What on earth is that all about?

Firstly I will not wear any team sport jersey.  I’m a fan of the Stormers, Liverpool, WP, Cobras and of all SA National team sports – however I see no reason to let everyone know.

As disappointing as my team might sometimes get (Liverpool!), I still support them – including Bafana.

I am also a patriotic South African am in 100%  support of the soccer World Cup being held in our city and country and will be shouting myself hoarse in June/July supporting Bafana.

However…

My walking buddy and her colleagues all received Bafana t-shirts to wear on Fridays and some of my colleagues bought their own and have worn them to the office. 

Even parliamentarians received free shirts (as if they need any more free stuff).

I just don’t get it. 

If you, as an individual choose to wear a jersey at home or to a sports match, then good and well. But why must we all act like peas in a pod?

I’ve fought hard to show my individuality – even if I’m the only one in SA not wearing a Bafana jersey on a Friday, so be it!

I absolutely love summer and I love hot sunny days, but yesterday was beyond bearable, even for me. Fortunately we were in doors most of the time, with airconditioning.

My flat is felt cool when I got home from work. Much cooler than outside anyway, because I’ve been opening the windows and doors early in the morning and closing up before the sun rises.

Since there’s no one at home during the day, when I get home, everything is nice and cool.

That is until sunset! Arggghhh, then it just feels humid and hot, especially with the computer generating it’s own heat!

It looks like we might get a bit of rain today though it’s still very humid.

I’m almost looking forward to winter. Almost.

And that female is not you!

Which begs the question – can men and women be just friends?

For me the answer isn’t cut and dried. It depends.

I’ve always had male friends, some married and others not and we’ve never crossed any lines.

However, there is usually a context, like we hang out at work or our friendship is based on shared interests like sport, politics or computers.

There’s never a discussion about our intimate relationships, or complaints about partners and no hanging out alone at my flat, or phone calls and SMSes or going to parties without our partners at night.

In other words, there are lines drawn that doesn’t get crossed.

For me it’s easy though. I compartmentalise my life anyway. I don’t socialise with colleagues after work and my home life stays at home. Friends are friends and boyfriends are romantic partners.

If my partner (past and future) should have similar relationships, I would not be concerned.

But if I started feeling doubt, I know there would be reason to be concerned and would say so.

I’m not the jealous type and I trust my instincts.

However even before getting into a relationship, I set boundaries of what is acceptable to me.

And if we are not on the same page about respecting our relationship, there is nothing left to talk about.

Unfortunately I already said my goodbyes to Egoli about two years or so ago and just never gave a rats behind about it again.

However, in it’s hey day, Egoli was my 7de Laan. The soapie I loved to watch.

Even though I did not always like the storylines, it was must-watch tv in our family. After supper we would all sit down to watch the Vorsters, Edwards’, Naudes and Walco’s dramas. Remember all their secretaries? Coreen, Audrey, Doreen, Des du Pondt, to name a few.

My favourite family was the Vorsters. They didn’t last long though. Shame, poor Andre Vorster (my favourite) always lost out to his brother Johan. Then there was Dewald, the youngest whose romance with Jane Edwards almost drove her to suicide (or was it the other way around??!)

Who amongst us didn’t love to hate Tim Vorster – one day Bienkie Naude’s sweet school teacher, engaged to her sister and before you knew it he was the villainous heir to the rich Vorster throne.

I pretty much believe Egoli completely jumped the shark once Tim Vorster left.

Besides Andre Vorster, some other favourites were Jane Edwards, evil Kimberley Logan (who avenged her sister’s death by marrying Chris Edwards and having a child, George, with him), Krynauw’s brother – Darius, Rex when he was still a bodyguard, Tim Vorster (sometimes), Coreen – the perfect secretary who turned into the perfect soapie bitch and married her boss, Braam Schoeman, Buks and Elsa, Koert, Werner.

I absolutely loathed self-righteous Karen Edwards, as well as Krynauw, Joe and Candy, Bertie, Liam and Lara,Lynette Strydom, all the Edwards’ except Jane, Tim Vorster (sometimes), Audrey and her entire family (when they were on), Margaret-Rose Willemse, Doreen and Sonet Naude.

The rest of them I neither liked nor disliked.

By the end there were far too few characters left that I still actually liked.

It definitely was Egoli’s time to go. No one I know mentioned it in years – no one spoke about the final episode and the buzz on the internet isn’t even worth mentioning.

However many South Africans will fondly remember favourite episodes of Egoli and it will also be remembered for paving the way for Isidingo, 7de laan, Binnelanders, Rhythm City, etc.

And I love blogging so much.

This past week was absolutely, crazy though!

First, I had five UNISA assignments due on Friday 5th March. Eventually I decided to drop one module until next year.

It was either that or have a complete breakdown.

So four assignments went off without incident at various stages during the week.

Work was just as crazy. I can’t remember if I wrote about my meltdown at the office last Friday…

Only two people knew about it and I was self aware enough at the time to mention that my stress was caused by more than just what I was freaking out about.

This week I had three meetings two of which lasted two and a half hours! Mind numbing stuff! Plus a truckload of work to get through.

Next week is performance appraisal time. I told the team manager to set aside half a day for mine as I have a long list to get through. He just laughed.

So on my way to work in the morning there’s this guy…which makes me think I should start dating again.

Maybe that would help relieve some stress, but add a few new ones…

As hectic as things are now, there have been funny moments talking with my walking buddy and yoga and other little glimmers of silver linnings.

Although it might not always seem that way, I never lose sight of the fact that I am one of the fortunate oner, living the life I created.

And I have plenty of choices every day.

Sjoe, and that’s only half the story of my crazy, crazy week!

Here’s the latest annoyance:

I bought 500MB of data for my cellphone on Saturday morning through FNB’s cellphone banking.  Nothing unusual.

Monday morning I woke up to one of Vodacom’s SMSes to tell me my bundle has expired!  What the hell are they joking?

I wondered if I had a 1 month nap and that it’s now April Fool’s day.  Fortunately not yet.

First thing Monday morning, I called Vodacom’s 111 number.  I might as well not have bothered, because Vodacom’s answering service will test the patience of a saint!

And I’m very far from a saint.

Next I sent an e-mail, thinking it would be easier.  And at least I would have a record of my complaint.

Vodacom claims they will have a consultant contact you within 12 -24 hours and true to their word I received contact from their consultant - telling me she will pass on my query to someone in a higher department.

So I’m wondering, do Vodacom hire people to just open their customer e-mails, reply that they have received an e-mail and do nothing else? 

Up until now, I have received no other correspondence from Vodacom, more than 24 hours after my initial complaint.

Not that we can expect anything better from our telecommunication companies in this country!

I can totally relate…

This last week was extremely busy and stressful for me.  I had to come home from work and immediately had to start on UNISA assignments for my Diploma in Information Technology as I have to hand in by Friday 5 March and I still had a few things to do.

I had about a total of 1 hour of tvtime for the week (not good for an admitted tv addict!) – until Thursday, when I reached breaking point.

Then I did what any sane person could do.  I turned on my favourite soapie, chilled on the couch for half an hour and got lost in 7de laan’s stories.   Friday I did the same thing.

Fortunately there was Paula action and very little storyline involving Gita and San-Mari to spoil the fun, though I could have done with less Vanessa!

None of the other soapies have that effect -  I sometimes watch Isidingo and Generations – and they’re just a lot darker than 7de Laan. 

The US soapies like Young and the Restless and Bold and the Beautiful don’t even come close – they’re just repetitive and boring most of the time.

My body is aching – I have not been able to do yoga stretches for two days due to my body being unwilling or unable to even flex itself. I had to take painkillers (which I hate) to go to work.

No wonder that close to the end of the day I was at breaking point.

I nearly unravelled at the office!

Although was able to hold back tears during a discussion with a manager about my stress levels – but only until I got home.

Here are the reasons:

• I am taking 5 modules towards a IT diploma at UNISA. Three subjects are programming languages which I love, but it takes time and concentration for a sort of beginner like me. While I’ve coded html websites before, I have not done Javascript nor the ’simplified’ version of C++ .
• I’ve apparently not gotten over being the subject of office gossip. I mentioned to one such colleague that there are  people at work walk into my office smiling to my face, then gossiping behind my back!

(Passive-aggressive, I know. (Argghhh, I feel more unravelling happening just writing about it. Let me think of that killer whale who ate his trainer – I should find one of those to take to our wellness days at work.)

• My family hardly knows what I look like anymore.  the only way I’ve even been in contact with my sister is through Facebook.  I miss my nieces and nephew sooo much.  But unfortunately I work 8 hours a day and have to study for another 5 and I stress even more when I fall behind with my studies.
• Our team manager believes I’m superwoman and wants me to go on every course known to mankind, regardless of the fact that I’m already overextended at work, home and everywhere in between.
• I’m unable to get to blogging every day :-(

However, not all is lost.  

My office buddy and I are back on friendly terms, although I still give him a hard time now and then about believing stupid gossip.

I’m so excited about my studies and the possibilities.  We are in a restructuring process – a good one – at the office, which will leave many opportunities open.  And a colleague said something that gave me an idea (which I can’t even articulate yet).

Monday, 1 March 2010
Episode 2166

Aggie makes a suggestion to Oubaas about what he must do with his poem. Everybody is baffled by Diederik’s cream and the guys also want some of it, but Paula can’t remember the ingredients. Vanessa is shocked when she tries to phone their contact at the hotel group.

Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Episode 2167

Herman realises that he made a mistake and tries to correct it, but will Felicity accept it? The guys confront Paula when they see what the cream is doing to their faces. Vanessa and Xander’s fears are real and it causes damage to their marriage.

Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Episode 2168

Errol gets news from Washington. Oubaas’s poem speaks to Hilda. Gita brings news to Charmaine about Oppiekoffie. Xander has a possible solution for Studio 7 and Gita is upset when she hears about it.

Thursday, 4 March 2010
Episode 2169

Charmaine’s builders don’t pitch for work – how will she handle it? Hilda’s ikebana inspires Oubaas for his poem. Gita tries to convince Herman that she must be part of his diving plans. Vanessa is shattered about Xander’s plans and Gita desperately wants to put a stop to them.

Friday, 5 March 2010
Episode 2170

How will Hilda react to Oubaas’s second poem? Herman wonders about Felicity and makes a decision about her. Gita is desperate to find out who wants to buy Studio 7. Vanessa takes note when Xander moans about the high insurance premiums.

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Monday, 8 March 2010
Episode 2171

Somebody else also falls in love with the anonymous poet. Felicity admits that she is starting to develop feelings for Herman – but does he feel the same?

Vanessa sneaks around in the storeroom and it is obvious that she is planning something, but what?

Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Episode 2172

Gita gives Alan an ultimatum to find out who wants to buy Studio 7. Vanessa fiddles with the geyser above the paintings – will her plans work? Alan finds something when he snoops in the gallery and Gita gives him his next assignment.

Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Episode 2173

Aggie’s plan with Hilda and Oubaas looks as if it’s going to backfire. After Felicity and Herman’s dance lesson something happens that makes their feelings for each other clear. Xander is upset about what happened in the gallery. Gita makes an anonymous call.

Thursday, 11 March 2010
Episode 2174

Kabelo is looking for ideas for Oppiekoffie’s party and Matrone makes a suggestion. Neville brings upsetting news about Zondagh. Herman and Felicity admit that they made a mistake, but it’s not the end after that. Vanessa is rattled when the insurance people questioned her.

Friday, 12 March 2010
Episode 2175

How will Emma feel if she sees Herman and Felicity together? Paula and San-
Mari are the last two finalists in the Oppiekoffie competition, who will walk away as the winner? Xander hera something upsetting from Indira.

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Monday, 15 March 2010
Episode 2176

Ryno talks to Pieter about their mother – will it bring them closer or will it have the opposite reaction? Everyone wonders what Herman and Emma feel about each other seeings that Herman and Felicity are together.

Matrone gets ideas when she hears who the poet is. Vanessa is in a state when she hears what the insurance people decided about their claim.

Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Episode 2177

San-Mari has an idea when she hears everyone joke about Paula taking up scuba diving. Will Matrone succeed in her plans to approach Oubaas?

Gita is satisfied with how her plan is working out. Isabelle breaks shocking news to Xander and that makes Vanessa come clean.

Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Episode 2178

Maria gets worried when Hilda sends a letter to the unknown poet. Herman and Felicity’s relationship blooms. Gita makes a phone call to the person that might be able to help Xander. How do Xander and Vanessa feel about each others behaviour?

Thursday, 18 March 2010
Episode 2179

Felicity is worried about her relationship with Herman. Aggie is stressed when she hears what Hilda is planning and Paula thinks it’s an amazing topic for Paula Prut.

Charmaine is shocked when Xander tells her the whole story about Vanessa. Vanessa is in a state when she hears what Xander is planning, but Gita is very happy with that.

Friday, 19 March 2010
Episode 2180

Oubaas suspects Hilda is in love with another man. Emma causes trouble between Herman and Felicity. Xander gets a phone call from someone who can help him.

Lukas realises what happened in the gallery when the power tripped. Xander wants to share the good news with Vanessa, but he can’t find her.

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Monday, 22 March 2010
Episode 2181

Will Emma and Felicity be able to ease the tension between them regarding Herman? How will Paula feel when Altus tells her he is going to do the diving course with or without her?

Xander is put in a difficult position when both Oubaas and Hilda ask him to handle their divorce. Gita panics when Xander cancels the meeting with Alan.

Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Episode 2182

Annelie is dumbfounded over Pieter’s reaction to her plans. Hilda is shocked when Maria gives her a taste of her own medicine. Xander is surprised by Vanessa’s reaction when he gives her the good news. Gita becomes desperate when she gets news from Alan about Studio Seven.

Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Episode 2183

Hilda is in a state because everyone knows about her sins. Paula freaks when she sees San-Mari flirting with Altus and she decides to put a stop to it. Vanessa makes it clears to Xander what she thinks of their relationship. Tim is concerned about Gita.

Thursday, 25 March 2010
Episode 2184

Tim pushes Gita to tell him what upset her. Hilda realises Oubaas is the anonymous poet, but will she be able to save Oubaas before Matrone gets to him? Xander opens his heart to Vanessa and she doesn’t react in the way he hoped for.

Friday, 26 March 2010
Episode 2185

Herman is confused about Emma’s feelings for him. Will Pieter be able to see Annelie’s side of the story after San-Mari talks to him? Isabelle is excited about Helena’s release from prison, but will Helena be able to adapt again?

Of course he now claims that he has nothing to hide – no government tenders or anything. Whatever!

If he has nothing to hide, perhaps he will have that lifestyle audit done…