Hosted by Luna Nina
I say ... and you think ... ?
1. Road trip ::fun, tourist,an experience
2. Pool hall ::Au Pairing (when I learned to play properly)
3. Extraordinary :: ME (LOL), nature
4. Jackson ::Michael, Jackson 5, Beat It, I's BAD
5. Heartfelt ::sincere
6. Wet ::Kiss, WET WET WET (the Band), Wet Blanket
7. Strangle ::Serial Killer (I have been watching too many Crime Serious)
8. .com ::Internet, Google
9. Touched ::by an Angel (very old TV serious)
10. Insipid ::bad, irritating sneaky people,deep
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Common
Head or Tails
Heads: anything about common
When I decided to marry Weiers, my cousins (2 of them from my dad side) wanted to to know why I would marry a white man instead of a coloured. If you know anything about South African history you would know that we were seperated according to our race, we lived and schooled in designated areas, we went to beaches designated to us according to race. In sense we had smaller countries within a country. Many times I get asked if I felt a culture shock when I lived in the USA or now in Northern Ireland. The difference I have experienced these countries were nothing compared to the culture I experienced when we did an One Day Exchange between the schools in 15km radius from where I lived in Durban, South Africa.
I told my cousin that I had more in common with Weiers despite the fact that he was white than I had with the boy that lived next door to me. Weiers and I grew up listening to the same gospel music, preachers and even discovered that we went to the same camps (our church camps included 3 of the 4 general race groups). Our parents brought us up with the same values for life, religion, education etc...... We found that we had a lot in common and that we could celebrate our differences. We both believed that love was a choice, that it was a commitment and we choice to love in each other.
The song at our Wedding was Love in Language by Sandi Patti. The key line in it for me:
We'll find too much in common To pretend it isn't there
Its been my experience that once people actual face their prejudice they find that their is no foundation and they can actually let them go (most not all). This has been true for some of people that opposed our union. They are now part of my support base.
Heads: anything about common
When I decided to marry Weiers, my cousins (2 of them from my dad side) wanted to to know why I would marry a white man instead of a coloured. If you know anything about South African history you would know that we were seperated according to our race, we lived and schooled in designated areas, we went to beaches designated to us according to race. In sense we had smaller countries within a country. Many times I get asked if I felt a culture shock when I lived in the USA or now in Northern Ireland. The difference I have experienced these countries were nothing compared to the culture I experienced when we did an One Day Exchange between the schools in 15km radius from where I lived in Durban, South Africa.
I told my cousin that I had more in common with Weiers despite the fact that he was white than I had with the boy that lived next door to me. Weiers and I grew up listening to the same gospel music, preachers and even discovered that we went to the same camps (our church camps included 3 of the 4 general race groups). Our parents brought us up with the same values for life, religion, education etc...... We found that we had a lot in common and that we could celebrate our differences. We both believed that love was a choice, that it was a commitment and we choice to love in each other.
The song at our Wedding was Love in Language by Sandi Patti. The key line in it for me:
We'll find too much in common To pretend it isn't there
Its been my experience that once people actual face their prejudice they find that their is no foundation and they can actually let them go (most not all). This has been true for some of people that opposed our union. They are now part of my support base.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Mothering Sunday in UK in 2009 - 22 March
Second Sunday in May (10 May 2009)
Mother's Day is always the second Sunday in May in South Africa, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Japan, Turkey and United States,
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Money Saving Tips
Stuff I have done and stuff I have read and plan to do.
1. Shop for clothes at sales especially at the end of a season. I have really gotten great bargains for good quality clothes. I also don’t bother with buying designer labels
2. Consider own-brand goods/ store-brand
Store Brands are often comparable in quality and nutrition to their national brand counterparts. The key difference for consumers is the notable cost savings - about 25% for many products. The Store Brands cost less because they are not as heavily marketed as national brand products.
3. Buy Christmas presents and birthday throughout the year, especially as sales come up. If possible buy in bulk. You will not only save money but also enjoy stress-free pre-Christmases and no last-minute birthday worries. I do this and it really works out well.
4. Four-day wait / Four Win. The four-day wait works. If you are about to buy something which isn't a necessity, and you have a little quiet voice somewhere whispering to you, listen to it, and wait four days before you make the purchase. It gives you time to compare prices elsewhere, or to come up with an alternative, or even to decide that you don't need or want it.
5. Use your library
The local library is a mecca for the money saver. You'll never need to buy another cookbook, guidebook or lifestyle manual again and if you can bear to wait a few weeks in the queue for the latest blockbuster, you never need to buy books again. CDs and videos are great value too.
6. Find ways to save on your calls. I use Telesavers it costs me 2p/min to call South Africa. I have also changed to a pre-paid cell phone. I am no longer working so I do not need it. My husband is still on a contract because it works out cheaper for him.
7. Keep your eyes open for specials on the things you are interested in. I love theatre. I found that on Monday nights I could get a show with dinner for less than what it cost to go to that same show on other nights (this was at the Baxter theatre in South Africa). Today I went on a Historical Bus Tour in DownPatrick for £1 and it included tea/coffee with scones. Check in the Library, free newspapers and internet.
8. For Holidays- consider exchanging homes with family or friends that live in a different are. My stayed an hour away from me – we did this and become tourist in his town – we had a great holiday. We are now living in Northern Ireland we are exchanging homes with a friend in the South of Ireland for a week over the Easter Vacation. I am really looking forward to that. Otherwise make you book your holidays early – generally plane fares are less when booked well in advance.
9. Planning a holiday or a day trip? Rather than buy a map or travel guide get one from the library.
10. Walk/cycle to places in reasonable distances instead of using the car. I have been walking 30min to daughter’s school and its another 30min back home. I sometimes walk to library. I save on petrol, get in my exercise for the say and spend quality time with my daughter. You just need bread & milk – take a backpack and cycle to the store………
11. Healthy life style choices can save you money – quit smoking, cut down on your alcohol, drink less coffee and soft drinks. Make tap water you choice drink (use a filter if necessary).
12. Winter: Pile on the Blankets. An extra blanket on your bed in the winter months is often all it takes to push back the thermostat another couple degrees. Summer: Plant trees to shade your home, and your air conditioning won't have to work as hard.
13. Use less. Whether it's shampoo, laundry detergent, or hand soap, you can usually get by with using less than the recommended amount and still get the same great results.
14. Compost.Send your compostable materials to a backyard compost pile. Not only will you be helping the environment, you'll save tons of money on yard maintenance when the compost is ready.
15. Join a group like Freecycle. When declutter your household it is an easy way to rid yourself of items with no cost to yourself, while at the same time helping someone else. You can also get things you need for free – it will just cost you the trip to pick it up. I have gotten a bicycle, study desk, foot spa and couch on Freecycle. I also got rid of an old computer and over-head projector with no cost to me or the environment.
16. Reuse. Before you throw anything away, stop and think about how you might be able to reuse it. This habit will save you money, help keep clutter at bay, and help the environment. Eg. Cereal boxes can be used as file-holders. You can cut off the top, trim the sides down at an angle, or use them turned sideways to hold files. The bags inside cereal boxes are excellent for storing breads and for using in the freezer. Wash them and use them again, unless used for poultry products.
17. Switch to sending free e-cards –save money and the environment.
18. Say no. Agreeing to take on more than you can afford or more than you have time to complete will only stress yourself, your wallet, and your family. This has been difficult for me but it has been worth it – I resent my friends less as well.
I found this on the internet –
I consider Swap-bot to be one of my hobbies:
Hobbies can provide a great outlet for many people. Learn new hobbies or expand upon old ones that can help you reduce expenses at home or even help bring in a little extra income.
Learn to cook or learn a new style of cooking. Replace the frequent meals out with much less expensive meals in that you have learned to prepare for yourself.
Learn to knit. Learn to knit, then hit the thrift stores for old sweaters that you can unravel for yarn. Reknit your yarn into scarves, mittens, hats, or virtually anything else you can imagine.
Gardening. Learn to grow your own food and you may find the benefits include better tasting food, less expenses at the grocery store, and a very therapeutic time in your garden.
Soap-making. Many people enjoy learning how to make their own soap, which you can customize with your own natural products and even barter your finished product with others.
Learn to Sew. Whether you want to make the family's clothing or want a fun skill you can also use to bring extra income to the family, sewing is an art that will serve you well in both areas.
Computer building and repair. Tinkerers will not only be able to build their own computer much cheaper than buying one, but will have a valuable skill for earning extra money as well.
Surfing the Internet. As crazy as it may sound, if you love surfing the Internet, you can discover plenty of ways to save money for yourself and your family--and maybe a few ways to make money as well--from sites like this or blogs like this.
Crafting. No matter what type of craft you want to learn or expand your knowledge of, you can probably sell it online at places like Etsy.
1. Shop for clothes at sales especially at the end of a season. I have really gotten great bargains for good quality clothes. I also don’t bother with buying designer labels
2. Consider own-brand goods/ store-brand
Store Brands are often comparable in quality and nutrition to their national brand counterparts. The key difference for consumers is the notable cost savings - about 25% for many products. The Store Brands cost less because they are not as heavily marketed as national brand products.
3. Buy Christmas presents and birthday throughout the year, especially as sales come up. If possible buy in bulk. You will not only save money but also enjoy stress-free pre-Christmases and no last-minute birthday worries. I do this and it really works out well.
4. Four-day wait / Four Win. The four-day wait works. If you are about to buy something which isn't a necessity, and you have a little quiet voice somewhere whispering to you, listen to it, and wait four days before you make the purchase. It gives you time to compare prices elsewhere, or to come up with an alternative, or even to decide that you don't need or want it.
5. Use your library
The local library is a mecca for the money saver. You'll never need to buy another cookbook, guidebook or lifestyle manual again and if you can bear to wait a few weeks in the queue for the latest blockbuster, you never need to buy books again. CDs and videos are great value too.
6. Find ways to save on your calls. I use Telesavers it costs me 2p/min to call South Africa. I have also changed to a pre-paid cell phone. I am no longer working so I do not need it. My husband is still on a contract because it works out cheaper for him.
7. Keep your eyes open for specials on the things you are interested in. I love theatre. I found that on Monday nights I could get a show with dinner for less than what it cost to go to that same show on other nights (this was at the Baxter theatre in South Africa). Today I went on a Historical Bus Tour in DownPatrick for £1 and it included tea/coffee with scones. Check in the Library, free newspapers and internet.
8. For Holidays- consider exchanging homes with family or friends that live in a different are. My stayed an hour away from me – we did this and become tourist in his town – we had a great holiday. We are now living in Northern Ireland we are exchanging homes with a friend in the South of Ireland for a week over the Easter Vacation. I am really looking forward to that. Otherwise make you book your holidays early – generally plane fares are less when booked well in advance.
9. Planning a holiday or a day trip? Rather than buy a map or travel guide get one from the library.
10. Walk/cycle to places in reasonable distances instead of using the car. I have been walking 30min to daughter’s school and its another 30min back home. I sometimes walk to library. I save on petrol, get in my exercise for the say and spend quality time with my daughter. You just need bread & milk – take a backpack and cycle to the store………
11. Healthy life style choices can save you money – quit smoking, cut down on your alcohol, drink less coffee and soft drinks. Make tap water you choice drink (use a filter if necessary).
12. Winter: Pile on the Blankets. An extra blanket on your bed in the winter months is often all it takes to push back the thermostat another couple degrees. Summer: Plant trees to shade your home, and your air conditioning won't have to work as hard.
13. Use less. Whether it's shampoo, laundry detergent, or hand soap, you can usually get by with using less than the recommended amount and still get the same great results.
14. Compost.Send your compostable materials to a backyard compost pile. Not only will you be helping the environment, you'll save tons of money on yard maintenance when the compost is ready.
15. Join a group like Freecycle. When declutter your household it is an easy way to rid yourself of items with no cost to yourself, while at the same time helping someone else. You can also get things you need for free – it will just cost you the trip to pick it up. I have gotten a bicycle, study desk, foot spa and couch on Freecycle. I also got rid of an old computer and over-head projector with no cost to me or the environment.
16. Reuse. Before you throw anything away, stop and think about how you might be able to reuse it. This habit will save you money, help keep clutter at bay, and help the environment. Eg. Cereal boxes can be used as file-holders. You can cut off the top, trim the sides down at an angle, or use them turned sideways to hold files. The bags inside cereal boxes are excellent for storing breads and for using in the freezer. Wash them and use them again, unless used for poultry products.
17. Switch to sending free e-cards –save money and the environment.
18. Say no. Agreeing to take on more than you can afford or more than you have time to complete will only stress yourself, your wallet, and your family. This has been difficult for me but it has been worth it – I resent my friends less as well.
I found this on the internet –
I consider Swap-bot to be one of my hobbies:
Hobbies can provide a great outlet for many people. Learn new hobbies or expand upon old ones that can help you reduce expenses at home or even help bring in a little extra income.
Learn to cook or learn a new style of cooking. Replace the frequent meals out with much less expensive meals in that you have learned to prepare for yourself.
Learn to knit. Learn to knit, then hit the thrift stores for old sweaters that you can unravel for yarn. Reknit your yarn into scarves, mittens, hats, or virtually anything else you can imagine.
Gardening. Learn to grow your own food and you may find the benefits include better tasting food, less expenses at the grocery store, and a very therapeutic time in your garden.
Soap-making. Many people enjoy learning how to make their own soap, which you can customize with your own natural products and even barter your finished product with others.
Learn to Sew. Whether you want to make the family's clothing or want a fun skill you can also use to bring extra income to the family, sewing is an art that will serve you well in both areas.
Computer building and repair. Tinkerers will not only be able to build their own computer much cheaper than buying one, but will have a valuable skill for earning extra money as well.
Surfing the Internet. As crazy as it may sound, if you love surfing the Internet, you can discover plenty of ways to save money for yourself and your family--and maybe a few ways to make money as well--from sites like this or blogs like this.
Crafting. No matter what type of craft you want to learn or expand your knowledge of, you can probably sell it online at places like Etsy.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Interesting Facts about St Patricks Day
Tomorrow is my first day in Northern Ireland on St Patrick's Day. I have celebrated it in the USA and South Africa.I am going to Down Patrick where it is believed that St. Patrick was buried. This is a secular celebration for me.
The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in New York in 1762.
More than 1,500 years after St. Patrick's death, this almost-international holiday has morphed into a celebration of all things Irish.
Green is associated with St. Patrick's Day because it is the color of Spring. Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched.
St. Patrick's Day used to a solemn religious day with drinking. It has since been secularized but some people to do go to special church services. O'Faolain remembers more somber -- and sober -- celebrations of Ireland's patron saint."The only place you could get a drink was at the annual dog show," recalls O'Faolain, chuckling. "Thousands of people would head for the old Royal Dublin Showground out in Ballsbridge."That's because, until the late '70s, all the pubs in Ireland closed on St. Patrick's Day. It was one of three holy days (the others being Christmas and Good Friday) on the Catholic calendar that shuttered the public houses of Ireland. It is also commemorated by the Church of Ireland.
LOREENA MCKENNITT THE MUMMERS' DANCE LYRICS
When in the springtime of the year
When the trees are crowned with leaves
When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew
Are dressed in ribbons fair
When owls call the breathless moon
In the blue veil of the night
The shadows of the trees appear
Amidst the lantern light
We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay
Who will go down to those shady groves
And summon the shadows there
And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms
In the springtime of the year
The songs of birds seem to fill the wood
That when the fiddler plays
All their voices can be heard
Long past their woodland days
And so they linked their hands and danced
Round in circles and in rows
And so the journey of the night descends
When all the shades are gone
"A garland gay we bring you here
And at your door we stand
It is a sprout well budded out
The work of our Lord's hand"
Sunday, March 15, 2009
I am a complex person
You Are a Carrot Cake Cupcake |
 You are a complex person. You have many interesting layers to your personality, though others might not know it. You are drawn to a cross section of people. You friends play different roles in your life. You are like a cupcake because you are are deceptively simple. There's actually a lot to you! There are many ingredients in your life, and you only want them in proper amounts. Being you is a delicate art. |
Friday, March 13, 2009
Funeral in Banbridge
Today our town virtually shut down. I had gone in to work for an hour or at the CAB which situated in the Old Town Hall right in the centre of town. There was a service on the bridge people from all walks life were there.
When i went to the Post Office it was closed because all the staff were attending the memorial service on the Bridge and watching the procession that went to the Catholic Church.
If you would like to read more about it click here
"BANBRIDGE, Northern Ireland (AP) — Thousands of Protestants and Catholics united with their political and security leaders Friday at the funeral of a policeman — shot by IRA dissidents in what mourners prayed would mark the end of Northern Ireland's "troubles."
When i went to the Post Office it was closed because all the staff were attending the memorial service on the Bridge and watching the procession that went to the Catholic Church.
If you would like to read more about it click here
"BANBRIDGE, Northern Ireland (AP) — Thousands of Protestants and Catholics united with their political and security leaders Friday at the funeral of a policeman — shot by IRA dissidents in what mourners prayed would mark the end of Northern Ireland's "troubles."
Constable Stephen Carroll, 48, was shot through the back of the head Monday as he sat in his patrol car. He was the first policeman killed here since 1998, the year of Northern Ireland's Good Friday peace accord. Just two days earlier, dissidents gunned down two unarmed soldiers outside their base, the first killing of British troops here since 1997........"
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Spring Time Memory
TAILS: An actual spring time memory
Its has been one of my dreams to visit the Western Cape to see the World renown wild flowers. the first year we lived in Cape Town we missed it. The flowers generally bloom between August and September but their splendour depends on when it rains. the following here we decided to just book a camp site and hope for the best. But the rain came early and we just caught the tail end of the season.
Well we were third time lucky - during the third year we just made it a priority and didn't let work and other thinks distract us from our goal.
We spent a beautiful day in the West Coast Nature reserve. Started off at the coffee shop and then explore various areas, picnicked on rock over looking the sea and watching whales. We continued our drive stopping at various points.
It was one of my best spring days.
Coffee Shop fountain
Monday, March 09, 2009
Before and After
This swap was about choosing an area in the your home that you have been meaning to re-organise or re-decorate.
I chose my study.
BEFORE
Packed uneccesary books in boxes and put into the garage - belong to owner of the house.
Packed away clothes.
Moved Jeandre's art to a specific shelf and created an area on my desk for her to share with me.
Moved table into her bedroom.
AFTER
Jeandre's books
BEFORE
IN BETWEEN and AFTER
\
Have the stationary that Jeandre and I always need to do her homework, swaps and ........
One of the tips from How to organise your home Office from Expert Village.
Organised my electric bits and pieces by putting into zip bags to protect them and I can easily see them. Used some extra organza bags I had for paper clips and other small items to pack
into the top "stationary" draw that my husband and I share.
This is the overthrow I am knitting for my couch in the lounge.
I chose my study.
BEFORE
Packed uneccesary books in boxes and put into the garage - belong to owner of the house.
Packed away clothes.
Moved Jeandre's art to a specific shelf and created an area on my desk for her to share with me.
Moved table into her bedroom.
AFTER
Jeandre's booksBEFORE
IN BETWEEN and AFTER
\Have the stationary that Jeandre and I always need to do her homework, swaps and ........
One of the tips from How to organise your home Office from Expert Village.
Organised my electric bits and pieces by putting into zip bags to protect them and I can easily see them. Used some extra organza bags I had for paper clips and other small items to pack
into the top "stationary" draw that my husband and I share.
This is the overthrow I am knitting for my couch in the lounge.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Getting There
HEAD or TAILS host by Skittles
I have discovered a new singer and poet Amanda Stott and Fernanda Arambula . I search on the theme for this week looking for some inspiration.
SONG
Getting There by Amanda
POEM
Getting There
When they say that they'll wait
How long is it?
When they say that they want
To be with us forever
How long is forever?
When they say that they'll get
Here
How far is here?
I might not have the answers to these
Questions, but what I do know is
That that time will get there.
Fernanda Arambula
I have fallen in with the tune (sound) of this song.
I have discovered a new singer and poet Amanda Stott and Fernanda Arambula . I search on the theme for this week looking for some inspiration.
SONG
Getting There by Amanda
POEM
Getting There
When they say that they'll wait
How long is it?
When they say that they want
To be with us forever
How long is forever?
When they say that they'll get
Here
How far is here?
I might not have the answers to these
Questions, but what I do know is
That that time will get there.
Fernanda Arambula
I have fallen in with the tune (sound) of this song.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Tree63
One of my favourite South African Christian contemporary bands.
Lyrics to Be All End All :
Center of attention night and day
I just hang on every word You say
With worlds revolving 'round You silently
How come You have all this time for me?
'Cos You spend all day inside my brain
I'm overcome - hard to explain
So what am I supposed to do?
I must have You
Chorus:
Be All End All
Start me finish me
You've been walking down my street again
Now everybody wants to be my friend
Beginning and the end of everything
You're the only song I want to sing
I'm absolutly in pursuit
Of something absolutly true
And all around has come undone: You're the 1*0*1
(Chorus)
Lyrics to Be All End All :
Center of attention night and day
I just hang on every word You say
With worlds revolving 'round You silently
How come You have all this time for me?
'Cos You spend all day inside my brain
I'm overcome - hard to explain
So what am I supposed to do?
I must have You
Chorus:
Be All End All
Start me finish me
You've been walking down my street again
Now everybody wants to be my friend
Beginning and the end of everything
You're the only song I want to sing
I'm absolutly in pursuit
Of something absolutly true
And all around has come undone: You're the 1*0*1
(Chorus)
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