A crazy three months

It turns out, 2015 has already had it's fair share of surprises.

It is only March, and I already started 2 new jobs this year. The first job turned weird really quickly. In retrospect, I am glad for everything that happened there, even though I felt awful at the time. The truth is, that company was not the right fit for me, including the nature of work.

I was lucky enough to also have 3 weeks off between jobs and that was pure heaven. I slept a lot - I think my body was hoarding rest at the time. I spent a lot of time in my kitchen, making many things I've been meaning to do but never had the time for. For that short period, I was also a 'lady of leisure' who lunched with friends. I got to catch up on a myriad of errands, and do some of my favourite things like go to charity shops. I also got training for my new role, and it always helps to be prepared! All in all, those 3 weeks was just what I needed to refresh my mind, body, and soul for the new career path.

On to the second new job - all I can say is I love it. I am back to writing news features again. They've let me work flexi hours, which helps my bad knee since I do not have to contend with peak-time Jo'burg traffic. And really one of the best parts of leaving home at 5:45 am for work, is seeing the gorgeous sunrise. It's hard not to feel inspired when nature bares it's glorious colour palette - a different one every morning. It is a pity though I will not see that in winter, I'll probably get to work when it is still dark!

As 2015 takes its first steps

I did one thing in 2014 that I have never done before: I resigned from my job.

There were many contributing factors that led to that decision, things like:

1. Consistent, constant over time with no payment for it
2. Working under immense pressure
3. Working on weekends and evenings became a regular occurrence
4. Always playing catch-up with my work, despite the long hours
5. Hitting the glass ceiling
6. The nature of the work
7. The tug and pull between corporate egos versus the work that actually needs to be done
8. Not doing my best writing because of tight time constraints

Now, with 2015 still taking it's first steps into a brave world, I have taken my first steps into a new job. It feels strange to be the 'newbie' again. It feels strange to befriend an entire new office. And it feels strange to be not-as-busy as I was in my old job.

And now that my weekends will not be occupied with work, I actually feel at a loss as to how to fill my time. Then again, I need to catch-up on my to-do list that has been getting longer and longer for the past year.

I also feel torn asunder from the year that was - emotionally and mentally. It feels like my job had dragged me under a tractor for kilometres on end. And that is not a very nice sensation at all!

I can only come to one conclusion: this is a year where I need to focus on myself. I need to use my time wisely to once again engage with activities that bring me joy: like writing, cooking, doing yoga, and giving expression to my creative side.

Cheers to 2015, and here's to me!

I want more of Mauritius

Mauritius is a place where a lady can wear a flower in her hair everyday. It's an island that thaws your stiff bones with the warmth of the sun, its people and fiery, vegetarian friendly cuisine. Its where local dancers can really move their hips! And it has become a destination I would want to return to.

"Let me do the cliched thing and go there on honeymoon," I thought. My needs were simple: I wanted to go to a place that was not too far from South Africa, I wanted a visa free destination, I wanted some peace and stillness from the intense busy period of the wedding and by George, I also wanted ample, tasty vegetarian food. I cannot tell you the amounts of times I ended up eating tubes of Pringles and chocolates...for the entire holiday. Mauritius emerged as the shining beacon.

A view of the beach from the reception area literally took my breath away. "This is going to be good," I thought. I felt instant relief and a weight off my shoulders. S.O and I made our way to our room, and my initial thought of things being good, improved to better. The room was magnificent, with the beach a short walk away. Perfect for some RnR.

It felt like any other holiday S.O.* and I had been on, there was no pressure to make it special simply because it was the honeymoon. We spent a lot of time on the beach, doing water activities like snorkeling (sea water kept on going into my eyes and troubling my contact lenses, so I gave up), the glass boat, the pedal boat, and sitting on a tube while being pulled by a power boat. There was time for gym, touring, morning walks on the beach, aqua aerobics, attempting to water ski (S.O.) and yoga.

I simply revelled in the fact that wedding was over, my time was mine and I was not neck deep in wedding chores! In fact, there was absolutely nothing to do except eat, relax, drink and take in the salty sea air and warm sun rays.

S.O: Significant Other 

A New Home

The house hunt is over. Last night S.O* and I picked up the keys to the place we bought. That's right, we have bought a house! Since then, I have had this silly smile on my face. I can't help it. Who knew that something as simple as keys would turn me into this sentimental, mushy character? You know, the one that wants to shed happy tears, hug everyone and tell them how much I love them...that sounds awfully a lot like my tipsy/drunk-self too!

The thing is, I always wanted a place of our own. I have desperately wanted to leave my parents' place for many reasons. After living on my own in London, I could not wait to do it here in Johannesburg! For various reasons (safety, cultural aspects, financially) I have not gotten a place sooner. It feels right though, to do this with my S.O. Once we are married, we will move it together - that is because of the traditions our parents hold dear. In the mean time, we will start to furnish the house, re-do the kitchen and a few other things.

The seller and his family seem like lovely folk. He bought us a pot plant with a card that read: "To wish you everything of the best in your new home, may you spend as many happy years as we did in it."

*S.O = Significant Other 

Chocolate Monday: Week 13

I cannot recall where I found this image, but the smiley on the end of the spoon is much too adorable. And I really need something like this today because I did not sleep well last night, so I am rather cranky and irritable. I wish I could leave work and snuggle into my duvet...if only for a few hours.

Are you a fan of these tales of yonder?

There seems to be a fierce resurgence of fairy tales in popular culture. Think about it, there are current TV shows like Grimm and Once Upon a Time alongside movies like Mirror Mirror, Snow White and the Huntsman (upcoming), Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (upcoming) and Jack the Giant Killer (upcoming). Am I missing out on any? Please do let me know!

All I can say is that I am really loving this period. I have always adored fairy tales, and still buy as many books as I can. Even though I am almost 30, I have to admit I still enjoy browsing through them, soaking in the artwork and the goodness.

From what I have seen, some of these new adaptations refresh the old tales with modern twists that are witty, entertaining, scary and hey, some characters are even empowered more so than the original story. Some stories merge beautifully and it leaves me thinking: 'Why couldn't I think of that?' The escapism leaves me feeling so refreshed, and looking at the world with eyes of wonder again. And that is very important for a writer, I reckon.

It could very well be introducing these stories to an entire new audience, and that is always a huge plus. These stories manage to teach about bravery, being good, following your dreams, being courageous and even though women were more the 'waiting for a prince to save me' sort in the originals, the new versions throw that notion out the window and door.

Have you managed to watch any of these TV shows and movies? If so, let me know your impressions!

Chocolate Monday - Week 5

Image found on Imgfave

Okay, I know I have been slacking off on Chocolate Mondays. Sorry about that!

Reason being is that I have been on leave for a very short while. But on the down side my company is talking about restructuring Editorial to Cape Town. While I would love to move to that beautiful city, it is not possible at the moment. S.O* and I are getting married, I cannot ask him to resign and start anew because my job needs to move. And I cannot just pack up the rest of my life and move to another city for the sake of a job...

There has been talk of retrenchments and I suspect because I cannot relocate, I will get the axe. It has been a scary and stressful few weeks in this regard. 

*S.O = Significant Other 

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.

If I could shut my brain down for a bit, I would

Recently, I've been irritable, listless and needing some down time. Work wise, I have not really taken decent leave since April 2011 and you know what? I think I have reached the end of my tolerance threshold.

December was a crazy, and I mean an absolutely insane month, having taken on some responsibilities of a colleague who had resigned, plus having had new tasks added to that. Burnt-out and frustrated, that is what I am. I am also so annoyed by how companies everywhere are treating employees in this current economic climate - it is really not fair! It makes me want to punch many CEOs!

I have been fantasising about taking leave from my life, even if it is for a short while. Venture off to an adventure where I am anonymous and not accountable. Dangerous, I know. But what is a gal to do? S.O* and I are hoping to set a date for a wedding in March next year - the families will meet this Sunday to discuss it. Yeah, that is how my little ethnic community operates. Sigh. We want to get a house and make it into a home. I want to begin our life, under our roof and I cannot wait for that. Yet, me and marriage go together like wearing a bikini in a snow storm. I feel I am going against my very nature. (If you need to remember just how much I am against marriage, read this post.)

My dreams have also been vivid and downright odd. I've been waking up long before my alarm, recalling them perfectly, only to fall asleep and have the dreams fall through my memory. That makes me sad. I remember one dream could have been a great fictional story and now I cannot bloody remember it. I wish I could kick myself at times.

I have also been reading a lot less that what I usually do. This is not because I have a low supply of books. No, it is because I am too tired in the evenings! When I do read, I manage a few pages, before I realise I am not concentrating and the book is falling out of my hands. Another reason to kick myself!

This post perfectly reflects my state of mind: scattered, unfocused and downright grumpy.If you managed to read it till the end, a huge congratulations to you. Thanks for lending an eye to my venting session.

*S.O = Significant Other

Chocolate Monday

I think the chocolate cake made into a castle is a divine idea! I would like to dig in! Picture found here.
Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.   
P.S: Is it just me or are Mondays become more cruel and harsh?... Waking up has never been such a horrendously difficult task! My brain still feels fuzzy even though it is already 6:27am. Even though I am already work, I am so tempted to go back into the parking lot and have a nap in my car! Sigh...

And to help make Chocolate Monday become Chocolate Seven-Days-A-Week, my dear friend and Editor, gave me this book. It is her last day at work today and as testament to her kind soul, she is the one giving her work colleagues presents, when she is the one leaving!  A very huge 'Thank You' to her. Lord knows, she will be sorely missed. As for her new path, I hope it is filled with many wanders, words galore, laughs, beach holidays and tales to enthral!
The recipe book is packed with over 300 treats - more than enough to make you want to  live on chocolate alone.

Chocolate Monday plus a bit of a rant

These chocolate hearts look simple, happy and appetising - exactly what I need today. Picture found here: Imgfave.

In addition to Chocolate Monday - I will indulge myself in a bit of a rant. I hate over drinking, always did and always will. The last time drank bit too much was 2009. So, anyway, back to this incident. It was a public holiday in South Africa on Saturday - Heritage Day, and also National Braai* Day. S.O** decided to have a little braai. Much to my delight, he bought chocolate vodka. Needless to say I am in love with that drink and will voluntarily have more and more, simply because it tastes like chocolate cake in a shooter glass. But it done me in on Saturday. All my emotional baggage suddenly became hoards of luggage, and dare I say, it was not pretty. That is why I do not like to drink - you loose control and every fear, resentment, threads of hopelessness, dashed dreams and every other negative emotion bubbles to the surface and makes it's ugly self known. I hope to never get into that state again. And I do apologise to S.O for saying things that only stem from my deepest, darkest self. And no more to copious amounts of chocolate vodka!

Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  
**S.O - Significant Other 
*Braai - South African term for barbecue

A quote that grabbed me

I got this emailed to me today. It sorta sums up a lot about life, don't ya think?

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you CHOOSE."

- Dr Seuss -  

Into the land of fantasy

I've always been a great fan of stories with fantasy and magical elements such as Chronicles of Narnia, Peter Pan, The Lord of the Rings and so many more.  I have dozens of my own ideas dancing around in my head,  I am only too scared to type them out. The fear of mediocre work overwhelms me and it paralyses me into immobility. Regardless, there are others who think like me and this image proves that. It gives me a little courage to bring my magical creatures alive on paper and into the hearts and minds of readers.

Chocolate Monday

I found this image immensely hilarious! I cannot take credit for any of the creativity though. I found and took the pic from Imgfave.

Let's...

I found this tweet on the Postsecret  and thought it was really touching and sweet! 

Nerds, don't you just love 'em?

So I got a wonderful response a Honorary Sister-Person  via Google Buzz to my three day weekend concept mentioned in my previous post:

"i recently overheard some nerdy ppl talking about measurement units. The discussion started off with comments about the horror of imperial units and the ease of use of SI units. 

It moved swiftly, to an a discussion about the day when imperial will be defeated to the awesome SI. 

Until an Imperial supporter, a type from the old school- quite literally, put a spanner in the works by suggesting that the calendar would have to be rearranged. "This of coarse is because the number of hours in a day is based on the imperial system. So while SI uses simple tens and multiples thereof, imperial uses inches , feet , and yards etc where there are 3 feet in a yard and 12 inches in a foot etc. There are also 12 months in a year so 12 is the relating factor." 

So 12 hours to reach midday wouldnt be internationally recognised under the SI time frame and we'd probably have 10 hours to midday with 100 minutes in each and then 100 seconds. I dont know if this works out but ...perhaps being all uniform we will have 10 months in a year and things will become verry bizzarre. 

this leaves room for wonder. Perhaps there will be 10 day weeks...and hopefully , just hopefully 

MORE WEEKEND:-) "

Merde! Damn! Hell! And every other profanity around!

There are times in your life when you really wish you could kick yourself. I have been having a few of those days. Reason being is that I am waking up before 5AM! I am not sure what the problem is, but I am not sleeping any earlier than usual so that certainly cannot account for the early rise into consciousness. And the worst part: I cannot fall back into slumber! So yeah, I have become my own worst enemy and even I cannot sort myself out. 

**whimpers and pleads to the Gods for help**

On the 21st of August:

• A town was founded.  In 1760 the church of  "Our Lady of Candlemas of Mayagüez (Puerto Rico)" was formed, establishing the basis for the founding of the city.
• The British empire expanded. In 1770 James Cook claimed eastern Australia and named it New South Wales. 
• Freedom is fought for. In 1831 Nat Turner led a rebellion to free blacks from slavery in America.
• History is snatched! In 1911 the Mona Lisa is stolen by a Louvre employee! 
• Royalty celebrates! King Mohammed VI of Morocco has his birthday. Happy Birthday Your Majesty! 

Oh and this year I will also clock another year after my day of birth...and what a time to think, reflect, mope and perhaps even celebrate? Yes it is my party, and I can cry if I want to! **winks** 

Please note: above info sourced from Wikipedia 

A 'lil something something...

...to brighten the blues after the fabulous soccer spectacle. And thanks to the Writer for being the brains and research unit behind this post. This is a small way to contribute to the betterment of humanity - we know you will come back to ogle, which will make you smile, which will improve your mood, which means you could contribute something good to mankind! Really, no need for thanks!

Van Persie - Netherlands 

  Canavarro - Italy 

Alonso - Spain 

                                                           Fabregas - Spain 

Kaka - Brazil

Navas - Spain 

                                         

Santa Cruz - Paraguay

*None of these visuals belong to me but it had to be used. :) *

Post World Cup Soccer depression:

I am feeling it - it is here.

Jolted out of slumber

Sent text message to S.O* at 5.00AM that reads:

"Oh my God! I dreamed someone asked me if you proposed cos they seen a ring on my finger. Then they asked if it was diamonds and I said I hope he was not that stupid! Urg! Woke up with such a fright! PLEASE don't do stupid things in reality!"


A bit of background context to those who do not know me or us:

• I do not believe in marriage for myself. But S.O and I have been together for nine years. 
• No, I am not a bitch hag from hell stringing him along. Neither is he very ready at this stage. 
• Now that we are of marriageable age, and part of an ethnic community, the pressure is on! 
• The only reason I will marry, is to be with S.O for the rest of our lives and he is traditional like that. 
• And I really don't like diamonds and proper jewellery.

*S.O = Significant Other