Strange Rituals

We all have strange little rituals we perform each day,things that we started doing one day,and just kept on doing it with such regularity that it ends up becoming a necessity to get through your day.This ritual can be anything,and I don't think I can even start to try and imagine all the weird an wacky rituals people have out there.

The one ritual that I have,that I find the strangest and some people might frown a little at,is checking the obituaries.Every day,no matter how busy I am,I always take time to look through the obituaries in the newspaper.It's not that I have some kind of morbid fascination with death or anything,I suppose it just came to be because my dad used to do it,and later on in his life,we would always do it together.I do tend to get sad when I look through the obituaries,because they make me think of my dads' one that we had in the newspaper two days after he died.And I remember all the feelings I felt at that time (and even now) when I read that,so whenever I see these words of love for a deceased loved one,I can just imagine the pain and loss these people are feeling.

You see all kinds of obituaries,for young people,old people,distinguished and poor people.But to be honest,for me the most heartwarming obituaries have to be the ones of deceased pets.More and more this has been appearing in the newspaper,and it just makes me feel so happy to know that there a still people out there that have so much love to give,that they even do this little ritual for their pets.

What is the strangest ritual you have?

A bit of pregnancy and a side of a wedding for everyone!WTF?!

This picture incorporates both pregnancy and weddings,so it works out well

Listen,I have absolutely nothing against either of these things,and hope to one day do one,or if I'm lucky,both of these things.But right now,at the very beginning of this new year,I am being bombarded by announcements of impending weddings and joyful (and some not so joyful) pregnancies.It is just all too much for me to handle.Even my own sister is getting married in September.After hearing of the estimated 10 weddings happening (you have to remember,I live in a very small town) I even asked her to consider postponing the wedding to next year.She wouldn't listen,and the wedding is going ahead as previously scheduled.

Now, the pregnancies.Its like a fertility clinic in this town right now,with people getting pregnant left,right and centre.I'm beginning to feel very suspicious (and afraid) of the towns' water supply,because I'm starting to think this is some kind of mass by water-sterilization of the women in this town.For what purpose,I don't know.

Although I love children,and especially adorable babies (see my previous posts),I am so much happier when I get to spend a day with my niece and nephews,and when they get tired and cranky,to just be able to hand them right back to their parents,and be able to get a great nights' sleep.That arrangement is still working really well for me.

So if things get any worse (ie. I hear of any more weddings or pregnancies) I will be forced to lock myself in a bombshelter somewhere,because really,it is just ridiculous already.

Monday Morning Madness,sort of

It has been a very hectic Monday morning at work,that I only realised now that I did my 100th post on Friday,and in just little more than a month!I rock!In my own mind,at least.

I'm one of the select few (it seems) that don't own a home computer,because in all honesty,I don't really like computers all that much,and mostly just use it for work.So I only post during the week,and therefor tend to be very behind on all the other incredible bloggers,who keep up to date posts going,even on weekends.

I got tagged on Sunday,by the adorable Snickerdoodle Champagne,and only now have gotten the chance to do it.So here goes.

Step 1: respond and rework—answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.
Step 2: tag other people.

1) What are the 3 things you would save out of your burning house?
My family photos,my cat and my purse (since my purse contains most of my important stuff anyway)

2) What was the last thing you read/are currently reading?
Dark Hollow by John Connolly

3) Do you nap a lot?
Once in a blue moon,like yesterday afternoon,and only because my headache forced me into bed

4) Who was the last person you hugged?
My boyfriend

5) What is your current obsession/addiction?
My little nephew

6) What is the last thing you said out loud? To my boss "These people are such assholes."And he agreed

7) What websites do you always visit when you go online?
Facebook,X17 Online,Evilbeet,Sasha is a Monster and Check my Secret

8) What was the last item you bought? A new watch battery

9) What is your most challenging goal?
To not strangle my boyfriend during PMS

10) If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
That's easy,in Hermanus

11) Favorite Vacation spot?
South Africa's West Coast,like Yzerfontein or Elands' Bay

12) Say something to the person who tagged you:
Even though we don't know each other personally,you're an awesome blogger,and I look forward to reading everything you have to say

13) Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you: Highlighting my hair,even though I know it messes up my hair

14) What is your favorite item of clothing?
A jersey my mother knit for me

15) Favorite pair of shoes you keep going back to over and over, even though your closet is over flowing with a zillion others?!
I actually don't own that many pairs of shoes,because I have terrible feet to get shoes for,but I have this plain pair of little black boots,that were very inexpensive,look good with every long pant,and are extremely comfortable.

16) Name one thing you can not live with out:
My boyfriend (cliché,but very true)

17) What do you envy?
Heiresses,I would love to be able to just spend all day just worrying about my next outfit.Carefree

18) If you could only have one 3 course meal for eternity,what would it be?
For starters - prawn cocktail,main course - lasagne,dessert - malva pudding with vanilla ice cream.

So,that was quite painless,and since this is a game of tagging,here are the people I'm tagging:

* Creative Kerfuffle
*Chele
*Drollgirl
*Mmmadrid
*Belette

Even my blood tells me to 'B Negative'

It's not my fault that I tend to be a naturally depressed and negative person,it's in my blood.My B- blood,to be exact.

And just to show it was meant to be,my mom and brother are both O+,my dad was B+,and both my sisters are B+ as well.

So you see?I'm unique,and was always meant to be the grumpy,sarcastic,pessimistic girl I am today.

Something interesting:

Blood group distribution in South Africa
The general distribution of blood groupings in South Africa is illustrated in the table below.

Group + — Total
O 38% 7% 45%
A 34% 6% 40%
B 9% 2% 11% * see!I'm unique! At least in South Africa
AB 3% 1% 4%
Total 84% 16% 100%

It is important to note that it may vary between specific regions and particular racial or ethnic groups.

The terms "universal donor" and "universal recipient" were coined when it was demonstrated that it is relatively safe to give O- blood to patients of any blood group, and that blood from all groups can be given to AB+ patients.

Recipient Donor AB+ is a universal recipient


O-; is a universal donor
Type O- O+ B- B+ A- A+ AB- AB+
AB+ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
AB- ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
A+ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
A- ♥ ♥
B+ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
B- ♥ ♥
O+ ♥ ♥
O- ♥

The chart above illustrates that group O blood is the most versatile.

Read some more about blood groups here.

My 3 Favorite People (except for my mother)

In bed together (lol).JC looks like he's in a totally different picture,all sideways
JC,trying to look cool with his beermug and limegreen beach buggie
The cutest couple (even though F is sporting the doofiest looking hairstyle,ever
Like I said,my 3 favorite people in the world!

I've talked about my best friend,L,before,and today I'm really,really missing her.We haven't seen each other in almost 7 months,and the strain is starting to show.I love that girl so much,it breaks my heart not seeing her as often as I want.

Even though I wasn't very fond of my school years,she was always there for me,and it was so cool to be able to just nip around the corner to each others' houses,and spend all afternoon just talking and hanging out.I really miss that.

Also,she and I now share a deeper bond,after both losing our fathers in 2007.Her father died in a car accident,and mine had a heart attack.It's really strange that us being so close,should go through very much the same heartache so closely timed together.

I can remember being so devistated for her when her father died,and she was actually with me when I heard that my father had died,so that meant a lot to me.

But enough sad stuff,or I'll burst out in tears...again.

She and her boyfriend started dating at the beginning of 1999,when we were in 10th grade.He is only a year older than us,but at the time,I hated him,and seriously couldn't see what she thought was so hot stuff about him.But luckily,through the years,he and I have become really great friends,and I absolutely love hanging out with him,because he is always full of action,and the life of the party.

When my boyfriend and I started dating,things between us four were a little awkward,to say the least.Let me explain.My boyfriend was my best friends' first boyfriend.She dumped him for her current boyfriend.My boyfriend had been really hurt by that,but now that we were together,I worked really hard to let them all get along,seeing as what happened is ancient business,and besides,I knew that my boyfriend,and my best friends' man,would get along like a house on fire,if they actually went to the trouble to get to know each other.

And I was right.As usual.They are now great buddies,that get up to all kinds of mischief when we get together.Their birthdays are even only 2 days apart.

Anyway,what I really am saying,is that these 2 people are my bestest friends in the whole wide world,as well as the coolest couple I know.They both are just so effortlessly good at everything they do.It is always inspiring.

I love you guys!

Success

I dread success. To have succeeded is to have finished one's business on earth, like the male spider, who is killed by the female the moment he has succeeded in his courtship. I like a state of continual becoming, with a goal in front and not behind.

George Bernard Shaw

In a world obsessed with reaching success,this is kind of a strange way to look at achieving success.But I like it.

Just call me "The Handbag Whisperer"

I have to admit,I'm a bit of a nosy freak.I love to know stuff about people,but not really the big important stuff,that is just boring.

No,I like to know what kind of lipgloss you use,or what type of cellphone,or if you have a little makeup bag in your purse,do you keep or throw away your receipts?Stuff like that,because I personally believe that getting to truly know someone is in those small details.Because one can try to hide your personality,but you can't hide what you put in your bag.

Don't get me wrong,I don't go rummaging through random people's bags,but when I meet someone new,or even if I catch up with someone I've not seen for a while,I tend to notice what they take out and put in their bag.That gives me a sort of idea of what their up to,or what they are into at the moment.It can be very telling.You should try it sometime.

Very Superstitious!

I watched 'I,Robot' again last night,and the one thing that stuck with me all night and morning since then,was the song 'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder.I love that song,its just so old school cool,and makes me feel like going to a bar and play pool or something.Couldn't do that unfortunately,since it was Sunday night and I have to be up early in the morning.Damn grown up responsibilities.

The weekend was not good at all.And I mean,at all.JC and I fought basically the whole weekend,and not even about important things,but about the most stupid,insignificant little things.On Saturday morning,while the lifesaver (the cleaning lady) was fixing up our apartment,I decided to go visit my mom,so she suggested we go put some flowers on my dads' grave.We weren't even at the graveyard very long,but going there always makes me more upset than I realise,until something stupid triggers me later on,and then the tears sort of come by themselves.

Saturday evening my sister and her boyfriend came to have a few drinks with us,and it was kind of nice to just relax a bit,although I was quite tense the whole time because JC was in such a bad mood.But after they left,we started making out (probably the drinks talking) and while we were kissing,'Goodbye My Lover' by James Blunt started playing.This song is really emotional for me to listen to,don't know why,but I started crying,and just couldn't stop.JC was really concerned about why I couldn't stop crying,and we started talking the fights and everything.As usual,I had overreacted,but I think that he saw then how little it takes for me to feel threatened and sad.He tends to think that everyone is just as strong,emotionally,as he is.Unfortunately,I'm not,and small things can upset me so badly that I get really depressed over them.



But enough of all that really sad stuff,I'm hoping February (my birthday month) will be a much better month,and that I'll get some good prezzies (here's hoping!).Either way,after getting Superstition,the song,stuck in my mind,I started thinking about superstitions,and how strange some are.Even people who don't believe in the supernatural and strange things like that,most likely have some kind of superstition.

I have plenty,and these are some of the ones I believe:
*Knock wood (to keep something bad you said from coming true)
*To drop a fork means a man is coming to visit.
*To break a mirror means 7 years bad luck.
*It is bad luck to see an owl in the sunlight (I haven't seen many owls in my life,but every time I've seen one,someone I knew died soon after)
*If you leave a rocking chair rocking when empty, it invites evil spirits to come into your house to sit in the rocking chair (I hate rocking chairs,after seeing a horror movie when I was a kid,where the ghost would always sit in the rocking chair.So they creep me out to this day)
*Two people pull apart the dried breastbone of a chicken or turkey until it cracks and breaks, each one making a wish while doing so. The person who gets the long half of the wishbone will have his or her wish come true.



Some of the superstitions might sound really crazy,but it is also quite interesting to learn where they came from in the first place.

What superstitions do you have?

50 Things men should know about women...but don't

I was playing around on the Internet out of boredom,and came across this little gem.50 Things men are supposedly supposed to know about women.Well,some of these are very true,but honestly,some are just plain crap.

So let's you and I go through this very enlightening list.My comments follow each point.

1. Saying “I love you” immediately before, during, or following sex doesn’t count.
(Hearing "I love you" ALWAYS counts,so once you say it,you better be ready to back it up.It doesn't matter if you only said it in the final moment of ecstacy,point is,you said it)

2. Real men drive stick shift.
(Is this some kind of phallic thing,where a guy being good with a stick shift means he is good with his hands everywhere?Because only then would it matter to me if a guy drove stick or not)

3. I will leave if you lie.
(This is a lie.Lots of women don't leave.Even if they find you in bed with another woman.However,your girl might just be that one-in-a-million one that grabs a gun and shoots your balls off if she catches you out.Do you really want to take that chance?)

4. You are cute in raglan-sleeved T-shirts (two-toned baseball undershirts).
(I actually don't get this one.Can someone please explain it to me?)

5. I’m convinced I’m pregnant and obsess about it for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours before my period, even when I have no rational reason to think so.
(This happens to me a lot,especially if I overeat and get really nautious because of that.That always makes me think I'm pregnant for some reason,until I realise,nope,it's just those 2nd and 3rd helpings making me sick)

6. I love it when you hug me from behind and whisper in my ear.
(Only a stone-cold bitch wouldn't like this)

7. “Fine” is never an appropriate response when I ask you how I look.
(Well,I guess "Fine" is more appropriate than "Well honey,now that you're asking,I've always felt your ass looks especially huge in light blue")

8. Most of the time when I fantasize, it’s about you.

(A lot of women fantasize purely about their man,but I'd guess 90% of women are basically having sex with Brad Pitt or Sawyer from Lost every time you're in bed with them.So,no,most of the time you might as well be a well-formed sex toy for all your woman cares,because in her head she's lying on the beach with Sawyer,making jungle love)

9. I’m terrified of becoming my mother, even though I admire her.

(This one is true,for most women.Remember however,we can say how annoying and interfering our moms are,but you dare mention it,and you might as well shoot yourself in the nutsack.And oh yeah,all women eventually become like their mom anyway)

10. I get turned on simply seeing that I have an e-mail from you.

Well,unless that e-mail is vibrating and in the form of a penis,just seeing I have an e-mail from my man will have to be something pretty damn special to make me horny.Don't know about you,but I really don't think I'm that easy)

11. I expect you to call me.

(Very true.We like updates,regular updates.Even on things you think are unimportant.Call us anyway,just in case.An unexpected sweet phone call to your lady could get you some extra nookie,because a man willing to call you for no particular reason,is like an aphrodisiac to some women)

12. Only rock stars are allowed to wear leather pants.

(80's rock stars,mind you,today's rock stars are all environmentally friendly and shit - they don't do leather anyway)

13. I’m scared of losing my independence.

(Well,I've got no problem giving up my independence if it means I get to boss around my own personal man-slave,or boyfriend,whatever you want to call it)

14. I’m more forgiving of you than I really should be.

(Now this one is super true,I am amazed almost daily,of how much a woman is prepared to forgive her man for,only to bitch and moan for days about what an ass he is)

15. Oral sex is your get-out-of-the-doghouse-free card. Manolo Blahnik shoes also do the trick.
(I personally don't like receiving oral sex,but that is an issue for another time.And I hate wearing high heel shoes,so this doesn't really work for me)

16. You did something bad. I seem cool with it. I’m not. (See directly above.)
(Well,obviously I'm not cool with it.Just wait until the prescription drugs wear off,then I'll give you a piece of my mind...)

17. If I’m not having sex with you, I’m… a.) …having a fat day. b.) …not feeling “connected” to you. c.) …blackmailing you to get something I want.
(Women can have all kinds of fucked up reasons for not having sex with their man.If we were going to make a multiple choice answer list for this question,the alphabet would have to be wayyy longer than 26 letters)

18. Shoes determine whether you’re fashionable or not.
(Since I have absolutely no fashion sense,I would think it would be a little hypocritical of me to judge people's shoes)

19. I own a Debbie Gibson CD, and I’m not afraid to use it.
(Ok,either I'm way too old for this Debbie Gibson person,or she's the old one and she was wayyy before my time,because I for serious don't know who she is)

20. When I compare my flabby tummy to a kangaroo pouch, say nothing.
(Never just say nothing,because like they say,silence can be an answer too.And if you say nothing,we just assume you're agreeing with us,or thinking something worse.Just rub that flabby tummy - or even better,kiss it - and tell your girl that you wouldn't have it any other way)

21. A man I love plans the occasional fancy-schmancy dress-up date and impromptu weekend getaways, and he buys my favorite candy in advance when we’re just going to the movies.
(Every girl loves to feel special now and then,and obviously,candy does make most bad things in life a whole lot better.So this one is a good one)

22. You look hot in hooded clothing items.
(Unless your man is a skateboarder or some sort of X Games participant,or stuck out in the rain with an umbrella,I don't really see why he would be wearing a hooded clothing item anyway.Unless he was part of the KKK,which is not hot either)

23. You should never tell me what to do.
(Fellas,this is a keeper.This is the master point to remember.Even if we ask for your advice,do not,for your own safety,tell us what to do.We basically only want you to confirm that our idea is the right thing to do.Remember this)

24. If I slept over, you owe me breakfast.
(It's the least you can do if I 'ate' your 'eggs and sausage' the previous night)

25. My breasts love much licking and sucking.
(They sure do,but ask the girl first,for goodness sake.Don't just begin sucking like the secret of life is buried in her breastesess and the only way you can get to it is by sucking it out.Ask her how she likes it first,because some like it gentle and some like it rough,and if you do it wrong,you might end up with a restraining order,instead of in her pants)

26. If you ask me out directly, I will say yes.
(If you're hot,for sure,if not,you'll have to prove your income and total financial status first.Just joking,but yeah,being direct doesn't always get you the girl,because more often than not,you come off looking like a full-of-yourself douchebag)

27. I’m very impressed when you ask for my advice.
(Probably,but us girls are usually more impressed when you actually do what we tell you to do,like put down the toilet seat,or throw your clothes in the laundry,you know,difficult to remember stuff like that)

28. I’m unimpressed with a man who doesn’t take the lead.
(I do like a man who looks like he could take charge,especially in bed)

29. When in doubt, go with the shirt that matches your eye color.
(Unless you have eyes the color of poo.That really isn't a good color on anyone)

30. I want to be Madonna.
(Listen,where everyone got this idea that all women want to be Madonna,is beyond me,because quite frankly,I do not want to look like the living dead at 50.Sophia Loren,now there's an old lady to aspire to look and be like.She's still hot and sexy at 70!Suck it Madonna!)

31. Women get urinary-tract infections easily, so watch (and wash) your fingers.
(I might sound like a dirty little bitch after this,but I will take a little old urinary-tract infection if my man is really,really good with his hands - it's just a price I am willing to pay,ok?Don't judge me)

32. I’m in heaven when you hold my hand.
(This is very true for me.And since I'm so sentimental,nothing makes my heart melt faster than an old couple who still holds hands,even if it is just to keep each other upright - it's still sweet)

33. You’re sexy when you’re shaving, fixing things, wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, driving, eating a peach, holding a baby.
(Anything that shows us ladies you're not just super masculine,but also super sensitive,is a winner.I will full-heartedly concur with this point)

34. I need to hear how you feel about me. Often. Tell me now.
(Constant reassurance,that's where it's at.If you feel you've said "I love you" too much this last week,say it twice as much next week,because you probably haven't said it enough,and your lady is already wondering whether you truly love her :-)

35. Surprises, especially gifts for moi = more loving.
(True,true,and you might want to give extra attention to grandma's,nieces and pets.Those will all win you brownie points with the missus)

36. I want to be the best thing that ever happened to you–and for you to recognize this.
(Reference point no.34.Say it often,and say it like you mean it.Doing this can and will get you much extra loving)

37. If I’m not feeling loved, I will start looking….
(Men think women don't cheat,but eventually even the most loving missus can start looking around,but we go about cheating differently.Women basically cheat to get a new relationship,whereas men usually cheat to get some more/new kind of sex)

38. Discussion of ex-gf’s and ex-bf’s should be avoided at all times.
(Oh yeah,so true!Nothing pisses me off more than hearing about how so-and-so used to do this and that.Usually I don't even know the bitch and I still want to punch her titties off)

39. I like it when you tell me what you’re thinking, even if you don’t know yourself.
(Women are all basically born with the need to nurture and help.Men are like our little projects.And nothing makes a woman feel more loved than when a man trusts her with his thoughts.Unless those thoughts are of threesomes with Irish midget twins.Then sharing your thoughts isn't a very good idea)

40. Celebrating our anniversary, even if it’s only been a few months, earns major bonus points.
(This is an obvious one.You want to have a sustainable sex life for the next couple of years?Just jot down the date on your calendar or set a cellphone reminder,even a simple man can't forget an anniversary then)

41. I love it when you’re sweaty.
Unless your sweat smells like Hugo Boss cologne,go take a freaking shower before you want some nookie!)

42. It’s best to consult your gal pals for gift ideas.
(No,no,no.You should probably try to get to know your girlfriend.You know that way you will be able to get her a present,all by yourself.Just like a big boy)

43. A lady should always be greeted with kisses.
(Unless you had garlic for lunch,then lots of hugs will do,thanks)

44. I like porn.
(This is what most men hope,but no,some women seriously just don't like porn.Like a friend of mine - she hates porn,any porn,with a passion.I however,like myself a bit of porn now and then.So guys,don't just assume your girl likes porn.Test out the waters first.Just never ask your girl to do the moves they do in the porno's.You might walk out with your centre leg missing,because remember,your girl doesn't get paid for the crazy shit you probably want her to do,so if she doesn't want to do it,let it go.Or get out your credit card and pay up)

45. I love holding your bum in the palms of my hands.
(Ooh yeah!I love doing that.But guys,while she's doing this,try to keep your natural body gasses in check.Bodily gasses are never called for during sexy times)

46. Even nice girls like hushed dirty talk in public.
(Unless you're married to the 'Bree van de Kamp' type,then you're just shit out of luck)

47. It’s cheating as soon as you’re doing something with her that you wouldn’t want me to see, hear, read…
(This is very,very,extremely true.Because why else wouldn't you want your girl to see it?Guys often think cheating is only sex.But trust me,to your lady,cheating can be a whole lot of things,that don't even involve sex)

48. For the record: I’d rather you break up with me than cheat.
(Hells to the NO!I would rather break up with YOU first)

49. I remember everything about our relationship.
(Unless you're an incredible lover,I'll probably only remember the shitty stuff you did,to be used in later arguments)

50. You should know all this and more without my telling you.
(This is probably the one point that is completely true.Get to know your ladies,guys!And before you say that we're too complicated,you guys aren't exactly a 6-piece puzzle either!)

There you go.50 points done and dusted.

What do you all think about these points?I would love to hear your thoughts.

Is this shit for serious?!

Listen,I'm all for true love,marriage and living happily ever after.But one thing I've never been,is a supporter of people getting married too young.I've seen way too many people deciding to marry their first love,or at least someone they started dating while in school,and it almost always ends in complete disaster.

Case in point,this girl who was in my class started dating her boyfriend in 10th grade,married him at 20,had a kid that same year,started her first affair the year after that,with 2 others following soon after,and last year she had her second baby,and thank goodness for her the baby looks like her and not the father,because there seems to be a bit of confusion over who the father actually is.

So imagine my surprise when a friend tells me today that this total douchebag guy in our town is engaged to his girlfriend.Aside from the fact that he is at 25 the intellectual equivalent of a bag of jelly beans,being EXTREMELY homophobic and quite possibly having been the inspiration for Katy Perry's song "Ur So Gay",his freaking fiancé is only 18!

This little girl only finished school last year,and yet here she is,already engaged to the biggest ass I personally have had the pleasure of talking to.Not only that,it might've been acceptable for them to get married so young (I mean her parents appear to be delighted...did I mention they both too are COMPLETE and UTTER douchebags?),if they had been together for at least 2 years or so.But no,why wait?They've only been together 5 months!

I don't mean to be raining on anybody's parade or anything,and I'm also totally sure that there are millions of happy couples out there that got married really young,but deep down I just can't understand how this could possibly work out.

I mean the guy wears popped collar gholf shirts for goodness sakes!That alone makes him unfit to be a groom!

I am basically a friendless loser.Right?

Ain't this the truth.
As you know,I live in a small town,and therefor there aren't that many people to choose from that you would want to spend your precious time with.

Be honest,even for people living in huge cities,where literally millions of people live,it is still hard to find good friends.Now imagine doing that in a town with like 10 000 people.Odds are,in all the 10 000,there might be one or 2 that are at least a little compatible with you.

Let's examine my real friendships (I'm not talking about acquaintances or drinking buddies),I'm talking people you would want to be stuck with alone on a deserted island for a year kind of friendships:

In school,I always had my one best friend,from 3rd grade until 12th grade.In high school,we enlarged our friend circle a little,by adding 3 other girls to the mix.It wasn't always a good thing,but even though my bestie and I are completely different people,we stuck together,and remain the best of friends to this day.

The problem is,after school,everyone moved on and away.I am the only one of the 5 girl friend circle still living in our small town.And I'm only really friends with two of the girls anyway.My bestie lives 3 hours from me,so we are lucky to see each other 3 or 4 times a year,because work and money are always interfering with our plans.

Other than these girls,I've only ever really had one other close friend,and that's my sister.She is 4 years older than me,but sometimes I feel like I am just as,if not more,mature than she is.So we are basically on the same level.We have always had a really special bond,and we are almost like an old couple,who finish each others' sentences and know each other so completely,that it's actually scary.She lives just up the road from me,so we remain close,even though life has changed dramatically for both of us.

And last,but not least,my Mr.Lover-lover,JC.He and I were sort of friends before we got together,and the cement of our relationship is definitely the fact that we are best friends now.We can talk about anything,and do anything together,and even if one or the other gets mad about something,the argument will just dissolve itself,and we are back on track.His friendship has been the most unexpected thing in my life,and the best.I don't know what I would do without him.

So to recap,I basically only have 4 friends.People that I share everything with and who share everything with me.And by association their partners,so let's make it 7 people.

Is having only 7 good friends in this world too little?Am I a loser?Because I read about people,and see people with literally hundreds of friends who they seem to be really close to,and it makes me feel a little inadequate.

However,I've always been a firm believer in 'quality over quantity'.

What do you think?

Stupid people

Hahahahaha.

The building I work in has a showroom in front where the new vehicles for sale are displayed,with floor to ceiling windows facing the main street of our town.

I specifically say floor to ceiling windows,because they are clearly windows,and even though they are cleaned thoroughly twice a week,they are not completely invisible,and there are alluminium panels spaced about 1 metre from each other all over the glass 'wall'.

So it amazes me how so many people can come in through the front door,do their thing inside,and then take a different route (to another part of the windows in front),and proceed to walk face first into one of these windows.

Just now,a man did this exact thing.The imprint of his face is clearly imprinted on the window now,so I'm assuming it must have hurt like a mofo.But to me he should be more afraid of his own stupidity than any damage he might have caused to his face.

Cos a broken nose you can fix,but stupid is forever.

Some people say the coolest shit

I don't think I'm dumb.Not at all.I don't think I'm all that smart either.But at least I know left from right (well,most of the time),I know not to mix whites with colors when doing laundry,I know not to eat garlic or eggs before a big date and I know not to tell the truth when a friend asks me "Do I look fat in this?".So yeah,I consider myself pretty smart.

But it's I read quotes by really smart people,that I feel totally dumb,because they always say the smartest stuff,stuff that I'm sure I would not be able to think of,even if I sat and thought for days on end.

Here are some of my favorite quotes (and like Courtney said in Jawbreaker "Learn it,live it,love it" - the quotes that is - they are words one can live by).

“Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people.” (Don't men like to call women unreasonable?Well,here you have it - progress depends on being unreasonable)

“People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.” (I don't mind hearing other people's religious views,but don't force me to listen to them,because that will just make me dislike it,before I even know anything about it)

“People are afraid of themselves, of their own reality; their feelings most of all. People talk about how great love is, but that's bullshit. Love hurts. Feelings are disturbing. People are taught that pain is evil and dangerous. How can they deal with love if they're afraid to feel? Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they're wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It's all in how you carry it. That's what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you're letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain.”

“People are very open-minded about new things - as long as they're exactly like the old ones.”

“There are only two kinds of people who are really fascinating; people who know absolutely everything, and people who know absolutely nothing.” (I like to think I'm the former)

If you want to get some super cool quotes for your own blog,check out this site.

Meet Logan - he gives me hope

I don't know what it is,but I am totally all over the place,emotionally speaking,the last couple weeks.The smallest thing can make me a bleary,teary-eyed mess.And this video,which my SIL sent me this morning,was just the thing to set me off again.

No one at work have said anything about my teariness,but they might just be afraid that I'm on the brink of an emotional meltdown,and therefor don't really want to get in the line of fire. If this boy doesn't make you feel like,hey,there is still hope for the youth of this world,then I don't know,you must be made of rock or have gone over the cliff of pessimism,into the lake of bitterness.

This is what all people should be like.I wish,at 25,that I had the insight of this boy.

Hold on while I get a little Hallmarky right now

Being religious is something that I've been taught from childhood,but in all honesty,I'm not a very religious person.At least not in the traditional sense.I don't go to church every Sunday and I don't read my Bible nearly as much as a 'Christian' is 'supposed' to.

And this is where I say the phrase that I never understood when used by other people when I was younger,but which I feel best describes me now - I'm not religious,but I'm a Believer.

I believe that one higher power (whatever you want to call him - God,Allah,Buddha)created this beautiful universe and everything in it,and I also believe in an afterlife (I guess my idea of the afterlife would best be described by the movie 'What Dreams May Come' for some reason).

But just because I am not overtly religious,doesn't mean that I would deny other people their beliefs.Not at all.I find it truly inspiring to see people who are so strong in their faith,that life can throw anything at them,and they seem to handle it with an ease that I find myself jealous of.Take for example the one doctor in our small town.This past November,their only son (9 yrs old),was playing with a friend,when their ball bounced onto the roof of the friends' house.They both climbed on top of the roof to get the ball,when the doctors' son started slipping.And the nearest thing to grab onto?A live electricity wire that hadn't been fixed yet (the boys' friend and his family had only moved into the house about a month earlier).

The doctors' son was electrocuted to death,even after his little friend hurt himself trying to save him.His friend (also 9) tried to do CPR on him,even though the only time he had ever seen CPR was what he had seen on TV or in movies.Unfortunately,nothing could save the boy,and tragically,his father was the doctor on call,so he was the one to pronounce his son dead.

For a father,mother and the boys' older sister to have to go through something like this,seems to me to be completely unbearable.I don't know if I would have the strength to survive a tragedy like this one.However,in the weeks following his death,plenty of people commented on how calm his mother and father were,and that they must be heavily medicated or something,because why weren't they completely destroyed by this?It was my boyfriends' mom,who herself is a very religious person,who told me that she had talked to the boys' mother,and that she had told her that although it was a horrible tragedy and she missed her son,she had complete peace about her son,because he was safe in God's hands.

She also said that she felt that he was always destined to live a short life,and that he had crammed the experiences of a 70 year old into the span of 9 years.He had been overseas many times,he was an experienced little hunter,he excelled in swimming,athletics and rugby and was a very smart little boy.

This makes me very sad,because it makes me think of my own life,and what I have accomplished (or the lack of what I've accomplished).What will people say/think about me when I'm gone one day?

That's why I decided a long time ago,that even though I might not be very religious,I would still try to be the best person I can to others,and treat all people with respect,to the best of my abilities.You know the famous verse - do unto others as you would have done unto yourself.That's my motto.

As an afternote in this rather sad post,comes some more tearjerking words.This is an email a friend sent me today.Now,this is a typical religious email,but for some reason the story (whether made up or real,I don't know) struck a cord,and made me shed a few tears.

Breakfast at McDonald's

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.
The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.
Her last project of the term was called, 'Smile.'
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.

As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'.His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.He said, 'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them.The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.He said, 'Coffee is all Miss' because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.That is when I noticed all eyes in the
restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.'

I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..'
We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not church goers, but we are believers.
That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.
I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it.
Then she looked up at me and said, 'Can I share this?'
I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:

UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS
NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE

I love a man who works with his hands,but our mechanics suck

Yesterday afternoon,my boss comes into my office,and asks me "Do you think you could stay for a little bit after work tomorrow?" So I say "Sure,no problem."When I actually want to start already apologizing for whatever it is he's going to yell at me for doing wrong.

My boss is a very soft spoken,gentle man,and he hates conflict,so I couldn't really understand why he would want to have a special meeting with me,alone.So this morning,I asked my other boss (who happens to be a second cousin of mine,his father is the big boss,and the big boss was my fathers' favorite cousin - sort of the reason I got this job) why I had to stay behind,and he said that everyone has to stay behind,and his father was just going to talk about the work and rules and other boring crap in general,but he was mainly going to focus on the mechanics (I work in a car dealership (and workshop).

Those lazy SOB mechanics are a real waste of air.They even irritate me,and I sit in my own little office,so I hardly ever see them.But my boss has a lot of trouble with them just leaving work whenever they want,breaking tools or spares in the workshop,drinking all the coffee,tea or cooldrink in the staff kitchen,etc.The list goes on.They just do what they want,and get paid huge salaries,and they aren't even scared of being fired,because they know my boss is a softie,and wouldn't do that.

This one mechanic,who is like 20+ years older than me,has started this habit of coming to drink his coffee on the stairs outside my office,every day.There he will sit and smoke and make small talk,for whatever reason.I wouldn't be bothered by this,but he is a little pervy,and always looks at you like he's undressing you with his eyes.When I'm out at a bar,drunk and the guy doing the mental undressing is hot,that would be cool.This however,is not.And now,my big boss' other son (he's the sales manager),is starting to get really pissed off with this mechanic smoking up the place.And since he's doing it right by my office,it looks like I'm encouraging him.Which I'm certainly not!I don't like getting in trouble for other people's crap.

So tonight,the whole staff is coming together for a 'beginning of the year' meeting.Yay,I just absolutely adore meetings.NOT.But hopefully some problems will get sorted out,these cocky asshole mechanics will be put in their place,and I will not even be looked at,because seriously,I'm an angel at work.

Well,except for the insane amount of time I spend on the internet every day.

But shhh,no one need know that ;-)

I'm no longer a virgin!

Well,that's quite obvious,but I meant an Interview Virgin.

Because after grovelling at the feet of the lovely Kim at Perfectly Cursed Life, she was gracious enough to give me a few questions.So here goes:

1.What is your favorite line from a song or book and why?Does it relate to a specific occurrence in your life?

These few lines are from "The Show Must Go On" by Queen,and everytime I hear this song,it makes me feel sad,yet strong at the same time.
"Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on.
Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
Another heartache, another failed romance
On and on, does anybody know what we are living for?"

2.You have to choose any person, living or dead, to write your biography. Who and why?

Sasha Pasulka (Evilbeet),well,simply because she is damn funny,but always keeps it real.

3.Someone once said that destiny is a fickle bitch. Has this been true in your life and how?

Honestly,didn't know what the hell this quote was,or who said it,so I Googled it,and it turns out,it's a quote from the show "Lost".

But no,I don't really feel like destiny is a fickle bitch,because destiny in itself,is mutable.Life is all about opportunities and choices.What will be will be,that much is true,but with every choice you make,you alter your own destiny into a different direction.

4.When was a time you realized that you were in over your head?

At the beginning of the year,when I was living alone for the first time in my life.I was broke,lonely and depressed.I realised pretty quickly that I was in WAY over my head and had to make a change.And then my groundfloor apartment got flooded,so yeah,I kind of had no choice,but to make a change.

5.Were you one of the millions who hated adolescence (high school in particular) or did you enjoy it?

I won't say I hated it,it was just uncomfortable.I was never the cool kid,but I wasn't the cast-out uncool kid either.I was always that little grey kid in the middle.Like vanilla ice cream,I was ok,but nothing special.

Bonus: Can you name all five of the Great Lakes from east to west without looking at a map or any other resource?

I'm not even going to try,I would just have to Google this anyway,because I don't live in America.Ah lets be honest,I live in South Africa,and I wouldn't be able to tell you all (or any) of the names of our greatest lakes or rivers.I'm geographically challenged.

Now,I would really love to do some interviews,so if you would maybe like to be interviewed by me,just follow these few simple steps:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

The hazzards of living in a small town

People can say what they want about us small town folk,but one thing I definitely think,is that it takes a special kind of person to be able to exist in a small town,and happily at that.

Why,you may ask?Because instead of living in a place where you hardly know what your nearest neighbours look like,or who is family of whom,I live in the kind of small town where people know me,purely based on the fact that they knew my grandparents,my parents or one of my older siblings.Here,if you're in school and you get caught doing something bad,your name is hardly mentioned,but you are more likely to be referred to as 'Mr and Mrs.So-and-so's' daughter.

In my town,there's really no secrets to be kept.What's the use?Everyone will find out eventually anyway,and then the story will probably have plenty more little twists and turns added along the way,just to make sure the story about you is worthy of being passed around.

Hardly a month goes by where there aren't stories of this one's pregnancy,this one cheating,this one losing his business,this one being caught drunk-driving,etc.For a town this size,we have plenty gossip worthy stories to choose from.Right now there's a woman I know cheating on her husband of 15 years,with a guy whose probably 10 years her junior.Another girl only got married last month,yet is 3 months pregnant,and then there's the shopkeeper who alledgedly smuggles diamonds in his fake left leg.

You really can't kiss a guy hello in this place,without you either being nearly married,pregnant or mortal enemies by the next morning.And you know what,I've learned that if there isn't a gossip story about you going around town,that more than likely means people think you're boring.And not worth talking about.And that,my friends,is a fate worse than death.I think.