Archive for February, 2011
Tuesday, February 15th, 2011
Today was movie day. Oscar nominated movies to be precise.
Having seen The Social Network, I wanted to compare the two main Oscar nominated movies. Next on my list is Black Swan.
The King’s Speech was funny at times, sad at times, but mostly sweet.
We know Colin Firth can do vulnerable, funny understated and sweet. And he was.
My favourite performance was definitely Geoffrey Rush as speech therapist Lionel Logue.
Although I also loved watching Firth do his thing as the Bertie/King George VI as well. Loved the entire cast.
The movie is mainly about how the current Queen Elizabeth’s father overcame his speech impediment and his horrible chilhood to ascend to the
Great British throne at the start of World War II.
I have to admit to tearing up a few times, especially when Bertie told of the cruelty he suffered at the hands of his first nanny.
All in all an enjoyable movie. Although when it comes down to it, I enjoyed the Social Network slightly more.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 15th, 2011
To prove a point, Steve Hofmeyr reportedly threw R5000 worth of U2 tickets in the water. Literally!
If nothing else, he at least stood up for what he believes in. Although I wonder what his point was.
However this is the same Steve Hofmeyr, the Afrikaans entertainer who once came across as rebel Afrikaaner singer. Can you believe he was even regarded as hip and happening.
Remember the denim look motorbike and long hair?
Now he just comes across as an old bitter fart.
Seriously!
‘Kill the boer’ itself has little meaning. Beyond irritating some people. Actually very few words have meaning, other than what we assign to them ourselves.
And anyway, even if you want to take those words literally, U2 saying them have even less than no meaning.
They’re a freaking rock band from Ireland. A damn fine rock band, but a rock band nonetheless.
I guess Steve Hofmeyr has made his point to whoever he intended, as pointless as it may be. His money to throw away.
And the concert went ahead regardless. Apparently he missed a great show for more silly publicity.
Which makes me wonder whether Hofmeyr is doing some political campaigning. This being an election year, anything is possible.
Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments »
Sunday, February 13th, 2011
So last year to combat what little stress I had to deal with, I started meditating. It was either that or insanity.
I became Zen Abby almost over night. Or that was the theory.
At one with myself, if not always with my fellow man.
For some weird reason, my fellow man (mostly woman, frankly) sometimes get in the way of my Zen-ness. Or is that Zen-ity.
I try to go to my quiet place in those moments, but try that when the object of your irritation is standing right in front of you.
Ohmmmm
Not that I do the ohm thing. I just sit there for 30 minutes in silence. Trying to breathe naturally.
No one tells you that every breath feels unnatural when you focus attention on it.
Damn those unflappable Buddhist monks! How do they do it?
Also, no one tells you that the calm, serene feeling during and just after meditating lasts for just that long.
No one tells you that if you were always on the go like me, when you eventually slow down you realise when you’re tired. In the middle of the day, mind you.
No one tells you that you will have to get up before the neighbours start watering the lawn under your bedroom window at 5.30…am. That is if you like to meditate in a quiet space.
No one tells you that you get away with absolutely nothing when you are aware of your actions.
No one tells you that meditation makes you accountable for your actions and thoughts. Towards yourself.
No one tells you that although nothing changes, everything changes.
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
I meant to write more often. Promise!
But time has just not allowed me. Or perhaps priorities have changed.
I initially started my online blogging activities because work had become unstimulating. And I was bored to death.
Not anymore!
My work day is full and mostly interesting. Except for meetings which remain the bane of my existence.
Of course there are negatives like stress! Self-induced I might mention.
We have an internal website that I’m creating (I administer the external one) and I feel rather panicky anytime anyone glances at it.
This weekend I spent most of my time working on it.
Even the weekends are too short!
I was asked to do a tutorial for internet challenged staff about Facebook, no less.
Best of all is the opportunity to write for work. Not that I’ve found time yet.
Luckily I’m loving it! My dreams come true!
Sometimes I still have my negative moments but somehow an amazing thing happens to remind me that a bad moment is just that. A bad moment!
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
