Testing the Flickr to blog thingy.
Things to do if you're Bored
I just LOVE this one - Balloons for pyromaniacs. Check it out, but don't blame me if you set anything alight or get arrested.
We had a chemistry teacher here that would explode a black plastic rubbish bag outside the admin building once a year - frightening the heck out of anyone who had been around for less than a year....
Not your scene? I'm sure you'll find something else worthy of your attention on the rest of the site.
We had a chemistry teacher here that would explode a black plastic rubbish bag outside the admin building once a year - frightening the heck out of anyone who had been around for less than a year....
Not your scene? I'm sure you'll find something else worthy of your attention on the rest of the site.
How big are your buns?
The headline "Size of buns does matter" caught my eye this morning. (Funny enough, they weren't talking about those kind of buns)
Reminds me... we made our own hot cross buns this weekend! They came out really, really well. I had great fun kneading and raising and baking - and eating. But we didn't quite stick to the recipe. They said "divide dough into 36 peices". We did 12. Our buns might not have made the world record, but they certainly were a lot bigger than the miniscule shop variety. So big that one was more than enough!
How big, you ask? Well put both your fists together. THAT big.
Reminds me... we made our own hot cross buns this weekend! They came out really, really well. I had great fun kneading and raising and baking - and eating. But we didn't quite stick to the recipe. They said "divide dough into 36 peices". We did 12. Our buns might not have made the world record, but they certainly were a lot bigger than the miniscule shop variety. So big that one was more than enough!
How big, you ask? Well put both your fists together. THAT big.
Priorities and Sour Grapes
It seems my little brother is upset with me. Via the (sour)grape vine I heard he and his wife had had a bit of a blow-up with my other sis-in-law over the fact that I'm going to Australia to visit my parents - and especially the cost of doing so.
He reckons I could be using that cash toward my prospective business, instead of "wasting" it on an unnecessary trip! What he doesn't realize is that it's the generosity of others that has made this possible, not my own funds. In reality I've paid with cash I didn't have - so it definitely wasn't available for business purposes.
I don't think he gets how ill my mom is, and how a trip now is very much needed. He's assuming she'll recover and live happily ever after, that there's still a lot of time left for him to visit etc. But there may not be, and I'm not taking the chance. We want to be there while she's still well enough to enjoy our visit, just in case she isn't later.
His wife also had a moan over cash and how could I just go off on an expensive trip like this when "she's not dying".
This from two people who run two very successful businesses, and have more cash to spare than the rest of us would know what to do with (well, we probably would KNOW, but it's not a good idea to throw that much at us at once!:) ). It's a little upsetting, but I can understand their position in a way. I know my brother wants to see me succeed, get on my feet financially and do something I love. He's given me loads of advice and a good few pushes in the right direction - only to see me apparently "giving up". I can understand his frustration. But I haven't given up on my dream of my own business. It's just on pause for a little while until I know what the near future holds. I'm still planning and dreaming and working toward that goal. It just might take longer than I had hoped.
Priorities. Family before finance. People over business. That's how I work, that's how I see things. But perhaps I'm weird.
I'm going to have to sit down and explain all this to brother it seems, before it spirals into serious misunderstanding.
He reckons I could be using that cash toward my prospective business, instead of "wasting" it on an unnecessary trip! What he doesn't realize is that it's the generosity of others that has made this possible, not my own funds. In reality I've paid with cash I didn't have - so it definitely wasn't available for business purposes.
I don't think he gets how ill my mom is, and how a trip now is very much needed. He's assuming she'll recover and live happily ever after, that there's still a lot of time left for him to visit etc. But there may not be, and I'm not taking the chance. We want to be there while she's still well enough to enjoy our visit, just in case she isn't later.
His wife also had a moan over cash and how could I just go off on an expensive trip like this when "she's not dying".
This from two people who run two very successful businesses, and have more cash to spare than the rest of us would know what to do with (well, we probably would KNOW, but it's not a good idea to throw that much at us at once!:) ). It's a little upsetting, but I can understand their position in a way. I know my brother wants to see me succeed, get on my feet financially and do something I love. He's given me loads of advice and a good few pushes in the right direction - only to see me apparently "giving up". I can understand his frustration. But I haven't given up on my dream of my own business. It's just on pause for a little while until I know what the near future holds. I'm still planning and dreaming and working toward that goal. It just might take longer than I had hoped.
Priorities. Family before finance. People over business. That's how I work, that's how I see things. But perhaps I'm weird.
I'm going to have to sit down and explain all this to brother it seems, before it spirals into serious misunderstanding.
Reference Post: Olives
(Ignore this unless you have an olive tree with a large crop ripening right now. It's a "storage post" for future reference, unless blogger crashes and takes it with it... Recipe for bottled olives produced on campus, just procured from farm manager.)
HC Olives - small batch recipe
Sort ripe black olives and discard bad ones.
Soak 9 months in 14% salt soln.
Test after a few months for palatability.
Pack in 4% salt soln.
HC Olives - small batch recipe
Sort ripe black olives and discard bad ones.
Soak 9 months in 14% salt soln.
Test after a few months for palatability.
Pack in 4% salt soln.
The last of the road trips
Seems our road trip a month or so back was the last for the forseeable future. The price of petrol is about to rise again, making a total increase of 80c per litre in the past 2 months. That is really steep! And another price hike is coming up soon. We'll be paying around R5 per litre from next week, making the cost to fill my tank well over R250. Thankfully I don't have to drive to work, and a tank usually lasts a month...
At the same time, my car has decided to use up extra juice. Where I got nearly 500km out of the last tank, now I'll be lucky if I get 200. Don't know what's up there, but it will have to go in for a look-see (MORE cash out of pocket) to sort out the problem. Granted, it's a heavy car to drive up and down our steep hills here, but that's a bit excessive.
If the petrol price alone were increasing it would probably still be manageable. Unfortunately though it's a chain reaction - anything that needs transporting (food, clothing, whatever) will cost more now, and if the petrol price drops the other prices probably won't. We were just starting to see some improvement in the cost of food items, but that's apparently short-lived.
So no more spontaneous road trips. They'll have to be saved for and planned in future. Darn.
At the same time, my car has decided to use up extra juice. Where I got nearly 500km out of the last tank, now I'll be lucky if I get 200. Don't know what's up there, but it will have to go in for a look-see (MORE cash out of pocket) to sort out the problem. Granted, it's a heavy car to drive up and down our steep hills here, but that's a bit excessive.
If the petrol price alone were increasing it would probably still be manageable. Unfortunately though it's a chain reaction - anything that needs transporting (food, clothing, whatever) will cost more now, and if the petrol price drops the other prices probably won't. We were just starting to see some improvement in the cost of food items, but that's apparently short-lived.
So no more spontaneous road trips. They'll have to be saved for and planned in future. Darn.
Flippin' Cricket!
The Last Of the Plague is hanging around my office, creaking quietly now and then, chewing paper - and jumping out unexpectedly at me!
He's just tried to crawl in between my toes into my shoes. Darned beast! That kind of action calls for a can of insect spray to be directed his way. Munching and chirping I can take - making footwear a home while the foot's still in it, I can't. There's nothing worse than investigating antennae and a cricket mouth probing the toes. Yuk, yuk, yuk.
So cricket - if you have been reading this blog on the sly, know that your hours are numbered. It's not even days anymore, but HOURS. Enjoy your last few.
::update::
He has passed on to cricket heaven (with help), along with 2 of his friends who were hiding out behind something or other. Rest in peace while we finally enjoy ours!
He's just tried to crawl in between my toes into my shoes. Darned beast! That kind of action calls for a can of insect spray to be directed his way. Munching and chirping I can take - making footwear a home while the foot's still in it, I can't. There's nothing worse than investigating antennae and a cricket mouth probing the toes. Yuk, yuk, yuk.
So cricket - if you have been reading this blog on the sly, know that your hours are numbered. It's not even days anymore, but HOURS. Enjoy your last few.
::update::
He has passed on to cricket heaven (with help), along with 2 of his friends who were hiding out behind something or other. Rest in peace while we finally enjoy ours!
Plodding
I wanted to write something profound and moving and deep today. But there's nothing there. It's the kind of day when life just basically plods on, and that never makes for exciting blogging.
Yet there are snatches of great moments sprinkled liberally throughout the day already. Those never-ending stars, only slightly blurred by high clouds on my early-morning walk. Owls perched and peering in gum trees, friendly dogs that wiggle all over to see you - though you're just an acquaintance and not their Person. A fresh breeze against well-worked muscles - you're alive! Big hug from the boy - you're loved! A job to come to, a heater to warm frozen fingers and toes, access to a computer and internet and email that connects me with friends and family instantly across the world.
If you stop and think about it, those things actually ARE profound and deep and moving. They're taken for granted, but they're more than millions have.
Sometimes it's good to sit still and consider one's blessings. Stop the rushing, the multi-tasking, the constant pushing on to the next task, and just take time to notice red-streaked sunrise clouds, weaver birds dropping in for breakfast, shelter and food and all those things that we assume will just "be there" permanently.
Nothing deep or moving or profound today (yet). Just counting myself lucky and blessed.
Yet there are snatches of great moments sprinkled liberally throughout the day already. Those never-ending stars, only slightly blurred by high clouds on my early-morning walk. Owls perched and peering in gum trees, friendly dogs that wiggle all over to see you - though you're just an acquaintance and not their Person. A fresh breeze against well-worked muscles - you're alive! Big hug from the boy - you're loved! A job to come to, a heater to warm frozen fingers and toes, access to a computer and internet and email that connects me with friends and family instantly across the world.
If you stop and think about it, those things actually ARE profound and deep and moving. They're taken for granted, but they're more than millions have.
Sometimes it's good to sit still and consider one's blessings. Stop the rushing, the multi-tasking, the constant pushing on to the next task, and just take time to notice red-streaked sunrise clouds, weaver birds dropping in for breakfast, shelter and food and all those things that we assume will just "be there" permanently.
Nothing deep or moving or profound today (yet). Just counting myself lucky and blessed.
5 weeks, 10 kilos
It's now 5 weeks until we fly off to the other end of the planet (well, technically 4 1/2, or one exact calendar month - to the hour!). And in my quest to create a good first impression, I'm still on a mission to lose weight.
5 weeks, 10 kilos - how hard can that be? 2kg a week shouldn't be too difficult, right?
WRONG!
I've been doing all the right stuff for weeks now and nothing's happening! Getting up at 5:30 to speed-walk around a rather large block hasn't done a thing (except I can now get up the hill to home after work a little easier). Skipping supper (main meal at lunch) in favour of a mere hot drink hasn't shrunk the stomach flab like it usually does. Adding mini-meals and cutting down the other meals has helped the energy slumps, but hasn't helped my body work off anything else.
Darn.
Those "miracle pills" are starting to look more and more attractive, though I know they can wreak havoc on a body. I don't really want to take them, but the temptation of a quick fix is huge.
Perhaps I'm just taking a while to get going - but get going already, body! I'd like to see SOME results that will keep me going, please.
5 weeks, 10kg. Starting to look less and less reachable...
::update::
Well, well, well! Seems it may just be working after all. I got my most honest (brutally so!) critic (my son) to check it out at lunchtime while watching Dr Phil's Weight Loss Challenge - and the dear boy says I've shrunk! Except on the legs and butt, which are the places shrinkage is most desired, but anyway. You see, I don't own a scale, can only go by how my clothes feel - and these current clothes have always been a bit tight, so I assumed the worste.
I think this might be just the motivation needed to keep me at it.
5 weeks, 10 kilos - how hard can that be? 2kg a week shouldn't be too difficult, right?
WRONG!
I've been doing all the right stuff for weeks now and nothing's happening! Getting up at 5:30 to speed-walk around a rather large block hasn't done a thing (except I can now get up the hill to home after work a little easier). Skipping supper (main meal at lunch) in favour of a mere hot drink hasn't shrunk the stomach flab like it usually does. Adding mini-meals and cutting down the other meals has helped the energy slumps, but hasn't helped my body work off anything else.
Darn.
Those "miracle pills" are starting to look more and more attractive, though I know they can wreak havoc on a body. I don't really want to take them, but the temptation of a quick fix is huge.
Perhaps I'm just taking a while to get going - but get going already, body! I'd like to see SOME results that will keep me going, please.
5 weeks, 10kg. Starting to look less and less reachable...
::update::
Well, well, well! Seems it may just be working after all. I got my most honest (brutally so!) critic (my son) to check it out at lunchtime while watching Dr Phil's Weight Loss Challenge - and the dear boy says I've shrunk! Except on the legs and butt, which are the places shrinkage is most desired, but anyway. You see, I don't own a scale, can only go by how my clothes feel - and these current clothes have always been a bit tight, so I assumed the worste.
I think this might be just the motivation needed to keep me at it.
It's the heart
Real Live Preacher's post on his daughter not believing in God struck home and made me cry this morning.
She said:
I can SO relate to that! I know God intellectually, but I can't feel Him, can't hear Him - and that makes me almost say that I don't believe in Him. It also scares the heck out of me.
Irene had something similar to say over the weekend about not being able to hear God. How does one do that, anyway? There are those I know who seem to connect so easily to their God, who know exactly what He wants, what He's saying. And yet I can't.
I'm glad to know I'm not alone in my unbelief. But it still worries me, ya know? I mean, I'm a Christian - certainly I'm supposed to have a strong faith and actually BELIEVE? Aren't I?
So why isn't it happening? Why have I been empty for so long, searching in the dark through the echoing caverns inside of me for a voice, a touch, some sign that it's not just me in there?
I have no answers. Only questions. Emptiness. Silence.
She said:
“I don’t really care that I can’t see God. I’ve already figured out that our senses mislead us. There are a lot of real things in the universe that we cannot see or touch or understand. I don’t really need to see or touch God to think that God might exist. But I don’t feel God inside. Things don’t seem real to me unless I can feel them.”
I can SO relate to that! I know God intellectually, but I can't feel Him, can't hear Him - and that makes me almost say that I don't believe in Him. It also scares the heck out of me.
Irene had something similar to say over the weekend about not being able to hear God. How does one do that, anyway? There are those I know who seem to connect so easily to their God, who know exactly what He wants, what He's saying. And yet I can't.
I'm glad to know I'm not alone in my unbelief. But it still worries me, ya know? I mean, I'm a Christian - certainly I'm supposed to have a strong faith and actually BELIEVE? Aren't I?
So why isn't it happening? Why have I been empty for so long, searching in the dark through the echoing caverns inside of me for a voice, a touch, some sign that it's not just me in there?
I have no answers. Only questions. Emptiness. Silence.
Making a list, checking it twice
With less than 5 weeks to go before we leave for Australia, my son and I have started a list of things we'd like to do/see in Sydney. Not that our sole reason for going is touring - we're well aware that we're there to be with my mom and dad. They assumed we'd go off exploring on our own, but I could tell they were pleased when I said we're there for them, not the place.
However, there IS a lot we'd like to do (WITH them) while there, and here's what's on our lists thus far:
Mom's list
Coffee with Jan
Shopping!
Food festival at King's Cross (go check it out)
Buy digital camera asap (cash dependent)
Create garden for mom (herbs, veg, spring bulbs to look forward to)
Job opps (seems dad's set up a few contacts)
Blue Mountains?
Darling Harbour
Hair makeover at mom's hairdresser (or get it done the afternoon before we leave)
Jason's list:
Golf with Gramps
Aquarium
Zoo
Monorail
IMAX
Explore forest with Gran (just below the house)
Beach & Ice-cream (at Manly we think)
Ferry on harbour
Shopping!
Tall tower trip
Hillsong? maybe... (we're still mulling this one)
Crystals shop!!!
Feed-some-local-parrots adventure
I'm pretty sure we'll be adding stuff as we go. There's things on both lists that we'll do together too.
There's a possible trip to the Gold Coast for a few days, and we'll be going straight from the airport to dad's church, where a guitar concert will be in progress by some brilliant young guy - oh great, I get to meet the people just off a 23-hour flight! Talk about first impressions...!
Last Saturday night there the church is holding a talent show, which is bound to be hilarious. Last time they somehow got my dad and a few other gents dressed up in tutu's to do some ballet. Going to be a ball.
The parents want us to take off and explore on our own too, but we'll see how that one goes. I'm not as adventurous as my brother and sis-in-law, who ditched the folks and went ferry/train-hopping almost on arrival.
Anything else that should be on my/our list?
However, there IS a lot we'd like to do (WITH them) while there, and here's what's on our lists thus far:
Mom's list
Coffee with Jan
Shopping!
Food festival at King's Cross (go check it out)
Buy digital camera asap (cash dependent)
Create garden for mom (herbs, veg, spring bulbs to look forward to)
Job opps (seems dad's set up a few contacts)
Blue Mountains?
Darling Harbour
Hair makeover at mom's hairdresser (or get it done the afternoon before we leave)
Jason's list:
Golf with Gramps
Aquarium
Zoo
Monorail
IMAX
Explore forest with Gran (just below the house)
Beach & Ice-cream (at Manly we think)
Ferry on harbour
Shopping!
Tall tower trip
Hillsong? maybe... (we're still mulling this one)
Crystals shop!!!
Feed-some-local-parrots adventure
I'm pretty sure we'll be adding stuff as we go. There's things on both lists that we'll do together too.
There's a possible trip to the Gold Coast for a few days, and we'll be going straight from the airport to dad's church, where a guitar concert will be in progress by some brilliant young guy - oh great, I get to meet the people just off a 23-hour flight! Talk about first impressions...!
Last Saturday night there the church is holding a talent show, which is bound to be hilarious. Last time they somehow got my dad and a few other gents dressed up in tutu's to do some ballet. Going to be a ball.
The parents want us to take off and explore on our own too, but we'll see how that one goes. I'm not as adventurous as my brother and sis-in-law, who ditched the folks and went ferry/train-hopping almost on arrival.
Anything else that should be on my/our list?
Oh great...
An email just in has informed us that the mega-boss is retiring and returning to the USA, thanks to ongoing health problems.
Some may be really happy to see him go - I'm not. He's been the most approachable, understanding, friendly and fair mega-boss we've had. Finding him was a mission! We had an acting president for 2 years, and some student protests during the selection process when someone else was appointed. It was a rather rough time.
But when one's health is at stake, that takes priority over a mere job. He's aging (probably very near retirement) and it's time to put himself first.
He will be missed - at least by me. God help those who are involved in finding his successor...
::update::
The farm manager's also just resigned, one month's notice. Who's next???
Some may be really happy to see him go - I'm not. He's been the most approachable, understanding, friendly and fair mega-boss we've had. Finding him was a mission! We had an acting president for 2 years, and some student protests during the selection process when someone else was appointed. It was a rather rough time.
But when one's health is at stake, that takes priority over a mere job. He's aging (probably very near retirement) and it's time to put himself first.
He will be missed - at least by me. God help those who are involved in finding his successor...
::update::
The farm manager's also just resigned, one month's notice. Who's next???
How to make it rain
Step 1: Go to church on Christmas day. Even though it's the middle of summer and we're in a winter rainfall area, it will then rain.
Step 2: Go to church on Easter. After a hot and dry time with major drought, it will rain.
Seems I'd better go to church more often if we're to break this drought... :)
Anyhoo, we did have quite a good time at church. We decided to "random attend", picking an unknown from the list in the newspaper. We ended up at an Afrikaans service in a high school hall, with a very enthusiastic worship leader/drama guy, good sermon and even an interpretive dance. My son got to choose where we sat - and plonked us down in the second row from front, leaving us rather exposed and obvious, as the rest of the (very few) attendees sat near the back. Oh well, at least we got a good view of goings-on.
I've come to expect not to be greeted at a new church, and this was no exception - bar the official "welcome to church" lady handing out the bulletin at the door. Not that we're too great at sticking around and waiting to be greeted. We came, we worshipped, we left.
We were planning to attend the sunrise service at the nature reserve, but when the alarm went off at 5:30 and I looked outside, the wind was howling, the clouds were pressing down and it looked like it would be totally weathered-out, so we gave it a skip.
But we went to church. No wonder it rained.
Step 2: Go to church on Easter. After a hot and dry time with major drought, it will rain.
Seems I'd better go to church more often if we're to break this drought... :)
Anyhoo, we did have quite a good time at church. We decided to "random attend", picking an unknown from the list in the newspaper. We ended up at an Afrikaans service in a high school hall, with a very enthusiastic worship leader/drama guy, good sermon and even an interpretive dance. My son got to choose where we sat - and plonked us down in the second row from front, leaving us rather exposed and obvious, as the rest of the (very few) attendees sat near the back. Oh well, at least we got a good view of goings-on.
I've come to expect not to be greeted at a new church, and this was no exception - bar the official "welcome to church" lady handing out the bulletin at the door. Not that we're too great at sticking around and waiting to be greeted. We came, we worshipped, we left.
We were planning to attend the sunrise service at the nature reserve, but when the alarm went off at 5:30 and I looked outside, the wind was howling, the clouds were pressing down and it looked like it would be totally weathered-out, so we gave it a skip.
But we went to church. No wonder it rained.
Shabbat Shalom / Easter Blessings
We're being released from our work cages extra-early to go enjoy the long weekend (most are travelling to an annual church gathering a few hour's drive from here). So here's my weekly Shabbat post, and an added wish that you may delve deep into the meaning behind this weekend's celebration to discover new truths.
I wonder if I can pull it off...
I've got this urge to do something dramatic. Either before we leave for Australia, or while there.
Like chop all my hair off really short and make it white-blonde or go redhead. Or get extensions put in, long black extensions, and colour what I currently have to match. Change my image - get new clothes in a style I normally don't wear, pierce my ears (or get that bellyring I'm always on about), something like that.
I'm tired of the same-old. I want something new and exciting, something that will make me stand out from the crowd, or make me unrecognizeable to those who are used to seeing me pitch up in the same tired stuff day after day. I want a bit of WOW factor in my life. Something to perk me up completely! (An Extreme Makeover perhaps???)
I'd love to do it. But do I have the nerve...?
::update::
Been checking out the "What not to wear" sites this morning, and I think I'm going to go get me the book. If I could afford a help-me-shop person it would be nice, or even afford clothes without them! But nay, we lack such extended funds, so it will have to be DIY.
Trouble is, browsing the shops indicates a severe lack of decently-priced, non run of the mill stuff. It's all either overpriced or junk. And it looks exactly blerry the same in every shop. No imagination, I tell you!
Time to haul out the sewing machine and experiment!
Like chop all my hair off really short and make it white-blonde or go redhead. Or get extensions put in, long black extensions, and colour what I currently have to match. Change my image - get new clothes in a style I normally don't wear, pierce my ears (or get that bellyring I'm always on about), something like that.
I'm tired of the same-old. I want something new and exciting, something that will make me stand out from the crowd, or make me unrecognizeable to those who are used to seeing me pitch up in the same tired stuff day after day. I want a bit of WOW factor in my life. Something to perk me up completely! (An Extreme Makeover perhaps???)
I'd love to do it. But do I have the nerve...?
::update::
Been checking out the "What not to wear" sites this morning, and I think I'm going to go get me the book. If I could afford a help-me-shop person it would be nice, or even afford clothes without them! But nay, we lack such extended funds, so it will have to be DIY.
Trouble is, browsing the shops indicates a severe lack of decently-priced, non run of the mill stuff. It's all either overpriced or junk. And it looks exactly blerry the same in every shop. No imagination, I tell you!
Time to haul out the sewing machine and experiment!
Cricket Plague
Last week's cricket in a box was a precursor. Now the beasties are all over the place!
In my efforts to save my employer cash (aren't I the noble one!), I roamed the deserted halls downstairs, switching off lights and aircon (unneeded until students return). And found the carpets swarming with crickets.
The passages on our floor are strewn with the ant-nibbled, foot-crunched carcasses of crickets. The lucky ones hide behind filing cabinets and furniture, creaking out tentative songs and munching paper.
On a quick trip to the mall we dropped by the back of a shop to pick up some discarded planks (with potential!), only to discover hordes of crickets hiding underneath the pile! A colleague says they fumigated the other end of the mall, and there were literal drifts of crisp bodies piled in the parking lots.
I think I'm starting to understand how those Egyptians felt when the locusts, frogs and hail struck....
::update::
Seems it's a nation-wide problem. One of my bosses says while waiting at Joburg International Airport there were literally THOUSANDS of the things crawling on the floor, up the walls, over people's luggage, causing many shrieks from many women. "Don't worry, they're harmless" say the run-out-of-bug-spray official. Yeah, harmless - but freaky nontheless!
Our computer guy says they're copulating like bunnies on the traffic islands in town and in the streets. I guess we'll count our blessings they haven't really struck in force here yet!
In my efforts to save my employer cash (aren't I the noble one!), I roamed the deserted halls downstairs, switching off lights and aircon (unneeded until students return). And found the carpets swarming with crickets.
The passages on our floor are strewn with the ant-nibbled, foot-crunched carcasses of crickets. The lucky ones hide behind filing cabinets and furniture, creaking out tentative songs and munching paper.
On a quick trip to the mall we dropped by the back of a shop to pick up some discarded planks (with potential!), only to discover hordes of crickets hiding underneath the pile! A colleague says they fumigated the other end of the mall, and there were literal drifts of crisp bodies piled in the parking lots.
I think I'm starting to understand how those Egyptians felt when the locusts, frogs and hail struck....
::update::
Seems it's a nation-wide problem. One of my bosses says while waiting at Joburg International Airport there were literally THOUSANDS of the things crawling on the floor, up the walls, over people's luggage, causing many shrieks from many women. "Don't worry, they're harmless" say the run-out-of-bug-spray official. Yeah, harmless - but freaky nontheless!
Our computer guy says they're copulating like bunnies on the traffic islands in town and in the streets. I guess we'll count our blessings they haven't really struck in force here yet!
My First Official Interview
Join the fun! Kel has the following to say:
"Drum roll please—and make it an African one—here is my fifth and final 5Q4. Michelle Bainbridge come on down! She will answer these interview Q’s on her blog, then invite 5 other bloggers to be interviewed by her, and the cycle continues."
------------------
On to the questions:
1. Firstly, why did you “hesitantly” put up your hand to be interviewed? Have my 5Q4’s to the others been that scary looking?
Nope, but I'm a bit on the shy side, and sometimes find it hard to put into words what's in my head. I can be scared off by too many questions, so don't often volunteer! But hey, let's do this.
2. How do you take your coffee?
HOT out of the filter machine, with powdered creamer (Ellis Brown brand only!) and 3 Sweetex tablets. If I'm out and about, I'll take it with hot milk and a sugar or two - depending on cup size and sugar sweetness. I'm not one for flavoured coffees, but like them strong and smooth and tasty. My favourite filter brand is Importer's Italian blend (not sure if it's available overseas). I'd like to ensure my coffee is free-trade, but that's a concept still beyond this country it seems.
3. What is a shipperke?
THIS is a schipperke:
So is this:
And these:
And this:
But most folk know them looking like this:
The colours I have are illegal in dog circles in the USA, and only considered legal in other countries if they have certain attributes. But we don't care about colour. WE LOVE OUR SCHIPPERKES!
And that's a seriously leading question - I could go on about them for a very, very long time... :)
4. You post a regular Shabbat Shalom message and photo. What inspired that, and do you take all those photos yourself?
I take most of the photos myself (I'll state a source if they're not), but often get frustrated because my digital camera is not the best. However, there is loads to photograph where I live - the most beautiful spot on earth. AND I plan to come back from Australia with a decent camera if I can, so watch this space for some super stuff.
"Shabbat Shalom" was inspired by the concept of a weekly full-stop in the mad rush of civilization. I grew up with the sunset-Friday to sunset-Saturday Sabbath (the "Jewish" Sabbath hours), and it's stuck with me while many other beliefs may have faded into the background. I like Shabbat Shalom because of what it implies, and how the Jewish folk still keep it - a time to completely seperate those hours from the other days, do make them special and peaceful and refreshing.
I cannot do without my weekly Shabbat or a chance at capturing Shalom. It's my recharge time for the week ahead.
5. In a recent post you mention that when you come to Australia, you are bringing an African drum. That I understand. But a marimba and kalimba? Please explain!
A Marimba is like a piano, only made from wood strips with sounding pipes beneath. "Born" in Africa, many other cultures have adopted it, but it remains a distinctly African sound.
They come in many sizes but I want a BIG one! :)
A Kalimba is also known as a "thumb-piano". We knew it as an mbira in Zimbabwe, but perhaps the name varies from culture to culture. Often made from a hollowed gourd and flattened metal nails, it produces a low, tinkling musical sound.
You can play a virtual kalimba here, hear one being played here, or hear a marimba/kalimba combination here!
Many of these African instruments are finding their way into worship sets in churches - and it's a WOW experience to hear them entertwined with familiar Western music!
-------------------
That's mine done - if you're up for it, leave me your name in the comments and I'll try come up with questions hopefully half as interesting as Kel as given me!
"Drum roll please—and make it an African one—here is my fifth and final 5Q4. Michelle Bainbridge come on down! She will answer these interview Q’s on her blog, then invite 5 other bloggers to be interviewed by her, and the cycle continues."
------------------
On to the questions:
1. Firstly, why did you “hesitantly” put up your hand to be interviewed? Have my 5Q4’s to the others been that scary looking?
Nope, but I'm a bit on the shy side, and sometimes find it hard to put into words what's in my head. I can be scared off by too many questions, so don't often volunteer! But hey, let's do this.
2. How do you take your coffee?
HOT out of the filter machine, with powdered creamer (Ellis Brown brand only!) and 3 Sweetex tablets. If I'm out and about, I'll take it with hot milk and a sugar or two - depending on cup size and sugar sweetness. I'm not one for flavoured coffees, but like them strong and smooth and tasty. My favourite filter brand is Importer's Italian blend (not sure if it's available overseas). I'd like to ensure my coffee is free-trade, but that's a concept still beyond this country it seems.
3. What is a shipperke?
THIS is a schipperke:
So is this:
And these:
And this:
But most folk know them looking like this:
The colours I have are illegal in dog circles in the USA, and only considered legal in other countries if they have certain attributes. But we don't care about colour. WE LOVE OUR SCHIPPERKES!
And that's a seriously leading question - I could go on about them for a very, very long time... :)
4. You post a regular Shabbat Shalom message and photo. What inspired that, and do you take all those photos yourself?
I take most of the photos myself (I'll state a source if they're not), but often get frustrated because my digital camera is not the best. However, there is loads to photograph where I live - the most beautiful spot on earth. AND I plan to come back from Australia with a decent camera if I can, so watch this space for some super stuff.
"Shabbat Shalom" was inspired by the concept of a weekly full-stop in the mad rush of civilization. I grew up with the sunset-Friday to sunset-Saturday Sabbath (the "Jewish" Sabbath hours), and it's stuck with me while many other beliefs may have faded into the background. I like Shabbat Shalom because of what it implies, and how the Jewish folk still keep it - a time to completely seperate those hours from the other days, do make them special and peaceful and refreshing.
I cannot do without my weekly Shabbat or a chance at capturing Shalom. It's my recharge time for the week ahead.
5. In a recent post you mention that when you come to Australia, you are bringing an African drum. That I understand. But a marimba and kalimba? Please explain!
A Marimba is like a piano, only made from wood strips with sounding pipes beneath. "Born" in Africa, many other cultures have adopted it, but it remains a distinctly African sound.
They come in many sizes but I want a BIG one! :)
A Kalimba is also known as a "thumb-piano". We knew it as an mbira in Zimbabwe, but perhaps the name varies from culture to culture. Often made from a hollowed gourd and flattened metal nails, it produces a low, tinkling musical sound.
You can play a virtual kalimba here, hear one being played here, or hear a marimba/kalimba combination here!
Many of these African instruments are finding their way into worship sets in churches - and it's a WOW experience to hear them entertwined with familiar Western music!
-------------------
That's mine done - if you're up for it, leave me your name in the comments and I'll try come up with questions hopefully half as interesting as Kel as given me!
Running Scared
I've got this intense feeling of fear today, and I'm not sure why. I suspect that it's a result of peering too closely into the enticing crystal ball of the future, and seeing the possibility of world-disrupting changes ahead. It might have something to do with having numerous folk in Australia wanting to "see me", having to make a good impression with regards to possible future employment, not knowing where we're actually heading and the thought of turning our entire lives upside down.
Every now and then I get these bouts of gut-knotting nervous scaredy-cat-ness. Last week I mentioned how I plan things to death. And I've realized why.
It all stems from a shyness that I hide very well. I don't like to be the center of attention. In an unknown environment you'd find me sneaking in and hugging the walls instead of bursting forth with a "here I am!". If I'm travelling in an unknown area, I'll first plot my route - generally speaking - so I don't get lost. Travelling in the Cape is easy - you've got mountains as reference points. Travelling up north is a whole other story. When I was in college, I'd rather miss a class than walk in late. I once walked into the wrong class in high school after a bout of crying in the toilets - the laughter that greeted me from the lower-age class drove me back to the dorm for the rest of the day.
Same thing with uncertain futures. I like to know where I'm headed, what's going to happen on the journey, what my options are, and where my escape routes are. I've never gone looking for employment - all my jobs have come looking for me. I'm not good at selling myself or demanding this/that. I'd rather avoid situations where I would need to, but this time I won't be able to.
Facing the unkown in our future has got me running scared today. It's a case of the nerves, and deep breathing to purge it ain't going to cut it this time!
Every now and then I get these bouts of gut-knotting nervous scaredy-cat-ness. Last week I mentioned how I plan things to death. And I've realized why.
It all stems from a shyness that I hide very well. I don't like to be the center of attention. In an unknown environment you'd find me sneaking in and hugging the walls instead of bursting forth with a "here I am!". If I'm travelling in an unknown area, I'll first plot my route - generally speaking - so I don't get lost. Travelling in the Cape is easy - you've got mountains as reference points. Travelling up north is a whole other story. When I was in college, I'd rather miss a class than walk in late. I once walked into the wrong class in high school after a bout of crying in the toilets - the laughter that greeted me from the lower-age class drove me back to the dorm for the rest of the day.
Same thing with uncertain futures. I like to know where I'm headed, what's going to happen on the journey, what my options are, and where my escape routes are. I've never gone looking for employment - all my jobs have come looking for me. I'm not good at selling myself or demanding this/that. I'd rather avoid situations where I would need to, but this time I won't be able to.
Facing the unkown in our future has got me running scared today. It's a case of the nerves, and deep breathing to purge it ain't going to cut it this time!
African Heart
South Africa is certainly doing its best to instill in us a sense of hope and unity! Take this ad for instance, aired regularly on TV. Who doesn't get all positive after watching that!
And Saturday night's 46664 concert (broadcast semi-live*), with Johnny Clegg's true-blue African performance was another. Sure, we had Will Smith and a good few other internationals to draw the crowds, but when Johnny got going with his Zulu dance, his African-dust-in-your-shoes melodies and his heart-deep lyrics, it spoke to something in the crowd that the biggest international star couldn't.
It's at precisely that point in the concert that my soul asked "what are we trying to move to Australia for, when your heart is here?" - a hard question to answer. If I do live in a foreign land, I know that I will most likely choke up when an African rhythm, a bushveld documentary, a van der Merwe joke crosses my path.
But I aim to go armed with a marimba, a kalimba and a couple of African drums - secure in the knowledge that there are parts of me grown from veld and flesh that no adopted culture will ever remove.
Hey - besides, half of South Africa already lives there! :) We'll be alright...
*by semi-live I mean it's basically broadcast live, but just when you get to the interesting bits they throw in a 7-ad long ad break, returning you to the action just in time to see the crowd go wild after whatever you missed.... Aaah, Africa! :)
And Saturday night's 46664 concert (broadcast semi-live*), with Johnny Clegg's true-blue African performance was another. Sure, we had Will Smith and a good few other internationals to draw the crowds, but when Johnny got going with his Zulu dance, his African-dust-in-your-shoes melodies and his heart-deep lyrics, it spoke to something in the crowd that the biggest international star couldn't.
It's at precisely that point in the concert that my soul asked "what are we trying to move to Australia for, when your heart is here?" - a hard question to answer. If I do live in a foreign land, I know that I will most likely choke up when an African rhythm, a bushveld documentary, a van der Merwe joke crosses my path.
But I aim to go armed with a marimba, a kalimba and a couple of African drums - secure in the knowledge that there are parts of me grown from veld and flesh that no adopted culture will ever remove.
Hey - besides, half of South Africa already lives there! :) We'll be alright...
*by semi-live I mean it's basically broadcast live, but just when you get to the interesting bits they throw in a 7-ad long ad break, returning you to the action just in time to see the crowd go wild after whatever you missed.... Aaah, Africa! :)
Be a Bad Parent Day!
Some days being a mom sucks - especially for your kid. I didn't have the best of mornings, and when I got home all I wanted was some space, quiet and a chance to clear the head.
Instead I have a child on holiday, bored already, and seeking attention constantly in ways that get me more and more irritable! It's not his fault...
When I became a single mom at 21, I told myself I'd do what I could, give up what I had to, so that my son would never feel neglected, 2nd best or that he was missing out. Boy, is that a hard one to keep up with! I have done OK mostly, but I hit patches where I just want some me time, a bit of peace and quiet - and to not be a mom for a little bit.
I should make an effort to make me-time - go out on my own, for instance, which I haven't done in 3 years now! (No-one to go with, as everyone's always busy or with the husband or kids) I try to do it after he's in bed, or when he's off with a friend. But some days that need to just have a break sneaks up during mom-hours and I tune out.
Like I did at lunch. I did the mimum mom-ing and then came back to the office early. I knew I wasn't giving him what he needs, what he deserves, yet I still did it. He gave me a long hug as I left, not wanting to let me go and starting to get that lower wobbly lip. I feel really bad when that happens, when it's my fault. I'd like to be SuperMom! but most days I'm not.
Today it's Be a Bad Parent day and I've stuffed up again.
::update::
Kid's just phoned (we're blessed with an "internal" line between home and office) to say he's done some of his holiday homework, given because we're buggering off during the term to Australia, and all seems OK with him. It's us adults that dwell on and enlarge the bad stuff. The kids shake it off and continue, mostly. Still, some days I feel like a total flop in the parenting department and I know I could be better if I could just make the effort.
Instead I have a child on holiday, bored already, and seeking attention constantly in ways that get me more and more irritable! It's not his fault...
When I became a single mom at 21, I told myself I'd do what I could, give up what I had to, so that my son would never feel neglected, 2nd best or that he was missing out. Boy, is that a hard one to keep up with! I have done OK mostly, but I hit patches where I just want some me time, a bit of peace and quiet - and to not be a mom for a little bit.
I should make an effort to make me-time - go out on my own, for instance, which I haven't done in 3 years now! (No-one to go with, as everyone's always busy or with the husband or kids) I try to do it after he's in bed, or when he's off with a friend. But some days that need to just have a break sneaks up during mom-hours and I tune out.
Like I did at lunch. I did the mimum mom-ing and then came back to the office early. I knew I wasn't giving him what he needs, what he deserves, yet I still did it. He gave me a long hug as I left, not wanting to let me go and starting to get that lower wobbly lip. I feel really bad when that happens, when it's my fault. I'd like to be SuperMom! but most days I'm not.
Today it's Be a Bad Parent day and I've stuffed up again.
::update::
Kid's just phoned (we're blessed with an "internal" line between home and office) to say he's done some of his holiday homework, given because we're buggering off during the term to Australia, and all seems OK with him. It's us adults that dwell on and enlarge the bad stuff. The kids shake it off and continue, mostly. Still, some days I feel like a total flop in the parenting department and I know I could be better if I could just make the effort.
Life with Dogs - sometimes irritating....
It's heading toward winter, which means that nights have a chill and the sun stays abed longer. And dogs start to cuddle instead of sleeping elsewhere.
Case in point, last night Didi (my usual bed-dog) decided it was warmer against my legs than under the desk, which I usually don't mind. But not if the beast insists on sleeping in the middle of the bed and never moving. I tend to sleep all over the bed (though it still looks made in the morning) and like to have space to roll. Without encountering a solid hunk of dog-flesh that growls if you try move it, and is too heavy to pass the legs under.
So I spent the entire night having to pull my legs up and then stretch them once on the other side of Mr Bed-Lump. Most disturbing! But did I kick him off? No...
Jolly lucky spoilt beast. He'll miss me soon enough!
Case in point, last night Didi (my usual bed-dog) decided it was warmer against my legs than under the desk, which I usually don't mind. But not if the beast insists on sleeping in the middle of the bed and never moving. I tend to sleep all over the bed (though it still looks made in the morning) and like to have space to roll. Without encountering a solid hunk of dog-flesh that growls if you try move it, and is too heavy to pass the legs under.
So I spent the entire night having to pull my legs up and then stretch them once on the other side of Mr Bed-Lump. Most disturbing! But did I kick him off? No...
Jolly lucky spoilt beast. He'll miss me soon enough!
The Aussie Farmer
Red asked for more info on that Aussie farmer I mentioned last week. At the risk of finding out he reads this (which I'm hopefully certain I think he doesn't...), here's the story!
In 1997 my parents moved to Australia. Dad's a pastor, and his "call" took him to a small town near Cairns. (The Aussies seem to like to dump you in the backwaters and let you work your way up from there. The fact that he's now in Sydney must mean he's on the approved list! :) ) He had charge of a few churches on the tablelands surrounding Atherton, including a bunch of rural folk. Not many eligible young men, in spite of this, but the parents soon befriended the parents of one of the few nice guys around, just a year older than me - let's call him B for now.
At the end of their first year there, a sugar-daddy-friend (whole other story!) sent my son and I over to be with them for Christmas, which started up a round of teasing of poor B, by both my parents and his (mainly the dads) that he should marry me and get me over to live in Australia that way.
You can imagine what that did to a shy farmer from the sticks! He got more and more anxious as our arrival drew close. On the day we should have met over a church lunch, he had "jippo-guts" and stayed home. To no avail - dad dragged us off to his farm right after lunch and I finally got to meet him. Nice enough chap, though very quiet at that stage. Who could blame him!
Well, we did see each other once or twice after that, but the poor chap would hide behind other folk if I came by and we never really got to say more than a few words to each other.
When I left, I sent him a note to say "no worries, I'm not after your marital status" etc, and added my email address. We got chatting a few months later, and things soon heated up (sorta - we got rather fond of each other). A mutual friend confirmed my suspicions, and I thought it was all systems go! Until E turned up, a local gal who took his fancy. They were soon dating (after I'd sent a tearful email on hearing he was trying to "choose" between us, giving him my blessing to go ahead with a relationship with a real live girl, instead of some virtual thing on the other end of the planet). I backed off and let them be. But 3 months later they split. Apparently he kept asking our mutual friend (in E's presence) how I was doing... And I'm sure there was more to the story too, which I didn't hear.
So it was back to tentative friendship via email. And it's carried on for 8 years now! He hasn't had another girlfriend in all that time, and his folks are wondering if he should be dragged off to the doctor (or so his dad says to my dad) for a checkup. Mutual friend is convinced he's waiting for me. I'm almost convinced too.
You see, he's everything I've wanted in a guy. He's tall and strong and just good looking enough that I wouldn't wake up next to him, take one look and scream! But not so good-looking that I'd constantly have to fight off the competition (like there's much that far north...). He's a very good match to my personality (at least what we know of each other) and I could see myself with him on a very longterm basis. Being a farmer just adds the cherry on the top, as it's a lifestyle I've longed for - hard work and all.
But he's a VERY LONG WAY north of where my parents currently are. Far from many things I'm used to having nearby. Far from the limited "support system" of my parents - but close to mutual friend, who is a good friend.
I know my parents struggled to adjust there for various reasons. I may too - but then again I'm totally jumping the gun! I know what's in my heart, not his.
I'm asuming that there would be something between us, something strong enough to make a future a remote possibility. I know he isn't put off by my single parent status, that he may actually LIKE having a "ready made" son around... but that's word of mouth from mutual friend.
So that's the story of the Aussie farmer, as it stands right now. I'm hoping he'll try get his butt down to Sydney while we're there (his sister stays nearby), before all those eligible bachelors at church get foisted on me by mom. I'd really like to get a face-to-face chance to talk and see if there's some spark there - or if we've been imagining it for years.
But watch this space - if it's in my head, it gets blogged! Unfortunately for the masses....:) Hey, if you have any complaints, blame Red. She asked for it.
In 1997 my parents moved to Australia. Dad's a pastor, and his "call" took him to a small town near Cairns. (The Aussies seem to like to dump you in the backwaters and let you work your way up from there. The fact that he's now in Sydney must mean he's on the approved list! :) ) He had charge of a few churches on the tablelands surrounding Atherton, including a bunch of rural folk. Not many eligible young men, in spite of this, but the parents soon befriended the parents of one of the few nice guys around, just a year older than me - let's call him B for now.
At the end of their first year there, a sugar-daddy-friend (whole other story!) sent my son and I over to be with them for Christmas, which started up a round of teasing of poor B, by both my parents and his (mainly the dads) that he should marry me and get me over to live in Australia that way.
You can imagine what that did to a shy farmer from the sticks! He got more and more anxious as our arrival drew close. On the day we should have met over a church lunch, he had "jippo-guts" and stayed home. To no avail - dad dragged us off to his farm right after lunch and I finally got to meet him. Nice enough chap, though very quiet at that stage. Who could blame him!
Well, we did see each other once or twice after that, but the poor chap would hide behind other folk if I came by and we never really got to say more than a few words to each other.
When I left, I sent him a note to say "no worries, I'm not after your marital status" etc, and added my email address. We got chatting a few months later, and things soon heated up (sorta - we got rather fond of each other). A mutual friend confirmed my suspicions, and I thought it was all systems go! Until E turned up, a local gal who took his fancy. They were soon dating (after I'd sent a tearful email on hearing he was trying to "choose" between us, giving him my blessing to go ahead with a relationship with a real live girl, instead of some virtual thing on the other end of the planet). I backed off and let them be. But 3 months later they split. Apparently he kept asking our mutual friend (in E's presence) how I was doing... And I'm sure there was more to the story too, which I didn't hear.
So it was back to tentative friendship via email. And it's carried on for 8 years now! He hasn't had another girlfriend in all that time, and his folks are wondering if he should be dragged off to the doctor (or so his dad says to my dad) for a checkup. Mutual friend is convinced he's waiting for me. I'm almost convinced too.
You see, he's everything I've wanted in a guy. He's tall and strong and just good looking enough that I wouldn't wake up next to him, take one look and scream! But not so good-looking that I'd constantly have to fight off the competition (like there's much that far north...). He's a very good match to my personality (at least what we know of each other) and I could see myself with him on a very longterm basis. Being a farmer just adds the cherry on the top, as it's a lifestyle I've longed for - hard work and all.
But he's a VERY LONG WAY north of where my parents currently are. Far from many things I'm used to having nearby. Far from the limited "support system" of my parents - but close to mutual friend, who is a good friend.
I know my parents struggled to adjust there for various reasons. I may too - but then again I'm totally jumping the gun! I know what's in my heart, not his.
I'm asuming that there would be something between us, something strong enough to make a future a remote possibility. I know he isn't put off by my single parent status, that he may actually LIKE having a "ready made" son around... but that's word of mouth from mutual friend.
So that's the story of the Aussie farmer, as it stands right now. I'm hoping he'll try get his butt down to Sydney while we're there (his sister stays nearby), before all those eligible bachelors at church get foisted on me by mom. I'd really like to get a face-to-face chance to talk and see if there's some spark there - or if we've been imagining it for years.
But watch this space - if it's in my head, it gets blogged! Unfortunately for the masses....:) Hey, if you have any complaints, blame Red. She asked for it.
Churchlessness
It's been over 7 months since I was a regular pew-warmer (or piano warmer) at church, bar the few weeks my parents were out here and we attended everything they did. These months have been interesting, to say the least, and have left me with mixed feelings.
First off, I've come to the conclusion that you have to be in the church (as in attending every week) for people to miss you. Leave, and they don't. Pop in briefly again, and they'll suddenly remember you exist and that you were missing. Strange, sad, but true.
I've also realized that community outside of weekly church is harder to find than one might think. Sure, some just drift into it right away, no probs, but when one lives in an area where the weekly church turn-up IS considered community (even if you fall asleep as soon as the pastor stands up to preach), it's kinda impossible to find anything else! There's no "out there" to explore, to get to know, to interact with. It's all just an extension of the holy huddle, and it tends to drive me nuts. You see, I'm a non-conformist in a sea of sameness, the square peg in the round hole, the odd one out. There's no-one like me to connect to, and until I can physically move out of this area it's going to be increasingly difficult to forge that dream I've dreamt that made me leave the weekly huddle indefinitely.
I've noticed that "Holy Holidays" pass me by. Heck I only noticed it was Easter coming up when I checked the calender to see why everyone was suddenly taking leave! Growing up in a church that didn't do too much of the holy holiday celebrating, they were passing me by already. But Easter is a biggie! I mean, the easter eggs in the shops should have given it away - yet with no constant reminder of special services or sermon build-up toward the event, I didn't even notice it. In a way that's scary. I mean, I'd like to take these opportunities to pause and think, but when they rush at you like this there's no time to prepare.
And most times I'm not sure I want to. Which is another thing I've noticed. I want less and less to do with church lately (not The Church, but just church). I get cynical when someone mentions sermons, I'm not sure I can stomach the worship team phenomenon (and this, from an ardent former worship team-er!), or go through the usual weekly ritual of stand-sit-pray-praise-leave. Though we ALMOST went to church this weekend - but then didn't. I just wanted to pop in and say hi, basically, but wasn't sure I'd be able to "do church" just for the privalege of seeing them again.
Unfortunately this apathy, if that is what it is, spills over into the other religious-type things I should be doing - praying, studying, having just an ounce of faith. It all seems to be drifting away and trying to get it back is like grasping smoke.
Is this "a coal seperated from the fire dies" ? Or do I just get to start a spiritual life from scratch?
I've never had one of those conversion experience thingies - the ones that make for excellent retellings when altar calls are made. I've just drifted into Christianity with the rest of the family. And now it's falling a bit apart - not the family, but the Christianity part.
You see, I do believe I'm a Christian. I know who God is (though I don't think I know Him as such), I believe in Jesus (is believing enough?), I try to live right and do what I think God wants, and I follow where He opens doors. But I'm not an over-the-top Christian. I don't rush to church with eager eyes. I don't evangelize or tract-ize or any other -ize. I just live, and question, and wonder why my heart feels so dead. Or if I have the right to say "Christian" and "me" in the same sentance. I've got much to be thankful for, and I do say thanks - but I don't praise like the Psalmist, or like a Hillsong worship leader. I see God's hand in things around me, but I can't shout His fame from the rooftops. I've never heard Him SPEAK to me - either in whispered tones or a ground-shaking thunder. It's been a few years since a church experience has given me teary eyes. Or any religious experience for that matter. Though sometimes I get a lump in my throat to hear what others are experiencing while I'm not (yet at the same time a cynical slant creeps up in my head).
Then there's the recent financial blessings related to our trip. I know they're from God, I know He's done some absolutely awesome stuff through His servants. Stuff that gives people goosebumps when I tell them what's happened. But just gives me joy and the warm fuzzies. YES, I'm thankful, and I really wish I could all-out do the praise thing, but something has died inside me and I can't. I don't have it in me. Perhaps what He's done will sink in slowly and I'll be left floored in the near future.
Is all this just because I stopped going to church? Or is it perhaps the results of an issue that runs much, much deeper?
Still figuring that out.
For now I'm churchless. And perhaps faithless too. A pity - I'd like it to be otherwise. But my soul won't let me.
Sometimes I wonder if we're pre-ordained to be lost or saved. Heretical perhaps. But I can't help thinking I've been pre-ordained in the lost group, and this heart-cooling is to ensure I'm sorted into that group when the time comes. Strange thoughts, but such things cross my mind as I lie in the dark at night.
There was a brief surge of hope when I read A Generous Orthodoxy. Perhaps it's time to read it again. To let the common parts that bind everyone as children under the Most High sink in this time and make me realize that I'm not really alone after all.
(Rambling post, written over the course of many hours on switchboard duty - excuse it's drifting here and there!)
First off, I've come to the conclusion that you have to be in the church (as in attending every week) for people to miss you. Leave, and they don't. Pop in briefly again, and they'll suddenly remember you exist and that you were missing. Strange, sad, but true.
I've also realized that community outside of weekly church is harder to find than one might think. Sure, some just drift into it right away, no probs, but when one lives in an area where the weekly church turn-up IS considered community (even if you fall asleep as soon as the pastor stands up to preach), it's kinda impossible to find anything else! There's no "out there" to explore, to get to know, to interact with. It's all just an extension of the holy huddle, and it tends to drive me nuts. You see, I'm a non-conformist in a sea of sameness, the square peg in the round hole, the odd one out. There's no-one like me to connect to, and until I can physically move out of this area it's going to be increasingly difficult to forge that dream I've dreamt that made me leave the weekly huddle indefinitely.
I've noticed that "Holy Holidays" pass me by. Heck I only noticed it was Easter coming up when I checked the calender to see why everyone was suddenly taking leave! Growing up in a church that didn't do too much of the holy holiday celebrating, they were passing me by already. But Easter is a biggie! I mean, the easter eggs in the shops should have given it away - yet with no constant reminder of special services or sermon build-up toward the event, I didn't even notice it. In a way that's scary. I mean, I'd like to take these opportunities to pause and think, but when they rush at you like this there's no time to prepare.
And most times I'm not sure I want to. Which is another thing I've noticed. I want less and less to do with church lately (not The Church, but just church). I get cynical when someone mentions sermons, I'm not sure I can stomach the worship team phenomenon (and this, from an ardent former worship team-er!), or go through the usual weekly ritual of stand-sit-pray-praise-leave. Though we ALMOST went to church this weekend - but then didn't. I just wanted to pop in and say hi, basically, but wasn't sure I'd be able to "do church" just for the privalege of seeing them again.
Unfortunately this apathy, if that is what it is, spills over into the other religious-type things I should be doing - praying, studying, having just an ounce of faith. It all seems to be drifting away and trying to get it back is like grasping smoke.
Is this "a coal seperated from the fire dies" ? Or do I just get to start a spiritual life from scratch?
I've never had one of those conversion experience thingies - the ones that make for excellent retellings when altar calls are made. I've just drifted into Christianity with the rest of the family. And now it's falling a bit apart - not the family, but the Christianity part.
You see, I do believe I'm a Christian. I know who God is (though I don't think I know Him as such), I believe in Jesus (is believing enough?), I try to live right and do what I think God wants, and I follow where He opens doors. But I'm not an over-the-top Christian. I don't rush to church with eager eyes. I don't evangelize or tract-ize or any other -ize. I just live, and question, and wonder why my heart feels so dead. Or if I have the right to say "Christian" and "me" in the same sentance. I've got much to be thankful for, and I do say thanks - but I don't praise like the Psalmist, or like a Hillsong worship leader. I see God's hand in things around me, but I can't shout His fame from the rooftops. I've never heard Him SPEAK to me - either in whispered tones or a ground-shaking thunder. It's been a few years since a church experience has given me teary eyes. Or any religious experience for that matter. Though sometimes I get a lump in my throat to hear what others are experiencing while I'm not (yet at the same time a cynical slant creeps up in my head).
Then there's the recent financial blessings related to our trip. I know they're from God, I know He's done some absolutely awesome stuff through His servants. Stuff that gives people goosebumps when I tell them what's happened. But just gives me joy and the warm fuzzies. YES, I'm thankful, and I really wish I could all-out do the praise thing, but something has died inside me and I can't. I don't have it in me. Perhaps what He's done will sink in slowly and I'll be left floored in the near future.
Is all this just because I stopped going to church? Or is it perhaps the results of an issue that runs much, much deeper?
Still figuring that out.
For now I'm churchless. And perhaps faithless too. A pity - I'd like it to be otherwise. But my soul won't let me.
Sometimes I wonder if we're pre-ordained to be lost or saved. Heretical perhaps. But I can't help thinking I've been pre-ordained in the lost group, and this heart-cooling is to ensure I'm sorted into that group when the time comes. Strange thoughts, but such things cross my mind as I lie in the dark at night.
There was a brief surge of hope when I read A Generous Orthodoxy. Perhaps it's time to read it again. To let the common parts that bind everyone as children under the Most High sink in this time and make me realize that I'm not really alone after all.
(Rambling post, written over the course of many hours on switchboard duty - excuse it's drifting here and there!)
Shabbat Shalom
May you be blessed with solitude, silence and a chance for your body and soul to unite this weekend.
(Internet is MAJOR dodgy today, so next post will be on Tuesday, after the long weekend!)
Medical Experiments
Every now and then I'll pick up a snippet of info and start experimenting - on myself.
Like the fact that grey hairs may be caused by a Vit B deficiency. Now proven by me. Taking a supplement made the base of a couple of grey hairs go back to normal colour!
Or the fact that pulling out a hair causes it to grow back thicker and blacker. Also proven by me. Pulled one out in a place where there were no dark ones, just to see, and it's been growing back stronger, larger and blacker every time it's re-pulled. (So don't go waxing anything now that you don't want covered in darker and thicker hair later!)
Last week I picked up that Vit C in extra-large, body-saturating doses can kill viruses. It's even been claimed it could help AIDS patients... Well I tend to come up with lip blisters after too much sun, which is virus-related apparently. As soon as I felt that first warning tenderness I dived into mega-strength Vit C. And without even breaking the skin the blisters are disappearing! Cool.
Still to be proven though (while visiting my teetotalling parents): coffee withdrawal makes me nasty...
Like the fact that grey hairs may be caused by a Vit B deficiency. Now proven by me. Taking a supplement made the base of a couple of grey hairs go back to normal colour!
Or the fact that pulling out a hair causes it to grow back thicker and blacker. Also proven by me. Pulled one out in a place where there were no dark ones, just to see, and it's been growing back stronger, larger and blacker every time it's re-pulled. (So don't go waxing anything now that you don't want covered in darker and thicker hair later!)
Last week I picked up that Vit C in extra-large, body-saturating doses can kill viruses. It's even been claimed it could help AIDS patients... Well I tend to come up with lip blisters after too much sun, which is virus-related apparently. As soon as I felt that first warning tenderness I dived into mega-strength Vit C. And without even breaking the skin the blisters are disappearing! Cool.
Still to be proven though (while visiting my teetotalling parents): coffee withdrawal makes me nasty...
Degrees of Bad
With apologies in advance to those of my readers who were under the mistaken impression I was reasonably civilized.
Disclaimer: It wasn't me.
Bad: Getting water down your breathing pipe.
Worse: Getting burning-hot chakalaka mixed with mashed potatoes and mayo down your breathing pipe!
Bad: Farting after eating lentils.
Worse: Farting after eating lentils and chilis!
Bad: Falling down and scraping a knee.
Worse: Falling out of a not-quite-stopped train in front of an entire coach of good-looking young men and scraping a knee (same knee)!
Bad: Farting in bed.
Worse: Farting in bed so loudly that the dog sleeping against your back gets a gigantic fright, wakes up and goes to sleep elsewhere!
Bad: Garlic breath.
Worse: Garlic, marmite and coffee burps!
Bad: Sneezing.
Worse: This kind of sneezing!
Bad: Farting in private.
Worse: Farting (silently, you hope - yet it is not to be) on a wooden church pew which echoes distinctly just as the preacher gets to the serious and quiet bit of his sermon!
Bad: Steaming up the car windows with a hot young man.
Worse: Reversing the car into a wall and smashing the back in because the windows were steamed up!
Bad: Burping.
Worse: Burping near a microphone you didn't know was on!
Bad: Spinach in your teeth.
Worse: Day-old booger discovered on the outside of your nose when you look in the mirror just before bed!
Bad: Itchy butt.
Worse: Scratching it luxuriously with hand down pants and then noticing you're not really alone after all!
Disclaimer: It wasn't me.
Life of Birds
Birds and dogs love me. Dunno why. Perhaps they sense that I will do them no harm - except maybe for the one mutt on campus I can't tolerate, whom I WILL harm if he starts his nonsense just one more time...
This morning I was drinking coffee in the early sun rays on the verandah and watching my favourite pigeon peck at bird seed on the path a mere 2 metres from me. I can move, I can talk (and I do, to it!) - it stays, unflinching, listening. There's a turtle dove that likes to doze on a nearby fence pole if I'm sitting still in the garden. It trusts me enough to go to sleep in my presence. One shrike (or it's decendent) has hung around for about 6 years now, and will land nearly at my feet to pick up a morsel or an insect. The bulbuls come by for their daily bath, spraying torrents of water in glistening showers every which way, unbothered by us enjoying their antics.
Heck - even my mom's galah (parrot) loves me! It took to me immediately the last time we saw it and wouldn't leave me alone!
This morning a new bird appeared in the garden, a Boubou. The usual avian visitors know me, this one didn't. However she landed on a plant a half-metre away and sat there looking at me, unafraid. She hung around a bit on the lawn (the shrike bombed her for invading territory), picked up a caterpillar, pecked at a bread crust, jumped in the mulberry tree a bit. I don't think we've seen the last of her (I checked - it's an adult female, by it's markings).
Encounters like that amaze me. How wild things can trust and come so close, knowing that there are certain humans who will do them no harm. I love being trusted that fully by God's creatures. It's an incredible feeling!
This morning I was drinking coffee in the early sun rays on the verandah and watching my favourite pigeon peck at bird seed on the path a mere 2 metres from me. I can move, I can talk (and I do, to it!) - it stays, unflinching, listening. There's a turtle dove that likes to doze on a nearby fence pole if I'm sitting still in the garden. It trusts me enough to go to sleep in my presence. One shrike (or it's decendent) has hung around for about 6 years now, and will land nearly at my feet to pick up a morsel or an insect. The bulbuls come by for their daily bath, spraying torrents of water in glistening showers every which way, unbothered by us enjoying their antics.
Heck - even my mom's galah (parrot) loves me! It took to me immediately the last time we saw it and wouldn't leave me alone!
This morning a new bird appeared in the garden, a Boubou. The usual avian visitors know me, this one didn't. However she landed on a plant a half-metre away and sat there looking at me, unafraid. She hung around a bit on the lawn (the shrike bombed her for invading territory), picked up a caterpillar, pecked at a bread crust, jumped in the mulberry tree a bit. I don't think we've seen the last of her (I checked - it's an adult female, by it's markings).
Encounters like that amaze me. How wild things can trust and come so close, knowing that there are certain humans who will do them no harm. I love being trusted that fully by God's creatures. It's an incredible feeling!
A World of Possibilities
I've got a really bad habit. I tend to over-plan the future. Try figure out what will happen so I can be prepared. Explore all the may-happen scenarios - most of which actually DON'T happen, so I don't know why I bother. Sometimes I get worked up about it.
Like the time someone said they wanted to see me. I got all angsty about it, thinking through numerous "I've done something wrong and am about to get kakked out" options, until I dreaded seeing them! When they did actually turn up, it was to talk about something totally innocuous and way off my panic radar. OK, so I was relieved, but also felt a little on the stooopid side for working myself up over nothing.
I'm starting to do the same thing with our upcoming trip. I'm going through long lists of stuff that COULD happen - and probably won't. I'm dreaming and imagining, and probably letting myself get carried away a bit too much.
(OK, cricket - you were entertaining last week, but now your chirping is driving me nuts. Go find another home!)
I'm not going to go into details here, but I think I'd better put a brake on my daydreams. Before they run away from me.
And yet, there IS a world of possibilities that this trip will open up. There's all those eligible bachelors that mom has lined up at church (and dad's starting to get on the bandwagon too!). There's potential employment and sponsorship to move there permanently. There's a possibility I may see the Aussie farmer who captured my heart 8 years ago and may still have a good grip on it - depending on circumstances. There's a new culture to get to know, new impressions to make - and a chance to project myself in a whole new way, baggage-less. All of these create a "what if" in my brain - mulling over what could happen, what I'd like to happen, what may not happen.
It's likely nothing will actually happen, other than we take a trip, see my parents, do some exploring (rumour has it we'll be spending 3 days in the Brisbane area at someone's holiday home on the Gold Coast), make a few new friends, and then come back home.
But as usual, my over-active imagination is taking over and not giving me a chance to just experience whatever comes our way. It delves too deep, reads too much into things that don't matter.
Darn it! Wish there was a brain-switch in there somewhere.
Like the time someone said they wanted to see me. I got all angsty about it, thinking through numerous "I've done something wrong and am about to get kakked out" options, until I dreaded seeing them! When they did actually turn up, it was to talk about something totally innocuous and way off my panic radar. OK, so I was relieved, but also felt a little on the stooopid side for working myself up over nothing.
I'm starting to do the same thing with our upcoming trip. I'm going through long lists of stuff that COULD happen - and probably won't. I'm dreaming and imagining, and probably letting myself get carried away a bit too much.
(OK, cricket - you were entertaining last week, but now your chirping is driving me nuts. Go find another home!)
I'm not going to go into details here, but I think I'd better put a brake on my daydreams. Before they run away from me.
And yet, there IS a world of possibilities that this trip will open up. There's all those eligible bachelors that mom has lined up at church (and dad's starting to get on the bandwagon too!). There's potential employment and sponsorship to move there permanently. There's a possibility I may see the Aussie farmer who captured my heart 8 years ago and may still have a good grip on it - depending on circumstances. There's a new culture to get to know, new impressions to make - and a chance to project myself in a whole new way, baggage-less. All of these create a "what if" in my brain - mulling over what could happen, what I'd like to happen, what may not happen.
It's likely nothing will actually happen, other than we take a trip, see my parents, do some exploring (rumour has it we'll be spending 3 days in the Brisbane area at someone's holiday home on the Gold Coast), make a few new friends, and then come back home.
But as usual, my over-active imagination is taking over and not giving me a chance to just experience whatever comes our way. It delves too deep, reads too much into things that don't matter.
Darn it! Wish there was a brain-switch in there somewhere.
It would have been nice...
...to blog yesterday! But Blugger wouldn't let me sign in the entire day. I had a lot to say, and it's pretty frustating when you can't. Funny how that never mattered before I started blogging - I'd just keep things to myself and never share.
So a couple of things I would have blogged on yesterday:
* We paid our tickets! I couldn't stop grinning for the whole of Tuesday afternoon. Everything is set, and we're on our way soon. It's still unbelieveable, but exciting. I also had news of another miracle - a wealthy couple (who wishes to remain anon) offered to either pay our tickets now, or will pay if we move to Australia! Woah... that's BIG. It's strange how we tried for years and years to get there, and doors just kept slamming in our faces. Now suddenly doors are opening so fast that I can't keep up. I suspect the Big Move might actually happen.
* We celebrated on Tuesday night with chocolate and a truly wonderful bottle of grape juice. There goes the diet, but it was worth it!
* Getting up really early to walk gives one a very different perspective on the world. We've discovered where the barn owls roost - right across the road in a palm tree that we pass constantly, and never knew it! We've watched the sky lighten and the sun rise. We've seen shooting stars. We've found random friendly dogs en route. We've felt better that we have in a long time - fitter, more awake, more relaxed. This morning we watched a bank of fog move in over the lights, and as I type this it has just reached my office. Seasons change.
* Something REALLY WEIRD happened to me yesterday. I got up from lunch and suddenly felt really, really tall. I thought it was just an unbalanced-ear-liquid thing that was giving me the illusion of feeling tall, but noticed I could see the tops of shelves that are normally just above eye level! No, I wasn't wearing high heels. And then I started shrinking - literally. The tops of the shelves disappeared and my son went from chin level to eye level height again. I can't explain what the heck happened. It was just really, really strange - and not an illusion!
* Class is improving - sorta. I have one class today though that I'm not sure what to do with. The other group missed a day and we made it up yesterday, but they're only all going to be together tomorrow to start a new section, so I'm going to have to dream up something to keep the first group busy for an hour this morning.
Well, let me rush on in to the working day. Much to do, much to organise, and time waits for no-one. More blogging to follow - provided Blugger co-operates.
So a couple of things I would have blogged on yesterday:
* We paid our tickets! I couldn't stop grinning for the whole of Tuesday afternoon. Everything is set, and we're on our way soon. It's still unbelieveable, but exciting. I also had news of another miracle - a wealthy couple (who wishes to remain anon) offered to either pay our tickets now, or will pay if we move to Australia! Woah... that's BIG. It's strange how we tried for years and years to get there, and doors just kept slamming in our faces. Now suddenly doors are opening so fast that I can't keep up. I suspect the Big Move might actually happen.
* We celebrated on Tuesday night with chocolate and a truly wonderful bottle of grape juice. There goes the diet, but it was worth it!
* Getting up really early to walk gives one a very different perspective on the world. We've discovered where the barn owls roost - right across the road in a palm tree that we pass constantly, and never knew it! We've watched the sky lighten and the sun rise. We've seen shooting stars. We've found random friendly dogs en route. We've felt better that we have in a long time - fitter, more awake, more relaxed. This morning we watched a bank of fog move in over the lights, and as I type this it has just reached my office. Seasons change.
* Something REALLY WEIRD happened to me yesterday. I got up from lunch and suddenly felt really, really tall. I thought it was just an unbalanced-ear-liquid thing that was giving me the illusion of feeling tall, but noticed I could see the tops of shelves that are normally just above eye level! No, I wasn't wearing high heels. And then I started shrinking - literally. The tops of the shelves disappeared and my son went from chin level to eye level height again. I can't explain what the heck happened. It was just really, really strange - and not an illusion!
* Class is improving - sorta. I have one class today though that I'm not sure what to do with. The other group missed a day and we made it up yesterday, but they're only all going to be together tomorrow to start a new section, so I'm going to have to dream up something to keep the first group busy for an hour this morning.
Well, let me rush on in to the working day. Much to do, much to organise, and time waits for no-one. More blogging to follow - provided Blugger co-operates.
The Class
Just finished my first class, and was due to teach the next one - except the only working lab has been double-booked!!! So the second class got a day off.
I did hand out the manuals - and had one student come and complain about having to pay for it! Seems she's done "a whole lot of computer classes" and "can't she just photocopy it" and "can she withdraw from the class if she has to pay" etc... But she's always been a strange type. When I saw her on my class list I was none too pleased.
Anyway, the first class went OK, though I'm sure I talked to fast and went too fast - we finished the entire first chapter already! And the project I've given them won't take more than about 10 minutes if they know what's going on.... I'm on a learning curve. Will have to take it slower in the next class.
Unfortunately, with all the clashes in combining two course streams for one class, I'm now doing 5 hours teaching per week instead of 3, and it's spread over every day except Monday. Oh joy. Hope I survive this!
I did hand out the manuals - and had one student come and complain about having to pay for it! Seems she's done "a whole lot of computer classes" and "can't she just photocopy it" and "can she withdraw from the class if she has to pay" etc... But she's always been a strange type. When I saw her on my class list I was none too pleased.
Anyway, the first class went OK, though I'm sure I talked to fast and went too fast - we finished the entire first chapter already! And the project I've given them won't take more than about 10 minutes if they know what's going on.... I'm on a learning curve. Will have to take it slower in the next class.
Unfortunately, with all the clashes in combining two course streams for one class, I'm now doing 5 hours teaching per week instead of 3, and it's spread over every day except Monday. Oh joy. Hope I survive this!
Nerves Kicking In
I'm on a nerve rush today. Besides the handing over of large amounts of cash to happen later today, it's the first day that I teach classes too!
Which would be a good thing if I had what I need to teach - namely a computer lab with working computers and an internet connection for each student. But apparently the lab currently "doesn't exist". It's just tables and chairs and a load of dust! Great... Those installing the thing thought it would be move and dump, not realizing that it would take a heck of a lot more than that.
Trouble is, my first class is all about stuff on the internet! We need to be able to click through links, check out sites, experiment online. But instead it seems that I will be waffling for 2 hours, one hour each for two seperate classes. There was initially only one group, but suddenly they can't meet at the same time! More hours to teach - but not more pay for doing it. Ah well, these things happen.
The computer guys are HOPING things will be up and running by my next class on Thursday. I sincerely hope so! I can't waffle for much more than an hour or two before I start looking like I know nothing. And this being my first lecturing stint, I need to look like I know SOMETHING!
So this morning is a mad rush to come up with things to do, get some urgent work done, and then off I go!
One day regular blogging will return to this spot...
::update::
Have just checked the computers in the spare lab, and thank goodness they actually have what I need to start classes without waffling! One panic attack over, a few more to come.
Which would be a good thing if I had what I need to teach - namely a computer lab with working computers and an internet connection for each student. But apparently the lab currently "doesn't exist". It's just tables and chairs and a load of dust! Great... Those installing the thing thought it would be move and dump, not realizing that it would take a heck of a lot more than that.
Trouble is, my first class is all about stuff on the internet! We need to be able to click through links, check out sites, experiment online. But instead it seems that I will be waffling for 2 hours, one hour each for two seperate classes. There was initially only one group, but suddenly they can't meet at the same time! More hours to teach - but not more pay for doing it. Ah well, these things happen.
The computer guys are HOPING things will be up and running by my next class on Thursday. I sincerely hope so! I can't waffle for much more than an hour or two before I start looking like I know nothing. And this being my first lecturing stint, I need to look like I know SOMETHING!
So this morning is a mad rush to come up with things to do, get some urgent work done, and then off I go!
One day regular blogging will return to this spot...
::update::
Have just checked the computers in the spare lab, and thank goodness they actually have what I need to start classes without waffling! One panic attack over, a few more to come.
$980
That's the amount that a good few very generous folk have donated via Laura's paypal button toward our travel expenses! Yes, NINE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DOLLARS! That's like a million bucks! :)
I don't even know how to thank you guys. It's just amazing and wonderful and... well, I'm running out of adjectives. You've been part of a miracle that means we get to spend time with my mom - and dad says she really needs to have something like that to look forward to.
The biggest thank-you of all goes to Laura, who took major initiative for someone on the other side of the planet and did Very Good Things. She's one awesome lady!
I'll be paying our fare today and submitting our visa applications. We leave here on 29 April and return on 18 May, giving us 2 1/2 weeks with my parents. I hope we can make it a good time, enjoy it to the max with them. I'm pretty sure we'll manage that!
Thank you again, all you wonderful people. If I could personally give you each a big hug, I would. You've filled my heart (and bank account) with joy and blessings. I'm completely overwhelmed.
I don't even know how to thank you guys. It's just amazing and wonderful and... well, I'm running out of adjectives. You've been part of a miracle that means we get to spend time with my mom - and dad says she really needs to have something like that to look forward to.
The biggest thank-you of all goes to Laura, who took major initiative for someone on the other side of the planet and did Very Good Things. She's one awesome lady!
I'll be paying our fare today and submitting our visa applications. We leave here on 29 April and return on 18 May, giving us 2 1/2 weeks with my parents. I hope we can make it a good time, enjoy it to the max with them. I'm pretty sure we'll manage that!
Thank you again, all you wonderful people. If I could personally give you each a big hug, I would. You've filled my heart (and bank account) with joy and blessings. I'm completely overwhelmed.
Too little time to blog...
...but remind me to tell you about my irrational bout of paranoia over the weekend sometime!
Only in Africa...
Yesterday's Argus Cycle Tour had an unexpected entrant.
That's what happens when you cycle in Africa!
- via IOL
That's what happens when you cycle in Africa!
- via IOL
Hard Work & Dirty Feet
We've done it. We've made enough cash (I think) to cover our tickets, airport tax and visas! Thanks to a few miracles, many donations and one major garage sale. (It does, however, mean that we will be in debt to the bank - but we'll be able to pay the tickets with that credit limit we have)
I spent most of the weekend either pricing goods, or trying to sell them. 4 carloads went down to the field for sale, 2 1/2 came back home again. Many, many books were sold, quite a few household items, not many of the 10 large black bags of clothes. Some staff members dropped off extra goods for me to sell - one or two went, most didn't. Other folk came by bearing envelopes of bank notes, their donations to our cause. More than half our cash collected was donations. Awesome!
It was extremely hot most of the day, but fortunately my skin is so used to being crisped (forgot the sunscreen again!) that I'm not actually red, even after 7 or more hours in the blazing sun. Got a good tan though!
And dirty feet. The dust of the garage and the field left me blackened and grimy, especially where my shoes had been. Under my toe-ring was one very dirty band. The bathwater last night was a sight to behold!
But we did it. We came home with a sack of cash and a feeling of "it's done".
I wish my faith had been filled up as much as my bank account in the past 2 weeks... but that's a post for another time.
Shabbat Shalom
With a very, very busy weekend ahead, those sacred hours where I leave everything behind for space and time will be just what I need. It takes practice to let go of the worries, the to-do lists, the planning for the next day, the rushing here and there - fortunately I've had a lifetime of keeping an entire sunset-to-sunset free of these, and it almost comes naturally. I don't think I'd survive without that time each week. I pray you too find space and peace this weekend.
Holy Flippin' Cow!!!
Another anon donation just received via our finance department - for a THOUSAND BUCKS! Although I've come to the conclusion that money is merely numbers, that is a heck of a lot of numbers in one small envelope, and I'm completely blown away.
We're more than going to make our ticket price. There are donations coming in toward our garage sale on Sunday (the mega-boss asked the staff to donate anything used but useable that they could to help me, as the college can't give me cash for private travel and is in dire financial straits anyway), over R2,000 has been received via Laura's PayPal button and I've sold a good few things already.
Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
I'm not even sure how to respond to all of this!
We're more than going to make our ticket price. There are donations coming in toward our garage sale on Sunday (the mega-boss asked the staff to donate anything used but useable that they could to help me, as the college can't give me cash for private travel and is in dire financial straits anyway), over R2,000 has been received via Laura's PayPal button and I've sold a good few things already.
Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
I'm not even sure how to respond to all of this!
The Cricket in the Box
Ever wondered what a cricket eats? Well, put on your learning caps - you're about to find out!
There's one sitting in my waste-paper box right now, MUNCHING HIS WAY THROUGH A PAGE! He's made quite an inroad into it in the past 5 minutes, looking a bit like that big bite someone took out of the bottom of Australia (now THAT'S a scary story!).
For now I'm content to let him eat and give the occasional click, but if he tries to find a home in my shoes (while they're on my feet), I'm not going to be so tolerant. One of his relatives tried that a while back and it was not a good experience for either of us.
I'm generally of the "live and let live" camp, and believe everything on this planet has a right to existance and a place and a purpose - other than mosquitoes, who have no purpose whatsoever, and should never have been allowed on the Ark in the first place. Flies, the jury is still out on.
There are others here who don't think quite like that - anything crawling or creeping or hopping around in their office is promptly stood on and ground into the carpet. Poor beasts.
OK, so I'm not fond of things with more than 4 legs, and the bigger they are the worse I feel about them. But still, there is a reason they're on this planet. Imagine if we were squashed every time we crossed the path of some larger planet-dweller?
The cricket has moved on to page two, which has a bit of writing on it. Perhaps he's literate.
There's one sitting in my waste-paper box right now, MUNCHING HIS WAY THROUGH A PAGE! He's made quite an inroad into it in the past 5 minutes, looking a bit like that big bite someone took out of the bottom of Australia (now THAT'S a scary story!).
For now I'm content to let him eat and give the occasional click, but if he tries to find a home in my shoes (while they're on my feet), I'm not going to be so tolerant. One of his relatives tried that a while back and it was not a good experience for either of us.
I'm generally of the "live and let live" camp, and believe everything on this planet has a right to existance and a place and a purpose - other than mosquitoes, who have no purpose whatsoever, and should never have been allowed on the Ark in the first place. Flies, the jury is still out on.
There are others here who don't think quite like that - anything crawling or creeping or hopping around in their office is promptly stood on and ground into the carpet. Poor beasts.
OK, so I'm not fond of things with more than 4 legs, and the bigger they are the worse I feel about them. But still, there is a reason they're on this planet. Imagine if we were squashed every time we crossed the path of some larger planet-dweller?
The cricket has moved on to page two, which has a bit of writing on it. Perhaps he's literate.
What a difference a day (or two) makes!
I've been on my new exercise and eating-right routine only since the weekend, and already I can feel a difference. My clothes are looser, I don't struggle to get up the hill after work, I've got more energy and look more "alive". Wow. All that with a mere few days work. And all I'm really doing differently is walking every morning, getting enough water and making sure I have a mid-morning healthy snack instead of starving until lunch and overeating.
I wonder what 7 weeks is going to do!
I've been trying to get my child to eat properly, as I know his gran's going to be stuffing his face full of veggies and fruit when we're there - but so far it isn't working. He picks at his (healthy) lunch, then gives it to the dogs and eats bread when I go back to work!
I was trying to get him up and walking with me in the mornings, but he just turns over and goes back to sleep. Perhaps it's better that way - I don't want him to moan because it's a fast walk, or see me huffing and puffing up some of the steeper hills.
However, I AM feeling a few side-effects of all this exercise. My legs are sore! I'm not sure yet how much of that has to do with my Big Fall on Monday and its resulting Purple Bruises, but I've had to push past it and just get moving. I mean, if folk with a leg missing can become sports heroes, surely I can do this small thing!
It's great to see my self-imposed routine working - WITHOUT all those fancy diet pills, exercise machines and junk. It's even greater that it's worked quickly. I get discouraged if I don't see results... But it's also made me realize what just a small change can do in my life - big things. Amazing, really.
I wonder what 7 weeks is going to do!
I've been trying to get my child to eat properly, as I know his gran's going to be stuffing his face full of veggies and fruit when we're there - but so far it isn't working. He picks at his (healthy) lunch, then gives it to the dogs and eats bread when I go back to work!
I was trying to get him up and walking with me in the mornings, but he just turns over and goes back to sleep. Perhaps it's better that way - I don't want him to moan because it's a fast walk, or see me huffing and puffing up some of the steeper hills.
However, I AM feeling a few side-effects of all this exercise. My legs are sore! I'm not sure yet how much of that has to do with my Big Fall on Monday and its resulting Purple Bruises, but I've had to push past it and just get moving. I mean, if folk with a leg missing can become sports heroes, surely I can do this small thing!
It's great to see my self-imposed routine working - WITHOUT all those fancy diet pills, exercise machines and junk. It's even greater that it's worked quickly. I get discouraged if I don't see results... But it's also made me realize what just a small change can do in my life - big things. Amazing, really.
We're for Dogs
Remember that "We're for dogs" ad I mentioned the other day when going on about my beasts? Well, you can see it here (RealPlayer required). It just gives me the warm fuzzies. I'm SUCH a dog person! :)
I smell rain
They've been promising us rain today - 80% chance of it, which would be great for a bit of drought relief. There are a few misty clouds hanging around, but nothing definite.
Yet I've just had a whiff of rain drift in through the window. It's coming, maybe not immediately, but very soon.
There are few smells that I love as much as the scent of rain - showers on hot dry ground, grass growing almost immediately after a good downpour. Sometimes all I want to do in a storm is stand outside and breathe deeply. Sometimes that's exactly what I do.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, we were in a summer rainfall area. It would be hot and raining all at once, and we'd go swimming in the roadside ditches as they filled up. We'd ride our bikes in the warm wet weather and come home happily drenched. Storms with a good deal of loud thunder and bright lightning were the ideal.
Here in the Cape the rain is usually cold and misty-damp. Years ago the winter storms would start on Easter weekend (when the local church all gathered for a big camp in tents up the coast, and generally got mud-soaked and frozen) and wouldn't let up until Spring. It would drift down gently on strong north-westerly winds while the trees bowed and swayed under low grey skies. It's cuddle up weather, hot drink weather, long afternoon nap under piles of duvets with a few dogwarmers weather. It's not the hot and skin-tickling rain of my youth. But it leaves everything green and dripping and new.
There are few sounds I like more than rain on a tin roof. Or rain on huge arum lily leaves outside my bedroom window. Rain pounding on glass windows or dripping down eaves. Making zig-zags on the chainlink fence.
Maybe it harks back to my pre-birth state, surrounded by water and warmth. Enveloped like a fish in a fishbowl in the dark, perfectly in my element. This love of the wet, its sounds and smells, goes back to when I was a simple cell or two.
Right now I smell rain. I'm watching for the gathering clouds, the first drops, the gurgling streams down gutters and roads. I think I'll walk home barefoot today.
Yet I've just had a whiff of rain drift in through the window. It's coming, maybe not immediately, but very soon.
There are few smells that I love as much as the scent of rain - showers on hot dry ground, grass growing almost immediately after a good downpour. Sometimes all I want to do in a storm is stand outside and breathe deeply. Sometimes that's exactly what I do.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, we were in a summer rainfall area. It would be hot and raining all at once, and we'd go swimming in the roadside ditches as they filled up. We'd ride our bikes in the warm wet weather and come home happily drenched. Storms with a good deal of loud thunder and bright lightning were the ideal.
Here in the Cape the rain is usually cold and misty-damp. Years ago the winter storms would start on Easter weekend (when the local church all gathered for a big camp in tents up the coast, and generally got mud-soaked and frozen) and wouldn't let up until Spring. It would drift down gently on strong north-westerly winds while the trees bowed and swayed under low grey skies. It's cuddle up weather, hot drink weather, long afternoon nap under piles of duvets with a few dogwarmers weather. It's not the hot and skin-tickling rain of my youth. But it leaves everything green and dripping and new.
There are few sounds I like more than rain on a tin roof. Or rain on huge arum lily leaves outside my bedroom window. Rain pounding on glass windows or dripping down eaves. Making zig-zags on the chainlink fence.
Maybe it harks back to my pre-birth state, surrounded by water and warmth. Enveloped like a fish in a fishbowl in the dark, perfectly in my element. This love of the wet, its sounds and smells, goes back to when I was a simple cell or two.
Right now I smell rain. I'm watching for the gathering clouds, the first drops, the gurgling streams down gutters and roads. I think I'll walk home barefoot today.
Things that made me laugh (and I'm still laughing)
at ChumpStyle
at the ever-wonderful Fragements from Floyd - fortunately the rest of the pics of poor Tsuga-the-dog (and other stunning stuff that Fred snaps) are much, much better.
YippeeYay!
It's arrived! Finally! After months of waiting my certificate for Web Design has landed in my postbox, and can now be proudly displayed! Just in time for me to start teaching the stuff...
One more thing to add to my list of Food Technology/Personal Assistant/Cheesemaker/Massage & Hydrotherapy Basics/Word & Excel qualifications. Not counting all the other stuff I've taught myself, which doesn't come with a qualification.
If anyone can find a single job that combines all THOSE, it will be a miracle! :)
(and with Blugger currently Boggered, it will be a miracle if this finally posts...)
One more thing to add to my list of Food Technology/Personal Assistant/Cheesemaker/Massage & Hydrotherapy Basics/Word & Excel qualifications. Not counting all the other stuff I've taught myself, which doesn't come with a qualification.
If anyone can find a single job that combines all THOSE, it will be a miracle! :)
(and with Blugger currently Boggered, it will be a miracle if this finally posts...)
One down, One to go
If I've been a bit on the quiet side (thank goodness!, I hear some of you say), it's because I've been frantically completing that web design manual.
And 'tis done! At last! I now have to copy and bind it, in time for one student who will be missing most of my class to get from me tomorrow.
It's a mere 31 pages of home-grown knowledge, hand-typed, carefully proof-read, and not too shabby, if I do say so myself.
Only question now is - will the students understand what's going on? Time will tell...
And 'tis done! At last! I now have to copy and bind it, in time for one student who will be missing most of my class to get from me tomorrow.
It's a mere 31 pages of home-grown knowledge, hand-typed, carefully proof-read, and not too shabby, if I do say so myself.
Only question now is - will the students understand what's going on? Time will tell...
Miracles Happen!
Someone has just stopped by my office and handed me an envelope "to help with your tickets". Inside is R550! That is a LOT of cash! I'm just blown away.
Donations via Laura's paypal button have been awesome too - over US$200 (R1,500+). I'm amazed at the generosity of folk toward a total stranger. It's overwhelming to see help just pouring in. I don't even know how to say thank you in words that express my gratitude completely.
It's happening. We've stepped out in faith, planned for a miracle, and it's happening.
God is great!
Donations via Laura's paypal button have been awesome too - over US$200 (R1,500+). I'm amazed at the generosity of folk toward a total stranger. It's overwhelming to see help just pouring in. I don't even know how to say thank you in words that express my gratitude completely.
It's happening. We've stepped out in faith, planned for a miracle, and it's happening.
God is great!
Blogging for the Locals
Most of my blog readers are non-South African. It may seem strange, but I have to watch what I say as a result! I'm not talking sticky politics, or insults to certain groups or whatever, but rather the HOW of what I say.
For instance, if I were talking to a South African, I might say:
"We had such a lekker weekend. It was a total jol. We had a braai and checked out the boere at the aandmark. The weather was a bit vrot on Sunday, but the motreen didn't spoil the party. The manne did though."
However, I'd need to rephrase it for the internationals to say:
"We had an awesome weekend. It was a blast. We had a barbecue and saw a couple of farmer-types at the evening market. The weather was a bit bad on Sunday, but the misty rain didn't spoil the party. The guys that thought too much of themselves did though."
There's words like "gatvol" and "skop" that I can't NOT use in everyday language. Us South Africans mix our languages completely when we talk. We switch between English and Afrikaans constantly, or between one of the other 11 official languages, if we know them well enough.
When I was in the USA it was a real struggle to converse at first. Same thing when we visited Australia - though after 2 weeks there my son came back saying "yeah" instead of "ya". You just sorta slip into the way folk talk - if for nothing else, than for them to understand what you're saying!
I remember eating at a Mexican restaurant in the USA. We had what has to be the world's worst waiter (or is it "waitron" these days?). He constantly mixed things up, and my South African accent didn't help. I wanted milk to drink - he heard it "Millers". No, not Millers - MILK. Oh, Millers light? No.... Eventually I adopted the American accent and said "meelk". Then he got it. Geez...
Anyway, blogging for the locals. That's what I started this post on. So.. oh yeah, here's what I wanted to say:
If you ever meet me face to face, don't expect to understand what I'm saying. I don't talk like I blog. Not many bloggers do. But for your sake I'll slow down and use small words! :)
For instance, if I were talking to a South African, I might say:
"We had such a lekker weekend. It was a total jol. We had a braai and checked out the boere at the aandmark. The weather was a bit vrot on Sunday, but the motreen didn't spoil the party. The manne did though."
However, I'd need to rephrase it for the internationals to say:
"We had an awesome weekend. It was a blast. We had a barbecue and saw a couple of farmer-types at the evening market. The weather was a bit bad on Sunday, but the misty rain didn't spoil the party. The guys that thought too much of themselves did though."
There's words like "gatvol" and "skop" that I can't NOT use in everyday language. Us South Africans mix our languages completely when we talk. We switch between English and Afrikaans constantly, or between one of the other 11 official languages, if we know them well enough.
When I was in the USA it was a real struggle to converse at first. Same thing when we visited Australia - though after 2 weeks there my son came back saying "yeah" instead of "ya". You just sorta slip into the way folk talk - if for nothing else, than for them to understand what you're saying!
I remember eating at a Mexican restaurant in the USA. We had what has to be the world's worst waiter (or is it "waitron" these days?). He constantly mixed things up, and my South African accent didn't help. I wanted milk to drink - he heard it "Millers". No, not Millers - MILK. Oh, Millers light? No.... Eventually I adopted the American accent and said "meelk". Then he got it. Geez...
Anyway, blogging for the locals. That's what I started this post on. So.. oh yeah, here's what I wanted to say:
If you ever meet me face to face, don't expect to understand what I'm saying. I don't talk like I blog. Not many bloggers do. But for your sake I'll slow down and use small words! :)
Life with Dogs - Priceless!
Some or other news service reckons that you spend more on a well-loved pet in his lifetime than on a luxury car. I say bollocks to that! The benefits are far greater than any skedonk (or rust-bucket, or anything else you choose to call your non-horse conveyance) is worth.
Take my two beasts for example. We get a constant kick out of having them around.
One throws his own ball, runs afer it, catches it - and chews it like doggy bubblegum, snort-panting all the time. Try catch him, and he's off again, ball in mouth. The other likes to chase his tail (dog #1 was deprived of his when a mere pup, poor thing) and act like a teenager. They tear up the house running each other down, jumping on my bed, galloping on the grass. In winter they're backwarmers on the bed and footwarmers while watching TV. One loves to roll - in his skin. It stays in one place while he wiggles back and forth inside it. Strange. My sis-in-law thinks it's freaky.
This morning I was up before any of the neighbours. Out for a walk in the pre-dawn dark I feared neither man nor beast, because my mutts were with me. They'll jump anyone who tries to get funny - and believe me, their bark AND their bite are bad. I once tried to intervene in a dogfight, and still bear the scars and displaced nerves in my fingers...
There's nothing better than being waited for with wagging tail, "soft" eyes and a wiggle-all-over happiness at your return. You never get that from people.... Reach a hand down and you'll find a wet and eager nose. Drop a crust and it's snatched up and crunched on (no throw-away leftovers here!). Drop cheese by mistake, and it won't even make it to the floor. Say "rubbish truck day!" and get a yelp of excitement, followed by a scramble to the front gate to go see. Mention "the rat" and they're off into the ferns to see if he's in need of a chasing.
Man, I love my dogs. They're such cool creatures.
But often I'm amazed that a "wild" beast can come to depend so greatly on human contact, affection and care. That a "wild" beast will let you frumple up their fur and make growly faces with their luvly-lips. Or turn them over on their backs and fiddle with their Fritos feet (did you know Schipperke feet smell like Fritos? Honestly, they DO! I'll lend you mine if you want to check it out.).
I'm not looking forward to leaving them for 2 weeks. I know what happened the last time we went away. We came back to dogs that wouldn't let us out of their sight, that jumped in the car as soon as we opened a door to unpack it, and wouldn't budge. That needed days of over-attention before they felt secure that we weren't going to desert them. I'm going to miss them almost as much as they will me.
There's a Pedigree (dog food) ad on TV these days that says, "We're for dogs."
Me too.
Take my two beasts for example. We get a constant kick out of having them around.
One throws his own ball, runs afer it, catches it - and chews it like doggy bubblegum, snort-panting all the time. Try catch him, and he's off again, ball in mouth. The other likes to chase his tail (dog #1 was deprived of his when a mere pup, poor thing) and act like a teenager. They tear up the house running each other down, jumping on my bed, galloping on the grass. In winter they're backwarmers on the bed and footwarmers while watching TV. One loves to roll - in his skin. It stays in one place while he wiggles back and forth inside it. Strange. My sis-in-law thinks it's freaky.
This morning I was up before any of the neighbours. Out for a walk in the pre-dawn dark I feared neither man nor beast, because my mutts were with me. They'll jump anyone who tries to get funny - and believe me, their bark AND their bite are bad. I once tried to intervene in a dogfight, and still bear the scars and displaced nerves in my fingers...
There's nothing better than being waited for with wagging tail, "soft" eyes and a wiggle-all-over happiness at your return. You never get that from people.... Reach a hand down and you'll find a wet and eager nose. Drop a crust and it's snatched up and crunched on (no throw-away leftovers here!). Drop cheese by mistake, and it won't even make it to the floor. Say "rubbish truck day!" and get a yelp of excitement, followed by a scramble to the front gate to go see. Mention "the rat" and they're off into the ferns to see if he's in need of a chasing.
Man, I love my dogs. They're such cool creatures.
But often I'm amazed that a "wild" beast can come to depend so greatly on human contact, affection and care. That a "wild" beast will let you frumple up their fur and make growly faces with their luvly-lips. Or turn them over on their backs and fiddle with their Fritos feet (did you know Schipperke feet smell like Fritos? Honestly, they DO! I'll lend you mine if you want to check it out.).
I'm not looking forward to leaving them for 2 weeks. I know what happened the last time we went away. We came back to dogs that wouldn't let us out of their sight, that jumped in the car as soon as we opened a door to unpack it, and wouldn't budge. That needed days of over-attention before they felt secure that we weren't going to desert them. I'm going to miss them almost as much as they will me.
There's a Pedigree (dog food) ad on TV these days that says, "We're for dogs."
Me too.
Gathering Momentum
It's been a hectic weekend, brain-wise. My mind won't stop working on all the stuff I have to organize as quickly as possible, nor on how I'm going to sort out a few issues that have come up.
I've got a long list of to-do's, and evenings this week will be spent getting my goods ready for sale. Sorting, cleaning, pricing etc. I've started selling CDs, videos and tapes here at work so long, anything to get cash in bit by bit.
I really feel like this trip is going to work out! But I'm not looking forward to coming back to completely depleted accounts, and having to pay back an enormous bank "minus". I'm actually quite terrified by the concept! I've never been one to live in debt, and had just gotten everything basically debt-free - until this happened.
Oh well. That's how things go.
I have to admit that the thought of "this time, 8 weeks from now we'll be doing..." is exciting. Every time I hear a plane go past, I think "soon it's us!".
And yet I still don't know if we'll find the funds needed in time - so there's this hesitation to my anticipation. I don't want to get too excited, you know, just in case it doesn't actually work out.
I told my brothers and their wives this weekend that we're booked to go. Of course my stingy sis-in-law came up with "I wish someone would sponsor ME to go overseas". Excuse me - but she's got her own business, raking in more money than most of the rest of us, and she still moans? Geez, girl. No-one's sponsoring me. I can barely do this, but I'm making an effort. But that's her. Won't fork over cash for anything - which is why she's probably doing better financially than the rest of us.
OK, I'm probably boring everyone to tears with this little mind-foray into my head. Sorry. Will leave now and try think other, more interesting thoughts. But expect this to dominate blogging for a while yet...
One more thing - with a mere 8 weeks to lose as much bulk as possible, I was up this morning at 5:30, taking a long hard walk with the dogs, then doing some other exercisey bits. Early to bed, early to rise. Lots of proper food, water and exercise between the two. Talk about a lifestyle change!
I've got a long list of to-do's, and evenings this week will be spent getting my goods ready for sale. Sorting, cleaning, pricing etc. I've started selling CDs, videos and tapes here at work so long, anything to get cash in bit by bit.
I really feel like this trip is going to work out! But I'm not looking forward to coming back to completely depleted accounts, and having to pay back an enormous bank "minus". I'm actually quite terrified by the concept! I've never been one to live in debt, and had just gotten everything basically debt-free - until this happened.
Oh well. That's how things go.
I have to admit that the thought of "this time, 8 weeks from now we'll be doing..." is exciting. Every time I hear a plane go past, I think "soon it's us!".
And yet I still don't know if we'll find the funds needed in time - so there's this hesitation to my anticipation. I don't want to get too excited, you know, just in case it doesn't actually work out.
I told my brothers and their wives this weekend that we're booked to go. Of course my stingy sis-in-law came up with "I wish someone would sponsor ME to go overseas". Excuse me - but she's got her own business, raking in more money than most of the rest of us, and she still moans? Geez, girl. No-one's sponsoring me. I can barely do this, but I'm making an effort. But that's her. Won't fork over cash for anything - which is why she's probably doing better financially than the rest of us.
OK, I'm probably boring everyone to tears with this little mind-foray into my head. Sorry. Will leave now and try think other, more interesting thoughts. But expect this to dominate blogging for a while yet...
One more thing - with a mere 8 weeks to lose as much bulk as possible, I was up this morning at 5:30, taking a long hard walk with the dogs, then doing some other exercisey bits. Early to bed, early to rise. Lots of proper food, water and exercise between the two. Talk about a lifestyle change!
...and Monday struck!
The thing about walking to work is that one doesn't get into car accidents.
The thing about walking to work is that one is likly to wipe out - and I did so spectacularly this morning!
You see, shoes these days are not made with grippy soles. They're likely to be fancy and slippery - and although I never wear heels, they're still not the best thing to approach a steep slope in.
So this morning, a few steps from my front door, I slipped, went down on one knee and the top of my foot, and scraped a good deal of skin off both. And tore a hole in my favourite pants.
Back home it was to change and apply Detol to the scrape, then limp down to work. Great. Just great.
It wasn't sore at first, but now it's on fire.
Monday has struck. Hard.
The thing about walking to work is that one is likly to wipe out - and I did so spectacularly this morning!
You see, shoes these days are not made with grippy soles. They're likely to be fancy and slippery - and although I never wear heels, they're still not the best thing to approach a steep slope in.
So this morning, a few steps from my front door, I slipped, went down on one knee and the top of my foot, and scraped a good deal of skin off both. And tore a hole in my favourite pants.
Back home it was to change and apply Detol to the scrape, then limp down to work. Great. Just great.
It wasn't sore at first, but now it's on fire.
Monday has struck. Hard.
2 weeks / 8 weeks
A weekend post from me is something out of the ordinary, but I had to come to the office to drop off a few things and pick up boxes. So here goes!
One more step of faith was booking our tickets on Friday afternoon. We're on Air Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur (MC, Irene - up for coffee on our stopover???), leaving 29 April, arriving in Sydney on 30 April. We leave there again on 13/14 May (not sure which one). So it's about 2 weeks with the parents.
I now have less than TWO WEEKS in which to come up with the fare, which has to be paid by 17 March, 6 weeks before we leave. I've managed to calculate most of it from teaching pay, salary advances, blogger donations (every US$ translates to R5,90 here!) and the maximum overdraft of my credit card and cheque accounts. The rest of the year is going to be mighty lean.... Anyway, the final amount is hopefully going to come from a gigantic garage sale next Sunday - which I'm working on today, with pricing and sorting and being ruthless with stuff I could either sell or hold on to. The total amount I need is R15,452 as near as I can calculate it. It's a hell of a lot of cash to spend for only 2 weeks...
So that's where things stand right now. If you are still thinking about donating via Laura's site, it would be very much appreciated. There's a deadline now, and it's not too far away.
This is both exciting and very scary. I was awake early this morning with the brain on overload! So much to think about, so much to try organize, so much money involved. We're still praying it all works out.
One more step of faith was booking our tickets on Friday afternoon. We're on Air Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur (MC, Irene - up for coffee on our stopover???), leaving 29 April, arriving in Sydney on 30 April. We leave there again on 13/14 May (not sure which one). So it's about 2 weeks with the parents.
I now have less than TWO WEEKS in which to come up with the fare, which has to be paid by 17 March, 6 weeks before we leave. I've managed to calculate most of it from teaching pay, salary advances, blogger donations (every US$ translates to R5,90 here!) and the maximum overdraft of my credit card and cheque accounts. The rest of the year is going to be mighty lean.... Anyway, the final amount is hopefully going to come from a gigantic garage sale next Sunday - which I'm working on today, with pricing and sorting and being ruthless with stuff I could either sell or hold on to. The total amount I need is R15,452 as near as I can calculate it. It's a hell of a lot of cash to spend for only 2 weeks...
So that's where things stand right now. If you are still thinking about donating via Laura's site, it would be very much appreciated. There's a deadline now, and it's not too far away.
This is both exciting and very scary. I was awake early this morning with the brain on overload! So much to think about, so much to try organize, so much money involved. We're still praying it all works out.
Shabbat Shalom
Laura has been keeping me updated on donations that have come in this week toward our air tickets. Thank you to all who have parted with hard-earned and much-needed cash on my behalf!
Blessings and peace to you this weekend.
Get up and Move
Last night I stopped wishing and started working. I stopped looking at my legs and wishing they were svelte, and started on those leg exercises that made them so years ago. I stopped looking at my stomach and wishing for a six-pack, and got down on the (dog-hairy) carpet to do sit-ups and crunches. I stopped looking at my arms and wishing for my cheese-making-days lean muscles, and started in with push-ups and (baked-bean can) weighted movements.
You see, I have a goal in mind. I have a plan, and a mission to accomplish. And I'm not going to get there just sitting around on my butt. And I can't put it off any longer. Moving continents is part of the motivation, and that could just happen rather quickly.
Fortunately these little exercises are not yet of the Tae-Bo intensity. They work - but they don't leave you too stiff and sore to do them again the next day. So I'm up for a repeat performance again tonight.
Feels like it's working already! Cool.
You see, I have a goal in mind. I have a plan, and a mission to accomplish. And I'm not going to get there just sitting around on my butt. And I can't put it off any longer. Moving continents is part of the motivation, and that could just happen rather quickly.
Fortunately these little exercises are not yet of the Tae-Bo intensity. They work - but they don't leave you too stiff and sore to do them again the next day. So I'm up for a repeat performance again tonight.
Feels like it's working already! Cool.
Like A Fly Against Glass
There's a fly trying to reach the great outdoors here in my office. He's banging his multi-eyes against the glass, but doesn't realize there's an open window just other side the strip of aluminium keeping him where he is.
Sometimes I feel like that too.
I can see where I want to be, but there's some invisible barrier keeping me away from it. I keep bashing my head against it, hoping that it's just an illusion, that it will simply disappear and let me through. It's exhausting. Sometimes I fall to the windowsill and rest for a bit. Often I can't see the options outside my square of glass.
But there just might be an open window right next to me. All it would take is a move in a different direction, stepping back from my particular pane to see the bigger picture, and finding that gap.
Sometimes I feel like that too.
I can see where I want to be, but there's some invisible barrier keeping me away from it. I keep bashing my head against it, hoping that it's just an illusion, that it will simply disappear and let me through. It's exhausting. Sometimes I fall to the windowsill and rest for a bit. Often I can't see the options outside my square of glass.
But there just might be an open window right next to me. All it would take is a move in a different direction, stepping back from my particular pane to see the bigger picture, and finding that gap.
Sir Run-A-Lot
It's Marathon Day at my son's school today. Although the wind has died down (after another even worse windy night!), now the heat has set it. It's expected to reach 34C today - ie.e hot, for those of you on the Farenheight scale.
As the kids started off, a low-flying helicopter passed - the fire-fighting one armed with bucket, and accompanied by the fire-spotting plane. They're on their way to a blaze that's been going for days now near here. The heat and the wind have not helped matters.
The lower grades get to run to the college gate and back (about a kilometre), while the higher grades do a 5km circuit. Last year my son ended way near the back. This year he did a bit better, but came in overheated and exhausted.
Many of the parents ran with their kids. One went by bicycle. Those of us who couldn't/wouldn't/didn't run were on hand to cheer.
Next up - a swimming gala next week! All timed to fit in before summer ends. IF summer ever ends....
Blown Away
For someone who hates wind, I'm definitely living in the wrong place. A gale-force south easterly takes up residence in November and doesn't let go until May.
Last night was one of the worst I've experienced in a while. It was very hot, the kind of hot when you just want all the windows open - but can't because the entire house contents would end up in Cape Town if you did. I braved a slightly-open window, then had to contend with the curtains whipping around!
Finally got up and opened them past the edge of the windowsill, but the wind kept going, and going, and going - I'd wake up every now and then to see the mulberry tree bent double, or hear things slamming shut in other flats.
This morning I woke to find a large potted plant blown over outside (how the heck?) and the curtains BLOWN OFF their rails in the bathroom!
I've had a rough few nights, not much rest. I can't wait for winter - cold snuggly weather, no wind, rain on arum lily leaves - and sleep!
Last night was one of the worst I've experienced in a while. It was very hot, the kind of hot when you just want all the windows open - but can't because the entire house contents would end up in Cape Town if you did. I braved a slightly-open window, then had to contend with the curtains whipping around!
Finally got up and opened them past the edge of the windowsill, but the wind kept going, and going, and going - I'd wake up every now and then to see the mulberry tree bent double, or hear things slamming shut in other flats.
This morning I woke to find a large potted plant blown over outside (how the heck?) and the curtains BLOWN OFF their rails in the bathroom!
I've had a rough few nights, not much rest. I can't wait for winter - cold snuggly weather, no wind, rain on arum lily leaves - and sleep!
How to Loaf at the Office
(Courtesy IOL)
The boss may disagree, but there are days when you just shouldn't be at work. James Simpson gives some tips on how to make life at the office bearable of course you love work.
It just seems to happen to you more often than it should. It does not help that everything you casually left in your in-tray at the end of last week is still sitting there, looking slightly smug, on Monday morning.
Simply put, there are days when you really shouldn't have to be there. Your boss thinks otherwise, however, so we're here to help. Try the following tips:
Tip 1: Your computer is your friend
Sure sure, they make life easier and faster and the information age is wonderful, but the truly great thing about computers is that the only difference between sitting in front of a computer working extremely hard, and sitting doing very little, is your facial expression while doing it.
Try to frown slightly, holding a pen in your left hand, and lightly tap it against your chin. Got it? Now dream away.
Of course, you need something to frown at, which is why Bill Gates invented spreadsheets.
Spreadsheets are truly wonderful things, which can look as complicated as you like, with graphs, equations, hyperlinks and all sorts of other interesting stuff.
They also take a long time to make, so download one from www.ppiaf.org/Reports/LaborToolkit/Tool
kit/pdf/tools/Module7/severance_analysis.xls. And don't forget to frown.
The surest sign of office slacking is those damn fish swimming across your screen.
Reset your screensaver to at least an hour. Better yet, turn it off.
Tip 2: Normal people don't understand legalese.
A solid-looking legal document on your desk can buy a good few hours. Download one from www.brokersdirect.net/da.doc, underline a few things, make asterisks in the margin, and turn the page every 20 minutes or so.
Tip 3: Take extra clothes
Nothing says "I'll be back at my desk in just a moment" like a jacket draped over your chair. Doesn't matter that you're on a three-and-a-half-hour extended lunch - with your other jacket.
This really works. But you can't leave the same jacket all the time. Boss wanders past at quarter to five when you've skipped out early? No worries, you must be running a memo through to accounts if your jacket's still there.
Tip 4: Loafing is tiring too
The frown is cramping your forehead, and you're bored. Or hungover. You need a break. Head to the loo, find yourself a stall, and grab a toilet roll. Sit, lean against the wall and prop your head up with the bog roll. Why?
Firstly, toilet paper is soft and smooth and will leave fewer incriminating crease impressions on your cheek than your suit jacket does.
Secondly, any drool is immediately and effectively dealt with, leaving your clothes blemish-free. Now sleep: you've earned it.
Tip 5: Good jargon = ticket to ride.
It's been a long day, and you want out. Download and memorise some obtuse words that sound like something you might get paid to do, from www.johnsmurf.com/jargon.htm. Put your cellphone to your ear, and stride through reception talking heatedly.
Example: "I'm on my way there now, I need to amortise the outstanding balance and cross-reference it with the interest-bearing hedge funds, before all the exchange rates have an adverse effect on the interim results."
OK, so you need a bit of practice here, but remember, you only have to impress the receptionist. Frown, give her a curt wave, and breeze on out that door.
The boss may disagree, but there are days when you just shouldn't be at work. James Simpson gives some tips on how to make life at the office bearable of course you love work.
It just seems to happen to you more often than it should. It does not help that everything you casually left in your in-tray at the end of last week is still sitting there, looking slightly smug, on Monday morning.
Simply put, there are days when you really shouldn't have to be there. Your boss thinks otherwise, however, so we're here to help. Try the following tips:
Tip 1: Your computer is your friend
Sure sure, they make life easier and faster and the information age is wonderful, but the truly great thing about computers is that the only difference between sitting in front of a computer working extremely hard, and sitting doing very little, is your facial expression while doing it.
Try to frown slightly, holding a pen in your left hand, and lightly tap it against your chin. Got it? Now dream away.
Of course, you need something to frown at, which is why Bill Gates invented spreadsheets.
Spreadsheets are truly wonderful things, which can look as complicated as you like, with graphs, equations, hyperlinks and all sorts of other interesting stuff.
They also take a long time to make, so download one from www.ppiaf.org/Reports/LaborToolkit/Tool
kit/pdf/tools/Module7/severance_analysis.xls. And don't forget to frown.
The surest sign of office slacking is those damn fish swimming across your screen.
Reset your screensaver to at least an hour. Better yet, turn it off.
Tip 2: Normal people don't understand legalese.
A solid-looking legal document on your desk can buy a good few hours. Download one from www.brokersdirect.net/da.doc, underline a few things, make asterisks in the margin, and turn the page every 20 minutes or so.
Tip 3: Take extra clothes
Nothing says "I'll be back at my desk in just a moment" like a jacket draped over your chair. Doesn't matter that you're on a three-and-a-half-hour extended lunch - with your other jacket.
This really works. But you can't leave the same jacket all the time. Boss wanders past at quarter to five when you've skipped out early? No worries, you must be running a memo through to accounts if your jacket's still there.
Tip 4: Loafing is tiring too
The frown is cramping your forehead, and you're bored. Or hungover. You need a break. Head to the loo, find yourself a stall, and grab a toilet roll. Sit, lean against the wall and prop your head up with the bog roll. Why?
Firstly, toilet paper is soft and smooth and will leave fewer incriminating crease impressions on your cheek than your suit jacket does.
Secondly, any drool is immediately and effectively dealt with, leaving your clothes blemish-free. Now sleep: you've earned it.
Tip 5: Good jargon = ticket to ride.
It's been a long day, and you want out. Download and memorise some obtuse words that sound like something you might get paid to do, from www.johnsmurf.com/jargon.htm. Put your cellphone to your ear, and stride through reception talking heatedly.
Example: "I'm on my way there now, I need to amortise the outstanding balance and cross-reference it with the interest-bearing hedge funds, before all the exchange rates have an adverse effect on the interim results."
OK, so you need a bit of practice here, but remember, you only have to impress the receptionist. Frown, give her a curt wave, and breeze on out that door.
Time Flies when you're Having Fun!
Or working hard. Which I've been doing today, and it's fun work!
Moving my teaching time up to make room for a possible trip to Australia means I don't have as much time as I thought before I've got to start classes. And there's an unfinished manual that the students will need to learn from...
So today has been non-stop manual writing. Call it "book in a day" if you will - well, almost. 25 pages today, and counting. With online examples, easily-accessible lists, quick exercises to learn by doing it yourself. I'm not one for only theory, and believe the best way to get to know something is to fiddle with it and see what happens.
I've been informed that the group I've got to teach are not that bright, they may not even glow in the dark to tell the truth. So I've spent the day reducing basic web site design to it's lowest denominators in easy-to-understand language. I've included only what they will need to know to publish a VERY basic site, and nothing more - but have, very kindly I might add, included ways to get more information or go in-depth into what I'm teaching. They're buying the manual off me - they can sort it out in the holidays if so inclined.
So far I've covered what makes a good website, and the basics of HTML. Next up is the actual project using Dreamweaver, step-by-step, but that's going to take more time than I have today and a lot more brainpower than lunch provided. Such gems as CSS and Javascript will have to fall by the wayside.
My fingers are starting to give in from non-stop typing, but I've been having a ball! Believe it or not, but I enjoy doing this. Setting out info on stuff I know about, working it into a fun and easy format, thinking through what would be best to share and how to do it.
And time has really flown today. It feels like I've been here an hour or two, but the day's about done. Cool! If only work were like this every day.
Moving my teaching time up to make room for a possible trip to Australia means I don't have as much time as I thought before I've got to start classes. And there's an unfinished manual that the students will need to learn from...
So today has been non-stop manual writing. Call it "book in a day" if you will - well, almost. 25 pages today, and counting. With online examples, easily-accessible lists, quick exercises to learn by doing it yourself. I'm not one for only theory, and believe the best way to get to know something is to fiddle with it and see what happens.
I've been informed that the group I've got to teach are not that bright, they may not even glow in the dark to tell the truth. So I've spent the day reducing basic web site design to it's lowest denominators in easy-to-understand language. I've included only what they will need to know to publish a VERY basic site, and nothing more - but have, very kindly I might add, included ways to get more information or go in-depth into what I'm teaching. They're buying the manual off me - they can sort it out in the holidays if so inclined.
So far I've covered what makes a good website, and the basics of HTML. Next up is the actual project using Dreamweaver, step-by-step, but that's going to take more time than I have today and a lot more brainpower than lunch provided. Such gems as CSS and Javascript will have to fall by the wayside.
My fingers are starting to give in from non-stop typing, but I've been having a ball! Believe it or not, but I enjoy doing this. Setting out info on stuff I know about, working it into a fun and easy format, thinking through what would be best to share and how to do it.
And time has really flown today. It feels like I've been here an hour or two, but the day's about done. Cool! If only work were like this every day.
Parent-Teacher day
It's an annual event rivalled in dread only by the Awards Evening (a night of numb-bum-syndrome and overtired kids as every single child in the entire primary school gets a certificate for something, even if it's just "cheerful smile").
It's Parent-Teacher day.
And I've just returned from my allotted 10 minute appointment.
I was expecting the worst, really I was. I went armed with a long list of (2) things that could do with addressing. I went expecting to be berated about homework and lack of concentration in class and various other worst-case things. I went willing to blame the teacher for my son's performance, as she keeps him in and then he doesn't get break and then he doesn't do well after break and then he gets punishment homework that takes until 10 or 11 at night and then he's tired the next day and then he doesn't finish so he gets kept in and break.... well, you get the picture.
My long list of (2) things didn't matter in the end. They're non-issues. The bottom line is that the kid is doing OK, although he's slow in the subjects he doesn't like. The things he DOES like are done at the speed of lighting. The teacher used to be just like him and is even willing to give him LESS work so he can cope! And she says two weeks off in the second term to visit his gran will not be a problem - we'll work something out.
Whew! I think I'll sleep better tonight now.
And the awards night is still a long, long way off....
It's Parent-Teacher day.
And I've just returned from my allotted 10 minute appointment.
I was expecting the worst, really I was. I went armed with a long list of (2) things that could do with addressing. I went expecting to be berated about homework and lack of concentration in class and various other worst-case things. I went willing to blame the teacher for my son's performance, as she keeps him in and then he doesn't get break and then he doesn't do well after break and then he gets punishment homework that takes until 10 or 11 at night and then he's tired the next day and then he doesn't finish so he gets kept in and break.... well, you get the picture.
My long list of (2) things didn't matter in the end. They're non-issues. The bottom line is that the kid is doing OK, although he's slow in the subjects he doesn't like. The things he DOES like are done at the speed of lighting. The teacher used to be just like him and is even willing to give him LESS work so he can cope! And she says two weeks off in the second term to visit his gran will not be a problem - we'll work something out.
Whew! I think I'll sleep better tonight now.
And the awards night is still a long, long way off....
Planning for a Miracle
I'm still not completely over the feeling that life's caving in on my head today, but have decided that I'm going to go ahead and plan for a miracle in the meantime.
In other words, I'm arranging to do my teaching stint earlier in the semester, am requesting permission for my son to miss 2 weeks of school in the second term (it's parent-teacher day today! oh joy....), and will then find out what flights are available, and when they would need to be paid.
I'm overwhelmed by the offers of help (THANK YOU LAURA!!!) to raise funds for my ticket from bloggers. You guys rock! I'm going to be doing all I can to create the cash we need (really big garage sale coming up soon), and have requested info from the migration office on getting a visitor's visa - still awaiting a reply, of course.
The Little House on the Prairie books contained a phrase that has stuck in my head ever since I read them as a kid - "God helps those who help themselves". OK, it's maybe not theologically correct, but there's a basis of truth in there, in that you have to do your part and not just sit back expecting God to do everything!
So that's what I'm doing. Whatever I can to get moving in the right direction.
And going home early yesterday for half a block of dark chocolate, a good cry and a massive hug from my son helped! :)
In other words, I'm arranging to do my teaching stint earlier in the semester, am requesting permission for my son to miss 2 weeks of school in the second term (it's parent-teacher day today! oh joy....), and will then find out what flights are available, and when they would need to be paid.
I'm overwhelmed by the offers of help (THANK YOU LAURA!!!) to raise funds for my ticket from bloggers. You guys rock! I'm going to be doing all I can to create the cash we need (really big garage sale coming up soon), and have requested info from the migration office on getting a visitor's visa - still awaiting a reply, of course.
The Little House on the Prairie books contained a phrase that has stuck in my head ever since I read them as a kid - "God helps those who help themselves". OK, it's maybe not theologically correct, but there's a basis of truth in there, in that you have to do your part and not just sit back expecting God to do everything!
So that's what I'm doing. Whatever I can to get moving in the right direction.
And going home early yesterday for half a block of dark chocolate, a good cry and a massive hug from my son helped! :)
Too Damn Honest
I told the folk at work I was feeling bad, and went home at lunchtime - fully intending not to come back. To either take a long walk up the mountain (WAY too windy for the beach) or a drive to somewhere quiet where I could just sit and think a bit.
Not that I'm feeling sick, necessarily, but just down.
Unfortunately I'm too honest. I'm back at work. Earning my pay (sorta). Dragging myself off to the monthly staff meeting (what a bore!). Doing all that stuff I didn't feel like doing this morning, but unenthusiastically I'm afraid. Not that there's too much to do, as the early year rush has tapered off.
Damn - wish I weren't so honest! My boss calls it suffering from an "over-inflated sense of duty". Anyone got a pin?
Not that I'm feeling sick, necessarily, but just down.
Unfortunately I'm too honest. I'm back at work. Earning my pay (sorta). Dragging myself off to the monthly staff meeting (what a bore!). Doing all that stuff I didn't feel like doing this morning, but unenthusiastically I'm afraid. Not that there's too much to do, as the early year rush has tapered off.
Damn - wish I weren't so honest! My boss calls it suffering from an "over-inflated sense of duty". Anyone got a pin?
Home for the Holidays
Just had a call from my dad, asking if we can try and get over for the school holidays in March/April to visit them. Well, the travel agent says it's already fully booked on every airline, but I managed to get an approximate cost out of them, between R13,000 and R15,000 for the two of us return.
Excluding the obvious fact that we don't really have that kind of cash lying around, it seems the only option would be to get permission for my son to miss school for two weeks and try get a flight during term-time.
I don't know if mom's health has taken a turn for the worse, or if it's just a "better now than too late" visit, as it's kinda hard to get info out of them at times. It just seems on the impossible scale of things.
And there's pet-care that would need organizing, and leave from work (fortunately it's a quiet time then), and all that kind of thing.
As much as we'd like to, I'm not sure we can manage it. And suddenly it feels like the weight of the world is back on my shoulders - worry about trying to get over, worry about the parents, about other visa issues (not sure we can even get a visitor's visa yet), how we could work this out, and guilt issues if we can't.
Listening to Evanescence isn't helping! :) They're not the cheeriest of bands...!
This isn't blogged about for solutions or anything, but rather for me to try figure things out in my head by typing them out, and to record today's journey ("dear diary"). Perhaps I should rather have done it offline than on. Sorry.
Excluding the obvious fact that we don't really have that kind of cash lying around, it seems the only option would be to get permission for my son to miss school for two weeks and try get a flight during term-time.
I don't know if mom's health has taken a turn for the worse, or if it's just a "better now than too late" visit, as it's kinda hard to get info out of them at times. It just seems on the impossible scale of things.
And there's pet-care that would need organizing, and leave from work (fortunately it's a quiet time then), and all that kind of thing.
As much as we'd like to, I'm not sure we can manage it. And suddenly it feels like the weight of the world is back on my shoulders - worry about trying to get over, worry about the parents, about other visa issues (not sure we can even get a visitor's visa yet), how we could work this out, and guilt issues if we can't.
Listening to Evanescence isn't helping! :) They're not the cheeriest of bands...!
This isn't blogged about for solutions or anything, but rather for me to try figure things out in my head by typing them out, and to record today's journey ("dear diary"). Perhaps I should rather have done it offline than on. Sorry.
New Passion
It may not be entirely work-appropriate, but I have just discovered a new passion - Evanescence music!
Someone lent me a CD to listen to, and it's pretty hard not to keep it from blasting forth on the comupter speakers. I'm a bit of a closet "head-banger", so this is right up my alley. Love the quieter stuff too. Very nicely done.
Who knows - maybe I'll even use "Torniquet" for my upcoming class on music and spirituality! Unless they'll fire me after I do so....
Someone lent me a CD to listen to, and it's pretty hard not to keep it from blasting forth on the comupter speakers. I'm a bit of a closet "head-banger", so this is right up my alley. Love the quieter stuff too. Very nicely done.
Who knows - maybe I'll even use "Torniquet" for my upcoming class on music and spirituality! Unless they'll fire me after I do so....
The Memory of Touch
While waiting for my son to complete his homework (took 2 1/2 hours last night...) I started watching "Hope Floats", taped the previous evening.
It's what my son calls a "mom film", one where mom gets to relate to what's going on, have a cry now and then, and enjoy a story line that passes way over the head of her son.
I haven't finished watching it yet, but a little way into the film something struck me - hard.
I can't remember what it is like to be touched lovingly and adored anymore. Told I'm beautiful. I can't remember what it's like to dance in the arms of someone who simply loves me for who I am - and isn't after anything, or leading me on, or using me.
And as happily single as I am, it's kinda sad, you know?
It's what my son calls a "mom film", one where mom gets to relate to what's going on, have a cry now and then, and enjoy a story line that passes way over the head of her son.
I haven't finished watching it yet, but a little way into the film something struck me - hard.
I can't remember what it is like to be touched lovingly and adored anymore. Told I'm beautiful. I can't remember what it's like to dance in the arms of someone who simply loves me for who I am - and isn't after anything, or leading me on, or using me.
And as happily single as I am, it's kinda sad, you know?
Old-fashioned mom
Maybe it's just that my kid watches more TV than I do, but I'm starting to get the impression I'm falling behind the times.
A while back they were advertising CDs or something, and my son said "I love that song!" - a song I've never heard of, by a group I've never heard of. But one which apparently they've played the video of during his kid's programmes time.
Is this how it starts? How parents slip into that "they don't know anything" stage? Where the kid knows more than you do?
I suspect it's true.... I'm becoming an old-fashioned mom, and I'm only 33!
*shudder*
(By the way, have just downloaded the song he loves, and heck - I like it too now, so there's hope, albeit small hope. All I have to do now is run to keep up.)
A while back they were advertising CDs or something, and my son said "I love that song!" - a song I've never heard of, by a group I've never heard of. But one which apparently they've played the video of during his kid's programmes time.
Is this how it starts? How parents slip into that "they don't know anything" stage? Where the kid knows more than you do?
I suspect it's true.... I'm becoming an old-fashioned mom, and I'm only 33!
*shudder*
(By the way, have just downloaded the song he loves, and heck - I like it too now, so there's hope, albeit small hope. All I have to do now is run to keep up.)
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