Who is the worst?

The man or the cat with his particular ways? Sometimes I wonder...

I love that he is Irish (born in the country of the little people) but can't hold his liquor! I love it even more that I'm browner than him (even though I have a fair skin). I love it even more that his shoulders are wider than mine... on a bad day :)

I love that my cat likes him. (Not that the cat thinks he isn't the ruler.) I love that the cat lets him take care of him and bites him just as hard as he bites me.

Well, anyway, happy 2009 and all that is good!

Until after Xmas then

Enjoy Christmas with your loved ones, whet ever you are in Africa or the states!

I will be back online just after Xmas.

Dating advice

I have cousins that are quite a bit younger than I am and sometimes on Facebook I see their statuses coming through on my "what happened wall" and I feel sorry for them.

The one in particular seems to be in that break-up / get-back-together type relationship. If only she knew the golden rule... if it broke, there was a reason for it, it wasn't working 100%.

My honest opinion, she will date lots of guys after this one. She will have her heart broken many times and break even more hearts herself.

If only the young ones knew... don't get so serious so damn fast. You still have a lot to learn / see / do before settling down.

Apparently I can't hold my liquor!

Yesterday I had 1.5 glasses of wine. By glass I mean, the tall medium type... and I passed out.

I'm guessing it was to do with the heat becuase it is a "low alcohol" wine - supposedly.

My poor kitten thought something was wrong and woke me with his little miaaws. Poor thing. The Leprechaun thought it was hilarious...

If I utter only nonsense...

would you still come back to read?

Well, I officially feel the December slump. I have nothing to say. Life is good, the Leprechaun and cat well.

Wish it was 2009.

Christmas away

Well, it really is that time of year again... when it doesn't snow and the sun tries to burn you to death. It is also a time to spend with family - and unfortunately not with my Leprechaun.

How do you decide which parents gets you for Christmas? I go to mine because it is one of the few times I can go for more than a weekend and the Leprechauns spent their Christmas together.

Lessons of Life

One of the earliest lessons I learnt was from some guy that was madly in love with my sister (and that she was not even interested in).

We were all out with my parents on a 4x4 excursion and this guy tagged along. My sister completely ignored him and I felt sorry for him. We chatted quite a bit.

Then at the end of the day before he went home heartbroken he uttered one of the most profound lessons.

He said something like, "you are perfect, perfect personality, beautiful and I wish I had feelings for you". It might sound a bit harsh, but the jist is that no matter how perfect you are, sometimes you just aren't the one.

Men in Ties TM

Ever wondered why men put on ties even though (we know)they don't like it? Really, how comfortable can it be to walk around with a noose around your neck?

At the last year-end function I had a good chuckle at the men tugging at their ties. A hour into the night most ties were off anyway. So what is the point of wearing it?

That time of year

I love this time of year. I love putting up the christmas tree and most importantly, wrapping gifts... notice how I didn't say "buying gifts".

This year my family already got their presents when I landed back in South Africa - I asked... so, would you like your Christmas gift now or Christmas... obviously all opted for the GET NOW option. (It would've killed me anyway if I had to keep it stashed!)

I had to buy my sister's two banshees gifts, but that was fun. Now I still have to give gifts to the Leprechaun family - not so easy...

Who else hates going shopping during the busy season? I must admit that usually I buy gifts in October already - just so i don't have to spent time in the malls. Not only are the crowds horrendous, there is also the possibility of being robbed or shot... and I refer to Joburg mall being robbed.

Back and ready to write

My holiday was really awesome. I loved Europe - and missed my Leprechaun (just an itty-bitty).

I phoned him from Amsterdam and spent more than 40 minutes with my 10 euro phonecard chatting to Leprechaun. You can read all about my travels on Travelstart's blog!

Now that I'm all tanned and toned from walking almost 20km every day in Europe, I miss exercising. Since good old SA is not that safe, I invested in a little Wii to keep in shape. I have already had 1 injury while playing tennis!

Now that I'm back it is also time to start planning our wedding... sigh - I see my time and relaxed mood fading already! I'm definitely feeling the chocolate, cream and screaming pink theme for this event!

Every relationship | adds something new to your life

In my opinion, every relationship has some good. It might not be the biggest part or the part that you will remember after the relationship ends, but still ... you might have found something that is you in this relationship.

In a new relationship you (usually) get exposed to new things - things that were there, but never entered your little world. It might be something as simple as a dish or a band.

A guy that I dated in one of my very first relationships in Johannesburg, opened a new world of music to me. I used to listen only to pop and rock - but never heavy rock. To this day, I love listening to Linkin Park.

Another thing that has stayed with me was a line in a letter that a guy gave to me. It went something along the lines of: He wishes that he could enjoy life the way I do. Yes, it may come from a time that I didn't have a mortage and car to pay, but sometimes, just sometimes, I still see those words and I wonder, why am I not just jumping and doing the things that I want - then of course I convince myself and do it.

With my fiance I learnt that curries aren't bad and that his cheesecake "fetish" sometimes is a bad thing :) oh, and that not all Leprechauns wear bells on their shoes.

Weekends away

Sometimes a break from our daily routine really is great.

Not only did we get to step out of our home shoes and get to spend time cooped up in a car and then spending a night or two somewhere... but when we got home, I think we really appreciated each other even more.

I must admit that I have become a real home body these last few months. Staying at home wasn't always this high on my list of things I love to do, but... since EU is coming closer... the more time I can spend with my man and son (The Genie), the better :)

WHat is your fav breakaway activity?

East London to Home

It was lovely in East London. The weather was great and the ocean was fantastic. Plus I made a few really interesting acquaintances - hoping these people will become friends.

I had the most awesome time - even though I was there for work. The last night of course (I had an 8pm flight out) I had farewell drinks with the awesome people from the company I consulted at. At least the alcohol calmed my nerves for the small SAX flight I had.

The best part of landing in Jozi, seeing my little Leprechaun and Mr Mookie. Sigh - I love home.

Apparently Mr Mookie was glued to the Leprechaun - so I'm hoping they can do it again in 42 days for another 30 days :)

Cuddle Bugs and cold weekends

This morning I really felt like sleeping in and after the Leprechaun left for work - and that's just what I did. I then got woken by a small wet nose against my cheek. The Genie came to check on me and make sure that I haven't missed the alarm or feel sick.

This sort of behavior from Genie means one thing, he still loves his mommy - lots. Enough to be a cuddle bug for an hour in my arms... and I never miss the opportunity.

This weekend was really cold. The worst part, it rained. We spent most of the weekend under the duvet with laptops or a movie. Plus, the little bell-wearing Leprechaun made a really good potjie :) Guess what we're having for dinner tonight...
I also made vetkoek - it took awhile to get all the ingredients as I didn't know it needed instant yeast instead of baking powder, but I made it - and it was yum-yum-yum. I even sent some over to the boys next door.

It is only about 7 weeks before I go to Europe for my longest holiday ever and after the bout of flu. I could barely walk up a flight of stairs last week and I need to be able to do at least 20km a day to be able to get to all the sights that I need to see. I now have a rigorous plan to get fit and strengthen the muscles I'll need to lug around my backpack.

The distance that seems impossible

Right now, I can barely walk 20m without gasping for breath... and coughing. The same goes for the Leprechaun. Food has not really made a comeback into our lives yet as we both now have super smelling and tasting powers.

I need to get well soon and be able to walk at least a few km without being at risk of dying of heart failure :(... I'm leaving in exactly 60 days fro EU.

What changed in 3 days

Since last I left the house, the petrol price has risen; I'm only 62 days away from Europe; and I'm working on some awesome things.

Things that stayed the same - the cute Leprechaun I'm dating :) and the fact that I'm spending the whole weekend at home! woohoo!

Cough cough... winter got me

I've been sick in bed for 3 days. I now know every neighbours' working hours, noises and how my house looks in a "permanent state of dusk". I've suffered through the joint pains, coughing, fever and dizziness - and the disgusting meds to get better.

As much as I loved staying at home sleeping almost 18 hours a day for 3 days, I want to get back to work. I miss the chatter and ... my work. I'm so going to work tomorrow as I'm sure I'm not infectious anymore.

Domestic Violence (part 2)

Domestic violence is not the answer to problems you might have in a relationship. That is a fact.

How do you go on from something like this? Obviously trust has now been lost (and we all know that trust is one of the cornerstones of any good relationship). How will it work if they want to get back together again?

Update:
I spoke to both guys and the one is off to get a knee operation and the other has 2 cracked ribs.

I don't think that a relationship that had something like this happen will work - even if they still care for each other. I love the guys, but things will have to change...

Domestic bliss to domestic violence

Last night one of our neighbours in the complex had a very violent break-up...

It started out with some loud yelling and my long-time neighbour being locked out of his home. He then went back and the guys seemed to have a chat but then the music got turned up to hide the increasing volume of their voices. My cat was completely petrified each time sometime got knocked around their apartment. The police arrived almost an hour after both of them left - the one left, to pick up his things today, the other taken to one of his friend's as he was injured.

I just hope that my neighbour will be ok and that he won't move out. I'm just really shocked at the intensity of the violence that erupted from the usually quiet neighbours.

Just when I think I'll take a few weeks off from blogging to concentrate only on work and more work, I get spammed by comments - just joking. I really love receiving your comments, it keeps me entertained!

These last few weeks have been quite hectic with work. I have put in quite a few extra hours to make sure everything gets done on time. I don't mind, sometimes you got to give that little bit more - and besides, the company really treats me well.

On the homefront, my F I A N C E has been absolutely super last week - and he knows why. Its not often that you get a man that stands tall. My cat on the other hand, has decided that sleeping on my man's lap and stretching over his laptop is his most favourite thing to do at night. In the mornings he of course gets out of the CAT CAVE to demand his COOKIES.

My mother was in Jozi this weekend and finally met my f i a n c e's family. We also tentavely put down some ideas for the wedding - so ja, the ball will be rolling while I concentrate on Europe.


In the news last week I read about a company in Tehran that will fire all staff that is not married by a certain time. Now that is just plain stupid. Sounds a bit like a shot gun wedding.

PS. I think (scrap that, know) I've got an online stalker. This person has emailed my fiance and has posted a few nasty comments on my blog that didn't get posted - I moderate. I know who you are, if you don't cease your stupid attempts at being an ass, I will have a restraining order slapped on you.

87 days to Europe

Don't count on me stopping counting anytime soon. Europe is coming closer and the days just keep on flying by.

Vueling.com has been giving us lots of headaches. My buddy can't book - we tried everyting. We tried both our kt cards, dt cards, booking agents and no cigar.

So if anyone knows what is up with Vueling and Clickair's merger and how to get around this "little: issue - drop me a line!

Nowhere slowly

Apparently after you hit 150 days, days just fly right past. I'm now on 95 days and can't wait to get my feet on the plane and onto European soil.

My backpack has the essentials. Unfortunately I cannot take Mr Genie or my F I A N C E... but I'm sure they'll appreciate me even more when I get back!

I'm so excited that I can barely stop thinking of all the things I'm going to see.

BTW. I have waited more than 3 years to finally book. I know that you are asking yourself why - right?
Well, we all know that my previous ex was a bit of a non-commiting, non-decisive person ... and that is why this time I've put down my foot (not even hard) and said that I am doing this. So, in your face MR Maybe Sometime Uh I Dunno!

The crazy cat

I have a cat for those that don't know, apparently he is crazy too and bigger than most house cats.

My fiance is allergic to cats, but Mr Genie (His Royal Highness, The Cat) has won the favor of my fiance with his insane moments.

If, you have never had a cat - like my fiance, then suddenly you have to live with one, you will learn that you always have to feed, scratch, love and get out of the way of the crazy speeding cat.

Last night however, Mr Genie ran around a bit and then it went quiet. Naturally I was worried, because it menas he usually is up to something bad. Apparently he decided that since it is the coldest night of the year yet, he wants to sleep in the kitchen basin.

Yes, I know - it is crazy. I took him to his Cat Cave and a few minutes later... he was right back in the basin! I dragged him back to his cave :)

This morning he woke me at 4am for cookies by scratching the bed and making as much purring sounds close to my head as possible.

You got to love cats for being so damn smart!

The Goddess In You Will Want To Join!

You loved my dating blog and supported me... we’ll now I invite you to join me on yet another adventure! Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Johannesburg-South-Africa/Goddess/21017420026 and become a fan!

1 year dating anniversary

Our 1 year dating anniversary is coming up in a few months and I was thinking that maybe this time we should do something really different.
I have a balloon ride over Johannesburg in mind – even though I have a fear of heights.

The ride will only be for about 15 minutes and we could have a glass of champagne!

Sleepers

I really don't know how some people get to fall asleep exactly 7 counts after laying down their heads on a pillow. I really wish I could be like that!

Last night I sat for 3 hours combing Hula Barbie's hair while my fiance snored merrily into dreamland. I first couldn't sleep because it was too early, then because of the snoring, then because I started thinking of Europe...

sigh.

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New blog all about THE WEDDING

Go on over to my new blog http://beingthebride.blogspot.com to read all about my ideas and planning of the wedding.

Weddings & Children

I’ve started to plan the wedding. One of the things that I have learnt is that sometimes you have to put your foot down hard and not give an inch. Especially not when it comes to what you want for your wedding day.

I’ve put my foot down on 20 people maximum – including the photographer and pastor. No children, no babies. I will enter into discussions, but I won’t change my mind.

20 people means that a lot of my friends and family won’t get an invitation. I know that this won’t go down too well, but I have set a budget and I intend on sticking to it. Sorry.

The highway flirt

Last week on my way to work I had quite a good laugh. A young guy was flirting with the girl in the car next to him in peak hour (non-moving) traffic.

He first got her to open her window and listen to the song he was playing for her. Then he tossed a pen and notebook through her car window. She obviously filled it out as it took a few minutes before she threw it back.

It was quite a cute spectacle.

I'm going to be one of those...

women that show of their rings in the most unnatural ways possible. NOT.

Officially we are now engaged. His parents are psyched to have a "goeie boeremeisie" in their family. My family still needs to warm up to the idea that he is not Afrikaans - at least my Dad loves him!

If you were wonderig, the ring is beautiful. Flawless diamonds. White gold. Perfect.

One other thing. I will not be changing my surname. I quite like it. Besides, I'm too lazy to change passports, ID books, banking details... I just don't do queues all that well either - especially not in South Africa.

Sigh! Ring shopping.

Today we tried to actually get a ring on my finger. No luck. We had to leave by the second fitting - a unexpected call for my (dare I say it) F I A N C E.

At least I know that eternity rings are the way to go for my slender fingers :)

The secret slowly uncovers itself

So much for keeping it on the low-down until we have sorted the bling :) The fmilies know and the neighbours know.

Sultry Salsa lessons with the man

We've recently taken up Salsa lessons with Anthony in Rivonia.

I must admit, I didn't expext to have this much fun! I actually look forward to get all latin with my guy :)

Trying to count

Recently one of my friends asked me on exactly how many dates I've been. I tried to count, but somewhere along 76 I gave up.

I don't think it is healthy to have to try and remember the past too well!
I do however admit that I don't see anything wrong with going on as many dates as I did - it gave me the opportunity to meet lots of new people and make some new friends.

Another countdown

I have lots to count down to this year, Europe and the big secret.

Why do I suddenly have secrets? Well, Its not really a secret, more like an untold certainty. I know that most of you have guessed it anyway, but first off to Europe and then the rest of my life can happen. (Sounds a bit crazy - doesn't it?)

This weekend we will have the first mixed friends social at my house. Should be interesting as we have very different types of friends. I'm just I'm thinking, pool, sun, pool noodle and food.

Best Undiscovered Blog - Vote Now!

You loved the blog? Then please vote for it as the best undiscovered blog!

I have important news - as always

I'm officially off the dating market - again. This time it may actually be for good.

Now don't jump to any conclusions just yet... just hang in there a little while longer.

Public affection

I'm all for showing affection in public. The holding hands/kissing thing is ok. What I saw in traffic today... uh-uh!

Stuck on the highway during peak lunch hour traffic a young couple driving a compact Mercedes were kissing for almost 2km. Then the girl flipped back her hair and went down... she only came up 1km away. Time wise it went on for about 20 mins.

Some things you can do in public and others you don't - but who am I to judge?

When you and the neighbours are a part of eachother's lives

I live in the middle of 2 interesting male neighbours. On the one side I have a recently single 26 year old and on the other a gay couple.

I have seen how my straight neighbour found a girl, got serious and now... go single on his Facebook profile.

My gay neighbours have been dating for about 3 or 4 months. (I must admit that I've probably become closer to them since they have 2 adorable kittens.) They have had their ups and downs, but have worked through it. Today was also a very important day for one of them. The other one is always there - supporting him, even through this.

I sometimes wonder why people can't see how the same gay and lesbian love is. It is a beautiful thing to see people grow so close and support eachother.

Love is... washing the dishes

... so I don't have to!

What do you do (even if you don't like it) so your loved one don't have to?

Now that Valentine's is dead and buried

... we can all go on with our lives and forget that it comes again next year.

Well, since 2008 is well under way and we have all forgotten our NY resolutions, we might as well start talking about interesting dating topics - don't you agree?

Single South Africans, get your next partner/boyfriend/girfriend soon - as winter is almost here!
For the rest of the world, if you haven't dated a South African - this is your chance. :) Just kidding.

Seriously, I'm sure quite a few people felt depressed over Valentine's. Especially those that got dumped right before or even on the day. Just keep your chins up and smile. Tomorrow will be better.

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Yesterday I watched Oprah. She had the author of EAT, PRAY, LOVE. I really enjoyed the discussion and think I should get the book as it doesn't sound like one of those run of the mill type books.

If you want to read more about this book, Eat, Pray, Love - by Elizabeth Gilbert, then visit her website or go check it out on Amazon.com, Kalahari.net or Loot.co.za to buy the book or read reviews etc.

SA Blog Award 2008 time

Think this blog deserves a nomination? Then vote by clicking here!

Melt in your mouth Valentine's gifts

I don't usually go off-topic, but I stumbled upon The Chocolate Covered Company and thought I'd share my find (in lieu of Valentine's Day).

Imagine having edible valentines day gifts to share with your loved one. Chocolate covered peppers, jalapenos, berries...mmmm! The best part it seems, is that you can choose your chocolate poison - dark or white...

Even better news is that you can have your chocolate delicacies delivered by FedEx - to yourself or that special someone!

How many Rolos?

I confess, I didn't count them. I ate them - quickly.
I can tell you that there is an uneven number of Rolos in the packet!

Is the uneven number of Rolos an attempt by Nestle to make the "Last Rolo" moment occur more often?

Well, I have now seen the "Last Rolo" as a solid silver ornament and on a necklace. It is a romantic thought, but a Rolo around the neck? mmm... I can definitely vouch for the Rolo in the packet - it tastes good!

Would you share your last Rolo?

Soon it will be Valentine's day and many people will flock to retail outlets to spoil their Valentine with a romantic (and expensive) gift. Some will spend the night wining and dining in restaurants that will exclusively be filled with couples.

But really, wouldn't you just rather have a "last Rolo moment"? Remember the advert with the animated characters where they share the Rolo? The one character says, "It's my last one, but you can have it." They also had another advert with a a guy and girl sitting in the cinema, the guy proceeds to give the girl the last Rolo, but then a babe sits down next to hima and he tries to get the Rolo out of the girl's mouth.

The Rolo advert have always stuck in my mind. It was such an endearing advert. One that almost made you go out and buy a packet. There is something about being able to share "the last Rolo", but what if you don't have anyone you can share it with? Do you just avoid the last Rolo and gobble it up quickly or save it for the day you actually may stumble upon someone you would like to share it with?

Read more about Rolo & Rolo moments & products:
http://www.nestle.co.uk/OurBrands/AboutOurBrands/ConfectioneryAndCakes/Chocolate+Sweets.htm
http://www.firebox.com/index.html?dir=firebox&action=product&pid=739
http://www.the-joke-shop.com/extras/extra5/rolo.asp

A life less ordinary?

Sometimes I wonder what my life would've been like if I had chosen to be a little more "ordinary/normal".

I guess I would've ended up being married by 22, with 2 kids by the age of 25, no career and being a housewife. There is definitely nothing wrong with wanting to be the mom/the wife/the caretaker, but is that always enough? Do people that got married young sometimes feel that they have missed out on something/life?

I can't even imagine having to change my chaotic lifestyle to accommodate someone special, because lets face it, I'm not the easiest person in the world to get along with or to adjust to. I'm just too much of an Aries.

In 10 years I have probably had more relationships that failed than what I care to remember. Finally, now, I am tired of dating.

The one thing that I've learnt in the last few years is that, boyfriends come and go, but my cat is always there. So, when I get home, I will have a tequila to that.

A Public Affair - Facebook Dating Status

Going through a breakup is hard, no matter the circumstances, but when it is a public Facebook affair - it becomes a little harder.

The whole changing of the "Facebook Dating Status" was more than just a little traumatic for me. It made the breakup public before I was ready to face it. I fear the worst when things like this are out of my control. I don't want pity emails landing up in my inbox. I'm ok, or will be ok, I'm not quite sure yet.

I guess I'll take time off from dating for now - untill after my holiday in Europe. I think I just need to clear my head and get back to clubbing and hanging out with my friends - for now.