The Lady Hooligan’s Page

Christmas Wreath

At the time of writing, it’s less than a week to Christmas.  To me, Christmas is truly a silly season, very commercialised.  However, being at the end of the year and all, it is a good time to reflect on the time gone past, whether good or bad, and start working on goals for the next 365/6 days.

I only have one regret about 2008.  It was a leap year gone to waste.  However, that may very well be a blessing in disguise.  After all, I can’t propose to Mr Almost-OK, just because it seems like a good idea at the time!  And I’m not interested in Mr Almost-OK, anyway!  I want Mr Right-for-ME and he must want me right back!

That aside, what have I achieved this year to be proud of?

• I changed careers.  From a library assistant, to a clerical assistant.  Same paymaster, same pay even! But different challenges.  It’s more stress, but at the end of the day, I can actually see what I’ve accomplished.  (A toast to the inventor of brightly coloured post-it notes!)

• I’ve met some great people as well as some not-so-great ones.  Some friendships blossomed, some folded. And some just gently faded away…

• Moneywise, I reckon I’ve met my challenges well.  I’m out of most of my debt and can actually afford what payments I have left!  What’s more, I have a story to share with friends and colleagues. It’s nice not having to stress (too much) about rising interest rates and prices going up everywhere else!  I’m still a long way from my dream home, but slowly getting there…

• Business-wise I still have a way to go. The most painful part of network marketing must be picking up that infernal brick and dialing a number. I reckon that’s the hardest part of any upcoming business, because it means getting past people’s pre-conceived ideas and opinions.

Yes, I do make money out of my Am-business.  Yes, I’m absolutely loyal to the brand, the products and the people.  No, I have no intention of looking at anything else. Yes, I am hooked on the recommended books, CD’s and the seminars. And yes, the achievers are real people and they are willing to support me, because they’ll win too.  THAT’s important!

I said that!  Wow!

To everyone out there:  I wish you peace and prosperity this Season, and may 2009 bring you and yours all you are hoping for and working towards!

In the land down South of Rob(b)er(t) Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, I have in these past few days witnessed some interesting political developments.  Not only is there some hope for strong opposition on the political horison, but sometimes weird things happen in strange places…

I work for the local municipality.  At best, in these interesting times, it can be an exhausting job!

The “corporate” side of our municipality is headed by a Municipal Manager, a white male person in his forties, in itself a strange sight in Affirmative Action-crazy South Africa.  Last week he was suspended from his job, for no apparent reason.  Not to me, anyway.  The only thing I can think of is the Aspirin excuse.  He’s white and he’s effective, so he must be fired!

This week, not only is he reinstated in his position, but the ANC counsellors who brought the allegations that lead to his suspension were all dismissed.  That includes the speaker and the local whip of the ruling party!  There is an interesting labour law in place that states that if one makes allegations of incompetency or racism against someone, and those allegations are proved to be unfounded, one can lose one’s own job!  THAT was probably what happened here.

Anyway, with COPE in place (albeit not where I live - YET!), I am really looking forward to the next elections.  Can be fun…