Kismet: A predetermined or unavoidable destiny (wiktionary definition).
The hand of fate can take unexpected turns. The last time I travelled to Bloemfontein Geisha, my white alsation, took a leap out of the vehicle at 120 kilometres per hour, just outside of Aberdeen and if you wish, you can read the whole story here. So on the way to Bloemfontein for a wedding I approached Aberdeen with some trepidation, my wife however saw only relief and so it was that we visited Aberdeen again. I remembered years ago the town had a hotel but unfortunately this was now a pile of rubble. The one service station in town is not recommended for a relief stop so when I spotted a coffee shop in the main street with a parking available right in front it seemed that fate had smiled upon us. My wife could barely wait for me to open the car door for her (yes, some men do still do this, although it may seem old fashioned) before disappearing inside. I took a table outside and to my consternation a small dog, nothing more than skin, bone and fleas trotted past.
As a animal lover I can’t abide animal suffering. I will watch thousands die on screen with disinterest but will reduced to tears if a horse or dog suffers the slightest injury. We already have three SPCA rejects in our household and I after several calls from the SPCA I have made it clear, to them and to my wife, NO MORE!
On Alta’s (my wife) return, I mentioned the dog thinking it had disappeared not to return, heedless of destiny. As she stood on the sidewalk to take a picture, the little discard came trotting back. She eventually coaxed him into her arms and with trembling lower lip asked if we can take it with us.
I am no match for the trembling lower lip. I can deny my wife the credit card, the new car and on occasion even can ignore her sulking but when it comes to suffering animals combined with a trembling lower lip, I wilt, I succumb, I am a wimp.
Leaving our details at the coffee shop in case the dog had been lost and had an owner somewhere. We departed Aberdeen with our new cargo safely ensconced in the back. Alta turned to me and asked; “so what are we going to call her?” It has been custom in our household for me to name our new additions. I told her I would think about it but almost immediately it came to me.
“Kismet” I said.

With no small effort Kismet has been nursed to health in only a week. We have arrived home and introduced her tiny little frame to the three big beasts at home only to find her readily taking to play with them.

She is a four month old greyhound puppy and the most lovable puppy I have encountered. She purrs like a cat when stroked and demands to be in your arms every moment she can.

Thank you Destiny, for bringing this little bundle of joy to me. I will do my best to ensure she never has to endure abandonment or hunger ever again in her little life.

I’ve been tagged by absolutwillie (again)
and the rules are:

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1) What was I doing 10 yrs ago?

Ten years ago, strangely enough, almost to the day, I made the career changing choice to become a corporate refugee. Packed by bags, quit my post as brand manager and moved from JHB to George.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):

1. Give car in for service
2. Take other computer in (crashed)
3. Blog
4. Write speech for my best mate’s wedding
5. Update poker group on Facebook

3) Snacks I enjoy:

Anything chocolate, Biltong, dried fruit.

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

1. Buy an boat
2. Sail into the blue yonder never to be heard from again

5) Five of my bad habits:

1. Procrastination
2. Temper
3. Over analysing
4. Alcohol
5. No fitness regime

6) 5 places I have lived:

1. Pretoria
2.Cape Town
3. Bloemfontein
4. Amsterdam
5. London

7) 5 jobs I have had:

1. Motivational Speaker
2. Brand Manager for a medical company
3. Estate Agency Principal
4. Pizza Chef
5. Supermarket Owner

5 peeps I want to know more about:

1. Dave Duarte
2. Max Kaizen
3. Beverley  or Feisty Female
4. Charl Van Niekerk
5. Rafiq