Yup, another 12+ hour blackout for us, starting in the early morning. Fortunately the worst thing that happened was I couldn't have my coffee today. And boy, is that BAD! :)
Anyway, I did manage to get the painting started while the lights were out, and it's looking awesome. I've done the passage in a dark neutral colour, with the same diluted by an equal amount of white for the start of the lounge. Still a long way to go.
It's been a nice restful day. I got in a short nap, some serious thinking, a bit of text-message chatting to a friend, and some reading in the car while my son was at art.
And now that we have power back I'm off to do some cooking! Cheese on bread for lunch is getting a bit over-used, and I'm starving.
How not to shop
So Monday was appointed a shopping day, on this holiday of mine. Specifically, I had to buy boots and underwear and winter clothes this morning, then paint etc this afternoon.
Except one never expects the unexpected. My day started instead with a first-thing trip to the tyre guys to replace a buckled wheel rim, in the hope of stopping a horrible clonking jerking jumping when I put on brakes going downhill. I had the brilliant idea to simply swap my spare's rim with the faulty one, instead of forking out for a new or 2nd-hand one. Done. But one other tyre needed replacing, which put the cost up more than I had hoped for... Problem solved though? Seemed so.
From there to the mall, just as the shops were opening up. Wandered up and down, went into every jolly shop. Boots are lovely - don't fit. I have these big clodhopper type feet, not the delicate, narrow-toed kind that actually fit anything on the market. And I can't wear the high heels - it's bad enough skidding down the hill to work on flat shoes, without adding a couple more degrees of angle to fall off of! So scrap the boots.
Scrap the winter clothes too, it turned out. I was looking for a nice jersey or jacket. There are no jerseys anywhere, and the jackets are horribly thin. Fashionable, but thin. How does one survive the winter in something like that, unless indoors constantly? There is an option though - a rather pricey real leather jacket that I could apply a credit voucher toward. Still thinking about it. Leather's great and all, and it's a nice jacket - but it's still not particularly warm. Granted, there were a couple (3 to be exact) of warm jackets - huge things that would swallow me up and make me look like Marshmallow Man's wife.
And the underwear? After a whole morning looking for clothes, who feels like looking for underwear?
I DID go book my Friday pamper-session. A two hour indulgence, including exfoliation, body wrap, back and neck massage (and free glass of champagne). It's going to be worth every bloody cent.
Before heading home, I had the month's groceries to buy. There goes a few hundred bucks in a single go...
Plus a full tank for the car on the way back (lasts a month, lucky me).
And right after lunch it was off to DeLaRey for paint. Unfortunately, on the way there I discovered the wheel problem is not fixed. It's worse! Dunno what the heck is going on, but it certainly doesn't sound good.
I came up lucky on the paint. I found 5 litres of almost the exact shade I was looking for, the darker of two, at a very discounted price. Add a bit of white, and I have the lighter shade I need! If I run out, they'll mix me up some more. Cool. I managed to avoid most other things there, but did end up with a new air pump for the fishtank (the other one's basically blown), appliance spray (to fix a sparking microwave at a fifth of the price quoted by a company that does such things), and some harsh sandpaper rounds to strip my passage down to bare wood in order to refinish it this week.
And now I'm DONE with the shopping. Other than my pamper-session on Friday, I must not spend another cent. Not if we want to eat until next payday. There go the winter clothes, boots and underwear. I'll make do.
So the rest of today is going to be all about holiday. The painting will wait until tomorrow (can spend the whole day on it!), as will the microwave and floor. Now I get to sit a bit, relax. Just what my tired feet need.
Best of all, it's free.
Except one never expects the unexpected. My day started instead with a first-thing trip to the tyre guys to replace a buckled wheel rim, in the hope of stopping a horrible clonking jerking jumping when I put on brakes going downhill. I had the brilliant idea to simply swap my spare's rim with the faulty one, instead of forking out for a new or 2nd-hand one. Done. But one other tyre needed replacing, which put the cost up more than I had hoped for... Problem solved though? Seemed so.
From there to the mall, just as the shops were opening up. Wandered up and down, went into every jolly shop. Boots are lovely - don't fit. I have these big clodhopper type feet, not the delicate, narrow-toed kind that actually fit anything on the market. And I can't wear the high heels - it's bad enough skidding down the hill to work on flat shoes, without adding a couple more degrees of angle to fall off of! So scrap the boots.
Scrap the winter clothes too, it turned out. I was looking for a nice jersey or jacket. There are no jerseys anywhere, and the jackets are horribly thin. Fashionable, but thin. How does one survive the winter in something like that, unless indoors constantly? There is an option though - a rather pricey real leather jacket that I could apply a credit voucher toward. Still thinking about it. Leather's great and all, and it's a nice jacket - but it's still not particularly warm. Granted, there were a couple (3 to be exact) of warm jackets - huge things that would swallow me up and make me look like Marshmallow Man's wife.
And the underwear? After a whole morning looking for clothes, who feels like looking for underwear?
I DID go book my Friday pamper-session. A two hour indulgence, including exfoliation, body wrap, back and neck massage (and free glass of champagne). It's going to be worth every bloody cent.
Before heading home, I had the month's groceries to buy. There goes a few hundred bucks in a single go...
Plus a full tank for the car on the way back (lasts a month, lucky me).
And right after lunch it was off to DeLaRey for paint. Unfortunately, on the way there I discovered the wheel problem is not fixed. It's worse! Dunno what the heck is going on, but it certainly doesn't sound good.
I came up lucky on the paint. I found 5 litres of almost the exact shade I was looking for, the darker of two, at a very discounted price. Add a bit of white, and I have the lighter shade I need! If I run out, they'll mix me up some more. Cool. I managed to avoid most other things there, but did end up with a new air pump for the fishtank (the other one's basically blown), appliance spray (to fix a sparking microwave at a fifth of the price quoted by a company that does such things), and some harsh sandpaper rounds to strip my passage down to bare wood in order to refinish it this week.
And now I'm DONE with the shopping. Other than my pamper-session on Friday, I must not spend another cent. Not if we want to eat until next payday. There go the winter clothes, boots and underwear. I'll make do.
So the rest of today is going to be all about holiday. The painting will wait until tomorrow (can spend the whole day on it!), as will the microwave and floor. Now I get to sit a bit, relax. Just what my tired feet need.
Best of all, it's free.
(Sneak Post)
(There's a massive fire raging on the mountain. It started small, and within half an hour had hit the cliff face, running rampant through half the nature reserve. Major tourist attraction... ;) It's slowly creeping this way. We're hoping the spotter plane and two water-boming helicopters, many fire-fighters and couple of farmer relief vehicles will get it completely under control. If they do, pics coming on Monday. If they don't - well, you'll know why the blog has suddenly gone very, very quiet.
::update:: It's basically out, with just a few jewel-glowing spots left. But the wind is starting up... I guess it's going to be a long night for some.)
::update:: It's basically out, with just a few jewel-glowing spots left. But the wind is starting up... I guess it's going to be a long night for some.)
If I had half a million...
Sure, it may not look like much, as it is in the middle of a rather arid area. But it's 230ha, which is a good size. And it's olives, which I know how to manage. A LOT of olives. (For the benefit of Kyknoord, it's also a safe distance from our badly-managed nuclear reactor...)
Just a pity I don't have half a million bucks. A property that size doesn't often go for that little - and you wouldn't get even a house around here for that amount.
Ah well. Lotto ticket or sugar daddy may be the only solution... :)
Working Holiday
I'm on leave next week (YAY!!!) - but it's going to be no lay-around-the-house experience. My days are planned choc-a-block full.
Monday - shopping. I have no clothes for winter, and having recently sent an entire car-load of clothing to charity, can't go digging through my garage to re-wear what I've previously chucked out. There is a pair of boots I'm after, and I have a credit voucher to spend at Woolworths too (which, in South Africa, is more of an upmarket shop than the grocery-type you'd get elsewhere - and the prices are upmarket too!). I also want to get some nice new undies, and it's better to shop for those while the kid's in school than drag him into a lingerie store! :)
Tuesday - brief shopping expo to DeLaRey for paint and Timber City for wood. I am painting out my lounge/son's room area in a lovely neutral earth tone, which will make our small space look a lot larger. I may even do the whole house! Unfortunately, the maintenance lot refuse to pay for the paint (even though they should, as they have not painted inside my place in over 10 years), so I'll have to foot the bill. The wood is for toy boxes to replace the carboard boxes currently being used, and falling apart. I'm not sure what kind I'll use yet. I'd love to go the solid-wood pine route, but that's a bit costly. May end up with MDF and paint it. My first REAL woodwork project!
Wednesday - voting day. Local municipal elections, and now that I'm finally registered as a voter, I'm going to go do my thing at the polls. I was registered years ago in another area, but kept missing the dates provided to update my details, until this year. After voting, I'm thinking "block braai" with the neighbours, as it's been declared a public holiday. If not, more painting/woodwork, and a bit of house-clearing. I need to get my clutter onto freecycle as soon as possible, to make space for that serenity I'm always seeking.
Thursday - basically free. May go visit a friend, if available. If not - yup, you guessed it. Finish the painting and woodwork, and perhaps do a bit of sewing. I saw a marvellous tactile natural linen-type fabric recently that I'd love to make into slipcovers for the lounge suite, and my lounge curtains could do with replacing. I'm still using ones my mom passed on to me when they left for Australia years ago, and which I think she bought when we moved down from Zimbabwe in 1984! Time for a redo!
Friday - pamper day. I'm booking myself into a small spa type place at the mall for a bit of me-time in the morning. Either a 45 minute massage, or something they call a "multi-sensory spa experience" that takes 2 hours. I haven't spent cash on me in a long time. Next week I finally will (if I can bring myself to hand it over).
Yesterday I took the afternoon off, and while lying in bed post-afternoon-nap was thinking about all the stuff I hope to do. I got to wondering - why can't my daily job be as fun and anticipated as all the work I'll be doing on leave?
Why indeed? Perhaps I need to find a way to make a career of these things I love doing so much?
I finished reading "The Artists Way" recently, and was impressed by the plan to become a recovering artist, to incorporate creativity in the daily life and actually let it take over, instead of trying to squash it into free time. I'm hoping to order the book to go through more slowly, and follow the 12-week plan it outlines. I suspect that releasing my "inner artist", the kid that's been hushed so I can be a grown-up, may lead to a future that is as fun as next week's time off promises to be.
Monday - shopping. I have no clothes for winter, and having recently sent an entire car-load of clothing to charity, can't go digging through my garage to re-wear what I've previously chucked out. There is a pair of boots I'm after, and I have a credit voucher to spend at Woolworths too (which, in South Africa, is more of an upmarket shop than the grocery-type you'd get elsewhere - and the prices are upmarket too!). I also want to get some nice new undies, and it's better to shop for those while the kid's in school than drag him into a lingerie store! :)
Tuesday - brief shopping expo to DeLaRey for paint and Timber City for wood. I am painting out my lounge/son's room area in a lovely neutral earth tone, which will make our small space look a lot larger. I may even do the whole house! Unfortunately, the maintenance lot refuse to pay for the paint (even though they should, as they have not painted inside my place in over 10 years), so I'll have to foot the bill. The wood is for toy boxes to replace the carboard boxes currently being used, and falling apart. I'm not sure what kind I'll use yet. I'd love to go the solid-wood pine route, but that's a bit costly. May end up with MDF and paint it. My first REAL woodwork project!
Wednesday - voting day. Local municipal elections, and now that I'm finally registered as a voter, I'm going to go do my thing at the polls. I was registered years ago in another area, but kept missing the dates provided to update my details, until this year. After voting, I'm thinking "block braai" with the neighbours, as it's been declared a public holiday. If not, more painting/woodwork, and a bit of house-clearing. I need to get my clutter onto freecycle as soon as possible, to make space for that serenity I'm always seeking.
Thursday - basically free. May go visit a friend, if available. If not - yup, you guessed it. Finish the painting and woodwork, and perhaps do a bit of sewing. I saw a marvellous tactile natural linen-type fabric recently that I'd love to make into slipcovers for the lounge suite, and my lounge curtains could do with replacing. I'm still using ones my mom passed on to me when they left for Australia years ago, and which I think she bought when we moved down from Zimbabwe in 1984! Time for a redo!
Friday - pamper day. I'm booking myself into a small spa type place at the mall for a bit of me-time in the morning. Either a 45 minute massage, or something they call a "multi-sensory spa experience" that takes 2 hours. I haven't spent cash on me in a long time. Next week I finally will (if I can bring myself to hand it over).
Yesterday I took the afternoon off, and while lying in bed post-afternoon-nap was thinking about all the stuff I hope to do. I got to wondering - why can't my daily job be as fun and anticipated as all the work I'll be doing on leave?
Why indeed? Perhaps I need to find a way to make a career of these things I love doing so much?
I finished reading "The Artists Way" recently, and was impressed by the plan to become a recovering artist, to incorporate creativity in the daily life and actually let it take over, instead of trying to squash it into free time. I'm hoping to order the book to go through more slowly, and follow the 12-week plan it outlines. I suspect that releasing my "inner artist", the kid that's been hushed so I can be a grown-up, may lead to a future that is as fun as next week's time off promises to be.
While the Iron is Hot
Some of my colleagues have been here since 6:30 this morning. Yesterday's power failure lasted for 6 hours, and with payday due tomorrow, they need to have all their computer work done before we have yet another Black Hole Experience (some of these offices have no outside windows - it gets REALLY dark when the light goes off!).
Needless to say, Capetonians are getting rather peeved at this ongoing power problem. ESKOM, our power supplier, keeps coming up with excuses and delaying the finally-fixed date. It was supposed to be yesterday, now we're told early next week. In the meantime, our petrol producer in Cape Town has shut down, bakeries have given up trying to bake bread, and generators/candles/gas stoves are selling at an unprecedented rate. Trains are stationary - not daring to get out on the lines in case things collapse mid-journey. Millions are being lost in business, in work hours.
And yet there has still been no mention of alternative power, of putting ESKOM out of business by finding another way to get our electricity. Wind, solar, whatever. All we're doing is damage-control of the current situation, without looking ahead. I emailed a couple of investigative reporter types yesterday with this very issue, and hope someone will take it up with the guys in charge, or at least ask some rather pointed questions.
In the meantime, we strike while the iron is hot. The power is still on, and perhaps we'll have it for a few hours this morning. They tend to shut off just before the hour, so we can work for a few minutes more before saving everything "just in case".
Darkest Africa, indeed.
Needless to say, Capetonians are getting rather peeved at this ongoing power problem. ESKOM, our power supplier, keeps coming up with excuses and delaying the finally-fixed date. It was supposed to be yesterday, now we're told early next week. In the meantime, our petrol producer in Cape Town has shut down, bakeries have given up trying to bake bread, and generators/candles/gas stoves are selling at an unprecedented rate. Trains are stationary - not daring to get out on the lines in case things collapse mid-journey. Millions are being lost in business, in work hours.
And yet there has still been no mention of alternative power, of putting ESKOM out of business by finding another way to get our electricity. Wind, solar, whatever. All we're doing is damage-control of the current situation, without looking ahead. I emailed a couple of investigative reporter types yesterday with this very issue, and hope someone will take it up with the guys in charge, or at least ask some rather pointed questions.
In the meantime, we strike while the iron is hot. The power is still on, and perhaps we'll have it for a few hours this morning. They tend to shut off just before the hour, so we can work for a few minutes more before saving everything "just in case".
Darkest Africa, indeed.
Keeping the Dream Alive
While the power lasts, I find myself hanging out on property sites again today. Specifically sites listing farms and smallholdings.
If you've been around my blog for any amount of time, you'll know this is a big dream of mine - to one day live in the middle of nowhere, grow things and keep things and generally be a farmer-type.
I put the dream on the backburner when planning our near future. My son's art school, post-school studies, my attempts to get a business going, my stuck-in-a-rut existance where I currently work. Living out in the country didn't seem to fit into the plans too well, simply because we'd need to be near the city for everything we'd planned.
And then yesterday my son started to rethink the art school thing. He enjoys art, but not passionately so. He's not into formal school as such, and although an education is important, there could be other options to look at.
So late yesterday afternoon, on the way to an art class, we started to have a chat. I made enquiries to a few private schools for their info, I hauled out the old home-school stuff for a re-look, I chatted to a friend whose son is getting his education informally. And I think we could do it.
For post-school studies, my son needs a grade 12 certificate (high school completion here) and an art portfolio. Nothing fancy, nothing hectic. With his interest in computers, we're looking for options that will combine computer training, art and business skills. We may do a pick-and-choose programme, using aspects of various systems, tailor-made to who he is and how he learns. We may enroll him part-time at a high school for a class he'd not learn well on his own.
In short, the options are vast!
And not having to be near a school, necessarily, may just - JUST - mean I can take another look at my Big Dream.
Education by internet is growing, so much so that the School of the Air in Australia is closing down. Free tutorials AND paid lessons abound. A local bookshop has the entire subject range for GED on CD at a minimal price. Tutoring by a mentor is often available for specific areas of learning.
And just imagine the practical life-skills education one can get in the great outdoors!
It's not that I'm trying to escape society, isolate us or take us out of his circle fo friends. Far from it. I'd love him to experience the type of close community formed in a rural area. And a bit of hard work to keep animals, home, food etc going never hurt anyone.
Anyway, I'm just wandering my wish-list today. Most things are still way, way outside what I could ever afford. But a bit of mind-expanding daydreaming never hurt anyone.
If you've been around my blog for any amount of time, you'll know this is a big dream of mine - to one day live in the middle of nowhere, grow things and keep things and generally be a farmer-type.
I put the dream on the backburner when planning our near future. My son's art school, post-school studies, my attempts to get a business going, my stuck-in-a-rut existance where I currently work. Living out in the country didn't seem to fit into the plans too well, simply because we'd need to be near the city for everything we'd planned.
And then yesterday my son started to rethink the art school thing. He enjoys art, but not passionately so. He's not into formal school as such, and although an education is important, there could be other options to look at.
So late yesterday afternoon, on the way to an art class, we started to have a chat. I made enquiries to a few private schools for their info, I hauled out the old home-school stuff for a re-look, I chatted to a friend whose son is getting his education informally. And I think we could do it.
For post-school studies, my son needs a grade 12 certificate (high school completion here) and an art portfolio. Nothing fancy, nothing hectic. With his interest in computers, we're looking for options that will combine computer training, art and business skills. We may do a pick-and-choose programme, using aspects of various systems, tailor-made to who he is and how he learns. We may enroll him part-time at a high school for a class he'd not learn well on his own.
In short, the options are vast!
And not having to be near a school, necessarily, may just - JUST - mean I can take another look at my Big Dream.
Education by internet is growing, so much so that the School of the Air in Australia is closing down. Free tutorials AND paid lessons abound. A local bookshop has the entire subject range for GED on CD at a minimal price. Tutoring by a mentor is often available for specific areas of learning.
And just imagine the practical life-skills education one can get in the great outdoors!
It's not that I'm trying to escape society, isolate us or take us out of his circle fo friends. Far from it. I'd love him to experience the type of close community formed in a rural area. And a bit of hard work to keep animals, home, food etc going never hurt anyone.
Anyway, I'm just wandering my wish-list today. Most things are still way, way outside what I could ever afford. But a bit of mind-expanding daydreaming never hurt anyone.
Linkage
Because blogging is all about links (as usual, links open in a new window):
* AskMen.com - get an education about the opposite species. I know I am! :) Excellent online men's magazine, with a lot of variety.
* Straight Not Narrow. Jim says: "My name is Jim Johnson and I write a blog titled “Straight, Not Narrow.” It is a blog that promotes GLBT equality in Christianity and politics and addresses the agendas of those narrow minded people who are determined to prevent it. I am a member of Equality Maryland, a gay rights activist organization, and PFLAG DC. I would appreciate it if you would post a link to my blog on your site." Jim - it's done! :)
* MocoLoco - cool contemporary design & architecture stuff.
* Bookcrossing.com - free your books! Got some lying around? Then leave them lying around.
* LED Throwies - not the most environmentally-friendly thing you can do with an LED, but way, WAY cool!
* Purgatorio - for when you need a good laugh at yourself (or can take being the butt of a joke).
* ChangeThis - manifestos to change everything.
* SMITH magazine - everyone has a story.
* AskMen.com - get an education about the opposite species. I know I am! :) Excellent online men's magazine, with a lot of variety.
* Straight Not Narrow. Jim says: "My name is Jim Johnson and I write a blog titled “Straight, Not Narrow.” It is a blog that promotes GLBT equality in Christianity and politics and addresses the agendas of those narrow minded people who are determined to prevent it. I am a member of Equality Maryland, a gay rights activist organization, and PFLAG DC. I would appreciate it if you would post a link to my blog on your site." Jim - it's done! :)
* MocoLoco - cool contemporary design & architecture stuff.
* Bookcrossing.com - free your books! Got some lying around? Then leave them lying around.
* LED Throwies - not the most environmentally-friendly thing you can do with an LED, but way, WAY cool!
* Purgatorio - for when you need a good laugh at yourself (or can take being the butt of a joke).
* ChangeThis - manifestos to change everything.
* SMITH magazine - everyone has a story.
Another day, another power failure
Ah, the joys of rolling blackouts. I have now re-organized ALL my filing and drawers and paperwork, recycled all the old stuff, sorted my bank, work and other financial statements into type and year and all that. Drawers of the desk cleaned, plants trimmed of old leaves/flowers.
Yesterday I finished a book.
Tomorrow I may finish another.
Or perhaps I should bring a few board games to work and we can all hunker down in the hallways.
Yesterday I finished a book.
Tomorrow I may finish another.
Or perhaps I should bring a few board games to work and we can all hunker down in the hallways.
This post is about Sex
******************WARNING********************
If you are a family member, a close friend, you work with me, you assume that I no longer think about sex (and shouldn't, because I'm a single parent, not married, no boyfriend - so don't even go there!), or are easily offended/upset/angered by people who blog about sex or bras or anything other than the weather, PLEASE SKIP THIS POST! :)
---
OK, warning over, here goes. Deep breath.
I dashed down to the shops after work to stock up on things that don't take cooking (a few more power outages still expected), and stopped by Clicks to get some peroxide solution (for dying my eyelashes, a vanity I indulge in every year or so). When I found it, my eye strayed to the nearby shelves. And what should be right next door but the condoms section!
Hmmm.. no-one looking, let me see what they've got nowadays.
Before you berate me (in case you bypassed the warning), let me tell you this much. It's been NINE years. Yes, NINE. That's how long I've gone without. Being OK with this had much to do with the contraceptive injection I was on. It kinda got rid of all my "urges", so much so that I hadn't felt a thing in years and didn't give a stuff about sex.
However. I am now off that injection. Things have changed. My body has not only started to re-regulate it's various processes, but those so-called "urges" are back. Seriously back. I think I may have hit that "peak" that women do, so much later than men.
And yet I can do bugger-all about it. Well, you know what I mean. There are things I can do about it, but they don't involve anyone else.
(Those of you who have not already averted your eyes and moved on, may wish to now)
Anyway, that's why condoms are catching my eye. That, and a little game of words I've been having with someone I've known for years. Someone incredible, who I trust - and who I would perhaps take things further with, if I could do so without my heart getting involved.
Back to the condoms thing. I picked up a few of the boxes to check out what they've got these days. Man, is there variety!
And then I noticed the expiry dates (always a good thing to be aware of, if you're going to use them). Most of them expire in 2009 or 2010. That's a good few years from now.
And I had to wonder. If I stocked up on a box of three, would they expire without ever being used? I mean, with this track record I have and all? The way it's going, I'm afraid the answer is, sadly, Yes....
******END OF POST ABOUT SEX******
******NORMAL BLOGGING RESUMES NEXT POST******
If you are a family member, a close friend, you work with me, you assume that I no longer think about sex (and shouldn't, because I'm a single parent, not married, no boyfriend - so don't even go there!), or are easily offended/upset/angered by people who blog about sex or bras or anything other than the weather, PLEASE SKIP THIS POST! :)
---
OK, warning over, here goes. Deep breath.
I dashed down to the shops after work to stock up on things that don't take cooking (a few more power outages still expected), and stopped by Clicks to get some peroxide solution (for dying my eyelashes, a vanity I indulge in every year or so). When I found it, my eye strayed to the nearby shelves. And what should be right next door but the condoms section!
Hmmm.. no-one looking, let me see what they've got nowadays.
Before you berate me (in case you bypassed the warning), let me tell you this much. It's been NINE years. Yes, NINE. That's how long I've gone without. Being OK with this had much to do with the contraceptive injection I was on. It kinda got rid of all my "urges", so much so that I hadn't felt a thing in years and didn't give a stuff about sex.
However. I am now off that injection. Things have changed. My body has not only started to re-regulate it's various processes, but those so-called "urges" are back. Seriously back. I think I may have hit that "peak" that women do, so much later than men.
And yet I can do bugger-all about it. Well, you know what I mean. There are things I can do about it, but they don't involve anyone else.
(Those of you who have not already averted your eyes and moved on, may wish to now)
Anyway, that's why condoms are catching my eye. That, and a little game of words I've been having with someone I've known for years. Someone incredible, who I trust - and who I would perhaps take things further with, if I could do so without my heart getting involved.
Back to the condoms thing. I picked up a few of the boxes to check out what they've got these days. Man, is there variety!
And then I noticed the expiry dates (always a good thing to be aware of, if you're going to use them). Most of them expire in 2009 or 2010. That's a good few years from now.
And I had to wonder. If I stocked up on a box of three, would they expire without ever being used? I mean, with this track record I have and all? The way it's going, I'm afraid the answer is, sadly, Yes....
******END OF POST ABOUT SEX******
******NORMAL BLOGGING RESUMES NEXT POST******
Ode to Rain
Parched and tossing
I awake to your siren song
"Come out and breathe deeply
Watch my diamonds travel
Down fence and leaf
Across the ferns
Seeping and sweeping
Dust settled
Rivulets"
The world a shroud of mist
Raindrop footprints tapping
Breathe in
Within a day - hours
Withered grass shocks green
Thirsty soil drinking deep
Birds in sodden plumage
Huddle on my roof
Toes in the gutter stream
Heat quenched
Air moist
Windows drip and run
Winter
Rain
Cool, refreshing greys
I've missed you
I awake to your siren song
"Come out and breathe deeply
Watch my diamonds travel
Down fence and leaf
Across the ferns
Seeping and sweeping
Dust settled
Rivulets"
The world a shroud of mist
Raindrop footprints tapping
Breathe in
Within a day - hours
Withered grass shocks green
Thirsty soil drinking deep
Birds in sodden plumage
Huddle on my roof
Toes in the gutter stream
Heat quenched
Air moist
Windows drip and run
Winter
Rain
Cool, refreshing greys
I've missed you
Don't Care
I forgot how much I enjoyed "The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert" until I watched it again on Saturday night. After the credits rolled (and the Japanese guy found a strange-looking kite), I got to thinking about gay guys and Queens and all the controversy that's been going on about right vs wrong.And I realized I don't care.
I don't care if you're gay, lesbian, transvestite, or simply like to cross-dress when no-one's looking. I don't care about the colour of your skin, where you live, or where you've come from. I don't care if you've taken vows of chastity or sleep around. I don't care whether you believe in God, Allah, a general good in the universe or nothing at all. I don't care what you believe on a million and one different subjects, nor whether you fight for your beliefs or say nothing. I don't care if you have AIDS. I don't care if you're a single parent, a widow/er, or any other marital status. (I do care if you abuse children, animals and such. That's simply not on, dude.) I don't care what country you hail from. I don't care if you're right or wrong.
Why?
Because each one of us, no matter what we appear to be or not be, has been created, planned from before there was time. We've got a place in this world, our bodies were knit together with care and birthed in a miracle. We are kindred, one species, dependent on each other and this rock in space for our survival. We each have a life to live, a journey to travel. Our views of the world around us may differ, but we see through eyes composed of the same matter, powered by the same impulses, connected to the same type of brain, housed in a skull shaped like any other. Whether we like it or not, we are the same.
And as such, the differences don't really matter.
4Things
Tagged by Laura, I'm just glad it's not the "quirky things about you" tag! :)
4 jobs you have had in your life:
1. Merchandiser (fancy name for shelf-packer and pricer!).
2. Cheese- and butter-maker.
3. Secretary.
4. Admissions Officer for college.
4 Goals You've Set for This Year:
1. Realize that I'm Somebody, that I'm Worth Something.
2. Get my business off the ground, or find another direction to move in.
3. Get friends. Non-online friends.
4. Re-do my house (make furniture, paint the walls, clear ALL the clutter).
4 Movies You Could Watch Over and Over:
1. French Kiss
2. Lord of the Rings (all of them)
3. Out of Africa
4. Gone in 60 Seconds
4 Places You Have Lived:
1. East London (South Africa - birthplace)
2. Zimbabwe (Masvingo, Mutari, Bulawayo, Gweru, Harare)
3. Cape Town
4. Somerset West (love living here!)
4 TV Shows You Love To Watch:
1. Stargate (SG-1 or Atlantis)
2. Extreme Makeover: House Edition (love that Ty guy!)
3. X-files (it's been a while...)
4. Die Nutsman (local handyman show, with a weird Afrikaans guy, but I'm learning a lot!)
Oh heck - it seems that I only watch sci-fi and home shows... :) But really, there are more I like, really!!! Here are some: Top Billing (local stylish magazine show), CSI, Judging Amy. See, it's not just sci-fi and home improvement.
4 Places You Have Been On Vacation:
1. Australia (twice)
2. USA (long time ago)
3. Grandparent's farm (Pretoria, South Africa) - love the bush and the summer thunderstorms.
4. Mana Pools (Zimbabwe - years ago, and am dying to get back there sometime with my son)
4 Websites You Visit Daily:
1. Treehugger and associated links
2. Most of my blogroll
3. My work site (to make changes, check updates, plan the re-do etc.)
4. Blogger (to blog)
4 Of Your Favorite Foods:
1. Dark Choc - is that a food or an indulgence? Do I really care?
2. Home-made pizza (including the home-made base)
3. TGIF's potato skins with sour cream/chives (make my own version too)
4. Home-made lasagne (including the home-made lasagne sheets)
4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now:
1. At home, painting my walls - though I still need to get the paint. Or working my way through a pile of wood to create new, tactile furnishings. Or sewing some real linen and raw silk into beautiful things to wear and look at. Or ripping up the carpets, sanding down the parquet floor and sealing it with a natural finish.
2. At a spa, getting pampered for the entire day with every treatment you can imagine. But especially a massage, hot-rock treatment and flotation tank.
3. Living out a dream I had last night. Or both dreams.
4. In Sydney, Australia, hanging out with dad and exploring the city and surrounds.
4 People I'm Tagging to do this:
I'll let you tag yourself for a change! Leave a comment if you're posting your answers.
4 jobs you have had in your life:
1. Merchandiser (fancy name for shelf-packer and pricer!).
2. Cheese- and butter-maker.
3. Secretary.
4. Admissions Officer for college.
4 Goals You've Set for This Year:
1. Realize that I'm Somebody, that I'm Worth Something.
2. Get my business off the ground, or find another direction to move in.
3. Get friends. Non-online friends.
4. Re-do my house (make furniture, paint the walls, clear ALL the clutter).
4 Movies You Could Watch Over and Over:
1. French Kiss
2. Lord of the Rings (all of them)
3. Out of Africa
4. Gone in 60 Seconds
4 Places You Have Lived:
1. East London (South Africa - birthplace)
2. Zimbabwe (Masvingo, Mutari, Bulawayo, Gweru, Harare)
3. Cape Town
4. Somerset West (love living here!)
4 TV Shows You Love To Watch:
1. Stargate (SG-1 or Atlantis)
2. Extreme Makeover: House Edition (love that Ty guy!)
3. X-files (it's been a while...)
4. Die Nutsman (local handyman show, with a weird Afrikaans guy, but I'm learning a lot!)
Oh heck - it seems that I only watch sci-fi and home shows... :) But really, there are more I like, really!!! Here are some: Top Billing (local stylish magazine show), CSI, Judging Amy. See, it's not just sci-fi and home improvement.
4 Places You Have Been On Vacation:
1. Australia (twice)
2. USA (long time ago)
3. Grandparent's farm (Pretoria, South Africa) - love the bush and the summer thunderstorms.
4. Mana Pools (Zimbabwe - years ago, and am dying to get back there sometime with my son)
4 Websites You Visit Daily:
1. Treehugger and associated links
2. Most of my blogroll
3. My work site (to make changes, check updates, plan the re-do etc.)
4. Blogger (to blog)
4 Of Your Favorite Foods:
1. Dark Choc - is that a food or an indulgence? Do I really care?
2. Home-made pizza (including the home-made base)
3. TGIF's potato skins with sour cream/chives (make my own version too)
4. Home-made lasagne (including the home-made lasagne sheets)
4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now:
1. At home, painting my walls - though I still need to get the paint. Or working my way through a pile of wood to create new, tactile furnishings. Or sewing some real linen and raw silk into beautiful things to wear and look at. Or ripping up the carpets, sanding down the parquet floor and sealing it with a natural finish.
2. At a spa, getting pampered for the entire day with every treatment you can imagine. But especially a massage, hot-rock treatment and flotation tank.
3. Living out a dream I had last night. Or both dreams.
4. In Sydney, Australia, hanging out with dad and exploring the city and surrounds.
4 People I'm Tagging to do this:
I'll let you tag yourself for a change! Leave a comment if you're posting your answers.
Darkest Africa
(Yup, I'm back!)
The blogs will probably be full of it this morning, this latest blackout we've had in the Western Cape. Mine may be one of many going on about a lack of power and how life seems to grind to a halt.
Our first blackout was Saturday, around midday. Lasted a couple of hours, then came back on and we all rejoiced.
But early Sunday morning I noticed the streetlight outside my window flicker and die. Then come back to life, then die again. Got up, and all the streetlights were out. Little did I know that it was only a precursor to a general power failure shortly thereafter....
Around 5 in the morning everything went dead. When we got up, it was still dead. Nothing unusual, we sometimes have an outage that lasts and hour or two. But there was still no power come lunchtime. (And the kid was seriously bored! Such a dependence on electronic entertainment...)
Then the maintenance guy came around, telling us the local power producers had said "three days". THREE days!!! A few hours I can handle, but not three days. What about all the stuff in my fridge and freezer? I tend to buy the week's bread and milk on a Friday, and freeze it for safety.
(I wonder what the churches did for sound, light and all that stuff yesterday. Especially the mega-church loud types. Did they have a forced contemplative service, because the band couldn't shake the roof? :) )
On the other hand, a three-day blackout would mean:
* No work. Even an hour of power-down has us twiddling out thumbs, wondering what to do. And yet it's pay week, which means the finance guys need their computers.
* Peace and quiet. No hum of electrical goods, no neighbourly music blasting forth, no vacuum cleaners going at midnight upstairs, no lights to shine through the windows and keep us awake.
* A chance to rediscover the non-electric art of entertainment. Uno, Pictionary, darts, snakes & ladders, long conversations without the TV providing distraction. No internet to make our eyes dry out from staring at the screen continuously.
* An adventure in cooking - no more rushed meals over lunch, instead a leisurely experimentation of what you can make on a braai (barbecue).
Well, lunch approached, so many of us fired up our braais and got cooking. Most folk were outdoors instead of in - washing cars, chatting with neighbours, gardening. Amazing what a difference it makes when there's nothing electric to do indoors.
And then, 12 hours after it went off, the power came back on. And all was back to normal. PS2 going overtime, computer back on, fridge restocking its cold air. Except that I chose a long, leisurely mid-afternoon bath with a book instead of time in front of an electric device.
So just what was the deal with the power? ESKOM (the monopolistic power suppliers) says "pollution combined with mist on the equipment". Yeah right... This morning's news said yet another problem at Koeberg, our nuclear-power reactor near Cape Town. The news also said the government is going to sit down with the power guys to find out exactly why our rolling blackouts and ongoing power problems are becoming more prevalent.
With all this, I wonder why no-one is seriously pushing for wind and solar power, why the government is still blocking more than encouraging innovation in that area. I wonder why there are solar panels lying idle in our maintenance department's shed, instead of installed and running where the entire system is already set up. I wonder if it will take a month's power collapse, a real emergency, for people to sit up and think of alternatives. Or if we'll all just go back to campfires and hand-cranked computers.
The blogs will probably be full of it this morning, this latest blackout we've had in the Western Cape. Mine may be one of many going on about a lack of power and how life seems to grind to a halt.
Our first blackout was Saturday, around midday. Lasted a couple of hours, then came back on and we all rejoiced.
But early Sunday morning I noticed the streetlight outside my window flicker and die. Then come back to life, then die again. Got up, and all the streetlights were out. Little did I know that it was only a precursor to a general power failure shortly thereafter....
Around 5 in the morning everything went dead. When we got up, it was still dead. Nothing unusual, we sometimes have an outage that lasts and hour or two. But there was still no power come lunchtime. (And the kid was seriously bored! Such a dependence on electronic entertainment...)
Then the maintenance guy came around, telling us the local power producers had said "three days". THREE days!!! A few hours I can handle, but not three days. What about all the stuff in my fridge and freezer? I tend to buy the week's bread and milk on a Friday, and freeze it for safety.
(I wonder what the churches did for sound, light and all that stuff yesterday. Especially the mega-church loud types. Did they have a forced contemplative service, because the band couldn't shake the roof? :) )
On the other hand, a three-day blackout would mean:
* No work. Even an hour of power-down has us twiddling out thumbs, wondering what to do. And yet it's pay week, which means the finance guys need their computers.
* Peace and quiet. No hum of electrical goods, no neighbourly music blasting forth, no vacuum cleaners going at midnight upstairs, no lights to shine through the windows and keep us awake.
* A chance to rediscover the non-electric art of entertainment. Uno, Pictionary, darts, snakes & ladders, long conversations without the TV providing distraction. No internet to make our eyes dry out from staring at the screen continuously.
* An adventure in cooking - no more rushed meals over lunch, instead a leisurely experimentation of what you can make on a braai (barbecue).
Well, lunch approached, so many of us fired up our braais and got cooking. Most folk were outdoors instead of in - washing cars, chatting with neighbours, gardening. Amazing what a difference it makes when there's nothing electric to do indoors.
And then, 12 hours after it went off, the power came back on. And all was back to normal. PS2 going overtime, computer back on, fridge restocking its cold air. Except that I chose a long, leisurely mid-afternoon bath with a book instead of time in front of an electric device.
So just what was the deal with the power? ESKOM (the monopolistic power suppliers) says "pollution combined with mist on the equipment". Yeah right... This morning's news said yet another problem at Koeberg, our nuclear-power reactor near Cape Town. The news also said the government is going to sit down with the power guys to find out exactly why our rolling blackouts and ongoing power problems are becoming more prevalent.
With all this, I wonder why no-one is seriously pushing for wind and solar power, why the government is still blocking more than encouraging innovation in that area. I wonder why there are solar panels lying idle in our maintenance department's shed, instead of installed and running where the entire system is already set up. I wonder if it will take a month's power collapse, a real emergency, for people to sit up and think of alternatives. Or if we'll all just go back to campfires and hand-cranked computers.
Vow of Silence
I'm taking a "vow of silence" as far as blogging goes, for a full week, starting tomorrow (Sunday 12 Feb).
That doesn't mean I won't be posting anything! Rather, it means there will be no words - but at least once a day there will be a Photoblog. I will respond to any comments posted, but other than that will not be saying a word.
Enjoy the peace and quiet! :)
That doesn't mean I won't be posting anything! Rather, it means there will be no words - but at least once a day there will be a Photoblog. I will respond to any comments posted, but other than that will not be saying a word.
Enjoy the peace and quiet! :)
Something for the Boys
Spotted at the mall recently. Dunno what it is, but it's droolable, even if it is orange! :)
Funeral things
OK, that sounds a bit morbid for a Friday morning - when one should be celebrating the coming of the Weekend! (and sleeping in and all that... finally) But lately I've run into some things that have made me think I should put together a "What I Want At My Funeral" list.
It must have started when my mom died, and we had to organize her funeral and memorial services. Suddenly I noticed all sorts of things that may normally have passed me by. I started wondering what my family would do if they had to plan my funeral - if they even knew the Inside Me well enough to understand how I would have wanted things. Not that it would really matter what they did, if I were dead! :) (I believe death is a long, unknowing sleep until the resurrection, no immediate trip to eternity while you wait for the rest of the world to catch up. So I certainly wouldn't be able to see what they were up to, or care.)
I wonder if they'd give me a green burial. One that doesn't fill the air with cremation smoke, or the ground with embalming chemicals.
I wonder if they'd choose to bury me in one of these, or these, or these.
I wonder if they would celebrate my life, with less focus on mourning my death. I wonder if they would incorporate ceremonies that harkens back to our ancient roots (both Celtic and African), or play a song that sounds like this (warning, this is from Stargate Atlantis season 2, episode 13 - if you haven't seen it yet, there are some spoilers. The song is a background to part of the episode, so there are voices and actions along with the music. 6+MB)
I wonder if they'd plant a tree in my memory, or a community garden.
And after my body is in the ground, the funeral over - I wonder if they will continue to raise my son in an awareness of the environment, an enjoyment of the mysterious, and permission to follow whatever path he needs to.
Unless I specifically tell them to - I doubt it will happen.
::update::
Lyrics for the song "Beyond the Night", linked above.
Beyond the night, a rising sun
Beyond the night, the battle's won
The battle is won
Fear and shame now in the past
Pain and sorrow gone at last
Gone at last
Circle renewed, peace will be found
Beyond the night, on sacred ground
River flows, led by the wind
First new breath, our journey begins
Our journey begins
It must have started when my mom died, and we had to organize her funeral and memorial services. Suddenly I noticed all sorts of things that may normally have passed me by. I started wondering what my family would do if they had to plan my funeral - if they even knew the Inside Me well enough to understand how I would have wanted things. Not that it would really matter what they did, if I were dead! :) (I believe death is a long, unknowing sleep until the resurrection, no immediate trip to eternity while you wait for the rest of the world to catch up. So I certainly wouldn't be able to see what they were up to, or care.)
I wonder if they'd give me a green burial. One that doesn't fill the air with cremation smoke, or the ground with embalming chemicals.
I wonder if they'd choose to bury me in one of these, or these, or these.
I wonder if they would celebrate my life, with less focus on mourning my death. I wonder if they would incorporate ceremonies that harkens back to our ancient roots (both Celtic and African), or play a song that sounds like this (warning, this is from Stargate Atlantis season 2, episode 13 - if you haven't seen it yet, there are some spoilers. The song is a background to part of the episode, so there are voices and actions along with the music. 6+MB)
I wonder if they'd plant a tree in my memory, or a community garden.
And after my body is in the ground, the funeral over - I wonder if they will continue to raise my son in an awareness of the environment, an enjoyment of the mysterious, and permission to follow whatever path he needs to.
Unless I specifically tell them to - I doubt it will happen.
::update::
Lyrics for the song "Beyond the Night", linked above.
Beyond the night, a rising sun
Beyond the night, the battle's won
The battle is won
Fear and shame now in the past
Pain and sorrow gone at last
Gone at last
Circle renewed, peace will be found
Beyond the night, on sacred ground
River flows, led by the wind
First new breath, our journey begins
Our journey begins
Adventures in Spanish
My day took an unexpected turn at around 9 this morning. I had a new student coming in from Argentina to learn English - and our driver (after 2 week's notice) suddenly decided he couldn't go get him. The company car was out on another mission - and there was no way I was going to leave this poor bloke stranded at the airport.
So I dashed home, fired up the Friggin'Ford and off I went! Wheel rattling, water low (so I discovered when I arrived), car in need of a serious wash.
WELCOME TO AFRICA! :)
Well, an hour after the plane landed the poor chap had made it through customs and we piled into the car. He tried to get into the driver's seat first - being the side you climb into in Argentina - but I managed to shoo him away and drive myself. The trip back was an interesting exercise in trying to understand each other. He did, after all, come to learn English - so doesn't exactly speak it. After 10 years here I should have learnt Spanish, but no luck. So we did some Q&A as best as we were able, and made it here safely.
So far he's impressed by the natural beauty here. It is a stunning part of the world. He's a friendly guy, and once we can understand him he should be fun too.
Let's hope he settles in well, picks up the language easily and enjoys his year-long stay with us. I look forward to chatting to him later - either in English or in Spanish, but we've both got a long way to go.
So I dashed home, fired up the Friggin'Ford and off I went! Wheel rattling, water low (so I discovered when I arrived), car in need of a serious wash.
WELCOME TO AFRICA! :)
Well, an hour after the plane landed the poor chap had made it through customs and we piled into the car. He tried to get into the driver's seat first - being the side you climb into in Argentina - but I managed to shoo him away and drive myself. The trip back was an interesting exercise in trying to understand each other. He did, after all, come to learn English - so doesn't exactly speak it. After 10 years here I should have learnt Spanish, but no luck. So we did some Q&A as best as we were able, and made it here safely.
So far he's impressed by the natural beauty here. It is a stunning part of the world. He's a friendly guy, and once we can understand him he should be fun too.
Let's hope he settles in well, picks up the language easily and enjoys his year-long stay with us. I look forward to chatting to him later - either in English or in Spanish, but we've both got a long way to go.
Feelers
I'm putting out feelers today for a few bits of equipment for a potential worship team (musicians, sound, light and action!).
I haven't made a definite decision whether the @5 worship gathering will go ahead or not, nor when. I've realized that I can't build something, only God can. And that I don't need to wait until I'm a spiritual superstar in order to facilitate a gathering of people. For too long in the past, I've been exposed to worship leaders and teams where only the best, the most spiritual, the strongest can lead. Yet I can grow along with the others, surely?
I'm still thinking hard, and trying to pray, but in the meantime I'm looking at possibilities. Although it should be more than just a meeting, there is some basic equipment needed to start getting together. If I'm granted permission to use a part of the church, there is some stuff there - if they don't want anything to do with me, we'll need to find a whole lot more stuff elsewhere!
I want to be able to say "here, this is what we've got to work with" and then let those people God sends toward me get their hands dirty in making it happen.
So today I'm sending out feelers. Helping the Baptist church get rid of their old sound monitors, asking the head elder if there's a possibility of using that space, checking in with a group that may be able to donate other bits and pieces. Emailing dad to pick his brains, as he's worked his entire life with the organizational structure and knows how to put things so they make sense.
And I'm writing down random words to express the essence of what this thing could and should be - so that those who are curious, who may want to be involved, know what they're getting into. And those who think we're heretics will be able to pinpoint why! :)
It's not a one-man show, as much as it seems like it from this post. This has been coming for years, a "burden" on my heart, info gathered and stored, conversations remembered, connections made, ideas and plans and music all just waiting to be joined into one Big Thing. It has the potential to be very big, and that scares me. Small I can handle, big I'm not too sure.
But there I go again, thinking way too hard, way too far ahead. Today I just need to stick to putting out feelers.
I haven't made a definite decision whether the @5 worship gathering will go ahead or not, nor when. I've realized that I can't build something, only God can. And that I don't need to wait until I'm a spiritual superstar in order to facilitate a gathering of people. For too long in the past, I've been exposed to worship leaders and teams where only the best, the most spiritual, the strongest can lead. Yet I can grow along with the others, surely?
I'm still thinking hard, and trying to pray, but in the meantime I'm looking at possibilities. Although it should be more than just a meeting, there is some basic equipment needed to start getting together. If I'm granted permission to use a part of the church, there is some stuff there - if they don't want anything to do with me, we'll need to find a whole lot more stuff elsewhere!
I want to be able to say "here, this is what we've got to work with" and then let those people God sends toward me get their hands dirty in making it happen.
So today I'm sending out feelers. Helping the Baptist church get rid of their old sound monitors, asking the head elder if there's a possibility of using that space, checking in with a group that may be able to donate other bits and pieces. Emailing dad to pick his brains, as he's worked his entire life with the organizational structure and knows how to put things so they make sense.
And I'm writing down random words to express the essence of what this thing could and should be - so that those who are curious, who may want to be involved, know what they're getting into. And those who think we're heretics will be able to pinpoint why! :)
It's not a one-man show, as much as it seems like it from this post. This has been coming for years, a "burden" on my heart, info gathered and stored, conversations remembered, connections made, ideas and plans and music all just waiting to be joined into one Big Thing. It has the potential to be very big, and that scares me. Small I can handle, big I'm not too sure.
But there I go again, thinking way too hard, way too far ahead. Today I just need to stick to putting out feelers.
PessimistNo
There's a pessimist outside my office. I hardly ever see him smiling, rather he has a down-in-the-mouth cynically-disgusted look permanently plastered on his face - so that even when he does smile, it looks like he's grimacing.
My son is friends with his son, and has noticed it too. I don't know how his wife copes.
Today he's pessimizing (new word!) about the raw deal he's getting at the hand of either the White Folk (all in his head), the Church (those who aren't conservative enough), or the Institution (more all in his head).
I'm honestly so tired of hearing that kind of stuff, I've just put on some (highly inappropriate, I hope) weird music, turned it up so I can't hear him, and tuned out.
How does one stop a pessimist from being pessimistic about everything? Spreading bad vibes to random passers-by? (he's pessimizing with someone who was waiting outside for a colleague)
There are some things I can ignore, but others seem to grate on me to no end. Intolerance of views outside the norm is one of them - which is why my music is turned up so I can't hear the moans about a group I think I fall into. The un-Conservative Christian types. The evil ones daring not to conform, willing to question and try something new.
I've heard it for so long, this bashing of alternate views. I just want to move forward in a positive direction, not get bogged down by the negativity of those who don't travel the same path, and won't let anyone else either.
Hard to do though when there's a vocal pessimist outside your door.
My son is friends with his son, and has noticed it too. I don't know how his wife copes.
Today he's pessimizing (new word!) about the raw deal he's getting at the hand of either the White Folk (all in his head), the Church (those who aren't conservative enough), or the Institution (more all in his head).
I'm honestly so tired of hearing that kind of stuff, I've just put on some (highly inappropriate, I hope) weird music, turned it up so I can't hear him, and tuned out.
How does one stop a pessimist from being pessimistic about everything? Spreading bad vibes to random passers-by? (he's pessimizing with someone who was waiting outside for a colleague)
There are some things I can ignore, but others seem to grate on me to no end. Intolerance of views outside the norm is one of them - which is why my music is turned up so I can't hear the moans about a group I think I fall into. The un-Conservative Christian types. The evil ones daring not to conform, willing to question and try something new.
I've heard it for so long, this bashing of alternate views. I just want to move forward in a positive direction, not get bogged down by the negativity of those who don't travel the same path, and won't let anyone else either.
Hard to do though when there's a vocal pessimist outside your door.
Local Fame
Want me to win something? Want some other South African blogger to win? Then vote at the SA Blog Awards! In honour of the year 2006, the prize is R20.06 - though I'm not sure if there are still enough 1 cent coins in circulation to make up that 6 cents worth.
SA bloggers currently on my Blogroll (for your viewing pleasure) are:
.:blogging from eKapa:.
Accidental Mother
Aquila Online
bigrics home
Cherryflava
Durbzblog
Ewan's Corner
Futurechurch.co.za
Husbands anon
Joblog
Kitch'n'Zinc
Me Time
Ninja Monkeys
oodlesofnoodlesoffun
Redsaid
Riding the Slipstream
SomeNoOne
Soul Gardeners
Subsoil
The Other Side of the Mountain
Who knew I had that many South Africans listed! :)
But if you need more, check out the SA Web Ring.
SA bloggers currently on my Blogroll (for your viewing pleasure) are:
.:blogging from eKapa:.
Accidental Mother
Aquila Online
bigrics home
Cherryflava
Durbzblog
Ewan's Corner
Futurechurch.co.za
Husbands anon
Joblog
Kitch'n'Zinc
Me Time
Ninja Monkeys
oodlesofnoodlesoffun
Redsaid
Riding the Slipstream
SomeNoOne
Soul Gardeners
Subsoil
The Other Side of the Mountain
Who knew I had that many South Africans listed! :)
But if you need more, check out the SA Web Ring.
Sjoe!
It's been quite a day. I'm glad to be home - safely. Not that anything unusual happened, but with a slight-bent wheel rim, my mind keeps telling me the rattle means the wheel's about to fall off!
Being Art day, I had to brave the rush-hour traffic at 5, as well as do a dash around 2:30 to drop the kid off. I'm not a commuter, I don't like the stress and manic people on the road. I drive well, and carefully, and at the speed limit. I don't like cars with GP numberplates tailgating me. (Yes, I'm a Capie)
I landed running at work too. Although registration has closed, we're still squeezing in the last students, and that requires immediate action from me when they turn up. I was stomping out fires for a good deal of the day.
But now I'm home. Big jug of icy mango & litchi juice on hand. Computer/internet access. Wind not as bad here as further down the hill - just enough to keep us cool with the windows open wide.
I'm very glad I've learnt to close the door on the day when it ends, and switch to a different mindset. It's taken a lot of practice to completely shut out any work-related issues, problems or emergencies (all of which will keep until tomorrow), and give my full attention to both relaxing and being with my son.
Another day over, a few more hours of my life gone, and now it's time to take a deep breath and unwind.
Being Art day, I had to brave the rush-hour traffic at 5, as well as do a dash around 2:30 to drop the kid off. I'm not a commuter, I don't like the stress and manic people on the road. I drive well, and carefully, and at the speed limit. I don't like cars with GP numberplates tailgating me. (Yes, I'm a Capie)
I landed running at work too. Although registration has closed, we're still squeezing in the last students, and that requires immediate action from me when they turn up. I was stomping out fires for a good deal of the day.
But now I'm home. Big jug of icy mango & litchi juice on hand. Computer/internet access. Wind not as bad here as further down the hill - just enough to keep us cool with the windows open wide.
I'm very glad I've learnt to close the door on the day when it ends, and switch to a different mindset. It's taken a lot of practice to completely shut out any work-related issues, problems or emergencies (all of which will keep until tomorrow), and give my full attention to both relaxing and being with my son.
Another day over, a few more hours of my life gone, and now it's time to take a deep breath and unwind.
Hints of Autumn
Summer is far from over. February is usually the month of little sleep, as the gale-force summer wind dies down and oppressive heat sets in. The Cape is brown and dry (well, greyish black where the all-consuming fires have ravaged the landscape - including a 500 square kilometre area over the mountains). The summer blooms have long wilted, and leaves drop one by one from my mulberry tree. Narrowly avoiding my morning coffee cup...
This morning though I woke up to a whiff of Autumn. For the first time in ages there was dew on the grass and on the car. A slight chill in the air, moisture replacing dry heat. My outdoors breakfast felt cooler than normal, the sun at a different angle as it starts heading north to hide behind the mountain for the colder months.
Although I love both summer heat and winter cold-cuddly-rain weather, I think I enjoy Spring and Autumn the most. Those inbetween times. Spring's bursting life and greenery everywhere. Autumn's mist and slow bedding down of the world to rest.
Our lives no longer follow the seasons as our ancestors' did. We eat summer tomatoes in the dead of winter (although at a price). Central heating and cooling (for the lucky) keep our temperatures at a constant level. Our food sources are so far away that we have no need to watch the seasons, plant our crops, or harvest them at precisely the right time. For us the sun comes up, goes down, days pass - and we barely notice those subtle changes that differentiate our seasons.
Perhaps with my desire to live in harmony with the earth, to find balance and rhythm, my senses are more in tune with the world around me. Perhaps it's just the way I was raised - to live close to nature and notice what she does. Whatever it is, the first hint of Autumn this morning had me drawing deep breaths of fresh cool air, feeling a ripple of pleasure on my skin in the cool of a new day.
This morning though I woke up to a whiff of Autumn. For the first time in ages there was dew on the grass and on the car. A slight chill in the air, moisture replacing dry heat. My outdoors breakfast felt cooler than normal, the sun at a different angle as it starts heading north to hide behind the mountain for the colder months.Although I love both summer heat and winter cold-cuddly-rain weather, I think I enjoy Spring and Autumn the most. Those inbetween times. Spring's bursting life and greenery everywhere. Autumn's mist and slow bedding down of the world to rest.
Our lives no longer follow the seasons as our ancestors' did. We eat summer tomatoes in the dead of winter (although at a price). Central heating and cooling (for the lucky) keep our temperatures at a constant level. Our food sources are so far away that we have no need to watch the seasons, plant our crops, or harvest them at precisely the right time. For us the sun comes up, goes down, days pass - and we barely notice those subtle changes that differentiate our seasons.
Perhaps with my desire to live in harmony with the earth, to find balance and rhythm, my senses are more in tune with the world around me. Perhaps it's just the way I was raised - to live close to nature and notice what she does. Whatever it is, the first hint of Autumn this morning had me drawing deep breaths of fresh cool air, feeling a ripple of pleasure on my skin in the cool of a new day.
DIY (Ding It Yourself)
Someone needs to invent a hammer that doesn't crack/bruise any bones in your fingers when you miss.
Clearing Clutter the High-Tech way
In my quest to empty the garage of stored and old goodies, I joined Freecycle.org this weekend - the Cape Town chapter.
Oh my goodness! I posted an offer for the huge pile of clothing/shoes/bedding I've tried to get rid of before - and within seconds had 9 emails back, wanting the stuff. One guy's coming through to pick up some of it over lunchtime. But he didn't take me seriously when I said "Car-load of clothes" - he's arriving in a small car which will probably only take half the stuff.
However, I do have a lot of other folk lined up to take what's left. And then I can start advertising the other things!
Within no time, if this is anything to go by, I should have cleared enough space for the car, a work bench and all my power tools. And have a whole lot less stuff. Them rats is gonna have to find a new home.
I highly recommend getting involved with Freecycle or a similar group, if you're drowning in clutter. One man's junk is another's treasure, and there may be someone out there who has been desperately seeking exactly what you're desperately trying to rid yourself of.
Give it a go!
Oh my goodness! I posted an offer for the huge pile of clothing/shoes/bedding I've tried to get rid of before - and within seconds had 9 emails back, wanting the stuff. One guy's coming through to pick up some of it over lunchtime. But he didn't take me seriously when I said "Car-load of clothes" - he's arriving in a small car which will probably only take half the stuff.
However, I do have a lot of other folk lined up to take what's left. And then I can start advertising the other things!
Within no time, if this is anything to go by, I should have cleared enough space for the car, a work bench and all my power tools. And have a whole lot less stuff. Them rats is gonna have to find a new home.
I highly recommend getting involved with Freecycle or a similar group, if you're drowning in clutter. One man's junk is another's treasure, and there may be someone out there who has been desperately seeking exactly what you're desperately trying to rid yourself of.
Give it a go!
HELP - Cabbage
Before you see "cabbage" and go YUCK, let me assure you that it's all in the preperation. Cooked cabbage, dotted with butter and sprinkled with Aromat is devine. And most of us like coleslaw, especially if made with Miracle Whip and including chopped up apples.
But those can get a bit tedious. So here's your chance to contribute to our culinary experience, and share how you make this large, leafy green veg edible. And attractive to Kids. Especially when you bought a flippin' massive one at the veg store yesterday...
But those can get a bit tedious. So here's your chance to contribute to our culinary experience, and share how you make this large, leafy green veg edible. And attractive to Kids. Especially when you bought a flippin' massive one at the veg store yesterday...
The Mind's Eye
Ever had someone tell you something, and what you saw in your head is completely different from what they actually meant?
Then you'll enjoy this, from BestAdsOnTv.com.
I'm still giggling.
Then you'll enjoy this, from BestAdsOnTv.com.
I'm still giggling.
Home Work
I think the spring-cleaning thing is hiting me a bit late this year. It's the last month of summer, and I've suddenly got this urge to sort out all the dog-hair, dustballs and sundry paraphanalia lying in hidden corners of the house. I'm looking at those shelves that get dusted around the objects they contain. I'm pondering the contents of cupboards. I'm noticing the tatty bits and the things that need a good scrub down or re-paint.
I took a good hard look at our abode on our return from Australia last year. I realized just how crappy a lot of things were, and that we'd become immune to squalour. But that quickly wore off, and we were back to the more-than-gently-worn look.
But somehow my perspective changed in the past few weeks. It could have something to do with dad staying with us, or the relatives dropping in, or the ex coming by to visit. I realized that what they see and what I see are two completely different things.
So, bit by bit I'm sorting out the house again. There was a time where I'd do one thing every day after work - until summer struck and I spent that time instead outdoors. I may need to revive that habit. Sanding down the passage is going to take a while, and it's not the only thing on my list!
I've been garnering inspiration from the nut-case that is Ty (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition), rethinking my use of space, furnishings, light and colour. I've started saving pictures of "looks" I like to a special folder on the home computer, and last week trawled through 6 years of House & Leisure mags to find what I liked there. I've noticed a serious trend developing - natural light wood, strong accent colour, lots of light and space, furnishings that do double-duty (sofa beds or things that fold into walls). I'm working with those to start creating the house I've wanted for ages.
So here's to homework, Home Work. While my son does his, I'll be doing mine.
image credit Merida Meridian.
I took a good hard look at our abode on our return from Australia last year. I realized just how crappy a lot of things were, and that we'd become immune to squalour. But that quickly wore off, and we were back to the more-than-gently-worn look.But somehow my perspective changed in the past few weeks. It could have something to do with dad staying with us, or the relatives dropping in, or the ex coming by to visit. I realized that what they see and what I see are two completely different things.
So, bit by bit I'm sorting out the house again. There was a time where I'd do one thing every day after work - until summer struck and I spent that time instead outdoors. I may need to revive that habit. Sanding down the passage is going to take a while, and it's not the only thing on my list!
I've been garnering inspiration from the nut-case that is Ty (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition), rethinking my use of space, furnishings, light and colour. I've started saving pictures of "looks" I like to a special folder on the home computer, and last week trawled through 6 years of House & Leisure mags to find what I liked there. I've noticed a serious trend developing - natural light wood, strong accent colour, lots of light and space, furnishings that do double-duty (sofa beds or things that fold into walls). I'm working with those to start creating the house I've wanted for ages.
So here's to homework, Home Work. While my son does his, I'll be doing mine.
image credit Merida Meridian.
DIY
Bless me father - I have sinned once more.
But it wasn't a very big sin this time, just a trip to the hardware store to pick up some small things. I avoided the power tools this time, and instead bought a nifty "plug-in" for the drill so I can sand down my 1 square metre "passage" of parquet flooring (currently painted over and looking crummy), a wood-soaking clear coat that will make it shine, copper piping for the pan-pipes my son must make for a school project, and a couple of nails to put up the fence. Oh, and a hacksaw, to cut the copper piping with.
Unfortunately that wasn't the only shop I went to, but my son needed an artist's sketch book, set of varying-hardness pencils, sharpener, eraser and pencil case for art. And I needed new undies. And returned some clothing for a cash voucher (will shop it away later). And bought dog food and Marmite. And then fruit & veggies. I managed to avoid buying a very tempting 5-in-1 DVD set at Toys R Us.
See, it really wasn't that big a sin this time. Just a little package of things for my DIY, so that my busy hands will keep me from being idle (and so save me another sin).
Unfortunately, while there I spotted the wood-offcuts bin. But I DID avoid diving in to give all the bits a home.
Perhaps I'm recovering from my addictions to powertools and hardware?
Perhaps not...
But it wasn't a very big sin this time, just a trip to the hardware store to pick up some small things. I avoided the power tools this time, and instead bought a nifty "plug-in" for the drill so I can sand down my 1 square metre "passage" of parquet flooring (currently painted over and looking crummy), a wood-soaking clear coat that will make it shine, copper piping for the pan-pipes my son must make for a school project, and a couple of nails to put up the fence. Oh, and a hacksaw, to cut the copper piping with.
Unfortunately that wasn't the only shop I went to, but my son needed an artist's sketch book, set of varying-hardness pencils, sharpener, eraser and pencil case for art. And I needed new undies. And returned some clothing for a cash voucher (will shop it away later). And bought dog food and Marmite. And then fruit & veggies. I managed to avoid buying a very tempting 5-in-1 DVD set at Toys R Us.
See, it really wasn't that big a sin this time. Just a little package of things for my DIY, so that my busy hands will keep me from being idle (and so save me another sin).
Unfortunately, while there I spotted the wood-offcuts bin. But I DID avoid diving in to give all the bits a home.
Perhaps I'm recovering from my addictions to powertools and hardware?
Perhaps not...
That's It - We're Screwed
Last week I taped a late-night BBC documentary on Global Dimming. I've just watched it. We're seriously screwed. ALL of us.
Global Dimming is a phenomenon that's been on the increase over the past 100 years. Basically, particles of pollution are thrown up into the atmosphere and block the sun. But that's not all - they also collect water molecules around them in clouds, causing clouds to mirror-back the sunlight out into space.
Apparently scientists were real sceptical about this at first, until they did a very expensive and lengthy experiment to prove it. But they were puzzled by the results - surely less sunlight reaching us means colder temps? But we've got global warming!
And then some blokes in Australia investigated pan evaporation - how much water evaporates each day from a pan - and found that sunlight is required to "bounce" water particles off the surface and into the air. So less sunlight = less evaporation.
Well, then why is the world drying out?
For a number of reasons.
Remember the drought in Ethiopa region in the 80's? They linked it back to global dimming. The monsoon depends on sunlight heating up the northern oceans during summer sufficiently to shift the rain band around the Equator north to where it's supposed to rain. Pollution from the USA and Europe prevented sunlight from getting through to the ocean, so the band didn't shift. Driving your car, burning coal - you could have caused the famine! Comtrails from planes are a huge contributor too. Satellite images taken over California show more trails than clouds.
Easy solution, you say. Stop pollution!
And that's what is happening in Europe. Cleaner-burning fuels, less particle pollution, problem solved!
No.
A study was done in the 3 days after 9/11 when most planes were grounded. It showed a horrifying situation that no-one could have guessed. Average temperatures jumped double what was expected during that very short time!
You see, there's still greenhouse gas, which is doing the global warming thing. Take away the particle pollution and something horrific happens. We're no longer covered by a screen of pollution, and the sunlight gets through full-strength. The average temperature starts to climb at double the rate that was expected. Ice cap melt, habitat drying out - you know the drill. Within 100 years we face flooding and desertification on a massive scale, and average increase in temperature of 10 degrees. Fine if you're in England, not so fine if you're already in a hot country. Greenland's ice cap will melt irreversibly. Seas will rise about 8 metres. The Amazon rainforests will dry up and burn - releasing more CO2 into the air. Warmer seas cause a certain kind of methane to be released from the seabed - many times more than all the oil and coal reserves we currently have.
As I said - we're seriously screwed.
And it seems there's no hope. There's nothing we can do. It will speed up and we're all dead.
There is only one solution. Stop both particle pollution AND greenhouse gas emissions. NOW. This has been coming for 20 years, but we cannot afford to dilly-dally no more... Not if we plan on living on this planet, or leaving anything for our kids to inhabit. (Note, this programme was aired a while back - how much worse is it now?)
Now it's all good and well for me to go off on a scary rant here, and for you to make big changes in how you live. But the guys in charge simply don't seem to care. Presidents and rulers the world over are carrying on like there's no tomorrow - burning, pillaging, upping their oil consumption and pollution, ignoring those "crazy activists". And thanks to the big guys there just may be no tomorrow for anyone.
What to do? I don't know. One voice in cyberspace ain't gonna make much difference. But spreading the world, working for change, alerting the ignorant - that's something I can do. I can change me, I can change my habits. It may not be much, but if a million, a billion of me do the same, that will make one huge difference.
And we'll no longer be screwed.
-----------
Food for thought:
* What is Plan B?
* See yesterday's Country Living article link about reducing work miles.
* One family, one month, 50kg packaging - note the oil requirements to make a single plastic cap...
Global Dimming is a phenomenon that's been on the increase over the past 100 years. Basically, particles of pollution are thrown up into the atmosphere and block the sun. But that's not all - they also collect water molecules around them in clouds, causing clouds to mirror-back the sunlight out into space.
Apparently scientists were real sceptical about this at first, until they did a very expensive and lengthy experiment to prove it. But they were puzzled by the results - surely less sunlight reaching us means colder temps? But we've got global warming!
And then some blokes in Australia investigated pan evaporation - how much water evaporates each day from a pan - and found that sunlight is required to "bounce" water particles off the surface and into the air. So less sunlight = less evaporation.
Well, then why is the world drying out?
For a number of reasons.
Remember the drought in Ethiopa region in the 80's? They linked it back to global dimming. The monsoon depends on sunlight heating up the northern oceans during summer sufficiently to shift the rain band around the Equator north to where it's supposed to rain. Pollution from the USA and Europe prevented sunlight from getting through to the ocean, so the band didn't shift. Driving your car, burning coal - you could have caused the famine! Comtrails from planes are a huge contributor too. Satellite images taken over California show more trails than clouds.
Easy solution, you say. Stop pollution!
And that's what is happening in Europe. Cleaner-burning fuels, less particle pollution, problem solved!
No.
A study was done in the 3 days after 9/11 when most planes were grounded. It showed a horrifying situation that no-one could have guessed. Average temperatures jumped double what was expected during that very short time!
You see, there's still greenhouse gas, which is doing the global warming thing. Take away the particle pollution and something horrific happens. We're no longer covered by a screen of pollution, and the sunlight gets through full-strength. The average temperature starts to climb at double the rate that was expected. Ice cap melt, habitat drying out - you know the drill. Within 100 years we face flooding and desertification on a massive scale, and average increase in temperature of 10 degrees. Fine if you're in England, not so fine if you're already in a hot country. Greenland's ice cap will melt irreversibly. Seas will rise about 8 metres. The Amazon rainforests will dry up and burn - releasing more CO2 into the air. Warmer seas cause a certain kind of methane to be released from the seabed - many times more than all the oil and coal reserves we currently have.
As I said - we're seriously screwed.
And it seems there's no hope. There's nothing we can do. It will speed up and we're all dead.
There is only one solution. Stop both particle pollution AND greenhouse gas emissions. NOW. This has been coming for 20 years, but we cannot afford to dilly-dally no more... Not if we plan on living on this planet, or leaving anything for our kids to inhabit. (Note, this programme was aired a while back - how much worse is it now?)
Now it's all good and well for me to go off on a scary rant here, and for you to make big changes in how you live. But the guys in charge simply don't seem to care. Presidents and rulers the world over are carrying on like there's no tomorrow - burning, pillaging, upping their oil consumption and pollution, ignoring those "crazy activists". And thanks to the big guys there just may be no tomorrow for anyone.
What to do? I don't know. One voice in cyberspace ain't gonna make much difference. But spreading the world, working for change, alerting the ignorant - that's something I can do. I can change me, I can change my habits. It may not be much, but if a million, a billion of me do the same, that will make one huge difference.
And we'll no longer be screwed.
-----------
Food for thought:
* What is Plan B?
* See yesterday's Country Living article link about reducing work miles.
* One family, one month, 50kg packaging - note the oil requirements to make a single plastic cap...
Shabbat Shalom
Family. Conjours up so many images in our heads. Good times, bad times, parents and siblings, family of God, extended family, married-in family, fragmented or nuclear.
We all belong to one, one way or another. What we make of our family is our choice, even if it doesn't seem so. We can change how our family fits together for good or for bad.
This Sabbath, take some family time. Spend it with your family, think about your family, reach out to someone you've been ignoring over past misdeed and mend a bridge. Get in contact with family you haven't seen in ages - just to say hi.
And think on the bigger family you're a part of. Humans, God's kids, inhabitants of this planet. Interconnected and dependent on each other, whether we choose it or not.
Be family to someone who feels alone. Adopt a granny or grandpa, invite a single person over for a meal, play with a kid until they exhaust you.
Peace to you and your family.
Saving for Serenity
I'm in the process of planning my annual leave, and this year it seems my priorities are a little different from last year.
Firstly, I've got an extra 20 days to play with. That was going to be a month-long trip to Australia, which has been approved already for April or June/July - but funds currently prevent taking it. So I'm thinking of alternative things to fill it with.
Then I have another 20 days normal leave to allocate somewhere. Usually I try to spread it out across the year, so I don't burn out after the hectic bits. I group it around long weekends and/or public holidays, to get the best bang for my buck so to speak. Traditionally, I take my first bit right after registation closes - which happens next week - as I've been running non-stop since November to get all my new students processed and really, really need it!
But this year I've got a few things I want to do with all that time off.
I may take the month's worth to work really hard at my business. I have a number of things to organize still, and not enough time to do so in addition to my daily work/home stuff. I could focus entirely on them during that time.
I want to get a couple of things done around the house. Bookshelves, painting the walls, flooring issues, perhaps some original artwork. A nice bit of DIY.
I want to take at least a week for serenity too - hence this post's title. Not just any serenity, but the kind that involves booking a massage and a few other "spa" type things. (I'm hoping to try out some yoga and pilates too)
Which is why I need to save for serenity. I've just been checking costs at a few nearby places. For the pleasure of someone else laying hands on you, it's a good few hundred bucks. For more exotic things like vinotherapy, hot rock treatments, wraps and such the cost leans more toward a thousand and over. Let's not even look at an entire day booked in for the works!!! Even yoga or pilates classes will set you back a bit.
I seriously do not want to abuse a friendship and ask if I could get a discount/freebie from the ex who manages one of the places. Nor do I want to take advantage of my sis-in-law and her salon.
So I'll need to put aside a bit of me-cash. In a way it's about time I did. I haven't treated myself to as much as coffee in ages. I haven't been out alone socially in years. I don't indulge in anything other than the odd chocolate (which is only adding to my need for a couple of body treatments). The only real me-time I get is a lengthy bath with a book now and then. And if I've learnt anything from Dr Phil (sorry Chitty!) it's that one can best take care of others if you've taken care of yourself. The more you need to give, the more you need to have available to give. It's like building up a reservoir of strength through ensuring you are centred, relaxed, balanced and healthy. Makes sense to me, even if Dr Phil did say it.
As I plan my leave, I'm taking all this into consideration. My dreams for the future, my age (not getting any younger), my stage of life, my health/weight issues, my desire for peace, solitude and silence - and how depleted I feel inside & out. I'm working on a plan to make things better this year, using the time I am granted to step out of the office. I may have to hold off on some of the more expensive holiday options for a bit, but planning with a goal in sight is a whole lot better than randomly selecting dates on a calendar.
Firstly, I've got an extra 20 days to play with. That was going to be a month-long trip to Australia, which has been approved already for April or June/July - but funds currently prevent taking it. So I'm thinking of alternative things to fill it with.
Then I have another 20 days normal leave to allocate somewhere. Usually I try to spread it out across the year, so I don't burn out after the hectic bits. I group it around long weekends and/or public holidays, to get the best bang for my buck so to speak. Traditionally, I take my first bit right after registation closes - which happens next week - as I've been running non-stop since November to get all my new students processed and really, really need it!
But this year I've got a few things I want to do with all that time off.
I may take the month's worth to work really hard at my business. I have a number of things to organize still, and not enough time to do so in addition to my daily work/home stuff. I could focus entirely on them during that time.
I want to get a couple of things done around the house. Bookshelves, painting the walls, flooring issues, perhaps some original artwork. A nice bit of DIY.
I want to take at least a week for serenity too - hence this post's title. Not just any serenity, but the kind that involves booking a massage and a few other "spa" type things. (I'm hoping to try out some yoga and pilates too)
Which is why I need to save for serenity. I've just been checking costs at a few nearby places. For the pleasure of someone else laying hands on you, it's a good few hundred bucks. For more exotic things like vinotherapy, hot rock treatments, wraps and such the cost leans more toward a thousand and over. Let's not even look at an entire day booked in for the works!!! Even yoga or pilates classes will set you back a bit.
I seriously do not want to abuse a friendship and ask if I could get a discount/freebie from the ex who manages one of the places. Nor do I want to take advantage of my sis-in-law and her salon.
So I'll need to put aside a bit of me-cash. In a way it's about time I did. I haven't treated myself to as much as coffee in ages. I haven't been out alone socially in years. I don't indulge in anything other than the odd chocolate (which is only adding to my need for a couple of body treatments). The only real me-time I get is a lengthy bath with a book now and then. And if I've learnt anything from Dr Phil (sorry Chitty!) it's that one can best take care of others if you've taken care of yourself. The more you need to give, the more you need to have available to give. It's like building up a reservoir of strength through ensuring you are centred, relaxed, balanced and healthy. Makes sense to me, even if Dr Phil did say it.
As I plan my leave, I'm taking all this into consideration. My dreams for the future, my age (not getting any younger), my stage of life, my health/weight issues, my desire for peace, solitude and silence - and how depleted I feel inside & out. I'm working on a plan to make things better this year, using the time I am granted to step out of the office. I may have to hold off on some of the more expensive holiday options for a bit, but planning with a goal in sight is a whole lot better than randomly selecting dates on a calendar.
Links for Thursday
(When you got nothing to say - link! :) ) As usual, all links open in a new window.
* Reduce your work miles - article at Country Living, and UK website. Some really great ideas!
* Why do our schools still give writing as punishment? (Printed out and posted anon to my son's school....)
* Sticks - the coolest room divider I've seen in ages. I think I'm going to make one....
* Gotwind.org - DIY renewable energy resource site.
* HTML CSS PHP Template maker - define the options, get the code.
* Levers - frustratingly simply Flash game. Beware the birds!
* Knock Knock - buy yourself something with a sense of humour.
* Reduce your work miles - article at Country Living, and UK website. Some really great ideas!
* Why do our schools still give writing as punishment? (Printed out and posted anon to my son's school....)
* Sticks - the coolest room divider I've seen in ages. I think I'm going to make one....
* Gotwind.org - DIY renewable energy resource site.
* HTML CSS PHP Template maker - define the options, get the code.
* Levers - frustratingly simply Flash game. Beware the birds!
* Knock Knock - buy yourself something with a sense of humour.
I get the Geeks
I get it now. I know why geeks are (stereotypically) pale, indoors types. After an entire day of interruptions while trying to get some CSS code sorted before a gigantic website upgrade, I get it.
You need your whole brain to write code and not lose where you're at, to follow a train of thought and planning to the end until you've got it right. You do NOT need to have to multitask 2 different jobs at the same time, as well as be the source of all information for those who:
a) can't hear who the bloke on the phone is asking for, so put him through to you
b) can't understand the bloke on the phone, so put him through to you
c) can't remember their own names, never mind any aspects of their job, and regularly don't get why the photocopy machine is flashing a detailed picture at them when it jams (follow the instructions! duh...).
It's enough to lock yourself away in a dark room and not be disturbed until you're done.
And if you're a Serious Geek and can hand-code miles and miles of stuff, then you may not come out of your room for years.
Me, I'm just a mini geek, trying to get a few basics right. But I get it.
You need your whole brain to write code and not lose where you're at, to follow a train of thought and planning to the end until you've got it right. You do NOT need to have to multitask 2 different jobs at the same time, as well as be the source of all information for those who:
a) can't hear who the bloke on the phone is asking for, so put him through to you
b) can't understand the bloke on the phone, so put him through to you
c) can't remember their own names, never mind any aspects of their job, and regularly don't get why the photocopy machine is flashing a detailed picture at them when it jams (follow the instructions! duh...).
It's enough to lock yourself away in a dark room and not be disturbed until you're done.
And if you're a Serious Geek and can hand-code miles and miles of stuff, then you may not come out of your room for years.
Me, I'm just a mini geek, trying to get a few basics right. But I get it.
You say it!
Pick one or more and post a comment (3,000 characters worth of comment space to play with).
::upadte:: My answers posted in italics.
1. Is sex outside of marriage really wrong? Really that wrong?
Yes and no. I was brought up believing it's wrong, and I still believe it's ideal to keep sex for marriage. I also know from past experience how getting into random sex can destroy the soul, the sense of self-worth, in one who is already a bit beaten down on those aspects of life. These days there's the added risk of various infections - many of which simply don't show up as symptoms but can have lasting detrimental effects to the health later down the line.
But then I wonder - what about a committed, safe, loving relationship that isn't marriage? What about someone who is never going to get married - do they just get old and die without experiencing the intimacy that can be shared with another?
And then I also wonder about imbedded things - like guilt over sex because you've been brought up to think it's wrong or dirty. Issues with your sexuality because you've never been taught how to handle it.
I'm pondering all this. Not that there's any potential for a sexual situation in my future! :) Just wondering if my beliefs in this area have changed as dramatically as my beliefs in others. And if so, why?
2. How do you give a dog a pill, without him spitting it out repeatedly until your hands are stained red with the nice colouring they put on it to make it look good (and yet it still remains unswallowed, despite being hidden in cheese and/or peanut butter)?
I tried everything under the sun to get it down his throat. Eventually had to cook up a pot of chicken livers and brown rice, hide it in the food - and it went down that way.
3. What are you having for lunch today?
I noticed my cherry tomatoes ("eyeballs") are prolifically ripe while watering the garden. Yesterday was too hot too cook - we literally ate bread and fruit all day. Today the tomatoes will end up in the meal, one way or another.
4. Could you do with a bit more sleep right now?
Yes. It was WAY too hot to sleep last night, even with our new fan going full steam and all the windows open to catch any stray breezes. I'm tired, cranky, and my back is sore. I hope it cools down enough for us to all get a full night's rest soon.
5. Have you ever considered just giving up on God, religion and thoughts of heaven or hell? Just living here and now and not bothering about the rest?
Yes. I've wondered if all the struggle to connect with an unseen God and boost up a wavering faith is worth it, or if simply living a good life, as much as I can manage, is enough. Like Kelly, I wonder if God will show up in a bigger, more real form if I simply quit. Or if I'll then be completely and utterly doomed.
6. Ladies - do you like kissing guys with beards or moustaches? (Guys - I won't ask about kissing girls with similar facial hair...)
Yuk, hate moustaches and beards. Almost as much as I hate kissing someone who smokes. I do try to keep my own facial hair to a minimum... :)
7. What's the coolest thing you've seen online today? Link so we can see it too?
Been there, done that. See Thursday's (today's) links post.
8. Do you like dreadlocks?
I didn't think I liked them, until 2 days ago. When I saw this. Now I seriously do, as long as they're on him! He looks much better with dreads than all clean-shaven and surfer-boyish. I guess it helps that he's got simply gorgeous eyes, is very very tall, and deliciously built.
9. What do you crave when you're starving-hungry?
Chocolate. Something with tomatoes. Depends on the mood.
10. What's the image that pops into your head when someone says the word "childhood"?
My dream home - literally. I've dreamt for years of a huge double-story old wood house, with an ancient tree in the front yard (and tyre swing), a river down the bottom of the garden, barns and an orchard out back, settled in a ring of hills. Stone-flagged floors, sunlight streaming into the kitchen. Big fireplace in the lounge. Wood floors upstairs. And lots of kids running knee-deep in the waving grass.
If I'm thinking of my own childhood, there are so many images that flash past - riding bikes in the bushveld, our treehouse in Gweru, holidays at the grandparent's farm, visiting friends during the Rhodesian war and riding in their armoured vehicle.
::upadte:: My answers posted in italics.
1. Is sex outside of marriage really wrong? Really that wrong?
Yes and no. I was brought up believing it's wrong, and I still believe it's ideal to keep sex for marriage. I also know from past experience how getting into random sex can destroy the soul, the sense of self-worth, in one who is already a bit beaten down on those aspects of life. These days there's the added risk of various infections - many of which simply don't show up as symptoms but can have lasting detrimental effects to the health later down the line.
But then I wonder - what about a committed, safe, loving relationship that isn't marriage? What about someone who is never going to get married - do they just get old and die without experiencing the intimacy that can be shared with another?
And then I also wonder about imbedded things - like guilt over sex because you've been brought up to think it's wrong or dirty. Issues with your sexuality because you've never been taught how to handle it.
I'm pondering all this. Not that there's any potential for a sexual situation in my future! :) Just wondering if my beliefs in this area have changed as dramatically as my beliefs in others. And if so, why?
2. How do you give a dog a pill, without him spitting it out repeatedly until your hands are stained red with the nice colouring they put on it to make it look good (and yet it still remains unswallowed, despite being hidden in cheese and/or peanut butter)?
I tried everything under the sun to get it down his throat. Eventually had to cook up a pot of chicken livers and brown rice, hide it in the food - and it went down that way.
3. What are you having for lunch today?
I noticed my cherry tomatoes ("eyeballs") are prolifically ripe while watering the garden. Yesterday was too hot too cook - we literally ate bread and fruit all day. Today the tomatoes will end up in the meal, one way or another.
4. Could you do with a bit more sleep right now?
Yes. It was WAY too hot to sleep last night, even with our new fan going full steam and all the windows open to catch any stray breezes. I'm tired, cranky, and my back is sore. I hope it cools down enough for us to all get a full night's rest soon.
5. Have you ever considered just giving up on God, religion and thoughts of heaven or hell? Just living here and now and not bothering about the rest?
Yes. I've wondered if all the struggle to connect with an unseen God and boost up a wavering faith is worth it, or if simply living a good life, as much as I can manage, is enough. Like Kelly, I wonder if God will show up in a bigger, more real form if I simply quit. Or if I'll then be completely and utterly doomed.
6. Ladies - do you like kissing guys with beards or moustaches? (Guys - I won't ask about kissing girls with similar facial hair...)
Yuk, hate moustaches and beards. Almost as much as I hate kissing someone who smokes. I do try to keep my own facial hair to a minimum... :)
7. What's the coolest thing you've seen online today? Link so we can see it too?
Been there, done that. See Thursday's (today's) links post.
8. Do you like dreadlocks?
I didn't think I liked them, until 2 days ago. When I saw this. Now I seriously do, as long as they're on him! He looks much better with dreads than all clean-shaven and surfer-boyish. I guess it helps that he's got simply gorgeous eyes, is very very tall, and deliciously built.
9. What do you crave when you're starving-hungry?
Chocolate. Something with tomatoes. Depends on the mood.
10. What's the image that pops into your head when someone says the word "childhood"?
My dream home - literally. I've dreamt for years of a huge double-story old wood house, with an ancient tree in the front yard (and tyre swing), a river down the bottom of the garden, barns and an orchard out back, settled in a ring of hills. Stone-flagged floors, sunlight streaming into the kitchen. Big fireplace in the lounge. Wood floors upstairs. And lots of kids running knee-deep in the waving grass.
If I'm thinking of my own childhood, there are so many images that flash past - riding bikes in the bushveld, our treehouse in Gweru, holidays at the grandparent's farm, visiting friends during the Rhodesian war and riding in their armoured vehicle.
Life with dogs - priceless!
It's off to the vet for me (and the dog) this morning. It's been a while, we're not there a whole lot. Mostly because it costs R120 just to look at the vet - never mind tests and medication and all that. Usually I'll wait a day to see if the beast comes right on his own, and more often than not he does.
But one of my dogs is not lekker. He's listless, sleeps all the time, hasn't had much to eat or drink. He did perk up a little for a walk yesterday, and managed to howl when I left - but I think I still need to get him to the vet. I picked a tick off him a few weeks back, and am hoping it's not tick-bite fever...
Generally the "life with dogs - priceless" refers to the great times we have with our pets. They're fun to have around, funny to watch, loving and always happy to see us. Today though, I get to fork out a bit of cash for the pleasure of being a pack leader. My Mastercard will be paying for "everything else".
Hope the poor canine recovers soon. I hate seeing him like this.
But one of my dogs is not lekker. He's listless, sleeps all the time, hasn't had much to eat or drink. He did perk up a little for a walk yesterday, and managed to howl when I left - but I think I still need to get him to the vet. I picked a tick off him a few weeks back, and am hoping it's not tick-bite fever...
Generally the "life with dogs - priceless" refers to the great times we have with our pets. They're fun to have around, funny to watch, loving and always happy to see us. Today though, I get to fork out a bit of cash for the pleasure of being a pack leader. My Mastercard will be paying for "everything else".
Hope the poor canine recovers soon. I hate seeing him like this.
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