Thursday, January 8, 2015

365 Days

365 days

I have been letting you go. For the last 365 days.
365 days of indecisiveness.
365 of loving you,but not enough.
Not enough to be together.
Not enough to face the world.

They say opposites attract. Like we were some science experiment.
We were just an experiment,that somehow got stuck to each other.
 Like two molecules not ready.

Words have flown,opinions expressed.Cutting like flesh. Making small incisions. Not enough to bleed to death.
But enough to leave small scars.
Even then,with some scar tissue,even then you have woken me up. Woken me from my slumber. Conventional fuzzy feelings.Which started from something unconventional.


Saturday, March 29, 2014

The homeless in my hood

So today I spend wallowing in my depression and sadness.  It was intensified by a stupid cold that just made me feel more miserable.  Matter of fact I have been riding this self pity cold induced roller-coaster most of the week.  I did managed to drag myself out of bed to have brunch with my parents but retreated back to my bed the minute I could.  My afternoon was spend watching non life changing movies, downing vitamin C boost drinks and just napping.

Somewhere in the afternoon it started raining.  And for some unexplainable reason it inspired me to get dress and get out of bed.  In a selfish way I knew what would make me feel better.  Something to give my day meaning.  I decided to go say hi to my homeless friend, Maria.  

I grabbed two old towels on the way out(Why does a single girl need ten towels).  On my way there I saw someone waiting for a taxi.  I decided to give her a lift to the main road where she can catch a taxi as it was close to the supermarket that I wanted to pop in to.  She kept telling me God bless you, but I don’t think she knew how she was blessing me.  I know that sounds a bit backward.  But as I mentioned before in a selfish I-need-to-feel-better way, I was helping myself by helping her. 

I dropped her and I drove to where I knew I would find Maria.  She was on the sidewalk next to a closed shop, with all her belongings packed in two big refuse bags.   There were about four other homeless people that were all huddled under the roof, getting away from the rain.
 
This is what I know about Maria.  She is from the Freestate.  She has told me that she has children and is just waiting to make enough money to go back to them.  She also told me she has R15 000 somewhere.  She has been waiting for a RDP house since 1997.  She has mentioned to me a couple of times that she is just waiting for the key to the house.  She always says “anytime now the minister will bring her key”.  She used to sleep around the corner from where I work.  Sharing the space with a couple of homeless people.  But the security chased them away.  So now she walks the streets up and down,the whole day with all her belongings-a crate, two bags full of clothes and blankets, two 5ltr empty bottles and a bucket.  Until the shops close, then she goes back to her spot where she sleeps every night.  As far as I can tell she has two “friends”/”acquaintances” that sleep with her on the same spot.  She sells cigarettes, lose draws for extra cash.  I suppose it an income, to buy food.  She washes her clothes almost every day by hand.  I gave her a pair of Ugg-like slippers that she wears all the time.  Every time I speak to her she shows me that she is wearing the slippers.  This breaks my heart every time.  It seems that she feels she needs to show me she is wearing the shoes I gave her, almost as a sign of appreciation.  Maria also talks to herself.  It is sad to see.  In my own naïve explanation this is a way of coping with life’s knocks, being homeless, living at the bottom of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  She is mostly by herself during the day. 

I gave Maria the two towels.  She only took one and told me to give the other one to her friend.  Her friend is also a lady living there, selling lose draws. This other guy Michael, who I met last week, came over.  He acted very aggressive towards Maria.  He told me in Afrikaans, that someone gave her a pair of men's shoes.  She gave it away.  I think he is the bully of this forgotten society.  He kept telling me don’t talk to her, don’t give her something.  Like he wanted to use me to somehow take revenge on her giving away the shoes he felt was his.  In Maria's attempt to make peace, she offered him the towel.  He didn't want te towel, as he was determined to get a pair of shoes.  Eventually we, Michael and I, walked away.  He asked me for money, but I gave him food that I bought.  Maria later told me Michael is mental.  

Michael also has an interesting story.  He walks around with his guitar.  He told me he used to play for bands like Sprinkbok Nude Girls and Koos Kombuis. He lives a block or two up from where Maria lives.  He can only see through his one eye.  I always feel like he standing a bit too close to me.  He only speaks in Afrikaans to me and told me his wife is Zulu but she doesn't speak Afrikaans.  I have never met his wife. 

As I sit hear typing on my laptop, listening to music through my Iphone, making a Napolitana sauce to freeze for the week and eating homemade Guacamole with my Woolies nacho chips I realize that I am blessed beyond words.  Yes I don't work at my dream job, I don’t live in my dream apartment.  But what I got is so much more compared to others.  It is really easy to get caught up in this rat-race of wanting more.  These first world problems we face.  I also know that most of us are blind to this forgotten society, the homeless people who wander our streets.  We don’t really see them during the day, unless they come up to our window with a sign begging for anything we are willing to offer.  They all have stories, they all have memories of a life before the streets.   

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Kissing frogs

It has been awhile since I wrote my blog.  Life happens I suppose when you are making other plans.  So as we get to the end of Feb, the official month of love, I thought it only appropriate to write about my dating experiences the last month or two.

As a new year started, I decided to refresh my “search” for someone/the one/anyone out there.  I rejoined internet dating sites.  And it has been interesting to say the least.  Internet dating is truly a way to meet people if you wanna get lucky.  Actually it won’t even take any luck, just need to put yourself out there.  Within the first few days, I met a few potential guys who I started talking to regularly.  One of the guys I started chatting to was a bit older than me but he seemed very cheerful and upbeat.  He worked close to where I work and stay-I made the number one online dating mistake, said too early which neighbourhood(not the exact address) I lived in.  So our morning conversations always started off with him wanting to quickly come see me at work, just a glance, just a hello.  Very pushy which triggered alarm bells.  I kept saying I am too busy at work and that it would be awkward.  But talk about persistence.  I think it came too close for comfort to me when he texted me that he was at the Woolies across from my work.  He was within 20metres from me.  Fortunately we never met.  I deleted him the day after that.  Another guy and I were texting casually, the whole “get to know each other” texts.  We were busy talking about series when he asked me if I can send him a picture of my boobs.  I was taken aback by it.  And no longer have him as a contact anywhere.  Another rather peculiar guy wanted to discuss my sexual history, specifically focusing on all the different races I have slept with.  Cray cray cray.  So yes there are many crazies out there.  For every one dateable guy/girl out there on the internet there must be a hundred crazies.  So you really need to be patient or just give up on internet dating.

I also went to a speed dating event with a friend.  I actually really enjoyed the experience.  My friend and I met beforehand for a cocktail.  Liquid courage always works.  Nothing like a strong margarita to get the personality going.  It is set up exactly as you have seen in the movies.  The restaurant they chose had that romantic lighting now that I think about it.  So after our cocktails, we went to report our presence to the people running the place.  We joined fellow curious, nervous speed daters in the restaurant booth.  So the small talk began.  I think we all were trying to establish what we were getting ourselves into.  There was a veteran girl who has been to a couple of these events.  She kept babbling on about people she met, guys not calling back etc.  I felt a bit sorry for her.  She was already “selling” herself and she seemed desperate to me.  The mean girls also showed up, bitching and moaning that we were more girls than guys.  Being obnoxious about only getting one drink, no food.  Typical high school mean girls mentality.  And then the games started.  We had to sell ourselves.  We had to sell our personalities, sell our smiles.  Five minutes to convince someone that they would want to see you again.  We all were armed with pen and paper to take note of the people you meet. The first guy I spoke to was a business man who insisted I write down both his email addresses so I can contact him regarding the travel agency he runs.  The whole conversation was so forced.  But as I moved on to the next five minute guy it became easier.  One guy warned me to be careful because girls fall in love with him easily.  Another one, who was a lawyer took a lot offence in me asking him what he does for a living.  One guy could stop talking about wanting to live in a nice quant neigbourhood in Joburg.  At one point we sat out for about ten minutes .  So my friend and I swopped notes.  What is funny is how we all were speaking to the same guys but we got different information from them.  The girl next to me told us she zoned out at one point when the guy was discussing his motorcross accident.  Eventually she realized he stopped talking, but she didn’t know how long ago.  My notes included words such as gay, legal, Chicago, Afrikaans, Jewish etc.  My friend’s note on her first five minute guy said “boring as fuck”.  I thought she was just overreacting.  This guy was my last one.  And I was already used to what questions to ask, what to say to sell myself.  I mean he was the 15th guy I saw.  It ended up being the most boring, weirdest conversation I had.  Every question I asked he replied with one word answers.  It got to a point where I told him I don’t have any small talk questions to ask him anymore.  I never thought 5 minutes could feel so looooooong.  It became awkward.  It was like I was waiting for the school bell to go off, to just take us both out of our misery.   The next day was the match up.  We had to go online and select the guys as a potential relationship, potential friend,potential business or nothing.  I had six matches, but the guy I actually would have wanted to see again, a refugee from Rwanda didn’t match up.  I will definitely do it again.  It is an easy way to meet new people. 

I did go on one proper date with an internet acquaintance.  I didn’t really want to go.  I kept pushing to just go for drinks because it is easier to say goodbye if things get awkward.  But he insisted on dinner.  I am glad he did.  Surprisingly we had a proper conversation on life, travel, family and little stories about ourselves.  The waiters eventually started packing up around us as our cue to go.  I would like to see him again, as a friend.

And so my search for someone/the one/anyone still continues.  In the mean time I am clearly gonna have to kiss many more frogs than I anticipated on.

Cheers





Friday, January 10, 2014

We are not getting any younger

 I passed the 30s milestone two years ago.  I can honestly say that it wasn't the happiest day in my life as I was crying most of the day,thinking of where I'm going with my life and what I have achieved.  I don't have 2.5 perfect kids running around, I don't live in a mansion with white picket fence(very American I know) or I don't live on a wine farm with vineyards as far as the eye can see and I don't have a prince of a husband who swept me of my feet. Nope. None of the above would be the box I tick.  I suppose one can say like many of my single friends our lives can be compared to that of Bridget Jones.  Lots of alcohol, lots of stupid behavior, commitment issues, some one night  stands we would want to forget and just maybe a bit of immaturity that our married friends won't always understand or agree with. 

I think last year was the first time I realized I was really getting older. Before it was just a worry not a reality.  I hurt my knee.  Which was actually ironic since I did a very tough 12km obstacle course a few months before that.  I also climbed Kilimanjaro the previous year.  And no serious injuries except a couple of bruises and some missing toe nails from Kili.  But a simple thing like crossing the road,slipping on nothing, not even a banana peel and a strained knee ligament.  It took forever to heal.  A few years ago a similar injury would not have been such an issue but now with "age" everything heals and repairs itself so much slower or not even at all.

I recently, well a week ago to be exact, joined an online dating site.  A move of desperation to get myself on track again to meet the requirements or expectations of someone my age(2.5kids,white picket fence and a Prince Charming).  I met a guy who is 40.  Well met him virtually, on the internet realm.  When I told some of my friends his age they were a bit in shock,saying it seems so old.  40 does seem so so old and so far away.  But after  some consideration and bit of basic math I realised that 40 is not double digits away any more.  We in our 30s now.  I think somewhere in my heart I still believe I'm in my early 20s though, living it up. 

This week I experienced another age shock to the system.  I went to the doctor because I felt under the weather.  Nothing serious,just a bit of tiredness.  The doctor suggested to take blood samples to run cholesterol, diabetes, sugar and all those old people diseases tests to see why I'm constantly tired.  I instantly went into denial and haven't been back to go for the tests.  I will go as soon as I'm mentally prepared for it.  My one friend said we are not yesterday's children anymore and that I should just go and do the test.  Say what....I ain't that old.  

Growing up I always wanted to live in Neverland.  Not the place where The King of pop,Michael Jackson resided but the place where Peter Pan is from. I used to dream about living there,never growing up and of course being able to fly.  I think both Michael Jackson and I suffered from Peter Pan Syndrome.   I googled Peter Pan syndrome, thought it was something I made up, but it is a real thing. According to Wikepedia "Peter Pan Syndrome refers to younger generations' perceived unwillingness to grow up and their corresponding alleged immature behaviors". Sounds really familiar.

Growing older is inevitable but growing up is a choice. I will always be young at heart and I measure it by the joy I experience going on fast roller coasters.  The minute roller coasters aren't fun anymore will be the minute I'm completely grown up.  So here is to the wisdom that comes with age, some gray hair(which miraculously I ain't got none) and slow metabolisms.  And of course lots of anti-wrinkle.  

Cheers 




Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year, Happy 2014

Well before I start,this blog was suppose to be a diary/blog on how I conquered Kilimanjaro.  Hence the name of the blog.  And since I'm a bit technologically challenged when it comes to blogging, I ain't able to change the name.  So let's just say in an airy fairy kind of way, life can be my mountain.  As the great legend said "But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb"- Nelson Mandela

Today is the last day of 2013. 2013 wasn't a particular great year but it was also not a particular bad year.  Suppose the word average comes to mind.  I know it is a very first world problem mindset, but I didn't do any traveling this year.   Traveling inspires me, makes me feel like I am living.  I love seeing new cities and experiencing new cultures.  Here is to more traveling in 2014.

2013 did hold in some changes for me.  Changed my job(still in the hospitality industry though).  I also changed cities-swopped Pretoria for Jozi.  The change of scenery did me good.  I got to work in a kosher restaurant, which I didn't even know existed SA.  Got to learn a lot about being all kosherfied and the Jewish religion.  No dairy and meat mixing going on.  I have to confess though,whenever I make food or go out I make sure I mix my dairy products and meat products.  Nothing beats a good cheese burger...and to add damaged I will throw in some bacon too ;).

I did manage to tick some things of my bucket list.  Saw The Dave Matthews Band live in Cape Town and all I can say is wow.  I was in a moshpit with Skin from Skunk Anansie. I was inspired by Oprah at the O You! event.  Started a blog(even if it was on the last day of the year). Grew up a lot. Moved on a lot.  And overall just became more content with who I am.

So here is to 2014.  Here is to lots of traveling, life changing experiences, great memories with family and friends and just living life to the fullest.

Cheers

P.s. I'm truly blessed with awesome family and friends.