Wednesday Wonders Announcement

Wenesday has kind of sucked. You'll get TiLT tomorroww, once I've had a (bottle-sized) glass of wine and some blues music while packing for Aus.. which is in 2 sleeps!! (2 sleeps too many as far as I'm concerned, but that's also grumpy Wednesday talking.)
 love and fishes, Miss Boo

Rapture Riders

Last request before the Rapture? Make sure you seat me next to Jim Morrison at the bar, y'hear?

AUSTRALIA APPRECIATION: Part 4

In honour of my impending trip to the wonderful land of Oz, I’ve decided to celebrate.

I have to just mention here that there is an ongoing mud-slinging match between South Africa and Australia. It mostly revolves around sport, and some other random silliness, but it gets quite ridiculous and out of hand sometimes. And I’m rather ashamed to say that, in the heat of a tense rugby match, I may have lowered myself to yelling nastiness at Australian teams and referees on occasion. Despite this, and watching too much Border Security, I am looking on the bright side. Which is turning out to be pretty damn bright! Aside from the obvious – my best friend’s wedding and all the awesomeness that surrounds it – I’ve discovered some pretty cool things about Oz.

Now, if you’re expecting a post filled with cutesy baby koalas and kangaroos, I’m going to tell you now that you’re going to be disappointed. While I am looking forward to seeing that kind of thing, the kind of thing that Australia Appreciation Month consists of is equally as squee-worthy, but in a completely different way. As in: you will be squeeing, but if you’re doing it at your desk, you might get fired. *ahem*

So, without further ado, I give you Part 4:

SIMON BAKER

My Simon Baker obsession (and I don't use that word lightly) is more than just the hormonal value, unlike Chris Hemsworth. That's all about the screaming oestrogen. This? This is a little different. This is the oh-so-sexy-guy-next-door-whose-door-you-knock-on-for-sugar-with-alarming-frequency thing. In conjunction with screaming oestrogen. (Diabetes pending.) There's just something... more. It could be the fact that he wears glasses. Simba, who knows me far too well*, has always teased me about the fact that if a guy is wearing glasses, I'm immediately paying attention. (It's sad but true. For years my shameful secret crush was one Boy Wonder. *cue flames of mortification*) 

But, back to sexy-sexy-Simon-Baker!  

The man in stylish to the nth degree! Both on TV and off, he just has built-in style and sexiness. How is it that some men can just do it, and others are so oblivious to the need for style? *sighs*

Now for the bad news, girls and boys.

Aaaaaaw!

Yea… I can’t even bring myself to be jealous. ** 

If you’re a fan of The Mentalist, you will probably be used to hearing him with an American accent. It’s quite strange to hear an Aussie accent coming out of him, but if you can stand the mind-fuck (I’ll give you a moment as your imagination runs wild…) check out this video. I’m loving the Aussie sarcasm and wry humour more and more.

And who could forget his delectable douche-bag in The Devil Wears Prada?!

Ok, enough talking...

And that, my friends, concludes Australia Appreciation Month! This time next week, I'll probably be running around madly trying to find matching pairs of socks or doing running leaps onto my suitcase in the hopes that it will deflate and I'll be able to close it. After what I've found out about Aus in the last few weeks, I'm far less apprehensive about the possibilities of finding awesomeness around every corner... I'll keep you all updated!

Wombats (bleh!) and Platypi,

X

* He knows too much! I can never let him leave now! *plots maniacally*

** That's only half a lie. I may twitching in spasms of cute OD, but I'm a very lucky lady. Mister Boo does cute things that would blow. your. mind.

*** Unless otherwise stated, images via Google Images

WEDNESDAY WONDERS - (TiLT Version)



It's Wednesday! It's a public holiday! And it's Voting Day! Aside from today being work-free, there are a few other things which have brought a smile to my face in the past week.

* FREEDOM. If you're here in the R of S.A, I hope you took the time to be a part of change, no matter how small. I've heard so many people, mostly young, but some old, saying that their vote doesn't matter, or that today's elections are 'just municipal', so it doesn't make a difference. WRONG! After so much turmoil, we all have the right and the responsibility to change things if we don't like them. If you don't vote in your municipal elections, then you can't create change in your own neighbourhood or community. And if you can't be bothered to change your community, then who are you to demand change on a national level. You've left it to someone else, and they might not feel the way you do. So, the moral of the story is: VOTE. (I could go on about this, but today is not the day...)

X

* While I was reading this post, I had a photo in mind that makes me grin every single time I look at it.

Me 'n Jay (2003)

It was taken in my last year of high school, when I was happier than I’d been in years, and having more fun than I thought was possible. This was taken on closing night of our inter-school play, My Fair Lady. We all went back to Brian’s house for the after-party. DAMN, did we party!?! The hat belonged to Ryan (I think), but, as he was Professor Higgins, he used it as part of his wardrobe for the play, and it developed a life and personality of its own. If we’d got our way, it would have got its own credit in the programme.

I love love LOVE this photo; it makes me grin and brings back such happy memories. It reminds me of how happy I was in my last few years of school, and how all the rough years before were more than worth it. It reminds me of wild, crazy nights that will never be rivalled. It reminds me of people who will always be special to me because they were the people I laughed with every day for years. It reminds me of how hard work and exercise pays off, because I looked fantastic and I felt beautiful, and, best of all, it reminds me of happiness. I felt like a rock-star that night, and that, my friends, is magic.

* Did you know that it's Velociraptor Season??? I sure as hell didn't, and wish I had! I wouldn't have ignored the hissing and scratching at the window last night if I had! (Thinking of Velociraptors also takes me back a good few years to some happy times. Yay for happy memories!)

* 100 Alternatives to 'So, whadda ya do?". This list rocked my world! It's also inspired some forthcoming blog posts, so that's awesome too!

* Finishing secret birthday pressie making! Now I have to see the girls and capture the looks on their faces! And THEN I can post pics of my creations! Yay!

* Spectacular morning skies. (The dumbass that I am at the moment, I forgot to upload this pic to my flash drive, so I'll have to leave you in suspenders for a day more, and post the pic as an edit later)

* Crazy in-between-colours hair which is forcing encouraging me to dig out my hats and beanies. Only a few more sleeps, and I'll have my natural hair back. And by 'natural', I mean this:



Blue feathers optional

* Making the tedious chore of hanging the washing far more bearable by star-gazing as I do it.

* Star-gazing in general. Yay! Also: The Full Moon on Tuesday night, and all the crazy things it does to me. Not: Missing the International Space Station and the space shuttle Endeavour passing over on Tuesday evening because of bloody sodding agent clouds. We watched out for the ISS last time it was visible in our skies, about two and a half years ago, and it was something that still gives me goosebumps when I think about it, so I was really excited to see Endeavour docking with the ISS, because it was such a special occasion! Sodding clouds. Pffft. Also also: the twinkling planets that sit just above the horizon about twenty minutes before dawn. Magical!

Little things which made me smile:

* Feeling like a rock-star when I was under immense pressure. The end of last week was dreadful, but I got through it with a mix of dignity, grace, strength, red wine and Blues music. What better combination is there? * Standing my ground * Writing into the early hours * Being a crochet queen! * Red * My Iron Fist shoes which make me feel like Queen Bitch whenever I wear them * Clarity * Tidying the studio at home again, with a very clear vision ahead of me * Finally being in the single digits in the Australia Countdown! 8 DAYS!!!!! * Girly days * Catching up with good friends * Making a new friend. Who is three years old. And having some of the most fun I've had in months with my new friend. * Feeling more together since I re-embraced the power of list-making * THOR. Oh sweet lord! I know what I want for my birthday... * Lists galore for Aus! It's getting out of hand!!! * Teasing Maja Boo about her flirt-scapades. * Maja Boo flirting again! SO good to see you happy and laughing, Mama! * My bubbling-under zombie obsession. I can even lurch like a Zombie Queen! Hallowe'en costume: check! * Recipe hunting * Old Live Seether on the radio! * Dirty jokes * Rocky Horror Rain Checks * My new glasses! They rock! So retro, so much clearer, so much better! *

Okay darlings! What's made you as happy as a hellcat this week?

AUSTRALIA APPRECIATION: Part 3

*Note: After the disasterous Blogger debacle on Friday, you're getting two A.A posts this week. You lucky things!

In honour of my impending trip to the wonderful land of Oz, I’ve decided to celebrate.

I have to just mention here that there is an ongoing mud-slinging match between South Africa and Australia. It mostly revolves around sport, and some other random silliness, but it gets quite ridiculous and out of hand sometimes. And I’m rather ashamed to say that, in the heat of a tense rugby match, I may have lowered myself to yelling nastiness at Australian teams and referees on occasion. Despite this, and watching too much Border Security, I am looking on the bright side. Which is turning out to be pretty damn bright! Aside from the obvious – my best friend’s wedding and all the awesomeness that surrounds it – I’ve discovered some pretty cool things about Oz.

Now, if you’re expecting a post filled with cutesy baby koalas and kangaroos, I’m going to tell you now that you’re going to be disappointed. While I am looking forward to seeing that kind of thing, the kind of thing that Australia Appreciation Month consists of is equally as squee-worthy, but in a completely different way. As in: you will be squeeing, but if you’re doing it at your desk, you might get fired. *ahem*

So, without further ado, I give you Part 3:

CHRIS HEMSWORTH

I don't have much on this FINE specimen, I'm afraid... I know he's in Thor, which Dinee and I are set to see on the public holiday tomorrow, once we've voted. Other than that, I'm not too clued up on him. It's true, I could have done a bit of Googling. I could have read the Wikipedia page about him. I could have searched for interviews with him. I could have done a lot of things instead of spending far too long on Google Images finding these:

And you thought he was like Derek Zoolander, with just one look!

Oh my.... Tomorrow is going to be FUN!

Until next time,

Cockatoos and Platypi!

X

Update: Well, having now seen Thor, all I can say is... IT'S MY BIRTHDAY SOON, Y'HEAR? My Lord, that was just.... *squee* ... I have to go and wipe my chin again now.

MUSIC MONDAY: Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of // U2

Wednesday Wonders 11.5.11

*After some Blogger issues last week, this post seems to have disappeared from Miss Boo Presents... But now it's back! Yay! 
Also, beacuse of the same Blogger issues, there was no Australia Appreciation Part 3. That means that this week will feature two A.A posts! You lucky things! (And me lucky thing, I get to compile them! Drooool... ) So... Enjoy!

Cry Freedom



Hey look! It's Wednesday! That means Gratitude Day! I've been in such a funk this week, but today has turned that all around. It's time to thank the Universe for her blessings!

* I'm one very proud owner of a Learner's Licence. Again. This is the fourth time I've written my Learner's (although only the third time I've passed it) I've had a bit of a phobia about driving, especially in Joburg, but now, for the first time, I feel like I'm ready to do this. Yay!

* The Crab Moon craves gerberas, carbs, emo connection and maybe to drift around some ye olde environs in draping black lace & old-style hair

* My wacky husband.

* 90's Nostalgia. I've surprised myself with this one, because when I was a teenager, I always said that, while the 80's was the decade Style spat on, the 90's was the decade Style just forgot. And yet... here I am, longing for vintage slips with ripped tights and combat boots. I guess I just couldn't appreciate it from that close up. I needed distance from it before it looked good. Or maybe I'm just getting nostalgic in my old age. hur hur

* Mystic Medusa started a discussion on phrases that would describe (warn?) the readers of the traits of star-signs on a t-shirt (prompted by the WildFox t-shirts.) My favourite comment? Cancer: I’m soo in love with… oh wait.

* I am now the proud owner of these! They were the last pair in the store, in my size (more or less...) and half-price! Best of all? THEY GLOW IN THE FUCKING DARK!!!!

Rawr! Moonshine Zombie Stomper. Limited Edition.

* This video. It makes me grin like a loon!

* Learning about personality types. I find this stuff fascinating! I started studying Psychology a few years back, but with life being what it is, I had to abandon the course quite early on. Still, I have high hopes for the future! And this kind of thing rocks my boat anytime.

* The Complete Guide to Not Giving a Fuck

* Also: THESE SHOES! I went on Saturday to get my Bridesmaid Shoes for Stephy's wedding, but the dumbass stoner dude had sold them. (Insert twitching eyeball here). So once I'd stopped threatening him with mutilation-by-Iron-Fist, I calmed down and browsed around. And I found these babies! They were a little more expensive than the Ruff Riders I'd been coveting, but they're a bit more comfortable and easier to walk in, and they will still rock the shit out of being a Bridesmaid! Yea!



FUCK Yea! Mean Streak Platforms!

* Fresh played Nelly the Elephant the other day as his Cheese of the Day on 5fm. Just for Barney Simon, the most awesome DJ in the history of EVER! Or at least SA Radio. 
* Last week, Big Blue (the store where I got my Wedding-Day dress) ran a contest asking for your fave Big Blue memory / item / story. I entered with my Wedding-Day dress story, and I've won a shopper for my efforts! I should find out this week when I can fetch it! Expect photos! And just in time for Aus too! Yay!!!!

* Wonderful people who have been down for far too long, starting to turn things around and look up again. There's enough unhappiness in the world, and watching beautiful souls turn that around and learn from it and understand how to use it to be happy again? That's magic right there!

* Planning for a Rocky Horror Party at the Doors on Friday night. Here's hoping it turns out to be a better party night than the last one we went to. But with this gang in full Rocky Horror Garb, it can't end badly. I simply won't allow it! Even if it means killing the DJ and taking over! Muwahahahahaha! *cough* splutter *

Grrrrrr....

Little things that made me smile:

* Jamming to Hanson in a pool bar for La's b-day. I think we have a problem. * Simba is moving to PE! Okay, I'm SERIOUSLY bummed that he's leaving Joburg, and us, behind, but he's been hoping for this for a long time, and I'm really happy that he's finally getting something he wants. * I'm changing my hair this weekend! I've been suffering from a severe case of hair-regret, which is unusual. I've missed my pink and purple like an amputee would miss a limb. Bonus: I get to catch up with one of my besties while having my hair done! WIN! * Being almost done with secret birthday pressie creations. Behind schedule, as usual, but awesome nonetheless! * Going for a quick little after-dark walk with Mister Boo the other night, just to keep the body from forgetting what 'outside' feels like. * Weird-as-fuck dreams involving bloggers I've never met telling me to write at least three pages a day. Every day. And then my book will be awesome. Yes sir! * Getting back into the 'to-do list' swing of things. I've been a bit lazy about it, but it's time to get shit together again! * Planning DVD days to get ourselves out of this autumn/broke/new moon funk we've all been in. (Thanks, Gala, for the inspiration!) * After my last Aus Appreciation post, I've been going through a Mini-INXS obsessiveness. Oh my! Poor Mister Boo puts up with a lot... * 16 DAYS!!!!!! * Finding out just how many of my friends are lurkers here on Miss Boo! Hi guys! I know you're there! Thanks for coming! Leave some comments in the block below? Kthxbai! *

And what's made you happy this week, puddings? I'd love to know!

X

AUSTRALIA APPRECIATION: Part 2

In honour of my impending trip to the wonderful land of Oz, I’ve decided to celebrate.

I have to just mention here that there is an ongoing mud-slinging match between South Africa and Australia. It mostly revolves around sport, and some other random silliness, but it gets quite ridiculous and out of hand sometimes. And I’m rather ashamed to say that, in the heat of a tense rugby match, I may have lowered myself to yelling nastiness at Australian teams and referees on occasion. Despite this, and watching too much Border Security, I am looking on the bright side. Which is turning out to be pretty damn bright! Aside from the obvious – my best friend’s wedding and all the awesomeness that surrounds it – I’ve discovered some pretty cool things about Oz.

Now, if you’re expecting a post filled with cutesy baby koalas and kangaroos and platypuses (platypi?) (why do I always feel like a dirty sailor when I say 'platypuss'?), I’m going to tell you now that you’re going to be disappointed. While I am looking forward to seeing that kind of thing, the kind of thing that Australia Appreciation Month consists of is equally as squee-worthy, but in a completely different way. As in: you will be squeeing, but if you’re doing it at your desk, you might get fired. *ahem*

So, without further ado, I give you:

MICHAEL HUTCHENCE



We could live
For a thousand years
But if I hurt you
I'd make wine from your tears

I told you
That we could fly
'Cause we all have wings
But some of us don't know why

 Born: 22 January 1960 - Sydney, Australia
Died: 22 November 1997 - Sydney, Australia

Known for: INXS, Giving his kid a weird name, Dying under peculiar circumstances
 * He was the founder and lead singer of INXS.
* He was sexy as sin (just ask the string of beauties he dated, not to mention the ones he's sure to have bedded, including Kylie Minogue, Helena Christenson, Belinda Carlisle and, probably most famously, Paula Yates.)

I need perfection
Some twisted selection
That tangles me
To keep me alive

In all that exists
None have your beauty
I see your face
I will survive

You might know of the original sin
And you might know how to play with fire
But did you know of the murder committed
In the name of love - yeah
You thought what a pity

* His death has been the subject of speculation for almost fifteen years now... some say it was suicide (which was the official ruling), and some say it was accidental during auto-erotic asphyxiation. Either way, it was a shock and a tragedy.


We look at all that shines
Baby's down on the world and she knows it
If your spirit's fine
Why don't we make it rain like we used to
We run We hide We want The good life
Aw sure
You're right
This ain't, the good life


* Nick Cave played "Into My Arms" at his funeral, famously requesting that the cameras be switched off for the duration of his performance as a show of respect.

Got some revelation put into your hands
Save you from your misery
Like rain across the land
Don't you see
The colour of deception
Turning your world around again

* Loads of songs have been dedicated to him since his death, including: U2's "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of", which Bono said was 'a good old row between friends', which he felt guilty for never having with Hutchence in real life; and Duran Duran's "Michael, You've Got A Lot to Answer For", which was released a month before Hutchence's death. The lyrics were eerily apt.

"Trust you to get caught up in somebody's war
You'll come out of it intact, I'm sure
Just remember what friends were put here for
Michael, you've got a lot to answer for
And I know that you're gonna call
If you need me"

She's so scared
So very frightened
Anything could happen
Right here tonight
Beautiful girl (stay with me)
Beautiful girl (stay with me)
She wants to go home

* "Corrupting Kylie is my favourite pastime" (1990)

Say I'm crying
I'm looking at what's on T.V
Pain and suffering
And the struggle to be free

* "Hutchence was the archetypal rock showman. He exuded an overtly sexual, macho cool with his flowing locks, and lithe and exuberant stage movements." -- Ian McFarlane

Here comes the woman
With the look in her eye
Raised on leather
With flesh on her mind
Words as weapons sharper than knives
Makes you wonder how the other half die
Other half die

* "He sings in a kittenish whisper, gently drawing back with the incredible lust of a tiger hunting in the night... Hutchence knows the prey will eventually come to him."  (Wikipedia)

I was shook up
Intoxicated
Drank the juices
Of the possibilities

I'm so alive

* I became 12 years old in five minutes, wanting to have sex with him. That's all I wanted! Oh my God. Everybody did! You just wanted him. He was the epitome of rock star. --Terri Nunn (of Berlin) on the why Hutchence was the inspiration behind her collaboration with Billy Corgan (of the Smashing Pumpkins), called Sacred and Profane

Give me tears
Give me love
Let me rest
Lord above
Send the bored
Your restless
The feedback scarred
Devotionless
You're all a part of me now
And if I fall
You're all a part of me now

And that wraps up Australia Appreciation Month, Part 2.

Until next time,

Love and platypi!

X

Note: All quotes from Wikipedia, images via Google Images

Road Trippin', Secunda Style



The bustling metropolis

  After weeks of planning, the day finally arrived. Bright and early on Saturday, after some pretty wicked partying with my big sisters the night before, I made my way to the East Rand to meet La, Angie and Heidi before we hit the road to the bustling metropolis of Secunda. The excitement was tangible, the anticipation was… Oh, cut the crap. I was bouncing in the car, squeeing and yelping in excitement and driving Maja and Mister Boo nuts. They were exhausted and severely hung over, respectively. Let’s just say there was a lot of grimacing and eye-rolling from them as I pumped up the AC/DC and such on the way there.



Squee!



I was poinging around the parking lot while I waited for Angie, and just after she came to find me, La and Heidi arrived. MUCH poinging and squeeing and loudness ensued. I’m sure Angie’s neighbours were cursing us in a way that would make Mojo Jojo proud. We bid Maja and Mister Boo adieu and motored over to Angie’s house, where we all squeed some more. Alex’s smile when we said goodbye said “I’m glad I’m not putting up with a pack of girls running on glitter-anticipation all day.”  



Yup. This is how it started...

Our first port of call was the garage, where we stocked up on cookies, fudge, donut holes and Nifty Nibs. We bounced around the store as we waited for our coffee. The check-out ladies eyed us suspiciously, and I don’t blame them. I mean, who has that kind of energy on a Saturday morning??? Us. And it’s intimidating. We each got our coffee barcode stickers, and I ran out of hands, so I just stuck mine on Angie, hoping the ladies would scan it from her cheek. They didn’t. First pout of the day. It would have been awesome to hold the scanner up to her face and hear a “piep”! Alas, the check-out lady eyed me especially wearily and when I saw her reaching for the panic button, I relented and gave her the stupid sticker. *rolls eyes* Too bad they sold out of fun so early in the day.

Once we left the land of no imagination, we hit the road for real. La made a couple of mix CDs of 90’s nostalgia, so we bopped along to everything from punk to pop to Pearl Jam as we made our way away from Joburg and all its wonders. We drove past a sewerage farm, and all took pictures.



Where they grow shit...



We drove past a squatter camp, and all took pictures.



Where they squat...



I’m not sure why, because it’s definitely not the first squatter camp any of us had seen. Nonetheless… The drive was actually a really pretty one, despite the fact that things are starting to get all dry and brown with autumn. The cosmos has started to pop up on the side of the road, and gave a really pretty frame to the view for most of the trip.

It was a long-ish drive there, but we didn’t waste a moment; there was lots of randomness and craziness in that little car.

The angel who looked after us



Look Shell, a TACTA!!!!

We took pictures of everything, including tractors.* Before we even saw a ‘Secunda’ sign, we knew we were getting close. Our chests started getting tight and each of us had a little coughing fit, which was fun.

*cough*splutter*choke*die*



We consoled ourselves with more cookies and fudge and car-aoke, which we have honed to a fine art. When we finally saw a ‘Secunda’ sign, we squealed with anticipation, and at a pitch which may have caused some of the surrounding farms’ dogs to howl. The time was drawing near!



Funky Town, this way



Possibly the most awesome moment of the whole day? As we drove into town, a new song started playing on La's mix CD... FUNKY TOWN. How apt! We rolled into Secunda, pumping the Funky Town, cruising like we owned the place. See?

Won't you take me to...



Funky Town!

  Ang squealed with joy when she saw a sign advertising Kurt Darren (a local Afrikaans singer who is as cheesy as the moon), and in her excitement, told us we simply had to go and see Durt Karren's show. Yup. Durt Karren. Things will never be the same again! (Sadly {NOT} for us, the show was only scheduled for this weekend, so we were a week early. *Angie pouted. A LOT.*)

The first thing we did was take a number for an ointment which, should it work, should be the solution to everyone’s problems. World wide. Imagine it! There would be no politics, no war, no violence, none of that would exist, because all of those things revolve around one issue. This cream could be the answer to World Peace! I think we should nominate its creator for a Nobel Peace Prize! Dial now!

What you got there, Heids?



Oh, World Peace! Or at least a Same day Service' penis cream! Win!

Then we hit the Wimpy for breakfast. My, my. I’d forgotten just how ‘small town’ these small towns are. We stood out like a sore thumb, and while we usually try to, Saturday was the exception. We were all about the casual-‘n-comfy for the long drive, so it was jeans and t-shirts for all of us. And yet…. It was SO VERY clear that we were from Joburg. And that was before we even opened our mouths. There were literally people staring at us from every single table in Wimpy. Maybe it’s because our hair moved on its own, and not with the assistance of a hacksaw or a pair of pliers. If the hairspray factory exploded in Secunda, well…. There would be a lot of ladies hiding out in their homes. Shoo-wee! There was one family next to us, on the other side of the glass, and they couldn’t take their eyes off us. I was desperately tempted to lick the window just to freak the shit out of them,  but then I saw a snotty-type kid smacking the glass, and thought it might not be a good idea. Instead, Angie gave one of her famous death-glares, and they left swiftly afterwards. Probably to go and pray that the evil Joburg girls didn’t get them. Ha! Once we were out of the spotlight, we got to our Game Plan. I busted out the butcher paper and endless pens, and we laid it all out in black (and green and purple) and white. Oh my, we got carried away!

Wimpy Coffee: Mega vs Regular

Once we’d had brekkie and looooots of coffee (and a green ambulance – a cream soda - or two), we moseyed off to the legendary make up store. I was planning to document the whole experience on camera, but got so swept away inside that I forgot completely. We went a little crazy. Collectively. I think the sales assistants were a little taken aback by our sheer determination to do some serious damage to our bank accounts! After all that though, I only bought four things. I think it was a case of optical overload, and I just literally couldn’t decide where to start, so I stuck to basics. *face-palm* All the same, I got some pretty cool stuff! I kept my Aus trip in the forefront of my mind, and came away with some practical things. Also: bright purple false lashes. What? A girl’s got Rocky Horror parties to plan for!

Total Haul

Purple Metallic False Eyelashes! WIN!

Versatile and oh-so-sparkly!

Angie went a little crazy in the store… it was quite inspiring to see that kind of shopping again. None of this laid-back just-cruising through stuff. Oh no! The lady was on a mission! And I think it was a resounding success!

After getting all googly-eyed over all the sparkles and neons and metallics and nails and STUFF, we strolled around the ‘mall’ for a while, trying to regain our composure. And then we skipped into the Lingerie and Cosmetics store, which was pretty entertaining! I never – NEVER – thought I’d see a metallic red and gold elephant-shaped banana-hammock in Secunda! We were on the hunt for cheap costumey stuff for Rocky Horror, but didn’t find anything that quite worked in our budget. Well, Ang did. The girl was on a roll! Oh, and I guess I did too, although the colour wasn’t right. I’ll make it work, though!

From there, we decided to explore Graceland. For those of you who are thinking that Elvis had a secret African paradise… if he did, it WOULD NOT be in Secunda! No, no, this Graceland is very different.



NOT Memphis, Tennessee, but it's still Graceland...

We went there in the hopes that they would still have the legendary singing mushrooms. No, we didn’t drink electric Kool-Aid on the way there!** Apparently, there used to be rather large mechanical mushrooms on the property, and they were motion-activated. Every time someone walked past them, they would start singing. OH HOLY CRAP, we couldn’t miss an opportunity to witness the magic of the singing mushrooms! We built ourselves up for the experience, and strolled around the entire casino. That took all of ten minutes. With a pee break! We couldn’t take it anymore, so we went in search of the funky fungi. Alas...

No singing mushrooms!

We nearly cried. In fact, I think there was a moment of mourning and some sniffling, but we soon got over it by photo-bombing a wedding with Princess, La’s spiffy little car! We also enticed her with ten points if she managed to run into the flower girl who was wearing her petal-basket as a hat, but she missed. Her punishment, we decided, was to wear the Camo Dress of Shame! We headed off to Trichardt, the neighbouring town, in search of it.

When we got there, Angie and Heidi were in awe. A&E should be called Akbar’s Cave of Everything! La and I made a beeline for the Camo Dress of Shame.


Not even remotely kidding

A deal’s a deal, and there were no singing mushrooms! Angie was enamoured with the Wookie-Gone-Wild look, and may have molested the mannequin. Maybe.*** After wandering around there for what felt like ages, but was only fifteen minutes (it couldn’t have been longer, because the detached voice on the intercom was reminding people that they had fifteen – ten – five minutes to shop before the store closed), and when we left, we were thoroughly exhausted. What a day! The drive home was a little more subdued than the drive there (isn’t it always?), but we still managed to giggle like dope-heads at a reggae festival. Not least of all when Heidi almost leapt out of the back window when La put her windscreen washer on without warning. You know the silent shriek of terror? Yea, that was Heidi. Hehehehe It doesn’t take much to amuse us, and when it’s something that is cruel in retrospect? Ah man, we die!

We saw a rainbow as we got back into Joburg, which was a pretty cool way to be welcomed back to the city!

Red and Yellow and Pink and Green... (big breath) Purple and Orange and Blue!

When we got home, all my family was just pulling in for a visit, so it was chaos, and a good time to end the day with a glass of wine and a round-up. Most of the family looked on, totally bemused, while Maja Boo heard the whole day’s stories in random, giggly succession, and looked thoroughly envious. Ah, road trips! For the Win!  

I hope you enjoyed my little recap as much as I renjoyed recapping our trip! Until next time!

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