Life is not without its little ironies. For example yesterday evening I attended Wakame’s Summer relaunch. However, as luck would have it; the 100 year storm hit our shores and it happened to be the frostiest evening in ages. Besides the un-timely weather the evening was a huge success with plenty of free food and drink to go around. I was particularly impressed when sampling some of the new sushi rolls on the menu and also had the opportunity to try out some of the new varieties of Dim Sum (although I was slightly reluctant to – as I’ve been burnt by Dim Sum before).
The winds from this storm have been devastating, sign posts have blown off, billboards have fallen and trees have been blown over. This morning, while at the gym; I also noticed that there were a lot more people than usual for a Sunday. I then overheard that it was because part of the roof at the Point gym had blown off, so people had decided to migrate to the one in Gardens.
Later, I decided to drive past the Green Point promenade, as I heard that the waves had been ridiculously big. Being a surfer, I’m always curious and decided to go check it out. All I can say is that I have never in my life seen the sea this rough and out of control. It was so hectic that the waves were breaking over the railings and the foam from the breaking waves was being blown onto the middle of the main road.
With Spring a day away, this is seriously unexpected. I guess sometimes expectations and plans are marred and you have to make the most of every situation. Kind of the same way Wakame did by just holding their opening despite harsh conditions. Anyways, tomorrow is the start of a new day, so good night and thanks for all the fish.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Coffee Club
I’ve been thinking…I know, I know…that’s pretty unusual isn’t it? Well what happened was, I woke up really early this morning at about 3am. I felt really parched, decided to stop by the 24 hour Woolies on Orange Street to pick up an Orange juice and went for a bit of a drive to clear my head.
What I noticed at the 24 hour store, at that late hour, was that there was a group of people trying to talk AT each other. I’m not sure if they were trying to impress, but I got this feeling that none of them were actually listening to each other and each person just wanted to land the last word in each sentence.
On the drive, I began thinking that people these days tend to talk AT each other rather than talk TO each other. The biggest difference between these two types of communication is that in the latter; one actually listens, digests the others ramblings and responds with an appropriate thought-about response.
That’s perhaps why I love our coffee club so much. Coffee Club was held at Loading Bay this morning, and what I’m really beginning to appreciate about our little meets are that there are all types of people from all different walks of life in different professions who just get together, socialise and enjoy each others company. And best of all it seems that people actually communicate and listen to one another.
Being selfish and egotistical I have a penchant of calling it MY coffee club, but to be honest it hasn’t been MY coffee club…well since ever…except when I was in Joburg and had all these meetings with myself. I get the sense that the coffee club is really starting to develop its own identity and become a special social event for many people at the beginning of every weekend.
What I noticed at the 24 hour store, at that late hour, was that there was a group of people trying to talk AT each other. I’m not sure if they were trying to impress, but I got this feeling that none of them were actually listening to each other and each person just wanted to land the last word in each sentence.
On the drive, I began thinking that people these days tend to talk AT each other rather than talk TO each other. The biggest difference between these two types of communication is that in the latter; one actually listens, digests the others ramblings and responds with an appropriate thought-about response.
That’s perhaps why I love our coffee club so much. Coffee Club was held at Loading Bay this morning, and what I’m really beginning to appreciate about our little meets are that there are all types of people from all different walks of life in different professions who just get together, socialise and enjoy each others company. And best of all it seems that people actually communicate and listen to one another.
Being selfish and egotistical I have a penchant of calling it MY coffee club, but to be honest it hasn’t been MY coffee club…well since ever…except when I was in Joburg and had all these meetings with myself. I get the sense that the coffee club is really starting to develop its own identity and become a special social event for many people at the beginning of every weekend.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Taking it Easy
Sometimes I like to just to sit around and vegetate. All I really want to do right now is kick back, relax watch something on the “idiot box”, order in some take out and sit there like a mindless, thoughtless muppet.
My excuse to lay low is also because I’m feeling slightly run down from the lack of sleep and sustenance I’ve been experiencing as of late. So I shan’t be seizing anything, least of all the day, lest it be the remote control or another slice of pizza…besides it's night time and isn’t really applicable in any case…”Seize the Day” who came up with that saying anyway? What about the night? Everyone who’s anyone knows that all the real action goes down, when the sun sets. Why didn’t they rather say “Seize the Night?”
Of course, the smarter thing to say would probably be “Seize the Moment” because then it would be applicable to any time. Perhaps I’m just being ridiculous and it’s just a matter of semantics, whatever the case...my brain is about to switch off.
My excuse to lay low is also because I’m feeling slightly run down from the lack of sleep and sustenance I’ve been experiencing as of late. So I shan’t be seizing anything, least of all the day, lest it be the remote control or another slice of pizza…besides it's night time and isn’t really applicable in any case…”Seize the Day” who came up with that saying anyway? What about the night? Everyone who’s anyone knows that all the real action goes down, when the sun sets. Why didn’t they rather say “Seize the Night?”
Of course, the smarter thing to say would probably be “Seize the Moment” because then it would be applicable to any time. Perhaps I’m just being ridiculous and it’s just a matter of semantics, whatever the case...my brain is about to switch off.
Love Devine
It’s been a long emotional day. But it’s been a good day. I woke up and received a message on my phone from my dear friend Jackie, who wanted to wish me some support for La’s funeral which was to take place later in the day.
Sadly, Jackie knows more about loss than anyone; having lost both a father and a brother in recent times, and I really thank her for her kind words of encouragement. She wrote a message to send me strength and warned me that the funeral would be emotional, but that it was good; and that it would bring about some peace a sense of closure.
I worked half a day today, and on my way home to get ready for the funeral I played a song by my other brother, Bryan’s band, the Finkelstiens called “Today”. As the words “Lift your head you’ll find your way, grit your teeth you’ll make it through today” resonated I felt some much needed courage coursing through my system.
The church, as suspected, was too small to cater for La’s memorial service; but then again, was there any ever doubt that it would be big enough? Friends came from far and wide to pay their respects and to show the Devine family their support, our friend Stef even travelled all the way back from NYC to do this. God, it was good to see her.
After the service finished, we moved on to La’s aunt’s house to see Ally, Gary, Mich and the rest of the family. One minute of meeting the Devine family and you start to understand where La’s qualities come from, with her sister equally as talented, loving and carin;, it is obvious that it is the environment that Ali and Gary have provided to produce, not one, but two spectacular women.
The mood lightened with some friends meeting up at Caprice to celebrate La’s life and it is evident to me now that La doesn’t just attract people…she attracts great people. Even after she’s gone, she still seems to bless us and has given all her loved ones the opportunity to unite.
At the end of this day, I am comforted by the fact that she is in a better place. I am really tired now - Jackie was right - I think that it was good for all the emotions to come out. Perhaps tonight I may finally get a restful night of sleep. Rest in Peace, beautiful Ms Devine.
Sadly, Jackie knows more about loss than anyone; having lost both a father and a brother in recent times, and I really thank her for her kind words of encouragement. She wrote a message to send me strength and warned me that the funeral would be emotional, but that it was good; and that it would bring about some peace a sense of closure.
I worked half a day today, and on my way home to get ready for the funeral I played a song by my other brother, Bryan’s band, the Finkelstiens called “Today”. As the words “Lift your head you’ll find your way, grit your teeth you’ll make it through today” resonated I felt some much needed courage coursing through my system.
The church, as suspected, was too small to cater for La’s memorial service; but then again, was there any ever doubt that it would be big enough? Friends came from far and wide to pay their respects and to show the Devine family their support, our friend Stef even travelled all the way back from NYC to do this. God, it was good to see her.
After the service finished, we moved on to La’s aunt’s house to see Ally, Gary, Mich and the rest of the family. One minute of meeting the Devine family and you start to understand where La’s qualities come from, with her sister equally as talented, loving and carin;, it is obvious that it is the environment that Ali and Gary have provided to produce, not one, but two spectacular women.
The mood lightened with some friends meeting up at Caprice to celebrate La’s life and it is evident to me now that La doesn’t just attract people…she attracts great people. Even after she’s gone, she still seems to bless us and has given all her loved ones the opportunity to unite.
At the end of this day, I am comforted by the fact that she is in a better place. I am really tired now - Jackie was right - I think that it was good for all the emotions to come out. Perhaps tonight I may finally get a restful night of sleep. Rest in Peace, beautiful Ms Devine.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Good Memories
It's official there isn't a square centimeter in this town that you can go without meeting someone who doesn't know Lauren Devine.
I found out someone in my office is also connected to her, and earlier, when I went to get my haircut for the funeral tomorrow (I needed to tidy up a bit to look some what respectful, as I was starting to look like the delinquent I actually am) I haphazardly bumped into a bunch of other folks who also know her. I can't remember who it was that said it, but whoever he or she was, was right. There isn't a church big enough in Cape Town that would be able to cater for La's friends.
Be it have been a long or short period that you knew her, she left her mark and made you feel like the most important person in the world. Things have been getting a little easier (relatively at least) for me and instead of focusing on what has happened, I've been focusing on the good times that we've shared - to be honest I think she wants it this way. I was so happy to find out, last night, when I visited one of her very close friends, Caz, that La had visited Charlies Bakery and had bought some cupcakes for her birthday there. We drove past Charlies about a week ago and when La saw the place she wondered if it was worth the effort to visit. I insisted that she should go, because they had the most phenominal cakes...I'm just glad that someone listened and took my advice for a change - generally most people look at me as if I'm daft.
When I was living up in Johannesburg, I missed the coffee club I had going in Cape Town so much, that I decided to try get one started up there as well. La was living up there at the time too and was the only other person besides me who ever attended. I hated living there and when ever I complained about it, it was to her. She obviously prefered Cape Town more as well and thats why she probably moved back down to Cape Town. But In true Devine style; she put a positive spin on it and convinced me that it wasn't all bad. She would always tell me that at least we had the Vida at 24 Central and the Tasha's - which I do admit now that I really miss and would probably hop on a plan to Joburg for, just to grab one of their cappucino's and breakfasts. She has this amazing ability to make the best of every situation...
My brother and I had dinner with some amazing friends this evening. It was awesome to catch up with Georgina and Andrew. We actually met La originally through Georgie a few years back and it was great to spend the eveing sharing some good memories with each other. I've come to realize that everyone mourns differently. I guess I really find comfort in writing about her and trying to convey what a wonderful person she is and to celebrate how positively she lived.
I found out someone in my office is also connected to her, and earlier, when I went to get my haircut for the funeral tomorrow (I needed to tidy up a bit to look some what respectful, as I was starting to look like the delinquent I actually am) I haphazardly bumped into a bunch of other folks who also know her. I can't remember who it was that said it, but whoever he or she was, was right. There isn't a church big enough in Cape Town that would be able to cater for La's friends.
Be it have been a long or short period that you knew her, she left her mark and made you feel like the most important person in the world. Things have been getting a little easier (relatively at least) for me and instead of focusing on what has happened, I've been focusing on the good times that we've shared - to be honest I think she wants it this way. I was so happy to find out, last night, when I visited one of her very close friends, Caz, that La had visited Charlies Bakery and had bought some cupcakes for her birthday there. We drove past Charlies about a week ago and when La saw the place she wondered if it was worth the effort to visit. I insisted that she should go, because they had the most phenominal cakes...I'm just glad that someone listened and took my advice for a change - generally most people look at me as if I'm daft.
When I was living up in Johannesburg, I missed the coffee club I had going in Cape Town so much, that I decided to try get one started up there as well. La was living up there at the time too and was the only other person besides me who ever attended. I hated living there and when ever I complained about it, it was to her. She obviously prefered Cape Town more as well and thats why she probably moved back down to Cape Town. But In true Devine style; she put a positive spin on it and convinced me that it wasn't all bad. She would always tell me that at least we had the Vida at 24 Central and the Tasha's - which I do admit now that I really miss and would probably hop on a plan to Joburg for, just to grab one of their cappucino's and breakfasts. She has this amazing ability to make the best of every situation...
My brother and I had dinner with some amazing friends this evening. It was awesome to catch up with Georgina and Andrew. We actually met La originally through Georgie a few years back and it was great to spend the eveing sharing some good memories with each other. I've come to realize that everyone mourns differently. I guess I really find comfort in writing about her and trying to convey what a wonderful person she is and to celebrate how positively she lived.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Take Care
Unfortunately I don’t have too much to say today. I’m pretty much emotionally spent and right now, I feel a little bit numb. I had a long day at work, just trying to keep busy and to keep my mind off things. Didn’t get much sleep last night and woke up really early, so I decided to go to work early to try keep myself occupied.
The one thing I have noticed myself doing a lot more and with a lot more sincerity, is finishing off mails or a tet-te-tet with the words “Take care”.
The one thing I have noticed myself doing a lot more and with a lot more sincerity, is finishing off mails or a tet-te-tet with the words “Take care”.
Monday, August 25, 2008
WWLDD
I haven’t had too much sleep and my appetite has been pretty much non-existent. I was finally able to catch a couple of hours yesterday evening, and when my alarm went off this morning, there was really, very little motivation for me to get out and face the day, let alone wake up. I wanted everything that had happened to be a bad dream. All I really wanted was to curl up, lie there and feel sorry for myself.
But I’m pretty certain that La wouldn’t have wanted that, so I gathered all my strength got out of bed and headed off to work. I tried to stay optimistic, and my mantra for the day to stay positive was “WWLDD” (What would Lauren Devine do – because – well really - she’s always so damn positive). For most part I did all right, but every now and then I had to slip to the bathroom. I don’t know if it’s a man thing or a matter of professionalism, but I don’t particularly like having my colleagues see me weep.
Sadly, I couldn’t make it through the whole day. The tipping point was when our CEO was commenting on how much he loved carrot cake, as someone kindly brought some to work due to it being their birthday. The mention of Carrot Cake just brought on a whole lot of memories.
The one thing I really appreciate, which I don’t say often enough, is that I appreciate the amazing bunch of people whom I have the pleasure of calling my friends. The support, words of encouragement and love amongst our group has been phenomenal. Ironically, when I’ve been by myself I tend to do better; but when I see one of my friends, for some reason I see La and it chokes me up. I guess she really has left a little bit of herself in all of us.
I can only pray that everyone else who is going through the same trials and tribulation have a similar support system.
But I’m pretty certain that La wouldn’t have wanted that, so I gathered all my strength got out of bed and headed off to work. I tried to stay optimistic, and my mantra for the day to stay positive was “WWLDD” (What would Lauren Devine do – because – well really - she’s always so damn positive). For most part I did all right, but every now and then I had to slip to the bathroom. I don’t know if it’s a man thing or a matter of professionalism, but I don’t particularly like having my colleagues see me weep.
Sadly, I couldn’t make it through the whole day. The tipping point was when our CEO was commenting on how much he loved carrot cake, as someone kindly brought some to work due to it being their birthday. The mention of Carrot Cake just brought on a whole lot of memories.
The one thing I really appreciate, which I don’t say often enough, is that I appreciate the amazing bunch of people whom I have the pleasure of calling my friends. The support, words of encouragement and love amongst our group has been phenomenal. Ironically, when I’ve been by myself I tend to do better; but when I see one of my friends, for some reason I see La and it chokes me up. I guess she really has left a little bit of herself in all of us.
I can only pray that everyone else who is going through the same trials and tribulation have a similar support system.
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