Lost time

Hello, boys and girls!

I just listened to Fever Ray's "If I had a Heart and as it always does, it zoned me out quite nicely.  As described by others, it's soft and melodic, with multiple voice layers to it that just send the most delicious tingles down your spine.

Mm.  Nou't ek skoon hoendervleis!

There's been so much over the last while that I've wanted to blog about that I have literally been unable to keep track of everything.  I've had a few majors disappointments recently, but since I'm still alive and still able to read my cards and interact with the folks in my life, I am trying my best not to complain too much.  I'll start with a rundown of some of the events in my life and maybe throw in a thing or two.

In September the shop I worked for and did quite a bit of my blogs from, Smart Planters, shop 26 Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, closed down.  Out closing day was 30 September, while our last day of official employment was 1 October.  We loaded up our last stock and sent it all back to the warehouse, and then locked the glass doors behind us for the final time.

Since October, I've been simultaneously looking for work and doing weekend promotions for the product at the Milnerton (and very occasionally Bellville) branches of Stodels Garden Centre.  I won't lie:  it has been really horrible at some points (especially when it comes to having to justify the hours I've worked with the person who pays my invoice) and the near-complete boredom I struggle with over Fridays and Sundays, plus missing out on the family activities that can only be arranged for weekends.

On the other hand, I've had some really good times there as well.  Chief among these are the times I get to speak to and interact with the Stodels customers that take the time to have a look at the Lechuza stuff, or just stop and chat.  Then there are the Stodels staff.  Kashif, the assistant manager, is and odd one, but when it comes to the customers and helping them he goes out of his way.  Then there's Raymond, who's in charge of the section my pots are in.  Always ready with a daily joke or some advice or another (which reminds me, I have to pack the "Chop-chop Chakra" in for him), he really tells stories that are worth it.  Carol, a "new" member of the Milnerton branch.  Tracy J, the little Lifestyle lady.  Jo-Ann, the branch general manager (and secret "in the office" smoker).  Romero, who grabs my attention and asks advice on plants and such - like I know that much!  Samuel, or Sam, who loves spiders as much as I do (can anyone believe...)  And the other staff, too, who I won't even try to name.  They're all there, and each one helps me make it through the weekends on my feet in some way or another.

The next thing that happened, and one of the chief things, is that J and I got engaged on the 23 November.  I've never seen that man so nervous before, it was almost funny.  I think that's what tipped me off that something was going to happen that weekend (in terms of our relationship), besides the fact the he was rather insistent that I come through to him that weekend, specifically the Friday of the 22nd.  We have a set of matching rings, plain silver and they look like wedding bands.  I was so shocked, but I'm happy we've finally managed to take that next step.  Now, if only I could find a job that'll pay me enough so that we can move in together and be a "real" couple...

There's quite a bit I still want to say, but I think I'll wait until such a time as what I have the mental capacity to blog it.

For now:  I love you all, and have a good night!