The Lady Hooligan’s Page

I can think of no other explanation for why I made that specific comment, on that occasion, in that setting, to that particular person…

Let me start at the beginning…

I signed for a property in early February 2010. The deposit was due on the 15^th of April. For some reason, I was a day late, but I got the correct account details and went into the bank - a branch in the city where no-one knew me - to complete the transfer. It was a Friday morning in the middle of the month, so no queues, and I got helped fairly instantly.

I had taken my ID book out of my handbag the day before, to save bulk, but I always carry my drivers’ license on me and that can be used as a means of identification as well.

After swiping my card, entering my PIN and answering some questions that only I would know the answers to, the teller asked whether she could see some ID. That made sense, as the deposit amount IS massive. I asked whether they would accept my drivers’ licence (some institutions don’t!) as I didn’t carry my ID book on me.

Now for the trigger: as long as it’s valid.

And my response???

“Well…. the person who sold it to me assured me it would be valid for at least a year!”

You should have seen the expression on her face, until she saw the expression on mine! Fortunately, she was a good sport, and the transaction went through without any further delays.

I am now the proud owner of 59.2 % of 4 and a half concrete pillars. (3 whole ones and 3 half ones…)

Now to get a bank to agree to loan me the rest…

For the first time in my life, I have almost no debt and a big bank balance. However, that does not seem to satisfy the dear people at Nedbank. Maybe I have to do something something radical. Just don’t know what…

“They” say buying a house is one of life’s most stressful exercises. I’ve never believed that before, so I guess it’s poetic justice that I am now reaping the rewards… At least I’m not married, otherwise I might have been divorced by now… At the moment, I’m seriously on my way to a murder conviction, anyway! I’m going to get the people the papers they want, and if they’re not happy with that, I’ll consider moving my business. Life’s too short for not getting the service you want.