Thursday, 29 May 2014

Trespassers beware...

Teehee...


I was rude today. But when you read my letter to the offender (who shall remain anonymous to save face), maybe you will understand. Yes, I did send it to the institution involved. Just thought I'd share it with you too...


Dear Mr Trespasser (from an academic institution, with wide-eyed students in tow),


Firstly, I would like to apologise for my somewhat cool demeanour (Ed: understatement!) this afternoon when assisting you with your vehicle. I have had a very stressful and busy day and was not expecting to find strangers stuck in the mud in the middle of the farm. As you will hopefully understand, with the current political and security climate as it is in South Africa we are very wary of any unknown vehicles being on the farm, as we are constantly victims of cable theft and vandalism.

That being said, it is also not correct to just drive onto any farm land as you wish. Farms are dangerous places - there are constantly large vehicles in operation, basic road infrastructure, electric fencing, and large animals - all of which are elements that are best understood by the owner, and it is therefore necessary to consult with him for guidance before entering his property. To do so without his knowledge or consent is highly irresponsible. The fact that you were trying to reach someone for permission is appreciated, but too late when you are already stuck in the mud in the middle of a property. The correct way to do things would have been to phone before hand, thus avoiding going off-track in the first place.

We are also running a business, and as such, it is only polite to request a meeting via email or telephone and make an appointment prior to arriving on the farm and expecting to be greeted by happy people with nothing better to do but help you. We are busy. We have work to do, just like you. What you did this afternoon is akin to me walking into your office without knocking, sitting down behind your desk and drinking your cup of coffee. It is rude.

I am a masters graduate myself and would therefore be more than happy to assist you with any research you wish to perform on the farm, provided that you let me know before hand when you would like to visit, how many people will be joining you, and the nature of your visit. That way, I will be able to guide you and assist you in any way that I can.


You now have my contact details.

Thursday, 24 April 2014

Gratitude

Sometimes it's very easy to get caught up in the negativity that hangs around certain people and groups in society like a dark cloud. People that seem to just moan and complain about everything and will always take your positive and turn it into a negative.
 
Negativity is so draining! It saps the colour out of life and leaves you feeling so angry and despondent about everything. ..bleh! How unpleasant! For those of you who don't know, there is a lot of negativity floating around South Africa at the moment as we head towards our National election in May. People are doomsday prophesying left right and centre, and everyone feels bleak that the ANC is going to win again, even though they are a bunch of super corrupt a-holes.
 
So, I decided that a  positive blogpost is way overdue. Something that makes you happy and puts a smile on your face, and hopefully makes you forget about all the negative political nonsense that is doing the rounds. Hence, this time my post is on Gratitude - what I am most thankful for every day whilst everyone else is too busy being negative...
 
My health - a healthy body and mind is one thing a lot of people take for granted. Challenge yourself every day, both mentally and physically. I even found a quote on being healthy made by a famous dude who invented penicillin that I thought was quite apt - “Wine is the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages.” ― Louis Pasteur. Clever man old Louis...

 
Being loved - by the kindest, handsomest man.

 
My family -  who really are the most awesome people I know on this beautiful planet.

 
Fresh, crisp Autumn mornings. The smell of fresh silage. Brightly coloured leaves, the lingering smell of brush fires in the air, beautiful sunsets over the Drakensberg, log fires, red wine, cuddles with the furry family, loves from my love. *Bliss*

 
Cow poo - because without it, our veggie garden would not be as splendid as it is. Rocket, tomatoes, mint, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, spinach... wholesome, good, delicious food.

 
 Rain.
 
Happy News from friends that are all around the world.
 
Time spent with family, friends, nature. Spending as much time as possible enjoying the good, positive things in life and not wasting it on ugly, negative things. There is a limit to this one, so make the most of it!

Long weekends off - Cape Vidal, snorkeling, octopus, hippos, camping, marshmallow eggs, G&T's, wine, making new friends, surf & turf, gopro, scrabble, breakfast skottel on the beach, leopard spotting, crayfish diving, warm showers at the end of a busy day xxx

 
A Home to go back to, with a roof over my head and a warm bed at night.

xxxxxxxxxxx