Monday Mumbling

So it's been a week since I started my new job and so far, so good. It's been a bit of an adjustment: getting up so early, battling traffic and having to conform to corporate life - I miss being able to work in my pajamas! But that said, I like that I'm doing something new, and so far I'm really enjoying the perks of working for a magazine. And I LOVE working in Cape Town. At lunch time, I make an effort to get out of office - even if it's just to go for a walk. The offices are in a busy part of town, so there's lots on the go. Last week, I took a walk down Long Street and every now and then I walk to the Lifestyle Centre on Kloof. There are so many interesting little boutiques and inviting coffee shops in the area. I'm going to have to try them all out!

Anyway, my new routine of getting up at the crack of dawn has left me a little dazzled, and my brain is feeling quite fried. So I won't waffle on too much. I'm actually supposed to be tackling some (much-appreciated) freelance work right now, but my brain cells aren't co-operating, so I'm blogging instead before going to bed. I'll tackle the freelance stuff tomorrow night - even if it means a late one. 

I really wanted to show you a pic of a cupcake I was given today. Now you know how I feel about cupcakes! LOVE them! Then this morning, out of the blue, the fashion intern gave us all one of these beautiful cupcakes! Gorgeous! I felt so guilty eating this little work of art so  I took a pic before devouring it. Isn't it absolutely divine?!?!?

And before I go, how cute are these mouse pads?!? They're by Marimekko and I think they are so fab! I'm really bored with my dull, run-of-the-mill mouse pad - I've love to swap it for one of these. Though at $19 (about R140), that's not going to happen. But still. Cute! 

Okay, signing off now...
x o x o

Not so Fabulous in the City

In spite of my best intentions, I didn't actually get to see Sex and the City 2 when it hit the Big Screen back in June. Not sure what happened there - I was so excited about the release of the movie but then suddenly it was a month later and I still hadn't seen it. So I've been waiting patiently for the DVD release, and finally, I rented it from my local Blockbuster last night. 

I have to say, Sex and the City 2 just wasn't that fabulous. 

For the most part, the reviews I'd heard weren't exactly complementary but I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt. I love, love, love the show! And the first movie was quite decent. But this one? Hmmmm, no. It was just so cliched in all the wrong ways, the outfits weren't so glamorous and the ladies all looked rather well-matured. I know none of them are in their thirties anymore, but all the same, they looked rather hard and leathery. I'm sure make-up played a role in that. 

 

 Anyway, I'm glad I finally got to see it. But I think it's time for Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte to stop with the SATC movies and rather leave us with the glowing memories of the fabulous ol' days.

Mixed bag of all sorts

Hi there. Long time no chit chat! Where did the time go? Seriously, a whole month since I last touched my blog. (Wait, that sounds a little dirty. Meh, whatever.) I don't know how some people post on their blog every single day. Wow. 

Anyway, it's been a while, and though nothing much has happened, lots has changed. Does that even make sense? I guess my biggest news is that after months and months of 'freelancing' (or 'starving at home with the cat', as I like to call it) I'm heading back to full-time employment. It's been quite a ride, and after last year's retrenchment and my deep disillusionment with the type of writing jobs I got paid to do, I was feeling very uninspired and flat. But just as I was coming to terms with the fact I may be destined to live on the streets in a cardboard box under a bridge, a rather cool opportunity came along. So as of the 1st of November, I will be a fully employed Copy Editor. Yay for me! I'm quite excited about this new direction my 'career' is taking. I've wanted to work in magazine since, well, forever, and now I'm finally going to get my chance. However, I'll still be freelancing as a copywriter. The irony is, since I accepted the Copy Ed position, quite a few freelance opportunities have come up. Typical, eh? So yes, goodbye freedom and working from home. Hello monthly paycheques. 

About bloody time.
 

Okay, so what else can I tell you about? Oh yes, I came across a few new(ish) albums that I'm deeply in love with. But I think I'll keep that for another post. That way, I'll be more inclined to write another post sooner than later. (It's really very strange, I just haven't had much to say lately. At least, nothing important.)

Oh yes, last week I watched Eat Pray Love. I thought it was great - and it did the novel justice. Check it out if you have a chance. 

One last thing... Last weekend I went to Buena Vista Social Cafe in Greenpoint. It's the first time I'd been since they moved, but their cocktails and nachos were as delicious as I remembered. Lots of cute boy waiters too, which never hurts. 

And now, to end off with, little red aeroplanes. I shot this pic a few weeks back. There was some or other airshow on just outside of Cape Town, and every now and then, planes would fly over my home. I thought these were really cute.

Cheese Philosophy

Love these Pearls Before Swine cartoons!

Must admit, I feel exactly the same way about cheese. Even the most horrible vegetables become edible if served with cheese. Let's face it people, cheese makes the world a much better place!

Corny but True

The other day I was scrounging around in my cupboard of Ancient Stuff  I Can't Throw Away when I came across this:

It's a story from a Brownie magazine that published (and paid for) a little piece I wrote 'back in the day'. It's no coincidence the newsletter looks like it was printed on papyrus! I wrote that 24 years ago at the tender age of nine. I was a bright-eyed, bushy-haired little chick who loved the Brownies. I went for my writer's badge and the woman who 'judged' it liked it so much that she asked if she could submit it to Times 6, the Brownie mag. A while later, I got news that they were going to print it and I was sent a postal order for something like R1, which seemed like a lot of money to a nine year old in 1987! 

I remember feeling like a bit of a national hero because the pack leaders made quite a splash about it. Ah, good times. Obviously a lot has changed since I was nine, but one thing that hasn't is that I still like being paid to write, though my rates are now a little higher than R1 a piece!

With copywriting, you generally don't get to add your opinion or name to the things you write. That's why I have this blog, so I get to shoot my mouth off and throw my opinion around the Interweb. (Insert evil laugh here.)

Ironically, a few months back, a local fashion magazine sent me some stuff to review for their annual 'Best of Beauty' supplement. Not because my opinion is special but rather because they like to include subscribers in their surveys. Anyway, it was quite nice to open this month's edition and see my two cent's worth (and name) in print. It was only around ten words long, but sometimes it's nice to have another 15 minutes of fame!

Crossing the line

I'm a BIG believer in freedom of expression but sometimes it's perfectly acceptable to give someone a good smack and tell them to shut the eff* up! That's what I wanted to do this morning when I logged into Facebook and saw this:

This guy was dating a friend of mine who I've known since school days. We live on different sides of the country now and I don't really know what she gets up to and 'who' she gets it with. But one thing's for sure. A rant like that is crossing the line. Even if she really is a nasty skank (which I doubt), can an outburst like this one - on such a public forum - be truly justified? Hell no!

Believe me, I know relationships don't always end with a civil handshake while Disney birds sing in the background. When there are emotions involved it's bound to be messy. Yet surely there's room for a little dignity? I'm all for going into details with close friends, which usually happens around the second bottle of wine. Hey, we're all human. But to splash it across Facebook for your friends, family, colleagues and the pope to see?!?!? Not cool. 

There's a little part of me that wants to leave a comment on his page telling him what I think of him. But what's the point? I also feel compelled to tell my friend that her ex is saying some nasty stuff about her. Though it's been so long since I've chatted to her, it would definitely be awkward, to say the least. Need to work on that one. There's obviously more to the story but if this is how he lashes out then I reckon she can do a lot better. Good riddance. She should sue his ass for defamation. Jerk.

*I'm also a big believer of the odd swear word but can't bring myself to write one quite just yet.

Oh no, George Michael

I'm talking about this George Michael.

Not this one. 

It seems George is in trouble AGAIN after getting goofed on weed before driving his car into a shop window last month. (Seriously, surely it takes a LOT of grass to get that spaced out?) Anyway, now he's in trouble and may even be facing jail time. Oh dear. I must admit, I've always quite liked George Michael, in spite of his sometimes dodgy and 'lewd' behaviour. I guess it started off  in the WHAM! days. I used to think he was extremely cute.

Mind you, that was also back in the time of My Little Pony and Gummi Bears. And when being gay meant you were a happy person. Aw, good times!

A Soldier and a Nurse

This is one of my all-time favourite photographs...

 

It was taken 65 years ago, on August 14th 1945 by Life magazine photographer and photojournalist, Alfred Eisenstaedt. I've always loved this image because it represents relief, elation, hope, humanity. A simple kiss between a soldier and a nurse that turned out to be one of the most iconic images in modern history.

Bikes and boys

So this past weekend turned out to be pretty good. I started it off at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. Charley Boorman was doing a book signing and well, being a geeky Word Nerd, I was more than happy to stand in the rather long queue to get a book signed. Boorman is one half of the duo that (in my opinion) made travelling around the world on BMW bikes cool. If you haven't yet had the chance to watch Long Way Down or Long Way Round, do yourself a favour and check it out. The most amazing adventures! 

Since doing those series, Boorman has gone on to fly solo and write books of his own, based on his latest travels. There's no doubt about it - he's a cool guy. I'm insanely jealous of the places he's been to - certainly beats the regular nine to five. Nice! 

  

Right to the Edge: Sydney to Tokyo by Any Means chronicles Charley's latest adventure. I've just started reading it but so far so good. I guess if you can't be there yourself, armchair travelling is the next best thing.

 

Keeper of Arb Stuff

Being a serial hoarder I find it hard to throw stuff away. Even the most arb things can have sentimental value. Like this wine label.

It's off a bottle I bought when was in France a couple of years ago. Made in Chile, this bottle of GatoNegro wasn't the classiest or most expensive wine I've ever bought. Yet it brings back so many memories of France and the little Italian restaurant near Bordeaux Station where I found the wine.

I love the label. So quaint. After drinking the wine ( which was so-so) I carefully peeled off the label to add to the box of Stuff That I Will Keep Forever. Seems silly, I know. But I can't bring myself to throw it away.

Goats, ducks and pearls

Last weekend (which already feels like forever ago) I was invited to stay at Pearl Valley. Even though the Cape winter was making its presence felt, it didn't dampen our spirits as we went wine tasting and ate delicious food. 

While in the Paarl area, we had lunch at one of my favourite spots - Fairview.

The cheese here is unbelievable! We spent the afternoon eating a good range of cheeses on freshly baked bread, accompanied by delicious wine. Heaven.

Unfortunately, the service wasn't too good. We found our waitress quite sullen and unhelpful, but maybe she was just having an off day. Back to the cheeses  though - DELICIOUS!!!

Love that goat turret!

Back at Pearl Valley, this little guy was paddling around the house we were staying at in. After feeding him a substantial amount of bread he got quite brazen and came close enough for me to take a few close-ups.

Quite brave, considering the braai fire was lit, only a few metres away. Though as you can see, he didn't stay for dinner...

Through the course of the weekend, we all ate ourselves silly! Hearty breakfasts, delicious curries and a never-ending supply of wine ensured we all went home well-rested, and a little bit heavier!

Happy Women's Day

Hope you all got to do Lady things!

Desperately Seeking Mojo

The last few weeks have been somewhat lackluster and I'm really struggling to find the motivation to do, well, anything. Maybe it's just that time of year, or maybe it's a symptom of the 'World Cup hangover' they warned us about. It probably has a lot to do with spending far too many nights in, watching bad TV But more than anything, it's because I'm tired of freelancing for what basically amount to tips. Freelancers need to sell themselves and that's just not something I'm good at. It really is a vicious circle, because the more pitiful and pathetic I feel, the harder it is to get motivated. Ironically, a couple of months ago, it looked like my mojo was making a comeback. I was going out more, getting interviews for jobs I actually wanted (though not necessarily qualified for) and basically feeling confident. Now I'm back to square one. Self-confidence rock bottom and flat-lining motivation levels. 

 (From the brilliant Savage Chickens)

It's time to get my mojo back, though I'm not exactly sure how to go about that. I suspect a little exercise might help find it, as well as eating a bit better and not indulging in so many Cadbury's slabs (and those fantastic little vanilla and caramel cupcakes from Woolworths). I've also been trying to de-clutter my home which will hopefully have a domino effect my life. But above all that, it's time to get more productive. I find it so hard to write when I'm feeling this way because everything that spills out is so negative, and let's face it, pity parties are just not entertaining reads. But seeing as this funk seems to have settled in, there's not much choice but to carry on writing regardless. So please indulge my pitiful little saddo self. This too will pass. Sooner or later. 

Under-vamped

I'm not a Twilight fan. Vampires are supposed to be passionate, ruthless and deadly. They're also supposed to spontaneously combust when touched by the sun's rays - not sparkle like a glitter fairy. 

  vs

 

Sure, he's hot and all that, but in this role he's more damp than vamp. And while on the subject, Bella has to be the most annoying, sullen teenage character ever created. She makes me want to slap some happy into her! However, the Twilight movies gain one bonus point because of Peter Facinelli. He is lovely!

Anyway, perhaps if I was a teenager reading the books or watching the movies for the first time, I'd have a greater appreciation for the Twilight series. They are, after all, written for and about teenagers. But from where I'm coming from, I just can't understand the appeal. That said, there are definitely a lot of big fans out there, of all ages. So I won't rain on their parade, but let's just say I won't be rushing off to watch these movies anytime soon.

Click the strip to see a larger version of this comic which is from here

What's up?

Earlier this evening, one of the Idols contestants sang a 4 Non Blondes song in her audition. What's up! It's been ages since I heard this song and it brought back many memories. It hit the charts way back when I was about 16 years old. Feels like yesterday. Anyhoo. Good song!

"And so I wake in the morning
And I step outside
And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream at the top of my lungs
What's going on?"

So Long to the Beautiful Game

So the FIFA final was played on Sunday evening with Spain scoring one victorious goal against the Netherlands that brought an end to an AWESOME month of football. I've never been so proud of my country and home as I've been over the last few weeks. The FIFA World Cup was a success! I'm so sad it's over but after going to three live matches and watching quite a few games at pubs around Cape Town, I can safely say that I flew my flag proud and high - and I was there! So I guess now it's time to move on, which means this is the last official football-orientated post for a while - if not forever. With that in mind, I felt it only fitting to present to you the players of my fantasy Dream Team. These guys are all good players but let's be honest,  I haven't based my team on skills. At least, not football skills. And seeing as poor Beckham had to sit the tournament out because of an injury, I decided to make him the coach of my Dream Team. Because I can. Here is why I call it The Beautiful Game.

Oh to be a fly on the wall of The Dream Team change-rooms...

Slippery slope

So within mere days of turning 33, I was utterly, utterly mortified to discover my first gray hair. Since that horrible moment, I have been paralyzed with the sickening realisation that my youth may be officially over and I'm now on the downward slope to dying all alone. And then having my cold stiff fingers chewed off by my cat. Obviously I yanked out the little bastard gray hair and analysed it for a good long while. Then I had a little cry because it really was quite a tragic moment. Seriously, how can I possibly be in my thirties?!?!?! I only finished school the other day. Right? Never mind that I haven't achieved ANY of the things I thought I would've by now (successful writer, gorgeous husband, two well-behaved kids and a beautiful big home with my BMW parked in one of the garages, and a holiday house in Tuscany). No, instead I live alone with my cat and now my hair is getting old on me. Oh. My. God.

Pass me the bottle.

 

Winter Love

I'm so in love with my new winter coat that I bought with all my birthday vouchers (and some left over Christmas vouchers too).

You likey? It's soft, chic and warm - and I love the charcoal gray. I can't wait for some cold Cape Town days so I can wear this out and about with black boots and maybe a scarf for a splash of colour.

Fortnight Round-up in Pics

Well it's been two weeks of having the baby brother here on a visit and lots of football. Instead of boring you all with the details, here's a little photographic summary of how the last couple of weeks have gone down...

Arrival of little brother

...and he brought me some Jaffa Cakes

...this gorgeous little Paddington Bear

...and a Scotland football jersey (because my family is Scottish)

 

Monday at the Game

Had tickets to the Italy vs Paraguay game

The weather was nasty but the Green Point Fan Walk was fantastic!

Finally got to the stadium - the vibe was insane!

The game came and went, ending in a draw. I was supporting Italy who scored their goal while I was in the ladies! Timing is everything...

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. No really. Besides, they're fun!

 24 Hours later

I very cleverly managed to lock myself out of the house at one in the morning. Two hours, four policemen and one locksmith later, I finally got back inside! Grrrrrr...

Friday's Game - England vs Algeria

  

This was the game we'd all been waiting for!

The English supporters were out in their droves.

I had mixed alliances, wearing my Scotland jersey while supporting England.

Truth be told, I was really just there to see David Beckham!

Here's a pic of some of the world's best footballers.

And then the Algerians sent over some very fit subs

to distract me from the game!

After the game (which didn't produce ANY goals) we hit the fan walk once again, heading towards our bus at the Civic Centre. We could've taken a bus from the stadium but the vibe was too good to miss out on.

Look at the pretty lights...

Finally, here is a pic I took on the way to the Waterfront where I watched South Africa play against (and BEAT) France.

The Wheel of Excellence is at the entrance of the Waterfront.

(Please excuse the murkiness of the pic - my car windows need a wash!)

 And that's that!