MASSIVE FUCK OFF BLOG BE WARNED

We have been a busy lass as usual.

The kung-fu grading that was hanging over my head like the sword of Damocles for the past couple of months finally happened after being postponed twice and the new date nebulously hanging in the ether undecided. Thank you to all of you who wished me luck. It went as I expected, unpleasant to endure but I demonstrated sufficient competency despite nerves. You wouldn't believe how anxious I get before these things. This often leads to fun stuff like blanks and doing all my forms at about half of my capability. Having said that I passed and my Sifu actually said he was happy, that coming from my Sifu is a huge compliment.

Each "level" in our system consists of two gradings: An actual grading and then a half grading/ progress assessment grading. The half grading only consists of form evaluation not physical assessment or sparring. One would think that because this was a half grading at the very least I would escape uninjured physically (we won't talk of the emotional scarring). We had to do a partner staff form as our last form and I got smacked in the eye proper like. I guess I was so nervous I had noodle arms not ideal for blocking a heavy staff strike. My Quassimodo eye didn't end up being too bad as we iced it immediately. Thank god it was my last form cause that properly jangled my nerves and well as my brain meats.

Also on the recent itinerary there was a trip to my JHB for my grandmothers 80th. The grading was less traumatic. Family members ask you awkward questions like: "what are you doing with your life?". Another firm favorite is "are you married yet?" to which I wish to respond "yes but it was too expensive to fly my seven husbands and three wives down for the event". The important bit is that it was a surprise for my gran who promptly burst into tears upon seeing me appear unexpectedly like some kind of ninja. Awkward questions endured were worth it. The venue also lessened AQD (awkward question discomfort). It was at an agricultural museum which was very interesting

More Lumo blather about fu: Our Grand Master of our system came to give us a seminar last night. It was so inspiring and humbling. His movements are just so fluid, his technique so perfect. It makes me realize just what a tiny fraction of a fraction I know. It reaffirms for me that I will be doing Kung-fu for the rest of my life without even hoping I will get to that level. Just pursuing that level in itself is a worthy goal. If I can one day possess a quarter of his knowledge and skill I will be satisfied. He is one of the few people I feel actual awe and reverence for.

Another thing to put me in a good headspace apart from the Seminar was the Nando's comedy festival. That day my car had broken down in a particularly crap area. Nothing puts you in a bleaker mood that a good hour stuck in a broken down car wondering when you are going to be stabbed in the face. Eventually I managed to get Lilly the turquoise terror (the car) home in time for the show somehow and it was exactly what I needed after that to turn a shitty day around. In fact after an incredibly stressful couple of months it was exactly what I needed. Thank you Vassilis who hooked us up with free tickets

A link to see check out the performers

And when I am in a good headspace I cook! It's kind of a chickpea cottage pie thing but with more of an Italian tomato, basil, red wine taste.

Step one:



Step two:



and another random smush I concocted



I may not cook often but when I do I am pretty damn awesome!

On a food related note I also went to the good food and wine fair where we watched Ainsley Harriot do his thing. I am certain there a tranny inside of that man making me like him more. He made some sort of a wonderful spicy seafood broth with a fancy name Bouillabaisse, which I definitely will try emulate at some point and term Bouillabastard. I was also elated to find Japanese flowering tea thingies, the technical term I assure you. I have been looking for these for ages, ever since my sister once gave them to me as a gift!




There was some of this

but not at the food and wine fair and which I did not cook...erm, prepare

I might have been a bit greedy



I saw these



They are all kinds of crap and I need them

Pretty things I saw one day leaving work while feeling whimsical and romantic

Other happy making things





My orchid is flowering again

Hats are awesome





So are ridiculous earrings




Look at this and have your face melted off my by the sensuousness. Some people are just sexy no matter if they were wearing a burlap sack



Tarion is one of them, go look at The Message

Kisska is another


Mezzanine

Behold the tastiness

Also SURPRISE!







I have a set going up tomorrow

Tomorrow is an auspicious day I think because something else interesting is also happening but I will keep that a surprise.

Cos Trannys are are wonderful and cos I fell a bit patriotic, SA's own Chris Chameleon/ Madame Chameleon