...at least in public.
Out of deference to all your finer feelings I am trying to stop clicking my knuckles. I love clicking the joints in my fingers, just so you know. And the link between it and arthritis is inconclusive. But I will from now one just be clicking happily in my own company. And in the company of my deskmate who doesn't care.
PATTOTE: Better living through a nice snapping knuckle.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Dreamy Beatles
I had the craziest dream the other morning. I was at a huge festival of some sort and I was surrounded by The Beatles (minus John). They were young and still had their 60s haircuts, but were dressed in clothes for our time. Oh and George's hair was nattily moussed and gelled. Anyway, they're getting ready to go up on stage to perform (for me!). I very firmly tell them I want George to sing, because he's my favourite (he still is). Ringo gets all upset and they all start fighting.
PATTOTE: Better living through The Great Goat. Even The Beatles can't get enough of me!
PATTOTE: Better living through The Great Goat. Even The Beatles can't get enough of me!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Cricket World Cup
So my world cup fever is starting. I'm being positive but I think SA are in with the best chance they've had so far. We thumped Pakistan and India this past season, and are showing consistency in bowling, batting and fielding. And finally we're leading from the front rather than getting into trouble and relying on the middle order to rescue us. This could be our year!
The 15-man squad will be announced tonight. Here's who I'm picking and what I think of their abilities:
1) Graeme Smith (Finally found form. It's so vital for Smith to lead from the front, and with AB de Villiers in as well, he's needed to stabilise the top order. I'm grateful that he's stopped sending himself into bowl, because that always smacked of desperation).
2) AB de Villiers (I'm a huge fan. He's a gorgeous stroke player and lovely to watch. He's also come back from the doldrums of the India tour. His biggest failings can be put down to youth. He goes out in stupid ways because he picks the wrong balls or finds himself on the wrong foot. He looks like he's been working really hard and it's been paying off. And let's not forget his amazing fielding).
3) Jacques Kallis (There's no question here. And last night's game was just one more illustration that if he wants to he can belt 4s and 6s all over the place. He's allowed himself to gather a reputation of a slogger. I hope he'll let himself take a few more risks. His bowling is pinpoint accurate as well. Even when he's not taking wickets (which he has been of late, 2 in the game at Wanderers) he is economical. Worth his weight in gold).
4) Herchelle Gibbs (Can't leave him out, he's the fielder they can't go without. But oy, his batting record has been spotty. We'll see, because when he bats, he bats. 438 anyone?).
5) Ashwell Prince (He's developed the reputation as one of our middle order rescue guys, a reputation we hopefully won't need. He's nippy between the wickets, and with one of the big hitters on the other end - like Justin Kemp - is perfectly capable of winning a game on his own. Once again, let's hope we won't need him to do that. Every team needs a dependable unflashy player; Prince is ours).
6) Shaun Pollock (Do I really need to justify his place in the team? Oh, ok. Accurate, lethal, can swing the ball on a pitch that does nothing for anyone else, and can bat as if his life depends on it. 5/23. That was his most recent haul. From a man they were calling a has-been a year ago).
7) Mark Boucher (As indispensable as Pollock. His keeping skills are rock solid and his batting is inspired).
8) Justin Kemp (He's made a name for himself as the big hitter and has been compared to the awesome Brian McMillan. And his bowling goes as unsung as Big Mac's did. He took 2 wickets yesterday and has been making breakthroughs throughout the season. I think he's a useful change bowler and they should use his heeeeuuuuuggggeness more - he can thump a 6 out of the park).
9) Andrew Hall (Floats in and out of the team but always performs. He can bat and his bowling at the lower order is always productive. He pins them down and gets them out. He's going to be very valuable in the attack in the West Indies for his ability to restrict runs.)
10) André Nel (I've never been a fan of Nel, who often falls on the ludicrous side of aggression. But the man get's wickets. He'll have to, have to, have to work on his accuracy though. Extras lose matches).
11) Makhaya Ntini (As indispensable as Pollock. He's fast, he's innovative and he's good. He can also rotate the strike should we run out of batsman).
12) Charl Langeveldt (Has worked hard to become a really good death bowler. Can also bat if needs be. Also takes catches regularly. He'll play an important role if they allow him to).
13) Paul Harris (I haven't seen a lot of him but I think he's a spinner worth watching. The only really good and effective spinner we've ever had was Pat Symcox. I think Harris shows talent and he could be very useful).
14) Roger Telemachus (He's been tried and tested and he's fairly dependable as a backup bowler. He can get punished quite badly though because of bad line and length. But he's useful with a bat and adds depth to the lineup).
15) Robin Petersen (I'm not a fan. I don't think he's lived up to expectation but he spins the ball. And has performed with the bat in the past. We need another spinner but I think I'd rather go with the unproven but more exciting Harris).
PATTOTE: Better living through CRICKET! I'm very excited.
The 15-man squad will be announced tonight. Here's who I'm picking and what I think of their abilities:
1) Graeme Smith (Finally found form. It's so vital for Smith to lead from the front, and with AB de Villiers in as well, he's needed to stabilise the top order. I'm grateful that he's stopped sending himself into bowl, because that always smacked of desperation).
2) AB de Villiers (I'm a huge fan. He's a gorgeous stroke player and lovely to watch. He's also come back from the doldrums of the India tour. His biggest failings can be put down to youth. He goes out in stupid ways because he picks the wrong balls or finds himself on the wrong foot. He looks like he's been working really hard and it's been paying off. And let's not forget his amazing fielding).
3) Jacques Kallis (There's no question here. And last night's game was just one more illustration that if he wants to he can belt 4s and 6s all over the place. He's allowed himself to gather a reputation of a slogger. I hope he'll let himself take a few more risks. His bowling is pinpoint accurate as well. Even when he's not taking wickets (which he has been of late, 2 in the game at Wanderers) he is economical. Worth his weight in gold).
4) Herchelle Gibbs (Can't leave him out, he's the fielder they can't go without. But oy, his batting record has been spotty. We'll see, because when he bats, he bats. 438 anyone?).
5) Ashwell Prince (He's developed the reputation as one of our middle order rescue guys, a reputation we hopefully won't need. He's nippy between the wickets, and with one of the big hitters on the other end - like Justin Kemp - is perfectly capable of winning a game on his own. Once again, let's hope we won't need him to do that. Every team needs a dependable unflashy player; Prince is ours).
6) Shaun Pollock (Do I really need to justify his place in the team? Oh, ok. Accurate, lethal, can swing the ball on a pitch that does nothing for anyone else, and can bat as if his life depends on it. 5/23. That was his most recent haul. From a man they were calling a has-been a year ago).
7) Mark Boucher (As indispensable as Pollock. His keeping skills are rock solid and his batting is inspired).
8) Justin Kemp (He's made a name for himself as the big hitter and has been compared to the awesome Brian McMillan. And his bowling goes as unsung as Big Mac's did. He took 2 wickets yesterday and has been making breakthroughs throughout the season. I think he's a useful change bowler and they should use his heeeeuuuuuggggeness more - he can thump a 6 out of the park).
9) Andrew Hall (Floats in and out of the team but always performs. He can bat and his bowling at the lower order is always productive. He pins them down and gets them out. He's going to be very valuable in the attack in the West Indies for his ability to restrict runs.)
10) André Nel (I've never been a fan of Nel, who often falls on the ludicrous side of aggression. But the man get's wickets. He'll have to, have to, have to work on his accuracy though. Extras lose matches).
11) Makhaya Ntini (As indispensable as Pollock. He's fast, he's innovative and he's good. He can also rotate the strike should we run out of batsman).
12) Charl Langeveldt (Has worked hard to become a really good death bowler. Can also bat if needs be. Also takes catches regularly. He'll play an important role if they allow him to).
13) Paul Harris (I haven't seen a lot of him but I think he's a spinner worth watching. The only really good and effective spinner we've ever had was Pat Symcox. I think Harris shows talent and he could be very useful).
14) Roger Telemachus (He's been tried and tested and he's fairly dependable as a backup bowler. He can get punished quite badly though because of bad line and length. But he's useful with a bat and adds depth to the lineup).
15) Robin Petersen (I'm not a fan. I don't think he's lived up to expectation but he spins the ball. And has performed with the bat in the past. We need another spinner but I think I'd rather go with the unproven but more exciting Harris).
PATTOTE: Better living through CRICKET! I'm very excited.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
My First Poem
When I was five I took part in a poetry eisteddfod. I had to memorise a poem, stand up in a long room and declaim it to the best of my dramatic ability. I remember one little girl (frizzy red hair, Christelle maybe?) bursting into tears. Yes, I was an insufferably smug little brat. Anyway, I still remember the poem:
"Ek tel my katjie op my skoot
en streel haar sagte pels.
Woer, wir, woer, wir spin sy,
dis hoe sy met my gesêls."
I practised it clutching a little white stuffed cat; The Mother and The Father claimed props would aid the drama. "Ek tel!!!!! My Katjie!!!! Op!!!! My skoooooot!!!!" or something to that effect. Never has a cat been more movingly stroked. Or painfully strangled. Your call.
For my non-Afrikaans speaking readers: I put my kitty on my lap, and stroke her soft fur. Voer, vir, voer, vir, she purrs. That's how she talks to me.
"Ek tel my katjie op my skoot
en streel haar sagte pels.
Woer, wir, woer, wir spin sy,
dis hoe sy met my gesêls."
I practised it clutching a little white stuffed cat; The Mother and The Father claimed props would aid the drama. "Ek tel!!!!! My Katjie!!!! Op!!!! My skoooooot!!!!" or something to that effect. Never has a cat been more movingly stroked. Or painfully strangled. Your call.
For my non-Afrikaans speaking readers: I put my kitty on my lap, and stroke her soft fur. Voer, vir, voer, vir, she purrs. That's how she talks to me.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Nothing to add
I have nothing really to add today, other than to say come Monday I will be trying to post everyday, whether I have anything to say or not. I know, you're all reeling in disbelief, but occasionally even I have nothing to say. In the meantime I'm planning my weekend. This will include sleeping, chocolate, packing, repacking, cutting myself on cardboard boxes, getting wrapped in masking tape and watching the cricket on Sunday.
For those you playing at home, I'll be the one wearing the green helmet.
PATTOTE: Better living through doing nothing.
For those you playing at home, I'll be the one wearing the green helmet.
PATTOTE: Better living through doing nothing.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Waa's daai?
I met a brand new taxi driver this morning. He was all bright and shiny and had a new car smell about him and everything. He stayed under the speed limit. He checked his blindspot! Everytime the guard told him what the next stop was he asked: "Waa's daai?" And all the passengers sighed. It was a long trip.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Woohoo!
The final Harry Potter book is being released on July 21 this year.
Where will I be then? Must pre-order!
The final Harry Potter book is being released on July 21 this year.
Where will I be then? Must pre-order!
On the Move
Yesterday brought several surprises:
1) My citizenship application to the UK will take 4-5 months, not the 3 months originally stated.
2) When it eventually is processed my passport will take another 6 weeks.
3) My lease ends earlier than I thought so I have to be out of my flat end of Feb.
4) I can only ship my stuff in April so it has to be stored until then.
5) I may still be stuck in South Africa in June because my South African passport is in the clutches of the nefarious British Home Office.
All in all, not the best fun day ever. Thankfully, I've found a furnished month-to-month let from beginning of March, so that's one thing off my mind. It means living with just a suitcase of clothes for God only knows how long, but I can deal with that. Someone at work is also happy to take care of my boxes until I can get my shipping organised. Der Fuhrer is skipping at the fact that he doesn't have to interview anybody yet to replace me. I just want to leee-aaaa-vvvv-eee.
1) My citizenship application to the UK will take 4-5 months, not the 3 months originally stated.
2) When it eventually is processed my passport will take another 6 weeks.
3) My lease ends earlier than I thought so I have to be out of my flat end of Feb.
4) I can only ship my stuff in April so it has to be stored until then.
5) I may still be stuck in South Africa in June because my South African passport is in the clutches of the nefarious British Home Office.
All in all, not the best fun day ever. Thankfully, I've found a furnished month-to-month let from beginning of March, so that's one thing off my mind. It means living with just a suitcase of clothes for God only knows how long, but I can deal with that. Someone at work is also happy to take care of my boxes until I can get my shipping organised. Der Fuhrer is skipping at the fact that he doesn't have to interview anybody yet to replace me. I just want to leee-aaaa-vvvv-eee.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Traitor
I am the Benedict Arnold of bibliophiles.
I've started to sell off my books.
To cull the herd.
I don't want to talk about it.
All I'll say is that emigrating had better be worth it.
I've started to sell off my books.
To cull the herd.
I don't want to talk about it.
All I'll say is that emigrating had better be worth it.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Deeply ashamed
I'm a very bad person. Even though I consider myself socially aware and environmentally conscious, when I checked out my biological footprint I discovered that I am personally using 7.3 hectares of space every day to live:
CATEGORY GLOBAL HECTARES
FOOD 0.7
MOBILITY 1.5
SHELTER 1.5
GOODS/SERVICES 3.6
TOTAL FOOTPRINT 7.3
IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY IS 4.3 GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON. WORLDWIDE, THERE EXIST 1.8 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON.
IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 4.1 PLANETS.
Holy ecological disaster, Batman!
CATEGORY GLOBAL HECTARES
FOOD 0.7
MOBILITY 1.5
SHELTER 1.5
GOODS/SERVICES 3.6
TOTAL FOOTPRINT 7.3
IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY IS 4.3 GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON. WORLDWIDE, THERE EXIST 1.8 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON.
IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 4.1 PLANETS.
Holy ecological disaster, Batman!
Resolution #2: The F-Word
Using the f-word is not a suitable alternative to a failure of imagination. You're smart, come up with something else. You're tough, deal with the situation. Maybe meditate? Who the fuck knows. Actually, never mind. This resolution is bound to fail, because sometimes shouting FUCK loudly is the only thing to do.
PATTOTE: Better living through smarter adjectives, and the occasional: "Oh for fuck's sake."
PATTOTE: Better living through smarter adjectives, and the occasional: "Oh for fuck's sake."
Friday, January 19, 2007
It's very hard to explain
Now, the thing you need to know about me, Great Goat and future leader of the world, is that I am not particularly maternal. I don't hate children with a fire-breathing rage or anything, but I have limited patience with brattiness and whining gives me a headache. So I have an ambivalent attitude towards having my own kids. Being told, "You'll change your mind when you have your own," bugs the shit out of me, because it just makes me want to say screw you all, this oven is closed for business. But yeah, I can take or leave procreation.
But God, I love my nephew. I haven't even met Jamie yet but I'm totally fascinated by this tiny person who represents the next generation of my family. I love that he's apparently developing Ellis ears (see dumbo-esque), that from certain angles he's the double of my sister, from others the double of his dad. I've never had any sort of exposure to kids growing so I'm flabbergasted at how fast they develop and how much personality they seem to have at such a young age. And sure, I'm eagerly awaiting the day I can start the long process of indoctrination (Cool auntie Elize, not so cool auntie ****, cool auntie Elize, not so cool auntie ****).
I guess I'm just looking forward to being an aunt. I'd rather he just call me Elize though.
But God, I love my nephew. I haven't even met Jamie yet but I'm totally fascinated by this tiny person who represents the next generation of my family. I love that he's apparently developing Ellis ears (see dumbo-esque), that from certain angles he's the double of my sister, from others the double of his dad. I've never had any sort of exposure to kids growing so I'm flabbergasted at how fast they develop and how much personality they seem to have at such a young age. And sure, I'm eagerly awaiting the day I can start the long process of indoctrination (Cool auntie Elize, not so cool auntie ****, cool auntie Elize, not so cool auntie ****).
I guess I'm just looking forward to being an aunt. I'd rather he just call me Elize though.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Corporate Paedophilia
I read an article in the Cape Times recently about underwear lines available in South Africa for girls under ten. This underwear include bras for children as young as two. Yes. Two. Retailers have defended the articles as "what the customers want". One of panties available for little girls had the words "spoil me" with an image of black cat on it. What kind of customer wants to put that on a 5-year-old?
The tshirts for children with words like "Broken Flower", "Porn Star", or "First Desire" are barely noticed anymore, but are a frightening example of the hypersexualisation of prepubescent girls.
Yes, girls do develop early in some cases, and yes there should definitely be lines available to them. But no baby needs a bra. And the article discovered that while the average girl's first bra would be a 32A, what the companies are selling is only 25 inches. This is not recognised in the industry and can damage a young child's soft tissue.
In a country with such a high incidence of crimes against children, why would we want to encourage girls to send out messages they don't understand? I'm not in any way saying they're "asking for it". I'm just saying that there are disgusting psychos out there, and instead of finding the happy medium between baby clothes and slutty kid's clothing, the big clothing companies are encouraging an environment where children can be exploited because they don't know any better and their parents just don't care.
The tshirts for children with words like "Broken Flower", "Porn Star", or "First Desire" are barely noticed anymore, but are a frightening example of the hypersexualisation of prepubescent girls.
Yes, girls do develop early in some cases, and yes there should definitely be lines available to them. But no baby needs a bra. And the article discovered that while the average girl's first bra would be a 32A, what the companies are selling is only 25 inches. This is not recognised in the industry and can damage a young child's soft tissue.
In a country with such a high incidence of crimes against children, why would we want to encourage girls to send out messages they don't understand? I'm not in any way saying they're "asking for it". I'm just saying that there are disgusting psychos out there, and instead of finding the happy medium between baby clothes and slutty kid's clothing, the big clothing companies are encouraging an environment where children can be exploited because they don't know any better and their parents just don't care.
Alexander McCall Smith
I've just finished 44 Scotland Street and am rapidly working through the 21/2 Pillars of Wisdom, after polishing off the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, and I have to say, I love him. His books are such a lovely breath of fresh air, and I deeply appreciate the fact that he can make me laugh out loud.
I think it's the graceful simplicity of his stories and writing that appeal to me most. They're human and interesting but completely unpretentious. Pretentiousness is actually the punchline of many of his jokes. Making fun of people who think they're a cut above everyone else or know absolutely everything are beautifully characterised and then completely eviscerated.
21/2 Pillars of Wisdom is not my favourite of his books, but highlights in parts what is used to great effect in the rest of his work. Nothing really happens; it's like Seinfeld with three Germans. A blundering fool, fixated on the wrong priorities, convinced of his own superiority, and the trouble he gets into as a result. Will he learn from his mistakes? Will he even be able to recognise them? That is Smith's genius right there.
PATTOTE: Better living through the fictional lampooning of people we hate in real life.
I think it's the graceful simplicity of his stories and writing that appeal to me most. They're human and interesting but completely unpretentious. Pretentiousness is actually the punchline of many of his jokes. Making fun of people who think they're a cut above everyone else or know absolutely everything are beautifully characterised and then completely eviscerated.
21/2 Pillars of Wisdom is not my favourite of his books, but highlights in parts what is used to great effect in the rest of his work. Nothing really happens; it's like Seinfeld with three Germans. A blundering fool, fixated on the wrong priorities, convinced of his own superiority, and the trouble he gets into as a result. Will he learn from his mistakes? Will he even be able to recognise them? That is Smith's genius right there.
PATTOTE: Better living through the fictional lampooning of people we hate in real life.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
P(re) M(enstrual) S(cariness)
Every month I fall into the Slough of Despond, a big scary pit of very sad darkness which for one days looks inescapable. And every time I fall into the Pit of Very Sad Darkness™ I'm convinced there's no escape and that I'm going nutty.
Of course, this is total crap and by the next day I'm a little morose but just groovy again. And then I forget about it for a whole month and freak myself out when it happens again. So this time I'm blogging it, and I'm laying in a store of Evening Primrose Oil for the next time. I'm very tired of the Pit of Very Sad Darkness™.
PATTOTE: Better living through other suggestions for combating PMS. And unpanicking The Mother who, on reading this post ,will freak out.
Of course, this is total crap and by the next day I'm a little morose but just groovy again. And then I forget about it for a whole month and freak myself out when it happens again. So this time I'm blogging it, and I'm laying in a store of Evening Primrose Oil for the next time. I'm very tired of the Pit of Very Sad Darkness™.
PATTOTE: Better living through other suggestions for combating PMS. And unpanicking The Mother who, on reading this post ,will freak out.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Jane Austen's Life
I've just finished Claire Tomalin's biography, Jane Austen: A life. I really enjoyed it. Tomalin's writing is well researched without being too academic, and very accessible.
However, I think she places too much emphasis on certain aspects of Austen's life, so I don't agree with all her conclusions. If Austen feared abandonment, it was predominantly due to her being sent away to school so early, rather than being put out to nurse. I know Tomalin draws on both of these, but I put more faith in the second factor.
That said, I think she did a brilliant job investigating a really enigmatic woman, supported by research into the family and the times. It's not just a biography of Austen, but of Austen's England, and Austen's family - all of which feature so heavily in her work. To understand one is to know the other and that's well demonstrated.
I also enjoyed reading more about Aussten's character. Her narrative style is so sly and witty, and it was so lovely to see that part borne out in her life.
My visit to Chawton and Bath last year really brought the story alive too. I want to go back there, as well as go to Steventon and Winchester Cathedral.
Now, until I find collections of her letters, I'll carry on rereading her novels. It's fascinating how you can read her work at 16, and then again at 25, and come away with such completely different opinions of her characters and plots. She's a tricky, intelligent writer. I admire any author who can make you like and hate somebody at the same time. Yes, Fanny Price, I'm glaring at you.
Next up: Howard's End by EM Forster
PATTOTE: Better living through books, books, books.
However, I think she places too much emphasis on certain aspects of Austen's life, so I don't agree with all her conclusions. If Austen feared abandonment, it was predominantly due to her being sent away to school so early, rather than being put out to nurse. I know Tomalin draws on both of these, but I put more faith in the second factor.
That said, I think she did a brilliant job investigating a really enigmatic woman, supported by research into the family and the times. It's not just a biography of Austen, but of Austen's England, and Austen's family - all of which feature so heavily in her work. To understand one is to know the other and that's well demonstrated.
I also enjoyed reading more about Aussten's character. Her narrative style is so sly and witty, and it was so lovely to see that part borne out in her life.
My visit to Chawton and Bath last year really brought the story alive too. I want to go back there, as well as go to Steventon and Winchester Cathedral.
Now, until I find collections of her letters, I'll carry on rereading her novels. It's fascinating how you can read her work at 16, and then again at 25, and come away with such completely different opinions of her characters and plots. She's a tricky, intelligent writer. I admire any author who can make you like and hate somebody at the same time. Yes, Fanny Price, I'm glaring at you.
Next up: Howard's End by EM Forster
PATTOTE: Better living through books, books, books.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Resolution #1: Be more subtle
Subtlety is not a dead art apparently. And when some bizarro random character wanders over to you and Leigh, 30 seconds after you made under-your-breath comments about how said character should never ever tuck his lumo green tshirt into his jeans, and starts chatting you both up despite admitting that he is in fact unemployed and cheap, it's probably a better idea to only start laughing AFTER he's out of earshot or your direct line of sight.
PATTOTE: Better living by being nice to random characters who could turn out to be axe murderers should you laugh at them.
PATTOTE: Better living by being nice to random characters who could turn out to be axe murderers should you laugh at them.
Christmas Helmet
All I've ever wanted was a cricket helmet. I want to wear it as South Africa powers through the world cup. And I love the grille bit in front. I can't explain the longing, but I've wanted one ever since that poignant school holiday when I turned into a cricket nut, much to The Father's interest.
So imagine my surprise and wild delight when the greatest friend ever gave me this:
How much do I rock right now? It even has my name on it!
PATTOTE: Better living through custom made cricket helmets
So imagine my surprise and wild delight when the greatest friend ever gave me this:
How much do I rock right now? It even has my name on it!
PATTOTE: Better living through custom made cricket helmets
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Free books!
Kind of, anyway... I finally got onto the bookcrossing bandwagon when I discovered an official bookcrossing zone at the Coffeebean in Rondebosch on New Year's Day. I always keep a death grip on my own books, which is why I have about ten boxes of them to ship overseas for the Great Exodus of 2007. However, I'm coming round to the idea of releasing a few select ones into the wild and keeping track of them via bookcrossing.com
I released one today in Charley's Bakery on Roeland Street (and comforted myself with a shortbread biscuit). It looked so tiny and lonely and defenceless - even if it was only a rather shitty Silhouette book.
PATTOTE: Better living through free books and freeing books.
I released one today in Charley's Bakery on Roeland Street (and comforted myself with a shortbread biscuit). It looked so tiny and lonely and defenceless - even if it was only a rather shitty Silhouette book.
PATTOTE: Better living through free books and freeing books.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Good Vibrations
So a friend and I decided to go vibrator shopping at this nifty "sensuality" shop around the corner from my office. Not Adult World, which is cheap and nasty with oddly second-hand looking products. We wandered off to Whet, talking a mile a minute as per usual. We're still yapping as we breeze past the saleswoman behind the counter and come to a standstill in front of the wall o' vibrators. And all of a sudden...silence...as thoughts of "how the hell does that fit?" and "what does the kitty shaped attachment do?" flitted through our heads. The saleswoman (who had snuck up behind us by this point) had a good laugh and said that wall does it to everybody. They come in yapping and are stunned into silence. Fun shopping trip all round.
PATTOTE: Better living through...
PATTOTE: Better living through...
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