Dixie Chicks Finally Win Action Netball Match

A while back I gave some advice on Action Netball for the over forties. Well, this over forty has pushed through with the game and together with my team, the Dixie Chicks, have finally won a game!


Beginners Game
Being a new team, with women who either hadn't played for years or, like me, had never played before, we were entered in the lowest league. Much to our disgust, we were thoroughly thrashed in our first game and we limped off the court in a shell shocked state. We were exhausted and our pride had taken a huge knock. However, we were determined to beat the next team, after all they were also in the lowest league.


A Run of Losses
For the next three games we lost dismally, no matter how hard we tried. Our tiny ref seemed to give us a hard time too as she could see that we had no idea about the rules of the game. There were many times when I felt like chucking her off the court as she continually blasted that whistle. We were always being blown up. First it was foot faults, then when we managed to work that one out, it was handling. Finally managing to handle the ball better, we were blown up for net abuse - I felt like abusing someone else... And just when we thought we were getting it all together we kept being penalized for contact. Would we ever learn?


Finally a Win
Game number five, we entered the court raring to go, desperate for a win. We were fitter, we were wiser and we were hungry. And we did it! We finally managed to beat another team by two whole points. What a feeling. We were all delighted. You would swear that we had won the Olympics. We cheered and high-fived and knocked back shooters in celebration. Even our tiny but tormenting ref smiled and said that we had improved.


What Next?
It is our sixth game tomorrow night and having tasted victory, we are feeling confident and hungry for another win. No longer at the bottom of the league, we are determined to keep it that way. So, watch this space.

Soccer Village

photo by ethekwinigirl

I recently discovered that the area where I live is becoming a soccer village during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I had heard that many of the townhouse complexes were being used as accommodation for tourists thronging into the nation causing the residents to earn some well deserved extra cash. All the residents need to do is move in with family or friends for six weeks and make their unit available to the agents, who then arranges the accommodation and other necessities.

Townhouse Complexes Thrive

It turns out that there are around thirty complexes in my suburb participating and our area will become a soccer village. Roads will be closed and new bus routes introduced, as tourists wander the streets.

Hosting the World

I'm sure that soccer village will cause quite a stir and some inconvenience for the locals, however it is a wonderful opportunity for us rise up as excellent hosts and make some money out of it.

Moment of Opportunity

This is a time for the innovative 'boer maak 'n plan' people of the Rainbow Nation to find a gap and grab hold of opportunity. Surely there is something for everyone. I, for one, am straining my brain for an idea. I know that my lightbulb moment is on it's way. Please feel free to egg it on.

It's All About Attitude

I know that there are many doomsayers and predictions of debt, disaster and destruction. However, I also know that opportunity lurks expectantly. If I focus on the negative, I'll miss that tiny gap.

So, rather than moaning about the changes in my suburb, I choose to use them to my advantage.

National Cleavage Day and Football Friday Rolled into One

I naturally put on my Bafana Bafana shirt this morning as I prepared for the day. After all, it is Friday and in South Africa that is translated as Football Friday or Vuvu Friday. I love the fact that I don't have to think about what to wear on Fridays.


National Cleavage Day
The next thing I discovered that today is National Cleavage Day, to promote the prevention of breast cancer, certainly a worthy cause for any woman, or man for that matter.


My problem was that my Bafana shirt shows absolutely zero cleavage.


Proudly South African and Proudly Woman
Being proudly South African and even more proudly all woman, I wanted to participate in both Football Friday and National Cleavage Day. So I dug through my wardrobe until I found my green super springbok t-shirt with the yellow trim and low cut neckline. Aha, the right colours and cleavage to bare. 


The True Heroes of National Cleavage Day
I proudly donned my new shirt for the day, stood tall and headed for work, thanking God that I have been spared the trauma that so many women have had to face in the struggle against breast cancer. They are the true heroes of National Cleavage Day.

Moses Mabhida Stadium Skycar Problems

One week late, I have discovered that there are problems with the skycar at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. As many will know, I am a MMS junkie and happened to be in Durban the week that the skycar started operating causing me to be one of the first rush of skycar riders. I loved the experience and have promised myself to return to do the adventure walk and the bungi swing.

Stuck Skycar

Last week the skycar got stuck near the top of the arch causing a group to be stranded on the viewing platform. Apparently the staff were not equipped to deal with the ramifications as some people were distressed and even a little panicky. There was no shade, no water available and insufficient harnesses to aid the group on the walk down.

Involuntary Adventure Walk

The stranded group eventually had to do the adventure walk to get back down to ground level. The adventure walk is 550 steps down the arch and rather steep. I'm sure that it is called an adventure walk for a reason. One elderly lady collapsed on the walk and had to be aided by another stranded passenger. Another man had to carry his child who was unharnessed.

No Comment

Julie May Ellingsworth, head of Special Projects has given no comment on the problem and Municipal Manager, Mike Sutcliffe has only said that safety is the city's priority and that the skycar is safe.

Sixty Day Deadline

The skycar is no longer operating, however Durban municipality has been given 60 days to make sure that the skycar is safe after it got stuck. 

"The municipality was issued a contravention notice and given 60 days to improve on the things highlighted during the inspection," SAPA quoted labour department chief inspector Thobile Lamati as saying. 

He said that after the 60 days there will be another inspection and if the city hasn't complied they could be shut down. 

I hope that they get it all worked out in time. It is a wonderful feature on a beautiful stadium with fantastic views of Durban. 

Perspective

picture by Cara Lancaster - Alight Photography

I have been looking at the South African news this week and I have come to the conclusion that we live in a crazy world. Each news item is a perspective of some sort, of life in South Africa. Although we are a microcosm of the world, we are a pretty unique microcosm.


Jub Jub gets out on R10 000 bail


I am actually at a loss at what to say on Jub Jub's bail figure, or even that he was given bail for such irresponsible behaviour. One part of me empathizes with the protesting school kids, but another part of me feels that they are behaving in the same manner as Jub Jub with their death threats and rock throwing. So much anger has caused many to lose sight of the tragedy of four young people being killed prematurely.


Price War on Uncapped ADSL


Well done to MWeb for starting uncapped ADSL prices. Vox have already jumped on board and I'm sure that others will too. It is a a sliver of hope in the recessionary times we still find ourselves in. Although it is not huge news on the grand scale, it is good news and worth twittering and chirping about.


Potholes in Jozi


The potholes in Joburg are as bad as ever. As fast as they are repaired, they develop again. The roads agency is not coping with the ever increasing problem. I personally have gone through three tires in six months and have had more than enough. On a positive note, it has been encouraging to see local businesses stepping up and repairing the potholes and gaining a little marketing out of it. 


Brutal Murder of a Seventeen Year Old Schoolgirl


The senseless killing of Anike Smit brought outrage throughout the nation with the Freedom Front calling for a state of emergency. South Africans have had enough of crime and the huge response to the new release of  "Shout" organised by Danny K and Kabelo have proved this. Surely in pre World Cup South Africa, our government and law enforcement should be doing everything in their power to reduce crime.

english.mashkulture.net

Die Antwoord


There are rumours that the irreverent South African music sensation, Die Antwoord, are being signed up with one of the world's largest recording companies. In one week they leapt to fame on the internet with artists like Katy Perry twittering praise about them. They are an indie band glorifying the "zef" side of South African culture with an interesting music style soaked in foul language. Like I said, it's a crazy world we live in.


Perspective


So, at the end of the short news wrap up, we have had a week of tragedy, frustration, hope and surprise. Through it all, we continue to build up to our event of the decade and each one of us loudly voices our opinions and perspectives.  You got to love this land.

Cupcake Craze

What is the big deal about cup cakes? As far as I know they have been around for years, but suddenly in the last year or so they seem to be the big trend. Designer cup cake shops have opened, cup cake tea parties abound and in the local supermarkets cup cakes of every style are on offer.

2010 Cup Cakes

I can see in my minds eye the next designer cup cake to appear - the 2010 World Cup Cup Cake. Well, everybody else is jumping on the FIFA World Cup band wagon, so why not cup cakes as well? We could have cup cakes representing each team and supporters could order a Khumalo Cup Cake, a Cameroon Cup Cake or a Cafu Cup Cake, decorated beautifully in their respective team colours. Jabulani football cup cakes would be available too. We could get more and more creative - or corny..

What is the Appeal?  

What is it about cup cakes that makes them so popular? It is not the size of them as after two bites they are finished. The best part of any cake to me is the icing, but there is nowhere near enough icing on a cup cake. I will concede that cupcakes look pretty and dainty and perhaps appeal to the feminine side, but great big delicious cakes look pretty attractive too.  

Cute Factor   

Maybe it is the cute factor. Everyone falls for things in miniature. Take a walk through a shopping mall holding a new puppy and watch everyone's behaviour become silly - high pitched voices and baby talk. I suppose a cup cake is a miniature cake, so we become silly about them.

Cup Cake Fight

You know what would be a perfect ending to a blog about cup cakes? A cup cake fight.  Haven't you always wanted to smash a cream cake in someone's face? Or is it only me? Well, a cup cake squashed in your face wouldn't be so offensive or messy.  You could probably get away with it. I think I need to go and buy some cup cakes. 

Seize the Day

Life is Short
Life is really too short not to enjoy each moment.  I know that there are times when we need to grieve or contemplate, but generally we find it easy to grumble.  I think that we need to find more moments in each day to simply enjoy.  We need to find the small things to delight in.  We need to seize each moment of fun and document it in our hearts. 

Life has it's Hardships
I know that hardship is a part of life and i've learnt that what doesn't kill you, strengthens you, but I also know that we need to move on.  We can't get stuck in those miserable places.


A Mission in Life
So, I am making it a mission to grab hold of a fun moment in each day.  Yesterday's fun moment was while looking for something in a party shop.  Trying on silly glasses and hats and taking pics and giggling.  Such a small thing, yet causing much laughter and fun.

The Simple Life
It is the simple things in life which bring much joy and laughter.
Little moments which we so often miss.  A smile, a helping hand, a cute puppy.  I saw a man give a few loose coins to a homeless man yesterday, then he handed him two cigarettes, and finally he lit one of the cigarettes for him.  Such a little thing, yet it left the homeless man smiling.  It also cheered me up.  Somebody showed a little concern.


Look Around
So now I am going to be actively looking for simple joys in the everyday.  That aught to take the mediocrity out of the mundane.  Put a little spring in my step.

Football Friday

Being proudly South African, I have decided to jump on the "Football Friday" band wagon.  I was very kindly given a Bafana Bafana shirt the other day and I have been patiently waiting for Friday to arrive so that I could wear it with all the other South Africa supporters.


WHERE ARE ALL THE 'FOOTBALL FRIDAY' FELLOWS?


I must say that I felt a little lonely as I gaily stepped out in my yellow and greens.  There were not too many others dressed similarly.  As I went about my business, I kept peering around to see more soccer shirts.  Each time I saw someone else wearing Bafana kit, I was so excited.  I felt like a little kid on Halloween allowed to go 'trick or treating'.  It reminded me of school days, when we could go to school in 'civvies' instead of our regular school uniform.  Now, I just want to see more of us enjoying the treat.


SPORTS UNITES A NATION


Having recently watched "Invictus" and remembering the incredible vibe at that time, encourages me to get behind the boys and support them wholeheartedly in this 2010 FIFA World Cup.  I recall when we won the Rugby World Cup in South Africa all those years ago, how we danced together in the streets and celebrated as one.  Well, we probably won't win this one, but let's celebrate nevertheless.


BUY A BAFANA BAFANA SHIRT


Beg, borrow, but please don't steal, to obtain a Bafana Bafana shirt and join the already initiated every Friday.  Schools are joining in the fun, workplaces are getting involved, so now it is time for the individuals to gear up.  


What better cause than to cause a nation to unite once again.

  

White Water Rafting in Parys

Henry Georgi/Corbis

Parys

I have never been to Parys before and I must say that I was most pleasantly surprised by this quaint little town.  It is reminiscent of Clarens, full of arty decor stores and trendy coffee shops and restaurants.  Although a small town, it is full of character.

Things To Do

Our first stop was Hoi Polloi, an ecclectic restaurant with the most amazing decor and prettiest rock shandys.  Another visit of interest was the photo shop, Kiki's, where we had loads of fun trying on old outfits, including boa feathers, antique gloves, hats of every kind and the most incredibly heeled shoes.  Never to forget our next drink stop at The Deck, nesting against the Vaal River, where we were coaxed into drinking their famous "Pink Drinks".  It was a toxic, yet refreshingly deceptive cocktail of outrageous proportions.  Each one of us staggered out after the drink, a little pink around the gills.  

White Water Rafting

The highlight for me had to be the white water rafting on Sunday morning.  We mounted our two man inflatable kayaks and joined a group of adventure seekers, the youngest being seven years old, and made our way down the Vaal River.  We had missed the floods of the river by days, but saw signs of the rush of water all along the way.  Rowing under bridges, we saw huge tree trunks stuck in the bridge structure above our heads and saw the water level marks along the banks of the river, perilously close to some homes.  We leisurely rowed along until we heard the white water ahead and then we took it in turns to take on the mild rapids.  It was really great fun and there was a slight surge of adrenalin. It was a perfect introduction and I am definitely planning to take on bigger rapids in the future.

All in all, a great weekend getaway.

One Hundred Days until the FIFA World Cup

One hundred days to go until the FIFA 2010 World Cup.  There is celebration and excitement all over South Africa.  Roads are closed and traffic is extreme as South Africa gears up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.  Celebrations in Durban are being held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and in Johannesburg in Sandton, where streets are being closed for an all day street party.


A Nation Celebrates
It is wonderful to have something to celebrate as the nation looks forward together in anticipation to the spin offs of hosting the World Cup.

worldcup.blogsfc.com

There are people in yellow Bafana Bafana jerseys all over the place, supporting and encouraging our local team.  We are all hoping that our boys will get through their first match, however, regardless of the result, soccer fever is viral in South Africa at present.  Everyone is joining in the spirit of the soccer World Cup.  

A Challenge is Given

With a hundred days to go, the challenge has been presented that we, as South Africans, only speak positively about our nation.  Speaking positively for the next hundred days can only have a good impact on the future of the country.  I say, "Let's do it!"  Go, Bafana Bafana!  Viva South Africa!