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.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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!!!!!!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
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.
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.
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