Dire Straits - Money For Nothing
Blast from the past. Woke up with this song in my head.
The graphics were so cool when it first came out. Apparently Sting plays the bass and does backing vocals on this track.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
The Killing of Sister George
Dreadfully over-acted. Undertones of psycho-sado-masochism.
The story revolves around the relationship between "George" and her lover, "Alice". When George finds out she is being axed from a soap opera that's become her lifeblood, she goes a little potty, but you get the feeling she was a little potty to begin with.
See the women smiling in the poster to the left? They don't do much smiling in the film.
The film was originally based on a play and was meant to be taken lightly. However, the film version didn't cast a favourable light on lesbians. And I have a feeling that the blame for all the crap lesbian movies ever made should be laid squarely at this film's front door. Director Robert Aldrich portrays lesbians as completely psychotic or immature, alcoholic, bad tempered, badly behaved and only after sex.
While I am sure there are some out there, it is rather unfortunate that this stereotype has stuck.
It's rubbish, but I will admit that I have seen worse rubbish than this.
On the lesbian movie rating scale, where 1 is the oh-so-dire Claire of the Moon and 10 being the intriguing and dark Fingersmith, this film scores a generous 3.
Unless you want to satisfy your curiosity about early lesbian movies, don't waste your time.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
The Evil Spider Woman Has Me By The Short Rabbits
Yah-hah!
All plans for getting creative were recently derailed by the car battery malarchy that began on Tuesday.
The story begins at the start of winter, when I notice that my little white car has some trouble getting itself started. I figured, like me, the cold mornings lend themselves to reluctant starts. I continued to think this until Tuesday evening when the car failed to start at all and the man from the AA had to be called. I walked to work yesterday morning and got a lift back home in the evening. Luckily I got the car started first thing and trundled up to the garage. And £44.00 I didn't plan on spending and one big karmic lesson later: Hey! Presto! New battery, starting car.
The Universe keeps trying to teach me that my stubborn pride is not helping me. I can recall at least five times this year this lesson has been thrown at me. So now I am going to put myself forward to learn that it's ok to ask for help, that I don't HAVE TO do this all by myself. That, in fact, I am making things HARDER by insisting I do it all by myself. ALL THE TIME. Especially when I get stubborn. Or proud. There's a joke in our family that you get stubborn and then you get The O Family Stubborn. Which is far, FAR, worse.
Some of this also comes from my mother, who taught us not to ask for help, to be independent. Some of this comes from when I was a kid and my parents didn't have much money and I stopped asking them for money for stuff I needed for school projects, because my mother was always saying things like, "Ok, we'll do that, but that means we have to go a bit short this month." Of course, I would get into trouble at school, and had to learn that asking for stuff for school was ok. Asking for anything else wasn't. And then there was the time my mom insisted I sing for her at her whim, as she was paying for singing lessons. I didn't want to and told her so. She said that if I wanted her to pay for the lessons, then I will sing when she wanted me to sing. I got a part time job on a Friday and Saturday and paid for my own damn lessons and gave my dad some money for petrol to give me a lift to the class each week.
See? Stubborn AND proud. The Universe really knows to hit where it hurts. But that's the point. That's quite a big karmic package that has several facets to it. And looking at it from here I can see a whole lot of tangled shit in several different layers. The Universe obviously thinks I am ready to unwrap and unpack this piece of my family and personal karma... so here goes. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Instead of getting down to doing some comic strips and some writing last night, I spent last night watching a DVD. The Killing of Sister George (review to follow). SO... hopefully some new Dangerdykes and other oddments by the weekend. Hoorah!
Yah-hah!
All plans for getting creative were recently derailed by the car battery malarchy that began on Tuesday.
The story begins at the start of winter, when I notice that my little white car has some trouble getting itself started. I figured, like me, the cold mornings lend themselves to reluctant starts. I continued to think this until Tuesday evening when the car failed to start at all and the man from the AA had to be called. I walked to work yesterday morning and got a lift back home in the evening. Luckily I got the car started first thing and trundled up to the garage. And £44.00 I didn't plan on spending and one big karmic lesson later: Hey! Presto! New battery, starting car.
The Universe keeps trying to teach me that my stubborn pride is not helping me. I can recall at least five times this year this lesson has been thrown at me. So now I am going to put myself forward to learn that it's ok to ask for help, that I don't HAVE TO do this all by myself. That, in fact, I am making things HARDER by insisting I do it all by myself. ALL THE TIME. Especially when I get stubborn. Or proud. There's a joke in our family that you get stubborn and then you get The O Family Stubborn. Which is far, FAR, worse.
Some of this also comes from my mother, who taught us not to ask for help, to be independent. Some of this comes from when I was a kid and my parents didn't have much money and I stopped asking them for money for stuff I needed for school projects, because my mother was always saying things like, "Ok, we'll do that, but that means we have to go a bit short this month." Of course, I would get into trouble at school, and had to learn that asking for stuff for school was ok. Asking for anything else wasn't. And then there was the time my mom insisted I sing for her at her whim, as she was paying for singing lessons. I didn't want to and told her so. She said that if I wanted her to pay for the lessons, then I will sing when she wanted me to sing. I got a part time job on a Friday and Saturday and paid for my own damn lessons and gave my dad some money for petrol to give me a lift to the class each week.
See? Stubborn AND proud. The Universe really knows to hit where it hurts. But that's the point. That's quite a big karmic package that has several facets to it. And looking at it from here I can see a whole lot of tangled shit in several different layers. The Universe obviously thinks I am ready to unwrap and unpack this piece of my family and personal karma... so here goes. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Instead of getting down to doing some comic strips and some writing last night, I spent last night watching a DVD. The Killing of Sister George (review to follow). SO... hopefully some new Dangerdykes and other oddments by the weekend. Hoorah!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
MARCELLA THEODORA O13 October 1942 - 22 November 2001
My mother died suddenly, five years ago. Massive heart attack. I inherited much of her facial features, which means I look younger than I really am. I also inherited her wit, her sense of mischief and her creativity. Her legacy, however, also left me with the same mental illness that finds the odd occasion to steal up on me in the dark to plunge me into the blackest depths of despair.
She complained of chest pains and a visit to the doctor, where she was hooked up to an ECG machine revealed nothing out of the ordinary and she was sent home. Forty-five minutes later she was dead.
I spent almost all of what was left of my savings to fly out to South Africa for her funeral. I sang Schubert's Ave Maria, delivered the eulogy and was one of the pall bearers.
What I remember about her isn't all good. In fact, it's fair to say that a lot of what I remember is not good at all. Still, she had the ability to listen and mete out sensible advice. She was a gracious hostess who embraced causes that were close to her heart and worked tirelessly to help a lot of people. I remember saying in the eulogy that Mom liked to fight the good fight and stood up for what she believed in. She had strong opinions and like me, didn't feel she couldn't speak her mind. We built the rockery in the garden together when I was five. I was too small to pick the stones up, but I helped her mark out its borders and pointed out where I thought the stones should go.
She indulged my eccentricities, mostly because she was a little eccentric herself. And she was beautiful.
The last time I spoke to her was just after her 59th birthday, a month prior to her death. She was in good spirits, and indeed, my auntie Carol told me that Mom had been in high spirits the day before she died too. She had gone to get her hair trimmed by Carol and was laughing and joking, discussing her plans for the future.
Perhaps one story I can tell you about her would sum up her character better than any description I can contrive:
Mom grew up poor. At the age of six, she saw a pair of bright shiny red shoes in a shop window and wanted so badly to have them. She knew she couldn't ask for the money, so she ran errands for other people, saving every penny she could until she was able to walk into that shop and buy those shoes herself.
I hope I have inherited some of that spirit too.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
My Soul Needs a Holiday
If only I could afford it, but... need to save for a trip to see my Dad in SA next year. If I was able to wing it, though, what a fab choice of soul holidays to have:
Findhorn
Healing down in Cornwall
A Yoga retreat in the UK
or
A Yoga retreat in Bali.
*sigh*
If only I could afford it, but... need to save for a trip to see my Dad in SA next year. If I was able to wing it, though, what a fab choice of soul holidays to have:
Findhorn
Healing down in Cornwall
A Yoga retreat in the UK
or
A Yoga retreat in Bali.
*sigh*
Monday, November 20, 2006
My Own Take On Things...
My word, my post on gay marriages in South Africa has generated a lot of interest, following some of the less-than-supportive comments left on the BBC website by many people from a variety of African countries.
Here are my thoughts on the subject I threw out into the blogosphere:
First of all, it really frustrates me that there are people out there who would gladly employ violence or torture to gay and transgendered individuals than to allow them to live peaceful, happy lives. Many of these people belong to religious groups that preach love and acceptance of one's fellow human. I am not just referring to the Judeo-Christian set up. I know a girl in Singapore, who belongs to my own Buddhist teaching - Nichiren Buddhism - whose parents would disown her if she revealed she's a lesbian, as would a number of other members. Nichiren Buddhism teaches us about love, acceptance and has no problem with people being gay, yet this girl and others like her, are being ostracised because of their sexuality.
Part of the problem is cultural and the way the LGBT community is regarded in society at large. The other part of the problem, I feel, is that people tend to look past the gay PERSON and see, instead (at least what they conjure up themselves), a SEXUAL act. They see the relationship between same-sex couples as something fuelled exclusively by lust, not love. And therein lies the problem.
When I was about 14 or 15 my parents made me read a book entitled The Gay Nineties. It was one of this Christian gay hating books that went on and on and on about how gay people are promiscuous, dirty and spread disease. How gay people have an "agenda" to undermine the sanctity of Christian family life. How gay people purposefully set out to "corrupt and convert" young straight people and mess with their minds. How all gay people are really paedophiles waiting to happen, which is why gay people should never be allowed to have children. Lesbians want to spoil the delicate virginal flower of a straight girl. Gay men are only after satisfying their appetites.
Read that paragraph again, take out the word "gay", replace it with the word "Jew", the word "Christian" with the word, "Volksland", and you have Hitler's philosophy almost verbatim. And the book was written by a devout Christian. A Christian who would no doubt balk at the word "Nazi" being thrown at him. An American Christian to boot, who would no doubt be proud of America's involvement in whipping some Nazi arse back in WW II.
Sadly, these myths about gay people have prevailed. Yes, there are promiscuous gay people just as there are promiscuous heterosexual people. From where I am standing, Christian Family Life - or any family life for that matter - doesn't seem to need the help of gay people to undermine it. Straight people are doing a great job all on their own.
What I find most laughable is the whole "gay agenda". What gay agenda? Did I miss out on something? Was there a memo that was sent out to every other gay, trans, lesbian and bi person except for me? Apparently, according to my mother, rest her soul, the "Gays want to liberalise the world so that it will pave the way for widespread pervsity and paedophilia. Then the Devils can walk right in and take over because people will have no morals. Look at Sodom and Gomorrah." Yeah. Right. That makes sense.
The funniest explanation I have come across for "the gay agenda" was that gay, lesbian, bi and trans people were all possessed by demons working for the Devil. The Devil's aim is to get as many souls into Hell and away from God as he can, so he uses sex to do that - perverse sex. Hell is pretty damn crowded then, I think, and Heaven must be really lonely with just a handful of Saints and the odd Pope roaming around. Nah... scratch that. You never know with the Catholic clergy.
What is wrong with two consenting adults loving each other? We don't harm anyone, and love is by far a better option than violence, misunderstanding and condemning people to eternal damnation.
Love and let others love. There is no greater gift than love that one human being can give to another. Pack in the prejudice, open hearts and minds and just let everything be...
My word, my post on gay marriages in South Africa has generated a lot of interest, following some of the less-than-supportive comments left on the BBC website by many people from a variety of African countries.
Here are my thoughts on the subject I threw out into the blogosphere:
First of all, it really frustrates me that there are people out there who would gladly employ violence or torture to gay and transgendered individuals than to allow them to live peaceful, happy lives. Many of these people belong to religious groups that preach love and acceptance of one's fellow human. I am not just referring to the Judeo-Christian set up. I know a girl in Singapore, who belongs to my own Buddhist teaching - Nichiren Buddhism - whose parents would disown her if she revealed she's a lesbian, as would a number of other members. Nichiren Buddhism teaches us about love, acceptance and has no problem with people being gay, yet this girl and others like her, are being ostracised because of their sexuality.
Part of the problem is cultural and the way the LGBT community is regarded in society at large. The other part of the problem, I feel, is that people tend to look past the gay PERSON and see, instead (at least what they conjure up themselves), a SEXUAL act. They see the relationship between same-sex couples as something fuelled exclusively by lust, not love. And therein lies the problem.
When I was about 14 or 15 my parents made me read a book entitled The Gay Nineties. It was one of this Christian gay hating books that went on and on and on about how gay people are promiscuous, dirty and spread disease. How gay people have an "agenda" to undermine the sanctity of Christian family life. How gay people purposefully set out to "corrupt and convert" young straight people and mess with their minds. How all gay people are really paedophiles waiting to happen, which is why gay people should never be allowed to have children. Lesbians want to spoil the delicate virginal flower of a straight girl. Gay men are only after satisfying their appetites.
Read that paragraph again, take out the word "gay", replace it with the word "Jew", the word "Christian" with the word, "Volksland", and you have Hitler's philosophy almost verbatim. And the book was written by a devout Christian. A Christian who would no doubt balk at the word "Nazi" being thrown at him. An American Christian to boot, who would no doubt be proud of America's involvement in whipping some Nazi arse back in WW II.
Sadly, these myths about gay people have prevailed. Yes, there are promiscuous gay people just as there are promiscuous heterosexual people. From where I am standing, Christian Family Life - or any family life for that matter - doesn't seem to need the help of gay people to undermine it. Straight people are doing a great job all on their own.
What I find most laughable is the whole "gay agenda". What gay agenda? Did I miss out on something? Was there a memo that was sent out to every other gay, trans, lesbian and bi person except for me? Apparently, according to my mother, rest her soul, the "Gays want to liberalise the world so that it will pave the way for widespread pervsity and paedophilia. Then the Devils can walk right in and take over because people will have no morals. Look at Sodom and Gomorrah." Yeah. Right. That makes sense.
The funniest explanation I have come across for "the gay agenda" was that gay, lesbian, bi and trans people were all possessed by demons working for the Devil. The Devil's aim is to get as many souls into Hell and away from God as he can, so he uses sex to do that - perverse sex. Hell is pretty damn crowded then, I think, and Heaven must be really lonely with just a handful of Saints and the odd Pope roaming around. Nah... scratch that. You never know with the Catholic clergy.
What is wrong with two consenting adults loving each other? We don't harm anyone, and love is by far a better option than violence, misunderstanding and condemning people to eternal damnation.
Love and let others love. There is no greater gift than love that one human being can give to another. Pack in the prejudice, open hearts and minds and just let everything be...
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Same-Sex Unions Legalised in South Africa
Despite how prejudiced South Africa has been in the past, it seems to have embraced the idea of equality with much vigour, going so far as to write not discriminating against people based on sexual orientation into their constitution. Very progressive for a country once caught in the dark ages.
The news is that South Africa has legalised same-sex unions, affording countless gay and lesbian couples the opportunity to make their commitment official. I can see this upsetting quite a few people, and I am not talking just about the stalwart Afrikaners and others who still want to bring Apartheid back.
Looking through the reactions of the people commenting in the BBC forum, there are not a lot of happy campers, and many of them are from African countries other than South Africa. They feel that same-sex unions go against God or that it's "un-African".
Indeed, same-sex unions, whether that be through marriage or any other union, is still controversial in this day and age. People feel that gay rights isn't an important issue to pursue.
The way of the world, though, isn't it?
And there are even groups amongst the gay community who feel that they do not need to define their relationships on heterosexual terms, that marriage is not something that should apply to them. Indeed, I know a few heterosexual couples who feel the same.
So: Is marriage outmoded? What gets people so riled about gay unions? Whatever happened to tolerance?
Un-African? Is that even a word?
Despite how prejudiced South Africa has been in the past, it seems to have embraced the idea of equality with much vigour, going so far as to write not discriminating against people based on sexual orientation into their constitution. Very progressive for a country once caught in the dark ages.
The news is that South Africa has legalised same-sex unions, affording countless gay and lesbian couples the opportunity to make their commitment official. I can see this upsetting quite a few people, and I am not talking just about the stalwart Afrikaners and others who still want to bring Apartheid back.
Looking through the reactions of the people commenting in the BBC forum, there are not a lot of happy campers, and many of them are from African countries other than South Africa. They feel that same-sex unions go against God or that it's "un-African".
Indeed, same-sex unions, whether that be through marriage or any other union, is still controversial in this day and age. People feel that gay rights isn't an important issue to pursue.
The way of the world, though, isn't it?
And there are even groups amongst the gay community who feel that they do not need to define their relationships on heterosexual terms, that marriage is not something that should apply to them. Indeed, I know a few heterosexual couples who feel the same.
So: Is marriage outmoded? What gets people so riled about gay unions? Whatever happened to tolerance?
Un-African? Is that even a word?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
What are the Chances...?
This from 1 November...
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A Dutch woman, who had meticulously planned her own funeral after the death of her husband last year, died next to the grave in Amsterdam where she wanted to be buried, a newspaper reported.
The 65-year-old widow probably died of a heart attack while she was visiting the family grave where her name, but no date, was already inscribed, De Telegraaf daily reported Wednesday.
The woman was carrying a bag with her containing her will when she died and had already organized details of her funeral including the music she wanted played, the paper said.
This from 1 November...
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A Dutch woman, who had meticulously planned her own funeral after the death of her husband last year, died next to the grave in Amsterdam where she wanted to be buried, a newspaper reported.
The 65-year-old widow probably died of a heart attack while she was visiting the family grave where her name, but no date, was already inscribed, De Telegraaf daily reported Wednesday.
The woman was carrying a bag with her containing her will when she died and had already organized details of her funeral including the music she wanted played, the paper said.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Review: Sin City
I recently had the good sense to put Sin City onto my DVD viewing list.
All I knew about the film before I saw it was that it was based on a graphic novel, which I had never read, and used some interesting filming techniques. And, of course, it had Jessica Alba in it.
I was pretty much blown away by the film and I am a freshly converted fan.
The film views like a comic book in motion, with several separate stories woven together. As you know, I am no fan of Bruce Willis, but he was OK in this. Elijah Wood was a surprise. He managed to convey a lot in a non speaking role. Kudos.
Recommended viewing purely for the fact that it is a visual masterpiece.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Answers and Foxiness
To answer Karen's question on my new profile pic - I believe it is the painting titled The Girls by Tamara de Lempicka. I like her stuff. I like a lot of turn-of-the-19th-Century stuff. The period from about the 1890s through to 1930s. Perhaps I lived a past life in that time? Who knows.
Cliff emailled me a while back to ask why my Livejournal profile pic is foxy and not the one over here. Sorry - don't have a real answer to that question, Cliff. But if you want some foxiness, there it is. Me, a few sizes smaller and cleverly photographed. Nice.
To answer Karen's question on my new profile pic - I believe it is the painting titled The Girls by Tamara de Lempicka. I like her stuff. I like a lot of turn-of-the-19th-Century stuff. The period from about the 1890s through to 1930s. Perhaps I lived a past life in that time? Who knows.
Cliff emailled me a while back to ask why my Livejournal profile pic is foxy and not the one over here. Sorry - don't have a real answer to that question, Cliff. But if you want some foxiness, there it is. Me, a few sizes smaller and cleverly photographed. Nice.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
And Here We Are....
Another short story up on Tastes Like Llama for those interested. It's an old one, posted just for xMichra. I can't put the vampire one up until after the magazine comes out, so this is there to tide you over. Enjoy. (That particular story contriubted to me being kicked out of a writers' group in London about 6 years ago.)
Also, Kate's giving a mini fashion show over on her blog. Her new outfit. If you'd like to check her out in all her cuteness, please visit her blog.
More updates to come as the day progresses. As it's Sunday and I am feeling a little lazy... it may not be too soon.
Another short story up on Tastes Like Llama for those interested. It's an old one, posted just for xMichra. I can't put the vampire one up until after the magazine comes out, so this is there to tide you over. Enjoy. (That particular story contriubted to me being kicked out of a writers' group in London about 6 years ago.)
Also, Kate's giving a mini fashion show over on her blog. Her new outfit. If you'd like to check her out in all her cuteness, please visit her blog.
More updates to come as the day progresses. As it's Sunday and I am feeling a little lazy... it may not be too soon.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Another Tragic Tale
Is it just me or are children being targetted more fiercely by murderers?
This article in Sky news reveals how a six year old girl was killed in an honour killing. She was six. The whole thing had nothing to do with her anyway. Senseless. And so very, very sad.
Is it just me or are children being targetted more fiercely by murderers?
This article in Sky news reveals how a six year old girl was killed in an honour killing. She was six. The whole thing had nothing to do with her anyway. Senseless. And so very, very sad.
Vampires and Sore Throats
My sister and I love vampire movies. The cheesier, the better.
There was an advertisement on South African TV years and years ago for Strepsils, the sore throat lozenges. The setting was Dracula's cave and a suitably cheesy Dracula stood over a half conscious beauty layed out on a stone slab. So Drac tells us about Strepsils and how it's good for "dee coff, dee hoarse voice... and my own perrrsonal favourite..." here he brushes the woman's neck and she moans softly, "dee sore traawt."
Now, every time I have a sore throat, like today, I think of the Strepsils Vampire and have a little giggle. Cheers me right up. I don't know what should disturb me more: the fact that I remember this advert VERBATIM or that I think of vampires when I have a sore throat.
So, in completely random fashion, my thoughts led me from sore throat to vampires to vampire movies, to my sister and I enjoying vampire movies.
We particularly liked Frank Langella as Dracula, even though Christopher Lee is the undisputed king of Dracula portrayal. I loved Buffy until it got stupid and have watched as many vampire movies as I could. I wonder what that says about me, really? I even enjoy the spoof vampires and cartoon vampires.
I've written a vampire story, which a friend of mine is publishing in his horror magazine. I've written several vampire stories, in fact.
Right. I am rambling so I will stop here. I'm off to find some "sootheeeng Strepsils" for my "sore traawt."
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Maybe I Am Turning Into An Old Prude, But...
I came across this news article on Sky. This guy murdered 4 people because he was jilted by the 16 year old. The man is 33. Maybe I am out of line here and maybe I am turning into a prude, but the thought that went through my head after reading this was, What the fuck is a 33 year old man doing with a 16 year old girl?
I came across this news article on Sky. This guy murdered 4 people because he was jilted by the 16 year old. The man is 33. Maybe I am out of line here and maybe I am turning into a prude, but the thought that went through my head after reading this was, What the fuck is a 33 year old man doing with a 16 year old girl?
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
House of Flying Daggers - ReviewI would like to lay the blame of this squarely at the feet of Mr Ben Dreyer, our high school art teacher. I clearly remember him teaching us about composition and the beauty of a picture in its own right. What makes a beautiful work of art.
House of Flying Daggers is a cinematic artwork. I don't mean as in film being a form of art, I mean that if this were a painting or a sculpture it wouldn't look out of place in a museum. I found the film to be filled with sumptuous colours, incredibly beautiful landscapes. Impossibly bright colours. Such beautiful people clad in exquisite fabrics. And do not get me started on the martial arts choreography.
The plot is simple: a soldier is told to follow and befriend a blind girl who is apparently a member of the rebellious House of Flying Daggers, in order to assassinate their leader. The soldier and the girl fall for each other.
It's a boy meets girl film with martial arts in it.
The Chinese name of the film translates to Attack from All Sides, and this is by far more fitting. The film isn't about the House of Flying Daggers - it's about the lovers. They are in many ways, attacked from all sides.
It's worth watching purely for its visual quality. The storyline is predictable and without a doubt been done before. However, it really is worth seeing just for the quality of cinematic photography and the martial arts sequences.
Have a look at the trailer here.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Halloween, Movies and Minor Events
I watched House of Flying Daggers yesterday. I'll put up a review a little later. What I will say is that it is a beautiful movie. And by beautiful, I mean the look and feel of it. More about all that a little later.
I discovered this morning that my boss had screwed up on my salary and had only paid it in on Friday night, which means I am pretty much without my pay cheque until Thursday. He did, however, make a plan for me today so that I won't have to panic about the bills that are coming out of my account on Wednesday. Hoo-fucking-ray.
This minor hiccup has actually been a fantastic karmic learning curve for me. Initially, I was feeling like I should be the one trying to rush around and find the money from SOMEWHERE, when I stopped myself. It wasn't MY fuck up. So why should I try to get an extension on my loan for his mistake? Then it dawned on me how I do this a lot - and not just with money. I inevitably end up apologising to the person who has wronged me!
As a result I think I should connect with my inner bitch just a little. I am a nice person on the whole, but lately I have begun to realise that I let people get away with taking advantage of me. So... I plan to bitch-up.
My grandfather used to have a saying (and perhaps Red could translate this into Italian for me since the old boy was Italian and no doubt uttered it in the language): The more you bend, the more your arse shows.
What a classic saying! Life's too short for bullshit. I am not bending anymore.
Finally, for those of you who are interested, I have put a short article on Halloween over on the Esotericon blog.
I watched House of Flying Daggers yesterday. I'll put up a review a little later. What I will say is that it is a beautiful movie. And by beautiful, I mean the look and feel of it. More about all that a little later.
I discovered this morning that my boss had screwed up on my salary and had only paid it in on Friday night, which means I am pretty much without my pay cheque until Thursday. He did, however, make a plan for me today so that I won't have to panic about the bills that are coming out of my account on Wednesday. Hoo-fucking-ray.
This minor hiccup has actually been a fantastic karmic learning curve for me. Initially, I was feeling like I should be the one trying to rush around and find the money from SOMEWHERE, when I stopped myself. It wasn't MY fuck up. So why should I try to get an extension on my loan for his mistake? Then it dawned on me how I do this a lot - and not just with money. I inevitably end up apologising to the person who has wronged me!
As a result I think I should connect with my inner bitch just a little. I am a nice person on the whole, but lately I have begun to realise that I let people get away with taking advantage of me. So... I plan to bitch-up.
My grandfather used to have a saying (and perhaps Red could translate this into Italian for me since the old boy was Italian and no doubt uttered it in the language): The more you bend, the more your arse shows.
What a classic saying! Life's too short for bullshit. I am not bending anymore.
Finally, for those of you who are interested, I have put a short article on Halloween over on the Esotericon blog.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Synchronised Photography
Here's an interesting idea, ladies and gents: We all get up nice and early on Sunday when the clocks go to Daylight Savings wotsit and we take a photograph at Sunrise. Then post the picture in our blogs. More information from Shep at Cliff-A-Go-Go.
Now, I know that most of my readers are my friends in South Africa, but how about you join in? I know in SA we have none of this daylight savings time malarkey, but for the hell of it, let's see your sunrise too!!
Follow the instructions on Cliff-A-Go-Go and don't forget to leave me a comment so I know you've done that.
Now, if only I can work out how to use that friggin camera. Kate! HELP!
Here's an interesting idea, ladies and gents: We all get up nice and early on Sunday when the clocks go to Daylight Savings wotsit and we take a photograph at Sunrise. Then post the picture in our blogs. More information from Shep at Cliff-A-Go-Go.
Now, I know that most of my readers are my friends in South Africa, but how about you join in? I know in SA we have none of this daylight savings time malarkey, but for the hell of it, let's see your sunrise too!!
Follow the instructions on Cliff-A-Go-Go and don't forget to leave me a comment so I know you've done that.
Now, if only I can work out how to use that friggin camera. Kate! HELP!
New Couches and Six Word Stories
First, the six word stories...
Go over to Tastes Like Llama and have a read. And try one yourself.
OH NO! Not the Comfy Chair!!
After waiting over a month for our new couches to arrive, I finally took delivery of them yesterday. They look lovely and they are very comfy too. Sitting in them feels like sitting in a nice warm hug.
Maybe I've just been without a couch too long. The old, tired couches and chairs we had before left our little home at the end of August already. We were left using Kate's old divan bed as a seat until the new couches arrived yesterday. That divan bed was Kate's since she was 11 and once languished upstairs in our cottage as the spare bed. I am surprised she was happy to let it go. Kate is, after all, a bit of a hoarder. *
So, couches are in place and have been claimed by the true rulers of the house: the cats. They have already tested out the comfiness of the seats, and it appears that the couches are a hit with Luce, Tink and Zak aka The Trio of Tabbies.
They think that the couches have been installed as a kind of cat exercise thingy. The plastic, cardboard and bubble wrap that the couches came in were piled in the centre of lounge in a heap. The Trio of Tabbies devised a game in which they leaped from couch to couch and then into the pile of cardboard and bubble wrap. This is most entertaining to watch.
Kate has instructed me to ensure that no cat claws the couches.
......
.....
(Hahaha)
The lounge is now a cat playground. The only one of the lot not interested (for now) is Mischa, who has decided she prefers the comfort of the futon in the spare room. And now I get to spread myself out on comfy couches when I watch the telly. When the cats let me.
* Kate still has clothing in her wardrobe from her teens. One of these items is a leather jacket she's had since she was 11 - and it still fits her. In fact, most of her clothing comes from the children's section, most notably boys sizes aged 9-10 for tops and boys sized aged 12-13 for trousers and shorts. And sometimes, these items of clothing still afford her a lot of wiggle room. And we like it when Kate wiggles.
First, the six word stories...
Go over to Tastes Like Llama and have a read. And try one yourself.
OH NO! Not the Comfy Chair!!
After waiting over a month for our new couches to arrive, I finally took delivery of them yesterday. They look lovely and they are very comfy too. Sitting in them feels like sitting in a nice warm hug.
Maybe I've just been without a couch too long. The old, tired couches and chairs we had before left our little home at the end of August already. We were left using Kate's old divan bed as a seat until the new couches arrived yesterday. That divan bed was Kate's since she was 11 and once languished upstairs in our cottage as the spare bed. I am surprised she was happy to let it go. Kate is, after all, a bit of a hoarder. *
So, couches are in place and have been claimed by the true rulers of the house: the cats. They have already tested out the comfiness of the seats, and it appears that the couches are a hit with Luce, Tink and Zak aka The Trio of Tabbies.
They think that the couches have been installed as a kind of cat exercise thingy. The plastic, cardboard and bubble wrap that the couches came in were piled in the centre of lounge in a heap. The Trio of Tabbies devised a game in which they leaped from couch to couch and then into the pile of cardboard and bubble wrap. This is most entertaining to watch.
Kate has instructed me to ensure that no cat claws the couches.
......
.....
(Hahaha)
The lounge is now a cat playground. The only one of the lot not interested (for now) is Mischa, who has decided she prefers the comfort of the futon in the spare room. And now I get to spread myself out on comfy couches when I watch the telly. When the cats let me.
* Kate still has clothing in her wardrobe from her teens. One of these items is a leather jacket she's had since she was 11 - and it still fits her. In fact, most of her clothing comes from the children's section, most notably boys sizes aged 9-10 for tops and boys sized aged 12-13 for trousers and shorts. And sometimes, these items of clothing still afford her a lot of wiggle room. And we like it when Kate wiggles.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
We Worry About Money Now, But It's Sex We're Going to Miss The Most...
I had meant to blog about this the other day.
Apparently, what old aged pensioners seem to regret the most is that they didn't have enough sex when they were younger.
You laugh? Ok - have a look at the article on Sky News.
I think it's amusing that 44% of the young people they interviewed for this survey regretted that they weren't famous. It's one regret I thankfully won't have! I don't want to be famous. Can you imagine how much stress that has to be? Cameras in your face all the time, the pressure to constantly look good, your entire personal life splashed across tabloid pages... I guess you can argue that hot babes, more money than you know what to do with and exotic holidays make that all worth it. Meh. I'd rather have more sex.
It also amuses me that the older generation feel they have missed out on having loads of sex. I wonder if it's because they are living in a more permissive society in which much of what young people are indulging in today was frowned upon when they were young? Or is it simply a case of the mechanics of sex failing to work as well as it used to and a wistful yearning for past lovers?
Who knows?
Regrets? I have a few. But then again...
Do I regret not having had enough sex? Not yet.
So - 70% of old folk reckon they didn't get enough action when they were younger. I wonder what we will say we regret when we are old and some sociologist decides to ask us about our regrets?
I had meant to blog about this the other day.
Apparently, what old aged pensioners seem to regret the most is that they didn't have enough sex when they were younger.
You laugh? Ok - have a look at the article on Sky News.
I think it's amusing that 44% of the young people they interviewed for this survey regretted that they weren't famous. It's one regret I thankfully won't have! I don't want to be famous. Can you imagine how much stress that has to be? Cameras in your face all the time, the pressure to constantly look good, your entire personal life splashed across tabloid pages... I guess you can argue that hot babes, more money than you know what to do with and exotic holidays make that all worth it. Meh. I'd rather have more sex.
It also amuses me that the older generation feel they have missed out on having loads of sex. I wonder if it's because they are living in a more permissive society in which much of what young people are indulging in today was frowned upon when they were young? Or is it simply a case of the mechanics of sex failing to work as well as it used to and a wistful yearning for past lovers?
Who knows?
Regrets? I have a few. But then again...
Do I regret not having had enough sex? Not yet.
So - 70% of old folk reckon they didn't get enough action when they were younger. I wonder what we will say we regret when we are old and some sociologist decides to ask us about our regrets?
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
M. Night Shyamalan Movies
Last night I watched Signs. Mel Gibson. Joaquin Phoenix. I heard it had done well at the box office and I had read a few good reviews. So, I put Signs on my DVD list.
I didn't like it.
It tells the story of an ex-reverend who's faith in God has been eradicated by the death of his wife. And then aliens arrive in his cornfield.
No suspension of disbelief for Auntie Tanya over here. The finest acting, I must say, came from the children. A little from Joaquin Phoenix. Mel Gibson? I am tired of Mel Gibson. Mel Gibson has stopped being an actor for me (was he ever an actor?) and has just seems to play roles like This Is What Mel Gibson Would Have Been Like Had He Been A Reverend. OR This Is What Mel Gibson Would Have Been Like Had He Been A Cop. Sorry, Mel fans, but I am not entirely convinced that the man can play anything other than a different version of himself.
Actually, while I really enjoyed The Sixth Sense, also directed by Shyamalan, I didn't really immerse myself in the others I saw either. Unbreakable I saw mainly because I like Samuel L Jackson. But Bruce Willis is another actor who is playing himself. I've also seen The Village, which I also enjoyed, but which I ruined for myself by guessing the outcome of the story within the first 40 minutes of the film. So I didn't really immerse myself because I knew what was going to happen. And I was right. Disbelief semi-suspended.
I am giving the rest of Shyamalan's films a miss for now. I do think he has some good stories to tell and for me, The Sixth Sense and The Village were well told. I am, however, disappointed, especially after Signs.
I still can't figure out what the hell point there was to that movie. At all. I looked it up on the Net and there's loads of yada-yada about symbolism and shit. I didn't get it. Sorry. Throughout the film, little hints and clues are dropped all over the place. I picked those up, waited for some amazing revelation and got nothing.
Would I recommend this film? Not unless it's on really late on telly and you are bored and don't have to rent it.
Maybe I just missed the point. Enlighten me if you feel there is a point. But for me, it was just a waste of my time. I kept waiting for the big pay off. There was none. Maybe it's just too subtle for my little brain.
In any case, no more Shyamalan for me for a while. I've had my fill.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Pish!
I am a blog whore.
I have tried all bloody day to get onto this damn blogspot (my favourite blogging place) and have had to resort to putting this post on my Myspace. *sob* OH THE HORROR! The horror! I feel so dirty....
The blog is below:
I just felt like sharing a story from my life long long ago as a married lady. It popped into my head just before I fell asleep last night and I do believe the last thought before sleep rushed in was, "What a weird thing to think about now!"
A Tale from My Marriage
(Not that this story has anything to do with being married, but...)
Ex-Man and I were in the market for some furniture and being newly weds, we didn't really have that much cash to flash around. My ex-and-late-father-in-law suggested that we look for stuff at auctions. He explained that sometimes people have auctioneers come to their own homes and sell all their stuff that way.
What a novel idea!
So off we pootled to Bryanston, Johannesburg, to view the spoils of someone else's life. The house itself was opulent with lush gardens. The interior was tastefully decorated, and we really liked several of the items that were going up for auction.
Me, being me, and not one to keep my mouth shut, wanted to find out why all this stuff was up for auction. Rather than talk to the host of the auction himself, I sought out 'the help', which I discovered consisted of two gardeners and a maid.
They stood to one side of the house, looking sullen, being quiet and sad eyed. Almost invisible.
I asked them why the stuff was up for auction.
The gardener volunteered the chilling reply: "Madam shot herself."
Oh. I see. Suicide furniture.
I told Ex-Man and we made a hasty exit.
I have no idea why I thought of that last night. Perhaps because I was writing a short story in my head. Perhaps because I watched a documentary on men who are beaten up by their wives and thought you never know what goes on in another person's life. But there it is.
I am a blog whore.
I have tried all bloody day to get onto this damn blogspot (my favourite blogging place) and have had to resort to putting this post on my Myspace. *sob* OH THE HORROR! The horror! I feel so dirty....
The blog is below:
I just felt like sharing a story from my life long long ago as a married lady. It popped into my head just before I fell asleep last night and I do believe the last thought before sleep rushed in was, "What a weird thing to think about now!"
A Tale from My Marriage
(Not that this story has anything to do with being married, but...)
Ex-Man and I were in the market for some furniture and being newly weds, we didn't really have that much cash to flash around. My ex-and-late-father-in-law suggested that we look for stuff at auctions. He explained that sometimes people have auctioneers come to their own homes and sell all their stuff that way.
What a novel idea!
So off we pootled to Bryanston, Johannesburg, to view the spoils of someone else's life. The house itself was opulent with lush gardens. The interior was tastefully decorated, and we really liked several of the items that were going up for auction.
Me, being me, and not one to keep my mouth shut, wanted to find out why all this stuff was up for auction. Rather than talk to the host of the auction himself, I sought out 'the help', which I discovered consisted of two gardeners and a maid.
They stood to one side of the house, looking sullen, being quiet and sad eyed. Almost invisible.
I asked them why the stuff was up for auction.
The gardener volunteered the chilling reply: "Madam shot herself."
Oh. I see. Suicide furniture.
I told Ex-Man and we made a hasty exit.
I have no idea why I thought of that last night. Perhaps because I was writing a short story in my head. Perhaps because I watched a documentary on men who are beaten up by their wives and thought you never know what goes on in another person's life. But there it is.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Reality and Fantasy
I won't be seeing Kate until the middle of November. She's working quite a few extra shifts at the airport. Oh... lonesome me. So, to combat the possible cabin fever and loneliness I have planned the following:
1. Erika is coming over to watch Corpse Bride on Hallowe'en
2. I'd like to go and see Little Miss Sunshine at the arts centre
3. I have decided to buy a new sketch book and go to one or two life drawing classes on a Thursday evening in Stamford
Plus, there will be several sundry Buddhist activities and Bethan has said she'd like to chant with me one evening at some point, so I should be able to stave off the claws of loneliness.
Kate's schedule is fairly regular - she comes home for four days and goes to London for four days. I think the cats have tuned into this Kate rhythm. Tinkie and Zak were sat at the window at roughly the time Kate comes home in the evening when she's completed her shift. They sat there until I went to bed and announced it was time for "sleepies". Maybe I am giving the cats more credit than they're due. Maybe they were watching the ivy outside the window swinging in the wind.
Yesterday I completed Jesus Cooks with Gordon Ramsay and uploaded it. Waiting for my creative energy to return - seems to have dipped.
Onto the fantasy. This is where I would like to be right now. In the Maldives. Nice and warm. Secluded. Gorgeous beaches.
And every day a lovely lady will arrive to give me a full body massage and later one there would be yoga on the deck overlooking the ocean.
Yeah. Ok. A girl's got to have some kind of dream.
I won't be seeing Kate until the middle of November. She's working quite a few extra shifts at the airport. Oh... lonesome me. So, to combat the possible cabin fever and loneliness I have planned the following:
1. Erika is coming over to watch Corpse Bride on Hallowe'en
2. I'd like to go and see Little Miss Sunshine at the arts centre
3. I have decided to buy a new sketch book and go to one or two life drawing classes on a Thursday evening in Stamford
Plus, there will be several sundry Buddhist activities and Bethan has said she'd like to chant with me one evening at some point, so I should be able to stave off the claws of loneliness.
Kate's schedule is fairly regular - she comes home for four days and goes to London for four days. I think the cats have tuned into this Kate rhythm. Tinkie and Zak were sat at the window at roughly the time Kate comes home in the evening when she's completed her shift. They sat there until I went to bed and announced it was time for "sleepies". Maybe I am giving the cats more credit than they're due. Maybe they were watching the ivy outside the window swinging in the wind.
Yesterday I completed Jesus Cooks with Gordon Ramsay and uploaded it. Waiting for my creative energy to return - seems to have dipped.
Onto the fantasy. This is where I would like to be right now. In the Maldives. Nice and warm. Secluded. Gorgeous beaches.
And every day a lovely lady will arrive to give me a full body massage and later one there would be yoga on the deck overlooking the ocean.Yeah. Ok. A girl's got to have some kind of dream.
Friday, October 20, 2006
In the News Today:
Woman is robbed of briefcases filled with sex toys! (From the Mail and Guardian)
Here it is:
Jerusalem, Israel
Israeli police said on Wednesday they were on the lookout for 40 vibrators and a $200 dildo after thieves plundered the automobile of a noted sexologist in Tel Aviv.
"Thieves broke into her car and apparently stole from her a caseload of vibrators," police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld said. "It's difficult to say the exact value of the items stolen, but obviously we're searching for these items just as with any other incident of theft.
"The thieves were likely surprised by the contents, Rosenfeld said.
The two metal cases stolen from Shelly Pasternak's car on Friday resembled those used for expensive audio-visual equipment, but instead contained massage oils, dildos, whips, Chinese balls and handcuffs, as well as vibrators.
In all, the thieves made off with about $2 000 worth of sex toys, Pasternak said, adding that the most valuable item was an elaborate vibrating dildo that sells for $200.
"It's a very unique one because it gives very high pleasure to women," she said.However, Pasternak said she was most concerned about a book of receipts inside the case that contained the names of customers who purchased sex toys, many of whom prefer to remain anonymous.
Pasternak (32) is a sexologist who hosts a sex programme on Israeli television, holds workshops and lectures at bachelor and bachelorette parties
Woman is robbed of briefcases filled with sex toys! (From the Mail and Guardian)
Here it is:
Jerusalem, Israel
Israeli police said on Wednesday they were on the lookout for 40 vibrators and a $200 dildo after thieves plundered the automobile of a noted sexologist in Tel Aviv.
"Thieves broke into her car and apparently stole from her a caseload of vibrators," police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld said. "It's difficult to say the exact value of the items stolen, but obviously we're searching for these items just as with any other incident of theft.
"The thieves were likely surprised by the contents, Rosenfeld said.
The two metal cases stolen from Shelly Pasternak's car on Friday resembled those used for expensive audio-visual equipment, but instead contained massage oils, dildos, whips, Chinese balls and handcuffs, as well as vibrators.
In all, the thieves made off with about $2 000 worth of sex toys, Pasternak said, adding that the most valuable item was an elaborate vibrating dildo that sells for $200.
"It's a very unique one because it gives very high pleasure to women," she said.However, Pasternak said she was most concerned about a book of receipts inside the case that contained the names of customers who purchased sex toys, many of whom prefer to remain anonymous.
Pasternak (32) is a sexologist who hosts a sex programme on Israeli television, holds workshops and lectures at bachelor and bachelorette parties
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Something Lighter
I've been a depressing old cow the last few days, haven't I?
Well, here's a lighter story for you. I almost spat coffee out my nose this morning. I turned on the morning news (which I don't often do) and a very cheerful, very blonde presenter reminded all of us viewers out there that there are just 8 weeks' shopping left till Christmas!
Ho ho fucking ho.
The season is upon us.
I've been a depressing old cow the last few days, haven't I?
Well, here's a lighter story for you. I almost spat coffee out my nose this morning. I turned on the morning news (which I don't often do) and a very cheerful, very blonde presenter reminded all of us viewers out there that there are just 8 weeks' shopping left till Christmas!
Ho ho fucking ho.
The season is upon us.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Existential Bum Fluff
So, not having much spare cash to my name and not having any extra source of income, I have done something which could be construed as silly. I am going to go back to South Africa for a visit in Feb/March 2007. I did consider January initially, but the prices are extortionate.
Right now, I am taking a "leap-and-the-net-will-appear" kind of attitude. Kate's agreed to help me out where she can and I get to eat beans on toast for the next few months while I scrape every spare penny I can find into this Visit South Africa Fund.
I am sure I have mentioned this, but my dad is dying. This has prompted an inordinate amount of panic in me about a great deal of things. And me, being me, I've let them all stew over the last... oooh.... seven months. Since my last visit to South Africa, in fact.
And this panic about not seeing my dad again and the finality of his disease has conjured up all kinds of devils in my own life. It's forced me to question what my purpose in life is. It's opened up the nasty can of worms labelled "What Are You Doing With Your Life, Tanya?", which had been quietly hissing and seething in the back cupboard since 1991. It's made me pick up each piece of my life and scrutinise it and question it.
I am a big believer in every day having value, but living that philosophy to its full has lately become a really difficult thing to do. I was inspired by recent Buddhist meetings to move my life forward and to embrace what each day brings me with a sense of joy.
But sometimes, on days like this, when the hope is just an echo in my heart, I wonder if all of this that I believe in is just bum fluff.
So, not having much spare cash to my name and not having any extra source of income, I have done something which could be construed as silly. I am going to go back to South Africa for a visit in Feb/March 2007. I did consider January initially, but the prices are extortionate.
Right now, I am taking a "leap-and-the-net-will-appear" kind of attitude. Kate's agreed to help me out where she can and I get to eat beans on toast for the next few months while I scrape every spare penny I can find into this Visit South Africa Fund.
I am sure I have mentioned this, but my dad is dying. This has prompted an inordinate amount of panic in me about a great deal of things. And me, being me, I've let them all stew over the last... oooh.... seven months. Since my last visit to South Africa, in fact.
And this panic about not seeing my dad again and the finality of his disease has conjured up all kinds of devils in my own life. It's forced me to question what my purpose in life is. It's opened up the nasty can of worms labelled "What Are You Doing With Your Life, Tanya?", which had been quietly hissing and seething in the back cupboard since 1991. It's made me pick up each piece of my life and scrutinise it and question it.
I am a big believer in every day having value, but living that philosophy to its full has lately become a really difficult thing to do. I was inspired by recent Buddhist meetings to move my life forward and to embrace what each day brings me with a sense of joy.
But sometimes, on days like this, when the hope is just an echo in my heart, I wonder if all of this that I believe in is just bum fluff.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Cosmic Transformation - A Day for Amplified Positive Energy
Apparently today we are going to be caught in a Cosmic Event on a grand scale. For 17 hours today, all our thoughts are amplified a million times. I mean thoughts that manifest into the material.
So think wonderful thought as this will set you up for the time to come and apparently the effects are only going to be felt in Jan/Feb 2007.
It's to do with sacred geometry and other stuff I don't quite have my head wrapped around, but why not drop in on the Esotericon where I have posted the original bit of information I received?
Make your thoughts good, strong and positive ones!
Also, this from The Astrology Page. Apparently there are big planetary movements as well.
Who knows if this is a great big email send around thingy? Well... it can't hurt to live your day with positive thoughts at any one time, now can it?
Apparently today we are going to be caught in a Cosmic Event on a grand scale. For 17 hours today, all our thoughts are amplified a million times. I mean thoughts that manifest into the material.
So think wonderful thought as this will set you up for the time to come and apparently the effects are only going to be felt in Jan/Feb 2007.
It's to do with sacred geometry and other stuff I don't quite have my head wrapped around, but why not drop in on the Esotericon where I have posted the original bit of information I received?
Make your thoughts good, strong and positive ones!
Also, this from The Astrology Page. Apparently there are big planetary movements as well.
Who knows if this is a great big email send around thingy? Well... it can't hurt to live your day with positive thoughts at any one time, now can it?
Monday, October 16, 2006
Weekend Learning Curve
This weekend I have learned that:
1. Stressing about an exam isn't going to make it any easier to do
2. Talk to your partner first before you decide to jump on a plane to go and live in South Africa permanently.
3. I am having a quarter-life/mid-life/something-life crisis
4. I can go from 3 Pimms with lemonade and one sherry straight to hungover without passing through drunk.
You don't really need to read further than that list, but if you want, I can elaborate. But later. I need coffee.
This weekend I have learned that:
1. Stressing about an exam isn't going to make it any easier to do
2. Talk to your partner first before you decide to jump on a plane to go and live in South Africa permanently.
3. I am having a quarter-life/mid-life/something-life crisis
4. I can go from 3 Pimms with lemonade and one sherry straight to hungover without passing through drunk.
You don't really need to read further than that list, but if you want, I can elaborate. But later. I need coffee.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Friday the 13th
Actually, I am not superstitious about Friday the 13th. Or black cats crossing my path. My path is frequently crossed by a black cat: Noodle. I don't walk under ladders purely because I don't want anything to fall on top of me. The number 13 means nothing to me. It's a number.
However, that doesn't mean that today has no importance in my life. It does. It's my mother's birthday. Or rather, it would have been her birthday had she still been alive. She would have been 64 this year.
I had missed out on four of her birthdays before she died due to living out here. I used to make a big thing of it: a cake from the home industry shop (made by number 32 who was very good at marble cake and sponge), some flowers and a gift with a card. A few times I treated her to lunch or to tea in a very swish restaurant that she always wanted to go to, but was afraid she couldn't afford.
This grand display sounds lovely, doesn't it? What mum wouldn't love that on her birthday?
Well, my mum was a bit weird about her birthday. She would say she didn't want gifts or accolades. She would say that it was a waste of money. She would actually tell us not to buy her anything at all, but to use the money for something more important instead.
I only took this seriously ONCE in my life. All hell broke loose and she accused me of not appreciating her and not loving her. So, every year after that, she got the grand display, and I got to hear, "But you shouldn't have spent so much money. I didn't want anything. " I wasn't going to take my chances and only turn up with nothing again.
For all her weirdness and quirks, I miss my mom today. I wish I could do the grand display for her just one more time. The cake, the flowers, the gift and the tea at Mantovani's.
I miss you, mommy.
Actually, I am not superstitious about Friday the 13th. Or black cats crossing my path. My path is frequently crossed by a black cat: Noodle. I don't walk under ladders purely because I don't want anything to fall on top of me. The number 13 means nothing to me. It's a number.
However, that doesn't mean that today has no importance in my life. It does. It's my mother's birthday. Or rather, it would have been her birthday had she still been alive. She would have been 64 this year.
I had missed out on four of her birthdays before she died due to living out here. I used to make a big thing of it: a cake from the home industry shop (made by number 32 who was very good at marble cake and sponge), some flowers and a gift with a card. A few times I treated her to lunch or to tea in a very swish restaurant that she always wanted to go to, but was afraid she couldn't afford.
This grand display sounds lovely, doesn't it? What mum wouldn't love that on her birthday?
Well, my mum was a bit weird about her birthday. She would say she didn't want gifts or accolades. She would say that it was a waste of money. She would actually tell us not to buy her anything at all, but to use the money for something more important instead.
I only took this seriously ONCE in my life. All hell broke loose and she accused me of not appreciating her and not loving her. So, every year after that, she got the grand display, and I got to hear, "But you shouldn't have spent so much money. I didn't want anything. " I wasn't going to take my chances and only turn up with nothing again.
For all her weirdness and quirks, I miss my mom today. I wish I could do the grand display for her just one more time. The cake, the flowers, the gift and the tea at Mantovani's.
I miss you, mommy.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
More on Creating Value
Following my previous post, Karen asked these questions: "Would you be able to expand a bit on some of the things you mentioned from the conference? Specifically how do you start detoxifying your life? How do you recognize the things that are holding you back? And how do you create value in your life every day?"
I'll give you some background and then answer the last question Karen posed. I'll come back to the others a little later.
Let me begin with the points from our HQ day that were covered that made me think:
Yas, the UK young men's leader, covered this month's study from the Ghosho (a book of the writings of Nichiren Daishonen). The letter we were studying pertained specifically to attaining Buddhahood and it went on to describe how difficult it was to do. He spoke about how easy it is to give up and walk away from all we have learned and begun to transform in our lives because of self doubt. In Nichiren Buddhism, this self doubt/low self esteem is referred to as The Devil King of the Sixth Heaven. And he's a mean one. He is the embodiment of the fundamental darkness within us - our fears, our doubts, our hatred, our desire for vengeance, our envy... all these things.
Next, we had another leader, Cathy, share with us her experience of hearing a lecture by Dr Lawrence Carter Sr, Dean of Morehouse College. Lawrence Carter was with Martin Luther King all the way. He supported him in his endeavours and was with him at the forefront of the civil rights movement in America. She related to us Dr Carter's fondness for Nichiren Buddhists and how they have worked to create a more peaceful society. The SGI movement (the lay arm of Nichiren Buddhism), together with Dr Carter, has put up a travelling exhibition titled Gandhi King Ikeda, celebrating the efforts of these three men in creating a peaceful and tolerant society.
Now, the points from this meeting that really pushed my feelings towards value creation came from Cathy's talk. What Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Daisaku Ikeda have in common is how they live being the change they wish to see in society. Their efforts have been to create value in society by unlocking the hidden potential in others so that they can institute change within themselves and society.
And, it was Gandhi who said that we should become the change that we wish to see. And that particular seed is what took root inside me and inspired me to decide to create value with my life every day.
How do you create value in your life every day?
For anyone, the basic premise would be the same. Get up each morning with the intention to create value, live your potential and do your best. One of Don Miguel Ruiz's Four Agreements is: Always do your best. He points out that this varies from day to day according to health and circumstances. Some days it will be easier and some days this will be the hardest thing you do. However, set this as your intention.
For me, it's standing up. Standing up for myself and speaking my truth and not judging others for what they believe. Standing up to the negative behaviours and attitudes within myself and challenging that behaviour in others. It means not resting on my laurels and not putting myself down. It means living my talents and living my practice as a Buddhist. It means that I give my full attention to people when they talk to me. I walk away from situations that are harmful and negative. It means encouraging people who need lifting, but not giving myself over to their negative emotions nor losing myself in drama. It means rising to the challenge of living authentically and helping others to see their authentic selves. It means acknowledging my true potential, forgiving myself and others. Every day has meaning and purpose. Regardless of how shitty or how amazing I feel, I strive with each day to always do my best.
So the place to start is with yourself. Just as you are, in the here and now. The first step to take is acceptance of who you are, how your choices have brought you the life you are living now and accepting that you have the ability to change anything within your life. There is no place for recriminations or guilt. If the past has been painful, simply observe how your actions have brought you to the present. Don't judge. Observe and accept.
After acceptance, forgive. Forgiveness is the key to your freedom. I read somewhere that not forgiving someone is like being imprisoned with the person who wronged you day after day and forgetting that you have the key to unlock the door. Forgiveness is not for the person who wronged you. Forgiveness sets YOU free by you setting someone else free. That energy wasted on hurt and revenge and anger is wasted energy. Why not channel that energy into your own life in a positive way? The benefits are enormous, as I have seen in my own life. This process is as easy or as difficult as you choose to make it. However, make it nonetheless.
Following my previous post, Karen asked these questions: "Would you be able to expand a bit on some of the things you mentioned from the conference? Specifically how do you start detoxifying your life? How do you recognize the things that are holding you back? And how do you create value in your life every day?"
I'll give you some background and then answer the last question Karen posed. I'll come back to the others a little later.
Let me begin with the points from our HQ day that were covered that made me think:
Yas, the UK young men's leader, covered this month's study from the Ghosho (a book of the writings of Nichiren Daishonen). The letter we were studying pertained specifically to attaining Buddhahood and it went on to describe how difficult it was to do. He spoke about how easy it is to give up and walk away from all we have learned and begun to transform in our lives because of self doubt. In Nichiren Buddhism, this self doubt/low self esteem is referred to as The Devil King of the Sixth Heaven. And he's a mean one. He is the embodiment of the fundamental darkness within us - our fears, our doubts, our hatred, our desire for vengeance, our envy... all these things.
Next, we had another leader, Cathy, share with us her experience of hearing a lecture by Dr Lawrence Carter Sr, Dean of Morehouse College. Lawrence Carter was with Martin Luther King all the way. He supported him in his endeavours and was with him at the forefront of the civil rights movement in America. She related to us Dr Carter's fondness for Nichiren Buddhists and how they have worked to create a more peaceful society. The SGI movement (the lay arm of Nichiren Buddhism), together with Dr Carter, has put up a travelling exhibition titled Gandhi King Ikeda, celebrating the efforts of these three men in creating a peaceful and tolerant society.
Now, the points from this meeting that really pushed my feelings towards value creation came from Cathy's talk. What Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Daisaku Ikeda have in common is how they live being the change they wish to see in society. Their efforts have been to create value in society by unlocking the hidden potential in others so that they can institute change within themselves and society.
And, it was Gandhi who said that we should become the change that we wish to see. And that particular seed is what took root inside me and inspired me to decide to create value with my life every day.
How do you create value in your life every day?
For anyone, the basic premise would be the same. Get up each morning with the intention to create value, live your potential and do your best. One of Don Miguel Ruiz's Four Agreements is: Always do your best. He points out that this varies from day to day according to health and circumstances. Some days it will be easier and some days this will be the hardest thing you do. However, set this as your intention.
For me, it's standing up. Standing up for myself and speaking my truth and not judging others for what they believe. Standing up to the negative behaviours and attitudes within myself and challenging that behaviour in others. It means not resting on my laurels and not putting myself down. It means living my talents and living my practice as a Buddhist. It means that I give my full attention to people when they talk to me. I walk away from situations that are harmful and negative. It means encouraging people who need lifting, but not giving myself over to their negative emotions nor losing myself in drama. It means rising to the challenge of living authentically and helping others to see their authentic selves. It means acknowledging my true potential, forgiving myself and others. Every day has meaning and purpose. Regardless of how shitty or how amazing I feel, I strive with each day to always do my best.
So the place to start is with yourself. Just as you are, in the here and now. The first step to take is acceptance of who you are, how your choices have brought you the life you are living now and accepting that you have the ability to change anything within your life. There is no place for recriminations or guilt. If the past has been painful, simply observe how your actions have brought you to the present. Don't judge. Observe and accept.
After acceptance, forgive. Forgiveness is the key to your freedom. I read somewhere that not forgiving someone is like being imprisoned with the person who wronged you day after day and forgetting that you have the key to unlock the door. Forgiveness is not for the person who wronged you. Forgiveness sets YOU free by you setting someone else free. That energy wasted on hurt and revenge and anger is wasted energy. Why not channel that energy into your own life in a positive way? The benefits are enormous, as I have seen in my own life. This process is as easy or as difficult as you choose to make it. However, make it nonetheless.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Creating Value in Every Day Life
I attended an HQ Buddhist meeting on Sunday 8 October down in Cambridge. I volunteered to help out with serving tea and coffee and generally being around to help out.
The lectures were really insightful and so were the experiences shared by other members, but the greatest thing I came away with was how important it is to create value with our lives.
It occurred to me that so many of us, me included, have been sleeping through the greatest production of our lives - OUR LIVES. That practicing Nichiren Buddhism is as much about awakening true potential as it is in gaining enlightenment.
And don't we all bury a talent or neglect ourselves or hide what is beautiful about who we are? Sometimes we feel our true potential has been stolen from us by the harsh criticism from our parents, the guilt from church or the discouraging remarks from teachers. So we decide to live a half life. We are there, but we are not ALIVE. We stumble through our days like Zombies.
And I have been living much of my life, I realised, in this Zombie state. I get up, go to work, come home and use TV as my drug to numb myself to the pain of not living a full and authentic life. I exist. I breathe. I eat. But I am not fully alive.
And I think of my mother who lived her entire life in that Zombie state. How talented she was! But one by one, those gifts died inside her. Some were murdered by other people while she allowed others slip quietly away. She died long after her life had stopped.
She would be turning 64 on Friday had she lived.
And this has made me think about where I am and who I am and the state of my own life and how I live in denial of my gifts. I hide my true potential in case it offends others. I believe that other gifts were stolen. The truth is that it all lies within me still - sleeping. I do not want to be like my mother and sleepwalk my way through this life, only to die with my life unfulfilled.
And on Sunday, at the meeting, it became clear. I must create value with my life. EVERY DAY. Even on the hard days when it's difficult to even imagine getting up. It means being true to myself, listening to my intuition. Grabbing life by the balls.
Last night I was reminded of one of my own favourite sayings: Life is too short for bullshit.
It is indeed. And now is the time for me to start detoxing my life.
I attended an HQ Buddhist meeting on Sunday 8 October down in Cambridge. I volunteered to help out with serving tea and coffee and generally being around to help out.
The lectures were really insightful and so were the experiences shared by other members, but the greatest thing I came away with was how important it is to create value with our lives.
It occurred to me that so many of us, me included, have been sleeping through the greatest production of our lives - OUR LIVES. That practicing Nichiren Buddhism is as much about awakening true potential as it is in gaining enlightenment.
And don't we all bury a talent or neglect ourselves or hide what is beautiful about who we are? Sometimes we feel our true potential has been stolen from us by the harsh criticism from our parents, the guilt from church or the discouraging remarks from teachers. So we decide to live a half life. We are there, but we are not ALIVE. We stumble through our days like Zombies.
And I have been living much of my life, I realised, in this Zombie state. I get up, go to work, come home and use TV as my drug to numb myself to the pain of not living a full and authentic life. I exist. I breathe. I eat. But I am not fully alive.
And I think of my mother who lived her entire life in that Zombie state. How talented she was! But one by one, those gifts died inside her. Some were murdered by other people while she allowed others slip quietly away. She died long after her life had stopped.
She would be turning 64 on Friday had she lived.
And this has made me think about where I am and who I am and the state of my own life and how I live in denial of my gifts. I hide my true potential in case it offends others. I believe that other gifts were stolen. The truth is that it all lies within me still - sleeping. I do not want to be like my mother and sleepwalk my way through this life, only to die with my life unfulfilled.
And on Sunday, at the meeting, it became clear. I must create value with my life. EVERY DAY. Even on the hard days when it's difficult to even imagine getting up. It means being true to myself, listening to my intuition. Grabbing life by the balls.
Last night I was reminded of one of my own favourite sayings: Life is too short for bullshit.
It is indeed. And now is the time for me to start detoxing my life.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Wayward Creativity and Life in General
I suppose it's time for an update on life, the universe and the state of my creativity.
I have, for some time, been really stuck creatively until I had a pretty weird dream about Jesus and Wonder Woman, which sparked off a whole stream of ideas that sucked me in. In between blogging for Jesus I am also customising Kate's drum kit. So many creative ideas over the last few months have simply flooded my brain and I just haven't had the time/motivation/freedom from creative block/all of the above to sit down and work on all of them.
Dangerdykes have gone into hibernation for a little bit due to me plunging into the other projects. I have been challenged to write two humorous pieces by two bloggers - months ago - and I haven't started yet. (Sorry Chris. Sorry Pie). Other great cartoon ideas are waiting to be born. Paintings are waiting to be begun. Stories written. A novel. A creative writing workshop.
I realised this morning what it was that I really wished that I could get paid to be creative like this. In a sense it seems a waste that I am being all creative and doing something I love in my spare time and spending the bulk of my energy on a satisfactory, though mediocre, job.
I always believed that my ideal lifestyle would be to make money from my art, my writing and even with my singing (if I am brave enough to get back into it), while conducting creativity and creative writing workshops. In this fantasy I have pockets of time to create, while a routine of teaching would ensure that I do not starve. In my imagination, I have a studio and an office attached to a modest house. With lots of free range cats and perhaps one or two West Highland Terriers.
How do I make that happen? Other people live their creativity. Why not me? Suggestions?
And Now, The Weekend That Was and The Week Ahead:
Kate's put her back out, so Saturday evening was spent at the emergency GP's office so that she could get an injection for the pain.
Sunday was awesome! Buddhist meeting in Cambridge, which really got me thinking about how we make change within our own lives and how small changes within us can even influence changes within society.
What's on the cards for this week? Study, study and more study. There will not be too many postings, unless I find the time to procrastinate. (There's always time for procrastination, baby!) I write my OU timed essay/exam thingy on Saturday 14 October.
I feel like only after Saturday will I be able to start breathing again. I've put a lot of stuff on hold until after the exam, so it will be interesting to get back into the swing of things once that's over.
I suppose it's time for an update on life, the universe and the state of my creativity.
I have, for some time, been really stuck creatively until I had a pretty weird dream about Jesus and Wonder Woman, which sparked off a whole stream of ideas that sucked me in. In between blogging for Jesus I am also customising Kate's drum kit. So many creative ideas over the last few months have simply flooded my brain and I just haven't had the time/motivation/freedom from creative block/all of the above to sit down and work on all of them.
Dangerdykes have gone into hibernation for a little bit due to me plunging into the other projects. I have been challenged to write two humorous pieces by two bloggers - months ago - and I haven't started yet. (Sorry Chris. Sorry Pie). Other great cartoon ideas are waiting to be born. Paintings are waiting to be begun. Stories written. A novel. A creative writing workshop.
I realised this morning what it was that I really wished that I could get paid to be creative like this. In a sense it seems a waste that I am being all creative and doing something I love in my spare time and spending the bulk of my energy on a satisfactory, though mediocre, job.
I always believed that my ideal lifestyle would be to make money from my art, my writing and even with my singing (if I am brave enough to get back into it), while conducting creativity and creative writing workshops. In this fantasy I have pockets of time to create, while a routine of teaching would ensure that I do not starve. In my imagination, I have a studio and an office attached to a modest house. With lots of free range cats and perhaps one or two West Highland Terriers.
How do I make that happen? Other people live their creativity. Why not me? Suggestions?
And Now, The Weekend That Was and The Week Ahead:
Kate's put her back out, so Saturday evening was spent at the emergency GP's office so that she could get an injection for the pain.
Sunday was awesome! Buddhist meeting in Cambridge, which really got me thinking about how we make change within our own lives and how small changes within us can even influence changes within society.
What's on the cards for this week? Study, study and more study. There will not be too many postings, unless I find the time to procrastinate. (There's always time for procrastination, baby!) I write my OU timed essay/exam thingy on Saturday 14 October.
I feel like only after Saturday will I be able to start breathing again. I've put a lot of stuff on hold until after the exam, so it will be interesting to get back into the swing of things once that's over.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Right. Telemarketer Amnesty is Now OVER.
I declared Telemarketer Amnesty some time ago because I thought it would help my karma. Fuck that for a bag of monkeys.
Even when I try to be nice, I still confuse them.
Them: "Is Ms K [Surname] there? I am phoning from Undisclosed Mobile Phone Company"
ME: "No. I'm her partner - could I help?"
Them: "Oh! This is a business number."
ME: "No. I am her wife."
Them: "Oh! Then is Mr K [Surname] there."
ME: "No. She isn't a man. She's a woman."
Them. "........."
So last night I went through the exchange above once more and the lady I spoke to then said:
Lady: "What is your name?"
Me: "I don't give my name to strangers, sorry."
Lady: "But I am from Undisclosed Mobile Phone Company."
Me: "Sorry, but no."
Lady: "Well, I just want to let Ms [Surname] know we will be sending her a new camera phone."
Me: "She doesn't use your service. She already has a phone. Thank you."
Lady: "Do you have a mobile phone, madam?"
Me: "Yes, I do. I don't need a new one, but thank you."
Lady: "How much do you spend on the phone a week?"
Me: "£5.00 a month."
Lady: (incredulous) "£5.00 a month? What contract are you on?"
Me: "Pay as you go. I am not interested in a contract or in a new mobile phone. Thank you."
Lady: "If you pay £32 a month on our contract you will get a free..."
Me: "I spend only £5.00 a month on top up. £32 is more than I pay now."
Lady: "But you'll get a free...."
Me: "I am not interested. Thank you."
And so the conversation continued for another few minutes until I eventually got arsey and told her that I don't want her fricken phone or contract and slammed the phone down.
Telephone preference is going to be sorted. TODAY.
I declared Telemarketer Amnesty some time ago because I thought it would help my karma. Fuck that for a bag of monkeys.
Even when I try to be nice, I still confuse them.
Them: "Is Ms K [Surname] there? I am phoning from Undisclosed Mobile Phone Company"
ME: "No. I'm her partner - could I help?"
Them: "Oh! This is a business number."
ME: "No. I am her wife."
Them: "Oh! Then is Mr K [Surname] there."
ME: "No. She isn't a man. She's a woman."
Them. "........."
So last night I went through the exchange above once more and the lady I spoke to then said:
Lady: "What is your name?"
Me: "I don't give my name to strangers, sorry."
Lady: "But I am from Undisclosed Mobile Phone Company."
Me: "Sorry, but no."
Lady: "Well, I just want to let Ms [Surname] know we will be sending her a new camera phone."
Me: "She doesn't use your service. She already has a phone. Thank you."
Lady: "Do you have a mobile phone, madam?"
Me: "Yes, I do. I don't need a new one, but thank you."
Lady: "How much do you spend on the phone a week?"
Me: "£5.00 a month."
Lady: (incredulous) "£5.00 a month? What contract are you on?"
Me: "Pay as you go. I am not interested in a contract or in a new mobile phone. Thank you."
Lady: "If you pay £32 a month on our contract you will get a free..."
Me: "I spend only £5.00 a month on top up. £32 is more than I pay now."
Lady: "But you'll get a free...."
Me: "I am not interested. Thank you."
And so the conversation continued for another few minutes until I eventually got arsey and told her that I don't want her fricken phone or contract and slammed the phone down.
Telephone preference is going to be sorted. TODAY.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
OHMYGOD.
I did something really nuts. The dead Catholic inside of me has risen and begun screaming about how I am going to burn in Hell for this... but.. since I am gay and divorced and already in Hell by their standards, here is a new project I started. Not sure what to do with it, but it was inspired by a weird dream I had recently.
What Would Jesus Do?
Despite the religious name, be warned, this is very irreverent and not Christian friendly.
I did something really nuts. The dead Catholic inside of me has risen and begun screaming about how I am going to burn in Hell for this... but.. since I am gay and divorced and already in Hell by their standards, here is a new project I started. Not sure what to do with it, but it was inspired by a weird dream I had recently.
What Would Jesus Do?
Despite the religious name, be warned, this is very irreverent and not Christian friendly.
Some Interesting Lessons I Have Learned in My Life So Far...
(in no particular order)
1. American Marines make THE best margheritas EVER
2. Never let a drunk friend anywhere near your own drink
3. Do not trust the scale. The scale lies.
4. It's good to have a friend somewhere in the world to share champagne cocktails with
5. The pull of family is stronger than the pull of the most powerful magnet
6. All you need is love
7. I am built for comfort, not for speed
8. Don't believe everything in the media
9. You can't change other people - only yourself
10. Ants aren't tasty
11. Playing swordfights and dragonslayers with one's nephew is the best game ever played
12. The more you bend, the more your arse shows
13. Sometimes, as much as you hate to admit it, mother is right
14. You can grieve for somebody before they've died
15. That the human biological clock actually operates on a 25 hour day. Mars has 25 hour days.
16. I CAN be a cartoonist despite what that awful Miss Stone said when I was 11
17. Change is the only constant
18. If I fill my cheeks with water and purse my lips, I can talk like Donald Duck
19. The universal law of cause and effect
20. Humankind goes to work in order to keep catkind in the way it's become accustomed
(in no particular order)
1. American Marines make THE best margheritas EVER
2. Never let a drunk friend anywhere near your own drink
3. Do not trust the scale. The scale lies.
4. It's good to have a friend somewhere in the world to share champagne cocktails with
5. The pull of family is stronger than the pull of the most powerful magnet
6. All you need is love
7. I am built for comfort, not for speed
8. Don't believe everything in the media
9. You can't change other people - only yourself
10. Ants aren't tasty
11. Playing swordfights and dragonslayers with one's nephew is the best game ever played
12. The more you bend, the more your arse shows
13. Sometimes, as much as you hate to admit it, mother is right
14. You can grieve for somebody before they've died
15. That the human biological clock actually operates on a 25 hour day. Mars has 25 hour days.
16. I CAN be a cartoonist despite what that awful Miss Stone said when I was 11
17. Change is the only constant
18. If I fill my cheeks with water and purse my lips, I can talk like Donald Duck
19. The universal law of cause and effect
20. Humankind goes to work in order to keep catkind in the way it's become accustomed
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Yet Another Homicidal Maniac Goes Postal
What the fuck is up with all these people going fricken postal and shooting up schools? This is the third one in the last month.
What's up with that?
What the fuck is up with all these people going fricken postal and shooting up schools? This is the third one in the last month.
What's up with that?
New Adventures into Italian Bureaucracy
I love Italians. They are such warm and passionate people. My grandfather was one, so was my mother. One of my really good friends is Italian. I love all things Italian - culture, music, food, country, language. There is only ONE thing that irks me about anything Italian and that is their absolute adoration of red tape.
I have journeyed into the maw of administrative hell more than once. And now, I prepare to do it again. Today, I send my application to renew my passport to the consulate. I had to travel to Nottingham to get my photographs verified last week. It was an exercise that took a mere 10 minutes of small talk to complete, but a journey that took 2 hours and a 45 minute walk to the office.
So, I am sending my bits and pieces to Manchester today and I am chanting like crazy that it all goes well. It's really important to get the passport back as soon as because I have no idea when I will be asked to go back to South Africa because of my dad. So. Fingers crossed, hope for the best.
I love Italians. They are such warm and passionate people. My grandfather was one, so was my mother. One of my really good friends is Italian. I love all things Italian - culture, music, food, country, language. There is only ONE thing that irks me about anything Italian and that is their absolute adoration of red tape.
I have journeyed into the maw of administrative hell more than once. And now, I prepare to do it again. Today, I send my application to renew my passport to the consulate. I had to travel to Nottingham to get my photographs verified last week. It was an exercise that took a mere 10 minutes of small talk to complete, but a journey that took 2 hours and a 45 minute walk to the office.
So, I am sending my bits and pieces to Manchester today and I am chanting like crazy that it all goes well. It's really important to get the passport back as soon as because I have no idea when I will be asked to go back to South Africa because of my dad. So. Fingers crossed, hope for the best.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Lesbian Movie Review
What do you get when you mix teenage first love angst with young lesbian lovers? Apparently, a movie called Lost and Delirious. Now, if you have been following this blog at all, you will know that Kate and I are still searching for a decent lesbian flick (as in movie you dirty bastards). This means: good story, good scripting and good acting. Usually, none of these are present.
Out of some of the sapphic disasters we've sat through, this one is quite good by comparison. Note: by comparison.
There is actually something of a story line and the acting is a lot better than the last piece of junk we got, which we switched off halfway through. (Three of Hearts now stands in second place on our list of Worst Ever Lesbian Films Ever Made.)
The plot of Lost and Delirious is fairly simple and is set in a private boarding school and narrated by a character, Mary, played by a young Mischa Barton.
Paulie and Victoria share a room and are madly in love. However, after being discovered in bed together by Victoria's little sister, Vic decides to break off with Paulie and walk the straight and narrow. She dates a guy and slates her girl. It can only end in disaster - and it does. Paulie, distraught at losing her lover, eventually leaps off a tall building, but unlike the Super One, does not go on to save the world.
There is some wordy dialogue and a few scenes that made me think, "OH god, here we go..." but it was generally ok.
Would I recommend it? No. So far there are very few gay films I WOULD recommend. You can visit this previous post to find out what I do think is good.
So... my new scoring system is:
Entertainment value: 5/10
Storyline: 4/10
Acting: 5/10 (you can tell the young Mischa will go places and it is no small wonder you don't actually see much of the other two)
Will I recommend this to a friend? Not really. If someone gives it to you, watch it if you want, but you won't be missing anything if you don't. Don't bother wasting money on it, though.
TOTAL: 14/30
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Nowadays, my six years of private opera lessons only gets to exercise on the odd karaoke night.
You can listen to it HERE. However, the only decent one is Whatever Lola Wants
And just for fun, here's Kate's lovely voice. She loves The Carpenters.
You can listen to it HERE. However, the only decent one is Whatever Lola Wants
And just for fun, here's Kate's lovely voice. She loves The Carpenters.
How do YOU feel today?
I feel EMPOWERED
Leave a comment on how you feel today.
And now, some lyrics from a song Kate wrote which is particularly poignant this fine morning:
No more looking over my shoulder
No more hanging on to the past
No more filling up my tomorrows
With yesterday's sorrows
No more looking over my shoulder
Buddhist Book Recommendations
I recently had a comment from Karen asking for some book recommendations to do with Buddhism.
I practice Nichiren Buddhism, which has turned my life around 180 degrees and brought me a lot of peace and fulfilment. This Buddhism is the only spiritual practice I have come across so far that emphasises the happiness of those who follow it, and the creation of value in life and society.
I figured that perhaps Karen wasn't the only one out there wanting to know more, so here are my recommendations for books on Buddhism:
The Buddha in Your Mirror - This book relates the main tenets of Nichiren Buddhism in an easy-to-understand way. Perfect for someone who is just starting out and just wants to learn a little more about the practice.
The Buddha in Daily Life - Also good for the beginner, with a lot more detail and more involved. This book delves a little deeper than The Buddha in Your Mirror.
Modern Buddhist Healing - Learn how you can apply Nichiren Buddhism to healing illness and dis-ease.
For now, that's all I can think of. Any other Buddhists out there, especially those involved in other practices, who want to add more recommendations, please feel free to leave your recommendation in the comment box.
I feel EMPOWERED
Leave a comment on how you feel today.
And now, some lyrics from a song Kate wrote which is particularly poignant this fine morning:
No more looking over my shoulder
No more hanging on to the past
No more filling up my tomorrows
With yesterday's sorrows
No more looking over my shoulder
Buddhist Book Recommendations
I recently had a comment from Karen asking for some book recommendations to do with Buddhism.
I practice Nichiren Buddhism, which has turned my life around 180 degrees and brought me a lot of peace and fulfilment. This Buddhism is the only spiritual practice I have come across so far that emphasises the happiness of those who follow it, and the creation of value in life and society.
I figured that perhaps Karen wasn't the only one out there wanting to know more, so here are my recommendations for books on Buddhism:
The Buddha in Your Mirror - This book relates the main tenets of Nichiren Buddhism in an easy-to-understand way. Perfect for someone who is just starting out and just wants to learn a little more about the practice.
The Buddha in Daily Life - Also good for the beginner, with a lot more detail and more involved. This book delves a little deeper than The Buddha in Your Mirror.
Modern Buddhist Healing - Learn how you can apply Nichiren Buddhism to healing illness and dis-ease.
For now, that's all I can think of. Any other Buddhists out there, especially those involved in other practices, who want to add more recommendations, please feel free to leave your recommendation in the comment box.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
And now, the news...
From the BBC:
Filipino 'dwarf' judge loses case
A Philippines judge who said he consulted imaginary mystic dwarves has failed to convince the Supreme Court to allow him to keep his job.
Florentino Floro was appealing against a three-year inquiry which led to his removal due to incompetence and bias.
He told investigators three mystic dwarves - Armand, Luis and Angel - had helped him to carry out healing sessions during breaks in his chambers.
The court said psychic phenomena had no place in the judiciary.
The bench backed a medical finding that the judge was suffering from psychosis.
'Dwarf dalliance'
The Manila trial judge had asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the complaint and return him to the bench, after being sacked in April.
"They should not have dismissed me for what I believed," Mr Floro told reporters after filing his appeal in May.
The judge said he had made a covenant with his dwarf friends that he could write while in a trance and that he had been seen by several people in two places at the same time.
Judge Floro reportedly changed from blue court robes to black each Friday "to recharge his psychic powers".
In a letter to the court he said: "From obscurity, my name and the three mystic dwarves became immortal."
However, the Supreme Court said dalliance with dwarves would gradually erode the public's acceptance of the judiciary as the guardian of the law, if not make it an object of ridicule
From the BBC:
Filipino 'dwarf' judge loses case
A Philippines judge who said he consulted imaginary mystic dwarves has failed to convince the Supreme Court to allow him to keep his job.
Florentino Floro was appealing against a three-year inquiry which led to his removal due to incompetence and bias.
He told investigators three mystic dwarves - Armand, Luis and Angel - had helped him to carry out healing sessions during breaks in his chambers.
The court said psychic phenomena had no place in the judiciary.
The bench backed a medical finding that the judge was suffering from psychosis.
'Dwarf dalliance'
The Manila trial judge had asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the complaint and return him to the bench, after being sacked in April.
"They should not have dismissed me for what I believed," Mr Floro told reporters after filing his appeal in May.
The judge said he had made a covenant with his dwarf friends that he could write while in a trance and that he had been seen by several people in two places at the same time.
Judge Floro reportedly changed from blue court robes to black each Friday "to recharge his psychic powers".
In a letter to the court he said: "From obscurity, my name and the three mystic dwarves became immortal."
However, the Supreme Court said dalliance with dwarves would gradually erode the public's acceptance of the judiciary as the guardian of the law, if not make it an object of ridicule
Monday, September 25, 2006
Tales of Ignorance and Tragedy
A five month old baby was mauled by two Rottweilers on Saturday. There is a public outcry and this morning on GMTV, there were discussions about vicious dogs that need to be placed on a banned breed list.
A few things came to mind when this story broke.
1. If you train temperamental dogs to be more temperamental and vicious, they will eventually harm someone.
2. I am expecting there to be a spate of stories about ignorant twats who will target Rottweilers and Rottweiller owners just like there were a bunch of ignorant twats who went around killing stingrays after Steve Irwin's death.
3. The focus has, understandably, been on the dogs and how vicious they are. No one has bothered to consider that this baby's parents left it unsupervised, knowing (one would think) of the temperamental animals lurking nearby. Who leaves a 5 month old baby upstairs in a pub by itself?
A five month old baby was mauled by two Rottweilers on Saturday. There is a public outcry and this morning on GMTV, there were discussions about vicious dogs that need to be placed on a banned breed list.
A few things came to mind when this story broke.
1. If you train temperamental dogs to be more temperamental and vicious, they will eventually harm someone.
2. I am expecting there to be a spate of stories about ignorant twats who will target Rottweilers and Rottweiller owners just like there were a bunch of ignorant twats who went around killing stingrays after Steve Irwin's death.
3. The focus has, understandably, been on the dogs and how vicious they are. No one has bothered to consider that this baby's parents left it unsupervised, knowing (one would think) of the temperamental animals lurking nearby. Who leaves a 5 month old baby upstairs in a pub by itself?
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
5:08am.
I woke up with a pounding headache that moved around my head even though I didn't move at all. I am familiar with early morning migraines and headaches. But it just pisses me off that it's a Friday and it starts off with my head feeling like I have had a hot knife shoved into it. And the knife is constantly twisted. It's not a migraine, just a really bad headache. I took two extra strength painkillers at 7am and that's taken the edge off a bit, but the pain is still there.
I want to be at home with Kate, snuggled in bed. I want a pyjama day.
*pout*
OK - that's me feeling sorry for myself out of the way.
Watch out for:
1. Kate's update today on the progress on the customisation of her drum kit. We now have what looks like Hellfire! Woo hoo!
2. Massive update on The Esotericon coming this weekend! Finally, after a month!!!
3. Dangerdykes get updated tonight so fans can catch up on this lovely little web comic.
4. I'll also be putting up a cartoon on this blog over the weekend based on my recent very weird dream.
I woke up with a pounding headache that moved around my head even though I didn't move at all. I am familiar with early morning migraines and headaches. But it just pisses me off that it's a Friday and it starts off with my head feeling like I have had a hot knife shoved into it. And the knife is constantly twisted. It's not a migraine, just a really bad headache. I took two extra strength painkillers at 7am and that's taken the edge off a bit, but the pain is still there.
I want to be at home with Kate, snuggled in bed. I want a pyjama day.
*pout*
OK - that's me feeling sorry for myself out of the way.
Watch out for:
1. Kate's update today on the progress on the customisation of her drum kit. We now have what looks like Hellfire! Woo hoo!
2. Massive update on The Esotericon coming this weekend! Finally, after a month!!!
3. Dangerdykes get updated tonight so fans can catch up on this lovely little web comic.
4. I'll also be putting up a cartoon on this blog over the weekend based on my recent very weird dream.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
A Very Weird Dream
I have loads of weird dreams, but sometimes, they are so bizarre that I feel I have to tell the world!
My dream started out normally enough. I dreamt I was on a large university campus and was in the process of getting my text books and moving into a room. So, out in the courtyard, this massive glass cylinder lands from out of the sky and out step Wonder Woman and... Jesus. Yup. Jesus. Wonder Woman says to Jesus, "I'd like a hug". He hugs her. So I think to myself that Jesus has given up the god gig to become a superhero. I mean, why else would he be there with Wonder Woman? Then he is changed from his Jesus robes into a basket ball uniform. Jesus, it transpires, is there to coach the men's basketball team.
How freaking weird is THAT???
I have loads of weird dreams, but sometimes, they are so bizarre that I feel I have to tell the world!
My dream started out normally enough. I dreamt I was on a large university campus and was in the process of getting my text books and moving into a room. So, out in the courtyard, this massive glass cylinder lands from out of the sky and out step Wonder Woman and... Jesus. Yup. Jesus. Wonder Woman says to Jesus, "I'd like a hug". He hugs her. So I think to myself that Jesus has given up the god gig to become a superhero. I mean, why else would he be there with Wonder Woman? Then he is changed from his Jesus robes into a basket ball uniform. Jesus, it transpires, is there to coach the men's basketball team.
How freaking weird is THAT???
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Do You Believe in Reincarnation?
My buddy Sibri is interested in your opinion. Go over to his blog and leave your opinion in the comments.
I stole this from him. It's yesterday's quote:
SGI President Ikeda's Daily Encouragement for September 19
Our existence in this world can be likened to a dream. The issue of by far the greatest importance and eternal relevance is how we face death, the inescapable destiny of all living beings. For in the face of death, external factors such as social status or position in the organization count for naught. Everything depends on one's faith, one's state of life.
My buddy Sibri is interested in your opinion. Go over to his blog and leave your opinion in the comments.
I stole this from him. It's yesterday's quote:
SGI President Ikeda's Daily Encouragement for September 19
Our existence in this world can be likened to a dream. The issue of by far the greatest importance and eternal relevance is how we face death, the inescapable destiny of all living beings. For in the face of death, external factors such as social status or position in the organization count for naught. Everything depends on one's faith, one's state of life.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
ex-u-ber-ant [ig-zub-r-ant]1. effusively and almost uninhibitedly enthusiastic; lavishly abundant
2. abounding in vitality; extremely joyful and vigorous.
Today, for the first time in a long while, I am experiencing one of those extraordinarily fantastic days. The best way to describe how I feel is to say I feel exuberent. So exuberant, in fact, that I feel like the personification of a loud Hawaiian shirt.
It started at 6am. I got out of bed and woke up relatively quickly, which surprised me because usually it takes me until 11am to feel vaguely awake. I did an exercise routine for muscle toning and while I was taking a shower afterwards, this feeling of everything being wonderful and just perfect in the world crept up on me.
Maybe it was the exercise, releasing endorphins. Maybe it is because I am chanting to take ownership of my Buddhahood and my life. Who knows? Today feels wonderful. Today feels that nothing can go wrong and I feel beautiful and joyful. And thrown in amongst all this is a gorgeous liquid sensation that I call serenity.
Today rocks. I rock!
There was a time I felt this way quite regularly. At that point in time I exercises regularly, got up at 6am, ate healthily and meditated. I know that this is just a taste of the return to that state of life. I'm going to enjoy this!
Monday, September 18, 2006
DO NOT RESUSCITATE
(edit)
I found this article, which I thought was brilliant. This little old lady is so adament that she not be resuscitated, she had it tattooed on her chest!
(edit)
I found this article, which I thought was brilliant. This little old lady is so adament that she not be resuscitated, she had it tattooed on her chest!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Introducing ..... ZAK!
About a month ago, this delightful creature entered our lives. Zak had to be rehomed because his owner felt that he was interfering with her new born baby. When he came to us, he was very underweight and had conjunctivitis. The vet informed us he had been malnourished and that he had ear mites, fleas and cat flu. He was 13 weeks old then and the vet told us his growth had been stunted because of not being fed properly. Kate and I, ever the saps for some poor kitty sob-story were happy to have him, though, as my Dad pointed out, Zak probably got the better end of the deal as the baby may not get off as lightly as Zakky did. He is the naughtiest and bravest of all our cats. He charged straight for Noodle the Ninja and even challenged Queen Mischa. Within a day he had made friends with Lucifer. By the end of the week, he was playing with Tinkie and now Noodle has warmed to him too. Mischa, of course, being head of the household, is reserving judgement until he has grown up enough as to not become annoying to her. He's a real sweetie and fits in well with the rest of the nutcases (humans included) that reside in La Casa Della Lesbica.
Friday, September 15, 2006
To Do List
This was inspired by Karen and her list. Add your own ideas in the comments.
Things To Do Before I Turn 35
Treat myself to Champagne cocktails in a posh location
Sell a piece of art that I have created
Get slim, fit and healthy
Stay slim, fit and healthy
Be debt free
Spend a luxurious day in a day spa and be pampered
Get tattooed. Again.
Give up television for 1 week
Own a pair of Daemonia Bat shoes
Write a novel
Read 100 books
Go out in full Gothic gear with Kate in her full Gothic gear
Sponsor a guide dog puppy
Go to a writers'/artists' festival
Visit my friend Paola in Italy
Go on a Buddhist course at Trets, France
Quit drinking alcohol for a month at least
Give up caffeine
Know what I want to do with my life
Either read or get rid of all the unread books on my bookshelf
Things To Do Before I Turn 40
Swim with Dolphins
Drink Margaritas with Chris
Visit New York City
Learn to play the guitar. Not just a few strums to a few tunes, but really super well.
Get a degree
Visit Mexico and walk around the pyramids. Hopefully as part of a Toltec group.
Participate in a fundraising challenge event
Go for a holiday in Plettenberg Bay again
Go to the Opera at Covent Garden or La Scala or The Met or Glyndebourne
Dress as Magenta and attend a Rocky Horror Show and do the whole audience participation thing
Speak fluent Italian
Speak fluent Dutch
Things to do before I die
Send a message in a bottle.Test drive a sexy little sports car
Read 1,000 books
Learn to at least understand French and German
Things I've already done:
Visit New Grange
Visit Stonehenge
Got Tattooed
Gone to Venice
Learned another language
Lived in a foreign country and experienced the culture (3 times)
Got married
Got divorced
Stood naked in the moonlight at midnight
Posed nude for a lifedrawing class
This was inspired by Karen and her list. Add your own ideas in the comments.
Things To Do Before I Turn 35
Treat myself to Champagne cocktails in a posh location
Sell a piece of art that I have created
Get slim, fit and healthy
Stay slim, fit and healthy
Be debt free
Spend a luxurious day in a day spa and be pampered
Get tattooed. Again.
Give up television for 1 week
Own a pair of Daemonia Bat shoes
Write a novel
Read 100 books
Go out in full Gothic gear with Kate in her full Gothic gear
Sponsor a guide dog puppy
Go to a writers'/artists' festival
Visit my friend Paola in Italy
Go on a Buddhist course at Trets, France
Quit drinking alcohol for a month at least
Give up caffeine
Know what I want to do with my life
Either read or get rid of all the unread books on my bookshelf
Things To Do Before I Turn 40
Swim with Dolphins
Drink Margaritas with Chris
Visit New York City
Learn to play the guitar. Not just a few strums to a few tunes, but really super well.
Get a degree
Visit Mexico and walk around the pyramids. Hopefully as part of a Toltec group.
Participate in a fundraising challenge event
Go for a holiday in Plettenberg Bay again
Go to the Opera at Covent Garden or La Scala or The Met or Glyndebourne
Dress as Magenta and attend a Rocky Horror Show and do the whole audience participation thing
Speak fluent Italian
Speak fluent Dutch
Things to do before I die
Send a message in a bottle.Test drive a sexy little sports car
Read 1,000 books
Learn to at least understand French and German
Things I've already done:
Visit New Grange
Visit Stonehenge
Got Tattooed
Gone to Venice
Learned another language
Lived in a foreign country and experienced the culture (3 times)
Got married
Got divorced
Stood naked in the moonlight at midnight
Posed nude for a lifedrawing class
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Project Customise 
Aaah. See those strange shapes above? That's Kate's disassembled drum kit. She has asked me to customise it for her with a series of characters I have come up with known as The Rolling Bones. These skeletal rockers are: Hangman, Screwball, Kaiser and Smitty. You'll hear more about them as things progress.
Kate and I have decided to chronicle this custom job through (very bad) digital photos. And this blog.
WATCH THIS SPACE
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Monday, September 11, 2006
Five Years
Five years ago today the twin towers fell. I am sure this is a superfluous piece of information, which no doubt will be repeated from blog to blog on whatever service we all use. I am sure I don't need to say anything more about the topic than that. Now, when you say "September 11th" everyone knows exactly what you mean. And in just those two words is hidden a vast weight of meaning, far greater than the date stamp it represents.
I am sure I am not the only person mentioning 9/11.
For me, September 11th was the day that the whole world changed. A whole set of ideas about safety and security came down with the towers. The untouchable nation was touched. Perceptions changed, lives changed. And we were all changed.
I can hardly believe that this happened five years ago. So much and so little has taken place in five years.
This is where I will stop. Silence will say it best.
Five years ago today the twin towers fell. I am sure this is a superfluous piece of information, which no doubt will be repeated from blog to blog on whatever service we all use. I am sure I don't need to say anything more about the topic than that. Now, when you say "September 11th" everyone knows exactly what you mean. And in just those two words is hidden a vast weight of meaning, far greater than the date stamp it represents.
I am sure I am not the only person mentioning 9/11.
For me, September 11th was the day that the whole world changed. A whole set of ideas about safety and security came down with the towers. The untouchable nation was touched. Perceptions changed, lives changed. And we were all changed.
I can hardly believe that this happened five years ago. So much and so little has taken place in five years.
This is where I will stop. Silence will say it best.
Friday, September 08, 2006
"I can spend £5.48 on better things."
Back at the start of July, Kate introduced me to Ksolo.com. We both love our karaoke*, so online karaoke seemed to be a fine idea. Only thing is that if you want to sing, you have to pay. The fee, in US$, worked out to £5.48. At the start of August, when Ksolo asked me to pay up for another month of unlimited recordings, I declined. When I told this to Kate, I justified my decision with the remark, "I can spend £5.48 on better things."
Yesterday, I chatted away to Kate about how I was thinking of sponsoring a guide dog puppy. The cost is £5.00 a month. She asked me if I could afford it. I shrugged because I hadn't really thought about spending £5.00 a month outside of groceries etc before.
I was able to consider £5.48 of online karaoke per month, with a view that I could afford to spend just over five quid for my own entertainment. I thought about it and deliberated and yeah, I can afford £5.00 to sponsor a guide dog puppy. £5.00 a month on a guide dog is better than spending £5.00 a day on cigarettes or £5.00 a month on chewing gum. So, I am giving back a little to society.
For a while now, I have felt like I want to make some kind of contribution that is outside myself and outside my family. Something beyond my comfort zone. Guide dogs provide a very valuable service to the blind and partially sighted, and having spoken to a blind man with a dog, I realise just how much money and time is spent on these very clever animals.
*Incidentally, if you are interested in hearing my cacophonic rasps, you can do so HERE. If you fancy listening to Kate, you can do so HERE.
Back at the start of July, Kate introduced me to Ksolo.com. We both love our karaoke*, so online karaoke seemed to be a fine idea. Only thing is that if you want to sing, you have to pay. The fee, in US$, worked out to £5.48. At the start of August, when Ksolo asked me to pay up for another month of unlimited recordings, I declined. When I told this to Kate, I justified my decision with the remark, "I can spend £5.48 on better things."
Yesterday, I chatted away to Kate about how I was thinking of sponsoring a guide dog puppy. The cost is £5.00 a month. She asked me if I could afford it. I shrugged because I hadn't really thought about spending £5.00 a month outside of groceries etc before.
I was able to consider £5.48 of online karaoke per month, with a view that I could afford to spend just over five quid for my own entertainment. I thought about it and deliberated and yeah, I can afford £5.00 to sponsor a guide dog puppy. £5.00 a month on a guide dog is better than spending £5.00 a day on cigarettes or £5.00 a month on chewing gum. So, I am giving back a little to society.
For a while now, I have felt like I want to make some kind of contribution that is outside myself and outside my family. Something beyond my comfort zone. Guide dogs provide a very valuable service to the blind and partially sighted, and having spoken to a blind man with a dog, I realise just how much money and time is spent on these very clever animals.
*Incidentally, if you are interested in hearing my cacophonic rasps, you can do so HERE. If you fancy listening to Kate, you can do so HERE.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Auntie Liz and Coven Nights
Well, tonight I am off to see Auntie Liz.
Auntie Liz is the crazy white haired lady in the middle of the picture. I am the bespectacled chick on the left and my cousin Rochelle is on the right.
Auntie Liz isn't my real auntie. I adopted her. Rochelle is my real cousin, though, and she is visiting from South Africa and I am going to see her tonight before she heads home at the end of this week.
There was a time Auntie Liz used to open her home for dinner with a whole host of interesting ladies on a Tuesday night. We called these "Coven Nights". I miss that. I miss the atmosphere that those nights held.
But tonight, I see Rochelle and I can hand over a book for her to take back for my sister.
And spare a thought for poor Kate who has decided that she should stay in tonight and finish off the painting and decorating. Bless. I am lucky to have such a DIY savvy woman in my life.
Tastes Like Llama has updated with a short poem. GO HERE.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Monday, September 04, 2006
Cat Wailing and Insomnia...
This is a bit of a naff post.
You may have guessed, from reading this blog, that Kate and I love our cats. We do. We do love our cats.
I just wish that sometimes they weren't quite so quirky as to draw attention to themselves. For instance, at 4:27am this morning, Mischa was meowing her head off outside and I heard the neighbour calling, "here, puss, puss, puss" out her windows. As if Madame Mischa is some stray in pain who needs rescuing.
But that's exactly how she sounded.
I recognised the tone of the meowing. It was her "I've Caught A Thing" song. The past few months, every time she has caught 'a thing', she has sung about it outside, often while crunching the 'thing'. Sometimes she brings whatever it is indoors and continues singing inside (preferred because it won't disturb the neighbours), with the occasional growl thrown in when one of the others approach. The "I've Caught A Thing" song is very distinctive and sounds like no other meow she emits. Nope. It sounded like she was in an incredible amount of pain and needed rescuing.
Mortified, I rushed downstairs in my nightie and barefeet and went outside. In a stage whisper, I said: "Mischa! You silly girl - the window is open!" I knew the neighbours were listening - the lights were on next door. I didn't want them to think I am a bad kitty-mommy who locks her children outside. The window was indeed open! I also didn't want them to think that Mischa is neglected, in pain and needs rescuing.
Mischa was in the neighbour's garden, singing happily away and crunching her mouse. She looked at me with big wide eyes that said, "I've caught a thing, mummy. I've caught a thing. Look! I am eating my thing." Gilbert poked his head round the door and had no doubt seen me in my short nightie, attempting to coax Mischa into the house. Oh dear. The neighbour has seen me in my bedroom attire.
"Mischa, you have to go inside. Now. Please?" Mischa didn't care. She wasn't embarrassed. I picked her up and took her indoors. She hates being picked up. I was scratched to buggery.
With Mischa settled, I went back upstairs and climbed back into bed. It was 4:43am. I could not get back to sleep. At 5:30am I decided that if I wasn't asleep by 6am, I would get up. I must have dropped off after that because I was woken up by the alarm at 7am.
And all that for Madame Mischa.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Tanya Reads More News Articles.
A couple of years ago I came across an article that claimed that an enzyme in semen alleviated depression in women. Today, I come across this article. Now, for fuck's sake, make up your goddamn minds! Semen good? Semen bad? What about how it affects gay men? Christ! JOY of JOYs... I am a flaming dyke and don't have to worry about this. But straight people beware: You could DIE of semen poisoning. And if you don't have sex, you'll be plunged into depression.
Been following this story since it broke. Sounds like Stockholm Syndrome to me.
And finally, for a bit of strangeness, prostitutes in Australia are offering discounts to compensate for hikes in fuel prices. Here you go.
A couple of years ago I came across an article that claimed that an enzyme in semen alleviated depression in women. Today, I come across this article. Now, for fuck's sake, make up your goddamn minds! Semen good? Semen bad? What about how it affects gay men? Christ! JOY of JOYs... I am a flaming dyke and don't have to worry about this. But straight people beware: You could DIE of semen poisoning. And if you don't have sex, you'll be plunged into depression.
Been following this story since it broke. Sounds like Stockholm Syndrome to me.
And finally, for a bit of strangeness, prostitutes in Australia are offering discounts to compensate for hikes in fuel prices. Here you go.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
So... I've Been Reading The News Again...
Well, there is talk in the news that us lady lovers can obtain 6 cycles of fertility treatment on the NHS, along with single ladies also wanting babies. Except, if Kate and I were to put ourselves down for that treatement, we'd both be denied. Why? I am fat and she smokes. Read it here.
(Kate and I are not thinking of starting a family. We have 5 cats and a hamster. This is just an example)
Fair enough. So what about fat ladies and smoking ladies who get pregnant the usual way? What fate awaits them in the future? Will women be screened to see if they are fit enough to have babies because the NHS is looking to save a few bucks? Will families be screened and their DNA tested so that no child is born with an inherited condition that would strain the NHS?
Are we staring into the beedy little eye of BIG BROTHER?
Also in the news is the ban on violent porn, with viewers of such to face 3 years imprisonment. Who determines what is violent and what is not? I predict much controversy over this one. I am not a fan of violent porn myself, so this ban doesn't affect me at all. What it does do is make me wonder what else might be banned?
Feminist Andrea Dworkin viewed every sex act between men and women as a form of rape and found pornography in some of the most innocuous things.
Most interesting. Your views?
Well, there is talk in the news that us lady lovers can obtain 6 cycles of fertility treatment on the NHS, along with single ladies also wanting babies. Except, if Kate and I were to put ourselves down for that treatement, we'd both be denied. Why? I am fat and she smokes. Read it here.
(Kate and I are not thinking of starting a family. We have 5 cats and a hamster. This is just an example)
Fair enough. So what about fat ladies and smoking ladies who get pregnant the usual way? What fate awaits them in the future? Will women be screened to see if they are fit enough to have babies because the NHS is looking to save a few bucks? Will families be screened and their DNA tested so that no child is born with an inherited condition that would strain the NHS?
Are we staring into the beedy little eye of BIG BROTHER?
Also in the news is the ban on violent porn, with viewers of such to face 3 years imprisonment. Who determines what is violent and what is not? I predict much controversy over this one. I am not a fan of violent porn myself, so this ban doesn't affect me at all. What it does do is make me wonder what else might be banned?
Feminist Andrea Dworkin viewed every sex act between men and women as a form of rape and found pornography in some of the most innocuous things.
Most interesting. Your views?
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Nice Break...
It's been a nice break. Nice bank holiday weekend, with an extra day tagged on as leave for myself. It was just what I needed and I am so happy I had some time off.
I stepped off the world on Friday after work. Over the four days that followed I drank these alcoholic drinks:
2 bottles of white wine
2 ciders
1 beer
Kate painted the walls, I decluttered and was all domestic. I even managed to draw four weeks' worth of Dangerdykes cartoons (still to be updated), our Halloween Card and our Christmas Card. All in all, four productive days with my sweetheart. When we weren't busy with pottering around the house, we were enjoying each other's company.
We finished up eating ice creams in bed at a quarter to three yesterday afternoon. In our pyjamas.
Nice.
It's been a nice break. Nice bank holiday weekend, with an extra day tagged on as leave for myself. It was just what I needed and I am so happy I had some time off.
I stepped off the world on Friday after work. Over the four days that followed I drank these alcoholic drinks:
2 bottles of white wine
2 ciders
1 beer
Kate painted the walls, I decluttered and was all domestic. I even managed to draw four weeks' worth of Dangerdykes cartoons (still to be updated), our Halloween Card and our Christmas Card. All in all, four productive days with my sweetheart. When we weren't busy with pottering around the house, we were enjoying each other's company.
We finished up eating ice creams in bed at a quarter to three yesterday afternoon. In our pyjamas.
Nice.
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