Every action has a reaction or a consequence.
Here are, what I believe to be, 10 most unexpected consequences from being online.
1. Getting pornographic spam after clicking a button unknowingly
2. Getting married after "meeting" your soul mate online
3. Connecting with someone that you haven't seen in eons
4. Crashing your PC due to the overload of downloads
5. Having the SAPS or SARS track you down for outstanding fines
6. Someone using your profile photo's and editing them for their own website while giving the world the impression that your pic is them
7. Having a few family members throw out a skeletons / family secrets in response to a comment that you made
8. Having a smooth banking engagement with transfers etc and being happy about it
9. Being poached for a better paying job
10. Buying a jeans that actually fits perfectly
...and these are the things that make life go around.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Fan mile salmon
Today was the last World Cup match day in Cape Town and I decided to do my last historical fan mile walk which turned out to be very colourful to say the least.
Thousands of people in bright orange made their way to the stadium, if not to walk the fan mile. Navigation was a tiring experience as I manoeuvred my way (down stream in my case) towards the station. I have a new found respect for these fish that swims upstream against all odds.
In passing the masses, the feeling of camaraderie, smiles, singing and jovial mood was something to remember for a very long time.
With the World Cup practically over I wish that the feeling of safety and South Africa "having it all together" remains.
Thousands of people in bright orange made their way to the stadium, if not to walk the fan mile. Navigation was a tiring experience as I manoeuvred my way (down stream in my case) towards the station. I have a new found respect for these fish that swims upstream against all odds.
In passing the masses, the feeling of camaraderie, smiles, singing and jovial mood was something to remember for a very long time.
With the World Cup practically over I wish that the feeling of safety and South Africa "having it all together" remains.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Whoopeee!!!
A good atmosphere needs to compliment my food and wine. It is definitely a pre-requisite to enjoy spending my hard earned money in exchange for a night of eating in.
Along came an invite for me to go to Madam Zingara and I was over the moon.
I have been wanting to see the new set-up since they were burned down a few years ago. I have heard of the great food, out of this world decor and excellent entertainment.
Again I say "Whoopeee!!!!" at my luck. My current industry does come with a good bit of perks.
Along came an invite for me to go to Madam Zingara and I was over the moon.
I have been wanting to see the new set-up since they were burned down a few years ago. I have heard of the great food, out of this world decor and excellent entertainment.
Again I say "Whoopeee!!!!" at my luck. My current industry does come with a good bit of perks.
During the fan mile
I love the fact that the South African people have shown such great hospitality to the visitors in the country on and off match days. We have been so good that FIFA made us plan B for any future World Cup tournament.
I want to know if this is because almost every match has seen the stadium practically full? I doubt that this has been the case in other countries which means that they made quite a hefty profit from of SA.
I see that Zibbi, the recycling bird caricature, has been resurrected after being quite dead for the last 10 years. Tourist are being given the impression that recycling is common practice in our communities which we know is not the case. Maybe it would be if the currently marked "Zip it or Zap it" bins were a regular occurrence on and off the fan mile.
I wonder if those overnight sprung pedestrian crossings will soon disappear along with the newly sectioned off walk way areas in Waterkant Street. Has anyone seen those automated stop lights in the ground at the major inter-section on your way out of town towards the N1?
I don't mind progress but must it all be an illusion for the visitors and not a daily practice with the local's? Why not show the taxpayer the respect that they deserves instead of taking our tax money and putting on a farce?
I want to know if this is because almost every match has seen the stadium practically full? I doubt that this has been the case in other countries which means that they made quite a hefty profit from of SA.
I see that Zibbi, the recycling bird caricature, has been resurrected after being quite dead for the last 10 years. Tourist are being given the impression that recycling is common practice in our communities which we know is not the case. Maybe it would be if the currently marked "Zip it or Zap it" bins were a regular occurrence on and off the fan mile.
I wonder if those overnight sprung pedestrian crossings will soon disappear along with the newly sectioned off walk way areas in Waterkant Street. Has anyone seen those automated stop lights in the ground at the major inter-section on your way out of town towards the N1?
I don't mind progress but must it all be an illusion for the visitors and not a daily practice with the local's? Why not show the taxpayer the respect that they deserves instead of taking our tax money and putting on a farce?
The elephant in the room
When I walk in a room with lots of people in it, I am faced with a white elephant.
The elephant itself (for me) is the end result of being liked, admired by both men and women, considered intelligent, easy to communicate with and the thought of "we will definitely meet again in the future".
So before I walk into a room with loads of peoples I... open the door, genuinely smile, pull my shoulders back, turn on my sixth sense, ....lights camera...action!
The elephant itself (for me) is the end result of being liked, admired by both men and women, considered intelligent, easy to communicate with and the thought of "we will definitely meet again in the future".
So before I walk into a room with loads of peoples I... open the door, genuinely smile, pull my shoulders back, turn on my sixth sense, ....lights camera...action!
It is finally here
Today I walked the fan mile on my way home on the opening day of the 2010 World Cup.
The atmosphere reminded me of the 1995 Rugby World Cup which some might not even remember. Everyone was greeting everyone else all in smiles. People were just people hyped up for a big game and it all reminded me of Europe. When singing or screaming together the last thing that you noticed (if you did) was the colour of the next person's skin even for if you don't have racial tendencies.
I recorded the first day on my phone as it is an historical event.
Admittedly, I did not hold my breath for Bafana Bafana but those boys showed me a thing or two.
The excitement only got to me at my very own house party and this set the World Cup mood for me.
The atmosphere reminded me of the 1995 Rugby World Cup which some might not even remember. Everyone was greeting everyone else all in smiles. People were just people hyped up for a big game and it all reminded me of Europe. When singing or screaming together the last thing that you noticed (if you did) was the colour of the next person's skin even for if you don't have racial tendencies.
I recorded the first day on my phone as it is an historical event.
Admittedly, I did not hold my breath for Bafana Bafana but those boys showed me a thing or two.
The excitement only got to me at my very own house party and this set the World Cup mood for me.
Every day is a good day
As human beings we tend to lose sight of the fact that there is goodness in our lives on a daily basis.
Appreciation for waking up and being able to see the day is the first blessing. More appreciation can be given to being able to get dressed with no assistance and moving at your own pace. Being able to feed yourself, greeting each family member and going off to work while returning back home to see each family member again makes every day a good day.
We are emotional beings so we have various appreciation levels each day depending on our moods but it's nice to be reminded of the most important things in life now and again.
We don't miss these "basic" accomplishments until of course we don't have them anymore.
Appreciation for waking up and being able to see the day is the first blessing. More appreciation can be given to being able to get dressed with no assistance and moving at your own pace. Being able to feed yourself, greeting each family member and going off to work while returning back home to see each family member again makes every day a good day.
We are emotional beings so we have various appreciation levels each day depending on our moods but it's nice to be reminded of the most important things in life now and again.
We don't miss these "basic" accomplishments until of course we don't have them anymore.
Our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses
I can't agree with this statement.
Your strengths and weaknesses are very much dependent on your situation. If you can take the lead and are very good when working on your own this might help you with strategy and give direction to the project. Diplomacy can be considered a weakness in this instance.
On the other hand when a situation calls for the input of various CEO's each with the business interest at heart being that natural born leader could become the greatest weakness. Here diplomacy is the greatest strength required for negotiations and getting buy-in especially in the case of Unions and company negotiating during strikes.
The situation that you find yourself in and how you deal with it will determine your strengths and weaknesses.
Your strengths and weaknesses are very much dependent on your situation. If you can take the lead and are very good when working on your own this might help you with strategy and give direction to the project. Diplomacy can be considered a weakness in this instance.
On the other hand when a situation calls for the input of various CEO's each with the business interest at heart being that natural born leader could become the greatest weakness. Here diplomacy is the greatest strength required for negotiations and getting buy-in especially in the case of Unions and company negotiating during strikes.
The situation that you find yourself in and how you deal with it will determine your strengths and weaknesses.
Fan mile pre World Cup
When is all of this coming to an end? Government can you please let me know what your intentions are?
For the last 2 - 3 months I've walked pass a restaurant that has had the very same spot tiled with paving, uprooted, tiled with paving, uprooted for a total of seven times. Who gave you the right to hire poor project planners with my money that you demand in taxes?
That is only one of the spots that come to mind. Then you (government) ramble on about the benefits of the world cup blah blah blah.
If the job was done properly the first time then I would have seen a food truck dropping off some supplies at the home which I also walk pass.
How about having come up with a better way to capture rain water in the city and rural areas to somehow manage droughts better?
With all that wasted money I'm sure that phase 1 of project "Saving rain water in the City" could be have been underway by now.
For the last 2 - 3 months I've walked pass a restaurant that has had the very same spot tiled with paving, uprooted, tiled with paving, uprooted for a total of seven times. Who gave you the right to hire poor project planners with my money that you demand in taxes?
That is only one of the spots that come to mind. Then you (government) ramble on about the benefits of the world cup blah blah blah.
If the job was done properly the first time then I would have seen a food truck dropping off some supplies at the home which I also walk pass.
How about having come up with a better way to capture rain water in the city and rural areas to somehow manage droughts better?
With all that wasted money I'm sure that phase 1 of project "Saving rain water in the City" could be have been underway by now.
Try a cliché
References made to the apartheid era have become somewhat of a cliché.
Many of the younger generation have no emotional connection to the suffering of those who grew up in the apartheid area. Today you are not stopped to produce your ID for curfew hour or hit in public for by a clueless person considered to be more superior due to their complexion. Access and the freedom of speech is enjoyed by all.
What I find to be a cliché is when a person meets resistance, they respond by spitting out quotes of respected apartheid "fighters" in order to gain the upper hand.
This I consider to be a cliché of the worst sort. What's worse is that some of the members in government are the number one examples of trying to deflect attention from their wrong doings by insinuating that the struggle for freedom gives them the right to do whatever they want.
They don't mention that the same tactic does not work for you if you are part of the working or middle class because then the law and all it's might applies to you.
Many of the younger generation have no emotional connection to the suffering of those who grew up in the apartheid area. Today you are not stopped to produce your ID for curfew hour or hit in public for by a clueless person considered to be more superior due to their complexion. Access and the freedom of speech is enjoyed by all.
What I find to be a cliché is when a person meets resistance, they respond by spitting out quotes of respected apartheid "fighters" in order to gain the upper hand.
This I consider to be a cliché of the worst sort. What's worse is that some of the members in government are the number one examples of trying to deflect attention from their wrong doings by insinuating that the struggle for freedom gives them the right to do whatever they want.
They don't mention that the same tactic does not work for you if you are part of the working or middle class because then the law and all it's might applies to you.
Can I be human now?
I deserve a break. Why is the holiday taking so long to come around?
I need a break from the pressures of work, family, CPUT and even myself.
I would love to be human for a change and throw the "next I must do ...." because this one or that one's live depends on it.
I want to say hellooo!!! to the child in me and poke out my tongue at the next "brilliant" idea or pretend to enjoy a meeting when doing my washing sounds sooooooo much sexier.
I need to have a miniture nervous break down.
Maybe tomorrow I can be human....I hope. Time will tell.
PS: This is a tribute to current fragility
I need a break from the pressures of work, family, CPUT and even myself.
I would love to be human for a change and throw the "next I must do ...." because this one or that one's live depends on it.
I want to say hellooo!!! to the child in me and poke out my tongue at the next "brilliant" idea or pretend to enjoy a meeting when doing my washing sounds sooooooo much sexier.
I need to have a miniture nervous break down.
Maybe tomorrow I can be human....I hope. Time will tell.
PS: This is a tribute to current fragility
Feelings follow behaviour
I have never thought of phrasing it that way. I have always thought of how your behaviour inspires feelings whether they be good or bad.
Everyday comes with the realisation of how "small" the world is becoming. Clients are now acquainted with family and friends and the line defining business and social gatherings are becoming a blur.
You can't be liked by everyone even when you try to please everyone all the time. I reckon that by having a value system and staying true to them is the best way to live.
That way, when people describe you in their conversation, the conversation hopefully inspires feelings of trust and respect whether the person likes you or not.
Everyday comes with the realisation of how "small" the world is becoming. Clients are now acquainted with family and friends and the line defining business and social gatherings are becoming a blur.
You can't be liked by everyone even when you try to please everyone all the time. I reckon that by having a value system and staying true to them is the best way to live.
That way, when people describe you in their conversation, the conversation hopefully inspires feelings of trust and respect whether the person likes you or not.
Event planning motion
I am always amazed by the amount of planning, nerves, misunderstanding, agreeing and vigilance that goes with organising an event.
An event with the motion as follows:
at the beginning no-one is interested,
doing the work on your own with virtually no support,
creating a successful promotion,
having the event fully booked and then have people clamour for access.
Added to this dealing with rude people and management and placating both successfully is also a big learning curve.
Then, when the successful event is all said and done, it somehow becomes management's cherry to show off. This is the part where you get told that you can't take all the credit, which in all fairness is right as it takes a team of people to execute any event. It would, however, be nice to have the 70% to 30 % interest split from start to finish vs 70% no interest at the beginning and 70% I take the credit at the end.
An event with the motion as follows:
at the beginning no-one is interested,
doing the work on your own with virtually no support,
creating a successful promotion,
having the event fully booked and then have people clamour for access.
Added to this dealing with rude people and management and placating both successfully is also a big learning curve.
Then, when the successful event is all said and done, it somehow becomes management's cherry to show off. This is the part where you get told that you can't take all the credit, which in all fairness is right as it takes a team of people to execute any event. It would, however, be nice to have the 70% to 30 % interest split from start to finish vs 70% no interest at the beginning and 70% I take the credit at the end.
Practicing a little vs talking alot
This zen proverb by Muso Kokushi is relevant in everyday life.
Our trust levels in someone are determined by what they said, did they follow up, did they get it done or implement the idea (very important) and the outcome won't matter too much.
Talking a lot is not a crime if the content is appropriate.
Committing action to the words will win great respect and make your reputation open opportune doors.
Our trust levels in someone are determined by what they said, did they follow up, did they get it done or implement the idea (very important) and the outcome won't matter too much.
Talking a lot is not a crime if the content is appropriate.
Committing action to the words will win great respect and make your reputation open opportune doors.
Women and shop
Ok ok I concede. Women and men do do things differently.
From my various discussions, with both men and women, going to the shop for bread and milk means exactly that for men. They will go into the shop to get bread and milk and walk out of the shop with the bread and milk.
Women on the other hand go to the shop with good intentions. When they see the bread and milk then they think of "what will go on the bread?". At that point in time they add the cheese to basket. The next set of questions follow such as "what about the veggie factor?" and "how do I make it look yummy?" So into the basket goes the lettuce and tomatoes which magically turned into a trolley.
So, if you don't want to eat dry bread with milk thank the women for thinking ahead.
And yes, I concede that women are much smarter than their male counterparts.
From my various discussions, with both men and women, going to the shop for bread and milk means exactly that for men. They will go into the shop to get bread and milk and walk out of the shop with the bread and milk.
Women on the other hand go to the shop with good intentions. When they see the bread and milk then they think of "what will go on the bread?". At that point in time they add the cheese to basket. The next set of questions follow such as "what about the veggie factor?" and "how do I make it look yummy?" So into the basket goes the lettuce and tomatoes which magically turned into a trolley.
So, if you don't want to eat dry bread with milk thank the women for thinking ahead.
And yes, I concede that women are much smarter than their male counterparts.
Wedding cake-in-the-middle-of the road
Note to the reader: This passage is written on the basis of a good and kind world.
Firstly, a big thank you to the person responsible for being so considerate. I appreciated the fact that the cake was in tact and tasted, surprisingly, very good. Not mention that it was a beautiful design.
I gather that the cake was not left their intentionally but whatever circumstances brought it there...it was a product of the universe.
If you don't believe me on how good the cake tasted ask the kids at the orphanage what they thought. The impromptu party was a highlight to some of the kids who have never ever seen a cake or celebrated a party in their entire lives.
Nothing happens without a reason as the saying goes.
Firstly, a big thank you to the person responsible for being so considerate. I appreciated the fact that the cake was in tact and tasted, surprisingly, very good. Not mention that it was a beautiful design.
I gather that the cake was not left their intentionally but whatever circumstances brought it there...it was a product of the universe.
If you don't believe me on how good the cake tasted ask the kids at the orphanage what they thought. The impromptu party was a highlight to some of the kids who have never ever seen a cake or celebrated a party in their entire lives.
Nothing happens without a reason as the saying goes.
Where do I find my say in the matter?
I find it very annoying when I get asked to manage a project. Especially when all the details have already been discussed, promises have been made, perceptions "confirmed" and all of this without me present.
When I step in with the fantastic idea (which I converted to paper and gant charts) and explain why the idea can't work or make certain adjustments because it won't be able to be implemented from a logistical point of view...what do I get?
Aggravation.
I get plain old aggravation when I actually have the clients best interest at heart.
In this case managing a pre-owned project equals annoyance.
When I step in with the fantastic idea (which I converted to paper and gant charts) and explain why the idea can't work or make certain adjustments because it won't be able to be implemented from a logistical point of view...what do I get?
Aggravation.
I get plain old aggravation when I actually have the clients best interest at heart.
In this case managing a pre-owned project equals annoyance.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
It is a poor idea to lie to yourself
Even so how do you stop? I am a bit undecided on this one.
While I agree that lying to yourself or anyone is not very moral, where do you draw the line between a lie and a state of mind?
As an example when you are in a bad mood and you choose to stay very grumpy then you will remain in a bad mood for a longer period of time. In order to change your mood you have to change your state of mind in order to feel happy etc
Then you have the real bad experiences like when someone close to you passes away. After knowing the person for 10 or odd years, it is not just a matter of telling yourself that the person is dead and moving on.
Based on personal experience, it's OK to "lie to yourself" and imagine that the person is still around. For a while this might actually be the best coping mechanism. Added to that, time has a way of bringing you to the reality of the present.
As a coping mechanism this can actually help you deal with the situation better versus blanking out your emotion and having to deal with it in 20 years from now.
While I agree that lying to yourself or anyone is not very moral, where do you draw the line between a lie and a state of mind?
As an example when you are in a bad mood and you choose to stay very grumpy then you will remain in a bad mood for a longer period of time. In order to change your mood you have to change your state of mind in order to feel happy etc
Then you have the real bad experiences like when someone close to you passes away. After knowing the person for 10 or odd years, it is not just a matter of telling yourself that the person is dead and moving on.
Based on personal experience, it's OK to "lie to yourself" and imagine that the person is still around. For a while this might actually be the best coping mechanism. Added to that, time has a way of bringing you to the reality of the present.
As a coping mechanism this can actually help you deal with the situation better versus blanking out your emotion and having to deal with it in 20 years from now.
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