I had a fairly run of the mill weekend that included a braai, CSI and a very bad stomach ache. Not in that order though.

On Friday night J and I had ourselves a very yummy Texan steak and some banana and potato salad (mmmm), followed by Batman in bed. That is not what it sounds like. I had bought the box set earlier that day and we have a tv in the bedroom, I love lying down when I’m watching a movie so I suggested we watch it in the bedroom. Is it just me or is the old school (old school is the best school!) Batman the best? I’ve heard many people don’t actually like it but I love it!! I have to say that I liked Val Kilmer the best in the role of Batman and the best baddie was Jim Carry aka The Riddler, and I also liked Jack Nicholson as The Joker. Anywho.

Saturday was pretty hectic, we got up super early to go and view another apartment (or townhouse as referred to here in SA) which we found lacking. The owner has converted the garage into a lounge and left the garage door up. Ummm. No thanks. Then J and I went our separate ways as he went to work and I went to pick up two flower arrangements for the moms for mother’s day the next day. I also went to the competition draw at the Scrapbook store we go to regularly. And guess what? We got first prize! Whoo-Hoo! R1000 worth of scrap booking tools. Unfortunately I didn’t take any photo’s so the pics below I got off Google Images but mine looks exactly the same. There were four tools in all and we both took two. I got a Tagmaker and a Grommet Tool. Such a nice surprise on a rushed Saturday don’t you think?

On Sunday after all the Mother’s day formalities were over (more on that later in this post) I went home to scrapbook and J went to C’s house to cut and work on a buck (antelope) that he had bought from someone he knows who went hunting. So he came home stinky and bloody. *wrinkles nose* They’re making Biltong, and tonight we’re going over again so they can hang up the chilli bites. The actual pieces of Biltong are still marinading in their biltong spices so that’s going up on Wednesday. For all my overseas friends I’ll take pics of how disgusting this is. As any South African tradition (this includes The Braai) that the men hold dear to their hearts, J will not tolerate that I mock said tradition or pull my nose up at it. *sniggers*  All these pieces of meat hanging from the roof of the garage…*gags*.

So the apartment hunt is still on. We’re going to view one again this afternoon and it SOUNDS promising so wish us luck.

To all the Mommies that read my blog, I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s day filled with lots of kiddie kisses and presents! I didn’t post in honour of my mom yesterday so I’ll include it into this post.

*To a mom that’s always been there no matter what, or how many times I broke her heart. Now we can look back on all the things I got up to and finally laugh, because you raised me to think for myself and knew that in time I would know that I am the person I am today. You have been through a lot and yet you are a strong, proud woman. You’re wonderful and I love you! oxox*

I should have known it was too good to be true. So, J and I didn’t sign the contract. BUT! (There has always got to be a ‘but…’ in there) I am glad that we didn’t. Yesterday I made a last minute decision to take an hour off work and go to the apartment to have a last look before we commit. This time I saw what I hadn’t the first time. If you look really close, the place is falling apart. Things that are hidden well. And no way in hell the owner would pay for everything and I am just not prepared to spend so much money on a place that will never be mine. J would have totally gone for it but I was really set against taking on all the problems that I just know I would have encountered. So in the end I may not have a new place yet but I’m glad that we didn’t sign the contract on a place that I just know would make me unhappy in the future.

We’ll just have to keep looking and be patient. I don’t want to make a decision that I would regret and really, deep down I had my doubts. And so because I’m quite sick of writing about finding a place to rent (and I suspect you are too) I have fantastic news.

Just a side note before I continue. I may not know myself really well, but one things I do know is that I am a giver. I love giving people stuff and doing things for them. Seriously. So…I’m having another giveaway. I read Kspin’s post on Paying It Forward (and she in turn read about it on another blog) and it works like this.

The first three people that leaves me a comment will get a handmade gift by me. (more on that later in the post) Because it’s handmade, I can only promise to the first three bloggers that they will get their gift under six months (as Kspin also promised) and no later. But (another ‘but’ in there…) they have to agree to pay it forward too. So if you do want the gift AND pay it forward please leave me a comment. If you do not want to pay it forward…come back later after the first three comments and leave me one then. *shifty eyes*

Okay so on to the gift. What I want to do is make each of the three bloggers a mini scrapbook album of their family, friends and anything else they might love. What I do need, is pictures. So if you are one of the first three that want a handmade gift AND to pay it forward please also email me some photos I can use to make up your mini scrapbook.

It’s all in good fun and a snail mail always brightens anyone’s day!

 UPDATE

If you do decide to pay it forward, your gifts can be anything. It doesn’t HAVE to be a handmade or even a scrapbook thingie.

So, J talked to The Dude (formerly known as the landlord) and he said that all is fine. As soon as we’re in we can do a survey or make a list of all the things that we want done and he’ll then approve what he thinks isn’t too unnecessary or over the top. So I guess asking for new carpets in the bedrooms are out of the question huh? No worries, because the most important thing I want done is a paint job on the place and new light fittings. The rest I’ll be more than happy to take care of myself.

I was in a flat spin yesterday. I think I’m a little bipolar or something. Seriously. We would have gone over to The Dude’s office yesterday afternoon to sign the contract but the deposit (money for this, and that, and oh yes, this too!) he required was HUGE and we had some trouble getting the money together and I DID NOT want to ask my parents, and we couldn’t ask J’s parents because they also don’t have that kind of money lying around. So I did a meager transfer of what I could afford at the moment towards the deposit into J’s account and I burst into tears. I’m not quite sure why, I’ve been wanting to cry for the past few days now and I just haven’t had a reason so I thought handing over all my money to be a good one. I went to the bathroom and sobbed like I lost my best friend.

Then J got home and we started calculating and adding and dividing and now we have enough in his bank account for the deposit. We’re going over to The Dude’s office this afternoon to sign and pay. Being 21 and 22, tying to find a place to live sucks. Well, paying for it does anyway. Such is grown up life I suppose and nothing in life is for free…who woulda thought.

Anyway. After my cry I feel much better and I’m looking forward to the move. We had to tell the people we’re currently renting from that we’re going to move by the end of the month. They’re a married couple about my parents age and they really liked having us as tenants. We’re well behaved (apparently) considering our age (apparently) and they wish we could stay but understand that we can’t. I’m sad too because I doubt we’d get biltong when we pay our rent where we’re moving to. Okay, and I really liked them too. *sigh*

Just keep those toes, fingers and eyes crossed for us a little while longer please? Kthanks.

Also just a few random things that are happening besides the move:

• My dad is over 50 and isn’t on ANY medication, for anything like blood pressure and cholesterol, which is strange I know. He’s a smoker AND drinker. And he’s had a stomach ache since yesterday. I’m forcing him to go to the Dr for a check up, and a full physical. (When I say the word ‘Physical’ in my head I hear Mitch Hedburg say it. Ever watched his comedy special? Hilarious!)
• I haven’t shaved my legs in two days. I love cold weather!! = Jeans! Whoo-Hoo!
• Sammy, our doggie that has cancer is still alive and kicking. My heart aches when I just look at her.
• J and I am going to a braai (that’s a bbq to all you people that doesn’t know the wonder of a South African braai) tonight at M and C’s.

I’m still sick but I suspect it’s in it’s last stages. I’m suffering a stuffy nose and an annoying cough but that’s about it. I’m never sick for a long period of time, three days tops and I hate going to the Dr so I usually just go to the pharmacy for some flu meds. This time I didn’t even use anything and I’m surprised it hasn’t actually gotten worse.

J and I started actively looking around for a bigger place yesterday because I got so depressed with our small space, J just got sick of my whining and started phoning around. So the first place we looked at was gorgeous! It’s a newly built complex near where we stay at the moment, so everything is still fresh and clean and newly painted. The kitchen was also gorgeous but unfortunately there was almost no garden, just a small patch and also the living room was tiny. The main reason we need a garden is we want to get two small dogs and we really need to get them a big enough space. I was sad that we couldn’t immediately say yes but I have to think about it in terms of pros and con’s and that place was just too small.

The second place we looked at was perfect! Big enough garden, two bedrooms, spacious living room and a nice kitchen. Even the rent is below what we decided on! The only down side is that this place needs a little work. Some people could have it just as it is but unfortunately I’m picky about certain things. I want the whole place repainted and new light fittings installed. So because we have to hire this place from a landlord it’s his responsibility to see to all these things. J is going to give him a call today and if he agrees to give the place a makeover we’re in! The current tenants are moving by the 1st so I have no idea when we’ll be moving in. I’ll just have to wait and see what J and the landlord agreed on. So cross your fingers for us please!

I know we haven’t really looked at a lot of places but I figure what go on searching if you’ve found a place that’s perfect. In a great area and at a great price! Plus the place has a built in braai in the back garden so J was like: ‘This is the PERFECT place’. For him, any place with a braai would be. Go figure.

I haven’t quite gotten caught up with everyone’s blogs, because damn, you guys sure write a lot. I’m getting there though.

You know, you’d think I would be miserable considering that I’m as sick as a dog and came home early from work because I felt so bad. But before I came home I made a stop at the post office to post the last of the packages that I was supposed to send out - almost a week late but better late than never right? So I dragged my sickly corpse like body down to the post office, and got that done. I was expecting a package but what with all the public holidays I haven’t gotten a notice in the mail yet so I also asked her just to make sure there wasn’t anything for me. She disappeared to the back and came back with a box…for me! Whoo-hoo! I was so excited I forgot I was feeling like death warmed over.

My friend, the JavaQueen sent me a package and boy, is it an awesome package. Look what I got.

I know right? It’s so great! A freaking Louis Vuitton! And ChapStick. LOTS of ChapStick. Ya sure know a way to a lady’s heart JQ! And there’s more. I’ve been looking around for purses as mine has been falling apart and now I have an oh so pretty blue one! So I just want to give a huge thank you and shout out to you JQ! You all should check her out. She’s great and not just because she sent me the best gifts ever! I heart you!

Then when I got home I was wondering what we’d have for dinner, I really didn’t feel up to going to the grocery store and besides, J does most of the cooking anyway so all I had to do was approve his decision. I made myself comfortable in front of the tv thinking that I’d just wait for J when he got off from work and we’ll decide together. But he got home with a pizza, pancakes, chocolate and a strawberry milkshake for the sick patient. How can I not love this man? He’s such a sweetheart, and I really shouldn’t take him for granted so much. And I also should say ‘I love you’ more than say…’You have a cute ass’. *contemplative stare into space*.

Nah. He really does have a cute butt. And he still loves me even though I look like Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands, except I don’t have all that leather. (He wishes) And no scissors for hands…not like him at all with the exeption of absolutely no colour and that crazy hair. Okay so maybe a cross between that guy from powder and Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands. Though not as nearly as hot. As Johnny Depp I mean. That would be scary and make me have doubts about J. Okay. You get the drift. I look craptacular.

The weekend was good. Cold! But good. I needed the rest and there’s nothing quite like resting up with no tv, radio, stores….anything that connects me with the outside life really. I couldn’t even connect to the internet as there was absolutely no reception. So to those that I owe emails…bear with me. I’ll get there after I wade through all the blogs and that should be tomorrow because right now. I have a hot body waiting to cuddle with a sick looking one.

So, we woke up this morning and…the power was back on. That scream of joy you heard, you didn’t know where it came from? That was me. I switched every light on even though it was light outside. I put the the kettle on. Three times.  I ran a scalding hot bath and while I was in there (burning up) I promised that I would never take power for granted again.

Tomorrow morning we’re leaving for the long weekend with the ‘rents. I plan to do absolutely nothing except read, eat and sleep.

When I get back I will do everything better, including blogging.

That is all.

Our power is still out. I know. It sucks. Anyway. I hate you Eskom. More than you will ever know.

So we stayed over at my parents on Sunday. And yesterday we didn’t have anything planned so we hung around there some more. I only got out my pj’s at about 2 pm, and somewhere in between trying to get the motivation to get dressed I caught the last hour of Grease. I love that movie. Don’t hate.

And I got to thinking. They really did dress fabulously didn’t they? (except maybe that guy in the picture to the left - with the knee socks. That’s just wrong!) Okay, so many people wouldn’t agree with me, but that’s to each his own. I especially loved the way Rizzo dressed, those cute pencil skirts… I know, coming from me that’s quite an unbelievable statement because I hate dressing up. I’m not saying that I would wear anything like that, because I’m all about comfort baby, and nothing says ‘I can’t breathe’ like a pencil skirt. Even their make up was great. As much as I like the fashion back then, I’m still glad that we live in the 21st century. Bring on the jeans and sneakers people.

Speaking of older movies, here is a list of a few that I adore but just can’t get my hands on. Any of you ever seen these?

The Paper Brigade 
I love this movie, and my sisters and I had it on a tape when we were little. We’d watch this movie every day after school as we did our homework. I really should see if I can get this on DVD somewhere. I

Wild America
I can’t even remember this movie clearly, just that it was awesome and starred Jonathan Taylor Thomas so what’s not to like when you’re a girl that age? Elizma has been looking around to see if she can get this on DVD for us.

Airborne
Also one of those movies we watched over and over…an over.

Funny how some things takes you back to a certain time in your life. I also remember one of the movies we watched over and over was Jumanji. I love that movie. Patty has the DVD and I still remember all the lines.

J and I decided to stay over at my parents tonight as they have power and we were just fed up with struggling around in the dark. I saw that a load of people from the power company were digging up some power cables near our home,HOPEFULLY we’ll have power again tomorrow so everyone’s good thoughts will be appreciated.

J and I had been talking about looking for a bigger place to rent as the one bedroom apt we have now is just too small. I’m getting frustrated with the little space we have for all our things like clothes and also I have almost no storage space in the kitchen. And he also went and bought a bench press so that’s also taking up all the space in the bedroom. We’ve been hesitant about it because it’s only his second month working for himself and we’re not entirely sure that everything will work out as hoped but so far so good. The ’salary’ he’s getting this month is almost double what he got at the last place he worked and we’re hoping it only gets better from here on out.

It’s been hard convincing him but he finally relented on Friday and said we can start looking around for a new, bigger place. I’m super excited. I really need an extra bedroom, bigger kitchen and a decent sized backyard.

I’m not too worried about money at this stage, these things tend to sort themselves out. Wish us luck!!

Oh and I’ve also decided to go into the office on Tuesday as there are some things that didn’t get as much attention as I would have liked and as much as I’d love to stay at home, my conscience wouldn’t allow it. *sigh*

And then, last but not least. My picture for the day. My very last picture, as this marks the end of the month long photo blog challenge.

I have a shocking confession to make. I hate KFC. I really do, it’s oily and that batter…UGH. J had some KFC that my mother had bought and I didn’t eat anything. Now I’m hungry and it’s too late to eat. Guess I’ll have to hold out until morning.

This whole ‘positive thinking’ thing has actually…worked! I know right? I’m surprised too! I am feeling much better towards life in general. Even though the power is still out. Now onto three days and if reports are to be believed it’ll run on until Monday. J and I have become experts actually. We’ve borrowed a gas bottle from my dad, one of those with the interchangeable parts. One is a steel plate on which you can cook food and the other is a light and that’s how I’ve been scrap booking the last few days.

We woke up this morning and went over to the ‘rents to get cleaned up because quite frankly a cold bath just isn’t appealing. I also took my laptop, docking station, and portable DVD player to charge them up to keep us busy tonight.

I’ve also just finished the presents for the contest winners, I need to add a few final touches then I’ll have them in the post by Monday. Hopefully. Monday is a public holiday so I’m not sure if the post office will be open, if they aren’t, the gift packages will be in the post by Tuesday definitely. I must say that they’re looking good. J’s even tried to convince me to keep them because they’re better than my first attempt but I refused so no worries.

In spite of this power headache we’re having everything seems to have smoothed out. Tomorrow is my last day of the photo challenge and I will have stuck to it, which is in itself a huge accomplishment.

So if my slow internet connection will allow me I’m off to browse some blogs.

I’m not going to let it get me down. I won’t.

I’m not going to let the fact that I had to get up extra early to go and bath at my parents house get me down, because we still don’t have power, and also that two of our fish died as a result. Tropical fish need heat = power and we don’t have any. Going on two days now, so that has to be some sort of record. I’m not going to let the fact that my sister was almost highjacked get me down, because she’s okay. I’m not going to let the fact that Sammy, our dog, has cancer because she isn’t in any pain and she had a long life with us, get me down. I’m not going to let all the other little things I haven’t even talked about get me down. These things shouldn’t control me. Imagine me, putting all of these things into an imaginary bag and then beating the crap out of it, then driving my car over it and throwing it all off a cliff. Take THAT!

I’m happy that today is Friday and Monday is a public holiday, and also next week Thursday and Friday. On top of that I’m putting in two days leave for Tuesday and Wednesday so I have a week off from work. I need time by myself, and I’m going to make use of these days to sort out my head.

My mother also just called me and unloaded all her problems and suspicions on me, like I can really handle all that now. I won’t let it get me down though.  It’s in that same bag, over the edge of the cliff. Other people have bigger problems than me, I have no reason to complain and have the little pity party that I seem to be having. No one ever comes to pity parties so where’s the fun in that?

Instead, I’ll focus on the good things. I have so many good things and I tend to be blinded to them when the shit hits the fan.

Three more days left of the challenge. I’m proud of myself, inspite of all the things that have happened I am going to finish it. ‘Household Items’ category.