Monday 30 December 2013

Good-bye 2013

One thing I will say for the past 12 months - they definitely were not boring.
I've lived more in the last year than I did in the thirty that preceded it...and have experienced many things, felt many emotions, learnt new skills, made new friends.
I've also experienced more heartache. And for those single-minded people reading this, No. It wasn't because of a guy.

I happily lay 2013 to rest (while trying to get some myself).
And hope that 2014 will be a calmer year for me.

Tuesday 10 December 2013

Nelson Mandela

This year, I was asked to assist two of my colleagues with their teaching load, and hence ended up teaching Social Science (History and Geography) to a Grade 4 and Grade 5 class.
Having hated both of those subjects at school, my knowledge was pretty limited, but I took it as an opportunity for me to learn (as I would have to research every single chapter I had to teach).

One of the Chapters in Grade 4 History was famous leaders through time, and the two we studied were Ghandi and Nelson Mandela.

Now, I was a baby during the twilight years of Apartheid, and so I was sheltered from the indignities that non-whites had to endure during that vile time. And me being the poor History student that I am, I had to do some homework on Madiba, so that I could dialogue with my students.

As proud as I am for his efforts to affect much needed change in South Africa, I am prouder of two things in particular that I learnt about him during lesson prep: 1. That despite losing his father at an early age and going to live with another family, he still maintained a respectful manner toward all elders... 2. Prison did not stop him from furthering his education - he managed to complete post-graduate studies while he was incarcerated.

What we should take from these two aspects (and from his entire life) is that adversity is never an excuse for you to become a burden or danger to society. You can rise above your circumstance to be an exemplary human being.

Thank you, Tata, for being such an example to us. I hope that all you have striven for will not be laid to rest with you...

Saturday 7 December 2013

Example

It is not difficult to be Muslim.
But when you live in a country where Muslims are a minority of the population, the temptations and influences does make it more challenging for a person to be the best Muslim they can be.
I did not always wear my scarf, I did not always pray as I should have, I did not always dress properly. But I reached a point in my life where I realised that I was neglecting important things and that I needed to change.

A few days ago, a parent came to school and while I was helping her she said to me, "My son wrote about you...an essay for Madrasah entitled, 'Hijab with a modern twist' and you were one of the subjects". Madrasah, by the way, is like Sunday school for Muslim children (except that it happens 5 days a week).
I was blown away. We are taught, as Muslims, that the best way to propagate Islam is through the correct practice and application of it. YOU must be the living example of its teachings. And in a world where there is so much temptation for the youth to go completely astray, I'm happy to be an example to one child at least. 

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Tom Hiddleston

The very first time I watched Thor, I thought, "Why am I the only one that likes the villain?"
The thought crossed my mind again, watching Avengers...and then yet again, watching Thor: The Dark World.

Hi. My name is Cherryblossom and I am an addict. What is my addiction? British male celebs it seems...and most recently, Tom Hiddleston. The man who can turn the feistiest of women into mush with just a gaze and the sound of his voice.

Smoking Hot Villain who reads...I am ready to combust

okay, now I have combusted

Hello Darling

I have no words for that gaze...

Saturday 9 November 2013

Regression

I was born during the last decade of the Apartheid era. I don't remember much of the hectic conflict, as I was a baby, but I have many older siblings who were very active in the struggle as students. Two of my sisters delayed their Matric exams in protest against having to write at an army base (like criminals). My eldest sister was beat up by police for peaceful protest action. My mother looked after kids who's parents were in prison for speaking out against the government.
So my family carries with them painful memories of that time. And yet, they are unhappy with the state of our country today.
Why? Because we have regressed as people. This past week, Cape Town CBD was a war zone because of protestors against the local government. Am I saying don't speak up if you are unhappy about something? Of course not. You have the right to say what's on your mind. You have the right to expose your leaders when they are mismanaging your country. It is your duty as a citizen.
It is NOT okay to destroy the property of your fellow citizens to make your point. It is NOT okay to loot these people, who are, like all of us, trying to make an honest living in an extremely difficult economic environment.
We have seriously regressed as a country and as a people.

Monday 14 October 2013

Teacher's Day

On Saturday, 5 October, South Africa celebrated Teacher's Day.
The headmaster of the school I work for always arranges a workshop of some kind for his educators on the day. This year, however, we had to bring it forward two days.
In addition to the motivational speaker he obtained, each educator was presented with a gift bag, filled with gifts from himself as well as gifts from the learners of the school.
Naturally, some educators received more than others, and as I only teach two classes, I did not expect anything from my students.

I was surprised to discover two handmade letters: one from a current student and one from a former student. My heart melted...and nearly combusted when I read the end of one of the letters: "You are my inspiration"
Those four words made all my tribulation with them worth it. It is after all why I entered this profession - I wanted to be to someone what my educators were to me.

Friday 27 September 2013

Innovative Africa


innovation
[ in-uh-vey-shuhn]
noun
1. something new or different introduced.
2. the act of innovating – introduction of new things or methods.                                    (Dictionary.com)

The second definition is quite appropriate for engineers. It is, after all, what they do – constantly try to discover new ways to improve the world.
But does it follow that every new thing or method will work for every single person and place on our planet? History has shown that it does not.
Can every country on earth afford to implement the same kind of innovation? Once again, no, they cannot.
And does every innovation succeed in its purpose to improve on something? Not always.

On Wednesday, 3 June 2013, SAWomEng held its fourth annual @Network Cocktail Evening. Yes, one of its purposes is to be an exercise in networking – professionals from different sectors coming together.
What distinguished this event was that its theme was not intended to dictate your dress code; rather to steer your way of thinking towards a particular vision – Innovation in Africa.

On the panel for the evening: Carlos de Figueiredo, an IBM executive; Dr Elizabeth Rasekoala, chemical engineer with 20 years’ experience in the Oil and Gas industry; Rashiq Fataar, founder and managing director of Future Cape Town; and Sarah O’ Carroll, industry analyst for Frost and Sullivan. After a welcome by co-founder, Naadiya Moosajee, the floor was handed over to Mabohlale Addae, fellow co-founder of SAWomEng, to chair the panel discussion.

Each of the panelists gave valid opening remarks, however, it was the statements from the ladies on the panel that particularly resonated with me...firstly, that innovation on Africa should be contextualised for its unique people, circumstances and needs, and should not be ‘cut and paste from the Eurocentric paradigm’; and secondly, that innovation should start on a small scale, by ordinary people improving the mundane things in their lives.

To see anything fulfill its intended purpose is immensely satisfying and once the audience members joined the discussion, @Network was at work.
It was great to see and hear from people from seemingly unrelated industries share their unique perspectives on the topic and simultaneously impart some unspoken truths – innovation is not owned by government or corporate bodies, nor does one need a diploma or degree to be innovative; we are all interdependent for the growth and advancement of our country and continent, and need to learn to share and collaborate; and as long as we remain consumers of Western innovation, we will never be able to innovate for our own country.
Our continent faces some extreme challenges. We continue to take advice from people who do not live here, nor face the same challenges we do, when we have an abundance of educated and energetic young people who are better equipped to face and overcome those challenges.

I found myself, in spite of myself, thinking about ways in which I could be innovative...things I could do in my home and in my work place. I found myself no longer content to just live in the present, to amble on in the comfortable little world that I’ve built for myself and remain blissfully oblivious to what is happening on my doorstep. I was forced to look to tomorrow...and how I could play a role in making it better than today.

The lessons I came away with that evening are encapsulated in the following:

“Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.” – William Pollard

“The practice of R and D involves making mistakes, realizations, corrections and more mistakes. Trial and error is a fundamental part of the process. Too many managers in corporate America learn to avoid invention and new thinking because they have been convinced that their careers depend upon not making mistakes.” – Tom Huff

In light of this particular evening and the above two quotes, I’d like to put forth my new definition for ‘innovation’: Observe. Learn. Realize. Correct...And repeat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PS: If you're reading this now and would like to see the amazing work this organisation does or if you'd like to get involved, pop over to www.womeng.org.za

Saturday 21 September 2013

Syria

Can someone help me please?
This is what I know about the situation in Syria at the present moment...and please correct me if I have any facts wrong here...
There is a struggle within the country between two opposing groups AND the United States wants to invade the country because president Obama believes that the Syrians having chemical weapons is a direct threat to American national security.
This whole situation has me asking a few questions:
1. Has the Syrian government ever verbally expressed that they want to chemically bomb the US?
2. Does the United States have any authority to invade another country (especially without provocation)?
3. What exactly is the function of the UN? Can they not prohibit the US from invading Syria or inflict some severe punishment on them if they do? They do it often enough to other countries...for perceived war crimes and if the US proceeds with their military invasion, that is indeed what they will be guilty of.

World politics is a crock of shit. What is good for the goose isn't good for the gander and what we see (all the time) is countries like America, Britain, France, Israel, etc. making a mockery of the laws which they themselves have come up with and enforce on others.

Monday 16 September 2013

Guys@Work

‘Girls can do it better than boys.’
Well, maybe some things, yes. However, this is not the case at SAWomEng, and it was refreshing to see some gentlemen on the team. These are the guys I had the pleasure of meeting during Conference week.

 ITAI CHUMHUNDU
The third-year Electro-Mechanical Engineering student joined SAWomEng towards the end of 2012. He had heard about the work that the organisation was doing and applied online to join. One interview later and he was officially a part of the SAWomEng family.
Itai looks after the money. His duties include bookkeeping, handling petty cash, tracking the budget and any other administration.
UMRAAN HENDRICKS
The Chemical Engineer has worked for Midas and is currently busy with his PhD. He and Traci Reddy, who sits on the National Executive Council of SAWomEng, were class mates at university and he was persuaded to apply through listening to her talk of the work they were doing.
Umraan also wears more than one hat. He is responsible for promotions and is in charge of Logistics for Conference – arranging hotels, flights, buses, etc.


AMIEN PHILLIPS
In Amien’s words, he is an ‘unofficial’ member of the SAWomEng team. His introduction to SAWomEng came in 2010 when he was working for a web design company called 9 Degrees. The company was approached to construct a website for the organisation. 9 Degrees has since closed its doors and Amien has taken over the maintenance of the SAWomEng site.
Amien is the official photographer for Conference.

Experiencing Conference with SAWomEng

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela
“Problems become opportunities when the right people join together.” ~ Unknown

It took me a while to get a handle on how I was going to tell this story. Then I came across the two quotes above…and an energy-saving fluorescent light switched on in my head.

August is Women’s month here in South Africa. My Women’s month started on Sunday, 30 June 2013 (the start of this year’s conference). Prior to that day all I knew about SAWomEng was that they were an NPO focused on helping women in the Engineering sector. I did not know exactly how this help was given at the time and I walked into the conference venue that Sunday afternoon unsure of what to expect. Like most people, I had a stereotypical image of female engineers and when I saw a whole lot of petite, pretty ladies (in heels) I was completely confused. I walked into the conference room and ended up in a 1920’s night club. I was convinced that I was at the wrong venue But was assured that it was all part of the introductory ‘ice-breaker’ – an opportunity for the sixty delegates (who were carefully selected from numerous applications) to get to know one another and for the conference team to acquaint the ladies with their schedules for the remainder of the week ahead.

So, what exactly is Conference? It is one of three strategies that SAWomEng employs to assist females in Engineering. Conference specifically targets female students who are either in their penultimate or final year of study at university and its purpose is twofold: firstly, to impart soft skills that will assist the students when it is time for them to seek employment; secondly, it gives them an opportunity to flex their cerebral muscles and apply their theoretical knowledge to a technical challenge. Conference is a five-day marathon, jam-packed with workshops and lab time, with a few networking opportunities thrown in.

SAWomEng has been in existence for eight years and there have been eight Conferences. What makes an SAWomEng conference unique is the technical challenge. Every year, the technical project is centred on an engineering and environmental problem that we face in South Africa and this year the big issue is that of hydraulic fracturing or fracking. The delegates were split into six teams of ten, each cheekily named after a gas associated with fracking: Methane, Ethane, Hexane, Propane, Butane and Pentane. The technical project had two deliverables: a two-page written report and a debate on the final day.

When I walked into the conference venue on the first day, I felt completely out of place. I am not an engineer. While I loved Mathematics at school, Science and I were not friends and to say that I was happy to leave it after I’d finished high school would be the understatement of the century. Things of a scientific nature have never interested me, so my scientific knowledge is minimal to non-existent. The strongest emotion I felt when I was invited to tell the story of Conference 2013 was fear – I didn’t know whether I would be able to understand the technical side of things and do justice to their story.
However, I was warmly welcomed by the SAWomEng Conference team and as the week progressed, I found myself learning more than I’d thought I would. What was supposed to be a ‘job’ turned out to be an incredibly enriching experience for me. It would take me forever to go into all that happened during Conference week but there were three aspects that were particularly inspiring to me…


1.      Delegates were selected from all over the country and flown to Cape Town for the week. Sixty young ladies, away from their homes and families, with a monumental amount of work to do with group members they have never met. I was impressed by the maturity they displayed but what impressed me even more was how they tackled the work part of conference – they showed us that they were confident in their knowledge but also hungry and eager to add to it. They had the privilege of meeting some illustrious personalities from industry, and I’m pleased to say that the delegates made the most of those meetings by asking lots of pertinent questions and engaging with the various workshop speakers and industry engineers.

2.      On the third evening of the conference, the delegates were treated to a dinner by Unilever, a multi-national consumer goods company which manufacturers over 400 household brands (when I use my Vaseline now, the U symbol pops into my head immediately). The purpose of the evening was to enlighten the delegates on how engineers fit into their organisation and how they are attempting to address some pressing global environmental and social issues. The delegates got firsthand experience as to what it is like to work in the supply chain at Unilever by playing the ‘Supply Chain Game’. For all the fun they had, the best part of the evening was meeting the Unilever team. Most of the ladies in the team were ex-delegates from previous conferences, SAWomEng success stories – a validation of the work that the organisation does, an embodiment of how education can change the world and hereby exemplifying that when the right people join together, opportunity will present itself.



3.      Being an educator myself, it was very gratifying to see the delegates put their new skills to use. Some of them even came to practice their networking skills on me during the evening of the @Network Cocktail (which I found rather amusing, as the one delegate said to me, “We saw you every day and wondered who you were because you never spoke”). Even I found myself completely engaged in and able to follow the arguments of the technical debates.
      

Mark Twain said, “Write what you know”. Though I may be able to venture a guess as to how the sixty delegates felt when they left Cape Town after Conference, I will never know exactly how it has affected their lives.
I do know that it has affected mine in the best way.

To the entire conference team I would like to extend heartfelt THANKS for making me feel welcome. This experience has been both eye-opening and educational. But there are a few in particular I would like to thank…co-founder, Naadiya Moosajee, for extending the invitation to attend Conference 2013, and Bhavani Morarjee and drill sergeant, Sameeha Osman Latib, for accommodating me in all the activity on the last minute.


To the delegates of Conference 2013: you ladies have inspired me to be more than I am. The corporate and working world is indeed a ‘zoo with wild animals’ – but I have full faith that armed with your new weapons, you will traverse the jungle and change the world.

Saturday 14 September 2013

Mothers

My sister and her husband have gone for pilgrimage. They left four days ago and will be home in five weeks' time. They have two children - an eight-year old daughter and a four year-old son - who are staying with us while their parents are away.
Each of them has their favourite - my niece loves my sister and my nephew is fond of me. So each of us have adopted one to focus on for the next five weeks. And my one is the one that requires the most physical attention and energy.
I have a newfound respect for mothers...more especially working mothers who still manage to do a decent job of raising their kids, but all mothers who make a concerted effort in the raising of their kids. It is a job that requires copious amounts of physical energy as well as an inexhaustible supply of patience.
I more fully understand why mothers are given such a high position in Islam...their jobs are difficult.
But when my nephew jumps into my arms every day when I come from work with a smile, hug and kiss for me and says, "How are you Tietie?" I melt...and become envious of the women who have the privilege to be mothers.

Wednesday 19 June 2013

If you forget me - Pablo Neruda

I came across this poem today..
If You Forget Me
I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.
© Pablo Neruda

Thursday 13 June 2013

Missing you guys

Leonore, Caron, Gino, Jessica, Thembelani and Keenan.
I MISS YOU GUYS!!!!

Man, I did not realise I was going to miss you guys so much. Hope you are all well, hope you are writing. I am trying to develop my 5 picture exercise into an actual short story and am slowly making some progress on my fiction.

I tried to get two magazines to buy my personality profile but one rejected me and the other just ignored me.
Oh well...

Wednesday 5 June 2013

My favourite places in Cape Town

A tourist will rarely (if ever) have bad things to say about Cape Town. We have beautiful beaches and botanical gardens, friendly people, shopping malls, the wonder that is Table Mountain, amusement parks...the list is quite extensive. The balance of natural and man-made attractions is what makes Cape Town great. However, when you're a resident, less famous places tend to become your favourites. These are some of mine...


Gordon's Bay Beach Front: besides the clean, warm smell of the ocean, there are two things in particular that I absolutely love - the Uncle Barry's ice-cream parlour and a book shop called 'Pop-In"...quite an ironic name because once you walk into the shop, there are books everywhere! Under the tables, on top of the tables, piled against the wall or on shelves. You actually have to spend a whole day in it to be able to browse through even half of the books. 
Pop-in Bookshop at Gordon's Bay Beach front
Cape Town Company Gardens: situated on the corner of Adderly and Wale Street, this has become a recent favourite of mine. A friend had her wedding pictures taken here and we had to tag along. While the wedding party was busy, myself and another friend bought something cool to drink and took a leisurely stroll around the Gardens. What a serene place - from the floral scents, kids playing and feeding the squirrels to other wedding parties taking their pictures against the  beautiful green canvas of the Gardens. My only regret is that I don't get a chance to sit there often enough.
Company Gardens - Cape Town
Strand Beach: This town has sentimental value to me as it is the place I was born. Whenever I need to be alone or calm down, I take a walk along this beach until I cannot walk anymore and find a spot on the sand to inhale the salty scent and listen to the waves.
Strand Beach
St. George's Mall: This is part of my morning journey to work. What is actually is-a brick paved road with shops, banks, offices, etc. on either side and informal traders dotted down the centre. It stretches from Wale Street to Strand Street and is only covered in spring and summer - by a leafy bottle green canopy. Outside are park benches and seating from the various eateries and coffee shops, and despite all the foot traffic, it is actually a peaceful place to enjoy a drink, meal or smoke.

St. George's Mall

Thursday 16 May 2013

the end of something wonderful

I sit at my computer with a heavy heart this morning.
This evening will be the last lecture of my Journalist course before our exams next week.

The last four and a half months have been...I actually have no words to appropriately describe it.

Even after a long day at work, I looked forward to every class.
And it saddens me greatly that it is coming to an end.


I have met some amazing people.They have each left a lasting impression on me and collectively they have been responsible for a large part of my personal growth, as a professional, as a human being. But some of them have left a bigger impression, and it is to those that I dedicate my post today...

To Jean...'thanks' would be grossly insufficient to express the gratitude I feel for what you have unlocked in me the last four months. I thought I had a skill...you made me realise that it really is there and have shown me how to use it. May God give you the health and strength to continue to do for others what you have done for me...

To Alan...I've never been on a roller coaster, but I imagine it feels a lot like being lectured by you :)) and whether or not your complimentary remarks to me were honest or not (although I feel that they were) they have boosted by confidence and validated my abilities. Thank you.

To Gino...it took a while but you opened up. I missed you the times you were not in class because you bring a unique dimension to our classroom dynamic. Your mind is as fertile as the banks of the Nile, and your take on things are...uniquely yours :) Continue to pick up skills and improve...you have a great deal to offer the world through the written word. And I am flattered that you trust me to read what you've written :)

Finally, to Leonore and Caron
I am a firm believer that the Almighty sends certain people to you at certain times for specific reasons. I have begun to feel...undervalued and unappreciated in certain areas of my life. And the two of you have made me feel...special. You've made me see that I have things to offer the world that only I can. You've given me a hearing when I couldn't speak about things to anyone else....
And once again, 'thank you' hardly seems enough. I hope we will continue to be in each other's lives and that I may, in some way, be there for you as you have been for me.

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Good and Bad deeds for the week

A dear friend was telling me that she had started writing again.
Of course, in my head and heart, I was doing Olympic level gymnastics at hearing this news. I have come to find that writing is very cathartic and sometimes putting a thought onto paper helps one greatly to deal with it.

She was telling me that she was trying to write everyday...and if nothing terribly exciting happened on a given day, she would simply pen her good deed and pen apologies for any bad deeds. It got me thinking...what a brilliant idea for any person to do! It will definitely make one conscious of one's behaviour towards others.

So...thus far my good deed for the week - helping a friend with some homework.
Bad deed - swearing at my children because they pushed me to my limit.

Must attempt to hold my tongue today, and try alternative methods of discipline.

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Rejection


re·ject

  [v. ri-jektn. ree-jekt]
verb (used with object)
1.
to refuse to have, take, recognize, etc.: to reject the offer of a better job.
2.
to refuse to grant (a request, demand, etc.).
3.
to refuse to accept (someone or something); rebuff: The other children rejected him. The publisherrejected the author's latest novel.
4.
to discard as useless or unsatisfactory: The mind rejects painful memories.
5.
to cast out or eject; vomit.

Rejection is one of the most painful things a person can experience.
I have had many rejections and while I do not consider myself an expert on this matter, I do have a lot of experience with it.

Rejection can be divided into two main categories.

1. Direct/Open rejection. You are directly informed that someone has refused to grant you something, recognize or accept something. Most commonly experienced when applying for jobs, to schools, when you're a teenager and it comes to friends, etc. Stings like hell, when it happens. But, surprisingly, one tends to recover quickly from this kind of letdown.

2. Apathy/Aloofness/Indifference. Most commonly experienced with matters of the heart. In my humble opinion, this kind of rejection is the worst, as it takes an unnecessarily long time to recover from. Sometimes, you just don't recover from it.

I wish that people would learn to be direct. Directness is considered one of my many flaws, but I consider it to be one of my better qualities. I am learning the art of tact, but I still am honest with the people around me.
It is better to let someone know where they stand, rather than to let them wonder...

Tuesday 23 April 2013

downville

A friend said to me two days ago, "You've been very down lately."
I have been.
I haven't been able to put my finger on what exactly has been bothering me, but while we were chatting (over the most delicious cup of coffee) my friend pointed it out to me.

The reasons for my funk are twofold.

Firstly, I miss my brother. Things are not better yet and I have come to the conclusion that it's bothering me more than I'd realised. What has made it worse is this: I spoke to my mom about it and I've told her that I miss him and the fact that things are not getting better fast enough for me is making me antsy. She told me that I couldn't fix things (which I know) and also that what I was feeling was directly linked to my ego. :-o
I felt so shit.

Secondly, I think my patience is running out with my matter of the heart.
Well, not my patience so much as... Here's the thing. I was asked for time. Okay, no problem, time is fine. I know you need to sort your life out and I completely respect and understand that.
In the mean time, while not laying it on thick, I am still trying to slowly get to know him.
My problem is that this is one-sided. He's not even trying to get to know me. He has not once asked me anything about myself and if the interest isn't there, well, then okay. BUT TELL ME. So that I know and so that I can grieve the loss/disappointment and move on. Don't ask me to give you time and then...nothing.

So, yeah.


Tuesday 16 April 2013

1396

1396 Hits.

Whether you came across my whiny blog by accident or on purpose, thanks!
I am honoured that you took the time to read my ravings...and I hope that it has educated, inspired or entertained you in some way :))


Thursday 11 April 2013

Validation

This week, Alan Simmonds is guest lecturing my Journalism class. He is a renowned journalist and was a war correspondent in Vietnam - he is actually the one who first convened the course 30 odd years ago and he taught it for more than 20 of them. Recently, he has given over the teaching of this course to Mrs. Jean Knighton-Fitt, an excellent writer and author in her own right.

Jean has asked Alan to come and lecture us on the news reporting sections of our course, and two days ago, we started on accident reporting. I love his style of teaching - it is a bit intimidating at first when you're on the receiving end because he puts you on the spot and asks you questions, but effective because he engages you in the lecture, captures your attention for the entire duration of the class and forces you to think.

As exciting and informative as his lecture was, for me, that was not the highlight of the evening.
To cut a long story short, he basically offered to help me get an interview with which ever publication I'd like to work for once I've completed the course.

To say I was surprised would be a gross understatement. The cynic in me is thinking, "This man is not serious," and how could he be? As far as I know, he hasn't read anything I've written.
But the optimist in me is extremely flattered and, more importantly, I feel encouraged. Simply by engaging with me in one class, he recognises skills in me that I didn't know exist.

So, thank you Mr. Simmonds. A validation from you means a lot and has boosted my confidence considerably.

Tuesday 9 April 2013

cheering myself up

Second day of the second term.
I'm happy to be back at work-I feel useless when I'm not doing something, so I try to keep busy.

Unfortunately, I think I'm finding myself in a bit of a rut. It would explain the copious amounts of chocolate I've been consuming for the last 2 weeks or so. I really don't know why I feel down. I cannot pinpoint one exact thing that is the cause of me feeling like this.

So, in an effort to cheer myself up (and if I can cheer you up, then cool), here goes...

Zoe and Wade
Tamina and Dastan
 
Jane and Rotchester

Lestat and Jesse

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Term 1 - Post Mortem

Tomorrow is the end of the first school term and to say that it has been extremely busy would be an understatement.
I am sitting here and wondering how I managed my life for the last 3 months...

I've been thinking a lot about my childhood and teenage years.
I really miss being a kid. Your biggest concern when you're a child is passing your exams and staying out of trouble.

And since I left school, life has just become increasingly complicated. Every year for the past 13 years, something has gone wrong or skew in my life, be it to a large or lesser degree. And there comes a moment after a trial, when you breathe a sigh of relief and you think to yourself, "the worst is over, nothing can be worse than this".
And something bad hits you soon after.

Where work is concerned, I feel like I'm coming to the end of a 3 month sprint. My working year started off with some major adjustments, and me being me, I am constantly in fear of making catastrophic mistakes. One of my superiors made me feel very appreciated though, as he thanked me for taking on my new responsibilities and executing them 'with aplomb'. However, no matter how well I do my work, I am always going to need little validations like that.

Personally, I feel like I've been through a bit of a car wreck. And no, it has nothing to do with this gentleman that I like... For the first time in a long time, it is as a result of conflict between my siblings.
My family has been my pillar of strength and solace throughout my entire life.
But things have happened and were said (things that cannot un-happen or be unsaid). They were difficult things and in some cases hurtful things. And while they were necessary, and have resulted in some much needed changes, I am fearful that we might not be able to recover from it.

My body, mind and soul is in serious need of soothing...I don't know whether 10 days will be enough.

Monday 18 March 2013

Hart of Dixie

My sister has recently got me hooked on Hart of Dixie.
I've had season 1 for a while and never got round to watching it. My brother-in-law has been getting us updates on season 2 and so far we have twelve episodes.

Maybe its a good thing I waited so long to start watching it (well, wait is actually wrong, I just didn't have the time) because as soon as I started, I couldn't stop. I think I watched the whole first season in 2 nights.

And...fell completely in love with Wade Kinsella and even more in love with the idea of Wade and Zoe as a couple. The chemistry between the two of them virtually leaped off the screen since episode 1.
I screamed a resounding 'YES' with a fist pump and jumping on my bed when they eventually gave in to their attraction at the end of season 1.

And now...after episode 16, my heart is broken. Completely shattered.
Because my fantasy couple has broken up.

I fervently hope that the writers and producers engineers a reconciliation soon.

Thursday 14 March 2013

one of the most difficult things to take

One thing I do not know how to do, is take a compliment on my looks. It probably stems from being a tomboy my whole life that boys saw me as one of them, rather than someone they could possibly admire. And no, I am not fishing for compliments. I am comfortable enough with myself now, and can confidently say that although I will always try to improve myself, I have embraced my 'pros and cons'.

But it is always a surprise to me when someone finds me attractive and comments on it.
This morning on my walk to the bus terminus, a gentleman was talking to a cab driver through his window. He noticed me when I was probably about 5 meters away from him (or thereabouts) and as I was about to pass him, he said 'good morning'. I greeted back and moved past him, only to hear him say to the driver, "Gorgeous, hey?"

Me being me, I burst out laughing.

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Emo Adams at Oude Libertas

"Multi-talented crooning comedian"

I was thinking of an appropriate description of Emo and I came across the above four words on a website and thought, 'Damn, but that's exactly what he is!'

I have never been to a live music show before (and here, I exclude school productions). I don't generally like what I hear of the happenings at concerts and I try to stay away from them as a rule. So I do not profess to be an expert on entertainment of this nature.
But I do know what I like.
I like to laugh, I like unpretentious people and I like when someone has the ability to give you goosebumps when they sing.

Oude Libertas is one of the wine estates in Stellenbosch. Lush and green and surprisingly, when I got out of the car, I wasn't overwhelmed by the smell of alcohol (which I admit I was expecting).
The Amphitheatre is small and intimate and was beautifully lit by red, blue and white spot lights.
It was slightly chilly but being in the open air allowed you to breathe in the aroma of the dew on the grass, cuddle under a blanket with your loved one and  occasionally look up at thousands of twinkling stars against a midnight canvas.

My first introduction to Emo Adams was through watching the old Jou Show met Emo. Never did an episode pass where I did not laugh myself into a stupor, so I always expect him to deliver on the comedy front. He did not disappoint.
His humour springs from his childhood and the events, places and people that coloured it for him. Although some of his jokes are known, he manages to surprise you with something new. I almost fell off my seat when he asked an audience member to smell his neighbour's hands after a loo break.
And I left the amphitheatre thinking to myself 'I hope I don't fall into the sturvy girl category coz I don't dance like that'. One thing is certain, the man can dance. And he almost took some people's eyes out with his Michael Jackson-like crotch thrusting.

Emo is second to none when it comes to impressions. I still can still hear him singing Unforgettable in Nat King Cole's voice and Americanising volksliedjies.
But then he sings a Boys to Men song in his own voice and it hits you - Emo Adams has a magnificent singing voice! Its quite sexy. And the fact that he doesn't suddenly switch to an American accent when he sings adds to the sexiness

I have to make a big mention of Take Note - the little interlude, or 'sound check' as Shaun called it, was so cool and just set the mood for the rest of the evening.

I laughed, I sang.

Multi-talented crooning comedian you definitely are.

I was thoroughly entertained.

I can't wait for your next one!


Monday 4 March 2013

My favourite fictitious couple - take 2

I finally made some time to catch up on some TV. My sisters have been nagging me to watch Hart of Dixie and I've found another couple I absolutely love.

What is is about opposites that attract and make the most delicious love stories??




How do you keep yourself from hoping?

So right after I appraised my 'special friend' of my feelings for him, I prepared myself for the worst.
I'm happy I did it, because regardless of his decision, I am going to get either confirmation or closure...and honestly, either is acceptable because it will make it easier for me to move along without regrets.

A week went by after that evening with no word from him, and I interpreted his silence as a 'no'. I had actually started...mourning (for lack of a better word).

And then, one evening after I had completed my evening prayers, I saw a message on my phone. The only person that sends me messages via Whatsapp that time of the evening is one of my colleagues, so you can imagine my surprise to see his name. The message read something like this...

"I am really sorry for replying now only, but I had to really think before replying. I am still thinking how to answer on your sweet message, so please give me a little time to respond. Hope you understand, my life has been very up and down but we'll chat soon.."

Very diplomatic, very honest (which I appreciate).
My only problem is my overly optimistic nature.
How do I keep myself from hoping for too much, for hoping for anything really?

Wednesday 13 February 2013

2013 starting off with a bang

So much has been going on the last few months it feels as if my head is swimming. From family drama, to new work duties, abusive people and matters of the heart.

Family drama will stay in the family. What I will say is this: Sometimes I wonder if some people will ever grow up...

A colleague of mine was re-deployed to another institution and as a result, I have had to step in to take on some of her duties. This is both a good and bad thing for me - good, because I am now putting my university education to practical use (yes, for the first time) and bad because it is soooo much work!

The school I work for is having a fund-raising carnival this year. In less than two weeks, in fact. And I have been roped onto the organizing committee. I've been getting quotes for security and sanitation, organizing radio time for my principal, but my main responsibility now is selling novelty and food stall to business people. This has been somewhat of a nightmare. I am organized but one skill I am yet to learn is how to deal with abusive people. I have to consciously remind myself not to scold or swear.

And...just this weekend past, I made the courageous (or stupid) decision to let someone know how I feel about him. Okay, so I was too chicken to meet him or call and used print to do it, but I did.
And we'll let the chips fall where they may.

I'm exhausted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I forgot to mention that in addition to all of the above craziness, I enrolled for a Journalism course.
Lots of writing, lots of deadlines. Jean (our lecturer) looks like a sweet lady...but she is quite the
task master! Still, am LOVING it and in just two weeks, I can already notice a difference in my writing.