The Story so far...

2 month round up

2009-06-08T11:50:00.002+01:00

I have now been living with Dot for 8 weeks and it has been a serious roller coaster ride. I have had days when I have been thrilled to be living with her and making some kind of "difference" in someone else's life, and days when I have been at my absolute wits end. I though I would do a round up of some of the things that have happened over the last couple weeks.

Getting locked out of the house
Dorothy has a habit of locking all the doors and windows etc before going to bed...which is a good habit, unless I have not come home yet. I come home at least once a week to a locked front door and the key still in the lock on the inside. So I have no way of getting into the house. I ring the doorbell incessantly to no avail before giving in a calling her son to get her to open the door. She often opens the door with a cheeky smile on her face which makes me suspect she knows I'm out there and is enjoying seeing me freezing my butt off!

Missing teeth
A couple mornings Dot has decided to hide her teeth. The first time was quite a shock as I hadn't realised she has falsies! The fact that they were perfectly white and straight should have been a give away but I like to think the best of people! Anyway as she whistled good morning to me I realised I would have to locate the damn teeth or else should would have some trouble eating her breakfast so began a house wide search eventually finding them on the far side of the bath.....which is a perfectly logical place to keep them????

Midnight raids
A couple nights a week Dot gets up at 10 or 11 thinking it is morning time and gets dressed. I try persuade her to get back into bed as the thought of her sleeping on the couch all night breaks my heart, however this usually turns into another hour affair and she come to check ever 5/10 minutes that it is night time and she must go to bed. Even if I lock my door she will stand there and rattle to door knob till I open the door and confirm that it is in fact night time!

Thursday the fourth of June
I spent the day trying to convince Dot that the only place in the TV guide where you can find the words Thursday 4 June was along the side of the page and not in the actual TV listing. I was like her brain was on loop and all she could think about was finding these words. I actually didn't know whether to laugh or cry!

On the whole I'm happy with Dot. I get comfort from the fact that she would be so lonely if she was on her own and I know she enjoys having me there (most evident by the fact that she will not go to bed if I am still up no matter how tired she is!!!!!!!) My friends have had some laugh at my expense so they're loving the experience and the hard days soon pass. I guess I have many more months of craziness to look forward to!

Day Dot

2009-04-13T20:30:00.003+01:00

Today I moved in with Dorothy, an 85 year old women who is deaf and has a spot of Alzheimer's. I am hoping to live with her for the next year to 18 months and, in an effort to maintain my own sanity, and to record my time with her, I have decided to start blogging again.

So day one has come and gone. Dorothy's son was here when I arrived to settle me in and explain the ins and outs to me. I spent the afternoon unpacking some of my stuff - trying to ram my clothes into the tiny cupboard - but eventually I had to go downstairs and chat to old Dot. Turns out I have no idea what to chat to an old lady about. So after about 5 mins I popped upstairs to google "talking to people with Alzheimer's". Needless to say google was less than helpful but armed with such tips as speak slowly and clearly (a real gem that one, don't think I could have figured that out on my own)I headed back down. Turns out if I just sit quietly next to her the conversation will come to me - one specific conversation - what was my name again? And what time am I going to work? and what time will I be back? I must have answered each of these at least 10 times over a 2 hour period. At one point while trying to help her take her evening pills she handed me the HUGE pill box and asked me if there was anything in there I wanted.

The slight downside to living with Dot is when she does something crazy, like put 1p coins in her hot chocolate, she doesn't remember doing it and I am the only other person around so all suspicion immediately falls on me. I had to smile sweetly and tell her I had no idea where the coins could have come from. Luckily the interrogation doesn't last too long.

So day one is safely behind me and tomorrow I will navigate my way to work through Southall. I am sure I am going to have many more surreal evenings like the one that just passed - if I start repeating myself constantly you all know why!!

P.S in the course of writing this post Dot has tried to put me to bed twice. Scratch that 3 times.

Live Earth

2007-07-29T12:49:00.000+01:00

For this post I really wish I was a better writer. I want to try and get down in words what a phenomenal day it was but I am just not able to find the words.
I have to say that by the time this rolled around I was incredible underwhelmed. Things were hectic at work, and I still had my mind on Glastonbury, and as far as I was concerned there was no way that one day at Wembley stadium would every compete with that experience.

Steven made the decision that we should leave Putney at 8:30, and boy was I unhappy about that. I made it perfectly clear to everyone that I thought this was a ridiculous idea and that I was unhappy. Surely we would not be able to maintain a place at the front of the crowd for the whole day no matter how early we got there. But I got up at 7:30 and dragged my sorry as down to the station non-the-less. We got to Wembley way before the doors were due to open and queued for about 2 hours, and boy was I glad we did. We managed to get into the "pit" which was right in front of the stage. They only let a certain number of people in there so there was no over crowding , we even had enough space to spread out our picnic blanket and have a lie down between acts.

The sun shone the whole day and the performances just got better and better as the day went on. The Foo Fighters and Madonna were probably my highlights but in actual fact there were very few acts that I did not LOVE. I would have payed double the price to have been able to experience that day! Amazing!!!

2 Down 1 to go

2007-07-29T12:16:00.001+01:00

This summer was going to be the summer of festivals...Glastonbury, Benicassim and V. I have not idea what possessed me to try cram a life times worth of music into 3 months! It has been totally amazing and totally crazy.

I didn't think Glastonbury could possibly live up to my expectations. I had been buzzing with excitement for weeks on end and I could barely sleep the night before we left. Nick had procured a car and I nominated myself for navigation duties...insisting that I had the capabilities of....well a great navigator, and then promptly got us lost in London!
We arrived at the campsite and I was blown away by the size of the festival. Everywhere I looked in every direction was just tiny little tents. We set up the tent and then headed off for a walk about. It was even stranger than I had imagined. The front end of aeroplane, huge metal robots, areas to make clay sculptures and tiny cafes to try and escape the mud. I remember thinking on that first day, if this is the mud they have been talking about, I can definitely handle it....little did i know.
Day 2 the rain began....and it didn't really let up for the rest of the weekend. The mud became ankle deep and then calf deep. Determined as I was not to fall the mud became so thick that my foot git stuck, the top half of my body kept moving forward and my feet remained stationary. hand first into the mud.
By the end of the weekend, living in mud and rain and being totally filthy started to feel normal. We saw some great music and would escape to the circus/comedy tent to try find somewhere to sit down! I was torn between desperately wanting to get home and never wanting to leave! The real world became a distant memory and life became all about food, music and crazy people! For weeks after coming home I felt a pang every time I thought of Glasto.

Benicassim was pretty much the polar opposite. We jetted off to Spain, leaving a cold and rainy London behind and arrived to a boiling hot dusty evening. The campsite was rammed full and we had to find a tiny corner in the back of campsite to pitch our tent. Our days were routine....get up, head straight down to the beach to grab a deck chair and umbrella and relax in the sun and swim all day. The sea was the most gorgeous blue and it was so warm. In the afternoon we would head into town for drink and to grab some food before hitting the festival. The crowd was so energetic and it made the festival for me. But I realised that I do not have the kind of stamina to be able to do this all day all night kind of thing. I was always the first one to head off to bed! The real drama of the holiday was us missing our flight! I know that is the thing I am going go tremember when I look back on this holiday! desperately racing to get to the airport, watching the minutes tick by and feeling so helpless. Thanks to the great taxi driver who did everything he could to get the crazy english speaking tourists to the airport on time, especially with stsven shouting, rapido, rapido at him every now and then!

So V in a couple weeks, I'm looking forward to this one casue hopefully it will be stress free. Loads of friends are going so I'm looking forward to a chilled weekend away and seeing the Foo Fighters!

Lunch break terror

2007-06-07T12:19:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I was enjoying a leisurely lunch in the park when I was viciously attached by a bird. I was truly fearing for my life, as it puffed its feathers up and made vicious attacking noises. I was clinging to Nick for dear life as it circled around us, eying our food with it's beady beady eyes.
Nothing would put this fearless (vicious) bird off. I think eventually it took pity on me and decided I wasn't worth the effort, as clearly I had nothing to offer.
It took me the rest of the lunch break to recover...and I can tell you I will not be sitting on that side of the park again!

NME New Music Tour

2007-05-31T12:30:00.000+01:00

Tuesday night I managed to convince a few of my girlfriends to join me at the NME new music tour. The gig was at Koko in Camden which is one of my favourite venues. We got there early and so managed to secure a balcony area where we could sit and wait for the bands to start, and which also gave us a great view of the stage. The only band I had any real interest in seeing was Pull Tiger Tail, and I was not disappointed. The Guitarist Davo(??)was your typical cocky, I think I'm hot Brit rocker, and while he irritated the crap out of all my friends I found his antic mildly amusing. At one point he jumped down into the press alley in front of the crowd, I think he was expecting mass hysteria, but the crowd barely reacted. I really started enjoying myself when they got several people on stage with them to help them play one of their songs (will have to buy their CD in order to tell which song it was). It had an awesomely infectious beat, magnified by the extra people onstage thumping out the rhythm. This was the point where they started to look like they were really having fun, and from my great vantage point I could tell the crowd was loving it. I am seriously looking forward to seeing where this band again.

The surprise band of the evening was The Little Ones. I had never actually heard of them before this tour and they blew me away. I loved how they could stand on stage next to these other typically British bands, with their own very unique sound and "rock out". They even encouraged the crowd to throw things at them at one point. The lead singer, Ed Reyes, is incredibly charismatic and I fell in love with him the moment he stepped up onto stage and started wriggling his little butt around. He reminded me of a toddler, trying to explain something very earnestly, all big eyes and cute expressions. The music was incredibly happy and upbeat and I couldn't stop smiling throughout their performance, I actually felt a pang of loss as they walked off the stage.

I don't have terribly much to say about the other two bands. The drummer for the Blood Red Shoes was amazing, but I found the lead singer to be dull and her guitar smashing act at the end of their performance seemed like a childish temper tantrum. I would definitely like to keep an eye on the drummers career, my uneducated opinion is that he should ditch the girl and find someone with a bit more spunk.

The Rumble Strips.... where do I start? 15 minutes into their performance I snuck into the toilet where I overheard two girls discussing the Rumbles performance. The one drunken girl summed it by saying,"it's just shouty bloke music, who would want a Rumbles bootleg album?" I was unmoved by their performance. I spent more time watching the crowd than watching the band, and their music didn't really stir up any emotion. I was pretty much indifferent and we left before they had finished.

All in all I am really glad I went along to this. It is always great to hear new bands live and to find unknown gems! I'm off to buy the Little One's and Pull Tiger Tails albums.

One day older, one year older

2007-05-29T12:39:00.000+01:00

Yes, this weekend I turned 24. I have to say that this year my expectations and excitement levels were at an all time low. There has been so much other stuff going on that it didn't seem to sink in that my birthday was upon me.

Luckily for me I have some amazing friends who
a) helped organise a celebration and
b) turned up and made the night worth while.
We started off at the Amused Moose comedy club. I was feeling a little apprehensive, cause if comedy is not great then it is just embarrassing. Luckily for me the three comedians were fantastic. It being my birthday I was very worriesd that one of my friend would draw attention to me and embarrass me. Sadly I do not need friends to draw attention to me as I am more than capable of embarrassing myself. During the one quite moment in the comedians witty banter I hiccuped....loudly, and it did not even take him 5 seconds to launch into me. I now have a new nick-name. But if you weren't there on sat night I'm afraid there is absolutely NO WAY I am going to divulge what it is.

Anyway....after the comedy ended we hung out for a couple minutes but the club emptied out faster than I could top up my glass of wine, so we headed out to Ghetto, were the music is kitsch and the men are "friendly", to dance dance dance the night away. The trip home was long, but fun filled and Jo will be forever known as McSleepy.

Thanks so so much to all y'all that pitched up. My night would not have been the same without you xxxx

39 Steps

2007-05-20T01:04:00.000+01:00

I was tired!!! Very very tired. And I did not feel like going out. But I had booked these damn tickets through damn lastminute for dinner and theater, so I dragged my sorry ass from work through to Picadilly to meet with the lovely Carlene. Dinner was nice (the company more than the venue) but the theater was great. My interest was piqued when I realised the theater was actually underground (yes I am easily excited!) Despite my lethargy, I was able to concentrate and even managed a few laughs. There were only four actors playing a number of roles. The whole show was very tongue in cheek but at the same time very very clever. I spent the whole night wondering how they had managed to think up so many different ways to bring this movie to the theater. I am sure I would've appreciated it even more if I had actually seen the movie!!!!! Never the less I was highly entertained for 2 hours and would loved to have met the actors so I could personally tell them how much I had enjoyed the show. After seeing this show I am even less impressed with "Treats" than I was on Monday night! For me this show is what the west end is all about, slightly over the top acting, clever props and a lot of laughs.

The long overdue Fall Out Boy concert review

2007-05-16T12:21:00.000+01:00

I am a HUGE fall out boy fan. I have introduced all my friends to them and I've been waiting a year to see them live. So I my expectations for this gig were pretty high...and they went unmet. We arrived to hear the last few songs of the support act and I took the opportunity to check out the crowd... once again I was the oldest person there by years and at only 23 that was not a good feeling. Pretty much as soon as FOB came on stage the teeny bopper punks started moshing, things were out of control before they called for the "whirlpool" or whatever the moshers call it. The band had zero spark and at no point did it look like Patrick Stump was having a good time. Pete Wentz endless spinning around made me dizzy and don't even get me started on their half time entertainment freak show. If I wanted to see some guy jump through a table I would rent Jackass.
I had heard bad reviews about FOB's live performances but had refused to believe them... I guess I can't live in denial anymore!

Trick or treat?

2007-05-15T11:58:00.000+01:00

Last night I took Julie to see "Treats" for her birthday. If I am totally honest I didn't know a whole lot about the show before I booked the tickets, all I saw was some famous faces that I wanted to see a bit more up close and personally.
I haven't seen all that many plays (in other words non-musicals) and so I think my expectations were a little off. I basically expect a live movie. What we got was some real live crying and some jilted dialog. That's not to say it isn't good, but somehow without camera angles and lighting and music (and all the other movie magic) it's just not the same. And yes I know it's not supposed to be the same, as I said, my expectations are off.
In the end it was enjoyable and I got to see some stars and I feel a bit more cultured, but I can't claim that theater is my most favourite thing.

I choose my choice!!!

2007-05-09T08:46:00.000+01:00

I've just gotten back from SA. It was wonderful to be home. To be back with the people who at the end of the day know me the best and love me despite the dork I was in High school. The whole time I was there I was more than willing to tell anyone who would listen how great the UK is and how they should come over that very minute. I also made sure everyone around me knew how happy I am here. But even while I was talking I was wondering if I had made the right choice in making the UK my home. I AM deliriously happy here most of the time, and the life and opportunities here so for exceed the options in Cape Town, but at the same time I am missing out on a lot. My young brothers and sisters are growing up at a rapid pace with little thought to how that makes me feel, my parents and grandparents go on and get older and my friends are getting married (separate issue all together). So getting on the plane was hard, much harder than the last time as now I know I will not be back for another three years or so, and so so much is going to happen in that time, but at the end of the day, I choose my choice. I choose London with all the hecticness and stress, as well as the beauty and vibrancy. And I choose to let people in SA move on without me. I choose my choice!!!!!

YOU GOT PUSHED!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-17T09:49:00.000+01:00

It is safe to say that my tube ride to work in the morning is never pleasant, but most mornings I can get onto the tube, find a place to stand and listen to some music or read a book. This morning however was not one of those mornings. There were SEVERE delays on the district line, so when I ran up the stairs at East Putney station people were standing 4 deep waiting for the tube. Luckily I spotted Steve who managed to drag me onto the next train with him. So we were chatting, trying not to irritate too many people around us when we heard some girl starting to kick off. I had heard rumours about this kind of thing going on but had never seen it myself. She just shouted at this poor man for about 10 minutes, saying the same thing over and over again. Soon the whole carriage was making chirps and getting laughs which lightened the atmosphere, but nothing would stop this girl...she was pretty much going to rant for the rest of the journey.
Nothing like a bit of Drama on the tube to kick start your morning!!! And nothing like some mad woman screaming to unite the rest of the poor people on the tube!!!!

Who is your biggest crush

2007-04-10T11:35:00.000+01:00

give this a go

The car journey from hell

2007-04-06T20:08:00.000+01:00

Today we journeyed up to exotic Norwich. Instead of catching the train like normal people we hitched a lift with Gary. We thought everything was sweet until we hit a massive traffic jam as thousands of people fled London to the country for the long weekend. We eventually arrived in Norwich 6 and a half hours after leaving home...totally tuckered out after all the sitting. Thank goodness we re catching the train back home....

Spamalot

2007-03-29T09:59:00.000+01:00

Go see it.... that is all I have to say

I stole this from my friend Rich...

2007-03-22T18:50:00.000Z

1. A is for age: 23 (almost 24)

2. B is for beer of choice: yuck yuck yuck....

3. C is for career right now: Exhibition assistant and event organiser extraordinaire.

4. is for your dog's name? I had a dog once......

5. E is for essential item you use everyday: hair straighteners

6. F is for favorite TV show at the moment: HERO'S !!!!!!!!

7. G is for favorite game: can I make G is for your favorite guy???

8. H is for Home town: Currently London baby....but originally Cape Town

9. I is for instruments you play: My iPod

10. J is for favorite juice: apple I think

11. K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: SMcV....my arch Nemesis
12. L is for last place you ate: I had a snack on my bed while I watched a DVD

13. M is for marriage: yes please...

14. N is for your full name: Bronwyn Allison Sletcher

15. O is for overnight hospital stays: nope

16. P is for people you were with today: work colleges... and flatties

17. Q is for quote:

18. R is for Biggest Regret: I don't believe in regrets

19. S is for status: negative

20. T is for time you woke up today: finally crawled out of bed at 7:45

21. U is for underwear you have on now: the normal

22. V is for vegetable you love: mmmm... not much of a vegetable person....although I will eat them....maybe baby corn

23. W is for worst habit: I would tell you, but then I'd have to kill you

24. X is for x-rays you've had: on my saliva gland....had a blockage and my face was about to explode...and on my kidneys after a vicious infection

25. Y is for yummy food you ate today: 2 croissants for brekkie.....yummy

26. Z is for the zodiac sign: Gemini

Top tips for organising a event for 800 + people

2007-03-21T11:52:00.000Z

4 weeks out...
1. Relax, take it easy. It is well known that all organisation for any event happens in the last week, so you might as well put your feet up while you can
2 weeks out...
2.Your event planner would probably like to meet up with you at this point... avoid this at all costs....if they know what you look like they will rush straight to you for every little thing on the night of the event...and this would really ruin your evening.
1 week out
3. Stop answering calls....it is inevitably some guest calling to tell you they have not recieved their invitation or someone cancelling their seat causing a problem on your seating plan.
4. Start shifting responsibility of important tasks....that way when the shit hits the fan at the event you have someone to blame
day before the event
4. Make sure you go for your mani pedi and fake tan....nothing helps in a crisis like looking good.
D-day
5. Have a relaxing morning, sleep in. You will need your beauty sleep. Pitch up at the venue in time to get a few bevvies in to calm the nerves...then go shine....you have worked long and hard on this event so enjoy your moment......

Noddy

2007-03-18T11:17:00.000Z

For home group this week Rox suggested we head down to our favourite local The Jolly Gardener for a chilled evening. What we didn't realised was that Tuesdays are pub quiz night at the Jolly. I am not a fan of the pub quiz, for the simple reason that I am not British and so don't know the answer to ANY of the questions and so I walk away feeling a little uneducated. While trying to figure out which F1 driver one his first race since 1996 Liz suggested Noddy....and we were off. Any question we didn't know the answer to our default answer was Noddy.... Rox was so embarrassed by our effort that when I cajoled her into handing our form in, she threw it at the bar counter and ran to the bathroom to hide. Watching the woman sniggering as she marked our answers did little to increase my love of the British pub quiz... Sadly we had to leave before the winners were announced so we didn't get to see the woman wondering around looking for the winner of the pub quiz.....NODDY

Counting Sheep

2007-03-18T11:04:00.000Z

Friday I was enjoying a relaxing night in with Rox and V, when we started discussing sleep patterns. The conversation eventually came around to the strange things people resort to in order to go to sleep. I admitted to having tried counting sheep but that I would get frustrated as my sheep seemed to have a mind of their own and would all start leaping over the fence at once making it very difficult for me to count them and leaving me more awake and frustrated than before. At this point Rox was laughing hysterically having also experienced out of control sheep. When we eventually calmed down and were able to talk and breath I was so relieved to realise I was not the only one to have this problem.... and it made me think that Rox and I really have a lot more in common than we would probably ever realise....

Catch up

2007-03-14T14:04:00.000Z

So, I have been decidedly slack in the blog department. I think a combinations of things have caused this.
1. I realised no one was actually reading my largely useless musings on life.
2. I am really busy.
3. While I am busy, I am not busy doing anything very interesting. I tend to work and see friends and sleep...not very blog worthy.

Last week I helped out at a work function at the houses of parliament. I was excited to go inside but to be honest once I was in there I could have been in any building. I felt very out of my depth so I stuck with my friend and colleague Nick...eating large amount of horrendously expensive canapes and drinking wine. The best part of the evening by far was packing up and heading to the pub.

Other than that I have been consumed with the thought of festival tickets and going home. 5 weeks and 2 days till the impending trip and 2 weeks till Glastonbury tickets go on sale....I will get these tickets as I have already missed out on V tickets and the line up is outrageously good....sob

2007-02-08T18:24:00.000Z

Emerging anew

2007-02-06T12:38:00.000Z

Went away with a fairly large group of young people from my church for the Emerge weekend. I had really really been looking forward to the weekend the whole year (all 3 weeks of it) and it was definetly everything I hope it would be.
I laughed (till it hurt) and cried a LOT, and came back feeling totally refreshed and ready to tackle the world.

The best part of the weekend for me was abandoning the amazing 80's party to go play a few games of twister. I haven't played since high school and tho I lost horribly every round (there was major boy cheating going on) it was thoroughly enjoyable.

Work

2007-01-18T14:30:00.000Z

So work has gotten interesting....and busy, so very busy. For my first month of so I was plagued with boredom and could not wait till things picked up. And while I do not wish to go back to that snail pace I do find myself wishing I had a few more hours in the day, and thinking about staying late after work.
The good thing is that I genuinely enjoy what I do. I may find myself frustrated or stressed but it is all worth while when you get job satisfaction.

First transport rant of the year

2007-01-08T13:14:00.000Z

I know I frequently compain about the transport but I have to have somewhere to rant.
So the crowds are back. Untill this morning I had been enjoying a relatively empty tube...but it couldn't last. This morning the crowds were all headed back to work.....Got dirty looks from some woman for DARING to read a newspaper on a crowded tube..... only 52 weeks of this left....

Long time, no Blog

2007-01-02T13:11:00.000Z

Just logged onto blogger for the first time this year and was shocked to see I have not blogged in over a month....so apologies to anyone who has been checking my blog in hopes of fresh posts.

New years is a time of looking forward for me....thinking about things I'm hoping to accomplish and planning exciting adventures for the year. So here is some of what I have planned.

1. I am going to make a long awaited trip home.
One of my oldest and dearest friends is getting married this year and so I am going home for 2 weeks. It will be 3 years by the time I get back to SA...three years of not having seen 90% of my family and most of my old friends. I am looking forward to catching up and chilling out and totally enjoying all the holiday splendour that SA has to offer (despite the fact that is is going to be autumn and a tad chilly)

2. I am going to 2 music festivals
The plan is to go to Spain for an amazing long weekend on the beach. The festival runs through the nights and so I am going to spend the days lazing on the beach and swimming.....can hardly wait. Then going to Leeds/Reading festival in August for a muddy version of the Spain festival...minus the beach...and with a lot less sun.

3. Probably a trip to Egypt
Hoping to go to Egypt in around September for a final shot at getting a tan....Have ALWAYS wanted to go there and I am looking forward to a mixture of seeing some ancient history and doing sweet blow all.....should be amazing

4. Get a grip on my finances
If I want to do all the above mentioned activities I am going to have to get serious about my money.....spend less save more is going to be my motto.

5. Career focused
Work is going to be a major priority this year. I desperately want to be good at what I do and be able to move up the ladder at the end of this contract and not into a similar job in a different company...so going to work hard and have as much fun as possible.

6. Be more precious about my time
Last year I said yes to everything and by the end of the year I was going out 7 nights a week and was totally run down and near hysteria a lot of the time. This year I am going to limit my week day activities and spend more time chilling out after work (lets see how long this lasts!!!!)

Still Dirrty

2006-11-30T08:57:00.000Z

Last night I went to see Christina Aguilera in concert. It was a rather last minute thing and to be honest there were times last night when I wondered what the hell I had been thinking, but the show was phenomenal.

I had spent the day travelling to and from Birmingham for work and so by the time I got to Wembley I was pretty finished. We had to queue for about an hour and then had another hour to wait for the support band, Nizlopi. They were just plain wierd. They tried their best to get the crowd amped but no one wanted to know their story. We then waited another 45 mins for Christina to get her cute little butt onto stage. This was definetly one of the best shows I have seen. The sets were amazing, the dancers highly energised and of course the pint sized blond with the most amazing voice. She was definetly still looking to shock a few people with her antics but non of that was at the expense of an amazinf performance.
So it was enjoyable but next time I go to a pop concert I am going to be seated, to avoid standing for hours on end and to totally avoid annoying fans who blow whistles and have a running compentary going all through the show.

The green hat

2006-11-23T19:48:00.000Z

Getting lost on putney heath

2006-11-19T22:14:00.000Z

You always take the weather with you

2006-11-13T10:55:00.000Z

Lately the weather has been relecting my mood very very acurately. Last week I was happy, the world was a fresh clean place and nothing could bring me down. I loved the autumn leaves on the floor, the crisp air and how everyone was dressed all snug in their hats, gloves and scarves.
Today, I am hurting, I want to climb under my blankets and hide from the world. It is pouring with rain outside and it feels very theraputic. People keep their heads down in the street or hide under their umbrella's and somehow I feel like the world knows how badly I want to be left alone and has orchestrated this weather just for me. I have very little to do at work and so I watch the rain coming down and hope that this will somehow wash all the yuck away.

Especially for you Sarah

2006-11-08T21:16:00.000Z

Hey girl......you know I don't actually have your e-mail address...no excuses seeing as I know Rox has it.....
Anyway....life is good. I am LOVING living in south. It's just as good as I thought it would be. It is so good to be able to get almost all the way home with a friend. The new job is going good. A bit boring to be honest but they keep telling me it is going to get so busy that I should just appreciate this quite time....
For a more in depth look into how I'm really doing I write another blog..... which might give you some more insight.
So I know that is not terribly detailed....but the important thing is that I miss you so so much and I am planning on going to sydney in april so we will have to meet up for a big hug and a seriously long chat.

here's an unfunny joke for you

2006-11-08T13:07:00.000Z

How many people can you fit on an overland train between putney and waterloo?

About a hundred million billion.
This morning my bus was late and so I missed the earlier train into town and was subjected to being face to face with some guy for 20 mins....I kid you not, I didn't want to breath because he was so close, and had the train moved a bit more violently I would have unwittingly kissed him (luckily he was quite hot so it was not such a hard burden to bear)...At one point I didn't have to hold onto anything as I was propped up by the swaying mass of people around me.
They say the British are great queue'rs but I have to say that all goes out the window if they are trying to get onto the train....they will just push and push untill they are on that train...even if it means their arse cheek gets pinched in the door as it slams shut.

Feeding my music addiction

2006-11-08T12:52:00.000Z

Last night was the long-awaited Feeder concert. I knew it was going to be a good one but I had no idea how good.
We decided to stand instead of sit to get the full Feeder vibe and managed to get quite close to the front before the support act "Boy Kill Boy" started. They were pretty good, one of the better support bands we had seen. The place packed up pretty quickly and before we knew it Feeder came on stage and we were in the middle of a mosh pit. I mean a serious mosh pit. All I can say is thank the pope we had Steven there otherwise we would never have gotten out alive. He had to literally drag us out. We headed right to the back where all the old fogies and boring people were hanging out and proceeded to jump around like crazies for an hour and a bit. They played all the best Feeder tunes and through in a few covers for fun. I was equally entertained by the fifty something year old guys around me who knew more words to the songs than I did and who had more energy and stamina than I did....They were bouncing around and playing air guitar.....highly enjoyable watching.
So now I'm kinda sad.....I loved the concert so much but now it's over....Going to see some SA bands tomorrow night and then it is a month long wait for Kasabian and Snow Patrol (woohoo)Not sure how I am going to cope without my weekely gig, actually maybe now I will get to catch up on some much needed sleep.

Frickin hell

2006-11-03T10:33:00.000Z

aaaahhhhhh
aaaahhhhhhh
aaaaaahhhhh

Sorry trying to vent some frustration without attracting too much attention. I have another fine to pay......another hundred pound fine to pay. And this time it is not even for something that I did (I think I say that every time don't I?)
Anyway there was a warrant out for my arrest and now they want me to go down to the new forest for a court date....which is ridiculous and so now I think I am just going to have to cough up the hundred pounds for ease of mind and convenience......bloody hell I can't afford this. I am NEVER going to own a car in this country again.......

Deep thought

2006-11-03T10:15:00.000Z

Just discovered this guy Jack Handy. I love his random thoughts. Here r some of my favourites.

Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words - "mank" and "ind". What do these words mean ? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

When you go in for a job interview, I think a good thing to ask is if they ever press charges.

We tend to scoff at the beliefs of the ancients. But we can't scoff at them personally, to their faces, and this is what annoys me.

If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.

Love can sweep you off your feet and carry you along in a way you've never known before. But the ride always ends, and you end up feeling lonely and bitter. Wait. It's not love I'm describing. I'm thinking of a monorail.

There are too many.....lol

Live gigs 2 and 3

2006-11-01T09:08:00.000Z

Gig # 2 was the phenomenal John Meyer. I wasn't that keen initially to go along to this concert. Infact I made the decision not to buy a ticket. Luckily for me Ian decided to go on holiday and he generously gave me his ticket.....and I am so so grateful. This concert totally rocked. John Meyer is not just a sexy beast but also an amazingly talented musician. I think at the moment he is on my top 5 live acts of the year....

Gig # 3 was Delirious last night. The thing that made this one so special was that almost all my friends came along. Ian had just got back from Africa so it was awesome to see him and I LOVE sharing these things with the people closest to me. Delirious is an awesome rock band....and boy did they rock last night. The only downer was that we planted ourselves right next to the speakers for some unknown reason and so I spent at least half the night with my fingers plugged into my ears trying to stop my ear drums bursting.

So next week sees me at two more concerts before I have a mini concert break.....

Another post about public transport

2006-10-27T14:36:00.000+01:00

Since giving up the easy life and moving to the South West of London I have actually had to do battle with public transport on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong,I love having the freedom to be able to go anywhere (almost,) anytime (till 12pm) but seeing as I have been living here for 2 and a half years now I feel I have earned the right to complain a bit.
This morning I was rushing to get on the overland. I knew the train was about to depart and so I leaped onto the train....and got caught mid-leap in the doors. I felt like a ping pong ball bouncing back and forth till the doors clamped shut, at which point I felt a lot of pain. Those doors mean business, nothing and no-one is going to stop them from closing, especially not little old me.
So after extricating myself and checking to make sure all my body parts had made it onto the train intact I glanced around to see most of the carriage staring at me.....I think I must have muttered (shouted) a few profanities at some point.....
I spent the rest of the journey staring out a window wondering how long till someone else would make an arse of themselves and take the heat off me.

Note to self, the next train will be along in 5 mins....it is never worth it to leap on the train just because it is about to leave!!!

I don't wanna!!!!!

2006-10-24T13:21:00.000+01:00

I have made the move down south...It was stressful and I still haven't unpacked, but it was my great joy to have my friends with me as I travelled home last night. There is only one big blip on the horizon......the bloody busses. I have been having to actually go up a gear into run mode (I know shock horror) in order to catch the bus. At first I thought it would only happen when I was with Tagg, but then this morning I found myself running for the 39......aaaarrrrrrggggg. How did this happen to me?????

The Atomatic: A concert review

2006-10-23T10:00:00.000+01:00

My season of live music has officially kicked off. I dragged Rox, Jo and Steve down to the Astoria to see The Automatic.

We arrived at 7ish and found what looked like a very young and punky crowd. If I said we looked out of place I would be understating. We eventually got to the front of the queue after about half an hour just to be told we were in the wrong place and needed to be one door down. Quite embarrasing. We made our way through the rather confusing venue and managed to bag a little with a great view of the stage.

The support band were okay....couldn't have expected any more from them really. The Automatic however, rocked my world. They sounded just as great as on their album and I loved that I could sing along to every song (listened to the CD 5 times the day of the concert.....that's real dedication). My favourite was the "screamer" of the band. He is such and out there performer and I loved watching him throwing his body around. Sadly not everyone (steve) in our group was as enthralled by their performance as I was. All I can say is there is no accounting for some people's (steve's) taste.

So concert season is off to a good start, tonight is something compeletly different in the form of John Meyer. I have once again been trying to cram some of his songs into my little brain. I will be surprised if there is anything but music left in there by the end of the year.

Phew

2006-10-16T18:39:00.000+01:00

So today was the first day if my new job. I was really expecting the worst but it all went swimmingly. The people are all friendly and helpful. I managed to get a mail merge done which had been totally freaking me out. There were a few hitches along the way but nothing I couldn't handle.
So all in all a successful experience. I think I am going to be really happy there!

Departed is such sweet sorrow.....

2006-10-14T22:30:00.000+01:00

Actually it is just sorrow....
Went to see "The Departed" today. I knew what I was letting myself into but still came out of the cinema feeling rather morose. Don't get me wrong, the acting was beyond brilliant and the story line kept me entertained and guessing. It was just in no way a feel good movie. So, if you feel like a brilliant but depressing film then this is definitely the one for you.

It's all going down the drain

2006-10-12T21:40:00.000+01:00

I am so frickin scarred. Tonight I get a call from my lovely (or so I thought) friend, Steven. His called sounded a bit funny so I asked him where he was. He managed to side step the question but I was persistent and he revealed he was in the bathroom. Que dawning realisation that he is sitting on the toilet....no....shitting on the toilet. aaarrrrrrrrgggggggg I am so mentally scarred right now. I am going to have to keep him at arms length at least .....maybe two arms' length.

Bitter sweet week

2006-10-11T21:46:00.000+01:00

So it has arrived. My last week as nanny in the Kanerick/Greenhalgh household and I am just not too sure how to feel. One minute I am radically excited about living in the south with everyone else and the next minute I feel like screaming NNNNNOOOOOOOO.

I had Ian, Steve and Rox over for dinner last night and it was one of the evenings I love to have. Chilled out, food, wine and lots and lots of laughs. This house holds so many good memories of similar evenings and fun days with Saskia. It has been a wonderful year. I had no idea when I took this job that I would come to love these two people as much as I do and I am just so happy that they will continue to be a huge part of my life.

So I guess that is enough introspection. Looking forward, the rest of this year is definitely going to be amazing. Lots of live music, facing winter and looking forward to the prospect of inviting the new year in while skiing down some snowy mountain.

Concert review: All American Rejects

2006-10-03T18:28:00.000+01:00

Julie won tickets to go see the All American Rejects and she chose me to go with her. I was quite excited having had a crash course in their music. So....

The Good
- The AMR were were def worth it. The sounded amazing, the lighting was amazing and the concert all round was slick and polished

The Bad
- The supporting acts were beyond bad. We had to sit through one and a half hours of really bad bands for an hour of AMR.....was bored and ended up sitting down through as much of it as possible

The Ugly
- We were the oldest people there by about a decade. Who knew that 12 years old's went to concerts like this.
- The people were totally sweaty and gross and I was brushed up against by people who were literally dripping with sweat. I was having to hold back the screams of disgust.

I would Def recommend the AMR's if you have any interest in them. I suggest you go in full waterproof gear and arrive late.

Fashion Faux Paux

2006-09-28T18:27:00.000+01:00

You know in London I see so much outrageous fashion that I rarely bat an eyelash as the offender walks past. But today I almost had to stop my car when I saw this one. Walking towards me was a fairly good looking guy...very rock chic. Skinny black jeans, tight white top and long fringe. So whats the problem I hear you ask.....I just described half of the male london population.....the problem was he was wearing a MOON BAG. (or a fanny pack as the Americans like to call it.) Not only was he wearing but he was wearing it proudly. I would like to state that Moon bags r not okay. Not even if you r a tourist. In this day and age with "man bags" very in fashion and available there is just no excuse.

The band that I never knew I loved

2006-09-28T12:20:00.000+01:00

Oh my goodness...just got the Feeder singles album and it phenomenal. Feeder is one of those bands that you hear a song you like the song but you have no idea who sings the song.....This album has all those songs on it. I can just see that the soundtrack to my move across London and immanent new job is going to be this Feeder album....do yourself a favour and get down to the shops and pick up a copy today

This is how I am feeling about having to pack up and move accross London

2006-09-27T12:11:00.000+01:00

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

The Netball Diaries

2006-09-26T12:28:00.000+01:00

Last night I went to watch Foxy play basketball with some of his collegues from work. I was really surprised by how well the teams played and the commitment of some of the people. This is not just a social event....They r deadly serious about their sport.

I was very impressed by Fox and his team...despite the fact that some of the members had never played netball before, they managed to pull together as a team and win most of their games.
Watching them play just reinforced for me that I have no desire what so ever to play team sport....no scratch that....I have no desire to play sports what so ever....Spectator to the death tho....

We've lost our Chandler and Monica

2006-09-25T10:32:00.000+01:00

I LOVE friends....with a passionate passion. Thats friends the program and friends the people in my life. In series ten of "Friends" Monica and Chandler decide that the time has come to move out of the city and start their life in the suburbs. And while the rest of the "Friends" are happy for them because they can see that this is what they really want and that they will be really happy, they r still very very sad.

I have been blessed with lots of amazing friends in London, but I have been doubly blessed by 5 friends who have meant the world to me over the last 8 or 9 months. The friendships have been filled with laughter, good advice and friendly teasing. They have been the most simple and yet the most uplifting friendships I have had. So I am sad to see our funniest (out of three very funny guys) man head back to SA, and our grounded amazing organised lady with him.

You guys will be sorely missed!!!!!

A Hairy Experience

2006-09-22T19:22:00.002+01:00

I'm ashamed to admit this but I am scared of my hair dresser. Today I found myself styling my hair very carefully about an hour before I was due to go into the hair dressers...which is a complete waste of time considering he is just going to wash it again. But I just know how judgemental he is....He is a young trendy hair perfectionist and he asks me every time he sees me that "you hate your hair??????"

The thing is he cuts my hair better than anyone ever has. The style doesn't grow out and my hair continues to look amazing months after the cut. So, every two months I carefully style my hair and head off to the salon for an ear bashing about the mistreatment of my hair, and come out feeling slightly less confident but with fabulous hair.

music music all around

2006-09-21T20:14:00.000+01:00

Since the V festival I feel like I have stepped into a new world. I don't know if it is my state of mind, or just that my taste in music has changed a bit, but I am blown away by the music out there at the moment. I am switched onto the british music scene and loving the random and wonderful music that is being written. Bands like Hot Chip, The Automatic, Snow Patrol, Kasabian.....I could go on and on...who are writting totally new, beautiful, inspiring music

I am even relating to "ballads", which is a minor miracle. So, YAY for V....showing me that there is more to life than pop and "happy music"

Words, Wide Night

2006-09-20T09:50:00.000+01:00

Somewhere on the other side of this wide night
and the distance between us, I am thinking of you.
The room is turning slowly away from the moon.

This is pleasurable. Or shall I cross that out and say
it is sad? In one of the tenses I am singing
an impossible song of desire that you cannot hear.

La lala la. See? I close my eyes and imagine
the dark hills I would have to cross
to reach you. For I am in love with you and this

is what it is like or what it is like in words.

Carol Ann Duffy

Less than perfect

2006-09-18T16:41:00.000+01:00

So the weekend started off promisingly with a spontaneous walk around london (one of my favourite things to do). On said walk I managed to find my new favourite Starbucks....mmmm starbucks.......

Anyway, then went for drinks with some friends...they repay my kindness by LICKING (yes thats right licking) my face. all over. Including my ear. I was screaming and attracting way too much attention. Then, still feeling traumatised and wimpering to myself I stumbled onto the tube platform and right into a pile of puke.....I'm talking a HUGE pile. And the worst thing is I had open shoes on.....I have to say I was not loving London at that point.

Then on sat...while enjoying my lack of things to do, I somehow managed to put my back out. Well actually I screwed up the muscles in my neck.....badly and so have been feeling sorry for myslef and totally feeble.I was pretty much flat on my back for the whole weekend. Who knew your neck was such an important part of your body? I am totally gratefull for all the times my neck has been loose and nimble....if only it would revert to that state. From now on I will be caring and loving to my neck and try not to stress out too much....come back healthy neck. I need you.

It's all happening

2006-09-12T12:30:00.001+01:00

Today I bit the bullet and gave in my notice. Anyone who has been anywhere near me in the last couple weeks would know how much I have been dreading telling my boss I am leaving. But after having been given a start date for my new job and realising I was on the one month threshhold, there was no excuses any more.

The thing is Laura took it so so well. I could see she was shocked and upset but she tried so hard to be happy for me. So all my stress was pretty much for nothing. Now the real work begins....flat hunting....packing.....fun stuff. I am really really excited and I know my last month here is going to fly by.....

woohoo

Why is TV so bad on a saturday night???

2006-09-09T20:16:00.001+01:00

why?????? why?????
Some people stay home on a saturday night...and we are not sad friendless people.....we would appreciate something worth watching.....anything.....PLEASE

Hot Damn

2006-09-07T17:24:00.000+01:00

Actually Hot Chip.....an amazing new British band....They claim to be pop music.....but they don't sound like any pop band I've ever heard of. They write all their songs on keyboards and synthesisers.....the result is very funky.....esp the catchy "Over and Over".

Band Name Origins

2006-09-04T22:36:00.000+01:00

This kind of thing fascinates me.

GOO GOO DOLLS - used to be called the Sex Maggots, and when they were told that local newspapers wouldn't print that name, Jonny Rzeznik picked up a magazine from the early 60's with an ad for a doll that cried Goo Goo when you turned it upside down. (Me thinks they would not have been nearly as popular if they had stuck with Sex Maggots)

CHUMBAWAMBA - In a band member's dream, he didn't know which door to use in a public toilet because the signs said "Chumba" and "Wamba" instead of "Men" and "Women"

FOO FIGHTERS - a term used by World War II pilots to describe strange flying fireballs they sometimes saw.

SAVAGE GARDEN - a phrase from an Anne Rice novel "Interview With The Vampire"

SILVERCHAIR - 1) The Silver Chair is one of the titles in C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" in which Prince Rilian of Narnia is held captive under the spell of the witch who killed his mother.
During brief moments of returning sanity he is restrained in a silver chair. He is rescued when two children magically transported from earth, and a dour resident of Narnia find him and destroy the chair thereby lifting the curse. 2) A combination of "Sliver" by Nirvana and "Berlin Chair" by You Am I. They were requesting the songs from a radio station and the name was inspired by notes a band member made to himself to remember the song titles while he was calling the station. * Original name of band: Innocent Criminals.

U2 - Three possibilities: 1) A type of spy plane used by the United States in the 1960's - made famous when Gary Powers' U2 plane was shot down over Russia and he was taken as a
prisoner during the Cold War. 2) U2 as in "you too" referring to the audience and its role in the musical experience 3) a U2 is an unemployment form in Ireland (see UB40)

R.I.P STEVE

2006-09-04T21:57:00.000+01:00

Today is a really sad day. Steve Irwin (crocodile hunter) has died. He died while making an underwater documentary when he was stung by a sting ray on the chest. The thing that amazed me was that the whole world has been shocked and sadened by his death. Clearly this man was doing something right, he was loved by millions of people all over the globe. He conducted his life with integrity and passion and had an impact on the world around him. It is devestating that someone so young and full of life has died but his family can take a smidge of comfort in the fact that he lived life to the absolute full and died doing what he loved. Steve is someone that I look up to and respect. The world is going to be so much duller without the crocodile hunter.

The Devil Wears Prada - A Book Review

2006-09-04T17:32:00.000+01:00

I have wanted to read this book for a while, mostly, I have to say, because the movie is coming out soon and I NEVER like to read the book after having seen the movie. I had heard good things about this book, so my expectations were high. But this book still managed to blow me away. There is nothing particularly fancy or inovative about it, it is just a cracking story. I related 100% to the main character and was desperate to see how she would turn out. I could not put the book down and so managed to finish it in under 2 days. A miracle in London town (I usually struggle to finish books for weeks). This book gets my whole-hearted recommendation, and don't cheat by going to see the movie!

Lights, music, BOXES

2006-09-01T14:38:00.000+01:00

Last night, after celebarting Rory's 25th birthday on a ship with a pirate theme, we headed down to Waterloo station to check out some boxes, which when you sit on, play an instrument from an orchestra. When enough people sit on enough boxes you get a symphony. Everyone was sitting clamly on the boxes enjoying the ambiance... and then Rox, Ian, Rory and I rocked up laughing loadly complaining we could not hear any music coming from our boxes. It was a typical London experience, something totally random and magical.....THAT is why I love this city - you never know what is around the next corner

Kasabian

2006-08-31T15:19:00.000+01:00

I have a new obsession....their name is Kasabian and I cannot get enough of their music. It's true love this time.....I promise

Teenage Drama

2006-08-30T16:05:00.000+01:00

So Today I watched the last ever episode of Dawsons Creek. Sad I know for someone of my age and cynisim to be watching such drivel but this show saw me all the way through high school. It started when I was in standard 6 but I never got to see the last series due to some untimely country hopping.

Anyway, I bawled my eyes out for two hours ,but I feel like I finally got some closure on a big chapter on my life......and in the end the bad boy with the good heart one out and I got my happy ending.

V top 3

2006-08-29T18:19:00.000+01:00

So I did say I would do my top three bands from V....here goes

1. Faithless
sadly we only saw half the act but it was phenomenal. The crowd was totally in sync singing along. It was like being a part of some kind of huge organism. Steve said he felt like he was in the scene from the matrix where they are at that huge rave and I have to say that pretty much sums it up.

2.Hard-Fi
Have liked them for a while but they were way better live than on their Cd. the lead singer has a great accent and is damn good looking so all in all it was fun to watch.

3. Butch Walker
Had no Idea who this guy was or anything about his music but he entertained so well it didn't matter. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand. I think this guy is what festivals are all about. Being blown away by something you had no idea existed.

I know I said in my e-mail that I won't go again but I can't stop thinking about the weekend....I think I might have found my new hobby...

Theme Park madness

2006-08-28T20:45:00.000+01:00

It was Saskia's birthday on Friday the 25th and I gave her a trip to Legoland. So today was D day. Happily Rox and Ian (or Tagg and Fox and they are affectionately known) came along and we set off at a fairly early hour this morning. The park was amazing...the best bit was the mini cities, including mini Buckingham Palace, London Eye and St Pauls...all made out of Lego. Amazing.

The rides were pretty fun. Not aimed at at adults but we had a good laugh. Will post some photo's if I get hold of them.

Paris

2006-08-27T23:20:00.000+01:00

So...I had little expectations of Paris having heard some very mixed reviews, but I was pleasently surprised. Guin and I managed to cram a lot into very little time and my highlight was definetly the Eiffel Tower. It was very beautiful and I was struck by just how romantic a setting it was (where has my cynisim gone?) I really loved the latin quater with all it's greek restaurants and creperies. The weather was perfect and it was a thoroughly enjoyable trip, just over way too quickly.

V

2006-08-27T11:49:00.001+01:00

The Good
- The bands, Check out above for my top three but even people I had never heard of were amazing
- The weather, didn't rain during at all while we were watching bands.....it was not too hot, not too cold. Perfect
- The crowd, The best thing about watching the big bands was being part of the crowd who r just going crazy for some band.....jumping and screaming in appreciation. Amazing

The Bad
- The food, was not great. Lots of fatty fried food and junk
- The crowd, trying to walk from one stage to another was like swimming up stream. No matter which way you're going, you're always going up stream.... drunk crowds....hard to deal with

The Ugly
- The toilets, OH MY GOODNESS, I have never seen, or smelt, anything so disgusting in my entire life. I did not expect to be confronted by 50000 people's bodily waste this weekend. I think if I can manage that, I can take on the WORLD.....
- me, by the end of the weekend. Don't want to give away too many secrets but it was not a pretty sight. Major respect to Steve for putting up with me in my ever worsening moods....

I am the luckiest girl alive!!!!

2006-08-17T21:03:00.000+01:00

This is it.....I feel like I am finally living the London experience I have always wanted. Today I got the shock of my life when I open my mail and found V Festival tickets. I have to admit I was shaking and screaming with excitement. I entered a competion online and even though I eneterd about 100 times, the thought that I might actually win, never entered my mind.

Secondly I am going to paris for a night and 2 days next week with an old friend who I haven't hung out with in ages. The great thing is she is a travel agent so the trip is pretty cheap...so I'm not worried about missioning off to see the sights.
I am so excited about this week. I have been working my but off for the last 3 months and I feel like these two trips are going to make it all worth while.

The MEME of three.

2006-08-17T11:04:00.000+01:00

1... Things that scare me.
a. Snakes
b. The idea of travelling aline to a country where they speak anything other than English
c. Spiders

2...People who make me laugh.
a. Ian
B. Rory
C. my brother Ryan

3...Things I hate the most.
a. Being woken up
B. People who are consistently late
C. Hearing other people kiss or chew their food noisily

4...Things I don't understand.
a. How aeroplanes work
B. How pigeons always manage to shit on you or right on the middle of your car windscreen
C. why boys....well why boys do anything really

5...Things I'm doing right now.
a. Typing
B. Thinking about getting some breakfast
C. Sitting in a fairly darkened room

6...Things I want to do before I die.
a. Travel on my own to a country where they don't speak english
B. Marry
C. Write for rolling stone magazine

7... Things I can do.
a. Laugh
B. Cry
C. Shop

8... Ways to describe my personality.
a. Happy
B. Excitable
c. Loving

9...Things I can't do.
a. Stay mad for as long as I would like to
B. Not cry during stupid programs like friends and Days of out Lives
C. Be happy ALL the times

10...Things I think you should listen to.
a. The bible
B. Music that you love
C. Your parents (doesn't mean you have to do what they say...just listen)

11...Things you should never listen to.
a. Children crying incessantly
B. Unsolicited advice
C. Other people kissing or chewing their food loudly

12...Things I'd like to learn.
a. Everything I can about the bible
B. How to throw a rugby ball without looking like a total girl
C. Hpw to be the happiest I can be

13...Favorite foods.
a. Thai
B. Sushi
C. My step-moms macaroni

14...Beverages I drink regularly.
a. Tea
B. Zero Coke
C. Starbucks Coffee

15...Shows I watched as a kid.
a. Care Bears
B. Gummi Bears
C. Pumpkin Patch

16. People I'm tagging Next
…

One liner of the week

2006-08-15T17:45:00.000+01:00

It's not hard to meet expenses, they are everywhere.

Good times

2006-08-14T13:49:00.000+01:00

Lately I have been spending more and more time at home with DVD's for company, due mostly, to a lack of funds. I have ventured out 3 times in the last week or so and (because I have been more selective about outings) I have found them to be exactly the refreshing and fun experiences I was craving.

Saturday night I spent some time with Tagg. It has been a few weeks since we last really caught up (not from lack of trying on each of our behalves) and though I would love to be able to spend more time with her, I agree with the addage "absence makes the heart grow fonder". As always we ended up nattering away till way too late and I just managed to catch the last train home. Anyway all these meetings and fun times have just reminded me that it doesn't matter where you are....it's all about the peeps. and while there a few people missing, (who will soon be joining me on this side of the world) it just doesn't get any better then this. If time could stand still, I would be happy for it to stop here for a while.

2006-08-08T13:38:00.000+01:00

Friday night found me, Rox and Jo were sitting in Piccadilly Circus enjoying the lovely evening and watching the people around us when all of a sudden I was attacked by air and land. It was a well co-ordinated mission that left little doubt I was the target. Yes, I was attacked by "Pigeon squadron 219". I was trying to hold down an intelligent conversation but was being dive bombed and then pecked at. I turned around and told them to "Back off" but this had absolutely no effect and so I had to resort to using my coke bottle as a shield and weapon. I could tell how menacing and scary I was by Rox and Jo's peals of laughter and was only rescued by us having to leave to meet some friends.
Scarred as I am by this unprevoked attack I have resolved to face my fears and venture out into this pigeon infested city once more.....I will not be defeated by a bunch of bloody pigeons!!!!!

2 of my favourite things

2006-08-07T12:53:00.000+01:00

So I have had to resort to sitting in starbucks with a cup of coffee in order to get my internet fix.....hard I know. I am officially on holiday and while I can't afford to go anywhere I am going to take full advantage.....and today I am enjoying a rainy London day sitting at a window seat watching the world go by and listening to Louis Armstrong. London just does not get any better than this...
Someone asked me on friday night why I love london so much, and I just could not put my passion for this city into words..... I think for me it boils down to options..... In london you r never short of things to do. Infact you can choose between 100 different things on a daily basis....and when you're feeling lazy you don't have to travel more than 2 monutes from your house to find your local starbucks for hours of plesent reading/blogging......

Yeah???....so what

2006-08-03T12:22:00.000+01:00

I've been quiet for about a week now....but I'm sick (and tired), I'm working a lot and my ineternet on my computer is not working properly.....so if you don't hear from me in a while...you know why

un-frickin-believable

2006-07-27T16:55:00.000+01:00

Just found out the wierdest thing...... Britney Spears' song "Oops I Did it Again" was originally done by Louis Armstrong. You can hear it here.

DIGGin' it

2006-07-26T17:26:00.000+01:00

Seriously, Briggs is such a wealth of information. I went to check out a site called Digg on her recommendation and it is a lot of fun. I have wasted a good few hours on there already today. The idea is that you "digg" an article or not....which is harmless fun. The thing that surprised me is you can rate the comments people leave on each article. So I'm sitting there rating comments left right and center and suddenly I just felt so, so mean.... I felt like I was ganging up or critising people for having an opinion. Okay so some people had some messed up opinions but still..... I would love to know what the site's creator was thinking when they made that an option.....
I'm a little scared to leave a comment for fear of being relegated to a -10 (or something)

Go...

2006-07-26T12:01:00.000+01:00

... here to hear one of switchfoots unreleased new songs.....

Guilt free pleasure

2006-07-25T15:33:00.000+01:00

I am addicted to magazines....and I have had to learn to curb my magazine addiction as most of them are filled with rubbish gossip which I inadvertently end up believing. But in the last year I have discovered something amazing. A magazine with the right mixture of entertainment and relevant information. What is this miracle called, I hear you ask.....Rolling Stone.

This magazine manages to enthrall me and teach me something every month. From the latest issue I have learnt about Johnny Depp, visited Namibia by way of beautiful photo's and learnt all about Al Gore's stance on climate change.....all in one magazine.

Now I can happily feed my addiction without any guilt or reprimand from worried friends.

Sweet Bliss

2006-07-24T17:09:00.002+01:00

After many weeks of seemingly endless work and hectic social activites, I finally got a break. Sas was at her dad, Laura was in L.A., and while I had things to do it was balanced perfectly with having nothing to do. I spent a lot of time watching TV and re-reading the 6th Harry Potter and I have to say it was a blissfull weekend. If only I had a few more of these I might be a happier, less stressed Bronny.

It's all good fun.....Isn't it?

2006-07-24T17:00:00.000+01:00

I heard about something amazing. It's called Street Wars. It is a game played with water pistol where you are given a "target" and told to "take them out". At first I was enthralled and was wondering if there was any way I could get in on this despite the fact that entry was closed. Then I stared thinking.....

What would happen if someone were to pull out a water pistol in the middle of a tube station. Imagine the panic and mayhem that would ensue. This thing has the potential to cause a lot of problems esp seeing as we have just had the one year aniversary of the London Bombings. It seems slightly insensitive and callous. I am interested to see if this makes into the news or if the whole thing goes on trouble free.....

sloppy

2006-07-18T14:57:00.000+01:00

This weekend was hectic. Far from being the relaxing time I had planned I ended up filling the weekend with things to do as usual.
I managed to go out to dinner watch a dvd with friends, have a braai, go to Snetterton race track, Great Yarmouth and Cambridge all in one weekend. I am fairly impressed with myself. And while it was an entertaining weekend the most fun came from something small - Ian throwing my slip-slop into the middle of the pavement. I think the aim was to watch people's reaction and I have to admit it kept me amused for way longer than it should have. Most people just stepped over it, pretending it wasn't there. Some people did a double take (it is bright pink after all) and a few people made the connection with me on the embankment sans slop. As a self-confessed people watcher it was fascinating. Who needs to go punting down the river (though it was pretty) when all you need is a busy pavement and a slop.

Numb

2006-07-14T09:56:00.000+01:00

So Briggs pointed out on her blog that a new war started this week between Israel and Lebanon. And while I was totally aware of what was going on I had not acknowledged to myself that it was a war. To be honest I just thought it was an extention of Bush's attack on "terrorism". (?????)

I think I have become totally numb to the horrifing world attrocities. Although I have prayed for people in India after the bombing earlier in the week I haven't really spent much time thinking bout it. True I have a lot of my own problems on the go at the moment but I think it is more than that. I have just started blocking it out. I barely let the facts filter into my brain before I shove them right back out again. I don't know if it is selfishness or if it has just gotten to the point now where the world is so crazy and stuffed up that I am no longer shocked and surprised when these things happen. I almost expect them and so don't need to think about each actual event. The world does not seemed to have stopped bombing and fighting and dying since september 11 and I see no end to it. I've thought about giving myself a wake up call and having a serious look at the world I live in, and then I think, why bother..... cynical I know.

Amanda unboomed

2006-07-12T19:35:00.000+01:00

So I recently posted an entry about Rocketboom loosing its presenter. I thought at the time that she had left to pursue better options but turns out she was fired. To cut a long story short she pretty much screwed herself over by not having a signed contract with her "partner" and now despite having done all the work on Rocketboom she is left with nothing....nasty.
Let that be a lesson to us all...a little chat does not a binding contract make!!!

Bored anyone???

2006-07-11T10:30:00.000+01:00

a friend of mine is doing some research. Pls take 5 mins and fill out the quiz. She will be eternally gratefull.

Blooming awefull

2006-07-10T20:50:00.000+01:00

Went to see Pirate of the Caribean 2 on saturday night. I was quite looking forward to it. It wasn't brilliant. It was exactly what the previews had said it was.... a fluffy summer blockbuster. I didn't feel terribly passionate about it one way or the other.
The one thing I did have a strong reaction too though was Orlando Blooms terrible acting. I have no idea how the man is manging to make a living. He is so so wooden and just no fun at all. Maybe it was particularly noticable next to the brilliant (not to mention beautiful) Johnny Depp. I wish I could say I would be able to avoid all future Orlando Bloom nightmares but I will have to see the third Pirates movies.....I'm sure I'll be able to suffer through it ;-)

Nothing to say

2006-07-10T20:35:00.000+01:00

I have absolutely nothing of interest to say. I honestly just feel like a good old moan.....
How was my weekend????? I could say good. I got to chill out in an amazing flat with my favourite people in London and then saw the big summer block buster (more on that later). Sunday I enjoyed all the Boat House has to offer with the same fabulous friends before heading off to church for some much needed God time. So I should have had a good weekend. Instead I am feeling tired and grumpy and slightly on edge. Which begs the question what does it take to satisfy me??? Someone to whisk me off to Harrods for an all expnses shopping trip maybe?

nnnnooooooo

2006-07-10T13:54:00.000+01:00

I have been waiting for a week for my latest fix of rocketboom and so today when I logged on with great anticipation I was devested to find out that the presenter amanda congdon has left the show.... I am not happy.
Come back amanda....rocketboom will not be the same without you.

(go check it out...great for random and intersting info)

Paintings come to life

2006-07-06T12:06:00.000+01:00

Today was Saskia's school concert. We rushed down there at 8:30 only to find that people had resereved the first 1000 rows and we had to fight to get any seat at all. After an hour and 15 min wait the group of 5 and 6 year old bounded onto the stage to enthrall us for an hour. I laughed till I cried for that full hour. The concept was a gallery where the paintings come to life. The dancing and singing was gorgeous and the highlight for me was 5 kids TRYING to do the can-can. Too cute. Sas was beautiful.She was one of the sunflowers in the "Van Gough" painting. I was so proud to be her nanny. She was definetly the star...and no I am not biased

The stalking continues

2006-07-04T20:01:00.000+01:00

So I have become somewhat of a celebrity magnet....Today I nearly ran over Natalie Appleton (formally of All Saints fame, who are rumoured to be getting back together) and nearly ran into Kinga (who was last years dogiest Big Brother housemate - no wait the dogiest housemate ever!!!!) Don't ask me what it is about me but I am drawing them like moths to a flame at the moment......lol

So frickin scared!!!!!!

2006-07-04T09:34:00.000+01:00

So I have postponed the essay writting section of my course for far too long. The time has come to sit down and get writting. The thing is, I just don't know where to start. I haven't done anything remotely like this since I left matric 5 years ago and I seem to have forgotten all the skills I learn't.

So friday I am heading to the library at the theological college I am studying through. To be honest I am praying for divine inspiration....

Dancing Queens

2006-07-03T09:47:00.001+01:00

Up untill this point I have managed to avoid posting about Big Brother. But last nights show was too good to be true. The daily task for the housemates involved dressing up in bright lycra clothing and dancing with blinds on to an mp3 player with just three songs on it. I was crying with laughter. I'm sure you can imagine what 8 or so people look like dancing around in silence. That was by far the best task I have ever seen on big brother. Wish I had taped it so I could play it whenever I was feeling sad.....

EN-GE-LAND

2006-07-02T10:17:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I went out to SURBITON - Mainly for a fundraiser and to support a friend but we ended up watching the football in the pub we were in. I have to say that each game I watch gets a little more exciting and yesterday was the all important quater finals. The game wasn't terribly interesting. But the fans.... They were fantastic. The more tense it got the more they were singing and clapping. They would also shout random things like, "Get in" and "who are ya, who are ya". I happened to be sitting next to the biggest football fan who knew everything and really believed the england team could hear all the instructions he was shouting at them. I edged further and further away from him as he started repeatedly banging his hand on the table.

We lost, but it was by far the most enetertained I have been in a football game. England football fans are amazing.

LDN TOWN

2006-06-28T17:42:00.000+01:00

This song by Lily Allen really sums up how I feel about London. Don't know if any of you can relate to this....

Riding through the city on my bike all day
Cause the filth took away my licence
It doesn't get me down and I feel ok
Cause the sights that I'm seeing are priceless

Everything seems to look as it should
But I wonder what goes on behind doors
A fella looking dapper, but he's sittin with a slapper
Then I see it's a pimp and his crack whore

You might laugh you might frown
Walkin' round London town

Chorus
Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else
Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else

When you look with your eyes
Everything seems nice
But if you look twice
you can see it's all lies

There was a little old lady, who was walkin down the road
She was struggling with bags from Tesco
There were people from the city havin lunch in the park
I believe that it's called al fresco
Then a kid came along to offer a hand

But before she had time to accept it
hits her over the head, doesn't care if she's dead
Cause he's got all her jewellery and wallet

You might laugh you might frown
walkin round London town

Chorus
Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else
Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else

When you look with your eyes
Everything seems nice
But if you look twice
you can see it's all lies

Life, that's city life, yeah that's city life, that's city life
Life, that's city life, yeah that's city life, that's city life

Chorus
Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else
Sun is in the sky oh why oh why ?
Would I wanna be anywhere else

*WARNING SPOILER FOR COLD MOUNTAIN TO FOLLOW**

2006-06-28T09:32:00.000+01:00

I watched "Cold Mountain" last night, and I have to say it was pure torture from start to finish. This has nothing to do with the acting or anything like that, it was just a crap story. The loved up couple r kept apart for 90% of the movie and then at the end the man dies...how rubbish is that.

My feelings r...life is difficult enought as it is.....why confront yourself with even more hardship during relaxing dvd time???? All movies with rubbish endings should come with a warning on the box cover.....warning, the object of this movie is to leave you feeling like shit.....

So bring on the pointless teen movies and hopeless romcoms.

Weekend observations

2006-06-26T16:00:00.000+01:00

Another fun filled weekend. Can't believe there was a time where I was able to relax on the weekend. (hey I'm not complaining...I'm loving it)

Instead of giving the normal run down of weekend events here r a few things I noticed this weekend:
1. People r wierd.
Went to a pub a saw wierd people doing wierd things. People who are drunk are generally unattractive and strange!!!

2. Going to Hyde park when the 02 festival is on is not the greatest idea. I was surrounded by beeping trucks and lots of people.....but, I did get to hear some cool music

3. Girls nights in rock....
...esp when you get thai food and Lee Evans in the mix

4. I'm kinda into football
although only if it's a world cup game and England are playing. Otherwise I couldn't care less. (and I have to be watching with people who r really into it)

5. HTB is an awesome church and I am loving everything about it at the moment. esp the people I have met recently. yay for friends and wonderful evenings eating flapjacks in the church gardens

Eeeeeeewwwwwww

2006-06-23T09:06:00.000+01:00

The cat shat (he he - but eeeeeewww) all over the sofa this morning. And I had to clean it up. Was close to puking. Such a nice way to spend my day off.....

Sassy Files No.3

2006-06-22T14:31:00.001+01:00

This is too cute:

Everytime Sas thinks she has thought of something particularly cleaver she taps her head and says, "well done brain". Gets me everytime.
Love that little girl

Phenomenal Inspiration

2006-06-22T11:13:00.000+01:00

So, I've started watching Oprah again recently, and while I am only watching for the shows when she interviews some movie star or something I watched an amazing show today.
It was all about inspirational people who have survived against the odds or who have done something wonderful. I found my eyes welling up at every story from a dog who only has 2 legs and has learnt to walk on them to a little boy who survived a stabbing from his own father (stabbed 6 times in the head and body and managed to make a 911 phone call that saved his life). Oprah's closing line was "when you're having a bad day, remember these faces". I can safely say those faces are etched in my memory....

Endless hours of fun

2006-06-20T09:39:00.000+01:00

So Sarah mentioned this site Song Tapper on her blog. It is so much fun. Thing I really enjoy though is that no matter what I tap Kaiser cheifs seems to have a song for that Rythym....seems like some kind of marketing ploy to me. Go check it out for yourself

On second thoughts

2006-06-19T21:48:00.000+01:00

I was going to moan about the extra half an hour it took me to get home last night, cause the bakerloo line wasn't open at Paddington and I had to travel all over London trying to get home. Then I read some guys blog about being stuck behind another tube for 90 mins and then having to walk out the tunnel. They were in darkness and the air was getting thin.....So I did a rethink and got grateful that I got home.

Weekend chit chat

2006-06-19T09:21:00.000+01:00

Where do I start with this weekend? Well it has been a busy one. As summer steams on (literally steams), life seems to be picking up pace. After hybernating through most of winter it seems like there are now not nearly enough hours in the day.

I met up with Carlene for a coffee (and chocolate fudge chocolate cake). Then rushed around trying to get down to Julies house and get to a club in Clapham where our friend Kinglsey was DJ'ing. After he told us to be there at 8:30 to ensure we wouldn't miss out, we managed to rock up there at 9:40 and just snuck in before they stuck up the blue rope. It was well worth all the effort. The club, Lost Society, was amazing. Beutifully decorated and seriously over priced!!! The company and the music more than made up for the expensive drinks prices. Kingsley rocked and looked like he was loving every minute behind the decks.

After a major mission home and Julie's noisy flatmates we made it to bed just as the sun was peeking it's head over the horizon. Needless to say I was useless on saturday and had a lazy day in the park and then babysat. I read Saskia the funniest book ever called "walter the farting dog". Rox and I could not even read at one point we were laughing so hard. We chilled on Howards balcony, watching the people in the park below and just appreciating all London has to offer.

Sunday was awesome. Hillsong then Picnic on the HTB grounds, chilling with old and new friends. The wonderfull Julie was baptised and I was thrilled to be there for that.

I have to say that it's weekends like this that make me love London. Chilling with amazing people and being out enjoying this amazing city. Hello summer and hello London

At 23, you really can be too old

2006-06-15T21:04:00.000+01:00

Today I found myself out in the garden with Sas doing Cart-wheels. Yes people, read it and weap....
I feel like an old woman right now....hobbling around, unable to straighten up.