Friday 31 December 2010

THANKYOU 2010!...the world in review

As 2010 draws to an end, some people will make a list of resolutions for the new year, some will look back to all the highlights and events that took place, and some people will just get a new calendar for their office or home.


This year at large saw  thousands lose their lives in the Haiti earthquake, millions of Toyota vehicles were recalled after problems with sticky accelerators, Apple launched the fascinating IPad (tablet computer), the Iceland ash disrupted flights over Europe,the Worldcup took place in South Africa and Prince William proposed to Kate, and while we're at it, Playboy's Hugh Hefner, 84, gets engaged! There's obviously much more that made memorable moments, but every year there will be more memorable moments to look back on, and eventually forget some! With South African heartlands deep within me, it makes me so proud to recall the Worldcup in our beautiful country!

From the bottom tip of the African continent, South Africa was put on the map and became the top talking point of the world; 2010 WORLDCUP WAS HERE!! (AndrĂ© S Chetty)
Waka waka was on the lips of people world over!! And to help you remember, "JUST" in case you've forgotten.......


Proudly South African!
                                               Video from THIS SITE  and HERE

With the first decade in the naughtie years almost over, there's definitely so much to look forward to. So here's to happy endings and memorable moments, and to new and happy beginnings! May your dreams and hearts desires be fulfilled and fruitful. Life is about the journey, enjoy it!
"All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on,and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there"  ~ Lao Tzu ~
Wishing you and your family a blessed and exciting 2011!!!
                                                              
                                                             HAPPY NEW YEAR!




...as aptly as always!!    
                                                                                       

Sunday 19 December 2010

A Beautiful Life... For those I will always remember

We all know and have experienced the painful loss of someone close and dear to us at some point in our life. As much as it may be such a sad part of life ( ironical as that sounds), it is very much a reality that we must all accept. We may mention it jokingly, talk about wills being drawn up, just never want to talk about it, or just try to change the topic, but the fact of life is that one day our time too will come.

Today a school friend I've known for a long time was laid to rest. The day I came to hear the news of her passing away, brought a painful shock. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Even though I haven't seen her since we've matriculated from high school, the memories I have of her and our childhood friends seem to appear so vivid. And even though I'm a continent apart from home, my thoughts and prayers go out dearly to her family.





The shock was to realise just how suddenly life can be taken away. It's challenging to allow out hearts to say goodbye to our beloved, and even though the pain never really seems to ease, somewhere down life's road we find the courage to accept it. When we think of them, we have treasured,priceless and beautiful memories that will live in our hearts forever, and we know they've moved on to a beautiful life. These moments make us learn to appreciate life much more and also be greatful of those around us. There's no time for squabbling and worrying about the things that aren't going to make our lives any healthier. Material things have so little value in life, and no value when we finally leave.

Love those around you, and let them know how much you appreciate them. Don't wait till it's too late...there should be no regrets in life.
Goodbye to our dear beautiful friend.

Sunday 5 December 2010

It's Christmas time once again




The white flurry stuff seemed to have come much earlier this year. This week saw all of the United Kingdom  covered with this white magical and yet somewhat disruptive stuff. London and all surrounding parts were  transformed into a winter wonderland, and at Christmas time could you ask for anything more? (apart from world peace).
Somehow when the snow arrives it just seems as though the sound of everything around has drowned into a dull silence. Just watching the snow fall feels so relaxing and is such a wonderous sight.

As I made my way to the bustop two nights ago, it felt like a scene out of "The Book of Eli" where the only sound resonating was the sound of my breathing and my boots trudging through the three to four inch snow walking past dimmed street lights. It's like the cars that I walked past full of snow, were just abandoned, and the road for that matter. It's like I was the only living soul around,and even though I could see cars in the nearby distance, that's all they were, without any sound whatsoever.
My sense of relief came when I saw my bus approaching, and finally the signs of life.

It's a few weeks away from Christmas and something about snow falling around this time of year just seems to make the atmosphere so magical. It's the time when so many emotions come to heart, when people think about lost loved ones, the sadness of being alone, the thought of being far away from family, bringing family together having roast turkey lunch,thoughts about being kind, giving,  and thinking of those most unfortunate. It's the one time of year that people from all walks of faith can come together and share a common spirited goal, that of selflessness.




So even though some children around the world will eagerly await to open their presents under the tree  on Christmas day (if they're fortunate enough), my hope is that the spirit and the true meaning of Christmas will never be lost through the pressures of commercialism.

May the magic and miracle of Christmas bring you everlasting love, joy, peace and happiness!!

Sunday 28 November 2010

A new journey!

When God closes a window, somewhere He opens a door...

Sometimes in life things dont always work out the way you'd like it to, but I always believe there's a reason. There's a time and place for all things, and somewhere down the line you get to see the bigger picture of things and realise why it wasn't so. Most times it's a sign of a direction for a new journey that you're meant to embark on! A new journey is an adventure and always so exciting...you can always envision the positive!
Like most things in life there is always some risk involved with whatever you do, and then you pen out your pros and cons, and wonder if the risk is ever worth taking. Well, as said before, life is too short not to take the risk sometimes (obviously within some common sense).




I think that whatever life holds for you, you should be able to embrace it in the best way possible. We're always going to have some diversions, obstacles and some real "pain in the necks" just to make our journey a little more challenging, but the great thing about it is the will to stay focused, and that destination once reached!

So even though we may not know how long this journey will take us, some will be a lifetime and will be just that worth it, the fact that we were brave enough to embark on a new journey is a sure enough sign of moving on and allowing ourselves to do so! Sometimes it's just a matter of time to realise that a door has been opened, and it takes courage to take the next step!

Whatever journey you're on, and whatever new journey awaits you, may it be paved with success and enlightenment, enveloped in love.

Saturday 20 November 2010

Following your heart



It's funny how we sometimes are constantly chasing dreams in life, or always needing a sense of fulfilment in material things that are mostly of temporary value, and that will never really provide a complete fulfilment and satisfaction that the heart really requires. Making decisions in life can sometimes be so daunting that we're so afraid of taking that risk that we're willing to sacrifice our happiness because of fear of the unknown.
Life is just too short not to be able to take some of those risks, and sometimes we realise that when it's a bit too late.

Sometimes we just have to take the plunge in life and go with the heart, because the voice of reason always interrupts and righfully so, but sometimes it prevents us from reaching for that unknown that might just be the answer that we've always been waiting for.
I, personally, feel the need to go with my voice of reason, because it's the most sensible and logical thing to do, barring the true and inmost feelings of my heart, which at some point in my life makes me realise that I could have lost out on some priceless opportunities.


It's not too late to realise that your heart could actually be the voice of reason sometimes, even though it may be late with lost chances, especially with matters of the heart. It just takes that little bit of courage to go with that heartfelt and inmost feeling and you most realise it when you lose someone precious in your life.

So, when lifes buzzer eventually sounds, there should be no space and time for regrets and "if only's.."
You can have everything in life, yet you can never really have it all.

Monday 4 October 2010

A thing called LOVE




LOVE is patient, LOVE is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
                                                                                                                               1 Corinthians 13:4-7


Songs,books, poems, verses in the Bible, all have connotations about love that are expressed in numerous ways which all in all capture the very same meaning to be conveyed. It teaches you and guides you about love, and whether you're young, old and whatever disability one might have, everyone has gone through this wondrous experience of being in love, even if it has been unrequited. It is the one universal experience for all things that breathe life! How amazing, and what a blessing.


It's the flutter of your heart, the warmth within your chest, the lightheadedness, the weak knees,the heartache when you're away, the smile on your face when you think of that special love, the feeling of being loved and knowing that someone has a special place in their heart for you, the excitement inside when you see that love after a long time, that look at exchanged glances, unspoken " I love you's...".... and the list goes on, and yes it is all chemistry between lovers and the feeling of being in love due to Phenylethylamine (commonly known as the 'love molecule') which is a natural chemical released from the brain triggered from seeing your love. You often hear the expression 'there's a chemistry or spark' and Cupid's arrows are full of this magic potion. Love makes you do funny things, the extent one goes through even though it sounds and looks foolish, it just doesnt matter, love makes the best excuse!

The happiness that love emotes is indefinable, a magnitude that is undescribable, even if it is shortlived, it is the fact that it has lived within your heart. I've heard the expression "A woman's heart is as deep as the ocean" and I like to think so, there are moments of love in one's life that are locked away in some deep treasure box, and the key is kept close to your heart. Some loves are never forgotten, first loves, meaningful relationships, and special friendships.


Love is blind, and maybe so, but if you have met your match in life, that ONE that compliments you in ways that nobody else can, and that ONE that completes you, then you have found your priceless treasure for a lifetime.



The greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love and be loved in return...
eden ahbez 'Nature Boy' (1948)




                                                                                                                          

                                                                                         

Tuesday 28 September 2010

We're in The "I" generation

If you're not up to date with mobile technology already, that's okay. Because if you haven't noticed, we haved reached the " I " generation, as in IPod, IPhone 3,4 and now the IPad! Everywhere I seem to go, onto a bus, train, shop or on the street, almost every other person seems to have the popular white headsets that go with it. I am amazed at the pace of all of this and how it seems to be the next best thing to when the Commodore 64 first came out!

The IPhone was unveiled at Macworld in January 2007. The " I " originally stood for Internet, and now it's called intelligent, interfacing, in your face, incredible, or as I  like to call it 'Intellectual'. With just over 250 000 applications from entertainment, audiobooks, brain games, "how to.." stuff and even your own personalised Vuvuzelas just to annoy the ones you love, you truly have the world at your fingertips! With the liquid crystal display screen and virtual keyboard, it feels like you're in some sci-fi generation, or like a '007' agent! But that's cut short the moment you step out in public!



Apple is taking over, and with a high demand and popularity it's no surprise they're the leading mobile manufacturer for computers and phones. Steve Jobs and his engineers MUST be doing something incredibly right! Just when I thought that I would not succumb to needing to upgrade my phone, as the one I had served it's purpose well, and everyone around me was raving how addictive this IPhone was, I thought ..'well , I AM due for an upgrade, so why not??', just like every other time I told myself I didn't need an upgrade! And now here I am raving about it and discovering how addictive it actually is. I thought I would miss my old phone,but not as much, because there are still some features on it that I miss. Typical marketing though, one model is developed without some features and the next one comes along with video call and a camera flash, as if they didn't think of it when they developed the original IPhone!( Maybe they actually didn't?)


So I'm wondering if there's another IPhone version coming out within the new year, like the IPhone 5 or the ultimate (U)Phone, who knows, maybe they would install a telescope on it so you would be able to see the craters on the moon, or even a microscope . I wouldn't put anything past Apple! Actually just reading through an article I've learnt that the IPhone5 is REALLY coming out October this year!!!..there you go!

If you think it's no big deal, Blackberry and other loyal mobile users, it actually is, well at least to those who have been " I "  generated! But as long as you can still make those calls from anywhere and send and receive texts, that's all that matters....which is why the mobile phone was invented in the first place! It just gets more fancy every year. Let's just say if you're thinking of getting an IPhone, it's definitely not a bad idea!

Saturday 18 September 2010

FABULOUS London!





I woke up to a somewhat rare gorgeous blue sky day in London town, and felt instantaneously energised. In my mind I had a whole range of ideas and plans for the day, as you do. It took me a bus ride into the city to realise how lucky and fortunate I am to be living in this awesome city. It's beauty and historical elegance never ceases to amaze me! And even though I've travelled the same route quite a few times, somehow everytime the bus travels over Waterloo bridge, I am reminded of the expanse of it's beauty, passing the London Eye, Big Ben, The Savoy Hotel, St Pauls Cathedral over the Thames River. I am in awe and captivated as though it were my first journey.
So today was quite interesting with London fashion week taking place for the next spring and winter collection.
When you walk down Oxford street and New Bond street, you really have a sense of being in a fashion capital, where some people look as though they're walking down the catwalk, with their fashion label clothing, and clothes that just speak for themselves.




So from fancy cars, and 'ol sweet shops that take people down memory lane, and the historic Trafalgar Square, accompanied by the bright sunshine, there is no space for idle time! Pope Benedict is also in town, having just completed the prayer vigil at Hyde Park this evening, with an attendance of 80 000 people. It has been 28 years since Great Britain has seen a visit from the Pope. What a blessing to have him here.

A walk along the river at London Bridge following the Queen's walk just tops an extraordinary day, watching tourists pose along the river for the shot of Tower Bridge in the background.
AWESOME DAY!!


Tuesday 14 September 2010

GAGA GONE TOO FAR?


Add caption
 So the Biebs and Lady Gaga rocked at the VMA. No surprise that the controversial Lady Gaga, aka Stefani Germanotta, won the Video of the year award and scooped up eight awards, with a dress change before you could even remember what the last one looked like! Well actually, for those that were there, if they couldn't see her, they were able to SMELL her with her contoversial "meat" dinner outfit. Thank goodness for her sake, no dogs allowed! Trust Gaga to bring on the drama!
 L'il Bieber cute as a button,  appeared as though he's done the VMA's a few times now...I guess that's what you get when chilling with Usher. Great on him!

As for the follow up on Taylor and Kanye, she was angelic and the words seemed inclined towards Kanye's past behaviour and the fact that she's moved on (playing a clip for those who didn't remember that last VMA), and acknowledged his immaturity and innocence on that. She was subtly and kinda ladylike dissing Kanye. For those who didn't care about the message, she looked gorgeous with a cute white frock and bare feet emphasizing that nothing phases her and she gives as good as she gets! As for Kanye, I'm guessing there was a reason that he was the last performance for the night. Who knows what the message in his song was really all about, but something tells me, he could have sung anything out there and people would still love and support him. That's celebrity status for ya! I wonder if we'll be seeing these two perform again next year, and what drama awaits us!
Maybe Gaga will be married by then, with a mini Gaga on the way, and then we'll be seeing more of Stefani Germanotta.

Sunday 12 September 2010

VMA's time!

So it's VMA time again. For those of you who don't know, it's the Video Music Awards. It is awarded by the cable network MTV to celebrate the top music videos of the year, where music artists and popular bands are awarded  and noticed for their talents and creativity, along with some unforgettable, live crazy moments.

If you happened to remember the last VMA, and the unforgivable Kanye with his outrageous outburst when Taylor Swift was being awarded, you shoud know that the unexpected is expected. Well, Taylor is still the better person, because she walked off with the award, and the rest of the world has moved on forgiving and hopefully forgetting the Kanye incident. Forgiving maybe, forgetting, I'm not so sure about.Suffice to say, Kanye has taken enough heat for that, deservedly so, and he has apologised profusely about it and wants to move on. But shame, every year when the VMA comes along now, will people wonder, what will Kanye do? Time to move on ....but watch this space!

The little Bieber kid has definitely taken the world by storm, with his lovely flipsy hair which has probably rocketed his album sales (along with all sorts of hair products) around the world, making worldwide pre-teenage girls all gaga over him. Oh and not forgetting his cute voice that got him there in the first place. Talking of GAGA...well, the LADY has certainly outdone herself this year, incredibly so!!

Can't WAIT for the entertainment to begin!!

Monday 6 September 2010

The 60's BABY!




I must have been born in the wrong era, or maybe it's just my passion for music! Everytime I hear some 60's classic, it seems as though I have lived through that time. It's quite an intriguing feeling.
As much as that is simply not possible,because I was born in the 70's, I have to say that the music somehow "takes me back" to a time I've never known, yet feel so apart of! How is that possible, or is it just normal?
It's not like I have a collection of 60's music, but I guess most of them are just familiar to us, either by old black and white movies, or the REALLY odd times they're cranked up on the 'ol radio stations...guess the year!!
Whatever it is, I love it, I love the feeling I get from listening to these 'ol classics and how it somehow manages to take me back to these years that I've never known in my life.

Saturday 4 September 2010

Gals in the City...Just like 'ol times



About a week ago I caught up with my old gal friends after a long time. One of the gals had moved out of London about 3 years ago now, and so it gets hard to find the convenient time when we all share the same day off! We had great times before, and we'd meet almost every other weekend, at least once a month to do a starbucks coffee/lunch and a movie, or if we started real early, a double billing of movies. This was our routine gals time..kinda like Sex and the City, without any guy drama. It was therapeutic, relaxing, entertaining and also our means to catch up with the latest goss, and whinge and moan about workstuff, as you do.
We occassionally did the retail therapy down Oxford or Regent Street, which was always fun. But for most of the time, we were movie gals checking out the latest on the big screen. Of course it helped that we had unlimited cards, so could watch anything and everything, at anytime to our hearts content, and walked out if we didnt like a movie...not that THAT ever happened!

So here we were in Starbucks, the three of us, after a year or so of all being together.
I remember the first time we three planned to meet at Starbucks in Canary Wharf. If you know it quite well, you would know there are quite a few Starbucks within the plaza perimeter. No surprise at all when we all arrived at Starbucks, thinking we were there calling each other to check where they were,and sure enough, they were already at Starbucks, only, elsewhere in the plaza. We three had successfully managed to meet at three different Starbucks at the same time! What a joke, and truly a memorable and treasured moment, never to be forgotten!!

It felt like we just picked up from where we'd left off, and I guess that's the great thing about friendship and good friends, you don't have to explain yourself,there's always a mutual and unconditional understanding for what might seem remiss. We had our usual lattes, accompanied by an irresistable slice of carrotcake, just like the 'ol times!! It was normally blueberry cheesecake, but I think we were late for that! It's amazing how the past years events in our lives were just summarised within just about two and a half hours.
It was off to the movies, and SALT was showing at the time. A large bag of popcorn and large drinks of soda in the hands,we were ready for the movie!! As usual it was giggles and laughter for us, about something on the big screen or groups who had just walked in, like the village people that day!!
The movie ended up being great.It was an awesome day, and an awesome ending!! Looking forward to the next time, hopefully before a full year has completed!! Friendship is precious! Keep in touch with your friends!

Monday 30 August 2010

Fashion at the EMMY's!!



Classy, chic, pizazz, goddess like, alluring are but some of the terms that come to mind for a glamorous event that one can only dream of attending. It's really fabulous to watch these gorgeous people make their stage appearance in their uber hot deisgner make gowns and suits. All that time and effort to put that make-up on, choose the  right outfit after going through like maybe a dozen or so, and then starve yourself the day before just so that you can squeeze into it for a few hours the next day!! Ohh, the pressure to be so glammed up!! Fortunately for some, they just look so natural and effortless beauty just exudes through them.

After all the glitz and glamour is over, they suck it in and take the heat by the so called "Queen of Fashion Police" and whatever gives her the right to criticise, Joan Rivers. However mean and critical she sounds, I have to admit, she is one funny 'ol gal and provides enough entertainment at the expense of others. She is downright honest, maybe a bit too much?? I'm sure the actors and actresses don't really take it too seriously, after all they've worked too hard and come too far to be worried about what someone says about their attire...they're still sitting pretty and raking in the dosh!!

Still, whatever your take is on the EMMY's, it is lovely just checking out the glam scene and the glamourous people that make that day!!
And 'Who are YOU wearing today??'.....

Saturday 21 August 2010

my BOX of delights



In life we are always going to have moments that we just want to keep forever. Someone asked me the other day whether or not I had a significant other in my life, and I said "no". She said, good for me because I would have no headaches. So I said, well even if there was I'll put it in a box, along with a box of happiness and memories, and all this would go in a big box of love! Whatever my little boxes had, they were sure to be surrounded with love! That made me realise that this would be a box of life, where we can store what we want and open to look at when we want. We have to make room in our lives for all sorts because we don't live in an ideal world. Truly speaking we all have a box of life, whether it's past memories, love, happy times and other happy or significant memories. We decide what goes in the box, what stays in the box and when we do a cleanup, what comes out of that box. It's probably not a good idea to overfill the box, because then like anything you overfill, it's going to burst, and you don't want that happening. In other words we have to be selective about what we want in that box. It's our box of life afterall!

Thursday 12 August 2010

When you're so close to death...

Life is so unexpected. It really shakes you up when you realise how much of it we take for granted, and how much we really need to start being appreciative. Sometimes it takes events in our lives to remind us of this. This week was challenging enough in that sense, and I felt blessed in a strange way to be able to say goodbye to a soul I had never met. He was only 39 years and it just felt like he was cheated by life, and I'm sure that's what his family and fiance had thought. How unfair to be taken so quickly, not being able to even say a last goodbye. It's times like this when you realise how precious every moment in your life is, and how every minute counts, and how you should just have the courage to take the bull by the horn and do whatever it is you've been dreaming of doing. Everything seems to be on such a small scale when it's weighed against death, you realise how insignificant most things are that you've been pulling  your hair out on.
It's definitely made me look at life in a different light, and made me realise that I shouldn't sweat the little things, and if you're wise and calm, with God's grace, the big things will take care of itself! Live life, and dance like nobody is watching!

Thursday 5 August 2010

When you get a lovely reply from an email....

Don't you just love it when you email someone, where the chances are quite slim of getting a reply because you get an automated response, and you actually get an awesome reply instead!
It's a warm feeling knowing that someone has taken the time to read your email and they send you a thought out reply. Makes my day to know that even though people are so caught up in their hectic schedules of life, they can make the time for a complete stranger.
What an AWESOME feeling...my week has been made. Sometimes all it takes is just to appreciate the little things that happen in your life to have a whole new perspective!

Wednesday 4 August 2010

I love rainy days...



It's amazing how we can know it's raining just by the smell of those drops, without seeing it or hearing it. Rainy days make me think of popcorn and a lovely hot cup of coffee. Today,however, was not going to be one of those days. I managed to dash out to run some errands and as I was about to start making my tracks home, the heavens opened and the beautiful rain came pelting down. It was my excuse to sit in Starbucks and wait for it to subside. How could I resist a piece of my favourite carrot cake and my chai tea!! I sat there and watched people running through the rain to get to their cars, and people with drenched hair walking into Starbucks. As much as I do love to walk in the rain and feel the small drops on my face, somehow carrying two big grocery bags would not have made it fun enough for me. Not to mention the lovely after effect on my hair! I was almost beginning to wonder why I had even left the house, when I could have been home having some lovely hot popcorn and my cup of coffee.
The dark clouds were looming in the sky as a sign for another downpour. I love how when you do make your way home it clears up, and just as you get indoors it starts all over again getting ready for a new day with a fresh awakening.

Monday 2 August 2010

There IS a silver lining!!


Feeling really blessed and highly charged today! I have so many things to be thankful for and we may wake up on the wrong side of the bed somedays, but we just have to grab the bull by the horn and go for it! Feeling sorry for ourselves is just not gonna cut it and there's no sense in wallowing in the "what coulda's" and "what shoulda's" of life. Everyday is a new day and it's so easy to take things for granted, but we need to really appreciate what we have and realise how fortunate we are.
When you think you're having a bad day, there's always someone out there having the worst day or the last day of their life....life is for the living, so we just have to live it what ever challenges are hurdled our way.
Who wants to just live a run of the mill 'ol day anyway?
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is most certainly a gift! Use it wisely.

Friday 18 June 2010

My love, my life

Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us ...




Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits ...




No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves ... Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men ...






My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once ...






Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.




Ever thine,




Ever mine,




Ever ours.


Love everlasting............



(Ludwig van Beethoven)


Friday 21 May 2010

FOR THE LOVE OF NATURE

MY  ALL TIME FAVOURITE HOLIDAY PHOTOS! NO CAMERA CAN CAPTURE THE PURE PERFECTION OF  NATURE!


 






JOGGING+LACK OF SLEEP=BAD IDEA?

What one goes through to stay fit! After two long 12 hour day shifts, and consecutive 12 hour night shifts, all one would normallly think of is just plonking into a blissful sleep...not really! With all the hype and adrenaline rush to get steps topped up onto my pedometer for the Global Corporate Challenge, I almost sound like a fitness addict, and yet so on the contrary. I cant believe I had the energy to even step out the door, jog around the park and have such incredible fun. I obviously paid for it tonight with all the aches telling me otherwise about my fitness levels....so you think you know your body!!
It helps that we're having such incredibly warm weather that just makes me ever so nostalgic ...aahhh summer in the lovely London city! So much to do in such little time considering it's over in the blink of an eye.
The upside is the great energy levels and everyone in London seems to be jogging or walking the dog, or sunbathing in the local parks. As much as I was desperate today, and probably completed a further 9000 steps for my team (YAY!), I think I can safely say that I won't put myelf through that again!
Staying fit is definitely hard work, maybe a partner would lighten the load. For what it's worth, it's all good fun!! Sometimes it pays to be a sucker for punishment.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

SO TRUE...

LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY THE BREATHS WE TAKE, BUT BY THE MOMENTS THAT TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY

Working the graveyard shift!


Why does it just feel so abnormal to work at night? While the rest of the city sleeps you're wide awake!
It's actually not that bad especially when you do it for a living. Come the next morning you're only too glad to see the day staff and to be going home to your lovely bed. The best thing about it now, is that it's spring going into summer and so it's not even dark by the time you head off to work. It's always good to see the positives in what you do.
It's also so good to be appreciated in what you do, that just makes the shift a whole lot better.
I guess the thought of it just seems so unnatural, but when you begin your shift you know your DAY has begun. You're psychologically and emotionally prepared for what comes your way. After all it is a job and if you don't put your heart in it, you wont get the best out if it. Of course there's always the ups and downs in any job, but challenges can make it better and take the monotony out of the daily routine, aside from the unwanted politics that always seem to come with the territory too.
For me, I know it's not what I'm going to do forever. For that moment and shift I know I have people depending on me and I have to make it work for everyone. Anyway it's only 12 hours, and it does go quicly sometimes.
So I start tonight and it's time to get some rest. Hope you enjoy your normal day in the land of the living.

Monday 19 April 2010

CHOOSE LIFE

It's so easy to get lost in the bigger scheme of things in life sometimes, that you can lose sight of the precious little moments at hand.
At some stage in our life we reach a point where we need more than what we have in life, and we're just not satisfied with what we do have even if we don't really need it. There's just no pleasing human nature, aside from the fact that this is all actually quite human according to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development.
It's reaching that certain number of years in the same job that makes you question whether it's time to move on or whether you need a career change. It's true that you have just the one life and you are the driver of your destiny, but are you willing to take the plunge? What's stopping you?

Everytime I seem to come to a crossroad or challenge in my life, be it regarding my job or personal life, I find such comfort ALWAYS in Psalm 91. It's something I remembered my Dad mentioned to me when I was in high school.
What's great and so powerful is the thought that prayer can give you direction and your faith can keep you grounded and balanced on this road to destiny.

PSALM 91
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler , and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side , and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come night thy dwelling. 11 For He shall give His angels over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because He hath set His love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and  I will answer him : I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Life is definitely for the living. Every obstacle and challenge just means there's another way towards your goal.

I've posted the late Professor Randy Pausch's last lecture, it will really inspire you and motivate you whatever stage you are in your life. 
The video is just over an over, but the first minute or two of it will have you gripped!!
Please see the 20th April post.

Sunday 18 April 2010

A Bit Under the weather

So you'd think after three weeks of holiday in the south and beautiful sunshine I would be feeling on top of the world and truly recharged with Vitamin D? On the contrary!
I've just returned to London from South Africa after an amazing sunny vacation, and a memorable and special best friend's wedding, and now, I just really feel like going back. It seems odd to say that though as we seem to be having some amazing sunny and blue sky weather here in London too.
It didn't help that on my flight over almost every other person sat there with a hacking cough, and sure enough it reached my precious immune system! So all the emotions are running high now that I've once again said goodbye to our beautiful sunny South African skies, and a place that I will always call home! I guess it doesn't help how I feel, along with the self pity and the inflamed frontal sinus passages. But you just have to remind yourself to snap out of it and GET WITH IT!! And maybe some steam inhalation too would speed things up.

It's amazing what a little cold can do to you and how it changes the course of what could have been an amazing weekend in the sunshine. So now I'm on the mend thankfully, and cant wait to start my road running again(it does not help that I've indulged in all the goodies that I've brought back and feel like a whale).

So give or take a few days and I know I'll be back in shape, more so emotionally.
Whatever the day holds for you, make it YOUR DAY, even if you are a bit under the weather.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

  • Elizabeth Gilbert: eat pray love
  • Paulo Coelho: The Alchemist
  • Danielle Steel: The Kiss
  • Barack Obama : Dreams from my Father