I didn’t go to the J&B Met, but I did go to a J&B Met pre-party braai…which is close enough. I guess I just wasn’t up for the crowds and having been to the L'Ormarins Queens Plate, I figured I already had my fair dosage of fools and horses for one year.
It’s been a pretty chilled day, after eating far too much which always happens as it’s one of those unwritten braai laws, I just went home and dozed off in front of the TV while watching ludicrous episodes of South Park.
I’ve got a farewell party this evening at Rick’s Café, but I’m trying to take things easy, as I am still struggling post-flu symptoms.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Finito
I'm finished for the week. No more working, no more more working (yip that's right I repeated that twice for effect). It's the weekend! Time to unwind! Yeehaa!
Salsa
I went to my first Salsa lesson at Deluxe and I’m now a brilliant dancer.
Okay so you caught me, I’m still terrible; but at least I know the basic dance steps now. The problem is that I’m still thinking way too much about what I’m doing, that I get completely confused and lose my timing.
It’s the same when I started to learn to play the guitar and I’ve found that there’s only one way around that and that’s by practicing a lot so that it all starts feeling familiar.
Definitely won’t be my last time at salsa class.
Okay so you caught me, I’m still terrible; but at least I know the basic dance steps now. The problem is that I’m still thinking way too much about what I’m doing, that I get completely confused and lose my timing.
It’s the same when I started to learn to play the guitar and I’ve found that there’s only one way around that and that’s by practicing a lot so that it all starts feeling familiar.
Definitely won’t be my last time at salsa class.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Upswing
It’s amazing how one small thing, during the course of the day can change ones mood. Having a sore throat and feeling drugged up, on a chaotic day at work, invariably starts you off on the downside.
Worse is that I’m getting quite tense, not being able to keep active; due to this stupid chest infection.
However, after receiving a short message, confirming the arrival of a special someone in February I now find myself on the opposite side of the mood spectrum. I’m practically cheerful.
To top off the upswing, after removing my bandages I’ve just found that the hole in my hand is healing up really nicely, which means I can move on to regular plasters and save myself from looking like someone who’s just come out of a brawl…although the latter did help with my street cred a little.
Worse is that I’m getting quite tense, not being able to keep active; due to this stupid chest infection.
However, after receiving a short message, confirming the arrival of a special someone in February I now find myself on the opposite side of the mood spectrum. I’m practically cheerful.
To top off the upswing, after removing my bandages I’ve just found that the hole in my hand is healing up really nicely, which means I can move on to regular plasters and save myself from looking like someone who’s just come out of a brawl…although the latter did help with my street cred a little.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Three's Company
I saw a lot of funny, foreign looking objects lying around in my flat as I got in from work today.
Firstly by foreign I mean they don’t belong to me or my brother and secondly by foreign I mean, I have no idea what the heck some of those things were. They are far too girly for a masculine guy like me to identify. I can only deduce that the beady looking thing next to me, as I type are “ear rings” and the pointy things I see lying on the floor at my feet are “high heels”.
You see our dear friend Candice is using our flat as a halfway house, temporarily boarding here before moving into a place of her own.
Heat Magazines, weird looking war paint(make-up) and Jimmy Choo pumps aside; it’s refreshing to have a feminine touch in the Ou Bro’s bachelor pad for a change. And what a female guest also affords me is that it’ll stop my brother from dropping his rods and strolling around starkers, thus sparing me a few years on therapy fees…
Firstly by foreign I mean they don’t belong to me or my brother and secondly by foreign I mean, I have no idea what the heck some of those things were. They are far too girly for a masculine guy like me to identify. I can only deduce that the beady looking thing next to me, as I type are “ear rings” and the pointy things I see lying on the floor at my feet are “high heels”.
You see our dear friend Candice is using our flat as a halfway house, temporarily boarding here before moving into a place of her own.
Heat Magazines, weird looking war paint(make-up) and Jimmy Choo pumps aside; it’s refreshing to have a feminine touch in the Ou Bro’s bachelor pad for a change. And what a female guest also affords me is that it’ll stop my brother from dropping his rods and strolling around starkers, thus sparing me a few years on therapy fees…
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happy New Year!...Again
Going to work sick with a hole in the hand must be one of the most uncomfortable things that one could possibly do. But I did it, because that’s the type of guy I am: A team player. It would have probably been beneficial for my health should I have stayed at home, but “No-Sir-Ree”, I couldn’t afford to let another day go by without being productive.
I never realized how much I used my left hand, until stabbing myself with a knife of course. Even though I’m right handed, I find myself using the left a considerable amount; I found my pain threshold being tested by using it over zealously, forgetting that I had injured it.
I grow weary of being sick and can’t wait to be back to full health, so I can get back into my normal daily routine…
By the way it’s Chinese New Year. The year of the Ox I’m told. To be honest I wouldn’t have known at all, if it weren’t for the excited phone call I received from my Parents last night.
“Xin Nian Kuai Le!” I heard from the other end of the receiver (That’s Happy New Year in mandarin in case you’re wondering).
“Oh really?!!” Was my shocked response.
“Well in that case Xin Nian Kuai Le! Back” I hollered.
I never know quite exactly when Chinese New Year is, as it follows the Lunar Calendar and is never on the same day. Strange though, I should, as Chinese New Year is more celebrated in the land of my heritage than any other event.
People in Taiwan work ridiculously hard throughout the year, they don’t take breaks, not even for Christmas. Most people don’t like holidays, in fact the Taiwanese work ethic used to be so extreme that the government eventually made it a law that all citizens had to take at least one day off week a week; as they found people were working themselves to premature deaths.
Come Chinese New Year, everyone is off and they usually celebrate for about a week. People go mad, they run around in the streets letting off fireworks, eating strange food and present each other with red envelops (called Hong Bow) filled with money.
I guess here in Africa, thousand of miles away from home; a lot of the meaning and crazy customs have been lost. But I’m still vigilant in trying to get a week off next year, based on my being oriental. Looks like the work ethic bit has escaped me as well…
I never realized how much I used my left hand, until stabbing myself with a knife of course. Even though I’m right handed, I find myself using the left a considerable amount; I found my pain threshold being tested by using it over zealously, forgetting that I had injured it.
I grow weary of being sick and can’t wait to be back to full health, so I can get back into my normal daily routine…
By the way it’s Chinese New Year. The year of the Ox I’m told. To be honest I wouldn’t have known at all, if it weren’t for the excited phone call I received from my Parents last night.
“Xin Nian Kuai Le!” I heard from the other end of the receiver (That’s Happy New Year in mandarin in case you’re wondering).
“Oh really?!!” Was my shocked response.
“Well in that case Xin Nian Kuai Le! Back” I hollered.
I never know quite exactly when Chinese New Year is, as it follows the Lunar Calendar and is never on the same day. Strange though, I should, as Chinese New Year is more celebrated in the land of my heritage than any other event.
People in Taiwan work ridiculously hard throughout the year, they don’t take breaks, not even for Christmas. Most people don’t like holidays, in fact the Taiwanese work ethic used to be so extreme that the government eventually made it a law that all citizens had to take at least one day off week a week; as they found people were working themselves to premature deaths.
Come Chinese New Year, everyone is off and they usually celebrate for about a week. People go mad, they run around in the streets letting off fireworks, eating strange food and present each other with red envelops (called Hong Bow) filled with money.
I guess here in Africa, thousand of miles away from home; a lot of the meaning and crazy customs have been lost. But I’m still vigilant in trying to get a week off next year, based on my being oriental. Looks like the work ethic bit has escaped me as well…
Sunday, January 25, 2009
That's Going to Leave a Mark
“Son of a…that’s going to leave a mark”. Few people on this planet can match my clumsiness.
I was trying to prepare some chicken earlier and somehow managed to stick a knife into my left hand. You know that it’s quite deep when most of the tip of the knife is missing and you have to jiggle it a little to get it back out.
Amazingly, at first you don’t really feel the pain, the sudden rush of adrenaline blocks it out and it’s actually the visual cue that allows you to register that something bad has just happened. After pulling the knife out, you don’t think that it’s going to be too bad, you see a hole there, but there’s only white, no blood. Seconds later though, just when you think you’re okay it comes gushing out.
I rushed to the basin to wash away the crimson mess and see what damage I had inflicted. It looked pretty deep. Thankfully, I keep a mini first aid kit and got my brother to clean the wound and bandage it up.
About half an hour later, the pain has started to settle in… I do stuff like this quite often, and I’m pretty certain it’s going to be quite uncomfortable for the next little while.
I was trying to prepare some chicken earlier and somehow managed to stick a knife into my left hand. You know that it’s quite deep when most of the tip of the knife is missing and you have to jiggle it a little to get it back out.
Amazingly, at first you don’t really feel the pain, the sudden rush of adrenaline blocks it out and it’s actually the visual cue that allows you to register that something bad has just happened. After pulling the knife out, you don’t think that it’s going to be too bad, you see a hole there, but there’s only white, no blood. Seconds later though, just when you think you’re okay it comes gushing out.
I rushed to the basin to wash away the crimson mess and see what damage I had inflicted. It looked pretty deep. Thankfully, I keep a mini first aid kit and got my brother to clean the wound and bandage it up.
About half an hour later, the pain has started to settle in… I do stuff like this quite often, and I’m pretty certain it’s going to be quite uncomfortable for the next little while.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday Morning Pick-Me-Up
Besides visiting the doctor yesterday, this mornings coffee club was my first excursion out of the flat since Thursday. I find it difficult to miss coffee club meets.
The thing I love most about coffee club is the diversity of the people that attend it. We have a mix of interesting people from all over the world, who do all sorts of different things. From professional stuntmen, to people who are ridiculously-good-looking for a living, to doctors, to IT geeks; the coffee club has them all. The common denominator that binds everyone together is the love to socialize, meet interesting people and share a morning pick-me-up or breakfast.
I have to thank Lindsey, one of the first and most loyal coffee club members today for giving me a couple of free tickets for tomorrow’s rugby game at Newlands. The Stormers versus Saracens. You see, Lindsey works for Western Province rugby and I’ve been subtly (ok, maybe not so subtly) hinting (perhaps more like nagging) that I’ve been wanting to go to a game for a while…
My point is that you never know who you are going to meet; and it’s somehow attracted such an incredible mix of individuals that you never get bored learning about other peoples exciting professions.
The coffee club was held at Depasco this morning. Having undergone new management, we were given the lead that the coffee had improved significantly and that the breakfasts were incredibly satisfying. After experiencing it for myself, I would have to agree, the rumours are true; and after having spoken to the new management I am assured that it’s only the beginning of their efforts to improve and revamp the good Depasco name.
The thing I love most about coffee club is the diversity of the people that attend it. We have a mix of interesting people from all over the world, who do all sorts of different things. From professional stuntmen, to people who are ridiculously-good-looking for a living, to doctors, to IT geeks; the coffee club has them all. The common denominator that binds everyone together is the love to socialize, meet interesting people and share a morning pick-me-up or breakfast.
I have to thank Lindsey, one of the first and most loyal coffee club members today for giving me a couple of free tickets for tomorrow’s rugby game at Newlands. The Stormers versus Saracens. You see, Lindsey works for Western Province rugby and I’ve been subtly (ok, maybe not so subtly) hinting (perhaps more like nagging) that I’ve been wanting to go to a game for a while…
My point is that you never know who you are going to meet; and it’s somehow attracted such an incredible mix of individuals that you never get bored learning about other peoples exciting professions.
The coffee club was held at Depasco this morning. Having undergone new management, we were given the lead that the coffee had improved significantly and that the breakfasts were incredibly satisfying. After experiencing it for myself, I would have to agree, the rumours are true; and after having spoken to the new management I am assured that it’s only the beginning of their efforts to improve and revamp the good Depasco name.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Ambition
It’s dangerous to leave me alone for too long without anything to do, because then I start to think. My mind begins to wonder and I traverse through the endless possibilities and permutations that my future may hold. Lying in bed, sick at home with nothing to do, my imagination has again, gotten the best of me.
When we were younger we were lead to believe that we could be anything that we wanted to be, do anything that we wanted to do. Nothing was impossible, we had endless choices and those choices were right at our finger tips. Whether we wanted to travel to the moon, become the president, climb the highest mountain; no feat was too big.
The sad reality is that somewhere between adolescence and adulthood everything changed, the world crushed and told us that our dreams could not be realized – that we were to become paper pushers and work a 9 to 5, that we were too insignificant and limited in our talents to make that difference…
What I am writing now is a symbol of defiance, to give those would-be deterrers the proverbial finger and to lend my voice to the masses and categorically state: that what we were taught when we were younger is true - nothing is impossible. That you just need to work hard and have a little bit of perseverance.
I’ve talked about “plans” with regards to these daily notes of mine, and I feel it is getting closer to that time, that I start to share. I want to write. I want to write and have my writings published. I want it to mean something to someone, the way which Catcher in the Rye and Dreams From my Father meant to me.
I may not have that background in literature, but I write just the same and I’ve been doing it conscientiously and consistently for the past while. Slowly improving, slowly getting better – until I reach that point where I am able to write as naturally as I speak.
I believe it is possible, it’s not as far fetched as flying into space; yet some people of flesh and blood, the same as me, have already accomplished that task. But just dreaming is to be naïve; here’s the reality check, a dream remains a dream until something is done; the first step in realizing it is to do – I’ve begun to do, but I need to wait be patient and in time it will happen.
When we were younger we were lead to believe that we could be anything that we wanted to be, do anything that we wanted to do. Nothing was impossible, we had endless choices and those choices were right at our finger tips. Whether we wanted to travel to the moon, become the president, climb the highest mountain; no feat was too big.
The sad reality is that somewhere between adolescence and adulthood everything changed, the world crushed and told us that our dreams could not be realized – that we were to become paper pushers and work a 9 to 5, that we were too insignificant and limited in our talents to make that difference…
What I am writing now is a symbol of defiance, to give those would-be deterrers the proverbial finger and to lend my voice to the masses and categorically state: that what we were taught when we were younger is true - nothing is impossible. That you just need to work hard and have a little bit of perseverance.
I’ve talked about “plans” with regards to these daily notes of mine, and I feel it is getting closer to that time, that I start to share. I want to write. I want to write and have my writings published. I want it to mean something to someone, the way which Catcher in the Rye and Dreams From my Father meant to me.
I may not have that background in literature, but I write just the same and I’ve been doing it conscientiously and consistently for the past while. Slowly improving, slowly getting better – until I reach that point where I am able to write as naturally as I speak.
I believe it is possible, it’s not as far fetched as flying into space; yet some people of flesh and blood, the same as me, have already accomplished that task. But just dreaming is to be naïve; here’s the reality check, a dream remains a dream until something is done; the first step in realizing it is to do – I’ve begun to do, but I need to wait be patient and in time it will happen.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Thief in the Night
I’m getting quite tired of my crappy immune system and would love to trade it in for a new one. Out of the blue, I woke up this morning with a fever. I was feeling fantastic yesterday evening; so I don’t have a clue where it came from. It came like a thief in the night.
Worst of all, I just recovered from the flu not more than a month ago. I’ve been quite careful to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and do what I can to avoid falling ill again.
My plans to go Salsa dancing this evening have unfortunately fallen on the back burner. It was going to be fun. The plan was for a bunch of us to go for lessons at Deluxe first and then take it to the streets – well actually Karma, to show of our new learnt moves.
My body aches and I have a headache, but it seems the temperature and other symptoms have subsided.
Worst of all, I just recovered from the flu not more than a month ago. I’ve been quite careful to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and do what I can to avoid falling ill again.
My plans to go Salsa dancing this evening have unfortunately fallen on the back burner. It was going to be fun. The plan was for a bunch of us to go for lessons at Deluxe first and then take it to the streets – well actually Karma, to show of our new learnt moves.
My body aches and I have a headache, but it seems the temperature and other symptoms have subsided.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
In 3D
3D animated films sure have come a long way, especially when you get nifty 3D glasses to enhance the experience. Bolt literally blew my mind, and with most of it (my mind that is) on the cinema floor it was difficult to comprehend at the time exactly what I had just witnessed.
Now, only afterward, am I able to fully understand the extent at which the 3D artists must have gone to create the intricacy of the textures, complexity of the movements and the detail of the models. The attention to detail was phenomenal.
Having done a 3D modelling and texturing course in university myself, I can understand the hard work that has gone into delivering this cinematic masterpiece. Kristi, an animator, was astounded with the film and even suggested that we stay for the next showing and watch it again.
But the imagery was not the only draw card. I always feel that since such effort is put into the animation, the writers also make damn sure that they have a solid story as well as character development to back up it up.
The story revolves around a dog named Bolt, who is raised on the set of a hit TV series and grows up believing that he has super powers. When he accidentally leaves the set, he befriends two unlikely friends in the form of a cat named Mittens and a hamster named Rhino. Thus begins a journey to find his way home, where he soon realizes that he has lived his entire life a lie.
Being a big fan of the animated films, I would highly recommend seeing it, particularly I would suggest that one see it at a theatre which offers it in 3D. The 3D glasses, I might add, are pretty stylish and I reckon I may keep them and use them as a fashion accessory…
Now, only afterward, am I able to fully understand the extent at which the 3D artists must have gone to create the intricacy of the textures, complexity of the movements and the detail of the models. The attention to detail was phenomenal.
Having done a 3D modelling and texturing course in university myself, I can understand the hard work that has gone into delivering this cinematic masterpiece. Kristi, an animator, was astounded with the film and even suggested that we stay for the next showing and watch it again.
But the imagery was not the only draw card. I always feel that since such effort is put into the animation, the writers also make damn sure that they have a solid story as well as character development to back up it up.
The story revolves around a dog named Bolt, who is raised on the set of a hit TV series and grows up believing that he has super powers. When he accidentally leaves the set, he befriends two unlikely friends in the form of a cat named Mittens and a hamster named Rhino. Thus begins a journey to find his way home, where he soon realizes that he has lived his entire life a lie.
Being a big fan of the animated films, I would highly recommend seeing it, particularly I would suggest that one see it at a theatre which offers it in 3D. The 3D glasses, I might add, are pretty stylish and I reckon I may keep them and use them as a fashion accessory…
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Peoples President
Barack Obama makes me wish I were an American. If the pen were indeed mightier than the sword then Presidents Obama’s words surely vindicate his position as one of the most powerful men in the world.
The man, clearly has a way with words and at his inauguration today; he addressed his nation calling on every man, woman and child of every creed to do their bit in helping to make the world a brighter place. To his enemies he issued a warning and to others he extended a hand of friendship.
He addressed the hardships ahead and expressed hope and vigour in facing these challenges.
Handling the speech with diplomacy and elegance coming from an assorted background, he is able to strike a chord within every person and make his words relevant to every man. This is what all presidents should be like.
The world needs more leaders like him, leaders who can articulate positive thought, to sit down as heads of nations, to reason, to compromise, to co-exist peacefully and to build a better future for all.
The man, clearly has a way with words and at his inauguration today; he addressed his nation calling on every man, woman and child of every creed to do their bit in helping to make the world a brighter place. To his enemies he issued a warning and to others he extended a hand of friendship.
He addressed the hardships ahead and expressed hope and vigour in facing these challenges.
Handling the speech with diplomacy and elegance coming from an assorted background, he is able to strike a chord within every person and make his words relevant to every man. This is what all presidents should be like.
The world needs more leaders like him, leaders who can articulate positive thought, to sit down as heads of nations, to reason, to compromise, to co-exist peacefully and to build a better future for all.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Leave Days
I find that my energy levels are at an all time low at the moment. A few months ago I was struggling with Insomnia. Well the irony is that, at the moment, I'm suffering from the complete opposite; I'm struggling to keep my eyes open.
It certainly can't be because I'm not fueling my body correctly, I'm feeding it all sorts of good complex carbohydrates and in the correct ratios too; and it can't be because I'm not getting enough sleep either, I'm getting more sleep than I usually do. Not even adding caffeine to my system seems to be giving me the kick that I need. I think my previous state of insomnia has finally caught up with me and my body has decided to give me the proverbial finger. "Screw you buddy, I need some rest" it's saying.
I've been feeling pretty lethargic for a bout a week now, and I've even noticed its detrimental affect on my writing. I fear that the lack of energy has dulled down my wit somewhat and I can't seem to find the right words to articulate my thoughts. It took me at least a few good minutes to mull that word "articulate" over in my head before it emerged, where as in the past it would have come to me as naturally as the light breaks the dawn.
Perhaps I’m experiencing some type of burn out? Impossible, I just had a holiday. Or maybe it’s just a sign that I need another one. Speaking of holidays, there is a host of consecutive holidays coming up in April.
When one works a desk job, one really needs to strategise ones leave. Some people will throw their leave days away frivolously by using them up without planning ahead, while the smarter ones will try to utilize public holidays in order to maximize the actual time that one gets off. In April there are several combinations that one could choose from, but if one is very clever one can take four days leave and get a return of twelve actual days off.
Don’t say I’ve never given you any good advice...
It certainly can't be because I'm not fueling my body correctly, I'm feeding it all sorts of good complex carbohydrates and in the correct ratios too; and it can't be because I'm not getting enough sleep either, I'm getting more sleep than I usually do. Not even adding caffeine to my system seems to be giving me the kick that I need. I think my previous state of insomnia has finally caught up with me and my body has decided to give me the proverbial finger. "Screw you buddy, I need some rest" it's saying.
I've been feeling pretty lethargic for a bout a week now, and I've even noticed its detrimental affect on my writing. I fear that the lack of energy has dulled down my wit somewhat and I can't seem to find the right words to articulate my thoughts. It took me at least a few good minutes to mull that word "articulate" over in my head before it emerged, where as in the past it would have come to me as naturally as the light breaks the dawn.
Perhaps I’m experiencing some type of burn out? Impossible, I just had a holiday. Or maybe it’s just a sign that I need another one. Speaking of holidays, there is a host of consecutive holidays coming up in April.
When one works a desk job, one really needs to strategise ones leave. Some people will throw their leave days away frivolously by using them up without planning ahead, while the smarter ones will try to utilize public holidays in order to maximize the actual time that one gets off. In April there are several combinations that one could choose from, but if one is very clever one can take four days leave and get a return of twelve actual days off.
Don’t say I’ve never given you any good advice...
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Crazy Night
What a crazy night of dancing. It was Marcus’s birthday and after some chilled drinks at Asoka, everyone was keen to squeek a little tekkie (South African expression for going out for a little dance).
At Asoka, I was already feeling a little tired, which was kind of strange as I took a little afternoon nap, okay more like a really big nap. So before we even started, I was trying to get my energy levels up by downing red bulls.
When we finally arrived at Chevelle the new Cape Town uber club, my energy levels were through the roof. It didn’t matter how terrible my dancing was, I still danced like a complete maniac. At one point I even tried to bust out some break dance moves…not that I actually know any of course. I might have ruined the good Ou name, but it was really fun.
Chevelle really reminds me of the old Opium, I guess it’s because it’s opened by the same people and I reckon it’ll be the new place to go and party in Cape Town.
The cool thing about Chevelle is that it’s literally right around the corner from where I live, so I don’t have to worry about driving home if I decide to have a big one.
At Asoka, I was already feeling a little tired, which was kind of strange as I took a little afternoon nap, okay more like a really big nap. So before we even started, I was trying to get my energy levels up by downing red bulls.
When we finally arrived at Chevelle the new Cape Town uber club, my energy levels were through the roof. It didn’t matter how terrible my dancing was, I still danced like a complete maniac. At one point I even tried to bust out some break dance moves…not that I actually know any of course. I might have ruined the good Ou name, but it was really fun.
Chevelle really reminds me of the old Opium, I guess it’s because it’s opened by the same people and I reckon it’ll be the new place to go and party in Cape Town.
The cool thing about Chevelle is that it’s literally right around the corner from where I live, so I don’t have to worry about driving home if I decide to have a big one.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Food Envy
Have you ever experienced that moment, when you wished you ordered what the other person next to you ordered. Well it happend to me this morning and I didn't just wish I ordered what the other person next to me had, I wished I had ordered anything else.
We went to the Camps Bay Beach Club for Coffee Club. Everything was terrific: the setting was excellent, the service was fantastic, the food was good and most of the portions were decent too. I say most, because everyone else’s breakfasts were really sizable, the croissants were massive, the muesli and fruit bowls were huge… everything seemed to be good value for money, everything except for what I ordered that is.
I ordered the flap jacks, on the menu it described them to be a “Tower”; judging from the rest of the meals that came, I thought that it would mean a massive stack, a really serious portion…I could not have been more mistaken.
When my order arrived, apparently Lauren said she just watched my face drop in despair. I was so disappointed, I felt cheated, I probably would have started to cry if I weren't for the fact that we were in public. I mean don’t get me wrong, the pancakes were delicious, but after one spoonful, I was literally halfway done. *Sigh* I suffered from food envy for the rest of the morning; as I watched everyone else tuck into theirs.
Lauren did feel some sympathy for me and she was kind enough to give me half of her muesli and fruit bowl. Thanks Lauren, you’re a saint.
We went to the Camps Bay Beach Club for Coffee Club. Everything was terrific: the setting was excellent, the service was fantastic, the food was good and most of the portions were decent too. I say most, because everyone else’s breakfasts were really sizable, the croissants were massive, the muesli and fruit bowls were huge… everything seemed to be good value for money, everything except for what I ordered that is.
I ordered the flap jacks, on the menu it described them to be a “Tower”; judging from the rest of the meals that came, I thought that it would mean a massive stack, a really serious portion…I could not have been more mistaken.
When my order arrived, apparently Lauren said she just watched my face drop in despair. I was so disappointed, I felt cheated, I probably would have started to cry if I weren't for the fact that we were in public. I mean don’t get me wrong, the pancakes were delicious, but after one spoonful, I was literally halfway done. *Sigh* I suffered from food envy for the rest of the morning; as I watched everyone else tuck into theirs.
Lauren did feel some sympathy for me and she was kind enough to give me half of her muesli and fruit bowl. Thanks Lauren, you’re a saint.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Lethargy
Dumb wind!
I’m not sure if there’s a lot of pollen or dust in the air at the moment, but something is getting stirred up to irritate my eyes and sinuses. I really hope it stops howling soon, because it has been going on for quite a few days now.
I felt very lethargic at work , wasn’t quite all there. I was easily distracted and while in mid-conversation I’d sometimes forget what I wanted to say. At least it’s the weekend. I’m keen to just have a chilled one. Hmm I wonder if there are any good movies on…feels like haven’t seen on the big screen lately.
Something about sitting in a dirty dark public place with popcorn and flickering images always seems very comforting. Strange.
I’m not sure if there’s a lot of pollen or dust in the air at the moment, but something is getting stirred up to irritate my eyes and sinuses. I really hope it stops howling soon, because it has been going on for quite a few days now.
I felt very lethargic at work , wasn’t quite all there. I was easily distracted and while in mid-conversation I’d sometimes forget what I wanted to say. At least it’s the weekend. I’m keen to just have a chilled one. Hmm I wonder if there are any good movies on…feels like haven’t seen on the big screen lately.
Something about sitting in a dirty dark public place with popcorn and flickering images always seems very comforting. Strange.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A Tough Day
It’s been quite a tough day.
I’ve never really wanted to know what the person, who caused Lauren’s accident, looked like. I think I would rather not have known, but attending the court hearing today, because I wanted to support the Devine family, left me with little choice.
When I stepped into the hearing I didn’t even have a clue what he looked like. When I finally realized who he was, I was angry. I was angry that he seemed so normal, I was angry that he had family with him, I was angry that he was - human.
Before it was easier just to demonize him, in my mind he was a monster, he looked like a troll with a hunched back, a disfigured face with horns protruding from his forehead. Today, I put a face to the devil; a stupid face and all I really wanted to do was smack it and shout “Do you know what you’ve taken away from us!?” I didn’t though and I won’t, but it doesn’t mean it didn’t run through my head.
Usually, I try to give every person I meet a chance, but I doubt that I will ever like him.
The case was remanded until late March due to insufficient investigation, so unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for a couple more months before the court comes to a verdict with regards to the accident…
Yesterday, I didn’t think I was going to make it in time; but the hearing ended a little bit earlier than suspected, so I did my utmost and raced from Wynberg straight through to Table View to show support to my friend Alwyn.
Sadly, it was his fiancé’s funeral and although I have not known Teneille for long, from the encounters that I’ve had, I can tell that she’s a bright, kind and generous soul. To lose someone like that so suddenly and unexpectedly is a complete tragedy and I wish I could have had the opportunity to spend more time with her.
I felt so much sympathy for Alwyn, but what saddened me most was the fact that they were so close to their wedding day. To lose someone you truly love is surely one of the most difficult things that you ever have to endure.
My sincerest and deepest condolences to you and the Smith family, Alwyn, I hope that you are at least granted with the peace in knowing that she is in a far better place.
I’ve never really wanted to know what the person, who caused Lauren’s accident, looked like. I think I would rather not have known, but attending the court hearing today, because I wanted to support the Devine family, left me with little choice.
When I stepped into the hearing I didn’t even have a clue what he looked like. When I finally realized who he was, I was angry. I was angry that he seemed so normal, I was angry that he had family with him, I was angry that he was - human.
Before it was easier just to demonize him, in my mind he was a monster, he looked like a troll with a hunched back, a disfigured face with horns protruding from his forehead. Today, I put a face to the devil; a stupid face and all I really wanted to do was smack it and shout “Do you know what you’ve taken away from us!?” I didn’t though and I won’t, but it doesn’t mean it didn’t run through my head.
Usually, I try to give every person I meet a chance, but I doubt that I will ever like him.
The case was remanded until late March due to insufficient investigation, so unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for a couple more months before the court comes to a verdict with regards to the accident…
Yesterday, I didn’t think I was going to make it in time; but the hearing ended a little bit earlier than suspected, so I did my utmost and raced from Wynberg straight through to Table View to show support to my friend Alwyn.
Sadly, it was his fiancé’s funeral and although I have not known Teneille for long, from the encounters that I’ve had, I can tell that she’s a bright, kind and generous soul. To lose someone like that so suddenly and unexpectedly is a complete tragedy and I wish I could have had the opportunity to spend more time with her.
I felt so much sympathy for Alwyn, but what saddened me most was the fact that they were so close to their wedding day. To lose someone you truly love is surely one of the most difficult things that you ever have to endure.
My sincerest and deepest condolences to you and the Smith family, Alwyn, I hope that you are at least granted with the peace in knowing that she is in a far better place.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
I hate making difficult decisions. The mere fact that a choice needs to be made means that there will be some opportunity cost foregone…I learnt that from a text book in Economics 101.
Well, I had a difficult decision to make for tomorrow. There are two important appointments that I need to attend; however they overlap and it will be a near impossible feat to go to both as they are on opposite sides of the city. I needed to make a choice. Both engagements are equally as important and neither of them fun, but not attending either is inexcusable.
To be honest I was trying to put it off and ignore it, but it played on my mind at work the whole day. Eventually I reached a decision; I’ve decided which to go to, if I could I would lend myself to both but unfortunately I can only be at one.
Well, I had a difficult decision to make for tomorrow. There are two important appointments that I need to attend; however they overlap and it will be a near impossible feat to go to both as they are on opposite sides of the city. I needed to make a choice. Both engagements are equally as important and neither of them fun, but not attending either is inexcusable.
To be honest I was trying to put it off and ignore it, but it played on my mind at work the whole day. Eventually I reached a decision; I’ve decided which to go to, if I could I would lend myself to both but unfortunately I can only be at one.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Petty Squabbling
Soooooo I was in the unfortunate position of getting tangled in the middle of a tussle between two of my neighbours. Man, it was awkward. For some reason they felt the need to knock on my door and bring some of their petty squabbling to my door step.
The fight was over some smells that were apparently emitting from the people who live next door to me and which were wafting into the apartment above them. Trivial right? Shouldn’t be too serious right? Well the argument seemed pretty heated and they felt that a third party needed to mediate. That’s where I fit into the picture. Yay, lucky me.
As you can imagine I seriously, seriously didn’t care. I had more important things to deal with - like playing with the lint stuck in my belly button…which is as you can imagine not very important at all. Kind of puts the argument into perspective doesn’t it?
”Ok now, children, go to your corners and think about what you did!” Yip, I laid a serious timeout on them.
The fight was over some smells that were apparently emitting from the people who live next door to me and which were wafting into the apartment above them. Trivial right? Shouldn’t be too serious right? Well the argument seemed pretty heated and they felt that a third party needed to mediate. That’s where I fit into the picture. Yay, lucky me.
As you can imagine I seriously, seriously didn’t care. I had more important things to deal with - like playing with the lint stuck in my belly button…which is as you can imagine not very important at all. Kind of puts the argument into perspective doesn’t it?
”Ok now, children, go to your corners and think about what you did!” Yip, I laid a serious timeout on them.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Bad Directions
Could I have been dreaming? The water along the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town was actually warm for a change. Usually when I try to go for a dip, the water is so frigidly icy that my manhood just freezes off, but not yesterday. Yesterday was the first time in the 5 years that I’ve lived here that it was actually warm enough to frolic around in.
I went for a quick swim in Camps Bay, before having to meet up with Liaan at Caprice. Coming here on holiday from Port Elizabeth she’s unfamiliar with the roads and with my shoddy directions, I was really nervous that she might get lost.
Cape Town may not be the biggest city in the world, but compared to Port Elizabeth it’s enormous. I remember when I first moved here I would frequently get lost and somehow always land up at the same place. It was as if all roads led to the waterfront. Sure enough, my directions were bad, she did get a little bit lost and like me, ended up at the waterfront.
Eventually, after some more bad directions on my behalf and some heavy traffic; she reached her destination and we had a blast catching up. The moral of the story is don’t ask me for directions – I’m horrible at giving them.
Speaking of being horrible at stuff, another thing that I’m completely terrible at is darts. Yes, in fact I may be the worst darts player in the world. Good grief! I suck. My friend Darryn is so kind, note the hint of sarcasm, that he thought is was a super sweet idea to publicly humiliate me by posting a video of me, not just missing the dart board but missing it so consistently that I wish the earth would swallow me whole.
In my defence, the video was taken on the night after the Port Elizabeth premier of Tunnel Rats, after I had a couple of glasses of bubbly. We all know how Asian people can’t process alcohol and surely this was the reason for my impaired motor skills. Surely.
I went for a quick swim in Camps Bay, before having to meet up with Liaan at Caprice. Coming here on holiday from Port Elizabeth she’s unfamiliar with the roads and with my shoddy directions, I was really nervous that she might get lost.
Cape Town may not be the biggest city in the world, but compared to Port Elizabeth it’s enormous. I remember when I first moved here I would frequently get lost and somehow always land up at the same place. It was as if all roads led to the waterfront. Sure enough, my directions were bad, she did get a little bit lost and like me, ended up at the waterfront.
Eventually, after some more bad directions on my behalf and some heavy traffic; she reached her destination and we had a blast catching up. The moral of the story is don’t ask me for directions – I’m horrible at giving them.
Speaking of being horrible at stuff, another thing that I’m completely terrible at is darts. Yes, in fact I may be the worst darts player in the world. Good grief! I suck. My friend Darryn is so kind, note the hint of sarcasm, that he thought is was a super sweet idea to publicly humiliate me by posting a video of me, not just missing the dart board but missing it so consistently that I wish the earth would swallow me whole.
In my defence, the video was taken on the night after the Port Elizabeth premier of Tunnel Rats, after I had a couple of glasses of bubbly. We all know how Asian people can’t process alcohol and surely this was the reason for my impaired motor skills. Surely.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Crowd Control
Ended up at the Alba Lounge in the Water Front for my friend Carl’s birthday yesterday evening. I went straight there after the L’Ormarins Queens Plate and felt kind of awkward, because I was quite dressed up. Thankfully, the jazz festival was on, so passers-by must have just reckoned that I was part of the act.
It was super, super crowded though and made getting in and out of the parking lots a complete nightmare. I hate getting stuck in traffic, it’s my pet peeve. What’s even worse though is that you always get those people who get antsy, begin to hoot and go mad. I must confess I’m also guilty of this sometimes, but it’s not like all the ranting and raving helps. Instead, I usually try to put on some soothing music, like Enya or something to keep my nerves calm and just try to enjoy the ride.
Speaking of crowds the day at the track was packed. As suspected, old Pocket Power delivered and is well on his way to become a massive figure in horse racing history. It was a crazy party and everyone who is anyone was there.
It’s weird, I don’t really do well in crowds, I get this sense of claustrophobia and sometimes freak out, My friends Ale, Desi and Talita knew one of the owners in the suites, so whenever we felt like taking refuge and escaping the crowds; we would go and chill out with them.
It was quite funny though, as some of the owners thought that my brother and I might have been jockeys. I suppose given our stature – us being extremely short and all, their assumption was not completely far fetched. Besides not knowing how to ride a horse, perhaps I’ve found my new calling in life…hmmm Benny – Race Horse Jockey…has quite a cachet don’t you think?
It was super, super crowded though and made getting in and out of the parking lots a complete nightmare. I hate getting stuck in traffic, it’s my pet peeve. What’s even worse though is that you always get those people who get antsy, begin to hoot and go mad. I must confess I’m also guilty of this sometimes, but it’s not like all the ranting and raving helps. Instead, I usually try to put on some soothing music, like Enya or something to keep my nerves calm and just try to enjoy the ride.
Speaking of crowds the day at the track was packed. As suspected, old Pocket Power delivered and is well on his way to become a massive figure in horse racing history. It was a crazy party and everyone who is anyone was there.
It’s weird, I don’t really do well in crowds, I get this sense of claustrophobia and sometimes freak out, My friends Ale, Desi and Talita knew one of the owners in the suites, so whenever we felt like taking refuge and escaping the crowds; we would go and chill out with them.
It was quite funny though, as some of the owners thought that my brother and I might have been jockeys. I suppose given our stature – us being extremely short and all, their assumption was not completely far fetched. Besides not knowing how to ride a horse, perhaps I’ve found my new calling in life…hmmm Benny – Race Horse Jockey…has quite a cachet don’t you think?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A Day at the Tracks
Thanks to Roxy (a.k.a. the Fox or Foxy) and Victoria (a.k.a. Vo, the Jergie Monster, the Ice-Cream Monster or Frank - gosh she has too many alternate names) I received a couple of VIP tickets to the L’Ormarins Queens Plate (LQP) at the Kenilworth race course.
As mentioned before, I know nothing about horses or horse racing.All I know is that I need to keep an eye out for a horse named Pocket Power, who is owned by my friend Kerry’s, boyfriend’s family (wow try saying that 3 times fast).
Even though I’m ignorant, Kerry got me all excited, explaining how Pocket Power is one of the best horses and how he stands a chance of going down in the history books as one of the sports greatest - in the world - ever.
I feel like quite a pimp at the moment, the LQP is quite a well to do event and requires one to dress up. I’m sitting here in my lounge, typing away in my most regal gear and feeling pretty out of place…The Ou brothers humble bachelors pad is hardly a place of opulence.
On an aside. I’m all for being gung ho and all that; but I’m beginning to worry about the obsessiveness of some of the members of our Coffee Club. Sam was telling me how he’s so into it, that he’s been etching stripes into the side of his arm for every time that he attends… I really hope he’s joking; otherwise we may have to start another club, a support group if you will known as Coffee Clubbers Anonymous for those members who have become destructively addicted.
As mentioned before, I know nothing about horses or horse racing.All I know is that I need to keep an eye out for a horse named Pocket Power, who is owned by my friend Kerry’s, boyfriend’s family (wow try saying that 3 times fast).
Even though I’m ignorant, Kerry got me all excited, explaining how Pocket Power is one of the best horses and how he stands a chance of going down in the history books as one of the sports greatest - in the world - ever.
I feel like quite a pimp at the moment, the LQP is quite a well to do event and requires one to dress up. I’m sitting here in my lounge, typing away in my most regal gear and feeling pretty out of place…The Ou brothers humble bachelors pad is hardly a place of opulence.
On an aside. I’m all for being gung ho and all that; but I’m beginning to worry about the obsessiveness of some of the members of our Coffee Club. Sam was telling me how he’s so into it, that he’s been etching stripes into the side of his arm for every time that he attends… I really hope he’s joking; otherwise we may have to start another club, a support group if you will known as Coffee Clubbers Anonymous for those members who have become destructively addicted.
Friday, January 9, 2009
End of the Week
Ahhh it's the end of the week - finally! Think I'm getting back into swing of things. It always takes a good week after a holiday before one starts to feel productive again, or is that just me? Well after the weekend I reckon I'll be on it; at full steam again.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Now You See Me...Now You Don't
I've always wondered how exactly it was possible that people (although fictitious) couldn't recognize that Superman was actually Clark Kent... I mean sure he has a fancy, spandex costume and all; but, really, the only thing that separated mere mortal from demi-god (and actually hid his facial features) was a pair of reading glasses. Even as a youngster I felt that his disguise was full of holes (umm figuratively - not literally) .
Although I discovered that there may be some merit to his cover up after all. Apparently I confused the hell out of my peers earlier. After suffering from a head-splitting migraine, due to staring at the computer screen for too long, I decided to take my glasses off and rest my eyes. My colleagues began staring at me as if they didn't recognize me. After some interrogation, they said that they had never seen me without my spectacles and thought I was a completely different person.
Could I really look so different without them? Andi verified that I did, and also confirmed that she had some trouble identifying me the first time she saw me without them...
Hmmm perhaps I've found myself the perfect disguise, should ever I want to be involved in a bank heist. The only problem is that, without my glasses, I'd be half blind and probably walk myself straight into security and have my ass arrested...of course there's always contacts, but contacts freak me out. I tried them out once and a lense somehow got stuck in the back of my eye, not fun, not fun at all. I guess I'll have to stick to coming up with some million dollar web idea rather than robbing a bank then...
Although I discovered that there may be some merit to his cover up after all. Apparently I confused the hell out of my peers earlier. After suffering from a head-splitting migraine, due to staring at the computer screen for too long, I decided to take my glasses off and rest my eyes. My colleagues began staring at me as if they didn't recognize me. After some interrogation, they said that they had never seen me without my spectacles and thought I was a completely different person.
Could I really look so different without them? Andi verified that I did, and also confirmed that she had some trouble identifying me the first time she saw me without them...
Hmmm perhaps I've found myself the perfect disguise, should ever I want to be involved in a bank heist. The only problem is that, without my glasses, I'd be half blind and probably walk myself straight into security and have my ass arrested...of course there's always contacts, but contacts freak me out. I tried them out once and a lense somehow got stuck in the back of my eye, not fun, not fun at all. I guess I'll have to stick to coming up with some million dollar web idea rather than robbing a bank then...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
KISS
There's a principle in software development that we generally like to follow called KISS. Which stands for "Keep It Simple Stupid".
I should definitely follow it more conscientiously as I tend to be a sucker for punishment and over complicate things.
Take today for example, I thought I was being really clever by over-architecting what should otherwise have been a very simple web application. In the end, the architecture became so verbose that it made performing even the simplest of tasks, massively challenging. After much frustration, I uncluttered the complexity and resorted to a more simple design (what I should have done in the first place).
The KISS principle is fantastic and one should implement it in all facets of life. For example why don't we apply it in the dating game? For some unknown reason, guys and girls just tend to over complicate everything. Too much backing and forthing, umming and ahhing, feels like a super strategical chess game. Seriously. It should be as easy as: boy meets girl, boy likes girl, girl likes boy back and then BAM. Simple as that. Lets just KISS and make out in future shall we.
I should definitely follow it more conscientiously as I tend to be a sucker for punishment and over complicate things.
Take today for example, I thought I was being really clever by over-architecting what should otherwise have been a very simple web application. In the end, the architecture became so verbose that it made performing even the simplest of tasks, massively challenging. After much frustration, I uncluttered the complexity and resorted to a more simple design (what I should have done in the first place).
The KISS principle is fantastic and one should implement it in all facets of life. For example why don't we apply it in the dating game? For some unknown reason, guys and girls just tend to over complicate everything. Too much backing and forthing, umming and ahhing, feels like a super strategical chess game. Seriously. It should be as easy as: boy meets girl, boy likes girl, girl likes boy back and then BAM. Simple as that. Lets just KISS and make out in future shall we.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Having My Cake...and Eating It
I found myself distracted for close to half an hour at lunch, marveling at pictures of cakes…not even real cakes, just pictures.
My friend Mari sent them to me, besides the really delicious looking kind some of the ones that she sent were pretty darn impressive and must have taken a heck of a lot of effort to make. One of them looked like a bale of beer and the other like Herbie the talking beetle car.
The only place I’ve seen such impressively designed cakes, here in Cape Town, are at Charly’s Bakery on Roeland Street. I’m told that a really well crafted one can cost you a small fortune.
Speaking of cakes, my cake intake has more than quadrupled recently. In return for showing him and his girlfriend around Cape Town, my friend Ale has been whipping up some really delicious cakes and getting me to try them out, he even used me as guinea pig for a new carrot cake recipe the other day. Not all cakes are equal in my opinion and carrot cakes are right at the top of my list.
I could have chosen other topics to write about today, like the atrocities that have been ongoing in the Gaza strip recently, but I’m really not in the mood to start the year off negatively. So instead of choosing a morbid topic to carry on about, I thought I’d write about something that makes me happy…mmmmm cake.
My friend Mari sent them to me, besides the really delicious looking kind some of the ones that she sent were pretty darn impressive and must have taken a heck of a lot of effort to make. One of them looked like a bale of beer and the other like Herbie the talking beetle car.
The only place I’ve seen such impressively designed cakes, here in Cape Town, are at Charly’s Bakery on Roeland Street. I’m told that a really well crafted one can cost you a small fortune.
Speaking of cakes, my cake intake has more than quadrupled recently. In return for showing him and his girlfriend around Cape Town, my friend Ale has been whipping up some really delicious cakes and getting me to try them out, he even used me as guinea pig for a new carrot cake recipe the other day. Not all cakes are equal in my opinion and carrot cakes are right at the top of my list.
I could have chosen other topics to write about today, like the atrocities that have been ongoing in the Gaza strip recently, but I’m really not in the mood to start the year off negatively. So instead of choosing a morbid topic to carry on about, I thought I’d write about something that makes me happy…mmmmm cake.
Monday, January 5, 2009
First Day...
Hey! The first day back at work wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be! In fact it went pretty quickly; and surprisingly I didn’t even struggle to get out of bed. Usually after a holiday, the first day is pure hell, almost worse than having all your teeth drilled by a sadistic dentist with a blunt bit!
Here’s hoping the rest of the year is like this! Just enough work, but not too manic. I’ll be happy if that’s the case.
I need to start getting back in the gym soon. I’ve been off for the last couple of weeks and with all the over indulgence during the festive season, I’ve gained some happy holiday weight. Unfortunately, I have to keep out of the gym for just a little longer as I fear that I’ve come down with a bit of sniffle.
* Sigh* I’m really starting to miss, Mister Bench Press and Missus Treadmill and the rest of the gym machine gang…
Here’s hoping the rest of the year is like this! Just enough work, but not too manic. I’ll be happy if that’s the case.
I need to start getting back in the gym soon. I’ve been off for the last couple of weeks and with all the over indulgence during the festive season, I’ve gained some happy holiday weight. Unfortunately, I have to keep out of the gym for just a little longer as I fear that I’ve come down with a bit of sniffle.
* Sigh* I’m really starting to miss, Mister Bench Press and Missus Treadmill and the rest of the gym machine gang…
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Back to Reality
*sigh* It looks as if my days of leisure are numbered, tomorrow I’m back to reality, back to the old 9 to 5 vibe flogging away at the old proverbial dead horse.
I spent the entire day maximising my laziness before going back to work and chilled out at pool; drinking, eating and being merry.
What a fantastic break I’ve had though, a much needed holiday. But tomorrow, if I plan to achieve more than I did the last, I need to get back in to routine again and get my focus back on.
I spent the entire day maximising my laziness before going back to work and chilled out at pool; drinking, eating and being merry.
What a fantastic break I’ve had though, a much needed holiday. But tomorrow, if I plan to achieve more than I did the last, I need to get back in to routine again and get my focus back on.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Crystal Pools
What do you get when you cross a South African, Venezuelan, Filipino, Ghanaian, some Dutch folks and a crazy Brit stuntman? No, not a bad joke! But perhaps the most international crew of hikers you’ve ever seen...The UN only more walking. We would have had a Bulgarian too but unfortunately she was not feeling too well.
We took a trip out to Crystal Pools, close to Gordon’s Bay and made our way through a rocky path to get to a beautiful set of pools and waterfalls. It’s amazing! After a sweltering hike, the cool waters of the oasis are only a pleasure to dive into. It’s a fantastic place to spend the day.
Some of the braver people decided they were going to jump from the ledges above the pools. There is a 12m and an 18m jump. The 12m one takes some courage already, but having Action Dan, a professional stunt man around; you knew it was only a matter of time before someone was going to christen the 18m.
I didn’t do either. Besides being an absolute coward…I just wasn’t feeling it. I’ve learnt early on that you should not succumb to pressure from others to do crazy stuff. It should come from yourself. If ever you feel the need to listen to any advice I have to give, this is probably one of the best ones. Trust me I have enough injuries from past experiences to know.
We took a trip out to Crystal Pools, close to Gordon’s Bay and made our way through a rocky path to get to a beautiful set of pools and waterfalls. It’s amazing! After a sweltering hike, the cool waters of the oasis are only a pleasure to dive into. It’s a fantastic place to spend the day.
Some of the braver people decided they were going to jump from the ledges above the pools. There is a 12m and an 18m jump. The 12m one takes some courage already, but having Action Dan, a professional stunt man around; you knew it was only a matter of time before someone was going to christen the 18m.
I didn’t do either. Besides being an absolute coward…I just wasn’t feeling it. I’ve learnt early on that you should not succumb to pressure from others to do crazy stuff. It should come from yourself. If ever you feel the need to listen to any advice I have to give, this is probably one of the best ones. Trust me I have enough injuries from past experiences to know.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Ghost Town
While strolling down the road yesterday evening, there wasn’t a single car in the road.
Stores were closed, the streets were quiet, there were no murmurings of activities or signs of life. It resembled a scene from 28 Days Later, the Zombie movie where the worlds population ceased to exist.
It was eerie as hell and it didn’t help that the odd bergie (beggar), was drunk and stumbled around looking very undead-like. There were moments where I felt really spooked and wanted to run, in fear one of them was going to lunge at me and pick my brains for his dinner…
So my imagination has gotten the best of me again, but you get the picture. Cape Town was quiet yesterday, almost too quiet. But I suppose it’s just a sign that the party the night before for New Years Eve was a really good one.
Stores were closed, the streets were quiet, there were no murmurings of activities or signs of life. It resembled a scene from 28 Days Later, the Zombie movie where the worlds population ceased to exist.
It was eerie as hell and it didn’t help that the odd bergie (beggar), was drunk and stumbled around looking very undead-like. There were moments where I felt really spooked and wanted to run, in fear one of them was going to lunge at me and pick my brains for his dinner…
So my imagination has gotten the best of me again, but you get the picture. Cape Town was quiet yesterday, almost too quiet. But I suppose it’s just a sign that the party the night before for New Years Eve was a really good one.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Priceless! - A New Years Story
With less than 10 minutes to go before the count down; Xav, Joe and I were running to our mansion party in Fresnaye, only to be kicked out by some wealthy guy with an ego trip.
Standing in the street with no where to go, Joe popped the boot to grab the emergency bottle of bubbly I had packed, just in case we were stuck at the airport, fetching Xav. Confused as to what had just happened, as they had organized earlier with “wealthy guy” for us to join them, Dan and Abi came outside. We did the count down right then and there, in the street; only a few good friends.
Wealth is not about money, it’s about the people you meet and the relationships you forge. The above illustrates that. Sure “wealthy guy” had a massive house, fancy cars and the all the rest (who knows maybe he has a private jet too), but what I did notice when I walked in was that I was in an environment I probably didn’t want to be in, in the first place.
“Wealthy guy” had surrounded himself with the superficial, which of course is great, because he can afford it. But at the end of the day (or in this case year) did he really have as good a time as we did in the street, just a few close friends? Would the people who were there with him really have been there, if not for his so-called wealth?
If you had to ask me the same question, I would already know the answer.
We shrugged the situation off and were just happy to have celebrated New Years together; that my friends, is what you call “real wealth”.
A massive, opulent mansion party in Fresnaye: Thousands upon thousands of Rands. A few stranded friends celebrating the New Year count down out on the streets: Priceless!
Standing in the street with no where to go, Joe popped the boot to grab the emergency bottle of bubbly I had packed, just in case we were stuck at the airport, fetching Xav. Confused as to what had just happened, as they had organized earlier with “wealthy guy” for us to join them, Dan and Abi came outside. We did the count down right then and there, in the street; only a few good friends.
Wealth is not about money, it’s about the people you meet and the relationships you forge. The above illustrates that. Sure “wealthy guy” had a massive house, fancy cars and the all the rest (who knows maybe he has a private jet too), but what I did notice when I walked in was that I was in an environment I probably didn’t want to be in, in the first place.
“Wealthy guy” had surrounded himself with the superficial, which of course is great, because he can afford it. But at the end of the day (or in this case year) did he really have as good a time as we did in the street, just a few close friends? Would the people who were there with him really have been there, if not for his so-called wealth?
If you had to ask me the same question, I would already know the answer.
We shrugged the situation off and were just happy to have celebrated New Years together; that my friends, is what you call “real wealth”.
A massive, opulent mansion party in Fresnaye: Thousands upon thousands of Rands. A few stranded friends celebrating the New Year count down out on the streets: Priceless!
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