I-centric - is the new me!

There is something so complex about 3 words in the dictionary: Me; Myself and I. Such simple words which often cause so much complexity in the human mind.

These are my new words. My new favourite words! Thanks to my recent epiphany I had whilst sipping on the usual Vodka and Appletiser...

Every woman or man needs to experience this. After trying to please everyone else, or more importantly one person in my life for so long I have finally realised that I no longer have to. I have found someone who loves me without me even trying. Who? Me; Myself and I.



I am baffled by my friends and certain family members who have skipped this eventful time in many of our lives. When you realise that the most important person in the world right now is you. Because if I don't work on me, you will only work on me - and I refuse to give you that right. Whoever you are.

This I-centric nature is not easy by no means. I find myself arguing with everyone from my parents to friends and even my dog - fighting for what rightfully belongs to me. The right to be who I am. To be how I am. To do what I like.

Otherwise how else will I know these things. How can I be happy with you, if I cannot be happy just being me? Don't be offended. Don't take it personally - this feeling is really encompassed in the cliche - it isn't you, it is simply me. Me trying to be Me. Loving Me, loving my life, loving my friends and thoroughly loving my freedom.

Hum Dee Dumdy about this, think of the last time you put yourself first. The one time you woke up in the morning and thought, what am I doing today to make myself happy?

Just do it. Just embrace it. Just let everyone else be, and concentrate on that me inside of you. Selfishness is ugly but I-centricness is powerful. Remember the difference. You will need it when you start fighting for what is yours.

;) Excuse me while I go scream " I love me!" at the top of my longs along side the road!!!

It's Friday

I gotta feeling!!! Wooohoooo

I know you feel it. I know you sense it. It is that feeling that tingles down your back on a Friday morning when you awake to the fact that after the next 8 hours of work you are left to your own devices for two whole days.

It is the simple joys of having after work drinks with friends, taking scary pictures at your outings, washing your crazy dog or messy car and chilling with your beloved family.

There is nothing like that feeling. Makes me want to sing and jam to "Thank God it's Friday!".... I wish everyday was called Friday, even if it wasn't. I think it would create a mind change, alter our perceptions and immediately improve our moods knowing that everyday is Friday and realizing that whether tomorrow is Saturday or not, tomorrow my friend is still yours.

So enjoy this blissful joy. Relish the freedom. Dance in the dream. But always remember that the feeling is there for as long as you want it. The memories are yours to be made. The fun and laughter is ours for the sharing.



I don't know about you, but I am feeling the winds of change sweeping through the air. It is time for us to embrace each moment and stop living for the future when there is so much more that "NOW" can be. Especially in your hands. Especially with friends like these. Especially with a family so great. Especially with the possibilities unbound.

Simply put. Let's Live.

Hummmm. Damn right I have a feeling. ;)

Musical reflections on Life

If we are all living in our own movie - like I truly believe we are... Then we all need a sountrack to accompany those troodoosh moments in life. It certainly makes me wonder or wish I could experience life in the good old school days when music really had meaning and wasn't simply the sound of the beat rattling our car windows.

Just for laughs - here are some of my life's soundtracks - feel free to utilize these because I know you going to want to, especially if you are a Soul Music fan like me!!!

For that heartbreaking moment, when you are not feeling that emotional there is nothing like jamming "Let's just Kiss and Say Goodbye", because this song truly encapsulates a mutual ending :(....

Run out of work, bob your head, and grab your sung's as you prep for the evening screaming : I gotta feeling, wooohhoooooooooooo.... Thank you Black Eyed Peas for creating a sound that embraces those nights we leave our pride and names at home in place for some serious misbehavior!

If ever I wanted to meet someone, it would be Tamia, to understand the pain she went through and share my gratitude for getting me through many a break-up. She tops the charts on my "break-up", I need to cry CD, with the ultimate ladies song, I am officially missing you. It is at that moment, when she hits that note ( you know what I'm talking about ), that we often realize we need to either go back, or officially move on sista.

Jamie Jamie... you allow our friends to rag us at odd moments with the new party theme song: Blame it on the Alcohol... lol, after many a wise word has taught us otherwise, you my friend have allowed certain people to embrace the fact that ugly girls need lovin too. ;)



Changes in my life ( had to chuck in a house number )... not just any song, but the song that saw me through some of the hardest withdrawals in my life. From bad lovers to bad habits - we all need changes in our life. This song has taught me to embrace change and remember that I will never leave certain people behind. I feel blessed every time I sing it and realize all over again the many beauties who stuck through all my mud.

Who could leave out the ultimate poet - 2 Pac, because of us who live in the movies we all grew up in a Thug Life and dream of a Thugz Mansion. I take such a deeper meaning out of this, that everyone who works hard to improve themselves deserves a little piece of heaven...

Because there is always a me and you, a partner involved... Marvin Gaye should definitely feature in your life's album. Whether it is Let's Get It on.... Oh baby!!! lol Or Too busy thinking about my baby, many woman dream that the likes of Marvin, Luther, Teddy and Baby Face still existed to woo us off our feet.

Right now, if it is any indication of my life's current status I am constantly jamming those lips like sugar... lol, clearly meaning all emotion has been thrown out the window for now. Second song choice would have to be I know you want me... Hum Deeeeeee

That's what friends are for ;)

Don't you just love that song??

Consider yourself lucky. I realized the other day that too many people are influx when it comes to their friendships and lack the knowledge of who their real friends are. Stuck in a rut - pretending to get on with people with whom they don't really share any likes or dislikes for that matter.

I consider myself truly lucky and have been blessed in my life with the greatest kind of friends.



After having recently had a mild outburst - from crying in club to singing on tables - it is in your darkest and brightest hours that you will realize who will actually skin a skinless cat for you... I dedicate this to my true friends, which I don't have many of, thus I consider you guys some real gems! In my opinion everyone needs friends like these:

1. The Guys Girl, the lady in the street who grew up with brothers and can roll the town with the best. She is your best friend, who will drink Ocifer under the table, wipe your tears straight after she wipes the ass who caused them. Blatant; loyal; crazy and always there - she ( or he ) is your twin, the VISA you simply can't leave home without!

2. The "Been there, done that, wearing the T-shirt" - this is the person you can tell anything to!!! And always count on for some crazy advice, as it doesn't matter what you think you did. They have certainly done worse and will continue to encourage the world to embrace the abnormal and break the rules. Everyone needs this person - to educate us to break free from the glass boxes Society forces us to live in. This is the person you call from the bathroom you no longer want to be in, while she giggles on the other end... and advises you what to do. I love this friend.



3. The Manly Man. Ooooh now this guy could write a series on his scandalous endeavors. The womanizer, the ultimate schmoozer - he will educate your ass woman or man. Lol - and embraces this role wholeheartedly. As a woman - you need this friend to advise you when you clearly have met Mr. Wrong, Mr. Cheap and Mr. Right Now - he will definitely keep you and your female emotions in check. As a Man, you all need this friend - to fear ( lol - cos you know your girl is checking him out ), to teach you how to treat a woman right ( but not use and abuse as is his way ), and help you pull yourself towards yourself when you acting a fool!!!! I like this guy - he knows exactly who he is and sets no superior expectations and better yet, he is a brilliant friend and will probably be willing to help you out in more ways than one ;)


4. The Soppy Puppy. So many of us fall into this category when we hit rock bottom, but some of us live here. Choosing to be a puppy on all accounts! This is the friend who has taught you to be sensitive as they have way too many feelings. The friend who makes your ears warm in Winter with hour long phone calls regarding their love problems and definitely the friend who does scandalous things when you guys go out like attract chubby bunnies... ;) But hey everyone needs a little lovin', and we all needed a little laughin'.


5. The Cartoon Character. You know him. So does she. The guy round the corner. The bouncer at the Door. The club owner - oh wait - he is the club owner (lol) . This is another VISA that you simply cannot leave home without - especially if you are planning a great night out! The friend who seems to be constantly high on life, always up for a party and a smile that's contagious even though you have that "I'm scared" look on your face. Their hands are permanently rounded with a shooter glass intact, arms constantly full of people as they are addicted to hugs and their lives often filled with other crazy people! This is the ultimate cheer up friend...


6. The other brother... You know, the one you don't always have to call or see but the friendship remains in tact. The one you phone when you crying in club - because truth be known this is one of your ultimate best friends. The person who truly knows you but doesn't always have to see - because they understand that while life happens - we will both always be there for one another. Always. ( Now I sound like a soppy puppy! ) lol.


I wish these 6 friends upon all of you ;) , that I have, because life simply isn't the same without an extended family you were actually able to choose. Through the up's and down's; Sin City trips and Flights on Jet, friends will certainly come and go and there will be a random few... that leave a permanent footprint in your heart and mind and certainly in all your Facebook photos. ;) Whopa.

A day in the hollywood life!

I am not sure about you - but sometimes in my little bubble called life, I often feel like I could possibly be living in a Hollywood life!!

Between my crazy friends, from Paris Hilton and Vin Diesel to the constant skinner praaitjies divulged by the Paparazzi, all amongst constant parties and insane love lives - this could definitely be a Hollywood movie!

I must admit this blog emanates from my excitement for my best friend's birthday this weekend - aptly themed Lollywood!

The epitome of style, class and the ultimate party girl this theme is the perfect fit for my friend with a weekend of the usual debauchery planned!

Here is the easiest "how to guide" if you would like to embrace the Hollywood style of living for one night ( if you up for a challenge try two lol ):

Must Haves:

- Min. of 4 crazy friends the kind you find passed out in the bathroom, get blue eyes in clubs from strange chicks and definitely one who never wants to go home!
- Club contacts, the manager; the bar man; the bouncer it doesn't matter - but we all know you gonna need another friend for the night's proceedings eventually lol
- a 24 hour restaurant or take-out for the munchies!

POA ( Plan of Action )

There is always a plan of action and it always involves every minute of your day lol....

A well thought out thought

This one is for the ladies and men out there...

I have been absent from the Blogosphere of late, and have finally found the courage to blog about what really goes on in my life.

After a recent sudden and pro-longed break-up, I would like to air my newly found views on men and love with you! lol and hopefully in the process obtain some much needed advice.

Someone cute and very wise has recently told me that there is nothing like a well thought out thought - the importance of which I never realised until my break-up. It is all good well to think certain things, but please remember that if you have failed to think it through keep the warning sign firmly attached to your forehead.

Case in point is my newly found stalker, a person which I will refrain from calling a gentleman as I think he is still W.I.P the poor fella....

I am not certain about the rest of the ladies out there, but I am of the firm opinion that after the 4th try you should have surely by now gotten the point and no matter how much more abrupt and forceful your persistence is, it should simply not continue! This is a rare breed of man, the type who has experienced the creme da la creme of females, used and abused her and is keen to continue to his next triumph. The only problem is, that of the old cow or starter pack theory - which simply fails to sink into his thick skull!!

He is unfortunately that of an old cow now, someone who has been "blessed" by the hide mark of another woman. Not to say all men fall into this category, but this poor soul certainly still caries the mark.



Needless to say after having being fully honest with this poor lad - the picture was still rosily unclear and in his utmost wisdom prior to thinking he did the "blurt" : " Just be honest with me, are you simply not interested? ". After several attempts at stifling my chuckles - I was forced to grin and bear the stupidity after rejecting the calls, and numerous date offers - yes dear, I am afraid right now I am not interested in you.

Please save me the flushing cheeks, spare yourself the pain and together we can create some well thought out thoughts. ;) Hum Dee Dumdy for sure.... Guys I would certainly love to hear your stalker stories so that I in my utmost wisdom do not commit the same crimes but instead take on a more adventurous stalker role!

Social Media Maniacs and the challenge of the old schoolers

Between the hype around social media and the push back certain of us SMM ( Social Media Maniacs ) are receiving from a management level - I am in search of a quick and easy guide as to why corporations, professionals and other members of the alien corporate realm should be getting involved in this communication method.

In lure of not finding this list as yet, ( but I am certain with the help of the likes of Mashable - http://twitter.com/mashable and Mike Stelzner - http://twitter.com/Mike_Stelzner, I will come across it soon enough ) here is my run-down about why exactly these aliens need to join us in the real world!


With the growing number of users on sites such as Twitter, there is no question that if the target audience is living in these spheres that the service providers definitely need to jump on the boat.

Alas they are fighting back - and refuting the benefits of the likes of Twitter, here are few Social Media selling pointers for us all to consider:



* If you are not chatting to your target audience on line - who is? It doesn't take a SMM to discover the amount of corporations who are experimenting or properly engaging on Social Media networks. Thus if your company is not on line then there is definitely a competitor out there preying on your target audience, engaging with them daily and worse yet ( for you ) starting two-way conversations with them!

Social Media is more than merely communicating your brand's message or company's new products - Social Media is about conversing with influencers; purchasers and your partners. It allows you to spread Word of Mouth marketing not only through your communications but through the responses and comments made by your audience!


* Traditional v.s New - with this debate traditional has always won over the older aliens more challenged with change than anything else. But wake up. The Marketing and communications environments are evolving every second - with print media usage dropping faster than flies and TV advertising struggling to compete with the low costs of internet marketing.

The question is no longer why use internet marketing but when will you combine this medium as part of your bigger media plan. When internet usage is growing by over 30% in South Africa alone year on year - the message to the Change Challenged is simple - TV can be avoided, Billboards are ignored, Print is losing ground and the internet well speaks for itself literally!

The is nothing that compares to the power and influence Social Media is having on brands at the moment. Without paying for it, bloggers are mentioning your brand, Twit Peops are twittering about you and communities are having group discussions and rating your products! What better way to influence this world than to get involved.

Don't be scared. We all were. Someone asked me why join Facebook and allow 1000's of others to share in my personal life. Simple. Because we can, and because the world has evolved in such a way that we now need to connect with one another on another level. Face to Face is not cutting it in our time constrained lives - and if your audience is living on line and you are not, well then the book title Men are from Mars and Woman are from Venus comes to mind.

Something for you to hum dee dumdy. Now run along you Twit ; ) he he

The Modus Operandi

If Modus Operand i is defined as a manner of working, then I am definitely conducting my driving at snails pace!

I received the best surprise ever this week, a silver machine wrapped in a red bow, a lady I have now nicknamed Millie's Modus Operand i - this is how I will do things literally!

Yip - you guessed it! My parents surprised me with a silver beauty of a car this week. It may not be a Porsche or a mini cooper deluxe but she is mine! And she is my Modus Operand i - the way I will define my life!

I'm sure for those who already have a car, that you will share in my excitement and reminisce on getting your first car...

The smell, the tricks all the buttons do ( typical girlie ), the nervousness in pulling her out the driveway!!!! For the first time ever, words have lost the ability to fully capture my feelings!

If I thought doing my drivers test was traumatic, it was nothing compared to my first drive - all I can say is that you should watch out for the modus traveling at 50 km p/hr cos I am suffering from nervous drivers syndrome. Although this morning I did speed up to 75! Damn the bright red digits glaring in front of me lol...




Other than that it feels great to be mobile and better yet do what I want to do - even if I only get there in an hour... I am going!!! Hum... goes the Modus! ; )

P.S excuse my spelling the excitement has overwhelmed me once again!

Friends how many of us have them?

When we were 5 I doubt we ever looked our lives, actions and reactions in retrospect. Thus I have began to realise that the pain of retrospect is often a curse of getting older!!

Being 5,6 or even 13 years old for that matter, we often consider a myriad of people we interact as our friends. Regardless of the fact that most of these people wouldn't take a bullet for us never mind share their lunch. Now as I get older, much older for that matter, I often find myself spring cleaning my closet of friends but for some reason always holding on ( tightly ) to those few classic items that have never seemed to fail me!

Here is my quick guide to determine who exactly are your real friends and who should be added to the yard sale pile without a thought!




1. Real friends have a great sense of humour, and will always be there to act out your utterly embarrassing drunk moments. Hey Nige?

- they are the ones who stand outside the jail cell and sing ridiculous songs for you as you are released.

2. Real friends never make you feel like you are alone - they are either locked up with you, holding your hair back after one to many tequilas or better yet standing right behind you patiently awaiting that much needed cheers! Or better yet joining you on Twitter after they blatantly admitted to not seeing the value.

3. Real friends know when to say NO. No don't sing that song in public. No don't wear that. No don't say that stoopid line to that chick. No don't call him after one too many. NO Don't go dance on the stage, lol . No you were not too embarrassing.( Not that we listen, but hey it counts that someone tried to stop us ).

4. Real friends know when to say YES, and be forceful. YES we must have another drink. YES we must go out tonight. YES I will go with you shopping. YES let's go there rather... YES I have done that before to. Yes everyone will remember what you did last night. Always the right yes, even if it is not what we always want to hear.

5. Real friends have a 6th sense. Which means it doesn't take more than the look on your face for them to know whats going on in that crazy head of yours.

6. Real friends give you real distractions! Whether it is that drinking game when you've had a rough week, or the sprinkler dance when you see you don't really want to see - Your real friends won't leave you hanging there with your mouth open aghast.

7. Real friends are embarrassing - I know this as I consider myself a real friend and am extremely embarrassing! Your true friends will never forget that embarrassing moment, never stop reminding you and are close enough to you to have permission to tell other people. HA HA HA. True blue friends are worse. You will introduce to people ( people you have a crush on ), and they will ramble on with a lengthy list of interrogation questions! Sorry guys, I am often the guilty one, but "what are your intentions " is always a good one!

8. Real friends give great hugs. There is nothing like the hug of a true friend when the sh*t has hiteth the faneth. When the world is crumbling around you. These are the people who know you best, who often care about you as much as family and when they hug you - the pain will not subside but it definitely does sooth the pain just like zambuk.

9. Real friends are honest. These are not the people whose statements you have to question or advice you take with a pinch of salt. Nope. These peoples are close enough to you to be utterly harsh and honest. But always give you the advice you need - or at least they think so, so let's give them the credit.

10. Real friends are like familia. They live in your house, open your fridge, crash on your couch and often mistaken for a distant cousin by your own family.They are now like an extension of you as gross as it does seem lol...Blood in Blood out.

Needless to say, in retrospect I am glad I don't consider everyone a true blue friend. Instead I have a handful of classic items that I would never shake off!

Hope you have a few friendo's too, hum!

A Potjie of Love&Happiness

Writing exams and being cut-off from the outside world does more than just make my brain numb!

It often makes me really wish for the small things I take for granted, like that of my crazy family...

In honor of me breaking my avoidance routine my skinny cuz was kind enough to cook up a yummy potjie whilst the guys enjoyed a wee cup of sport and the girls mountains of wine.

I miss the warm, wintery days when nothing warms you better than family; friends and fun!

So here is the "all sort after" perfect recipe to a fabulous day of Potjie under the S.A skies:

* First you need a huge appetite for alcohol, large amounts of alcohol, copious amounts. ( He He He He ).
* A trustworthy cooking volunteer ( the type who never cooks but when they do people will be speaking about it forever! Good or Bad! )
* A hand full of good friends and family
* Wine, Beer and a pinch of old brown sherry to spice things up
* Some sport and skinner for entertainment!



For the main recipe of making a potjie I realized that anything goes! The chef nor the soon to be victims know what exactly is meant to be included - I assume it is some unwritten rule that nothing is compulsory for a potjie except the fire beneath the coals.

From a myriad of veggies ( for someone who is allergic to roughage ), to a strange concoction of spices, soup and stock, all mixed up by some trusty chefs hands and viola you have a potjie!

Needless to say it was delicious creamy and tasty never mind that none of us were sure of what was inside. Ultimately it was a great Saturday, complete with warm friends, family and comfort food...

Nice. ( In Borat Voice ). ; )

Cadbury's Gorilla misses the S.A Jungle

If there is anything that is worse than an infomercial it is TV Adverts that make no sense...

A friend recently asked if we saw the really cool new Cadbury's advertisement featuring the "talented" drumming Gorilla? No... was the emphatic reply. And if there is ever a clear sign of failed advertising campaigns it is when your target audience never remembers the advertisement.

Worse yet, we looked out for this so-called amazing ad, having imagined that we did indeed miss out on a great method of outreach to the S.A public. Much to my disappointment I had seen the lack of impact advertisement before.

Not only does this Cadbury's Gorilla miss the S.A Jungle target audience but it seems like it should have been utilized by a totally different product or service provider.



As Antilogic ( see: http://www.antilogic.co.za/advertising/cadburys-drumming-gorilla-sa-far-behind/ )so beautifully stated, the ad has nothing to do with Cadbury's or chocolate and would have had more relevance for the audience if it was representing 5fm... This is sad as I imagine the point of the ad was the jubilant feeling which munching on a Cadbury's glass and half of milk would provide. The only call to action this advertisement ignites in my mind is to reminisce about the great grandfather and grandson Cadbury's utilized previously. Leaving us with a nostalgic feeling of sharing the flavor of chocolate with our loved ones.

While chocolate has been known to be an aphrodisiac, this advertisement leaves me cold and will definitely not be resulting in the increase of sales, or share of mind for this little customer. Worse yet, we talking about it, and we all know what that means... More publicity. Hopefully this will force this iconic brand to rethink their strategy or better yet remove the advertisement from my joyous couch potatoe sport.

Bloggers Blur

Finally! Needless to say I have been suffering from Bloggers Blur!

Meaning I have been wracking my brain with this Blogger Layout and Template, trying my "damndest" to encapsulate my "personality"... And I think I finally got it!

Thanks to http://www.templates-blogger.com/, the smooth lines and striking combination of the colours really seemed to embrace something about me. Being 24 this is still an enigma to many and therefore I am hoping to be a bit descriptive in my blog!

Let me know your thoughts! What you think of the lay-out? And any other great suggestions you might have... Peace out ; )

Virtual Value

Between Work, Studies, my curiosity for everything and my family and friends I am struggling to find the time for my favorite past time - blogging and twitter! ; (

It brings me to wonder what exactly we are all doing in our on-line communities or more importantly why we participate!!

My friend ( the South African Paris Hilton ! ) recently admitted that she only partakes to be famous ( vymis in Afrikaans ), but hey she is the S.A version of Parys, so I will take her words with a pinch of salt.

As one of the web's many "lovers", I would love to believe that is something far more meaningful to the millions who pour their hearts and minds into the web.

Personally, as a scholar of life, for me it is partially the value of information sharing and the knowledge gained from the unqualified professors who frequent this world. I love you guys... ( blush ). Some are merely sharing your daily pains and joys - helping others figure out how to cope with similar issues. While others are really adding some great Value to our careers, passions, and quest for further knowledge.

I hope that my boyfriend ( who is def technologically challenged ) is wrong, and that there aren't people behind all this who work for some bigger fraud searching for all our answers ( i.e there is an actual human body behind Google spiders ).

Instead I will continue to gain joy in the fact there are millions of us around the world who understand the Virtual Value, that from mother to mother; social media to social media expert to social media expert and 24 yr old to 33 yr old, we see the importance of sharing our knowledge; recording our thoughts and collaborating across the world!




This is obviously not only an advertising ploy, or like Parys thinks a quick and easy make me famous method. Nope. This is our world, which after all we won't be living in forever. But there will be something we have left behind which our loved ones, followers, fellow twitters may remember us by. When you read this, think of Susan Boyle and wonder how we would have enjoyed her inspirational story without sharing it with each other... like Scott Monty says, everyone has a story!

Now if only I can hum dee dum about where to find the time!

Idol Ideas...

As a South African, whose TV set is 99% of the time dominated by US personalitites, I'm not sure about you but I often get extremely excited when S.A features some of our local talents - right?

Wrong. My disappointment in this season's "exciting" ( more like lack there of ), S.A Idols season is extreme. While I hate to take the comparative route, we are often compelled to when someone like MNET chooses to take the copy cat route with the Idols regime.

For those who haven't had the opportunity to grab a glimpse of American Idols - I seriously suggest you do. You and the producers of S.A Idols who can definitely take a few pointers. This season's American Idols definitely set the scene to up the already high standard of musicians the show promotes. From the unique style and voice of Megan Joy to the immense voice of 16 year old Alison - American Idols truly wows us with the talent of the performers and the pizazz of how the show is produced! ( I love that word! )



There is something about the show that does exactly what these reality TV shows are supposed to - Make you want to watch more!!! What is it about S.A Idols that seems so monotonous, dull and uninteresting ( besides the shows presenter ) ?

Maybe I am being too harsh, but if our Idols really want to be taken seriously we need as the supporters of the show need to push for more. With S.A musical legends and new comers setting some great trends in the Industry - how can we be expected to support the Idols after they win? Some of them don't even look that interested - you know who I'm talking about!

I long for the day when my Sunday Night viewing will be as entertaining as American Idols now makes Wednesdays...

While Paula and Mara seriously compete for pointless and repetitive comments, American Idols beats the S.A wannabe show hands down.

Here is a classic example which should make you hum the standard of S.A Idols...

The Societal Blame Game

Why is it with every single problem man kind experiences - EVERYTHING is to blame except ourselves ( excluding environmental issues which we have only now began to take accountability for! ).

I recently read a peculiar article on the responsibilities of marketing - and while I wholeheartedly believe that marketing does have a responsibility to uphold certain values and understand the influence on society. Marketing alone cannot surely be to blame for the insane and impulsive purchases of every High Musical Artifact by the youth?

Indeed marketing plays a mind-blowing ( literally ) role of "influencing" the buyer through the various stages until the ultimate goal of one more so-called loyal buyer. But is the main contributing factor - and if not what is. I can't have all the answers ( but will certainly pretend ).

The sad truth is that prior to the many marketing techniques ( traditional that-is ), there are many other factors that come to play. While marketing may get this ball rolling, it is the power of societal norms, parental habits and our friendly foes that often affect our purchasing behaviors and patterns. Can I get whoop whoop from any psychologist reading this?

Society needs to come to grips with this great wheel of influence we have on each other - and the affect our perceptions have on each other rather than blame everything from TV to the Internet for the bizarre lifestyles ( and strange buying patterns ) we now choose.

The only people who really think it's bizarre ( or that marketing is morally responsible for what people purchase ) are those not utilizing these methods for their own selfish purposes ( we won't call it marketing for today ; ). If these people really exist - the Cigarette and alcohol companies should take head of these goody-tooshoe evangelists. They will we the end of every vice you and I have.

In my opinion, they should..

Get a life. Get a blog. Watch a TV commercial and buy your dog some pedigree - it helps make the poop some articles splurb not sooo argh.

The Big Bang of Brands

While we are not only bombarded by brands and various marketing strategies on TV, but these phenomenal entities have also somehow managed to creep into every corner of our lives.

What is next for the way brands communicate with us?

With great new avenues such as bloggers advertising, Insurance companies sponsoring points man at out-of-order street lights and branding appearing virtually everywhere.. what are the big brains envisioning next?

In this day and age of information technology, I envision us entering a band-aid branded hospital and instead of hearing the dialing tone when calling listening to the soothing sounds of the Cell-C female ambassador. At this point imagination is clearly key and it appears it is the average joes ( not marketing mavericks ) rethinking the way the world is branded.

You think about it. Let's Hum Dee Dumdy it! Just be careful, I also envision these giant corporations merely employing techno-savvy people to scan the net for ideas which they may utilize.

Speaking of good ideas - I recently thought that brands of Condoms would benefit from "gobo-light" fittings instead of the corny bright colours we now purchase for our bedrooms. This is sure to get some minds "jerking" as the Durex logo flashes above the bed... Hum.

Work Bullies ; (

Urgh... Yugh.. It doesn't only ruin my day but they also worsen the already horrible coffee served at work. I thought we left these monsters behind along with our horrible high school hair styles but alas I have been proved wrong of late.

If you are anything like me and prefer collaboration instead of conflict please can you give me some guidance on how to handle these anger junkie freaks of nature. With all the world's issues, you would swear we no longer have space in our time zones for petty argumentators but we do.

As angry as I sound, I often can't help but giggle at this poor soul with no other "joy" ( or so-called ) than to get themselves all flustered in their actions to others.



In high school it was all much easier - we could simply place worms in this person's lunch or worse yet duck before the next punch hit leaving the monkey tumbling to their feet. In work however the playing field has been unevened by senior titles ( no matter how much they mean nothing ), kiss-asses and the worst kind of I know everything and am wrong about nothing.

How did these aliens evolve and what do we as normal people now do in our daily engagements with them?

While my diplomatic friend advocates the smile and wave approach, the more S*it I have to take the more I want to take a shovel and swing it right back at them.

What do you do? What would you? What if the alien is senior to you? Or worse yet not as smart as you? ( lol - which is often the case ).

My problem is that these time wasting political games often get in the way of good team work and ultimately completing a great job done together. Instead half of us ( the bullies ) are engaged in this imaginary war while the remainder of us ( who would just like to get the work done ) are extremely busy dodging you and ignoring the frequent tantrums.

I'm not sure how long I can keep my cool, never mind my cute and polite tongue. If these pointless argumentative attitudes persist.

The art of what Bart Simpson would do has escaped me for now, but I am certain if I hum dee dumdy this long enough, I will find a way to end your torment. Yip.

Social Media Politics

With all the fantastic buzz around this new craze, I think it is time to investigate some of the serious negatives the intrusion of the corporate world has had on Social Media, and social networking fanatics.

While I am in marketing, and fully agree with the use of social media to engage in a dialogue with your customers, I can't help but feel a bit robbed of my "Facebook joys" since the corporate world caught on.

Previously we could freely blog, blast, complain and purely vent out all our emoticons through our facebook page, twitter or blog without fear of persecution.

Now, the effect of what I am terming social media politics has come into play. An issue I would greatly appreciate your assistance on.

It boils down to the simple question of where is the personal and work life on-line relationship drawn?

Is it fair of possible employers to search for you on Facebook to obtain a deeper insight into your personality. Whilst we publish this freely on the web, shouldn't there be a code of conduct for all corporations to follow?

Instead of "scribbling" what immediately comes to mind on Facebook status - I now stop and pause, to hum the my colleagues reactions if they saw this status. " Mego is really irritated with someone's power trip at work " - will obviously be interpreted.

I am outraged to say the least. Feeling deprived of my on-line "not-so-personal" diary. Nevermind fear of reactions to your on-line out-pours, worse yet is when these evils follow your blogs or befriend you on facebook.

I feel sorry for the techie who would like to share his personal affiliation and adoration for Yoda, whose preferences are now victim to the scrutiny of "external evils" ( invaders of the World Wide Web, the evils who selfishly & intrusively utilize us and the internet to for their own marketing needs. )

To take a stand would be admirable and foolish - such is the nature of social media politics. What if you ignore the friend request? Well then you get pestered to accept. What if you set privacy clauses on Facebook, well then they ( external evils ) will find other ways of penetrating our world. Damn Doodlenutties. ( an annoying person with a small brain ).

This is an issue I think will only worsen as this social media buzz increases like a Tsunami wave. Thus I am reduced to my subdued and polite interactions and updates.

Clearly being polite, quiet and politically correct is working well for me. Hum dee..

Coloured Schizophrenia

For those of you who aren't aware the "Coloured" culture in South Africa is a splendid blend of mix masala passed down recipes, excitable and very expressive families, families which span the far corners of S.A, from Kimberely to Eldorado Park, people who have vast and varied background and ancestors.

With this colourful background, strong sense of family & socializing and loud opinionated personalities ( some of us verbally, some of us in writing - clearly. ), you can only imagine the pains some of us experience in the corporate world.

Never mind our often exciting dress sense. Many of us have been "brain-washed" with some really exciting personality traits and habits. Not to mention the responses you will often get when confronting us with difficult questions. Literally a "WAT". ( Not what.. )

While not applicable only to our culture I feel many people experience difficulty in adjusting to societal norms once you have been raised in an abstract environment, one that now seems so far-fetched in the real world.

Imagine, this "curly and straight-opposed haired" person emphatically responding to your questions with a loud and exaggerated "Yaaaaaaaa". ( Emphasis on the aa." ). Obviously we try and tone down our beloved accent and oh so colourful home language ( although I would love to speak like that at work - I think it would definitely bring about some excitement ).

Now remember that I am a loud and proud coloured. And this has challenged me to no end. But alas I find myself behaving in the most appropriate manner, until the situation gets the better of little old gangster me, and it all pours out.

" Naaa Man".

Perhaps my dears, it is time for a change of heart, a time to come out! Shup, I say to this "appropriate" lady like behavior, and wasup I say to the new improved nca gazzie in me. What you think Hondas?

This should definitely get me a raise. I can see my boss shouting my praise as she hum dee dums the other executives faces when I hol em in, and ask them how the blom was in the last meeting.

Hummmmm. I can't help but think this all just a little dope in my naughty mind.
lol ; ) I'm lovin' it.

Job Satisfaction

The question often comes to mind whether or not we as employees ( and often numbers in the bigger scheme of things ) experience job satisfaction.

I am sure like me, you often feel like Jennifer Hudson, like this is just a sentence, am I doing timmeee. (that's my jam girl lol!)

I hum dee dumdy this thought as ponder the many comments I have heard over my all two years of work experience.

In this age of instant gratification and constant excitement, how do we as plebs find job satisfaction? Or is this another myth that our parents dangled in front of us as the carrot to study further?



My colleague recently educated me on the fact that the "smart" know it all professors who educate us don't warn us in varsity about the "lack of job satisfaction" we often experience once we are fully fledged into our careers. That according to Maslow we will inevitably become "bored" with our current situation often seeking a higher meaning in life - whatever that may be to you ( whether it be obtaining the ever wanted Mercedes Benz or better yet the house hill that casts a shadow on all the other "so-called I made it's " or wait and I really heard this the other day, the all consuming power you now think you have! Hehehe ( When we all know "The Man" is still in charge!)

My question to you my fellow bloggers ( as seekers of acknowledgment and praise ) - is how do we know when we hit the jackpot job wise? Is it when we are finally consumed by our power or when you leave work feeling utterly satisfied.

A wise friend once said to me: " Mego, work is not what the company offers you, instead it is what you make of the company.". Brilliant. Right? If you live in a bubble without work politics, bad canteen food and the ever nagging phrase " I need you to do this". ( Or worse yet, can you do this, or you are good at doing this. )

If you are bored in your current position, frustrated with your job or merely just unsure with what the future holds for you, I have wisely been hum dee dumdying some thoughts to make your work life more exciting:

1. Change your e-mail signature to reflect your new title as The Business Empowerment Consultant( why - because no one knows what that means but everyone will be too scared to ask and look blonde ; )

2. Whenever people ask you to do things, refer to yourself in the third person and constantly answer their question with a question ( that should free up some time ).

3. Never walk around without a folder in your hand, everyone knows busy people take notes!

4. Never stop walking around! ( You will avoid meetings, look busy and always be unavailable to take calls! )

5. As the newly appointed business empowerment consultant, inundate people with informative notes on.... everything! ( Google a topic a day and send it to all those oh-so interested parties) .

6. Always tell people you need to talk to them, but then briskly walk away to your next meeting.. ( with folder in hand and serious face on show).

7. Suddenly change your surname on your e-mail signature, this will be a great conversation starter.

8. Order take-out for everyone in the office, providing the restaurant with your colleague's details.

9. Always arrive at work early, not only do busy people arrive at work early but it will also give you time to hide away your colleagues stuff. Especially on Mondays.

10. Managers like innovative people - every week place some really interesting notices up for all to see:




I think any motivational speaker would agree that these are not only entertaining but definitely stress relievers. Still it doesn't answer the question of job satisfaction, but that is a hum dee dumdy for a another more serious day ( if one ever arrives ).

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on making work life more exciting! ; )

Pa en Ma se kind...

A friend of mine advocates that your blog should be something personal, it's about your life and your daily experiences. Well then, I feel it my blogger duty to share with you the comedic and often strange plight of Pa en Ma se kind, namely me and my weird and wacky family.

Definitely not the stereo typical dysfunctional family that is now compared to Bart and Homer's comedic antics, but Pa and Ma se Kind' often frequent stunts should be considered for a Mnet TV Series ( I think ).

Picture yourself working with your Father, a highly respected man who was previously a principal and has struggled to leave these authoritative ways in the past as he now lives his work days out a corporate level. We don't only work at the same place, but in my utter wisdom I volunteered to work with this quirky character on a charity golf day as well, golf being his strength and logistics being mine ( kinda ). Now instead of obtaining my vocal (including commentary!) run-down of the week ahead at work, I am also privy to a short rendition of " Noel's why didn't you.." early in the morning. It can't be soo bad you must be thinking - until I tell we have frequent arguments about me not mailing him ( even though we live together ; 0 )


This is the same man who has taken credit for my straight hair, forgetting ( or ignoring ) the fact that I am naturally blessed with Diana Ross's style without even trying.


But I am definitely Pa se kind.. with my feet for the street and itch to participate in a lot of things ( a lot. ), I love my pa with all his strange nuisances. This is a man who wants his daughter who works with him to mail him, who wants a certain kind of supper in a certain kind of way ( but not my way ) and who still literally shouts at me to stop smoking! (I often have these day time nightmares of the man confiscating my smokes while I'm at work and have now been reduced to hiding around the corners! he he he )

He reminds me of the Father from War at Home, lol , somewhat. Particularly in terms of boyfriend scrutiny, as much as I prep them, I think he practices before hand to ensure that their first encounter of the 3rd kind will definitely blow them away never to return. That was when I was younger though, and now his tactics have changed slightly, to ensure that they stick around long enough to be roped into some manual labour he has been putting off. My fathers take on chores has always been that he kids to do that, and has quickly taught me that's why I need a boyfriend lol.

This is a sure sign that I am getting old. Worse yet, so is My Pa, and his antics are only to continue and most likely only get stranger!

My future husband is going to be a lucky man, for the short while that he lasts that is.. Not many son-in laws are blessed with both gardening and golf lessons every Saturday at the same "professional tutoring service" in Northcliff.

For any inquiries, please mail me... Hum Dee Dumdy

Interactive Romance

In this age of marriages on second life and frequent "love meetings" occurring on-line, I often wonder what has become of the married lives of those who are now bombarded with this new technology.

Instead of verbal fights, arguments with loved ones are now expressed through IM nudges and ugly emoticons of one smiley face bashing another. The clear benefit being you can quietly giggle behind your computer screen whilst ensuing in your argument. Having done this myself, I thoroughly enjoy the use of dictionary.com on my side ( being smarter than my counter part clearly ) - I utilize this to ensure my arguments are as vivid and colorful in their language as can be. I must warn those of you who, whose relationships are bordering separation that these on-line brawls can often be used against us!!! Either in the legal court or worse yet, the new ultimate fear of citizens of the WWW - proliferating your reputation on facebook and other networking sites! Yikes!! Something we should always keep in mind - as there is nothing worse than declaring to the world " Mego is no longer listed as in a relationship with Online Stud ".

Forget the heartache though and think of the beauty in this invention. No more hand holding or good night kisses ( yugh ). Instead our relationships can be made of IM's bouncing back and forth as we sit along side each other in the bedroom: " Night Hun, love you " IM Reply, "Your turn to switch off the lights my love.." This is hilarious but ingenious at the same time - coming from someone who follows the art of bart, I clearly do not relish in the cuddly wuddly mushy wushy pains of being in love. But this is great!

Don't take this as a new mask within which to hide your emotions - as I find emotions often jump out of pages and particularly off screens. Men fear not, your desire to understand what is going on in the female mind has indeed been answered, either by reading her blog, status or twitter update" Mego is currently looking for new options" . Remember that nothing says I'm sorry like a cute smiley bouncing up and down with flowers in hand, never mind budget saving. Here's the test, ask your IM lover ( when there is something wrong clearly, cos we know you know ), whats wrong? Your answer will be clearly laid out for you by the smiley now on fire or the punctuation used.

Remember to use your fullstops, caps and exclamation marks sparingly. Citizens of the WWW are far more in tune with descriptions and language than those who choose to live in the real world. The battlegrounds of love have changed into on-line 3 dimensional worlds where and "!" could land you sleeping on the couch or worse yet blocked from someone's face book page! Luckily ladies we have our own benefits in being on-line lovers, as we no longer require private detectives to determine the faithfulness of our partners. Men being men, are far less discrete than woman and often proudly feature in several discriminating photographs on facebook - but don't get mad, get cleverly even my dear... Post a cute picture of a monkey and tag the online stud as being part of the evolution cycle.



Happy hunting on-line love, I will definitely be following your antics and keeping the world updated as I hum dee dumdy about my next mushy wushy IM.

The Art of Bart

To understand is to be understood - wise words from someone who definitely does not reside on planet earth.


As I stumble through my day-to-day scenes of life - I often feel like Bart Simpson. A misunderstood trouble make who under-achieves! I ponder on the wise philosophy of understanding others to be understood and chuckle at this aliens' naive approach to the many other creatures around us.


While I enjoy this "positive" outlook on life - I would rather much follow the Art of Bart. My fellow cretin in misbehavior and trouble making! Too many of us play the part of Mary Poppins insisting on following the "positive" outlook in life - when instead Bart has provided us with a far more entertaining method of being the lead.


This fun loving cartoon character - who I am sure is really based on my brother, is a philosopher in his own right. Instead of grudgingly swallowing the stones that life has thrown his way - Bart instead throws one back, aiming for the window and anyone else in the path while emphatically screaming "Eat my Shorts!".


I hum dee dumdy the thought and imagine the joys of life if many of us would take this approach. The outcasts would be befriended! The clowns would be tormented! Bartenders would not be as annoyingly friendly! The world would be running in fear of the short little "yellow" people ( with a strange resemblsance to those who say "blll..." instead of "brrr.." ).


The Art of Bart is definately to become my philosophy - so I warn that you watch out for the little person ( brown not yellow ) running around kicking people in their shins and rudely stating " Don't have a cow man!".


This is going to be fun... I wish you happy pill poppers luck, as the new alien takes over the earth.

Blogging Therapy

Freedom of speech is not a new concept to generation w,x,y and zeee. But this is certainly not a concept that existed or was acknowledged previously.

It makes me wonder - with snazzy tools like facebook,twitter and blogging at our finger tips what exactly the thought bubbles of the future will look like.

At the moment millions of web users thought bubbles are sprawn all across the world available for all to view - from Facebook status messages of broken hearts to Bloggers diaries of mashed peas.

Now imagine the thought bubble of the future. In a world when we can clone sheep - I certainly hope that one day our thought bubbles can be hung above our heads. It will certainly save me the typing time and a lot of us the pain of being polite.

Not to mention therapy for the soul and certainly the work place ( she says in a menacing laugh ) - I can just picture the cringe of fellow colleagues as you saunter down your office corridor thinking ( and forgetting about your visual thought-bubble ) "I wonder if anyone smelt it yet... he he".

Fascinating times are definitely to come... hum dee dumdy.