Happy New Year 2011

May 2011 be filled with promising ventures and exciting adventures!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Nearly Over

                                          pic by kira_westland

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month in many different countries. It has been encouraging to see the growth of support by the general public. 

My support this month took the part of a 5 kilometer walk in aid of breast cancer at Mark's Park. I was amazed at the amount of people who took part in the event. There must have been somewhere around 20 000 people or more. There were so many walkers that during the entire walk, we had to stroll as the roads were so crammed with people. The atmosphere was electric and full of hope and it was great to be a part of it.

I know that there have been loads of other initiatives from all sectors of society in aid of breast cancer this month and as a woman I have to say a huge thank you to the organizers of every one of them. I would also like to applaud the survivors of breast cancer and wish them all of the best for their wonderful futures.

The big challenge is for November, December and next year. Now that Breast Cancer Month is nearly over, will we continue to give the fight the exposure and support that it still needs?

The Best Brilliant Ideas for Humanity

Di Smith, from KwaZulu Natal, is one of the entrants of The Best Brilliant Ideas for Humanity contest. This is an interesting competition where the emphasis is on a win-win situation for all. Di came up with the brilliant idea to write an inspiring book about South Africa which is like a journey. The book is called "You're Awesome" and includes daily lessons of life and takes examples from wise South Africans such as Madiba and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
There is a simple message for each week in the year.


Vote for Di, after watching the video clip, as I am sure that you will be inspired. She also has a brilliant website that is worth a visit.

Live Life Fully

Someone sent me this pic on an email recently and I loved it so much that I had to share it. It encapsulates living life fully. The expression on the guy's face is one of sheer childish delight. There is something about the innocent joy of children that is contagious. Kids don't over analyse life, they simply live and explore and experience all that is in their path. They are not afraid to ask awkward questions and they have a genuine honesty about everything that they do.
I want to live like that. I want to enjoy all that is around me in pure simplicity without hidden agendas. I choose to delight in the little things that occur every day. I want to live life fully.

International Rhino Day

Sometimes I feel ashamed to be a human. All of the cruelty and harshness that we inflict, not only on each other, but on vulnerable animals too. I am not one of those people who value animals lives above humanity, but surely we should value every living creature. I acknowledge that there are times when culling, and even hunting, is necessary, but the senseless slaughtering of beasts for fun or for illogical unproven so-called medicinal purposes - come on! Particularly when the creature is already an endangered species. Soon there wont be any more of the fake medicine anyway.


Rhino horn is made up of keratin, the word you often see somewhere on your shampoo bottle. Keratin is basically very compacted hair. Animal hooves and your fingernails are the same thing. So, for goodness sake, or for the rhinos sake, if you are that desperate for the medicine, bite your bloody nails! And as for the game rangers and veterinarians who are in on the scam, shame on you! And that is being exceptionally polite. Money is not worth the price of extinction. 


Africa has most of the few rhinos that are still alive and the rise in poaching has escalated in the last year to frightening degrees. The poaching has also become highly sophisticated. What can we do to help save the rhino? Money always helps so donate to the WWF Rhino Campaign. Make people aware of the plight of the rhinos and spread the cause. Educate your children regarding conservation. I'm sure that you can come up with more ideas.


Let's be humane and do something!

Lighten Up

                                                     picture by doug_wertman


Lead SA has come up with another interesting initiative for South Africa. We have been challenged to drive our vehicles during the day with our headlights on. Apparently, research shows that when we drive with our lights on during daylight hours as well as night, accident statistics decrease. The lights make us more noticeable and we are seen more clearly by other drivers and pedestrians. The lights also make our vision clearer, particularly our peripheral vision.


In a country with such high traffic accident stats, we should surely do anything in our power to make the roads safer. I put my lights on today, and although I saw many other drivers with their headlights burning, there were still many more who had no lights shining. It is something to remember. During my second trip of the day I only remembered halfway to my destination that my lights were off. I am fortunate enough to have a car that beeps at me when I leave my headlights on, as there could be a problem if I wasn't reminded to turn my lights off at the end of the drive.


So, how about it? Wake up tomorrow morning, leap into your faithful carrier and turn on those lights. You will find yourself smiling at every other driver who has their lights on, as if you all belong to some secret superhero club.

Spring in Jozi

As I was driving to work yesterday I drove past West Park Cemetery and saw a row of gorgeous trees in full bloom. Beautiful blossoms in white, pink and cerise seemed to have popped out overnight.
My first reaction was to smile, then after clicking away with my iPhone, I realised that we are now truly experiencing the wonders of spring. Amazing weather, flowers everywhere and no more winter wear. I love this time of the year.
My second thought was that there was so much beauty in a place of death. As tragic as death may be, life continues and beauty still finds a place.
So look around as you live your day and find the beauty in unexpected places.

Rabies Warning

As I drove past this sign today I had to wonder if it would be found in many other countries of the world, and if so, would it be in a First World country. Oh, I love the surprises and serendipities of South Africa.

Positive Outlook

Despite country-wide strikes, there is always place for a positive outlook in South Africa. With the country supporting the Springboks against the All Blacks in today's rugby match at Soccer City in Soweto, it would be easy to be negative due to the Springboks last few matches. 


However, instead we have turned the occasion into the opportunity to break a world record. Every South African spectator has been challenged to take a South African flag to the match as they are trying to break the world record for the most flags being waved in a stadium at the same time. Apparently there is also an initiative where they are trying to break the record for the most Elvis personators at a sports match. 


Another positive for South Africa is that despite the crippling strikes to our state hospitals, Lead SA challenged the country to volunteer their services at hospitals during the strike and there has been an overwhelming response with volunteers coming forth from all sectors of society, including our health minister.


Stay upbeat South Africa and have a positive outlook! 

South African "Gees"

I know that this is a reallly bad quality photo, but I was driving in the rush-hour traffic trying to snap him with my iPhone while he was cycling furiously along the side of Main Road, Bryanston. I still could not resist posting the pic because this wonderful man is the epitome of South African "Gees".
Talk about still flying the flag, this guy should win the award for it. Everyone who drove past him landed up smiling. I think he is the coolest South African I have seen since the World Cup.

Stand Up

Lead SA is a new initiative encouraging every South African to make a difference by making small changes to their lives to make South Africa a better, crime-free nation. Similar to Nelson Mandela Day, where South Africans gave 67 minutes of their time to serve those less fortunate than ourselves in some way, Lead SA is motivating us to live daily for a better SA.
Small things like volunteering for an NGO regularly, driving at the speed limit, treating people with dignity and not talking on your cellphone while driving will all make a difference.
I have decided to search for the strengths in everyone I come across rather than judging their weaknesses. What are you going to do to stand up and make a difference?

Fly the Flag Fridays

So many people have made comments when they have seen that I still have my South African mirror socks and the SA flag on my car. It seems that because the 2010 FIFA World Cup is over, we apparently should remove all of our WC regalia. The thing is I loved the patriotism which sprung up all over the country and I am not quite ready for it to end yet.
So, you can see why I now totally endorse and support the Fly the Flag Fridays campaign. Instead of wearing Bafana Bafana shirts like we did on Football Fridays, we are now encouraged to wear the colours of our flag or display the flag somewhere, somehow on Fridays. Let's do it, Friday is a few days away. I dare you!

Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award

A huge CONGRATULATIONS goes to Jackie Gallagher, founder and General Manager of Sparrow Schools Educational Trust, who won the Shoprite Checkers Woman of the Year Award in the Education category  on Saturday night.


Initiatives like Sparrow Schools are part of the success story of this wonderful nation of South Africa, where ordinary people rise up and make a difference. Winners in the other categories included Lucilla Booyzen, Sister Jane Dzebu, Ms Lesley Ann van Selm and Ms Khanyisile Motsa.

Jozi

I love the vibe in Jozi. We may not have the beaches or the mountains, but we have incredibly inspiring and energetic people full of ideas and vision to span every aspect of life. It is wonderful to be surrounded by such a pool of inspiration. We also have the advantage of going to the beaches and the mountains for our holidays.
Jozi, may you grow from strength to strength and discard any form of xenophobia before it gets a grip on the nation. All those opposed to this scar on our land, speak out against it loudly and proudly.

Nelson Mandela Day

On Sunday 18 July '10 we have the most amazing opportunity to participate in the Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Nelson Mandela spent 67 years serving humanity and the challenge is that we all pledge to give a mere 67 minutes to doing good. It doesn't have to be a huge effort, but if everyone finds something small to do to help humanity, what a difference it will make. I would love to hear what people are planning to do.

Finale'

What a month, what a stadium, what a game and what a final! I was sent this beautiful photo of Soccer City by James Nachtwey of National Geographic by a friend last week  and thought that it was an apt way to end the blog pics celebrating the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It's all over now. Well done Spain and Holland.
I have decided not to get caught up in the post World Cup blues, but to find the positive things about living in South Africa and to post pics which celebrate our beautiful and diverse nation. So keep checking and if you have any celebrate living in South Africa pics to share, please feel free to join in. 

Finally 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals

Well, it is finally down to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals. What a sad thought, but what a marvelous time we have had over the last month. Once we all recover from the let down and post World Cup blues, the challenge is to keep the momentum of mzansi. I, for one, am looking for the next thing to promote in this wonderful and diverse nation in South Africa and to keep reconciliation well and truly alive.

Moses Mabhida Stadium is Still My Favourite Stadium

I love this pic of Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. I took the photo with my iPhone before the start of the Australia vs Germany game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which seems so long ago now. MMS is a beautiful stadium, by day and by night. I loved the lighting display along the arch on the night I was there. I am still determined to do the extreme adventure swing at the stadium on one of my forays to the warmer city of Durbs.
I must say that our stadiums are fantastic, but there is something about MMS that crept in my heart and it is still my favourite.

Semi Finals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup winding down to the last four teams in the semi finals, we need to look ahead to life in South Africa after the World Cup. The four teams left are Uruguay, who meet the Netherlands on 6 July at 8:30pm SA time, and Germany vs Spain on 7 July, also at 8:30pm.After  all the drama of the last few games, these games promise to be exciting. All of the teams who I chose to cheer on, are now out of the World Cup and I am trying to decide who to support out of these last four teams. I love the spunk of the Dutch supporters and may be swayed in their direction.

Go Ghana

As Ghana and Uruguay battle it out on the football pitch tonight at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the entire continent of Africa is supporting them. They are the third African team to ever reach the quarter finals and should they make it through to the semis, they will be the first African team ever to do so.
The Black Stars, BaGhana BaGhana, whatever you want to call them, just make sure that you give them your support if you live in Africa. 

What Will We Do When it is All Over?

Can you believe how quickly the 2010 FIFA World Cup is progressing? Before we know it, it will all be over. After the years of preparation and hype, it is going to be finished in less than two weeks time. 
I have haphazardly supported football in the past, but during this World Cup I have become an avid supporter. I didn't know what to do with myself last night as there was no football to watch, while the teams all have a break before the quarter finals. Thank God Wimbledon was on to distract me. Even though Federer was defeated, Nadal's match was exciting. 
We will miss the football matches when it is all over and will have to find something new to latch on to. Maybe then we can prepare for an Olympics in SA...

World Cup Snippets

The 2010 FIFA World Cup has been a tournament of surprises with both of the previous World Cup finalists being knocked out of the first round and teams like North Korea ranked 106th in the world going through. Last night gave us another surprise with one of the favourites going out as Spain defeated Portugal. We seem to have a strong South American contingent now.
It has all been a lot of fun and I have loved my part as host to the nations. 

Dutch Supporters Convoy

Look at this amazing photo of the Dutch supporters travelling from one game in the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the next. Led by their Orange double-decker bus, the Dutch Supporters are on route from their camp site in Pretoria to their next game against Japan in Durban. 

Their convoy travelled the 636 km route and was made up of 175 campers, trucks, busses and jeeps – the convoy was 6 kms long and all orange.


They know how to support their team!

Vuvuzela Beetle

It seems that many of us have become accustomed to the blaring of the vuvuzela during the 2010 FIFA World Cup as the excitement heats up. Someone sent me a pic of this VW Beetle limo with a oversized vuvuzela on the roof and I couldn't resist posting it on this blog. Quite a way to travel during the World Cup.

Cape Town's 2010 FIFA World Cup Conribution

Karen Lotter sent me an email with this photo of the lights in Adderley Street in Cape Town during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.  What a festive contribution towards the World Cup.

Hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Now that South Africa is no longer playing in the World Cup, I have been heartened to hear all of the positive reports about South African's picking up the gauntlet to continue hosting the event with enthusiasm and "gees". 

I heard an interview with a German journalist on the radio yesterday where he was raving about South Africa's hospitality and I read a wonderful letter from a young American woman based in South Africa over the last few months and how she praised us for our warmth and acceptance of foreigners. Again, I heard an Aussie journalist this morning praising us for the best World Cup he has attended in the last four. All I can say is may we keep it up. Go South Africa.

Well Done Bafana Bafana!

Well done to the boys! The whole of Africa was rooting for Bafana Bafana yesterday, and although they did not get through to the next round in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, they beat France 2-1, which is something to be proud of. All South Africans are proud of their performance yesterday. Now we will get behind our second choice teams and continue to support the World Cup.

Soccer City

What fun this 2010 FIFA World Cup has been so far. Full of surprises, it promises a lot more still to come. Smiles and laughter everywhere and a wonderful spirit of cameradie permeates the nation.
All I can say for today is "Go Bafana!"

Germany versus Australia

It was a wonderful experience attending the Germany versus Australia match on Sunday at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the delightfully warm climate of Durban. Although I was supporting Germany, I ended up shouting for Australia in sympathy as the Germans deftly scored goal after goal. The Aussie supporters were full of spirit and a joy to watch, however they became quieter as the match progressed. I missed the usual Bafana supporters who still have the best spirit and most colour. 
With regards to the vuvuzela complainants, I was amused to see that the vast majority of blasters were the foreigners. Of course, I took my vuvu along and attempted to give it a good blast every now and again. My daughter put me to shame as her blast sounded exactly right, while mine sound like an ox being slaughtered or an elephant giving birth.
I loved every moment of the beautiful game in my favourite stadium. Go Durbs and well done, Germany! 

United We Stand

What a day! I managed to make my way to Sandton in between appointments yesterday and what a joy it was. Incredible scenes of support and patriotism from all ages, sizes, colours and types of people.

Vuvus blaring, people dancing, cops smiling, yellow and green, crowds, fun and laughter, tears and pride are all snippets of the not-to-be-missed experience. I am so looking forward to my first match, now more than ever.

What an incredible nation South Africa is.

                                                                   

Colourful World Cup Car

World Cup support is everywhere! If you live in Jozi, don't forget to join in the Bafana Bafana support parade in Sandton today.

World Cup Spirit

The vibe in Johannesburg just gets better and better. World Cup Spirit is alive and thriving. The city is looking so colourful and the means of showing support are becoming more and more creative. I saw someone's hubcaps painted like soccer balls with the South African flag yesterday. I am going to miss all of this when the World Cup is over.

Proud Johannesburg during the 2010 FIFA World Cup

I was sent an email yesterday with a bunch of photos of Johannesburg ready for the 2010 FIFA World Cup which are so cool. I will be posting them here over the next few days. I do not know who took them, so I can't give any credit, but thank you Jozi photographer, whoever you are. 


There is an amazing vibe in Johannesburg as we are six days away from kickoff. There are flags, footballs, vuvuzelas and Makarapas everywhere and people are dressed in football regalia much of the time. Great fun. I am really looking forward to my first match.

Footballs in the Sky

Footballs everywhere in South Africa. The ABSA balloon has new meaning during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Cullinan Joins in the Football Fever of the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Football fever rages throughout the country as we gear up to the the final week until the World Cup. On a visit to the quaint town of Cullinan I came across these two football fans selling football regalia.

Competition for the Best 2010 FIFA World Cup Decorated House

Carte Blanche announced on Sunday night that they were looking for the houses that were the best decorated for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I have started looking around my area and this is one of the first ones that I've seen.

2010 FIFA World Cup - 10 Days and Counting

Everyone is getting football fever. One of the local liquor stores enters the spirit!

More 2010 FIFA World Cup Tickets Released for Sale

Another 90 000 tickets for the all of the matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup have been released today and are on sale at the ticketing venues around the country. This is the FIFA Ticketing Centre in Sandton where I went the other day to collect my tickets. Apparently the queue this morning winds around the block as eager fans attempt to get tickets for the more popular games. People have been queueing since last night. What spirit!

2010 FIFA World Cup Football Teams Arrive in South Africa

As the arrival of the football teams commence with Australia and Brazil already settling in, here is where Bafana Bafana will be staying. Southern Sun Grayston advertise their proudly South African message to the nation.


Speaking of proudly South African and sports, take a look at this cool pic which was emailed to me today from the Blue Bulls match in Soweto last Saturday - makes my heart warm.

  

Football Fever Support

Roads in Jozi are so festive these days with all the football fever decorated cars. Mirror socks and flags seem to be the order of the day in the 15 days left  to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. If you haven't got your vehicle decor yet, come on, get with it. Football paraphernalia is available  from street vendors at every intersection. Let's show the rest of the world what "gees" is. 

2010 FIFA World Cup Tickets

Woo hoo! I have my tickets to Argentina versus Korea Republic at Soccer City on 17 June. I will be shouting for Argentina with my little blue and white flag. 

Football Fever Rules

Some of the staff at Fournos at Fourways Crossing enjoying football fever.

19 Days to Go to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

With 19 days left to the opening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, I have decided to join in the football fever and excitement by posting football related pics everyday. Driving around Johannesburg these days is great fun with the vibe being very clearly World Cup vibe.


Cars have flags attached to them or window socks showing the driver's team support. Flags fly from walls and windows all over the suburbs and shopping centres. People walk around in Bafana Bafana's green and yellow football jerseys or t-shirts.  


I saw a car with a South African flag bonnet sock yesterday, which was huge and so cool. My friend saw a young man in a Mercedes which he had spray painted in the colours of the South African flag. People are seriously getting into the mood. I have also seen that some people have painted the walls surrounding their homes with SA flags. 


There is also a very common sound in the air these days. It's heard on the radio, on TV and in the neighbourhoods. The blast of the vuvuzela. Whether you hate it or love it, it is here to stay and does add to the atmosphere of building excitement.


So, my salute to football fever, apart from my flags, mirror socks and Bafana shirt, is to snap football fever shots and post them for the next two months. If you have any great pics to share, join in the fun.

The Bluff Aliens

http://www.bingegamer.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/lego-men-in-black.jpg

The close knit community of the Bluff in Durban, KwaZulu Natal is abuzz with nervous excitement over the alleged sightings of giant like forms on the beaches and in the community.

I write this purely from hearsay and have no proof whatsoever, just stories passed on from those who have friends on the Bluff.

According to my source there were three separate incident of “alien” sightings recently on the Bluff. One of the sightings was from a lady who was walking on the beach when she noticed two people far ahead of her on the beach. They were both dressed in long coats and seemed to be rather large. Being a little nervous she decided to leave, but was intrigued because they seemed strange. As she got a little closer she could not see them clearly but noticed that they were extraordinarily tall, like giant men. She did not stick around to check them out.

The second incident was from a young woman who was leaving early in the morning for work while it was still dark. As she drove up her driveway her car suddenly stopped and would not restart. In the beam of the headlights she noticed some huge men in overcoats standing before her. In panic she reached for her mobile phone, but it was dead, so she screamed in terror. Her scream seemed to cause reaction from them and they disappeared into the darkness. As soon as they left, her car started and her phone came back to life.

The final story revolves around someone my contact personally knew. He is a young man who was in the car with some mates one night. One of the guys wanted a smoke, so they stopped the vehicle and he climbed out to puff away on his cigarette. While waiting, the driver turned on the headlights to check that they were safe in the area. Once again, caught in the beam of the headlights were huge beings dressed in long coats. He yelled at his mate to get in the car and the “aliens” vanished in the darkness.

Intriguing and creepy, all at the same time. A part of me believes them and a part of me dismisses it as nonsense. So I decided to google “Bluff Aliens” and found a forum from Africa Aviation where the vast majority of contributors were cynical and making tongue in cheek remarks. I did however find one interesting comment. 

“On the serious side. We get constant calls from that area on the NSRI cell phone for the strange lights sightings offshore. It’s got to a point where we will do nothing about it unless we get more than three separate independent sightings from different points on the bluff.”

I also found a blog by Graham Linscott on the same subject, which makes interesting reading. 

http://graham-linscott.blogspot.com/2010/04/idler-thursday-april-29.html

According to my source, there have also been sightings of lights and activity at night at the old unused Naval base in the area.

I have absolutely no idea what to make of it. Most people seem to blame it on what’s being smoked on the Bluff. Whatever it is, it sure generates excitement. Maybe the movie, District 9 wasn’t so far-fetched after all. Perhaps the sequel to District 9 could be called “The Bluff Aliens”.

Beautiful Home in Northwold for Sale

Action Netball - the Agony and the Ecstasy

For those who have been following the antics of the Dixie Chicks, the action netball team I belong to, here is an update of our progress.


The Agony
I am reminded of one of my previous blogs about action netball for the over forties. Well, it would seem that agony is par for the course for an over forty prancing around a netball court. Stiff limbs and hurt pride are a usual result at the end of each match. However, it seems that the under forties have suffered just as much. 
One of our younger players has had to pull out due to an ankle injury. She had the cheek to injure herself in the middle of a tight and exciting game, leaving us at the mercy of a young and vicious team. Fortunately, we managed to find a substitute and went on to win the game.
Another player has had a fingernail ripped back during practice causing blood to trickle out making her designer nail look very Gothic. Not good for her sexy little image, at all. To her credit, she was of strong South African stock and practiced on.
A number of players have had tumbles and spills resulting in 'roasties' and bruises all over their bodies. However, the creme' da le creme' has to be yours truly. In true fighter style, not to be outdone by the youngsters, I was desperately clawing my way to victory during a practice on Sunday morning. My able opponent would not be outdone and in the ensuing tussle, I felt myself falling rapidly towards the gravel coating of the tennis court. Remembering my last tumble on the astro-turf and the big graze on my knee, I pulled up my knees and spread out my hands. The next thing I knew was that I was face to face with the gravel. I didn't graze my knees, but I tumbled forward on to my face and kissed the dirt. Ouch. Blood flowed. Oohs and ahs were said, water was produced and then our very compassionate captain promptly yelled that it was time to continue practice. So, continue we did, even though I looked like a swollen lipped monster.


The Ecstasy
Enough of the hardships. What of the ecstasy? Well, as mentioned before in my ramblings of action netball, there is nothing quite like winning and it has been a joy of major proportions to have won a number of games at last. Where we once were bottom of the lowest league, we now sit in third place and may even make the semi finals. And that, my friends, makes it all worthwhile, although I must admit I thought that I would have lost a few kilos by now.