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Yes, They’re Doing It

Wow. What a whirlwind, wonderful week, hey?

It started with the Sheena Surprise lowdown…

Then work got really hectic and very exciting.

Then we presented to 200 rowdy, hormonal, brilliant high school boys.

Then came the 27dinner in Durban last night. If I could draw a heart aroud each person’s name who was there last night, I would. Thank you.

And this morning, this morning my latest article on Parent24 went live. It’s here.

I think I’m allowed a quiet weekend, yes?

Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky

“If you only watch one film this year, let it be Izulu Lami.”  Beeld, 21/8/09

“If you want to see a movie that will move you to the core and features a cast of unknowns who act their socks off, then you need to see Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky. Its young actors deliver a message of hope, love and redemption… the acting is superb…  It’s a real cinematic gem.” – Estelle Sinkins, The Witness, 27/8/09

Hi Everyone,

I, like you, detest mass mails, but, this struck me quite powerfully because it falls within the HIV/AIDS sphere in which I work at HIV-911. I know that we have brilliant film and movie talent in our gorgeous country, and this movie is further evidence of it. Relevant, real and recognised, Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky is showing at cinemas around the country now – please go along and watch it, and pass this on to your friends and colleagues.

Thanks and big love,

Cath

“An extraordinary work of great power… a vision of the lives of children that I cannot recall seeing in any other South African-made film.”   Barry Ronge, Sunday Times, 23//8/09

“The acting is superb…  a real cinematic gem.” The Witness, 27/7/09

“Hands down one of the very best and most heartfelt local films that I have ever seen… See it at all costs. It is a precious local jewel.”  Radio Sonder Grense, 21/8/09

“The Durban-grown film Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky has caused a stir wherever it has been shown around the world… The filmmakers say they wanted to tell a story about the increasing numbers of children in this country who are growing up without parents. ‘This is a story of hope and resilience,’ says director Madoda Ncayiyana. ‘The main character decides not to be a victim but to take her fate in her own hands.” – Sunday Independent, 16/8/09

Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky is an award-winning South African film that tells an authentic and uplifting story of courage and resilience through the eyes of two young children. Orphaned by HIV/AIDS, the 10-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother embark on a journey from their rural homestead to the city, and in the process undergo a process of self-discovery and transformation. This unique film offers insight into the experiences of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) from the perspective of those most affected by these national challenges, and is delivered in the actors’ mother tongue, isiZulu, which allows for rich and convincing performances. Not only is this a heartwarming local film, but it can serve as a potent tool for social and public health interventions and education both within South Africa and internationally.

Directed by Durban-based Madoda Ncayiyana, co-written by Julie Frederikse and Ncayiyana, and co-produced by KwaZulu-Natal’s Vuleka Productions, Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky has won several international awards: the Dikalo Prize for Best Feature Film from the Pan African International Film Festival at Cannes, the Audience Award for Best Film from the Tarifa African Film Festival in Spain, as well as the Best Actress Award for the film’s young star, Sobahle Mkhabase, and the SIGNIS Prize for Best Feature at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

It is hoped that those affected by and/or working in the field of HIV/AIDS and OVC will recommend this groundbreaking feature film to colleagues and friends because it can bring greater awareness, understanding and compassion from the public around these vital social issues. Tell your friends and colleagues, forward this notice on email and via email lists so it stays in cinemas as long as possible.

For more information on Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky, please visit:http://www.mysecretsky.com/

Hey you, audience of twelve…

This struck me quite powerfully because it falls within the HIV/AIDS sphere in which I work at HIV-911. I know that we have brilliant film and movie talent in our gorgeous country, and this movie is further evidence of it. Relevant, real and recognised, Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky is showing at cinemas around the country now – please go along and watch it, and pass this on to your friends and colleagues.

Thanks and big love,

Cath

“If you only watch one film this year, let it be Izulu Lami.”  Beeld, 21/8/09

“If you want to see a movie that will move you to the core and features a cast of unknowns who act their socks off, then you need to see Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky. Its young actors deliver a message of hope, love and redemption… the acting is superb…  It’s a real cinematic gem.” – Estelle Sinkins, The Witness, 27/8/09

“An extraordinary work of great power… a vision of the lives of children that I cannot recall seeing in any other South African-made film.”   Barry Ronge, Sunday Times, 23//8/09

“The acting is superb…  a real cinematic gem.” The Witness, 27/7/09

“Hands down one of the very best and most heartfelt local films that I have ever seen… See it at all costs. It is a precious local jewel.”  Radio Sonder Grense, 21/8/09

“The Durban-grown film Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky has caused a stir wherever it has been shown around the world… The filmmakers say they wanted to tell a story about the increasing numbers of children in this country who are growing up without parents. ‘This is a story of hope and resilience,’ says director Madoda Ncayiyana. ‘The main character decides not to be a victim but to take her fate in her own hands.” – Sunday Independent, 16/8/09

Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky is an award-winning South African film that tells an authentic and uplifting story of courage and resilience through the eyes of two young children. Orphaned by HIV/AIDS, the 10-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother embark on a journey from their rural homestead to the city, and in the process undergo a process of self-discovery and transformation. This unique film offers insight into the experiences of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) from the perspective of those most affected by these national challenges, and is delivered in the actors’ mother tongue, isiZulu, which allows for rich and convincing performances. Not only is this a heartwarming local film, but it can serve as a potent tool for social and public health interventions and education both within South Africa and internationally.

Directed by Durban-based Madoda Ncayiyana, co-written by Julie Frederikse and Ncayiyana, and co-produced by KwaZulu-Natal’s Vuleka Productions, Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky has won several international awards: the Dikalo Prize for Best Feature Film from the Pan African International Film Festival at Cannes, the Audience Award for Best Film from the Tarifa African Film Festival in Spain, as well as the Best Actress Award for the film’s young star, Sobahle Mkhabase, and the SIGNIS Prize for Best Feature at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

It is hoped that those affected by and/or working in the field of HIV/AIDS and OVC will recommend this groundbreaking feature film to colleagues and friends because it can bring greater awareness, understanding and compassion from the public around these vital social issues. Tell your friends and colleagues, forward this notice on email and via email lists so it stays in cinemas as long as possible.

For more information on Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky, please go here

…just quickly…

today i’ll be at a school, talking.

tonight, i’ll be here, talking.

tomorrow, i’ll be at home, mommying and couching out. possible chick flight fest with my precious daughter.

and in six weeks time, i’ll be here and here!

i. love. my. life.

Random thought…

…something i thought whilst flying back from JHB on Sunday and wrote in my little book of random thoughts and stuff that some people would love to get their hands on one day…(yeah, that is about you ).

I was thinking about myself. About Cam. About friends.

“me, so small, so short, so loud and so quiet… you, so small, so growing, so loud and so quiet.. you and me… so evidently small, yet so evidently capable”

Cam reminds me so much of myself nowadays. Other little girl members of my family do too. heh.

It makes me proud and simultaneously, makes me worry.

I wasn’t always the tough cookie my shirt tells me I am (thanks, Angel). I wasn’t always this outspoken. It’s taken a long long time of being stomped on to get to a point where I do know how to put my foot down, and stick my foot out to kick. Truth be told though, I hurt just the same now as I did when I was five years old and an ugly little boy called me fat. Back then, though, I didn’t know how to retaliate,  ignore or wait for karma to play along (said little ugly boy was recently treated in hospital for obesity and had his stomach stapled. That’s karma). Now I do. Now I know how to kick or walk away.It takes alot to be brave. But it’s easy when you know you have love. When you know you have support. When you know that, no matter what you do, you are loved.

I hope my daughter feels that way now, and every day of her life. Cameron is a brave one, stubborn, demanding and a whirlwind of emotions… NO idea where she gets THAT from

But, what she is, what I notice about my notsobabygirl, is that she is always determined, always excited by her independence. Sure, some days, she just wants mama to “do things for her”. And I’ll do that until she tells me not to.

I’m awed by her growing independence. Scared, too. A little heartsore, sometimes, truth be told.

The other night, we cooked dinner together, and she went to get the cheese from the fridge, grabbed the grater and started grating (yeah, i know, call the parenting police on me, she knows it’s sharp and is very careful and yes, I have loads of elastoplast…). Just like that, I realised…

I realised that she can do that. She knows how to. She knows when to. She proudly and happily helps out.

She is so proud of her every achievement. From the night she buttoned her own pyjamas, and told me to go away so that she could do it “on her own”.

Then I have to remind myself…that she’s my notsobabygirl anymore. She’s my growing little girl, ready to face the world whilst holding my hand.

Cam, mama’s awed by you. Thank you for choosing me to be your mama.

Revenge and Cupcakes on an Aeroplane

It started with a phonecall. That I missed. Heh. Larcy was round for tea and tuck

that night, and I picked up my phone just as it went to voicemail. It was Angel.

I listened to the voicemail, disbelievingly looked at larcy and said:

You know how I was just saying I kinda wish Sheena’s birthday was here so that you

could actually, like, meet her? Well, Angel and Glugster want to fly me up for it!

Heh. What should I do?

My heart said:

Go.

Go, because it meant being able to be there for Sheena’s 25th. We all know my theory

on the 25th year. Oh, Sheena, I owe you a phonecall about that one…

Go, because, truth be told, I owe the bitch because of last year’s birthday, when she

engineered my surprise party and had me in fits of tears and insults towards my best

mates.

Go, because, Cath, you can.

So, under a thickly-spread veil of lard and bleak emails, I conned Sheena into

believing that I was very, very bleak about missing it. Over six weeks, talking every

day to the madam, and laying it on thick like never before, I did it.

I kept checking the calendar. I’d be lying if I said that Angel and I didn’t count

down via morning text message. We did. Most of them were something like:

OMG! THREE SLEEPS LEFT!!!!

Hehe. Fuck, i love my friends.

So, with Cam packed off to her dad for the weekend, Friday woke up and I left the

office by ten. Way too distracted to sit around and wait for the day to roll by, I

had my hair cut, went home and finished packing. When Will came round with the now

infamous ‘big ‘n gay’ suitcase, and my stuff only *just* fitted in it.. Hey, don’t

judge me… a girl needs options, you know. I can actually fit my entire self into

that suitcase. True story.

So, off we went to the airport, I checked in and settled down for a bit of lunch and

even more Sheena-ragging. Dude! I called you from the airport! ROTFL.

Soon enough, that little green plane had me touching down in good old Egoli, were I

was met by Angel and Glugster, carrying gorgeous flowers and an insane balloon.

Before I even go there. Before I even start on the events that transpired, of tears

shat and maniacal laughter…I want to tell you about Angel and Glugster.

You see, dear audience of twelve, Angel and Glugster found me via Sheena. And when

Angel started her regular ‘blog stalkings’ of me, and I of both her and

even-numbering-obsessed Gluggie, I started patching together the pieces of their

lives. I fell in love with their story. And most of all, I fell straight into

inspiration. Here was Angel, rocking single mama who had finally found the man who

loved her and her child without boundary. And here was Glugster. A true gentleman who

so absolutely loves his now wife-to-be and her son. A love story through the good old

blog. When my life hit a horrible rocky turn last year, Angel and Glugster stood by

me, in ways I cannot even elucidate. They loved me from afar and when I finally met

them, on my lounge floor, whilst playing with Cam, I was, truth be told, awed.

They’re both grinning and blushing whilst reading this, I am okay with this. Their

love knows no boundaries, and it extends to Cameron and I. When I said that good

things and good people have come to me via this little habit of mine, once regarded

as disdainful, i’m not shitting you. Cameron calls them “the angel without wings and

the man who loves her”. Angel and Neels, I just wanted to say thank you. Such little

words, but so heartfelt. Just, thank you. For you, every day, my heart says a prayer.

You know why.

So, they picked me up and we ferried off to an Italian restaurant where the waiter

knew very little (“what is this brandy stuff you speak of?”) and the food awesome.

“What is this no cocktail menu rule of yours? are you insane?”. Okay, I admit, the

bad waiter mojo is my fault.

And we laughed. Laughed so hard. Laughed so much. Hey, Angel, you didn’t show me your

cupcake! Waha.

And then, home. To sleep and be warm and be ready for the onslaught of Gold Reef

City. Warm and snug, I thought to myself, and of course, unable to tweet or say

anything, I thought.. “heh, i am lucky and heh, Sheena, dude, revenge is so sweet”.

Saturday opened up her eyes and the sun shone – good thing too, because I would’ve

frozen my youknowwhats off if it hadn’t.

I got to sit with Angel whilst she created the SheBee and 8unni cupcakes and truly,

Angel, if I let Cameron loose in your kitchen, I fear you will never recover. Hehe.

It’s a kitchen making heaven in a cupcake, right there, and oh boy, Cam will just

freak out in excitement.

And off we went, after doing a little network setup for the Knucklehead and his mate.

By the way, Knucklehead, you are so, so, so much like my very-missed friend, Dewald.

Truly. Thank you for your time and laughing with me, and for putting me on to some

pretty cool bands I’m going to get hold of. Now, where do i get that hairdye!?!)

Dropping the cupcakes off at Primi, and a quick smokebreak later, we arrived at Gold

Reef City. Hiding behind Neels all the way, and of course, showing off my bra to

Angel in the parking lot (Cath standard operating procedure, of course), we met Craig

and Sam in the queue. Thanks, you two, for getting us our tickets so we didn’t have

to slog the queue for half an hour.

Hugs all round, and we’re standing outside the Tower of Terror. I hid behind the wall

when Sheena emerged, still shaking from that shit-yourself of

who-the-fuck-would-even-want-to-do-that-ride.

Hugs all round again, and still she hadn’t seen me…

So, I pounced, hand over her mouth and I said

“Hey, tart, what’s sweeter than birthday cake?”

Which is when I yanked her head back and said

“Revenge!”

Angel says Sheena and I have our own language. True story, we do. insert hand

motions, a cup of tea and a “the chocolate is full of bath” phrase, and we do. But,

that language didn’t exist for ten minutes whilst we both shat tears and jumped

around.

Truth be told, a number of people not part of the gang and the gag must’ve thought

“are these two retarded or just still screaming from the tower of terror?”

To my endearingly termed fuckbitch and former Shath-mate, I got you. I got you so

well I live in fear of my 30th birthday. Heaven help me for how you’re going to repay

me for this one. You’re probably in evil planning stages now. I think I’m going into

hiding June through to July next year.

I got to meet so many people, round the lunch table at the world’s worst Mugg n Bean,

with the world’s worst waiter (see, told you I have that mojo) and Craig got to bitch

about his very teeny tiny garnish salad.

We moved off after eating, and I practiced my ball skills to try and get a pink shark

for Cam. Turns out my ball skills have nothing to do with the actual sport

equipment,if you get my drift. Heh.

My favourite part of Gold Reef City has to be the Kiddies section. Maybe it’s because

I’m a mama. Maybe it’s because I know Cam would love it there. Yes, my notsobabygirl,

you’re coming with next time, I promise.

With the help of our crew, Neels won Cam a stuffed dog. His name is Sheeba Bolt

Snickerdoodle, and he’s fast asleep now, paws wrapped up inside Cameron’s little

arms. Thank you, my friends.

Another table, another group of people and I started to feel like this was

fast-becoming one of my top five weekends of life. True story, I think it has. We

laughed and talked and joked ’til the sun started to set.

And, then, off to Primi for dinner, drinks and debauchery. That said, noone danced on

the table (chairs don’t count, girls ) and Sheena managed to get through the night

without having one of the girls pop out, hah.

I met so many wonderful people. Funny. Hilarious, in fact. I knew that already from

our twitter karaoke and banter. What I didn’t expect was how much you’d all feel so

much like home to me.

On that note, though, yes, dudes, I really am this short. I know I come across as

much taller, I get that alot, but, yes, I really am this short. Yes, jokes do fly

over my head (that was a new one) and yes, I really do shop in the kiddie

sectionsometimes.

In no particular order (and if i forget anyone, please forgive me now, I’m writing

this a few days later and i left my notebook at the office!) :

Jon – I’m getting to you just now. From meeting you in my driveway on a Sunday

afternoon to your now well-honed ability to put up with all that is Sheena, your

smile says it all.

8unni – from one single mama to another, keep rocking it, chick.

Flea – wahaha. Dude, I’ve licked your face. You can stay

Richard – fuckoffsideways, you really are that tall.

Rebecca – you owe me one rescue tactic. You know why. Heh. Good to meet you.

Garsen – you are exactly who I expected you to be. Garrulous, divine and hilarious.

You owe me a dinner, cooked by you. I’ll await your call

Bergen – two things – never steal a lady’s chair and get on your knees, boy.

Sam – if there was one person I wish I could have had more quiet time with, it was

you. For so many reasons. Now, sing it with me: “she wants to ….”. wah. Poor you,

Bergen, poor you.

Gareth – where can I get me one of these electric cigarettes, please? I think it may

be the answer I have been hunting for!

Craig – my friend Craig. You with your warm hug and iPhone addiction. Heh. And your

honest approach to life. Who would’ve thought we’d have so many people in our mingled

past already.

Philip – you, so quiet. I expected you to be taller! Kidding, I had to get someone

back for it! You have such a clever eye. Kudos.

I know I’ve forgotten people. Dammit. Just know this, please, you made a birthday

surprise girl, feel like she was at home in her pjs, comfortable and on her own

couch. Thank you.

When the night drew to a close, the actually-quite-jacked waiter (yay! we broke the

pattern!) brought round the bill and we all said goodbye, I started texting Jon

(Sheena, stop abusing your phone’s battery!). Heaven only knows what I said but, man

I hope it was good. heh.

Sleep, and a sunrise, I got up, made us all the Cath-breakfast, and got to sun for a

little while with someone i have been dying to meet – the now-blog-in-hiatus Sweets.

Chick, it was damn fine to meet you. And even more awesome to know that you’re doing

well. You so deserve it, hon. So much so.

ExMi and the BF joined us, without the Kid, deemed my future son-in-law, who was

pretty ill. Poor babe. I hope he’s doing better, mommy-van-driving tartface

Shortly afterwards, after she finished faffing around, like usual, and was most

probably gently shunted out the door by Jon, Sheena came round too.

And what did I get? Yes, folks, an awesome T-Vaal T-shirt tan. My nose is now

peeling. Help?

Far too soon, it was airport time. Far too soon for me. I sat in departures, waiting

to board, crying my head off. I didn’t think I would be. I knew it would be a

whirlwind trip. I didn’t expect it to be a heart-wrenching to leave as it was.

And wing back I did. To home, to Cameron, who ate all her Angel-made cupcakes in

three minutes flat and then asked if I could fly back and get some more for her

(heehee)! To Cameron, who loved her Sheeba Bolt Snickerdoodle doggie and tried, very

hard, to insert the entire worlds-largest-lollipop into her mouth. She’s still

working on it.

And on Sunday night, I was tired. A weird tired for me. It wasn’t from working, or

monitor-tanning til 1am. It was a strange tired. I was tired from having a good time.

From relaxing. From laughing so much I know I grew a few more laughter lines.

And, in bed, snuggled up with my precious daughter, I smiled to myself.

Thank you for a wonderful, insane, hilarious weekend. I remember, now, who I am.

Photo

Photos courtesy of AngelsMind

Formatting intentionally insane.

It started with a phonecall. That I missed. Heh. Larcy was round for tea and tuck that night, and I picked up my phone just as it went to voicemail. It was Angel.

I listened to the voicemail, disbelievingly looked at Larcy and said:

You know how I was just saying I kinda wish Sheena’s birthday was here so that you could actually, like, meet her? Well, Angel and Glugster want to fly me up for it!

Heh. What should I do?

My heart said:

Go.

Go, because it meant being able to be there for Sheena’s 25th. We all know my theory on the 25th year. Oh, Sheena, I owe you a phonecall about that one…

Go, because, truth be told, I owe the bitch because of last year’s birthday, when she engineered my surprise party and had me in fits of tears and insults towards my best mates.

Go, because, Cath, you can.

So, under a thickly-spread veil of lard and bleak emails, I conned Sheena into

believing that I was very, very bleak about missing it. Over six weeks, talking every day to the madam, and laying it on thick like never before, I did it.

I kept checking the calendar. I’d be lying if I said that Angel and I didn’t count

down via morning text message. We did. Most of them were something like:

OMG! THREE SLEEPS LEFT!!!!

Hehe. Fuck, i love my friends.

So, with Cam packed off to her dad for the weekend, Friday woke up and I left the office by ten. Way too distracted to sit around and wait for the day to roll by, I had my hair cut, went home and finished packing. When Will came round with the now infamous ‘big ‘n gay’ suitcase, and my stuff only *just* fitted in it.. Hey, don’t judge me… a girl needs options, you know. I can actually fit my entire self into that suitcase. True story.

So, off we went to the airport, I checked in and settled down for a bit of lunch and even more Sheena-ragging. Dude! I called you from the airport! ROTFL.

Soon enough, that little green plane had me touching down in good old Egoli, were I was met by Angel and Glugster, carrying gorgeous flowers and an insane balloon.

Before I even go there. Before I even start on the events that transpired, of tears shat and maniacal laughter…I want to tell you about Angel and Glugster.

You see, dear audience of twelve, Angel and Glugster found me via Sheena. And when Angel started her regular ‘blog stalkings’ of me, and I of both her and even-numbering-obsessed Gluggie, I started patching together the pieces of their lives. I fell in love with their story. And most of all, I fell straight into inspiration. Here was Angel, rocking single mama who had finally found the man who loved her and her child without boundary. And here was Glugster. A true gentleman who so absolutely loves his now wife-to-be and her son. A love story through the good old blog. When my life hit a horrible rocky turn last year, Angel and Glugster stood by me, in ways I cannot even elucidate. They loved me from afar and when I finally met them, on my lounge floor, whilst playing with Cam, I was, truth be told, awed.

They’re both grinning and blushing whilst reading this, I am okay with this. Their love knows no boundaries, and it extends to Cameron and I. When I said that good things and good people have come to me via this little habit of mine, once regarded with disdain by some, i’m not shitting you. Cameron calls them “the angel without wings and the man who loves her”. Angel and Neels, I just wanted to say thank you. Such little words, but so heartfelt. Just, thank you. For you, every day, my heart says a prayer. You know why.

So, they picked me up and we ferried off to an Italian restaurant where the waiter knew very little (“what is this brandy stuff you speak of?“) and the food was awesome. “What is this no cocktail menu rule of yours? are you insane?”. Okay, I admit, the bad waiter mojo is my fault.

And we laughed. Laughed so hard. Laughed so much. Hey, Angel, you didn’t show me your cupcake! Waha.

And then, home. To sleep and be warm and be ready for the onslaught of Gold Reef City. Warm and snug, I thought to myself, and of course, unable to tweet or say anything, I thought.. “heh, i am lucky and heh, Sheena, dude, revenge is so sweet”.

Saturday opened up her eyes and the sun shone – good thing too, because I would’ve frozen my youknowwhats off if it hadn’t.

I got to sit with Angel whilst she created the SheBee and 8unni cupcakes and truly, Angel, if I let Cameron loose in your kitchen, I fear you will never recover. Hehe.  It’s a kitchen making heaven in a cupcake, right there, and oh boy, Cam will just freak out in excitement.

And off we went, after doing a little network setup for the Knucklehead and his mate. By the way, Knucklehead, you are so, so, so much like my very-missed friend, Dewald. Truly. Thank you for your time and laughing with me, and for putting me on to some pretty cool bands I’m going to get hold of. Now, where do i get that hairdye!?!)

Dropping the cupcakes off at Primi, and a quick smokebreak later, we arrived at Gold Reef City. Hiding behind Neels all the way, and of course, showing off my bra to Angel in the parking lot (Cath standard operating procedure, of course), we met Craig and Sam in the queue. Thanks, you two, for getting us our tickets so we didn’t have to slog the queue for half an hour.

Hugs all round, and we’re standing outside the Tower of Terror. I hid behind the wall when Sheena emerged, still shaking from that shit-yourself of

who-the-fuck-would-even-want-to-do-that-ride.

Hugs all round again, and still she hadn’t seen me…

So, I pounced, hand over her mouth and I said

Hey, tart, what’s sweeter than birthday cake?

Which is when I yanked her head back and said

Revenge!

Angel says Sheena and I have our own language. True story, we do. insert hand motions, a cup of tea and a “the chocolate is full of bath” phrase, and we do. But, that language didn’t exist for ten minutes whilst we both shat tears and jumped around.

Truth be told, a number of people not part of the gang and the gag must’ve thought…

“are these two retarded or just still screaming from the tower of terror?”

To my endearingly termed fuckbitch and former Shath-mate, I got you. I got you so well I live in fear of my 30th birthday. Heaven help me for how you’re going to repay me for this one. You’re probably in evil planning stages now. I think I’m going into hiding June through to July next year.

I got to meet so many people, round the lunch table at the world’s worst Mugg ‘n Bean, with the world’s worst waiter (see, told you I have that mojo) and Craig got the world’s teeniest tiniest garnish salad.

We moved off after eating, and I practiced my ball skills to try and get a pink shark for Cam. Turns out my ball skills have nothing to do with the actual sport equipment,if you get my drift. Heh.

My favourite part of Gold Reef City has to be theKiddies section. Maybe it’s because I’m a mama. Maybe it’s because I know Cam would love it there. Yes, my notsobabygirl, you’re coming with next time, I promise.

With the help of our crew, Neels won Cam a stuffed dog. His name is Sheeba Bolt Snickerdoodle, and he’s fast asleep now, paws wrapped up inside Cameron’s little arms. Thank you, my friends.

Another table, another group of people and I started to feel like this was

fast-becoming one of my top five weekends of life. True story, I think it has. We laughed and talked and joked ’til the sun started to set.

And, then, off to Primi for dinner, drinks and debauchery. That said, noone danced on the table (chairs don’t count, girls ) and Sheena managed to get through the night without having one of the girls pop out, hah.

I met so many wonderful people. Funny. Hilarious, in fact. I knew that already from our twitter karaoke and banter. What I didn’t expect was how much you’d all feel so much like home to me.

On that note, though, yes, dudes, I really am this short. I know I come across as much taller, I get that alot, but, yes, I really am this short. Yes, jokes do fly over my head (that was a new one) and yes, I really do shop in the kiddie section sometimes.

In no particular order (and if i forget anyone, please forgive me now, I’m writing this a few days later and i left my notebook at the office!) :

Jon – From meeting you in my driveway on a Sunday afternoon to your now well-honed ability to put up with all that is Sheena, your smile says it all. /on that note, check the shitsmit on Sheena’s face here. wah/

8unni – from one single mama to another, keep rocking it, chick.

Flea – wahaha. Dude, I’ve licked your face. You can stay

Richard – fuckoffsideways, you really are that tall.

Rebecca – you owe me one rescue tactic. You know why. Heh. Good to meet

you.

Garsen – you are exactly who I expected you to be. Garrulous, divine and hilarious. You owe me a dinner, cooked by you. I’ll await your call

Bergen – two things – never steal a lady’s chair and get on your knees, boy.

Sam – if there was one person I wish I could have had more quiet time with, it was you. For so many reasons. Now, sing it with me: “she wants to ….”. wah.

Gareth – where can I get me one of these electric cigarettes, please? I think it may be the answer I have been hunting for!

Craig – my friend Craig. You with your warm hug and iPhone addiction. Heh. And your honest approach to life. Who would’ve thought we’d have so many people in our mingled past already.

Philip – you, so quiet. I expected you to be taller! Kidding, I had to get someone back for it! You have such a clever eye. Kudos.

I know I’ve forgotten people. Dammit. Just know this, please, you made a birthday surprise girl, feel like she was at home in her pjs, comfortable and on her own couch. Thank you.

When the night drew to a close, the actually-quite-jacked waiter (yay! we broke the pattern!) brought round the bill and we all said goodbye, I started texting Jon (Sheena, stop abusing your phone’s battery!). Heaven only knows what I said but, man I hope it was good. heh.

Sleep, and a sunrise, I got up, made us all the Cath-breakfast, and got to sun for a little while with someone i have been dying to meet – the now-blog-in-hiatus Sweets. Chick, it was damn fine to meet you. And even more awesome to know that you’re doing well. You so deserve it, hon. So much so.

ExMi and the BF joined us, without the Kid, deemed my future son-in-law, who was pretty ill. Poor babe. I hope he’s doing better, mommy-van-driving tartface

Shortly afterwards, after she finished faffing around, like usual, and was most

probably gently shunted out the door by Jon, Sheena came round too.

And what did I get? Aside from the splendour of giggling with good friends and poking Sheena’s hungover head… Yes, folks, an awesome T-Vaal T-shirt tan. My nose is now peeling. Help?

Far too soon, it was airport time. Far too soon for me. I sat in departures, waiting to board, crying my head off.

I didn’t think I would be. I knew it would be a whirlwind trip. I didn’t expect it to be a heart-wrenching to leave as it was.

And wing back I did. To home, to Cameron, who ate all her Angel-made cupcakes in three minutes flat and then asked if I could fly back and get some more for her (heehee)! To Cameron, who loved her Sheeba Bolt Snickerdoodle doggie and tried, very hard, to insert the entire worlds-largest-lollipop into her mouth. She’s still working on it.

And on Sunday night, I was tired. A weird tired for me. It wasn’t from working, or monitor-tanning til 1am, like usual. It was a strange tired. I was tired from having a good time. From relaxing. From laughing so much I know I grew a few more laughter lines.

And, in bed, snuggled up with my precious daughter, I smiled to myself.

Thank you for a wonderful, insane, hilarious weekend.

Coming soon…

The story of this…The Shath reunited. Hey, Sheena, revenge is so.freaking.sweet.

(Photo courtesy of the Divine and Fabulous AngelsMind)

Hey Sheena! Surprise!

Revenge is sweet, isn’t it?

Happy Birthday Fannyfartface

XXX

Want to meet a brave woman?

Meet my friend Apryl here.

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