Today is National Women's Day. A public holiday in South Africa. The national march of women occurred on this day in 1956 petitioning against legislation that required African persons to carry special identification documents known as "the pass". 20,000 women marched in Pretoria to protest against the amendment and stood strong and proud for Africa freedom during the apartheid era. More than 50 years later, this courageous act is still honored and coins a phrase for the South African women "You strike a woman, you strike a rock" ..a protest song the women sang during the event. Here's to strength, beliefs, respect and honor....
Since today is Thursday and a public holiday, majority of my coworkers will be taking an extended weekend. When one of my coworkers was leaving, he was asking me what I was doing for Women's Day and the weekend. I told him I was going for a run, relaxing and actually working. Marcus told me not to work too hard because work life balance is essential. I couldn't agree with him more. He did give me an assignment...he asked me to come up with 10 things I miss from the US (besides my family, friends and kitties). So here it is...my not top 10!!!
#1. HEAT! I miss heat terribly. For those who know me well, I am cold in 80 degree weather...the freak snow storm and cold front in South Africa is something I didn't expect. Nor did majority of anyone else since there is no heat!
#2. Diet Mt. Dew. Deliciousness in a can!
#3. My kitchen and cooking. I miss cooking in my kitchen
#4. The Yankees....enough Cricket already!
#5. Sundresses, shorts and tank tops. I am missing prime summer weather and cute outfits!
#6. TARGET!!!!!...I miss the bulls eye
#7. Standard Measurements/"Imperial Units" ...come on metric system! You are killing me.
#8. Certain fast food chains and restaurants (I miss the Whippany Diner, The Cheesecake Factory, Qdoba, Jose Tejas, Smashburger, DD and even Chic-Fil-A. With all their press...I could go for a delicious chicken sandwich!! SO YUMMY!
#9. Bathroom Outlets. There are no outlets in the bathroom for safety in South Africa. I hate doing my hair in the bedroom.
#10. My watch. I was told to keep everything valuable at home for threat of being carjacked or stolen.
Have a great Thursday...and a special shout out to all my strong female friends!! :-)
I'm sad to say that when you return, you won't have DD at your desk anymore. =\. Keep it strong lady, you are inspiring! Xo
ReplyDelete#7 - Come on USA, when are you going to get with the program and use standard units? ;-]
ReplyDelete#10 - Have you checked this advice with more people in the office? I don't know anyone who doesn't wear a watch in the car for fear of smash and grabs or whatever! You're not driving through Alexandra on a regular basis, after all!
Isn't it ironic that you came to South Africa and you're feeling cold?! Keep your chin up, tough lady! The vibe I get from from your colleagues says that you're definitely missed!