Learning French

Bonjour,

I am very keen to learn French - I do have the tapes but I do not have the discipline to sit for an hour or two every day (neither do I have the time...)

Anyone know of classes that I could attend (bearing in mind I'm in little old PE) - or courses on the Internet that I could do?

Merci beaucoup!
Regards,
M.

Quote for Today

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them."

- Louisa May Alcott

Children's Science Exam Answers

Q: Name the four seasons. A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink. A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.

Q: How is dew formed? A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour? A: Keep it in the cow.

Q: What causes the tides in the oceans? A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.

Q: What are steroids? A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.

Q: What happens to your body as you age? A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.

Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty? A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.

Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes. A: Premature death.

Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? (e.g. abdomen) A: The body is consisted into three parts - the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels, A, E, I, O, and U.

Q: What is the fibula? A: A small lie.

Q: What does "varicose" mean? (I do love this one...) A: Nearby.

Q: Give the meaning of the term "Caesarean Section" A: The Caesarean Section is a district in Rome.

Q: What does the word "benign" mean?' A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.

ZERO TOLERANCE

Hi, there

I recently made a post on Anne’s blog - when did it get like this. My point of view is that the only way to combat crime is by Zero Tolerance.

Recently on Sky News, they broadcast a story of a 58 yr old man who was kicked to death by four 15-yr old youths, because he came out of his house and told them to stop making such a noise. He leaves his wife and child. This happened, not in SA, but in London. While some parts are definitely worse than others, the growing disregard for life and disrespect for authority is happening everywhere.

I think the only answer is for EVERYONE to take Rudi Guilianni’s approach of ZERO TOLERANCE. From our government and police (over which we can exercise very little control) to ourselves (over which we can control). To actively not allow this kind of thing to happen. What am I talking about? Well, let me give you an example. The other day hubby was going for a cycle with a friend when he noticed two young guys beating up an old guy - they were even scratching around in his underwear to find where he was hiding his money. Hubby & friend got off their bicycles to stop the situation, BUT this happened in peak hour traffic (yes, PE does have a traffic situation:-) and EVERYONE IN THEIR CARS SIMPLY LOOKED THE OTHER WAY. Now, if we want to combat crime, we can’t afford to look the other way - we need to take the situation head on. Now, let me clarify - if I had been in that traffic it would have been STUPID of me to get out of my car and get physically involved. BUT, what I could have done is put my hand on the hooter, shout out the window, called the police and made such a raucus as to attract attention to what was happening. I am NOT promoting vigilantiasm. I am saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

I want to walk on the beach and not be scared. Or stay at home when hubby goes away and not worry. I don’t want to be bothered with alarm systems, security gates and electric fencing. I want to live free and if what I need to do in order to live free is take the attitude of ZERO TOLERANCE. Then, I suppose, I would need to do that.

Good men, such as ourselves, can no longer afford to do nothing. And as I have no interest in leaving SA, then I suppose something has to be done about the situation!

I’m not sure - what are your thoughts…
Regards,
M.

Did I marry the wrong person?

I don't know who the author is, but I found this pretty pertinent:

DID I MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON?

During one of our seminars, a woman asked a common question. She said, "How do I know if I married the right person?" I noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so I said, "It depends. Is that your husband?" In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?"

Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind.

Here's the answer. EVERY relationship has a cycle. In the beginning, you fell in love with your spouse. You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and liked their idiosyncrasies. Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard. In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called "falling" in love… Because it's happening TO YOU.

People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet." Think about the imagery of that expression. It implies that you were just standing there, doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU. Falling in love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria of love fades. It's the natural cycle of EVERY relationship. Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always
welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts.

The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if you think about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or
even angry subsequent stage. At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, "Did I marry the right person?" And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else. This is when marriages breakdown.

People blame their spouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage for fulfillment. Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity is the most obvious. But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances.

But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage. It lies within it. I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could.

And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later.

Because (listen carefully to this): THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON; IT'S LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.

SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It'll NEVER just happen to you. You can't "find" LASTING love. You have to "make" it day in and day out. That's why we have the expression "the labor of love." Because it takes time, effort and energy. And most importantly, it takes WISDOM. You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work.

Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed with your marriage. Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. Just as the right diet and exercise program makes you physically stronger, certain habits in your relationship WILL make your marriage stronger. It's a direct cause and effect. If you know and apply the laws, the results are predictable … you can "make" love.

Love in marriage is indeed a "decision" ... Not just a feeling.

Remember this always:

"God determines who walks into your life. It is up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."

Joke for Today

A married couple is driving along a highway doing a steady 60 miles per hour. The wife is behind the wheel. Her husband suddenly looks across at her and speaks in a clear voice. "I know we've been married for twenty years, but I want a divorce."

The wife says nothing, keeps looking at the road ahead but slowly increases her speed to 65 mph. The husband speaks again. "I don't want you to try and talk me out of it," he says, "because I've been having an affair with your best friend, and she's a far better lover than you are."

Again the wife stays quiet, but grips the steering wheel more tightly and slowly increases the speed to 75. He pushes his luck. "I want the house," he says insistently. Up to 80. "I want the car, too," he continues. 85 mph. "And," he says, "I'll have the bank accounts, all the credit cards and the boat!" The car slowly starts veering towards a massive concrete bridge. This makes him nervous, so he asks her, "Isn't there anything you want?"

The wife at last replies in a quiet and controlled voice. "No, I've got everything I need," she says. "Oh, really," he inquires, "so what have you got?"

Just before they slam into the wall at 85 mph, the wife turns to him and smiles.

"The airbag."

Quote for Today

"We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aid, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn."
- Henry David Thoreau

Women over 30...

THIS HAS BEEN WRITTEN BY A MAN...

This is for all you girls 30 years and over and for those who are turning 30, and for those who are scared of moving into their 30's AND for guys who are scared of girls over 30!!!! This was written by Andy Rooney from CBS 60 Minutes.

Andy Rooney says:

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

• A woman over 30 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
• If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.
• A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 30 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.
• Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.
• Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.
• A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women. Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.
• Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They Always Know.
• A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women.
• Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.
• Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 30+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free". Here's an update for you.

Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire Pig, just to get a little sausage…

"The older the berry the sweeter the juice"

Poll/Survey

Hi, there

If you could please spare five minutes by taking part of our online survey at www.easterngifts.co.za - all results will be collated and released by the end of the month.

Regards,

M.

What's the Worst Gift You've ever Received?

What’s the worst gift you’ve ever gotten? Thanks to www.health24.com, I found this interesting article on “10 bad gift ideas for Christmas”, although I’m sure these tips are pretty much applicable throughout the year.

10 bad gift ideas for Christmas

The gifts we give others say quite a lot about how we see our relationships with them. Can't think of anything to give someone? Chances are you also don't have all that much to say to them. But there are gifts, which would be better not to give.

• Recycled gifts. Last year you got something you didn't like, stuffed it into a drawer and now you are passing it on. Chances are the new recipient will also not like it – and who knows, it might find its way back to you next Christmas.
• Very expensive personal gifts. These include things like jewellery. You could find yourself spending R1000 on a ring for your loved one and they don't like the particular style, shape, colour of what you bought. Ask someone what they like before you spend so much money. It is better to spoil the surprise than to waste thousands.
• Three of a kind. Right, you've got three sisters and little time to traipse around the shops looking for individual gifts, so you end up buying three of the same thing. Thing is, they're all round the same Christmas tree, and once the first one has opened her present, the surprise is gone for the other two. By all means buy three similar things, but identical is not a good idea.
• Noisy toys. On Christmas Day, most families gather in large groups – often in not very large houses. Giving a three-year-old a drum might just spoil the whole day for everybody. Same goes for plastic trumpets and very squeaky plastic animals. Cheap plastic toys also usually don't survive the rough-and-tumble of Christmas Day. Rather go for something solid and wooden – and quiet.
• Last-minute gifts. By the evening of the 24th of December, the shops are empty, and what remains on the shelves, is either ugly, or extremely expensive. You could find yourself having to fork out a fortune for something which is not ideal, or particularly wanted.
• It's-the-thought-that-counts gifts. This usually means the present is dead horrible or definitely unwanted. Or a last-minute affair, just so you don't arrive empty-handed. Sometimes it is better to arrive empty-handed than with something that is so obviously a last-minute thing.
• Chocolates. Always a bad idea. Most people are only too aware of how much weight they are gaining over Christmas, and receiving a further temptation under the tree only makes them even more depressed. Furthermore, when someone receives chocolates, there is subtle pressure on them to open it and share it out, so they don't actually receive a gift at all.
• Socks and handkerchiefs and underwear. These are personal items that people like choosing for themselves. Unless you have very definite instructions on exactly what someone likes, don't go down this road. Rather give a gift voucher and let them choose for themselves.
• Sale books and CDs. These can sometimes be a great success, but only if you keep in mind what someone's tastes are. If you come across Shakespeare's collected works for a mere R49,99, don't give it to someone who has never read anything more taxing than the sports page of the newspaper. It will remain unread and unappreciated. Your grandfather will also quite likely remain unimpressed with Depeche Mode, regardless of whether it was a bargain or not.
• Break-the-bank gifts. Before you consider buying someone a very expensive gift, try and find out more or less what they plan spending on your gift. It is embarrassing if you give a potential girlfriend three CDs and she gives you a pair of socks. – (Susan Erasmus, Health24)

Why not e-mail us on info@easterngifts.co.za and tell us about the worst gift you've ever received?

Gift Giving

Well, I know it seems a few months off, but before we know it, Christmas will be here. And even before Christmas arrives, September will be here – allegedly the month with the highest number of birthdays (can’t possibly think of a reasonJ. And weddings will start – spring weddings are very popular. And the one thing all these potential events have in common? Gifts. Whether you need to get a gift for a birthday, Christmas or a wedding, gift buying can be stressful.

Firstly, let’s look at what a gift is. “A gift or present is the transfer of money, goods, etc., without the need for compensation that is involved in trade. A gift is a voluntary act which does not require anything in return. Even though it involves possibly a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging gifts may contribute to social cohesion. … By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness (even when the other is not kind).” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift

Buying a gift is never easy, because as we all know, a gift reflects our perception of the person we are giving a gift to and our relationship with that person. Ever noticed how newly weds will be extravagant when buying their new husband or wife a gift, but couples who have been married for twenty or more years are usually not quite so excited about gift giving for their spouses? How do the gifts here reflect the attitudes towards the relationship? Interesting question.

Buying a gift is a lot easier when you know that person really well, than buying a gift for an acquaintance or business associate. The easiest place to start, whether you know that person well or not, is to assess what you know about their interests and hobbies. Is there any scope for a gift in what they are interested in? For example, if the person you’re buying a gift for is interesting in reading, surely a book would be a good choice? Or if they enjoy cooking, what about a new recipe book? If you can’t make any decisions there, try thinking about things they may enjoy but would never treat themselves to. For example, a busy mom might not feel comfortable spending her money on a back massage for herself. This then would be a wonderful gift for her. Or what about a Dad who would love a leather jacket, but would rather spend his money on the home or his children. Giving these types of gifts show that you understand the person and their situations well – what a pleasure to receive something you’ve always wanted, but could never spend the money on.

Remember, that when giving a gift – any gift – for any occasion – it is not about the value of the gift in monetary terms. It may not even be about a “physical gift”. A true gift has meaning and a personal value to the recipient. The best gift to buy a friend that I know is any bath stuff – bath oils, bubble bath, bath perfume, anything. She loves it and can never have too much of it. So, a small bottle of bubble bath will hold immense value for her. However, don’t ever give her something for her home. She feels that birthdays and Christmas are for personal gifts – not for the home. So, she wouldn’t appreciate a cutlery set. Get to know the person you’re buying a gift for.

Eastern Gifts and Things has a unique range of gifts to suit every person and/or occasion. And if you can’t find a suitable gift, there is always the option of purchasing a gift voucher. Visiting our site, which has full e-Commerce capabilities, will give you a lot of ideas, some of which fall within the range of “common” items, but these are items that are always popular and worth a thought.

Be creative when it comes to gift giving. Another friend I know doesn’t mind what the gift is, as long as it is wrapped beautifully with a pretty bow. That will seriously make her day (and we do offer a gift wrapping service).

Sometimes, though, we come across those individuals in society who already have everything. And money is no object to them. Or, we could come across those that we have to buy a gift for, but we’ve never met. For example, going to a wedding on a date, but you’ve never met the bridal party before. A simple token gift will probably suffice, but thinking out of the box could give you some wonderful ideas.

We have taken the liberty of listing some gift ideas below (some on our site, and others just as ideas) to aid you in your gift giving this year.

Some Ideas

• Buying for the home: This could be tricky if you don’t personally know that person’s taste or style or their preference in home décor. If you do get a gift for the home, look out for items that are unusual, interesting, collectable when choosing things like: prints, original paintings, ornaments, sculptures, lamps, foot-rests, rugs, decorative tables, table linen, mirrors, garden ornaments, water features.
• Other ideas area: a collection of pool towels, bathroom luxuries (like a towel warmer), garden recliners, plants, magazine racks, wine racks, hat stands, coat racks, CD stands.
• Non-“physical gifts”: Like a massage, or a facial. Try something new and exotic, like a Swedish massage or a Indian Head massage.
• Give them a new sport or hobby to be interested in: Buy them some lessons and / or the basic equipment needed to get started.
• Help them grow: enroll them in a skills training course, personal development programme or any variation on this theme. Even a few sessions with a therapist could make an ideal gift for someone that wants it but can't afford it themselves.
• Try something completely new: Scuba diving, Kite skiing, Surfing, Flying (pilot's license).
• Try a new experience: Weekend away or mini holiday, Safari, Bungy jump, Helicopter flip, Cultural tour, Tickets for two to a live performance or concert, Dinner for two at a special restaurant, Tickets to an important rugby match or sports tournament (whatever their favourite sport – and remember, the focus is on their favourite sport, this is not an opportunity for you to go watch your favourite team play rugby:-)).
• Organise for them to: learn or experience anything that they have longed for – fulfill a wish. Change a life. Dare to be different!
• Give your time. Sometimes all that people want is to spend an afternoon or an evening with you.
• Gift vouchers. Gift vouchers that can be redeemed, especially to be used when you just simply either do not have the time or cannot think of something to buy. Gift vouchers also come in handy when you know the recipient is looking for something specific that you cannot find. For example, they are looking specifically for a type of Noritake design, but you don’t know what it is. Giving a gift voucher will allow that person to choose what it is specifically that they want or are looking for.
• Homemade gifts: People often balk at the idea of handmade gifts, yet these can be the most meaningful of all. The key is to choose a gift that you believe the person would enjoy and to make it properly.
• Edibles: A selection of home-made biscuits, preserves, jams, chutneys, breads, sweets or whatever your talent allows. Many of these require no talent at all and a small selection, presented on a nice yet inexpensive tray or in a pretty container, makes for a meaningful gift that also has a lasting element. Ideal for when you have a group that you want to give small gifts to, like book club members, wine club members, neighbours, etc.
• Gift baskets: There are plenty of on-line gift baskets and Eastern Gifts and Things will very soon be selling its own gift baskets. These can be tailor made to the recipient and can include lovely bath creams, or dried fruit and biltong, etc.

If you have any comments on stunning gift ideas or what you would like for Christmas, birthday or wedding – please let us know by e-mailing info@easterngifts.co.za.

For more articles on gifts and other ideas, log onto: www.easterngifts.co.za.

Green Chicken Curry

For someone who doesn't really enjoy cooking, I'm finding myself more and more in the kitchen. Yes, I know, a complete cliche, but I made this recipe a couple of weeks ago and it is simply divine, without too much hassle - thought you may want to give it a try. Oh, and yes it is healthy - very healthy!!!

Green Chicken Curry

INGREDIENTS:

• 30ml oil45ml green curry paste
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 500g chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
• 250ml coconut milk
• 5ml fish sauce
• 4 basil leaves
• 20ml parsley
• 3 green chillies for garnish

METHOD:

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok and add the curry paste.
2. Cook for 1 minute to develop the flavour.
3. Add the spring onion and stir for another minute.
4. Add the chicken and lemongrass.
5. Stir-fry the chicken until no longer pink in colour.
6. Add the coconut milk and bring to the boil.
7. Simmer for 5-6 minutes.
8. Remove from the heat and add the fish sauce, basil and parsley.
9. Garnish with chillies.

For more and other recipes like this, log onto my site at www.easterngifts.co.za. We have Thai, Chinese, Tagine recipes - all healthy, and something a little different (well, different from my normal "box" fish that you stick in the oven for 15 minutes...:-)

Regards,

M.

Make a Significant Change today...

Make a Significant Change Today!

Every Monday morning I receive the most inspiring and motivating newsletters from Brian Walsh, CEO of Entrepreneur.co.za. I thought I’d share this with you as it really challenged me to tackle some issues that needed changing.

“Ask yourself these questions: What could I do this week that would make a significant difference in my life? What steps could I take towards making massive, positive change?

In one of my Friday Newsletters (20 July) I talked about the quality of our lives being directly related to the quality of our questions. We should see each new week as an opportunity to make significant change, and by asking ourselves the right questions, we can identify where these opportunities lie and set about making such changes.

Write down what significant changes you would like to make. Maybe your health is suffering or you are overweight; maybe your cash flow is in trouble and you are being swallowed by debt; maybe you have thought about expanding a section of your business but have just not moved on it yet. We all have areas of our lives that we could make constructive, beneficial changes to.

So decide what actions you can take to make this happen for your life, starting today. It doesn’t matter how busy you are – no excuses; just do it! Don't put it off because that’s the very reason you haven’t acted on it yet in the first place! Take 10 minutes of your time right now to do this – it could change your life.

Have a truly phenomenal, productive week.

Your Entrepreneurial Coach
Brian Walsh”

For more and other articles like these, log onto my site www.easterngifts.co.za.

For all the women out there...

I thought you'd appreciate this...

I'm so glad I was not the parent on duty when this happened.

Regards,

M.

World Clock (totally freaky)

Take a look at this world clock - it depicts the rate of births, deaths, HIV infections, cancer infections, etc by the year, the month, week, day and minute.

It's seriously freaky.

http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf

Regards,

M.

Eastern Gifts - News & Events

Afternoon,

Things are changing and growing at a phenomenal rate at Eastern Gifts and Things cc and we would like to take this opportunity of telling you about our latest news.

First of all, our newsletters: we have moved across to a new database system and we cannot carry the names over from our previous database to our new database without seeming like we are promoting spam. Eastern Gifts and Things cc does not, in anyway, promote spam. So, if you are still interested in receiving our newsletters, we ask that you log onto our site, www.easterngifts.co.za and register for the newsletters (the link is on the right hand side under “Information”). You can unsubscribe at any time and you do not have to register as a client in order to receive the newsletters. If you are already a client of Eastern Gifts and Things cc, simply update your profile to subscribe to our newsletters. If you do not subscribe to our newsletters, you will not receive any further communication from Eastern Gifts and Things cc.

The newsletters contain information pertaining to home décor tips and ideas, gift ideas, recipes, planning your wedding, what to do for Christmas and so much more. We’ve also included some information for all the future online entrepreneurs out there. Do you need specific news or information? Why not e-mail us your requests and we will be happy to oblige for future newsletters. Newsletters are e-mailed once a month.

Secondly, Eastern Gifts and Things will be hosting our own affiliate’s program very shortly. Why not make money from all the leads you send our way? More information pertaining to the affiliate’s program will be available in due course on the site, so watch this space. If however, you are interested in becoming an agent for Eastern Gifts and Things cc, please click here.

Thirdly, our new shipment of stock is due within the next couple of weeks. We have the most beautiful figurines and gifts and home décor items coming in. And we have added some stunning Christmas decorations to our new range – yes, Christmas is right around the corner! We are also in negotiations with new suppliers of wooden and ceramic crafts and linen for our site. Eastern Gifts and Things cc prides itself on offering you genuine handmade quality items. We will be sure to keep you up-to-date with all the happenings on our site. Remember, for family, friends, colleagues – across the country – we deliver direct for any occasion, be it birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas. You can have up to five delivery addresses under your profile, which can be edited and updated at any time.

And finally, why not check out our blogs? We have two blogs that offer a day-by-day account for Eastern Gifts – from business learning, to inspiring articles, jokes, pictures and so much more. Our blog addresses are: http://easterngifts.blogspot.com or http://www.easterngifts.iblog.co.za.

That’s all for now – please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries in this regard.

Regards,
M.

Soul Searching

Soul Searching

The other day, an acquaintance asked me why I always post inspiring messages on my blogs. I did not have an answer then, but having taken a couple of days to think about it, I believe I have uncovered three main reasons with a whole host of subsidiary reasons. The person wanted to know why I never post jokes or express my sense of humour. So, well, here goes…

Firstly, I have such a whacked sense of humour, I would never be able to express it adequately in words. This could result in my being given a rather stylish, but tight fitting white jacket and placed in a small square room where I couldn’t hurt myself. KiddingJ. I love Terry Pratchett’s humour, but mine may be even more over the top and I have unfortunately not been given the grace or eloquence with words that he has been given. Therefore this may result in numerous misunderstandings of said whacked sense of humour. Therefore, I simply refrain.

Secondly, what I post on my blogs, I find inspiring. Every message or quote or biography quoted has inspired and motivated me in some way. I truly believe that we all receive messages or go through situations in our life that aid us in become so much more than what we currently are and that lead us to who we are supposed to be in this life (way deep, I know…) and that continually shows us our life’s path. Every quote, message or biography has aided a deeper understanding of who I am and where I want to be in this life and the next.

Which leads me to my third reason – that if I can help someone by inspiring or motivating them by the blogs I post, then I feel like a good thing has been done. Almost like that movie with Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Orsmond in Pay it Forward – where if you have a good turn done to you, instead of paying the person back that did the good turn, you then pass that good turn onto someone else who needs it. And they in turn pass it onto someone else. If someone can inspire me and I can use that message to inspire someone else, then we can all become what God intended for us to be – healthy, wealth and wise. Hope I’m not confusing the point I’m trying to make or sounding arrogant or anything like that.

Anyway, maybe, when I’ve experimented a bit more with trying to express my sense of humour adequately in the written form, I’ll be brave enough to try these on the blogs. Who knows? Maybe the men with white jackets won’t pay me a visit after all… You just never knowJ!

Regards,
M.

Out of the mouth of babes...

Oh, man, I found this so funny and so cute. Not sure how true it is, but I had such a good laugh – enjoy!

KIDS IN CHURCH

3-year-old Reese: "Our Father, Who does art in heaven? Harold is His name. Amen."

A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys."

One particular four-year-old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.' Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked. "He died and went to Heaven," the Dad replied. The boy thought a moment and then said, "Did God throw him back down?"

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

Quote for Today

"We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems."
- John W. Gardner(1912 - 2002)

Make over your marriage

Marriage is not for the faint-hearted. It takes hard work and commitment. We asked a long-time happily married couple, a marriage counsellor and a divorce lawyer for tips and advice for marriage makeovers that work.

Happily married

Val and Monty Mildren from Durban share a powerful bond born of an abiding friendship since primary school. 'I had my eye on Monty from as far back as Standard 3!' laughs Val.

After a long courtship, the Mildrens were married in 1958. Forty-eight years, three children and five grandchildren later, the couple says that for them, the time has 'flown'. Monty retired in 1997 and instead of battling with the adjustment as many couples do, the change of lifestyle brought them closer together. 'Apart from being more in love than ever, we are compatible and share the same values. I think marriages today are under a lot more pressure. For starters, money doesn't buy what it used to, and most couples need two salaries. Working couples with young children have very little time to relax and enjoy their home or spend time together,' says Monty.

Val says, 'I was privileged not to have had to work outside the home, which I think made a difference – I was able to spend a lot of time with Monty and the children without having to juggle a home with a career. 'Also, we have never placed any importance on "keeping up with the Joneses." Our children didn't always get everything their friends had, but we are a very close-knit family. If both partners don't share the same values there are bound to be problems. Total respect for each other is also very important and a sense of humour is a must. Monty and I always seem to find something to laugh about.'
'Finances are also a big issue,' Monty adds. 'Many marriages have ended because of arguments about money. It's important that couples agree on a target, such as your plans for retirement, and live according to a budget that falls within your means.'

The counsellor

Cathy Haselau is a social worker in private practice. She specialises in marital and family therapy. A former counsellor at the Family and Marriage Society of South Africa (FAMSA), Cathy has 19 years of relationship counselling experience. 'In most cases, problems arise when couples fight as a result of misunderstanding each other and poor communication. Issues can include the in-laws, one of the partners having an affair, money matters, chores, child-care responsibilities, and parenting methods and the demands of step-parenting.
'Often an argument arises over a small issue and escalates because both partners are feeling hurt and they become reactive and defensive. They then begin to use destructive, hostile communication such as blaming, contempt and ignoring each other. This obviously increases the hurt and the reactivity and so the vicious cycle gets worse,' according to Cathy.

'Couples need to affirm each other. The American psychologist and author John Gottman did research that shows that in a good marriage it takes five positive communications to balance just one negative one. Therefore, if you have a fight and you use 100 negative communications, you will need 500 positive communications to balance it out. Couples need to look out actively for the positive energy in the marriage, build it and not take it for granted.'

The divorce lawyer

Roger Knowles is an attorney, lecturer and author, specialising in divorce and family law. 'My views are based on failing relationships, as I rarely see people in healthy relationships. Most marriages break down for a combination of reasons, such as communication and preconceived expectations. People don't communicate very well. Couples need to listen – really listen – with a genuine willingness to try and understand each other. Also, most people seem to have an idea of what marriage as an institution should be, and have never really asked themselves or their spouses what is possible or desirable or best for them. They may try to impose what a marriage should be onto the relationship, without taking into account the fact that individuals, times and circumstances constantly change. Couples also need to understand how far removed the wonderful madness of romance is from the real world. A lot of relationships don't survive that transition.'

According to Roger Knowles, these are some of the most common reasons cited in divorce summonses:

• lack of communication
• constant arguing
• no longer sharing common interests
• infidelity
• physical abuse
• emotional abuse
• substance abuse
• lack of a sexual relationship.

Makeover tips for marriages

• Always show respect and kindness towards each other. Monty Mildren says that while he and Val do have disagreements, they have never used unkind words towards each other.
• Learn to communicate effectively and allow your partner to have different views without taking offence or making offensive remarks. Be gentle and tolerant with each other.
• Ensure that you set goals together and plan ahead – this includes a budget.
• Newlyweds need to learn to balance their time so that each has individual time as well as couple time.
• A new baby can really disrupt a relationship. Don't be afraid to ask for help from family or friends, or find a babysitter so that each person has personal time, and there is space in your schedule for couple time together. And don't forget that in the chaos a new baby brings, it is okay to have an untidy house.
• Do things together as much as possible. 'Each partner must have a life, but they must also spend a lot of it with their partner,' says Roger Knowles. 'Time and time again I am told by tearful about-to-be divorcées that their spouses are forever working, or playing golf – or going out without them.'
• Don't allow your marriage to become boring. 'Make sure you have fun time alone together, without children, family or friends. Don't take each other for granted. Give each other fun surprises. If you have fun outside the bedroom you are more likely to have fun inside the bedroom,' advises Cathy Haselau.
• Laugh often. Share jokes and recall funny situations. Laughter is a great connector and it's hard to stay angry when you're laughing.
• Share chores. 'This can become a problem when chores and child care are allocated according to tradition, and one person carries more of the load and resents it. The couple needs to negotiate so that both contribute fairly and equally,' says Cathy.
• Stay faithful by expressing your needs and concerns to each other directly. Be open and honest, and put energy into your marriage. Solve problems in the marriage, not outside it.
• Children leaving the nest? One or both of you retiring? Look at it as an opportunity to rekindle your relationship and set new joint dreams and targets.
• 'I would recommend marriage counselling as soon as problems occur,' says Cathy. 'The earlier these problems are addressed the easier it is to sort them out. Even if your partner refuses to go, it's important to go on your own to help you to cope.'

Ref: http://www.women24.com/Ideas/ContentDisplay/Ideas_ArticleDisplay/0,12069,10132,00.html