Its Party Time!!!!

December is a season for office parties and all sorts of parties. Last week on Friday (12 December) we had our office Christmas party. I would very much like to say it was awesome or fantastic but if I am to be honest it was ...ok. The food was rather disappointing and I did not enjoy it much but there where other things which were fun. Here goes...

The black and white theme was lovely. The tables were set up nicely.

 

When it came to the food I was not impressed at all. I ended up not eating much of it. And... I didn't even go for a second helping :)

The best dressed man and woman (as voted by everyone) opening the dance floor.

Now the dance floor is open to everyone. I later took to the dance floor with a collegue. Of course, I couldn't leave without dancing. 

Me at the photo booth (corner) trying to strike a nice pose.

Fun taking pictures - it included the bosses he he he. This was the best part of the evening.

 

 

Having fun with a friend - with me really starring and trying my best to look surprised. Look at how that wall paper goes with my dress.

So this was it. Hopefully next year will be even better wherever I will be. I have a strong feeling I will be elsewhere having an office party with different colleagues (get what I mean right?).

Message on a Bus

 

 If your name is Sandile born 29 Sept 84. Just know someone cares abt u. Mo luv.

Saw this in the bus yesterday. It was one of those old old double decker Metro buses. It was written at the back of the seat in front of me. So so sweet. I wonder is the recipient ever got to read this and how long ago it was written? This person was/is very much liked/loved indeed.

On Being Beautiful

 

I knew it! I knew I was beautiful! This just confirmed it :) I saw this in the ladies of one of the local shopping malls, it made my day. If I went in sad and grumpy surely I came out smiling - of course!

I love seafood. It is one of my favorite foods. I grew up in a land locked country so I only got to eat seafood when I was an adult. From the moment that I 1st ate it I fell madly in love. I am craving some seafood like crazy so I think it's time to head out to Ocean Basket - their platter for 1 is mwaaaah. Happy weekend to everyone!

Dedicating Baby E

Yesterday, I went to the dedication of Baby E. It was so good to see him again and this time I had lots of time because I slept over. By the way Baby E is still my Idée Fixe of the moment, a hard one to knock off I tell you. The little man is just so adorable. My goodness, he loves starring and observing. He is one clever boy, this one.

 Come on Aunty. I just woke up. At least give me time to freshen up.

 Aaaah! What to do. Can't you at least focus on one thing Aunty. Give me my milk first then we can have a photo session.



Ok. You can take one now. I am ready and am on my way my dedication. Might as well capture the moment.

Baby E's parents are the one on the left, the ones in matching outfits. There was another baby alsobeing dedicated and she was also a miracle baby who came after much trying and prayers.

 

 The moment of dedication whilst the parents watch on.



Another moment. Looks like baby E is wondering what is happening.

 

 Baby E now being handed back to his parents. He was so good. He didn't cry at all through the whole dedication process..

Random picture. The shoe of the guy who was sitting next to me and part of my leg in stockings. 

 

It was Baby E's first time to go to church and I was really surprised he was unfazed by the noise and the many new faces. He kept smiling and stealing more hearts.  It was an honour to see him being dedicated.

Sunday Lunch with the Ladies

This past Sunday Ndie, Skattie and I went for Sunday lunch at Spiceburg Resturant. Ndie was craving for some Indian food and we thought why not? The service was superb. The owner even came and took us through the menu and made some very good suggestions of what we could have.

Ladies at your service. Please let me know if you need anything.

 Uuuuhm where to start from? This is so not easy. So many choices to choose from. Should we even have a starter or maybe just jump into the main meal.

 Hey I am ready to order now. Okay, while I wait let me play with my phone. Gosh, I am so hungry!

Yipee! When the food arrived and we were eager to dig in. We ordered different dishes and then shared so that we could have a bit of everything. That bread right there was heavenly. It fresh, warm and simply delicious.

Looks like you were famished ladies, Can't blame you though - the food was yummy.



Finishing off with an assortment of desserts. Loved the Mango ice cream the most.

I love hanging out with these 2 ladies. There was talk of going to a Jamaican Resturant sometime, that is if one can be found. Let us see what research will bring up. Happy Friday!

Good News Makes a Good Day

Yesterday, Wednesday the 26th of November was a very good day for me. I got some good news!!! I have been waiting for the outcome of something for ages. I have prayed about it, fasted about it and dreamed of it but it seemed like nothing was happening. Finally... my prayers were answered, just like that. I love it when God surprises me.

Picture form here

Athough it is a day later, this is how I still feel. I am still jumping for joy. Waiting is hard. Waiting is tiring. Waiting is frustrating. But when it happens, oh when it happens - the feeling is unexplainable. I am just so happy.

Looking Up Always

A rich man was standing on the balcony of his hotel room when he looked down and saw a beggar standing below. He took out his wallet and threw down a 1 dollar bill. When the beggar saw it he picked it up. This went on for quite a while with the rich man dropping down 1 dollar bills and the beggar picking up. What surprised the rich man was that, not once did the beggar look up to see where the money was coming from. Then the rich man had a thought, he filled a bucket with cold water, went back to the balcony and threw the water down at the beggar. At that the beggar looked up to see who had poured the water on him – angry of course.

May I not be one of those people who forget about God, ignoring or neglecting Him when the blessings are flowing and life is good. It shouldn’t take problems for me to look up to Him and acknowledge Him.  When it’s good and when its not- it doesn’t matter may I still look to Him.

This is a summarized version of the story that someone shared with us at church. I think it nicely summarizes how fickle we can be. Food for thought indeed.  

A Not Entirely Business Related Trip

This is one post which is long ovedue. I miss my camera! Yes, I do. Since it starting acting up I have been struggling to take pictures. My phone does not take good pictures and mostly I have to rely on friends or people I am with for pictures.I need to get that camera checked out... I pray it is nothing major and I do not have to buy a new one.

Okay, at the end of October I went to Durban  again, this time with two friends for a business related do and we took the opportunity to have some fun despite the hectic schedule. There was no way we were going to leave Durban without going to the beach - even the bad weather failed to keep us away.

In the plane - I dont know what we were looking at. There was turbulance due to bad weather and it turned out that all of us are not fans of flying. Let's just say - prayer, sweaty palms and holding hands. When we held hands and one of us said a prayer, the last thing on our minds was the people around us. Probably, they though we were crazy... It was a relief when we landed.

Safely on the ground again, after collecting our luggage.

Having breakfast the next morning. I dont remember what was happening here ... could be it be that we were saying grace for the food. I hope not otherwise it means ...oh never mind let me just let this one go.

  

At the beach in the cold weather - just had to brave it out. I think it shows in the picture that the water was not very warm -hey?

See you next time Durban.  I am not yet done with  you.

Idée Fixe of the Moment

Out with you Hunter Hayes and in comes Baby E. He is my nephew, the baby of one of my very good friends. He is so special and a miracle baby. What a celebration and blessing it is to have him in our lives.

Come on who can compete with this. Hunter Hayes you never stood a chance.

You should see that smile fully tuned onto high, coupled with with the most adorable look my heart
just melts.

Look at him so content and happy to be laying on mummy's chest. I couldn't help but take this one.

 

Oh baby E you are growing up so fast. You have such wonderful parents, God fearing and you are much loved. We waited for you, we prayed for you and now that you are here oh what joy! It will be wonderful seeing you grow and hearing you calling me aunty. You are in danger of being spoiled  by this aunt young man, it will be my pleasure to do so.

Hanging Out With the Ladies

In this post I talked about visiting the Maboneng Precinct and stopping by the Before I Die Wall. That was the day that I met 2 kindred sisters, Ndie and Skattie. We instantly clicked and decided that we were going to go on as many adventures and outings together as possible. This past weekend we had one such outing. It was food, cocktails and laughter all round. It feels like we have known each other for years and yet it has only been 4 months. Some friendships are just meant to be.

 

I had the Bacon and Brie Gourmet Burger which was enormous. My friends laughed at me when I attempted to finish it all and I could hardly breath after wards. I was stuffed.

 

This was my 1st cocktail I think it was called Blue Lagoon. Loved it!

More cocktails my 2 friends had Something on the Beach - that's what we called it :) I bet you know that isn't the real name. I had a Strawberry Daiquiri. I think that was me on the phone, probably on whats up ha!

We had a good time, it is always great to meet people who love life and embrace it with open arms. I thank God for bringing these two ladies Ndie and Skattie into my life.

Hair Bravery

Last Month on the 3rd of October to be exact I decided to be brave and start rocking my natural hair (as in untreated hair). I have been plaiting for 4 years now, always adorning another haristyle on removing an old one. I was tired. I wanted a change. For quite a while now I have been admiring those who style their  natural hair without putting weaves, extensions or the like but I have been a whimp when it came to doing it myself. For a start I have unruly natural hair, the kind which is voluminous  (as in a lot) and shrinks like I dont know what when it's wet or raining. On the Friday I took the leap, I came from work and on the spur of the moment I decided that I was going to undo my hair and not plait it. I was going to start styling it myself.

To be honest the first two weeks it was hard and I struggled to style it despite the help of YouTube videos. Believe me those ladies on YouTube make it seem like a walk in the park. My hair was not cooperating and around that time it started raining on a regular basis. I was ready to throw in the towel but something urged me to keep going. Slowly I began to get used to my hair even when it had shrunk and styling it became easier.

I am not yet there but I am glad to say that a month down the line I am now more comfortable with my hair and sometimes a style pops in my head as I am mosterizing and combing it and I go with it. I am learning that I have it in me to be creative. Waking up a little bit earlier than I used to is now worth it as I feel more myself and at ease showing off my natural hair. When I am more confident with my stylings I will share some pictures but in the meanwhile :

I have always been adventurous with my hairstyles. I love trying out new and unique hairstyles. This is the last plaiting hairstyle I had before the decision not to plait anymore. I liked it but I think it would have been even nicer with some color.

I was walking in town the other day when I saw this style advertised on the window of one saloon. I instantly fell in love with the hair style.Unfortunately, when I enquired in the saloon they said they couldnt do this kind of locking so I am on the hunt for someone who can. I have done something similar before and it goes well with my natural hair. Can't wait to have this.

I wonder how long I will be able to go without plaiting my hair with braids or weaves? I am really enjoying having an afro, tying, scarving and pinning my natural hair. It sure feels great ...despite the the work that comes with it. 

Pearly Delights

Back when I was an active blogger I had Pearly Delights a series where I shared a picture of something which grabbed my attention every day. I am going to continue with Pearly Delights but this time I won’t be sharing a picture for each day but I will be sharing pictures as and when possible. First up are some posters that I loved when I went to Rivers Church with a friend who worships there:

Anybody meets these requirement? Please apply fast for consideration :) I wonder who will give birth to those 6 children though?

Aha looks like the decison has been made for me. A Porsche it is then.

The Surprise

 This is what was delivered for me at work today.

So nicely wrapped, I didn't even want to open it. A few minutes later...

 

Ah well it had to be done sometime. I guess it means that healthy eating plan is on hold for now :)

Idée Fixe of the Moment

Picture from here.

I am so loving Hunter Hayes at the moment. I have been listening a lot to his music and I have to say with some of his songs it's like he has been in my mind or he knows my life or some of the things I have gone through. Here are a few select words from two of his songs which get me:

Every heart has got a rhythm,
Let yours beat out so loudly that everyone can hear it - Words from his song Invisible.

But I don't want good,
And I don't want good enough,
I want can't sleep can't breathe without your love,
Front porch and one more kiss,
Doesn't make sense to anyone,
Who cares if you're all I think about,
I've searched the world and I know now,
It ain't right if you ain't lost your mind,
Yeah, I don't want easy, I want crazy - Words from his song I Want Crazy

Who doesn't want to experience the crazy kind of love, were you absolutely love each other with your significant other? I want to experience that of course!
Okay, no need to get carried carried away (note to self). Back to work and more Hunter Hayes.

Jazz It Up

I was chatting with a new friend of mine on the morning of 26 September when she suddenly asked, ‘Do you want to go to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival. I have free tickets?’ I couldn’t believe it and there was no way I was going to say no. So we headed out for some Friday night fun and what a night it was! I am not a Jazz fan but I must say I was impressed with not only the talent which was there but with also the passion with which the musicians performed. It’s true that when you do what you love you don’t see your job as a burden or bore but as an enjoyable thing. I saw that in this Cuban Jazz pianist fireball Omar Sosa (I will call him fireball because he was awesome and his passion mesmerizing).

 

Me and my friend having fun with the instruments.

Loved this - to me it captured the essence of Jazz and the night.

For the romantics Ann Hampton Callaway was just perfect. Her music made one want to grab a loved one and start dancing.

 

Then there was Christian Scott – that man is one with his trumpet. His whole band was amazing particularly Isadora Mendez Scott (his wife) on the vocals. I was left wanting more from this performance.

To promote local South African composers and artists there was the Sounds of Democracy performance where local flavor was the order of the day. Boy, did people sing along and get lost in the songs performed by various local artists. There is nothing like hearing music in your mother tongue – it’s so easy to get lost in a song. 

Dwele – well then there was also Dwele (full name Andwele Gardner) – he is the performer who made us leave after 2 in the morning. He had the ladies swooning and passing him their phone numbers over the stage.

 

 

Dwele doing his thing – he is good performer. He grabs you and takes you on a musical journey. It wasn’t just about his singing but his creativity – there was no chance of getting bored.

 



Dwele Dwele Dwele - this man is a total flirt. I think he really liked this girl that he picked up from the crowd and began serenading on stage. Things were heating up on stage with Dwele suggesting his friends hanging out with her friends, when she ran off the stage. Apparently, there was one unamused boyfriend watching from below.  

After my time at the Joy of Jazz Festival I actually think that Jazz can grow on me.