It's a lekker world

Bath Half 2011. Yeah, Baby.

2011-03-08T19:19:00.001Z

Bath Sky Ride

2010-07-26T16:56:00.004+01:00

This weekend the Sky Ride came to Bath: traffic-free cycling.

Bliss!

Welcome Back, Summer

2010-03-22T17:09:00.003Z

Yeah - welcome back, Summer!

Gevaarlik!

DAY DREAMING

2010-02-12T17:30:00.002Z

Annie has new wallpaper on her PC desktop @ work:

Aaaaah. Melbourne, I love thee.

Pragtig.

WINTER, YOU W*****

2009-12-23T08:20:00.002Z

Hmmm. And I thought Autumn was bad. I have realised that this is, in fact, my SIXTEENTH English winter. Gawd. They don't get any easier.

Gee my krag, O here!!

AUTUMN, YOU CAD!!

2009-10-14T17:03:00.002+01:00

Autumn - so beautiful with his sunny skies, red leaves and bright berries a-growing... luring us into the belief that all is well with the world.

But don't be fooled! He's about to drag us into dark mornings, dark afternoons and icy-cold days and nights!

Gah!

I am about to enter my 15th English winter. FIF.TEEN.

I didn't think I'd make it past two - but I have ..all 10 Raynaud's fingers intact.

I'm not sure I'll stick around for another 15, though.

Southern Hemisphere, Anyone?

Ja, Oom.

REBUILDING BATH

2009-09-30T23:04:00.001+01:00

Ha ha! Poor Barth.

THE VIRTUE OF FOOLS

2009-08-05T12:13:00.002+01:00

Silence is the virtue of fools. Ergo. I am.

I realise that this blog has become a storage space for some snazzy mobile uploads and little else. This is not a Good Thing.

I wish I could report that my silence is because I have been kidnapped by the clebrity mafia who have insisted that I jet across the world with them; living la vida high-life: soaking up the sun on heaven-sent beaches, driving fast cars round Monacco, and quoiffing cocktails and hors d'œuvre in 5 star hotel lobby receptions while mwah-mwah double-kissing the cheeks of hot celebrities.

Alas not.

Instead I have been trudging the well-worn, damp and wet (stupid English summers) path to work. Tap tapping on a keyboard. And returning on the path home: with the occasional weekend away and triathlons to plod.

Hmmmm. Must. Get. Out. More.

Dit is die waarheid.

FAREWELL, VIRTUOUS JUNE

2009-07-01T16:15:00.005+01:00

Oooooo. I'm loving this hazy-lazy heatwave. It slows everyone down to a g'day-mate-how's-it-g'aaan-ya-maahn-every-ting-is-ayrie pace. Brilliant!!

So. What a month! June two thousand & nine A.D. was most certainly a virtuous one.

I ditched all alcohol...

Took part in Jam-busting June...

Completed another Triathlon without drowning or falling off m'bike & kept m'dodgy ankle ticking over...

It was so virtuous that m'halo became self-polishing. It did.

So onto Debaucherous July, then.

Although I'm starting at the local tri club in a few weeks time: and it looks like they have a session (or two) of something or other every day - so there may be little time for debauchery.

Pity.

Working 9 to 5 @ 67?

2009-06-24T11:48:00.002+01:00

Hmmm. I've just calculated that I have:

33 years, 1 month and 18 days

Until State Pensionable Age.

Oh Good.

MMMM. HOLIDAYS.

2009-05-21T15:11:00.002+01:00

Mmm. Holidays are good. Tooo good!

And Menorca was a beautiful and as relaaaaaaxing as ever.

Baie Lekker.

I am Athlete.

2009-03-25T13:56:00.002Z

I am Athlete. Hear me Roar.

....OK. Perhaps it's more like - I am plodder, hear me whimper.

I've just been and had a VO2 Max Test done and was all trussed up like a crash-test-athlete on a bike this lunchtime.

I dread to think what the results will be - but am turning a corner with exercising again.

Lekker, Sannie.

ANOTHER YEAR

2009-03-17T11:19:00.004Z

Another Year ... Another Baaarth Harf...

Mooi.

DANCE OF JOY!

2009-02-17T13:53:00.004Z

There's a rule in our UK-based family... whenever the weather reaches 10 degrees in winter - we do the Dance of Joy. (Because Spring is on the way)

So....
equals

Lekker!

Tsvangirai becomes Zimbabwe's PM

2009-02-11T14:49:00.000Z

Wow.

Midwinter Waking

2009-02-11T10:26:00.001Z

Paws there. Snout there too as well.
Mustiness. Mould. Darkness; a desire to stretch, to scratch.
Then has the-?
Then is it-?
Nudge the thatch, Displace the stiffened leaves: look out.
How cold, How dried a stillness. Like a blade on stone,

A wind is scraping, first this way, then that. Morning, perhaps, but not a proper one.
Turn.
Sleep will unshell us, but not yet.

Midwinter Waking, Phillip Larkin

...Yup - that about sums it up!!

SNOW BUSINESS

2009-02-05T17:15:00.001Z

Today I made my first ever snowman.

Lekker.

CEASEFIRE ON GAZA

2009-01-17T23:19:00.003Z

Israel declares ceasefire in Gaza?

..about flipping time! (Whichever side of the heavily-guarded side of the fence/wall you sit.)

Aikona. Heeltemal mal. Almal van hulle!

BRRRR!

2009-01-05T12:05:00.002Z

BRRRRR!!!

Bliksem!

NEW BEGINNINGS

2008-12-31T19:58:00.001Z

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us...it was two thousand and eight.

Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
English novelist (1812 - 1870)

Wowsers.

What a diametrically opposed, inverse year of contradiction.

In 2009:

I ran 3 half marathons in the month of March. Madness.

I trained for & ran my first marathon in London, raising over £1700 for HEART UK in April

I holiday'd in Menorca in May

I completed my first (sprint) triathlon in June

in June I spent a week on the waters of Pembrokeshire kayaking & camping

in July I pushed myself to the physical & mental limits training for & completing the 100km overnight Trailwalker ultra-bonkers walk, raising over £1600 with my fellow Jelly Baby Junkies

in July I changed jobs

I completed the London (sprint) Traithlon in August

in September I managed to sneak in another (fun distance) Triathlon

...then in all went a bit Pete Tong & the evil sofa swallowed me up..

in December I sloped off for some winter sunshine & visited Barbados, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe, St Lucia & Dominica: traversing volcanos, cycling across islands and doing a whole lot of snorkelling. Noice.

A year of real contrasts & amazing experiences.

I have only one New Year's Resolution for 2009:

* Make every day count *

Easy peasy?

So I wish you all a successful, happy & healthy New Year, and I leave you with the words of Pliny the Elder (23 AD - 79 AD)

"From the end spring new beginnings"

Amen to those.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2008-12-24T11:46:00.002Z

Aaaaah.

Sunshine + Holidays = Lekker.

HAVING A GAS

2008-11-26T17:46:00.003Z

Well. I'm 4 months into m'new job & I have HEAPS I'd like to write about. But can't. [Natch].

These are difficult times, m'friends - and it's simply good to be employed.

Yes indeedy.

(Needless to say I'm having a gas.)

Time for a holiday in the sun, methinks. Now where did I put that Factor 50+...

Lekker.

JISLAAIK, DIS KOUD!!

2008-10-30T17:28:00.001Z

JISLAAIK - dis bluksemde koud!!!

I'm not good with these early cold, dark nights.

I'm going to have to get one of them there anti-S.A.D happy lamps!

Brrrrrrrrr!

REALITY BITES

2008-08-30T23:50:00.003+01:00

I am a great fan of low-brow "Reality TV".

No - I am.

ANYWAY - tonight I'm a bit miffed orf with it all. It's not that I don't love the banter of Big Brother, or the pleasant soulful upliftment that "Last Choir Standing" brings....

but I do wish that just once, my theory about being in the English Minority in the UK and being the first to be voted off "Find-Me-a-I'm-a-Celebrity -Joseph-Big-Brother-Contestant - Last-Choir-Upright" would be proved wrong.

Weren't that pesky (and immaculately pasty) "Only Men Aloud" from Caaardiff ALWAYS going to win dat ting, man?

Jislaaik, Janie.

GULP

2008-08-22T13:40:00.002+01:00

It could be meeeeeee............

Redig.

LONDON TRI: GET IN, ANNIE!

2008-08-13T23:46:00.004+01:00

DITCHING THE PLASTIC - FANTASTIC!

2008-08-01T14:00:00.004+01:00

Wowsers.

I'm mightily impressed with this BBC Journo for having a go at ditching plastic for the the month of August.

Nice work, m'lady!

You can follow her "Not my Bag" blog to see how she's getting on.

Hambe Kahle, Mevrou.

NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT

2008-07-25T17:40:00.003+01:00

Now - how rarely does a weekend appear like this in the great U of K:

Lekker, lekker, mense.

HELP!!

2008-07-09T17:56:00.007+01:00

BILL GATES & ME

2008-06-27T10:00:00.005+01:00

"When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us"

Alexander Graham Bell (1847 - 1922)

It's our last day in the corner (of the) office.

Bill & Me.

Goed.

PIGS IN THE CITY

2008-06-17T09:26:00.001+01:00

It's amazing how a bunch of brightly decorated pigs appearing randomly about the place can really capture the imagination of a city.

I do love Baaaaarth.

Lekker Varke.

THE WHIRLWIND OF LIFE

2008-06-04T10:05:00.001+01:00

Life post-Marathon hasn't slowed down one bit.

Mind you - you only get one life.

Carpe Diem n all that.

Regtig.

SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY

2008-04-15T23:43:00.002+01:00

Wowsers. That was quite a journey.

Baie Baie Mooi.

MARA-THON

2008-04-08T11:32:00.004+01:00

So apparently I'm running a blinking marathon on Sunday!!

Thanks to everyone who sponsored me - it's all systems go &
I'm ready to rumble. I think.

Regtig.

ZIM HANGS IN THE BALANCE

2008-04-02T09:21:00.002+01:00

As the future of Zimbabwe hangs in the balance, the statistics speak for themselves:

Inflation: 100,000% (A newsreader on t'telly read this out as "100%" the other day - I can see why his brain rejected one hundred thooooousand per cent as a possibility!)
Unemployment: 80%
Life expectancy: 37 (men), 34 (women)

Nuff said.

Genoeg vir jou, Meneer?

THE REBIRTH OF THE COOL

2008-03-27T13:57:00.002Z

I have brilliant news!!

Fopp are re-openeing some stores.

(I pass one on my way into work in Brissle, and it re-opens today.)

Oh, how I missed you, Fopp.

Welcome back!

Baie baie geie nuus, Sannie.

A THOUSAND SPLENDID RAINCLOUDS

2008-03-19T10:10:00.005Z

Today I walked from my home, unaccompanied, to the station.

My head was uncovered (Burqua-less) & I was able to buy a ticket & travel to Bristol without a male chaperone & without question.

Then I walked from Bristol Station to work.

I was still not questioned by any form of morality police; nor was I beaten with a radio arial, a tree branch, or a whip.

I was able to leave my home without fear of public humiliation, beating or arrest.

I am able to work, to study, to read books, to watch television - to have my own interests & to form my own opinions.

For that - I am eternally grateful.

Lekker.

MARCH HALF MARATHON MADNESS

2008-03-03T20:15:00.003Z

One half marathon down, two to go.

(Thanks to Nick for taking the pics & creating the vid.)

Mooi!

WELTANGSHAUNG

2008-02-27T22:58:00.007Z

Anyone up for a bit of mid-week weltangshaung?

Today's "World View" speaks volumes about why I continue to live in the lovely U of K.

News in South Africa Today:

"Outcry in SA over racist video"
"Several white students in South Africa face criminal charges after allegedly forcing black campus employees to eat food that had been urinated on."

Put them behind bars for a long long long long (longer) time. Im no expert - but I reckon this goes way beyond racism. I feel sick. Truly.

And, meanwhile, in the UK, while earthquakes rage about our heads (or feet, or chimney stacks), there is an uproar brewing...

"BBC responds to rugby complaints"

"124 viewers have complained that too much rugby was shown on BBC One throughout Saturday."

Briljant!

SERIOUSLY

2008-02-11T10:22:00.000Z

What a beautiful weekend for a picnic by the river & a walk along the towpath.

Glorious.

Me thinks the narrow boat dwellers are a bit fed up, though....

BLAST FROM THE PAST

2008-02-08T22:54:00.001Z

I've been rummaging through some old photos recently & have come to realise that m'spirit of adventure/need for speed started at a young age...

Jislaaik - ek het die Lahee Park heeltemal geniet!

COUNSELLING REQUIRED?

2008-02-05T16:40:00.000Z

A bona fide sign in m'workplace that cheers me right up:

I think the need for counselling might be taking it a step too far though, eh?

Snaakse mense!

LUNCHTIME WALKING

2008-01-31T10:13:00.000Z

Taking advantage of the sunshine before the wind, rain and snow arrive...

SUNSHINE

2008-01-09T10:28:00.001Z

A geniuine conversation overheard today on the train into work on a beautiful winter's morning:

Two gentlemen with strong West Country accents...

G1. Arrrrr. Whar beee thar bright thing in that thar skoi?!
G2. I knows. It be blinding theee. Wish they [who? network rail?] could switch it orrrf....
(G2 Contemplates his lack of gratitude to God, and to the sun, for a few minutes)
G2. ..at least for 10 minutes or soooo.

Sunlight. It's so underrated.

They'll be wanting to shut the windows to keep out the fresh air in a minute!

Oh. They have.

Bluksemde rooinekke.

2007: BEEN N GORN

2007-12-31T11:21:00.000Z

In 2007, I:

* continued the good work of 2006 by- completing the Bath Half Marathon with a Personal Best (2.03), and running in a 2.5 mile, 5k and five 10k races.

*discovered the beauty of New Zealand's wonderful North Island and visited lovely Melbourne

*traversed Mt Tongariro in seven hours

*met some wonderful bloggy pals who have provided terrific knowledge and support

*survived a 10 week running club with the "fit bods what run" from the gym

*celebrated a 9 year and a 13 year anniversary

*developed a penchent for Banksy

*went to the horse races - and quite enjoyed it.

*survived the trenches and mud at Glastonbury

*developed a penchant for Paintballing

*re-confirmed my dislike for guns at clay pigeon shooting

*developed a penchant for surfing and sea kayaking (Must get a larger house)

*had a brilliant long weekend of fun and bbq-ing at centreparcs (it's noice - really it is)

*have given up many unnecessary hours of my life to reality television.

*discovered Facebook

*said goodbye to Ian Smith, Tony Blair and Fopp

*was offered a charity place to run the London Marathon.
(Oh help!)

*only completed one book - "Marathon running for dummies". (Tsk. Could do better.)

TIS THE SEASON TO GO RUNNING

2007-12-20T09:35:00.000Z

Deck the streets with Adidas running tops,

Fa la la la la la la la laaaaaaaa.
'Tis the season to be social flops.
Fa la la la la la la la laaaaa.

Don we now our neon tabbard,
Fa la, fa la la la laaaaa (la la la).
Troll the ancient Yuletide balla(r)d,
Fa la la la la la la la laa.

See! The blazing Mall before us!
Fa la la la la la la la laaa.
Thread redlaces and join the chorus,
Fa la la la la la la la la.

Follow me in merry jogging,

Fa la, fa la la la laaa (la laaa).
While I tell of Yuletide blogging,

Fa la la la la la la la laaaaaaaaa.....

(Lekker.)

BRING ON 2008!

2007-12-11T17:12:00.000Z

So 2008 is looking like this:

1 Marathon for H.E.A.R.T UK (April)
2 Triathlons (June & August)
3 Half Marathons (Reading, Bath, Bournemouth -all 3 as FLM training runs in March - it's a long month!)
and
1 Trailwalker 100km challenge for Oxfam (July)

Oh help!

THE END OF AN EPOTCH [sic]

2007-11-22T10:45:00.000Z

Having been born in Rhodesia in the 70s (our family left in 1977) I should really know a little more about the man people loved or hated than I do.

Ian Smith, who ruled Rhodesia for 15 years from 1964 to 1979, is best known for his Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) of Rhodesia from Britain on the 11th November 1965, and for his begrudging hand-over of power to Mugabe in 1979, ending an eltist white rule, resulting in the creation of the nation of Zimbabwe (and arguably, the installation of elitist black rule).

Ian Smith remained a key player in Zimbabwean politics until seats reserved for whites were abolished in 1987. Supporting his nation to the last.

His passing on Monday means that the press is now inundated with widely differing political points of view & emotional memories for many.

Describing the (rather rose-tinted view of the) old-fashioned, civil-minded nature of Rhodesia in the 70s, the Guardian published the following quote after interviewing Ian Smith in 2000 "It was as though the world was defied for a decade by some gigantic local bowls club."

Whatever the general consensus about Smith, words like "crisis" "despair" "suffering" and "dictatorship" are now readily used of Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe.

Not a mention of a "jolly hocky sticks" bowls club in sight.

Dit is nie simple nie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MORPH

2007-11-15T13:45:00.000Z

Oo ar, I didn't knows that Morph was a Brizzle lad.

Happy 30th birthday, me babber!

Veels Geluk. Innit.

PRANKSY

2007-11-14T10:03:00.001Z

Spotted this week in Bath.

Surely not?

Dit is nie n Banksy nie.

TO THE TOWER!

2007-11-07T14:07:00.000Z

Our team just survived a tour of Brissol's Will Memorial Tower Tour, which came with the following warning:

The following risks are associated with ascending the tower:
· Physical height above ground – vertigo.
· Restricted and dark access ways – spiral stairs – claustrophobia.
· Slippery steps and roof (particularly when wet).
· Very limited hand holds to provide balance/support.
· Steep steps - physically challenging.
· Rough, dusty, dirty surfaces – damage to clothing possible.
· Pigeons, seagulls and other birds – physical presence and guano.
· Trip hazards. Risk of falling.
· Leaving the group / failing to follow guide’s instruction – Risk of being locked in.
· Damage to hearing if the visit coincides with ‘Great George’ chiming the hour.
· Risk of concrete and stone spalls falling from above.
· Keep off fragile roof lights – risk of falling through.
· No one under eight years of age may access the tower.
· Keep off fragile roof lights – risk of falling through.

Lekker!

I LOVE A GOOD BANKSY

2007-10-25T12:11:00.000+01:00

Banksy strikes again.

10 of Banksy's pieces were on sale at Bonhams yesterday, with my personal favourite "Avon and Somerset Constabulary" (above), fetching the largest amount of the 10 - £96,000.

Not a bad day at the office.

Lekker Oom.

COME TO SUNNY ST DAVIDS, LAUGHED THE GIRL ON HER BLOG

2007-10-24T11:56:00.000+01:00

As the red leaves fall to the pavement and the relentless air turns bitterly cold, I dream of warmer climes and head away on holiday..

..to Wales.

Hmmm.

Heeltemal mal!

EHJBLS

2007-10-23T11:40:00.001+01:00

Mooi.

COMPLAINING

2007-10-18T17:46:00.000+01:00

I'd like to make a complaint.

I'd like to complain about people who complain too much.

This morning on the train I had to endure one of those "Tiny Plays about Britain" as seen in the weekend Guardian:

Woman one to Woman two (both standing in train aisle):
Oh god. The train is late again. It's just DISGUSTING. I'm so sick of this I feel a STRONG LETTER coming on. RIDICULOUS. USALLY, I find that (long list of complaints about train ensues) .... happens. Disgraceful. Tsk.

Woman two: Oh yes. I knoooooooow whatchoo-meaaaaaaaaan. Just the other day I.. (more moaning about trains)

Woman one: Anywaaaaay..... When we get into work I'm going to talk to Janey about the work she's been producing. It just isn't as good as miiiiine.

Woman two: Oh I knoooooooow. She really is rubbish - and she's ALWAYS talking to John. Have you noticed? They're so funneeeeeeeeeeeee.

....Ad Nauseum.

Ladies - just shurrup will you - moaning and b*tching about colleagues (and some other train commuters) and using the words disgraceful, disgusting AND ridiculous in one sentence is simply unacceptable.

Harumph.

...I feel a STRONG letter coming on!

Julle laat my lag.

FACEBOOK

2007-10-15T19:09:00.000+01:00

ANNIE THE ATHLETE

2007-09-25T21:38:00.000+01:00

See her run!

Baie Mooi, Tannie!

HUMAN RIGHTS

2007-09-12T15:51:00.000+01:00

...and another thing....

There seem to be a lot of public comments about "offending my human rights" and "where are MY human rights" in the press these days.

Let's get it clear - the Human Rights Act came into effect in the UK in October 2000 and broadly guarantees:

the right to life
the right to liberty and security
the right to a fair trial
the right to a private life and freedom of expression
& prohibits torture, slavery and forced labour.

The last time I checked the majority of my British chums were all alive (check), free (check), secure (check), had private lives (yup), not tortured (good), slaves (nope) or forced to work (only by their mortgages) and those who have been imprisoned certainly deserved it (don't ask).

So - sort it out society, be greatful for what you DO have, and be responsible for your own actions.

Lekker.

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

2007-09-07T23:10:00.000+01:00

I've just been watching the highbrow television show that is "Hell's Kitchen" and witnessed a debate between two competitors about "political correctness".

Ug. I hate that phrase. It seems to evoke great passion among those who'd rather cling to their bigoted beliefs.

When did it become wrong or irritating to "love they neighbour as thyself" or to treat people with dignity & respect?

Answers on the back of a ethnic background/sexual preference/religious belief form, please...

BUNNY PARODIES

2007-08-30T16:12:00.001+01:00

Ever seen SAW? I love these Bunny Parodies - they cheer me right up now that the nights are drawing in.

Baie, Baie Snaaks, Sannie.

RAIN

2007-08-20T13:06:00.001+01:00

I need some sunshine.

Dis waar.

MARATHON RUNNER? MOI?

2007-08-14T18:33:00.000+01:00

OMG.

I have a Flora London Marathon 2008 place, & I'm duty bound to raise some cash for the charidee HEART UK.

So please support me (and them) by sponsoring any amount.

Bless julle.

IT'S A TOUGH HOOD, DAHLINGS

2007-08-10T11:52:00.000+01:00

I love my new Leon Place.

Big news today - the Number of millionaires in Bath has hit 3,720.

I wonder how long the Chronicle were waiting for it to tick over from 3,719!!

Not as many millionaires, but I'll always love my The old Leon Place.

Mooi, ne?

LOST

2007-08-09T17:02:00.000+01:00

Q. What do you call an Annie without Scrabulous?

A. Lost.

(Actual joke: What do you call an Accountant without a Spreadsheet?)

Aikona.

THE PAST IS A DIFFERENT COUNTRY

2007-08-06T17:58:00.001+01:00

It's funny how a picture of a road can evoke such strong memories and emotions.

Baie Snaaks.

POLYESTER. JUST SAY NO.

2007-08-02T13:15:00.000+01:00

Now that summer is upon us I have noticed a distinct whiff of polyester in the air.

C'mon fellas! Just say no!

...and in other news today...

"Aug 2: Interest rates on hold 
Interest rates were held at 5.75% by the Bank of England today, as
the recent market turmoil reinforced the case against back-to-back
rate rises."

Phew.  Dankie, Here.

FACEBOOK - THE DOUBLE EDGED SWORD

2007-07-19T11:45:00.000+01:00

On Monday the 14 May 2007 at approximately 09:30:29 my life changed forever.

I received an email that read:

"Hey Annie,
You recently registered for Facebook using this email
address. To complete your registration, follow the
link below..."

Prior to this day the autobiography of my life was to be called "Whatever happened to SDW?"

Largely because we spent our fomative years together, and because she had the coolest parents who let her watch scary movies, eat "hoddogs", drink coke and go to the "Corporate" Disco on a Friday night. I had to get by, street cred intact, on Monty Python, water, healthy eating and the youth club.

The youth club was not without it's own dangers. Who could forget the post office bomb, the car full of older boyeeees from the "other" side of town, car leaking dagga smoke, and the lads wanting to pick up a bit of white bread for a "raad", and the mugging of Megan B at knifepoint?

Anyway. I digress. With my new Facebook account, life has changed.

Among other things, I now know:

what happened to SDW, GC, JK, CA, SC, FM, OV, SJ, SN and others...
that Pinetown Girls' High School is now sponsored by "Beds for Africa"...
that Sarnia Primary School is almost as I left it in 1988...
who's been telling who what about me in my loverly Leon Place...
the Audis now own number 12...
that I look like Peter Sellers and Hillary R Clinton...
that my traveller IQ is 98 (Average)...
that I consider myself to have moderate political beliefs...
that I haven't kept in touch with many people from the good old days...
that "PW is sore because he was stung by a wasp while racing tonight"...
that I quietly enjoy scrabble...
that Realbuzzer bloggers fancied another forum to chat in...
that I quite like cats and don't mind who I tell about it...
where lisbon is and where the battle of trafalgar was faught...
that I don't know many of my ex boyfriend's surnames...
that I am 81% open, 78% concientious, 44% extravert, 56% agreeable & 34% neurotic...
that I am not alone in my irrational fear of mannequins...

& now that I know what happened to SDW, my autobiography will have to be called "What ever happened to John S?"

..Until he gets a Facebook account.

Struze Fact.

RIP FOPP

2007-07-09T11:09:00.001+01:00

A sad loss for the nation & for my CD and book collection.

I loved Fopp!

"It is with great regret that we announce the closure of Fopp.

Our store chain is profitable, well regarded and loved by our loyal customers and staff. However we have failed to gain the necessary support from major stakeholders, suppliers and their credit insurers to generate sufficient working capital to run our expanding business.

We would like to thank staff and customers for their support over the past 25 years.

Any outstanding website orders have now been cancelled and will not be fulfilled or charged."

IT'S LIFE, MR EAVIS (MBE) - BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT

2007-06-25T17:30:00.000+01:00

Glastonbury 2007.

Some initial thoughts through the haze...

Last night at about 2am we stumbled upon a café in a marquee in “La Belle Epoque”. I thought we’d entered a Lost Vagueness wedding reception...

A wee lass in a wedding dress greeted us at the door and told us to find a seat and someone would be over to take our order (A seat? My order? Both rare Glastonbury treats..)

Smartly dressed teenagers straight out of “Dawsons Creek” cluttered the place, rolling massive joints, all dressed up and wearing very smart hats, with guitars and drums on laps.

Stoned adults milled about muttering things like:

“You know you’re REALLY wasted when you can’t find your own pocket!”

“Mud. I’m looking for mud. Have you seen any?”

and

"Teacakes!! Making a comeback!"

A haphazard collection of cakes were piled on a table under triangular fly protectors, and tea, scones and teacakes were being snapped up by the masses.

Occasionally the low hum of people chatting was broken with shouts of. “Can anyone play the piano?”

Cue many fingers pointing to the piano in the corner of the marquee, until someone has a go at a chopsticks duet.

A waitress (a Pirate this time) lucky-dip basket underarm asks “Perhaps you’d like a hat or a tie to wear?” I accept, and select the campest, pinkest wedding hat I can muster the courage to wear, and plonk it on my rain-soak'd head.

Most people take up the offer of a hat or tie, and the place looks great. The people who decline shuffle out apologetically, as someone on the other side of the room focuses in on me, points in my general direction and declares “Yeaaaaah, man. That looks cooooool.”

Glastonbury 2007 Highlights

Chai and chocolate brownies in the chill out tent
Hot chocolate and flapjacks at the “Belle Epoque” café
The discovery of the Aussie steak bar right next to the wine bar. (Mmmmm. Steak and onion baguettes and Shiraz while standing out in the mud and driving rain.)

(I know, I know, L, "It's not a food festival, Annie".)

The exclusive gathering in the Guardian Lounge for the Magic Numbers mini-gig. Awesome.
The music, maaaaan. Who could forget the music:

Friday: Benjamin and the Sirens, Soweto Kinch, Amy Winehouse, The Magic Numbers, Bloc Party, The Fratellis, Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys

Saturday: Catherine Feeny, The Storys, Liam O Maonlai, Lily Allen, Paolo Nuttini, Mark Ronson, Mika, The Waterboys, The Killers

Sunday: Koop, Seth Lakeman, Shirley Bassey, LCG Choir, KT Tunstall, Kaiser Chiefs, Corrine Bailey Rae

Glastonbury 2007 Lowlights

Mud
Rain
Camping on a hill for 5 nights
Mud
Cider overload and falling onto a stranger's tent (not my finest hour)
Rain
Wading through the carnage that was the Pyramid stage to get to our tent in the early hours of the morning
Mud
Packing the tent and gear in the driving, cold , wet rain.
Rain
Rain
Wading through the apocalyptic war zone that was the bus rank, lugging bags through the mire
Rain

Not such a different experience to last time then.

It's good to be back in the land of the living now though.

Ek hoor donder, ek hoor donder, hoor jy ooooook? (Hoor jy ook?)

BANKSY WATCH

2007-06-19T12:12:00.000+01:00

I was in Weymouth this weekend and spotted this.

Can't be a proper 'un, cannit?

Jislaaik, Tannie!

ONE WEEK TO GLASTO 2007

2007-06-15T14:01:00.000+01:00

I'm getting excooooooited.

Lekker bietjie musik vir jou, Sannie?

BANKSY STRIKES AGAIN

2007-06-15T12:17:00.000+01:00

Banksy. Coming soon to a field near you...

Lekker soos 'n bietjie biltong.

TRIBAL DANCING

2007-06-10T01:03:00.000+01:00

I rest my case.

Ridiculous.

Net in Engerland.

Snaakse Mense.

RUNNING ADDICTION

2007-06-05T12:24:00.000+01:00

Q.
Can runners become psychologically dependent on running?
If so, what are some of the symptoms?

A.
Most regular runners seem to have a least a mild psychological need for the activity while a very small percentage are compulsive runners, to the point of psychological dependence. These runners generally have a psychological profile that looks something like this: They exercise (run, lift weights, etc.) one or more times a day, and will do so even when injured. Their running often takes priority over most other activities, sometimes to the point where family life, social activities, and work are disrupted. When they can't run, they feel guilty; their mood changes for the worse; and they have a very strong compulsion to start exercising again as soon as possible. When they do resume the activity, they show a positive change in disposition. Moreover, unlike people with drug and alcohol problems, addicted runners usually know and often readily admit that they are compulsive exercisers. They are also usually aware of the effect it is having on their lives. Although the precise cause of exercise dependence is unknown, it has been linked to morphine-like substances called endorphins that are produced by our bodies. These hormones are triggered by strenuous physical activity as well as by acupuncture, pain, stress, psychological disturbances, sexual activity and even by suggestion.1"

Well - That cleared that up, then.

Ja, Bruce Fordyce.

1. As Posted on the University of Florida Website

GLASTO LINEUP ANNOUNCED

2007-06-01T14:21:00.000+01:00

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it (like it)
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
And I know I know I know I know I know I want you (want you).

Oh. The Glastonbury Tickets arrived today.

Briljant, Sannie!

THE REALITY OF SUMMER 2007?

2007-05-29T09:57:00.000+01:00

Who remembers anything about the last seven series of Big Brother UK? Or should I rephrase that? Who remembers the last seven summers?

Who was your favourite housemate? I only remember a few faces now, and even fewer story lines, but have found myself immersed in every single one, much to the chargrin of m'other half.

I'm an addict. The eigth series starts on Wednesday night (cue a "surprise" eviction on Friday night, then) and.... and.... (come on, Annie - you can say it), and.... (deep breath)... and... I'm going to try and avoid it.

(I don't think anyone knows how hard that was to say!)

I plan to enjoy my summer, and not get involved in the "lives" of fame seeking sociopaths.

Imagine how much I'll save in "Heat" costs!*

*Ack - I've just checked out both the Channel 4 & Heat sites and can feel myself getting sucked in already.

I am a shallow, shallow person.

Gee my krag, o here!

ANFIELD WAY

2007-05-23T14:09:00.000+01:00

"Down Anfield Way the world is gay
All Kopites are to tingle,
With rows and rows of crimson flags
From Bootle up to Dingle.
The toast is to eleven men
Who wear the scarlet jersey.
Their names will live forever more
Along the river Mersey

C'mon the 'pooooooooooooooooool. CLF tonight.

Lekker, Boetie

KEEP IT SAFE. INNIT.

2007-05-17T23:24:00.001+01:00

Rumour has it the police will have a greater presence at Glastonbury this year.

Don't I know it!

Dis die waarheid.

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN..

2007-05-13T09:00:00.000+01:00

Not long to go now.....

Mooi, sussie.

DEMOCRACY, UNIONS & FREEDOM OF SPEECH

2007-05-10T11:57:00.000+01:00

Should powerful (newly amalgamated) unions like UCU bus load in members and non-members from Bristol and other areas to protest the visit to Bath University by BNP leader, Nick Griffin?

Surely the good students of Bath can stand up for themselves?

Answers on the back of a postcard, please.

Dankie.

BRAVE NEW WORLD

2007-05-09T15:06:00.000+01:00

L & I had another foray into the social experiment that is Centre Parcs this bank holiday weekend and had a rather jolly time - even though we were surrounded by riff-raff and their rug rats.

(On an unrelated note, a work colleague said to me today - "You can't put other people in your room 101, Annie!")

We've survived previous attempts as it's a convenient 30 minute drive away, and thought we'd have a crack at an "Executive Villa" this time. Bless the poor soul who ever defined grass green carpeting and maroon sofas with matching curtains, orange checked duvets, and complimentary bar of bath soap (aka "Toiletries") and complimentary kitchen sponge as "executive".

The Lake View, Hydro Bath and BBQ were welcome additions, mind.

Highlights included: ten-pin bowling, swimming, cycling, archery, tennis, squash, eating, sleeping, breathing, bbq-ing, drinking, tsking-a-la-supernanny while unasseptable-parent-child-relationship-watching and paintballing.

Mooi, Tannie.

VIVA DEMOCRACY

2007-05-02T15:22:00.000+01:00

(I haven't quite worked out why yet, but....) No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no....

...I only realised yesterday that GB may soon be leading our country..

Dis nie snaaks nie.

BANKSY ORIGINAL

2007-04-26T16:01:00.000+01:00

Spotted me a Banksy original down the road from work today..

The Bristol dude's not doing too badly, among others he sold his "self-portrait" for 198K yesterday, Angelina Jolie spent 120K on his work entitled "picnic"in 2006 and his "Space Girl and Bird" sold for 288K this week.

Who says graffiti doesn't pay?

Nie te sleg nie, oom.

GETTING ON WITH IT

2007-04-26T12:19:00.000+01:00

I have made an important decision- and I can't tell anyone.

(I hope it's the right one!)

Laat ons waai.

I BELIEVE I CAN FLY

2007-04-23T15:21:00.000+01:00

Ok - I don't quite believe I can fly.

But I do believe that self-depreciation is contagious & stifles personal growth.

Therefore I say:

Walk Tall

Embrace the facts and realities of the world

Be spontaneous

Solve the problems - instead of complaining

Reject your prejudices

Be objective

Work hard

& look me in the eye!

Jy weet?

30,000 v 60 GUN DEATHS A YEAR

2007-04-23T09:49:00.000+01:00

Although sixty gun deaths in the UK a year is sixty too many (stop producing guns!) I was shocked to read this morning that the equivalent figure is thirty thousand in the US.

Thirty thousand senseless deaths and countless grieving relatives.

Just say NO to guns.

Simple. Innit.

Julle kan dit doen.

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS WITH BOSS #2987 #2988 & #2989

2007-04-20T16:57:00.000+01:00

Usually there are seven of us in the office. This afternoon there was m'boss and m'self.

....we don't often chat...

Boss: (breaks the silence) So how does the weather compare to South Africa or Australia (has he forgotten where I'm from?)
Me: Mmmmm - not as cold as England, typically. (Not a revalation.)

(I moved from SA 13 years ago.)

Coversation Ends

Boss: (cuts through the silence again - a record) Did you ever see a snake in South Africa
Me: Yeeeeeeeeeeeees. Many times. They were often about the house.
Boss: In the Garden?
Me: Yes, and in the house.
Boss: But they weren't poisonous?
Me: Ummm - yes. They were.
Boss: And what did you do with them if they were in the house?
Me: Kill them.

Coversation Ends

Me: (well, we were on a roll) ...and Monkeys too
Boss: Monkeys!
Me: Yes. In the garden and sometimes in the house.
Boss: But no dangerous animals then?
Me: Apart from the monkeys and deadly poisonous snakes? No.

Coversation Ends

Aikona! Wat kan ek se!

Now! Now! Not tomorrow!

2007-04-18T17:17:00.000+01:00

Never again clutter your days or nights with so many menial and unimportant things that you have no time to accept a real challenge when it comes along. This applies to play as well as work. A day merely survived is no cause for celebration. You are not here to fritter away your precious hours when you have the ability to accomplish so much by making a slight change in your routine. No more busy work. No more hiding from success. Leave time, leave space, to grow. Now. Now! Not tomorrow!

Og Mandino (1923 - 1996)

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

2007-04-04T14:23:00.000+01:00

Spring has Sprung. And not a moment too soon. Life feels SO much better when it's not dark, cold and damp.
And it looks like we're going to have to dust off the bucket and spade for the Easter break in Bournemouth..

Baie Baie Lekker, Skattie.

HANGING AROUND

2007-03-21T10:19:00.000Z

Saw this painted on a wall on my walk into work this morning...

Snaaks. Ne?

AMANDLA MDC!

2007-03-12T12:03:00.000Z

Having seen this BBC article on the recent incarceration and beating of Morgan Tsvangirai, I can't help wonder how our politicians manage to turn a blind eye to the tyranny of Robert Mugabe?

And at the same time, I can't help but appreciate what a luxury it is for me to be able to write that sentence without fear of persecution.

13 YEARS

2007-03-09T07:29:00.000Z

13 years ago today I landed at a grey and chilly Heathrow, to live in the UK, full of youthful optimism about the future...

WHY DOES IT ALWAYS RAIN ON ME?

2007-03-05T12:49:00.001Z

BUMMED

2007-03-03T16:45:00.000Z

Just back from a month in Australia and New Zealand. Now Australia is gorgeous - but I was totally taken by New Zealand. Beautiful.

Bummer facing reality, though. I think it's going to take some getting used to.

Holiday highlights included (not necessarily in this order):

New Zealand:

Long, lazy lunch in Auckland's Sky City revolving restaurant while people Sky Jump past the window!
Hahei & Hot Water Beach
Hamilton & Super 14 Rugby
Rotorua & Boiling Mud & Erupting Geysers
Lake Tahoe - when can I move there?! & Huka Falls
17km Tongario Crossing in 7 hours
Waitomo Caves and Glowworms
Hakas & Hangis
Cirque du Soleil

Australia:

Family days & lunches/dinners
Golfing marathon
St Kilda & Acland Street
Picnicing on the lawn of Yering Wine Station & Badger Weir
Yarraville movies
Discovering Tim Tams and Yering's Fortified Wine - insane!
Lazing on the beach and swimming in Port Phillip Bay - beeeeautiful
Ladies wot lunch on the Southbank
Wineries & Strawberry tour of the Mornington Peninsula
Melbourne Victory Soccer Club's 6-0 win (over Adelaide United) in the final
Sitting next to a Melbourne Victory player on the flight home
Birthdays
Aussie Rules Footie at Telstra Dome (Cartlon stuffed the Essendon Bombers)
My favourite Niece & Nephew's swimming lesson
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) & Federation Square
Ferrying to Williamstown and lingering over lunch
Late night chats that put the world to rights
Dining at the Port
Jogging along the Maribyrnong River

Lekker. Lekker. Lekker.

FAITH IN HUMANITY RESTORED

2007-01-29T00:19:00.000Z

As anyone who knows me will know - I have a penchent for all things high-brow: including "Celebrity Big Brother". My faith in humanity has been shattered in previous "seasons" of CBB and BB proper - when the nation's witch hunt has typically ended up in the execution, sorry eviction, of the most intelligent & morally upright housemates.

Fortunately this series has proved me wrong as Shilpa Shetty was crowned the winner. I backed Shilpa from day one. Even before the bullys got stuck in.

I wonder if the forore that surrounded this year's show will make Joe "UK" Public take a long hard look at themselves? I doubt it. But for a brief moment they got it right...

Mooi. Ne.

IT'S GOOD TO WALK

2007-01-24T12:37:00.000Z

I may not always be crossing my training runs off (tsk) - but I'm walking at least 6 miles (10km) a day these days - getting to the train for work and back. Which must be good for the old ticker.

I took advantage of a sunny lunctime yesterday and set off in search of Clifton Suspension Bridge (the location of the first bungee jump in 1977) and ended up doing a 3 mile (5km) route:
Which filled up the vitamin D reserves - until I leave for Oz next week!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-01-01T10:51:00.000Z

Wishing you all a briljant 2007.

Lekker.

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS - 2006

2006-12-19T15:26:00.000Z

* Went cruising round Barbados, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Isla Margerita & Tobago where we snorkelled, rode speed boats and rubbed shoulders with the best of them

* Ran my first Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in Bath for the British Heart Foundation

* Was a scab & crossed a picket line

* Went to the big smoke for a Diane Arbus exhibition & witnessed another Cirque du Soliel "spectacular, spectacular"

* Ran the Bath Race for Life for Cancer Research (5km)

* Won £70 on the Grand National thanks to Niles "Slippers" Madden

* Went to Belfast and the beautiful Northern Irish Coast (Port Rush) and saw the Giant's Causeway, got certified as an official taster at the Bushmills distillery and survived the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge:

* Joined a gym and started a personal training plan

* Ran the Bristol Heart's First Run (2.5 miles) round the harbour for the BHF

* Developed a liking for sushi

* Saw Amelie Mauresmo and Justine Henin-Hardine play on Wimbledon's No 1 Court ("sssshhh, quiet, please")

* Witnessed my first Polo Match - vicious, yet beautiful

* Narrowly escaped death on the M4. Nuff said.

* Said goodbye to a terrific 2nd cousin - age 11 & realised what a fantastic family I have

* Applied for the London Marathon (and failed - this time)

* Ran the Bristol Half Marathon for Demelza House Hospice

* Had family to visit from Oz - and realised what a fantastic family I have

* Celebrated an eighth anniversary

* Went to Tunisia, stayed in the Sahara, learnt more about Islam & rode on a Dromedary

* Developed a liking for Brik, Harissa, Boukha, Thibarine & Mornag Wine

* Got over an irrational fear of flying (now the fear is entirely rational)

* Developed a liking for Sake

* Joined a running club

& read at least 8 books (that's eight more than usual)
# Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood
# Scribbling the Cat: Travels with an African Soldier
# Four Fires
# Tsotsi
# The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time: Adult Edition
# Small Island
# A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian
# The Kite Runner

Super. I'm looking forward to 2007 already...

Geseende Kersvees julle.

OK GO... On Treadmills

2006-12-15T14:08:00.000Z

MY LEON PLACE

2006-12-12T11:54:00.000Z

How cool is Google Earth! (I know - I missed the boat on that one...)

I'm surprised at how emotional I feel "flying" over Pinetown and "My Leon Place"

Brings it all back to me...

It's nice to see that #12 is still the only house in the street without a pool. I wonder if their alarm system is still a whistle strategically placed on the back of the front door and a highly trained Spaniel called "Scruffy" as the house defender?

Mooi.