Oh, Jolly Good!

Aishwarya Rai. (Indian actress, model, Miss World 1994.)

To Whom It May Concern,

I'm so sorry this post is so late. Once again, today just got away from me. This morning's weigh in revealed 54.5kg (120lbs)! Yes, please! I lost 2kg (4.4lbs) in 2 weeks. That's a record for me, I never lose more than a half a kg (1.1lbs) a week. I also lost a combined 6cm on my measurements. I'm pleased! Atkins is heavy going, but it gets the job done!

I've been stuffing my face for the last two weeks, it makes a change from my usual restricting. Unlike other diets, this one requires you to eat heaps of the recommended food, the more you eat, the better it works! I've been binging on meat, chicken, fish, biltong (beef jerky), cheese, cream and more eggs than I care to mention! I'm really getting a kick out of how disgusting this diet is!

However, at this stage of the game, I'm  ready for a nice long fast! I really need to give my digestive system a break, much more of this and I could be very ill indeed! Everything in moderation and all! My mouth has the weirdest taste and I'm starting to get a little skunky under the arms! Phew! Ketosis is rather nasty! Note to self: apply heavy deodorant, brush teeth twice and gargle with strong mouthwash on Sunday!

So, Sunday! My Indian friend, Avinesh is getting married. Whether you're Tamil or Gujarati, like he is, this is a big deal in the Hindu community. The celebrations last from Wednesday to Sunday, when the priest finally marries them and carry on after the marriage too. Hectic!. Both the bride and groom have to undergo a series of blessing and cleansing rituals and all sort of ceremonial activities, like the brides parents bidding her farewell, and the blessing of the bride and grooms new home.The bride has her mehndi (henna tattoos) done by the women in the community and there's a lot of gift giving, cooking, baking and eating going on. I used to apply henna tattoos for a living a few years ago. Messy business, lots of fun, though!

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian people to South African shores, so it's  a special time for us all. Our Indian community has brought us so much cultural enrichment, like luxurious fabrics, exotic incense, aromatic spices, music, dance and 'Bollywood'!. Their contribution to our wonderful diversity has been remarkable and one of the things that make us proudly South African!

I finally found something to wear. It's not too flashy, because I'm just not that kinda gal! I've gone for black and white, which I simply adore. I'm going to team it with some plain silver jewellery and earrings. The brides colours are red, white and gold, so I think I'm safe. Please tell me what you think, bearing in mind that although I've lost some weight, I'm still far from my goal and that I have no style to speak of, I just wear clothes!

Thanks again for your comments. Hope you all have a splendid weekend!

Sincerely,
Cinnamon Brown.