Star date 2843

Day 42: Interviewed Lisa van Tonder today. This was my first interview of my research project. Don’t worry, it still counts as part of the first half of my stay here, I haven’t completely wasted my time.
Also, I recently discovered that I am a snob. I just think all boys/all girls schools are better than coed schools. And I have a tendency to judge people on the criteria of what type of school attended.

Day 43: Cornelius called me Heather Williams [emphasis his own], for the 490th time today. It’s okay. I still love it. He never says Rebecka’s full name (with emphasis on her surname), but I think it is because he can’t pronounce Rönndahl.

Day 44: Springbok game in East London. But do I get to go? No. Silly BYU, my lack of funds, and East London stadium being sold out. The world is working against me. Took a two hour bath to drown my sorrows, then I caught the second half of the game replay on T.V. Also, I am going to marry MornéSteyn, the flyhalf for the Super 14 team the Blou Bulls, as well as the Springboks. He has a rather unfortunate haircut, but I think I can get past that, because his name is Morné, and my middle name is Marné. Then we could be Morné and Marné, and that would be special.
Victory of the Day: I cleaned today. And I walked around with wet feet from my bath, and they didn’t even get all linty.
Defeat of the Day: The U.S. of A let me down. Freaking Ghana.

Day 45: Hump day! How did we celebrate, you ask? Why, we watched three movies! Zoolander, A Goofy Movie, and Chuch (which I guess isn’t really a movie, but as it was the last two episodes we have, I think it counts). Realization #1: A Goofy Movie brings out a lot of sad, sad emotions for me. Realization #2: I only have six weeks to read three books, write two papers, and finish my research project.

Day 46:Toy Story 3: Need I Say Anything More?

Day 47: Bad day. Wrote in journal. Ate cookies.

Day 49: Happy Birthday Jessica! See, I didn’t forget. Also, I went to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown to celebrate, and then I got you a present. So quit whining.
Other adventures in Grahamstown: saw Cornelius and Kathy’s son Jethro perform in Rubber (a deeply disturbing play, but was good nonetheless). Saw Big Boys Don’t Dance, which wasn’t as disturbing. Also it was funny. Realized just how much people drink in Grahamstown. Let’s just say they weren’t exaggerating when they say that Rhodes University consumes the most alcohol in the country.

Day 50: Was I sick? Yes, yes I was. Did I consequently stay home all day? Yes, yes I did. Did I miss Pia’s birthday party? Yes. Was I sad and lonely? Yes, yes I was.

Day 51: Chuch. Still sick. Fasting like a fool. Almost threw up during a baptism. Two things: 1) don’t fast when you are sick. It is just not a good idea. 2) always trust Norwegian fishermen.

Day 52: Unclogged the drain in the bathtub. Brandon came home and told us stories about making out with his best friends little sister. New rule: Brandon is not allowed to tell disturbing stories.


As a point of interest, here are some Xhosa names:

Thandokuhle—you love all goodness.
Zukhanye—You must shine
Lukhanyiso—Light bearer
Sikelela—Bless
Pumelela—Success
Iwazi—Knowledge
Iwandiso—bring unto this fold/increase
Mandisa—bring harmony, peace, joy, love and all goodness
Bongojalo—keep on praising God
Wanda—growth
Alupheli—God’s love never fades
Utluru—Freedom
Unam—God’s with us
Khanyisile—He has made it shine
Sinovuyo—We are happy
Nambitha—Caress/kindle
Nobubele—a giving hand
Zoliswa—to humble
Thando—love
Vuyo—happiness
Viwe—heard