Big Words

I treated myself to a set of BIG WORDS flashcards today. Yes, I know I may be getting a bit on in years for flash cards, but it seemed like such fun to sample the smorgasbord of seldom used words. I was tickled pink by the phrase which caught my eye: “I may be Lilliputian but I am still remarkably strong!” It stayed with me as I walked out of the shop at the Old Biscuit Mill this morning and I had to go back for more!

It was asking to be read in an English accent. In fact, the last time I heard someone use discombobulate (one of the other words in the pack), it was indeed an Englishman – no less than HRH Prince Charles who was bemoaning the "discombobulating around the climate change issues" just before COP17 was to take place in Durban in December last year.

So be prepared to be dazzled by some splendiferous words! The pack includes instructions for three fun games and is recommended for ages 6 and up...ssh! And, yes they are all in the Oxford dictionary, even splendiferous – I checked! I promise not to start acting all hoity-toity now that I know some big words.

BIG WORD Flashcards is distributed by Knock Knock, a registered trademark of Who’s There Inc. 

Dinner invite for one

I have been to three social functions on my own in the last ten days.  I am not sure how this has happened since I would normally choose to decline rather than go alone. My husband being away provides the perfect excuse. However, the Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards, held last week, is an annual function I enjoy going to, and, on Friday night, a close friend was hosting a charity table. So I did want to go, although that awkwardness of arriving and not seeing anyone that I knew, was evident on both occasions. 


This evening's function however, purely social, I sort of got talked into and before I knew it I received an email about how nice it would be to have me. As the week progressed I found myself making a hair appointment and thinking about what to wear, alternating with what am I letting myself in for? However, by yesterday I had decided to keep an open mind and go with the flow. If nothing else, I would have a story to tell. Last week I noted that "So, do you work?" has changed to "What industry are you in?" Although that conversation progressed pleasantly enough. It seems yoga has become rather popular recently.  


I love to people-watch, so actually going to a function is not all effort. Last night there was plenty to watch. Like the little Asian man who was wearing the brightest green jacket that I have ever seen -  as if he was trying his utmost to make up for his size and be noticed. There was also the unlikely blonde, surely surgically-enhanced, who when introduced to a tall Xhosa gentleman, let out a string of isi-Xhosa. It was delightful to see the connection it immediately made. He leaned in closer and a for a few moments spoke animatedly. The conversation continued in English but had been lit by the spark of that connection. It reminded me of a quote by Nelson Mandela, "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."  Also another reminder not to put people into boxes!


Our hosts were a lovely couple who have raised truly international children - speaking six or seven languages between them and mixing as many cultures with their choice of partners! Their two children are now on opposite ends of the planet while they will be here for the next while.  


I sat next to a very charming gentleman from Portugal, who told me that if you needed to find your daughter a husband the best place to do so would be to send her to hotel school in Switzerland! Apparently there are many unions between hotel students. Not unlike medical school, which has the same phenomenon for many of the same reasons. When you work so hard and such odd hours, you need a partner who will understand what you are going through. 


The restaurant was casually elegant and the food good - not "child portions arranged by an interior designer", as one guest at the table observed.  Although I could have foregone all just for the most sublime chocolate dessert! I had a pleasant evening and met some interesting people. Sometimes you just need to go with the flow. Or maybe it doesn't matter so much anymore what people think.