As the year comes to an end...

By now we are all fed up of the constant workload that we have, and with the last stretch that is here we somehow cannot find motivation. This year has been long and I have no idea why the lecturers choose to give us the bulk of the work (assignments/ test/ presentations that weigh the most) towards the end, it should be the other way around.

Since the beginning of this year, I have changed. Changed in a good way, changed in that my time management may be starting to kick in and changed in that I like to wear formal clothing now and then, must be a sign of me getting ready for the big bad world. I have also changed my mind about what exactly I want to do with PR, and that I will leave unanswered because I also don’t know yet.

As for this blog . . . it may have been an inconvenience at times, but I have enjoyed writing. As this year comes to an end, this blog title brings me to the last story I’d share with you. I may or may not continue writing, I may even create a new blog page . . . so for now these were stories written by me for you to read.

Of all the forms of courage the ability to laugh is the most...

Of all the forms of courage the ability to laugh is the most beneficial. Laughter is, without anyone noticing, very beneficial and sometimes can be contagious. By contagious I mean, whenever there is someone who is continuously laughing, laughing so much they cry, and you kind of end up laughing because they laughing.

Laughter is the most beneficial, as a form of courage, because it ultimately is good medicine. With a bit of research done, here are the benefits of laughing:

·         Reduces Heart disease

·         Natural pain killer

·         Improves breathing

·         Helps you lose weight

·         Decreases stress

·         Makes you look young

·         And boosts relationships

With that said I’d like to just remind you that of all the forms of courage the ability to laugh is the most beneficial.

Halloween Party

For the past 4 years of during my studies, I was not able to attend a Halloween party due to ‘that time of year’, where you have to behave and study for exams. Every year I hoped to be able to attend a Halloween party, this year that wish came true. This year I was lucky enough to not have exams or have to study just yet, I did have work due but I dedicated the rest of my weekend to my work.

About a week before Halloween, I heard there would be a Halloween party at the Two Oceans Aquarium so google’d it. The party did exist and then soon after that our tickets were bought, all that we needed was costumes. I was super excited and had crazy ideas for a costume, like Desmond Tutu, Freddy Kruger, Robin from Batman and Micheal Jackson.

I then really wanted to dress as Micheal Jackson, but I had a slight problem…I had boobs. That didn’t get me down however, i just thought if anyone were to ask who I am I’d tell them “Micha Jackson”, lol. So, when we got to the party there was a lot of different costumes, a lot of devils, angels, count dracula’s but I was the only Micheal Jackson J . Overall I had a great time as that was my first time at a Halloween party and my first time at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

The statute of limitations has expired on most of our childhood trauma

Some of us are stuck on looking back at our past (our childhood). Some even try getting remorse from friends by telling everyone about the trauma they survived. Others don’t and have practically become better people from the trauma they experienced. No matter your past, change is the essence of life.

I, like many others, may not have had a prefect childhood (no traumas) but one thing I can say for certain is that by learning to live in the present, we can move forward in our lives. By living in the past, we tend to linger about how tough life is and to my opinion this clouds our vision to look forward in life and make the most of what we have at the moment.

Bad things happen quickly

Rather than looking at the bad things that happen quickly, I’d like to focus on the good things (happiness), just because I’m optimistic like that ;) .

When something good happens the effect lingers for longer however when something bad happens we try and find a solution to fix it immediately. Good things take time. The following words found from my search on google – say it better than I ever could:

“When we think about the things that alter our lives in a moment, nearly all of them are bad: phone calls in the night, accidents, loss of jobs or loved ones, conversations with doctors bearing awful news. Virtually all the happiness-producing processes in our lives take time, usually a long time: learning new things, changing old behaviors, building satisfying relationships, raising children. This is why patience and determination are among life’s primary virtue.”

Quick easy recipe

This week I’d like to share a recipe from a Pick n Pay “Fresh ideas” booklet, I tried out over the weekend.

Ingredients:

Olive oil

1 onion, sliced

2 leeks, sliced

2 cloves of garlic, sliced

1 can (400g) chopped peeled tomatoes in tomato juice

3 cups (750ml) frozen garden mix

8 cups (2L) vegetable stock

1 cup (250ml) elbow macaroni

1 cup (250ml) frozen spinach

Salt and pepper

Grated parmesan, for serving

Serves 4-5

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot.

Fry onion and leeks until soft.

Add garlic and fry for another minute, stock and pasta and simmer for 15minutes.

Stir through spinach to wilt and season well.

Serve drizzled with a little olive oil and a grating of parmesan.

Bet you didn't know...

Mother Teresa

At the age 18, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu voluntarily left her parental home to join the Sisters of Loreto, an Irish Catholic religious order in India. Over the course of her life she devoted herself to caring for the ill and impoverished in Calcutta, India. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and made a saint after her death in 1997.

The Dalai Lama

Born into a peasant family, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people has a doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy. In 1959 he was forced into exile after the Chinese military occupied Tibet. He’s worked tirelessly to set up both cultural and religious institutions in order to preserve the rich heritage of Tibetan people, and he’s championed peace across the world.

Mahatma Gandhi

After completing a law degree in London, Gandhi spent several years in South Africa working to improve the living conditions of Indian minorities in KwaZulu-Natal. Upon his return to India, he initiated a series of non-violent campaigns against British rule. His resistance to oppression through peaceful demonstration won him worldwide praise.

Benazir Bhutto

Born in Pakistan, Benazir came from a prominent political family and held degrees from Harvard and Oxford universities. She became prime minister of Pakistan at the age of 35, and was the first woman to do so in an Islamic country. During her reign she brought electricity to the rural countryside, built schools and improve healthcare. She was assassinated in 2008.

Be bold and let mighty forces come to your aid

William Benjamin Basil King (1859–1928) was a Canadian-born clergyman who became a writer after retiring from the clergy. His novels and non-fiction were spiritually oriented. He was born on February 26, 1859, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

A major turning point in King's life came from a teacher who spoke of the ingenuity and adaptability of the life-principle, which had somehow arrived on earth and for eons had continually met adversity and remained undefeated. King realised he was allowing his own wealth of ability to lie fallow. He rose to the challenge but still struggled with the seeming fate of Nature and his own untapped spiritual faith. He needed to heed his own advice: "Be bold-and mighty forces will come to your aid."

The last lecture

Besides having almost the best year, I have learnt an insane amount of things in class, whether it was subject related or about the friends we have . . . I enjoyed it. I’d also like to add that I had a great pleasure meeting new friends and they are awesome in their own ways!!

About the last lecture . . . I believe that it may be sad for some of us and a relief of the amount of work we had, all at once, for most of the time. That was annoying!!! I think that our last lecture should not be spent in a class but rather at a mutual venue where we can all let loose and just chat to one another. And because that may be the last time we ever see each other, I think it would be a good opportunity to say good bye and exchange contact numbers as part of networking.

I fear. . .

. . . Grasshoppers

. . . Ignorance

. . . Neglect

. . . Rejection

. . . Disapproval

. . . Loneliness

. . . Failure

. . . Judgement

. . . Defeat

. . . Loss

. . . Death

. . . Disrespect

. . . Silence

. . . Intolerance

. . . Weakness

. . . Fear itself . . .

Watch this space

This weeks’ blog is not at all complicated, some may write of what still has to come, and others may take the title figuratively. Some may find this lame but without further ado. . .

Nationl Braai Day

National Braai day is actually a South African public holiday called Heritage day, but due to everyone braai-ing as part of their heritage, everyone just started calling it ‘National Braai Day’. National Braai day fell on a Saturday this year and there was only one thing to do, and that is to ‘braai’.

About a week before the public holiday we planned to braai at Oude-Kraal, just past 12 Apostles, but on arrival we noticed it was too full. We then called everyone else and to the braai to Tokai Forest in Tokai, it was just as full but we were lucky enough to still get in.

When we eventually got to start the braai, it was successful, most of the people that were invited pitched and the ones who did not show up, obviously missed out on a sunny fun day. Laughter and conversation filled the air and with like any coloured occasion, there was alcohol and loud music in the background. This event is the future and a must for those up-coming out door summer Saturdays for anyone in the mood for good food and a nice tan.

WTF media conference 2011

On the 23^rd of September this year I attended the 13^th annual WFT media conference and this years’ theme was “It’s a starter world”. I enjoyed the TED-like presentation format that has been chosen to enable 24 speakers to deliver the deliver the very essence of what excites them in this sphere. The two speakers I enjoyed the most was David Alves and Mike Sharman, both these speakers bio was gotten from the WTF media conference 2011 booklet.

David is a Social Media Community Manager at Aqua Online in Johannesburg. He manages brands on a daily basis that market their campaigns, products and message digitally and specifically through social media channels. For an opening presentation and for his first time doing a presentation, I believe that David a great job at informing the audience about ‘The Truth about Social Media’.

The second last speaker of the day, Mike Sharman, spoke about ‘The one-man brand’. Mike is the owner of an award-winning digital communication agency – Retroviral. He also believes experimentation is the most important aspect of online communication to ensure that his advice and consultation is of the highest standard. I think he was a great because straight after the lunch, everyone was full and wanted to fall asleep, instead Mike came along and ‘woke everyone up’. He had everyone in stitches and clearly brought his point across.

The overall experience was truly unforgettable.

My favourite Cat in a Hat book is .? .? . because . . .

I have to admit that back when I was younger, I did not read much and did not have a favourite ‘cat in a hat’ book. I used instead do a lot of sports like, swimming, tennis, athletics and cycling. When I did read it was because I had to or it was books based on scientific facts.

I did however know about the cat in a hat books and the one that was a popular read among my class members was, “Cat quizzers”. In the book, Cat in the Hat challenges readers with seemingly silly questions like: Do pineapples grow on pine or apple trees? Do roosters sleep on their backs or sides?

Thoughts about: Procrastination

Upon a second the second blog for this week I found myself procrastinating. This is a condition/symptom we suffer from, time to time. I then "google'd" images to find inspiration for this blog, I realised that I was complicating things. I came across this picture which sparked a blog topic: "Procrastination". I like the picture as i can relate to it and I am pretty sure many others can.

In trying to find out what procratination really is, i found this awesome video by Johnny Kelly about it. I just had to upload it and share it with whoever else procrastinates :).

Why I have conversations

I have conversations as because I like hearing what other people have to say. I don’t mind the amount of people I have a conversation with but I enjoy conversations because of what and how people speak about different topics.

I have conversations mostly to gain some sort of knowledge. I tend to end a conversation when I feel it is not going anywhere and that I cannot learn anything from it. I have conversations to gain some sort of understanding. I tend to question things from different people, from different countries, different religions and even similar backgrounds.

I have conversations to say the things that need to be said. I tend to tell jokes, be sarcastic and give advice. Most importantly I have conversations to initiate conversations. I tend to make friends by starting of conversations of similar interests. When I’m with a group of friends I tend to bring them closer through conversations.

And if this was not a blog topic, this would be another topic for a conversation because I would have liked to hear what you would have to say.

My Bucket- list Part 2

My Bucket- list Part 1

Dreams vs Wishes

We are all continuously asked what our dreams or wishes for the future are and these change all the time. I know the dreams or wishes I had in the beginning of this year may be different or may have altered since then. I have to add that I wonder if dreams are perhaps wishes, or the other way around.

For instance, I wish to have a big house with a balcony that looks out over Cape Town and that I’d have a walk-in cupboard filled with brand name shoes and clothes. Or I dream to have a beach house with two dogs and a big fire place to host all my friends.

The same or is it the similar? Confusing if I look at it like that but what is the difference between the two (wish and a dream)? Well, I’d say the difference is that a dream is if 'you want it to happen, and work towards it' and a wish is when 'you do want it to happen, and could happen by chance'.

My big fat BIG dream

I woke up one day and I was super huge FAT!! I felt heavy and was not able to lift myself to use the loo. I managed to roll over onto my side only to find myself on the floor (I didn’t realise I fell off). That’s when my sister, Caroline, walked in and started yelling at me.

“What the hell, I told you to wait for me to help your fat ass!” she said. I was confused and ashamed because she was my younger sister and I remember that I was not skinny yet I was not obese.

I looked at my thighs and my arms and they were enormous, none of my clothes fit like they use to. All my clothes that did fit me looked like tents, this disgusted with myself. Caroline then helped me up, helped me to the toilet, dressed me and by then I was exhausted.

I was driven to the doctor, and she said “Dhonaye you are definitely morbidly obese and you are going to die”. I cried, I was about to throw up I woke up . . . turns out, I was dreaming.

I panicked, this was my big fat BIG dream and I promised myself to try everything in my power to not ever be that fat ever. That is why I have signed up to a fitness boot-camp in October. J