Yes, you now find youself reading yet another chapter of my life. Whilst some might suggest my emails are long, I would just like to point out that I am giving my editors plenty to choose from!

hehe! a book! well, theres enough content, although the story line leaves much to be desired ;-)

how to survive the far east (rand)

has a nice ring to it!

I really give this place far too much flack. Things are good, as usual, the east rand holds lots of mundane excitment.

In previous emails I had indicated that I was witnessed my thunderstorm/lightning. Nope. I lied. The first REAL thunderstorm was when I decided to venture into previously unchattered claire territory - Alberton. I was off to check out a few ands and the launch of a new youth/Christian magazine ( www.presson.co.za)

As I left the house it started to rain. then it started to bucket it down. I drove in the general direction of Alberton in the hope off getting on to the highway. I was quite chufed with myself when i did infact get on to the right road! however as i drove, the lightning got closer and more spectacular. it was probably for this reason that i missed the turn offs. one after teh other. it was like guy fawks night! (remember remember the 5th of november) the event was cool, but what wasnt was the lightning. it was hectic! and incredibly intimidating. It was coming from all directions and i was trying to remember those geography lessons with mr paulson when you count the seconds between the lightning and the thunder and then work out the difference which then means so many kilometres===you see! im confused now, was very much so on teh night in question. the point: there was no difference! i was convinced i was about to have a new hairstyle for life following a big strike!


the worst part of the evening was getting lost in buckets of rain and stobe lights of lightning. particulary since i got lost both times - going in and out! eek!

it was my 22nd birthday yesterday. for obvious reasons it would be smaller and less exciting than previous years - especially comming off an awesome party like a 21st, but the pumping east rand, for some reason, unbeknown to me, was not overly pumping on monday the 30th! heheh!

Having a sneaking suspiscion this might happen, i made sure of a good weekend. but it didnt start that way...

Live was playing at the dome on friday ( about an hour from me) and i thought it would be a great early birthday pressie to myself to go. i was going with a friend, who then pulled out due to work. not many people that i know up here are big enough fans to go see live, um...live. So i decided to go anyway. I didnt care that i was going alone, i just wanted to have something to show for my birthday. As i was driving i got a call from the Star newspaper (same as the Cape Argus) and was told i had won 2 tickets!

yay!!!!!

First sms competition i have ever entered, best R2 spent! Unfortunately by this time i was already half way there, and couldnt turn around to find someone who was willing to go with me...so i continued on my solo path. police were escorting some scalpers when i got there (so i def couldnt sell my spare comp.) the dome is quite a nice venue, but standing is definately overrated (i would def go for the cheap seats if i go again ( they have a view.) i met up with a girl from soccer and sang along to live classics with druken strangers. thats what concerts are good for!

it never ceases to amaze me that beer will always go flying at concerts. you will come home smelling like a smoked out beer tanker. always.

saturday was cool as i saw the family and had decent food (always a treat...even the bread tastes better!) and then sunday was just a lazy day. yesterday, the 22 anniversary of my arrival, was not overly exciting. no need for it to be. had a few listeners calling in to wish me well but mostly, people had forgotten (at least the people here) the guys from home reminded me! thanks so much for all your messages and emails! By far the high lights of my day (as as you can see from teh marathon length email...i like emails and messages!)

this week i have a couple of soccer games (in other words: a stomach work out from all the laughing) and a barry hilton gig.

i have moved since my last email. i was pretty bored staying in my little garden house. it was awesome, but i only slept there, was paying quite a bit for somewhaere that i hardly used. im back where i started now - back in the res and im happy to be there. despite having forgotten my birthday, we have done loads already! watch out mr alonso, i am on form in the racing department (go carting, granted, but still!)]

work is good as usual. i do have a cool job, although at times it is difficult getting enthusiastic. everybody has their days.

so after another lengthy word, i must dash and find out all the horrific things making news around the world (the bad part apart my job!)

to all my uni friends:

good luck for the exams!

to all my working friends:

Hang in there!

and to everyone...

much love
***claire