Monday, September 29, 2008

Weekend Ramblings

So I decided that the story about my brother was actually just a rumour. I for one second do not believe it and if it is true than there is nothing really that I can do about it - so there - I have decided to forget about it.


My weekend was spent in a shopping haze. I don't know how much we spent on clothes and food and wedding stuff. See we stop fasting tomorrow. So on Wednesday is Eid. A day off celebration and coming together for friends and family. It is lovely day filled with tons of food, pretty clothes, meeting friends and family and altogether a huge cameraderie. I love it - we not a very big family but just being together is what counts. This year we will be having Eid at our house. My mum is firing on all cylinders to get the house cleaned up, the food done on time and everything done before Tuesday.


I woke up this morning thinking about Eid when we were little. All the festivities began the night before. My mum would bath us and than we would wear brand new pj's, slippers, new undies - everything had to be new. The night was spent putting henna on our hands and nails and the next morning one woke up to the smell of food and lovely baked goodies. It was divine. My dad and brothers would go to mosque for the Eid morning prayer while we stayed at home and layed the table with every imaginable little treat and delicacy. The lovely Eid breakfast is a tradition that we still do today. Lunch and dinner was always spent with my grandparents - I really miss them during days times like this. They just seemed to make everything a little extra special and not to mention that we would always be given loads of cash as presents. As one grows older the celebration becomes a little different. Yes there is still those same traditions because I can tell you that nothing's changed except that you are now older and things that once fascinated and enchanted you don't have the same effect anymore.


I had an appointment with my designer on Saturday. My word - I had to drop down to my undies. I was so shy - I am usually like that. She is the most brilliant person ever - she made me look at my body in a totally different way. She is so pleasant and put me totally at ease. I must say that I am starting to get excited. The rest of the weekend was spent shopping and shopping and more shopping. It was fun and a little frustrating at times when all you looking for is something spectacular and all you can find is crappy items.


My nieces and nephew visited last night and I must admit that I really missed them. I haven't seen them in ages and although they are really naughty and usually turn our house into chaos the minute they get there, they are little cuties and I love them to bits.


I am tired and a little worse for wear this morning. I am also a little saddened by the fact that Ramadaan is coming to an end. It is a month that is filled with such peace and calm and spiritual upliftment and when the month ends it's like all this ceases. A month where one finds oneself and is left pondering on the quality of life that we lead. I guess every month should be like the month of Ramadaan - but somehow we get caught up in everything else.


I must say that I am really looking forward to the next 2 days off....

Friday, September 26, 2008

Rumor has it

Hmmm what would you do if you heard something about someone and you have to tell them what you heard but you know that if you do they will definitely get upset. Do you think keeping something away from someone is a test of one's character?

I really don't know what to do. I heard something yesterday about my brother M. Him and I are really close so it wouldn't be too hard to confront him about it. However I know that if I do - he is going to get upset with me and there is always that possibility that it aint true. I know everyone at home was wondering what was up with me yesterday. I heard the news just before I left to go home from work. I'm not sure what to do - and to be honest it's eating at me.

See about a year ago M got involved with this girl. She was all innocent and pretty looking, however deeper truths revealed a real horror off a girl. She went out off her way to manipulate him and to be honest she didn't treat him very nicely. Now M and his antics around women can leave one gaping at the mouth He is 22 years old, is more in lust than in love and can have a whole string of women at any given time. Being that he is rather good looking doesn't help much and I usually can't help but feel sorry for all these poor girls who seem to fall in love with him within mere minutes of meeting him. I always tell him that with him it's too many women too little time.

And so he met this girl lets call her X. I don't think he was as serious about her and she was about him and did everything in her power to manipulate the situation to get him to marry her. She would call him over telling him that she was alone at home only for him to get there and find that she wasn't there but her whole family was. When he would call to find out where she was - she would nonchalently say that she is out shopping with her mum but he can bond with her dad and brother. There were a whole lot of other antics that she got up to that eventually led to the end of that. Now in the Muslim community - of which everyone somehow knows everyone - these sort off things are really are a mystery. Boy likes girl, boy and girl decide to date, the parents are none the wiser, they duck and dive to meet each other, eventually the parents find out and bam they start planning your marriage, deciding what to name their grandchildren etc etc etc. It is all kind of old fashioned but yeah that is what the Indian community is like. So X and her family went out off their way and every time they met members of my family they dropped subtle hints as to when this two would tie the knot. My brother being the little player that he is - was just having his usual fun and games and was none the wiser that X was plotting and scheming to get a ring on her finger.

Eventually after much dramas their relationship ended. M ended up looking like a complete asshole because in his opinion he is not wanting to get married anytime soon and they were merely dating. In her opinion she had the wedding planned and organised and was merely just waiting for it all to happen. That didn't end very nicely but we all thought that it was over. M is back to his old tricks and seems to be enjoying being quite the Don Juan. Yesterday I heard some news that just made me wonder if him and her are not an item again.

I know I must sound like a paranoid fool and maybe it is none of my business - however this girl has caused enough havoc in his life that I really don't want him to get hurt again. I mean hurt in the sense where she manipulates him to her own advantage. M is such a softie and straight as an arrow and being a man - they become dumb to such feminine wiles.

I don't know. Should I mention it to him or should i just leave it. Ultimately it is his life and maybe he really loves her there is nothing that any off us can do. It's just that this girl together with her family have done enough damage to not make me like them. I guess my opinion is the last that matters and who am I to stand in the way off two people seeking happiness.
I am just concerned this is my little brother we talking about here and if X is up to her old tricks again than I just feel that my M needs to know about it. Up to the end of their whole tirade - she used to go around telling everyone that him and her are an item when they so clearly were not. It was only after he called her and told her to leave him alone and they were clearly not together did she finally leave him alone. So I am not sure if this is just she getting up to her old tricks again or if there is some truth in it. Or who knows - it might just be the odd rumor.

What can I say?

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Crap, Crap and more Crap

The world is a troubled place and I am smack bang in the centre of it....

Sooo Sooo glad that tomorrow is a holiday......

Friday, September 19, 2008

This and That

It's Friday, the weekend's finally here, we about almost down to the last 10 fasts for Ramadaan and Summer looks like it's finally on it's way. Oh and there are less than 3 months left for my wedding. Time is racing on towards Dec 14th. Oooohhh Shivers!!!!

Work's been relatively quite this week. Touch wood - I am so not complaining. There have been no dramas or hoo haa's lol. Maybe that's because the big pirahna who usually goes out of his way to make our lives miserable is out of the country. I'm not sure when he will be back but he will be ready to make blame us for everything. Anyhoo I guess that's just how things are and there is nothing really one can do about it.

We brainstormed the Christmas strategy for December and I think it's going to be ultra cool. There is so much planned to happen but I can't tell a soul about it. Something about being ahead off the competition. Lol. It really is exciting being part of this side of the business. I must say I am really loving it.

I have no plans for the weekend. I really want to visit this shop in Cresta called Soda House. I heard that they sell lovely fairy dresses. I am looking at them for my flower girls. I have a pic that I took from a magazine - not sure if I should have them made or just buy them. Any takers on where I can find a fairy dress or fairy dresses.

The rest of the plans seem to be coming along nicely. Just have to iron out a few minor details and am hoping that it all gets sorted out soon. Crossing my fingers here.

T got his new car yesterday. Am so excited for him.... After months of waiting for it he finally collected it. It is gorgeous and I am so happy for him.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Why I Love SA - Meme

A Proudly South African Meme, inspired by EXMI:

Rules:
Link back to the Meme creator - Caz
Link back to the person who tagged you - Me
Give at least 5 reasons why you love SA
Let Me know once you've done it!!!

1. The divine weather that is not like any other place in the world.
Summer is my absolute favourite. What would the world be like without
the scorching sun blazing bright in the blue blue sky and those long
sultry summer nights with the breeze blowing gently and the mozzies and fireflies lighting up the night. Oh and don't forget those highveld storms!


2. I love the strong unified nation we represent whenever there is something huge going on - whether it be a sporting event or a huge crises like Load Shedding or Xenophobia we all stand together.

3. Nelson Mandela. This great icon just seems to make everything a little extra special.

4. The Rainbow Nation - we are truly a nation of all sorts. We have different tastes, cultures, lifestyles etc etc which makes us stand out to the rest of the world.

5. We are a nation of firsts. The first democratic nation to have two anthems, the first heart transplant, the first African on the moon, the first African country to host the Soccer world cup. There are a whole lot more and I am sure that there are a number of firsts still waiting for us to grab.

6. I love the wonderful people of this land. How each will go out of their way to help one another, how despite what is plaguing them at any time, they will always find time to smile and offer a helping hand and how even during adversity and challenges they will find it in their hearts to help and assist.


In July this year at our Annual conference our very American CEO during his presentation highlighted some fast facts about South Africa. I must admit that it really made one feel proud to be part of this country. I thought I would share it:

The rand was the best performing currency against the US Dollar between 2002 and 2005

South Africa has 55,000 high net-wealth individuals holding at least US$1million in financial assets

South Africa has the 27th biggest economy in the world

The JSE Securities Exchange is the 14th largest equities exchange in the world

The South African oil company Sasol has established the only commercially viable oil-from-coal operations in the world.

South African Breweries (SABMiller) ranks as the second largest brewing company in the world. It supplies up to 50% of China's beer.

Durban is the largest port in Africa and the ninth largest in the world.

Since 1994, 500 houses have been built each day for the poor and 1,000 houses per day have received electricity.

There are 39 million cell phone users in South Africa

South Africa has the world’s largest deposits of gold, chromium, platinum & manganese.

The only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace Prize winners is in Soweto. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both have houses in Vilakazi Street, Orlando West.

South Africa hosts the largest timed cycle race in the world (the Cape Argus Cycle Tour), the world's oldest and largest ultra-marathon (the Comrades Marathon) and the world's largest open water swimming event (the Midmar Mile)

South Africa will become the first African country to host the Soccer World Cup in 2010 … and only the second country in the world to have hosted the Cricket, Rugby and Soccer World Cups.

Since the 1940s, South African golfers have won more golf majors than any other nation, apart from the United States.

Afrikaans is the youngest official language in the world

Ok - I tag:

Angel
Sleepy Jane
Boldly Benny
Blonde Blogshell
Electric Spaghetti

Come on guys - This was really Fun!!!!!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Off Balance

Why does the world seem a little off balance? There are just too many bizarre things going on right now that is making me wish for Murphy and his bitchy girlfriend Karma to go on that long overdue holiday and never find their way back! Drama's galore!!!!

I'm getting a new laptop today. Can't wait - I hope it's as snazzy as it sounds.

I read the most amazing book over the weekend. Goodnight, Beautiful by Dorothy Kroomson. I couldn't put the book down and was in tears most of the time. There are some books that really move a person and this is one of them. The story is about 2 best friends bound together by experiences that truly make their friendship a unique one. As life unfolds and each go their seperate ways they are still the number one force in each other's lives until life's realities take over and this becomes a test to their friendship. It is about sadness and loss and pain and that ultimate person's presence in your life that can make anything seem better if only they were there. I loved reading it and if you get a chance to read it you wont be disappointed.

I am not sure if it's out here in SA. I work for a well known retailer and was lucky enough to get my hands on an unedited bound proof. I feel soooo chuffed.

The wedding plans are really starting to stress me out. I feel overwhelmed and I am not sure if whatever I am doing is the right thing. I keep thinking that I am running off time and we wont get things done and it will all be a big old mess. I think I am just feeling a little overwhelmed right now and need to refocus and re-energize my thoughts.

I think that's where my feeling of things being a little off kilter are stemming from. I just wish that everything can fall into place without the usual nail biting drama......

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Cravings


Yesterday I sat and twiddled my thumbs. I was counting the hours until the day was over so I could go home. And today - I have been soooo busy it is crazy. I'm just glad that the day is over.


The insurance have at least come through and will be honouring the claim in full. I guess it will be kind of fun going shopping. I called all the service providers and it was kind of exciting calling everyone and making arrangements to go and see them. I am getting all psyched up about this wedding. I do tend to worry and freak out at the best of times but I am confident that all will go well.


I am really craving for Lunch Bar today. On my way home there is this huge mega size billboard with a truck carrying a Man Size Lunchbar. Every day on our way home I drool over it. Fasting the whole day makes one crave for all sorts of funny stuff. Yesterday after my post about current addictions I had to have Nik Naks last night. Today I have to have a lunch bar. I am actually salivating thinking about it.....


The week is coming to an end. I have a venue and a caterer. I only now need to sort out the finer stuff like flowers, dresses for the flower girls and most importantly the invitations. This was a much better week than the last however things seem to pop up daily. Just today after thinking that finally I had reached a milestone, I was pulled back by some or other crap. I guess that is the nature of it all, because we depend on other people for service delivery we have to bear the brunt when they don't perform or deliver. It will get better - I hope.....

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Current Addictions

Another Tag Victim - ME!!!! Grrrrr


I've been tagged by the lovely Caz.

I tag -
Angel
Princess Diaries
Twenty Something and Clueless
Sweets

P.s. If you have already done this please let me know. I'm a bit behind with what's been happening in Blog Land of late.

Now... the rules:
*Post at least five current addictions (with some details please)
*Mention the person who started this game of tag (Being Brazen) and also the person who just tagged you (in my case, CAZ).
*Type your post with the heading "Current addictions"
*Tag at least two people and pass on the above rules.

My Current Addictions:



Softlips ( I so can't live without this)


Creme Soda - I say Soda Creme. I am sooo loving this right now.


Gerbera Flowers - A must must at my wedding.

Niknaks. Hmmmm


Shane Ward - Damaged. I'm not sure why though!

Stresses

I have spent the last 2 weeks stressing about work, wedding venues, my cousin who decided to leave her husband after 5 days of marriage, my upcoming wedding and a whole lot of other minor little things that just seem to pop out of nowhere.

Well at least the work issue has been kind off sorted. My boss was away for 2 weeks which felt more like 2 years. The amount of crap that went on here while she was away made me very nervous and I honestly thought that when she gets back there is going to be a huge explosion to that of Pearl Harbour. We had a long discussion about everything and all she did was put me at ease and make me feel a whole lot better. I explained to her how I kept feeling like I was failing and not meeting her expectations. She very nicely told me that in no way must I feel like a failure and she is very impressed with all that I have been doing. I must admit that this week seems to be going a whole lot better.

I found a new venue and really had to grovel for them to give it to me. See there are some people from my distant past who are using the same venue on the Saturday night. Why to they have to come and get married where I live - surely there are places where they could have hosted their wedding right in there hometown. Anyway the schlep will be that the place will have to be all clean and ready for my wedding. The lady has given me her word that she will get her people to clean up the place even if they have to work through the night to make it ready for my wedding. I have booked a really cool lady to do my decor. Her ideas are mind boggling and she really is a wonderful person. I am just crossing my fingers that nothing else goes awry now. I still have to sort our my flowers and centerpieces - my mind kind of boggles just thinking about it. I'm sure she will give me some ideas.

I have to start calling all the service providers from the prize that I won in April. I have an appointment with my designer at the end of September. I have met her once and she seems really nice. I find myself getting all excited and than I start to stress. I know I shouldn't but I do - I guess it's only natural. I worry about the wedding, my new life with T, leaving my home and setting up domesticity in T and my new home. Scary scary thoughts.

My cousin S and all her antics really haven't eased up my scary thoughts. I mean she got married on the Saturday and 2 weeks later the whole thing had come to a screaming halt. She and her hubby A cut their 2 week honeymoon short and she came straight to our house all teary eyed and sad looking. We empathised with her, spent hours talking to her and listening to her and believed her every word. All we did was think A was the worst person ever and crucified him for every action that he had done. However there was a piece missing. We couldn't understand how things went so wrong. She made all sorts off accusations and we believed them. Most of their issues were bedroom related. She was adamant and refused to go back and insisted that she was repulsed by him and didn't find him attractive blah, blah, blah. And we believed it!

That is the hardest for any of us to come to grips with. She duped us into thinking that he was this asshole. He has come out with his side of the story - why he didn't do it that time is beyond me. His version is one that can make you sick to the pit of your stomach. While the 2 of them were on honeymoon, she kept on receiving calls from other guys. She was permanantly chatting to other guys using mxit, texts and phone calls. When he questioned her about it she got all angry and defensive. She claims he raped her. Ummm first off all how can there be rape in a marriage and secondly he has come out saying that it was more like the other way round. She has told every Tom, Dick and Mary everything about their sex life - things that will one blush. She has no qualms about telling everyone how crappy he is in bed.

Her colourful past is now coming to the fore and the things that she has done give the word slut a whole new meaning. I can't believe all the shit she has gotten up to. Every man was fair game to her. The things that we have heard about her have kind of made us all sick with disgust. A still wants her back regardless of what she has done. My opinion - all what is happening is her own fault.

I really hope that I can get the chance to blog more. Things have been crazy of late and I haven't had time for much lately. It's the 10th fast today. It seems to be whizzing by......

Monday, September 01, 2008

Ramadaan

Today marks the day of the beginning of Ramadaan. It is a month in which all Muslims around the globe partake in fasting from dawn till dusk. The month long obligation is filled with prayer and reflection. As Muslims we are required to sympathize with the poor and the hungry and reflect on our existence within society. The purpose of Ramadaan is to cleanse the soul, while reflecting on past sins and gaining closeness to God. Observing the fast is supposed to bring upon a sense of peace, calm and serenity.

It isn't really difficult and just when one gets used to it, it comes to an end and the month is over. I always reminisce back to when I lived in a small predominantly Muslim community. The whole community would be observing the fast and almost every evening little plates of food would be sent across to neighbours to share in whatever exciting food was made for the day. There was a special camaraderie about and the entire community was abuzz.

I haven't blogged in a while. There is so much going on at work, in my personal life and at times I begin a post only to have to stop and do something really pressing and urgent. The venue that I had booked for my wedding decided to really screw me over and gave me a quote of
R78 000.00 for the use of their venue. This does not include the food and when I questioned them about it because the initial cost was going to be
R7500.00 including tables, chairs and crockery. The rest of the decor was extra. The owner of the place insisted that she only has tables, chairs and crockery to accomodate 180 people and they will have to hire in the remainder at my cost. This was not communicated in the initial paper that was given to us when we paid the deposit. I ended up having a fight with her because in my opinion that is false advertising. I was shocked at the exhorbitant price and they have refused to budge so I spent the better part of last week searching for a another venue. I don't have many options because most of the nice places are already taken. I have a few options but the stress and misery was just too much to handle for me.

The stresses at work also did nothing for any of my personal stresses and I found myself on more than one occasion feeling very miserable and depressed. Some of my business partners are really hard to please and find fault with everything that happens. Petty little issues become really huge and get blown way out of proportion. And my boss was away so it just made things 10 times worse. She will probably hear all about it and I am stressing big time. A lot of things were out of my control and I tried damn hard to make things work but with these people its never enough. I really feel like throwing in the towel which is so unlike me. I have never felt so overwhelmed in my life and I keep thinking that I am failing. And after what my boss told me a few weeks ago I keep thinking I have failed her as well.

Hmmm and than there is my cousin. It appears that she had lied about everything that happened on her honeymoon and I have reason to believe that she is not as innocent as she looks. Really not sure what in the world has overcame her but me thinks that there is someone else involved. I just cant get over the fact that she openly lied to me and I was such a gullible fool to believe her. Her Oscar performance is one that will stay with me for a long time. Her antics and the things that she apparently got up to is another post altogether

I hope I have a better week than the last one.