New Beginnings

New Years Eve…still no final plans for a party. All I know is that I’m picking up Xav from the airport at close to 11pm.We’re going to wing it from there. We have a few options, but nothing set in stone, I’ll try to find out what he is up for, before making a decision. I fear however, that his flight from New York will have been a tiring one.

It’s the last day of 2008. Personally, the close to this year couldn’t have come quick enough and for a lack of a better word it’s been a ‘kak’ (‘kak’ for those of you who do not understand Afrikaans is a vulgar word meaning: poo) year, perhaps the worst one that I’ve ever experienced.

I don’t even want tempt fate by saying that next year cannot be worse, but the chances are slim. I have a feeling though, that 2009 will be a much better year, a great one even and can’t wait for it to roll in. Throughout the day, I’ll try to think of New Years resolutions and discard the negativity of the past.

A lot of people don’t believe in New Years resolutions, they argue, that one doesn’t have to wait till the new year before making changes. True, one doesn’t have to; but it is good to have a tangible start and finish - ask anyone who has worked in the Project Management paradigm (I’ve been fortunate to have done so previously), milestones are important in projects and in life. The New Year is such a milestone. And this year can be seen as a project gone horribly wrong.

Sure, not everything has been negative, there’s obviously been some positives. I’ve met some terrific new people, but then again, I’ve also lost a few near and dear to me… This year has provided me with a point of departure. And like in a bad project it’s provided me with some references to learn from and to grow.

Will Power

Damn it! It’s difficult to muster up the will power to write. I’m not certain if it’s because I’m on holiday and feel resistance against anything that resembles work or the fact that I’ve been keeping myself preoccupied... But whatever it is, it’s taking up all my strength to do this right now.

Had such a great evening last night, as I said yesterday, I was feeling the whole domesticated vibe and cooked up a storm. I made a pretty mean lasagne and had an impromptu dinner with some friends. Ahh a very relaxed, chilled evening with some food and mates.

Sorry but that’s all I could put down today, time for a little nap. I guess that answers my question then. I’m just too damn lazy to write!

Catch Up

I’m sure all of you have one of those friends that no matter how long you’ve been apart or what has happened, that when you get together you just get on like a house on fire.

I’m fortunate enough to have a few friends like that; and had the pleasure of catching up with such a friend. One of my best mates from when I was a kid in East London, David was in town and we decided to meet up over breakfast, at good old Arnold’s (one of the friendliest, best-value-for-money spots in Cape Town).

It’s been a while since I’ve seen ol’ Dave, at least a few years; but when we met up it seemed like we could pick up from where we last left off. We chatted about the good old day’s, found out what each other has been up to, in the recent chapters of our lives and really had a good time reconnecting. It didn’t feel awkward; it wasn’t weird; there was just this sense of familiarity.

The only difference really between now and then is that we’re bigger, hairier (at least he is…I don’t grow much body hair) and perhaps a little wiser (doubtful – but possible).

So, not much happening today – pretty chilled - that’s why I’ve decided to do the domestic thing: cook and do the odd chore around the flat.

Turbulence

Hoorah! I just landed in Cape Town and I’m glad to be on the ground!

The plane ride back from PE was less than pleasant. I haven’t experienced such a bumpy, turbulent flight in years and sat with my heart in my stomach for the entire journey.

It’s been quite a whirlwind tour of PE. I got to see a lot of old friends, spent some time with the family, surfed and ate a lot, but it’s good to be back in Cape Town. I think it’s time to knuckle down and get ready for the new year ahead.

The Port Elizabeth Premiere of Tunnel Rats

I finally watched, Tunnel Rats! My friends and I organized a mini-premiere last night as part of my birthday.

I spoke to Darryn earlier in the day and asked if we could use his place to screen my movie debut. He has a pretty sweet projector and sound set-up that would really simulate a theoretical experience. He agreed to have it at his house. So everything was set.

I didn’t know about their plan, but as a joke I arrived with a little black bow tie as an addition to my very casual dress. My friends however, surprised me by arriving in full formal wear, which enhanced the authenticity of our premiere night. Bryan even organized a fine bottle of bubbly for the occasion.

I was blown away. It’s not every night that there is a black tie event in ol’ PE, so it was quite a change to see the guys and girls all dolled up.

The movie is best described as a war horror, filled with gore and depicts the futility of war. The action scenes were great and in my opinion, there was some good character development, given the relatively short duration in which the film maker had to do it in.

It was a strange experience for me to relive some of the scenes and recount the performances from some of the actors, especially due to the different angles (that I experienced) in addition to the accompaniment of mood music and scores.

The entire experience was very special and one which I think I will always remember fondly. I could not have asked for a better ending to my birthday.

It's my Birthday and I'll Cry If I Want To

My folks won’t stop feeding me. Every time I leave the house and come back there’s another massive meal on the table. Every time I finish a tube of Pringles, there’s another tube, waiting. There seems to be an endless supply of food and snacks in the Ou residence that keeps replenishing itself. No wonder I was a fat kid.

Not that I’m complaining of course, it’s just a lucky thing I’ve been surfing as much as I have been. While I’ve been home, I’ve surfed 5 times in 3 days clocking up at least 12 hours of water time. Constantly paddling and thus, thankfully, burning calories. Otherwise I might end up incapacitated, incapable of leaving the house due to overeating.

Hmmm surf, eat, surf, and eat some more…It’s not a bad way to spend the rest of my life. Well, I have two more meal obligations to attend to today, lunch with some friends and dinner with the family later this evening. You see it’s my birthday (thank you everyone for the well wishes).

Another year older and hopefully wiser; I’m officially closer to my thirties, on the other side of an exuberant twenty and should probably start to act more responsibly. I should probably begin thinking about my long term future goals, ditch the pie in the sky ideas, and think about settling down and taking safer routes in my career, relationships and other life choices…

“Should” is the operable word. I’m just not sure if I’m capable of listening to conventional wisdom anymore. I’ve abided by it for way too long and have nothing to show for it. So I dare to dream, and to dream big. I hope – no - believe that it is merely a matter of time before these dreams come to fruition and that everything will eventually fall into it’s place.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve. Not even a few minutes off the plane and I found myself surfing solid 4ft perfect waves at my beloved Millers. But before such blessings could be bestowed upon me; there, of course, had to be some tribulations.

On arriving at PE airport, my brother and I were harassed by the police; apparently we look really dangerous (maybe even mafia-like) as they pulled us aside, began interrogating me and made me open my bag to inspect its contents. It was a mild inconvenience as my poor dad had to wait patiently, as they sifted through my delicates looking for things of a dubious nature. At least there were no cavity searches. However, being the only oriental people on board and also being the only two people questioned; it makes me wonder if we were not the subjects of blatant discrimination...

Whatever. I quickly put that behind me, jumped into the car with my best mate Bryan and scored big, finding Millers cranking and resembling the Point in J-Bay, except only better. Three hundred meter rides were the order of the day. I found myself a bit shaky as I haven't been in the water for a while and was riding a board that was shaped for me, when I was 14 years old. I've come a long way since those days and my manliness has outgrown the vehicle once fit for a boy. Otherwise, it was probably the best surf I've had in the last 4 years.

What a welcome home; I'm not certain how it works but like clock work, every Christmas there is a guarantee of good waves in PE.

Surfing works up quite an appetite, which is perfect, as our Christmas Eve dinners are traditionally bountiful and I celebrated with the family in true oriental fashion at the Golden Coast, Chinese restaurant. The family and I enjoyed ourselves with much feasting.

This morning ,I was up ridiculously early, before the rest of the family. So I sneakily snuck out for quick surf before coming back home to exchange gifts. So far, my Christmas has been perfect. I just can't wait for lunch!

I'm wishing you all a Merry Christmas and hope that everyone is having as a terrific time as I am.