New beginnings

Much has happened between my last blog post and now. I managed to have x1 laptop crash, survive 1 month without a laptop and I bought a new laptop which I was too scared to use for an additional month in fear of viruses that lurk in the shadows of cyber space. Amidst these technical difficulties I managed to find an awesome job, survive a scuba diving accident that transformed me into a gargoyle, buy a new pair of trainers, move my belongings out of Ingwavuma and start a new in the booming Metropolis of Pietermaritzburg.

During my last few weeks in Ingwavuma I found myself on a roller coaster of emotion. I was counting down the days to my last ever clinic visit, I would rejoiced when I realised that I many never have to treat “a snake” in anyone’s tendon again (a number of patients described their symptoms as a snake in their tendon when asked to describe their presenting problem). Yet the thought of starting a fresh without my new found family resulted in some serious ugly crying (see Table 1 for Tracey’s Tear Triage). The ever present social cloud that was once devoid of young Western company was lifted in the last 2 month when 3 rays of sunshine in the form of “Overseas” Doctors braved the treacherous road to Ingwavuma. Along with their generally delightful presence they brought new adventures, laughs and dance moves that would put Beyonce and Shakira to shame. 

The "Overseas" Sun beams (Left to right): Dr Prof. Sheddington, Jesus' Brother (named by the nurses) and Sargent Naybo

Table 1: Tracey's Tear Triage

My year in Ingwavuma was interesting; I had buckets of fun coupled with life lessons. I learnt how to cook, how SARS works, how to drive long distances, how to travel light (at least with toiletries-you travel light by buying travel sized bottles ;) I learnt a little bit of the Zulu language, a lot about Zulu culture and how to transform a Ford Figo to a Mars Rover.  In addition to learning much, I feel as though my eyes were opened to a host of issues that I was wasn’t completely aware of. I saw what it really means to be “penniless”, I started to comprehend the magnitude of the HIV epidemic and the impact it has on the lives of people, I have seen the great social discrepancy that exists in South Africa through the massive gap that exists between the rich and the poor, I started to understand the pivotal role education plays in sculpting your outlook on life and the importance of a good support system. Ingwavuma is like a wart…it grows on you. You may not like your wart, but it is part of you and when it’s gone, you can’t help but notice the empty space where it once was. I have compiled a highlights package of memorable moments/quotable quotes to keep the spirit of Mosvold alive. 

Mosvold Highlights 

Psych Patient Encounters: 

Unlike other hospitals where psych patients are kept in a separate area, Mosvold (due to the lack of space) allowed psych patients to roam freely and lodge in and among patients in the general ward. Every now and then whilst screen the ward for patients I would have an encounter with a psych patient. Some days I’d have to stop them from climbing out of their cot bed, on other occasions the patient would direct either an inappropriate, incoherent or sometimes insightful comments to me. As a physio student I had very little interaction with psych patients with the result, I was not sure what was considered appropriate communication with them. Unlike my colleague who was an Occupational Therapist who had lots of exposure to psych patients I had not yet developed the “sixth sense” to spot the subtle signs of a psych patient.

My lack of experience lead to an encounter that will stay with me forever-it involved me being cornered by a psych patient who proceeded to rub the small of my back-I needed a hero and my Occupational Therapist colleague was it!
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Me in my professional pants screening the ward for patients when a patient greets me. I failed to notice the Crazy in her eyes.

I continue my screening, and go to the last bed in the room which is in a corner, the patient moves "with me" but I don't pay attention

I pay no attention-until she corners me an starts caressing the small of my back

As I stood in my corner with her hand on my back I came to the realisation that she was psych patient 

Just before I fell prey to sexual harassment, my housemate/colleague/friend jumped in and saved the day with her mad skills of assertion. She put on her assertive face and voice, reprimanded the  patient and asked her where she belonged-to which she responded appropriately.

Zulu speaking Asians: 

No corner of the globe is too far for Asians to open a store that stocks everything from Tokolosh salts to styrofoam cups. I respect their skills of entrepreneurship and their ability to adapt to their environment, that being said, I couldn't help the overwhelming feeling of shock and amusement when I heard Zulu spoken with an Asian accent. 

Singing and Dancing:

Rhythm and harmony are 2 things that see no age or gender in this community. Most events/gatherings are opened with a prayer. The prayer is “done” by singing a hymn in perfect harmony-something I could never do justice through description.

Pick up Artists: 

Who ever thought that pickup lines were only designed for Christmas crackers has never been to Ingwavuma. I had the privilege of hearing the best of the best executing their lines text book style. 

The best line was at PEP as I gathered my bags to leave.

Me: Acknowledging a fellow shopper with a standard nod as I merrily gather the goods I have purchased

Fellow shopper ruins the moment of greeting by speaking

His persistence and tone of voice raise doubt and suspicion....my heart sinks

Cue: Double cheese pick up line-I hang my head in shame!

The Community and Mosvold Family: 

All of the people who made Mosvold/Ingwavuma home to me-my colleagues, bible study girls and my friends. Although the community members may have driven me to the edge with their ridiculous comments, difficult requests and sometimes crazy expectations my year would not have been the same without them!

Race Chameleon: 

After 12 months at Mosvold one would think that the curiosity surrounding my racial classification would have died-alas, I received comments and questions to the bitter end. 

One incident in particular stands out when 3 Indian construction workers accused me of racism.

Me: In Spar minding my own business
I see the group of on coming construction workers

One man passes a comment which I choose to ignore (as every true Capetonian would)

All three of them start leering, I continue to ignore the comments

And then they drop the race bomb....yes uncle, I ignore my family and my reflection every day

Although I miss my life in the bush, I can say that I am loving “city” living even though my move to Pietermaritzburg has come with its own baptism of fire. 

Growing Pains

My glorious plan for 2013 was to pack my bags and head for the UK to pursue my dream of exploring Europe whilst gaining enough skills and experience to become the world’s most amazing physio. However, I got God's memo for the change in plan when I discovered that I am not eligible to apply for a UK working visa as I have a South African passport. I considered physio in Australia but later found that I would have to sell my spleen and maybe my liver to fund the whole accreditation process. Seeing as I have taken a liking to both my spleen and liver and the doors leading to the UK have been gently slammed shut by travelling policies; I have started process of job hunting for 2013. I have come to find that the process of job hunting is a 3 part process that starts and ends in marketing. 

Marketing: Part 1 of 2 - Compiling your Curriculum Vitae

CV’s are confusing creatures as you find yourself trying to cram 23 years worth of activity and experience onto 2 A4 sheets of paper. This info should be concise-yet descriptive, it should be well formatted and punctuated properly as "first impressions count". I addition to this you CV should be worded well to reflect what a well-rounded and generally spectacular human being you are without turning it into a 5 page essay with unnecessary info, illusions and exaggerations. Once you successfully squish your life story on a postage stamp you can move to The Hunt-the second step in the process.

Your CV-basically your life story on a postage stamp

The Hunt:

The Hunt is pretty straight forward-log on the internet, phone a friend or pick up The Classifieds and search for an advert that has not yet expired. Find a post in the region of your choice and in your area of interest and get your CV out there. Then you wait with baited breath for a response. There are 3 possible responses with associated emotions: 

Response A: No

Associated Emotion:

i)   Despair, denial, depressed, distressed. May be associated with some  degree of confusion

ii)   Indifferent

Response B: Pending

No response-thus assume “no” until stated otherwise.

Associated Emotion:

One may find one’s self in a vortex of emotion. 

Characteristics:  

Wide set eyes indicating silent confusion and inner turmoil.

May ask soul searching questions like “Did my awesome-ness stun them to silence? Or did they find my font offensive?”

Response C: Yes

Associated Emotion:

Pride, joy, hope, general happiness and optimism

Characteristics:

Individual may enter Eager Beaver mode (EBM)

EBM Features:

Bright eyes + bushy tail = Optimism

Buck teeth = Devour academic material 

Pin on beaver ears = The job hunt equivalent of "Big Girl Panties" / war paint

Employer's Response and Associated Emotions

Marketing: Part 2 of 2 – The Interview (AKA The Response to the Response)

Since living in the bush the whole interview process has somewhat changed for me. I have gone from the familiar face-to-face interview to the newly acquainted telephonic one. In my youth interviews were chilled. You sit in a waiting room, get summoned and do your thing. Shake hands, answer some questions and if you manage to muster enough courage and wit you may find the time crack a few jokes in between. I find face-to-face interviews to be  fun and somewhat interesting; telephonic interviews on the other hand have become the stun gun of my existence. When asked questions I find myself having multiple outer body experiences. I feel my brain constructing coherent sentences that aim to reflect my years of experience, my wealth of knowledge and logical thought process. My tongue on the other hand seems to feel that telephonic interviews are the perfect opportunity to practise its free styling and improvisation skills. 

Figure 1: The Dream - How I would like to sound: Calm, cool and collected-basically unleash my inner genius
Figure 2: Reality -  My interpretation of the "Outer Body Experience"

This outer body experience is not a new phenomena, I was first introduced to it as a student during my practical exam discussion. During the discussion lecturer had the opportunity question my treatment and evaluation choices to test my clinical reasoning. As a student these outer body experiences happened in a controlled environment.  My examiners had supervised me for the whole block, thus knew that my nerves were the source of this phenomena. Potential employers on the other hand do not have this inside information.

Outer Body Experience at undergraduate level

Not knowing what 2013 holds may be frustrating and worrying at times, but I take comfort in knowing that where ever I am is precisely where God wants me to be.

Note to all potential employers: Just pick me! 

Wishful Thinking

They say that necessity is the mother of invention. I say that so-much-to-do-so-little-time and too-much-frustration is the mother of my imagination. With my never ending To Do list and the void which was created when Oprah and her 17:30 time slot retired I have thought up my own wish list. If anyone is able to access or create these treasures we could become friends forev’s yo!

1) The Bed Suit

Problem: Getting out of bed

In order to fight the good fight and save the world joint by joint I actually have to get out of bed (by joint I am referring to the one that is found between your bones). This is one of the greatest challenges life throws every day of the week. As all good things in life, this challenge occurs in 3 stages.

Stage 1: Rest and Tranquillity

There I lay, in my cosy coccoon of warmth and happiness enveloped by my duvet.

Stage 1: Rest and Tranquillity. Me dreaming of unicorns who eat rainbows and poop butterflies.

Stage 2: Trauma

Shrill of the alarm jettisons me from my dream into a New Day.

Stage3: Denial

I try to delay the start of a New Day with all of its possibilities by hitting snooze repeatedly. Eventually I can hit snooze no longer. I have to muster enough strength and courage to leave the comfort of my bed and venture into the cold, crisp morning air. This stage is by far the most difficult; it should not be taken lightly.

Stage 3: Denial. Rocking back and fourth in foetal position fighting the cold and my instinct to stay in bed.

Solution: Bed Suit

The Bed Suit side steps the trauma caused by the transition from your cosy cocoon to the crisp morning air. 2 types of Bed Suits are available; there’s the Bed Suit Classic 101 and the Bed Suit Pro 202.

The Bed Suit Classic 101 fights the social system by allowing you to wear your bed. The concept is similar to wearing a sleeping bag, except you have more leg room which allows you to walk freely. This suit is energy and time efficient as you waste no time by “lying in”. It conserves mental energy as the all important question “What am I going to wear?” is answered by default.

Bed Suit Classic 101

The Bed Suit Pro 202 makes use of the latest astronautic technology. This insulated suit comes standard with a cordless blow heater, temperature regulator and thermometer. It is also available in a variety of colours and print.

Bed Suit Pro 202

2) The Brain Compatible SD Card

Problem: The Brain

You know a little bit about everything thus you know a lot about nothing. That little bit of knowledge is too much to say I don’t know, but too little to say “l know for shizz yo”. There's so much to learn, yet there's so little time. As a newbie you are young and passionate, but you lack experience. You are so eager to learn...but your brain is ever so slightly too porous.

Solution: The SD Brain Cards

Whenever I describe the brain to a patient I compare it to a computer. Whenever I didn’t know something my lecturer would say “I suggest you go fill in the gaps and consolidate your knowledge”. So why not marry the 2 ideas by creating a SD Card to fill in the information gaps of your body’s’ computer (ie. Your brain). By inserting the SD card you would unlock the knowledge related to topics of life in general. Knowledge contained on the card would come in different levels (foetus, beginner, intermediate and guru) thus keeping the element of fun in education.

Brain compatible SD Card. Note the slots are concealed by a devious fringe. 

3) Teleportation Device

Problem: Travelling

As the PADI scuba divers manual suggests life is more fun when “you go places, do things and meet people”. Since I usually drive to my adventure destinations I have to face a number of challenges. As mentioned in previous posts some of the challenges faced include cattle, mentally challenged road users, pot holes, Father Time and the ever changing price of petrol. The afore mentioned variables can make or break your journey as they can determine: A) whether or not your go B) your mood upon arrival and C) the amount of energy available on arrival.

Solution: Teleporation Device

Teleporting-saving you time, money and giving you a better Carbon footprint

Teleportation Device

4) The Great Big Book

Problem: Not Knowing Stuff 

Maybe it’s just me, but I've found that just  being a "grown up" has been a challenge this year. All I’d ever known was my student life-eat, sleep, study, fellowship, have fun, study, go on holiday, class, write exams, go to the fridge, study, bath, have fun, do stuff, study. In a blink of an eye my world changed. Suddenly I was starting a new job, in the real world, earning real money (as opposed to imaginary money), adjusting to a new environment. In my new world people use “grown up” words. Words like retirement annuity, SARS, IRP5, hospital plans are being thrown around like a boomerang-and I sit like a confused Koala Bear caught in the boomerang cross-fire.

Solution: A Book

Although most of life's questions can be answered by simply using Google, nothing beats having a SINGLE book where all the information pertaining to a certain topic can be found. For this reason a book with all of the “Real World” information should be compiled to prevent future new pretend grown ups from feeling confused and overwhelmed.

Some topics that could be covered in this book include:

1) SARS

-Who is SARS and what does it want?

-What is IRP5? What does it stand for?

-Do I need to add SARS in Facebook?

-I've registered with e-filing...now what?

2) Medical aid

-What do I need?

-It all looks the same, how do I choose?

3) Dictionary

-Filled with grown up words, the definition of each and the correct context in which to use it. This should prevent the reoccurrence of blank stares, nervous giggling and smile and wave moments 

The Great Big Book of "Things that No1 tells you (but the rest of the world expects you to know)". The book comes with a free pair of unisex Big Girl Panties-these panties can be worn when you face tough times and serve as a physical reminder of all the great lessons learnt in this book.

5) Shape Shifting 

Problem: The World

The difficulty with being a female is that your activities have the potential to be limited. These limitations exist as a result of the actions of a handful of misdirected individuals. Whether you do it consciously or sub-consciously you constantly have to assess your environment, making sure that you don’t take the wrong turn and end up in a deserted alley, being on the alert for potential smash-and-grabbers, pick pockets, generally shady characters, Godzilla and Flash-mob.

The perils of day to day life- you know living on the edge. Little Lady going for her run fighting the fight against heart disease, when the angry mob harasses her with unwanted comments.

Solution: Shape Shifting

Until people learn to love one another with an unselfish and wholesome kind of love I would like to propose a Shape Shifting Device. This device can come in the form of a watch, brooch or ring. With a touch of a button you can shift from your form to which ever form you please. In doing so you can go for your run, swim, stroll and travel where ever you please at which ever time without being viewed as an easy target.

Little Lady has shape shifted into an Orc-Do you still love her now?

6) Remote

Problem: Time

It moves too slowly during the week, it moves too fast over the weekend and when on holiday. There are too few hours in a day, yet I never get enough sleep.

Solution: A Time Control.

This little gadget allows you to fast forward, rewind, pause and mute everyday situations to your liking. 

Photo of the Week

They say a picture paints a thousand words and that nothing in life is free. Today I give you a photo and a chuckle-it's on me...ok, maybe it's on the owner of "Nayop Beauty Salon" seeing as s/he paid for this Jozini gem.

209 Days Later

When the phrase “Can you believe it’s July” comes up in company you know it’s the beginning of the end of that conversation. Although that may be true in some social situations where the awkward turtle looms, I really can’t believe that it’s July (here I was thinking that the order of events of the 2012 calendar would change, alas I have been let down). This means that I’m more than half way through my community service! Yes, I have been in the bush for a total of 209 days and I have survived. I believe that this observation calls for a celebration in the form of a period of reflection. As all good infomercials and well trained health care practitioners do, I have begun the process of reflection by comparing the before and after shots of my journey to date.

On the topic of Driving

Figure 1.1. January 2012 

Scenario: Typical stretch of road in Ingwavuma. This road consists of potholes, mentally challenged road users in taxis called "Jealous Down" (this character is totally fictional), people standing in the middle of the road and the lonely cow on the "pavement". 

My Response: Freak out.

Figure 1.2. July 2012

Scenario: Ingwavuma road, same condition as it was in 7 months ago (it could possibly be worse). This time Mr Jealous Down is having a rally with his equally challenged  friends, potholes have become craters, pedestrians bring a friend and run riot on the road and the cow invites the pig to the "pavement" party.
My Response: Remain calm. Remember the Law of conservation of energy "Energy can never be created or destroyed, it is merely transformed from one form to another".  Harness the energy generated from anxiety by locking your elbow in extension and firmly planting your hand on the hooter to produce sound energy. 


On the Topic of Communication

Figure 2.1. January 2012

Scenario: Me simply trying to ask my patient to turn his head and take a deep breath-but my Zulu vocabulary/lack thereof fails me. 
My Response: Frustration. Note the is a tuft of hair in my right hand and the development of the Niagara Falls at the site of my tear ducts.

Seven months down the line I can say that my Zulu vocabulary has grown slightly, thus crisis depicted in figure 2.1 has been averted. When my memory fails me and the words do not immediately come to mind I try to remain  calm, call a translator or refer to my handy Zulu Physio Phrase book, complied by me and the trusty translators. This handy device along with my expanded vocabulary allows treatment to occur in 4 phases. The phases have been illustrated in figure 2.2.1-2.2.4

Figure 2.2.1. Realisation

Phase 1 - Realisation: 

Me asking the patient to turn their head and take a deep breath. I can ask him to turn his head in Zulu, but I can not remember the phrase "Take a deep breath".

Figure 2.2.2. Racking

Phase 2 - Racking: 

I scratch my chin and rack my brain trying to remember the Zulu word for breath.

Figure 2.2.3. Excalibur

Phase 3 - Excalibur:

Accept that I have forgotten the word or that I didn't bother memorising it to start with and call on Excalibur to enlighten me.

Figure 2.2.4. Triumph

Phase 4 - Triumph

Now that the word has been located, the sentence can be completed and the instruction can be given. This 4 phase process may result in 1 instruction taking 45 minutes, but the triumphant feeling far out weighs the time taken. 



On the Topic of Babies


One of the responsibilities of a therapist at Mosvold is to test the developmental milestones of high risk babies at birth/on discharge after birth and to follow up at 3, 6 and 9 months of age. This task would not be an issue for most therapists as the majority of the population feel warm fuzzy feelings at the sight of a baby. Some members of the population on the other hand,  prefer to keep these fragile treasures at arms length until they are of reasonable age (iow until they resemble people who are able to support their own head instead of beetroot aliens with detachable necks who are only fluent in a language called Cry). For the past 23 years I have applied the Arms Length rule for the safety of babies all around the world and the sake of my blood pressure. New born's, the Arms Length rule and I lived happily in our land of Observation until Maternity ward started referring new born's and premature babies to therapy. My first few encounters with these precious beings were stressful to say the least, but I can say with much pride that since that day until present no one has been hurt! I no longer recoil in fear at the sight of a premature baby, instead I simply find my Big Girl Panties and get the job done.

Figure 3.1. Typical response of females to babies: Doe eyes + Heart pumps custard

Figure 3.2. January 2012: Question: What moves faster than the speed of light?
Answer: Me, when handed a baby younger than 3 months

Figure 3.3. July 2012: Thinking/Clinical reasoning process when receiving a referral for a baby

On the Topic of Exercise

Figure 4.1. January 2012

Scenario: I go for a run fighting the good fight against heart disease and other such like for example co-morbidities. I go for a run, the hills attempt to kill me, the sun attempts to roast me and bystanders taunt me with "I love you baby" and other words of unwanted affection.

My Response: Try to not die up the hill whilst my thighs spontaneously burst into flames. Try and to ignore the taunts whilst I silently seethe. Note the redness of my face is in anger and exhaustion.

Figure 4.2. July 2012

Scenario: I go for a run fighting the good fight against heart disease and other such like for example co-morbidities. I go for a run, the hills attempt to kill me, the sun attempts to roast me and bystanders taunt me with "I love you baby" and other words of unwanted affection.

My Response: Try to not die up the hill whilst my thighs spontaneously burst into flames. Try and to ignore the taunts whilst I silently seethe. Note the redness of my face is in anger and exhaustion.

Yes, both the scenario and the response have been copied and pasted as only the distance run has changed.

On the Topic of Subjective Evaluation

Figure 5.1. January 2012

Scenario: I ask the dreaded "Upethwe yini" (what are you here for) and unleash Pandora's box as the patient gives long answers in "deep" Zulu.

My Response: As I frantically try to decipher the patients story my brain short circuits and I drown in a sea of words I do not know.

Figure 5.2. July 2012

Scenario:  I ask "upethwe yini?" 

My Response: I climb into my proverbial life raft anticipating the the flood of words that will be unleashed in response to my question. As the words flow I listen intently, fishing out words which sounds familiar (eg. buhlungu which means pain) and slowly put the story together. 

On the Topic of Distance

7 months ago visiting a place that was more than 30minutes away was seen as a road trip. As a newly licensed driver and privileged Capetonian who is used to having most places of interest a mere 15-20 minutes away this whole "living-in-the-middle-of-nowhere" and driving an average of 1.5 hours to "pop in" concept was new to me. Needless to say the first few months of driving here was an experience; I almost literally had to have my more experienced co-drivers hold my hand as I drove on the never ending N2 from The Voom to Durban/any other destination of choice. More recently the concept of distance has become relative-it's relative to the event, the predicted vibe, co-drivers, number of passengers and levels of desperation.

Figure 6.1. January 2012

Scenario: Friend tells me they are in Durban for the weekend, they would like to see me (clearly friend has not Googled distance, travel time, petrol price and satellite map view of road from Ingwavuma to Durban).

My Response: Caught in a sea of emotions-would love to see a familiar face + civilisation (also referred to as “big city lights”), but am scared of the N2, trucks and daredevil/mentally challenged drivers.

Figure 6.2. July 2012

Scenario: Friend tells me they are in Durban for the weekend, they would like to see me.

My Response: Challenge accepted.


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Legends of Mosvold

In the space of 1 month I have had the unfortunate task of saying goodbye to 2 dear friends - this is significant when one considers the limited "youthful" population in the delightful hamlet of Ingwavuma. The young population that I have the privilege of rubbing shoulders with comes from a number of sources namely fellow comm serves, other hospital employees and elective students (elective students are studying something in the medical profession, they come to Mosvold Hospital to gain exposure in their field of interest). Each person who has come and gone has shared something with us, whether it's a life changing lesson, a fantastical memory or something totally insignificant yet memorable. 


Dr Yan, Daisy and The Germans


Dr Yan was an Australian student from the University of Queensland in her final year of medicine. Dr Yan came at a "sensitive" time ie our 2nd week of comm serve and remained with us for 2 months. We had many escapades with Dr Yan, she introduced us the fantastical Panasonic Lumix camera (which I would dearly like to possess-anyone who is kind enough to donate one to me will be my Bestie forev's yo!) she also taught us the amazing asymmetrical plait which I sport on a regular basis. In addition to this she imparted the microwave chocolate cake recipe  to us-this recipe has brought many a chocoholic through their withdrawal. A month after Dr Yan came we were joined by Daisy and The Germans from Scotland and Germany respectively. Daisy and The Germans were also medical students who stayed for 1 month. With this lot of lovely ladies we developed the Sodwana Bay Party Patrol where we courageously fought off Vervet monkies, suffered the consequences of falling asleep on deck chairs, squeezed 6 ladies into an Opel Corsa and braved cyclone Irena insearch of the Big 5 at Tembe elephant park - during this expedition we coined the phrase "Germans on the roof". These ladies brought much delight to our lives in the form of sundowners on the airstrip, baked goods, many laughs and general merriment. 

Dr Yan

    

Daisy

German 1

German 2

Sweet-Cheeks and Schmilkins

Sweet-Cheeks and Schmilkins were 2 delightful young lads from UCT who graced us with their presence for 1 month; they came bearing Swiss army knives, Shox and woven friendship bangles. With them around we found ourselves foraging for firewood, summiting the water tower for star gazing purposes  and sauntering down the mountain side to enjoy sundowners overlooking Swaziland (you have to take guys with to this spot, it's too risky going with ladies only). Schmilkins and Sweet-Cheeks taught us the importance of knocking on a closed door before entering and introduced us to a rather liberating version of Social Research (aka "open" Facebook stalking). "Open" Facebook stalking differs from everyday stalking as the Stalker researches the Facebook page of the Stalk-ee (iow the newly added friend) in the presence of the Stalk-ee. In doing so the Stalk-ee is able to give running commentary of their virtual life and the Stalker is able ask any questions regarding mutual friends, wall posts, bystanders in profile pictures etc. In my opinion of life in general this method of research should be practised as it dispels any doubts, fears and illusions. 

Schmilkins

Sweet-Cheeks

Brook Shields and McDizzle


The latest addition to the Mosvold wall of Legends are Brook Shields and McDizzle, 2 very promising second year physio students from Tukkies. Although their stay was the shortest (1 week) it was most splendid. With these 2 ladies at our side we enjoyed far too much chocolate, ukulele jam sessions and charades. During this week I observed the marked difference that the presence of a 4x4 makes on a 4x4 trail, the joy of playing the shaker- as it is the "cherry on top" in all songs; in addition to this I perfected my charading skills as I had the joy of to "supervising" them-with every patient I saw with them I assumed a different persona of past lecturers.   

Brook Shields

McDizzle

Ton-Dawg and Baby Spice

Ton-Dawg and Baby Spice have been the life and soul of my day-to-day party for the past 5 months. They say that home is not a place instead it's a feeling-I was blessed to have 2 friends who made the Voomles home for me within a matter of days. If it was not for these 2 treasure pies I would have up and left Ingwavuma 7 months ago! 

Ton-Dawg  is a dietician who survived the thriving metropolis of Ingwavuma for a whopping 2.5 years, by default she has been dubbed Mama Mosvold. Since Mama Mosvold was here the longest and has figured out the workings behind the Mosvold Circus she became my go-to person. Whether it was to determine the road worthiness of an otherwise questionable hospital vehicle or to find out how/who to go to to get a job done Mama Mosvold was always a phone call away. Prior to coming to Mosvold I managed to get more info out of her regarding my accommodation than I got out of the guys at HR. Mama Mosvold was more than just a mama of hospital admin she is also a Master Chef with a wicked sense of humour and a fantastical streak of mischief (which lends itself out to hiding in car boots to scare security on occasion).

Ton-Dawg

Baby Spice is a dietician who hails from the wonderful West Coast in the Western Cape, this treasure pie allowed me to bask in her presence for 5 whole months. Baby Spice acted as my beach buddy, my running buddy and my buddy buddy. She has seen me at my best (namely basking in the sun on the beach with a chocolate product in reach) and at my worst (after clinic with dangerously low sugar levels and after running up yet another murderous hill in Ingwavuma). With Baby Spice around I witnessed Women's Health in its true form, drove with woman who had driving skills likened to those of Michael Schumaker and learnt many fantastical recipes. 

Baby Spice

And there you have it the list Legends of Mosvold to date. Moral of the story-come to Mosvold-we have goats, cows, epic sunsets and summer in the middle of winter. 

Happiness and general warm fuzzy feelings when the Student Park Home is occupied by students

General blandness when the Student Park Home is student-less...note the sun, sky and grass are not as bright