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.