The End

365 days ago I started on a journey. I had just left behind a business that I had help start up and felt shattered. I had committed everything to it, moved cities, left my life behind; only to have it fall apart due to differences in opinions. I felt betrayed by it. I felt lost.

At that trying point in my life, I had a crazy idea that I wanted to write. The only problem was that I didn't know what to write about, so I began to devise an idea, it would become a commitment, a personal challenge; to write every day for an entire year. I wouldn't write about anything specific, just my thoughts and daily occurrences.

If anything it was for my own benefit, for the first time I was able to expresses my feelings in a tangible format, and it helped me to move forward. It made me realize that sometimes things don't work out, but there are always other opportunities- hope.

Soon I realized that with each subsequent entry, a story unfolded and if I stuck to it, I might even have a book. Not only that, I had a subtle marketing tool on my hands. You see; I liked finding new spots, eating out and frequenting cool hangouts; and often, I would find myself including these in my daily rants. As things progressed another idea unfolded, I wanted to append a directory listing of all the places I had visited, to the end of my journal; so that those who wanted to, could not only read about my experiences but follow in my footsteps too.

What I liked about it was that it was not fabricated material made up by marketing spin doctors. What was written had integrity, it was my actual every day experiences.

To every beginning there is an end and for this particular project, challenge, literary journey I've reached my destination. It's been a roller coaster ride, there have been many ups, but not without some devastating downs; I've recorded them all. It certainly will not be the last time I write - I still have too much to say, but for now I am done.

If you are reading this as a book, then I have been successful with the next challenge that I have tasked myself with; and if you are reading this in digital format then you have only just discovered the first phase of my plans...

The PE Connection

It seems that coming from Port Elizabeth is actually paying off. I'm no longer surprised to bump into some one who is part of, what I like to call "the PE massive". We are everywhere...everywhere except in PE of course. If you ever visit PE, you'll notice there is a substatial lack of 20 to 30 year olds.

Port Elizabethans seem to have infiltrated every facet of society whether it's in business or in a social context. Yesterday, while in the Llandudno car park, we bumped into a professional surfer, who happened to go to my Junior school and later while trying to find something to eat in Hout Bay, I bumped into another. I couldn't even get away when I used to walk around randomly in Sandton City in Johannesburg, someone was bound to shout my name to try get my attention and again; low and behold it would be some one else from PE.

The freakiest incident came earlier at work today, I needed to investigate a bulk SMS solution for our project so I stumbled upon SMS Portal, one of the biggest bulk SMS providers in the country.

I signed up for a test account to see if my project could use their product and within minutes I received a phone call from them - someone I knew was on the other line. It turns out that two of the guys who started the company went to University with me, they recognized my name on sign up and decided to call me.

PE has made this world smaller for me, and for the first time, I've started to appreciate my origins.

The End is Nye

What a great day, I spent most of it playing guitar on Llandudno beach, whilst watching some surfers catch waves. It was a great way to unwind and forget about all of life's problems including the possible Swine Flu (H1N1) pandemic that seems to be gripping the world in fear.

Tomorrow is back to the office *sigh* it's the first full week of work that we as South Africans have had to face in a while, so it will probably feel quite drawn out.

I'm quite impressed with myself, three more days and I would have have achieved my goal of writing every day for the whole year! Let me be the first to say that it has not been an easy task and oddly enough it will be my proudest achievement. With the end being so close, I need to start thinking about my last post. I hope that I can come up with something significant to say!

Sweet Tooth From Hell

Like a carnivorous animal that has gotten a taste of blood, I've become addicted to sweets. I'm ridiculous. In the last couple of days I've eatan so many chocolates, candies, cakes ice cream and other deserts its absolutely frightening.

Not too long ago I was very good at passing up on the sweet stuff, in fact I was so good that I even refused an after dinner mint. But inherently, I have an incredible sweet tooth and once I have a taste for it; the craving becomes insatiable...To illustrate my point, in the last two days alone I've eaten two big bags of jelly beans, a slab of chocolate, a chocolate brownie, a foot long nougat bar, a tub of ice cream and a big helping of Bread and Butter pudding; and that's only what I can remember.

Besides the obvious aesthetic challenges that arise from consuming so much crap, there are other side effects that one should take into consideration, like diabetes. This uncontrollable lust for sweets stops tomorrow, I'm cutting it out, no more sweet stuff for a long time.

Dueling Guitars

I spent most of the day jamming and dueling guitars with my friend. There's something very special about sitting around and being able to create music with someone else. Music is like a language; one has to understand what the other person is playing; their tempo, their rhythm and what exactly it is that they are doing. Once you've figured that out; you need to try fit in, compliment it and help make it sound good.

After a couple of hours of tinkling, and feeling each other out; we finally decided to collaborate and practice to get an entire song down pat. We decided to cover a song by Jack Johnson, G-Love and Donovan Frankenreiter called Girl I Wanna Lay You Down - after an hour or so I think we got it about 90% right, both the singing and the guitars; including a cool little guitar solo.

I had a lot of fun getting back into it, it's been a while; my fingers have taken a beating, the skin off the tip is coming off and my left hand is cramping from all the fretting and sliding, up and down the guitar...

Kink

Ah what a delightful evening of caberet-esque singing, dance, entertainment and food. Kink Bar pulled off a wonderfully enchanting evening in a very sophisticated and sexy setting, it was very different from your usual Cape Town scene; as Kink decided to hold something refreshingly special for their friends and supporters.

Word on the street is that Kink will be extending and providing food lovers with a new fabulous, fine-dining spot. Knowing the people initiating this new exciting venture and being an avid foodie, I'll be sure to be one of their biggest supporters.

I was very close to spending my long weekend in Durban; staying on the beach in Umhlanga, surfing in warm water and hanging out with the Fox and Frank (two friends whose real identities shall remain anonymous). But unfortunately I could not make it due to my being late in booking affordable tickets. The tardiness however, was probably subject to the fact that I was only convinced to go on the trip near midnight of the night before the trip... while in a mildly inebreiated state.

Don't Be Alarmed

I find that every once in a while you need to change the tone of your morning alarm, becuase you get so used to it that you begin to sleep right through it. I've become more and more accustomed to mine and find it exceedingly difficult to wake up.

I decided I would change my alarm tone, the trick is that you can't have something too loud or too abrupt otherwise you'll wake up with a heart attack, but it needs to be vibey enough so that it has enough of an impact to get you out of bed. I now have a cool Brazilian song, with a delightful songstress, singing Com Você (that means "with you" so I'm told) to help me up.

Owing to the new tone, I was able to make an early gym session. It's been a while since I've been able to haul myself up, early enough, to get one of those in. I had an epiphany while I was at gym; and thought that it would be great for tonight's blog I also remembered that it would have been cool to have a Moleskine notebook to write down my idea so I wouldn't forget what it was. No prizes for guessing that I didn't have a Moleskine with me at the time and that I've also subsequently forgotten the epiphany... oh well, will scribe it if I remember.

School Yard Bully

I bumped into someone I knew at Caprice on Sunday evening, someone that I've known from way back when I was still living in East London. I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to strike up a conversation and reminisce about the good old days. What I didn't realize was, what seemed good to me was not so great for her.

You see, apparently I was a bully...can you believe it? Me? A bully? It seems utterly absurd that I could ever be such a thing. Firstly, I argued I was way too small to ever bully anyone and secondly I remember being a really sensitive, caring kid who was too compassionate to hurt another living soul. After all, I myself, was the victim of countless acts of bullying and would never want to subject anyone else to its terror.

But alas she began to recount and revealed my horrid deed. Apparently in the 5th Grade or Standard 3 as we called it back then (South Africa only converted to the Grade system half way through my schooling career) I used to sit next to her in class and one day as she got up to stand; I, the devilish perpetrator allegedly pulled the seat out from underneath her; so that when she sat down again, she would find nothing to break her fall except the unforgiving floor!

I defended that it couldn't have been me, that it must have been someone else. But as I tried to deny the accusations, she sternly states "No, it was you." She says she has since forgiven me, but gosh, after fifteen years she still remembers... I must have been the source of much resentment.

The once perfectly innocent image of myself is now crushed; never in a million years would I conceive to having done such a cruel thing. I've caught up with many other people from that era and they've all recalled the same thing, that they could not have met a sweeter kid. How? Why then, did I find the need to be malicious to her? Perhaps it was the act of some stupid school boy crush? Whatever the reason - I'm truly sorry. Please take this as my formal apology, I am an ass and if it serves as any consolation I live with the guilt that I was a bully for the rest of my life...Oh the shame!

Ain't No One Normal No More...

What I've recently realized is that there are no "normal" people... "Normal" I've come to understand is a relative term. What's normal to you, may not be normal to me and I find myself all to often meeting people and asking myself "Am I the only normal person left in the world?" The truth is that we're all abnormal. I may not realize it but I'm probably pretty strange to most people myself.

You'll find that the people you consider normal are just normal because they are similar to you; either through interests, moral values or something else like proximity and culture. But these pockets of pseudo normal people are most surely strange to some other people.

Take a very simple thing like eating beef. I love beef, but to some people, like say my grandmother there is nothing in the world that could be more morally disturbing, growing up in the East where cows are revered and treated like members of the family, she considers eating them completely disgusting. It would be equivalent of someone here in the West killing and eating a puppy...

Even with a simple thing like just eating beef, one can easily see how other actions could be taken as being offensive to others. Considering that we are all individuals raised by families with slightly different values, it's not difficult to believe that something that one does could be alien to someone else. Normal means nothing. I'm abnormal, an individual and I have come to accept that.

Movie Mania

I love Sundays, especially if the Monday after is a public Holiday. It gives me an excuse to sleep in late without feeling guilty at all; after all if the day is wasted, I still have an entire day the next day to get things done.

I seldom watch DVDs these days, but when I do I watch a lot of them,(I tend to only operate in extremes it seems) - I rented out four DVDs from the DVD store and somehow got through them all...

Parcel Parcel

I’ve been harbouring a care package from Josephine’s sister in Denmark to give to someone here in South Africa. I've had it for over a month now and finally delivered it. The reason it took me so long to get it to the intended recipient was because she doesn't actually live in Cape Town. So not only did I have to wait for her to be in town, but I also had to find some time out of my busy schedule.

During this entire period I’ve been wondering with great curiosity as to what exactly was in it. Due to the size and shape of the parcel it could have been anything, luckily there were no ticking noises otherwise I might have inferred a bomb. I had to endure a lot of self restraint not to open it, but in the end I was successful. I am proud.

The task of delivery was easier than expected. I’m not sure why, but my imagination had built up a scenario where I would be sitting at a coffee store waiting for her, but before intercepted the package, the police would arrive and try to arrest me for some dodgy dealings. I would however resist and run; the next thing a car chase would ensue. Eventually, I would have been cornered; but I would stand my ground and start a gun fight…

Seriously though, I had no idea who the person was or what she looked like, only that her name was Ilse and that I had to meet up with her at a certain time and place. As I waited anxiously at the coffee store, staring at every passer by who could have potentially been her, she finally revealed herself and I was able to make the drop with relative ease. I’m sure that package was just some girlie stuff; but if any one asks, I was delivering something of great importance, something that could perhaps have saved the entire human race even. I like the latter version way better...

Another Long Weekend

Woohoo! Another long weekend! It seems as if April is littered with them, perhaps making it the least productive month, in South Africa; besides the end of the year, during all the Yule Tide madness of course.

If I were president I would seriously just write the entire month off...With one holiday here and another one there; it just disrupts momentum and causes more incurred expenses than anything else. Our country seriously has a lot of public holidays. Actually I heard of a place once, I think it was near Mexico, that celebrated every public holiday held by all other countries around the world. I think if I were president I would make that the law!

Don't you regret me not running for president now?

Anyways, apparently it's going to be a relaxing one, as our good friend Xavier, the Frenchman has sworn off any debaucharous behaviour, although this has yet to be seen as crazy Frenchmen can't be trusted...

Almost There

Almost there, almost done with my goal. I must admit that I've been struggling to come up with things to write recently. There's only 12 more days before I reach the end of my year long journey and I'm in serious need to start thinking, so I can end off with something cool. Lets hope I break this spell of writers block...

Voting Day

My idea to wake up really early to vote was thwarted only by my, having a late night watching Gazelle perform at the Assembly last night. What a creative act; their music seamlessly fuses different genres to create a mix of funk, disco,electro-house and African contemporary. Gazelle is exciting, fun and best of all they have a positive message behind their music. If anything, they definitely sent out some good vibrations to get me in the mood to wake up early and stand in a long queue at the voting polls.

As I stood in the line to make my mark in favour of the countries future, I was quite pleasantly impressed with not only the efficient experience; but also the number of young people getting involved to vote, in comparison with the last elections. With the rise of technology, I think that the Twitters, Facebooks, MySpaces, blogs and other social networking tools have helped to create awareness amongst the younger generation and have helped stir them to take action.

Obama’s campaign management in the States apparently saw the value of these new tools and word on the street is that they did well to take advantage of this and trigger the youth vote. If I were a politician, I would take heed and dedicate some resources to campaign through online and youth channels.

I digress, today is a big day and deterministically the decisions made will ultimately affect the countries future: for better or for worse. Cause and effect, if you will; lets hope that the general population took some time to think about why, what and who they were voting for rather than just following a popular trend.

To be honest I’m not so concerned about who people vote for, but more so the reason. Confidently, after seeing so many youths involved, I feel that the traditional streak of apathy in this South Africa has been broken and I am quite optimistic that the future of our county’s fate will be more secure.

A Country Will Decide

Voting Day is only a day away, with bated breath the country waits before they can cast their decision to see who will be the next president. With so much relying on tomorrow's event, it seems almost absurd that people would take their right to vote likely. But sadly, I still witness people who are too apathetic to make an effort.

I really hope that all who have registered turn up and help the country reach an important outcome...

So Far So Good

Skyrove is a freaking lifesaver. Since discontinuing my 3G account with Vodacom, I've been playing internet hermit; which has made posting to my blog a complete logistical nightmare. Not only have I been needing to find time to write my entries, I've also had to find time to scurry around looking for an internet connection...I felt like that animated squirrel, Scrat from Ice Age, desperately running around looking for nuts.

However, I recently noticed that a new wireless connection popped up in my area, in the form of my now saviour, Skyrove. The process was very easy, I simply connected to the wireless connection, purchased some online credit and was ready to go. It worked out to be quite cost effective as well; I think I received just over 600MB for R200 and have been surfing the net with decent speeds ever since. The coolest thing about Skyrove though; is that you can connect to the internet wherever there is a Skyrove hotpsot and unlike some other providers don't have to worry about your MBs/credits being reset at the end of the month.

Things at Global Vision, like that popular 80's rock song, is "So Far So Good". The work is very interesting, and the atmosphere, amongst tight deadlines, is pretty relaxed. Ernst and I even decided that we were going to bring our guitars in to work, so that we could play in the chill room during our lunch breaks. The chill room is really sweet and is not like any other typical meeting room. It has giant bean bags littered across the floor and allows employees to take a load off and just relax.

Did I also mention that the office has organized some people to come in to give message sessions to worn out workers tomorrow...hmmm I could get used to this.

A Season for All Things

It seems like over night, winter has hit Cape Town. It’s like clockwork, as soon as all the foreigners leave to go home to their respective countries; the bad weather rolls on in. It’s been raining here for the past few days and the weather is expected to remain gloomy for the next couple going forward.

It’s certainly not a bad thing. I’m feeling a little worn out from all the summer socializing and wouldn’t mind hibernating for a little while. Summers in Cape Town are meant to be social, but the Winters are here for one to take a break and recharge. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do, but the things you do in winter are different, cozier, more intimate if you will. It’s the perfect time to cook curries and stews, invite some people over and chat over a cup of coffee.

I believe that there's a saying "a season for all things..." and I must admit I tend to think it's quite true. I think if I had to live summer the whole year round, I would go crazy. I’m glad its winter and can’t wait to chill out a bit, don some cool winter sweats and perhaps cuddle up in front of a roaring fire. Anyone up for a cuddle?

The Claw

I have a tendency to go a little overboard with silly things. I managed to spend 50 bucks to try win something that must have cost only a maximum of 10 bucks to produce. Yes, that’s right I went to a games center this afternoon and to pay for my sins I got addicted to the claw game.

You’ve all seen the claw game before, it’s that machine that you find at game centers and carnivals, with the claw and merchandise inside. One maneuvers the claw using a joystick and positions it over a selected item; pushes a button and watches as the claw swoops down in attempt to pull out a teddy bear or something equally useless.

My friend convinced me to give it a whirl, being incredibly astute at computer and video games I figured it wouldn’t be all that difficult. After only a few tries I realized that it was going to be a challenge, but I felt determined to beat the game and win something at least. It wasn’t about actually liking any of the items in the machine anymore - it was about my ego - it was about winning.

After some failed attempts and much frustration, the claw finally hooked onto something… Great success! I now have a pink teddy, which I didn’t really want in the first place, sitting on my bed, leering at me, reminding me of my claw addiction…

Obz

I haven't ventured into Obz in quite a long time. Obz is the more studenty area of Cape Town. Wang and I went to check out Gravity Wins Again, a mutual friend of our's band.

I've forgotten what it's like to be a student, but seems like not much has changed. Besides having to study as an extra-mural activity; watching bands and drinking copious amounts of liquor are still one of the main priorities.

Actually I don't think much has changed since entering the "real" world. The bars one goes to just become a little more expensive and the music becomes a little bit more commercial but the priorities seem to be pretty much the same...

Visitor!

Awesome my BFF Bryan arrives today and is crashing on my couch for the weekend. Apparently he is here for his cousin's wedding, but I'm going to assume that he is actually here to visit me, so that we can cause city wide mayhem and have buckets o' fun...

Pork Belly - A Commodity

In case you wondering what I was too busy with yesterday, so as not to write a proper entry, then wonder no more...

Besides being really busy with legitimate work, some of the busyness may have been attributed to some mild dicking around on my behalf. For example do you know that Pork Belly is an actual commodity that's traded on the Stock Exchange? Why on earth would Pork Belly be a commodity?

When someone told me this yesterday I scoffed in disbelief, however after some research: apparently there actually is a serious demand for the stuff, so big in fact, that it is a traded commodity! Now that's food for thought!

Busy

Too busy to write a proper entry for the days account...unfortunately just busy, not really interesting. Till tomorrow.

Tribute to the Best Worst Dog Ever

Inspired after watching the movie Marley and Me, I decided to pay tribute to my own terror dog, Lucky, the Border Collie.

Most people have owned a dog at some point in their lives and I'm certain that they have also, at some stage, thought to themselves that their dog was the worst behaved dog ever. Well with Lucky, this was surely not far from the truth.

Lucky was the biggest pup in his litter and as time passed the trend of being big continued, he grew to the size of a frisky German Shepherd. Undoubtedly, he was one of the biggest Border Collies I've ever encountered. Even the local veterinarian was impressed with his size.

He's stature was only equaled by his affinity to do no good. I remember when I was younger, that I didn't own a single item of clothing that didn't have some sort of hole in it, due to Lucky's incessant jumping up on people and his need to play tug-of-war with anything wearable. I had ripped shirts, ripped denims (which were luckily in fashion at the time), ripped jackets and even some pretty mangled shoes.

On several occasions my mom wanted to give Lucky away - once owing to him destroying a lounge suite and another time with him ripping up the interior of my mom's BMW.

It's not like we didn't try to discipline him. We tried everything, from all the instructions that we had learnt in books written by well-known dog physiologists, to sending him to obedience school. Not even obedience school could break his bad behaviour and after only a few lessons he decided that he had enough, nipped the instructor on the hand and his expulsion was immanent.

Just to illustrate another clear example of defiance, I often took him for walks on a leash only to have him steal it away from me and have him, happily walk himself around - with leash in mouth. Lucky was his own master, and he did what he pleased. We thus had no choice but to put up with his mischievousness and deal with his misbehaviour. I’m certain the fact that he was the biggest of his litter, had something to do with him thinking that he was the Alpha Male of our pack and thus had a problem with us giving him authority.

Despite all this, we loved Lucky. He was a loyal dog and was always there for us. He was a terrific companion, a dutiful watchdog, who unfoiled at least two break ins at our Port Elizabeth home.

And when he fell ill and had to be put down; there was not a family member who didn’t have a tear in their eye. Its amazing how close you can get to dog. They develop their own personalities, their own little quirks and before you know it they’re no longer pets they’re members of the family.

RIP Lucky.

Sleeping Beauty

I've been sleeping a lot since coming home to PE. I'm pretty certain it's correlated with the amount of food and chocolate eggs I have been eating; because every time after a meal, I feel sluggish and need a "quick" lie down.

After every "quick" lie down, some hours pass and before I know it the day is over. The time certainly has flown while being back at home. I've done nothing except for eating and sleeping - It's been great! Hopefully now I'll be well rested and be recharged when I get back to Cape Town.

Easter Weekend

I woke up this morning stoked that the wind was blowing offshore and was amping for a surf. My memory failed me though and I forget that although, the surf is sometimes killer in PE, there is often a massive lull and the waves are... well, non-existent. I drove around the PE beachfront looking for a wave and found nothing; so I thought I'd be more adventurous and see if there was anything in the Reserve and Around the Corner.

Most of the surfing in PE is done in the Bay area, as the quality of waves there, in my opinion, are better; but with that said it's also usually smaller as well. The more die hard surfers will look outside of the Bay where the waves can often be two to three times bigger. Sadly, as I ventured - I still found nothing.

After having no luck I got in touch with my old friend, Ryan who is also in town for the Easter weekend, from Pretoria. We went to a spot called Vovo Telo, where I was quite pleasantly surprised by the quality of coffee and the food fare on offer. Not to put PE down, but the coffee stores here, are often pretty rubbish; with cappuccinos boasting horrendous foam and a terribly burnt after taste. The coffee at this Central establishment was decent - not amazing; but passable even for my coffee snobbery. The pizza I had though was excellent.

While there I bumped into some of my other friends from Cape Town, also visiting home for the holidays. Okay enough writing, there's more eating to be done; since coming back, my mom won't stop feeding me.

Airtraffic control

As far as airports are concerned I'm not a big fan. Today my hate for them has been further fuelled.

Cape Town airport is undergoing renovations in anticipation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. As one can imagine, with all the work going on there should obviously be some disruptions.

Parking for instance was a nightmare. Upon arrival many of the roads and slipways had been blocked off due to construction and I found myself driving around in circles being confused due to all the detours. It's understandable, but still highly inconvenient.

The restrooms too were not ideal and were temporarily built using makeshift materials. To be honest I don't think the rest rooms were even part of the building at all and it seemed to have been erected as an extension, on flimsy stilts. If the airport was going for an authentic "aeroplane" feel then they did well to achieve this, because as I stood by the urinal to do my business; I could swear that I was flying and was even convinced that I felt some turbulence.

Lastly, there was a massive wait to board our flight. The reason being that one of the incompetent incumbents at the airline I was flying on, had overbooked the plane by one passenger. Unfortunately we, the passengers, were asked if one of us would volunteer and relinquish our place on the plane. The kind martyr who stayed behind was given many words of appreciation as no one else was ready to give up their seats.

My overall impression of airports have thus taken a further slump. Unless the experience on my return flight is filled with glorious satisfaction, it will stay in this position, at an all time low.

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend is upon us! Off to good ol' PE tomorrow. Going back there is like travelling back in time. Nothing really changes and there really isn't anything to do. Doing nothing may be exactly what I need...

Politics Smolitics

I've been hearing a lot of topics regarding politics being raised in recent conversations. Firstly, the whole Dalai Lama issue, about how he was refused entry into South Africa due to China's provocation and secondly of Jacob Zuma's charges being dropped.

With regards to the Dalai Lama, I don't find China's policy surprising at all and honestly being of Taiwanese descent I can relate to it. But honestly I don't understand why the huge pharoar, at least why this time? Taiwan has been subjected to the same manipulative tactics for decades, with China vetoing Taiwan from the United Nations and in particular denying them the right to be seen as an independent state.

The Chinese still view Taiwan as a rogue province and have convinced the rest of the west of the same thing, yet Taiwan has been self governed and has had its own political system for over 50 years. China does this because they want Taiwan. China wants Taiwan even though Taiwan is only a tiny island; because, although perhaps less so than a decade ago (remember when everything was made in Taiwan), Taiwan are still considered an economic powerhouse.

China really has no ownership of Taiwan, so it makes threats and bullies other countries into relinquishing trade with Taiwan in hopes that Taiwan will surrender and become part of China. China convinced South Africa to sever ties with Taiwan in the early 21st century, even though Taiwan was amongst South Africa's biggest trade partners in the 90s. What I don't understand is, why I didn't see nearly as much protest when that happened as I do now with the refusal of the Dalai Lama to enter our country. Is one man really more important than an entire nation? So as you can see China's tactics are not new, and South Africa have again fallen as a pawn to the big red rising star of the East, only this time with more press.

At least the United States support Taiwan and have unequivocally stated that they would go to war with China should they ever try to take Taiwan by force... The situation on that side of the world is as volatile as anywhere else, including the Middle East; but I love how ignorant the average South African is about happenings on that side of the world. I sat listening to a painful conversation between two apparent experts of the topic in the gym, yammering on, with authority mind you, with one gentleman giving a very distorted version of what I've described above and painstakingly mistaking Taiwan for Thailand...

With Zuma, I've realized for a while now that his ascent to presidency is inevitable. The ANC want this to happen and so as it has been written; so shall it be done and again just like China's tactics, his charges being dropped comes as no surprise.

It does however surprise me, how surprised most other people are. I'm not a massive Zuma fan, but I have a feeling that a lot of people are blowing his incompetency out of proportion, my view with regards to Zuma is at least he can't be worse than Bush...and who knows perhaps he'll surprise a folk or two.

Island Dreaming

A small tropical island, catching fish and picking fruit for food, surfing quality waves all day, lying on a hammock gazing at stars, with no one around, no social obligations, no responsibilities, no cell phone calls, no text messages, no organizing this and that, no listening to other peoples qualms and complaints, no worrying about paying bills, no clutter, no having to interpret and “playing” the opposite sex, no entertaining, no deep and meaningful conversation, no goddamn complications - Nothing.

Just me, myself, my own thoughts and some chill time, that’s what I really, really want right now. I'm tired, very tired, worn out from all the hustle and bustle - I woke up and realized that I have almost every day planned for the next two weeks - planned out almost down to the minute. This made me even more tired. I guess there is some truth to the saying "no rest for the weary".

Pet Peeve

One of my greatest pet peeves about cooking, is the smell that embeds itself to your hands after chopping onions! Arggghhh I hate it, I just hate it!

No matter how much hand soap I use to wash my hands, I just can't get rid of the stench. Every time I cover my mouth to sneeze or yawn; there it is, I get a whiff of a pungent, onion smell.

I wonder if it is really prominent or if it is just localized to me? Do people around me smell it too? Or is it me being paranoid and something that you really have to concentrate on to take notice of...

I mean you can certainly tell when someone has eaten garlic. Often, when you catch someone in the office, you'll label the offender "Garlic Breath". I wonder if it's the same with chopping onions? "Oh look! There goes Onion Hands - That Benny is always chopping onions"...

Laying Low

When you become used to socializing, laying low and taking a weekend off on the couch can become really difficult. I mean the act itself isn't too hard, in fact lying on the couch is pretty darn easy.

But the problem is, there's always this nagging feeling in the back of your mind that you're missing out on something. Trying to suppress the urge to be out there and in the loop is the difficult part.

I spent the whole weekend fighting it, I knew the best thing to do was to avoid the social scene and hide indoors; but deep inside I wanted to sneak out and take a look see as to what was going on in the outside world. It was a difficult battle, but in the end I think I won. I have a whole stack of watched DVDs to prove my victory.

Mos Def

Alejandro and I were chilling out at a coffee spot one day and struck up a conversation with an American guy sitting next to us. When we eventually asked what he was doing here in Cape Town he said he was in town to do a show, because he was a hip hop artist.

Not being big into the hip hop scene, we didn't really know who he was; and never in a million years did we think he was a big international act. He just seemed like your average ordinary Joe: soft spoken and down to earth. After a few more coffees and some more chatting, we left and didn't think anything more of it.

Today someone mentioned that Mos Def was playing at the Cape Town Jazz festival, after putting two and two together and checking out what he looks like on the internet, turns out the guy we were having coffee with was Mos himself.

I love it! It's awesome how a successful rapper/actor like Mos can be so receptive to chatting to random strangers. I guess at the end of the day stars are just people too, like you and me; regardless of how untouchable we think they may be.

Done!

First week at my new work, done! And already I'm starting to feel like I'm part of the furniture, the other team members have welcomed me with open arms and kindly provided me with the important task of making coffee for everyone - I'm just kidding, not coffee. Tea...

A few of the lads and I had a boy's only night at Xav's flat. I think it worth mentioning that we opened up a bottle of 1994 Meerlust Sauvignon Blanc, originally from my Dad's private collection.

When my dad, gave that bottle to me - he said I should I should give it to someone who would really appreciate it. Appreciated it was, as I've never seen a Frenchmen so happy, he was practically glowing (I know I was - from the tannins) just after a few sips. I think he said something about it being one of the best wines he ever had.

Anyways the week is done! I can't wait to kick back a bit.

Auto Pilot Strikes Again

Seems like I'm not the only one who suffers from the Auto Pilot syndrome. I climbed into the car with Ernst a little earlier to go hunt for some lunch. The idea was to go to a Woolies near by and get something to eat.

But without realizing it, we ended up at the Waterfront. Ernst asked in astonishment "Dude, did we just drive to the Waterfront?"

The Waterfront isn't too far away, but it certainly isn't the closest to our office either. I think because we got so caught up chatting, his reflexes kicked in and Ernst's subconscious navigated us to the place where he was most used to - like a homing pigeon heading home for the summer.

April Fools

Ahh yes! The first day. So far so good is all I can say. Coincidentally the first day of my employment is also April Fools Day.

Thus there was a moment of uneasiness when I first walked into the Global Vision reception, and the smile behind the desk turned into a look of confusion when I announced my arrival.

"Are you sure you're starting today?" she asked surprised.
"Umm, I'm pretty sure." I replied. With a sinking feeling in my stomach, I thought that perhaps Ernst had orchestrated a false appointment as part of a cruel joke.

"Remember that time I made you quit your job? And you were left unemployed, with nowhere to go and ended up on the streets - Ahh fun times."

Thankfully, after a couple of phone calls the receptionists confused look, returned to it's initial friendliness and all was rectified. I was shown to my desk, given a grand induction and spent the rest of the day meeting people and learning about the project that I'm going to be working on.

But man! If someone had pulled the above prank scenario off on someone, that would be one hell of an April Fools...

A Hairy Story

In preparation of starting at a new job I have this ritual of getting a new spiffy hair cut. I’m not sure why I do it…it’s like this cleansing exercise: out with the old in with the new or something hippie like that.

I went to my usual haircut haunt; after they cut your locks there, they always give you this fantastic head massage. Only this time after my fantastic head rub, they had my hair in a bag waiting for me – I thought this odd.

“Here’s your hair like you requested” said my hairdresser.
“Excuse me?” I asked her, really, really, really surprised.

For a brief moment I thought while I was getting my message; she had gone out back and smoked something other than a cigarette, only to return disillusioned with reality.

It turns out though, that some lady from a production company had come in; requested to have some hair, for a hair cut scene in a movie. And my hair, in the bag; that was for her not me. Stranger things have happened to me I guess, but looks like my hair is going to be more famous than me…I wonder if I need to get my beautiful locks an agent?

The Big Boring

I’ve decided to keep the next couple of days, before starting at Global Vision, as stress free as possible. In fact, I would love them to be completely devoid of all activities. Yip, you are not going to hear me say this often, but I want to be bored. I want to be so bored, that come Wednesday, I’m pretty much begging to get started…

The Easy Life

I sometimes have to remind myself what a blessed life I live. Sure there are certain days which are difficult, but on most days I have it easier than others. I am able to feed myself, clothe myself, have shelter over my head, have fun and live in arguably one of the most breath taking locations in the world.

I realized this as I bit into a chunky piece of meat at a braai at a house on Glen Beach; overlooking the ocean. I watched the breaking waves and was in awe of the beautiful mix of colours in the sky as the sun began to set and realized: “Life, it could seriously be worse than this.”

I must admit the standard of living for an average person is South Africa, and particularly in Cape Town does seem much higher than most people in other parts of the world, first world countries included. I suppose I only have the Far East to compare to since I’m not that well traveled, but it seems that people don’t have to have as much to enjoy an extravagant lifestyle.

Perhaps I’m wrong here, but I just find this theory being confirmed by the many overseas visitors that I have had the pleasure of befriending.

I know sometimes I complain. But I am certainly grateful. I am grateful for what I have and realize that I have it better than the fair majority of people out there.

To Write or Not to Write? That is the Question

I had a moment yesterday where I felt like I should stop writing. It felt like it was the logical point to stop. I had begun to write when I started at DVT, so I figured that perhaps it should also end when I finished there.

I reasoned that I had proved to myself and everyone else around me that I could commit and be disciplined at a specific task; I also believe that I proved that I could get relatively good at something through sheer determination and practice. So everything that I wanted to prove I had proved.

To be honest keeping up with this personal goal of mine has started to get tiring. I often find myself wanting to just kick back and relax, but my deluded sense of responsibility to fulfill an outrageous accomplishment often prevents me from that desire. That reason alone serves as a deterrent to carry on.

However, I did commit to my daily writings for a year. One month out, I cannot stop. I don’t think I could live with the regret of coming so close to accomplishing something and not follow through with it.

Full Circle

I realize as I sit here at my desk that I've almost come full circle. I began writing on a daily basis when I joined DVT. Now, as I'm about to leave, I realize that I have just one more month before I achieve the goal of penning my thoughts for a full year.

It seems quite coincidental that the two beginnings and the two ends should almost coincide. Perhaps it merely marks the end of a season in my life.

After my goal is achieved, I will still continue pursuing my passion to write but it will be less frequent, as I need to start making space to pursue phase two of my long term goals.

Penultimate Day

It's my penultimate day at DVT. Gosh! I love that word "penultimate", I try to use it as frequently as possible, but the opportunity doesn't come too often. I can feel the end - as the last seconds of my tenure count down.

It has certainly been an experience, with many highs and personal lows; but throughout everything, the support which I have received from the management team has been quite simply - phenomenal.

It's nice to see that some businesses, still treat their employees like people and when I went through some personal hardships they provided me with space. No questions asked - no fussing about profit margins or impacts on bottom line.

As a software developer I feel that I have grown significantly under the guidance of some very talented and experienced senior members; I've worked on many interesting projects and at times have been left to my own devices and was given the opportunity to drive the technical direction of some of them. The camaraderie and friendship amongst my peers has been more than welcome and certainly much appreciated.

Since my stay has not been long, it came as a bit of a surprise, but alas this is where my journey ends; it is time for me to move on and bare fruit from the seeds planted by DVT. I have some fond memories and will cherish these.

DVT stands under a banner of "Smart People, Smart Solutions"; with emphasis on the first bit, it is a rarity these days for a business to be people centric. I have always been a firm believer that if you look after your people; that your business will prosper. If this trend continues; despite hard economic conditions and market fluctuations DVT will always be successful.

Coffe Club Goes Live

Ernst and I have been working tirelessly on the Coffee Club website… Well to be honest mostly him, I’ve just been sitting back watching, learning and being the irritating “business” guy commenting on what I like about the site, what I don’t like and what I think it should be capable of; without any inkling of development implications of course…

I must admit, being the ignorant guy for a change has been pretty cool. At my work I’m usually the other guy who gets dumped with the task of implementing the crazy, pie in the sky requirements which come from business. I fear however that when I join Global Vision, our roles may reverse and the wrath of Ernst may descend upon me with great vengeance and furious anger…

I digress, so the site is up. But don’t expect too much yet it’s still very much in its infancy. Our goal for now is just to create a little presence on the web; also we wanted to start getting some early feedback so that we could provide members with a better experience. We have some rather interesting ideas for the club in the not so distant future and hope that this site will serve as the mechanism to unleash our vision to the world. First the web…then the world *evil laugh* - Ahhh the megalomaniac in me coming out.

Last Week

It dawned on me today that it's my last week at DVT.

It's strange to feel excited but anxious at the same time. I'm excited to move onto newer and hopefully, better things; but anxious at the same time, of change and the unknown. It's only natural and I've gone through this many times; but still, the contrast in feelings are foreign to the body.

As I went to visit one of my clients for the last time, I decided to walk instead of drive, I realized that I'm going to miss all the excitement that goes on in Kloof Street and the rest of the city center. There's such an incredible energy here, during the day. I know that where I'm going to be based is going to be good, but it will be different.

I'm going to miss the familiar faces and regular routines, so for my last few days I shall make an effort to savour all that working at DVT has to offer...

Party of the Summer

What I thought was going to be a very chilled Braai yesterday, turned out to be the party of the summer.

We were at a house right on the beach between Clifton 3rd and 4th lying by the pool, chatting, sipping on Mojito’s and dashing to the beach for quick dips in the ocean. As the day went on, and the sun began to set though; the vibe became more festive and once our bellies were filled with delicious fish off the fire - the party was on.

Especially because the music began to pump, with a group of talented musos in the form of Gazelle this was inevitable and the combination of funk, house and good vibrations filled the air. Everyone and I mean everyone was dancing; having a good time, in arguably one of the planet’s best locations amongst a plethora of beautiful bodies and personalities.

Ah good memories, good times.

Oscars Evening

Sometimes, one finds themselves in a predicament without knowing what to get as a gift.

On Saturday evening I was invited to a birthday party – the theme was the Oscars and I felt that I wanted to get something special for the occasion. An idea dawned on me. I know of a company, called United Tribes of Africa that does customized wine labeling.

I thought, what better gift to give my friend who is an avid wine drinker, than a lovely bottle personalized to her and tailored specifically for the occasion?

United Tribes of Africa have all type of wines; from sparkling, cap classiques, to traditional whites and reds. Added to that, from what I’ve heard the quality of the wines are really good.

In the end I chose a superb Shiraz, with the following customized text elegantly printed on it:

“Winner of the Best Actress Award
Oscars Evening 2009

Happy Birthday

With Love
Benny and Joe ”

The evening was terrific and an incredible amount of effort had been put into the Oscar theme to capture it's authenticity. There was a red carpet entrance with paparazzi and even an awards ceremony at the end... My brother and I arrived as Starsky and Hutch and surprisingly managed to walk away with the award for best original costumes.

With all the effort that she went into to organize the evening, I hope the personal touch on her gift shows her how much we appreciated it.

Echo, Echo, Ecco...

The Coffee Club is starting to get recognized by the coffee institutions in Cape Town as a serious force to be reckoned with… Ecco il Café opened their store in the Victoria Junction especially for our Saturday meet. They usually don’t open that store on the weekends; but for us, they made a special effort.

I suppose with the ability to constantly generate a 30 strong crowd, it means that it’s more financially viable for stores to go out of their way to accommodate us. Even so, it is a great privilege and very much appreciated that they’ve done this and the support that we receive is warranted with much gratitude.

Nestled underneath the trees, on a beautiful day; Ecco with their amicable service, quality food and coffees, again, have shown why it amongst the coffee club members favourite spots. The choice of the Victoria Junction location is superb for coffee club, with it’s quiet, chilled, Saturday atmosphere; it felt like we were isolated and were able to have some privacy with our very own private function.

After the meet, I had the opportunity to visit Sol Kerzner’s new hotel, The One and Only. Ernst and Lauren are staying there as guinea pigs before its opening, one of the perks that Lauren receives as one of the architects working on the penthouse suites of the establishment. The hotel is not quite done yet, with endless numbers of construction workers still on site and visitors having to don construction hats to enter (at own risk).

For whatever reason, the site manager thought that I should sport a feminine pink one…I guess there’s no shame being fashionable on a construction site; but all the same why pink? And why me? Lauren was explaining how one of the suites she is working on, fetched more than R110 million before being resubmitted into the hotels rental pool. I’m not certain what I need to do to earn the kind of dosh to afford something like that. But after some consideration I felt that it’s imperative that I do.

Alternatively, I considered dropping off my CV and head shots at the reception, as a possible suitor for sugar mommas and daughters of wealthy tycoons; just in case anyone was looking and in hopes of me landing myself in good fortune. “Good companionship and well domesticated” it would read….

Seriously though, the two things that I’m looking forward to most; with the One and Only’s opening are the two restaurants that are expected to open with it: Nobu and a Gordan Ramsey’s restaurant. The two names are synonymous with fine dining the world over, and I personally cannot wait to be given the opportunity to experience the gastronomy of their reputations.

Chinese Kid in a Sweat Shop

So Tired. So so Tired. Yip just want...lie down...sleep....

If you noticed that I've been rather monosyllabic and not as incandescent as my usually sparkly self, it's because I've been busy. Busy like a Chinese kid in a sweat shop....and I should know, I used to work in my fathers textile factory back when I was a whipper snapper.

I'm pretty glad it's the end of the week. Although, I have a feeling that the weekend might be quite eventful; so the chances of me resting on my laurels are slim to none. You know that saying "I'll sleep when I'm dead"? Well,lets hope that by the end of it, I'm not the latter.

Stressed

I'm feeling incredibly stressed out at the moment. There seems to be a sudden franticness where everyone wants me to fulfill some sort of obligation.

Moving workplaces is definitely one of the contributing factors to my being in high demand, however there are forces in my private life that are also contributing to this unnecessary anxiousness. To some extent, it is probably in my head, but I can't help but feel like an increasing weight is accumulating on my shoulders.

All the same, I'm a little bit irritable and I don't like feeling irritable. There's only one thing right now that I can think of to bring me out of this state...and that's to sit on the futon at a home with a tub of ice cream!

Tea Rooms and Sad Farewells

I remember thinking once after visiting Origin, the Cape Town coffee specialists; what a great idea it would be to open up a tea room, that specialized in teas. Tea, after water, is arguably the most-widely consumed beverage in the world. Especially in the orient. So my thinking was it would only be a matter of time before it took off here in good ol' South Africa. I also figured that being an oriental looking fellow myself, that I would be an ideal candidate to evangelize and bring teas to the heathens...

After having some Lemon - Green Tea concoction earlier; I realized more than ever that the West has still a lot to learn about teas. Sadly, I have not acted upon my idea; but coincidentally the people who inspired my entrepreneurial stirrings are the same people who took the initiative and opened up a fantastically, exquisite tea room.

Yesterday evening was the opening of Nigiro - that's Origin backward in case you were wondering, not some butchering of an oriental dialect. Speaking of dialects, I often hear Mandarin being spoken, but it's not often that I hear Taiwanese getting flung about. So whenever I do hear it, I like to take the opportunity to practice it and freshen up on my lingo.

Speaking to a Taiwanese family at the event, it turns out that Dave Donde and Joel Singer, teamed up with one of my fellow country-man, Ming Wei (okay perhaps you caught me, so I'm actually South African, but my family is from Taiwan) to bring close to a hundred different types of teas to our fair city for your tasting pleasure. Being a massive fan of Origin and what they've done with coffee, I only anticipate the best from their teas.

If truth be told, I was late for the event; but that was because I was stuck in traffic coming back into the city from the airport. Like most people, I hate goodbyes, especially if it's saying goodbye to someone who is rather near and dear to ones heart. I felt rather sad watching Josephine board her flight to go home. It's already been over a month, but it seems like just yesterday that she had arrived.

I met Josephine a couple of years ago, on one of her epic adventures; in relative terms I didn't spend that much time with her. But as I've mentioned before, sometimes you just make an instant connection with someone. This time though, I truly feel like I've gotten to know her; it feels like I've known her forever and I sincerely believe that we've forged a lifelong friendship. I miss her already and hope that it won't be another two years before a visit.

Change

As quickly as it comes
The tide will go
Without an anchor
Away it must flow
Still life begins
After the strong storm
Instantly light renews
As darkness falls
Inevitably things turn
Only for a season
The waters will churn

Expelled

Some people should not be allowed in public. If you don't know how to behave in the appropriate manner then you should not be let out of the house. At least that's my opinion.

After a pleasant sunset on Signal Hill, which by the way is beautiful; Josephine, a friend of hers and myself decided to end the evening at Asoka. Minding our own business; having some drinks, tapas and engaging in some fantastic conversation; a wildly drunken individual began accusing us of invading her personal space. Invading her personal space? I seriously think not, we barely acknowledged her existence let alone invaded anything.

So while ignoring her and continuing with our own affairs, she decided to throw her bottled water in our direction. After this, I questioned her actions, which made the drunken beast even more agitated. She then proceeded to throw her glass of wine at me. I was furious, without a reasonable explanation besides being intoxicated, I yelled at her. After some profuse apologies from her more sober friends I calmed down. We paid our bill and walked away.

The rest of my company just laughed at the situation. But I certainly have an issue with it . When I was younger, at the tender age of 6 years old. A girl decided I was having too much fun on the see-saw with my then best friend. I didn't know her from a bar of soap either, but yet she felt the need to hurl a rock at my head. Playing on the see-saw was fun, unexpectedly waking up in hospital with 15 stitches was not. I'm not sure what ever happened to that girl, but I never saw her in the playground again - Perhaps she was expelled from school.

The behaviour of last nights individual was much the same as my childhood "rock-hurling" incident, except this time the individual was a grown ass-person. Perhaps this person should also be expelled...but from society.

Waste

Considering that i only woke up at 13:00 and then fell asleep while watching an afternoon movie. I'd have to say that I've wasted most of the day. Probably not a great idea, seeing as we are now in autumn. I should better start taking advantage of the last of the sunshine before the weather starts turning...

New Balance

After I go surfing, there’s always this moment after where I feel at peace. It’s a strange sensation; I’m somehow able to detangle and break down the unnecessary complexity that I’ve built up in my life, and for some reason everything seems to be so much simpler and clearer.

I had one of those epiphanies today. I realized, bar a few minor things, that I’m in quite a happy space. And it’s all due to living a relatively balanced lifestyle. I work hard, I play hard, I try to keep healthy, I’m developing good relationships, forging great friendships and even trying to manage my overall happiness.

I realize now, that balance, is important. Previously, I tried to focus on one thing at a time. For example I would somehow reason, that it was okay to focus only on work; neglect everything else and after a couple of years, once I had set myself up, made enough money, then, only start living.

The fundamental flaw in my old way of thinking is that one can never predict the future, and I could inevitable never be satisfied with the amount of money that I make and thus never really ever start to live. I realized at some point that, that type of thinking would lead me down a path of self destruction and I could potentially never be happy.

After my surf, I felt like I needed to focus more on this new found holistic approach and be tentative not to slip back into my old mindset. For the moment I’m content and I figure that if I maintain this balance, no matter what happens, life should be easy.

Hug Me!

I hope you've hugged your favourite glasses-wearing, geeky-looking, engineer today. If you haven't go out there, right now, find one and give him a hug. You might have noticed I didn't include "her" in that previous sentence. I hate being sexist, but from past personal experience their aren't many female engineers. If you can find one though (good luck), give her a hug too.

Some of you may not be aware,it's Hug an Engineer Day. I say this because, being a software engineer I was expecting a barrage of hugs when I woke up, it's already lunch time and as of yet I haven't received any, not even one. This is my imploration "please hug us" we may not seem it, but we have feelings too.

Hugging an engineer may be difficult though, we're not very used to physical, human, contact; so if you find that he is resisting as you extend your arms embracingly, it's just because he feels uncomfortable and the sensation of your warm body is alien to him. Trust me, insist on carrying the hug through, he'll enjoy it, even if he doesn't realize it at first...

In Your Face

The other day one of my reprobate mates from University day's thought he'd be a real smart ass and send me a congratulatory, yet insulting email about Tunnel Rats. To show you what I mean I've copied his message to me, below, verbatim:

"Yo B.

I watched Tunnel Rats a while ago.

No offence or anything but it kinda sucked. The killing & violence was the best bits of the movie. I see the movie sort of won an award... a Razzie, for worst director. LOL.

It's totally cool that you were involved in a Hollywood movie though. Did it pay well or have cool perks? Are you actually in any of the scenes getting shot or something? Let me know where so I can freeze frame it and be all like, "It's Benny taking a grenade to the face!"

Later bra"

Sure I could have just taken it, been diplomatic and try to argue how he's probably being overly harsh on the film, but sometimes diplomacy gets you no where...especially since I know my friend well enough. He would have torn diplomacy apart. Instead I came up with an "over-the-top", "in-your-face", "I'm-full-of-it", "sarcastic-as-hell" reply. My censored response below:

"Dude! obviously you don't know movies...maybe it's better that you keep your day job and leave the movie criticism to someone who is actually in the business, like me.

What more could you possibly want from a movie if not for killing and violence??? Everyone knows that the rest of that stuff like dialogue and cinematography is just candy floss. If the killing and violence is good, that means Tunnel Rats is the best goddam movie in the world ever!

*paragraph removed due to explicit content*

Not sure exactly which scenes I'm, in all I can say for certain is that I'm in a lot of them, because that's how awesome I am. I even doubled up for a mole hill in one scene. Pretty friggin' amazing. What have you ever done in your life Neil? What? Have you ever been a mole hill? Thought not.

Laters,
B"

He had no counter-reply.

The Magic Dancing Taiwanese Boy

Have I ever mentioned that I'm not a big fan of Karaoke, I'm sure I have. But being oriental I'm automatically stereotyped as being a Karaoke god.

After dinner last night, I somehow got convinced to go up on stage and sing Labamba. Now, it's not that I get nervous in front of crowds; I've been forced on countless occasions by a once popular, South African, rock band to make an ass of myself in the spotlight. So it's not the making-an-ass-of myself part that I'm afraid of. That's going to happen regardless. It's the mere fact that I have no control of my actions when I get up there. I think that's why the band used to call me up, to capitalize on my spontaneity.

As soon as I'm up on that thing - I have to entertain. I turn into a different animal, I develop an alter ego and do arbitrary, stupid things. It's like a reflex action. I have no control of myself. Once, without notifying me in advance; they called me up in front of thousands of people and without realizing what I was doing; I began to do a jig and chant obscenities in Japanese...only I don't dance...or speak Japanese. After that incident, a popular gossip magazine dubbed me as The Magic Dancing Taiwanese Boy.

The ramifications of my acts of stupidity are what make me afraid of the spotlight, because quite honestly I don't know what my alter-ego will do next for a quick laugh. Thankfully, last night was timid. I just sang my song, poorly; and left...although there is some video footage that might indicate otherwise.

Eat

Woohoo. It's the first day that I'm able to eat solid food again...I can't tell you how relieved I am; for a little while, I felt like my joy had been ripped away, like a baby from it's mother's whom (wow that was graphic... even for me).

Food, besides being necessary to facilitate every day, normal functioning of the body; is one of my favourite things. There's a lot I like about food, I like the social aspect it brings, I of course, also like the pure pleasure of taste. Because, what is life without taste?

I remember not so long ago sitting around, with a group of friends, watching as they feasted upon a table filled with loveley treats and not even being able to test a single morsel; due to my angry stomach. It made me sad, really sad and perhaps slightly grumpy. Sorry guys.

Well six days have been wasted, I know what I said yesterday about hardening the F%$# up. But this week, I fear I may procrastinate with regards to that resolution and do some catching up on the feasting side of things.

Pillsbury Doughboy

Maybe it's got something to do with my recent stomach bug, but I found myself short of breath after climbing up a flight of steps at the DVT offices.

I must confess though, even if that is the case, over the past couple of months my eating and training habits have taken a dive for the worse and I feel a fraction of my former self. Once in the not so distant past; I was able to, in a single day, hit a heavy weight session, go for a 3 hour surf, then run up and down Lion's Head all without even a flinch. Now, after a few months of ill-discipline I'm practically floored by a few meager steps???

I feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy (But don't you dare poke me - I'm not going to laugh you bastards). I feel soft, flabby and my muscles feel completley under utelized. There will be no more cupcakes and fluffly crepes for breakfast, only the taste of raw eggs and iron.As Chopper Reid so bluntly advised, I think it's time for me to "Harden the F%$& up"

Doctor Doctor

Remind me never to go to the doctor when the Argus is on again. Especially when the wind is blowing a million miles an hour. I spent at least two hours in the waiting room in various states of undress, waiting for the doctor. This was due to riders coming off their bikes, because of the terribly strong wind, during the race. Half naked in a waiting room, not the way I imagined spending my Sunday morning.

Wedding Bells

Well this afternoon should be fun. I’m attending Tracy and Derek’s wedding.

Of course with an angry stomach it should make things even more interesting. In any other case I’d probably give it a skip, but Tracy and Derek are important to me, so I’m going, come hell or high water.

I’m just taking a little bit of time out this morning to conserve my energy, so I can at least seem remotely alive when I have to welcome and usher guests to their seats.

Euphemisms

Why is it that when ever I’m on holiday I get sick? I’ve been struggling with an angry stomach for the last couple of days. “Angry Stomach” is my euphemistic expression for diarrhoea.

So why didn’t I just come out and say that? why didn’t I just say; I have had a stomach bug and have been suffering from diarrhoea? Well, it’s simple really; using a euphemistic expression takes away some of the grossness of the situation. Sure I’ve laid diarrhoea out in plain sight now, but I’ve only done so to illustrate a point, I could have easily explained my ailment without mentioning it explicitly.

Using euphemisms often soften a hard situation and it’s far more diplomatic than laying it down as it is. Euphemisms can also get the point across in a far more polite fashion. For example, instead of me saying something like “He was fired because he was stupid” I might say “He was subsequently let go due to his inability to meet expectations”. See how I did that? It’s far less brash.

Anyways, what I was trying to say is that I’m on holiday, but I woke up about 20 times due to an angry stomach last night; I am as tired and as grumpy as hell, yet I somehow managed to perform an arms length of chores. While I’m asking questions, why is it that there is always more that one needs to do when one is not feeling well? And I did them all without killing anyone too…quite an achievement if I do say so myself.

House Party

The best thing about being on holiday is that there is no pending feeling or urgency to do anything, least of all having to call it an early night and go to bed.

I attended a braai last night at a fabulous Camp’s Bay house, apparently once frequented by the Ghallager brothers from Oasis.

It was the stereo typical scene of a great house party. Some people were chilling and having cool conversations, while others were dancing to crazy, break-beat music blaring in the background. There were even a few games of pool being dished out with some rather interesting stakes for the losers, like having to jump into the swimming pool.

Whatever people were doing, they were having a good time. I think that’s the beauty of house parties, you’re always able to find your own little vibe and still have fun.

Normally on a school night, when the clock hits 10 I begin to stress, there’s always this anxiety that overcomes me, I begin panicking about having to get home, go to bed and wake up early. So I become a bit of clock watcher and am never able to fully appreciate the evening on offer.

Being on holiday, this stress disappears, I felt great and instead of heading home early as I usually do I was able to stay until the rest of the party fizzled out.

Coincidence

I love penguins. I love the fact that they are clumsy as hell, but at the same time they always look terrifically, well-dressed and ready for a black tie event.

Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is quite a spectacular place, within this magnificent setting of rock mazes and tranquil pools lies the habitat for a colony of African Penguins. It seemed almost inconceivable for my overseas friends that one could chill out on one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches and still get to mingle with these little natural socialites.

On this beach though, you can, and you could literally go up to one and hug it too; so as long as you don’t mind being pecked by one of their wonderfully, understated, yet powerful beaks. The combination of natural beauty and wildlife seems just a little too coincidental.

Speaking of coincidences, on our way back into the city, I had an idea to stop off at Olympia Café in Kalk Bay for a bite to eat, but as it so happens another group of my friends, separate from our penguin excursion, decided to go surfing in Muizenberg and they also had the same inkling to refuel at Olympia. Now, usually I would think nothing of it. Two groups of friends converging on one spot – big deal right?

Well get this, the story gets even more exciting. Firstly, neither groups had planned on meeting up, and it’s not natural for us townies, as the locals call us, to venture too far out from the city center, so the chances of meeting up in Kalk Bay were slim.

Secondly, to grasp the magnitude of this coincidence I need to explain the dynamics of our group. In my group, from here in known as Group A: we had an Eastern Cape boy i.e. moi, a Danish girl, a Canadian girl and a Spanish guy. In the other group, now known as Group B: there was an Eastern Cape girl, a Danish guy, a Canadian guy and girl and a cool, chilled out, laid back, surfing Aussie.

I knew everyone from Group B, but oddly enough I know them separately from each other and didn’t even have a clue that, those social circles overlapped. The Eastern Cape girl just so happened to have gone to one of the schools that I had been schooled at too.

I met Danish girl in Group A close to two years ago, as she was living in my block of flats, and met Danish guy in Group B recently through a friend of a friend. However, it turns out that Danish girl and Danish guy are close friends in Copenhagen.

The Canadians in Group A and B live in relative close proximity to each other and my friend the Aussie seemed like the only exception and didn’t have any freakishly, coincidental connections with the rest of the group. At least none that I could deduce, but I’m certain if I had to pry a little deeper something would have popped up.

You’re probably wondering about Spanish guy? I only met Spanish guy yesterday through Danish girl, but conveniently he is friends with another Spanish guy that just so happens to do stunts with my very good friends Dan and Paul. Also, later in the evening Spanish guy meets a Venezuelan friend of mine and the topic of a Penguin beach excursion surfaces. Venezuelan friend quickly puts two and two together and figures out that he must have gone with me, as Venezuelan friend was supposed to come too, but could not, due to work obligations.

Ow my head hurts! All these freakish coincidences just blew my mind.

Overall I had an amazing day, I mean how could I have not? Hanging out with friends and penguins in one of the most beautiful settings in the world; life, it doesn’t really get much better than that. But, honestly there were brief moments where I also felt quite down.

I still get incredibly anxious driving along parts of the M3 due to Lauren’s accident. Every time I drive past the scene, I get shivers down my spine, and yesterday coincidentally as we drove past: Beatle’s, depressing Yesterday was playing. In particular the lyrics “Why Why she Had to go I don't know, she wouldn't say.” came up as we drove past

In that instant my emotions and thoughts shifted elsewhere. Retreating and concealing the joy I had just previously experienced. I’m sure I became a lot quieter and my passengers must have wondered what happened as in an instant, I had gone from being extremely happy-go-lucky to least sociable in the car.

I miss you incredibly, Lauren. I’ve accepted that you are no longer here, but how much fun would it have been if you had to come on our day out?

Beat

I had a very eventful day, but the combination of sun and fun have taken it's toll on my creative juices. Instead, I'll leave the details for a more fitting piece of writing tomorrow. Damn I'm tired. Think I may kick back put my feet up and fall asleep in front of the old idiot box...

First Day - First Gear

I’m on holiday! From not having a holiday in 2 years to having 2 holidays in 3 months is a luxury I cannot begin to describe! What an incredible feeling, this is what real living must be like.

Waking up late, coming and going as one pleases and not having the weight of the world on ones shoulders is definitely something I can get used to. Too bad the weather was a bit cruddy. But the thing about the sun not being out though, is that you don’t feel bad for spending it inside in a mall.

I spent some time having lunch and catching up with a dear friend at the V&A Waterfront. After which we spent most of our day lazing around on the couch chatting.

So some may think that I did not make the most of the first day of my holiday, but it was good, it was chilled, it was exactly what I needed. I like to start things slow and finish strong. Tomorrow though I kick things into second gear.

Blink

It’s strange how some relationships forge. Sometimes you just meet people that you instantly gravitate towards, while other times you spend a life time fighting to form anything that remotely, resembles a relationship.

Recently in friendship I’ve made this instant connection a few times, and I’m rather sad that it is one of these peoples last day here in Cape Town. Desi is going back to Milano today.

I met Alejandro, one day randomly, while at the gym in my block and we started chatting. The next time I saw him; he was with his amore, Desi, downstairs in the courtyard. After only those encounters they invited me out with them.

Nine times out of ten, I probably would have shrugged the offer off, but for some reason I liked them and I felt that I should take them up on it. Three months have passed and the memories that we have shared together have been unforgettable. It’s strange, in quite a short period, it feels as if I have known them my entire life.

Even with some of my other best friends, I knew within seconds of meeting them that they would play a significant part of my life.

In the romance department, I’m still uncertain. I’ve heard people talk about their love at first sight, bolt of lightning, sudden butterflies in the stomach experiences; but in my twenty six years of living, I have felt this less than a handful of times. For it to be relevant though, the feeling needs to be mutual from both parties; and sadly since I seem to be quite unhitched, I guess it means that I have yet to experience it in its entirety.

The probability of me feeling this instant connection with someone again and then have that feeling be reciprocated seems highly improbable; but if it could happen in friendship than why not romance? The hopeless romantic in me remains confident that it could still happen.

Anti-Social

I’m being rather anti-social right now. As I write, I’ve actually snuck away from the rest of the crowd to put down my thoughts in writing.

It’s been a rather busy 24 hours, I’ve hopped from one social appointment to the next and have struggled to find any time to myself.

It all started with dinner last night, from dinner we hopped to Anton Robert’s Butterfly Studio for a rather snazzy cocktail party, after which we moved on to Chevelle put some moves down on the dance floor. This morning I was off to coffee club, and from coffee club I had an appointment with some friends on the beach.

Currently I’m at a braai, but I’ve found a nice, quiet little study….Ahhhhh do you hear that? Oh yes man! It’s the sound of silence, only the sound of my own ramblings and insanity… it’s goooood!

Anyways I better get back, before they notice that I’m missing…

Number 300 - Wrong Side of the Bed

Wow I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, literally. Must have been quite some nightmare or something (I can't remember, but perhaps I was wrestling a mauling bear), because generally I tend to wake up in the exact same position that I fall asleep in: fetal.

As a result, I feel somewhat disorientated - not quite here not quite there. I should be ecstatic, it's Friday and I have next week off work, but I'm not, I'm pretty indifferent about...well, almost everything right now. The sad reality is that there is no tangible reason why I should be in this mood, I guess there is some truth in the old saying "waking up on the wrong side of the bed" with regards to ones demeanor after all.

Hold the phone! I just realized that this is my 300th note! My mood has suddenly taken a turn in the right direction: up. I recall saying at my 200th post that perhaps I would have something profound to say at my 300th...surprisingly the status of not having anything to say - has not changed. 100 notes and 100 days on, I still have not reached enlightenment. I still cannot profess to know the meaning of life. I can however sincerely say that I'm in a better place than I was 100 days ago.

I still have some issues, insecurities that have developed over the last year (I noticed a few of these creeping out recently), but in general I'm enjoying life, going with the flow not taking everything quite as seriously and at the same time discovering little things about myself that I never knew about before and maintaining my sight on longer term goals.

Gosh, I never really thought about it, but what am I going to do once I reach my year long, personal journey? I have some ideas, but my daily writing has become a big part of my life, that once I stop, it will feel like something is missing. There will be a giant hole and I'll need to find something constructive to fill it with...

At least I'm in a good mood again.

King of Risotto

Ever since meeting my friend, Alejandro, I feel like I’ve had my own personal chef. For the last few months I’ve been eating like a king, as he feels compelled to spoil us, his friends, with his delightful cakes, pastas and risottos.

Last night however, he went the extra mile and prepared us a four course tasting dinner; conjuring up two different risottos: a red wine and a pumpkin risotto as well as two different pastas: pesto and tartufo(truffle) linguine. I should add that the pesto was made by hand in a pestle and mortar and took at least 45 minutes of effort. A lot of sweat went into making that pesto; but man! The end result, was well worth the effort.

Everything was cooked to perfection and particularly delicious. I may be a little fatter ,but I’m also a little bit happier inside. To round the dinner off, Xav decided to open a fantastic 14 year old Fairview Cabernet Sauvignon, which my father insisted I give to someone who would appreciate it and to use for a special occasion. I don’t drink red wines because of the tannins and my resulting red-face-glowing-party-trick, but even I had a sip…it was superb and I imagine that’s what all red wines should taste like.

The funniest thing, I find, is that Alejandro always ends up thanking us for eating his food! I think that eating the food is the easy part. “Gracias mi hermano”, for the amazing dinners.

Small Town

I'm starting to think that Cape Town may be too small. Almost everywhere I go these days I bump into someone I know. Don't get me wrong I love it, I love the sense of community and the fact that when I'm feeling lonely I can get out of my flat and potentially hangout with someone I know. But there is a flip side to it too.

It means that I can never get away with anything. The problem with small communities is that if you do something wrong, it filters through the grape vine quite quickly and before you know it - your once rock solid reputation is nothing more than a shattered porcelain vase.

I'd like to consider myself an up-standing, respectable citizen, and for that reason I always try to be cautious about the way I present myself and how I act in the company of others. This usually isn't a problem; but there are days however, where I do wish that I could - just let go, not give a damn, go for a naked run and throw a little bit of name...or do I do that already? I guess it could be pretty easy, especially since my tolerance level for alcohol is one beer.

My Extended Family

Friends are the family you choose, and in Cape Town I’m fortunate to have, such a tight knit group that you could indeed call us family. For most of us, our immediate family members are absent and in far away lands and thus we have banded together to form a circle that enjoys the good times together and supports one another in the tough times.

Man, we have had many highs! But god knows that we have struggled through some shit too. That’s what has made us so close. Today, we celebrated the success of two of my brothers Dan and Paul, they've managed to secure an amazing opportunity in Prague; military advising for a George Lucas film, entitled Red Tails. Red Tails is a true story based on the first African American squadron to fight in World War part deux.

Although a high, it is also sad to see two family members leaving and so a little link in our chain is broken, even if just for a little while (a couple of months).

Earlier, straight after work I attended a casting for a Millers commercial. Since the casting location was very close to where I live, I decided to walk, which could not have turned out to be a worse idea due to the unbearable heat. When I finally arrived at my casting I was sweating, festering in my own juices; hardly confident enough to look presentable for potential clients.

But to make things worse guess who the only other person there, while I was there, was: local, South African, celebrity Colin Moss. Sweaty and flustered, the chances of me making any beer money are slim…

Online Grocery Shopping Blunder

Grocery shopping can be quite a laborious chore. I mean sure it can sometimes be fun when you're buying lots of treats like chocolates, cookies or whatever; I also like finding cool new products on the market to try out (Yip, I'm one of those impulse buyers that has to try out anything new that hits the shelves). In general, you're in the super market buying replenishables, things that you buy all the time because they just simply run out; that part of grocery shopping is the bane of my life and is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

But it's one of those things that you have to do, otherwise you go hungry and have nothing in the house to consume. I usually find myself doing groceries on the weekend, but it's always a toss up between doing that or something that I actually want to do. Most weekends I'm pretty disciplined and fit it all in; but this weekend I found myself lacking the will power to getting around to it, which leads to my current state of malnutrition.

I don't have anyone to blame but myself. With the advent of online shopping the laborious part of groceries can be done away with; one can select the items, as well as the frequency that one wants and well, the food will miraculously arrive at your door step. So apathy aside there should be no real reason for me to ever have an empty fridge or pantry. However, I've been weary to jump on to the internet grocery shopping bandwagon due to a past polony discretion that my friend committed. The illiterate oaf mistook the metric unit kilograms with that of grams and entered 200 into the text field provided; and when a massive pallet of meat mush arrived on my...I mean his doorstep. He had no choice but to eat sheets of processed pig hooves, organs ears and god knows what else; every day for weeks on end.

Ever since experiencing...I mean hearing about that experience: I've been reluctant to order any groceries online. I guess I'll just have to pop in to the store a bit later and endure the irritating queues.

For Blood and Wine

The Blue Blood brand is fast gaining popularity amongst denim lovers everywhere. The brand originates from the Netherlands and their uncompromising passion to ensure that they have the best-quality, styled denims are what make them so sought after in parts of Europe, the Far East and now Cape Town, South Africa.

Blue Blood has recently partnered with my good friend JP in opening their first concept store outside of Holland. And again, I was fortunate to attend its opening. The store itself is a showcase in contemporary design; using elements of wood and copper to personify the brands image of style and quality.

The event was superb. This was owing to the right atmosphere created by food, drink, music and the Bolus hospitality that we have all become accustomed to and enjoy. Even the rain could not mar the feel good mood. If the opening is anything to base on, a lot more positive things can be expected from the brand and the store.

This morning, we ventured forth on a road trip to go wine tasting - with a difference. The difference is that no one actually partook in any tastings (which is strange since we had a French man with wine lust amongst us) but instead they all came along to experience the Stellenbosch Wine Route vibe.

The first stop in our itinerary was the cheetah sanctuary at Spier, as we wanted to give our rag tag troop of soldiers, spanning the four corners of the globe, a chance to get up close and personal with one of Africa’s big cats. Personally, I think cheetahs are really cute and would not mind keeping one around as a house pet; but I’m certain it would turn out like one of those Good Idea, Bad Idea scenarios I used to watch in a Warner Brothers cartoon called Animaniacs…since, obviously, the body corporate in my block does not allow pets.

Afterward, the plan was to spend the rest of the morning driving to various farms and taste wine; but the old apathy bug kicked in. So when we stopped off at Asara Wine Estate; the comfortable deck, beautiful views and warm sunshine bounded us to the outdoor patio furniture like super glue for a lazy lunch and civilized, relaxing afternoon banter instead.

Afternoon Power Napping

A well timed afternoon power nap is the key to feeling revitalized if one feels tired and hits a brick wall. It’s a bit of a fine art though.

If you sleep for too long, you wake up groggy and disorientated and feel worse than not taking the nap. If you sleep for too little, well then you’ve just slept too little and there’s just really no point. You have to get the duration just right. There is supposedly some scientific evidence regarding states of sleep that back my theory, but for the mere reason that I don’t really know the details - I’ll spare the explanation.

My general rule of thumb is setting my alarm for 30 minutes, it seems to do the trick. I feel well rested, full of pep and am able to carry on for hours on end. Had a little power nap a bit earlier and am now feeling great – true story.

Head or Heart?

What type of a person are you a head person? Or a heart person? A head person is rational and is someone who makes calculations, weighing up the practical implications of all situations and then making the most logical choices. A head person never takes risks and is conservative in their approach. While a heart person operates on feelings, impulses, gut instinct; and well, can sometimes be irrational. They have a far greater risk threshold.

For the longest period of time I’ve fancied myself as a bit of a head person, but after much searching I believe that I’ve been lying to myself. I’m actually a heart person trying to be a head person. I try to use my head, think things through and it tells me to be as rational as possible, but there is always a second voice, one that is in actual fact: louder, telling me not to think too much, just do; the heart.

With simpler things the head can often win the jury. But when things become more complicated, with less tangible facts, then the heart wins; only, there is already much backing and forthing between head and heart that by the time the decision is made, it seems mistimed and leads to more complications and confusion.

In a lot of ways I wish I could be more just one or the other; either not taking any risks at all, or taking them without flinching and moving on quickly when it turns belly up. However, I tend to fall victim to my own self conflict. I am aware of this and need a way to somehow override one or the other...

Man Boobs

I'm not sure if I should be taking it as a compliment, but a girl commented that my boobs were bigger than hers. Thanks...I think. I tried to argue though and told her that her chest area looked bulgier than mine, but she insisted that it was the support she enjoyed from her Wonder Bra...

The statement is ambiguous, on the one hand it means that certain girls take notice that I workout, but on the other hand it means I have "man boobs" - "man boobs" - need I say more. The mere utterance of the two words together feel so damn right abominable that I think I may even vomit.

I mean the word "boobs" by themselves - "hell yeah", it kinda gets me excited; the word "man" - "meh" doesn't do much for me, but at least it doesn't sicken me; but "man boobs" - "yuck" (I haven't used that word since I was like 5) disturbs me right down to the very core...Oh no, it doesn't disturb you? Well , imagine a baby suckling on a pair of those bad boys and tell me that your breakfast didn't make a movement towards your esophagus.

"No, no, no, NO!" Men should not have boobs! "Hmmm but they are kind of firm..." NO NEVER. Okay, I'm going to go cry in the foetal position now ...maybe checkout the cost of "breast reduction" (another pair of words that seem disturbing - but perhaps not when used in conjunction with "man boobs") surgery after.

Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories should be taken with a pinch of salt...yet sometimes there might be some truth behind the sensationalism; as the old adage goes "Where there's smoke there is fire".

I watched Zeitgeist last night an interesting take on world religions, the war on terror, the global economy and the conspiracy that a few have used these to control the masses. While some people have started to believe the film's message to be gospel, I'd be wary of becoming overly fanatical with regards to it's factual integrity. While there were a lot of good arguments, I believe that they might still have jumped to conclusions in many areas.

I don't want to sound overly cynical, but some of the theories however, do make sense; and the measures implemented by the power hungry and greedy to control and make an extra buck would not surprise me in the least.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that we as the masses, should take cognisance of the fact that not everything propagated should be taken as is.

Vigilance

I'm arguably a vegetable right now. I don't think that there is much happening in the brain activity department.

Yes, that's what happens after a 6 hour handover session delving into both technical and business aspects of a software solution. I'm working tirelessly to get my peers, at DVT, up to speed with the systems I've been working on; before heading off to Global Vision. In addition to this I'm wrapping up a couple of projects.

The Human Resources department have informed me that I've accumulated quite a lot of leave days and that they want me to take before going. Meaning that I don't have too much time to finish everything up; I guess I'll just need to work extra vigilantly the next couple of weeks.

The timing for taking leave is perfect though, as it gives me an opportunity to show Josephine around and take a little break before starting a new adventure.

Wanderer

I struggled to focus at work and it wasn't even because I was tired or anything, my mind simply kept wandering into another space. I blame it on being Monday, but there is probably a more reasonable explanation as to why my brain is so flaky recently.

All the same, it made even the most mundane of tasks take longer than usual. It took me more than 10 minutes to navigate from my PC's desktop to a simple file location. My thoughts bounced around like a kid who had eaten too much Tartrazine ...

Does anyone remember that stuff? When I was a kid, everyone had at least one friend who was allergic to it and he (or she) would go completely bonkers or start wheezing like crazy. I guess that's why the FDA finally decided it was not fit for ingestion and banned it from all food substances...*sigh* I miss those days, junk food and play grounds have never been the same again.

I digress, you see what I mean, my mind just seems to wander...

Short Days and Quick Responses

I find that I’ve been fighting the old battle: there are just not enough hours in the day.

It’s natural that as one accumulates more interests and activities that this should happen, but in my mind I figure that I can still do it all. It’s impossible, but still I try, the only problem is that I start neglecting other necessary activities…such as sleep. Well, at least I slept in this morning, after a fun night out going to DJ Sasha’s show.

On an aside, I’m really impressed with Microsoft. I’ve recently been playing around with some new technologies in the form of MVC.NET and Dynamic Data Websites and have been struggling to get them to play nicely in a deployment environment, as a result I logged a query on a forum.

Since what I’m trying to do is quite new, I’ve had no replies from the developer community, however Microsoft have been extremely responsive and have put their development team on it, in hopes to resolve my issues.

Censorship

Some times it is better to hold ones tongue. I guess certain things should be left unheard, due to the impact it could have on ones personal reputation. For that reason, after some thinking I refrained from posting a particular train of thought...perhaps one day when my book (hint hint) is published I'll include it in.