Right, off we go again. I finally have internet at home - Yay!
My three thinks for today are:
WHAM - Not the band. Not the Roy Lichtenstein either. The moment. The one where a wall just hits you out of nowhere and everything just crashes down around you. I've hit a few of these in my life. Usually, I go through certain phases in order to cope with the disaster. First off I find myself to be numb for a few days as the reality of what happened slowly seeps in. Then follows a week of solitude, where I sit. And think. But mostly sit.
After this, I usually seek solace from a friend or two. I cry, they cry, but nothing productive comes from it. About two weeks after the incident I will most likely go through my Angry Phase. This could go on for weeks, even months. Somewhere during my time as Madame Moody, I will start to pick up the pieces again (more out of annoyance than self-motivation). Once the picture starts to clear again, I will be able to move on and see the bright side to whatever happened.
Not this time, though. This time was different. Let me count the ways. To begin with, I saw this coming. There were warning signs all over (of varying intensity). Two days before I even said that I suspected something was up. When the wall finally hit, I was actually relieved that it wasn't something else. It was still ridiculous and completely unfair, but I was prepared. As I drove home that afternoon, I literally laughed all the way. The next day, I got up and DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I immediately started to fight back. My husband, my friends and my family are all behind me, and that goes a long way. For the first time in my life, the wall didn't break me. It passed right through me - unpleasant, but not fatal. By grace, I do not have to pick up the pieces of my life all over again - because I never dropped them in the first place.
Gardening - Who knew I'd enjoy this? I have never planted anything, so when my husband suggested redoing our garden, I laughed like he was making a joke and returned to watching the rerun of Two and a Half Men. Realising he was serious, I reluctantly followed him out into the garden and made knowing nods whenever he said something like "compost" or "seasonal growth". The next day, I found myself in a nursery, looking at pebbles and water features and bored koi fish. Somewhere between the lavender and the aloe, I suddenly began enjoying myself. This was fun! We planned (i.e. argued) out the garden and set to work. I was kitted out in gloves and a shovel, and off I went. We dug, we pulled, we watered and we weeded - until we were left with an oddly empty-looking back yard. It took us two days and all we had to show for it were a few tiny trees and a baby lavender bush. Just as I was about to get dismayed, though, I remembered that they would all g-r-o-w. Revelation. I'm proud of our little misshapen garden and I can't wait for it to blossom into its' full chaotic splendor. I found a new hobby, seems like.
African Thunderstorms - I started writing this post bathing in sunshine. The day was clear and stunning. Halfway through, the house turned dark, the birds stopped singing and I could hear the wind sprinting in through the canyon, down the field and toward our tiny helpless home. Thunder clapped, my cat screamed, the garage door flew open, my washing picked up and left for the house next door and our dustbin came rolling by me all nonchalant. I ran from one point to the other, closing windows and trying to coax the stupid cat to let go of my leg. Now, ten minutes later, I'm completely drenched, everything has either fallen over or left the house and the storm has passed. There's nothing like sudden chaos to get you going. African Thunderstorms. Man, I love them.
To end off, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has been sticking by me the last two weeks. Here's to you.
Thursday 19 April 2012
Wednesday 4 April 2012
New Look
Right, I added an email button. Type in your email address and submit to receive my posts via email. The picture at the top left will change every now and then, according to my mood for that week. My most popular posts are now also displayed, with little snippets from them. The archive can now be found near the bottom of the page. Let me know what you think of the changes and if you have any suggestions!
Sketching, Being a DJ, Early Mornings
Apparently, the "email this" button isn't working. I'll add a new button which allows you to have my posts sent to your email address. Hopes this helps.. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like me to add by leaving a comment.
Now, with the admin out of the way, my three thinks for today are:
Sketching - What a soothing hobby. I spent the whole day sketching while I was working yesterday, and the day just flew past. I go through phases, artwise. For a few months, I do nothing but sketch. Then I paint for the rest of the year. Painting has a magic of its' own, but for now I seem to be in my sketch phase. Best part is, you don't have to be particularly good at it. You can always erase your mistakes or burn the evidence. Imagine life could be that easy. Without going down that philosophical route, though, I suggest you try it. Your options are wide open, too. If a colleague annoys you, do a Michelangelo and pay tribute to them in form of an unflattering sketch. Michelangelo famously added Biagio da Cesena to the fresco Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel. Cesena complained that the work was too risqué for the Vatican, so Michelangelo painted him as the Gatekeeper of the Underworld, with ridiculous donkey ears to boot. The Vatican's old Master of Ceremonies is now immortalised as an idiot. Told you it was great to sketch at work.
Being a DJ - I had the privilege to work in the radio industry for close to 5 years. I worked at small community stations, and massive commercial ones, but they are in essence all the same. I ran a local station's breakfast show for over a year, which was the best time of all. There's something loose and crazy about that slot - you can do anything you want (apart from setting the studio on fire and swearing at the government on air, à la Mark Esterhuysen). Some of my best memories include: pulling some guys off the street as they were coming out of the gym, and making them sing after the news bulletin; pranking a local student dormitory and getting them to evacuate for no reason; accidentally singing along to a Mika song when I forgot to put the mic off and having the sms lines flood with sarcastic comments; and going to work in my pj's (that was probably the best). However, I've had some questionable experiences, too. I once walked in on the graveyard DJ as he was passed out on the floor, cradling a bottle of Jack Daniels. He'd left a Placebo song on repeat and listeners were A-N-G-R-Y. There's no beating the thrill, though. Your sole purpose as a DJ is to make people happy. It always amazed me to think that I had the opportunity to add a smile to someone's day, eventhough I'll never meet them and they could be 100km's away. I really, really miss it. But, I believe in seasons. Right now, I'm moving into a new season where I feel I want to, have to, write. I'm enjoying it a lot, but every now and then, I miss the instant satisfaction of having my voice heard exactly when I want. Here's the link to the Mark Esterhuysen clip. Shocking, with a lot of swearing (I did warn you), but don't you envy him just a little?
Angry News Reader
Early Mornings - I've mentioned previously that I need to leave the house at 05:20 every morning to be at work on time. I'm not a morning person. At all. I grumble and moan, squinting at the light. My feet feel like they can't bend when I get up too early and I often find myself wobbling around the house, my hair sticking in all directions. Pretty picture, huh? That said, I must now solemnly admit that I am getting used to this getting-up-in-the-dark thing. I am even beginning to like it. No promises, though, but I'll keep you updated.
Now, with the admin out of the way, my three thinks for today are:
Sketching - What a soothing hobby. I spent the whole day sketching while I was working yesterday, and the day just flew past. I go through phases, artwise. For a few months, I do nothing but sketch. Then I paint for the rest of the year. Painting has a magic of its' own, but for now I seem to be in my sketch phase. Best part is, you don't have to be particularly good at it. You can always erase your mistakes or burn the evidence. Imagine life could be that easy. Without going down that philosophical route, though, I suggest you try it. Your options are wide open, too. If a colleague annoys you, do a Michelangelo and pay tribute to them in form of an unflattering sketch. Michelangelo famously added Biagio da Cesena to the fresco Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel. Cesena complained that the work was too risqué for the Vatican, so Michelangelo painted him as the Gatekeeper of the Underworld, with ridiculous donkey ears to boot. The Vatican's old Master of Ceremonies is now immortalised as an idiot. Told you it was great to sketch at work.
Being a DJ - I had the privilege to work in the radio industry for close to 5 years. I worked at small community stations, and massive commercial ones, but they are in essence all the same. I ran a local station's breakfast show for over a year, which was the best time of all. There's something loose and crazy about that slot - you can do anything you want (apart from setting the studio on fire and swearing at the government on air, à la Mark Esterhuysen). Some of my best memories include: pulling some guys off the street as they were coming out of the gym, and making them sing after the news bulletin; pranking a local student dormitory and getting them to evacuate for no reason; accidentally singing along to a Mika song when I forgot to put the mic off and having the sms lines flood with sarcastic comments; and going to work in my pj's (that was probably the best). However, I've had some questionable experiences, too. I once walked in on the graveyard DJ as he was passed out on the floor, cradling a bottle of Jack Daniels. He'd left a Placebo song on repeat and listeners were A-N-G-R-Y. There's no beating the thrill, though. Your sole purpose as a DJ is to make people happy. It always amazed me to think that I had the opportunity to add a smile to someone's day, eventhough I'll never meet them and they could be 100km's away. I really, really miss it. But, I believe in seasons. Right now, I'm moving into a new season where I feel I want to, have to, write. I'm enjoying it a lot, but every now and then, I miss the instant satisfaction of having my voice heard exactly when I want. Here's the link to the Mark Esterhuysen clip. Shocking, with a lot of swearing (I did warn you), but don't you envy him just a little?
Angry News Reader
Early Mornings - I've mentioned previously that I need to leave the house at 05:20 every morning to be at work on time. I'm not a morning person. At all. I grumble and moan, squinting at the light. My feet feel like they can't bend when I get up too early and I often find myself wobbling around the house, my hair sticking in all directions. Pretty picture, huh? That said, I must now solemnly admit that I am getting used to this getting-up-in-the-dark thing. I am even beginning to like it. No promises, though, but I'll keep you updated.
Monday 2 April 2012
Rugby Fans, Rainy Days, Mythical Creatures
And we're right back where we started, at the beginning of another week. At least it's going to be a short one (gotta love public holidays).
With the weekend at my back, my three thinks for today are:
Rugby Fans - I don't get them. Now now, settle down, I didn't insult you, I just mentioned the group as a whole. Not that I don't get the sport, I think it's great and many of my friends are married to players, or players themselves. I think sport in general is a wonderful thing. However, I have a slight problem with it when it becomes a religion. In South Africa, there is a definitive rugby culture, especially under Afrikaans people. Once again, that's fine, but when you see a video of a 4-year old bawling his eyes out and telling his mum he no longer wants to live because his team lost - now that's scary. And it's like they don't grow out of it. Which part of the word 'spectator' do these guys not understand? You have grown men running afield and tackling referees, or throwing players of the opposing team with bottles. It's disgusting and it teaches bad sportmanship. Sport is fun to watch and there is a real sense of camaraderie between fans of the same team, but must you really paint your car in the team colours and name your child after a player? Yes, I know, I don't get it. Yes, I know, wait til you educate me. Yes, I know, I just haven't felt the rush of the game yet. I know. Like I said, I'm not against the sport, but I am against the manic depression that fans go into when their team loses, and the wailing high they get when they win. Isn't it exhausting? Because today the Pink Ladies won, but next week they'll lose against the T-Birds, who in turn will suffer at the hands of the Scorpions in a month's time. One minute you're on top, the next you're left trampled in the mud. And no team ever remains unbeaten. Some or other time, you're going to set yourself up for disappointment. Please enjoy the sport, please get excited - I do too - but unless you are a player, a coach, a sponsor or a commentator, remember that it is not your entire life. Now go blow off some steam.
Rainy Days - Aren't they brilliant? It's the perfect excuse to not do the washing, not go into town and not give a damn. You're free to lounge about in your pj's all day and watch one series after the next on your laptop. Junk food is at the top of the menu, and you don't even feel guilty about it. A rainy morning is like a free pass to be as absolutely useless as you possibly can - no consequence. Except when you're at work. Which I am.
Mythical Creatures - Dragons. Werewolves. Mermaids. Elves. Orcs. Urgals. Trolls. Dwarves. Werecats. Unicorns. Nymphs. Banshees. Centaurs. Fawns. Krakens. Hobbits. Fairies. Minotaurs. Monsters. Giants. Deities. Sirens. Wraiths. Pegasus'. Gargoyles. And Bigfoot. Don't tell me you don't find at least one of them interesting.
Not too much on my mind, seems like. Get swept up (not swept away), live in your imagination every once in a while and enjoy those pyjama days (except at the office - it's frowned upon).
With the weekend at my back, my three thinks for today are:
Rugby Fans - I don't get them. Now now, settle down, I didn't insult you, I just mentioned the group as a whole. Not that I don't get the sport, I think it's great and many of my friends are married to players, or players themselves. I think sport in general is a wonderful thing. However, I have a slight problem with it when it becomes a religion. In South Africa, there is a definitive rugby culture, especially under Afrikaans people. Once again, that's fine, but when you see a video of a 4-year old bawling his eyes out and telling his mum he no longer wants to live because his team lost - now that's scary. And it's like they don't grow out of it. Which part of the word 'spectator' do these guys not understand? You have grown men running afield and tackling referees, or throwing players of the opposing team with bottles. It's disgusting and it teaches bad sportmanship. Sport is fun to watch and there is a real sense of camaraderie between fans of the same team, but must you really paint your car in the team colours and name your child after a player? Yes, I know, I don't get it. Yes, I know, wait til you educate me. Yes, I know, I just haven't felt the rush of the game yet. I know. Like I said, I'm not against the sport, but I am against the manic depression that fans go into when their team loses, and the wailing high they get when they win. Isn't it exhausting? Because today the Pink Ladies won, but next week they'll lose against the T-Birds, who in turn will suffer at the hands of the Scorpions in a month's time. One minute you're on top, the next you're left trampled in the mud. And no team ever remains unbeaten. Some or other time, you're going to set yourself up for disappointment. Please enjoy the sport, please get excited - I do too - but unless you are a player, a coach, a sponsor or a commentator, remember that it is not your entire life. Now go blow off some steam.
Rainy Days - Aren't they brilliant? It's the perfect excuse to not do the washing, not go into town and not give a damn. You're free to lounge about in your pj's all day and watch one series after the next on your laptop. Junk food is at the top of the menu, and you don't even feel guilty about it. A rainy morning is like a free pass to be as absolutely useless as you possibly can - no consequence. Except when you're at work. Which I am.
Mythical Creatures - Dragons. Werewolves. Mermaids. Elves. Orcs. Urgals. Trolls. Dwarves. Werecats. Unicorns. Nymphs. Banshees. Centaurs. Fawns. Krakens. Hobbits. Fairies. Minotaurs. Monsters. Giants. Deities. Sirens. Wraiths. Pegasus'. Gargoyles. And Bigfoot. Don't tell me you don't find at least one of them interesting.
Not too much on my mind, seems like. Get swept up (not swept away), live in your imagination every once in a while and enjoy those pyjama days (except at the office - it's frowned upon).
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