I'm a very bad blogger

So distracted am I by S.O's visit I failed to acknowledge Choco's second birthday! *GASP* I know, I'm thoroughly atrocious. (I fully place blame on S.O for my forgetfulness, even though there was a reminder on my phone. Tee hee)

To my silent partner, ever present and constant sponge, HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY! 

No one ever fully realises how much their blog seeps into their soul. It becomes as essential as breathing, really. 

What better way to celebrate than with virtual chocolate cake? Go on, have a piece, you know you want to. 

London brace yourself

S.O arrives TOMORROW! Flutterflies turn my tummy into a disco. This is the longest separation we've had in all our seven years.You know, I should brace myself too...

It's all about the P

I reckon I am one of the worst people to tag. You see I always tell myself I will do it, er, soon. Then I start to think about it and promise to do it, er, soon. Then a week has gone, and a few days short of two weeks and there is still no tag on this blog. Feeling under pressure, I start to squirm in my seat whenever I think about it. So even though it is 2:34 am on a Sunday morning, I had this impulsive urge to do this tag. So thanks Seher. Apologies for the delay! *sheepish grin*

TAG 10 PEOPLE INCLUDING THE ONE THAT SENT THIS TO YOU.

- USE THE 1ST LETTER OF YOUR NAME TO ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
- THEY HAVE TO BE REAL PLACES, NAMES,THINGS. NOTHING MADE UP!
- TRY TO USE DIFFERENT ANSWERS IF THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU HAD THE SAME 1ST INITIAL.
- YOU CAN'T USE YOUR NAME FOR THE BOY/GIRL NAME QUESTION.

1. What is your name: Prixie (that was easy!)
2. A 4 Letter word: Poof
3. A Boys Name: Peter 

4. A Girls Name: Penny
5. An Occupation: Phantom 

6. A Color: Purple 
7. Something you wear: Pencil skirt! 

8. A Beverage: Pina Colada 
9. A Food: Pizza 

10. Something found in the bathroom: Paste, as in tooth paste
11. A place: Poland 

12. A Reason for being late: Procrastination
13. Something you shout: Oh Poo!

I know I am supposed to tag 10 people however, I'm feeling rebellious. 

It's frosty up here

London welcomed me with open arms and warm air. The flowers burst forth with colour and sweet scents. Blue skies, erratic hot spells. There was a tangible magical euphoria everywhere. Coming from South Africa, I thought: "These fools, happy with sort sort of normal weather!" Yes, because blue skies and clear days are the norm back home. 

Now that the trees are bare, and the only decorations in the gardens are the melting diamonds in the morning, I realise why summer is such a treasure in the UK.  I now see people bundled in scarves, gloves and coats. Faces a scrunched against the wind and backs are hunched. 

Yet, I find a different sort of beauty during this season. Sure it is tempting to just stay in my cosy bed and hide from the world, but the colds air seems to invigorate me. Everything seems cleaner and I am eager to see snow. So c'mon Mother Nature, I await your winter glory. 

A love triangle

It's an eternal tale, retold in so many different formats. So much so I yawn at the mere thought of it. Then why oh why has The Phantom of the Opera (the play and movie) so captured my attention and has left me enraptured? 

*Note: Plot spoilers below*

It saddens me so that Christine treated the Phantom as she did. In my opinion, he gave her, her voice - so to speak. Raoul would have never notice her if she remained one of the background dancers. Thanks to the Phantom training her, she was pushed into the limelight. And it was the limelight which brought her to Raoul's attention. 

I also think the scene where he first takes her to his lair is one of the most romantic ever in movie history. It is charged with passion and subtle seduction. 

I understand Christine loved the Phantom because their souls recognised fellow musical spirits. Their religion of music brought them together and flamed their attractions. Whereas Raoul was from her past - their history made her feel comfortable. He was good, stable and always there. To me he was the easy choice.

In the end though the Phantom proves to be the better man. Even though he is a maddened genius, psycho killer and very much a stalker, I still root for Team Phantom. There is just a certain something about his character...

Some of my favourite lines:

The Phantom: Let your soul take you where you long to be. 

The Phantom: You alone can make my song take flight. Help me make the music of the night... 

The Phantom: Past all thought, of "if" or "when" -no use resisting: abandon thought, and let the dream descend . . .

The world is sweeter in a chocolate shop

It's appalling that I have only seen my cousin and his wife once since I have been in London. So I decided to see them yesterday. And oh boy, do they know what makes me tick: they took me to a shop called The Chocolate Alchemist. Flavoured chocolates, normal milk varieties, flavoured dark and white hot chocolates, chocolate coated nuts and so much more! Oh divine! Heaven! Joy! My only regret is I did not have a bigger bag and could not by more. I am still trying to catch my breath...

*If chocolate was a religion, there would be world peace.*

She has a point

Skanky brought something quite bazaar to my attention: my room looks like my blog! It's uncanny I gotta resort to profane language to express my emotions: it is just plain old fucking weird!

The wall paper in my room is exactly the shade of this "old paper" background, I have brown accent points (the glittery cushion on my bed, the chocolate brown poof, the pictured frames, wooden jewellery box and so on) and there is a hint of green too. The only difference comes in the fact that I have a few burnt orange decor pieces in my room, whereas my blog has none. 

Overall I'd say the room has a romantic country feel to it. In face Vamp told me this past weekend that it is very homely. Skanky said it feels warm. I cannot wait to see what S.O says when he visits. On second thought I wonder if he will even notice all the little things.  ;p 

My two conclusions on this room and blog mirror image situation is therefore: I know what I like or I am dead boring and stick to what I know. And why oh why did I fail to notice it before?! Oi, my mind remains boggled. 

As requested: Halloween pics

A bit of the gory decor

From left: the sangoma/witch/mental patient, the zombie slut and Red Riding Hood/member of the French resistance

Me, the Witch, taking off from the couch!

All Hallows Eve

The witch. The sangoma/witch/mental patient. The zombie slut. The red riding hood/member of the French resistance. In the streets we walked. To the library as the moon looked down and stars gossiped. Rented movies returned and all through to the bus stop we were stared at. "Wooooooooooooo!" we remarked. Passing strangers smiled, adults in everyday work clothes. Sigh.....

To Greenwich we went, hoping to find spirit...and spirits. No not those in the bottle, rather those that will go "Woooooooooooo!" with us. Even the graveyard in the church was quiet. And only one adult Cleopatra in the streets we saw.

Wearing disappointment, along with red lipstick, we strutted homeward. And that is the sad tale of my first Halloween experience.

Nail biting pressure

When someone who calls themselves Killa says the following:
"U know... for someone who's blog I REALLY enjoy reading as the content is enthralling..U REALLY NEED TO UPDATE OFTEN...I like reading ur shit. deal with it"

I've tried to look for inspiration for blog entries in the chocolate aisles of grocery shops, between the cracks of pavements, in the pinks of the sunsets and even in the silver light of the moon, but none to be found.

Now my palms are sweating. And I feel like it's the night before a major exam, job interview or even a driving licence. Under pressure, this cookie crumbles.

Hmm...time for chocolate digestives and carrot cake...the sugar may stop my hands from shaking.

It's full of treasures

Large rooms fit for grand balls. Intricate arched walls and velvety textured wall paper. Artwork large and small, masterpieces adorned by lavish frames. Even the air smelt sophisticated. The atmosphere was electrified with history. The National Gallery at Trafalgar Square is a gem in London. From room to room, I walked in circles staring agape. Surely this amount of beauty under one roof is a sin?

A second, third and infinite trips is a must. And maybe one day I can sneak a painting home for a wall in my room. Or maybe I should hide underneath one of the couches and eventually make all that splendour my new home.

Me too!

I saw this on Post Secret today. I LOVE The Little Mermaid. And I am so excited there is a new the Little Mermaid DVD out. Ariel is still my favourite princess. Tee hee...

Prixie wears

PRADA! Uh-huh - I. Bought. A. Black. Prada.Pencil. Skirt. I cannot believe I got a label but I seen this bargain and had had to take it. It seems so frivolous, especially at this time when South Africa is in a politically sticky situation (FYI: The president was asked by the ruling party to resign and we now have an interim president till next year's national elections) and the world economy is in the red (unless you live under a rock, no FYI needed here). But a gal has to cheer herself up...even if it is for the short term solution.

Signs to change the world

Most people on the tubes, buses and trains are always plugged into their MP3 players. I seen this funny T-shirt and had to take a pic. Now whenever I seen people plugged in I think "They pood" or even when I am plugged in...Not a very pretty image, but funny nonetheless.

The change people want to see in the world?

Taken in Canterbury.

On a serious note, my friend emailed me this link about Animal Cruelty in China. Reading the description made me crinch inside, so much so I could not watch the video. Animals hold a special and dear place in my heart. In contrast to man kind, they do not cheat, lie, pollute, exploit and every other vile habit man has. They are good, pure and innocent. Who are we to exploit them for every human need like entertainment, experimentation, sustenance? We have a right to life, so do they.

Current addictions

It's a game of tag again, thanks to Being Brazen this time around. Even though I am not too sure how I feel about this aspect of blogging at least it gets one thinking...especially about ones self, since most tags are to reveal certain things about yourself. As in this case, I need to bare five of my current addictions.


1. Chocolate: It's current and omnipresent. Need I say more?
2. Coats: I adore winter fashion. And what better place to come to than the UK for glorious, gorgeous coats.
3. Boots: Refer to above.
4. Charity shops: I love the bargains you can find. And being able to get a few good brands at a fraction fraction fraction of the cost, I'm smiling all the time. It is also the best place to find vintage items.
5. Cooking: I've always found it relaxing. Now that I stay on my own, I find myself in the kitchen more often. Even though my S.O is not here to share my meals with me, my house mates, M1 and M2 enjoy it and that makes me happy too. I realised I love to feed people.
6. Burning fragrant oils: I adore these oil burners and I find myself buying lovely scents - mainly vanilla though.

So who is to be tagged? Hmmm, let me see:
1. Jo
2. Fatima (Welcome back BTW!)
3. Nooj

And the rules are:
What you need to do:
*Post at least five current addictions (with some details please).
*Mention the person who started this game of tag (i.e Being Brazen) and also the person who just tagged you.
*Type your post with the heading "Current addictions".
*Tag at least two people and pass on the above rules.

Enjoy and think away!

Praneet Daya
RIP

We may have not seen a lot of each other. You may have called me witch because I only wore black when I was in high school. When we did see each other, you gave me beans. In that way you were more of a brother than a cousin. And now you are gone. You know, you were the first person I really remember seeing as a baby, the first person I seen grow up in front of me. I dreamt of you months ago, showing me the scar on your head from the operation. We were laughing cos the worst was over. Now the worst is reality. And we will all miss you. And right now, I do believe God wanted you to be with Him because of the person you are. It is not the tumour that took you, it is God. As you ascend to the stars, the night sky will be made all the more brighter. Just as this life was made brighter with you in it.

Five days of heaven

Five days of being off work. Oh how blissful! I could not wait for it, and as always, time flew by and today I was back to reality.

Day 1: The Parental Unit woke me up as predicted to wish me for the Bday. I lazed around, had breakfast late and decided to hit London town. Went to the Eye, Embankment and Madam Tussuad's - a lovely girl at work organised comps for me as a pressie. Met Skanky for a late lunch then Vamp for a bottle of wine.
Day 2: Pamper myself with a hair cut. Do some shopping and make some lasagna. Stay in doors with my house mate and we chat the night away, while watching two chick flicks...both of us under the duvet.
Day 3: A day of planned surprises thanks to Vamp and her Man. They pick me up early and whisk me to a south Indian restaurant. I walk in and the place smells like our house bank in SA. I stuff myself with all delightful Indian food then surprise number two: a trip to the theatre to watch the Lion King! Man oh man, was I thrilled! And it made me homesick for all that I do love about SA. As day makes way for night, I make my way to a restaurant where I booked for ten people. Fifteen show up and I panic, thinking that there is not going to be enough space. It all turn out well enough. We had such a lovely waiter who brought me four shooters on the house! AND he did not want to take the tip I insisted on... we were such a big group and he was so great. I wish S.O was here for the millionth time!
Day 4: I spend most of the day in the kitchen with my house mates, chatting, smoking shisha and making more lasagna. As one of them prepares for a blind date, we have a drink to calm her nerves. At night I start to write an article. She comes back from her blind date and we chat about the evening
Day 5: I spend the day attached to my lap top completing the 3000 word article. So much for attending the Notting Hill Carnival!

And before I realise, I wake up for work this morning and I am bluer than the sky.

Stranger than fiction

I was at a bus stop after meeting Skanky. As per norm, when Skanky and I are together, strange things happen. Strange like X-Files strange, just minus abductive aliens.

There they were, also at the bus stop. He was drumming on a...er...drum. She knelled on the floor, making a sign that said STROOD PLEASE. We started chatting because we were both waiting for the same bus. He said he is a 'mad scientist' that teaches experiments at primary schools. She said she is an aerialist at a circus. They both were from other parts of the United Kingdom. They also mentioned that we did not sound South African. Oh well...

And they were on their way to a climate change event in Strood. How I wanted to give up the responsibilities of the day job and just join them. The bus never arrived and I ended up taking the train home.

Till today, I wonder if they reached Strood. And did they make the impact they wanted to? Should I have joined them as I really wanted to?

Tag!

Another day, another tag. Thanks Expensive Mistakes

It's go to do with this competition for a music festival: Rocking the Daisies Talk about free publicity!

So what would I take to ensure absolute survival at a music fest? After some thought, I came up with the following list:
1. My S.O - I miss him more than ever now that I am a continent apart.
2. Waterless hand cleaner
3. Jacket
4. Wellies - who knows when it is going to rain
5. Sun glasses, hat and sun block

This is all for a day trip. I imagine the list would be longer if I was for all the days of the festival.

Now I am going to tag:
O.H
Single Guy
Being Brazen
The other side of the mountain


Enjoy!

It is so difficult

Seeing S.O's friends really turned up the water works again. Maybe it was seeing his handwriting on the cards or maybe it was just actually sending me things, showing that he is thinking of me. I miss him so.

I want to just see his eyes again, watch him smile and put my hand into his. Feel his closeness and hear him when he laughs out loud. I want to be able to have supper with him or sit next to him during a movie.

There are days when I wonder why I am keeping myself from the one I Love?

S.O - just come for a visit already.

Who would have ever thought it

It's been gloriously hot that past few days. I cannot believe this is London weather. But I am really enjoying it, except that the public transport is stuffy and full of the dreaded B.O...makes me want to throw up.

S.O friend's here for a visit. I am quite excited to see him - we used to spend most weekends with his friends and before I realised it, they became my friends too. Its something from home and as close as possible I am going to get to my S.O at the moment.

Oh as I type this, I am singing Mamma Mia in my head. I just saw the movie the other day. One of my housemates bought the soundtrack today and she says we need to dance and sing in the kitchen. Now the song is sounding like a broken record in my head. I know you're singing too now.

Blogger is moody?

Today is the 17 July, yet Blogger published my today's post under 8 July? Confusion sets in. Perhaps this is Blogger's way of time travel!

My first London rainbow!

The colour juxtaposed against the gray. Gorgeous!

On a totally different note, I want to Thank Jo for thinking my other blog is worth her just Just Plain Fun to Read honour. According to what she said on her post, I need to chose three blogs that are worth the note. This is extremely difficult - all the blogs I read have something unique to offer. And that is what I am sticking to. I offer the badge to all the blogger buddies I have made! Do I hear a chorus of fence sitter?! ;p

I feel boxed in by fear. Vulnerability makes my knees weak. Anger makes me ready to slaughter! It is such a medley of emotions, it leaves me nauseous and disorientated.

My home in South Africa was broken into. The Mother Person was there. It was only 11am. Do you even expect house robberies at this time? Four men forced their way in. They took her from room to room, ransacking everything, demanding money and jewellery. They threatened her with knives and guns. Why threaten her? She is so small and frail, what harm could she do to them? She kept on begging them not to hurt her. I feel her agony and terror. I could hear it in her quivering voice. It was then I bust into tears. As I write this I feel my cheeks moistening.

There is nothing in South Africa anymore. Once upon a time I thought it was all just a transitional phase and we will get over it. I believed in the country and its people.

But crime is out of hand. The nation is scared. And we live in fear. As crime victims increase, the country loses its citizens. And when you’ve reached a point where there is no hope, where do you find the next step?

Jolly good

Here is a perfect pick me up! I found it on Post Secret.

*I did not write nor draw this. I wish I was 17 again. :)

Quivering in fear

It's finally been done: my first London party/club experience. And even though I am home before midnight (perhaps that's cos I will turn into a pumpkin! ;p) I feel it was still worth documenting.

Reason for the night out is my boss's birthday. He invited the entire London branch for a night out - all five of us. I thought it would be interesting - in the least - to see the office mates out of the office. And it certainly was...er... different to see them not in front of their computers.

It was fun. I got to see Londoners clubbing. It's almost as if a mask has lifted and an entire new, population has emerged. An entirely dressed up sort of a crowd. Bling and smiles all around!

I wanted to leave before the really really drunken lots of people hit the trains and buses. And I did just that. In way it was quite sad to leave the dance floor so early. But I was also scared of travelling home, on m own, so late at night. Okay, not that late, but late enough for me.

I've never really travelled on my own in SA. And here I was on my own. Coming home from clubbing. A few drinks down the system. And I was still scared as ever to falling victim to crime. My work mates insisted I let them know when I have reached home safely. They are South African too. My question that begs an answer: is this normal? Is it normal to be so scared that you are covered in a sliver of nervous perspiration? Is it normal to speak to your S.O all the way home because then if something goes wrong, someone knows about it? Am I normal in looking over my shoulder all the time and not feeling safe till I lock the door behind me? Even as I type this, I cannot fathom what I just did - coming home alone at this time. My heart is still racing out of my rib cage and I am shaking with nervous energy. Is this what the crime rate in South Africa has reduced me to? A neurotic nervous wreck?

I've been overwhelmed

Life is pulsating around me here in London. My senses are overloaded! Are five really enough? To remember the incidences that stand out, I've created a blog about what I have witnessed. Yeah, it may sound as if I am bordering on being a weirdo stalker person that stares at everything. I call it being observant!

Nothing like a bit of self promotion, eh?!

Peace in the Middle East

I work in a office filled with Jewish people. Seriously, I am the only non-Jew. Directly below our office there is a youth Muslim organisation. I love fate's sense of quirky humour.

If this building is being shared peacefully, maybe the same can be done for a piece of land with man made boundaries? Does this mean peace in the Middle East is possible?

Wordy way to swim with the fishes

Nothing like a bit of black humour for a blue Monday.

Just another drone

That's it...there is no turning back now. I've got a full time job, I'm paying rent, buying groceries, cleaning and doing washing. Damn it, adulthood is here. Sighhhhhhh...

And now that it is here, there is one thing that thrills me as if I was a kiddie again. Wonder what it is? Well, it seems rather small in comparison to all the adult things. Like the scales of adulthood outweigh little childish pleasures but I gleefully DO NOT set my alarm to wake up on the weekends. Yes, I look at it and think: "Ha ha, I do not have to put you on tonight."

It's both pathetic and empowering. But hey, it makes me smile all weekend.

Mirror mirror on the floor...

Every time someone looks into it, they see what they want to see. Much as the evil stepmother queen from Snow White seen what she wanted to see in the beginning of the story, this glorious full length mirror makes everyone seems just slightly taller and slimmer. Not that much, but just enough. And I am always game to look a bit taller - being quite vertically, um, challenged myself.

At £9.99, the mirror was quite the bargain too. It seems far too good to be true, to be mine and to be in my bedroom. In fact it sounds so heavenly it must be evil...somehow, somewhere...so really, is it friend or arch enemy number one?

On a separate note, I've been tagged:

These are the rules:

1. Link the person who tagged you…Raghav
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking the
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

Quirks:
1. My ipod speakers does not fit into my right ear. Come to think of it, no speakers at all could ever fit into my ear. I think I am slightly deformed. ;p
2. I read something every night before sleeping, unless I am so so so tired that sleep automatically takes over.
3. I eat chocolate almost everyday...maybe even every day, after every meal and between meals.
4. I get bored with my look so I am lucky to be able to have my hair both curly and straight, and I am able wear glasses or not (one pair being a dark frame, the other being a classic rimless) or even wear coloured contact lenses or just go for the natural look with clear contact lenses.
5.I've adjusted to not having a TV set in London. DVDs on the computer suit me fine.
6. When I shop I can buy kiddies clothing...it fits better than adult sizes anyway.

Okay, I am going to break a rules a slight bit here as I am not going to tag anyone, but if you want to do this tag please feel free and go ahead. You'll be surprised at what you discover.

Tormented people

There is a sickness in South Africa. It is called crime.

Recently there are more and more people I know that have been directly affected. First my home. Thieves tried to break in. If they had gained entry, they could have become rapists or even murderers. All South Africans know it can go either way. When I heard about this, I got that chill invading my being, the same feeling my friend Saaleha experienced when she, her husband and their new home were invaded by criminals. They have been violated too. Then another dear friend from high school and his family were held up at home.

What is this madness? What is this mayhem? My country is rotting and there is no one to blame but South Africans. As a nation we are sick of crime, a national psyche damaged from feeling vulnerable and afraid.

Where is the freedom really? How did it go so wrong? And what can be done? There is only so much talking and complaining can accomplish. But where to start?

Back in primary school

They were a bad lot of people - those ones that got onto the tube at the Bond street station yesterday. There is clearly a demarcated safe area for people to stand behind as a train pulls into a station and the bright yellow line identifies that border. Of course this is so no little parts of the foot will become train kill.

Now these passengers at Bond street stood over this very bright yellow line. Naughty naughty... And as any good head mistress sort of train driver will do, a lecture ensued at every stop, something similar to the following: "Passengers are reminded to stand away from the yellow line. An average man weighs X amount of stone and the train weighs X amount of tons. Now imagine what will happen to your toes if the train has to go over them. If the yellow line is not clear, then I need to slow the train down to about 30 MPH and that can delay the journey. And if the line is not clear at all, then I cannot pull into the station and that will cause delays on the entire London transport system. Please stand clear of the doors, doors are closing. I will not be able to close the doors if passengers are standing against them."

Bonded in this lecture, we the passengers looked at each other, some smirked while others smiled and giggled. It was as if I travelled back in time and stepped off that train feeling like an eight year old again.

Blue, grey, clouds and sun

Blue skies, warm sun and not a cloud in the sky. It sounds like typical South African weather but that has been the case in London for the past two weeks. Its been simply glorious.

And there has been a concern that many people in the work force will pull sickies - just so they will not be stuck in the office and enjoy the weather.

Now in South Africa, this sort of gracious weather is the norm so when it is dark grey and gloomy, we want to stay in under the duvet, put on a movie and snack on popcorn. I find it ironic that it is the opposite in London.

How turned on it's head the world seems.

Londoning away

Greenwich, Camden, Canary Wharf, London Tower, Oxford, Cambridge, St Paul's Cathedral and Windsor. These are almost all of the places I have seen either on the weekends or for work purposes since being in the UK.

And usually I am a camera happy person,but since I have been here I have not taken any pics of these amazing places because I left my camera in my room. Just how painful would it be to shoot myself in the foot for sheer stupidity?

However, there is something to be salvaged: I took the above photo of the sunset as it is seen outside my bedroom window. I think those colours and raindrops are just pure perfection. So yeah, people will not find this in London travel books! So perhaps I am not a complete moron afterall.

Just a wish

If I could pack everyone I want from back home into a suitcase and bring them here, life would be perfect.

Moments

There are moments when I want to jump on a plane and spend more time with my loved ones.

There is too much adjustment now: to the weather, to working, to the new environment, living on my own, to my housemates, to that void that only S.O can fill and constantly missing all my dear friends.

Then there are moments I just want to stay under my duvet and not go to work so I absorb this experience. I can tell myself yes you are here and yes things have changed. There is just so much happening, everywhere and all around.

But there are those moments that I am glad I am doing this London experience, right here and right now.

There is always home.

Hello London

Picture by Prixie

London welcomed me in style this morning - just look at the snow! Yes yes, I know it is obvious I am new to all of this. But wow, it looks so beautiful, clean and pure.

I am staying with my very dear friend (hereafter referred to as Vamp) in Brockley. In the picture is their back yard and their outside Mexican oven so they can have oven baked pizzas. I find it really quaint and charming. So is this area. I love it. I just wish S.O and Skanky were here to share the experience.

It's not a farewell, just a see you later later

My purple luggage is packed and ready to be found overweight. All that is left to add to that weight is my toothbrush and face cream. Then I speed off to the airport, sit snug for 15 hours of flying, transit and flying again. London, are you ready for me? Am I ready for you?

To all those that made my last few days in SA especially special, my deepest heartfelt thank you. (S.o, The Gang, Skanky, S.O's mum and dad, the Brother and Sister Person and so many others)I miss everyone already and I am still at home! For all those special trinkets and pressies, it will warm my heart on the coldest of days when I long for all that is familiar and cosy.

My S.O, what words can describe how my heart bleeds and aches right now? You have been at my side for the past seven years almost everyday. How do I get used to that vacant space next to me? How do I get used to not putting my head on your shoulder? How do I not cuddle up next to you while watching TV? How am I to be without you? Please remember, always, there is someone thinking about you and loving you every minute of the day in far off London. And yes, we will do a whirlwind tour of Amsterdam when you get there and well, you know...

See you all soon, very soon. Blessed be...

It's happening!

2008. Week 14. April 4. 2.30pm - I plunge into the familiar unknown. I know it simply because I have already felt the chilled London weather, used the tube and saw the Big Ben in my imagination. And I have already met pen pals while criss-crossing through Europe. But at 2.30pm on April 4 reality and dreams become one as I hop on a plane, destination London. Aim: working holiday. Something begins. Though nothing is really ending.

Going bye bye II

Skanky*, in her infinite web and photoshop genius ways, made this boarding pass for me. Alright, so I may not be flying first class nor British Airways nor landing at Heathrow but it is true that I am going to London. It is both terrifying and thrilling. And I will miss S.O and everyone I love more than my known vocabulary can explain. But I am taking the plunge. {Deep breath, and here I go...}

*Term of endearment

Gone bye bye

Slutty* took off on a plane on Sunday. She is gone to land of pasta, pizza and beautiful people on a lovely scholarship.

Even though there is a void in that special place she and only she occupied for her friends and family, I bet she is going to discover and be reborn. And while she will be missed, there is a greater good hard at work. Soon enough, we will all understand.

My dear Slutty, see you soon. Oh, and do not forget about that hunky Italian stallion for me.** Of course you can first find one for yourself.

* Some people may not understand, but it is actually a term of endearment. Others include Skanky, Slag, Tramp, Hoochie. The positions of Floozy, Hussy, Whore and Vamp are still vacant.

** No offence to my S.O, but an Italian is an Italian. You still my S.O.

Happy chocolate invasion

I think Valentines is one of my favourite times of the year. I can almost hear the collective groan but hear, eh, read me out. See, my reasoning is quite simple: it must be the only time of year where most people consume as much chocolate as moi. And the S.O obliged to give me the following Belgian bounty:

Yums Geldof Chocolates

In addition - I discovered a chocolate room! Nope, I did not stumble upon it and gobble it from roof to floor, much to my dismay. The room and I were rudely seperated by a television screen. But thanks to Tim Berners Lee and his wonderful creation, the Net, I found a news snippet and pictures of this room. It is too yummy not to share. Really, if there were more chocoholics in the world, it would be a better place.

Ali Larter, aka Jessica/Niki in Heroes is the lucky gal to see and taste the Godiva chocolate room.

Tingle tingle, BIG ache

There was once a girl who walked into work and said: "Come look at my flea bites everyone!" Curiosity got this cat and I saw she had little, red, itchy spots from the knee below. It made me feel scratchy all day.

But that gal was brave. You've got to give her that. If I had what she had I would quiver and cower in the corner, reminding myself that I am full of fleas, an object of disgust and disdain and not single soul should ever gain knowledge of my flea infestation.

That was then. And this is now. Now being characterised by a cold sore at the tip of my right nostril. Yes, it is gross, vile and ever so disgusting. People may even walk in the opposite direction in malls when they spot it. But the point I am trying to make is why should I feel so ashamed? People get infected with various bugs but, life carries on. I am tired of wanting to hide in my cupboard away from the worlds judging eyes.

And the cherry on this sundae is that it is mosquito season. Instead of getting bitten on my eye lid, I got bitten below my left eye. It is now puffy around my cheek bone area and I look squint. There you have it - the Frankenstein monster has been located in Jozi, SA.

And you know what? I am trying not to give a damn about looking beastly as my face heals itself. And while doing that, maybe I should walk into work and say: "Hey everyone come and look at my fever blister and mosquito bite!"

Cut it out already!

When a Zimbabwean national tells you: "Everything is fucked up," and he is not speaking about his home country but rather the electricity problem in South Africa well then, things are dismal.

Case in point - these power cuts. Eskom calls it 'load shedding' - what a very flowery way to say we have rolling blackouts. I am not sure how bad it is nationally, but Johannesburg is a disaster.

It all started in the second half of last year when they occasionally cut off power, maybe once or twice a week at night because they did not have the capacity. Gradually it became more and more often (different reasons for the lack of capacity at each time) and for these past eight days it has been everyday numerous times a day, each blackout lasting two to three hours.

I tried to go shopping but I had to abruptly stop. I tried to meet my deadlines early, but could not...my work flow was interrupted more times than I care to mention. I tried to publish this post on other occasions, but the electricity got cut. Traffic is a nightmare. You would not even want your mortal enemy caught in it.

There was an intensive campaign recently to educate people how to use less power, like switching off your geyser for example when it is not in use. I am sure the message hit home so why are we in this position?

I have now resorted to doing my work at night - it is now 2:33am - and to mail it through to my editors. Might as well do it now when there is power to do so.

We have a World Cup Soccer in 2010 and they say this problem could last for the next eight years! For the love of everything pink, can Eskom just do something already? Can they just team up with the necessary stakeholders and get their act together? C'mon this ain't the effing Dark Ages! Unless these guys want to take us back there.

Oh my heavens, it's heaven!

Double chocolate vanilla biscuits

Week one over and out

Good golly gosh gumdrops....the first week is already over. Is it just me or does time really move faster the older you get?!

I decided on reflecting on the past week or so because I'm afraid I'm going to forget:

December 31: Waking up in Dullstroom with S.O and his family. We gear up for sightseeing in Mpumalanga. I just got to see God's window - every other time I went up there it was too overcast and misty to see much of the beauty. I am quite excited because I see a crystal clear sky and blue as far as the eye can see. It is almost poetic to end the year at God's Window. And I buy angel earrings - hopefully they will gladly watch over me whenever it is needed.

January 1: I am not sure if I should make resolutions. I muse and fret and decide to make new habits - small things like brushing my teeth every night (it's been very sporadic in the past) and the big things like getting over my fear of achieving my dreams. Not like I am getting younger and settling into a comfortable life will make feel I as if I have cheated my self. I also jump on a honey coloured mare, called Chuvett, and stroll around the the estate where we are staying. Flies annoy her all the time and I suffer from immense guilt at riding an animal when I consider myself an animal rights activist.

January 2: At 8:30 am S.O, his mum and I decide to tackle to hiking trail. Lacing up my Bronx and putting on my hat, my hands shake with excitement. I love to hike. Sure, people can go to the gym and get a work out but there is just something different about the outdoors. We decide to deviate from the trail and go up the mountain, I suspect it was part of the Steenkampsberg Range. It was not that high, but the overview of the greenery makes me realise how beautiful nature is. Somehow we city dwellers forget that every so often.

January 3: After the last few days of activities, I want to stay curled up in a blanket in the lodge. S.O and I drive into Dullstroom and browse the idyllic shops. After lunch,we light a braai (ahem, the South African term for barbecue) for Potjtie (basically, its food cooked in a tripod pot outside). S.O and his parents enjoy the mutton potjie and I gobbled down a bean potjie.

January 4: It's sad to pack up and leave Dullstroom. Getting back into reality is always a bumpy ride. And well, it's time to pick up my socks and get my act together. There are dreams to be fulfilled, you know. After an Internet free week, I hurriedly log on again: my mail, my blog and facebook. I feel...connected.

January 5: After a quiet day with S.O at his house,we go with friends to a fancy smchancy restaurant at Monte Casino. I am thrilled to see three vegetarian options and order Curry Stir Fry in Coconut Milk on a bed of rice. I'm sad to say the veggies tasted very woody and smoked. Blech - I ended up paying R58 for eating the rice. I still fume thinking of the rip-off.

January 6: The day before S.O, and probably the rest of the world goes back to work. I got a call to go into the office for some freelance work, so it will be a dreaded Monday morning too. We hire DVDs and watch Spiderman 3 and The Simpsons movie. As usual, that zany family never fails to amaze me.

January 7: The dreaded Monday morning. I see Slutty and Skanky at the office. We catch up and that makes me feel really good. I miss them because it feels it's been ages - well, it actually was an age. And the dreaded Monday morning passes as work takes up my time. Before I can say good golly gosh gumdrops again, the day is over and Week Two begins.

To each and every one of you - may your 2008 be all it is meant to be.