Christmas Lights

As I have mentioned before our complex did Christmas Lights this year. Here are some photo's for you to see what it was like. The first picture is my Christmas Tree with the lounge lights on.

This is my Christmas Tree with the lights off.Some of the neighbours efforts. The photo's do not do the lights justice.

The complex main gates:

Again the Complex gates:

NOT been biased but the picture below is my favourite lights. This is my effort and is what I did for the complex above my double garage doors.

The photo's are not the best- I am battling to use my camera at present.

A Burning experiance

Last night I went to bed at around 11pm and as I always do I propped up the pillows so I could enrich my mind by reading. All seemed fine, however I must have dozed of with the bedside light on and pillows next to it. The pillows must have slipped and fallen against the light (This with me still on top of the pillows. I must have been in quite a deep state of sleep not to notice this.

Anyway I work up suddenly to a room fill of smoke and a pillow about to start catching fire- it was in fact smouldering quite badly already. I jumped 6 foot out of bed and came to my senses rather quickly, by now I was chocking on the smoke. I grabbed the pillow and dumped it in the bath and opened the taps to wet it.

Anyway I was now wide a wake and windows were wide open to let fresh air in. My house is saved except for the smell and I am now also one pillow down. I this was my sleep for the night finished but I have so much to be grateful for. I could have had my face burned and even lost my house- all because something so simple. I have always respected fire and last night reaffirmed those thoughts.

The Weekend has arrived

Well the weekend I have been waiting for for the last 9 weeks has arrived. Yes I have been back from the UK for 9 weeks now! The reason why I have been counting down this weekend, is because my brother and his wife arrive on Sunday, I am so excited.

Yes I have seen him recently, but I cannot wait to see him again. I think the main reason for my excitement is because he is my only living immediate family left in the world. We have a few things planned to do together, but I unfortunately am going to be working so we will live our individual lives until after I finish work.

One of the first things we will be doing is scattering mom's ashes in Durban on Tuesday. We want to get this done before Christmas and hopefully find a bit of closer.

I then have to fly to Cape Town on Wednesday morning and spend the night there for work purposes. I return on Thursday evening. (Hayley and Francois- please order some good weather for Wednesday and Thursday).

We then have no real plans till Christmas day, which will be a family day- but a very different day. We then all head to Cape Town, although we are ll leaving on different days. So I am again gathering airport time during the next 2 weeks.

Then New Years eve is going also be different, we are attending a Dinner Dance organised by my brothers friends. The one good thing is we are staying at the venue, so no driving.

So that's my next few weeks in a nut shell. By the way I am working through most of this.

My Dad

I have introduced my brother to you, but the 2 people I have not really mentioned are my late parents. My mom- Merryl Comins and my dad Henry Comins



My dad was born in 1944 and died tragically in 2000. What I always found amazing was that although he had limited movement, he always tried to be involved in our lives. My dad had major back problems and hence could not do to much. Although he was not wheel chair bound, he battled.


He had such an amazing nature and would always surprise us with gifts and do things when we least expected them. I remember been at college and was battling with economics. Although we did not need a text book, my dad went out one day and got me one. This did in fact help me pass.


An amazing fact about my dad was that he was the first South African to fly solo at the exact age of 17 years old. He managed to do his solo on his 17th Birthday- a full year before he could get his drivers licence.

My dad was also a person who gave back to the community, he qualified as a paramedic part time and often spent weekends at sports events and provided first aid. He also got involved in scouts and this help us achieve many happy hours together.


Dad unfortunately committed suicide on the 28th February 2000. A day that I will always remember, but wish that it never happened. We do not know why he did it, but he must have had a reason. It took me a long time to forgive him for what he did to me and my mom and my brother, but over the last few years, I have learnt to forgive. He must have had his reasons, but those reasons went with him.


I would not be the person I am today if it was not for him. He was a great dad and a good friend.

The Amazement of Technology

I am giving my age away, but I have been pondering about technology for a while now and in particular the ease of communication.

To think that when I was still at school, the Internet was a luxury and e-mail was hardly known about. Not forgetting the ever important cellular telephone. Now these are items we cannot live without and make our lives so much easier.

As regular readers of my blog will known I have a brother living in the UK and he is my only immediate family. With the aid of technology we probably speak more often than we spoke when we lived 5 kilometres apart. Everyday of our lives we sms or e-mail each other and sometimes have conversations that last ages by e-mail or text. The amazing part is that you will have just sent a reply and the other party has already started replying.

I was on the phone to somebody yesterday and the next minute while I was still on the phone my brother e-mailed me and it was in connection with what I was speaking on the phone about. He knew I was going to make the call, but forgot to mention something when he text ed me earlier and I could get the problem sorted out immediately.

Unfortunately I have got to the stage that when I leave my phone some where I feel like I am missing something. 15 years ago, would think that a cellular phone would be such a part of our lives???

Spring Cleaning a Bachelors Pod

So I live a typical bachelor's life. I am very fortunate I have a family member in the catering business and all it takes is an e-mail and my meals are arrange for the month. Otherwise everything else is so bachelor like.

The fridge is not that full. Enough food for lunches and breakfasts and then a few beers. In saying that, I have really cut back on my beer in take, so that my kitchen. Then comes the bedroom- always neat and tidy. I cannot stand closes lying all over the place and everything must be put away. My mother would be shocked to see how I have changed.

My biggest problem is I have 2 bedrooms and all the cupboards full of my clothes and yes ladies I use them to the fullest. I am in a dilemma as my brother arrives in 2 weeks and I need to give him space. It is amazing how in routine a person gets.

My study is a nightmare, I need to get the filing done- I think my brother would be shocked to see how everything is in what I call an organised mess. I need to sit down this weekend and get that sorted.

So I guess this weekend is spring cleaning time- I cannot continue been so spread out, even though I live alone. But the funny part is that once I am complete I will be glad it is done.

5 Km Fun Run

So yesterday we sat in a weekly Wednesday morning management meeting, and the final point our MD brings up is that there is a 5km fun run in the evening and we are all invited to join him and his daughter. Having nothing planned for the evening I thought why not.

So I popped home at lunch time for a t-shirt and shorts and was ready to join the fun. We all gathered at the office and I lead the worm of cars to Benoni Northerns. We did the registration thing and grabbed a quick wors roll and were ready. I was told to dress for a Christmas theme. This was not hard as all I needed was my bright red t-shirt. We complemented our outfits with Christmas hats that even had flashing lights.

We were just heading down to the start when the heavens opened. The cars were much closer than 5km's. After much joking we decided to proceed. By now we were wet through, so we thought we cannot get any wetter.

I am quite proud of myself as we did the walk in just under an hour. We were wet from head to toe and I think a canoe would have been easier in parts. But I think we all had fun, I certainly did. I cannot say we ran very much- a kilometre at the most, however we did not mess around.

Benoni Northerns did a great job in organising the race and I think without the rain, it would have been a great vibe as a lot of the route was supposed to be lit with candles and the whole Christmas theme. I was impressed that we got a medal at the end even for the fun run.

My boss ad I walked together all the way, so we had a good chat regarding work and personal things. The race is an annual event and it looks like it is going to be on hour companies social calender. I may even be ready for the 15 km race next year.

If Dogs could speak

As you are aware, I have a fox terrier named Jody. She is my companion and best friend. Anyway I did the fatal mistake of buying a different brand of pellets when I purchased the last packet, we did she let me know about my mistake. It was like a child having to eat his vegetables and does not like them- it did not go down well at all.

Anyway I was rewarded tonight as when I feed her, the food was eaten as if she had been starved for month's. This brings me down to the question what would dog's be like if they could speak? Although there actions and expressions, give us an idea of what they are thinking, I often wonder what is going through there minds or what they would say at any moment. Then comes the fact, what would they say about us?

I am greeted daily when I get home from work with either a rawhide bone in her mouth or a hoof, and the one that brings great pleasure a empty 2 litre cold drink bottle.

You can be sitting quietly having a forty winks or watching tv and then suddenly the bottle is attached and Jody literally runs around with a bottle and has a great time. I often think to myself how something so simple makes her so happy.

My Big Brother

As you may have gathered in my previous posts, I have an older brother living in the UK. Allan is 4 and a half years older than me and lives in a lovely town called Hungerford. He is married to a special lady by the name of Rosalind, better known as Ros.

He has always been a big brother and has always been caring and supportive toward me. During our teenage years we were typical brothers, we had fun fun together, we also had our differences and often our opinions caused conflict. Anyway there was always brotherly love. However in recent years, we have become so close- Allan is one person I can call day and night and ask for a chat, advice or support.

I respect him tremendously and take his advice seriously- not because he is an accountant, just because is head is screwed in the right direction. The nice thing about Allan is he has never been bossy and respects my feelings and opinions.

I cannot wait for the 14th of December, when he arrives from the UK for a 3 week holiday. I have actually seen him 3 times already this year, but yet it feels like an eternity since we saw each other. The first 2 times were short and not under great circumstances- but we spent quality time together. The last was my holiday to the UK where I was spoilt from head to toe. Anyway I will be the first at the airport to welcome Allan and Ros home.

We have have 2 trips planned while he is here, the first is a day trip to Durban to say our finally farewells to our mom when we scatter her ashes on the 16th December. We want to do this before Christmas. The second is a weekend in Cape Town, this is just to do something different and spend time with friends. I am honoured to be invited on that trip as in fact his friends organised it, but never once forgot to invite me. A funny part about that trip is that I got a e-mail saying a ticket had been purchased for me to get to Cape Town, but they forgot to book my return flight. I go down a day after they do as I have Jody to sort out. Now to show how close we are, all Allan said is that they are flying back to JHB on the 29th, he mentioned no times and no airlines. I gathered they were flying 1 Time, because that's how we are getting to Cape Town.

I then booked my return flight and e-mailed Allan the times, it turns out that we are ALL flying back on the same flight. As I always maintain- great minds think a like.

There is no Christmas present in the world that I can give Allan as he means so much to me. Respect and love are one way I can say thank you. I am so looking forward to spending some more quality time with my BIG brother- he is the best.

Health and Fitness

Well I am officially on a health and fitness drive. I went to my local GP about a month ago and had a full once over due to me complaining of extreme tiredness. Anyway after a marathon of blood tests, it was established I had low iron levels. Anyway I was put on an iron drip there and then. This has now been repeated for a further 2 weeks. This been the 4th week I am having my iron retested today, so I hope I see an improvement.

Anyway I sat myself down and said why have I got these problems, and it just came down to my lifestyle. I immediately changed my eating habits which included a lot of coffee, a chocolate or 2 a day, not watching how much beer I was drink and so the list goes on. I immediately stopped the coffee and replaced that with rooiboos tea- and cut my intake by half. I have only had 3 cups of coffee in 2 weeks. Chocolates, well I thought I was going to go made- this was a vice. I have only had to 2 chocolate covered nuts in 3 weeks and I actually only had that to be polite. With regards to beer- I am down to 2 beers a week, I think this can be cut down soon.


Then comes my really problem- breakfast, I really do not enjoy breakfast because most cereals need milk and that is one thing that I cannot take, even in my coffee. Well I took the bull by the horns and no have eaten breakfast every morning for the last 3 weeks. I have got myself so disciplined that I must eat my Weetbix every morning including weekends.


I have taken lunch to work every day now and a couple of banana's to get me through the day. For supper it is a healthy meal- maybe 2 take aways a week, if I have worked really late, but I am trying to avoid that to. My weekends consisted of take aways from Friday to Sunday and I am proud to say that this has improved already.


Then comes the fitness, I have actually been to gym 3 times this week. Wow- that is a record, my previous record was twice in a month. Today was especially good work- I mowed the lawn, 3 hours of physical labour and this was followed by 40 minutes in the gym. I have been slack on gym due to a knee injury, but my physio instructed me to get back on the bicycle and tread mill. I have got myself so focused that I am watching my heart rate and weight like a hawk. So I am sure I will see an improvement soon.


This I am sure is the start of a healthy lifestyle. My aim now is to do the Argus in 2010 and work from there.

I've Been Tagged

As I mentioned in my last post- I have been tagged by Hayley. Well I have been thinking what 6 points about me can and am I prepared to share with my blog readers. I have wanted to make it interesting, special and most importantly honest, so here goes:



1.) I have started to collect coffee mugs of places I have been to, especially sports stadiums.
2.) I enjoy cooking, but cannot stand working with flour on my hands.
3.) I have been in the cockpit of and Airbus A300 whilst taking off from Durban- I was probably 7 years old.
4.) I got my first kitchen appliance when I was 15 years old.
5.) I still want to get a degree- probably HR Management
6.) I own at least 5 Bonnie Tyler compact discs.

Well it is probably not the most exciting list, but all 6 points are honest and true to me.

Christmas Decorations

I arrived home this evening and found our complex news letter stapled to my fence. Anyway it has the usual reminder about people obeying the complex rules and regulations and then it had what is been happening in and around the complex as well as the ever important security reminders.

However the last part was some positive news, they want all the units to put up Christmas lights outside there units. A few of us have done this for the past 2 years, but can you image if all 31 units participate, what our complex will look like- A Christmas wonderland- Yippee!!!!! The main gate will also be decorated.

There is planned switch on at 6pm on the 30th November, which will be followed by a Christmas Party in the pool area with snacks and drinks as well as Father Christmas will be doing a visit to give all the kids a small gift, I must send an e-mail to the the organisers to see if a 33 years old qualifies as a children's.

Now my unit is right by the gate, so I have decided that I am going BIG, my double garage has a nice piece of wall above it, so that will be decorated, I always have something around my front window so I plan to make the most of it. The only thing that will wait till the 16th December is my Christmas tree.

It has been a family tradition that the tree goes up on the 16th December and that's the way it will stay. Even though it is now my house I will not break the tradition. In saying that even with my Christmas lights, I will put them on for the big switch on, but then they will be turned off till the 16th December.

It is rather strange how certain family's have certain traditions, and how the latter generations often stick to those traditions going forward. I actually was not going to put my tree up this year as without my mom it did not seem needed, but when I was in the UK a few weeks back, my brother basically said that the tree has to go up. After thinking about it, I agreed- mom loved the tree every year and this year is going to be no different. The Christmas tree will go up and she can look down on it and be proud!

I have changed a few things around in the house, but the traditions and family values will remain forever and should I have children one day, those values and traditions will continue.

I will do a blog entry once the Christmas lights are completed with some pictures to show you the San Bernadino Christmas wonderland. I will also share with you in a future blog entry my feeling toward Christmas 2008.

Lasty, I see I have been tagged- Thanks Hayley! I will think about which 6 secrets I am going to make public and put them on my blog this weekend. That should be interesting.

Guy Fawkes

There is one evening of the year, I dread and that is 5 November- Guy Fawkes. I realise there is a lot of history behind Guy Fawkes, but my problem is that as they years have past, the crackers been lit are getting louder and louder.

As I kid I hated fire work displays because of the noise. However as I have grown up, I have learnt to enjoy them and realise with the bright colours, comes some noise. A controlled fireworks display in a open public area is always a great sight.

I am sitting at home baby sitting Jody my foxy, and she is really on edge with the noise. I appreciate people are trying to have fun, but we do not need these big bangs and loud noisy crackers that can be heard 10 miles away.

My understanding of a celebration or a commemoration is a token reminder of an event, however in to days world it seems who can be bigger and better or in the case of fireworks, who can be bigger and louder.

I am at least at home and with my doggy, what about those people who are at work or who are out that cannot be with there animals, those poor dogs and cats. There is one thing I hate reading in the papers is how animals have been lost because they ran away from the noise. My other real hate is the way people have been cruel to animals with crackers- that gets my goat in a knot so quickly.

Over the past few years, the 5th of November has always been rainy, my wish is that it rained so hard all night so that crackers cannot be set of in the suburbs.

I am sorry that this has not been a happy or friendly post, but I have just needed to air my frustrations on fire crackers been let off in a suburb area.

Christmas Bettles

I do not know the scientific or correct name for our brown friends that come and visit us at this time of the year. I have always known them as Christmas beetles.

Now I just want to let you all know, that I actually adore animals, nature and any thing like that. However me and Christmas beetles do not see eye to eye. I think the reason been is that one Christmas Eve at around 4pm, one of these characters decided that it was going to get a close up view of my ear!

So close that it decided to fly in at full pace and down the ear canal. I have a high pain thresh hold, but that was painful. This guy decided it was going to head butt my ear drum, a pain I would not wish on anyone. My parents did and assessment, my gran added her suggestion, but nothing worked. All that there attempts to get this chap out either killed it or scared it stiff.

Now by 4pm on Christmas Eve a Doctor is a rather scares commodity and we only had 1 private hospital in Benoni at the time. Eventually my dad found a doctor who was prepared to help. After much frustration he got the offender out. Unfortunately the beetle did not see Christmas, but my discomfort was sorted.

Anyway back to present times. I now sit with a situation that these beetles come and haunt me. They are welcome in my house, but they make themselves so welcome that they must fly past my face and land on me. I am paranoid that one will fly into my ear.

I walk around the house constantly making sure that a Christmas beetle is not flying near my face. I have come to the conclusion that they can stay in my house, but should one become to bold, it will be forcibly removed!!

White Hart Lane

The second stadium I had the honour of attending was White Hart Lane- home to Tottenham Hotspurs. This was really exciting as I got to see a live English Premier Football match. The teams playing were Hull City and Tottenham. Tottenham have had a horrid start to the season and when Hull City scored in the opening minute, the home fans were nearly in tears.

Watching a game like this was quite an eye opener. The first thing I observed, is that the away team supporters, have a separate entrance to the stands and the area allocated to them is tiny compared to the home team. Very unlike SA sport,where the home and away supporters are mixed. Also this i unique to soccer/ football. Rugby, all supporters sit amongst one another.

Twickenham

Well I have finally got my camera out after been home for nearly a week and have also final decided how I am going to share some of my holiday with you.

Basically I was fortunate enough to go and see a few sports stadiums while I was in the UK, some I just stood outside, some I toured and others I went and watched a match. The stadiums I saw were:

Twickenham- Home to the English Rugby Union
The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff- Home to the Welsh Rugby Union
White Hart Lane- Home to Totenham Hotspurs Football Club
Chelsea Stadium- Home to Chelsea Football Club

Twickenham

This was an organised tour and what was really good about it, was that the tour group consisted of 4 people, so it was really personal. I was quite surprised, that we were allowed into the royal box and even sit in the seat the Queen would sit in if she attended a game.

It is quite a remarkable stadium and I can only imagine how it must rock when it is hosting and International test. We also had the honour of working through the President of the English Rugby Unions Box, WOW, what class and elegance. To be honest I do not know if I would enjoy watching a game in collar and tie and all so formal. Anyway I suppose it could be an experience.

This photo is quite special and been the only South African on the tour, I had the honour of identifying the Springbok, I cannot remember what tour it was, but pre apartheid tours , the visiting Springboks, would present a trophy such as this to the English Ruby Union as a gift. This is placed near the royal box for all to see.

The last part of the tour is to the change rooms. These are basic, however, the visitors are even more basic, so much so that you are not allowed in the vvisitors change rooms. This picture is of Martin Johnstones cubicle. I could have had my photo sitting in there, but as a Springbok support declined. The tour is then concluded at the tunnel the players use to get to the pitch. I stood at the tunnel door and as you will see by my dress code, I was was not ready to play on the day. I preferred to be a spectator.

An Expensive Trip to the loo

Yesterday my brother and I headed into London from Hungerford to see my friends Clint and Ronald or as they should have been refereed to Drunkard 1 and Drunkard 2 as they had a good party on Saturday night and I managed to get them out of bed at 11am to meet for drinks and lunch.

Well been Sunday, trains are a bit less frequent, so from Hungerford to Reading was 1 train and we got of at Reading for a change of train. This was all good, but the time difference in trains, meant that we could grab a pie and a drink (water). We then had a short wait for our next train into London Paddington. Once on the train we were subjected to standing as the train was full.

The toilet content in the next section is not a detailed toilet story, it just revolves around a trip to the toilet in London.

Anyway we were about 5 minutes out of Paddington station and I realised that my bladder was in need of emptying. This was all fine and I thought I will not go on the train as we were so close to the station- This turned out to be an expensive mistake. We got of the train and I turned to my brother and said I am off to the loo quickly, his departing words were have 30p ready.

This did not seem to be a problem at the time, however once at the toilet entrance I departed with my 30p. My mind was now able to concentrate a bit further and I put this all into perspective, I had paid to use the facility which for the thought of cleanliness and the such was fine. However I did the fatal error of converting that into SA Rands, I had just paid R4.20c to go for a quick wee. That is almost a price of a can of Coke back Home. I could have gone on the train for free.

Anyway today in Cardiff I rephrased my wording and asked for a loo that was for free.

Excitement

Well the count down is almost complete- 1 more sleep until I leave for the UK. As I write this post, I see that in exactly 24 hours I leave for the airport.

I have so been looking forward to this break for a number of reasons:
1.) A break from work to refresh my batteries
2.) I get a way from home
3.) I get to see my brother and his wife- the 2 most important people in my life
4.) I am going to see some old school friends- thanks Facebook

Anyway I am thinking about the packing and just wondering how I can magically pack my bags with doing as little as possible. I will hopefully keep you posted with my journey every few days. I love travelling and cannot wait to see the sights of London again.

Rugby

Well, the Currie Cup is coming to the most exciting time where any mistake can cost a team it's place in the next round. I received an e-mail from my aunt this morning which sum's up my feelings.

If you haven't guessed it, we are all shouting for the Sharks, who are currently number 1 on the log. Anyway what I love about the Currie Cup it is not over till it's over. The Sharks may be in position 1 today, but next week could be a total different outcome.

All I can say is: MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN!!!!!!

Tears

I have mentioned in previous posts, that I am going on a business trip to Jeffrey's Bay on Monday and Tuesday and then I leave for the UK on the 26th September (6 sleeps). Anyway been away from home for so long, I have had to put Jody into the kennels down the road from home.

Anyway I have tried not to show that anything is different, but dog's instinct got the better of me and I had a dog with very long face this morning as we got in the car. Well the trip was short but interesting, Jody decided that she was going to sit at my feet as I drove. I drove rather slowly to ensure I had control of the pedals and also make sure Jody was alright. Anyway at the kennels she was as clingy as can be. Once in the kennel, I took her lead off her and gave her a hug. As I walked away, it felt as if I had hit a brick wall and the tears opened. I started to cry, realising I was not going to see Jody for over 3 weeks.

Jody is an important part of my life, but I realised today how big a part she plays in my life. I am going to miss her like crazy and I know that on my return I have something to look forward to, and that is seeing my pal again.

The Tattoo At Monte Casino

I have just returned home from a lovely evening at Monte Casino. They hosted a tattoo this week and I went with a work colleague and his wife and her family. When I saw the tattoo been advertised I was like a kid and really wanted to go. Firstly I love the Scottish music and secondly it took me back to my childhood when Durban hosted the tattoo's annually.

If I am not mistaken it was always during the July school holidays, that the tattoo was held. My brother and I would always head to Durban to our rand parents who lived in Kloof at the beginning of the holidays and then our parents would follow down about a week later. Once the whole family we together, we would all parade down to Durban, I think it was held at Kings Park stadium and we would go and watch the tattoo. It was always exciting, except when the military started shoot off there cannons and guns, I would always put my head in mom's lap.

Anyway, back to the present, we meet at Monte Casino and took our respective seats. Obviously you expect to seethe pipe band and the drummers, but there was a whole variety of bands as well. The SAPS had there brass band and then CBC Springs had there band. The dancing was done by a Scottish dancing school and then there were the Zulu warriors. All of this was really well put together and the music was pleasant and nobody put a foot out of line.

The SAPS Elite Task Force did a hostage display with guns and helicopters, this brought some excitement to the event. However the highlight for me was a Swiss Military band, who put on a performance that was out of this world. The precision an timing was superb and just the way they performed, it was worth every cent to just see them.

Anyway, all I can say that it was well put together and I will definitely look out for next years event.

Air Miles and Airports

Well as I mentioned last week, I am heading to the UK on the 26th September. I love flying, but that particular trip is going to be long as I am going to be flying via Dubai. I have calculated that it will take me almost 17 hours to get to London from Johannesburg and of those 17 hours, 15 and a half will be in the air.

Anyway I heard at the end of this week, I still need to go to Jeffrey's Bay and do some interviews for a new store we are opening. So I get to fly earlier in the week as well. A hour 40 minutes to PE and a hour 40 minutes back from PE. The PE run is actually a pleasant length of time, except the time I leave- 5h50 take off, which means a 3h30 wake up- ouch!

This means that I will spend almost 19 hours flying during the period 22nd September to 27th September. I also get to see 4 airports during that period. I am not complaining, I am just surprised how much travelling I will be doing. I do not do a heck of a lot of travelling but all of a sudden I am almost in a different airport daily for a week.

As I said earlier I love flying, but I also am not able to afford the luxury of business class, so I have to make do with economy class, or as I refer to cattle class. I am almost 2 metres tall, so leg room is important to me. I am just shuddering at the thought of been coped up for so long in the aircraft. I always plan to get to the airport as early as possible, so I can get an emergency exit, I try and take as much advantage as I can.

My best part about flying is take off and landing. The feeling you get as you thunder across the tarmac is thrilling. Then only landing, once you hit the tarmac, the braking just shows what power the aircraft has.

I have done the Johannesburg Durban flight so many times and in all weather conditions. Some of those landings have even scared me, which is not easily done. However it was not landing at Durban, but George in fact last year that I have felt the most concerned, we had a clear flight all the way from Johannesburg, the sun was out and not a cloud in the sky the whole way. Heading into George, is quite a mission, you go out to sea for a fair way and then they bring you back inland and line up with the runway. This is apparently due to the mountains near the airport. Anyway we had done all the turning and we were in line with the runway, you could feel there was a wind about because we were rocking quite a bit. Anyway we were about to touch down and a gust of wind must of hit us from the side, enough to off balance us for only the one side of the under carriage to touch down. To avoid us flipping the pilot corrected the level of the aircraft with a definite move to the other side. With this, we ended up rocking a bit till the brakes set in motion. The pilot came on the PA system and welcomed us to George and gave the weather as normally, he ended of by saying, I hope you enjoyed the bounce into George.

I am sure I will have a few more airport and aircraft stories to share with you after next week.

Gardening

I live in a complex with 31 units in it. My unit is the right at the gate, so as you exit the complex- my unit is in full view. Over the last few days, I have seen everybody top dressing and beautifying there lawns.

This excluded me- until today when my conscience kicked in and I said best I at least trim the edges and mow the lawn. I even considered top dressing, but with me been away for almost 3 weeks, I decided not to as I cannot keep it moist and if we get the rain that we need I am going to have jungle to contend with on my return. Anyway I thought there would not be much to mow until I realised how much dead grass there was. My pavement normally only needs the mowers catch to be emptied twice- not today, it took 4 catch loads of grass!!

I then tackled the inside, well it took forever to get this done- because of all the dead grass. Anyway, I must share with you how I have done 2 thirds of the mowing that I need to do and I realised I had run out of dustbin bags. I contemplated leaving what was left till tomorrow morning, but then thought about the equipment already been out. I decided to jump in the car and go to the local Spar and pick up some bags. I did not bother getting changed, I just rinsed the hands and picked my wallet and the keys up and off I raced. Only as I got out the car did I actually realise how dirty I was- but it was to late to worry. I picked up what I had come for and a cold drink to drink in the car, as I was about to get in the car, I looked into the video shop and decided that a DVD was in order for the night. I had embarrassed myself enough, so off I trotted dirt and all and picked up a DVD.

Once home I finished what was still to be done and realised that if I did not do it today, tomorrow I would have said to myself, that it could wait till next week. At least next week, should not be to bad now!

I just hope we get some rain to settle this dust and let the grass get some water.

My Holiday

Well I am officially getting excited- I leave for the UK for a 2 week holiday in less than 3 weeks time! I fly out of Johannesburg at 22h30 on the 26th September and return on the 12 October. This is a very special holiday for me and I owe a lot of it to my brother- he is the BEST!

I have been needing a holiday and on my birthday I received a call from my brother wishing me for the day. He then turned around and said that he had not sent a gift, but I must book a trip to the UK and he will pay for half the ticket. WOW!!!

Anyway I wasted no time in booking and it was something like 10 weeks ago. I am now down to 3 weeks. This holiday is something I have needed for a long time and it is a break away from home and work. Although it is my second trip to the UK, there is so much I want to do. Somethings I want to repeat and others are things I missed last time.

I am going to be watching my first live soccer game in the UK- it will be Spurs vs Hull City on the 5th October 2008. He tried getting me tickets for a Man United or Liverpool game, but those are like hens teeth to get. Anyway I am so excited to be going to game, no matter what teams are playing.

I also am going to meet with some friends and catch up with them. It will be nice to see people I have not seen for a while. My brother Allan and his wife Rosalind live in a town about an hour out of London called Hungerford which is near Reading.

Anyway, I have started making a list of what needs to be packed as I am forgetful. It was quite scary how the first few items were electronics- camera, ipod, cell phone, chargers. Then only did I think of clothing.

I went through my wardrobe and realised if I am away for 2 weeks, I need some new clothes. The problem I have is work is casual, so what I wear daily is what I wear on the weekends. So off I went today to Jeep and picked up a few new shirts and shorts (thanks to staff price). I then needed a day pack and socks- I am sure my socks disintegrate in the washing machine. I am always short of socks. Last week, I bought some new walking shoes, mine were walked out and would kill my feet if I walked the distances I plan to walk.

On my list I have had to put bills that will need paying while I am away, I really do not feel like returning to no lights and water or something like that.

This holiday is special to me, it is the first holiday I will be having with my brother since mom died and we need to share some memories. Also and I will say it in the nicest possible way- I need the break and with mom not been around I can have that break. I was always concerned about leaving her, with her not been well, she easily hurt herself or something could happen. So I would continually be phoning or texting her to see if she was alright. This time I do not have that worry. Although I would not grudge having to contact her daily.

Anyway, I will be sharing the build up to the holiday and my lap top is also on the list, so I will be in contact through my blog- hopefully share some pictures from time to time.

Jody- My Best Friend

Well, it has been a long time since (in fact too long since) I last added a post to my blog! Anyway I'm finally able to add some news/ information about my life.

I thought that I would start off by introducing Jody to you. She is a fox terrier born on the 1st February 2004. Jody is many things to me- a friend, a companion and most importantly a part of my family. She has an amazing character and knows how to change my mood when I am down. When getting home from work or from been out for a few hours, I am always meet with a high pitched greeting that probably can be heard 10 kilometres away. Jody has a very important job after that and that is to help me close curtains, we walk from room to room and I get told everything that happened in the complex while I was out.

The photo on top here is Jody sitting on the window sill at the window in my study area. She likes this spot as she can see what is happening in the house as well as having fill view of the complex gate. There are a few things that Jody does not like and they are motor bikes- she goes mad when one is ridden past our unit and this also goes for trucks.


With regards to weather, she seems to love standing in the rain, but should the thunder start, she is worse than a baby and wants to come in side. With regards to standing in the rain, she disappointed me yesterday afternoon and the reason for this is because I gave her a bath. Well she was as good as gold while been bathed, however when she went outside, she found all the sand she could and rolled in it- all my hard work ruined! However we do not bear grudges and she was forgiven in a wink.



Jody sleeps inside, she has a bed in the guest toilet area, but she is quite happy once she is in bed.

The last picture I want to share with you was taken at the end of June last year when we had the snow in Johannesburg. I got up to go to work and was meet by the snow. Jody went outside and could not understand what had invaded her space. Anyway this picture is of our house with Jody looking at me in total confusion with the snow on the grass.

Goal Achieving

Last week I mentioned that I wanted to move into the main bedroom of my town house! Well after a lot of delay tactics, I did it. I tried to do it all on my own on Saterday, but got as far as moving the beds. Anyway I was fortunate to have assistance on Sunday and we got the job completed.

It went well, except for a moment when I found a Christmas card my mom gave to me last year. This opened the flood gates and I was man down for about 5 minutes. Anyway I composed myself and had a cold drink and felt better. My room is looking nice now- I wish I could post a picture, but as I said last week my camera is not functioning.

On that note, I received some positive news today about my camera. I phoned the company who I took it to for repairs and the repair is going to be done under warranty, so I do not need to go out and buy a new camera for my overseas trip.

Anyway my Monday has not been to bad, I just hope the rest of the week continues in a similar way.

Weekend Goal

Well I have set myself a goal this weekend. I am currently living in a town house with 2 bedroom's. The main bedroom was my mom's and I occupy he second bedroom. Since my mom passed away I have been building up the courage to move into her room. I have been postponing it for a number of reason's, the main been is that I just never felt right about moving into mom's room- it was hers and she was the only one who lived in that room. However I have overcome that hurdle this week an said to myself, although it was mom's room, she would want me to be comfortable.

So I am going to make the move and I will shed a tear or 2 as I do it, but I think it will also do me good to make the changes in the house and take the memories that I see daily away. The most important memory's will always be in my heart.

Missing Photo's

I discovered last night that my camera is not working. The reason I discovered this was because I wanted to put some photo's on my blog and they are sitting on my memory card. I was looking at my blog and it looks so bland.'

Although I do not use my camera often, I realised how important photo's are to life. Anyway the good news is, I managed to take my camera for a service and was relived to be told that the particular model I have has a factory fault and I was not the only one with a problem. This is great news as I am going to the UK at the end of September for a holiday and want to take as many pictures as possible.

So I am sure you will be seeing more pictures soon, and yes a profile picture is on it's way- I just need to put it onto a flash drive.

A Starting Point

Well, it is Sunday the 10th August 2008 and I have started a blog. I hope to be able to share what's on or has been on my mind with you. Some maybe exciting, to others bore. But I hope that by me expressing myself on these pages, I can understand myself better.