I've just been resorting some photos and found this shot sent to me by my dad. I spent 2 years of my life in the town where this was taken. I'll bet only one person reading this will immediately know exactly where it is.. :-)
Photoblog: Retro
I've just been resorting some photos and found this shot sent to me by my dad. I spent 2 years of my life in the town where this was taken. I'll bet only one person reading this will immediately know exactly where it is.. :-)
Shrek 3
Was not worth the R80 we paid to see it. Right from the word go it didn't grab either of us, nor get much of a laugh. Not even from the hordes of little kids in the sold-out show. I think they tried too hard this time. End of series, bye-bye.
However, we are very much looking forward to Harry Potter! :-)
However, we are very much looking forward to Harry Potter! :-)
Strategy
Best time to go shopping for clothes? When you're "that time of month" bloated. Not only will you feel a lot thinner in a few days time, but you're less likely to be swayed by syrupy-sweet sales-people to buy things you don't really want (and more likely to tell them where to stick it).
Friday, finally
It's been one of those weeks again, the kind where I can't wait for the end of it, but don't really want to rush through life without appreciating the present... And of course my penchant for daydreaming and scheming has kept my mind occupied.
The leg, she's still sore. I think I've definitely cracked/broken something at ankle level, cos things never take this long to heal up. Bruises fading, but it doesn't feel right. No, not going to a doctor - there's really nothing that can be done any more than just wait for it to sort itself out.
But now it's the weekend. I can rest up a bit, relax, and yes - get my hands greasy again. Provided the weather plays along, I have plans for that blue Landy outside! I have plans for me too, including a mall trip for the first time in a while. I may pick up a new heater while I'm there. Things have been rather chilly in the Cape this week.
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The leg, she's still sore. I think I've definitely cracked/broken something at ankle level, cos things never take this long to heal up. Bruises fading, but it doesn't feel right. No, not going to a doctor - there's really nothing that can be done any more than just wait for it to sort itself out.
But now it's the weekend. I can rest up a bit, relax, and yes - get my hands greasy again. Provided the weather plays along, I have plans for that blue Landy outside! I have plans for me too, including a mall trip for the first time in a while. I may pick up a new heater while I'm there. Things have been rather chilly in the Cape this week.
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Keep going
What happens to you is not as importantOver the past few days I've been an observer to someone who is, quite by accident, being handed a dream I've wanted to fulfil for ages. One that is still going to take so much effort and investigation, hard slog and trying to get a foot up on the ladder for my part.
as how you react to what happens.
Admittedly, it's hard. Difficult to watch from the sidelines.
But the quote above has struck me rather forcefully. I could so easily say "there's only so much of that dream to go around, and I'm not going to get a slice". Which means giving up and not even bothering. I keep wanting to count the number of frustrations that have kept me from things I wanted to achieve in the past, and base what I do now on that. I've found myself doing it too often recently - comparing where I am in life to where others are, and coming up short. Making excuses, valid as many of them may have been at one time.
But no, this is a big dream and I'm not prepared to give it up. I have to shift the mind-set, to find a way to react that will not see me back off from my goal. Not at all easy, but very very necessary.
Dodgy
My work laptop's power supply has been playing up all week. This morning I had to fiddle a bit to get it going - but then the cleaning lady came through with her vacuum cleaner, moved it, and the thing died! Few hours later, and I'd logged a support request, battery dwindling... only to hear it will probably take 48 hours or so to replace, and if it's out of warranty there's an entire procedure to follow that may push it even longer!
Well a few minutes ago the laptop went dead. And I was thinking "forced holiday" - there's a lot I could be doing in this lovely weather! (unlike our folk up north who are being snowed on) But being the industrious chick I am, I thought I'd take one more look at the power supply.
Yup, you guessed it. I found out how to get it to at least stay on again... It still needs replacing, but I'm all powered up and back to the grindstone.
Pity.. :-)
Well a few minutes ago the laptop went dead. And I was thinking "forced holiday" - there's a lot I could be doing in this lovely weather! (unlike our folk up north who are being snowed on) But being the industrious chick I am, I thought I'd take one more look at the power supply.
Yup, you guessed it. I found out how to get it to at least stay on again... It still needs replacing, but I'm all powered up and back to the grindstone.
Pity.. :-)
Bad Blogger
I've become a bad blogger. Where I used to blog multiple times a day, suddenly it seems like days between posts. Well - sometimes it's more than "seems".
Life has taken over. Offline life (yes, there is one, if you look hard enough!).
But here's some of the bits making inroads:
* Leg & foot still sore. Still limping now and then, and the bit between ankle and injury is swollen more than I care to admit. There's a massive bruise on my foot - who knows what from - and that's where most of the pain is, especially at night. But hey, it will heal up eventually.
* Olivia's on the road. After last week's blow-up she's back to tootling along reasonably well. Just keeping an eye on things, and wearing waterproof clothing. The waterfalls during rain are something to behold. INSIDE the truck.
* Work continues, usually in a straight line. Sometimes veers off slightly. But I'm here and I'm doing what needs doing.
* Been writing a bit of different stuff after-hours. Watch this space. I may mention it sometime.
* Still besotted with one particularly spectacular man - that's not going to change anytime soon. Still not blogging the details here! :-)
* Brain's churning with some big plans. Unfortunately can't blog them either, but there's stuff happening in there.
And that's about it! Hey - at least it's a blog post.
Life has taken over. Offline life (yes, there is one, if you look hard enough!).
But here's some of the bits making inroads:
* Leg & foot still sore. Still limping now and then, and the bit between ankle and injury is swollen more than I care to admit. There's a massive bruise on my foot - who knows what from - and that's where most of the pain is, especially at night. But hey, it will heal up eventually.
* Olivia's on the road. After last week's blow-up she's back to tootling along reasonably well. Just keeping an eye on things, and wearing waterproof clothing. The waterfalls during rain are something to behold. INSIDE the truck.
* Work continues, usually in a straight line. Sometimes veers off slightly. But I'm here and I'm doing what needs doing.
* Been writing a bit of different stuff after-hours. Watch this space. I may mention it sometime.
* Still besotted with one particularly spectacular man - that's not going to change anytime soon. Still not blogging the details here! :-)
* Brain's churning with some big plans. Unfortunately can't blog them either, but there's stuff happening in there.
And that's about it! Hey - at least it's a blog post.
Storm
I scoffed at my Konfabulator's weather widget this morning, looking out at the clear skies, the wind slowly dying down... I thought there's no way we're going to have rain and 13 degrees!
Until about an hour ago.
The wind is seriously gale-force. Rattling the office windows, causing mini-blackouts and driving sheets of rain against the windows from out of a grey-black sky. Scary enough that some colleagues are looking at the windows with trepidation. Strong enough that the poor birds have no hope in landing on a fence or anything else for that matter.
This weekend I had to drive into the wind in the Landy. That took some doing! It's got all the aerodynamics of a block of flats. Fortunately homeward bound is with the wind, not against it. If my luck holds, I may not have to use the accelorator at all. :-) If my luck doesn't hold, I'm going to be blown over. Good thing I took off the roofrack and tent - could have been much worse.
Meantime though it's a very dark, very stormy day. Winter is back, and it's showing it's mean face.
Until about an hour ago.
The wind is seriously gale-force. Rattling the office windows, causing mini-blackouts and driving sheets of rain against the windows from out of a grey-black sky. Scary enough that some colleagues are looking at the windows with trepidation. Strong enough that the poor birds have no hope in landing on a fence or anything else for that matter.
This weekend I had to drive into the wind in the Landy. That took some doing! It's got all the aerodynamics of a block of flats. Fortunately homeward bound is with the wind, not against it. If my luck holds, I may not have to use the accelorator at all. :-) If my luck doesn't hold, I'm going to be blown over. Good thing I took off the roofrack and tent - could have been much worse.
Meantime though it's a very dark, very stormy day. Winter is back, and it's showing it's mean face.
Dramatic Chipmunk
More proof that small things amuse small minds. This one had my son and I rolling on the floor for half an hour or more last night.
GoGoGo
I arrived home exactly 19 minutes ago. It's the weekend - you'd assume I'm immediately out of the work stuff and into weekend-wear, shoes kicked off, relaxing and indulging in the sense of 2 free days with very few plans whatsoever.
Instead I'm sitting here wondering what I should be doing next.
It's been a week of go-go-go, rushing from one task to the next, thinking ahead to what needs doing after this, with not much blank nothing-time at all. And I can't seem to shake it tonight.
I have a lot of things I'd like to accomplish, things on my to-do list that need attention sooner rather than later. And they're weighing on my mind. Some of them I don't want to do in the rain (Olivia...), and I'm sitting watching pre-frontal clouds move in, bringing real winter weather again by next week! There's that driving me forward right now.
But I'm going to force myself to relax a bit, just chill. I'm off to watch the sunset from Olivia's wing (perfect sitting spot), as those pre-frontal clouds turn delicate shades of orange.
Then we'll see if I can finally hit weekend mode.
Instead I'm sitting here wondering what I should be doing next.
It's been a week of go-go-go, rushing from one task to the next, thinking ahead to what needs doing after this, with not much blank nothing-time at all. And I can't seem to shake it tonight.
I have a lot of things I'd like to accomplish, things on my to-do list that need attention sooner rather than later. And they're weighing on my mind. Some of them I don't want to do in the rain (Olivia...), and I'm sitting watching pre-frontal clouds move in, bringing real winter weather again by next week! There's that driving me forward right now.
But I'm going to force myself to relax a bit, just chill. I'm off to watch the sunset from Olivia's wing (perfect sitting spot), as those pre-frontal clouds turn delicate shades of orange.
Then we'll see if I can finally hit weekend mode.
Sign of the times
It's a clear indication that my brain is not normal when spam urging "enhance your tool" immediately calls forth images of socket sets and a power bar.... :-)
Solstice
Longest night of the year. Shortest day of the year. Winter solstice. I saw both sunrise and sunset from work - there's something so not right about that.
But hey - summer's coming!
Bits
* The thing about writing (using a computer screen) for a living is that one can all too easily develop eye strain. This week I've been struggling a LOT with my eyes. Monday afternoon I'd felt my eyes were tired. On Tuesday I woke up feeling like I had something poking into my left eye, but couldn't find a thing. By Tuesday night it was worse - so much so that I didn't get much sleep. I kept having shooting pains in my eyeball that woke me up. Can you see where REM may be an issue? :-) By Wednesday my eye was bright red with swollen eyeball and lids - quite the contrast to the blue iris, and giving a rather horrific look to things. The entire day was spent trying not to have it open too much, wiping away streaming tears from one eye and avoiding sunlight. Last night by 7:45 I couldn't take the pain anymore, and although I still had quite a bit of computer stuff to do, I switched it off and crawled under the duvet to rest my eyes. And, of course, drifted off. When the landline phone rang a bit later I grabbed the cellphone by mistake and didn't register for a few seconds as to why I couldn't answer it. But by this morning the eye was no longer extremely painful. It's still red, still hits patches where I can't see for pain - but generally it's ticking along OK, provided I take regular breaks.
* I need to pull my finger out and organize a few things. Sometimes good things do not come to those who wait. I'm getting fed up with my lack of progress in certain areas, and that usually leads to action. About jolly time too.
* I'm once again reliant on the good graces of others for transport to and from work today. See above. Steps must be taken (no, not literally - it's too far to walk!), decisions made. No more procrastination. I just need to line this up very carefully.
* Still need a holiday. But it's coming soon enough. Few pieces that need to fall in place first, then I look forward to letting it all hang out for a bit.
* I think I've found a passion to persue. We'll see what comes of it. Another area to pull finger out.
* I used to have gorgeous hands. Long, strong and shapely nails. Cuticles perfect, no bruises or bumps or scratches. No ingrained grease. Now I have a Land Rover. :-)
* I spent a good deal of yesterday evening making lists. Things to do, things to get, things to sell, things to remember. If I can, indeed, pull finger - it's going to be a busy time ahead, requiring all the concentrated effort this blonde brain can muster.
* That injury earlier this week? Still sore. New mahoosive bruise noted this morning at ankle level - they're only starting to kick in now. It looks like I've been beaten up below the knees. At least I'm no longer limping, but no-one better try feel my legs for a few days yet - shaving around scabs ain't pretty! :-) Waxing neither. That stuff's gotta wait.
* I need to pull my finger out and organize a few things. Sometimes good things do not come to those who wait. I'm getting fed up with my lack of progress in certain areas, and that usually leads to action. About jolly time too.
* I'm once again reliant on the good graces of others for transport to and from work today. See above. Steps must be taken (no, not literally - it's too far to walk!), decisions made. No more procrastination. I just need to line this up very carefully.
* Still need a holiday. But it's coming soon enough. Few pieces that need to fall in place first, then I look forward to letting it all hang out for a bit.
* I think I've found a passion to persue. We'll see what comes of it. Another area to pull finger out.
* I used to have gorgeous hands. Long, strong and shapely nails. Cuticles perfect, no bruises or bumps or scratches. No ingrained grease. Now I have a Land Rover. :-)
* I spent a good deal of yesterday evening making lists. Things to do, things to get, things to sell, things to remember. If I can, indeed, pull finger - it's going to be a busy time ahead, requiring all the concentrated effort this blonde brain can muster.
* That injury earlier this week? Still sore. New mahoosive bruise noted this morning at ankle level - they're only starting to kick in now. It looks like I've been beaten up below the knees. At least I'm no longer limping, but no-one better try feel my legs for a few days yet - shaving around scabs ain't pretty! :-) Waxing neither. That stuff's gotta wait.
Dammit
Another forced work-from-home day, with frustration and stress. Yup, Olivia didn't want to get going this morning. After 3 hours I gave up.
So here I am - thankful my laptop comes home with me every day. I've got more than enough to do! But it gets to me when I can't turn up as planned, when I miss meetings and appointments.
Yet...
I've realized everything happens for a reason. Even the seemingly bad stuff. I can't see the really big picture, stuck as I am at this surface-level. But there's a reason she didn't go this morning. Perhaps it was to avoid an accident, or to teach me some golden lesson, or simply because this is the way it needs to be today. I don't know. But accepting there's a reason behind everything makes it a lot easier to deal with.
So that's how I choose to see it.
Even if there are occasions where I end up kicking tyres in annoyance.
So here I am - thankful my laptop comes home with me every day. I've got more than enough to do! But it gets to me when I can't turn up as planned, when I miss meetings and appointments.
Yet...
I've realized everything happens for a reason. Even the seemingly bad stuff. I can't see the really big picture, stuck as I am at this surface-level. But there's a reason she didn't go this morning. Perhaps it was to avoid an accident, or to teach me some golden lesson, or simply because this is the way it needs to be today. I don't know. But accepting there's a reason behind everything makes it a lot easier to deal with.
So that's how I choose to see it.
Even if there are occasions where I end up kicking tyres in annoyance.
Liquid Diet
I've fallen into bad habits. Or perhaps one bad, one good.
Thing is this - I cannot force two slices of bread down my throat at 6:30 in the morning, a mere half-hour after I've been jolted awake by the alarm clock. It literally sticks in my throat and the dogs end up getting handouts.
But I cannot go without breakfast. Not when I have to work. I'll happily go without supper, but not breakfast on a working day. So what to do? Other than haul breakfast to work, along with toothbrush, vitamins, BioPlus...
Nope. Not going to happen.
But I've come up with a solution. Harhar... literally. (Small things, small minds, you know how it goes).
MILO is my solution! They've been toting it as a "food drink" for years, so now I'm putting it to the test. One cup of Milo is my weekday breakfast, and so far it's lasted nicely. (Add in continued wobbles disappearance and I'm a happy camper). It sees me through to lunchtime without hassle, and gives me the vooma I need to work.
Now if only I can avoid the other part of my new liquid diet - the temptation for that mid-morning or after-lunch cuppa from the Big Machine in the kitchen.
Thing is this - I cannot force two slices of bread down my throat at 6:30 in the morning, a mere half-hour after I've been jolted awake by the alarm clock. It literally sticks in my throat and the dogs end up getting handouts.
But I cannot go without breakfast. Not when I have to work. I'll happily go without supper, but not breakfast on a working day. So what to do? Other than haul breakfast to work, along with toothbrush, vitamins, BioPlus...
Nope. Not going to happen.
But I've come up with a solution. Harhar... literally. (Small things, small minds, you know how it goes).
MILO is my solution! They've been toting it as a "food drink" for years, so now I'm putting it to the test. One cup of Milo is my weekday breakfast, and so far it's lasted nicely. (Add in continued wobbles disappearance and I'm a happy camper). It sees me through to lunchtime without hassle, and gives me the vooma I need to work.
Now if only I can avoid the other part of my new liquid diet - the temptation for that mid-morning or after-lunch cuppa from the Big Machine in the kitchen.
Quiet, Shy Type
Folk who read my blog and don't know me in person are often surprised by the fact that yes - I'm actually the quiet shy type when you meet me. I mean, here it's like I shout from out windows, leeringly ogle male shoppers, fall noisily out of Land Rovers, speak my mind and get all aggro with life.
Yet... well, I've been told I'm the quietest chick in the section at work on more than one occasion. My evaluation yesterday brought out the need to up the aggro to get what I need to do my job (way too many to's in that sentance, but what the hell). I'm pretty meek and mild at times - there are only a few folk who have seen the inner me, and only one who I trust enough to completely let go with (well - I'm getting there).
I don't say a lot. I don't talk a lot (E, don't laugh). But I do write a lot - did you know that up until recently I was running 7 blogs, one offline journal, participating in two different car forums, typing all sorts of things into documents saved on my computer, emailing one poor person at least 20 times a day (or more), and still jolly-well write for a living? You'd think I have a lot to say! :-)
The thing is this - I think. I mull. I ponder. Sometimes it has to come out through my fingers. Sometimes it stays inside and percolates. Sometimes I'll spend days crafting a single blog post or editing an email. Sometimes I'll shoot off a couple of sentances off the top of my head (and hope I don't regret it later). I may not say much, but the brain's usually very busy with opinions, thoughts and ideas.
It's just that not many take the time to listen, so they don't get to hear it. Those who do, unfortunately get an earful! :-)
Yet... well, I've been told I'm the quietest chick in the section at work on more than one occasion. My evaluation yesterday brought out the need to up the aggro to get what I need to do my job (way too many to's in that sentance, but what the hell). I'm pretty meek and mild at times - there are only a few folk who have seen the inner me, and only one who I trust enough to completely let go with (well - I'm getting there).
I don't say a lot. I don't talk a lot (E, don't laugh). But I do write a lot - did you know that up until recently I was running 7 blogs, one offline journal, participating in two different car forums, typing all sorts of things into documents saved on my computer, emailing one poor person at least 20 times a day (or more), and still jolly-well write for a living? You'd think I have a lot to say! :-)
The thing is this - I think. I mull. I ponder. Sometimes it has to come out through my fingers. Sometimes it stays inside and percolates. Sometimes I'll spend days crafting a single blog post or editing an email. Sometimes I'll shoot off a couple of sentances off the top of my head (and hope I don't regret it later). I may not say much, but the brain's usually very busy with opinions, thoughts and ideas.
It's just that not many take the time to listen, so they don't get to hear it. Those who do, unfortunately get an earful! :-)
Good News / Bad News
The good news is I can walk today. Although I had a rough night, the leg's better this morning. Talking of rough nights, there was a bit of excitement around midnight in our complex, with security and neighbours chasing someone up and down until the police arrived to cart him off. Will try get the whole story later today.
The bad news is that I have to walk today. Something blew up in Olivia's engine as I turned on the battery this morning - in a cloud of white, ozone-smelling electrical smoke. Not good. But I don't have the time or mental energy to think about that yet. Becuase in an hour's time it's my first-3-months work evaluation!
The rest of my life will be sorted out later.
The bad news is that I have to walk today. Something blew up in Olivia's engine as I turned on the battery this morning - in a cloud of white, ozone-smelling electrical smoke. Not good. But I don't have the time or mental energy to think about that yet. Becuase in an hour's time it's my first-3-months work evaluation!
The rest of my life will be sorted out later.
Eina
I'm not a pain wimp. I can take a lot without moaning. But tonight I'm sitting at my desk basically unable to move. I went from bed to here earlier and then sat and cried for 10 minutes. Lying in bed was a mission too, trying to find a position that didn't hurt.
And why?
Because I made a mistake getting out of Olivia earlier. I spent a few hours removing storage from the back (T - how long did it take to put in? :-) ) as a final "lightening" exercise and chance to clean her out thoroughly and see what I'm working with. As I finished up, I was climbing backwards over the spare in the back when I slipped. My shins bounced off sharp British steel as they headed toward the far-off tar - where I landed heavily. And nearly screamed (I don't scream neither... not even when there's a rain spider in the shower).
Right through the jeans were two very large scrapes, already turning black around the edges and so painful I just stood there swearing and trying not to cry for a few minutes. But I still had to get the storage sections across the road and stacked up at home, so did that while tears streamed down my face and I bit my lip.
Back home I hobbled up stairs and took a photo as proof (yeah, life with digital cameras!), then sat down and tried to breathe. Going back downstairs to make lunch was torture, but I had to do that and check 2 final things on Olivia before the rain arrived.
Thereafter I attempted a nap - and did get one once I'd found a way to lie where my feet weren't pulling on my legs in funny positions. But when I got up again the pain was like nothing I can remember. Not giving birth (had "laughing gas" to help with that), not having my pelvis cracked and tailbone broken in a big car smash years ago, not even breaking my baby toe. Perhaps time has dulled those memories.
I can't stand on my left leg. I can't move it without using my hands, and then it comes at a price. I hope I haven't broken it or cracked the bone. All I know is it's bloody sore, it's got pins and needles when it's not throbbing, and I don't plan on getting up if I don't have to.
Will I be able to maneuver a honking big Landy to work, trudge up stairs and sit in a chair all day? Remains to be seen. One step (scuse the pun) at a time. Got to get through the night first.
And why?
Because I made a mistake getting out of Olivia earlier. I spent a few hours removing storage from the back (T - how long did it take to put in? :-) ) as a final "lightening" exercise and chance to clean her out thoroughly and see what I'm working with. As I finished up, I was climbing backwards over the spare in the back when I slipped. My shins bounced off sharp British steel as they headed toward the far-off tar - where I landed heavily. And nearly screamed (I don't scream neither... not even when there's a rain spider in the shower).
Right through the jeans were two very large scrapes, already turning black around the edges and so painful I just stood there swearing and trying not to cry for a few minutes. But I still had to get the storage sections across the road and stacked up at home, so did that while tears streamed down my face and I bit my lip.
Back home I hobbled up stairs and took a photo as proof (yeah, life with digital cameras!), then sat down and tried to breathe. Going back downstairs to make lunch was torture, but I had to do that and check 2 final things on Olivia before the rain arrived.
Thereafter I attempted a nap - and did get one once I'd found a way to lie where my feet weren't pulling on my legs in funny positions. But when I got up again the pain was like nothing I can remember. Not giving birth (had "laughing gas" to help with that), not having my pelvis cracked and tailbone broken in a big car smash years ago, not even breaking my baby toe. Perhaps time has dulled those memories.
I can't stand on my left leg. I can't move it without using my hands, and then it comes at a price. I hope I haven't broken it or cracked the bone. All I know is it's bloody sore, it's got pins and needles when it's not throbbing, and I don't plan on getting up if I don't have to.
Will I be able to maneuver a honking big Landy to work, trudge up stairs and sit in a chair all day? Remains to be seen. One step (scuse the pun) at a time. Got to get through the night first.
Close on Saturday..
It's way past my bedtime. I should have been sleeping hours ago, but I've been going through some old photos in my computer archives. Trawling up memories both good and bad. Funny how a few colours captured in pixels can do that to you.
There were old family pics - me as a little girl of 2, up to my eyeballs in mudpies. Or perched on the old white horse at my grandpa's farm. Images from our two trips to Australia, from the perspective of my lens and those of others. Random photos of strange things, good things, memorable things - all thrown together into a digital space somewhere in the metal and plastic box at my feet.
If ever there were a fulfilment of the sci-fi concept of brain storage, photos are it. The collective memories and thoughts and perspectives of years, all in one jumbled place, and if carefully pieced together giving a small insight into the mind of their owner.
But like I said, it's way past my bedtime. And I'm rambling.
There were old family pics - me as a little girl of 2, up to my eyeballs in mudpies. Or perched on the old white horse at my grandpa's farm. Images from our two trips to Australia, from the perspective of my lens and those of others. Random photos of strange things, good things, memorable things - all thrown together into a digital space somewhere in the metal and plastic box at my feet.
If ever there were a fulfilment of the sci-fi concept of brain storage, photos are it. The collective memories and thoughts and perspectives of years, all in one jumbled place, and if carefully pieced together giving a small insight into the mind of their owner.
But like I said, it's way past my bedtime. And I'm rambling.
While Shopping
Being the end of the week, and food running low, I did a cross-town dash (well - dawdle... we went in Olivia) to Pick 'n Pay for supplies earlier this evening. And remembered why I'd taken to shopping on weekend evenings last year!
Perhaps it's just that side of town, but we do have some lovely men around here. And I was pretty surprised to have been ogled by a few while perusing the shelves. I guess there's more than one way to window-shop. (Hmmm.. was ogled earlier at the work-place mall too - must be something in the air)
I've mentioned before that I really like South African men. We have a great deal of wonderful blokes here of every variety. There's something about your average SA guy that you don't find in many other places, and hard to put a finger on. Perhaps it's merely a cultural thing - a common thread of background or recognition of particular genetic strain that may or may not be shared. But before I get all philosophical, I'll just say this.
There's nothing like Pick 'n Pay on a Friday night for eye candy. :-)
Perhaps it's just that side of town, but we do have some lovely men around here. And I was pretty surprised to have been ogled by a few while perusing the shelves. I guess there's more than one way to window-shop. (Hmmm.. was ogled earlier at the work-place mall too - must be something in the air)
I've mentioned before that I really like South African men. We have a great deal of wonderful blokes here of every variety. There's something about your average SA guy that you don't find in many other places, and hard to put a finger on. Perhaps it's merely a cultural thing - a common thread of background or recognition of particular genetic strain that may or may not be shared. But before I get all philosophical, I'll just say this.
There's nothing like Pick 'n Pay on a Friday night for eye candy. :-)
Friday
I'm struggling to get my head around work today. I've got such a to-do list for this weekend and beyond that I'm living in the future! I'm planning so far ahead that trying to sort out the now is proving hard. Things to acquire, things to fix, things to remove, and some entertaining on the side.
But it's Friday. Olivia went like a bomb getting to work. No, she didn't explode.. :-) And I'm up and at it. Have been awake (second day in a row) since around 4:30, but suffering no ill effects. Too weird. Must be running on adrenalin or something.
Meantime I have to attempt the grindstone. Talking of stones, check out Steve's marvellous pic!
But it's Friday. Olivia went like a bomb getting to work. No, she didn't explode.. :-) And I'm up and at it. Have been awake (second day in a row) since around 4:30, but suffering no ill effects. Too weird. Must be running on adrenalin or something.
Meantime I have to attempt the grindstone. Talking of stones, check out Steve's marvellous pic!
Photoblog: The Big Picture
Yes, I like rainbows - and no, none of these photos have been adjusted in any way. Sometimes the light's just right.
Pamper
I need a good pamper. Just a lie back and be taken care of. Massage, moisture, scrub, primp, the works. With soft music or the sound of running water in the background. Low lighting (candles?), the scent of vanilla and chocolate and rich indulgent aromas. Perhaps a couple of warm stones or a floatation tank.I've only ever had two hours of complete and utter me-time like this once. It was exactly what I needed, when I needed it, and I came away feeling fantastic. Now I need it again - except the price has doubled! :-) And I'm not sure 2 hours is quite enough.
I wonder if I can coerce someone into pampering me for free for a day - perhaps if I offer to reciprocate later?
Mulling, pondering....
(oh, I could also do with a good vry)
Ebb & Flow
I've noticed a pattern over the years as a single mom. Sometimes I'm a brilliant mother - and then there will come a patch where I'm not so brilliant a mother. I've hit one of those lately. And it's bugging me.
This is where the second parent usually steps in and takes over for a while, where the second parent gets to be the go-to, the run-around, the care-giver. I've seen it in many married couples, a bit like a relay race. You do what you're good at, and where you're not measuring up the other one shines.
But it's just me. And there are times I simply don't shine. Not a single reflective surface - just me trying to care for me for a little bit before I lose myself. And doing the bare minimum of parenting, merely keeping things ticking over. Feed, clean, get off to school, make sure homework is done, check that teeth are brushed, sort out weekends, spend some time each day together and then hug goodnight. Nothing outstanding, nothing amazing - just routine.
At times like this I know I shouldn't feel like a failure. It's just the ebb and flow, it happens. But somehow I do.
This is where the second parent usually steps in and takes over for a while, where the second parent gets to be the go-to, the run-around, the care-giver. I've seen it in many married couples, a bit like a relay race. You do what you're good at, and where you're not measuring up the other one shines.
But it's just me. And there are times I simply don't shine. Not a single reflective surface - just me trying to care for me for a little bit before I lose myself. And doing the bare minimum of parenting, merely keeping things ticking over. Feed, clean, get off to school, make sure homework is done, check that teeth are brushed, sort out weekends, spend some time each day together and then hug goodnight. Nothing outstanding, nothing amazing - just routine.
At times like this I know I shouldn't feel like a failure. It's just the ebb and flow, it happens. But somehow I do.
Lines
Over the weekend I discovered a song that includes these lyrics (which of course is now firmly stuck in my head - thanks to Limewire):
"All of these lines across my face,
tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been,
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true…I was made for you"
- The Story, Brandi Carlile
Was thinking about that on the way to work today. Driving a rather loud Landy means your radio is either your voice or whatever you have in your head, and this was it.
My dad has often stated that every grey hair on his head has someone's name on it. One could say the same thing about wrinkles - they don't appear spontaneously. Some folk spend their lives squinting into the sun and end up with "crow's feet" around their eyes. Others spend their lives smiling, and the lines on their face tell the story of joy. Being all of 35 years old, I'm at the stage where anti-wrinkle, anti-age cream ads start to get my attention.. and where looking in the mirror to find grey hairs and wrinkles could be quite frightening! Especially when one considers there are some women out there who are my age and look like they're 20.
But the lines on my face DO tell a story. There are laugh lines around my eyes, and squint lines because I don't usually wear my sunglasses (or have simply forgotten them in the Ford...) and spend a lot of time outdoors. There's the occasional tired look after a full day of working and momming. There's a slight worry line between my eyebrows thanks to dealing with K&D on a regular basis - though it could have been worse, and it doesn't often show.
Scars on my knees and hands tell of a fall on a tar road in Mutare when I was 6, a slip of a chisel when I was 11 (and attempting to carve soapstone), a burn from the oven while baking brownies 3 years ago. There are three scrapes healing up from Olivia work at the moment. There's a single stretch-mark on my stomach - proof that it expanded to child-bearing proportions once.
Each of these "imperfections" a story. Each one a comma in my life-book. Each contributing to who I am today and how I move in the world.
When I look at them I read those stories, acknowledge where I've come from and how far I'm yet to go. And realize that right now, right here, I'm more complex than I appear.
My Daily Guru message this morning had the following to say:
"All of these lines across my face,
tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been,
And how I got to where I am
But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true…I was made for you"
- The Story, Brandi Carlile
Was thinking about that on the way to work today. Driving a rather loud Landy means your radio is either your voice or whatever you have in your head, and this was it.
My dad has often stated that every grey hair on his head has someone's name on it. One could say the same thing about wrinkles - they don't appear spontaneously. Some folk spend their lives squinting into the sun and end up with "crow's feet" around their eyes. Others spend their lives smiling, and the lines on their face tell the story of joy. Being all of 35 years old, I'm at the stage where anti-wrinkle, anti-age cream ads start to get my attention.. and where looking in the mirror to find grey hairs and wrinkles could be quite frightening! Especially when one considers there are some women out there who are my age and look like they're 20.
But the lines on my face DO tell a story. There are laugh lines around my eyes, and squint lines because I don't usually wear my sunglasses (or have simply forgotten them in the Ford...) and spend a lot of time outdoors. There's the occasional tired look after a full day of working and momming. There's a slight worry line between my eyebrows thanks to dealing with K&D on a regular basis - though it could have been worse, and it doesn't often show.
Scars on my knees and hands tell of a fall on a tar road in Mutare when I was 6, a slip of a chisel when I was 11 (and attempting to carve soapstone), a burn from the oven while baking brownies 3 years ago. There are three scrapes healing up from Olivia work at the moment. There's a single stretch-mark on my stomach - proof that it expanded to child-bearing proportions once.
Each of these "imperfections" a story. Each one a comma in my life-book. Each contributing to who I am today and how I move in the world.
When I look at them I read those stories, acknowledge where I've come from and how far I'm yet to go. And realize that right now, right here, I'm more complex than I appear.
My Daily Guru message this morning had the following to say:
The face in the mirrorExactly.
"Our inability to see beauty doesn’t suggest in the slightest that beauty is not there. Rather, it suggests that we are not looking carefully enough or with broad enough perspective to see the beauty."
-- Rabbi Harold Kushner
Who are you? You can gaze at your reflection in a mirror but you’re not likely to see your true likeness. You are beautiful, unique, perfect. Do you see that?
The world needs you to see how whole and complete you are -- now. Can you begin to own your divinity? The world needs you to know who you really are so you can be the mirror for others.
"The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing."
-- John Muir
Photoblog: Black & White
Been a while, hasn't it? I was trawling through some saved stuff and found these.
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