Roxilla

It’s that time of year when the world starts making lists. First Time then Google Zeitgeist, now it’s my turn. And yes, I have already done a reflective post, this is different.

So, in no particular order, here are my Top 10 Things from this year…

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1. Top Animal Issue
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There have been a number of issues on the animal ‘wrongs’ front, from Coty’s crappy spins to seal hunts and shark fishing. The thing that really won me over however was without a doubt the moon bears and the incredible journey they have faced, from their rescue in March to their recent re-homing last month. These bears remind me so much of my fat cat Tiger in their spirit and antics, and tracking their progress on the Animals Asia blog (and seeing them make it onto the Asia’s Big 5 list) has been a highlight of note.

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2. Top Getaway Destination
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No contest for the best escape destination… Piketberg is by far the place that has offered me the most solace, perspective, fun, adventures, kittens, chillax and relaxation. Every single time I go there, I love it more, and whether it’s for a day or a weekend, a getaway to the farm feels like a long holiday far, far away from the concrete jungle.

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3. Top Blog Issue
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The top still on many bloggers’ minds is none other than the utter travesty of Quality Vacation Club suing local blogger Donn Edwards for daring to share his thoughts and experiences on this ‘spam ‘n scam’ timeshare operation. It just gets more and more outrageous, and the result is that QVC is fast becomming more famous for their evil deeds than their silly timeshare farce. Riveting stuff, and with millions of the public, the entire local bloggishere as well as mainstream media like Radio 702, IOL and Sunday Independent all on Donn’s side, this is one battle that QVC are not going to win.

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4. Top Event
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In February I got to be a bridesmaid for the first time, along with two of my thirsty bitches as we walked down the aisle with our best friend. It was scary as hell and everyone was staring at us, but I have never been as proud and honoured to be part of something as I was that day. It was also the best wedding I have ever been to, and with gold strapless dresses, full makeup and hair done by a magic stylist, and my best and oldest friends there to share the excitement, it was an event to treasure for ever.

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5. Top Wine
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I’ve had rather a lot of wine experiences over the course of the year, almost all of them good. The wine that stood out most though is the Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc. Despite starting the year with a Chardonnay preference, over the months this easy to drink, fresh and delicious Sav Blanc has won me over. And as an added perk, it has a screw top lid so I can’t get those nasty foil cuts from opening corks. Bonus.

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6. Top Indulgence
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It took me a while to catch on, but once I discovered the wonders of Lindt Excellence Chili Intense, I knew I had found the ultimate chocolate. It’s not cheap, but that chili chocolate experience is well worth the price. Sadly, it hasn’t put me off lesser chocolates, but it has broadened my chocolate horizons considerably.

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7. Top Workout
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While my return to Muaythai (shaky as it may be) has been a huge highlight this year, and my trusty exercise bike has been the purchase of the decade, this year one sport has remained consistent and strong. Running has gone from a kinda fun addition to Muaythai training last year to an increasingly challenging addiction this year. I ran/jogged/power walked in my first race – the KFM / OUTsurance GunRun – and with the help of my awesome running partner have progressed from an average town route to an intense hill route through Tamboerskloof and a solid promenade route in between. We don’t always made our 3 a week goal, but we push harder and run further almost every time, and I have never enjoyed running as much as I do right now.

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8. Top Bandwidth Killer
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There have been too many cheese, old skool and various other music to mention this year. From Vanilla Ice to The Hoff, to Silk, Tina Turner and many others. It was the Warren G classic, Regulate, that really took the cake though. This is probably the most awesome old skool ever, and is like gold dust in terms of early days hip hop. Too epic for words, what a find.

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9. Top Marvelous Manly Man
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No hottie came close to MMM Nigel Barker this year. Yes, there have been some contenders who have been hotter, or who have a bit more street cred. Nigel Barker has no tattoos, he isn’t into bling and he hasn’t racked up any sexiest man awards. Nevertheless, this photographer and America’s Next Top Model judge gets my vote for all the amazing work he has done for seals, sharks, poverty stricken Haitians and many other causes, as well his family values and down to earth attitude. That is what being a true MMM is – being a real-life hero and not being afraid to get right into the action to help save the world. You just can’t beat those kind of qualities, and this is why is is the man of the year in my books.

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10. Top Inspiration
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A fairly new feature, my Fabulously Frivolous Friday posts have really been a good exercise in positive vibes and zen boosting. Finding a variety of cheesy, tacky, glittery and kitsch 80′s icons each week and finding at least 5 good things to look forward to is a great way for me to get into a good Friday mood, and even on bad weeks (bar one or two occasions) I find that my mood seems to be inspired by all that glitz and naffness.

Well, that’s it folks – those are my top 10 things for the year. A selection of highlights, each important in its own right and all combining to form the disjointed topic focus that is my blog.

P.S. This is not a tag, so don’t panic.