Lessons My Gran Insists On Putting In Greeting Cards

My grandmother has an odd way of telling you things. In some cases, regardless of how long you know her or your relation to her, she'll tell you exactly what she thinks at any given moment: "You've gotten fatter since the last time I saw you!" I've become so accustomed to her blatant honesty that it no longer shocks me. I'm often puzzled by others' raised eyebrows and nervous laughter when she makes statements such as "These shoes are rubbish," while the poor salesperson has to think of an excuse as to why the shoes are not up to her standards. The nice thing is, she means well, she isn't an evil, miserable old lady at all. She will often put my friends needs above my own, Tavia can vouch for this, Ma will often scream "Wait! Let me get you a clean towel for your hands" (this is not because all our other towels are dirty, just that they are not up to "guest" standards.)

I admire my grandmother for many reasons, raising 4 children by herself often with little help from others; remaining strong through so many trials and tribulations; being able to bake the best chocolate cakes and lemon meringues; always giving so much of herself and never expecting anything in return (unless you're on your way back from England - then she would like a Man Utd Jersey) But most of all I admire the fact that she hasn't let a single birthday of mine pass without a birthday card containing advice only she can give. Yesterday I was "Christmas cleaning" (Another thing Ma has instilled in me) and happened to find a collection of cards, here are some of my favourite messages from them:

Age 2: Stop fighting with the boys, you need to act like a lady

Age 3: No more sucking thumb and drinking bottle, you're a big girl now

Age 7: Learn to relax, and play nicely with your brother

Age 11: Stop stressing!

Age 12: Congratulations on your good marks, keep it up!

Age 14: [Some quote about love that my mind has blocked out]

Age 19: I'm proud of you

Age 21: Enjoy your life!

I'm looking forward to this year's message, you never know what Ma might say! These are the little quips that I'll treasure for the rest of my days. Although my Grandmother won't be immortalized through monuments and memorials one day, I'll never forget some of the things she has taught me and one day I'll tell my grandchildren about her. But for now I'll just enjoy the amazing Christmas pudding she is bound to prepare and pretend she isn't going to pipe up  with a "Geez, Tarryn, are you SURE you should have another?"

Here's to Me, Here's to You, To the Future *Cheers*

As the New Year approaches we begin to plan how to make next year a better year. Some of us make resolutions we stick to, for exactly 8 days. Some of us make actual major life-changing decisions. Some of us take for granted that tomorrow will be another day and don't bother to do anything. Most importantly though we evaluate the year that has passed...

For me, I feel I'm finally discovering exactly what I want from life, where I want to go and who I want to be. It's been a challenging and rewarding year, a lot has been gained and a lot has been lost. But no matter what has transpired I know that 2013 will be... well, whatever it will be :)

Some cool ways to review the year globally:

1:  Google Zeitgeist 2012 Year in Review

2: Pop Danthology 2012 Compilation by Daniel Kim

3: Check your bank statements for the year :-p

All I want For Christmas...

It's just over 2 weeks to go till Christmas. I really love this time of year, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas (religious affiliations aside) is a joyous thing! Quality time spent with family and friends, reflecting on the year that has passed and preparing for the new, bringing joy to others that are less fortunate than you are and all round festivity. December is also my birthday month which means double the presents...which for those that know me well, can prove rather daunting... Kidding! (I'm lying)

I've decided to do a little Wish List to help those who struggle with gift buying, bear in mind that it is very biased (and female orientated) Happy Shopping!

If you know the person really well...
1.
My absolute favourite gift to get is a good bottle of perfume. At the moment I'm the biggest Marc Jacobs fan, and would love to add his newest edition to my collection:

DOT - "Dot carries a lush, effervescent floral scent perfect for every eclectic, spontaneous female. Features top notes of red berries, mid notes of jasmine and base notes of driftwood for a bold, feminine scent."

2.
Bieber Tickets (Because you love me and don't judge me)

3.
Clothes. Only if you are 300% sure of the person's size and more importantly, taste & style.
My summer love is the scarf prints for dresses, etc in silk or polyester.

Scarf Prints by Bubbleroom and D&G

If you know the person well enough...
1.
Accessories - you can never go wrong with a stunning pair of earrings or three!

2.
Nerd stationery things for OCD types at Typo. The over-organiser and list-maker in me is singing sweet songs! This shop is awesome for all the nik-naks and trinkets I'd actually put in my house. Book stands, diaries, bits and bobs.

3.
Personalised music mixes, actual real CDs, DVDs, games, and other gadget stuff.
Taylor Swift's always good and I'm really enjoying indie-rock band FUN, perfect for Summer poolside parties!

If you know them enough to like them enough to give them a gift...
1.
My partner-in-crime Angie is one of the few people I've come across that loves getting lotions and potions as gifts... If you are going to opt for this option make sure it's something neutral without being boring (boys please note: NOT vanilla or coconut, ask the pretty sales girl to help you out) And add some candles to really set the mood!

2.
Cupcakes & biscuits - it isn't a large investment and they're free to do with it as they please. It is a time consuming gift if you do it properly though! Shop bought cake as a gift is a no-no!

Then there's the things you can't pay for that would make awesome gifts!
1. The ability to do my hair (And posses the wardrobe) of the character Spencer Hastings in Pretty Little Liars

2. A relationship with as much passion as Elena & Damon in Vampire Diaries

3. The life of the characters on New Girl

4. A anti-series drug

Have a safe festive season, Eat, Drink and Be Merry :)

Never has a man spoken more truth than Michael McIntyre in this video! Enjoy!

Twilight Schmilight

I haven't watched the last installment yet, hopefully I'll get to see it soon. According to reviews it's the "best yet". *raises sceptical eyebrow* But before I watch the final chapter I've enjoyed the many memes to emerge on the internet. I've collected some of my favourites for you to enjoy too :) Happy Thursday!

 

And of course to add that distinctly Cape Town flavour:

 

That will be the day that I die

No, I haven't become a fortune-teller or suicidal for that matter, but lately I've been thinking about things that would end my life. Not physically or literally (before someone calls the men in white jackets or the people at groen dakkies) but rather mentally and emotionally die... Allow me to explain:

There are certain things in life I will absolutely not compromise on, ever. And one of those things is food. Through my daily internet trawling I've come across various sources of "advice" on "healthy" eating. Many of these sources dedicate themselves to strict measures and exact portions, i.e. 55g of plain, low-fat, low-carb, low-taste (and boring) cottage cheese on 2 Provitas... Happy Lunch :/ Doh! I know I could do to lose about 5-10 kg from the waist down and the knees up, at the back, if you know what I mean... But never, ever will I allow my life to become so unfulfilled that every meal I eat will have to be weighed, measured and evaluated to death before I eat it. (Unless it's a really complicated recipe)

I strongly believe that everything in moderation makes you a happy human, there are enough limits in life, why create some more? My other favourite saying (which my mother absolutely hates because of its morbidness) is: enjoy your life, you don't have to carry your coffin one day!

This brings to mind my foodie icons: my absolute favourite has to be Nigella Lawson. I aspire to embody (excuse the pun) the lifestyle she so expertly portrays. 

On that note here's a totally awesomely indulgent recipe from my favourite cookbook this Summer - Make. Give. Sell by Callie Maritz and Mari-Louis Guy 

(Human & Rousseau - R250* - available at all good bookstores)

SERVES 6-8

Lyford Cay

Chocolate Mousse

Mari-Louis:

“I once helped out chef friends of mine for a large event at the

Lyford Cay Club on New Providence Island in the Bahamas, and we had

to make 1 000 servings of these. I had chocolate up to my elbows.”

INGREDIENTS

6 eggs, separated

¾ cup (150 g) castor sugar

300 g milk chocolate

3 Tbsp (45 ml) hot espresso

2 Tbsp (30 ml) rum

190 g butter, softened

whipped cream to serve

raspberries for decorating

In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the whisk attachment, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale in colour.

In a heatproof bowl, break the chocolate into small pieces, pour the hot coffee over this and melt over a double boiler. Add the melted chocolate to the egg mixture and whisk to incorporate.

With the mixer on medium speed, add the rum and then incorporate the butter, a spoonful at a time, into the chocolate mixture. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for another 2 minutes.

In a clean bowl of the electric mixer, using the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then fold this into the chocolate mixture.

Spoon into your choice of containers and refrigerate until needed. Allow to come to room temperature, then top with whipped cream and raspberries, and serve.

*Disclaimer* Don't take my word for it!  All opinions expressed are my own.

The 7 Month Itch

I’m a very restless person, although I’m super organised: I hate routine, because I bore easily. I like change and new challenges. Which is why I get scared when my entire work-week seems to be one long day with an equally long headache. I can’t accept that this is what the next 43 years of my life will be like.

It’s for this reason that I’ve made a conscious decision to throw myself out of my comfort zone and look for new adventures in life, especially while I have the opportunity and I’m not tied to any real responsibilities.

I feel like I’m having a mid-life crisis in my twenties already, where I’m stuck between who I want to be and where I am, and I’m the only person standing in my way.

I’ve finally learned how to deal with my own personal Regina George (I mentally beat her with a baseball bat and imagine her dying alone and eventually being eaten by her cats) [I'm joking!] and now it’s time to tackle myself!

I’m not completely unhappy, I just need to shake things up a bit, maybe set some Summertime resolutions. My horoscopes for the month of November all encourage me to say “yes” to invitations and events (advice I need to start taking) and also to be thriftier and save money (something I need a little encouragement with).

It’s scary to think the year is almost at a close (& for those that fear it - the end of the world in about 30 days). I’ve learned so much this year, but I don’t feel I’ve accomplished all I’ve wanted to do. Hopefully soon I’ll feel like my five-year-plan is back on track and I'll again start ticking things off my "vision-board for life".

My motto for the week:
"The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance." - Nathaniel Branden


*This post was largely inspired by a woman I met last week who took us through the process of becoming more assertive... Thank You Heidi, your push was just the encouragement that was needed!

Bits on Everything from "Randela" to Adriana Lima

I miss writing in my journal, I haven't done it in months. Ever since I watched the Notebook, for the first time (768 times ago), I've been obsessed with documenting my life in case one day I were to contract Alzheimer's and forget how awesome it's been thus far. That's partly why I started this blog too, although, being an old soul I miss seeing my handwriting.

The past few weeks have been so crazy busy that I've started falling asleep sitting up and much to my family's amusement, talking in my sleep!
Here's some titbits to use or lose:

Watch or Don't Watch This:
Taken 2
Bryan: "I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you."

When Liam Neeson spoke those words in the first instalment of Taken I really wished that my father was an ex-CIA agent, not that I’d want to be taken and then rescued, just to know that if it did happen I would be found somewhere in Middle Europe and saved. The first movie made me feel like I was being injected with Red Bull every few minutes and at the same time want to bash the daughter over her head with a sloffie.

I think the best thing about the second instalment is that the daughter develops a semi-personality and her constant, gangly running is put to good use. This time around, her kidnappers’ family decides to take revenge on her father by kidnapping and torturing him. Unfortunately for Bryan (Liam Neeson) his ex-wife and daughter have joined him, after his latest assignment is completed, in Istanbul and now their lives are also in danger.

I’m not a big fan of sequels (hence my luke-warm attitude going in) unless it is completely necessary i.e. “someone has written a really long book or series and because the human race is too lazy to read we’ll spend millions condensing it into 127mins of B-grade acting” Yes, Twilight I’m talking about you.

However, Taken 2 wasn’t that bad. It was relatively well-written and directed and didn’t rely too heavily on references to the first movie. The action scenes were toned down a bit – probably to adjust to Liam Neeson aging slightly since the first instalment. All in all it was a good movie to watch on the big screen, but it won’t be terrible if you have to watch it on the small one. I just hope there isn’t a Taken 3, if anybody does not know how to avoid being kidnapped by now then I don’t know!

Do this workout:
Women'sHealth - Look Good Naked

Be prepared to sweat - alot! This is one of those work-out dvds where you won't want to sit on the couch and only exercise your eyes! (which is what I did last night, stared at my weights and pretended I was lifting them) I must be doing something right though - a person who I see once or twice a week in the lift (that stranger you only ever smile at) says I look like I lost weight (Friday, MADE!)

Admire this:

Adriana Lima in Victoria's Secret

(Photograph by: Timothy A. Clary, AFP)
I think I've been inlove with this woman since her first Maybelline commercials in early 2000's. (In a Non-Ellen way of course). I hope to look this good post-baby one day!

Try to use these:
Mandela Bank Notes

Apparently Madiba doesn't work in parking machines and vending machines yet... aai foei tog, I dream of the day we become a first world country!

Quotes of the week:

"Ek gaan nie R200 betaal vir 'n stink kat nie!" - Michelle on why she won't go to Spier to play with the lion or cheetah cubs.

"Don't give in to petty jealousy's, maybe you're ahead maybe you're behind, but the race is long and in the end it's only with yourself" - Robyn on contemplating life at lunchtime.

And lastly - Food Preservation Tip of the week (Also courtesy of Michele)

 Have a stunning weekend everyone! And by stunning I mean get some sand on your feet :)

What Robert Frost Forgot To Mention About The Roads

I sometimes pride myself on being compulsive and impatient – it gets things done. But there are other times that before I make a decision I recite Robert Frost’s poem in my head. It doesn’t always help me make the right decision but it does help me make the choice I’m more naturally inclined to. It also (most importantly) often forces me to take risks and try something new. 

I’m very grateful to my high school English teachers (& later Varsity lecturers) for introducing me to Frost’s work, he’s one of the only poets I found to be relevant. (Just like Freud is one of my favourite psychologists – although that is often frowned upon.)

This is my break-down of how I apply the lessons in “The Road Not Taken”:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

There isn’t time to stand around for a long time. Decisions are made almost immediately but it’s the internal struggle of fighting with your instincts that hold you back. Just take the first step and the rest will follow…

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

 The grass is always greener on the other side! Not necessarily better, but perhaps green in the sense of “new” and “fresh”.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back. 

 You will never return to the same situation. Once you’ve made a choice, new challenges and choices will arise and there will be different “roads” to pick from.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

 It’s going to be a sigh of relief and contentment rather than one of sadness and regret. Don’t be scared to take the road least taken, you might be pleasantly surprised at what you encounter...

The Intern That Doesn't Make Coffee

Trawling through my Twitter Feed today I happened across Seventeen SA Ed Janine and Cosmopolitan SA Ed Sbu discussing paid and unpaid internships. It got me thinking, what would Tarryn do? (If I had to start all over...) 

Having been lucky enough to experience both ends of the stick I can say that honestly, I'd choose paid! There are obvious reasons, but for me it's the not-so-obvious reasons that colour my judgement and choice...

1) Paid Interns (I'm going to call us P.I's - just 'cos it sounds cool - I'm not lazy to type on a Friday afternoon at all [Sarcasm Sign]) - P.I's get more responsibilities...

- There is a feeling of an actual investment in you that expects a certain return... You aren't just some Kippie doing any-old-odd job someone else doesn't want to do. (Disclaimer: MOST of the time... Exceptions come at 4.31pm onwards)

2) P.I's have more incentive to be enthusiastic, creative, helpful, passionate (those good adjectives)

 - When you feel you are doing something recognizable and reward-able you are inspired to do your best in all your tasks - e-mails to the worst person in the world included.

3) P.I's learn adult skills (budgeting)

  My savings account now smiles at me every month - instead of shooting daggers at me (Daggers -> minus signs)

4) P.I's adjust better

 I've only been an intern for 6 months & 8 days but people think I've been here over a year and therefore, know all the stories, scandal and skinner from the last Christmas party...

5) You get to buy work clothes!

And sometimes your mom still irons them...

My unpaid internships weren't terrible though, one of them was even at Seventeen (way back in 2007 when I was about to turn 17! - Bright-Eyed, Bushy-Tailed and Un-clipped Wings with dreams of World Peace and the death of Crocs).

I guess I was lucky to have mentors that really wanted to teach me the ways of the world of media ( & THAT made all the difference!) Although those "job-shadows" were only about 2 weeks of Spring break, I still look at them as the most enriching learning experiences of my life (2nd only to reality TV teaching me to make clafouti - I haven't made it yet - cherries & pancake batter - what could go wrong? [this isn't a challenge Murphy])

Chatting to my fellow interns at lunch we came to a conclusion: The benefits of an internship well done is what you learn by actually doing, the experience that you gain can be priceless.

Interning is the best way to gain exposure to the REAL world before you commit to anything as daunting as bonds, taxes and life... You have to choose what would be best for you and be strong and willing to stick to your guns no matter what!

Me? I decided the day Graca Machel tapped me on the head that I would not let 15 years of hard-work, all-nighters and thousands of Rands result in me making coffee and photocopies for hours on end!

What you get when you Google "Intern"

Whooah... Halfway there... (Or Am I?)

Life really is a funny old thing, as much as it has been said, and as much as I've experienced it, I still try my utmost to defy the saying "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." But being me, with my slight OCD tendencies and my constant need to achieve things I put on lists... I can't just let go and let the wind take me where it will...

I'm a pretty simple girl who wants simple things, all I want is for one of my five-year plans to go according to, well, plan... For instance, by now, I should be 3 months away from my "year in Barcelona" (& probably have some type of conversational Spanish under my belt) Instead, I've only just picked up my passport (yes, I look like a murderer in my photograph). Thank-You Home Affairs for your "excellent" service (only you could turn a week into 2.5 months)!

I don't blame the government though (this time), I blame myself. Next to my dear friend, Staci, I'm probably the most indecisive person I know. This stems from a combination of my need to be a people-pleaser and a perfectionist. (I'm also gonna go ahead and blame Murphy - who I picture as a short, chubby, lonesome man - I swear the bugger follows me around constantly!)

If I had to be selfish and aloof I would be elbow deep in a bowl of sangria somewhere on the sunny beaches of Catalonia, but no, I'm sensible and rational! I think I've only had about 3 spontaneous nights this year...

Oi Vey.

According to this personality test I did the other day I should be talented at devising systems and plans for action, this is probably where my love of five-year plans and lists comes from... My first five-year plan I made in my twilight years of high school (not the movie phase, the actual time period). Sometimes I still look at that piece of black paper with the gold writing (yes, I am also a hoarder) and make myself feel good with all I have achieved... Drivers License, Degree, Internship (of which I'm 6 months into), they are small achievements but they do wonders for those "I-Hate-The-World" days! 

As much as plans often fail, it's impossible for me not to plan. However, with Spring very much here (I can tell by the endless sneezing) I've decided to take a fresh look at how I plan. Take each day as it comes and all that other airy-fairy, laissez faire approach to life, not to get too sad when plans fail. I think I'm going to be vague with my goals and that way I'll always feel a sense of achievement.  Or I'll just be surprised by what life has in store.. (atleast I'll try).

In case someone wanted to surprise me for my birthday or Christmas, here's a hint... (Don't tell my mom, or Lola and Koda)

 

Say Hello To Titbits 2.0

There comes a time when it's necessary for change. Out with the old; in with the new. Today is one of those days... Hence, shiny new and prettier platform! (to see some of my older posts please visit http://blogs.24.com/tarrynjo/)


Header designed by Mishtery10 http://mishteryphotojournal.blogspot.com/

Have an awesome weekend all! The sun is out, that means it's playtime in Cape Town!