walk of Forest Gump proportions. I walked because I felt like walking. I walked because it felt good to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I walked because I could. I stopped because I fell off the edge of the earth into... nothingness. Yes, I'm telling you the earth is flat and we've been duped by the Round Earth Conspirators. How it is that I'm writing to you now is quite a story and it has taken me many weeks to be able to get back here and get this blog out to you. For now, let's just let it lie with me simply telling you I'm not the first to fall and, together with the rest of the inhabitants of the Nothingness, a plan was made. Elvis, Jim Morrison weren't there. Neither was Michael Jackson - so let's not get silly.

Don't believe me. Think this is a poor attempt to get forgiveness for not blogging for nearly 3 weeks. I'm not the only one who believes. See this article in The Guardian and check out this website.

And next time you are out for a walk. Watch your step.

Tomorrow is another day.

2010-05-08T18:47:00.000+10:00

I've decided I need to set myself a new challenge. I need a deadline to work towards and something that needs to be achieved by this deadline. I've got so many things I'd like to do but you know how it is, always a million and one other arbitrary things that take precedence. I am prone to excessive use of hyperbole. I'm working on it. It could take me a few centuries to get it right so I hope you have forever to wait.

Anyway, I digress. I'm prone to digression too. Procrastinating is still what I'm best at. It gets tedious I know.

So I've been making lists to see what my first challenge should be. When I decide you will be the first to know.

Suggestions welcome.

Sucker for the details

2010-05-04T10:00:00.000+10:00

So it seems I've fallen behind. I needed a break from blog world. A recharge of my creative energy before I became too dull. I'm starting to bubble over in anticipation of the greatness that could literally spill out all over this page. This could get messy.

I'm halfway through reading The Girl with the Dragon tattoo and have to say it is one of those great novels that has you not wanting to put it down to go to the loo, sleep, eat, blog. You know what I mean?

I must confess I feel like I've read the back page of this one. I never do that but before I discovered the book we went to see the movie. It is a Swedish film with English subtitles and more than a little disturbing. One of those movies that leaves you contemplating human nature and how some people are born into evil families and grow into the bad by influence and then, more disturbingly, there are those that are just born bad and stay that way in spite of normal, loving parents and surroundings.

Anyway, as is true in most cases, the book is already proving to be slightly different and more detailed than the movie. I'm a girl who loves the details. So I'm sucked in and really enjoy it.

This is only the first of a Trilogy so I'm looking forward to reading the remaining books - before watching the movies this time.

I also discovered that the author of these 3 novels died shortly after handing the manuscripts over to his publisher - there seems to be a bit of a mystery there or maybe that is just my latent Nancy Drew tendencies hoping there is.

Good to be back. I'll try catch up on the blogs I've missed over the last few weeks.

To dream a dream

2010-04-15T19:56:00.000+10:00

I wish I could tell you that I've had the most exciting week and that's the reason for my lack of posting. I wish I could but I'd be lying. I don't like to lie. I can tell you a story though, it is all fiction.

Last week Tuesday during a trip to the grocery store I noticed a sign advertising the lotto jackpot as $22 million. I've been told you have to be in it to win it so I paid the money and got myself a quick pick ticket. On the drive home I imagined what I would do if I won $22 million all to myself. I thought about who I'd share it with, what I'd buy, whether I'd give up work, travel, donate. All the normal thoughts I'm sure everyone has. Anyway let me stop boring you with insignificant events. The thing is I won. You are reading the words of a multi-millionaire. I've been so busy spending my money, and sharing it, that I've not had time to blog.

I bought this house, this car (I've not got plates yet), and this small plane (perfect for parking in front of my new mansion).

Family, friends - that large deposit in your account you thought was a mistake? If you're still deciding whether to keep it or come clean with the bank - keep it, my gift to you. If you thought you were my friend and didn't get any money, um do you know what Thought did?

Anyway, I need a cup of hot chocolate and my assistant is due to make it for me which means I have to stop dictating this to her.

Ciao! (I've got an Italian tutor now too!)

How does that Dolly Parton song go?

2010-04-08T22:17:00.000+10:00

So yesterday was my first day back at work. Today's my second. As you can see I can still count. Tomorrow is the first Friday in a long time that I get to say, 'Thank God it is Friday! Bring on the weekend.'

Before you know I will be wishing the days away, dreaming of holidays, sleeping in and then the counting down to the greatest day of them all. I bet you guessed which day that will be. Yes, that's the day indeed. PAY DAY!
I'll catch you all on the weekend. Till then I want to put this song in your head. Sung by the first big breasted bleached blonde to grace our screens before Miss Anderson in her red swimsuit came jogging down that beach. Sing it with me! Click this YouTube link for those of you who were still sperm in the 80's and don't know the lyrics.

Got it in your head yet? Legend.

Time to change the channel...

2010-04-05T16:03:00.000+10:00

This retreating into my own space on a daily basis to write seems to be working for me. No phone, no Internet, no TV- just me and a white page to start every session. This feels right. I can understand why people become Hermits and withdraw from normal life as we've always known it. The peace, the solitude and the creativity that flows when you are inside your own head, in your own space is uplifting.
I don't think I could live like a hermit. I need interaction with other humans but there is something to be said for taking time to be by yourself. The world won't end if you don't turn on the TV to watch the news or check your Twitter and Facebook feeds to find out what is going on in places you are not and with people you can't see. You will be happier if only because you don't hear about death, destruction, natural disasters,rape, drugs, nuclear catastrophes, wars, starvation, aids, cancer, suicide, murder, carnage and all the hateful things that people do to people just because they have power and the will.

We should laugh more. We should look around and smile at people more. Gandhi said we should be the change we want to see in the world.
I'm starting with things I've got the power to change. I'm turning off anything that feels negative. Just switching channels. I want to laugh long, hard and from the pits of my belly! I want the world to smile more.
Come on, give me a smile. Show me those pearly whites! And laugh, laugh out loud! It only has to start with a giggle. Tickle someone today.

A place of my own

2010-04-02T12:27:00.000+10:00

I'm setting up a place of my own. A place I can write everyday without distraction. Not as easy as it may seem. I'm very easily distracted. For now this place is in the corner of our bedroom. A dressing table. The mirror is a little distracting. I keep feeling like someone is watching me. I might need to cover it with a sheet. Let's see how it goes. I like to have music playing while I write but it can't be any music that has lyrics. Lyrics stay with me and I find myself singing along. It's a distraction. So classical works for me. Right now, it's my main man Rachmaninov. So passionate and really seems to ignite my imagination.

I'm going to need to draw the curtains. The sunshine, the birds, the family in the garden are all more distractions I don't yet have the ability to tune out.

I think I should get a sign for the door so everyone knows not to disturb me during Writing time. I'm going to try set myself a time to write everyday. I'm going to set myself a weekly goal for the amount of words I want to write. I'm not sure what a good goal is. 1000 a day, 2000 ? I think I'm going to start with 1000. I'll re-evaluate this in after the first week if it is too low I'll increase it but for now that is my goal.

Good Friday is certainly off to a good start. I read this blog this morning. It had a link to a video that got me thinking. In truth I've been thinking about these things for a very long time. It was just what I needed today. Thanks blogging friend.

Have a Happy Easter everyone.

All for the sake of a carrot

2010-03-31T22:01:00.000+10:00

10pm . The house is quiet. She sleeps so I'm trying to type quietly. My left hand is struggling to keep up. I almost lost my ring finger tonight in a fight between my knife and some carrots. My finger tried to save the carrots from being sliced. Last week my left thumb tried to save an onion. I think my left hand is trying to tell me it is opposed to the unnecessary and seemingly random chopping of vegetables. My right hand found a solution. A bigger knife. I'm now having to deal with a sulky left hand that is hobbling over the keyboard hitting q's instead of t's out of rebelliousness. My right hand is quick to hit the backspace key and save the day. It's a keyboard war the likes of which I've never seen before. I'm a little frightened.

I think I must bid you all a good night and hope tomorrow Left will join with Right and a shaky balance will be restored. I might stay away from knives and vegetables for a while though.

Back in 5...4...3...2...1

2010-03-28T14:50:00.000+10:00

This has been the longest I've been gone from here in a while. I've been reading every day but my own words were struck with a case of Laryngitis. Quite simply the words I found were uninspired and dull. I needed inspiration. I needed a muse. I needed a fresh approach. Today I've been wandering around in Blogger.com and I've found some very talented, some very amusing, some very strange and some very inspiring bloggers. I got lost in the words of others for a while.

I woke this morning feeling a little anxious. I get that way when I don't write. I started reading Stephen King's On Writing memoir again. I reread this book every so often just to get some perspective. Do you read books more than once? I've got a few books I treasure and reread all the time. We're old friends that have traveled to many places together.

Do you ever leave a book unfinished? I can't. Once I've read that first page that book has me till the last page. Even if it takes me a year and I read other books in between. I don't know why I can't just put it down and give it away. I feel like I may be missing something. There was a reason this book was published. Some Editor deemed it worthy. I must be missing something and maybe that something is what is missing from my own writing. Sometimes books choose you.

So I'm back. I'm going to try a few new things. Maybe.

If there is one thing you do today...

2010-03-27T00:29:00.000+10:00

You may recall a while back I pointed you in the direction of one of my favourite bloggers - Paige.

Read her blog today ! Very, very exciting news! I'll let her tell you about it. Just go there, go there now.

Monday Welcome Back you Beauty!

2010-03-15T16:35:00.000+10:00

Nice of the weekend to fly by like that and bring Monday so swiftly upon us. Monday may seem like a stark punishment to some of you after the weekend you've had. Like a sulky child you belittle her, stomp your feet and tell the world how much you hate Monday.

Monday only wants the best for you. Monday appears hoping that you will use her to make a good start to your week. Monday allows you to make her the reason for your bad mood, your lack of concentration and, it has to be said, that rather unattractive scowl on your face. Maybe you'd rather be somewhere else than where Monday finds you today but is that really Monday's fault?

I say to all you victims of the Monday blues - lift up your heads, down that coffee and ask not what Monday can do for you but what you can do to make it a better Monday?

Have a happy Monday!

Another weekend is upon us...

2010-03-12T15:43:00.000+10:00

We've been living in Australia for almost 3 months now. I can't believe how quickly this year is passing us by. Seems like just yesterday since we said goodbye to everyone in South Africa, Christmas shopping, celebrating, since my birthday, his birthday, Valentines day. It's almost Easter. I'm not saying it's been a bad start just a flying one.

Another weekend is upon us and I'm thinking a trip to the movies may be necessary. After watching the Oscars on Monday I've been craving some popcorn and you have to eat popcorn in front of a giant screen. I've also long been a Jeff Bridges (the dude) fan so I think - given that he has finally won an Oscar for Best Actor - Crazy Heart is my first choice. Otherwise there is always Johnny in Wonderland. I mean Alice (Who the?). I ask you who is more suited for the role of the Mad Hatter than Mr Depp?

Next week is threatening to be a busy, productive and situation changing one. I'm quite excited.

I will say no more.

For those of you whose Friday is drawing to a close - Rugby (Stormers rule) and Sundowners time. For those of you who are just starting the day - coffee, more coffee and Rugby for you.

It's mine, all mine!

2010-03-11T20:12:00.000+10:00

The long awaited day arrived - my new laptop arrived this morning. She is a beauty -all shiny and red. I'm not going to get into the technicalities here but she is fast, very fast. I've been giving her lots of love and attention all day so I think I've earned her loyalty. I'm going to have to name her. This will take some careful thought - a name stays with you your whole life. Any suggestions?

My eyes are starting to get cross-eyed from staring at her True life screen all day -so I'm logging off.

Oh for some entertaining reading - check out http://theoatmeal.com/comics - if you don't already know about this guy that is. One of my favourites: 8 Ways To Tell If Your Loved Ones Plan To Eat You.

Bring on Friday.

The sun is too bright in the morning!

2010-03-10T07:04:00.000+10:00

This is an early blog for me. I was awake before the call of the birds today. I had to check in the mirror to see it really was me and pinch myself a few times to check I wasn't dreaming. All that got me was a fright and some new bruises on my arm. Note to self: Never look in the mirror before you've had a cup of coffee.

For years I'd been thinking that my family knew not to speak to me too early because I'm a grumpy cow in the morning but now, well, I must face the face in the mirror and the truth she is grimacing at me - I'm just scary in the morning.

Have a happy Hump day!

I love Monday Monday!

2010-03-08T12:19:00.000+10:00

As promised.
So I hereby declare Monday the 8th March 2010 to be the first of many I love Monday Mondays. I really do feel that Monday is the victim in her reputation and not the cause of it. So in order to help boost the self esteem of Monday I propose that we post to the world why Monday is so fabulous.
Monday is considered the first day of the week according to the international ISO 8601. The day most of us have to go back to work after a 2 day weekend. This is the unfortunate fate of Monday. Though in the Middle East Saturday is the first day of the work week and in Israel Sunday.
Songs by the Carpenters ("Rainy Days and Mondays"), Boomtown Rats ("I don't like Mondays") and The Bangles ("Manic Mondays") have all added to the anti- Monday sentiment.
As much as I love dear ol' Garfield - he really did hate Mondays.

Thanks to Garfield.com for the comic strip above.

For some reason I feel like a cup of coffee and maybe I should make some lasagna for dinner. I digress.
I love Mondays because it is the start of a new week which means a clean slate. Last week is in the past. Monday brings me one day closer to Friday - my favourite day.
So tell me what you love about Monday? Remember we are trying to boost the self esteem of Monday so if you have nothing nice to say it is best to say nothing at all.

Happy Monday Monday Lovers!

No pain no gain... right?

2010-03-06T23:17:00.000+10:00

So it's late on a Saturday night and I thought I'd stop by with a few words. I've felt better. I've taken a beating. My whole body feels bruised and broken. I've only got myself to blame. I did this to myself. I deserved every punch and every kick. It felt good in a way. I deserve the sweat, the blood, the tears. I will emerge victorious. I'll do another set Billy Blanks! And one day I'll try the advanced class. Tonight I must surrender and answer the call of my bed. My soft bed. Tomorrow is another day.

Hump Day People!

2010-03-03T17:45:00.000+10:00

Today I've tried something new. I opened up an eBay account and am about to sell my first item. Well, I hope so anyway. For years I've been hearing about it, about people who do it so while I've got this time on my hands I thought I'd give it a try. Why the hell not? Maybe make a few bob while learning a new skill.

It's been a very exciting day all round. The last of our boxes arrived from South Africa today. Spent the morning unpacking and tripping all the way down Memory lane and back again. Lots of photos you see. Lots and lots and lots. I've got photos that may date all the way back to 1989. I do indeed. My photo taking skills have improved somewhat I must say and I seem to pull less funny faces these days - if you don't include sucking in my cheeks and pouting my lips to give me that high cheekbone, collagen lip look that every girl secretly desires. Most of the time I just look like I've eaten something sour or someone makes me laugh so my demure pout is an open mouthed guffaw which is rarely attractive on anyone.

Best get back to my store. Should have left a 'Gone blogging. Back in 5 minutes sign.' I'll have to learn how to do that.

Tuesday! Who would have guessed it?

2010-03-02T13:15:00.000+10:00

First off I have to tell you about the most enthusiastic person I've ever met. His name is Tim and he sells TV's.

Tim the TV guy loves TV technology like I love Beacon Chocolate Marshmallow Easter eggs. We weren't even shopping for a TV just having a look around and my techno junkie man asked Tim the TV guy about something new. 35 minutes later I wanted to buy a TV from Tim the TV guy. Tim the TV guy sounds more Australian than Ricky Ponting. He threw in 6 dozen 'okay', half a dozen 'bloody oath mate', a few 'champion' and rounded it off with nicely with a 'No worries mate'. Shaggy haired, jean clad, energetic, friendly, professional- if I didn't already have a gorgeous fiance (I'm collecting *BCMEE* points here) I might find myself smitten. If there was a election for TV guy of the year Tim would get my vote. Picture Go Tim dance now.

Now moving along swiftly to *Beacon Chocolate Marshmallow Easter eggs*. Mmmmm. 5 weeks ago my friend blogged about purchasing a whole box of these and I've tried, oh how I've tried, to get them out of my head. It isn't happening. I may have tracked down a supplier. I'm hoping to have a box in time for Easter - a month away. Feel free to send a box my way. I'm open to accepting charity. I do believe in the Easter Bunny so if any of you know the furry fella drop him a box to hid in the garden for me. I've been good. I've lost 8kgs. I think an Easter treat is deserved.

Wha'd'ya reckon?

You can't call me predictable.

2010-02-24T21:51:00.000+10:00

I did say probably Tuesday. Sorry if you were holding your breath - you can breathe now. That could be a record though - call Guinness.

Truth is I've not been inspired to blog. Have days like that sometimes and I normally try force myself just to write something. So here it is. Enjoy it.

SOMETHING.

Not just a Tuesday blogger!

2010-02-21T12:32:00.000+10:00

I noticed that for the last few weeks I seemed to have limited my blogging to Tuesdays. Today I'm breaking that pattern. Been a slow start to my Sunday. I'm determined to get things done but I'm easily distracted and too much of a procrastinator. Well, I used to be. Today that changes. I will accomplish all I need to accomplish.

I've been reading so many new blogs lately. The list of blogs I follow is growing so I've got more reading to do each day. If you feel so inclined to venture out in the blogging world I've listed a few of my favourties:

go a million miles from normal and read a page of Paige (like what I've done there?).
the life of Wozzel - there is a deep, intelligent, bitchy, funny, quirky guy here in spite of his lack of head. I'm sure many have wondered what is behind that brightly coloured towel your eye is drawn to. Admit it.
blast off to the planet Capri and say 'Howzit my bru!' to Juz .
and lastly, so as not to overwhelm you all in one hit with the genius that is out there, if you have not already discovered Baglett then... go, go now and laugh out loud. You will.

Till Tuesday, probably, unless Monday is kind to me.

Can you do the Eagle Stance?

2010-02-16T18:24:00.000+10:00

I know I've been gone longer than normal this time. I'm without a laptop so unfortunately not as easy to just write when inspiration hits me in the face. I've got bruises to show from the slaps though. I've even resorted to a pen and notebook to get some writing out and though I've always been a typing girl I'm finding the pen and paper ritual quite invigorating. I've completed a short story. I've not done that in a while. Still needs editing but I'll share it once I'm completely happy with it.

I'm becoming a Yoga person. Is that what you call someone who regularly partakes in Yoga? I've been to 2 classes now and I reckon I might just be able to touch my toes before I turn 40. I am seriously the least flexible person I know. But that being said I could do more moves than I thought I would be able to and I've also discovered a few things in the process. I've got a third eye and it isn't at the back of head like my Mom's. I never thought I'd find myself writing that I really like doing the Downward Dog but I do. My balance is bad - you try stand on one leg with the other bent at the knee and your foot leaning against the inner thigh of the one you use for balance with your hands pressed palm to palm (like you are going to say a prayer which I should have done) and arms extended towards the ceiling. Yup, I know you can all do it except me.

So I'm unbalanced, have an extra eye and can't touch my toes. I really enjoy the relaxation part at the end. Name another exercise class where you get to lie on your back, breathe and relax with your eyes closed for the last 10 minutes and I'll be there.

I hope to be back soon. I need to work on my computer time stealing techniques! Perhaps I can distract him with a Downward dog and sneak into a Warrior 2. Then while he is still in awe of my talents I can deftly (yes, deftly) steal his computer from under his nose before he can say 'My golly gosh but you are truly amazing. Teach me your ways!'

Perhaps a few more classes are needed.

Time to say goodbye...

2010-02-09T17:54:00.000+10:00

You've been my closest companion for the last 6 years - give or take. Sometimes the first thing I see in the morning. Sorry about that, I know I'm not at my best in the morning. Somehow you always knew to keep me quiet company. You let me keep in contact with everyone I know. Without you I'd never be able to keep up with Skype, Facebook, e-mail. You've endured my rants when I furiously pounded the keyboard without so much as a wince or a whine. You held my memories close to you and allow me time to sift through them when the need struck me.

You always been the first one I let read my diary, my stories, my letters. You know my soul.

I'm sorry you have gotten so weak. I'm sorry your memory isn't holding anymore. I'm sorry you can't even light up anymore. I'm sorry I've overworked you and given you nothing in return. I hope you are more appreciated wherever you end up. I hope you don't mind that I've decided that your parts should be donated to anyone who might be able to put them to good use. It's almost a comfort to me to know that somewhere out there a part of you might be serving someone else and making them as happy as you made me.

Goodbye my friend. This is the end. I'll miss you. But you were my first and for that you will always have a special place in my memory. You definitely lived up to your name JAC - Jay's Awesome Compaq!

Goodbye Jac - my beloved HP Compaq NX6110.

Thank-you for stopping by

2010-02-02T16:15:00.000+10:00

They say, and we all know how right they have been in the past, that every great writer reads as much if not more than they write. I think I definitely read more than I write. I need to have a book - next to my bed, in my bag, accessible on the net - to feel content. Sometimes I don't get to read it but it's like my security blanket. There when I need it. So it has been amazingly comforting to be able to wander around the blogging world and read the words of others to my hearts content. I've become a Follower of a few and their places on the net are mostly the first places I visit every morning while I'm eating my breakfast and drinking that first big glass of water. Some of them aren't the regular bloggers I'd like them to be. Some have been absent for many months now and I hope they return soon because my mornings just aren't the same without them.

Blogging can be rather addictive. I feel compelled to always try be original when I write on here. It's been nice to see my follower numbers slowly growing. Mainly though, this is my outlet. The place where sometimes I just get to ramble on, sometimes I like to get a little bit quirky but mostly I hope some of you at least feel entertained.
Today I appear to be in rambling mode. Perhaps I should post warnings for those of you who'd prefer not to read the ramble. Nah - actually you came here to read me and this is what I'm offering you today. I appreciate your eyes on my words and will welcome them back again whenever they feel the need to peruse this place of my own.

Till then part we must.

The battle of Melbourne

2010-01-31T14:12:00.000+10:00

Today a battle is going to be fought. Two men, neither friend or foe, will stand across from each other and draw their swords. It won't end in death but someone has to lose. One will gain a title.
Both have much more to fight for. The camps are divided. The Champion has many followers from many nations who will rise to support him. The Mighty Challenger has the weight of the support of a great nation who covert a grand trophy to be returned to their land for the first time in 74 years. Supporters can lift you up or they can crush you -which will it be for these two?

As the sun descends over the Blue Battlefield the white battles lines will beckon the warriors and their supporters towards it. Once the coin is tossed you must know your mind. Shout your support for your chosen warrior and paint yourself in his colours.
I know my choice already. The Champion Federer has my unwavering support. Long may he be number 1 ! To war!

As January draws to a close

2010-01-27T14:16:00.000+10:00

It seems January is going to pass me by without me having achieved very much at all. Maybe that's not entirely true. I've managed to stick rather vigorously to my healthy eating plan since Jan 2. I'll let you know more about that on Monday (30 days later). That is a rather impressive achievement given it was my birthday and the fiance's this month.

I've got so much I'd like to achieve this year. Yesterday I made a conscience effort to start writing the book I've been meaning to write. I did some writing. Nothing book worthy but it's a start. The exercise did manage to get the creative juices flowing and the ideas started flooding my head just as I drifted off to sleep last night. Note to self: put notepad next to bed so bestseller ideas don't melt away as the Morning Sun rears her pretty head.
I'm going to try dedicate 3 hours a day to writing. Whatever comes. That's 21 hours a week. Certainly manageable till I find a day job and then I'll have to get very disciplined with my time. My motto worry about things when they actually start to happen not in case they do.

I also want to buy a bicycle. I need to find myself an exercise I actually enjoy. Walking is boring unless you can get out into the bush or the mountains and actually hike. Running, mmm, not my thing but maybe one day the urge will strike. I think cycling would be fun. There are some great routes around this neighbourhood and I need to do some exploring to learn the area anyway. For now, I guess it's walking, walking, walking for me. My Tae bo DVDs arrive soon and then I can add a little kickboxing into the mix. Might have to find a time when nobody is around to watch and laugh though. Mastering these routines takes time you know. Sometimes I feel as uncoordinated as a Giraffe in a ballet class.

Well February, are you ready for me?

Saturday Sunshine, Scrabble and Stoney Ginger Beer!

2010-01-23T16:09:00.000+10:00

I think my favourite breakfast in the world has to be Eggs Benedict. Mmm Mm mMm. I love it! I needed to up my Protein for an intense Scrabble Battle. Apparently I needed more than Protein. I got my ass kicked. Time to get googling with some Scrabble winning tips. I will be Scrabble Queen. Serious.

Allowed myself to be consoled with half a glass of Stoney Ginger Beer. We've found a local South African shop. Yay! When the need for Stoney, Creme Soda, Ouma rusks, Pecks anchovette or even a heaven forbidden Tempo arises - it'll only be a short hop, skip and a jump away.

Do you remember how much fun skipping used to be when you were a kid? I'm not talking about the jumping with a rope kind. I'm talking about the skipping that was halfway between running and walking fast, almost jogging I suppose, and then lifting you knees up towards your chest. Probably more of a little girl thing. My memory feels like it was an effortless exercise. I think I might go have a skip around the garden. When the sun goes down. 32 degrees in the shade right now.

Famous homemade chicken curry for party dinner tonight. My significant other's birthday today. And as a special treat we are going to make Don Pedros for dessert. For my non-Saffa reader's you have to try a Don Pedro.

Have a fabulous Saturday!

Made it!

2010-01-19T20:21:00.000+10:00

All the checks have been done. No wrinkles. No grey hair. No arthritis. Made it to 34.
What's next? Tomorrow. I'm ready for you.

Whose Birthday is it?

2010-01-17T17:48:00.000+10:00

It's getting mighty close to my birthday and I've been pondering a few things. I've always loved my birthday. Never been one to worry about getting older. I just love birthdays. Not just mine either. I love being able to spoil other people on their birthdays. A friend of mine calls me the birthday fairy because I don't often forget a birthday and tend to remind everyone to wish the birthday person. I know so many of my friends like to forget it's their birthday as they are getting older but could never understand it.

Birthday Fairy has a message for you : it's my birthday on Tuesday.

Consider yourself reminded.

Ramblings

2010-01-14T15:03:00.000+10:00

I've been thinking about things to write about only to discover I have nothing to say. What do you write about when you never leave the house? I'm beginning to doubt the existence of an outside world. I think I'm starting to feel an inkling of what it must be like to be stranded somewhere all alone with only a basketball to talk to. Sounds like a movie you've watched. I've at least got my Fiance and his family to talk to. Sometimes though- when his parents are at work and we are both absorbed in our separate tasks - hours can go by without any words being spoken. Do you think you'd forget how to speak if you didn't for an extended period of time?
It's like the question : 'If a tree falls in the woods and there is no-one around to hear it, does it make a sound?' - does it?
So if a blog is written but not read, am I blind?

I fear I'm going mad. I was warned this might happen. Let the madness take its toll.

Monday Morning

2010-01-11T11:14:00.000+10:00

and I sure feel fine. Yup, I've got that Fleetwood Mac song in my head and I feel like dancing. I'm down 3kgs in total now - after only 9 days. Simply Slim works and I suppose it does help that I drink about 18 glasses of water a day along with my green tea and I'm eating healthy, small meals. No exercise yet but baby steps People. I'll get to it.

So I'm determined to start my week in a positive and proactive fashion. I'm expecting great things from myself this year so I better get started helping that greatness find me.

Have a good week. I might be back later today if I think of anything of importance to discuss.

Sunday Bliss

2010-01-10T18:34:00.000+10:00

Another beautiful day and it's a Sunday. Still my favourite day of the week even though right now all the days seem to be flowing into one another.

10 days in to 2010. It's my little sisters' birthday today.

Let me tell you a little about my little sister. She is 5 years younger than me. Shorter too. Dark brown eyes that go black when she's angry. Brunette. Passionate and feisty - you want to stay on her good side. And if you are then she will be the most loyal friend you could find. Beautiful, fiery, loyal, loving, funny and not a bad cook. Her husband is a lucky guy.
I think I'll leave it there - never good to give away too many family secrets. Especially when there is a Sicilian strain in the family - and I already mentioned that it was better to stay on her good side right?

Happy Birthday Little Sister!

Perfect timing and getting rich quick

2010-01-07T15:26:00.000+10:00

It would seem that we chose the perfect time to get out of Edinburgh. Gathering from the weather reports on BBC news and Facebook the whole of the UK is frozen. Here I sit in our dining room with a big glass of icy water next to me and the aircon on full. I must admit it is a little overcast but no rain and still 24 degrees.

Today I've been on a mission to find ways to bring in money. Besides working on my CV and hunting on the job sites - I've done a little Googling. Typing in 'Making money online' produces all sorts of ways to supposedly do just that. Some I'm sure are legit and not scams but some sound too good to be true - which means the aren't. You can spend your days completing surveys, type, learn all about Internet marketing or dabble on the stock market. One guy is even giving away free information on how to earn up to $1200 a day just give him your e-mail address and if it works you can come back and give him a donation. Turns out this is something to do with online gambling and this guy really made his money from using AdWords. Maybe it works but I'm not much of a gambler.
Only one that seems simple and for real - though it is never going to make me a rich - is AdSense. I get paid whenever someone clicks on an advert on one of my blogs. I'll be a millionaire before I die at that rate with my 1 blog and 9 followers.

Oh well as my Grandmother would say 'Save the pennies dear and the pounds will save themselves.'

Bouncing off the walls!

2010-01-06T18:13:00.000+10:00

I feel like the Energiser bunny! I've had so much energy today- Loving it.
We were woken up early this morning by the Crows. They really are the most tone deaf birds on the planet. CAW CAW CA CAW is not the sound you want to be waking up to at 4am in the morning. Especially when there is more than one and they are trying to harmonise. I need a humane way to make them leave our garden never to return. Any ideas?

I did discover that the sun is already shining quite brightly at 4am. After being sun deprived for the last 3 years it is nice to see her again. She is pretty hot I must tell you.

How has your week been?

2010 Detox of mind, body and soul

2010-01-04T14:07:00.000+10:00

This is a year of big adventures in my life. New Country. New Job. New healthy lifestyle. All new. It is a little scary but exciting at the same time.

I'm three days in to my healthy lifestyle change which has involved popping a little pill (Simply Slim) every morning, eating healthy and drinking lots and lots of water. This pill promises to detoxify your body and assist with weight loss. All 100% natural. The detoxification process hasn't been too brutal. Bouts of nausea and a thumping headache but they do warn that this will happen in the first 1 - 3 days. I'm already down 1.6kgs this morning so I'll suffer the headache - thanks very much. My sister-in-law-to-be is cooking up what she is calling an extravaganza feast tonight. I've heard mention of Lemon Meringue pie. My favourite. My willpower is strong. I will not succumb to the evils within the Pie. Watch this space.

Next on the list is finding a way to bring in some money. I know everyone wants to work from home but how do they achieve it? I wonder if I could make money by blogging full time. Any ideas welcome.
In the meantime I'm getting the CV up-to-date and searching the job sites for my dream job. You know the kind I mean - great office vibe, lots of money, very little stress and flexi-time hours.

So far this year is going pretty well. Long may it continue!

Once in a Blue Moon

2010-01-01T09:48:00.000+10:00

2009 ended with this beauty of a Blue Moon. I thought it deserved the centre of attention on this my 100th Blog. May 2010 bring many more magnificent sightings.

Happy New Year!

Checking in...

2009-12-23T18:48:00.000+10:00

We made it to Queensland. I can't believe we have been here a week already. Think I'm almost over the jet lag. I've spent most of my first week sitting under the aircon or driving in airconditioned cars to shopping malls with aircon. I have to say in light of that it really is remarkably cool in Brisbane.

Right now I'm drinking an icy cold Irish Cider (Bulmers to be precise), smelling the start of a charcoal braai outside and it feels a bit like home. Except the cider should be Savannah.

I just thought I'd check in and say howzit. I'll be back with a momentous no 100 post later in the week!

In the words of Truman - Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Goodnight!

One step at a time!

2009-12-12T17:40:00.002+10:00

Our last Saturday in South Africa has arrived. Too quickly. I'm lying in bed contemplating all that needs to be done and being the Mistress of Procrastination I've decided to blog instead. My readers need to be entertained... am I right?

I've been meaning to tell you about our trip to the Drakensberg. I love the mountains. One of my favourites places in the world is the beautiful Berg. We stayed at a place called The Cavern which coincidentally is my Dad's most favourite place in the world. I have to say that those 4 days were the most relaxing of all my time here. We ate, drank, swam, played tennis, ate, drank, had massages, played darts, table tennis, ate, drank and we even played lawn bowls for the first time in our lives (my parents kicked our asses).

So all fun and games until Monday morning. My dear husband-to-be decided that we should do what The Cavern call a Long Walk on our last morning in the Berg. I thought he meant with my Dad and even promoted it. My Dad was still a little tender from the stomach bug he'd picked up the day before so regretfully declined the request. I tried to suggest the short walk instead but he looked so disappointed that I agreed to go with him on the Long Walk.

1 minute up the first hill I realised my mistake but being the stubborn girl I am I wasn't going to admit it. 3 1/2 hours later after walking in brain boiling heat (I kid you not I heard the bubbling), begging water off my fellow walkers when I forced them to stop for a break yet again and weeping behind my sunglasses at the madness of it all - we finally made it to Cannibal Caves and I was prepared to spend the rest of my days in that cool heaven.

Lots of water, a cup of tea and some crunchies later I was able to coax my weary bones back down the mountain. I arrived back at the base to wild applause and congratulations - from my parents sitting under the shade of a large tree sipping on icy Savannah ciders. It took 4 1/2 hours in all. Hey, I made it. Bring on the next one!

Time to dragged myself up and face some shopping, then lunch with the ladies.
Catch up later!

Press the pause button please!

2009-12-10T18:02:00.000+10:00

My humblest apologies for neglecting all of my loyal readers over the past few weeks. Time has been flying by and now the day we are due to fly away again is almost upon us. 5 more sleeps.

I think I might cry. In public. I don't do that. I'm more of a cry alone in my room- car-shower-kind-of-girl. Something about this trip though is making me feel more emotional than normal and I feel myself welling up even as I type this. Justin Timberlake's Cry me a river is now playing in my head. I'm done for. I'm not even a fan.

Now don't get me wrong. I'm looking forward to our new adventure to the Land of Oz. I just don't feel like saying goodbye to all my family, friends and the familiarities of home again.

There is only one thing I can do. Get out of this house and cram every last minute of the next few days with all the people and things I love. I'm coming to see you now. Are you ready for me?

Cobwebs and memories

2009-11-15T23:27:00.000+10:00

I'm a hoarder. I don't like to throw things away especially anything that has even a hint of sentimentality attached to it. This means that I've accumulated boxes, kists and cupboards filled with books, photos, diaries, birthday cards, Christmas cards, letters - remember getting letters delivered to you by a postman that weren't of the bill variety?- and clothes.

I'm trying to sort through things that I can't live without or don't want to and the things that I really need to let go and chuck out. I'm trying to be strong and brave. It is hard. I've pretty much kept a diary since the age of 9 or 10 but some of those have been lost or maybe I'm still going to find them. I did find one from 16years ago - I'd almost love to go back to that time and have the thoughts and worries I had then.

My books. I've got so many. I just gave away most of the books I accumulated in Edinburgh. Now I've got the job of deciding what books get to go with me and what books I need to bid farewell to and give to charity. I'd almost made the decision to only keep books that had been gifted to me or that I don't think I'll be able to replace when I got slammed by a huge wave of nostalgia and couldn't do it. I packed both piles of books back into the box they'd come from and decided to move onto clothes.

Clothes - these need to be sorted into 3 categories: Still wear, will never wear again and hope to fit into again (sigh). I'm exhausted. Trips down Memory lane can be tiring.

So I'm going to have a nap and hopefully dream of happy times. When I wake I may feel ready to tackle the clothes box!

It's lekka to be lekka!

2009-11-13T17:35:00.000+10:00

I know I need to write more. I've been coming here lately and staring at the white page on this screen and no words have come. So today I'm just going to write random nothingness. There are Bloggers I rely on to be my inspiration, my many muses and they too have fallen silent of late leaving me to fend for myself in this big wide blogging world. Come back Bloggers, come back.

My week has been quite full yet empty at the same time. Wednesday, the Fiance and I celebrated our 9th year of togetherness with a fancy pants dinner at a restaurant called Pigalle in Sandton. My mouth is watering just thinking about the divine food we ate with gusto. Curried butternut soup, hot rolls, escargot, prawns, steaks, Peri-Peri and glorious wine. They even had Calvados - a french apple brandy digestif we discovered when we were in Normandy. A perfect evening - good food, good service, good conversation and us.

Another busy weekend ahead and then I fly off to Cape Town on Monday. Looking very forward to seeing my mountain and the sea. And my family of course.

I've fallen back into South Africanisms very quickly I'm glad to say. Even using words I never really did before - like Lekka. For my non-saffa readers - quite simply lekka (sometimes spelled lekker)is a word used instead of cool. It is actually the Afrikaans word for sweets. It is a lekka word to use and is quite expressive. It always sounds so genuine and heartfelt.

Have a lekka weekend my friends and readers. Lekka!

Jo'burg Rocks!

2009-11-06T18:33:00.000+10:00

So we've been back in Benoni for 5 days now and already it feels like I've never left. It always amazes me that no matter how long I'm away from home for and in spite of the new buildings that appear and other little things that change - Benoni always seems to feel the same. I guess it's because it is home even if someone changes the curtains or plants a new tree in the garden.

The Cumulonimbus clouds seemed to follow us from Scotland for a few days but lost the battle to the African sun and she is now shining in all her finest glory.
Life is good.

Fleetwood Mac, Jagermeister and Jazz!

2009-10-28T05:30:00.000+10:00

The last week has been filled with many, many eventful events. Yes, indeedy. Thursday night we ventured out to Glasgow to take a trip back in time with Fleetwood Mac. They were amazing. All of them aged 60 and over - Lindsay Buckingham was on the stage for the whole 2 1/2 hour concert. Seriously loved them! After getting home around 1am I still managed to make it to work for 7am and then head straight from work out for my work Farewell Party. After a few Gins, a few more Cosmopolitans and then unknown rounds of Jagermeisters and various other short drinks I made it, stumbling, home and managed to do this without throwing... away my good name. I was taken care of by my fiance and then served with a hearty hangover curing breakfast the next morning.

Alas it was not over yet. No rest for the wicked they say. That night we headed out to have dinner with some friends. More eating, drinking and making merry. Delicious dinner, clever conversation and then heading out into town to the Royal Oak for a bit of folk and the Jazz club for, well, Jazz. Cold winds, rain, taxi hunting, chips and cheese, coffee, more conversation, walking home in the rain. 4am I finally got to answer the call of my bed.

I'm still recovering... I'm too old to drink and stay out so late. 6 more sleeps till we land in South Africa. I will make it. I'm getting stronger by the hour.

All our bags are packed...

2009-10-22T04:35:00.000+10:00

we are ready to go! And if the truth be told, feeling a little sad to say goodbye to the friends we've made here and Edinburgh. What a place!
I can't lie and say I'm sad to be missing the winter though. I'm looking forward to seeing the sun in 11 more sleeps!

A hectic couple of weeks it has been. Packing up our life here into boxes and sending them off to Australia made it so squared away and final. We left our home of the last 2 years and 7 months after a week of making sure everything was where the landlord wanted it and cleaner than when we moved in. We locked up and handed in the keys. And that was it. Goodbye Lower Granton Road! We'll never meet again.

And soon our new adventure begins... if we survive the Farewell Parties.

Two hairy caterpillars

2009-09-29T06:47:00.000+10:00

I had a rather adventurous weekend. I did something I've never done before and, honestly, I'm not sure I want to do it again. My wanting to and needing to are more than just two different words.

Saturday I woke determined to stare down the flu threatening to take over my body and confine me to my bed for the weekend. Not on a weekend. I'm more than willing to surrender on a working day but weekends only happen for 2 days every five days.
My darling Fiancé (not sure I'm used to that word yet) had an appointment with Ben - the man who cuts his hair. I had a desire to shop. Little did I know what awaited me.

I've mastered the art of dodging a certain type of Salesperson. All over Edinburgh these people who wake with shiny, white-toothed smiles and think using the line 'Can I see you hands?' is going to work on me. In this swine-avian-dognammit-I-don't-need-to-cover-my-nose-when-I-sneeze-society why oh why would I willingly let you see and touch my hands? You are a stranger with strange hands and I don't talk to strangers.

Saturday my guard was down. The flu had weakened my natural instincts. I made eye contact. A fatal error. His name was Raul. His smile was perfect and the Spanish accent not half bad. I really do have a beautiful name. And my Fiancé (nope not used to it yet) really is a lucky man.
£40 later I now own a bit of the dead sea. And my hands are soft, soft, soft.

Admiring my soft, silky hands I wandered out into the mall and found myself being approached by another Colgate Smile. Before I can say lickety split (I've never said that but next time I might see if I can get it in) I'm sitting in a beautician's chair and preparing myself for Threading. This is an ancient Asian torture technique done using 3 pieces of thin, twisted pure cotton thread which is rolled over untidy hairlines, like my eyebrows on Saturday, plucking the hair out at follicle level. Apparently it isn't as painful as waxing. Apparently. My eyebrows do look good and no longer resemble two hairy caterpillars crawling above my eyelids.

I didn't even cry. I did bite my tongue to stop myself from screaming. When I opened my eyes I had drawn a crowd. Human beings have always been attracted to watching other human beings being tortured, haven't they? We don't want to watch but we still do. No-one came to save me. No-one pulled me from the chair and asked Colgate Smile if she'd gone mad. Nope, tens of women did seem amazed at my bravery. So fluttering my lashes beneath perfectly framed eyes and waving my satin hands I paid and went in search of my Fiancé (I'm getting better at this). With his new haircut, my soft hands and neat eyebrows, we were a striking pair.

Maybe I'll go back in 2 - 4 weeks. Maybe.

A full week.

2009-09-21T06:09:00.000+10:00

Heading into my first full week back at work since we got back from Italy. I like to plan it that way - go back in the middle of week so it is only a few more days till you have a weekend. Monday is looming.

Did I mention I got engaged last week? Yup, I did. So going to take something gigantically momentous to beat my last week. I'm still riding on that happy wave so I'm expecting another fabulous week.

Have a good one!

Caldonazzo... Bellisimo!

2009-09-10T23:04:00.000+10:00

We arrived yesterday in Trento and were met by my brother. This place, and most especially where he lives in Caldonazzo, is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Mountains and lakes. So peaceful and awe inspiring.

Today I'm feeling a little sad. It is my Oma's funeral and I'd like to be there. It was not to be so I've said a few prayers and my private goodbye. I know she is at peace now. At 94 she has had a good, long life and will be missed.

Tonight we will feast in her honour and toast to her memory and our memories of her.

Waking up to the Ringing of bells...

2009-09-08T17:32:00.000+10:00

and another beautiful day in Florence. We spent a marvellous day in Siena yesterday just wandering around the streets and lounging around the Piazza like locals and licking on our Gelatos. I could easily get used to this Italian way of life.

So today we are off to explore more of Florence. I'm going to find David. Then we might go climb a hill to see a spectacular view, have a picnic in the Bobolina Gardens and then watch the sunset over the river while sipping on cocktails - what you all doing today?

And on we go...

2009-09-06T18:41:00.000+10:00

Our time in Rome is now coming to a close and it is time for us to head off to Florence for the next leg of our adventure. We've fallen in love with Rome. The Food. The People. The History. Our host at the B&B Baldessini, Francesco, has been outstanding - makes a great breakfast, gives great recommendations and just very interesting to talk to. Without him we would have spent much more money and not seen as much.

Lots to tell you but not too much time so will update again, hopefully, from Florence.

When in...

2009-09-03T14:52:00.000+10:00

I'm waiting at Gatwick airport for our flight to Rome! Woohoo! Crazy time of the morning to be up but you got to do what you got to do. I'm actually too tired to write anything remotely sensical so forgive all grammar and spelling errors because I'm on a count down and there is no time to proof read.

Looking forward to arriving in Rome being met at the meeting point (wherever it may be) by Alessandro and driven to our B&B where I'm going to collapse on the bed and sleep. Yup, sleep. Then wake and feast like a Roman! That is our plan for the entire trip - to do what Romans do, when in Rome! So Ciao, Ciao. I'll try write again - otherwise be back in a couple of weeks! Check every day just in case!

Safe Landings!

2009-08-29T06:36:00.000+10:00

Lots of travelling planned over the next few months. Many exciting adventures to Lands near and far. One we have never been to before, one we used to call home and one we will soon call home. Fun times ahead. As much as I love to go on holiday and discover new places or see old friends and family I hate flying just as much. Actually, it is not so much the flying part I hate - it’s the landing. No-one understands how I can hate landing so much when that’s the scary part over because you are back on the ground. I beg to differ. On my hands and knees I declare YOU are not correct! Yes, you! So many things can go wrong just as you are about to land or even after you touch down. If you care to read on I’ll name a few for you. The wheels might not come down and the plane will have to belly flop onto the runway and slide to a stop. The pilot could bring the plane down awkwardly and flip over. The pilot could think he is the Schumacher of the runway, the brakes could fail and we could crash. The final one and I’ve seen this on a movie so I know it could happen - a bus containing an explosive device could crash into the plane just when we come to a stop and we will all die in the detonation!

You think I jest? I think about these things, in fact, I dream about these things. I know some of you reading this are married to, related to and friends with Pilots. Prove me wrong! I want proof of The Myth Busters’ kind.

Thank-you!

2009-08-23T23:03:00.000+10:00

It has been a very, very hectic 2 weeks. Festival time in Edinburgh invariably brings people to town. We've had cousins and old friends visiting. It's been a blast. We enjoy playing Tour guide. Over the last few years we have built up quite an extensive list of spots we like to go to. We want to give our visitors a locals insight into Edinburgh. An added bonus to this - U2 kindly decided to have a concert in Glasgow for our guests to enjoy and then, of course, there was the World Pipe Band championships. Do we know how to organise festivities or what?

All in all the last 2 weeks have been a eventful, exhausting but satisfyingly successful.

Tired and uninspired.

2009-08-13T06:09:00.000+10:00

STOP! Life is moving along so fast. I wish it would slow down. So much to do every day and just not enough hours to get it done. I think I may have wished for this before but dargnamit I'll wish for it again - would someone please invent a remote control that I can use to pause my life?
In the words of Ferris Beuller: 'Life moves pretty fast.If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.'
I don't want to miss a thing.

Chook-a-chook-train to Cuckoo Land

2009-08-01T05:17:00.000+10:00

Oh my giddy aunt. I think I may be on the train journey from whatever land where packet scrunching, crisp crunching and lets-have-a-million-kids-under-6-and-take-them-on-a-5-hour-train-trip-to-London type folk inhabit.
I'm grumpy. Oh yes I am.

Maybe I should get them to play the lying down game. Or better yet the lie down and go to sleep for the sake of my sanity game. I'm sure everyone has been on the car trip with their parents and asked them endlessly 'When we going to get there?'
My Dad's classic response was always 'It is just over the next hill.' He thought I never noticed the road was flat and there was nary a hill in sight. With these kids it's - how many stations to go? what are they called?
The one cheeky monkey even stopped the conductor to ask if the aircon was on and if he could turn it up because he was hot. Then he asked him - 'how many stations to go?' 'what they were called?'
Fool conductor said one more station name than Dad had. Dad is obviously not to be trusted so let's ask the man sitting next to me.

Stop the Train! Let me get off!

And so the days go by...

2009-07-29T03:05:00.000+10:00

I've been a slow starter to a very fast paced week. Trying to find my rhythm, work myself up to a jog and hope to be sprinting by Friday. Whom I kidding? Have you seen me run? It is a very funny sight.

I'm thinking of lobbying for more hours in a day. I just don't have enough time to get all the things I want to do done. Somehow the relaxing, fun stuff seems to fall by the wayside. When did I slip back into these shackles? I'm in Scotland and I want FREEDOM! Freedom I say!
Things are happening. Things are moving along. Sometimes I just want to lie down.
Speaking of which have you played The Lying Down game yet? It is taking hold of the UK in a most bizarre way. Well, I know it is happening here in the Burgh and I've seen it on GMTV.
'What do you do?' you ask from the back row. A valid question. One must know the rules before one can play such a game.
The rules are rather simple: Lie face down, hands to your side, legs straight and toes pointing to the floor- as if your standing up to attention. The more weird and random place you are lying down in or on the better.
The point. Does there have to be one?

This is my friend Dave. A master at the game.

Go on, Lie Down!

Quietly, quietly we wake to the sun...

2009-07-25T20:45:00.000+10:00

Almost Midday and I'm only starting to resemble a human being. Going to bed at 3:30am in the morning might have something to do with that. Living like a 21 year old isn't as easy it used to be. I need a greasy spoon and a chilled vibe today. As fate would have it the one day I wish it was raining the sun has decided to shine. So an adventure into Edinburgh centre is planned. It must be done. Vitamin D should be good for the soul.

Greasy spoon time.

I'm inspired!

2009-07-16T03:30:00.000+10:00

I'm feeling so alive! So ready to create. Mentally I'm bouncing off walls! My kitchen wall is now my Idea wall and is going to drive a certain man in my life mad. Once its covered in the brainstorming post-its that is! Multi-Coloured ones! I may even post a picture when it's in full steam so you can all sympathise with him.

I'm also really tired. But my head is in overdrive so even when I sleep it's filled with bizarre dreams that get my mind ticking from the moment I wake.
Things are brewing in my writing life that maybe, just maybe, could let me live a bit of a dream of mine. Too soon to say more but I'm inspired.
Next!

My Niece knows how to move it, move it!

2009-07-14T06:39:00.000+10:00

Just had to share this video of my niece Yasmin (and god-daughter I must add) busting her moves at the Bastille Day celebrations yesterday. I might borrow the bum wiggle next time I find myself on the dance floor.
Clearly didn't get this talent from my side of the family. Must be from her Mom's side - though my I-like-to-dance-like-Johnny-Clegg-and-clap-in-time-to-the-music-Dad might protest. Add the bum wiggle next time Dad and you'll get my vote.

I'm getting old! I need a Hobble stick!

2009-07-12T19:46:00.000+10:00

I never thought I'd use those words but the way I feel this morning I can only put the blame on age. I feel like an old woman. Hobbled out of bed down the passage to the bathroom. Hobbled to the kitchen to make tea. Hobbled to the lounge. Damn this back pain. I've made it to the chair in the lounge now and I fear I may never be able to stand up again. Thank goodness I type without looking at the keys - moving my head to look at the keyboard hurts! I'm hobble typing.
And today is housework day! Well, secretly I'm not too gutted about that. If only I could get away with not helping. I'm going to have to take some drugs and power on like a good woman though. The Guilt will get me! I'm going to try hobble back to the kitchen now. Wish me happy hobbling. We all become hobblers one day!

6 days of Sunshine!

2009-07-10T06:30:00.000+10:00

So I'm back. If you've been missing me hold on to your socks because I'm back in the Burgh. Back to reality. Blah!
We just spent 6 relaxing, gloriously hot days in wonderfully Spanish Seville. Yes, those of you who know me I did indeed say gloriously hot. 2 1/2 years of more cold than hot. More keeping warm than trying to get cool. I'm a changed woman. I now crave the sun. As long as I'm covered in sunscreen, have an airconditioner, cold showers and swimming pools. Those are my conditions.

I'm still getting back into the swing of things so I'm keeping this one short but will post some more on the weekend with maybe a picture or two of the sun. Most especially for the Scots who rarely see it.

If I wrote a book...

2009-06-30T03:46:00.000+10:00

what would it be about? I get asked that question a lot. If I knew that surely I would have written my bestseller by now. Oh it will be a bestseller. Why bother otherwise? Of course, the sense of accomplishment would be an added bonus. Fulfilling a dream I've had for a while would make me happy beyond that dream. Ultimately though I want it to be good. I want it to be great. I want it to fly off the shelves and become a classic in my time. These may be the reasons I've not written my book yet. Great expectations and fear of failure.

Bryce Courtenay once told me that the secret to writing a book is 'bum glue'. I paid a lot of Rands to go learn from the Master and the man who made me want to write stories. And that's what I remember most clearly. 'Bum Glue' - worth every cent. Get your ass in a chair, write and do not get up till your fingers are bleeding or you are in danger of developing piles.
I've drifted way off course over the past 2 years. Trying to get back on track with this blog. It's a start but I've got to put in more work. So I'm going to try do just that. You are all the witnesses to my promise to myself. All I ask from you is that you read and I'll take any criticism (and I'm not adverse to a little praise) you have to throw my way.

Sunday Wind Down

2009-06-22T06:10:00.000+10:00

Weekend has flown by as usual and don't feel like I've accomplished very much apart from not spending one single penny! Not even one! Easy to do when you don't leave the house!
Most exciting thing that I've done this weekend is watch the Springboks beat the British and Irish Lions! And what a tense game it was! We had a comfortable lead and then all the stars were taken off and the Lions kicked it up to high gear! I spent the last 5 minutes jumping up and down to calm my anxiety! At least I got to burn some calories - but they better not do that to me next week. My heart might not be able to take it!
So heading off to get ready for the week, have a good one chaps!

Why use time constructively when you can watch TV?

2009-06-20T07:45:00.000+10:00

I should be blogging. Instead I've watched 2 episodes of Grey's Anatomy (had a cry) and on to my second episode of House. You may recall we were without a TV for a little over a week - fortunately our Sky box recorded my favourites shows. All 2 of them. So I'm playing catch up. I'll catch up with the blogging tomorrow. All things are meant to be equal, are they not? Balance will be restored.

When Alarms don't go off...

2009-06-18T06:44:00.000+10:00

it means my day starts very badly. Overslept this morning! I hate that feeling. That panic! That mad rush to get ready and figure out how the hell you are going to make it to work in 20 minutes when it normally takes you an hour and a half.
I did it in an hour. And my boss bought me coffee as a reward for being late (well, not quite how she put it)!

Today I almost lost my right thumb!

2009-06-16T03:51:00.000+10:00

It was the Kitchen again. I've told you how it hates me. I was chopping onions. Slippery devils! I'm not sure if I told you but I bought Bruce a Magimix for Christmas. Though he is convinced onions taste different when you use it to chop them I've been secretly using it when he isn't home.Very, very sneaky! I did admit to him one Saturday but he didn't believe me. Apparently when his Dad and him were perfecting the Famous Family Peri-Peri recipe back in Australia they made a revolutionary discovery. Whenever they used the Magimix to chop the onions it gave the sauce a slightly different flavour that they didn't like. So onions were chopped by hand forever more.
Tonight I decide to oblige and use a knife to chop the onions I needed for the mince dish we were having for dinner. The result, I almost lost my thumb! I'm not exaggerating. I used the smaller, sharper chopping knife. Peeled the onions and started to chop. I'm not sure if it is because these onions are Scottish but they are decidedly more slippery than I remember Benoni onions being. Onion slipped away from knife, thumb went under and slice! Shock! Blood. Lots of blood. Cold Water. Pain. Roller Towel, pressure. Less pain. Blood soaked. Dancing around the kitchen holding towel over thumb shouting profanities not befitting a lady! More roller towel and sticky tape to hold it in place (Too much blood and no plaster big enough!). Onions in Magimix. Viola! Easy Peesy!

I'm now discovering how difficult life with an out of action thumb can be! I can type, thank your lucky stars but holding a pen could be hard. Trying to open a can of tomatoes is an endurance test! Even holding the wooden spoon to stir was less effective!
Feeling sorry for me? How long do you think I can milk this for? I will tell you one thing - I'm using the Magimix to chop onions from now on. My opposable appendages depend on it!

Life without TV

2009-06-15T04:38:00.000+10:00

We have been without a TV for 12 days now. Normally I wouldn't really miss it but this week I've missed out on watching the Twenty20 World Cup, the Western Province vs. British and Irish Lions game and Bafana Bafana vs. Iraq. I don't profess to be a big time Sports fan but I there are a few things I like to support and this week my lack of TV denied me the opportunity. Getting updates via live sporting websites is too slow and stressful. And I'm convinced my support would have helped WP and Bafana Bafana win. Mark my words with a big tick next week when we get our TV back we'll win everything! My energy is a powerful thing! I think I may have jinxed us.

I must admit I do seem to have got a lot more things done with the absence of the people in the box. Important things like sleeping, housework, blogging, reading and sleeping. I lead an exciting life and in fact I must close of this most riveting blog as I've ironing to do.
Hope this week brings you happiness!

Drag me to Hell!

2009-06-13T21:15:00.000+10:00

When was the last time you watched a good old fashioned Horror flick? The kind that made you jump out of your seat and scream - following up with a silly giggle while you rescued the popcorn drowning in your cleavage or mourn the demise of those that reached the floor?
We watched one last night- Drag me to Hell. It doesn't have the greatest storyline but all the stuff that makes for a good Horror is there. Creaking stairs, chandeliers that shiver at appropriate moments, curses, shadowy spirits, rusty gates that clang open and shut in the wind, power failures, torches that work intermittently and let's not forget the angry evil being with the glass shattering, lightening and fire summoning voice. Oh yes and the gross parts are there too - vomiting maggots and such things.
I sound like I'm scoffing but if the truth is to be told on this page today then I need to admit that I jumped, screamed and hid behind Bruce a few times. There are some ridiculous moments but I'll leave you to discover those for yourself.
Give it a watch if you like this sort of thing. There hasn't been a proper Horror film around for a while. At the very least you will be entertained.

Is there anybody out there?

2009-06-08T19:17:00.000+10:00

I don't mind writing for myself at all but I'd like to think I'm entertaining somebody. I know of 3 people who read my blog - Miller, Hayley and my Man (said like Denzel Washington would say it). Anyone else?

I'm writing this on a train hoping the wireless internet connection doesn't fail on me and leave me quite literally without words. Just left Darlington station, next stop Newcastle. I'm looking out at green fields with scatterings of yellow flowers (that I'm yet to find out the name of) and enjoying the wee bit of sun shining through my window. I've found my place in the sun.

It's been a good weekend. I think I almost peed my pants laughing a few times. If you ever find yourself in a place called Whitby I can recommend the fish and chips! English style! We didn't get it wrapped in newspaper because we sat in but a tasty treat it was. I don't know how my Dad managed to squeeze in apple pie and custard afterwards but somewhere in those skinny legs lies a bottomless pit. Our poor waiter was subjected to my Sister's flirting and my Dad's sardonic humour but I left him a tip to help him pay to get his sanity back. Oh yes, lots of stairs and hills around town which led my Mom to declare - 'If there really is a stairway to Heaven I'm not going to make it up!'

Have a good week chaps!

In the land of Robin Hood honesty prevails

2009-06-06T03:12:00.000+10:00

Finally a little time to blog and because I'm away. I've just been so busy lately. I'm in Whitby in Yorkshire with my Mom, Dad, Sister and her husband. I'm looking out at the rain, sipping on a G&T, my Mom and sister are playing Solitaire (I know it's meant to be a one player game but rules can be broken), Dad and Sister's Husband are talking economics, politics and chances of winning the lottery.

So here's a story that gave me a little faith in humanity. My Dad arrived this morning at Heathrow Airport, hopped on a tube to Kings Cross, then had to catch a train to meet us in Doncaster. He arrived safe and sound we met him with Starbucks and drove to Sister's In-laws for lunch. We alight happily from the motor vehicle and Mom says to Dad 'Didn't you bring your laptop?' I've never seen my Dad's face so white. A panicked search ensued but it was fruitless. Laptop sat alone on a train to Newcastle. Inside the laptop bag were all manner of valuables - Ipod Touch, return tickets to Italy, train tickets to London, passport and the list goes on.
A few phonecalls, a few unhelpful folk and then some very helpful ones and we were told they would try contact train but to call back in an hour and half. A very long wait with a lot of prayers being sent upstairs and good news was received. They had the laptop bag in Newcastle. Some honest soul found it and handed it in. Guardian Angels were smiling down on Dad.

So now we are settling down for dinner - Mom's lasagna! The best in the world! Yummy!
All is well in our world.

Another Saturday Session...

2009-05-23T21:59:00.000+10:00

Almost lunch time and I've had a rather productive morning. No hangover this morning and I got breakfast brought to me in bed. Love it!
I then felt quite motivated to go to gym. I haven't been all week and thinking about it now I don't believe I went the week before either. Where does time go?
So we went. Just got home now and I must prepare to watch the rugby and support a South Africa team I don't particularly care for (Stormers rule!) but they can't lose today - South African pride is at stake!
GO THE BULLS!

Saturday Sessions

2009-05-16T19:42:00.000+10:00

Saturday! I love Saturday! I don't like waking up to an alarm though. It's wrong. Saturday I should be woken up by the sun. Whom I kidding? I live in Edinburgh, the sun hates us.
Normally it is a case of waking up and not being alarmed up on a Saturday. Alas we have a house guest this weekend. He had to head off to a Highland gathering to go play drums in a tartan skirt this morning. My I-wannabe-a-chef-and-perfect-host man decided to send him off with a Scottish breakfast - minus the black pudding which we forgot to buy. This meant setting an alarm to make sure he woke up in good time to prepare this feast.
My responsibility set the alarm and kick him out of bed. I did - so some good wife points earned by me. I then snoozed for another half an hour before guilt dragged me by my pounding head out of bed. I've mentioned before I'm not a morning person so imagine my glee at being confronted by 2 cheerful chaps with my red wine head still throbbing angrily. Coffee. 3 cups. More wife points earned by me! My next designated duty - make the toast. Easy peesy japaneesy wife points!
We got the skirted drummer out the door in good time to catch his taxi. I got to clean up the kitchen - mega wife points - while Chef patted his belly and watched Super 14 rugby while chatting to his folks Downunder on Skype.
So a rather succesful Saturday so far in spite of the alarmed awakening. Huge wife points earned. And now I get to chill out for a while before my next set of duties call. The quest for wife points never ends!

Can't beat the 80's

2009-05-13T05:22:00.000+10:00

I'm sitting watching the NEW Knight Rider as I write this. KITT is awesome! Beautiful! Effects are quality. He now has the voice of Val Kilmer. The new Michael, the son of Michael Knight is pretty, well pretty. I think this might be the start of a great show. Watch this space

Won't compare it to the Eighties Hoff version, you can't beat the Eighties now can you?

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T02:42:00.000+10:00

It’s Mother's Day today! I’m normally quite organized and make sure to spoil my very deserving Mother with flowers and cards but this year I’m very sad to say that with all that’s been going on in my life of late I remembered the flowers too late and she only got a phone call this year. I feel like a very bad daughter. I had the best of intentions but not enough time to follow through on them. Not an excuse I know.

I suppose -and I’m not justifying my lack of gift here- no gift could ever really express how much I love and value my Mother. Like every mother she has had to endure the empty nest syndrome with each of us leaving the nest one by one. Most mothers are lucky enough to have their kids living down the road, in the next town or at least the same country as them. In my Mom’s case, like so many mothers from South Africa, all her kids live overseas. So on Mothers Day there is no-one to take her out to lunch, drop by with flowers and a card or cook her breakfast in bed. My Dad does his best to treat her and we all make the effort to try make her feel special. I failed this year and I’m quite sad about that. My mom sounded down when I phoned her (though she tried to hide it) and I feel like I didn’t do what I was meant to as a good daughter to make her happy on Mother’s Day. So Mom if you are reading this I want you to know I love you very much. I feel very lucky to have had a Mom like you – on top of all the usual motherly qualities most mom’s possess you had a very extra special ones that made you stand out – open-minded, encouraging and mischievous – you gave us all our naughty side. You were the first to stand up and fight in our court. You were the coolest of all the Moms and still are! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!

Curry in a hurry!

2009-05-11T02:39:00.000+10:00

Diet flew out the window last night with a good ol’ curry take-away singing ‘I win again’ to its departing t. I’m trying to coax it back today but it’s slow going. Only got a big D back in as the smell of curry is still lingering around the fridge.

Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!

2009-05-11T02:38:00.000+10:00

Another weekend almost passed. Halfway through the month of May already. Time is flying by. The clock at work stopped at exactly 9:45pm on Thursday. We arrived at this conclusion on the basis that it was working on Thursday when the last person left around 6pm. When I arrived at 6:50am I noticed it had stopped. In fact my heart stopped for a second when I thought I’d lost almost 3 hours. We are a clever bunch at my work! The jokes rolled in as each new person arrived and continued for most of the day. ‘I feel like I’m stuck in the same time zone’, ‘Today is going so slowing it feels like time has stopped doesn’t it?’ – you get the picture.
My only attempt at humour came when the young Office lad fixed the clock at around 3:30pm – ‘The last few hours just flew by didn’t they?’
I think I’m the funniest of them all!

My sun, my sun!

2009-05-06T05:17:00.000+10:00

I live in the land of the Everlasting Winter. The sun has forsaken us. They say we talk about the weather when we have nothing else interesting to discuss. Maybe so, but they clearly have never lived in the land of the Everlasting Winter.

Monday Musings

2009-04-28T07:18:00.002+10:00

Woke up to another rainy day in Scotland but I selected the Beatles on my Ipod and headed out the door to 'Love, Love me do!'
I couldn't start my week off on a bad note - that would set the tone for the whole week. I feel like I’ve got stuck back into my routine bad habits and general laziness since we returned from Paris. So I've decided to set myself some goals - the usual stuff I suppose - and focus my thoughts towards more positive waves.

And with that guess what is all over the 10 o'Clock news - SWINE FLU in SCOTLAND!! YAY!

It's not so late in the evening...

2009-04-24T05:08:00.001+10:00

Ahhh! It's not even 8 o'clock in the evening and I'm in bed with my cup of tea. I think it is well earned seen as we don't seem to have been able to get to bed before 11 this week and I've been up at 5!Count the hours! Beauty sleep desperately needed! I feel haggard, ragged and worn out. Someone called me Dorothy today and Golden Girls reruns flashed like a horror movie through my head. Then I realised I had on my red shoes (I love my red shoes) and he fancied himself witty!

Lack of sleep does me no good. So before I let the night get away from me again I'm going to bid you goodnight, finish my tea and read a few pages of my Hemingway before I pass out!
I'll be back on the weekend.

Póg mo thóin

2009-04-19T03:51:00.008+10:00

Saturday. And I'm at work. Only for a few hours so not so bad and pretty much just waiting around so I can test a few things and then be on my way. So thought while I wait I would sit here and type up a few of my thoughts. So clever I am!

Been a busy but mostly uneventful week except for last night. I surprised my folk music mad man with tickets to see Sharon Shannon Big Band with Camille O’Sullivan and Shane McGowan. Such a good night! We got jiggy to some seriously outstanding Irish Tunes.

I’m not sure you know who Shane McGowan is. Ever heard of The Pogues – responsible for such hits as Fairytale of New York, Dirty Ol’ Town and Irish Rover? He is the founding Lead Singer. And what a character he is!

I actually almost walked into him on the street outside the venue. I'd just been to the cash machine to- uh - draw cash for boozing and had begun the journey back to join Bruce in the queue. My first thought when I saw this dishevelled guy stumbling out of a pub and fumbling to put his sunglasses on (no, the sun was not shining in Scotland) was that he was going to ask me for a cig. Then as I was walking by, I noticed the expensive leather pants and something clicked my recognition button! When I looked up everyone in the queue was staring in my direction. I mean I know I’m hot but that kind of admiration would have been … a new thing.

By all accounts a night to remember. Sharon Shannon is indescribable. What a musician and so real. You’ll find her on You Tube if you care to see for yourself. While you are there look out for Gerry O’Connor – amazing banjo player and Jim Murray – brilliant guitarist. I could go on and on about last night but don’t want to risk doing a Celine Dion on my faithful readers and as your luck would have it the waiting game is over.

So póg mo thóin!