A Journal about Life, Love and Everything in between…

Posts tagged “vacation

Once In A Blue Moon

HAPPY EASTER, READERS!

Well, it has been more than a great while since I’ve done this. Wow, it feels like I need to say that when I begin every post nowadays. I’m sorry though, readers, for leaving you in the dark, after you have been so loyal for so many months. That fat gorilla we all know so well, called Life, has grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and shook me around like its least favourite rag doll.

College has been one long, endless string of assignments, tutorials and tests, and now, finally, I’m on vacation. I’ve been on vac for about a week now though and yet, I’m still working. But screw it, tonight, is blogging night! Well, I’m rusty so this won’t be a very long post.

Anyway, as I’ve said, I’m on holiday. Eastertime in the reddevilandy10 household is forever fun. But, unfortunately, I must go back to college next week. Sigh, it all starts again. But it has been a good vacation. I’ve seen my local friends twice thus far, both occasions were awesome. I really have missed them. But, all things must come to an end, and the lovely concept of “vacation” is no exception.

At least one saving grace, and definitely the most pleasant saving grace ever, is seeing Em when I’m back in Grahamstown. I can’t wait to see her! I’ve missed her a lot this week and a bit. It’s the first time we’ve really had a substantial distance between us. I can’t wait to see her again.

Well, this blogging seems to be a foreign idea for my shoulders because my left, and much weaker shoulder, has completely tensed up like it’s been struck by some type of invisible lightning bolt. I’m sorry readers, but tonight is a little post! I hope to post much more soon, in the meantime, adieu!

- reddevilandy10


The Last Day of January

Note: The publishing of this post has been delayed by a few hours due to intermittent internet problems with the author’s connection.

After many hours spend in the African sun, the Atlantic Ocean and gazing at the deep blue sky, the Summer Vacation of 2011/12 has finally come to an end. Yesterday was the return to college for many of my friends, some of them would be morbid and depressed to go back I’m sure, some eager to begin writing yet another new chapter of their lives. However they feel though, no one can really deny that this vacation has been one of the best of recent memory. (more…)


The Little House on the Hill

I was in Kalk Bay earlier this evening. For the uninitiated, it is a small suburb about 35km South of Cape Town’s city centre. I drove my sister to the house she’ll be taking care of for the next two weeks or so. I’ve been there before, but today it seemed like an entirely different building. (more…)


Day Seven of Ten: The Inevitable

I can barely believe it but unfortunately, it’s true. Four days is all I have left to spend in my dearest city of Cape Town.

I’m not sure how time disappears like it does. A few days ago I couldn’t wait to come home and now, I’m home, about to go back, not wanting to go back. Life honestly sucks sometimes. (more…)


A Very Important Week

Readers, I am finally on vacation.

After a month and a half of hauling unnecessary ass around, being Rhodes’ mistress, I am free and back in the city that I love so dear. (more…)


The Days That Define Our Friendships

Warning: This post contains strong language.

Sooo…

What can I say about today… (more…)


June Vacation Bucket List

This post is a day late courtesy of my awful internet connection here at home (oh, by the way, I’m home now yeah… for the best part of a week now, too) and WordPress’ mobile website.

Instead of posting a very morbid and upsetting post… mostly more moaning about how I hate myself and my life etcetera, I’m sucking some inspiration from the ether, the wonderful Cape Town ether.

I have roughly four weeks, to accomplish these – the top ten things I want to do this vacation! In order for the completion of this list, I will need the help of my awesome friends, the people who have countlessly stopped me from jumping off (hypothetical, sometimes) bridges these past few years. (more…)


Anti-Planning

Wow, where has the time gone? Just the other day I was fantasizing about my wonderful week’s vacation. Now, it’s Thursday morning, and I’m due back to my personal little hell in less than four days time. Sigh. I honestly don’t even know where this degree will take me anyway. I’m starting to think that not getting into journalism is a major setback. Anyway… I don’t want to put a dampener on this somewhat good mood I’m in.

I feel like going shark-cage diving, or snorkeling or fishing, or hiking, or something tomorrow. I really do. My time is almost up here and I won’t be back until June, which is shit long and generally shit in Cape Town because it’s winter. So, yeah, I feel like doing something stupid. Maybe even drunk-texting, or something.

It’s really windy here tonight. It’s nice though to have wind that actually rustles the leaves and curtains a bit. And there’s a howl too. It’s great. It was supposed to rain today but that never materialized. So yeah. I can’t even remember what I did today. Sadly, that’s most days for me, and yeah, I’m not even an alcoholic.

The braai that I was supposed to go to was cancelled like an hour before it was supposed to happen and that left everyone flat-footed about what to do and pissed off with life in general. It’s okay though. I’m used to plans falling through here. The only plans that ever seem to work properly are the Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight concert in December. It’s probably the only event that my friends and I have attended for consecutive years. And that better stay that way. It might be the world’s last Christmas this year, after all, life as we know it is supposed to come to an end in 2012. As the Mayans would believe it.


Early Morning Musings

Sigh. I always feel horribly sick when I least need to, like on vacation, for example – when I only have one week at home, and it’s already Wednesday morning. Oh well, I’ll have to man up or shut up I guess. I’ve had a good vac so far though. No real highlights, just good to be home.

I really have nothing to say on this blog recently it would seem. There hasn’t been much shit I’d consider newsworthy in my life lately.

I have thought though… its high time I get a girlfriend – someone who I’d actually enjoy spending more that one night with. I’ve been single for far too long now. I miss that drama that a relationship always seems to bring to one’s life. The fighting, the arguing, the smashing of unsuspecting crockery against the walls and tiled floors. Just kidding. I miss the companionship of another mainly. To be honest, I make a pretty good self-companion if that makes any sense, sounding anything short of freaky, but really, I have come to rely on myself more and more. It would be a complete change by letting someone new into my life – an environment that is as complicated as, well, a broth made with sheep’s head and elephant balls, perhaps? Not a good simile.

However, I’m pretty eager to see someone tomorrow. Well, we’re having a braai at my friend’s place and I hope I’ll get to see her there. Apparently though, there has been some moving and shaking going on while I was away. Sigh. Like it always does. I’m interested to hear all about it.

But I’m really tired, just thought I’d post before I forget!!


Untitled: Post #181

Hey readers. So, this week hasn’t been the epitome of endeavor. I’ve been asleep for most of it, curled up under miles of fluffy comforters. Before you judge, let me say that I have not been feeling particularly healthy. I’ve kinda lost my appetite – or will to eat anyhow. I think this place has finally got under my skin. Luckily, term comes to abrupt end this Thursday… well for me anyway. I’m looking forward to coming home, seeing my friends and family.

Speaking of seeing people, I walked past one particular today. You might remember her from my birthday post. Yeah, thanks for all the sympathy views too. Just because it was on my birthday doesn’t mean you have to explicitly read my blog. Anyway, we greeted, she spoke, I said: “Oh okay cool. Enjoy”, and then walked off. It’s strange how I feel, because a) I didn’t even know it was her until she said my name, b) I looked at her and didn’t think of feel anything, and c) I think I pretty much killed the initial thought of being with her, and I’m glad. I’m not sure how that would work. I’m so sick of having to settle for second best. Oh well, I suppose I can add another to that ever-growing list. Like a good friend I’ll be there for her regardless.

Getting back to vacation… it’s only a week-long. I have to be back here at 16h00 next Sunday. It is, I suppose, nice to have a break.

I gotta run though. Speak later.


Across The Bay: The Prelude

I’m not sure if I have told you this already readers, but tomorrow my friends and I embark on a journey. A journey that will see us cut through the Western Cape mountains, experience years of distillery excellence and fight off the Sandman as he hassles for his own. Naa, I’m just kidding. We’re off to Betty’s Bay – a beautiful coastal resort town just East of the Cape Town metropolis. It’s going to be bananas.

The reason I say this is, well, partly because we have enough liquor to incapacitate a herd of elephants. Not to mention this little document put together by the clan themselves:

The Official 2011 Drinking Rules

NO COMPLAINTS MAY BE MADE ABOUT ANY OF THESE RULES ONCE THEY ARE FINALISED AND APPROVED BY SIGNING THE PARTICIPATION FORM. These rules may however be subject to change if all participants are in favour of the change being made.

  1. Standard Rules, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic:

The “two fingers” penalty is standard, unless otherwise stated. Note that non-alcoholics are exempt from drinking alcoholic beverages, but are obliged to drink anything else.

  1. IMPORTANT: The consumption of alcohol is optional between 03h00 and 12h00.
  2. Whoever throws up must clean up their mess. If not, the photograph best depicting the incident will be posted on Facebook.
  3. Everyone must help to clean at the end of the weekend. If not, the worst photograph of the subject taken will be posted on Facebook.
  4. Whatever you break, you pay for. If not, you run the risk of never being included on a group trip again.
  5. Ask before drinking from other peoples’ alcohol. Failure to do so will result in the victim being obliged to use the same amount of the offender’s alcohol.
  6. Saying “no” to a drink is only acceptable if the drink refused is substituted with another.
  7. Every time a dry joke/remark is said and no one laughs, a variation of the word “drink” is said and that person must drink.
  8. The first person to fall asleep on the first night must make breakfast the following morning with no help and clean up whatever utensils he/she used.
  9. Everyone must clean/wash their own dishes/utensils; if there are dishes/utensils left in the sink at the end of a meal, the person who used them must down their next drink.
  10. The Mine game’s penalty will be an alcoholic shot instead of ten push-ups.
  11. King’s Cup (non-alcoholics are exempt), will be played with a double deck of cards and two cards will be drawn at a time. At least one round of King’s Cup must be played each day.
  12. Every time the tune to Duck Sauce’s “Barbra Streisand” is hummed, sung or whistled, the person closest to the source must say “Barbra Streisand”, otherwise, he/she drinks. This rule, however, is not to be continuously used rendering it redundant and boring.
  13. All games (Copy/Paste; Shotgun; Like how?; etc.) are welcome to be played during the weekend, but they may not be used to force people to drink. If so, Rule 2.g. shall be enforced.
  14. If there is a disagreement to whether a (stupid) rule has been broken or not, another person has to confirm it. This is done by seconders, thirders, and so on, putting their hands up. The accused then has to Hoola down their drink. This involves downing your drink while dancing the Hoola.
  1. International Drinking Rules apply during drinking sessions, unless otherwise stated:

The “two fingers” penalty is standard, unless otherwise stated.

  1. “Buffalo” applies all weekend, alcoholic drink or not. Buffalo may also be called if a drink is taken while both hands are placed on the beverage.
    1. i.      The “Drink with the Clock” rule variation applies. When the minute hand is in the first half of the hour (on the right hand side of the clock) drink using your right hand. When the minute hand is in the second half of the hour (on the left hand side) drink using the left hand. “Buffalo” can be called if the incorrect hand is used, and the incorrect hand is then also used to down the drink.
    2. No swearing is permitted.
    3. Drinks must be placed 1 finger’s length in from the edge of the table.
    4. No pointing, using fingers or fists is allowed. Elbows and nodding should be used.
    5. No one may be referred to by their Christian names, only nicknames and surnames allowed.
    6. The words “drink” and “finger” are disallowed. They may however be replaced with any other variation of the words. CTAB (consume that alcoholic beverage) my be used as a possible alternative.
    7. If falsely accusing people of breaking rules, those penalties must be borne by the accuser.
  1. Personal Rules, in alphabetical order:

The “two fingers” penalty is standard.

  1. Andrew: Every time he trips or goes happy trippy, he must drink.
  2. Bevan: Every time he pinches or pokes anyone, he drinks.
  3. Bradley: Every time he has a perverted thought or walks through a door facing forward, he drinks. He must walk through every door backwards.
  4. ­Dax: Every time that she says “yanie…” she drinks.
  5. Dean: Every time dean quotes stand-up comedy, words in accent or any piece of the performance/movie, he drinks.
  6. Gabs: Every time she’s caught playing on her phone, she drinks.
  7. Gen: T.B.C.
  8. Jason K: He has to drink his beer through a straw. OR Every time someone asks him what he is drinking, he has to answer non-beers by calling it a beer, and vice versa.
  9. Matthew: Every time he argues with anyone he must drink.
  10. Sam: Every time she talks about science, she must drink.
  11. Shane: Every time he makes a sarcastic remark or comment, he drinks.
  12. Shinead: Every time she and Warrick get caught alone, she drinks.
  13. Susan: Every time she does something out of character, she must drink.
  14. Tash:
    1. i.      Every time she slurs her words or says “Check here”, she must sing one of her favourite nursery rhymes (she may not sing the same rhyme twice in a row), whilst standing on one leg, and once she has finished, she drinks.
    2. ii.      She must also ALWAYS have a drink in her hand, beginning from 19h00 on the day of arrival while awake and up to the last day’s clean up. (*)This excludes fixed meal times.
    3. iii.      Tash will have to drink a total of 21 different special drinks by the end of the weekend.
    4. Warrick: Every time he says “bra” or “squandered”, he drinks.

Participation Form:

The form below represents the participants of The Official 2011 Drinking Rules. By signing your name on this form, you agree to all rules and penalties and are completely satisfied with them. Note that once you sign this form, you are obliged to participate in all drinking activities, unless otherwise stated, during the weekend. Please sign below: (All participants sign).

Oh yes, we’re taking this very seriously. Well, not so seriously seeing that after about ten minutes of this little autocracy we’ll be wanting to dig our own graves and just mellow out in them. I shall try to keep you posted as the weekend progresses. I shall have plenty to say, plenty to capture and plenty to enjoy! So from yours truly and my friends, I bid you farewell readers! Until next time…

- reddevilandy10


Issues Issues

Well, my first full day back in Cape Town was, pretty great. I spent most of it with the family and friends. Ironically, I actually went to church… and needed my assistance and technological prowess to sort out a bit of a computer issue.

The real interest of today was all the stories that came out, of both friends and family, but more friends. I’m amazed at how things can just change in three months. I wasn’t gone for that long, and here I feel as if I have missed out on a great deal of happenings. I guess that that’s one of the sacrifices that not only I am making by being in Grahamstown. Sigh… I have a lot of work to do in the following few years of my life.

Anyhow, the real reason for this post is to notify you that from this point on, I will be letting friends and acquaintances guest post on my blog, just as a little social experiment. I will be posting the “Fails of 2010″ post very, very soon (yes Luke, I didn’t forget), and I also want to post at least one post a day for the next three months, just as a record of my Summer 2010 vacation!

Until next time, later, I’m off to bed! Still so drained from that drive home.

- reddevilandy10


Vacation: Nine Days To Go

In Grahamstown, there is nothing worse than a mid-day power failure. The power ironically decided to trip during my English exam this afternoon. It went well, in case you’re wondering.

Anyhow, I’m stuck here on battery saving mode, screen on dullest, all non-essential programs dead, all unnecessary hardware unplugged. That’s right. Just me and my notepad.

I end exams in exactly a week’s time from today. That means, all the stressing, all the late nights fighting with hoards of notes, the constant struggle to find the perfect pen, is no more. I will be done with first year at Rhodes, and there is hardly a better achievement than that. I have been able to get drunk on numerous occasions, enjoy life, flirt with endless amounts of girls whilst studying, attending lectures and tutorials and keep every single one of my DPs. That is no small feat.

It is easy to get sucked into the life and buzz of this student town. Just a few weeks back, my friends and I went out no less than four times in the same week, each of those days being more raucous than the other. I remember one day waking up with the third most intense hangover of my life with a psychology essay due the next day – and I finished it. I murdered it. I know I did.

This past year has been a blur. I met countless people, some who I believe are truly great friends. I have learnt countless things, from Freud’s curious psychosexual stages of developmental to speaking Japanese in linguistics. I have had many all-nighters, two of which I actually made without sleeping a wink. I have drunk hundreds of litres of coffee, Grahamstown tap water and other Grahamstown beverages, experienced new shots and mixes, and even ordered a “double coke and vodka” once.

After all the hectic assignment dates, Jude’s 9am hand-in time that I have missed by two minutes in the past; After all the late night study sessions, the pointless poolroom banter, the tiresome readings of Sozaboy and the like, and the never-ending tutorials that always seem to be stapled to your forehead… After all of these things, there is only one thing a Rhodes University student can say…

I regret nothing. Nothing at all.

Ultimately, the greatest reward for Rhodents is the knowledge that subjects have been passed, memories have been made but most importantly, that live has been lived.


Week Six of Six

Well, it’s finally here: the last week of term.

This term has really flown by. The amount of work being thrown at us I thought it never would, but here we are.

I’m actually reluctant to leave again, just as my friend says, we always meet just before we go on holiday. That was the highlight of my week. I really like talking and listening to her. It was good fun. Nothing quite like chatting over hot chocolate about your life and stuff.

Anyway, I haven’t posted in a long time – I’ve had a ton of work to complete, but I still feel crummy about not writing anything.

I hope the rest of today turns out for the good, like yesterday was.


So Long G’Town

And so, the final post from Grahamstown for the best part of 50 days, I bid this awesome city goodbye. I will miss many a pub, tavern and club… not to mention the awesome people who scatter across South Africa. It’s been a long one, the journ exam today just proves that theory. And even though we may study in vain, never shall we ever party in vain!!

Rhodents, enjoy your well earned vacation, I’m sure as hell going to enjoy mine. Looking for ward to third term (aptly named O-Term).

Let the good times roll…

I wonder where my transport is?

- reddevilandy10


Personal Inspiration Post

My first post in two weeks is the result of a) trying to study and failing; and b) passing procrastination. I swear I studied for less than an hour today yet my head feels bloated. There’s a PowerPlay in the cupboard that I think I’ll hit later, but right now I need to suck some kind of inspiration and motivation from the air, or else I can kiss Rhodes bye bye. So, here it goes.

It’s two weeks, six days and about six hours until I am home. That amounts to 20 days, six hours; which is around 150 hours. Doesn’t seem that long, does it? I am at the top journalism university in Africa. I live in the greatest city on the planet. It’s not raining! Why am I not inspired?

Well, I don’t know. I feel tired. Apathetic. Sick of it all. I know I have to pull through these last few days – after all, I get a 6 week, 42 day, 1008 hour vacation this year! Do you know what I plan to do with all that time? Let’s have a look:

1. Have a beach day.
2. Have a rain soaked How I Met Your Mother marathon with my friends.
3. Hopefully, see Dizzee Rascal, Fatboy Slim, Roger Goode or Euphonik live at the CTICC during the World Cup.
4. Watch one of the big matches at a Fan Park (probably the Grand Parade one in the City centre).
5. Visit everyone’s favourite nightclubs in the city: The Assembly, Karma, Springboks, Galaxy, Club 91, Chrome, Deluxe and yes, even The Purple Turtle if we’re feeling it.
6. Track down and eat the best pizza, hamburger, tiramisu and SoCo & Lime in Cape Town.
7. Go tobogganing in Durbanville – sounds like fun and I’ve always wanted to do it.
8. A day dedicated to Lazer Tag with the friends.
9. Visit the Vodacom Funny Festival which i regrettably missed last year.
10. Intern at one of the fastest growing online magazines in Cape Town, capetownmagazine.com.
11. Continue the Pool League my friends and I created. I am currently last.
12. Picnic somewhere. Maybe Kirstenbosch?

Well, these are just a few things I’ve thought about. I really need some sleep so I think I will go to bed now, get up early tomorrow morning, and start studying. For real.

- reddevilandy10


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