Life's Roller Coaster

The week ahead

2009-09-21T21:13:00.002+02:00

I am off to Cape Town on Saturday morning. I was only supposed to go on Monday for work, but I sent a very nice e-mail to my manager and asked if it would not be possible to go on Saturday and was told today that I am flying Saturday morning. This is really exciting as I have not had a break for ages.

I would have loved to have made it from Thursday, but there is so much on the go at work and also I have to look at the costings. I am hoping to meet up with another old school friend, so it should be good. I only return to JHB on Wednesday next week, so I am almost way 1 whole week.

So I hope the weather is good, I need a relaxing weekend.

So Positive

2009-09-21T20:41:00.002+02:00

I have been feeling so positive over the last while, which is awesome. I have just started to take things as they come and be more excepting and positive. Each thing that is happening in my life is a "challenge", some are fun, some are difficult and some are mind boggling. However each challenge as I call them happens for a reason.

The way I know I feel better about things is that I all of a sudden always have a song or music in my head! And I will be honest I do sing out aloud when I am alone- so no I do not scare the people around me.

I meet an old school friend the other day in passing at the shops and since then he has introduced me to some really good friends I have not seen for ages. The greatest thing about these friendships is that we are all Christians and have the same belief in God.

I have always been a believer, but they have helped me strengthen my belief's. Going to cell once a week and Church on a Sunday is now so important to me. If I miss one of those, I will feel so lost! It is so great to drive along the road and get caught in a traffic jam and not be so frustrated. I overcome my frustration by looking out the window and admiring the trees and plants outside.

Things occur in our life for a reason and the meeting of my old friend has made me feel SO good about myself and the people around me. So my goal going forward is only to be positive when writing in my blog.

Hello

2009-09-06T20:48:00.002+02:00

Well it has been age's since I wrote a post for my blog and yes I am feeling guilty for not doing so. Anyway I have decided to share some of my news with my blogger "family"!

The main reason for not posting anything, is that I just have been unable to put my thoughts into words. So I did not want to confuse or bore you.

Anyway, what has been happening in the world of Keith? As you are aware I have been planning my trip to the UK for Christmas. I have ticket, visa and all that is needed is money. That fortunately is planned and can be taken care of. Other than that I have been rather quite.

Work has been hectic, but it has been keeping my out of mischief. I fortunately can put my fill effort into my job and look back at my achievements and completed goals. My latest project was organising a live read of an advert for our company on OFM this week. I had goosebumps when I listened to it while audio streaming on Friday morning.

The other brilliant news is that I have meet up with some of my old school friends and they have made me feel special and wonderful. I just have such a positive out look on things through them!

I have been going to a Church in Kempton Park for the last few weeks and have really enjoyed these Sunday evening's. I have found that I am thinking clearly, and just been more chirpy. However that is for a different post.

December is when my goals start happening- I am going to "the Killers" concert on the first Friday in December. I have got my ticket and am going to rock with the teens. I have started to like there music since my brother introduced them to me earlier this year. It is going to be brilliant.

So basically that's me at the moment, nothing to exciting, just a few goals and achievements. Hopefully I will post something more sensible soon.

Holiday Planning

2009-07-29T21:19:00.003+02:00

A couple of posts back I mentioned that I was going to the UK for Christmas- yeah!! Anyway this has not been a straight forward transaction in the planning side. I know we are still 5 months away, but I have had a fair share of obstacles in this process.

I booked my ticket almost 2 months ago- my boss very kindly approved my leave in a blink and that was appreciated. Anyway I booked online and did not even bother to get my passport out- BIG mistake!! My old passport was due to expire mid July!

Anyway my brother is the one I need to thank for checking as he had given me a discount voucher to use when I was there and I thought the safest place for this was my passport. So when I placed this voucher in the passport I saw my passport was not going to be valid. I went cold, having heard of all these stories of Home Affairs and the problems and delays, etc. I was in Edenvale one day and thought I would pick up a form and prepare it at home, not knowing that you cannot take forms out of the premises. Anyway when I arrived at Home Affairs in Edenvale (close to work), the queues were 2 people deep- wow. I had fortunately had a set of passport photo's in my wallet and I filled the form in and paid my dues. I gingerly asked the cashier how many weeks for this to be proceed and was told 8!!!!

This would have taken me to mid August without the chance of further delays. Anyway I had no option, but to get the process rolling. 2 weeks later I logged onto Home Affairs Website and checked the progress and was pleasantly surprised to see- PASSPORT BEEN PRINTED. About 3 days later I did another check and was even more surprised- PASSPORT DISPATCHED TO OFFICE OF APPLICATION. 2 days later- PASSPORT READY FOR COLLECTION. So it took a total of 3 weeks to have a new passport. This was so quick that my old passport had not expired and I had my new one in hand. A Big thumbs up and Well Done to the Department of Home Affairs.

Anyway after that obstacle, I thought VISA application and then pack my bags to leave. Why would it be so simple?? I received an e-mail from British Airways, would you have a problem with your return flight arriving 10 minutes later? Please confirm, so I picked up the phone and said that was fine, but why worry about 10 minutes, the agent reminded me some people would have connecting flights. Anyway that all done, I thought we are going ahead, just a VISA application to do- NOT. I received another e-mail from British Airways apologising that my outbound flight was rescheduled.

No asking what preference I wanted to change- I was just booked on the flight they saw fit. Anyway I did not like the choice as instead of leaving at 7h45 in the morning, I was to leave at 20h15 in the evening, meaning I would only arrive in London on Christmas eve. So I phoned again and asked why I was not given a choice and was told they put me on the flight that was next on the schedule. I then had to put on my sweet and business voice on and politely ask for a flight the day before then. My only 2 reasons for this is that I have the 23rd as a days leave approved already and the second reason is probably more important- I have arranged to go shopping in London Central on the evening of the 23rd December.

So this was granted and I cannot see a problem with that going forward. My next challenge is a VISA Application, this is quite a document. Because I am staying with family, I need to provide a letter from them and there life history. My company has to give me a letter to say that I am not leaving them and that I am employed on a full time basis. So currently I am gathering all that information to get my VISA application in, once this is done, I think I will relax.

This holiday is going to be good for me and I am really looking forward to the break. I am not sure what News Years will bring, but either with my brother and/or my mates, I am hoping to have a blast.

The other exciting part is that there is a lot of football on during the period I am there, so I may have an opportunity to go to at least 2 games. Including at least 1 with my new team Spurs. I changed my support from Man United to Spurs. You may ask why, it is just I have been to a game at Spurs and I appreciate where they are based and there stadium!

But there is a lot of work to be done before I go, so I just need to buckle down and focus on the next few months with work.

I am around!!

2009-07-13T21:22:00.002+02:00

Well I said in my last blog, I was going to be scarce and I see I last posted a pitiful 4 weeks ago! Anyway I will amend my ways going forward.

The Confed's cup was a learning curve for South Africa and our company. We have learnt what we need to do. The British and Irish Rugby Tour was also not as big as anticipated, but keep us on our toes. I went to watch the match in Durban and worked most of the weekend as our stands down in Durban were busy. However I still managed to watch the game live. It was truly amazing to see how many supporters came from the UK to support there team!

Other than that just been busy at work. We had our mid year conference this last weekend and planned for the next 12 months!

I will add some photo's of the weekend in our my next post. We went to a beautiful part of South Africa- Zululand to a place called Bayete Zulu! We were there 18 months ago and I will go back there any day.

I took today off to do some personal things and got the worst over in the shortest period. I manged to get a change of ownership done on my mom's car done and my licence paid in a whole of 25 minutes- this must be a record for me. So well done Boksburg municipality.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-06-11T21:37:00.002+02:00

I have been wanting to write a post on my blog for the last few nights, but have just been to cold and tired!

What makes matters more challenging is that the next 3 and a bit weeks are going to be so hectic for me work wise, I do not know. We are moving into a busy time at work- Confed's Cup and British and Irish Lions Rugby tour. It is a lot of hard work for us, but also so exciting. Hence I do not think blogging will be top of my calender, however I may have some events to share with you.

I cannot complain as it is an honour to be involved in these events. I have also been honoured to attend some rather exciting matches. For the Confed's Cup I am going to the opening ceremony and game, at Coca Cola Park on Sunday. On Thursday I am going to Loftus to watch Italy vs USA. That is 2 international soccer games in 1 week- WOW!

My biggest catch is the First Test- Springbok's vs British and Irish Lions in Durban. My favourite stadium! So with hard hard work comes some play.

I will try and keep you posted on news if I can!

In Honour of a Special Person!

2009-05-20T19:23:00.003+02:00

I noticed the other day that I had written 49 posts in the last few months. I never realised I would ever get that far and enjoy it. My blog is not often visited, but the few people who do visit it are really appreciated and I am honoured to have you as part of my blog- Thank You! I have 3 regular followers and you have taught me to speak my mind and share my feelings. There are still a few things I cannot share yet, but I will do so when I am ready.

One of my main reasons for starting a blog was to be able to speak my heart to "somebody" and the reason for using my blog is I do not really have anyone I can always speak my heart to. My brother is the most amazing person on the world and yes I can speak to him, but he also has a life and I do not always want to "burden" him. I have some wonderful aunts and a great sister in law, but I feel they also have lives and I cannot share verbally with them.

The main thing is there are certain things that I cannot share verbally for different reasons- they my think I have lost the plot or they just will not understand.

My blog was started because the one person I could air my thoughts with is no longer alive today and that is my dearest mom. So today I honour this post in her memory, my dearest mom who departed from my life so suddenly a year ago tomorrow!

I wish I could share my life and thoughts with her daily, I miss her like crazy, but in my heart I have memories that no one can take away! Gosh she was special and an honour to have known.

Fireproof

2009-05-10T21:11:00.002+02:00

Last night I finally got to watch Fireproof! I do not know how many times I wanted to watch it, but could not- either I was to slow in booking it or I forgot to book it or the night I booked it for I had a prior engagement with friends.

Any yesterday at lunch time I went to my local Spar to grab something for lunch and decided to pop into the video store and there it was - Fireproof was in and not booked! Anyway I started watching it and thought I was not going to see the end. Boy was I wrong- as the movie progressed, so I got more involved and my mind got working. Although I am not in any form of relationship I still learnt from the movie. It is amazing and a life lesson for everyone.

I am a believer and this movie strengthened my belief and showed that wonders of God in it's own special way!

I am addicted!

2009-04-20T21:42:00.002+02:00

Okay so I am addicted to Ultra Mel Vanilla Custard! I have come out into the open and I am sharing it in public!

You ask why I am I making a noise about it now, well I have been on a major fitness and wellness drive for the last 2 months and have steadily lost 4 kilograms in total. I have cut back on a lot of my vices, except Ultra Mel and I have still last weight- so I guess I can carry on having my favourite treat. I am good- a large container lasts me 4 days!

I nearly panicked a few weeks ago as I picked up 3 kg's, but fortunately I have burnt those off. My bio kinetics instructor said it was fat turn to muscle. She has always agreed we do need to treat ourselves and the way I get that right is with my custard!

Call me crazy- but I had to let you know why I am so happy!

Maybe a White Christmas

2009-04-19T19:21:00.004+02:00

It is April and I am thinking of Christmas- Am I mad? Yes and no.

The reason for me thinking about Christmas is because last week I purchased my ticket to the UK for my December holidays. I am actually getting time off in December.

This holiday is going to be good. It is the first time in 14 years of work that I will be off before Christmas eve and the week between Christmas and New Year I am off the whole week. Normally I work till at least 2pm on Christmas eve and then the week between Christmas and New Year I work most days. Mt leave starts on the 23rd December and I only return to work on the 5th January 2010. WOW!

I am excited,so all I need now is snow on Christmas morning- I know that anyone living in the UK would like to kill me for talking about there winter season already. I went to the bank yesterday to start a notice account to save my spending money, so I can enjoy my time away and with family.

So I have a nice short term goal to look forward to!

On a Roll

2009-03-25T20:51:00.002+02:00

So my last post less than 24 hours ago I mentioned winning tickets to watch rugby on Saturday at Coke ' Cola Park. Anyway this morning I went to an AGM at the Indaba hotel in Fourways for the company that provide me with my Industrial Relations Support at work.

Anyway these meetings are always a nightmare as they battle to get members to attend. Anyway my feeling is that it is one way to say thanks for all the advice they give me. At the registration we were given name tags and these had numbers on, I decided to choose 33!

We went through the meeting part and a few talks and the meeting ended with a lucky draw. Guess what number is drawn- number 33. I won a R3000 training course voucher! So I get to go on another course and the bonus is that my boss has agreed if the course I want to go on is over R3000 he will cover the extra!

This is so exciting as these courses are always well presented and very informative. The company is very professional and practical. So I will have another course on my CV. Yippee!

So that's 2 wins in a week. Maybe I must enter the Lotto this week!

The Right Place At the Right Time

2009-03-24T20:56:00.002+02:00

Yesterday (Monday) I had to go to our shop at The Brightwater Commons Shopping Centre (The Old Randburg Waterfront) for a store visit and sort a new staff member out with the necessary documentation and orientation. Anyway coming from the East Rand I was caught in traffic and only arriving at about 9h20. This was fine and thanks to cell phones I could explain my delay.

Anyway, I did what was required of me and I was in my car about to leave the centre when I spotted the Highveld Stereo's Ground Patrol vehicles parked as if they were abandoned in the parking lot. I put 2 and 2 together and actually got 4. They were away and own there own in a wide open space, so they must be about to do a give away. My mind started racing and as I expected Kenny Mastery said on the radio that he would be crossing to the ground patrol next. So after a Marathon advert slot, he finally spoke to the Ground Patrol!

I was a bit concerned it was going to be something to do with the Baby Expo been held as the last advert was about that. Anyway the item's that were up for grabs were tickets to the Super 14 match at Coke 'n Cola Park on Saturday- Lion vs Hurricanes!! So I was there like a flash to pick up a free be! Anyway I was first in line and I jumped back in the car and scanned the tickets only to see that they were for The Lions game played last weekend.

So I jumped out and they ground patrol member asked if I was chancing my luck so I laughed and chirped that they were seeing who was awake. Anyway, they saw there mistake and stopped giving tickets out. Fortunately for most the problem was sorted, except for one speedy lady, who had already driven off, we got given the right tickets from the other side of the HUGE stack of tickets they had. For been sharp I was given 3 instead of 2 tickets. So I have something to look forward to this weekend!

I know it is not my team, at , least I get to watch some live rugby this season guaranteed!

Sleep

2009-03-08T19:59:00.003+02:00

As you may have gathered from my last post, I have had my first weekend off in a few and I must say it has been good. Yesterday (Saturday) I did a number of things I wanted to do or have been meaning to do, so that was good. I also spent Saturday on the couch watching sport and relaxing. I managed to do a sport of my own- channel hop through the sports channels!

Anyway, this is more what this post is about- sleep! I watched a DVD after an early supper last night and then decided to hit the sack at around 22h00, I remember seeing 22h30, but lets say I fell asleep at 23h00. I was quite tired so I had a good sleep and only remember waking around 2h00 and then at 5h30. At 5h30, I gathered we had a power failure as my clock radio was off. This did not bother me as I was half asleep and not ready to get up.

I then woke around 7h30 and the power was on, so I got up and let Jody out and made myself a cup of coffee, which I took back to bed with me to relax with and just take it easy. Anyway I had my coffee and got comfortable and guess what- I feel asleep for a further 2 hours. I was shocked when I woke up at 10am, as I never expected to have another 2 hours sleep, but I felt good for it. This just shows how tired I actually was!

I guess it is not a bad thing, but it put pay to the Wimpy breakfast I promised myself as I needed to be in Randburg for lunch at 12h30 and did not want to spoil my lunch with a late breakfast. So I guess I should plan another early night so I do not waste the sleep I caught up on.

Shavathon 2009

2009-03-07T17:39:00.004+02:00

I have been waiting for today (7 March 2009) for a few reasons, the first been that I have worked the last 2 weekends, Saturday and Sunday. So in essence I have worked for 3 weeks solid, except I did have 2 and a half days off due to been sick. And I was rather sick with a fever of 39 degrees Celsius. So I was looking for to the break. With me working like this I have also got to miss the start of the Super 14 and until today I had not seen a live full Super 14 match for 2009. Which I managed to change this morning as I watched the Sharks Versus the Blues and The Sharks did me the honour of winning so it was worth waking up at 6h25. I at least knew I could rest later in the day, which I have done well this afternoon.

Then the reason for this post and the other reason for me looking forward to today was the Cansa Shavathon. This is such a good cause and yet I have never supported it. I have seen 2 family members fight cancer and unfortunately my aunt lost the fight and although I miss my aunt, the good news is my sister in law has been in remission for 5 years and to celebrate this I took part in this year's Shavathon! People and think what they like about the way I look, but I have a genuine reason why I took part and yes my hair can grow back, but at least for now can show my support.

So, to all those who have won the fight of Cancer, well done and I salute you. To those who have lost the fight to cancer, I respect you! and To anyone who may have cancer, hold in there and I pray that things will come right.

To show I did it, here is the before and after pictures:

BEFORE

AFTER

Restart

2009-03-05T20:56:00.002+02:00

Okay so towards the end of last year, I started a campaign to loose weight and get fit. I am not going to bore you with exotic excuses, but it went well for about a month and then the wheels fell off.

Anyway, I have restarted the campaign and this time I am serious. I actually got serious in December by buying a mountain bike and I must say that I have hardly ridden it. Anyway, I have turned the corner and have committed myself to change. I want to do a lot more riding and in a few month time, I hope to do a decent distant ride.

My other help comes in the form of a bio kinetics consultant. I have had an assessment and now know that the majority of my muscles are not utilised correctly. My muscles are so tight that my body's alignment is skew, skew, skew.

So tonight was my first session since my assessment and I can feel a few muscles have not been worked for a while and need to be stretched. While doing the stretching, I almost felt as if I needed a can of Q20 to spray in the joints. I was clicking and creaking much better.

So what are my goals:
1.) Loose a fair amount of weight
2.) To ride a decent distance on my bicycle
3.) To have my waist circumference come into proportion
4.) To feel good about myself and not be embarrassed.

Ouch!!

2009-02-20T22:19:00.007+02:00

I am officially sun burnt! Our company is doing all the clothing retail for the A1 GP been held at Kyalami this weekend and today was day 1 of 3. And guess what, I got sun burnt. Now I am normally scared of the sun and had my factor 30 in the car, but failed to put it on. So at the photo's show, my face is a beet root and my feet have a great sandal tan.

The photo's were taken with the flash on so in fact the light has improved the colour, I have in fact burnt a lot darker. I thought my feet were just dirty, but after a shower they are still dark, so I can officially say I am sun burnt. My cheeks are on fire as well as my ears and the rest of my body is warm. So today was day 1 of 3, so I think I have learnt my lesson. I am sure that I will be the first one to apply sun protection lotion tomorrow.

A Poem

2009-02-16T20:29:00.009+02:00

As mentioned in my last post, there is a poem that has got me through a number of difficult situations in my life. And many of you have probably heard it or read it, however I would like to share it with you. I believe religion is a personal choice and everyone has the choice to make, so please do not think I am forcing religion on to anyone, I am just sharing something that has helped me. This poem can be interpreted in different ways and I have used it in many vastly different situations!

Footprints

One night I had a dream. I dreamed I was

walking along the beach with God and

across the sky flashed scenes of my life.

For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints

in the sand, one belonged to me and the

other to God.

When the last scene of my life flashed before

us I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that at times along the path of life

there was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very

lowest and saddest times of my life. This

really bothered me and I questioned God

about it.

"God You said that once I decided to follow

You, You would walk with me all the way,

but I noticed that during the most

troublesome times in my life there was only

one set of footprints. I don't understand

why in times when I needed You most,

You would leave me."

God replied "My precious, precious child

I love you and I would never, never leave

you during your times of trials and suffering.

When you see only one set of footprints it was

then that I carried you."

I hope you have enjoyed this poem as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you. I unfortunately do not know the author, but all I can say is "Thank You" for the wonderful words that the author shared with us.

Footprints

2009-02-15T20:12:00.013+02:00

I have just spent 3 days in probably one of the most stunning parts of the South African Coastline- Jeffreys Bay. The reason for me been there was for work, however I had an opportunity after hours to enjoy the splendours of the Jeffreys Bay Beaches. So I wanted to share some of what I saw with you.

This photo is the sight I woke to in the morning from the B&B I stay at, it is stunning and you lie in bed listening to the waves breaking day and night. The B&B is situated so close to the sea that no matter which way the wind blows, you hear the waves. I know this photo is not early morning, in fact it was taken at 18h30 when the sun was setting behind me.

Coming from Boksburg it is hard to believe that at 18h30 the sun was still so high and bright, the coming photo's were in fact taken after this stunning view!

On the right is the Jeffrey's Bay Light house just before sunset, as you will see by the waterline on the right of the picture, I was standing in the water. It was barely ankle deep, however I was loving playing in the water. I am not a water baby, however for some reason I just had a ball for a few minutes as I forgot about my worries as I walked on the beach. I had planned to take a walk on the beach and then head for supper straight away. This did not happen- I ended up having to back to the B&B as I managed to get my pants wet.

This photo probably explains why my pants got wet. I decided that I was going to let the wave go in and out see how quickly I could get my feet wet. This was actually fun and I wish I had a costume with me to get even wetter!

While I was walking on the beach, I thought a lot about my family- and in fact got very, very emotional inside. I often have these moments, but for some reason, Thursday night was different. I just came to terms with what I have been through and for some reason I just felt a presence that both my parents were together and at peace. I am not just saying this, I just had this feeling I cannot explain and what reaffirmed this was that the poem Footprints kept coming to mind! I just realised that things happen for a reason. This poem has just helped me take the next step in my life. It is not the first time I have had help from this poem, and I am sure it will not be the last.

In closing, I will share the photo of my footprints on the beach. I will share the poem Foot Prints in my next post.

Johannesburg Traffic

2009-02-08T18:29:00.004+02:00

Well, I promised you a post on Johannesburg traffic, so I am not to let you down! Anybody who has lived in Johannesburg or has visited Johannesburg has experienced some form of our traffic. You do not need to drive 50km's on a highway to see what I am referring to- it is visible in the residential area's too.

My best is the way ladies think that they can put make up on while driving. Let me be up front- I have never put make up on- I am just not that type. However ever it does look challenging, specially when they start putting things near there eye's. I always worry that they are going to go over a bump and poke there eye out, I also imaging the lipstick ending up on there cheek. I have not witnessed it, but it must have happened.

Anyway, I am fortunate not to have to travel in to much peak hour traffic as I live 14 km's from my office. However take yesterday for instance (yes it was Saturday) and I managed to do 194.4 kilometres for work. So I can speak with some authority.

A good 10 years ago I was working in Woodmead and living in Benoni. We arranged a lift scheme and the meeting place was East Rand Value Mall at around 6h30. Now there were a few hangers on, but now now best mate Clint and I travelled together. A must was was that we had enough variety of music to get us to work and back. One of our famous ways we kept sane was that we would comment on other drivers and what they were either wearing, doing or thinking. Now earlier in the post, I mentioned about ladies doing make-up, I have seen men shave with electric razors.

One of the most memorable times was when we were driving through Edenvale and we saw a extremely good looking young lass. Now I think see realised what was going on and played us up. The next morning we left the same time and yes we saw her. I was driving and Clint said that I must bumper bash her as he wanted her number- I would not agree on that (how desperate was he??) Anyway the next morning he drove and had this determination to get her number, unfortunately for him and to my relief we did not see her. You can imagine what he was thinking.

I was driving back from work about a year ago and was driving along London Rd in Alexandra and the bakkie behind me pulled to the left and started passing us at a rate of knots. All I could imaging was somebody was going to be hurt. He had one side of the car on the road and the other on the pavement. Fortunately the pedestrians managed to flee in different directions and the only real damage was that a street stall was flattened and eventually the bakkie came to a stop wrapped around a light post. A lot of damage but thank goodness no one was injured.

I think traffic brings out the best and worse in people and I am sure that most of us have stories we can tell. From the way cars are "modified" to the safety of cars on the road to the people that drive in these cars. All I pray is that people get to there destinations SAFELY! This is not unique to Johannesburg and I am sure it happens in all area's.

So next time you in traffic, have a look at the people and cars and just think what is going on in there minds! I am sure you can all share a story with me.

Watch this space

2009-02-05T22:00:00.003+02:00

I have got a great thought going through my head. I will share it with you during the weekend. All I am saying is JHB traffic!!

Everyone should enjoy this one!

A Dog's Life!!!

2009-02-05T21:32:00.003+02:00

A few of my recent posts have revolved around Jody. And guess what, here is another story about my mate Jody.

Living alone, can sometimes be rewarding, however I cannot deny I do have a lonely night from time to time and crave company. The one thing that does help is my friends on the net and TV. My other moment of madness is that I have these deep conversations with Jody- You should see the way she looks at me, I get this stare as if to say " what planet are you from?" Anyway last night I went out with some of my brothers friends and we had a few drinks and a bite to eat. I must say I real do not drink a lot these days- It is not worth it! I enjoy the odd drink, but nothing that would cause a hangover.

I am going off track, again. Anyway back to Jody, so when I got home, it was quite late and I had another early start, so bed was top priority. I feed Jody and gave her her bed and I jumped through a shower. Once finished I grabbed a cold drink from the fridge and switched all the lights out as I walked through the house. I then heard this rasping sound and wondered what was going on. So I stood in the passage and listened, this sound was regular. You here this rasping, silence, rasping, silence and so it continues. At this stage, I listened through the sliding door and established that this noise was from the washroom where my mate Jody was sleeping.

Well I realised last night my dog is deep sleeper. I have heard this sound the other night and could not work out what it was. Anyway once I knew what the sound was last night- I relaxed and carried on heading for bed. I will be honest, I was a bit noisy- I dropped a book and banged a cupboard door, which I am sure the whole of Boksburg and Benoni heard. The one person who did not hear it was Jody, she just carried on snoring away!!

Now I say that Jody did not hear me last night, I can be assured if there was a problem or something strange going on, she would be awake and alert! I have had the honour of been bitten by her previously. She was on her away to grooming and I picked her up and tried to pass her to the kennel assistant and she thought he was trying to grab something from me and she snapped her jaw. Unfortunately my hand was in the way and I had 4 holes in my finger compliments of my mate. So she will protect me if she had to!

So I let sleeping dog's lie and let her enjoy her sleep. Isn't that a dog's life?

Punishment of my eye's and ear's

2009-02-03T21:19:00.003+02:00

I had a bit of an early start to my day- I was on the road at 6h20, when I normally leave home at around 7h35. The reason been is I am on a course in Glenhove that started at 8h30, however with the JHB traffic, I left early to get there on time. I arrived at 8h10 and the scary part is I only needed to drive 27 kilometre's. Anyway, I am digressing from my post's topic and I am sure I can do a number of posts on the traffic in JHB. I am getting an idea!! (Watch this space).

Back to reality, this course was not intense, but was an eye opener and worth a careful listen- I actually cannot wait for tomorrow. This is one I am really enjoying and the topic is so important in this country- BEE. My understanding and positiveness toward the topic is growing as the course progresses. Anyway, my point is that I had a early start and a different to my usual routine and then fought traffic home. So on arriving home, I got changed into a pair of shorts and got comfortable on the couch with a cold drink. After reading a bit of the Boksburg News, I decided to take up a more vertical position on the couch and watch some TV. I knew I would probably doze, so I set an alarm to wake me at 19h00. Anyway I saw the end of Egoli, and no I do not make a point of watching it, it was the only thing that was worth watching at the time.

My eye lids eventually closed and I had a 20 minute snooze, but the SHOCK was still to come. No the alarm did not wake me, I woke up naturally. Or my brain heard the screeching on the TV. I must have auto tuned the DSTV to channel 198- Idols extra. This was a BIG mistake. The quality of singing was hurting my ears.

Now I am the first to admire anybody for trying as it must be daunting, and I certainly would not have the courage to sing in front of the judges myself. But my point been is, we are in the 5th season of Idols, surely by now people know what standards the judges are looking for and if they cannot sing, they should not enter as they will not get anywhere!

Yes, the judges are hard, but the prize is life changing and there reputations are at stake. A number of the entrants are talented, but the majority just cannot sing! I was now awake and for some reason carried on watching for a few minutes- you may ask why, well the judges had me in stitches, I do not know how they did not get up and leave. I guess we seeing an edited version.

I have enjoyed most seasons of idols, I do not make a effort to watch every episode, however when the top 24 or so start I can tolerate it more. So I hope this year has some excitement near the end and all I can say is, may the winner go all the way and make a name for themselves without hurting my ear's!

My Buddy Jody

2009-01-30T21:31:00.002+02:00

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have a Fox Terrier named Jody! For those of you have not spent this week in Johannesburg, we have had continual on/ off periods of rain through out the day and night.

Anyway Tuesday morning turned into a bit of a nightmare, I could not get my B into G (could not get going) and ended up running late. Now Jody sleeps inside at night and in the morning just before I go I open the sliding door and put some fresh food and water down for her. I then let her out. This process of letting her out can take a good few minutes. We have to scratch, talk and help her stretch.

I was already late, so I did not bother rushing the process unfurther. Anyway eventually I insisted that she go out- I wish I had a camera to show you the look I got. She must have sensed the weather. Anyway that was a sight on it's own. The best was still to come!!!

She walked onto the patio where her kennel and food are, smelt and checked that there was food. That all in order, I thought she would make a run for the grass to do her toilet business. Not this morning, she placed 1 paw on the wet grass after a long stare at the grass. She then looked at this wet paw and looked back at me as if to say I must come and dry it. I had already closed the door and security gate and just stood watching this.

The next move was a reverse step and into her kennel! I then proceeded to gather my keys, fruit and yogurt and work bag and after putting the alarm on, I proceeded out the side door. Now I am always meet at the door by Jody and we have a good bye chat for the day. Not this morning- she did not come and see me off. I decided to put my belonging's in the car and went back into the yard to see what was going on- there was madam Jody lying in her kennel. She was not venturing into the rain!!

I thought this was so strange, yet it put a smile on my face. On arriving home I was greeted like usual, she must have realised that she would have to get wet sometime.

I was tagged

2009-01-26T21:22:00.005+02:00

Well the other day I was tagged and the process is to look at where you keep your photo's and choose the 6th file and then the 6th photo. I unfortunately do not have my photo's well grouped so I double clicked on my pictures and choose the 6th file which contained 1 photo and that is a scanned photo of my brother (Allan) and his wife (Ros) on there wedding day, 15th January 2000.

This was a special day for them and everyone that was there. It was also the last time we spent together as a family before my dad died and for me, it was the day I injured my back.

Shayamanzi II

2009-01-20T19:58:00.015+02:00

Shayamanzi is the Zulu term for Hit the Water, and that is exactly what we did for our 6 monthly strategy meeting. We arrived at Jozini Dam on Saturday afternoon.

Our home and conference venue was the house boat called Shayamanzi II. This is a 20 sleeper house boat on the Jozini Dam which is situated in Northern Natal on the Swaziland Border. The lake is 30 km's long and 10 km's wide.

This was a first time experience for me and cannot fault it one little bit. It was amazing to live on the water for 3 days. These are just some of the photo's of the boat and the sights we saw.

Some of the animals we say where elephants, Hippo's, Crocodiles, Zebra, Rhino and Tiger Fish.

A Working Weekend

2009-01-18T23:05:00.002+02:00

I am currently on a work strategy meeting. As I mentioned in my last post, the venue was a surprise! Anyway all can be revealed we are on a dam in Northern Natal known as Geseni (spelling?) Dam. And no we are not at a venue at a dam, we are ON the dam in a house boat. Each of us has a cabin and upstairs is a bar and a lounge and dining area that services as our conference venue.

It is 11pm and I am sitting on my bed with my sliding doors open listen to fish jumping out of the water, frogs, insects and a few birds. Nothing more relaxing. I am leaving the doors open and curtains as well. This is so African and so beautiful!

As we work, we can watch the world as the boat cruises. We break to look at different things. Today's high light was looking at Rhino on the shore and cruising near Hippo's. I can actually handle working on a Sunday if it was always like this.

Anyway I am off to bed to listen to nature and have sleep like a baby! I will post pictures on my blog when I get home. I cannot download them without the cable.

Busy Start to the New Year

2009-01-11T20:09:00.003+02:00

So we are into the second week of the new year already- WOW! It has been a rather busy 2 weeks. My brother went back to the UK last week Friday, so it was the hated good-byes and then trying to get back into the normality's of life.

I have been rather busy at work- all the normal happenings and catching up with projects and jobs that involve companies that were closed for periods during Christmas. To top it all I have been sick, started with Gastro 2 days before new year and then a dose of flu this week- I am now on my second antibiotic! However I am thinking positively and I will get over it soon- I hope.

This week is also just as hectic and to make matters more interesting I am out the office a LOT. I am in Bloemfontein on Wednesday and Thursday and then we are are on conference from Saturday to Tuesday. Conference is rather interesting, all we know is we away from Saturday till Tuesday. The venue is a surprise till Friday, all we know is we are heading to the Zululand area (Northern Natal). I am guessing we are going to a Game Reserve was we have been told to bring camera's and binoculars. Also it is near to were we went last January and the whole area is game parks- my favourite. Although I like surprises, except I need to know where I am staying. If my MD and his wife (my boss), have there way there will be big surprises and they tend to be special- elephant experiences and the similar. So I am sure I will have stories to share.

SO I would like to end this post by saying a BELATED Happy New Year. May it be a year filled with happiness and success. To my friends who are starting new chapters of there life in new jobs are in moving to new areas- Good Luck and I am sure you will be happy. I am so gratefully to have such special friends I have made through blogging.

Christmas Lights

2008-12-26T22:54:00.005+02:00

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

2008-12-13T08:09:00.002+02:00

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

2008-12-12T21:38:00.003+02:00

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

2008-12-11T21:53:00.005+02:00

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

2008-12-04T21:36:00.003+02:00

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

2008-11-26T21:39:00.002+02:00

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

2008-11-20T21:00:00.003+02:00

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

2008-11-17T22:02:00.004+02:00

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

2008-11-17T21:10:00.003+02:00

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

2008-11-16T19:13:00.002+02:00

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

2008-11-09T20:29:00.003+02:00

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

2008-11-06T21:00:00.003+02:00

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

2008-11-05T20:45:00.004+02:00

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

2008-11-04T20:45:00.003+02:00

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

2008-10-19T20:41:00.009+02:00

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

2008-10-19T19:54:00.014+02:00

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

2008-09-29T23:05:00.003+02:00

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

2008-09-25T19:31:00.002+02:00

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

2008-09-21T19:39:00.003+02:00

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

2008-09-20T21:44:00.002+02:00

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

2008-09-14T22:18:00.003+02:00

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

2008-09-13T23:06:00.004+02:00

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

2008-09-13T22:38:00.002+02:00

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

2008-09-07T19:27:00.003+02:00

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

2008-09-07T18:33:00.004+02:00

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

2008-08-25T21:24:00.002+02:00

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

2008-08-21T20:35:00.002+02:00

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

2008-08-21T07:25:00.001+02:00

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

2008-08-10T21:38:00.000+02:00

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.