So, after driving my citi golf for the past 7 years and spending a small fortune replacing the clutch, fiance and I decided it was time for a little upgrade. After much umming and aaahhing and crunching the numbers, I decided on the new 2010 Cross Polo (pictures and a new post will follow once I actually get the car!). When I bought Marvin (my golf) way back in 2003, I was really bad with paperwork (I have since improved) and lost my ownership papers. I have put off replacing them because, let's face it, no one actually chooses to interact with our governmental agencies! However, because I need Marvin to be traded in, I had to make the trip to the licensing department.
I decided to get to the department at 07h00 so I could get through the process before work. Turns out it opens at 07h30, so I ended up freezing my poor little nose off (it was a little bit of a walk to go wait in the car and a queue was forming already). Now, here comes a tip, if you've lost your ownership papers, firstly you have to go yourself (no Q 4 U here), secondly, you need an affidavit stating why you need another set of your papers. i would say phone the department If you have questions but you will probably have an easier task easing Jo'burg traffic in rush hour than you would of getting through to someone who can help. Just as I thought my quest had ended before it began (seeing as I did not have an affidavit), I was informed that there were cops on site who could sign my affidavit, but I had to survive a test! The office was situated through a number of cryptic hallways. After much wandering and looking at random cleaning ladies with my best puppy dog face, I found him. Then I realised something, I had no pen! I know, rookie mistake. Nonetheless, this brings mi to my next tip, bring a pen. The staff will not let you borrow theirs (probably from years of klepto's stealing them) and your fellow adventurers won't even look at you, much less loan you their pen. Thankfully a very helpful cop, not only let mi write my affidavit with his pen, but he also let mi fill in my pink form with it. Now, I was pretty chuffed with my resourcefulness and off I went to a counter, in the main entrance this time, where I was behind just one person, fantastic! The person behind the counter expertly photocopied my ID and attached to my growing pile of documentation and sent mi to wait for someone else. That person in turn sent me back through another set of corridors to a quiet office where an extremely helpful lady took my paperwork and told mi to come back in two days with my slip (that she had issued) and R230.
Now, I thought I was onto something good here, all I had to do was get back to the same office (hopefully I would remember the way) and get my ownership papers. Considering my first excursion was only about 20 minutes (excluding the half an hour wait in the cold) I should be done with my second trip in no time! So, this time, I arrived just in time (07h25, no cold nose for mi!!) and I was super exited to get my papers, I was even wondering why I had put it off for so long. This is when things went downhill, not even two minutes later, a creepy guy walked up to mi and randomly introduced himself to mi. Nothing really wrong with that, except he started asking really weird questions, like where do you live and are you here alone?! I normally reserve my alias for creeps like this guy but in my true style, I always forget it in times like this. I must say I was somewhat dumbfounded to think this guy could actually think he could pick up anyone with this tactic. Thankfully the doors opened and i started towards them as if they were to oasis sanctuary to my desert. Did i just call the licensing department a sanctuary?
Of course, he had to offer mi his number before I managed to make it to the door. Yuck! BUT, I was determined not to let this spoil my mood so off I toddled (more like speed walked) through the mazes, keeping myself in my 'happy place'. I found my way first time. proud of my accomplishment, i turned around to see if anyone was there to witness this feat... there was one. Idiot features was right behind mi! I could hear the horror movie music in my head and began to wonder if he would pull out a cloth soaked in chloroform and cart mi off to some random abandoned industrial building. I raced into the office and sat down. While the lady was busy taking my payment and processing my paperwork, I plotted my escape route. Given there was only one door, I thought I would stop at the cop's office I visited before (now thankful for forgetting my affidavit) if he decided to follow mi. That way, I could just drop him off and get on with my life. I walked out of the office and braced myself for the onslaught, when to my surprise, he whispered something (no doubt something creepy) and walked into the office and left mi to make a dash for it. Phew, I was free!
This whole incident should come as no surprise to mi, I have attracted charmers like this my entire life. Even though I knew creepoid was in the belly of the building it didn't stop mi from racing back to Marvin as fast as I could, without looking like a complete morons running to my car. This was, after all, not a horror movie. I did use my best evasive driving tactics (who says watching action movies are good for nothing) to get back to the office. Safely back at my desk, I realised that it wasn't the department that ended up being a pain, it was my 'special' friend. He really made mi feel icky!!
Now, I have to work on my goodbyes to Marvin. At least I still have 5 weeks while I wait for my new car to be built, to work on that. For now, I think I'll have a shower... or three.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Bye Bye Soccer
To be completely honest, I do not enjoy soccer. The theatrics of the players and the amount of yellow and red cards being given out, I just don't get it. I am a steadfast rugby fan and one day I will be able to see me Sharks in the tank (yep, I have never seen a live rugby match). That being said though, I couldn't help being caught up in the World Cup and the energy of the games and the dreams of all the teams to finally lift that trophy. I even voluntarily turned over to watch some of the games in my own home!!
That aside, I have to say I am most proud of this beautiful country for doing their citizens proud during the course of this huge event! Not only were each and every individual so wonderfully welcoming but even Julius managed to keep his mouth shut for the most part. Both the opening and closing ceremonies were great to watch (even though I am so over the Waka Waka song) so I want to give our great country kudos for pulling it all off and putting our best foot forward
Hooray for us!
That aside, I have to say I am most proud of this beautiful country for doing their citizens proud during the course of this huge event! Not only were each and every individual so wonderfully welcoming but even Julius managed to keep his mouth shut for the most part. Both the opening and closing ceremonies were great to watch (even though I am so over the Waka Waka song) so I want to give our great country kudos for pulling it all off and putting our best foot forward
Hooray for us!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Lurvely Things
After my little rant yesterday, I thought it would be good to highlight the things I lurve too (just so you all don't think I am a crabby person).
I was lying in bed this morning, willing myself to get up when I thought about number one on my list of things I lurve. That being lying in bed in the morning, knowing you don't have to go anywhere or do anything. The bed is always at it's most comfy when you have just woken up, the duvet is where it's meant to be and your pillow is just perfectly soft and your cat (if you own one) is not a rock in the middle of it all! Sadly, I did have to get up so maybe tomorrow morning I can experience number one.
Number two is really long baths. It is totally awesome just lounging in the bath with a good book (right now, I am reading part 3 of the Dexter series, too good!!). Normally I don't get to do this since I always feel the need to get out of the bath and do some housework or studying. Now that I can actually get my tattoo wet again, I think I might have one of those after my lie ins tomorrow morning (damn, I'm lazy).
Number three is a particularly important one to my sanity. You see, our office has the radio going all day and it is particularly mind-numbing for mi since I rarely hear a song I actually like, yet always seem to find them stuck in my head. So, number three is getting into my car and turning on my music. There is nothing like walking away from a busy day at work (and being bombarded by inane poppy vocals) and hearing the screams of one of my favourite bands - yesterday it was Chromium. Now I know not everyone appreciates hard rock/metal (why I don't know but I am diplomatic) but I think everyone can relate to enjoying a great tune on the drive home. It is calming enough to get mi out of work-mode and into home-mode and ready to wind down for the evening.
Number four on my list is having a great party. You all know the feeling when you wake up the next morning, or afternoon, after a great jol. Whether it's a house party or, my special favourite, a little jump around at Doors, it is satisfying to know that you had a great time with your awesome friends and didn't do anything overly embarassing that you would normally curse yourself for and believe mi, I've had plenty of those too. Our last great party was an impromptu affair (as they always tend to be). We were playing pool on a Thursday night and the Friday was a public holiday (meaning no need to be responsible) and fiance, best friend and I decided to make the trek to Edenvale and hit Doors. What a party! We went on until 2am and even then, left begrudgingly because best friend was feeling horrid (she was trooper though). The best part was, since I was driving, I was sober and didn't have a horrible hangover the next day to rain my post-party parade.
Number five, and the last item my little list (although I could list tons more!) is the beach. I live very far away from the nearest beach. Even Sun City is a good 2 hours away! I have to admit I am a beach baby at heart and really do miss it when I don't get to go (and it is looking less and less likely since I am studying like it's 1999). To mi, there is nothing like the feeling of warm sand between your toes, the sun beating down on your skin and the cool of the water when you dive into it. The taste of salt when you lick your lips and the smell of suntan lotion. Yup, being at the beach is the best! My family and I having been going to the beach since I was a kid and it always has great memories of fun-filled days, lazy afternoons and bags of shells to put who knows where when we return home. I know there is no telling where you are going to end up but my absolute must is to retire to the beach one day (hopefully I will win the lotto and it'll be one day soon!). I want my life to be filled with those days. Hell, I might even take up exercise if it means I can do it with the sound of waves crashing nearby. A jog on the beach sounds so much better than a jog down our dusty, pollution-ridden road, which, at the moment has been taken over by earth-moving equipment while they re-tar it.
Yup, that is my preliminary list of 5 awesome things. I am sure I will add to it one day but for now it's back to reality and hopefully tomorrow I can indulge in number one and two, at the very least!
I was lying in bed this morning, willing myself to get up when I thought about number one on my list of things I lurve. That being lying in bed in the morning, knowing you don't have to go anywhere or do anything. The bed is always at it's most comfy when you have just woken up, the duvet is where it's meant to be and your pillow is just perfectly soft and your cat (if you own one) is not a rock in the middle of it all! Sadly, I did have to get up so maybe tomorrow morning I can experience number one.
Number two is really long baths. It is totally awesome just lounging in the bath with a good book (right now, I am reading part 3 of the Dexter series, too good!!). Normally I don't get to do this since I always feel the need to get out of the bath and do some housework or studying. Now that I can actually get my tattoo wet again, I think I might have one of those after my lie ins tomorrow morning (damn, I'm lazy).
Number three is a particularly important one to my sanity. You see, our office has the radio going all day and it is particularly mind-numbing for mi since I rarely hear a song I actually like, yet always seem to find them stuck in my head. So, number three is getting into my car and turning on my music. There is nothing like walking away from a busy day at work (and being bombarded by inane poppy vocals) and hearing the screams of one of my favourite bands - yesterday it was Chromium. Now I know not everyone appreciates hard rock/metal (why I don't know but I am diplomatic) but I think everyone can relate to enjoying a great tune on the drive home. It is calming enough to get mi out of work-mode and into home-mode and ready to wind down for the evening.
Number four on my list is having a great party. You all know the feeling when you wake up the next morning, or afternoon, after a great jol. Whether it's a house party or, my special favourite, a little jump around at Doors, it is satisfying to know that you had a great time with your awesome friends and didn't do anything overly embarassing that you would normally curse yourself for and believe mi, I've had plenty of those too. Our last great party was an impromptu affair (as they always tend to be). We were playing pool on a Thursday night and the Friday was a public holiday (meaning no need to be responsible) and fiance, best friend and I decided to make the trek to Edenvale and hit Doors. What a party! We went on until 2am and even then, left begrudgingly because best friend was feeling horrid (she was trooper though). The best part was, since I was driving, I was sober and didn't have a horrible hangover the next day to rain my post-party parade.
Number five, and the last item my little list (although I could list tons more!) is the beach. I live very far away from the nearest beach. Even Sun City is a good 2 hours away! I have to admit I am a beach baby at heart and really do miss it when I don't get to go (and it is looking less and less likely since I am studying like it's 1999). To mi, there is nothing like the feeling of warm sand between your toes, the sun beating down on your skin and the cool of the water when you dive into it. The taste of salt when you lick your lips and the smell of suntan lotion. Yup, being at the beach is the best! My family and I having been going to the beach since I was a kid and it always has great memories of fun-filled days, lazy afternoons and bags of shells to put who knows where when we return home. I know there is no telling where you are going to end up but my absolute must is to retire to the beach one day (hopefully I will win the lotto and it'll be one day soon!). I want my life to be filled with those days. Hell, I might even take up exercise if it means I can do it with the sound of waves crashing nearby. A jog on the beach sounds so much better than a jog down our dusty, pollution-ridden road, which, at the moment has been taken over by earth-moving equipment while they re-tar it.
Yup, that is my preliminary list of 5 awesome things. I am sure I will add to it one day but for now it's back to reality and hopefully tomorrow I can indulge in number one and two, at the very least!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
*Sigh* Traffic
Now, I work pretty close to home (some 8kms away) but also find myself in some of the most horrendous traffic. Normally, I am pretty patient, I just turn up Spinshank, Slipknot or any other tunes I may have playing and enjoy the fact that I don't actually have to be studying, working or cooking! BUT there are a few things that really get my goat.
Firstly, why is it that when people's cars only have one working light, they feel the need to put their one remaining light on bright? So many times, I have thought that a very inconsiderate bike rider is headed my way, when in fact, it is an idiot with one headlight! Quite frankly, it is just downright dangerous since whoever is on the receiving end of being blinded by the headlight may think it is a bike and not give the required amount of extra space a CAR deserves. I don't really want to harp on it but it truly is moronic!
Following on from that, have you noticed how the slow pokes always get ahead of you? Just yesterday I was behind a beat up old bakkie doing 30km/h. While I am no speed demon, I do certainly believe in keeping up with the traffic (or at the very least, the speed limit). This bakkie drove like they had no particular place to be, which is kind of strange considering at 17h45, everyone has somewhere to be. Of course, the cherry on top was the bumper sticker. This bumper sticker was not the normal Mickey Mouse giving you the finger, which oddly enough was on this particular vehicle, no, this sticker had an even more important message to pass on to the people behind him/her. It said 'Catch me if you can'... Really?
Surely the people selling these bumper stickers should do a quick screening to see if you are worthy of such a message? Even if the criteria was that your car was built after 1989, a number of these people would be weeded out.
Lastly, I would like to spare a thought for common courtesy. I think common courtesy's days are numbered. While I think this may be a result of having been cut off by too many taxis in the past but I don't see many people giving some poor sod sitting in a by-street (for who knows how long) a chance to join the long line of slow-moving traffic. I sit at a number of stop streets so all in all everyone is pretty good about letting cars filter in one by one. Ultimately though, there is one woman, acting super important, talking on her cellphone, ruining it for everyone. She casually cuts off the next person to filter in and continues her conversation. I can only think that she may be late for an appointment (of course, it would be a super important one) but personally, I think that is no excuse lady! We all have places to be yet we all give the next person in the line a chance to filter in.
Well, now that I have gotten that off my chest I can continue with my day. And remember... if you are in traffic and I'm around
Firstly, why is it that when people's cars only have one working light, they feel the need to put their one remaining light on bright? So many times, I have thought that a very inconsiderate bike rider is headed my way, when in fact, it is an idiot with one headlight! Quite frankly, it is just downright dangerous since whoever is on the receiving end of being blinded by the headlight may think it is a bike and not give the required amount of extra space a CAR deserves. I don't really want to harp on it but it truly is moronic!
Following on from that, have you noticed how the slow pokes always get ahead of you? Just yesterday I was behind a beat up old bakkie doing 30km/h. While I am no speed demon, I do certainly believe in keeping up with the traffic (or at the very least, the speed limit). This bakkie drove like they had no particular place to be, which is kind of strange considering at 17h45, everyone has somewhere to be. Of course, the cherry on top was the bumper sticker. This bumper sticker was not the normal Mickey Mouse giving you the finger, which oddly enough was on this particular vehicle, no, this sticker had an even more important message to pass on to the people behind him/her. It said 'Catch me if you can'... Really?
Surely the people selling these bumper stickers should do a quick screening to see if you are worthy of such a message? Even if the criteria was that your car was built after 1989, a number of these people would be weeded out.
Lastly, I would like to spare a thought for common courtesy. I think common courtesy's days are numbered. While I think this may be a result of having been cut off by too many taxis in the past but I don't see many people giving some poor sod sitting in a by-street (for who knows how long) a chance to join the long line of slow-moving traffic. I sit at a number of stop streets so all in all everyone is pretty good about letting cars filter in one by one. Ultimately though, there is one woman, acting super important, talking on her cellphone, ruining it for everyone. She casually cuts off the next person to filter in and continues her conversation. I can only think that she may be late for an appointment (of course, it would be a super important one) but personally, I think that is no excuse lady! We all have places to be yet we all give the next person in the line a chance to filter in.
Well, now that I have gotten that off my chest I can continue with my day. And remember... if you are in traffic and I'm around
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Hooray for Hooters!
Last year, I had my birthday dinner at a quaint little restuarant in Rosebank called Cranks. With my penchant for all things weird and offbeat, Cranks was great. Good food and service and a great atmosphere (of course, the Barbies in various sexual positions added to the charm of the place). This year, I had to top Cranks, I found myself in a bit of a quandary with all the restuarants I looked up being mirror images of each other (nothing wrong with that but I always try to find something different). Thankfully, on our way out to pool one night we saw that a new addition to the Buzz shopping centre had been opened, Hooters.
Of course, I couldn't resist a little lookey-loo and it turned out to have a great vibe. So my search had ended. I sent out the invites andas unbelieveably great at her job last night we got together to watch some soccer and drink some beer (which I find to be a little unfair because I could not pick up the Big Daddy beer so I resigned myself to drinking out of little bottles). This is a definite sports bar as there are big screens everywhere so no matter how busy it is, you will always get a good view of the game.
You aren't allowed to book tables in advance so it did make it a little difficult trying to get my 20 best friends in the same place. Thankfully, some good samaritans allowed us to join them in their booth until they left when we woud take full ownership of that booth. They were reluctant at frst but thankfully I had the birthday card to pull and by the time they left we were getting along like long lost friends. Good people, I shall Facebook them...
Our waitress , 'Sam', was unbelieveably awesome at her job, which was no small feat with the amount of people demanding her attention at any given time and (sad to say) even trying to cop a feel at times. Adding to the awesome service, the food was great and I have to admit I even enjoyed the soccer (sorry, I'm a rugby girl).
So that is another birthday done and dusted and I am left with one thought... where do i go next year?
Of course, I couldn't resist a little lookey-loo and it turned out to have a great vibe. So my search had ended. I sent out the invites andas unbelieveably great at her job last night we got together to watch some soccer and drink some beer (which I find to be a little unfair because I could not pick up the Big Daddy beer so I resigned myself to drinking out of little bottles). This is a definite sports bar as there are big screens everywhere so no matter how busy it is, you will always get a good view of the game.
You aren't allowed to book tables in advance so it did make it a little difficult trying to get my 20 best friends in the same place. Thankfully, some good samaritans allowed us to join them in their booth until they left when we woud take full ownership of that booth. They were reluctant at frst but thankfully I had the birthday card to pull and by the time they left we were getting along like long lost friends. Good people, I shall Facebook them...
Our waitress , 'Sam', was unbelieveably awesome at her job, which was no small feat with the amount of people demanding her attention at any given time and (sad to say) even trying to cop a feel at times. Adding to the awesome service, the food was great and I have to admit I even enjoyed the soccer (sorry, I'm a rugby girl).
So that is another birthday done and dusted and I am left with one thought... where do i go next year?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The New Eminem
So, as you know my birthday has come and gone (I will try and avoid remarks about getting wiser since the only thing that has changed over the past few birthdays is my desire to sleep a whole lot more) and I am currently enjoying the new additions to my music collection. While I do understand why everyone downloads their music online these days, I have to admit that I still like receiving a CD I can physically touch. I love opening the CD case for the first time and sliding out the book the artist has painstakingly crafted (with their team of designers) for their fans' benefit. Although, can I take a minute to ask why it is so difficult to put these books back in their rightful place? If anyone knows, please enlighten mi.
While I am all about metal and alternative music I have to admit that I have a soft spot for a number of artists that do not fall in this genre. The album I received this year was Eminem's new one called Recovery. This follows on his Relapse album from not too long ago and once again I am totally impressed with him. I may be a devoted fan and the critics may not agree with mi but I truly feel with this album he went back to the good old days (no comments about gettin old please) where it was all about really powerful lyrics and great beats. He has a number of collaboration's on this album which only add to the value of the overall finished product. Songs wth Rihanna and Lil Wayne are excellent but I have to say my personal fave is the song he did with P!nk called 'won't back down'. It might be because I love P!nk's rocker attitude and combined with Eminem's wit and controversial one-liners, I think this song is just great!!
Of course, I have only heard the album once (I have a full-time job after all) but I don't think I will bore of this easily. I am certain this album will take pride of place in my CD cabinet for years to come and won't end up in the drawer hiding with some of music's embarassments. Everyone has at least one album they do not want anyone to see and I can sadly say I have more than my fair share of music mistakes that not even Cash Crusader's will buy from mi.
I would like to end by giving Eminem props for once again delivering a great offering which I am sure will be well-received by his fans. Right, I'm off to go pop the CD in my car.
While I am all about metal and alternative music I have to admit that I have a soft spot for a number of artists that do not fall in this genre. The album I received this year was Eminem's new one called Recovery. This follows on his Relapse album from not too long ago and once again I am totally impressed with him. I may be a devoted fan and the critics may not agree with mi but I truly feel with this album he went back to the good old days (no comments about gettin old please) where it was all about really powerful lyrics and great beats. He has a number of collaboration's on this album which only add to the value of the overall finished product. Songs wth Rihanna and Lil Wayne are excellent but I have to say my personal fave is the song he did with P!nk called 'won't back down'. It might be because I love P!nk's rocker attitude and combined with Eminem's wit and controversial one-liners, I think this song is just great!!
Of course, I have only heard the album once (I have a full-time job after all) but I don't think I will bore of this easily. I am certain this album will take pride of place in my CD cabinet for years to come and won't end up in the drawer hiding with some of music's embarassments. Everyone has at least one album they do not want anyone to see and I can sadly say I have more than my fair share of music mistakes that not even Cash Crusader's will buy from mi.
I would like to end by giving Eminem props for once again delivering a great offering which I am sure will be well-received by his fans. Right, I'm off to go pop the CD in my car.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)