Broody…the dreaded symptom

So we all reach a time in our lives that makes us feel ok with where we are at in life. We got a job…car…a roof over our head…a caring partner – not necessarily in that order of course. But we feel content. Then something very bizarre comes over us women…it’s a symptom that is indescribable…and can be as surprising to the recipient as it is to the participating team player.

If you describe a young woman as broody, you mean that she wants to have a baby and she keeps thinking about it.

I recently got told by a friend that she is obsessing about having a baby. She mentioned how her point of view on life has changed: you see yourself looking at prams, babies’ clothes, and start ooogling when you see other people with their babies. When the symptoms get real bad you start seeing babies on most of the television ads and programs – instead of the intention of the message.

Suddenly all people that you bump into, have a ‘little person’ addition to their family. The obsessing starts and what is more fearful is that the team player may not feel the same way. So it becomes a secret self-indulgence party....drummmm rollllll...and you are the host. What is going on?!?!?! That my friend…is the baby syndrome and there may be no turning back or cure.

It’s amazing how our outlook on life changes as we get older, not too long ago we are obsessing about Barbies, getting the Spice Girls CD or wearing a name brand Levi’s jeans. I suppose it is all about growing up, which for some, growing up is optional. Childbirth is an amazing thing and when the time comes round…you will be sure to know it is a blessing (not too sure about the labour pains though).

Blow that horn

After reading the blog from Roxy Poxy, http://roxylaker.wordpress.com, about the tweets from Blue Spi, http://twitter.com/Bluespi, it got me so infuriated at the ignorance of the guy. The lack of knowledge about the South African culture was enough to have this guy act like a complete idiot. He’s limited vocabulary showcased how small minded, vulgar and racist he is. All of which society at large could do without. It’s amazing how quick the world is to judge South Africans about how uncivilized we are but this guy does no better in my opinion.

So in defense of the all mighty Vuvuzela I thought it was apt to shed some light on our soccer memorabilia – which is exactly what it is. The Cape Times last week, wrote a story on how the Vuvuzela is taking the world by storm. iPhone has developed an application for download which showcases the Vuvuzela in all it’s glory. While many complain about the noise, the Vuvuzela sound has been downloaded more that a million times. According to www.news24.com, the app has been a run away hit. "It's the Vuvuzela jackpot," said Jeroen Retrae, co-designer of the iVuvuzela at http://moblio.nl/. After gaining only a few thousand downloads since its launch eight months ago, downloads exploded after the start of the tournament, mostly from the United Kingdom, Germany and France.

The Vuvuzela has become the Soccer World Cup trend on Twitter, according to FIFA; the Vuvuzela Moment officially caused the "first ever" World Cup-related trending topic on Twitter.The official FIFA World Cup Twitter account, FIFAWorldCupTM, with around 57 000 followers, joined the action, tweeting "thank you South Africa" and claiming that "the first World Cup related trending topic on Twitter has arrived! The #Vuvuzela is a trending topic".

If the Vuvuzela was such a bitter pill to swallow, why would UK Sainsbury make it part of their product line? According to a spokesperson for the group, so far they have sold 40 000 Vuvuzelas, at £2 each. "We figured that it was going to be part of the World Cup given that it is such a traditional instrument for South Africa," spokesperson Thomas Knorpp told Sapa. Sainsbury has reported that they have sold over 40 000 since May 19. While Blue Spi may not be one of the 40 000 people purchasing the Vuvuzela from Sainsbury, it is an indication that the support for the South African horn far out ways the perception and criticism that it is receiving from this bitter individual.

So while Blue Spi may still not be convinced, maybe he should get himself some ear plugs…or better yet, maybe he should give the 2010 World Cup a miss, as he threatens to do on his Twitter…one less small minded person to deal with. This is South Africa and we are proudly South African and we will blow our Vuvuzela loud and proud!

Every day is a good day

How often do I think that this statement is true? To be honest…most days but not everyday. I received one of those annoying chain emails, my immediate reaction is to delete but today I decided that I would take 2 minutes out of my day to open the Powerpoint presentation. It was all about the present, how the present is a gift.

Everyday there is a gift beautifully wrapped on your bed waiting to be opened. Everyday that we are given the opportunity to live another day is a blessing and gift from God. The gift may be something that you want or it may not be something that you want. It is clear however, that God places things in our paths that we need in life. It may bring you joy or sadness or even tears.

The email was a perfect metaphor of that that lies before us….a day filled with opportunities and challenges. The opportunity to get that new job, promotion, house, new car or mend broken relationships. The challenges faced are merely opportunities to rise to the occasion to restore faith…as one cannot grow without rain.

I believe that every day is a good day because I woke up this morning and have been given the opportunity to achieve great things and to correct the mistakes of yesterday. I often find myself in a bad mood and make the decision to see how blessed I am in having another new day…

It’s here, can you feel it?

My first bit of soccer fever started on Thursday, 10 June 2010, as we filled the streets of Cape Town to watch the opening of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Cape Town did well in providing big screens for the Capetonians...although, it was hard to hear anything over the excitement of the crowd. The entertainment was amazing, R Kelly graced the stage, resulting in many fans screaming at the top on their lungs.

I was truly proud to be South African as the streets filled with the parades activities. A true reflection of South Africa as the Coons took to the streets and Marimba bands showcased their rhythm. People were dressed in various traditional clothing, from African to Indian to drag queens – showing how diverse SA really is. There were people airing their laundry, gum-boot dancers, girls showing off their soccer skills, janitors and others carrying samoosas and koeksisters which was a laugh to many.

One thing is sure, it was a night to remember as people, young and old, came together to show their patriotism despite their race, financial status, sexual preference or gender. In my opinion, it was just what we needed to bring our Rainbow Nation together.

Feel the rhythm of African Football

It’s amazing that half way through the year, people are saying 2010 is here. Well, at the lack of sounding completely stupid…most are referring to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. While the excitement is slowly creeping in on the Mother City it would only be the right thing to do and join in on the festivities. I recently learnt the Diski Dance in spirit of the Soccer Fever and cannot wait to showcase them.

According to the website, www.diski.co.za, there's a new dance revolution taking the country by storm - the 2010 Diski Dance. South African Tourism has encouraged residents to learn the moves ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The dance is based on the unique way in which South Africans play soccer, "rhythmically, somewhat showy, but never boring". Spearheaded by SA Tourism, the dance was initially devised for an international television advert aimed at highlighting South Africa's readiness to host the World Cup. It was screened globally on CNN, BBC, National Geographic, Eurosport and Sky News Sport in the weeks leading up to 2009 Fifa Confed Cup.

The dance comprises five major steps derived from soccer moves, including a juggle, a header, Table Mountain (flattening the back to keep the ball behind the head), Trepa (flicking the ball from behind the neck, over the head and onto the foot) and the Bridge (passing the ball over the left foot with the right foot and back again). Learn the Diski Dance moves and be apart of African history...

Our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses

There I was attending yet another workshop on Tuesday when my colleague turns to me in a break and says that she wants to go back to the office and that this wasn’t what she expected. I suspect it is due to the fact that this workshop was a very interacting environment, requiring participation, your thoughts and ideas. My colleague is a very introvert person who doesn’t often express her opinions.

It was slightly annoying at how quickly she was willing to throw in the towel because her opinion was asked for. It dawned on me…just how opposite we are in character. And perhaps this is the way the world was supposed to be…too many Alpha’s would warp the balance of life.

I consider to myself to be a very confident person, I know what I want in life, what opinions I have about the world around me and what I won’t stand for. I consider myself a chatter-box, someone who is able to speak to anyone. I especially enjoy public speaking. Now although these can be seen as strengths, I was increasingly aware while at the workshop that because I have such a strong personality I should proceed with caution. To avoid being the person who always has something to say...the person who dominates the group...the person who never allows someone else to talk.

So would I consider this trait to be a flaw? Would it not be better to refrain from calling it a weakness but rather term it as an opportunity to do and be better? I would have to say that I am conscious of the fact that it could be perceived in many ways and that I should be sensitive to those participants around me. I have learnt that the best way to keep my strong personality at bay is to involve my team by asking for their opinions and ideas, to try and give positive feedback, where necessary ask the team how I can improve on my contribution and most importantly, give praise when it is due. Motivating people to strive to give 110% towards the common goal we share, because after all, there is no I in TEAM.