Sunday Afternoon Reflections

Sunday afternoon in 'sunny' South Africa. The consistant patter of raindrops reassures us that the floodwaters are still being abundantly fed. It's a season for ducks and tow-truck drivers.

In our complex, "quiet time" on a Sunday is between 2pm and 4pm. I know that it's soon after 2pm, because my daughter has just turned up the volume of the DVD that she and her boyfriend are watching, in a subconscious teenage effort to combat the curse of adult tranquillity. (In the spirit of fairness, she has just gladdened an old man's heart by complying cheerfully to my request to turn it down!)

25 weeks and counting in the miraculous formation of her little boy. The pregnancy is both exciting and daunting. If I thought that the mood swings of the monthly curse were excruciating, I had some surprises in store! I feel for her ...the sensitivities of pregnancy just have no chance against the harshness of life's daily realities. Despite her increased needs for attention and sensitivity, life around us insists on continuing in its perilous path of demands and inevitable consequences where demands are not met. "Utopia' is more a case of "You Cope Here".

Medical Aid in this country is, I've discovered, no Utopia either. Despite it being the biggest single monthly wage-eater after accommodation, the specialists still insist on a sizable "levy" for each visit, which is not generally recoverable from Medical Aid - it seems to be their way of overcoming the restrictions of charging medical aid rates.

(I've added a listing on this site under "Health and Wellness", in case anyone would like to check the major Medical Aid schemes. However, if any visitors to this site have recommendations in this respect, we'd be delighted to hear them.)

Being neither a duck nor a tow-truck driver, I think a short snooze would be the order of the day. Perhaps I'll dream of the perfect medical aid scheme in a world where tumble-dryers don't pack up when the rainy season starts.

Matric Results

The great day has arrived! The matric results have been published for the 2010 students. If you missed a newspaper, here's a site where you can check the results online:

http://matric.mg.co.za/ieb-exam-results/

Good luck to all our 2010 matriculants!

Job Hunting - a useful resource

I have added a link to www.jobrapido.co.za under my "Jobs" section. A useful feature of this link is that it covers numerous web sites advertising jobs that you search for - in a variety of countries.

Happy hunting - and may you find success!

Sneakers, sneakers or sneakers

My daughter, probably like many kids of her age, has an absolute fetish about sneakers! I feel like an uneducated moron when I'm shopping with her and I don't understand the ooohs and aahhhs about what I'm looking at. To me they're just a lot of money with labels on them.

If you feel as uneducated as I do on the subject, have a look at a great sneaker blog, called myairshoes.com !Suddenly I'm a lot more clued up - I feel quite "empowered" to be able to add to the conversation!

Seriously, it's a great site - have a look at it!

Holiday Activities - Courtesy of Jozikids

As we in S.A. are very aware, with the Soccer World Cup in progress, school holidays have been extended to an unusually long period. The Jozikids team have, as always, provided plenty of exciting information about activities in the Gauteng area! Here is their newsletter. For more info - lots more - visit the Jozids website.

What a week awaits working parents. Not only do you have to juggle watching the soccer and organising holiday programs for your kids but there's also a public holiday (June 16th) and Father's Day (June 20th) to think of. Here's a list with links that will help you find what you need:
Holiday programs on offer this week
June 16th theatre, holiday programs, day trips & more.
Father's Day buffet, picnics, concert, crafts & more
Watch the Word Cup at child friendly places with your family.
New family shows opening this week include
Beautiful Creatures live at Montecasino, Jun 18-Jul 4
The Magic Drum and other tales, Sandton, Jun 21-Jul 3.
The Wizard of Africa Irene Village Theatre, Pretoria, Jun 21-5

We bring you the first in a 4 part series entitled Making fun out of nothing with ideas of kids activities you can do at home by creative parenting expert, Nikki Bush.

Amongst the new advertisers to join us this week are party venues, holiday clubs, companies selling african dolls, wendy houses and a DVD with activity ideas for parents.

Child drownings are preventable with layers of safety around the pool. Get a Solid Safety Cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers and avoid a tragedy.

Articles:
Making fun out of nothing , week 1 of a 4 part series by Nikki Bush, also a game designer & toy judge.
20 recommended toys & games to play with your kids, targeting different age groups, by Nikki Bush.
what's on this week?
ACTION A-maze-ing Mazes holiday opening, quiz designs, Honeydew, Jun 17.
Magalies Holiday Winter Warmer, fly-fishing, picnics, bike trail, Magaliesburg, Jun 1-Jul 21.
Wild Cave Adventures, guided tour, Krugersdorp, Jun 10-Jul 12.

ANIMALS: Ranger Days at Lory Park Zoo, Jun 15,17,22,24,29, Jul 1,6,8.

BABY: Creativity Workshops stimulation program for toddlers, Paulshof, Jun 17,24, Jul 1,8.

COOKING: Karma Kooking Indian Cooking Lessons, Pineslopes Centre, Fourways Jun 15,17,19,26.

FATHERS DAY: Eagle's Fare father's day lunch buffet , Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Jun 20.
Choc Delite Father's day Workshop, make your own choclate gift, Florida, Jun 19.
Dare Dad for a day of fun, Gold reef City Theme Park, Ormonde, Jun 20.
Eclips at the Sappi Picnic Concert, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Jun 20.
Fireball Spellbound Puppet Show about the 2010 soccer, Oakdene, Jun 20.
Friends of the Rail Father's day Diamond Express, Pretoria, Jun 20.
Orienteering adventure in the bush, Mohales South, Magaliesburg, Jun 20.
River Cabin Father's Day picnic, Chartwell, Jun 20.
Secret Garden Father's Fun, play soccer, breakfast & lunch buffet, Fourways, Jun 20.
Serendipity Father's Day activities, t-shirt painting, picture frames, buffet, Jun 20.

FUN: Fairy Dust with Illusionist Vicus Cruywagen, fun magic show, Emperor's Palace, Jun 10-Jul 11.
Jozi's Winter Circus acrobats, jugglers, clowns, Gold Reef City, Ormonde, Jun 10-Jul 11.

HOLIDAYS:
Find holiday activities starting this week which focus on the following themes:
Animals at Pta zoo and Montecasino Bird Gardens.
Arts & Craft incl drawing, painting, beading, mosaicing, pottery, decoupage & more.
Camps find sleepover adventure, pony, soccer camps & more.
Childcare for supervised play dates, outings, fun activities & more.
Cooking,healthy cooking, baking, making sweet treats & more.
Dance styles incl hip hop, break dance, tap, ballet, latin, acrobatics & more.
Drama singing, acting and dancing.
Family Holidays with dolphins in Mozambique.
French learn through theatre, games, films & songs.
Holiday Care offering full or half day care with varied programs
Mixed Programs offer a range of activities.
Music incl traditional african music, songwriting and singing wkps.
Shopping Mall kids activities ie. skating, foosball, making soccer hats & rides.
Sport programs incl diving, tennis, golf, pilates, soccer, yoga & horse riding.

LIFE SKILLS: Resilient Kids and Teen workshops by Make a Change, Randburg, Jun 14-18, Jul 5,6.
Parenting Teens Workshop, Jhb Country Club, Woodmead, Jun 19.

MARKETS: Ongoing events has a list of regular markets in Gauteng.

MUSIC: African Music Workshops at Promusica Theatre,Roodepoort, Jun 14-Jun 18.
Beautiful Creatures live concert at Teatro Montecasino, Jun 18-Jul 4.
Jesse Clegg's live concert at The Fringe at Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, Jun 17-20.
Music Festival at the market Theatre, Newtown, Jun 15-Jul 11.

NATURE: The Planetarium space travel for kids, Wits University, Jun 20.
Stargazing Events at Maropeng, The Milky Way, Tumulus Restaurant, Jun 12.

PLAYGROUNDS: Ongoing events has a list of party venues with playgrounds that are open to the public.

SCIENCE/TECH: Sci-Bono Exhibits Science of Soccer, lego stadiums, soccer film fest. Jun 12-Jul 11, Newtown.

THEATRE: African Footprint, Emperor's Palace, Kempton Park, May 27-Jun 20.
Cinderella People's Theatre, Braamfontein, Jun 1-Aug 8.
Drumstruck, interactive drumming and dancing, Old Mutual Theatre, Sandton, Jun 8-Jul 10.
The Big 5 a tribute to Tina, Rod, Elton, Michael & Madonna, Barnyard Broadacres, Jun 2-Jul 11.
The Boys in the Photograph musical, Mandela Theatre, Braamfontein, May 23-Aug 8.
The Magic Drum and other tales, Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, Sandton, Jun 21- Jul 3.
The Wizard of Africa Irene Village Theatre, Pretoria, Jun 21.
Seussical Jr at The National Children's Theatre, Parktown, May 24-Jul 17.

TV SHOW ETV Great Expectations Shows for June, every Mon-Wed 11.30am.

TUITION: Winter School Gr 12 revision, Beatus College, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort, Jun 21.
Matric Revision Master Maths, Midrand, Jun 14-Jul 9.

WALKS/HIKES: Adventure Walk for kids, teddy bear picnic fundraiser, Kloofendal Nature Res. Jun 15.
Bird Walk at Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Kibler Park, Jun 19.
Ongoing events has a list of regular walks in Gauteng.

WATCH WORLD CUP: Barnyard Theatres in Jhb, E Rand, Pta match screenings & a show Jul 2,3,6,7,11 .
Da Vinci Alfresco Restaurant match screenings, Inanda, Jun 11-Jul 11.
Emperors Palace at Family Fun Park, match screenings, E Rand, Jun 11-Jul 11.
Garden Cafe match screenings w/ meal and kids fun, Bryanston, Jun 11-Jul 11.
Goethe-Institute World Cup screenings & cultural program, Parkwood, Jun 11-Jul 11.
Fan Parks in Joburg, Soweto & Sandton, Jun 11-Jul 11.
Township TV match screenings, Joburg, Soweto, Ivory Park etc, Jun 11-Jul 11.

Upcoming events:
ANIMALS: Bird Identification at Pta Zoo - Jun 23-24, scavenger hunt - Jun 28-29.
Cheetah Outreach program at Pretoria Zoo, Jun 21,22.

BABY: BabyGym Foundation Course, Children's Therapy Centre, Bryanston, Jun 23, 30, Jul 7.

DANCE: Winter School SA Ballet Theatre, Braamfontein, Jun 21-25.
Swan Lake at the Dance Factory, Newtown, Jun 24-27.

HOLIDAYS: Holiday activities for the upcoming week Jun 22-28, which focus on:
Arts & Crafts drawing, painting, beading, mosaicing, pottery, decoupage & more.
Camps sleepover bush, adventure, soccer, pony camps & more.
Cooking healthy cooking, baking, making sweet treats & more.
Holiday Care full or part time with varied activities
Free Library Programs with crafts, movies, storytelling & games.
Life Skills for kids and teens using games, movement & mindfulness exercises.
Mixed Programs offering a range of activities.
Sport such as golf, horse riding, pilates, soccer and tennis.

MARKETS: Body Mind Soul Holistic Fayre - alternative healing etc, Menlo Park, Jun 26.
Ongoing events has a list of regular markets in Gauteng.

MUSIC: Johnny Clegg Spirit is the Journey 30th Aniversary Concert, Braamfontein, Jun 26-27

PARENTING: Left-Hand Learning workshops, Fourways, for parents Jun 24, with children Jun 26, 30.

THEATRE: Jack and the Giants Aerial at the UJ Art Centre, puppetry, music and magic, June 28-29.
Shaka the Musical South African celebration, SA State Theatre, Jun 26-Jul 18.


We welcome your feedback. If there's something we have missed, please email us with your suggestions. Meanwhile, please share this with your friends and encourage them to sign up for this FREE newsletter.

Regards
The Jozikids Team
011 482 4310

Football Fever

I have very mixed feelings about this so-called "Football Fever". We live in a country where Life itself is not respected. People are killed for cell phones - or even for the possibility that they might have something worth taking. We have the highest incident of child rape in the world. Poverty is rampant and employment is a privilege. The nation won't rally around that - but they'll rally around a football!

There are those who say that sport is a vehicle for "reconciliation". (I'm not sure what, precisely, they mean by that - should we be reconciled to poverty, corruption, rape and murder?). Perhaps they mean "rehabilitation"....?

My problem is this: Is this country so desensitized to the child abuse, the gangsterism, the drug paradise and the indiscriminate killings, that the only thing they are willing to rally around is a sport? Are we a nation of delinquents? Is the only common ground self-gratification?

Hosting the Soccer World Cup is not enough to make me "Proudly South African". It's just another diversion from issues that are - and should be - extremely disconcerting.

I won't be flying any flags. Frankly, I hope that the most skilled team wins. It's a pleasant event and I hope that the whole world enjoys it; but it does nothing for my own sense of nationalism or national pride. It'll take a renewed concern for human life to do that.

Jozikids - the One-Stop Website for Parents & Kids

As you know, I have, in the past, reproduced newsletters on this site from Jozikids, to my mind the one-stop website for parents and kids in the Johannesburg & Gauteng area.

I'm delighted to say that the Jozikids website, and their regular newsletter, has grown to such an extent that it doesn't make sense to try to reproduce sections of it anymore. For those of you who haven't explored their website, I recommend that you do so now. It is jam-packed with information on where to go, what to eat, where to party, where to learn, holiday activities, competitions, special deals, informative articles and much more.

I recommend that you subscribe here to their regular newsletter, to receive information updates of holiday activities, special offers, competitions and useful articles.

The Jozikids website and their regular newsletters could well become your new best friend if you're a parent, especially if you reside in Gauteng.

Fact A Day

Interested in some statistical insights into life in South Africa? You'll see a widget in the right-hand column on this site, which will provide a fact a day. This service is provided by the Eighty20 Fact-A-Day website.

While some of these facts may be less than astonishing to South Africans, nevertheless they invite a focus for us to consider - and I've no doubt they'll prove interesting to our international visitors. I hope you'll all enjoy the addition to this site.

Want It All? S.A. Online Shopping Site

I've added a link under the Shopping section of this site to wantitall.co.za, a local online shopping site specializing in importing those "hard-to-find" items from the USA into SA.

It's not an affiliate program - I just think that it's a great site to be aware of. Pay it a visit and see what you think.

Who's Going to Stop the Crime?

Sheryl Cwele (50), wife of our Minister of State Security, Minister Siyabonga Cwele, was arrested this week on charges of drug dealing!

Nothing minor, mind you, the heavy stuff - and internationally.

The number of high profile figures in high positions of responsibility who are being - or have been - investigated for dealings in crime or corruption, leaves one wondering whether there is any hope of diminishing crime in this country. Not because the law enforcement agencies are incapable, but because, judging by the level of the people investigated, one wonders about the mindset of people towards crime. Have they accepted crime and corruption as a way of life to such an extent that it's become a culture? Are the protests by our political and community leaders against crime merely words uttered because it's the right thing to say, while the practice has become a way of life for them?

Is delinquency to become the ruling culture because of our role-models?

Comments on Old Posts

I must admit that it's gratifying to know that people are still reading posts that are a couple of years old! This month I've received two comments from a post dating back to 20th July 2007

Thank you to Susan and to Patricia for your comments!

Oops ... What happened to December?

It was late November and suddenly it's late January - what happened to December? I guess school holidays happened!

Well, back to the normal routines now, and I get to have the use of my computer again! So ... welcome back to those of you who thought that I'd fallen down a chimney somewhere. I'll wipe the soot of my face - and the jam / candy / chocolate off my keyboard - and get back to the wonderful world of the web.

For the duration of the school holidays, my computer became a 24 hour-a-day sound system / DVD player, at volumes I didn't think it capable off; but now it's back to its old self with speakers unplugged and a marvellous sense of tranquillity.

Hello again!

On the Bright Side.....

Whoever drafted this e-mail originally kinda captured the culture!

This is a great country because:

1. You can eat half dried meat and not be considered disgusting.

2. Nothing is your fault, you can blame it all on apartheid.

3. You get to buy a new car every 3 months and the insurance company even pays for it.

4. You can experience pathetic service in eleven official languages.

5. Where else can you get oranges with 45% alcohol content at rugby matches?

6. It's the only country in the world where striking workers show how angry they are by dancing.

7. You're considered clumsy if you cannot: use a cell phone (without car kit), change CDs,
Drink a beer, put on make-up, read the newspaper and smoke,
All at the same time while driving a car at 160 kph in a 60 kph zone.

8. Great accent. (!!!)

9. If you live in Johannesburg, you get to brag about living in the
Most dangerous city in the world.

10. Burglar bars become a feature, and a great selling point for your house.

11. You can decorate your garden walls with barbed wire.

12. The tow-trucks are the first on the scene for most major crimes, without being called.
The police you have to call about three times.

13. Votes have to be recounted until the right party wins

14. Illegal immigrants leave the country because the crime rate is too high.

15. The police ask you if they must follow up on the burglary you've just reported.

16. A murderer gets a 6 month sentence and a pirate TV viewer 2 years.

17. The prisoners strike and get to vote in elections!

18. The police stations have panic buttons to call armed response when they are burgled

19. Police cars are fitted with immobilisers and gearlocks!

20. Condoms for free - shopping plastic bags for sale

Ja nee!! Dis lekker hier!!

World Cup Fever

I do believe that Soccer World Cup Fever has affected the minds of this country's decision-makers. As I contemplate the 6-or-7 week school holiday approaching with some (major) trepidation, I cannot help wondering about the minds of those who decided that all schools will be closed for two months next year during the World Cup.

We already have a serious problem and have received warnings from the police about the danger of young girls being abducted to boost the supply of prostitutes for the World Cup demand. We expect a substantial increase in levels of crime (in South Africa? Perish the thought...!), but in their mighty wisdom these minds are quite happy to have the entire country's child population unsupervised during the two months of increased danger to them.

During December a large number of businesses shut down and families tend to take their annual holidays. In June / July, however, all those parents - lucky enough to have jobs - will be working. Our kids will be bored out of their minds for a sustained length of time, easy prey for those hordes of "visitors" who will visit our shores and then leave us to pick up the pieces.

How do other parents feel about this issue?

It's a Crime ...

Some crime statistics were reported recently in the local newspaper covering my suburb and, basically, three other main suburbs in my area: Bramley, where I live, Sandringham to the south-east of us, Norwood, south-west and Yeoville, south of us.

What horrifies me about these statistics is that I know for a fact that, horrific as they are, many crimes go unreported because it's a waste of time reporting them. When my daughter's friend was robbed in Bramley, he didn't report it. A car stopped next to him, four guys jumped out, held a gun to his head, took his cell phone, went through his pockets, then casually drove away. When my daughter was robbed at knife-point in Yeoville (quite a while back), we didn't report it. I drove around in my car with a "sjambok" trying to find the guy to sort him out myself, but reporting it would have served no purpose. Thankfully she wasn't hurt, just badly shaken.

A woman who is a hawker in Highlands North, just near a major bus stop, was robbed of her daily earnings at gunpoint, by a guy driving a white minibus taxi. Once again, he drove off quite casually, without any fear. A friend of mine, awaiting a bus, spoke to the woman shortly after the incident. She was clearly shaken, terrified for the baby strapped to her back - and devastated by her loss of earnings.

Check out these statistics and draw a conclusion about the state of the environment we live in and try to raise kids in:

These statistics, for April 2008 to March 2009 were published in our "North Eastern Tribune" of Oct. 2nd 2009.(Apparently the second figure reflects the drop or increase from the first figure)

Bramley:

Murder: 12 - 18
Sex crimes: 47 - 44
Robbery (aggravated): 667-739
Housebreaking business: 250-236
Housebreaking residential: 322 - 289
Theft of motor vehicles: 425 - 334
Car jacking: 158 - 229
Business robbery: 93 - 84
House robbery: 93 - 84

Sandringham:

Murder: 13 - 16
Sex crimes: 29 - 38
Robbery (aggravated): 326 - 411
Housebreaking business: 91 - 97
Housebreaking residential: 230 - 290
Theft of motor vehicles: 93 - 80
Car jacking: 104 - 154
Business robbery: 28 - 23
House robbery: 64 - 80

Norwood:

Murder: 4-5
Sex crimes: 39-75
Robbery (aggravated): 524 - 371
Housebreaking business: 107 - 117
Housebreaking residential: 451 - 357
Theft of motor vehicles: 208 - 217
Car jacking: 110 - 62
Business robbery: 35 - 52
House robbery: 88 - 70

Yeoville:

Murder: 20 - 24
Sex crimes: 72 - 121
Robbery (aggravated): 416 - 219
Housebreaking business: 75 - 104
Housebreaking residential: 226 - 228
Theft of motor vehicles: 184 - 143
Car jacking: 54 - 25
Business robbery: 18 - 34
House robbery: 53 - 42

Add all of those together, and you'll have a picture of my local environment.

These areas are no "Manhattans" in terms of population density; they are pretty ordinary suburbs of Johannesburg.

A Case for Darwin

I have come to the conclusion that South Africa has an irrefutable case to support the theory of evolution.

Sheer assholes have mutated to develop arms and legs - and drive motor vehicles.

That is not a statement against the average motorist. I find most motorists to be fairly responsible and well-mannered - but from the saddle of a motor-cycle, these mutations are extremely evident. They do not conform to any colour or either gender (or derivatives thereof) or to any nationality or language group. However, they do seem to be more attracted to certain models of cars than others - which I won't mention in respect to the motor manufacturers.

One hopes that in time they will develop brains too, but it's unlikely that most of us will live long enough to see that.

Amazingly, in our democracy, they even get to vote! In fact, some of them even get to occupy positions ......this may be a good time to stop the commentary.

Want to experience this amazing scientific phenomenon? Get a motor cycle ....

Latest letter from Jozikids

Here's a copy of the latest newsletter from Jozikids. If you have kids and live in the Johannesburg / Pretoria / Sandton / East or West Rand area and haven't already visited this site, I recommend that you do so.

Dear Mike

Over 20 new companies have joined us, including ones offering crafts with recycled products, educational games, toys, party services, photography, kids rugs and a martial arts and wellness centre. We hope you find something that interests you.

One of our blog writers, Laura-kim, is organising a Christmas party for children at a home in Soweto run by Joburg Child Welfare. She is looking for sponsors. Click here to see how you can help.

Enter our competition and stand a chance to win Nintendo Wii or DS games or rugby trading cards.
Advertise your company on Jozikids and get 1 month free trial to try us out.



NEW DEALS
Kids Wonderland 10% off the party venue hire. Expires 31 December.

O'Griet Artwork and Lessons. Book a pottery party for 10 kids min. & get free invitations for your guests. Expires 1 Feb'10

Little Gift and Craft Workshop. Free set of craft brushes for first workshop booked and attended. Expires 15 Dec.

Organic Mall.Co.Za Save 10% on the Baberoo Necksaver, was R149.50 now R134.55. Oct. only.

Funbelievable Parties Free DVD slideshow of party photos for Oct. bookings. Client supply photos.

Freaky Fear Kids Parties. Get animal show free when selected activities are booked in party package. Expires 29 Oct.

1 Presents and Novelties Free mystery gift with every Halloween item purchase over R100. Expires 31 Oct.



NEW ADVERTISERS
CAKES Sweetest Li'l Cupcake Co. Sunninghill, cupcakes handmade with the finest ingredients.
Cindy's Cakes Jhb, for birthday, character and fancy cupcakes. Orders delivered to you.

CHILDCARE Bumblebee Buddies Jhb & Pta placement of Au pairs, Babysitters, Drivers, Housesitters.

CRAFTS 2 Tiny Hands Kids Craft and Recycled Craft, Fourways. Shop & craft parties. Bring 6 kids & get 1 free. Expires 31 Oct.

EDUC TOYS Tinted Design and Publishing, All areas, Educational games, puzzles, posters.
Educational Toys Online Toys, puzzles, games, arts & crafts, classroom resources for teachers.
Big Ball Promotions Rugby Trading Cards, All areas, Card Collection of SA Rugby players.
Hobby Animals Meyerton, hand made toys, stuffed animals, traditional toys & games.

FOOD 1st. Hot Dog Co. Jhb, premium fast food mobile units for events and functions.

PARTIES
ENTERTAINERS Josh Posh Pony Rides All areas, Jhb, pony rides for parties & functions.
Candy Kids Fun Rides Jhb, merry go rounds, trains, swings, marquees, carousels for hire.
Jungle Farm Parties Jhb, animal show w/ farm animals, reptiles & insects for parties.

PACKS Party Buckets Brakpan, Jhb, buckets filled with goodies for kids parties & functions.

PLANNERS El Shaddai Gauteng, planners and equip. suppliers for kids parties.
Horo Trading Kiddies Parties. Planners & equip. suppliers. R100 off booking. Expires 31 October.
I-Hop Trading Ent. cc Gauteng, planners for kids parties & events.

MARTIAL ARTS Inner Energy Martial Arts and Wellness Centre, Randpark Ridge, Jhb, taekwondo, cardio kickboxing, MMA combat conditioning, capoeira & pilates - all ages.

PHOTOGRAPHY Billene Photography Gauteng, photographer for portfolios and functions.

RUGS L'l Bratz Roomz and Rugz All areas, rugs for nurseries, kids rooms & playrooms.

SCHOOLS Pebbles Pre-School Bedfordview, creche with holiday and aftercare.

TOURISM Yes We Can Travel Jhb, Travel & tourism, trips & tours, chauffeurs, event co-ordination.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and encourage them to sign up.
Advertise your company on Jozikids, get one month free.


Regards
The Jozikids Team
info@jozikids.co.za
011 482 4310
www.jozikids.co.za

"Just A Biker"

I received this in an email this week - and I can really identify with it. Feel free to pass it around - but above all: if you're a driver, please make a mental note ....



'JUST A BIKER

I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But you didn't see me put an extra 10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local Mall.

I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant when you saw my bike parked out front. But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you roll your eyes at our Leather jackets and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.

I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children were born or have their names written over and in my heart.

I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my child's hands knowing she was safe behind me.

I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But you didn't see me trying to turn right.

I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me. Because I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But you didn't see me.'

Repost this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community.

Welcome Home, Little Carl!

My little grand-nephew, Carl, has just spent the past week in hospital with the dreaded Swine 'Flu. It was truly a very worrying time for us all, but thankfully he returned home today, weakened, but cured.

Thankfully the rest of the family, including his little 4-month old sister, appear to have escaped the infection.

My family and I thank Almighty God, Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for this wonderful blessing; and for their comfort and presence during this time deep concern for us.

Thank You.