Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Adulting

I've been an adult for a while now, not just in age but also in having to dependant on myself as for the basics and the more non-tangible meaningful things. There have been really great times and amazing adventures but there have also been really really low and challenging times. This of course is part of the adult journey.

I've recently been going through a time of self-reflection and being more deliberate about what I allow into my life. I've learnt many lessons about myself and other people and the role they naturally play in your life and the roles you allow them to assume. I'm a firm believer that we create our own reality for the most part and as such living mindfully is important. Relationships change, the things we want in life change, we learn who we are through all kinds of circumstances and where I am in life at this point I know I need to play an active role in my growth.


Sounds all soppy and extra deep, and maybe it is but I think its necessary for people to know this revelation. Its a freeing thought to know you control who you are and who you allow to be in your space and how they affect you. Yes, there will always be things we cannot control but we can control how we respond to them. This is not to say, "Be a super control freak and don't let anything surprise you." There are always things that are out of our control, making peace with that can also be very freeing.

This is a particularly tough thing for me to do. I have a natural instinct to want to make things better, not just for me but for others and especially for those I care about and I often feel very disappointed when this is not taken in the way I meant it or when those same people are not willing to do the same for me. I'm working on it. I need balance in this area of my life and I know that.


Here's to adulthood, growth and being in control of your life.

Wednesday, 1 June 2016

Back to school

I graduated from university 5 years ago and have since been pretty lazy to learn new things and there was also a slight snobbishness in that "I have a degree. I know everything." This of course is not true.

I studied a degree in media (which has transformed since I graduated) and means I need to keep on top of things in an evolving industry. When I left varsity I just about grasped Facebook and avoided Twitter at all costs. Instagram wasn't even a thing. So far I've managed to get by without having to do any additional courses to maintain my responsibilities in a digital marketing and social media position. This however came to a screeching halt when I decided to move forward with my blog and it was dead. No one read (hardly anyone does at this point either). A rude awakening. I did not know everything. The world of media and digital has had a complete overhaul since I last paid attention.

I started doing some Shaw Academy short courses in the evening and I have to say its been pretty cool to go back to school as it were. Im enjoying learning and applying what I learn both at work and on my blog. I'm fairly fresh at this so I'm being gentle with myself and won't expect a super brand like Nike or Hello Kitty to contact me to review their products.


So far I've completed the Blogging and Content Marketing course and have just started the Social Media Marketing and Digital Marking courses (Yes two at once... feeling brave). All in all a good experience, happy to be learning again. Love Shaw Academy as well, awesome learning experience.

Friday, 20 May 2016

Cuddle time

Winter is pretty much here in the Southern Hemisphere and where I live that means things look like a bit of a romantic movie set in a small town in the UK with leaves blowing all over the place and wet mornings. It also means warmer clothes, late night cuddles and sleeping in. Three of my favourite things.


In the summer there is substantially less cuddling in my home. Not for a lack of affection but rather because it gets uncomfortably hot in Stellenbosch and neither my husband or I deal well with the heat. We melt... almost literally. So when the colder weather approaches the cuddling increases and with it more overall affection and often sexy time. Im not complaining.

Warmer clothes are also a preference of mine. Layering and awesome colours of autumn are my thing. For one thing it means some shopping to make sure my closet is up to date with the latest trends in fashion, always ready for that. I was lucky enough to be taken on a shopping spree by my lovely husband for my birthday so I am all set for the winter.


Lastly sleeping in... When you live in a fit frenzy town and part of the country actually you often feel shunned and judged because, unlike all you colleagues and random people you meet you are not planning to do a 7am 5km run in the pouring rain and then have a smoothie for breakfast, afternoon nap and then another run, you are planning to sleep in with your loved one and furbabies, having slow and steady Saturday and not much else. When winter is in full swing even my fit-bit chums cant resist a bit of a sleep in on the weekend which means I feel less ashamed at my laziness and more proud to have converted them with my talk of cuddles.

These are my furbabies, Mya (tuxedo) & Maddy (Grey Tabby)

Tuesday, 5 April 2016

A little older

It was my birthday on the 21st of March and I turned a WHOPPING 27 years old.

Leading up to my birthday other people made comments about my age and the things that come with age and the typical panicked comments mostly about how my age reflected theirs. I used to be a lot more invested in the panic about getting older and for some reason this year felt a little different. I felt at ease and proud of my new age. This might be because for the first time in my life I feel I'm in an 'Okay' place life-wise. I have a stable-ish job that I love, I'm married to the love of my life (locked that shit down) and I have good friends. I also have a new "Zero Fucks Given" type attitude Im trying to enforce about the drama other people create and want to include me in.

This year I didn't have a party of get together of friends (usually planned my me) but my mother-in-law my husband's grandmother and one of my dearest cousins did come by and wish me. while I admit I was a bit sad that certain people didn't make the effort to come over or even shoot me a "Happy BDay" text I did have a really great day. I spent time with people I love, shared loving conversation and a fantastic meal, my husband spoilt me and took me on a shopping spree (this is huge because I suffer from ex-poor people's guilt at spending my hard earned money on myself).


I think I'm starting to realize more and more (and I really do think it comes with age) that life really is wonderful despite all the gunk it comes with. People are inherently good and sometimes nasty and being smothered in genuine love is amazing and often overlooked by hordes of insincere wishes and fake smiles.

Happy birthday to me!

Friday, 18 March 2016

All the Feels

It's pretty obvious that I've flaked on the 30 Day picture challenge for March (I kinda warned you all this would happen). I'm deeply ashamed and remorseful (not really).

March has been a tough month both a home and at work. In life there are challenges we all face, some face more difficult challenges than others but no one person's challenge is more prominent than another's. All our difficulties are important and valued, at least that's how I feel about it.

There are so many things that can get me down. I've always been very affected by things and have often been told, "Don't let things affect you so much." or, "You can't control others so why let what they say or do affect you?".  Well it does. I refuse to be made some sort of mockery of because I care so deeply about everything. I value that I have not yet become apathetic to the things in life that hurt people or that cause them joy and happiness. I will admit that my emotional investment in everything leaves me feeling tired and drained more often than not. I think about things constantly and obsess over what they mean. How do I find a balance between not losing my caring nature and letting myself get sick over things?


  • I've tried ignoring it; no success. I simply don'e sleep in this case. 
  • I've tried pushing for things to be discussed and settled, no success. Not everyone required closure on things the way I do. 
  • I've tried pretending things don't affect me; no success. I fool myself that I've managed to get it right only to have the smallest thing like a line in a TV show (usually Grey's Anatomy or the Big Bang Theory) set it off and it all unravels.
  • I've tried self-help books; no success. I feel they don't give practical ways to deal with the feelings and often make me feel like there is something wrong with me (I have enough of that in my life as it is).
I thought that by the time I was in my late twenties I would've found a way to deal with my feelings, my reactions, my panic, my stress, my need for closure... but I haven't. I go into my 27th year with the biggest personality glitch I have feeling the same way I've always felt about it. 

Any and all advice welcome.

Wednesday, 2 March 2016

March 2 - Look Down

It's March the 2nd and the second day of my 30 (1) day picture challenge. I'm super proud of myself for making it this far (you laugh but Im serious). I am notoriously bad at completing things that seem fairly unnecessary to my livelihood.

Today's picture is inspired by my very busy day and my love for me job. I love colour. I love apps. I love kids. I love learning. It's kinda the perfect job for me. I took this picture after sitting back down at my desk after lunch.


Here is what you'll find on my desk at any given time:
  • My laptop (essential to life)
  • My iPad (I use for testing apps and reading eBooks when I have a moment)
  • Astros (I need some sugar today)
  • An apple (my afternoon snack)
  • Peppermint tea (I love it)
  • Sparkling water (Another favourite but a treat)
  • My stationary caddy (hello kitty pencils, a scissor, earphones, highlighters, eraser, pens and a cat stamp)
More tomorrow. 

XO




Tuesday, 1 March 2016

30 March Picture Challenge

Since my spirits are high at the prospect of cooler evenings in Stellenbosch with the official change of season, I thought it would be fun to do a 30 (1) day picture challenge and share my pictures with you for the month of March.


Here is picture number one (I promise they will get better and more artistic!)

This is the ceiling in our offices in a historical home in Stellenbosch central


Upload your pictures in the comments section below and share with me on Twitter and Instagram.

Hello March

It's March!!!

After an extra day in the warmest month of the year in South Africa, February, I'm happy to announce (as I'm sure you all know) it's March!!!

March is my birthday month and also my favourite (not only because it's my birthday month) because the weather is slightly cooler, evenings are bearable and a Saturday sleep in is worth it because the sun doesn't come up at 5am!!!

Here's to all the March babies out there and lovers of cooler weather, longer evenings and Saturday sleep-ins, CHEERS!!!


Friday, 26 February 2016

A Lioness

I wanted to share a funny story. Since I work at a company that makes educational apps for kids I'm confronted with a lot of mommy bloggers, toys and other such cute things. Today it reminded me of my time teaching English in South Korea.

After finishing my degree and being in a strange place in my life I thought it best to leave the country, my then-boyfriend (now husband), family and all things familiar to head to a place where pretty much everything was new to me. I arrived in Jochiwon (the little rural - not like South Africa rural at all) town in the land-locked province of Chungnam-do in South Korea on a Friday in early April 2011.

After a weekend of major regret and despair at not knowing anyone, having very little money or idea where I was, what to eat, how to interact with people (rural areas don't have very many English speaking natives), I started school.

My first period was spent with a kindergarten class (reception), aged between 5 and 6. They spoke no English and for many if not all of them this was their first time seeing and interacting with someone who was not Korean (looking, acting, sounding, smelling, being) like them.

To put the rest of my story into context, I have very curly below-the-shoulder length hair and its pretty humid that time of year. I'm a wash and go kinda girl (like most people with curly hair and a little time). I walked into class with a big smile on my face and once little girl locked eyes with me and burst into hysterical tears.

I was mortified. Had I done something to offend the delicate culture and habits of the Korean people? Of course she spoke no English and I couldn't figure out what was wrong. A Korean teacher from the classroom next door popped her head in to see what the hysteria was about. She spoke very gently and calmly to the little girl about what had upset her so much. There was a lot of pointing at me. I was sure I would be deported soon.

The Korean teacher, who spoke some broken English (Engrish - as she put it) giggled and said so as not to offend me, "She scared. You have yellow eyes and big hair. You look like lion."

The class giggled, so did I. Relieved. I invited her to touch my hair to calm her nerves and that was that. Needless to say I had my hair straightened for the rest of my stay in Korea.

Before (Not my own hair but close enough)

(Half way through my year long stay)




Tuesday, 16 February 2016

My desktop today...

Reminder: I work for a children's app development company. Xander the dinosaur is our mascot.



http://xander.co.za/

My Day


  • 5:45am - Woke up, looked for the cat, snoozed
  • 5:55am - Woke up, attempted to open Facebook, snoozed
  • 6:05am - Woke up, opened Facebook, kissed my husband good morning, snoozed
  • 6:15am - Woke up, rushed to the shower
  • 6:16am - Showered
  • 6:25am - Brushed teeth, combed knots out of hair
  • 6:30am - Got dressed (Leggings, white shirt and blue pumps)
  • 6:40am - Scrummaged with the fridge for leftover food to take for lunch (Found salad and some pasta)
  • 6:45am - Fed the cats, opened windows, kissed husband goodbye
  • 6:46am - Left for work
  • 6:56am - Arrived at work
  • 7:02am - Checked emails (ignored many)
  • 7:05am - Took daily vitamins, checked Facebook and Twitter
  • 7:15am - Replied to some emails
  • 7:30am - Worked... (bleh)
  • 12:18pm - Considered lunch
  • 12:30pm - Had lunch and caught up with colleagues about the weekend.
  • 13:30 - Pretended to work.
  • 14:00 - Worked.
  • 17:00 - Left the office.
  • 17:15 - Sat in traffic.
  • 17: 30 - Got home.
  • 17:32 - Hugged cats.
  • 17:33 - Kissed husband.
  • 17:50 - Smoked a hubbly (lemon flavour)
  • 18:30 - Watched MasterChef Australia
  • 19:15 - Made Steak and salad for dinner.
  • 20:00 - Watched Greys Anatomy (cried in between - the episode was very emotional)
  • 21:00 - Had some chocolate I found at the back of the cupboard.
  • 22:30 - Went to bed.

Friday, 12 February 2016

5 Places I'd like to visit

One of the things I would love to do for the rest of my life is to be a traveller. I have a strong need to see the world, meet new people, eat good food and try new things.

As far as my current travel history I've visited South Korea (taught there for a year as a Native English teacher), Boracay - Philippines, Amsterdam & Rotterdam - The Netherlands and Paris - France.

Here are a few places I'd love to visit and why:

  1. Italy (Food, food, food)

2. India (Culture & food)


3. Mozambique (Culture, the beach, food)


4. Bali (The sea)


5. Singapore (Everything...)


Some day soon.

Like vs Dislike

Likes (in no particular order)

  1. Pickles
  2. Cats
  3. Dogs
  4. Bright Colours
  5. MasterChef Australia
  6. Campfires
  7. Fresh fruit
  8. Sleep
  9. My husband
  10. The smell after it rains

Dislikes (In no particular order)
  1. Nightclubs
  2. Clutter
  3. Sweet potato
  4. Mosquitos
  5. Ignorant people
  6. Slow drivers in the fast lane
  7. Very full beaches
  8. Panna cotta (weird texture)
  9. Rude children

10 Things

I've decided to elicit the help of a 30 Day Blogger challenge and Day 1 is "List 10 things about you"... Here goes.


  1. I am the eldest of 5 siblings. 
  2. I LOVE pickles.
  1. I work for an app development company.
  2. I distrust people who don't like animals.
  1. I got a tattoo while drunk on the beach in the Philippines.
  2. I wanted to be a Neurosurgeon when I was a child.
  3. I've recently started to love wearing black, white, grey and navy clothes.
  4. I have dreams in languages I don't understand.
  5. Kourtney is my favourite Kardashian.
  1. I used to be a competitive first aider.
That's all.


Thursday, 11 February 2016

The hobby dilemma

I'm 26 years old and thought for a good 10 minutes the other day when someone asked me what my hobbies are. While it seems like a very primary school type question to ask someone it made ma feel rather insecure about what I like doing for fun if anything at all.

In my free time I clean my house, do grocery shopping, playing with my cats and watch TV (occasionally I take the time to prune my balcony herb garden). How absolutely boring!?

I'm on a quest to find a stimulating and productive pastime. I started colouring. I've always loved it and there is some sense of accomplishment when you finish that super intricate pattern; but I cant say I'm particularly stimulated. 

I've now considered photography. Im a bit skeptical (as I am about everything that is new. I should name this blog Cynical Cat Lady). Im a "Happy Snapper" now and then I get a good angel and light but I'm not a technical person and am happy to capture memories rather than great light. But, I am going to try. Really try. 



Wish me luck.


Wednesday, 3 February 2016

Ending a dry spell

I never hoped or planned to be one of those pathetic chops who start a blog in hopes that their lives would be so ridiculously interesting that they would have tons to blog about and the world be waiting with bated breath to read their next post; but I was. And to my utter dismay and delight more times than not, my life was and is in fact, the exact opposite. Plain, boring and rather un-blog-worthy.



While I've grown a bit (both in physical size and maturity, I think) and now realise and have accepted how perfectly average my life it; a lot has happened since my last blog post. The world has changed, I've moved to the beautiful, sleepy town of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, got two new cats (Mya and Maddy), started 2 new jobs and I am now someone's wife.

My new hope for sharing my life in all its average glory is less about my hopes of blogging fame and more about putting my often absurd and boring thoughts into some kind of context. Looking back on other entries on this page I see how I've grown up, things that mattered 3 years ago are but a pin drop in the larger scheme of my life.

I'm now in my mid-20s with a husband and 2 fury babies, a job I love and live in a wine lovers dream town. Im more comfortable with my lack of fashion sense, tight thighs and tiny flat. I appreciate having my own space, a space I can proudly say I worked for and got. My husband is both source of all things good in life and my biggest challenge. There is NEVER a dull moment (even the dull one's are pretty exciting). All my siblings are officially grown (which makes me feel a bit old). I'm still pretty lazy about working out but see the long term value in it more than I did before. I work with a group of the most driven, intelligent people I've ever met and they often challenge me to keep up (which I love).



I've made new friends and lost some (a blog topic on its own if you ask me). I often find myself bobbing and weaving through feeling like I lack major life purpose and goals to feeling like I've conquered smaller goals daily to take me to the next big thing. While I feel a little more in control of my life (I'm a self-professed control freak) I must admit to still being a typical 20-something feeling all kinds of insignificant at times and other times like I've got it all figured out.

Meh, enough random thoughts. The dry spell is broken and I'm looking forward to sharing more in the coming weeks and months.


Something fun to read http://thehautemess.com/the-daily-dilemmas-of-an-indecisive-20-something/