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Saturday, 31 December 2011

1 more day...

Just 1 more day to go.....
111111         1111            11       111111
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Friday, 30 December 2011

2 days to go....

2 days to go.....
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Thursday, 29 December 2011

3 days to go....

3 days to go.....

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Wednesday, 28 December 2011

The countdown begins

4 days to go to

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Tuesday, 27 December 2011

Is there a 'CLEAN' 4-letter swear word?



Is there a 'clean' word that gives the same amount of joy as that 4-letter word?!

A recent post by a fellow blogger  makes me ponder and consider when it becomes appropriate to use swear words. As she has written, in some situations, a mere 'fiddlesticks!' or 'fudge!' just makes you come across as a wimp, doesn't give enough satisfaction and certainly does not quite do justice to the event that led to the use of the word.

C'mon, I know you've probably used the nasty word in the serenity of your bedroom when you stubbed your big toe! No-one was around, so no-one heard you, but you know you enjoyed saying it!

You just have to read this post...Click here for the post.....and then let me know what you think (well, me or Outspoken Introvert - the post author)

(Outspoken Introvert is a blog I visit regularly because of her quirky, yet raw, honest and engaging way of writing. You can tell it's straight from the heart and has not been 'doctored' for any audience. Hmmm, somehow I don't think she's a politician....)

A few swear words have been used in her article, so if you're extra sensitive to the use of those, do skip today's post and wait for my next super aah-mazing and informative post...sometime....

Have a great day! 

Monday, 26 December 2011

After the storm..


I really do not envy shop floor staff today...especially, after all the Christmas gifts have been opened...The Customer Service desk to return unwanted goods is never a short line, and is always insufficiently manned (I wonder if that is a sales gimmick to stop people from returning goods).
Today will be no different...

I also do not envy the Garbage truck companies.
Lots of trash to pickup, lots of empty boxes, lots of bottles, lots of cans....

So, I wonder if there is an easier way....An easier way to celebrate without the hassle....

Sunday, 25 December 2011

Merry Christmas

Image courtesy All things Christmas


God grant you the light of Christmas, which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas, which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;
the belief in Christmas, which is truth;
the all of Christmas, which is Christ.

This was borrowed from an email sent to me by a friend. Not sure if my friend was the original author or if it was borrowed as well! 

Saturday, 24 December 2011

Friday, 23 December 2011

In or Out?


Waiting patiently for this decision........zzzzzz

Thursday, 22 December 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS or HAPPY HOLIDAYS?

MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

As the end of the year approaches and people start getting friendlier and exchanging greetings,  I am getting confused over how to greet people this season.

I'm sure there are theology scholars who can provide us with information leading up to the EXACT date and time of the birth of Jesus Christ  - which incidentally is the reason why we celebrate Christmas and not the end of year bargain shopping frenzy or even the crazy gift giving. Some of these scholars even say there is no way it could have happened on December 25th, if we look at the signs properly.

And that's ok. But here's what I know - Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December and has been for quite a few years - centuries even.

So how come it is suddenly wrong to wish people Happy Christmas in 2011? Why do some people find it so offensive when you say Merry Christmas to them?

I appreciate that there are other religious celebrations taking place at that time of year and those groups also want recognition, but when I say "Happy Christmas", it is just a greeting. It's not an insult or a mark of disrespect for any other religion or group and it's not disregarding what you stand for.


Greeting in this manner does not mean I expect you to come worship with me (although it would be nice if you would!), it just means that I am wishing you a very Happy Christmas. Simple! 


It's quite simply a greeting - celebrating the event taking place at this time of the year. Pretty much like Happy New Year, Happy Easter, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy New Month (yep, some people greet that way too!), Hello.

Freedom of speech (and expression) is a good thing, but please do not touch Christmas!

Have a very merry Christmas.

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

I just don't get it....

I get most things, I think....

I'm a logical thinker. It might take a while, but I mull stuff through in my mind endlessly, until I come to a logical conclusion that I'll accept. My conclusion might not be the right one, but if it makes sense to me, then I'm quite happy to live with that conclusion.

But something happened yesterday that has me truly stumped.

I watched Wife Swap.

I know there are lots of silly Reality TV programs on TV, but Wife Swap truly takes the biscuit!

Can someone please tell me what the purpose of that program is?

Most Reality TV programs have a theme and purport to educate the viewers (don't ask me how!) on some essential life skills  etc(!). Let's look at the following examples...

The Real Housewives franchise - this is where we learn about 'Real Friendships', and how to 'stab' your 'best friends' in the back - in the name of friendship!
Super Nanny - this is where we learn to be fully appreciative of, and grateful for, the children we have at home.
Maury / Jerry Springer / People's Court etc - this is where we learn true appreciation of the 'sheltered, boring lives' we live, the relationships we have and the neighbors we have!
Keeping up with the Kardashians - this is where we learn that it is possible to be famous(!) without necessarily having any special talent or skills.
Jersey Shore - this is where we learn how to dress trashy and talk trashy - here in the USA or out there in Italy!

So, what does Wife Swap teach us?
- how to swap houses with total strangers
- how to have an argument with a total stranger's spouse
- how to enforce your own personal house rules in a total stranger's house - regardless.
- how to love other people's children (plausible...)

I do have a suggestion. As a 'social experiment', how about sending the Wife Swap families to see a Therapist / Psychologist / Shrink of some sort.....This might be a cheaper option for the network, definitely more 'logical' based on what I've seen so far, and could even potentially be written off as a donation to charity.

I'm truly puzzled, cos this program has left me completely befuddled!
30 minutes of my life I'll never get back.....

Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Is it over yet?


The commercialisation around Christmas really gets to me and leaves me worn out. And I know now that I don't do well in large crowds! I avoid the mall like a plague at this time of year and find grocery shopping a huge, massive chore. Long lines, limited stock (I usually shop at the last minute!) and just too many people!

So today, I found a picture that aptly describes my state of mind - for TODAY!
I remain positive that it will be different tomorrow. Who knows, maybe even later today!

Bring on the Christmas cheer!

Monday, 19 December 2011

Supervisor is Genius

When was the last time you received really GREAT customer service? 

When you have a problem that requires calling customer service, what is your immediate reaction:-
a) Elation at the prospect of speaking to knowledgeable, friendly, professional people who will fix your problem in record time
b) Fear and trepidation at the complete waste of time that the effort to resolve this issue will take - if at all it is resolved.

Many people dislike calling customer service because of the poor quality of service they receive. It is almost as if, once the product has been purchased, then the individual is truly left bereft, trying to figure out how to fix things. I've had a couple of excruciatingly painful(!) encounters recently, which is why I feel compelled to sound the warning...


The shopping frenzy is on. The shops - warm and well lit, the sales team - very welcoming, the displays - beckoning, the prices - rockbottom (well, some items!). 

It's Christmas season and you feel you need to splurge on your friends and family who have stood by you all year.  

BUT.....

Think carefully about CUSTOMER SERVICE before you swipe that card. If you are not ready for the hassle of a non-responsive customer service team (if something goes wrong), then you might need to rethink how badly you need that item! 



(This has got to be one of my best adverts so far - a skit that describes bad Customer Service implicitly! . 
There's a whole selection of different skits. Check on Youtube for Discover Card - Peggy)

Have a great Monday!

Sunday, 18 December 2011

Writing your vision down....



Then the LORD answered me and said:
“ Write the vision 
And make it plain on tablets,       

That he may run who reads it.        
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;       
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.       
Though it tarries, wait for it;       
Because it will surely come,       
It will not tarry. "
Habakkuk 2:2-3


I'm writing stuff down, awaiting the time when He makes it certain. Are you? 


Have a great Sunday! 

Saturday, 17 December 2011

REPOST - Do you watch TV?

I watch TV.

There, said it!

Some people choose not to watch TV because they say it’s a complete waste of time and there’s nothing to be learnt from it. I truly can’t say I blame them, if we go by the deluge of Reality TV shows that are constantly being aired. Pray tell, WHAT is so intriguing about watching people make complete fools of themselves?

Some admit to not watching, but just need the noise from the TV as background noise. These people could easily substitute the TV for the Radio, because it’s just the noise that they seek.

Some people admit to watching TV but say they only watch the news.

Some people admit to watching TV, but only on the weekend.

Some watch all the time.

I watch TV, but my style is rather unconventional.

I love watching comedies, but really struggle to watch anything continuously for more than 30 minutes. (Not sure why, but I think deep down, I feel guilty that I am not doing something more fulfilling and rewarding within that time). This way of thinking therefore limits me to 30 minute episodes of comedies. I don’t feel guilty and I get to laugh. Laughter is key to me and how I live my life.( I read somewhere that the average person laughs about 13 times a day. How so? My friends and I far exceed that number each day, every day!). I also watch Game shows because they challenge your mind, in the wierdest way possible. Yes, it’s trivia but still a brain workout!

I do not enjoy watching crime / detective programmes (Law and Order, CSI sorry). Surely the news provides enough of that in true living colour? I also do not enjoy watching sports and I have absolutely no interest in documentaries about past wars, history of the world etc.

I never sit to watch TV, just like that. I must multitask while watching TV – do the dishes, fold the laundry, pay the bills or read a magazine (yes, it is possible to watch TV and read a magazine). I admire those who can fully relax in front of the TV and do nothing else but watch the box. Impressive, but that’s not my style.

So, do you watch TV? What do you watch? How do you watch?

Friday, 16 December 2011

Holiday!

I think this says it all!

Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Christmas on a Sunday?

Is Christmas more special when it falls on a Sunday?

Tuesday, 13 December 2011

Monday, 12 December 2011

12 days of Christmas quiz


12 days of Christmas ... When exactly does the countdown start?
a) December 1st
b) December 12th
c) December 13th

Have a great Monday

Sunday, 11 December 2011

REPOST - Give Thanks!

Give thanks!

Have a great Sunday!

Saturday, 10 December 2011

Of situations and destinations


I'm here today but not quite there yet
A work in progress on the path to perfection
A traveller on the long road to excellence. 
Here today, but definitely bound for a greater destination.

Friday, 9 December 2011

Woo Hoo! It's Friday!

Keeping up with the news, EU appears to be spiraling towards a financial meltdown, the Republican party Presidential hopefuls are playing the elimination game with one another, the strife in the Middle East region persists and so much more is going on in the world in general.

But in my little bubble, I am just happy it's Friday! It's been a long week. Have a great Friday!

Image courtesy www.ubercomments.com

Thursday, 8 December 2011

Life.....

....one long process of getting tired.

Read more: http://www.finestquotes.com

Wednesday, 7 December 2011

REPOST - Words

What are words?


We all use words in different ways to communicate.
From the minute we open our mouths, our choice of words gives the listener an inkling into our inner personality and what type of person we could be.

Words as Encouragement - when used correctly, words can be a source of encouragement to souls needing succour or validation, helping them realise that the current situation is not a final destination, Bigger goals lie ahead, once we are able to pass through the current crisis.

Words as Self Expression - the words used to describe/express oneself,  your thinking, you. What words are you using to express yourself? Are you portraying the right image? Is that how you want to be seen, remembered?

Words as Pictures - the words used,  describe things. The manner in which some writers describe events and places in their novels is so vivid, that you, the reader, are immediately transported to that place in time with the writer, touching, experiencing the same things that he has just written about. The description is so good, so precise, that even the blind can visualize it.

Silent Words - sometimes words are not necessary. A simple touch, a look, a glance, a hug says it all. (I use this a lot with my children when in public spaces. Our silent means of communication)

Inspirational Words - the words used are enough to move mountains! Preachers, public figures and politicians are experts at this. Such words make people want to aspire to reach for the sky. When used in the right context, words become motivational tools for uplifting weary souls and firing up people to strive to achieve great results.

What types of words do you plan to use today?

Tuesday, 6 December 2011

Tuesday 6th December 2011

Found these whilst walking this morning! 
Have a great day! 

Monday, 5 December 2011

Zero Email Policy

A news article I came across recently talks about a company implementing a Zero Email Policy and that set me thinking. The link to the original article is at the bottom of this post.

Would you cope?

My mailbox is a great repository for official communication, personal conversations with friends and most importantly jokes and I would die if I didn't get to keep my collection of choice 'informative' emails in a variety of subject areas.

Like....

  • Health - never sit on a public toilet seat as there are millions of viruses underneath the seat which can kill you, never drink directly from a can of coke as the Coca-cola warehouse has millions of rats and mice living in the warehouse, the use of certain sanitary towels can cause cancer, Cocacola is an effective contraceptive....
  • Online safety - emails with advice about the scheming ways Internet companies are collecting our personal data and what you need to do at once (by contacting them with your name, address, telephone number, Driver's License Number etc) to rectify this!
  • Spiritual life - emails with inspirational and prayerful emails that are full of blessings, but then I get concerned when the tone changes from prayerful to ominous, as I am told that if I do not share with at least 15 friends, great evil will befall me like so many others before me who did not heed their instructions...
  • Sex and Relationships - 'beautiful' women from Eastern Europe writing and wondering why I no longer keep in touch (as if?!), companies trying to sell me Viagra or other performance tools....
  • Career - Mystery Shopper or Work-at-Home offers that keep dropping into my mailbox. FYI, I'm being head-hunted here! 
  • And my personal favorite
  • Financial Windfall - wealthy Foreigners who need my assistance to safely secure inheritance money - for a huge commission, because I (a perfect stranger to them!) seem to be the only one they can trust! Better than winning the lottery, because the amounts in question are mind-boggling! 

I'm sure you know all those types of emails! (www.snopes.com is a good website for checking out the validity of many of these claims)

Personally, I don't think I would cope without email, as I have become very dependent on emails as an efficient,  reliable and useful tool for  communication. (It might not always be safe and secure, judging by the stuff I get but, I'll survive...).

Instant messaging seems very informal and the Facebook style messaging being suggested by Atos - Hmmm.. is that concept really different from email? (Surely the concerns about data will still be there, as this Facebook Style communication will need to be stored somewhere. Facebook keeps talking about building new data centres so obviously that type of technology is still storage and data dependent)
I don't know what type of infrastructure that is currently in existence at Atos, and obviously someone really clever must have thought it through before making the announcement, but I am really keen to see how this pans out. We could all be on the verge of learning something new....

Now excuse me, while I go through my emails and re-read yet another funny joke! (Yes, sometimes I get good jokes which I keep to read again and again....)

Original Article on Zero Email Policy

Sunday, 4 December 2011

REPOST - The Power of Prayer



I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER
I do believe in the power of prayer
What better way to communicate with the Father
It’s God’s proven way of talking to Him
Do it with meaning, not just on a whim!

In a quiet room, on bended knees
It’s quite easy to do this with ease
Open up and talk to your Creator 
You must remember, he’s also your Saviour

Prayer is indeed such a powerful tool 
Having this outlet doesn't make you a fool
Unfailing said, on each blessed day
Prayer's the best way to start and end the day!

Saturday, 3 December 2011

Pray for Blessings



Our Prayers should be for blessings in general, 
for God knows best what is good for us....Socrates

Friday, 2 December 2011

Happy Belated Birthday, Mark Twain

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things 
that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. 
So throw off the bowlines. 
Sail away from the safe harbor. 
Catch the trade winds in your sails. 
Explore. Dream. Discover." 
Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

Thursday, 1 December 2011

A moment on the lips



As Party Season approaches
I struggle to fit into my glam clothes
I think back with regret
Of all the mistakes of the past year.

I did have good intentions.
I went to the gym often enough (does once a month count?).
I had the right gym clothes (although I refused to notice when I kept getting them in bigger sizes).
I ran a 5k each day (in my mind, whilst lying in bed!)

And now the moment of reckoning is here.
It's party season and I have nothing to wear!
Do men feel the same way
Or does a smart suit really cover all?

Some wise words for all of you out there.
It is true what they say.
A moment on the lips,
Is truly - a lifetime on the hips!

Beware!!!
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