Three pictures that describe ME...

Expressive

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Fun- I'm always up for an adventure & enjoy a good laugh

Sledding in the park in Reims, France

Hardworking & a teamplayer

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Poetry = Freedom & Expression

Poetry is a great way to express one's feeling, thoughts and opinions especially when you feel that no one really understands your current situation. Considering I am currently in the love mode, if you have viewed my previous blog post, I thought I would share one of my favourite poems with you.

I carry your heart by EE Cummings

I carry your heart with me

(i carry it in my heart)

I am never without it

(anywhere I go you go,my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing,my darling)

I fear no fate

(for you are my fate,my sweet)

I want no world

(for beautiful you are my world,my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows

higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

I  carry your heart ( I carry it in my heart)

This poem means alot to me, as I feel the words are so simple yet say so much. When you have a special person in your life whether it be a love, parent or friend, you cherish your time with this person and create special memories and moments with him/her. This poem reminds me about the true essence of a relationship, a connection which can make each muscle in your body ease or contract.

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcdead/4036285231/)

 

Learning from having your heart broken

Having your heart broken is one of the worst feelings one can experience. Its a feeling that no one wants to experience nor is it a feeling that you want those around you to encounter. The truth is we all go through break ups, its part of growing up, learning and living. When you are in the relationship, sharing time together, creating memories and just being together is an amazing part of your life. However if things do not work out, you have a certain feeling of emptiness but with time and prespective, love and care, you get through it.

What is love? LOVE has been defined by wikipedia as "any of a number of emotions related to a sense of strong affection and attachment." Being in Love is a feeling that everyone should experience, you are in a place of absolute happiness. You have someone to share your feelings, thoughts, opinions, happy moments, sad moments and someone to just to you moan but also support you.

One of my favourite people recently went through a break up and this is what she had to say about the initial feeling."You can literally feel your heart break, your breath being forced out of you. Its humiliating, a desperate feeling as you are still in love with the person but the feelings are obviously not mutual. Its a death, the death of your relationship and your future together as you mourn the loss of the person in your life as well as your dreams that you had together."

10 Ways to help you bounce back from a break up

* Be gentle and patient with yourself

* Allow yourself to feel everything, by surpressing the feelings this will only negatively impact the

   healing process.

* Express yourself whether it be verbally or creatively or start a journal

* Give yourself time to heal

* Allow for times of crying, lying in bed all day, eating ice cream

* Do not contact the person

* Lean on the people around you, embrace the solid support by those who care about you.

* Distract yourself by doing the things you love

* Remind yourself that there was a time when you didnt have this person in your life, you survived and you

   were happy before, you need to refind your happiness and your zest for life.

* Have fun, get your smile back and remember you are fabulous

Eat Pray Love is one of my favourite books and below are instructions to follow for freedom which are so true:

• Life's metaphors are God's instructionsYou have just climed up and above the roof. There is nothing between you and the Infinite. Now, let go.
• The day is ending. It's time for something that was beautiful to turn into something else that is beautiful. Now, let go.
• Your wish for revolution was a prayer. Your being here is God's response. Let go, and watch the stars come out-on the outside and on the inside.
• With all you heart, ask for grace and let go.
• With all your heart, forgive him, FORGIVE YOURSELF, and let him go.
• Let your intention be freedom from useless suffering. Then let go.
• Watch the heat of day pass into the cool night. Let go.
• When the karma of a relationship is done, only love remains. It's safe. Let go.
• When the past has passed from you at last, let go. Then climb down and begin the rest of your life. With great joy

Its time to get empowered and as Cher says "I don't need your sympathy. There's nothing you can say or do for me. And I don't want a miracle. You'll never change for no one. 'Cos I'm strong enough to live without you. Strong enough and I quit crying. Long enough now I'm strong enough.To know you gotta go."

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/drcortex/820450132/)

We are indeed exactly what we do...

I am a 24 year old Public Relations (PR) Officer at PPC Cement, the leading supplier of cement in southern Africa. I am currently in my last year of my Btech in PR Management, completing my final two subjects this year, media studies and management. Is this a true refelction of ME? A PR Officer who studies? What does this say about me?

I have never really thought about it in that sense, as it is rare that we take the time to reflect on our actions and undertsand exactly what this says about us as individuals. PR Officer what does this say about me... Well PR is a lifestyle, it becomes part of who you are and what you do. Whether it be at the office, organising an event, writing a press release, dealing with our stakeholders, putting together a strategic plan, organising a corporate social investment (CSI) outreach programme, editting and designing, hearing a radio advert that I worked on, on air or evaluating an activity, PR is part of who I am. Its a profession that I thoroughly enjoy as it encapsulates so many activities thus diveristy and variety are always on the cards. Yes, of course there are the mundane activities which I try put off at times like admin but I have to do it at some stage. A successful event is a job well done, seeing my article being published is a great feeling. When clients thoroughly enjoy an event & the feedback is positive, one feels fulfilled and knows that the next activity you need to continue to raise the bar. Constantly raising the bar and wanting to do better becomes part of who you are as one never wants to disappoint.

Being a student is also part of what I do, balancing the study-work life is at times difficult but the truth is, if i didnt do it now i would never do it. I got through my first year of my Btech, which was tough and now my final year is even tougher but I know and can see the benefits already. Studying and working takes much committment, dedication, hardwork and balance. The fact that I am studying and working at the same time has its benefits as there are numerous topics/applications which one learns about that you can apply to your profession at the office such as social media. I am currrently becoming more insightful with regard to the revolution of social media and its positive impacts on the business and how PPC need to start with social media. This is something I feel strongly about and cannot wait to get PPC on the social media wagon.

Yes, I do believe what we are is what we do but most of the time the things we want to do, things we want to achieve, our vision, our dreams, things to come are also part of who we are. Our unqiue personalities, love for the small things in life, dislikes ( I'm not a fan of beetroot), our dreams, visions, quirks and beings truely reflect who we are and what we will hopefully do in time to come....

Your fears coming true...

It's a Saturday evening & you get the dreaded call no parent wants to get, your 7 year old daughter has been in a horrific car accident & is being rushed to hospital. At first you start questionning the person on the other side of the phone, is this a joke? You saw your daughther 10 minutes ago, how could something so horrific happen so quickly? Your mind gets filled with images, your heart begins to beat faster, your worst nightmare may becoming true. Every parent tries their utmost to protect their children whether they are toddlers, teenagers or adults, you will always be their child no matter your age.

The reality is no parent can ever be prepared to hear the dreaded news that their child may not make it through the night. We are afraid of the wrong things in life, death being one of them. Death at times is seen as the end as you will no longer get to share moments, love, care and create memories with that special person as they will not physically be in your company. Its a harsh reality, one which takes getting used, but the truth is your life will never be the same, you will always feel a constant longing and a certain part of your life will not be fulfilled. The loss of a child for a parent is a life altering experience, an experience which will leave you feeling empty but with time the days will become less dark & you will hopefully be able to remember the light & joy that your child brough to your life.

The truth is we all have fears in life, especially death. You never know when your time will come & that is why it is so important that we dont hold grudges & we sort out the issues that need to be sorted. The saying of "living each day to the fullest" i think we definitely take for granted but we should be living life with no regrets.

My fear of death is real, I dont want to leave a life which involves all my favourite people with so much in life to still accomplish but its a fear that I do not have control over. The important thing that I remember is to make the most of my time here with all the special people in my life, make the difference that I'm meant to & the reality is that one day we will meet again. Why live in fear of death, it will only hinder your ability to actually live & truly enjoy life.

Below are a few lessons learnt from death ~ a fear that will never go way

* Dont wait to live ~ its your time now, its your life so live it.

* Know what makes you happy ~ whether it be your family, friends,
   an activity or helping others, know understand what brings true joy to your life &get enough doses of it.

* Travel ~ it refreshes your soul, whether it be locally or internationally learn about other cultures

* Allow people to get close to you, experience the true you & fall in love with you.

* Surround yourself with people that make you happy & bring out the best in you

* Its time to make a change if you're not living a happy and fulfilling life & that time is NOW.

Death - the last sleep? No, it is the final awakening.

~ Walter Scott ~

Outdoors in the Eastern Cape~ Fish falling from the sky

The Sunday River Valley in Port Elizabeth (PE) as so much to offer not only tourists but there are a number of activities for locals as well. PE is a friendly city which has so much to offer, if one needs a break from the craziness of Cape Town, PE is the place for you. It's not as fast paced as Cape Town however it has its own very unique charm which captures your attention once there.

The Addo Elephant Park orginally started out in 1931 with only 11 elephants, today there are over 450 elephants roaming the park. Buffalo, antelope, black rhino's and other species have made the elephant park their home. One can enjoy the beauty of the park, by going on a game drive with a ranger who will provide much insight into the history of the park, information about all the species in the park. You are able to experience the joys of outdoor living by making use of their accommodation facilities.

Interesting facts about the park include the fact that it is the home  to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth. The park is also the home to the unique flightless dung beetle.

 Spending the day at the Addo elephant is a must however warning, if the temperatures are above 35 degrees, I suggest you go on another day as it gets extremely hot in the bush.

If you are a golfing enthusiast, Humewood Golf Course is a great course for around of golf. It is the number 10 ranked golf course in SA. Bayworld, PE's Oceanarium  is unique in Southern Africa,as it embraces natural and cultural history hosting a museum combined with an oceanarium and Snake Park. Daily activities include seal and penguin tours and snake feeding.

The Nukakamma Canoe Trail which I have experienced is great. A wonderful activity for either the avid canoeist or anyone who wants to take time out to enjoy the true beauty of the Sundays River whilst getting a good arm workout. Unexpectedly whilst I was canoeing down the Sundays River taking in the quietness and sounds of the reeds swaying, 3 fish jumped into my canoe, it seemed as though they had fallen from the sky as they had jumped so high out of the water that they came from above. After I got over the initial shreaking and realised that the fish were actually quite harmless, I realised how I much I enjoy little life surprises. So often we get used to being in control or at least thinking we are in control of most elements of our lives however the truth is, a little surprise every now and again is exactly what we need to lenjoy that moment even more.Who doesnt enjoy a good surprise, life should be about the surprises that really catch us off guard as these moments are the ones we really remember. Lets enjoy lifes little surprises even if it does involve fish falling from the sky.

“The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations.”~Eli Khamarov

Proudly South African

"I've got a good feeling and I can feel it in my soul that happy days are here again so let the games begin. People from around the world, come and celebrate, God's smiling on Africa so have a little faith. Let us Stand as One, doesnt matter where you're from as we dance & sing together, no more black or white theres no need to fight as we blow our vuvuzela" These words are from the recently released World Cup song by Martin PK, which has received much attention from the South African public. When I first heard the song, I got goosebumps, as I drove down Kloof Nek on my way to work. This was just another Proudly South African moment, as with the World Cup coming up in less than 90 days, SA has made so much effort to get ready for this world class event which will showcase SA and its talent.

We have 10 stadiums which will host matches, much time, effort and resources have gone into preparing these stadiums to be world class venues. In this blog we will look at each of the stadium as these venues are something to be proud of.

Cape Town stadium has the beautiful backdrop of Cape Towns most visited tourist attraction, Table Mountain. It is located between Table Mountain & Robben Island. This stadium is one of the most environmentally conscious stadiums in SA as it has a solar water heating system as well as the old components of the old Green Point stadium were recycled and reused to build this beauty. It can accommodate 70 000 sporting enthusiasts and cost R2.7 billion to build.

Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein was completed in November 2009 & cost approximately R302 million. 85% of the labour for this project was sourced locally creating jobs for 340 locals.

The Moses Mabhiba Stadium is located in Durban and is named after a former General Secretary of the South Africa Communist Party, Moses Mabhiba. It has a 30 storey steel arch which will have a cable car which will take visitors to its highest points showcasing, the amazing panoramic views. The stadium cost

R 1.5 billion and can accommodate 70 000 people.

Soccer City, which was formerly known as the FNB stadium has undergone a major upgrade in order to be for the soccer tournament. It is situated in Soweto, next to the FIFA headquarters. It is Africa's largest stadium as it seats 94 000 people. Upgrading the stadium created 700 jobs for local workers and cost R3.1 billion. The opening and final matches will be played at Soccer City. I have been on a tour through Soccer City and one does not realise its size until you are in the stadium, standing on the pitch, in awe of the structure.

Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg was built in 1928 and is well known for hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup final where the Springboks showcased their talent, winning the final. The stadium has been renovated for the World Cup and can seat 62 000 people, with the renovations costing R19 million.

The Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Eliazbeth (PE) is one of my favourite stadiums. It is located in the heart of the city and overlooks the North End Lake. It seats 46 500 people and cost R1.6 billion. PE is known as the friendly city but also as the windy city thus the roof of the stadium has been designed to deflect the strong winds.

The Mbombela Stadium is situated in Nelspruit and is known for its zebra print seats and giraffe shaped columns which support the roof. Mbombela is a Swati word which means many people gather together in a small space.It can accommodate 46 000 fans and cost R98 million to build.

The Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane can seat 45 000 people and cost just over R1 billion to construct. The stadium is named after Peter Mokaba, a former leader of the African National Congress Youth League. A babobab tree was the inspiration behind the shape of the stadium.

Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, home of the infamous Super 14 team, the Blue Bulls, needed minor renovations and about R90 million was spent to get the stadium ready for the World Cup. It has hosted a number of sporting events including the All Black Tour of SA as well as concerts of international stars such as Celine Dion and UB40.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenberg needed minor changes to ensure it was ready for the World Cup. R340 million was spent on these upgrades allowing 42 000 spectators to enjoy the soccer action.

Excitement amongst South Africans is definitely oozing and one cannot wait for the spectacular to begin.

I can honestly say that I am proudly South Africa, our country has done well in preparing for the month long event, its now time to show the world why our country is amazing. Its time to blow our vuvuzelas and scream LADUMA.

"2010 here we go again, I'm glad to say that I'm proudly South African, this is where the party is at and we're kicking it off and thats a fact" ~ Martin PK

The LoVe of Chocolate

Unwrapping its wrapper, the sound of the paper crunching, putting it closer to my lips, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 this is followed by a  moment of silence as I enjoy the taste, feeling and sensation of the chocolate slowly melting in my mouth. My love for chocolate is deep, its a pure addiction. No matter the time, day of the week or my mood, I'm always up for a block or two of chocolate. Chocolate adds much happiness to my life, its a food item that I cant get enough of. White, milk, dark, smarties, milo, pistachio, almond, praline, bring it on.

My love for chocolate started at a very young age, however I was always reminded that too much chocolate like most things in life was not a good thing. If I ate too many chocolate bars I would land up in the dentists more often that needed. Charly and the Chocolate factory was a movie I could watch for hours, wishing I was one of the lucky ones to visit Willy Wonkers Factory. This however did not deter me but instead as I got older my love for this happy bar as I refer to it, became part of my life.

According to wikipedia the word "chocolate" originates in Mexico's Aztec cuisine, derived from the Nahuatl word xocolatl." According to Janette Vince "Chocolate also naturally contains "uppers" like caffeine, sugars, and phenylthalymine, which will make your heart pound a little harder, your breathing come a bit more quickly, and give you a feeling of alertness. The effect is not dramatic enough to be uncomfortable in most people; it's mild enough to produce a pleasant "high," which is often equated to the feeling of being in love."

One of many dream jobs would definitely include being a chocolate connoisseur, trying different chocolates all day long and gaining new insight into what I refer to as a phenomenon would be bliss.

Below are 11 easy steps which will help you on your journey to becoming a chocolate connoisseur according to EHow.com

1. Broaden your palate. Try a variety of international chocolate brands, both milk and dark, with different percentages of cacao content.
2. Store chocolate properly at room temperature, in a dry place. Condensation or high temperatures can cause a pale, powdery coating called "bloom".
3. Learn how to taste fine chocolate. It's a multi-sensory art, just like wine tasting. Engage all your senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Compare 5 to 7 small pieces at a time, starting with the chocolate that has the highest percentage of cacao, and working your way down to the lowest.
4. Look at the chocolate. Quality, well-tempered chocolate will have a fine sheen without pits, blemishes, or waxy appearance.
5. Pick up your first chocolate piece. It should be firm and smooth and hold it's shape, not melt instantly or feel sticky, gritty, greasy or waxy.
6. Snap is the term for the sound the chocolate makes when you break it in half. Quality chocolate will break cleanly with no crumbling or bending, and make a sharp sound.
7. Smell the chocolate and try to analyze the unique fragrance. Do you detect hints of nutty, floral or fruity influences? Subtle notes of vanilla or spice?
8. Place the chocolate on your tongue and let it slowly melt. Don't chew! Slowly swirl the melted chocolate until it covers your whole tongue. What subtle flavors do you notice? Is it bitter, tangy, fruity, floral, nutty, or sour? What is the texture? The flavor of chocolate, like other fine fruits, is influenced by the surrounding climate, soil, and other factors.
9. Length refers to how long the flavor lingers in your mouth. Quality chocolate leaves a pleasant taste in your mouth that lasts, and a little goes a long way. Cheaper chocolates often leave a bitter aftertaste that forces you to eat more in order to get the pleasant flavor back.
10. Write down your observations after each piece, and see how it compares to other samples you try. Over time, you'll start to see a pattern of which chocolate varieties you prefer.
11. Cleanse your palate between each taste with plain bread or a drink of water (not too cold, or it will numb your taste buds).
    
    
    
    

Happiness. Simple as a glass of chocolate or tortuous as the heart. Bitter. Sweet. Alive.

JOANNE HARRIS

The colour of the wind~A kaleidescope of colour

 

The colour of the wind, does the wind really have a colour or is it transparent? Do we ever take the time to look, discover and figure it out or is the colour of the wind not an issue of interest? I have never taken the time to sit and watch the wind but the next time I feel a breeze or hear the wind whistle, I'll sit, observe, feel and imagine.

Even though I'm yet to physically watch the wind and its movements, I dont think the wind is one colour. The colour of the wind changes on a daily basis as the wind impacts on how people feel. A light breeze is a light sky blue colour with a dash of cherise pink as a breeze makes people happy. The stronger the wind, the darker the colour, a south easter is a mixture of royal blue, black and a deep red as it generally impacts on an individuals mood negatively as its a forceful wind.

Depending on the mood and strength of the wind this impacts on the colour of the wind which changes on a regular basis.

One can use one's imagination when deciding upon the colour of the wind. The colour of the wind allows one to dream, go to a place you dont always go to, the world of imagination. Depending on your mood, this may impact on your interepratation of the wind and its colour. Unlocking your imagination can do wonders for your soul. The older we get, the less in touch we are with our imagination, is this true, i think it is.

Remember the days of having an imaginery friend, your friend would miraculously appear and secretly be there to talk too. Any fear, thought, worry, happy or lonely moment would be expressed to your friend, who you thought was real. An imaginery friend brought comfort, warmth and a feeling of trust. As you get older, this friend no longer is part of your daily experiences but becomes a fond memory which gets remembered occasionally when you look back at your days as a young one.

The truth is, should we really put a hold on our imagination? No, we should embrace it as its a way to appreciate the mind and its workings. Using your imagination, shifts your perceptions about things in life, your perspective may be positively influenced by making regular use of your imagination. Your imagination gives you time to dream, believe and most importantly it adds a bit of magic into your life.

I agree with Carl Sagan who says

"Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere."

Its about time, no matter our age, to dream and allow our imaginations to take us into a world which rarely gets visited.