Another year older...

I will be 22 years old on Thursday 18, November 2010. To me it’s just another year older, as I believe 22 to be a very boring age. It’s not like turning 13 and becoming a teenager, or turning 18 and becoming legal according to law legislation or turning 21 when you can basically do anything and you become your own legal guardian.

I will mention that this year was filled with lots of surprises, challenges, opportunities, disappointment, achievements and heart ache. All of which I believe has made me a better and stronger person- I wouldn’t do anything differently even if I got the chance to.

I hope that next year will be as prosperous as this year. I hope to grow a little wiser from all life’s curve balls. May I discover new things and live life to the fullest.

Happy Birthday to Me!

The day I passed my driver’s licence

It took me three years to pass my driver’s licence, yep you read correctly, three years! I had to write my learners twice and passed out three times and on the fourth attempt I finally passed.

I was so determine to pass my driver’s licence before I went into industry.

The first time I went to pass out at Hillstar in Ottery; second time I went to Goodwood and the third time I went to Philippi- all three attempts I failed.

I then booked my driver’s licence for the fourth time at Hillstar. It was for November 20, 2009. It was three days after my 21st birthday and I thought what a great present it would be to myself if I passed my driver’s licence.

It was a scorching hot day and I was beyond nervous, my leg would not stop shaking.

I did my alley docking perfectly from both sides and then I moved onto parallel. I screwed up big time but the traffic officer gave me a second chance and I made it out alive. Once I got onto the road I felt more at ease and my leg finally stopped shaking- thought it was going to fall off.

The traffic officer took me on what I called a ‘baby route,’ I could’ve done it with my eyes closed.
When we arrived back at Hillstar, the traffic officer told me that I passed. I almost kissed him- key word, ALMOST! Haha! It really was the best day of my life, a day that I will always remember. And it was definitely worth all the tears and perseverance. At least I know that I don’t have to go through that crap ever again!

My 21st

The November 18, 2009 finally arrived after 21 years of my life and I couldn’t feel any better.

I didn’t have lavish plans for my 21st. I planned a family dinner at home on my birthday. The weekend of my birthday I took my friends to Cubana in Edward Street for supper and then we partied up a storm. I didn’t want my parents to waste money on a massive hall and catering. I told them I’d rather have that kind of thing for my wedding but for now an informal 21st will do.

It was a memorable 21st spent with lots of family, friends and birthday wishes.

I did not get a key to a car on my birthday but later I did a few months after my birthday.

Summer is here!

The sun is blazing

We feeling the sweltering heat burn our skin

For those of us who don’t have aircon in our cars, we literally cook in them

We flock to shady areas and just to feel some form of coolness
We increase our intake of fluids and light foods such as salads and pasta
We decrease our intake of stews, soups and hot drinks
We pack our thick jackets and jerseys away and bring out our shorts,
t-shirts and sandals not forgetting our shades
We complain about the heat but we all know that summer is what Capetonians look forward especially after a dull, cold and wet winter

Girls just love to shop!

To hell with the saying ‘girls just love to have fun,’ it should be girls just love to shop! So I might be generalising a bit but the majority of us girls love to shop.

It’s the best feeling when you find something that you are looking for, or when you find something but you weren’t even looking.

The worst part of shopping is obviously not being able to find something that you are looking for. Or you find something but it’s too expensive or you haven’t gotten paid yet- I guess that is what those plastic cards are there for. Not forgetting another frustrating point for us girls, is finding something but it’s not in your size- grumpy face!

But let us rather dwell on the positives... it is the best feeling when you have bought something new. I cannot wait to wear my new item. In my mind I am already mixing and matching the new the item with what I already have in my wardrobe.

Shopping always makes a girl feel better. It’s like a craving, like a drug and we can’t wait to get our next fix. My prescription for this addiction is to abstain from all shopping activities.

A true shopaholic once told me that it is bad luck to cut off the tags of a new item until you actually decide to wear it. So be aware of the ‘curse of the shopping tag.’

Daddy’s Little Girl

I am proud to say that I’m still “daddy’s little girl,” even though I’m not little anymore.

During the holidays I would go to work with my dad as my mom always had to work. I had to get up very early and I can still remember how dark it would be outside. I would be dressed really thick and brought my pillow and blanket along for the ride.

Going with my dad to work was always so exciting and I loved making photocopies of my hands.

Over the weekends I would merrily tag along with dad to watch my brother play cricket. I would run around like a wild-child until I couldn’t anymore. It was fun days spent in the sun. I never paid much attention to the cricket game that was taking place.

On a Friday during summer, my dad would always take me to the beach. I looked forward to my Fridays at the beach building sand castles and running away from the water.

Saturday’s a Sunday’s breakfast always consisted of scrambled egg with onions and cheese on toast. My dad was the one who taught me how to make scrambled eggs.

Fond memories that I will forever treasure! Thanks Dad you are the best!

Sleeping

Tired- heavy eyes

Tired body and mind
Been up morning through to night
A sick feeling, must be the lack of sleep

Keep pushing, keep moving but there’s only so much one can do

Not even a caffeine boost will do

There is only answer, only one solution- sleep

Dreams, pillow, bed and blanket
Nothing could ever sound sweeter
Laying your head to rest on the softest pillow, sinking into a luxurious bed
Feeling yourself drifting off into the unknown, falling deeper and deeper into an unconscious state
Where nothing else matters and the world is a fantasy
There’s nothing better than sleep- a human beings best friend

The Festive Season!!!

What a jolly time of the year! Shop window displays are decorated in the most festive way; advertisements on television oozing with Christmas specials and savings; family get-togethers; planning weekends away and end-of-year staff parties. One just cannot resist the “season to be jolly.”

It is so easy to get caught up in the most incredible hype for the festive season but we tend to forget the meaning behind it all. Not only is it the time to spend with family and loved ones, but it is also those who are less fortunate than we are. I can only begin to image the feeling that these people have during the festive season- not very festive is it?

So when you start planning your scrumptious Christmas lunch or relaxing holiday, take the time out and do something for the less fortunate- a little does go a long way.

Be safe, be festive and be generous!

Discovery Cape Times Big Walk

On 5 June 1903 Spartan Harriers committee decided it was time to organise a long distance walk.

The Discovery Cape Times Big Walk still incorporates the historic 80km Cape Town to Simons Town and back route, together with eight more manageable distances.

This year the Discovery Cape Times Big Walk took place on Sunday 14 November, 2010. With more than 34 000 participants, this contributed to a very successful day. Local celebs such as Joe Barber and Stuart Taylor kept the crowd entertained along with other local singing groups and acts.

Myolisi Xayo who participated in his first Big Walk, was the first male to cross the finishing line of the 80km walk, whilst bettering last year’s time.
The first female walker was Vanessa Theron, who was only an hour behind Xayo. She improved her 2008 time by 14 minutes.

Despite the howling when and gruelling heat, he Discovery Cape Times Big Walk was a memorable day for all.