Goodbye Shades of Grey

I've always loved writing, since I was in High School writing poems and short stories - writing has been my place to express feelings, dreams, disappointments, anger, sadness and joy. It's been my creative outlet.  I started this blog space 2 years ago and have enjoyed every minute of filling it with topics that I've found interesting and inspirational, as well as with things that really moved me on an emotional level.

I've received some positive feedback over the last year or two on my writing, and although I realise that I may have a way to go and much to learn in the writing field, I know that this is something I'm truly passionate about, and it's the reason I've decided to take it further. (Don't worry, I'm not quitting my day job...yet!)

It's been amazing writing for "Shades of Grey", and I will look back fondly on it from time to time. I'll be updating Facebook and Twitter soon with news of my next writing project.

Till then, ciao ciao!

Job Hunting Tips

We've been interviewing at work this week for a Receptionist / Junior Admin Clerk position.  It's moments like these that I find myself extremely grateful for my Recruitment experience, though short - it makes life a lot easier when screening CV's and doing interviews!

We've had some rather interesting CV's and interviews this week, I thought I'd share them here, some (hopefully helpful) advice as what NOT to do when applying for a job...


1. If the job advertisement is in English, please don't send your CV in Afrikaans (or any other language). If you absolutely must to show that you're bilingual (even though this is tested later on), rather do a separate CV and attach it to the English copy, (provided that there is no CV page limit).

2. If one of the requirements is "own transport" - put this on your CV.  Don't just add "Code 08" - you're making a lot of extra work for the person reading your CV and showing that you don't read/understand the advert properly. If in doubt, add "Code 08 - own, reliable transport".  Easy.

3. Only include the High School and the year you matriculated. Sadly, no one is going to care what Primary School you went to or if you were the head Library Prefect.

4. Don't include copies of your ID, Matric Certificate marks, qualifications unless requested in the job advertisement.

5. Do include full dates (month and year),  job description and 'reason for leaving' for each relevant job. These will be asked, and there's no reason to leave them off - again, more work for the person reading your CV and a bad first impression.

6. One spelling mistake is ok, one word out of place is ok - more than that, it's showing how much pride you take in your CV, so how much pride will you have in your work? Your CV is likely to be tossed. The market is that tough and you need to bring your 'A' game from the beginning.

7. Profile pictures are great on CV's, it gives the person screening your CV more of an idea of who you are. Think very carefully when deciding what picture to use. We've seen some rather interesting ones, not a great first impression - this isn't Facebook.

8. Do include volunteer work, customer service work, etc in moderation, you can elaborate more when asked in the interview stage. It might not be relevant to the position you're applying for, but it's just one more piece of information that will show another side of you and perhaps set you aside from someone else.

9. Don't send your CV five times, it really was received the first time and believe it or not, this is very off putting and may limit your chances for an interview.

10.  When you're called for a telephonic screening, please try and sound enthusiastic. You're actually being interviewed, sounding distracted, irritated or casual is going to get your application eliminated. If you can't talk at that moment, ask the person calling if they can phone you back at a more convenient time. It's really no problem, as long as it's the same day.

11. Coming to an interview wearing any of the following is going to get you close to being scratched off the list without even setting foot in the interview room:
- Jeans
- Slops
- Short skirt / Revealing top
- No make-up (no effort?)
- T-shirt / holiday sundress

12. Nerves are normal during an interview, we all have them - but please if more than one person is interviewing you, make sure you make eye contact with ALL of them, not just the person asking the question - they are there for a reason and not including them won't count well in your favour.

13. Don't forget about that handshake in the beginning. Still judged..

14. Never, ever tell the interviewer what salary you're expecting in the interview. You should have done this on your CV.  Does it make sense to ask for R10 000 per month for a Junior Admin Clerk position? I don't think so...again, not reading the advert properly.

15. Never, ever send out your CV in bulk in the hopes that someone will discover it and go "Aha! This is just what we need". Believe me, people just don't have the time and your CV will be tossed.  
Address it to the right person (a bit of research - most companies have a website), apply for the position advertised and make sure you match the requirements.


It's a tough job market out there but if you really want the job and you're not just applying to anything you feel like, follow my advice and make it work.  It's all about how you present yourself and what you plan to do for the company to make them hiring you the best decision they ever made. Remember, you're going to be there 8 - 10 hours every day, so make sure it's something that you want to do. It doesn't need to be your passion (you can do painting or coaching after hours in your time), but you do need to like what you do. If you don't - it will show, and sadly there's a whole queue of people who are just waiting to apply for the same job.

Good luck to those looking for new jobs - these next two months are the best times to find them!

The Dreamer vs the Realist

 

The Dreamer

A person who represents things as they might or should be rather than as they are 

The  Realist

A person who tends to view or represent things as they really are

 

 

Geoff and I are complete opposites when it comes to the way we view certain things. He's the eternal realist, and I'm the 'head in the clouds' dreamer. This causes quite a few interesting 'conversations' and although I often wish that he too was a dreamer in our relationship, I have to admit that having two dreamers would be very dangerous (and expensive), while having two realists would be extremely boring. So, I guess we balance each other out in a way but it still creates alot of unnessesary arguments. Here's a perfect example!

Me: "Can't we go away for a weekend soon? We haven't been away in almost 5 years!"

Geoff: "Let's first see how things go"

Me: "Look at these nice guesthouses..."

Geoff: "Love, we can't afford it right now"

Me: "But can't we just have a look and see what's out there and plan to go later in the year?"

Geoff: "What's the point of getting excited about something if we don't know it's going to happen?"

Bubble burst and that's normally the point where the argument starts. He can't understand my point of view of wanting to get excited about a trip and plan, and I can't understand his black and white facts.

I'm sure there are many couples out there who have similar conversations. My question is, how do you get around this and compromise? A dreamer doesn't want to see the cold hard facts, and a realist doesn't want to day dream about something that 'might' happen.

While browsing on this interesting topic, I came across compatibility signs. I don't fully agree or believe everything written on star signs, but it is pretty interesting reading about the Capricorn (Geoff) and Saggattarius (Me) compatibility. Here's what I came across:

 

Capricorn sign compatibility with Sagittarius

Sagittarius and Capricorn. Very different and still very similar! This is a difficult couple, indeed. Let's say you are complementary, but only to give you some hope.  (That's a good start...)

One of the main problems is that of the planets governing you: Capricorn is governed by Saturn and Sagittarius is governed by Jupiter. Sagittarius is optimistic and friendly, while you, dear Capricorn, are strict and realistic. Consequently, (s)he will reproach you with your pessimism. (Interesting...)

Don't hope that your beloved Sagittarius will ever understand the expression "to save up for a rainy day". As far as you are concerned, his/her joyfulness and spirit of adventure can make you classify him/her as "irresponsible". (Correct!)

Physically, Sagittarius likes practicing, that's why (s)he may be very skilful and (s)he may laugh in your face, making jokes about how... clumsy you are! This will make you mad and determine you to do only what you want to - or you won't feel like doing anything anymore unless you are advised by your partner. (That sounds a bit mean, I don't think I tell Geoff how clumsy he is..)

Anyway, Sagittarius's direct approach is quite the opposite of your diplomacy. You might often feel angry and humiliated. (No beating around the bush I'm afraid, often it's a case of sock in mouth..)

Your Sagittarius is a philosopher, a theoretician, while you, dear Capricorn, are a pragmatic, a realistic person, that's why you want to take advantage of the material benefits. (That explains the need for a new TV...)

Sagittarius's humour, his/her funny philosophy on life can make you laugh. Moreover, you will be fascinated by the way (s)he watches and comments the TV commercials, which feeds his/her need of mental exercise. (Interesting...)

Sagittarius' thinking can be symbolical, and you find this way of presenting ideas very interesting and... that's it. If you are interested in esotericism, you could have something in common.

A Capricorn-Sagittarius couple has 50% chances. Sometimes it can be very difficult, but not impossible. It is entirely up to you whether you succeed or not! (Good to know..thanks!)

 

Happy 2012!

It's finally here, 2012! Time to say goodbye to 2011, although it had it's share of good memories and fun times, it's a year I'm happy to see the end of. Every year I draw up a list of about 20 New Year's Resolutions, but this year I'm cutting down the list to something more manageable.

What 2011 taught me:
1. Sometimes if something seems too good to be true - it really is.
2. No one is going to remember you for working yourself to death.
3. Often, you're your own worst enemy.
4. Love has no limits.
5. Actions speak louder than words.

Plans for 2012:
1. Actually 'do' what I say I'm going to do and stop talking about it
2. Replace snacking with exercise
3. Start painting/writing again
4. Plan to go away for at least 2 weeks, and 2 weekends this year
5. If this really is the year the world ends...this list is a bit short..

Hope 2012 brings you bounds of happiness, good health and unlimited possibilities!


                                                                         

If teleporting existed...

.... I'd be here today, watching the sunrise from a sidewalk cafe, sipping on French coffee and listening to the early morning sounds of birds nearby.

Two Weeks and Counting...

We moved to Somerset West a year ago, excited to begin a new chapter and settle into this beautiful town surrounded by mountains and natural beauty.  We chose a 3 bedroom townhouse to rent which seemed perfect at the time, only to discover 2 months later that we weren't as happy as we thought we'd be and started counting the months/weeks/days until we could move.  Luckily for us, moving day is finally right around the corner - 2 weeks away!

I feel sorry for the Estate Agents who are trying to rent this house out.  We gave notice at the end of August already, and I can't remember how many people we've had coming to look at the house (I'd say more than 10). They've posted numerous adverts on Gumtree, including a new ad today. What does this say about the house?

One of the biggest problems was the owner's lack of wanting to make this house a 'home'. It never felt like home to Geoff and I, and probably the reason we didn't bother putting up paintings, buying pot plants or really putting an effort into decorating the place. We just weren't happy here, and hardly had people over to visit for this reason.  Take for example the "garden". There is grass stretching 3/4 around the house but the only way we could water it was by plugging the hosepipe into the tap underneath the kitchen sink and trekking it through the lounge in order to reach the garden. There is no outside tap. Isn't this an obvious one when you rent out a house?

The main problem though (and probably the reason the Agents are having a hard time convincing people to rent the house) is the obvious lack of burgler bars. There is nothing on any window in the house except for the main bedroom and the en-suite bathroom.  That really doesn't help, seen as the TV, etc is all in the lounge which has a sliding door and two other windows that are easy to access. The owner point blank refuses to spend money on this necessary security.  Nevermind the house is in a "security" complex. That means absolutely nothing when the security guard is only there untill 6pm in the evening, and burglaries usually take place between 2am and 4am. There were 8 burglaries that we're aware of that took place in February/March this year. Some security...

Yesterday, a couple were close to signing to rent the house from 1 November, and were in negotiations with the owner on having burgler bars installed. Today, I've just see a new "To Rent" advert on Gumtree.  Well, that about sums it up.  Best of luck to whoever is going to be renting this place, we are moving in 2 weeks time and the days can't go by soon enough!

Around the World in South Africa

I've recently discovered some 'out of this world' places that make you feel as though you've been transported to another country. No need to hop on a plane - we've got the whole world in our very own back yard!

MOYO

Stellenbosch - Blouberg - Durban - Jo'burg

Ever wanted to eat a traditional African buffet dinner in the tree tops? Moyo is unlike any place I've ever been to. It's truly an experience that you'll remember for a long time to come. At R250 per person, I can guarentee it's worth every penny. Whether your sitting at the top of a tree eating by candlelight, enjoying a romantic dinner for two in a private tent, or enjoying the African dancers and drummers in the centre of the restaurant - you are literally spoilt for choice. You soon forget where you are, and feel as though you're in the middle of an amazing African celebration.  My African experience - 9/10  http://www.moyo.co.za

CANTINA TEQUILA
Bellville, Western Cape

There's nothing South African about this restaurant, except of course the staff. From the decor, to the drinks, to the food - every part of this place screams 'Mexico'.  Their menu covers all kinds of Mexican classics including; Quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos, wraps, and my favourite - chilli poppers.  The drinks menu won't disappoint either and include a range of flavoured tequila's, including my favourite - chocolate cake tequila.  The only downside is there seems to be only one branch in the country. My Mexican experience - 8/10. http://www.cantinatequila.co.za

THAI SABAI

Somerset West, Western Cape

There's something magical about Thai Sabai. The skin clinic / day spa is Thai owned and massages are done by experienced Thai masseuses.  You can't help but feel as though you've been transported to a tropical Thai island. From the lush gardens and the tranquil waterfall outside, to the Thai inspired teas and light lunches, to the soothing music in the background, and the rich Asian decor, every effort has been made to ensure that you're completely relaxed and feel like a brand new person by the time you leave.  They offer everything from 30 minutes massages to half day treatments. My Thai experience - 10/10.  http://www.thaisabai.co.za

My Top 10 Peeves at Work

• Pouring a nice cup of coffee, only to discover that there's no milk
• Someone talking loudly into their cell phone while you're busy with recons
• Forgetting that you're in an open plan office and talking loudly to a client who's hard at hearing
• Just about to have a bite to eat and an unexpected client arrives to query their account
• That awkward moment when you realise the chat you've just sent your significant other has gone to your colleague/boss
• Accidently sending a not so nice e-mail about a client, directly to them 
• Stationery that magically disappears from your desk
• Being called "dear", "lovie", "sweetie" or  "girly" by a client
• Office politics 
• The computer/printer/fax suddenly freezing when you've got a deadline

An Ode to Muffin

Dear Muffin ("Muffy"),

You came into my life just after my 10th birthday. You were so cute with your little pink and white paws.

I remember hearing you and your brother, Tigger prancing up and down the passage in the middle of the night, and I remember you both sleeping in the crook of my neck when you were so tiny.

I remember early days of you climbing to the top of the tree, thinking you were so brave and then meouwing until someone climbed up to get you down.

You hated driving in the car, and trips to the vet became interesting kareoke sessions.

You helped me get through a lot during my teen years, and I can still clearly remember coming home one day from school and crying because some stupid little boy had called me a name. Nothing anyone said could cheer me up. I took you hostage, locking us in my room and spending the next few hours going through the motions of crying, screaming and finally calming down. You were my saving grace that day, and many other days during that roller coaster period in my life.

I never looked at you as just a cat. I called you my 'furry friend', because you were just that.

Luckily for us, you weren't much of a hunter. You caught one or two birds and a couple of lizards and that was that. What fun it was putting on my slippers barefoot one morning, only to feel something cold and slithery running on my foot! In your last years, you made friends with the birds outside and they could come right up to you and say hello, and you wouldn't even bat an eye.

There was great fun introducing you and Tigger to the dogs, and after many, many years - the idea of them chasing you outside became almost laughable. You owned the house, and they knew it.

I'm so sorry that I wasn't standing with you when the time came to say goodbye. It's something I promised I would do from the time you arrived and it's not something I can easily move past yet. But, I'm glad you had Mom and Matt with you, and that you were able to still recognise me the last few times I came to visit.

We had a very special bond, you and me. No one can ever replace you. You were one of a kind, my 'furry friend',  and you will be greatly missed by us all.

Love you always,
Mel

xxx

Changing the Monarchy

Anyone who knows us, knows that our two cats are like our babies and that they have been spoilt rotten.

By spoilt rotten I mean that they literally run the show at our house - and they know it. They often get given the best spots (sun, blanket, etc) in the house "just because", sometimes I don't even shout at them for making an "oopsie" somewhere because it's easier to just clean it up - which is very wrong, I know, (this however doesn't include the time they caught a bird, and that's a whole other story).
Our decision on where we want to move or when to go on holiday pretty much revolves around them.

For five years, we've been living in townhouses that have enclosed gardens. Great for us = braais, etc, and great for them because they are two cats who don't venture outside much (seek out other cats, jump over walls, etc). Problem. Now we've made the decision to rent something smaller from the end of the year to try and save a bit of money.  We're looking at smaller townhouses, and if it comes to that - moving back into a flat (preferably ground floor). So far, we're coming up with a lot of "no pets allowed" places (although, a friend of ours has said that it's usually not related to cats but more likely to dogs).

My problem with moving back into a flat is this. Our cats have been spoilt with living in a townhouse for the last 5 years, really having the property to themselves. A few times over the years the younger one has ventured next door to check out the company, etc but has always returned. The older one has had her days of venturing and luckily just prefers to be at home.

If we were to move into a block of flats that has a long garden that isn't enclosed, what are these cats going to do? Will they know where to come back to? They are both spayed, so I'm not worried about that - but they've been so protected, they're not the type of cats to get into fights and I'm a bit worried.

Am I being over-protective? Any advise from cat owners at this point will be very welcome and much appreciated!

Finding the right Church

I'm ashamed to say that I haven't seen the inside of a church recently, apart from going to a wedding and a funeral over the last few years. I've been to Sunday School and Youth on the odd occasion, but actually sat through a complete service, well - it's been roughly 15 - 20 years. The last time I went to church was when my Grandparents took my brother and I to church on Christmas morning.

I'm not against going to church, and have often been asked why I don't go. I think it probably has a lot to do with the way we were brought up, my Mom and Dad are of different faiths and for that reason we just never really went to church. I guess I just didn't think it was important at the time.

Right now, this is something I feel I really need (and want) in my life and it's as good a time as any to do something about it. Friends of ours moved into the area and have also wanted to join a church closer to where they are now staying. I convinced Geoff that now would be the perfect time to visit a few churches in the area and decide on one that we liked the best.

This morning we visited our first church in the area -  The Bay Family Christian Church in Somerset West.

What I liked about this church was the friendly and excited way we were greeted as we walked in. We were ushered to our seats and the whole atmosphere was one of celebration. The music was uplifting and the first few songs really got everyone in a praising and celebrating mood.  I also liked the fact that there seemed to be a large mix of people from all walks of life, the dress code wasn't formal - but it wasn't slops and shorts either.  The church is so big that there is a projector on one side of the wall with words to the scriptures that were currently being read. This made it easier to follow as we didn't bring our bibles with us.

Unfortunately, that's about as far as the good things go. The service was just under 2 hours, which was to be expected. Please don't take this the wrong way, I realise that you're there to praise God and it's so little time out of your week, but for me personally, an hour and a half is more than enough. After that, I found it hard to concentrate on what was being said. Half way during the service, two sets of pre-printed envelopes were handed out to everyone to make a donation, and baskets were passed around soon after to collect them. I don't carry cash on me at all, and I felt embarrassed (more like mortified) that I had no money to give.  After leaving the church I felt quite disappointed. In my opinion, shouldn't you want to give a donation freely out of the goodness of your heart, as opposed to being expected to put something in a pre-printed envelope?!

The whole experience was interesting, and I got out of that service what I needed to, but unfortunately this is one church that I really won't be attending again - specifically for the last reason above. But that's just me, each to his own.

I sincerely hope that this isn't the norm with the next few we see. Remaining positive...

Top 10 things to do on a Sunday

Sunday is my favourite day of the week.  It's the day directly after Saturday, also known as "chore day" for those of us working full day during the week - normally filled with grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning house and other odds and ends that there just isn't time for during the week. Not much of a weekend day, and that's what makes Sunday so completely indulgent ;)

There are many, but here are my Top 10 favourite things to do on a Sunday:

1. Sitting outside in the sun and reading a really good book
2. Vegging out on the couch with a few DVD's or catching up on series
3. Making or going out for a delicious Sunday morning brunch
4. Taking a Sunday afternoon drive somewhere new 
5. Relaxing and catching up with family or friends
6. Sunday afternoon braai or potjie
7. Baking muffins
8. Painting
9. Having a picnic somewhere in nature
10. On the very odd occasion, sleeping in late

Do you have similar Sunday "indulgences"? What are your favourite things to do on a Sunday?

Virgin Active - Back to Basics

After three years, I'm finally back at Virgin Active. Very strange to be a member of a mixed club again, before joining VA,  I was part of Zone Fitness for Women in Tygervalley (and then we moved...), and Curves - also for women in Stellenbosch (who decided to move..)



Being back at a large gym definently has it's advantages (and it's disadvantages...)

         Advantages:

• I can keep a proper record of my weight, body fat % and blood pressure
• There are more than five treadmills available
• They offer a large variety of group exercise classes, including hip hop, funk dance & zumba
• There's a steam room and a pool (not that I'll be doing any swimming...)
• Kauai!

          Disadvantages:

• It's noisy during peak times and hard to listen to music you've brought - even at full volume
• Lot's of sweaty people :/
• Getting used to the few who are only there for the sake of ogling the other sex

All in all, I'm really happy to be back and excited to get back into shape for summer and bikini ready! Three months and counting..

Insomnia

The last time I had really bad insomnia was when I was in Matric and busy writing exams. Since then, I've slept like a baby every night...every night until last night. I don't know what it was,  but my brain refused to let me go to sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about things, it was like there was a movie playing in my head that just wouldn't turn off! I tried all the usual remedies - counting sheep, I got up and made myself a cup of milo, I read a few pages from my book....but nothing seemed to help. 3am was the last time I looked at the clock and I'm not sure what time I eventually got to sleep.

I found a few useful sites on insomnia, trust good old google to have all the answers - let's hope a few of these help tonight or when next insomnia decides to strike.

       Well Known Remedies for Insomnia

• Eat a bedtime snack
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine
• Sleep in a well-ventilated room
• Get some physical excercise during the day
• If you can't sleep, get up
• Avoid illuminated bedside clocks
• Get up earlier
• Drink herbal tea / warm milk
• Take a warm bath / have a massage
• Avoid stimulating activity or stressful situations before bed
• Practice deep breathing
• Yoga and meditation
• And of course counting sheep or other animals helps for some!

And for interests sake, a few common causes of Insomnia...

• Are you under a lot of stress?
• Are you depressed? Do you feel emotionally flat or hopeless?
• Do you struggle with chronic feelings of anxiety or worry?
• Have you recently gone through a traumatic experience?
• Are you taking any medications that might be affecting your sleep?
• Do you have any health problems that may be interfering with sleep?
• Is your sleep environment quiet and comfortable?
• Do you try to go to bed and get up around the same time every day?

Poetry

This post has been deleted by the author

The Average Woman's Skin Care & Makeup List

It's a very sad day when you realise that it's finally time to start buying those anti wrinkle eye and facial creams you see advertised on TV, the type you don't think you'll need for a good 10 more years or so.  I may skimp on other things, but I am paranoid about getting old and so this weekend I decided it was time to try one of the (expensive) make up houses at Edgars and see what they'd recommend. (I've previously just bought skincare products from clicks and makeup from Maybelline.)

I found myself at Clinque and spent a small fortune on facial products. Granted, I have an Edgars card which I shouldn't be using and I'm sure there are cheaper products out there, but I was always told to spend more on your face - it will help you in the long run.
After walking out happy with my purchases, but very much over the credit limit I set myself, I couldn't help but wonder just how much does the average woman spend on skincare and beauty products each month?


Give or take a few items, I think this is about what the average woman spends each month on skincare and beauty products, and it's a lot!

      Facial Products

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Moisteriser
• Facial Wash
• Exfoliating Facial Scrub
• Facial Mask
• Blemish Cream (if you are unfortunate enough to still have teenage skin once a month)
• Anti Aging Wrinkle Cream
• Eye Cream

       Hair Products:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Heat Protective Hair Spray
• Anti Frizz Hair Spray
• Hair Gel
• Hair Gloss for Straightened Hair (swop this for curly hair, relaxed hair, etc, etc....)
• Hair Mask or Hot Oil Treatments
• Hair Colour / Hairdresser Appointment

       Body Products:

• Body Lotion
• Self Tan Lotion (if you don't like lying in the sun or the sun bed - you get some nice ones from Dove & Nivea that create a gradual tan)
• Shower Gel
• Exfoliating Scrub
• Bath Oil
• Deondrant
• Body Spray
• Perfume

       Makeup (some of these luckily don't need to be bought monthly)

• Foundation
• Concealer
• Mascara
• Eye Liner
• Eyebrow Pencil
• Eyeshadow
• Lipstick
• Lipgloss/balm
• Lip Liner Pencil
• Blusher
• Bronzer
• Nailpolish

And I haven't even mentioned the false eyelashes, hair extensions or false nails....

Favourite Winter Reads

There are few things in life better than snuggling underneath the duvet on a cold, rainy weekend afternoon while enjoying a cup of coffee and being totally engrossed in a novel that's so captivating, you're unable to put it down.
I picked up a few books this week in a beautiful 2nd hand bookstore in Franschhoek, and it got me thinking back to the some of my all time favourite books.

Savages - Shirley Conran

A red-carpet junket providing luxurious relaxation for five women while their business-executive husbands attend meetings turns to chaos when a local general ignites a military coup. To escape violence and probable death, the women flee deep into the jungle, accompanied only by Jonathan, the captain of their pleasure boat.

During the long months of the rainy season, they try--and try again--to build a vessel that will carry them to safety. After enduring more perils than Pauline, fate shocks the women with the most taboo act of all, the eating of raw human flesh.

For her survival saga, Shirley Conran has drawn women whose polished talents in seduction, domesticity, and child rearing make them poor prospects for primitive living. Jonathan can teach them wilderness skills, including thirteen ways to kill a man, but he cannot teach them grit and determination. Slowly and painfully, the women build the emotional stamina to take responsibility for their survival.

Meanwhile, seventy miles away in civilization, hardly anyone believes that the women could still be alive. Only one man pieces together enough fragments of evidence to believe that neither sharks nor cannibals consumed the five women. His suspenseful quest vividly emphasizes the plight of the survivors camouflaged by the jungle’s dense canopy. Conran, the author of LACE and LACE II, turns from the romance genre to tales of shipwrecks and castaways. In the tradition of ALIVE, Piers Paul Read’s account of an airplane crash in the Andes, SAVAGES sets a group of virtual strangers in a place of appalling harshness and depicts the inevitable disintegration of civilities and decorum. As depression and enervation take hold, options shrink and choices are starkly measured against a life-or-death standard.

Rage of Angles - Sidney Sheldon

Jennifer is an Assistant District Attorney for the State of New York, New York County. A beautiful, inexperienced, criminal defense attorney, she foils a plot by Michael Moretti, the rising star of one of the most powerful organized crime families in America. Manhattan District Attorney Robert Di Silva, believing that Jennifer is truly responsible, fires her and vows to destroy her for her part in the fiasco with Michael Moretti.

Di Silva arranges for the young lawyer Adam Warner to meet Parker in an attempt to persuade him that she is truly responsible for the bribe. Upon meeting her Adam falls for Jennifer and realizes that she isn't guilty at all. With Adam's help Jennifer begins to rise again, meanwhile Moretti, inspired by her determination to succeed, decides he would like to induct her as the Family consigliere (a mafia lawyer).

Adam Warner, despite being married and groomed for the United States Senate, and with the possibility of a White House destination, can not help falling in love with Jennifer. When Adam tells Jennifer that his wife has asked for a divorce, Jennifer meets with Warner's wife, Mary Beth. Being so close to the Senate election, the two women decide it's best for Adam to wait until after the election. Mary Beth however sleeps with Adam one last time, in the process tricking him into impregnating her. Adam learns that his wife is pregnant, wins the election, and tells Jennifer that he truly loves her but they must end their affair. Jennifer having previously discovered that she too is pregnant and not wanting to hurt Adam, accepts, but doesn't reveal to him that she is carrying his child.

Jennifer gives birth to her son and names him Joshua Adam Parker. She keeps the birth a secret, allowing only Ken Bailey, her assistant, to become aware of her son. She then returns to her practice and soon makes headlines as a successful lawyer. Meanwhile, Michael constantly tries to spark friendship with Jennifer, which she rebuffs at every attempt, reminding him of his earlier tricks. Nevertheless, when her son is kidnapped by a criminal Jennifer is defending, she, in desperation, turns to Michael Moretti for help. After helping her, he seduces her and Jennifer becomes the Family consigliere.

I'll Take Manhattan - Judith Krantz

At twenty-nine, Maxime (Maxi) Amberville is an extremely rich, extremely spoiled young woman. Married and divorced three times and the mother of a precocious eleven-year-old daughter, Maxi believes in self-indulgence. She is passionate, impulsive, and thoroughly likable.

Her comfortable world is shaken to its foundation when she learns that her mother has turned control of the family’s magazine-publishing empire over to her new husband, Maxi’s own uncle, Cutter. Always envious of his brother’s success, Cutter plots to dismantle his brother’s company bit by bit. One of his first moves is to stop publication of four magazines, one of which is the failing trade weekly that was Maxi’s father’s first venture.

Horrified at Cutter’s actions, Maxi enlists the aid of her brothers and friends to save the magazine. As she transforms it into the brightest new publication on the national scene, she learns a great deal about publishing, hard work, and personal relationships. With a definite goal in her life, she finally grows up. Her achievements are sweetened when her mother discovers the full extent of Cutter’s scheming and rejects him and his attempts to destroy the Amberville empire.

Love of Dance

Ballet, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Ballroom, Modern, Jazz, Funk, Tap, Belly, Tango, Rumba, Street, Break, Swing, Line, Samba, Jive, Contra and Bollywood - these are just a few of the many types of styles that fall under the term 'dance'.

Dancing is a creative form of self expression. Whether it's graceful ballet, a passionate Rumba dance, sexy Salsa steps or slick hip-hop moves, every form of dancing has a unique style and very often a story behind it. To dance isn't to simply tap your feet and nod your head to the beat of music playing in the background. Dancing is about surrendering yourself to the music, forgetting about where you are,  and forgetting who you are. It's almost as though you're putting on another persona and escaping into another time and place altogether.

I love dancing, it's in my blood and I can't imagine living without it. I've been dancing since I was five years old when I was introduced to the world of ballet. Watching Black Swan brought back so many memories of that time. The world of ballet is not all as pretty and graceful as it looks. It's tough, and it takes serious commitment, determination and a thick skin to get to the top. Eight years of hair gel, leotards, pirouettes and concerts and I decided it was time for a change. I was sadly no where near dedicated enough, and I got bored of the classical music - I wanted something more.  Modern dancing provided that. The music had a beat to it and the steps were a little more energetic and fun. Still, I wanted a form of dancing that really made me sweat - the type I'd seen in dance movies. Some of the girls in the class I was in made things extremely unpleasant and all too clear at the same time.  At that stage in my life dancing become tedious and I dreaded going to class. I stopped dancing for a few years until I began to miss it so much that I literally ached when I watched dance movies. Finally, I discovered hip-hop dancing. Out of all the dancing I've done, this one is the most expressive. I loved the class for the simple reason that it worked up a sweat. It was energetic and fun, and we had an amazing instructor. It also brought out another side of me.

In dancing, there's no place for being shy on the dance floor - you're forced to bring out your alter ego. It can be a darker alter ego, like the one Natalie Portman portrays in Black Swan, it can be a sexy alter ego - like the main character in Centre Stage, or it can simply be your own alter ego that's been hidden and is looking for a place to express itself.

The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie. - Agnes de Mille

Ten years ago today...

 Today, 10 years ago Geoff and I went on our very first date.

I'll never forget that day and I can still remember exactly what I wore. It must have been a cool Autumn evening because I decided on wearing a long black skirt, boots, a long sleeved grey and black top, and a grey jersey. I didn't have my licence and wasn't driving yet, so my Mom dropped me off at Tygervalley - we thought it would be better to meet there. I clearly remember the conversation that went on during the drive there, a lecture about how this was just not the way to do it and that I'd better introduce this guy to them, and fast.  I remember being really annoyed, but it did get rid of a few nerves at the same time!

I met Geoff under the stairs at Spur and we decided to watch Miss Congeniality. It wasn't until after the movie came out on DVD that I actually paid attention and followed the storyline! I was so nervous sitting next to him in the cinema and I wasn't paying any attention to what was happening on the screen in front of us.  I kept putting my hand on the movie chair's armrest in the hope that he would take it. Just as I was about to give up, it happened - he grabbed my hand and held it in his, and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.

After the movie, we went to a coffee shop and had cokes and chips. Talking wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, and we were really just starting to get comfortable with each other when I happened to look over his shoulder. Wouldn't you know it but there casually walking around and having a good old look at the two of us, was my family. I was mortified. Luckily, they had the good sense to keep walking and not come over to say hello!

The evening ended off with a somewhat awkward hug at the mall entrance. There was definitely no way that our first kiss was going to be in front of my family, let alone a bunch of strangers!

I can't believe that we've been together for 10 years already, it really feels like only yesterday that we went on this date, not knowing a thing about each other. Little did we know that six years later we'd be married, and 10 years later we'd be looking back at this very day.

My latest obsession: Food Network Channel

Ever since we signed on to DSTV earlier this year, I've been slightly hooked on watching the Food Network Channel. There's an endless variety of shows to suit anyone on this channel, and in order to make myself feel better about watching them, I remind myself that they are both entertaining AND educational! Perfect couch-blobbing-TV-viewing for those cold and rainy winter days coming up.

You've got your step-by-step cooking shows with entertaining cooking hosts that include: Barefoot Contessa, 10 Dollar Dinners, Paula's Best Dishes, Guy's Big Bite and Boy Meets Grill.  Then, for something a little out of the ordinary there's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and this will leave you wishing you lived in the States without a care in the world for your wasteline! Every time I watch this show,  I can't help but want to eat a huge greasy burger and fries covered in cheese sauce! The show Unwrapped uncovers a world behind mass produced products and gives an interesting behind the scenes look at how candy and other American favourites are made right from the factory until the point where they arrive on the shelves of hundreds of retail outlets. My favourite shows though are the cooking competition shows, and they include: Top Chef, Chopped, Food Network Channel Challenge and Ultimate Recipe Throwdown. These shows, though highly entertaining, don't come close in comparison to an all time favourite and classic that unfortunately is no longer on air,  Ready, Steady, Cook - hosted by the legendary chef, Ainsley Harriot.

For those of us who don't have a decent recipe cookbook in the kitchen, this channel provides a convenient and entertaining alternative.

This week I made North African Meatballs with Cous Cous, a recipe I'd seen recently on Melissa D'Arabian's show (Ten Dollar Dinners).  The combination of a few key ingredients in this recipe really give it that exotic flavour and include: lemon zest, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, olives, dates and white wine. I was  surprised at the flavours that came out of this meal and I could literally picture myself sitting somewhere in Morocco, eating this spicy and delicious meal!

It's the perfect comfort food for one of those cold, wintery nights coming up. Here's the recipe, enjoy!

North African Meatballs & Cous Cous