They have been to visit before!
After the sighting of the elves we put our Christmas tree up and our advent calendar is ready to roll tomorrow too!
The season is definitely starting now. One week of school to go and then summer holidays and a more relaxed frame of mind kick in. FUN!
Conversation at work the other week:
Try not to act so looney at work...
Joining a dating site?
Fun & Silly.
Getting propositioned by a lot of weird old perverted farts on the site?
Entertaining.
Being contacted by your ex end-of-marriage crazy-fling employee to say wtf are you doing on a dating site!?
Embarrassing!
Asking him wtf he got the link from, and being told his DAD (who used to be YOUR director) and who is evidently a weird old perverted fart sent it to him.
PRICELESS!!
Ooops. My profile is now hidden. ;) LOL.
So yesterday I was called by the Nurture donor coordinator Mel, to ask if I am prepared to be interviewed for an article about egg donation in the Rapport. I was like, Bring it On!Step 1) Registering
Step 2) Being selected
Step 3) The hormones
Step 4) Checking for the eggies
Step 5) Ripening the eggies
Step 6) Getting ready to lay
Step 7) Cluck-Cluck
Step 8) The result
Anyway the reporter contacted me and asked if she could come ask me some questions and get a photo. I was at work, dressed pretty casual, and had not had much sleep or spent much time trying to look decent for the day but thought wtf, why the hell not!?
As usual in life, you find something when you aren't looking. And I wasn't, I had just got to the point where I was really enjoying being single and unattached to anyone. Just being me for me.
The first game we played I was all serious about it and made sure I was in suitable attire; shorts & tackies etc. I was out after facing only one ball. I hit my ball and got a run and then my team mate tipped the ball (only JUST) so I stayed in my crease, and then they decided on the spur of the moment there was a 'tip and run' rule. It was all confusing with stopping and starting and much indecision, and by the time I was convinced I HAD to run, I was run out easily. So I was out, tail between my legs, sulking, and with my cricket-star dreams in tatters. CRAP! So I drowned my sorrows with a couple of beers. The sure fire way to fix any minor problem or irritation :)
Right at the end of the game one guy decided to see how hard/far he could hit and got someone to bowl him a speed ball. I was standing right there and Murphy's law he hit the ball full swing right at me. Thank god I have reflexes. As the ball hurtled towards me I did a matrix-like duck backwards and it literally whistled past my cheek bone! The guy about 20 metres behind me was also nearly taken out by it and asked me to please not duck like that next time as HE was nearly clapped. Dude get your own reflexes!
So off I went this morning feeling cautiously optimistic that I would do ok. Ok I was arrogantly optimistic... sprouting statements like 'Expect a new land speed record today'.| Date | Dist | Time | Speed | min/KM |
| Nov-05 | 6 | 35.00 | 10.3 | 5.83 |
| Nov-06 | 6 | 31.20 | 11.5 | 5.20 |
| Nov-07 | 6 | 31.15 | 11.6 | 5.19 |
| Nov-08 | 6 | 30.40 | 11.8 | 5.07 |
The boys also did their little 750m race again, and were rewarded with ice-lollies this time.
It was a good race and I felt great after that. In fact I felt quite hyped and fiesty. When driving to the shop to get some groceries and then home afterwards. I felt like racing and doing advanced driving... I definitely need to get back to the track soon :)
Is how I am feeling today. Quietly contemplative, comfortably numb, relaxed, content and drowsy.IReviews follow:n his inimitable style Gaetan Schmid, who trained with Jacques Le Coq, dishes up a sizzling hot new show; a staggering behind-the-scenes look at a French restaurant. Fresh staging and explosive theatre are sure to satisfy. Bon appetit!
"RUMPSTEAK " is a one-man show about the everyday drama in a typical French restaurant. Speaking only French, and confining his movements to one square metre, Schmid plays multiple characters. As if that isn’t challenging enough, he uses no props. Instead, over 800 sound clips populate his performance and aid his transitions from one character to another. Every imaginable restaurant sound, from the splicing of knives to the squealing of boiling lobsters, accompanies his spatially-limited performance.
Schmid says the show is like a good book in that it encourages the audience members to use their imaginations. “I give the audience hints and leave them to finish the picture. One person might imagine a character as having a beard, for example, it is a show that people are able to see differently,” he says. Starring Gaetan Schmid & directed by Rob van Vuuren
A successful restaurateur, like a good hotelier, usually has a well developed theatrical streak. The Belgian born and Paris Ecole Internationale de Theâtre Jacques Lecoq trained comic Gaetan Schmid takes this to another dimension with his latest one man performance piece, Rumpsteak.Playing a myriad of characters, each of which become quickly identifiable by their specific comic trait, Schmid takes the audience on a 35 minutes roller coaster racing to and fro between the chefs in the kitchens and the waiters at the tables. Performed entirely on a small cube, using only a limited number of familiar French words and miming to over 800 audio clips compiled by sound designer extraordinaire James Webb, Schmid’s performance is a master class in split-second comic timing. It’s a marathon feat that leaves one slightly frazzled, as after a good tickle.
Belgian-born Gaetan Schmid is a completely engaging actor. Watching someone run on the spot has never been quite so riveting and, although there is no scenery, save his tiny square stage, he keeps the audience chuckling for the entire duration of Sex Machine.Another review is here.
But his witty and clever warm-up routine is just a hint of the talent to follow.
Rumpsteak is a behind-the- scenes look at a French restaurant. Schmid paints a vibrant picture of a bustling kitchen and refined dining area using nothing but body language, smatterings of French and an extensive backing track of sound effects.
It's no lame party trick either - he has perfected his timing down to the very last plink of ice in a glass and click of a ballpoint pen.
There are more than 800 sound clips throughout the show, which fill in the colour. The original sound effects are fantastic, from the coffee percolator to the meat slicer.
If keeping in sync with the razor-sharp knives and squealing lobsters weren't enough, Schmid also portrays the entire staff complement of the restaurant with flair.
All the characters are there, from the chef trying to keep things running smoothly, to the seemingly psychotic butcher, to the flirty attractive waitress, to the camp perfectionist and his chocolate delicacies .
There are the usual stresses of working in a restaurant kitchen, the banter between staff, secrets best kept hidden, unreasonably demanding customers and, of course, a guest who brings the entire kitchen to a standstill.
He takes on each character with aplomb and portrays them perfectly. At times it's like watching a man possessed by the entire cast of a crazy French cartoon. Perhaps that's what makes his performance so instantly enjoyable - the cartoon-like zaniness of his behaviour. His body language and facial expressions are often hilarious in themselves, even without the sound effects to round them off.
Schmid is so full of energy it's almost tiring to watch him, not surprising then that this is a remarkably short show, coming in at under an hour.
The one part which could be a bit distracting, especially in such an intimate setting, is that the constant movement and hot theatre lights result in more than a little perspiration on the part of the actor - but then that probably makes his effort seem all the more impressive.
Rumpsteak is definitely an exciting and different performance. The absence of props means every audience member is free to picture the setting and characters differently and it is not long before you forget that all you're watching is one man on a square platform.
It also doesn't matter terribly much if you don't understand more than "oui" in French. Schmid's expressive acting and the clever sound-effects ensure that most of the audience keeps up.
I have never been into the astrology thing, but for a lark I decided to look up the Taurus profile, cos that's what I am. A cow full of bull! :PTaurus Woman
When you come across a Taurus female, the first thing you will notice about her is her undefeatable emotional strength. She is capable of handling the severest of problems, without shedding even a single tear. She has the infamous Taurus temper, but it is seldom displayed. Atleast not until the provocation is too much to digest. She is as feminine as any other female, without the unnecessary tantrums. A Taurus woman has no desire of dominating her husband. She will let him handle the reins, infact this is what she secretly desires.
A Taurus woman wants a real man, who can make her proud of himself as much as she is proud of herself. However, if he fails in his role, she will take the control in her own hands. Neither will she act like a mewing kitten, nor like a roaring lioness. She is independent and has a mind of her own, but she does not want to dominate in the relationship. Taurean women do not see social status while making their friends. They want to be friends with people who do not hide their true nature and come across as they really are.
Their friends may be a little weird, but they will not be phonies or hypocrites. A Taurus girl doesn't fight with people she dislikes, she simply ignores them and becomes indifferent to their presence. However, she will be loyal to her true friends and they will remain with her throughout her life. In return, she will expect them to stand by her when she needs them. A Taurean woman also gets jealous, but only if you exceed the limits of casual flirtation. Everything has a limit and this also does. It's better not to provoke her anger or you will be very sorry.She is brainy, but not too much interested in intellectual subjects. She is practical in her thinking and does not feel the need to indulge in mental gymnastics. She is balanced in her approach and you will hardly see her in a restless disposition. A Taurean girl hates anything artificial, be the flowers in her vase or the friends in her life. She has to feel the fragrance of real roses and the presence of real people. The beauty of Mother Nature especially pleases her.
Ugliness of any kind makes her miserable and repulsive. She loves to be amidst colorful surroundings, like gardens blooming with flowers. A Taurean female has a good taste, so please be very careful before taking her out. She is a very good cook herself and you will always be treated to excellent homemade food. She is also very much interested in the art forms, like painting. She is a tomboy at heart and will enjoy many guy-things like horse riding, going on a roller coaster ride, fishing, etc.
All this makes her feel close to nature. She dresses simply, yet elegantly and her fabrics are always feather-soft. Taurus female is very strong and above the usual female insecurities. However, she demands loyalty and will never compromise in this area. She is beyond hypocrisy and has an undemanding and easy-going manner. She wants her man to take her side, especially in public. If he contradicts her in front of other people, expect the temperature to reach beyond the boiling point.
When pushed too far, she loses her cool demeanor quickly. Taurus women make excellent mothers, except for the fact that they cannot tolerate disobedience or defiance in kids. Laziness and carelessness also makes them angry. Otherwise, they will be more of a friend to their children than the typical mommies. A Taurus woman will also teach the kids how to be strong and will protect them from the big bad outside world. She never shirks from or whines about her responsibilities. Her man will be expected to do the same.
She can also bear endless pain and stress, without complaining for a single minute. She is good with finances and knows how to maintain quality in a reasonable budget. She is a very good host and will be there to help her man in any and every way she can. A Taurean woman will care for you when you are ill, will back you in your new business venture and let you take over the control of the home. And, you will always be treated to a warm, cozy home when you come back from office!
I am half watching the movie HERO. I have seen it before, and loved it.
Synopsis: Using the assassination attempt of the historical figure, Chin Shi Huang Di (The first emperor of China) as a backdrop, this film attempts to explore and develop a better understanding of the Chinese concept of a hero. In a Chinese cultural context, it hopes to explore the preconceptions and misinterpretations of heroism and heroes. At the height of China's Warring States period, the country was divided into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi. For years, the separate kingdoms fought ruthlessly for supremacy.As a result, the populace endured decades of death and suffering. The Kingdom of Qin was the most determined of all. The Qin King was obsessed with conquering all of China and becoming her first Emperor. He had long been the target of assassins throughout the other six states. Of all the would-be killers, none inspired as much fear as the three legendary assassins, Broken Sword, Flying Snow and Sky. To anyone who defeated the three assassins, the King of Qin promised great power, mountains of gold and a private audience with the King himself.
But defeating the killers is a near impossible task. For ten years no one came close to claiming the prize. So when the enigmatic county sheriff, Nameless, came to the palace bearing the legendary weapons of the slain assassins, the King was impatient to hear his story. Sitting in the palace, only ten paces from the King, Nameless told his extraordinary tale: For ten years, Nameless studied the way of the sword and resolved to challenge the three assassins. Using the secrets of swordsmanship; Nameless defeated the mighty Sky in a furious showdown.Following this initial victory, he destroyed the famed duo of Flying Snow and Broken Sword. This time using a weapon far more devastating than his sword - their extraordinary love for each other. The King hung on every detail of this curious story. But then something most unexpected happened - the King has a different story to tell of how Nameless really came to sit there, face to face with the King!
It appears that everything was not so simple. In the centre of the intrigue sits Nameless -a solitary ranger and the King of Qin - the ruler of the Kingdom, with only ten steps between them. Within those ten steps holds an earth-shattering tale of love, honour and duty, a story that moves beyond the reaches of history. A story about what it means to be a HERO. -- © Miramax Film
You may or may not remember that I have been tallying my running distances since I started running in September 2005?
Here is some interesting info, at 10km/h (my usual speed) it would take 407 hours to cover the distance, or 17 days non-stop.
while I was reversing! - and I told him to close the door and stay put, and next thing I knew there was a lovely loud scraping sound and the garage door was on the car! I couldn't really blame anyone but myself, I must have somehow pressed the button without realising it while watching dog, child, rear-view mirror etc etc. So now I have scratched the roof of my car and the aerial is broken off and the roof is slightly dented where the aerial was attached. Gah. Very annoyed with myself about that, and SO unlike me too! Buggery fuck!
I eventually managed to do it, and I oiled and waxed it too, so hopefully it wont be so hard next time. But now the pool is full of dust and leaves from all the wind and the Kreepy doesn't work because the weir cover is broken. I went an bought a new one but it doesn't quite fit and doesn't seal so there is not enough suction to get the Kreepy to work. CRAP! I eventually got fed up at 18:30 and gave up on it all and went to sit on the couch in a 'rit of fealous jage' (as my dad would say). After drinking a Savannah (quite fast too) I realised Canal Walk was still open, and then got the idea in my head that it MUST be fixed. So off I went. Looking a bit worse for wear. Er I was still in sweaty gym clothes and peaked cap - but I had at least taken my shorts off and pulled on the previous day's cargo pants. Plumbers crack & all. LOL. I actually saw my (yummy) manager while marching through Canal Walk and I ducked away as I was not going to socialise in that state! LOL.
So instead of just taking the voucher and giving me R15, they effectively gave me R22! Hahahaha! Dumb asses.
Word for the week in my head… “ALIVE”. I have had a really good week or 2, filled with friends, and fun and excitement. I feel really alive again.
Thought for the week in my head… Everything really is going to be ok! I am ok, and I am moving in a positive direction and I like it. I like having the opportunities I do at the moment, and the relative freedom I do. It is liberating and exciting. I do not need to justify myself to anyone. Carpe diem.
Thing for the week in my life… My beloved Power Plate. I am joking of course - kind of. ;) I am not THAT obsessed with it. But it really does work! It definitely gives a good work out and taps into some pretty cool endorphin supplies. I just feel great afterwards. Relaxed, happy and alive! Oh and I have lost nearly all the extra padding which had taken residence on my ass! What's not to love!?
Song for the week in my head… 'No more keeping my feet on the ground' by Coldplay - for the lyrics and possibilities it implies, and Dirty Skirt's 'Daddy Don't Disco' to dance around my bedroom to.
Food for the week in my belly… A delicious huge salmon & blue cheese salad I made. I REALLY loved it. All 3 meals I ate it for.
Colour for the week in my life… Um... bright pink. Not usually, but this week it is.
Smile for the week on my face is… I have smiled a lot this week. At friends, family, strangers. Everyone and everything.
Blessing for the week in my heart… my beautiful children. Who are also going to be ok. Who are settling down now and are happy, and healthy. Who see the excitement in little things and who I can talk about anything with. They are patient with me, and forgiving when I make mistakes. They are my life. They make me feel loved, young and meaningful.
I am going to go with Wenchy, Supermom-Mel, KarenL and Doula Mel
