Getting all hot and sweaty has always been one of my favourite past-times – but not in the gym. I’ve done my time there, cycling like a demon, climbing the imaginary stairway to heaven, rowing till I drop but not going anywhere. I’ve tried the scheduled classes of yoga, Pilate’s, aerobics, bum and thigh work-outs but they just don’t do it for me. Inspiration came in the form of a famous Olympic swimmer. While trapping away on my own private Agrus, this Adonis emerged from the water. Body gleaming, shimmering, dripping wet, accentuating every muscle in his delicious torso, I peddled on for another few hundred immaginary meters, just watching. He made it look so easy. So, I bought a suitable costume, cap and goggles. Not a pretty sight. I was aware that everyone could watch me as I disrobed and made my way into the pool as fast as I could without slipping and making a complete ass of myself.

The first session didn’t last long, at all. I did 4 lengths of the pool ending up in the “deep” end. i did this on purpose, so that I could, nonchalantly remove my goggles, sinking chest deep into the water, so as not to display my heaving chest, while gasping for breath.

But things got better. I am now able to do 600m without stopping or kicking off from the wall. Getting the chlorine smell of yourself is another matter. Even though there are always cleaning staff around, doing their thing, the showers just freak me out. No chance. I dry myself off as much as I can, battle my way into my track suite and head home.

Husband asks why I dont just swim in the pool at home. Given the fact that I’m not supposed to kick off from the wall after turning around, I’d be swimming in circles.

• I have lived a long and happy life, doing some smart things along the way and some not so smart things…here are a few of the not-so-smart things..

Should anyone come looking for me, you can find me  here – http://www.onelongminute.com

These photos were taken in 2003. Once again,  neglect has taken it’s toll. One hopes that these places have seen some investment, in the mean time, providing employment for the people in the area….

My great uncle, who was Chief Magistrate of the Transkei in the 1950’s, lived there. Do you know it, Mj?

I know, I know…its very small but just click on the image to enlarge…

South African Genealogy

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Notices stating that cameras and other recording devices would be banned from the Cape Town Archives from Friday 14th September, 2007 were posted at the archives this afternoon (Thursday 13th September, 2007).

No explanation is provided on these posters but it would seem that copies of documents may now only be ordered from the archives staff for a fee. No details on costs are as yet available.   As soon as this information is made available it will be published on this site.                 

http://www.sagenealogy.co.za/Archives%20Poster.htm

Isn’t this against the Constitution? To deny free access to information?? Please go the the site given above and cast you vote, if you are at all interrested…

 Some of SA’s best kept “public” secrets – the Wild coast and Machadadorp district. I had the priviledge of growing up In the Transkei in the 70’s,  having weekends and long holidays all along the Wild Coast as a youngster. Looking back, I now know that youth is wasted on the young.  

I cannot take credit for the contents of this post but it is thought provoking…

“This can be shown by countries like India & Egypt, that are more than 2000 years old and are poor.

On the other hand, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, that 150 years ago were inexpressive, today are developed countries and are rich.

The difference between poor & rich countries does not reside in the available
natural resources.

Japan has a limited territory, 80% mountainous, inadequate for agriculture & cattle raising, but it is the second world economy. The country is like an immense floating factory, importing raw material from the whole world and exporting manufactured products.

Another example is Switzerland, which does not plant cocoa but has the best chocolate of the world.
In its little territory they raise animals and plant the soil during 4 months per year.
Not enough, they produce dairy products of the best quality.
It is a small country that transmits an image of security, order and labor, which made it the world’s strong safe.

Executives from rich countries who communicate with their counterparts in poor countries show that there is no significant intellectual difference.

Race or skin color are also not important: immigrants labeled lazy in their countries of origin are the productive power in rich European countries.

1. Ethics, as a basic principle.
2. Integrity.
3. Responsibility.
4. Respect to the law and order.
5. Respect to the rights of other citizens.
6. Work loving.
7. Strive for saving and investment.
8. Will of super action.
9. Punctuality.

In poor countries, only a minority follow these basic principles in their daily life.
We are not poor because we lack natural resources or because nature was cruel to us.
We are poor because we lack attitude.

We lack the will to comply with and teach these functional principles of rich and developed societies.
If you do not forward this message nothing will happen to you. Your pet will not die, you will not be fired, you will not have bad luck for seven years and also you will not get sick.

If you love your country, let this message circulate for a major quantity of people could reflect about this & CHANGE, ACT!!”