Every Man's Dream

So in my quest to master the art of Pole Fitness, I realised that it would be in my best interest to get a pole at home so that I could put in the hours of practice one needs. And lets be honest it’s pretty cool to be able to say you have a pole at home. 

Problem: this cost money first off and secondly I don’t have a concrete ceiling and as we are renting the cost to reinforce the ceiling was just not an option…

Enter X-Pole South Africa…

So after many months of saving up I finally placed my order for an X-stage lite form X-Pole South Africa.  After just 3 days my pole had arrived and I just couldn't wait to get it up and spinning. 

Neat, tidy and portable!

The other bonus with having bought a stage pole is the fact that is is totally portable and packs into four specially made carry bags. The other great thing about X-poles is the fact that you can get different length extensions so you can customize the length of the pole to suit your needs or restrictions. Which mean's I can take my pole where ever my heart desires. But for now the dinning room will have to do :)

Taa Daaa!

Test drive....

 *Lucky Clark Kent  ;-)

If you want more info on Pole Dancing for fitness check out Pole Dance Cape Town's facebook page or website, and for info about any X-Pole products check out X-Pole South Africa's facebook page or website.

 ~WooooHoooo lets get Pole dancing!~

Karmic Balance

So I have always been a believer in the age-old saying, ‘What goes around comes around’. Some people refer to it as Karma, Fate, or Paying it forward, but I think it doesn’t matter what you call it the principle is the same.

You simply treat your fellow man with respect, help where you can, don’t turn your back on a stranger in need of assistance if you are able to help out. I think there is a famous quote that says ‘do onto others as you would like done onto you’ or something like that…

This doesn’t mean you have to fix every situation or person you come across, yet do what’s within your means.

Today I have even more faith or belief in this system way of living my life. There have been a number of occasions in my life when I have helped someone in need without any expectation of something in return other than their gratitude. Whether it was a donation of old clothes or electronics or a giving a girl an extra hairband at gym to helping people push/jumpstart their car, to name a few.

Well, these small good deeds were paid back to me last Tuesday night when I was in a car accident and a stranger stopped to help me out! I had been hit on my driver’s door and when the car came to a stop I had no idea what had happened or where I was in the intersection, the airbags had deployed and the car was filled with their powder/smoke. I was confused and trapped, as I couldn’t open my door. I started to panic but eventually instinct kicked in told me to get the hell out of there and as I climbed (more like stumbled and fumbled) over to get out of the passenger side door the Good Samaritan appeared. He helped me out the car, made sure I wasn’t badly injured, helped me call Clark Kent, now AKA My Knight in Shining Armour, and report the accident to the police. The good Samaritan kept me clam until Clark Kent arrived and took over the scene.

 

I was unbelievably lucky that I wasn’t seriously injured by the looking of the remains of my poor Denni. The only thing to show for it was a badly bruised knee, the unseen was the whip lash and one or two bruised internal organs. I am extremely grateful and thankful to all my Angels that were looking over me that night, and to the Good Samaritan who stopped to help out a stranger in need. 

I am very lucky to have My Knight in Shining Amour who has looked after me and all the admin, I couldn’t have gotten through this without you!

~What goes around comes around!~

2nd Annual Pole Dancing Showcase!

Saturday the 26th of May 2012 was d-day. After months of preparation it had finally arrived our 2nd Annual Pole Dancing Show.

The nerves where high and the adrenaline was pumping, and before we knew it we were being called to stage for our opening act.

Then came the final instructions:

• Take up your positions
• Poler's ready
• Invert
• Hook
• Cue music

As the music started its was like my body went into auto pilot and just knew what it had to do. The next thing I remember was, we had struck our final poses and the crowd going crazy! They loved us they really really loved us!

As we got backstage you could feel the excitement, the nerves and the electricity in the air.

One down and one more performance to go, a quick make-up and costume change and after what felt like a few minutes, we were being called from our dressing room to the backstage holding area. The Puppet Master was there waiting for us with well wishes and wise words of comfort to sooth our ever growing nerves. This was it BondageX, The legs and I were up next, there is nothing I can say to describe the feeling of standing waiting in the wings in the moments before you are scheduled to perform. It is a cooking pot of nerves, excitement, readiness, unpreparedness and exhilaration.

The stage is blacked out as the act before us walks off stage, one last deep breath and one foot in front of the other and we take our starting positions.
Our music started and we were in the swing of it, we were in-sync, we had attitude and enjoyed ever second. Then came our big tricks section, towards the end of the song, we had been worried about this for weeks, but we all nailed it! And the crowd went wild!

I still wake up in the middle of the night and its on action replay in my head, I am so proud of myself and my girls! It was worth all the time, blood, sweat and tears!

The whole show ran smoothly and professionally and I would like to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to all involved, performers and organisers for making this event spectacular and memorable.

Pole dance Cape Town this would not have been possible without you ladies!
You are all amazing!
THANK YOU!

Photo courtesy of Antonella Ragazzoni antonellaragazzoni.wordpress.com

~Keep Pole Dancing~

Pole Dancing

It has been forever since my last post and there is no good excuse really. But life seemed to get in the  way with just so much happening, I just haven't had a free moment.

And one of the main time engulfing activities has been the preparation  for our second annual Pole dancing showcase which is taking place this weekend. It is a sell out show which promises to be sensational.

It has been almost four months in the making with a grueling rehearsal schedule and two other girls and I volunteered to do a small trio act over and above our large intermediate group act. Which meant we had our work cut out for us, not only did we have group rehearsals, we needed to select a song, choreograph our trio act and make times for rehearsals.

It's no wonder all we have done for the last three months is eat, drink, sleep and breath Pole dancing. And this will all come to an end on Saturday night. A spectacular end at that!

What can one expect to see at such a showcase? Students at every level of pole fitness will display their strength and agility which they have gained through pole fitness classes. Acrobatic and gymnastic like moves will be shown through carefully choreographed dance pieces. Their will be a variety of dances from large groups  to solo acts and of course yours truly's trio act with partners in crime aka Butt Buddies, (BondageX and The Legs), which will just blow your minds… he he

*I couldn't help but give us a plug!!! It is my blog after all :)*

There will also be fire dancers and aerial silk dancers as well as some big names in the Pole dancing world, and much more!

A big thanks needs to be giving to The Puppet Master without you, Elbow just wouldn't have been the mind blowing act it is! Thanks for all help with the choreography and whipping us into shape, we couldn't have done it without you! Also a big thanks to Pole Dance Cape Town, who made this show possible with all the organisation, providing hardware (poles etc), the dance sequences and the rehearsal space and much more!

All that's left to do is get on that stage and show them what we are all about!

If you haven't got your tickets already or can't make the show, watch this space for info of any future shows or Pole fitness updates

~Let's Get Spinning~

Colours of Spring

Last Saturday we decided to do something a little different, it was a spectacular day after a week of cold and rain, we figured we couldn’t sit back and let it go to waste, as sunny warm days are few and far between so far this spring. So we jumped in the car and took a drive up the West Coast to Darling to check out what the fuss was with these wild flowers, everyone has been talking about.

As it happened there were two flower shows that weekend one showcasing some of the most amazing orchid’s I have ever seen and the other was focused on the wild flowers the west coast is renowned for. 

 And I now know what all that fuss is about, I mean I have never see orchids this size! They were absolutely breath taking, I was amazed by the variety of colours, sizes and arrangements. They really were spectacular. 

After checking out the orchids we moved onto the wild flower show, where we were hoping to get to ride a tractor but the waiting line was so long we gave that a miss. 

Once we had seen all there was to see at the shows we headed out into the big bad wild to see these flower in their own environment… beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!

I now understand why everyone is talking about the wild flowers, I definitely think it is a must on every Capetonians bucket list and those visiting the area especially between August and September when the flowers are at their best. 

We had a spectacular day up the west coast, frolicking amongst the flora!

If you want to check these amazing sights out for yourself take a look at these handy websites:

Darling Tourism

Darling Wildflower society

 ~Here's to a great spring!~

Blue Suede Shoes

Alright peeps, so I know I have been like super duper slack with this whole blogging thing so I have decided to make a real effort to try get back into the swing of things.

First up I just have to brag a little... I just can’t help myself. But I stumbled upon these gorgeous ladies recently and I just had to bring them home.

There I was shopping for a mates present to celebrate her becoming another year younger, when these ladies caught my eye. Problem was there was a red pair and blue pair, I was by myself, and as we all know us ladies love to shop in pairs to totally justify impulsive purchases like thins, and the only opinions I had was from the two skater boy shop assistants, who just kept on saying, “well what you going to wear with them?”

*Note to all men out there, when a woman is buying cute shoes, it’s not about what she has to wear with them, because she will always find or buy something to wear with them. Or hey she might be planing on wearing nothing but the shoes.. *~wink, wink~*

Anyways, I think the saddest part about the whole experience was I couldn’t take both pairs home with me, so I eventually decided these electric blue beauties definitely gave off a spark!


Well stay tuned folks for the all new Changing Gears...


~ Just don’t step on my blue Suede shoes~

A New Spin On Life

So about two months ago I was looking for something new to shake up my gym routine as I was completely bored and felt like I wasn’t achieving much. I needed to be inspired and excited again about this whole keeping fit, healthy and losing weight thing most of us have to fight with.

So I took the plunge and crossed the threshold into the studio of Pole Dance Cape Town… yes you did just read that correctly, Pole dancing.

Now trust me when I tell you this ain’t for the faint hearted, my eyes were definitely opened after that first introductory class. And for the record I would love to see some strippers do what we get taught… this isn’t about shaking your bum and walking around a pole, there are some serious acrobatics going on here.

I consider myself relatively strong for my height and size and the fact that I’m a girl, I can lift some decent weight when working out at gym, and with all my running I would put myself into the fit category. Ha, laughable, let me tell you, after that first intro class, my arms didn’t feel like they belonged to my body the next day, I was stiff and sore in places I didn’t even know I had muscles, not to mention the array of bruises that were scattered around my body. But it didn’t matter I was hooked and it had nothing to do with the work out… ok well maybe it did because it’s seriously intense trying to lift your own body wait and work against its resistance… but more than that I just wanted to be able to do the things our instructor showed us and I wanted to make it look good.

So here I am two month down the line and a few less bruises, and Clark Kent has to defend himself a little less to our friends, but I still feel like my arms are made of lead. But I have accomplished a number of things I originally thought impossible, these include standing and sitting on the pole. Which doesn’t sound very hard in theory… well ok smart-ass I’d like to see you do it, and keep in mind that the only thing that holds you on the pole… is your skin. Now think about sitting with your legs crossed with a pole between them and if you aren’t strong enough to hold your legs hard enough together you slide… ouch!

I have also managed to go upside down, although I’m not confident enough to do it without a little backup from our instructor but I’ll get there. But what this entails is kicking your leg a body length above your head, catching the pole with your ankle and affectively doing a pole stand upside down and then sliding to the floor. Eventually we are taught to let go and do various tricks whilst upside down, but for know I’m sticking to the basic’s… but I must say it’s a serious adrenaline rush when you finally get it right!

Other than those acrobatics I have learnt a number of spins, some better than others, with names like, fireman, attitude, carousel, ski lift, V-leg and Peter Pan to mention a few. As well as transition moves as they are called to make everything look pretty when you put it together. 

Check out Miss Pole Dance 2010 in action...

~Practice, Practice, Practice~

Sawatdee Kaa

OMG... Im just so excited I cannot even begin to describe it! Clark Kent and I have just booked a 12 night holiday to Phuket and Kuala Lumpur!

This is the first holiday I have been on in three years, and for someone who used to travel overseas at least three times a year... that's a long time to remian in one place. Not to mention it will be Clark Kent's first time on Asian soil. And although it will be my second time in Phuket, Thailand I know it's going to be a very different experience and one I can't wait to share with my Superman. From there we are heading to Kuala Lumpur to have a Malaysian experience as neither of us have been there and we can explore the city together for the first time.

Ah the sun, the beaches, the markets, the temples, the food... oh the food! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. And I tell you it is a well deserved break for the both of us and possibly the best stress reliever I can think of.

I haven't been this excited in a very very long time!!

~Asia look out here we come!~

Well Hello Alfa Romeo – Giulietta

So you know that feeling of butterflies you get in your stomach just before you go on your first date with some you really really like. Well that was the feeling I had as I slid into the drivers seat of the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, giggling like a school girl, I adjusted the seat and mirrors before griping the steering wheel, sliding it into first gear and dropping the clutch.

Last Friday I was fortunate enough to get invited to the media day for the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta and what a totally awesome experience it was. I totally felt like Jeremy Clarkson or the Hamster Hammond on Top Gear as we weaved our way around Franschoek and through the passes, testing the car's capabilities.

My first impression was, wow she’s a looker, with smooth sleek lines running the lenght of her body, perfectly curvaceous in all the right places, that cheeky floating grill and the Bi-xenon headlight inviting you in to experience more. I must admit it felt great to drive a car that turns everyone’s head as you cruise by, cellphone camera’s clicking away like the paparazzi, trying to capture the Giulietta’s beauty. We even had one guy ask if you could sit inside and check it out while we were stopped at the petrol station. But you can’t help but think, will her performance live up to her good looks?

And in my book that would be a definite yes, I am no expert but I have never had this much fun driving a car… and I love to drive. Everything was a pleasure, the smooth changes of the 6-speed gearbox was like a hot knife through butter, not to mention the power these engines put out. I drove both the 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde and the 1.4 TB Distinctive. And I was astounded by the power output of the 1.4 engine whist in dynamic mode, I mean my little 1.4 seems like a lawn mower engine in compression.

I’m not gonna get all technical on you, but if you are interested in specs, like Blue&Me, ABS, DNA, ASR and SBR and can check it all out on the website.

What I am going to tell you is that if I had the cash, I would be sold, and I would have a bright red triple layer pearlescent painted Giulietta parked outside my place for sure. This car has the ability to take you back and make you feel like a little kid again, playing with your favourite toy.

~ One day when I’m big ~

Let The Good Times Roll…

Wooo hooo, finally it is here, the day I thought would never come. It is the last working day of the year and what a year it has been. One rollercoaster ride with many ups, downs and a few loop-de-loops, but here I am in one piece to tell the tale.

As of tomorrow, well maybe this afternoon, it’s all about good people, good times and good champagne, mixed with lots of fun in the sun and most definitely much relaxing.

Normally around this time, Pop Tart, Crazii and I would be finding any excuse to have a party or celebration including a pre Christmas party party. However this year as we are scattered around the world we will have to start some new traditions with some fabulous new friends I've made along the way, but ones that will always include a toast or two to traditions past.

Clark Kent and I have already kicked things off by totally embracing the Christmas spirit, Christmas tree, check
Flashing lights, check
Santa hats, check
Loads of crackers, check
Presents, check
Lots of champagne, check
Playing tourist in our own Country, check
Next, Christmas music…
And that’s just the beginning, I have a feeling this is going to be one super duper Christmas…

But for now I’d like to wish everyone out there a Very Merry Christmas!


~ Be safe and be merry! ~

Silly Season Essentials

So as it is the 1st of December and officially the start of the silly season, I thought I would put together a list of the essentials one needs to ensure it’s one to remember.

1.    A Christmas Tree covered in flashing lights 
2.    Christmas crackers big and small
3.    Mince pies (AKA flies graveyards)
4.    A Silly Santa hat
5.    A Christmas stocking
6.    Best of Christmas carols CD (Boney M will do)
7.    Family and friends (the more the merrier)
8.    A fully stocked bar with lots of Bubbly
9.    A large amount of food including Turkey and Gammon
10.    A stylish wide brimmed sun hat
11.    A new bikini or swimsuit in an outrageous pattern
12.    Jewellery in a warm gold or rose gold to get you noticed
13.    Wedges should be your footwear of choice
14.    Statement sunglasses are a must have
15.    Don’t forget the presents ☺

So now that you have the basics all that’s left to do is enjoy!

~Happy Silly Season Ya’ll~

I'm Back From Outter Space...

Well peeps, I think I am re-entering the world of sanity… maybe… After months of feeling like I’ve been locked in a padded cell, for my own safety, countless sleepless nights and a number of bottles of bubbly. The magazine is on the printing press and there is nothing more that I can do, so its time to breath and hopefully relax albeit for only a day or too.

But looking forward the silly season is approaching fast and I for one cannot wait…
It means “we’re going on a summer holiday, no more working for a week or two….” And man I can’t wait, it’s been one ball buster of a year, so I’m in some serious need of Sun, Sand, Surf and Fun… not to mention sleep.

It’s that time of year where you are allowed to be crazy and spontaneous, you are encouraged to over indulge and be merry. Even friends who are separated by millions of cubic tones of water are able to feel closer to each other, even while missing them terribly, simply because you know they are doing the same things you are, just in a different time zone.

I don’t care that Santa was created by Coca Cola, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same with out jolly old St Nic, and my dad telling me to leave out a mince pie and a coke….

I can’t wait to put up the tree, sprinkle it with decorations and give it some personality in lights, to spoils those who are close to me and say thanks for putting up with me and sticking around to see what comes next☺

~Bring on the silliness~

Loving Life with an Iron Fist

For the second time this year I have falling completely head over heels in Love. And before you jump to any conclusions there is still only one man in my life, Clark Kent, but I have recently discovered the clothing brand Iron Fist, and I am completely  in love with their entire range!

Now, I fancy myself as bit of a skater punk rocker some times, but one who still loves to put on a pair of sexy stilettos and jazz it up. Well my friends Iron fist has taken everything I love in fashion, attitude and life, thrown it into a magic mixing pot and can dress my alter ego from head to toe!

Let me set the scene, marching through the shopping centre, focused, on a mission, what that mission was for the life of me I cannot remember now, something catches the corner of my eye for the shop window, at least 2 meters away, forcing my head to turn and there they were on show for the world to see. I couldn’t help myself I had to go in. Once inside I was mesmerised by wall in front of me, which was decorated with the most breath taking footwear, I have ever laid my eyes on.

Do I dare try a pair on? I already know I don’t need another pair of shoes, but they are amazing! I really shouldn’t spend the money, but they are perfect!

I request a size five and as I slip my feet in, I already know, these babies are coming home with me!

The rest really was just a formality… the one thing I know for sure though is I will be back for more!

*Iron Fist is the brain child of two South African dudes who wanted to put back the energy and attitude the rebellious years had, filled with street culture, skateboarding, surfing, art and music.

I must say guys, you did it, you have read the hearts and minds of the people and given us the perfect outlet to express ourselves.

In just over 8 years these guys have gone from selling their products out of the boot of their car to an internationally recognised brand selling in most major cities around the world.

If you want to check out their merchandise and on line store check out their website here

~The thing about shoes is that even when you have a fat day, your feet stay the same size~

A Ferrari For the Little Guy

How many young women do you know that are completely addicted to the sound of a finely tuned engine? Who get goose bumps from a perfect gear change? Who is excited by the smooth sleek lines of aerodynamic genius that encase a finely tuned engine? 

For those of you who don't know me, I am a car fanatic, and extremely passionate about Formula One motor racing. My Team, Ferrari, as cliched as it is I can't help but love these automotive beauties, I have a block mounted poster in my room of my absolute dream car a Ferrari F360 Spider. And one day it shall be parked in may garage.

Some of you might not know Ferrari is actually owned by Fiat, yes I know the first thing that popped into your head was that old Skadonk of a Fiat Uno you or a friend drove as a first car. And are thinking its just not possible.

But now Fiat has combined all its automotive knowledge and know how between its brands and produced a car which makes my dream of one day owning a Ferrari (as one of the little people) just that much more attainable.

This past weekend saw Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa finish in first and third at the Monza F1 GP in Italy.  While they were there the two racing drivers were also handed the keys to two band new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari’s. The cars have been finished in Scuderia red (well obviously!) with racing grey details and are enhanced with carbon fibre parts like mirror covers and gear quadrants.

You can check out the website here!

This compact number is a collaboration between Abarth and Ferrari, (Karl Abarth and Enzo Ferrari were two great names whose passion and dedication helped create the legend of Italian motor racing that is universally recognised today) which guarantees superior performance from its 1.4 Turbocharged T-Jet 16v engine which produces up to 180 bhp* at 5500 rpm*  and 250 Nm* at 3000 rpm. Basically in simple terms it does 0 – 100 km/h in 7 seconds and has a recorded top speed of 225km/h.

YES PLEASE!

Only a numbered and limited special series of these cars went on sale in July and have already racked up more than 600 orders, more than half of these are for export to countries like the UK, France and Germany. Where it is priced at approximately GBP 29,600 (according to motoring.co.uk) And Sadly this sexy number is not currently part of the South African portfolio.

Which is very sad because I can definitely see me behind the wheel, burning rubber. 


~I’m gonna keep reaching for my dream, and my own Ferrari~

* bhp - brake horse power
* rpm  - revolutions per minute
* Nm - Newton-Meters of Torque

TOP GEAR - BREAKING NEWS!

WARNING: DO NOT READ IF YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH…

Today Pop Tart sent me a link, which delivered crushing news… which was met with a great mix of emotions… the true identity of The Stig has been unveiled, or so it seems.

I have been a long time fan of the great British TV show TOP GEAR, and was super lucky enough to have won tickets to the TOP GEAR LIVE show in Cape Town earlier this year. Which was totally awesome and a dream come true!

As a fanatical F1 supporter, I watched in disbelief when they unveiled Michael Schumacher, as the Stig in Series 4 I think it was. But sill I wasn’t sold, it was too easy, too obvious a choice. My personal belief has always been that The Stig was more than one person, whether it was current or retired F1 drivers, test drivers, NASCAR driver, whom ever, almost like a secret celeb driver of the week. I mean what driver wouldn’t want to be The Stig, one of the most renowned drivers of our time.

But if latest news reports are to be believed, The Stig has removed his helmet, and in doing so let out Britain’s best kept secret…

33-year-old racing driver Ben Collins has written an autobiography highlighting his seven years as The Stig, which is being published by HarperCollins publishers. Apparently the BBC filed and injunction to stop the book from revealing the true identity of the infamous Stig, but this has been refused. And the secret is out.

So my question is, is this the end of the Stig? Or will he be replaced with another equally, or better driver?

What you must remember is Ben wasn’t the first drive to come out as The Stig, Perry McCarthy removed his Black helmet and took off his black suit in 2003. Allowing Ben to pull on the white suit and helmet to continue the legacy.

So is there a red or green suit waiting in the wardrobe of the BBC for yet another STIG?

~Some say that his heart ticks like a watch, and that he’s confused by stairs… all we know is, he’s called the Stig.~

August Rush

I don’t know why but for some reason the universe has been throwing life tests at me from all angles. It doesn’t just rain, it pours.

This past month has been a really challenging one and all I can say is I hope September is a far less eventful month.

As I’m sure you have gathered from my previous ramblings, ranting and complete word vomit posts, work has been beyond busy. So much so that I have actually pushed myself further than I ever thought I possibly could go and have proved a lot to myself which has really boosted my confidence on the work front. The draw back, I want to try more, which logically I know just wouldn’t be sensible right now.

But oh no, mother universe is not happy with only one area of my life being completely overwhelming and chaotic, so she felt the need to dislodge my social life too.

Which started with Crazii, telling me she has decided to jump ship and move to America, (which is a cruel sick joke all on its own, I mean how many more of my loved ones does the 'American Dream' want to take away from me?) This announcement was proceeded a week later by her asking me to be her Maid of Honour at her wedding, wait for it, in three days time. Yes you read correctly I had three days to get my mind around all this very BIG news. But It was a lovely Wedding and I wish MR and MRS Crazii all the best! Even though it is eating me up a little bit inside, that my two bestest people are going to be so so far away.

Following the Crazii roller coaster ride, and in-between sleepless nights, complete exhaustion, not to mention threatening calls from The Plumber, my beloved brother pulled a mysterious disappearing act, sending the family, mother in particular, into panic mode. He has since made contact and is fine, but it’s never a nice feeling not knowing where your loved ones are.

Then the absolute test of my last remaining thread was the horrific news that a friend was tragically killing in a plane crash in Nepal last Tuesday, 24 August. We were not extremely close but that didn’t mean he didn’t impact my life. Jeremy Taylor was an extraordinary person and he gave so much to this world and he will be sorely missed but never forgotten. He was a man who loved life and was living his dream; no one can ever say he let an opportunity pass him by. My thoughts are with his family and all the friends he made along his journey.

Some of Jeremy’s friends have set up a tribute blog, if you would like to add anything or just read how much love was in Jeremy’s life.

Jeremy Taylor Tribute Blog

Somehow I have managed to break though the turbulent water I felt I was drowning in and finally feel like I can breath. But I have defiantly learnt a lot about myself throughout this month and really need to thank Clark Kent for helping me though it and putting up with me.

I have also decided to take a leaf out of Jeremy’s book of life.

~Seize the Moment~

Just Breathe!

I actually don’t know where to begin, this week has taken everything I have to offer out of me and given me sweet flick all in return. Ok maybe I’m fibbing, its given me sleepless nights, sore limbs and shown me that when needs be I can make things happen.

So this week was shoot week for me, when we shoot our main fashion feature for the magazine, but first a little background, with no creative director I have had to coordinate a fashion shoot in Durban without me there.

Thank my lucky stars Super mom has been but a phone call away providing guidance and hooked me up with the fabulous Irish Stylist. So leading up to this week has been about 2 weeks worth of logistics… nightmare.

Monday and Tuesday were choc-a-block with sourcing of merchandise, styling up, taking inventory of stock and sorting out insurance to cover our re-donk-ulously expensive merchandise! So those were some good 12 hour days right there! To add to the sleepless nights is the fact that I am not on location at the shoot and cannot monitor the merchandise myself but have to put my trust in other people, which should be easy because I know I’m working with a great team. But it’s that fear of the unknown and if something goes wrong I cannot control it… eek

But by the sounds of it the shoot is going smoothly, I just look forward to 17h00 on Friday afternoon once I have completed my returns of all the merchandise and its been a clean run!

At the same time, I am also dealing with freelancers who are making mountains out of molehills, and whining about 30cents difference in commission rates… seriously do you have no life that 30cents is really going to make that huge an impact? Ok then fine have it… just don’t waist 3 hours of my life moaning about it! Some of us actually have work to do.

To add insult to injury the Plumber saga is still continuing, I’m at the point where if I had a spare second in my life, I would go get a plumbing degree and sort it out myself. I cannot believe the stupidity of some humans... and as the Kind Chiro says, “He’s a complete muppet”... Serioulsly some mothers children!

And this is just the icing on the cake, I don’t actually know where to turn or what to do… 
In life it never rains, it only pours and right now I’m soaked through my bones with the reality of life!

Yet there is some good news, I can now officially Congratulate one of my  bestest girl's, who would have Thunk it,  the Crazii Redhead, knocked Clark Kent and I off our feet when she told us she was getting married to her Prince Charming and would we be apart of her special day. Like DUH… It was a magical day and I wish the two of them all the happiness in the world!

~Just keep breathing and looking for the silver lining~

The Social Scene

Other than being completely rushed off my feet at work, I have been up to a few tricks on the social front too.

Starting with a most magical evening at Madame Zingara. We were a group of 13 and I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of people to have shared this wonderful experience with. We dressed the part in wigs, top hats and feather boa’s, shaked our bums, wined and dined ourselves!

I was completely astounded by some of the performances and watched in disbelief, who knew the human body could do such things… certainly not me!

The food was amazing, a real taste sensation. Not only is the Theater of Dreams a party for the body and soul but a party for your taste buds.  This all set in a staged South African Township, to give you that real proudly South African feeling.

Madame Zingara is a definite must see for all!

For more information check out their website here.

Following the high of Madame Zingara, the long weekend was a jumble of social engagements and good times, shared with good people. Which included these little gems found on sale at Nine West…

 completely perfect!

But to end it all off and in support of Woman’s day on Monday 9 August, Clark Kent, Gym Buddy, The lecturer and I ran a 10km race, supporting Woman’s day.

So we dragged ourselves out of bed at 06h15 trying to convince ourselves that it really isn’t that cold.

Well it didn’t work, it was bitterly cold and by the time we reached the start it was pouring with rain, with drops the size of golf balls. So we threw on some black bin bags for some slight protection from the elements.  However feeling was still lost in my hands and feet, and my legs were so cold they were stinging from my knee's down… we couldn’t help but think we were completely insane.

Non-the less we all did it and made it in good time. We didn’t set our personal best times but it was an enjoyable race once it was done. And we did our bit to support Woman’s day ☺

I must make special mention to Gym Buddy, who was really struggling with a boggy knee, Well done you did great and I’m proud of you.

~I’m proud of all four of us!~

Seriously!

WTF… why is it that at 16h00 on a Thursday I am busting my ass off at the office and it’s like a ghost town working on skeleton staff! Which leaves me to pick up the pieces of other people’s mess because they are not around to take responsibility for it!

Shit people I’m swamped as it is! But wait I still break my back getting everything done while you’re off sipping on cocktails or what ever it is you are doing!

Honestly there are like four people working on my floor, well that are here, whether they are working or not who knows… but I have more than enough work to go around!!! But alas I am the only person in my team at the moment, and that's not an option.

And secondly... I'M NOT YOUR BLOODY P.A!!!! Sales people are infuriating, do your own dirty work damn it!!!! But no I don't talk back I just do.. I sort it all out and they lap up the credit!

I feel like I’m drowning and no one is around to hear my screams!

PS: Still fighting with the Plumber... Yes, we going on two weeks now! If I never see another plumber again it will be too soon!

~ FML ~

The Geyser and The Plumber

Last week was a real test of my sense of humour, starting with a Blue Monday to top all Blue Mondays.

It started off as any other day, but at around 11h00 I got the phone call informing me there was water gushing out of my roof and into my neighbours back courtyard.
To which i could only respond, “Oh Right.”

I could feel all the blood draining from my face, as the thought runs through my head; “this is the last thing I need right now! Why do these things happen at the worse possible time… my sense of humour isn’t in need of a test right now… It might just fail.”

Cue Clark Kent, a mad panic phone call telling him to get to the house and turn off the water and to check for damage. Clark Kent arrives to find that my neighbour, the Kind Chiro, has found the water mains and turn it off and there seems to be no damage on the inside. Ah, I breathe a sigh of relief, it could have been worse.

Now for my next miracle I will perform the impossible task of getting the plumbing contractor to inspect the damage and diagnose the problem and offer a sound speedy solution… Yeah right.

As it turns out Monday’s are full of plumbing emergencies and they can only come and assess the problem on Tuesday at 13h00. So I take a deep breathe and agree to Tuesday’s appointment, knowing at least I have somewhere else I can stay for the night.

Now please keep in mind that work is manic crazy at the moment with my Creative Director having gone on Maternity leave and fulfilling her other roll as SuperMom. I am flying solo in the office for the next two issues of the magazine and have more work than one could even imagine. So not a great time to have admin issues of my own right now. But we have to roll with the punches.

Tuesday morning, I call twice to confirm the appointment for 13h00 with the plumber and they assure me they will be there. Guess what! They never showed, somehow I am not surprised. When I call to find out where they are, I am told an emergency came up and they are not sure when they can get through to me.  Well I consider my situation to be an emergency and I would like them to keep their commitments. I tell myself to remain calm as I count to ten in my head, because I realise I cannot do anything about it. We agree for them to call me when they are ready to come through even if that means after 18h00 that evening... So to cut a long story short, my whole cylinder has blown and needs to be replaced. Bugger!

Ok so what is the next step, as I have no running water to speak of and need this sorted out like, yesterday.

“Well we need to order the new geyser and parts and and and and…” all I’m hearing is bla bla bla,… we can only do it on Saturday and it takes 5 to 6 hours…

WHAT! You mean I have to wait another four days for water, eish, well at least I have somewhere else to stay in the meantime but what an inconvenience.

The appointment is set for Saturday at 10h00, by 10h30 I’m annoyed, I mean seriously I can’t even have a cup of coffee! After a few phone calls the plumbers arrive just after 11h00 and begin the banging, sawing, moving and shaking. Eventually just over five hours later, I have running water, hot and cold, I also have a damaged ceiling, which they tell me they will come back and fix next week.

Hooray I begin to celebrate, but alas it was in all too good to be true.

A little after 19h00 we hear it, and Clark Kent watches the smile and colour leave my face and immediately volunteers to check it out. Yes I have boiling hot water coming out of my roof, which would put Victoria Falls to shame.

Off with the water mains, off with the geyser mains and onto the phone.

Thunder: “Um, hi there you installed my brand new geyser today which isn’t working, I still have Victoria falls gushing out my roof”
Plumber: “But it’s all new parts”
Thunder: “So you keep saying, I’m still not caring as I once again have no water and want it fixed”
Plumber: “But everything is new”
Thunder: “Like is said, not caring, when can expect you to come fix it”
Plumber: “I can come out in the morning”\
Thunder: “Well the time is 19h45, I’ll expect you here just after 20h00, Thanks”
Plumber: “Um, well…”
Thunder: “I’ve put up with this for six days, I’ve had enough, you will come out now and fix it.”
Plumber: “ Um, ok”

So they arrive and give me some story about faulty factory parts, which I don’t care for I’m not a plumber and know nothing about valves, pipes, cylinders and thermostats, I just want running water that is hot and cold. So eventually at about 21h30 all seemed to be in working order. But I fear this is not the end of the geyser saga or the Plumber.

~Just Breathe and count to ten~