AFCON 2015: Dancing to the Beat of the African Drum!

The African sun is setting, the dust is settling, and there is silence....but only for a minute. The national anthems of Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo are on full blast. A little while later, a referee blows the whistle....and so it begins! The singing, the chants and the beating of drums. This is the African Cup of Nations 2015!

The continental showpiece is being held in Equatorial Guinea from the 17th January until the 8th February, when the champions of Africa will be crowned. Initially billed to be held in Morocco, the competition was moved after Morocco pulled out of hosting due to the Ebola outbreak (however, they were still able to host the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2014 - go figure!).

The teams which will be participating have been split into four groups, where the top two teams will advance to the knockout stages.

GROUPS:

Teams to look out for:

Group A: Gabon

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is without a doubt Gabon's golden boy. Plying his trade in the German Bundasliga, the 25 year old has 11 goals in 25 games this season for Borussia Dortmund. All eyes will be on him to push his team into the next round.

Group B: Tunisia

The 2004 winners will be kicking off the competition against an inexperienced Cape Verde (who are participating in only their second AFCON), Tunisia looks to be the outright favourites in the group, scooping 3 points in their first game. However, their group will not be easy, with the 2012 winners Zambia as well as 1968 winners DR Congo.

Group C: Algeria

What is termed the group of death, Group C boasts of the team ranking number 1 in Africa, Algeria. Following their successful run in the 2014 World Cup, they are expected to ease through the group. However, they face stiff competition from former AFCON winners Ghana and South Africa, as well as Senegal who are their highest ranked opponent in the group at 4th.

Group D: Cote d'Ivoire

The Ivory Coast is expected to march out of this group with a tally of goals to their record. Boasting African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure, and new Manchester City signee Wilfred Bony, the team is expected to be free scoring. Most bets are on Ivory Coast going as far as snatching the competition.

I'm not yet ready to place money on any team as yet - maybe after watching the first round of games, I can then make a more informed decision.

For now, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beat of the African drum!

Your predictions?

World Cup 2014: Players to Watch Closely....Veeery Closely!

It is finally here!! Four years ago South Africa was abuzz with vuvuzelas, flags and amazing unity…..and now it is Brazil’s turn! Strangely enough however, I have not had much World Cup fever as I usually do – maybe it is because I wish it was in South Africa again, maybe because I wish South Africa was playing….oh I don’t know, but hey….IT IS HERE!!!!

Now this here is my quick guide to the FIFA World Cup 2014. This is aimed at helping ladies with little knowledge or interest in football.

There are 8 groups, each comprising of 4 teams, with the top two of each group moving on to the next round. I have picked some players to watch closely in each group.

GROUP A:

This group comprises of the hosts Brazil, Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon! My pick of the group is the young Brazilian star, Neymar Jnr.

 

Group B:

The defending champions Spain are in this group, along with the Netherlands, Chile, and Australia. I present to you, Sergio Ramos.

 

Group C:

Our African representatives are Cote d’Ivoire, who will be pitted against Colombia, Greece, and Japan. I like Greece because of their long names (I mean, what is there not to love about the name Sokratis Papastathopoulos?) but in the looks department, I will have to go with my African brother, Salomon Kalou. Ladies, hold on to your knickers..... 

Group D:

When I think of Uruguay, my mind always rushes back to that day four years ago when one Luis Suarez robbed Ghana (and the rest of Africa) of our last hope of world cup joy. I won’t get into that…I still bear a grudge. Anyway, also in the group are Costa Rica, England and Italy. Keep your eye out for Jack Wilshere. Why? Abs and tattoos!!

 Group E:

Switzerland, Ecuador, France and Honduras. Okay, let me just cut to the chase….please meet my French everything, Olivier Giroud.  And as they say, if it’s nice, post it twice! ;) 

Or thrice...

 

Group F:

All eyes will be on Argentina to make waves. What with goal-poachers like Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, the expectation is high. In their way however, stand the African champions Nigeria, as well as Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina. (can’t we just call them Bosnia? I can’t deal with this long surname. Lol!). Look out for this young lad, Sergio Aguero.

 

Group G:

What I term the Group of Death, Group G is comprised of Germany, Portugal, Ghana and the USA. Germany and Portugal are the favourites to come out of this group, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Ghana causes an upset (uhm…to Portugal). And as for USA….uhhh, thanks for Burger King guys, keep up the good work! The obvious player to look out for is Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo. But I couldn’t resist the underdog either….so also keep your eye out for Ghana goalkeeper, Adam Kwarasey!
 

 

Group H:

Belgium have been labelled dark horses so much that the term doesn’t fit anymore. Comprised with an array of stars, the expectation is for them to cause upsets in the later stages of the tournament. But first, they need to get past Algeria, Korea Republic and Russia. (am I the only one who thinks of vodka when the word Russia pops up?). Anyway, check out Belgian midfielder, Moussa Dembele.

 

 

 

There you go.....I hope you enjoyed it! I may have missed some names (I kinda did this in a rush), so if you have suggestions, let me know and I will do a part 2. I might even do one for the guys....because footballers mostly date hot models! Enjoy the world cup!! 

The Day The World Stood Still!

"My fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the founding President of our democratic nation has departed."

 

Those words uttered by President Jacob Zuma froze the world. We knew it was coming, the minute we found out about the emergency family meeting, we started suspecting something was not right. When they said that the president would address the nation at 11.30pm, we started to fear the worst.....and when he came onto our tv sets and told us what we expected, we still were not ready.

 

Mandela had been in and out of hospital for the past 2-3 years; we knew his condition was not getting any better. When he was admitted into hospital in June, we started to mentally prepare ourselves......and then he was discharged. A collective sigh of relief was breathed, but we still knew it was not all clear. Many said "let him go, it is time".....many thought they were ready - I thoought I was ready.

 

Many years ago I went to Robben Isand on a school trip....I was in high school already and thought I knew quite a lot of what there was to know - my trip there inspired me to read Long Walk To Freedom, and that was when my mind was opened. The sacrifices that Mandela and many of his comrades made is indescribable - I often wonder if I would have the willpower to believe in and fight for a cause to that extent, that even when faced with death, I keep at it. Many were killed, thrown out of buildings, tortured, faced the hangman, exiled to other countries leaving their lives and families behind....but they stood for their cause and were willing to take anything.

 

When the president uttered those words, we knew what he was going to say, but still sat and watched silently, listening and grasping every word, almost in slow motion, in hopes that he wouldnt say what we knew he was going to. The world stood still, I became cold. I thought I was ready, but I honestly wasnt . I felt a lump in my throat as I sat there and listened to the rest of his address until "We will always love you Madiba! May your soul rest in peace. God Bless Africa. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.". Then it was done, final....done. I was sad, my soul was broken....I didnt realise the impact this would have. A nation was in mourning, the world was weeping.

 

It has been quite a week....with tributes, statues, fake interpreters, and Mandela family squabbles....but the amazing spirit of unity within the country was inspiring. For the first time since the soccer world cup in 2010 people stood together as one, felt the same pain, cried the same tears, celebrated a man's life together....and remembered the journey of this country and its young democracy.

 

There are many lessons to be learnt from this great man....but for me, one shining one is to stand for what you believe in, even when it looks like it wont be achieved. Never give up. Dedicate yourself, fall in love with your cause, be prepared to face anything inorder to see it come to being.

 Love it, Live it, Be it!

 

PS: credit to the owner of this pic...it isnt mine, I repeat, it isnt mine!

 

(Here's a short video of the celebrations outside Madiba's Houghton home)

 

18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013

Rest In Peace

 

We Sing and Dance....Always!

I went to Mandela's Houghton home and maaaan was it fun!! People celebrating the life of a man with song and dance. The reality of his death was there, but the celebratory mood was on another level. Take a look at this short video I managed to take while catching my breath in between the singing and dancing.

Its a wrap!!!

First boot camp completed!!! *runs around hysterically*

 

I did it.....I survived! Although i missed a number of days (not entirely my fault), I still completed it. The last week was particularly tough and demanding....I guess it was a farewell of sorts. I'm gonna be starting the next one in about a weeks time....and I'm actually looking forward to it. I. Kid. You. Not! I, Ms "I'd rather be sleeping", am actually looking forward to exercise! It was, each and everyday, the toughest and most trying hour of my life, but also the most fulfilling. Each time we started to stretch after a session, I'd feel a new burst of energy, and actually wish I would continue. This adrenaline thing is no myth.....I promise! I most of all enjoyed the feeling I would have afterwards - refreshed and renewed - and not as sluggish as I tend to be every other day. And our trainer....well, in a nutshell, she's the best!

 

Okay, I'm gonna stop blabbing now, but peep this picture....yes, that is where I do my boot camp. And no, it's not filtered! Now go ahead, be jealous of me.... I know you want to. :-)

 

 

"To whom much is given, much is required."

 

The bush is on FIRE!!!

I am very happy to report that I have a social life! Yes, I do...and a few weeks back I did what most people with social lives do - I had fun!

The 7th annual Bushfire Festival was happening in Swaziland and maaaan was it a blast! The event in the picturesque mountainous kingdom raises money for charity projects, and provides a blend of African and international musicians of different genres which is a treat to the music connoisseur's palate.

 

 

 

 

To say this was one of the highlights of my year would not be doing it justice. I had my favourite people around me, and a night of music with an atmosphere to match. The venue, open-air and filled with hundreds of people from all over the world set the scene for a thriller! The highlight of my night was watching one of my favourite bands, The Soil. I was staring at them, mouth ajar, in retard mode as they belted out smooth tunes to a raving crowd. This is one acapella band whose music I can sing backwards....yes, I am THAT much of a stan! And to top my night, I got to meet them. I will not get into the details....I choose not to embarrass myself, but let's just say I was completely blown away (read that as, I was in retard mode again)! I'm not sure what time we slept...and quite frankly I dont care!

 

Look, this was not my first Bushfire experience....but I can truly say it was my best. Well, that is, until next year tops it! ;-)

 

Week 1 done!! *and the crowd applaudes*

As mentioned in my previous posts, I am attending boot camp….and if you haven’t read my previous posts, well, you’re a loser! I joke, I joke, I kid! .........kinda.

Okay,  seriously though….I have put my body through the biggest shock ever by exercising, a relatively unknown concept in my world, and here is what I have learnt after my first week (btw, I’m missing today’s session due to other commitments *cough cough*):
 
1. I have a useless left arm. I genuinely thought it was going to fall off when doing a certain dumbbell manoeuver (word purposely used to make it seem complicated when it really isn’t).  Speaking of dumbbells…. 2. Thank God I bought 2kg dumbbells instead of 3kg as I had intended. Lightweight as it seems, when your arms are tired and half-dead, these weights end up feeling like you're carrying overfed piglets.
3. Stairs are not your friend! Well, not mine that is. As previously mentioned, I have an all-new respect for them….me and my thighs! Enough said!
4. Still on thighs, I look like a retard each time I need to sit on the toilet seat. It’s a whole process now….I get there, stare at it, and try to come up with a grand plan of how to get there with the least amount of pain. After formulating the strategy (I kid you not, it’s a whole complex strategy), it is then time for execution….needless to say, it never goes as planned, nor does it look as ladylike as imagined. Particularly when I lose all control and plonk down like a child learning to walk. Standing back up is also as bad….but I won’t go into detail – just know that it has something to do with waving my hands around and desperately trying to find something to grab on for balance. It’s bad.......that bad!
5. I am, and have always been horribly unfit – something I am glad I’m working on. Wheezing and gasping for breath while running a short distance is far from acceptable – and thankfully this is something I’m working towards changing.
6. It actually gets better as the days go by. Don’t get me wrong, it is still gruelling; however it is better than the first 2 days.
7. An hour is shorter than you think. Again, for clarity, it is not easy, and while in the middle of a lunge, the hour feels like a month (exaggerative, but true.)  

I am however slightly sad that I am missing a day mainly because I had started getting into the flow of things – my body is getting used to a routine of sorts and the muscle pains were getting better. But hey...I have 'commitments' that I couldn't bail on.

So that, in a nutshell, is week 1. Been tough on me mainly because of how unfit I am, however I’m happy.  

Bring on week 2!!

1 day down....39 to go!!

I am alive!!! Those are the good news – I lived through my first day of boot camp. The not-so-good news is that they went ‘easy’ on us because it was the first day….which means the pain in my thighs is just the tip of an iceberg larger than the one that sunk the titanic.  

In all honesty though, I can believe that they went easy on us….day 1 was not as bad as I had expected (considering I had already begun to draft my will). But I must admit, I have a new found respect for stairs – I had to pace myself yesterday (and today) when trying to climb up and down stairs....I repeated a mantra of ‘to whom much is given, much is required’ over and over again like a possessed devotee in deep meditation. My thighs are still on fire, and I have no idea how I will get through today! And it doesn’t help that I am catching a flu….this will be interesting.

However, I am looking forward to day 2…regardless of the aches and pains I feel now! Bring it on!! To whom much is given, much is required!! *begins possessed chanting*  

Call me masochist!

I have just 1 more day of life as I know it…*cues horror movie music*. A little dramatic? Yes? Good…that is exactly how I want my first post in almost 4 months to sound! Now lemme explain a little bit…  

My good friend Koko has somehow managed to con me into signing up for the most torturous 4 weeks of my life…boot camp!! The friends we have nowadays…smh! I will be actively engaging in intense, gruelling exercise for an hour a day, 5 days a week for the next 4 weeks. 1 hour….sounds easy, right? NOT RIGHT!! Considering I do not exercise ever, this will be absolute torture to every fibre of my being – I’m already feeling muscle pains, and I haven’t even started – just the thought of it gives my brain muscles pains. Sidebar: do brains have muscles?
Anyway, in my twisted mind, I foresee big buff women shouting orders like they do at boot camps for delinquents, and us shouting back “sir yes sir!!” (ma’am yes ma’am doesn’t quite have the same effect). Maybe I should slow down on the tv watching, huh?
 
But on the other hand, for some strange reason, I am quite excited. Pain and torture aside, I’m looking forward to pushing myself out of my comfort zone; I’m looking forward to stretching my pain threshold and see just how much I can take, but most of all I’m looking forward to the end result. There’s a certain feeling, a high, a climax, a peak, that comes with achieving a goal after putting in the hard work – and that is the high I’m chasing.   Did I mention the part about signing up for 2 boot camps?  No? Well yeah…2 boot camps with a 2 week break between both. I will try and update my boot camp experience as much as possible…that is if I live to tell the tale.

Wish me luck!!

Mortal Man

Two weeks.....in about two weeks, I will be moving and starting a new job in a new city, in a new province - a brand new start, and new beginnings. I am an absolute cocktail of emotions (no, I don't mean the mojito I had earlier....just emotions), but if I got into that, this would end up being a long soppy off-at-a-tangent essay.

So while clearing my rubble and putting things in boxes, I came across something I wrote a few years back after losing a friend to cancer....I guess I seeked solace in words. As short as it was, I let it bleed on paper as below (unedited):

Sometimes we don't truly understand the meaning of goodbye. We seem to think that life is endless - that, when we say goodbye, we'll automatically see that person again. We are mere mortals - it all ends. We make plans for tomorrow, for next week, for next month, for next year, and the years coming until we are 75 years young - and still have plans for after that....but we are mere mortals with no clue - even Albert Einstein, one of the most intelligent men in the world, had no idea that April 18, 1955 would be the day he took his last breath - no idea that he'd leave so many highschool students confused by his physics....hmmm, even I don't know my last moment - mere mortal. Lord, please help me:

• may I live my life to the fullest, understanding that each day could be my last.
• may my life make a difference, and have an impact on at least one person out there.
• may I be grateful for each breath I take, and never have regrets.
• may I appreciate all the people in my life.
• may I learn to smile and actually mean it.
• may I learn to say goodbye and realise that it could be the end....the last one...afterall
  I'm mere mortal man.

                                   (31/05/2007)

What's in a song....?

There is always that one song - the one which you sing in your x-factor voice and it damn near brings you to tears.....that song!

I spent last weekend road-tripping to places which I have been wanting to see -  places which were sitting on my imaginary bucket-list (I'll write one next year, I promise). It was a long and exhuasting day, but well worth it still. And in the evening, as I was in the shower (which also doubles as my recording studio) I sang a song which reminded me just how blessed I am. 2012 hasn't been the best for me - I have had many disappointments, lost loved ones, and been kicked by life a couple of times. But still, I'm standing! It hasn't been all bad...I have had many good days.I have seen growth, and coming more into myself. Making decisions, sticking to them. Knowing what I want, and going for it....not what others want for me. Doing what makes me happy.....knowing what makes me happy. Fun, flirtatious, frilly....emotional wreck at times - and just letting that be! Loud laughs, high heels, red wine....all in my 2012!

2013? Its only gonna be better - and guess what, I'm ready!! Cause I'm still standing! No matter what life throws, I'll take it in my stride, lift my head high and keep standing! 2013 is gonna be better....it has to be!

Now allow me to step into my recording studio, and sing the song that warms my heart:

"Something beautiful, something good,
All my confusion He understood,
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife,
But he made something beautiful of my life."

Here's to 2012, soon to be gone, but surely wont be forgotten! And a to kickass 2013....I'm ready!!!

AU-GUST!!

I finally get it....now I know why it's called August......its because it's a windy month! August....gust...as in, wind...geddit? Don't ask about the 'Au' part - I don't have an explanation for it. Unless of course it's French for something.....okay, forget it! Either way, I find August kind of irritating...it's windy, it drags, and just all round lousy! Also, it's pre-September.....and September rocks! So it's just a useless stumbling block before we get to spring and my birthday month so full of awesomeness! The only good thing about this wretched month however is that it's Women's Month - a month to celebrate the strength of a Woman! I don't think I need to explain much.....a world without the strong, confident, bold, and beautiful woman would be just bleak!

So here's to all my Women........you are EVERYTHING and ALL!!

My type of L.O.V.E!

I'm a weakling for well written stuff....books, poetry, songs, even corny greeting cards....I'm a complete sucker for such! If it catches me from the first two sentences, then I'm hooked! When buying books, I have to read a little while in the shop before I head to the cashier - even if it's a well recommended book. The other day (by this I mean I cannot remember when) I came across this beautiful piece of spoken word on twitter.....well, it wasn't spoken on twitter, but after I interacted with my old friend google, I found it in the form of spoken word! A few more search pages down the line, and I got the full transcript.

It's a piece by Brent Rice called 'A Crucifixion Type Love'. What he does is describe love in it's purest form, from which it originally stems. It stole my heart completely.

A Crucifixion Type Love – Brent Rice

My biggest prayer is to love her right
I want to…
Love her like Christ loved the church
Love her like her Father in Heaven Loves HerLove her like the Holy Spirit loves her soul
And love her like she was created to be loved

But sometimes….
Sometimes my flesh tries to intimidate me with that kind of love
It’s like my spirit cries out from the depths of this corrupted prison
With the voice of Abel screaming that I have not loved her to the extent Christ loves the church
I want a crucifixion type love

Our Deepest Fear....

So the last post just brought to mind the below piece by Marianne Williamson. Remember the movie coach Carter? Yeah, that same piece. This is one poem that wrongly accredited to many people....Nelson Mandela, The Dalai Lama, Michael Jackson....I'm pretty sure someone slipped in Wayne Rooney there once! (okay, I joke, I kid!). But seriously, this poem and the previous post kind of relate! Enjoy! :)


 

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

For the love of..........

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That is what that wise man Confucius said.

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.....admittedly, it sounds a bit exaggerated, and not to be taken literally - but he has a point. The struggle that many 20-something year olds (and even older) go through is trying to find what really drives them. You wake up in the morning and slip into your normal routine, get to work and do what you do daily, then head back home without once feeling like you will burst at the seams from excitement. This is the cycle that many have considered the norm, so much that they see nothing wrong with it. Others spend time trying to search, find and figure out what it is that is their passion, what it is that they should be doing. But here's what I realised - you're wasting time searching for something that could easily be staring at you right in the face. The only reason you don't notice or realise this is that you spend your time calling it a hobby.

There is that one thing that gives you a rush while you're doing it....that one thing which excites you, but you find that you do not even realise that this is where your calling is, because you're spending too much time trying find yourself (whatever that means). And don't get me wrong....I love to eat, I love to sleep, but my destiny most definitely is not to break world eating records, or to be the world's greatest bed-tester. But I do wish to spend my life doing the things I love the most - to explore and to exploit that passion. We spend endless amounts of time indulging in things that give us pleasure - but never consider to turn those into our pay-cheques. We doubt ourselves. We are unsure of our abilities. We live in a society that tells us what to do. We don't dare to break the barrier.We don't dare to step out of the norm. We fear failure............we fear failure. And in that, we eventually fail to be happy.

Maybe now is the time to change all of that......reset, refocus, realign! Let your heart guide you. Take a leap of faith. Do it....what you want...DO IT!!

Happy days!!!!

Few things make me as happy as football - wait, no wait, let me try this again.....few things bring me as much Joy as football does. Because there is a distinctive difference between happiness and Joy...and oh, football brings me Joy! It makes me smile from within....it makes my heart sing and my soul dance.

So right now, with the domestic leagues being over until August, while we're caught in the mess called 'trasfer rumours' and awaiting those pre-season games, we are blessed to have the Euro 2012 and the World Cup 2014 qualifiers to keep us company. Yup, it's one of those beautiful years with soccer all year round!! Look, I don't know where I'm going with any of this....actually, I'm not going anywhere with it....except this, I'm spending my days indulging in the things that I love, and that just fills me with Joy! And that is what life should be all about!!

Here's to the beautiful game....and days filled with Joy!!

Yes, it's a corny title, but -------> Y.O.L.O!!

Bitter-sweet....that's the only way I can properly explain the past week. From my highest of highs to my lowest of lows....all in a space of less than a week. It's strange....bitter-sweet.....almost like chilli-chocolate (we'll discuss that taste of nonsense some other day)!

I attended my graduation ceremony - and even though I thought it wasn't a big deal, the look on my parents faces as I climbed that podium made that moment and that day oh so glorious! So as I throw confetti on myself, I am now truly grateful for my 2 seconds of fame! (also, Orlando Pirates clinched a treble for the 2nd time in a row....epicness!!!!!!!!!!). This was unfortunately followed 5 days later by the loss of a loved one.....to say devastation took centre stage in my world does not even begin to capture or express it. I've never been one to express such feelings out in the open, therefore I will not get into much detail....but I will share little facts - facts we should all already know:

1. Life is short. There's a song by Drake called 'the motto' (I booty hop to it when nobody is watching) - it puts it plain and simple - You Only Live Once!!

1. Life is short. Always leave a lasting impression....preferably a positive one. Even if its awkward booty-hopping to Drake songs.

3.Life is short. Write a bucket list, and start ticking things off!

4. Life is short. Stop concentrating on the fact that I wrote 1. twice and didn't write 2.!

5. Life is short. Laugh out loud! Alone.

No seriously, I have a lot to say.....

Okay, I admit, this title is slightly misleading....but alas, that is what was going through this wobbly bobbly thing called my brain. I genuinely have a lot to say! Seriously! It's like a waterfall of thoughts gushing through my head.....just not as crisp, cool and inviting as the Victoria Falls (which, I might add, is on my 2012 bucket list). ***note to self: remember to draw up a bucket list.

I have these thoughts of all the things I want to blog about, but when I sit to write, I draw a blank. My hand itches to type words at a speed I'm not familiar with, my head is just throwing all these thoughts at me, pushing me to spew them out.....but the words just aren't forming. Fortunately though, it's a long weekend, which gives me ample time to turn these thoughts into words. So, as I vanish into hiding for the weekend (to a place unknown to do things unspoken of), I leave you with this.....

Uhmmmmm......

           Uhhhhh.......

                      Wait, hold on, gimme a second......

                                          hmmmmmmmmmm...........





*sigh* forget it!

HAPPY WEEKEND!!!

Celebrating What's Right With The World!!!

I had trouble waking up....argh, it was one of those mornings! But I told myself that I NEED to lift myself up and be happy - and man was I annoyingly happy all day - I even got a few complaints after I constantly sang 'la la la' like a pre-schooler all day! But I started to go on a dip - the day got the better of me. Fortunately, one thing remained was my bbm status which read "when last did you celebrate what's right with the world?". So at midnight, just when my world was looking to Thursday, I was celebrating in my mind what is right in MY world:

• My parents - not a day goes by without me thinking about them - Dear God, I am grateful! Daddy turned the big 60, they will be celebrating their 33rd anniversary, and they managed to raise a pretty decent bunch of kids. Thank you God!
• I have the most beautiful, precious genius of a niece who will be turning 12 this year. She was upset that she 'failed' maths after getting 70%. I kid you not....in mathematics!  
• A few Fridays back, I spent the evening with one of my BFFs (for those living in 1996, that's young-and-hip language for Best Friends Forever). For some odd reason we were walking around barefoot, randomly kicking a soccer ball in the still of the night, while talking non-stop about absolutely everything! A simple reminder that I have the best friends in the world: people who understand me, who I can spill my heart to, talk crap with and most importantly laugh with - the people who warm my soul. There are very few of them because I keep a small circle (blame my sociable hermit ways), but I love each of them to pieces.
•  I have no kids - and I am saying this in my 'I love kids but am not ready for my own yet' voice - no sarcasm, I promise! I am fortunate though to have friends who do have kids! That kinda makes me a serial 'aunt' and god-mommy....and I love it! Children have a way of sneaking into your heart and setting up house.....that goes for mine!

There's something special about growing up, and no, it's not the mystery of this thing called 'wrinkles'. I'm a 1987 baby - and this year I turn 25. That's a quarter of a century, and I feel this needs to be celebrated! Soon I will be 'over the fence' and be considered to be in my 'late 20s'. The true beauty of growth comes with realising and accepting your weaknesses, because from there you know your strengths.

So here's to knowing and growing! And celebrating what's right with the world!

(sidenote: Cape Town sunsets are definitely among what's right with the world)

Oh that wretched disease again!

I love Fridays! This day makes me thoroughly happy! So happy that I suspect its a disease.....a disease of happy....with a disease-like name such as Fridayitism! I also love Sunday...the only problem with my relationship with Sunday is that it is followed by that mean little blue devil with a single horn sticking out of its forehead called Monday....I hate Monday, he takes away my Joy! But Friday, she is precious! On Fridays, I try to avoid all the serious, heavy and deep type of conversations. If I see a group of people standing and chatting, I'll stop by and pretend to tie my shoelaces (or whatever other inane activity) while casually stretching my neck to listen in and try to figure out what they are talking about....but if I hear anything political, if it's about the sad state of the world, or even how mean the cashier at the shop was, then I stand up and keep walking!

Because on Fridays, we only do happy. We do light-hearted. We do frilly. We do pink. We do giggles. We do hearts. We do strawberry-scented. We do baby-soft. We do cherry-flavoured. We do crisp. We do tulips. We do pretty. We do fluffy. We do sunshine. We do summer rain........We only do happy!!