I hate Sundays. I don't understand why more people don't feel the same way. I don't know why Monday is the hated day more than Sunday. At least Monday is being honest about what it is. Monday is a work day. Everyone knows that you have to be at work and that the weekend is over. But the fact is that the weekend is already over halfway through Sunday, only it still feels like a weekend.
Take this past weekend as an example. It's a fairly bad one, since I was sick on Thursday and Friday and therefore had a long weekend (most of which was spent in bed) anyway. But nonetheless, we will use this weekend as the example for this point. Saturday is the day for doing things. You have a braai with your mates, you party it up, or, as was the case this weekend, you drive 130km to Port Elizabeth and 130km back to fetch a friend from the airport and thereafter go out and party it up. Basically, whatever you do, you expect Sunday to be a write-off. You expect to spend it relaxing, maybe lying in bed and reading a book. But what you forget is that after the partying on Saturday you are unlikely to wake up before noon, in which case half of the day is already gone, and there is nothing constructive that you can really do with the rest of the day because tomorrow is back to work. Even if you do wake up at the crack of dawn (in our case, 7:30) and drive 40km to Port Alfred to go canoeing, have a lovely lunch at the Microbrewery and then head back to town around 2pm, the same feeling will dawn on you. Half of Sunday is spent realising that tomorrow you have to be back at work, and the feeling of the looming Monday takes over before the Monday even begins.
It is the curse of the weekend. No matter how many weekends you experience, it all ends with the same feeling. Whether you are a student or part of the working force, you will always spend the last day of your weekend feeling slightly miserable that the weekend is over.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Vacation in the Cape
I have a belief, and raise your hand (or like/comment/post/something) if you share it - a holiday isn't a good one unless you come back exhausted.
I know, I know. People have this notions that holidays should be relaxing. My dad has this notion. When he is on holiday, he is happy to just stay in the hotel all day reading the newspaper and (possibly) lounging by the pool. I, on the other hand, seem to take after my mom - trying to fit in as much as I can in as little time as possible. Sure, I can spend a day relaxing, but any more than that and I just get bored and agitated, wanting to do things.
My Cape Town holiday is no different, and I tried to make it as fun-packed as possible. I bustled into town on Thursday afternoon for a short five day trip and intended to make the most of it. Of course, Thursday was pretty much a write-off. I arrived at 16:20 and it was around 5pm when I finally made my way out with my bags in tow. Just enough time to get home, greet the cats, chat with mom, go for a walk and head out to Chinese at Reddies with mom, dad and Michael. By the time I came home, Cherie was back with her visiting boyfriend and we caught up briefly before I decided that it was time to hit the hay.
Friday started off fairly early with Cherie and I dropping mom at gym and then making our way to Tygervalley. Not particularly keen for a shopping trip, I elected to stay in the car and make Cherie do the running around while I planned the rest of my day. By the time she returned (empty-handed), it was time to pick mom up again and make our way into town for the facials that mom had planned. I am not a person who particularly likes having my face touched and examined, but it was quite a relaxing hour and a half. The only part that I did not enjoy was having a mask that was two inches thick plastered onto my face and covering my mouth and eyes. I have never thought of myself as being claustrophobic, but I certainly felt it then! Once that was done, it was a stop at Kauai for a quick lunch before I had my mom drop me at the Adelphi centre in Sea Point. There I met up with Ryan and we took a short walk to his apartment before starting to pack it all into boxes. Yes, I chose to spend my holiday helping someone move, and I have no regrets. I got to see Ryan, and I felt really productive thereafter. Certainly not bored! After moving, Ryan took myself and the two other assistants out for a nice Italian dinner (gnocchi bolognaise for me) before dropping me back at my parents' house in Welgemoed.
I woke up nice and early on Saturday and spent much of the morning in a state of exuberance as I waited for Robyn to pick me up. We had ahead of us a day of catching up and chatting and just general enjoying each others company. We walked around the Slow Market in Willowbridge, had a lovely brunch at Woolies, a cup of coffee at the cafe that her sister works out (which included much mocking of a particular waitress in a teasing fashion) and then headed back to her place (in her new car!) to just have a proper catch up. By late afternoon it was time to head back home and get ready for the braai that was to come. It is traditional whenever I come and visit that the family get together for a braai. It meant that I got to see everyone, even if it was only for a little while, and hear the news and not have anyone feeling left out. It is also a great excuse for a good meal, and we had an awesome one. Once most of the family had left, I stayed up a little later chatting away to Jade and her husband Eric and hearing what was happening in their world. But unfortunately, I had to retire early as I was on medication that had a tendency of making me feel both nauseous and exhausted, a combination that tends to make for bad company.
Sunday was my day for sleeping in, and that I did! Until 8:30!! It was awesome. Then I woke up and started getting ready for the day. Another family tradition is going out for Sunday breakfasts, and the two favourite places are Franschoek and Claremont. As the family had been to Franschoek the week before with Cherie, it was decided that the Gardener's Cottage in Claremont was the place to go. We made our way there (mom, dad, Michael, Cherie and I) and had a lovely breakfast at the restaurant before making our way around the nursery. I'd had plans to have a movie-day with Ryan at my parents', but he had to change it to coffee instead, and he picked myself and Natasha (who was to join for the movie) up and took us to Tygervalley were we got some terrible service at Oppie Koffie. Thankfully, the company made up for it, and we had a good afternoon chatting and laughing away. When Ryan had to leave, Natasha and I made our way to the cinema where we booked three tickets for Midnight in Paris. Michael joined us for the movie and it turned out to be a lovely one! I will have to write a review at some point. After the movie, we made our way home, had a light dinner of leftovers from the braai and had an early night.
Monday was a particularly busy day, as it was essentially half a day spent enjoying myself and half a day spent travelling. It started early with taking my mom to gym, stopping in at the chemist to get pills for mom and dad and stopping in at my aunt's new shop to take some photos. From there it was a rush to the giant sports shop beside Tygervalley to get some running shoes (a job in itself considering how many people had decided that the Monday before school was the day to go uniform and sports good shopping), a stop at home to pick up Cherie and a dash to the airport. We got there on time and I was checked in with time to spare for some lunch, so we decided to go to Mugg and Bean, since it was the closest and healthiest place around. A bad idea if ever there was one. The service was terrible and slow, and I ended up having to scoff down what I could in 5 minutes before jumping up and hoofing it through security. I made it through, but not before being called by the announcer. This could have been highly embarrassing, but they pronounced my name wrong (as they always do) and so I felt far more worse for any Ms Solomon's in the building. An hour and a half later, I walked out of the airport and met Ashlea who took me to my car and I was back on my way to Grahamstown. Usually I drive as fast as possible to get back as soon as possible, but I'd heard that there were a huge number of policemen hiding on the road, so I tried my best to stick to the speed limit and made it in just over an hour and a half.
And so, my holiday completed, I arrived at my house and practically collapsed on the bed. It was the best sleep that I have had in ages. Imagine just how good the holiday must have been!
I woke up nice and early on Saturday and spent much of the morning in a state of exuberance as I waited for Robyn to pick me up. We had ahead of us a day of catching up and chatting and just general enjoying each others company. We walked around the Slow Market in Willowbridge, had a lovely brunch at Woolies, a cup of coffee at the cafe that her sister works out (which included much mocking of a particular waitress in a teasing fashion) and then headed back to her place (in her new car!) to just have a proper catch up. By late afternoon it was time to head back home and get ready for the braai that was to come. It is traditional whenever I come and visit that the family get together for a braai. It meant that I got to see everyone, even if it was only for a little while, and hear the news and not have anyone feeling left out. It is also a great excuse for a good meal, and we had an awesome one. Once most of the family had left, I stayed up a little later chatting away to Jade and her husband Eric and hearing what was happening in their world. But unfortunately, I had to retire early as I was on medication that had a tendency of making me feel both nauseous and exhausted, a combination that tends to make for bad company.
Sunday was my day for sleeping in, and that I did! Until 8:30!! It was awesome. Then I woke up and started getting ready for the day. Another family tradition is going out for Sunday breakfasts, and the two favourite places are Franschoek and Claremont. As the family had been to Franschoek the week before with Cherie, it was decided that the Gardener's Cottage in Claremont was the place to go. We made our way there (mom, dad, Michael, Cherie and I) and had a lovely breakfast at the restaurant before making our way around the nursery. I'd had plans to have a movie-day with Ryan at my parents', but he had to change it to coffee instead, and he picked myself and Natasha (who was to join for the movie) up and took us to Tygervalley were we got some terrible service at Oppie Koffie. Thankfully, the company made up for it, and we had a good afternoon chatting and laughing away. When Ryan had to leave, Natasha and I made our way to the cinema where we booked three tickets for Midnight in Paris. Michael joined us for the movie and it turned out to be a lovely one! I will have to write a review at some point. After the movie, we made our way home, had a light dinner of leftovers from the braai and had an early night.
Monday was a particularly busy day, as it was essentially half a day spent enjoying myself and half a day spent travelling. It started early with taking my mom to gym, stopping in at the chemist to get pills for mom and dad and stopping in at my aunt's new shop to take some photos. From there it was a rush to the giant sports shop beside Tygervalley to get some running shoes (a job in itself considering how many people had decided that the Monday before school was the day to go uniform and sports good shopping), a stop at home to pick up Cherie and a dash to the airport. We got there on time and I was checked in with time to spare for some lunch, so we decided to go to Mugg and Bean, since it was the closest and healthiest place around. A bad idea if ever there was one. The service was terrible and slow, and I ended up having to scoff down what I could in 5 minutes before jumping up and hoofing it through security. I made it through, but not before being called by the announcer. This could have been highly embarrassing, but they pronounced my name wrong (as they always do) and so I felt far more worse for any Ms Solomon's in the building. An hour and a half later, I walked out of the airport and met Ashlea who took me to my car and I was back on my way to Grahamstown. Usually I drive as fast as possible to get back as soon as possible, but I'd heard that there were a huge number of policemen hiding on the road, so I tried my best to stick to the speed limit and made it in just over an hour and a half.
And so, my holiday completed, I arrived at my house and practically collapsed on the bed. It was the best sleep that I have had in ages. Imagine just how good the holiday must have been!
Monday, January 2, 2012
2012
2012 has arrived! Every year at this time, I make resolutions. They usually involve losing weight, taking up hobbies and spending more time doing the things that I love with the people that I love. But I also know myself, and I know that a week after I write up those resolutions, they fall to the wayside. This year, I have decided that I am not going to write resolutions, but I am instead just going to write down what I hope the year 2012 will be like in general.
2012 will be a year for photography. I have been a bit lax of recent with not picking up my camera and taking it out for a spin, but I am thinking of doing yet another 365 project, and considering that I did take photos yesterday and that today is only the second day of the month, it is definitely a possibility. However, even if I don't end up doing a project, I still want this to be the year where I really get my ass into gear in terms of my photography. I am launching a website which I have big ideas for, I am building a studio in my garage and I am sincerely hoping that I can get a business going on the side by December next year. Why December specifically? Well, because I went for walks around the botanical gardens a few times last month and every single time I went, there were at least 3-5 weddings going on and photographs being taken in the gardens. Next year, I want to be one of those photographers.
2012 will be a year for fitness. Yes, I say it every single year, that I am going to buck up and get healthy. And I am not exactly off to a good start, since New Year's Eve was a drinking binge fest which needed to be smoothed over yesterday by breakfast at Spur (not particularly healthy). But, I have taken up squash and want to do that at least three times a week, and have resolved to join the gym this year, since I recently found out that ex-Rhodents can join for the same price as students if they get an alumni card. Healthy eating is something that is going to come slowly to me, since it is not just myself that I would be cooking for, and cooking in itself is not something that I have the energy to do often. But at least I want to get moving and get exercising.
2012 will be a year for writing. Writing has definitely taken a sideline over the last few years. Though my job last year involved a lot of communication with clients and writing newsletters and writing brochures and such things, this year there is going to be less of that. Well, still communication with clients, but definitely less newsletters and such since I am no longer the Communications Agent at the company, but have been promoted to the Accounts Manager (or a title along those lines). But I do not intend to let that stop me. I won Nanowrimo last year and am hoping to try it again, but in the meantime I am going to keep blogging and am thinking of writing up some articles for the local newspaper occasionally just to get back into the journalistic style of writing.
2012 will be a year for fun. I was a bit of a downer in 2011. I hardly ever went out, I hardly ever did anything fun or exciting. I think that I was in a bit of a slump, but no more! I am going to make 2012 the year for fun and partying and enjoyment. I want at least one more of those before my big 2-5 in 2013. And, after all, 2013 may never come (according to the Mayans) so I might as well live it up while I can. ;) I am the only person to blame for my lack of fun in 2011. I complained and moaned about not having friends when my friends were right in front of me and when there was a town full of people going out on a nightly basis that I could have become friendly with. I know that this is not going to be easy, but Kath and Emma, if you are reading this, I expect support and assistance and for you guys to drag me out of the house more often, because I know that if it were up to me, I would just be curled up in bed with pjs and a book every single night.
And finally, most of all, 2012 will be a year of awesomeness. I know it. I sense it. Let's make it so.
2012 will be a year for photography. I have been a bit lax of recent with not picking up my camera and taking it out for a spin, but I am thinking of doing yet another 365 project, and considering that I did take photos yesterday and that today is only the second day of the month, it is definitely a possibility. However, even if I don't end up doing a project, I still want this to be the year where I really get my ass into gear in terms of my photography. I am launching a website which I have big ideas for, I am building a studio in my garage and I am sincerely hoping that I can get a business going on the side by December next year. Why December specifically? Well, because I went for walks around the botanical gardens a few times last month and every single time I went, there were at least 3-5 weddings going on and photographs being taken in the gardens. Next year, I want to be one of those photographers.
2012 will be a year for fitness. Yes, I say it every single year, that I am going to buck up and get healthy. And I am not exactly off to a good start, since New Year's Eve was a drinking binge fest which needed to be smoothed over yesterday by breakfast at Spur (not particularly healthy). But, I have taken up squash and want to do that at least three times a week, and have resolved to join the gym this year, since I recently found out that ex-Rhodents can join for the same price as students if they get an alumni card. Healthy eating is something that is going to come slowly to me, since it is not just myself that I would be cooking for, and cooking in itself is not something that I have the energy to do often. But at least I want to get moving and get exercising.
2012 will be a year for writing. Writing has definitely taken a sideline over the last few years. Though my job last year involved a lot of communication with clients and writing newsletters and writing brochures and such things, this year there is going to be less of that. Well, still communication with clients, but definitely less newsletters and such since I am no longer the Communications Agent at the company, but have been promoted to the Accounts Manager (or a title along those lines). But I do not intend to let that stop me. I won Nanowrimo last year and am hoping to try it again, but in the meantime I am going to keep blogging and am thinking of writing up some articles for the local newspaper occasionally just to get back into the journalistic style of writing.
2012 will be a year for fun. I was a bit of a downer in 2011. I hardly ever went out, I hardly ever did anything fun or exciting. I think that I was in a bit of a slump, but no more! I am going to make 2012 the year for fun and partying and enjoyment. I want at least one more of those before my big 2-5 in 2013. And, after all, 2013 may never come (according to the Mayans) so I might as well live it up while I can. ;) I am the only person to blame for my lack of fun in 2011. I complained and moaned about not having friends when my friends were right in front of me and when there was a town full of people going out on a nightly basis that I could have become friendly with. I know that this is not going to be easy, but Kath and Emma, if you are reading this, I expect support and assistance and for you guys to drag me out of the house more often, because I know that if it were up to me, I would just be curled up in bed with pjs and a book every single night.
And finally, most of all, 2012 will be a year of awesomeness. I know it. I sense it. Let's make it so.
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!!!
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