Tails’ Blography

74. Go to a Summer concert was originally a Kirstenbosch concert, but I thought that since this was a lawn concert, a local band, and picnic related (all just like Kirstenbosch) it could count. So this 101 item has been modified slightly, hope nobody thinks I’m cheating. If you do, look away and pretend you never saw this.

As everyone knows, yesterday was Valentine’s Day. As a treat and partial surprise to the boyfriend, I bought tickets to see The Parlotone’s live at D’Aria Winery in Durbanville. It was a picnic-friendly event so we packed some crackers and cheese, rolls, chicken mayo, chips and dip and some non-alcoholic drinks (wine and other alcohol was sold at the event only) and myself, the bf and my mom (dad was supposed to make it, but couldnt) meandered off at 2pm to get a good seat. When we got there, it was already almost half full, and the concert only started at 6pm, so we were glad for our (albeit old and manky) umbrella and cold cooler bags.

As the day wore on, we found ourselves battling to keep the space for the other family who were still coming. While I dont think its entirely fair to keep spaces, I do also believe its not viable for everyone to come and sit from 2-6pm for their seats, so the three of us tried our best. Eventually all ended well, the rest of the family turned up, and I went in search of a better spot to photograph the band.

I’ve learnt somewhat to be more pushy when it comes to getting decent shots. While before I might have stood back and not wanted to get in anyone’s way or chance moving closer, this time I scootched forward and got right up there at the front. I apologised to the people who moved out the way for me, and promised to only be a few minutes, which I stuck to. When I got my shots, I thanked those who had made space and made my way back to my seat.

I am so thankful to my bf who stayed patient the whole day despite us having to battle with strangers over our grassy area and despite me disappearing into the crowd to take photos. He is simply amazing and I love him more and more each day (ok ok /soppy haha).

Ok, so without further ado: photos!

The umbrella couldnt fully stick into the ground, so the bf was the official umbrella-holder for the day, bless him!

The crowd

The paparazzi taking a photo of me taking a photo of him haha

The Parlotones

Some of the people on the edge of the crowd

D’Aria Winery

Self-portrait of myself and the bf hehe

My mom and aunt enjoying the music, and some guys behind us having a jol

Mom dancing to the music!

The Parlotones

The Parlotones

The Parlotones

The Parlotones

Twas a great day and evening, and I was really happy with the pics I got!

14. Make my bed every day for the next 2 weeks (14/14)
Done. Sounds like a silly 101 to have, but I’m very lazy when it comes to making my bed. So I put it on my list, and at the beginning of this year, I made my bed for two whole weeks haha.

86. Get business cards printed
Done. Finally I have business cards to hand out to potential clients. I designed two separate cards, one for my pet paw-traiture clients and one for wedding clients (which can also be used for other clients). Although the printing quality is questionable, I’m very happy with my designs and the fact I finally have some cards!

So my new camera finally arrived yesterday! I was on my way to the bank, and decided to check the PO Box for any mail (just in case, y’know) and wouldya believe it I found two collection notices for Speed Services Delivery! I almost missed it, as the 2nd one was a final notice to collect (would have been nice if the company had told me they’d sent it and sent my tracking number), but I didnt and that’s what mattered!

So I stood in line, and nervously collected my package (checking the contents before leaving). Everything arrived well packaged, the only thing missing was the tripod, but they emailed me about that already, so I that was fine. It’ll get sent when it arrives at their offices.

So after work, I got home and laid everything out on the floor and had a glorious hour of going through all the cool stuff that I got with the package (filters, lens, mini tripod, lens cleaning kit, screen guard and two lens adapters among other things). I put my 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6 IS lens on the body, added the UV filter, and applied a screen guard over the LCD screen (to prevent scratches – doesnt look that great, but ah well). I set the battery on charge while I got ready for a night out with some friends (might post pics later, if I find them on FB lol) and it just finished charging as we were leaving, so today is the first time I’ve had to play.

Spent a while setting different settings, just getting a feel for the menus and camera itself. Its a lot bigger than my Sony and certainly sounds different. Overall, its uber nice and I’m very, very pleased!

I have to give a shout out to Coza1Digital for their excellent service and absolute bargains! While they only deal via email, which made me nervous at first, they were quick and helpful every time I emailed or had a question. My order was sent promptly as expected and everything in good order, so a big “Thank You!” to them for their service! I found this to be an interesting read, something that a lot of businesses should apply – the world would be a much happier place in terms of service!

PS: While trying to figure out what to title this post, I realised it covered one of my 101 in 1001 items – in a big way! Score!!

I’ve been meaning to blog about this for ages…in fact, its on my 101 in 1001 list and I’ve been so into it, I didnt realise I’d completed it. In fact, I completed it two months ago hehe!

For years I’ve been going on and off to a small aerobics gym run by Alison, a friend of my mom’s and mine. She’s been weight training & teaching aerobics since I was 12 years old…if not longer, and she’s certainly an inspiration! Some might say she doesnt look like she teaches gym, but her strength and stamina will outpace you any time…she’s amazing and a great instructor! My mom’s been going religiously for years and years and every now and then I’ve joined her for a month or so. I’d go maybe once a week, skip a few, and then I’d go again and so on. Very erratic.

But, since April, I havent missed a class…and I feel great!! Its only three times a week, but boy are some of the classes tough! Classes consist of Katabox, Bodytone, Hi/Low, Stretch and Tone, Power Pump, and Aerobench to name a few. All consist of a lot of cardio, weights, and stretching (very important), not to mention its all great fun. I’ve tried speed walking, running and working out at home but its never the same, and lets face it, unless you’re running regularly and properly, you’re just kidding yourself (Charm City Kim, if you’re reading this, I dont mean you! ). I find going to gym always more disciplined, fun, and competitive in a group (friendly competitiveness is great for moral and encouragement!). I’ve also never found better results in other activities (other than horseriding…but thats a whole different blog post!!). Of course it also helps if you suppliment your exercises with a good healthy diet.

But I digress. With each passing class, I find myself feeling more and more proud each time I complete an exercise successfully without getting too tired, or even just manage more repetitions than last time – it all shows me that I’m getting more and more fit. My weak points are stomach (sit ups, crunches) and arms (push ups), but lately my legs are feeling stronger and I’m managing more sit ups/crunches than before, which is excellent. As for weight loss, I dont think I’ve lost weight, but I definately feel like I’m losing centimetres (or millimetres haha). My stomach looks & feels less flabby and my legs are feeling more toned…now its just more work on the love handles and I’m set!

The classes are held in a small church hall and are in the evenings, which do make it an awkward time for me because I’m usually the one preparing dinner, but since they start at 6:15pm, it gives me time to get home, put the chicken on defrost, load up some washing into the machine, get changed into my gym gear, grab my water and towel and off I go. Oddly enough, I haven’t seriously felt like skipping a class yet…though I have to admit, I’ve felt slightly lazy before a class, but once I’m there chatting and joking, its all good.

Speaking of chatting and joking, what makes this gym even better is once every few months, we get together after a class for snacks and drinks. Coming up in July is “Christmas in July” where everyone will bring a Christmas-type snack to share (I’m bringing Gingerbread Cookies..shh dont tell!) and we get to hang around and get to know each other a little better.

Many people come and go, maybe they find the classes too tough, or maybe they dont find them tough enough (literally impossible, unless you’re an olympic participant haha). In both cases, they should stick it out. If the classes are too tough, go at your own pace and eventually you’ll get there (trust me!), and the proud feeling you’ll have is definately worth it! On the other hand, if the classes arent tough enough, and you’re not as fit as a fiddle (I’m talking rock-solid abs, toned and lean legs, amazingly defined arms) then you’re not doing the exercises correctly. Plain and simple.

I’ve been lucky that my mom has been doing gym for so many years, I’ve learnt a lot from her. From this, I’m able to avoid what many others fall prey to, and I’m able to spot it immediately when they do (I rarely say anything because people seem far more concerned with taking the easy route and dont like to be told they’re not doing it right and having to actually put some effort in).

Working your triceps, for example, is an easy enough exercise to do. Stand with feet hip distance apart, lean slightly forward and extend your arm back in a smooth, controlled motion (I use 1kg weights in each hand). The point to this exercise is to keep your upper arm as still as possible, and to resist against yourself in your movements (in other words, when you bring your lower arm down, dont just drop it, bring it back in a controlled movement). What I notice people doing is swinging their arms, using momentum, and letting their upper arm sway back and forth. The result: “Pfft, this exercise isnt tough at all! I dont feel anything!”. Same with other exercises (even something simple like not turning your foot in the correct angle in some positions), but if people just keep at it and pay attention to what they’re doing and what the instructor is saying, they’ll get a much better workout and they’ll find themselves feeling great in no time!

I apologise for the long, rambling post, but this really is something I’m very proud of achieving, especially given my personal track record (no pun intended haha) for gymming. I think I’ve earned my right to ramble haha. So, wherever you are, if you’re like I was and hate working out, hang in there, one day it’ll all feel right and you’ll be addicted (like I am now)! Good luck!!!

Bird seed? Check. Garden? Check. Bird bath? Check. Birds? Check!

I can officially announce the first of my 101 in 1001 to be crossed off! I have (on average) 10 birds in my teeny garden within 15 min of throwing out seeds. They’re mainly turtle doves, but there have been a few pidgeons and smaller birds too. I even managed to grab a shot or many of them without them taking off! (at great discomfort to myself….it was cold, raining, and I had to slither half out of my door to capture them without them seeing me – very uncomfortable!)

Currently, as I type this, I have 9 birds outside my window! How awesome! Its such a great feeling to be giving these birdies some food regularly, especially now that winter’s coming. And as soon as I can, I’m getting a sunbird feeder, of which I’m sure I’ll blog about.

So yay! 101 in 1001 – only 100 to go!