Conventional is a good fallback position isn't it?

Change is a word that a vast number of people dread. For many change means uncertainty, a feeling of not knowing what to expect, the inability to plan and the constant worry whether or not you will be able to embrace the change or not. Change in most situations is inevitable, in one's personal life, at the office and in day to day activities. Imagine how boring life would be, if you knew exactly what to expect each day, you would reach a point when you no longer were challenged. Is this a reality that you can accept? For many not being challenged, staying in one's comfort zone and going about your own business is what makes your world go round. Is this a way to live? Are you fulfilled knowing exactly what to expect each day, does this add a level of security to your life?

In any situation change is bound to be a factor whether you want to embrace it or not. The more one resists the change the harder it will be to eventually adopt the change. In many situations if you do not adopt or embrace the change you will eventually be left behind. Its important to adjust your attitude, identify the positive impacts of the change, consider the new challenges and allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.

As John F Kennedy stated

"The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable"

This quote is very true as life is full of changes and there is no way to prevent change from occuring.

http://tinyurl.com/2ujhfc2

You cannot chase two rabbits at the same time

The fine art of multi tasking

Can you chase two rabbits at the same time? Women certainly can chase two rabbits at once, considering our natural ability to multi task and successfully do more than one thing at a time. Men on the other hand are able to really focus on one activity or task at a time. Thus if you want  a male to complete a task whether it be changing a light bulb, mowing the lawn or doing the shopping, instead of overwhelming him, give him one task and he should complete that one task successfully unless distracted along the way. However men are able to multi task when it comes to watching sport and drinking beer or braaing and watching sport at the same time. I guess they need a bit of credit as braaing and holding a beer in hand are two tasks which need much co ordination.

Do you think women are better multi taskers or is this just a generalisation? Personally I do feel that women are the better multi taskers as they need to manage the home along with holding down a job which may involve climbing the corporate ladder. There are those men who in any situation are the exception to the rule and when put to the test multi tasking comes naturally.

Multi tasking is an inherent ability in most women which is a quality that should be embraced. This is one technique which men definitely can watch and learn and give credit where its due, as quite frankly the world without women would be, extremely boring.

What makes me smile?

A true smile takes over your face

Seeing someone smile is definitely my favourite expression to observe as a smile effects different facial muscles and can even been expressed through ones eyes. When someone is exceptionally happy, if you observe the eyes, one would note that the eyes in essence are actually smiling whilst glowing. A smile is generally brought about by a feeling of happiness, pleasure, contentment and excitement however there are times when one may smile due to anxiety or annoyance. Then there's the fake smile when one feels obliged to smile or you just smile for the sake of smiling in order to mask an annoyance or irritability, which I must admit I'm definitely a culprit of.

There are so many moments, activities or things that make me smile. Below are a few that spring to mind

• Friday afternoons, knowing that its weekend & I can attempt to sleep in.
• Spending the afternoon with people that I love and creating new memories
• Trying new activities like tobogganing and realising that I actually enjoy it.
• Food, trying new restaurants and discovering a new passion for cuisine
• Getting involved in a CSI project and watching how it positively impacts a community
• Going on holiday, packing my suitcase and boarding an aeroplane
• Learning from others especially older, wiser and experienced individuals
• Overcoming a challenge, realising how much work went into the task and being able to tick it off my To Do List
• Arriving home after being away, seeing familiar faces and just being home
• Sunday afternoon naps with the sun penetrating my back as I snooze
• Sharing achievements with special people
• Looking through old photo albums and reminiscing about the 'old days'
• Getting into bed after a long, hard day
• Morning cuddles
• Being on holiday and realising that its time to switch off and just be
• Seeing others achieve and overcome hardships
• Seeing others smile, makes me smile
• Meeting up with friends who I have not seen in years
• Being part of a society where one is encouraged to make decisions, stick by your decision and learn from the process.
• Love and the emotions that go with it

Life is all about the moments that make you smile however lets be honest there are many moments which encourage you to frown rather than smile. Instead of focusing on the frown fulled moments, I'm going to try to capture the moments which are full of smiles.

A smile confuses an approaching frown

-- Author Unknown

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile

http://kamydental.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/children_smiling.jpg

When you’re her age, (over 80) what will matter to you most?

Love matures with age too

The older you get, you either celebrate each birthday or you pretend that its not your birthday and instead would rather let your age stagnate as this means no more wrinkles right? Whether you are the type to plan your birthday weeks in advance because you believe you should celebrate each year of challenges and life, which I do or whether you would prefer to spend your birthday doing your day to day activities, the reality of aging is bound to take place. No anti wrinkle cream, magical vitamins or injection will prevent you from turning a year older each year.

If i was 80 the things in life that would matter to me most would be:

• My family - spending time with my husband (if he's still alive or maybe my toyboy), my children, grandchildren and friends.
• Being able to wake every morning and embrace the day in a healthy, happy and loving way.
• Reminiscing with old friends over a cuppa tea or a G&T whilst we remember our days as teenagers, 1st loves, marriage, travelling and how things have worked out.
• The ability to be mobile, still active, not too dependent on others but still an independent, hip 80 year old.
• Still being able to positively impact  the lives of others whether it be that I bake for the local kids orphange or make use of my yet to be discovered sewing skills.
• Enjoying my ME time, reading, gardening, cooking, baking and watching soapies
• Still being challenged, keeping my mind, body and soul active
• Travelling- still being able to see the world or rediscover Cape Town
• Achieving self actualisation - being happy with where my life is at.

Its best to embrace the art of getting old, we all want to age gracefully right.

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

-- Mark Twain

http://mtaram.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/old-age-love.jpg

"Nothing is more dangerous than an idea, when you only have one idea"

The importance of a Plan B

Does the thought of considering a Plan B come naturally to your thinking process or do you get so engrossed in one amazing, out of this world brainwave idea that you physically do not think anyone could turn down your idea. Then you are caught off guard with a question from your MD, with the what if questions, you suddenly feel as though you would rather be in bed, covering your head with your pink fluffy cushions from granny fay.

The truth is at times one can get so caught up in an idea, as brainwaves do not come naturally to a large percentage of society thus when a really good idea crosses your mind, you spend all your time, effort and focus on expanding this one idea. However you do not take into account that this idea may not be perfect but may need tweeking in order for it be put into progress.

What lesson can be learnt from such an experience apart from pure demotivation, frustration and the need for a strong drink? As good as you think your idea may be, before you present it to management or the team always put yourself in the audiences position, think of the what if questions, understand your idea in & out and make sure there is an alternative plan or the ability for your idea to be tweeked slightly in order to be suitable for your brand or organisation.

I would rather have a Plan B, show that you are prepared, have thought of the possible alternatives for my idea and have my idea tweeked yet implemented instead of having my idea completely thrown out on a flying carpet.

http://thetalentcode.com/wp-content/uploads/lightbulb-idea.jpg

Have you figured out the second head fake?

The story of Randy Pausch, who was a computer scientist and co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University is one which left a lump in my throat and my eyes welling up with tears as I watched his last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University on Youtube. Randy suffered from pancreatic cancer which reappeared and he was given 3-6 months of healthy moments to live before his health would go downhill. Randy celebrated life with his wife and three kids.

One's health is such a valuable asset, we dont always realise how important our health really is until we fall ill, or a loved one suffers from a dying illness. This reminder assists in putting life into perspective and how essential it is to maintain a balance in life even though we all struggle.

Watching Randy's last lecture made me realise that so often with death we focus on the negatives as we are losing a special person in our lives but how would this person want to be remembered? For Randy, he wanted to be remembered for his last lecture, instilling life lessons in the lives of young, aspring individuals, encouraging individuals to realise their dreams, live their dreams and enable the dreams of others. Instead of hibernating in his home with his family and reminiscing about past times, he decided to part with instilling wise words and reality amongst individuals who were the future leaders. This act of courage, a desire to leave a legacy and make a difference is a quality not many individuals possess.

After watching the lecture I realised that yes I am living my life, trying to achieve my goals but there are times when we stumble across a high hurdle which can demotivate one terribly. It's about having the courage to keep trying, fighting and proving yourself until you are satisfied. It's about getting over the fear of taking risks, if this means jumping onto a plane next year and challenging oneself in a new country but learning life lessons which I can share with other individuals and my family then so be it. I dont think I have fully figured out where I am going in life but I am discovering that journey day by day.

Summer in Cape Town

Kids, water and summer = one afternoon of pure fun

The months of summer sunshine in Cape Town is definitely my favourite time of the year. Cape Town as a city has so much to offer but I feel that the city can really showcase its natural beauty when the suns rays are basking, lighting up the blue skys whilst capetonians frolick on the beach, head up Lions Head or enjoy a traditional braai with a boerie roll and beer in hand. There are those individuals that prefer the cold, wintery months of lighting the fire, sipping on a glass of merlot and hibernating however I feel more alive when the sun is warming my soul.

I love summer in the Cape Town because:

• I wake up in a better mood, if the sun is shining I automatically smile and do not have the need to the press the snooze button
• I actually consider going for a morning run in summer which is a great way to get the morning started.
• Light, colourful clothes including dresses with pretty shoes can be worn to the office instead of pants & coats
• I am more likely to enjoy a salad for lunch in summer & put more effort into having a colourful, veggie filled salad.
• After work drinks whilst watching the sunset is a wonderful way to end a busy day.
• Evening walks or runs are more likley to happen as its warmer and it stays lighter for longer.
• The smell of braai's on the go, who can say no to a chop, boerie roll and a glass of wine or a beer.
• Spending time outdoors refreshes ones soul and outdoor activities are a great destresser.
• Summer dresses, accessories, sunhats and colour are all part of summer
• Manicures and pedicures are a must
• Happiness, people are much more happier when the sun shines

Summer is brimming on the top of a glass of champers, waiting to spill over and warm our souls for a few months and I absolutely cannot wait.

Summer is ready to pop

A life without love is like a year without summer.

-- Swedish Proverb

http://athirstyspirit.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/champagne-bottle.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=summer+fun#page=2

How hard is it to follow instructions?

Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 250g butter, chopped
• 1 1/2 cup (375ml) water
• 1 cup (220g) caster sugar
• 1/3 cup (35g) cocoa powder
• 2/3 cup (100g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 2/3 cups (250g) plain cake flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon bi-carbonate of soda (bi-carb soda)

Method:
1.Combine the butter, water, sugar, cocoa powder and chocolate together in a medium sized saucepan.

2.Place over gentle heat. Bring to the boil whilst stirring. You need to stir until everything has dissolved to stop the mix from burning. Be careful that the mix does not boil over.

3.Simmer gently for 5 minutes.

4.Remove from the heat. Cover with a lid and leave to cool to room temperature.

5.Whisk in gently the flour and bi-carb soda into the cooled liquid. Whisk until all lumps are removed. Do not over whisk; you are not trying to add air into the batter just remove any flour lumps.

6.Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Remember the baking pan must be lined with non-stick baking paper. The batter will be quite liquid and will level naturally. Tap the tin on the kitchen bench three times to remove any large air bubbles.

7.Bake in a preheated oven set at 160oC (325oF) for 75-80 mins. The top of the cake will crack. Don’t worry the cracks will settle and will be hidden when you turn the cake out of the tin.

8.Remove from the oven. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 mins. Gently turn out onto the cake plate that you plan to serve your chocolate truffle cake on and leave to cool. This cake is quite soft whilst still warm which is why I suggest you do not turn out onto a cake wire to cool. Use a flat plate or board lined with non stick baking paper.
 

If you want this outcome then you should follow the above instructions

If baking is not a skill that you would like to brag about or if you are used to burning the cupcakes or having your cakes flop then its essential to follow the instructions step by step. However there is still no guarantee that you will get the desired outcome. You may add a bit too much sugar, too little cocoa powder, not enough water or you may not whisk the bicarb properly. In life it is very difficult to follow instructions because as human beings we all have areas of expertise or areas which we feel we know alot about therefore we forgo following instructions. The question which we need to take into account before deciding not to follow instructions should be if I dont follow the instructions will I still achieve the desired outcome and will I be happy with this outcome? If not, then is it actually worth the risk?

 

I am not the best cook around therefore I will follow the instructions given to me step by step until I feel confident enough to add a little more spice or try something new. If I have done something before then the likelihood of me following instructions are very slim, thats reality. However with that being said, instructions, guidelines or directions are a way of life, you either follow them or you dont but if you dont you risk possible failure or pure achievement or creation. Its up to you to decide if you prefer sticking to the rules or pushing the boundaries just one step further.

 

Recipe from: http://tinyurl.com/37lweyw

Picture: http://tinyurl.com/33w2gxm

The day after my 1st soccer practice

Summer is definitely on route as the signs of Spring are evident as the smell of jasmine takes over my garden. The thought of summer should bring happy thoughts to ones mind which its does to a certain extent for me however the thought of being a beached whale in summer seems to dominate. Winter and the lack of exercise this year has most certianly taken a toll on my body and one can feel the strains on your body.Therefore the urge and motivation to get into shape became evident plus the persuasiveness of a good friend definitely helped the matter. I decided why not try out one soccer practice, how bad could it be? I can kick a ball right?

In this past week I attended my trial practice on the field of Camps Bay High School. On a warm summer evening, with the back drop of Table Mountain and calm atlantic ocean in front of you, one could not ask for a better setting for my first practice. Practice started with our coach, Brett Evans, Ajax Cape Town Soccer Player teaching us a few ball techniques this was followed by a 5 a side match. Not knowing much about soccer I listened to all instructions coming my way however it was hard to keep up. Having played hockey for several years of my life, this helped me figure out the different positions as well as what was required for each position. I played striker for most of the game, which required alot of running which eventually resulted in heavy heaving, a tight chest, lots of sweat, heavy breathing and the need for a time out. A look and feeling that I was not used too and one which would not grace the pages of the local paper. I managed to score two goals but let one goal into the net. I was not born to play a defensive position that is for sure as I cannot defend at all but give me the ball I can try run with it or kick it in the net of course that is dependent on whether or not I'm breathing or trying to catch my breath.

One feels great after a good practice, my energy levels were at an all time high which is a feeling that my body has missed. Waking up the morning after practice, I could feel the stiffness in my inner right thigh and lower back. As the day progressed the pain got worse however the positive side of the aches is the thought that my muscles are actually working.

Lets see how the next practice goes, I think I may be hooked but it may be too early to talk. Here's to attempting to get into shape and not becoming a beached whale.

http://tinyurl.com/2u8fryr