So last night we finally went to see New Moon. I'm not a huge fan of the Twilight series (never read it or anything) but Donovan has been dying to see it. So anyway, it was my first experience at the movies in South Africa. And I approve. the movie was 40 rand which is like $5-$6 and the pop corn was under $2! The catch: you have to put your own butter/salt/etc on it...and the butter is in powder form. Hmm well it was still good! We also got a free butterscotch milkshake--some promotion for New Moon viewers only. During the previews, an ad came on that said "Now drink your milkshake". Interesting. It was SO hot yesterday--like 110! Today it's freezing like 85! On Wednesday it is a public holiday here and we are having our Christmas lunch and a grab bag. On Christmas day we will have a breakfast and watch the kids open presents since we are going away the next day.
Last Thursday I had a phone interview. The position sounded awesome but unfortunately it's in White Plains and the lady doesn't know if the manager will wait until Jan 15th to hire. I had the interview at MIDNIGHT (2pm PST) so it was quite interesting to go to sleep, then wake up, have an interview, and go back to sleep.
ONE MONTH until I arrive back home! I am SO excited! Happy Hannukah to all my Jewish friends (make that FRIEND haha) and family....xoxo
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Howzit
Howzit? This is a South African "Hi how are you?". On Friday we went out to the Rusty Hook with a bunch of Donovan's friends.
On Saturday night we went to a birthday dinner for Donovan's grandfather who is turning 80 or something. Unfortunately, he is getting alzheimers or dementia or frontal lobe something or other so his wife says it may be the last birthday he can remember everyone. It was a nice dinner though at a restaurant. Everyone here eats chicken livers---YUCK! But they also eat chesey cauliflower and peppermint tart which is really nice.
On Sunday we went Christmas shopping for the kids. And then everyone came over that afternoon for dinner and a poker game. I didn't do so well. And Donovan and Brandon left for a real poker game where Brandon won 4,000 RAND. Donovan didn't play.
Donovan hit his final target for the year so has earned both of his bonuses! Plus he and the ladies from his office went in for a blood test because Paul (Donovan's boss) is give 5,000RAND to everyone who quit smoking because he wants a non-smoking office. It's great because both the ladies in the office and Donovan have quit now...it's only Morne left! Morne is Donovan's co-worker, by the way, who spent a lot of time with us in the US. He is back from America and is off to Greece on Friday! He has one meeting and then a week to hang out--lucky guy! After that, he is going to Mauritus!
Hmmm who else can I write about? What about Martha?! She is coming to NYC for 4 months living in a fantastic apartment--PAID for by her company. She will be in training here on a computer program or something. Most weekends she will probably fly home to see her boyfriend but some weekends she can come visit or I can go visit her! Well, let's be honest...I will probably move in and be her roommate/freeloader...
Well that's about all I can rustle up to write about today....will write again soon!
On Saturday night we went to a birthday dinner for Donovan's grandfather who is turning 80 or something. Unfortunately, he is getting alzheimers or dementia or frontal lobe something or other so his wife says it may be the last birthday he can remember everyone. It was a nice dinner though at a restaurant. Everyone here eats chicken livers---YUCK! But they also eat chesey cauliflower and peppermint tart which is really nice.
On Sunday we went Christmas shopping for the kids. And then everyone came over that afternoon for dinner and a poker game. I didn't do so well. And Donovan and Brandon left for a real poker game where Brandon won 4,000 RAND. Donovan didn't play.
Donovan hit his final target for the year so has earned both of his bonuses! Plus he and the ladies from his office went in for a blood test because Paul (Donovan's boss) is give 5,000RAND to everyone who quit smoking because he wants a non-smoking office. It's great because both the ladies in the office and Donovan have quit now...it's only Morne left! Morne is Donovan's co-worker, by the way, who spent a lot of time with us in the US. He is back from America and is off to Greece on Friday! He has one meeting and then a week to hang out--lucky guy! After that, he is going to Mauritus!
Hmmm who else can I write about? What about Martha?! She is coming to NYC for 4 months living in a fantastic apartment--PAID for by her company. She will be in training here on a computer program or something. Most weekends she will probably fly home to see her boyfriend but some weekends she can come visit or I can go visit her! Well, let's be honest...I will probably move in and be her roommate/freeloader...
Well that's about all I can rustle up to write about today....will write again soon!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sorry I haven't written...
Hi everyone! Sorry about the huge lack of time in posts. I have a little over a month over here now and getting ready for the holidays and vacation and everything and quite frankly, I've just gotten LAZY! I have lots of videos to post but don't have my camera cable with me right now. Anyway, I am officially arriving home on January 15th....a friday....at 3:15pm...at JFK! Not the greatest time to land but was the lowest fare I could find. I will be taking off from Joburg at 9:45pm...arriving in Cairo at 6am and taking off for NY at 10am! I'm going to be all sorts of messed up...won't know what time it is...my body will probably go into cold shock....but anyway...by now you have probaby seen my pics on facebook from the lion park. It was so cool! Especially putting the cubs and having the lions jump on our truck! I have some awesome videos I can't wait to post. After that we went to the Sterkfontein Caves, which are located in the "Cradle of Human Kind", where they found some of the oldest human ancestor remains. The caves were really cool. There is an underwater river and anyone who has ever tried to scuba dive to see how deep it is, has never been found---like not even their bodies! Creepy!
Donovan has joined water polo. Apparently he used to be like some amazing water polo player so when we went to watch his friend, Greg, play, all of the guys were begging him to join for the month so he did. I love watching sports when I know the people playing (personally).
The rugby has not been going so well for South Africa who lost to Ireland in all three tries. I finally drank a Savanna Cider and when I ordered a Malibu Bay Breeze, I got some strawberry cocktail drink but it was really nice anyway.
Work has been going well. I've started to get Brandon a lot more meetings. In fact, I have created a new position in the company. When I leave in January I will be training the new girl! I also made a new company profile powerpoint presentation for them which they gave to their digital guy to make snazzy.
The weather has been great. I improved by 4K time from 26 to 24:30 but take note that this trail includes HUGE hills so it's actually a decent time.
I can't believe I didn't have a Thanksgiving this year. It's strange to think about. It was just another average day here. The day after Christmas we are going to the coast to a resort called Pinnacle Point located in George (about 3 hours from Cape Town). We will be there until about Jan 6th. It is a 12 hour drive though! So this year, when you see me walking in the snow, you will actually be able to see me (until early February at least!).
The maid at our house, Gladys, has a daughter who was pregnant with twins. She gave birth at 5 months and unfortunately, the babies didn't make it. Gladys went home for a few days and brought back her daughter and grand daughter, Coquestso (Cynthia in English). So now all three of them are staying in Gladys' little room. I've never seen the daughter but the grand daughter plays with the kids and is around. It's an interesting situation because it mixes people who have horrible education (the grand daughter is 10 and can't speak English) and no money with people who...do.
On Sunday night, Father Christmas (there is no Santa Clause although Father Christmas is exactly the same thing) came to the golf estate and gave all the kids a present and we sang Christmas carols. Picture 200 people in the middle of a golf field at 8pm at night in tank tops and shorts singing Christmas carols! It's wierd (for us Americans anyway!).
Tonight we are going to Donovan's Mom's for dinner. I will try to write more often. I hope the weather is holding out (which I hear it is) and hope everyone is not too stressed with the upcoming holidays! xoxo
Donovan has joined water polo. Apparently he used to be like some amazing water polo player so when we went to watch his friend, Greg, play, all of the guys were begging him to join for the month so he did. I love watching sports when I know the people playing (personally).
The rugby has not been going so well for South Africa who lost to Ireland in all three tries. I finally drank a Savanna Cider and when I ordered a Malibu Bay Breeze, I got some strawberry cocktail drink but it was really nice anyway.
Work has been going well. I've started to get Brandon a lot more meetings. In fact, I have created a new position in the company. When I leave in January I will be training the new girl! I also made a new company profile powerpoint presentation for them which they gave to their digital guy to make snazzy.
The weather has been great. I improved by 4K time from 26 to 24:30 but take note that this trail includes HUGE hills so it's actually a decent time.
I can't believe I didn't have a Thanksgiving this year. It's strange to think about. It was just another average day here. The day after Christmas we are going to the coast to a resort called Pinnacle Point located in George (about 3 hours from Cape Town). We will be there until about Jan 6th. It is a 12 hour drive though! So this year, when you see me walking in the snow, you will actually be able to see me (until early February at least!).
The maid at our house, Gladys, has a daughter who was pregnant with twins. She gave birth at 5 months and unfortunately, the babies didn't make it. Gladys went home for a few days and brought back her daughter and grand daughter, Coquestso (Cynthia in English). So now all three of them are staying in Gladys' little room. I've never seen the daughter but the grand daughter plays with the kids and is around. It's an interesting situation because it mixes people who have horrible education (the grand daughter is 10 and can't speak English) and no money with people who...do.
On Sunday night, Father Christmas (there is no Santa Clause although Father Christmas is exactly the same thing) came to the golf estate and gave all the kids a present and we sang Christmas carols. Picture 200 people in the middle of a golf field at 8pm at night in tank tops and shorts singing Christmas carols! It's wierd (for us Americans anyway!).
Tonight we are going to Donovan's Mom's for dinner. I will try to write more often. I hope the weather is holding out (which I hear it is) and hope everyone is not too stressed with the upcoming holidays! xoxo
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Holdies My Coldies!
I guess I'm being punished for my complaint the other day that it was too hot because now it's cold!!! A cold front has come in from Cape Town or something! I've had to bust out my long sleeves that I've kept in my suitcase, my closed-toed shoes, and my jeans! And this cold is supposed to last until early next week! And it doesn't help that I have horrible circulation (I think I've inherited this from my mom). My hands and feet are always cold (well, when it's cold outside, anyway!). I've come up with a saying that I always say to Donovan: "Holdies my coldies!" (haha lame I know) And being that Donovan is always hot and protruding heat, it works out quite nicely, although I don't think he appreciates the icy hands as much as I appreciate the warmth. I've forgot to mention that we have been playing poker maybe about once every 2 weeks. We played in Sun City and I came in second! The boys play poker every Wednesday night at a different person's house. Donovan came in third once and lost the other time. I wish girls could play but I don't like playing with a lot of people for big money anyway. I also forgot to mention that I did this run around the estate called a "time trial" and also came in second. I am doomed to second place! Oh, well I haven't run in nearly a month so I'm sure if I keep it up I can beat the guy who got first....maybe. At some point in my life, I would like to run in some type of marathon. If anyone would want to join me, let me know and we can run/train together when I get home. I've also started eating dates...they are so good! Well, now I am just blabbing on and on. Have a happy Wednesday everyone! Hope it's warmer there than it is here!
Living in SA
Hi everyone! Friday night was a lot of fun. The bar was half outside/half inside and afterwards we went to a 24-hour pizza place and got home at 3am! On Saturday night we just stayed in and watched "Star Trek" (the new movie). On Sunday, Eagle Canyon (the golf estate we stay at) had a Christmas fair where people set up booths and sell crafts and stuff. I got a pair of Ed Hardy flip flops for like $10, a pair of Soviet sunglasses, some African spices, and a bag. That night Brandon's brother, Damon, his wife Chantel and their little girl, Alexandra came over for a braii.
In December, Donovan's uncle is letting us stay at his holiday house for a week while he is in America. He is visiting America because his son is currently going to school there (I think at Columbia). The house is in Zimbalie (probably totally spelled that wrong) which is apparently a great vacation destination. And in South Africa, after like mid-December, all offices close until like mid-January (including schools!).
Joshua (Brandon and Natalie's son) got his school uniform for next year's grade 1! He was so excited and put it on and I took some pictures which I will upload later.
Well, that's all for now. Will write again soon! xoxo
In December, Donovan's uncle is letting us stay at his holiday house for a week while he is in America. He is visiting America because his son is currently going to school there (I think at Columbia). The house is in Zimbalie (probably totally spelled that wrong) which is apparently a great vacation destination. And in South Africa, after like mid-December, all offices close until like mid-January (including schools!).
Joshua (Brandon and Natalie's son) got his school uniform for next year's grade 1! He was so excited and put it on and I took some pictures which I will upload later.
Well, that's all for now. Will write again soon! xoxo
Friday, November 13, 2009
What I do etc
There has been a request for me to further explain what it is I do at work...
Donovan's sister, Natalie (who we are staying with) and his brother-in-law, Brandon own a gardening/landscaping company called Four Seasons Gardens. My job is to call different golf/residential, estates, casinos, etc. to see if we can come give them a quote to do their gardens. When estates go "up for tender" it means that a bunch of companies go and get a tour of the estate and what needs to be done and then all give a quote for their services. Then they would sign a contract for a year or 3 years work. So even if an estate isn't up for tender right now, I am creating a calendar so we will know when to call to get on their "tender list" whether it be next year or in 2013!
Other than that I keep forgetting to mention that Donovan quit smoking! He hasn't smoked for 2 months now! Congrats to him!
We are going to Oumas' (grandmas) for lunch today. Tonight we are going to Central Grill which is like a hip bar place. Tomorrow we are going to dinner and a movie with Donovan's friend, Greg, and his girlfriend, Donna.
It is SO hot today--only 85F but feels hotter. I took a spin class yesterday and was the only one that showed up so it was so scary just me and the instructor. I still need to put up pictures...will do that as soon as I can. but here is one below just for a teaser...have a great weekend everyone...I miss you all soooo much! Will probably be home around January 10th and I think Donovan will be heading to Canada for 2-3 months but we will see...you know how the plans always change...
Donovan's sister, Natalie (who we are staying with) and his brother-in-law, Brandon own a gardening/landscaping company called Four Seasons Gardens. My job is to call different golf/residential, estates, casinos, etc. to see if we can come give them a quote to do their gardens. When estates go "up for tender" it means that a bunch of companies go and get a tour of the estate and what needs to be done and then all give a quote for their services. Then they would sign a contract for a year or 3 years work. So even if an estate isn't up for tender right now, I am creating a calendar so we will know when to call to get on their "tender list" whether it be next year or in 2013!
Other than that I keep forgetting to mention that Donovan quit smoking! He hasn't smoked for 2 months now! Congrats to him!
We are going to Oumas' (grandmas) for lunch today. Tonight we are going to Central Grill which is like a hip bar place. Tomorrow we are going to dinner and a movie with Donovan's friend, Greg, and his girlfriend, Donna.
It is SO hot today--only 85F but feels hotter. I took a spin class yesterday and was the only one that showed up so it was so scary just me and the instructor. I still need to put up pictures...will do that as soon as I can. but here is one below just for a teaser...have a great weekend everyone...I miss you all soooo much! Will probably be home around January 10th and I think Donovan will be heading to Canada for 2-3 months but we will see...you know how the plans always change...
us at Sun City: 
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
South Africa
Well, I have been here for nearly a month now and it has just flown by! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous minus the occasional hail storm :-). I don't even know where to start since I haven't written in so long. Last week, we spent the week in Sun City and it was AMAZING. We stayed a week at the Vacation Club which is like a self-catering family part and then the weekend in the Cascades/Palace. We layed out in the sun everyday and went to the Casino and ate out and relaxed and swam and drank and did what anyone would do on vacation. I got a bit of a tan and would have more if it weren't for my constant re-application of SPF 50. I got a little burnt on my stomach and I got a bee sting on my arm the last day which is swollen since I didn't get all of the poinson/stinger out.
One morning we had breakfast at The Palace. It is rated one of the best hotels and breakfasts in the world. The breakfast is 180 Rand each which is like $25 but well worth it! They have every kind of juice (including smoothies), every kind of cheese, meat, cereal, danish, someone making omelttes, someone making "pancakes" (crepes) and waffles, a sushi bar, oysters, every kind of fruit you could think of (I got to try lots of new ones!), etc etc etc. I ate so much that I wasn't even hungry until dinner! Had to get my money's worth!
We divided our time between 3 pools: the pool at the Cascades, the pool at the Palace and the pool at the Vacation Club. On our trip was of course, me and Donovan, Natalie and Brandon and Jordan and Joshua. Also, Natalie and Brandon's friends' Janine and David came with their kids, Dana and Dillian. The Cascades pool and Vacation Club pool are gorgeous pools but nothing compares to the Palace. People bring you towels and lay them on the super comfortable lounge chairs...they bring you drinks and people go around giving massages. I didn't get one at the Palace but I did have a back/neck/shoulder massage at the spa one day.
Donovan and I have started to learn Roulette so we have been playing that. I only play black or red and I'm up like 400 RAND and Donovan is up like 1500 RAND because he plays for real.
I've met some more of Donovan's friends. We went to his friend Sheldon's farm which is cool because he has like 10 dogs, horses, chickens, ducks, etc etc.
I have been working half days at the office searching for estates, casinos, etc to try and get a landscaping/gardening/maintenance contract there. The kids here don't have to wear shoes to school! Can you believe it?! Well at least while they are young...
I will post my many pictures up later on....
xoxo
One morning we had breakfast at The Palace. It is rated one of the best hotels and breakfasts in the world. The breakfast is 180 Rand each which is like $25 but well worth it! They have every kind of juice (including smoothies), every kind of cheese, meat, cereal, danish, someone making omelttes, someone making "pancakes" (crepes) and waffles, a sushi bar, oysters, every kind of fruit you could think of (I got to try lots of new ones!), etc etc etc. I ate so much that I wasn't even hungry until dinner! Had to get my money's worth!
We divided our time between 3 pools: the pool at the Cascades, the pool at the Palace and the pool at the Vacation Club. On our trip was of course, me and Donovan, Natalie and Brandon and Jordan and Joshua. Also, Natalie and Brandon's friends' Janine and David came with their kids, Dana and Dillian. The Cascades pool and Vacation Club pool are gorgeous pools but nothing compares to the Palace. People bring you towels and lay them on the super comfortable lounge chairs...they bring you drinks and people go around giving massages. I didn't get one at the Palace but I did have a back/neck/shoulder massage at the spa one day.
Donovan and I have started to learn Roulette so we have been playing that. I only play black or red and I'm up like 400 RAND and Donovan is up like 1500 RAND because he plays for real.
I've met some more of Donovan's friends. We went to his friend Sheldon's farm which is cool because he has like 10 dogs, horses, chickens, ducks, etc etc.
I have been working half days at the office searching for estates, casinos, etc to try and get a landscaping/gardening/maintenance contract there. The kids here don't have to wear shoes to school! Can you believe it?! Well at least while they are young...
I will post my many pictures up later on....
xoxo
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