Monday, October 31, 2011

QLC - It DOES exist!

Last week, while writing an email to a friend, I jokingly said, "Sometimes I think I'm going through a quarterlife crisis."

I'm not sure what made me read up on this a few days later, but it turns out that it's not as uncommon as I thought.

Could it be that I am, in fact, going through a quarterlife crisis? (QLC)

The very thought almost makes me shudder.

I came across an article that I read in The Guardian (UK) which stated that this "phenomenon" bears the hallmarks of a midlife crisis:

  • Insecurities.
  • Disappointments.
  • Loneliness and Depression. 

This shook me up a bit and the mere thought of the word "crisis" is enough to have my head spinning! Other articles state that those going through "QLC" also long for days gone by, like school or university where life was - dare I say? - simpler.

Reading this made me sit up, because I've recently been missing what life was like back in high school and university...and more recently, my life in Korea. My life has taken a complete U-turn in the past year and somehow, if it weren't for photographs of my time abroad, it all seems like a dream.

There are high expectations of 20-somethings these days, especially professionally.  For someone like me, who has sent my CV to literally hundreds of HR departments across the country, there is a sense of disappointment and failure with the very famous question, "What's wrong with me?" Finding a stable job - and putting my 4-year degree to use, has been incredibly challenging.

In a personal capacity, the majority of my friends are either:

1) Married
2) Engaged
3) Married with children
4) Have children
5) Have a boyfriend/girlfriend

I am obviously none of the above.  Having lived alone for three years in South Korea, I'm used to and enjoy my own company. In fact, I think nothing of going to the movies on a regular basis. Alone. Of course, I'm a sociable person and I would like someone to have a stimulating conversation with, someone to laugh with and someone to share special moments with.  I feel the bite of this when I'm in the company of a couple... especially those who finish each other's sentences!

In a way, it's comforting to know that there are more going through QLC and that I'm not alone in this...as we often think we are. I'm sure there are many people who would brush it off and say that it's just another excuse young people are conjuring up, but it's real.

What is adulthood, exactly? Is it something we reach when we exit our "teens"? or is it actually a state of maturity. And then what is maturity? In all honesty, there are times I feel like a 16-year old and other days, I feel like I'm 30-something.

Anyways - I think that's enough rambling on from me for a Monday night.
Tomorrow is the first day of November. Let's make it rock and let's exit 2011 with a bang! Good night :)

Music Monday: Boomerang ft. Akon, Pitbull, Jermaine Dupri

Sunday, October 30, 2011

New Week...

I don't feel like I'm ready for Monday yet. As always, week-ends are far too short. On Friday, I was incredibly tired and allowed myself to have a bit of a sleep in yesterday (Saturday).  I had an extremely chilled day watching TV, reading and a wee bit of writing.

Today, I went to Canal Walk for a few things. Watched Ra.One which I enjoyed, but I when I stepped out the cinema, I was faced with hundreds of crazy month-end / Christmas shoppers.

It's 21:30 and I really want to stay up to write, but I need to be up at 04:30.  So what do I do?

Time Management! For the next month, I absolutely need to incorporate writing into my daily schedule. 300 words. Minimum. Daily.

Tomorrow is the start of a new week and also one where we say hello to November. The end of 2011 is in sight and I think I'm feeling a bit anxious about it, hence my uneasy feeling I've been having lately. Anyway, more on that tomorrow perhaps.

For now, I will publish this post, disconnect and head on over to slumber land.

Wish you all a wonderful week ahead :-)

Chammak Challo (Ra.One) The Making...

Chammak Challo (Ra.One)

Impressive vocals by Akon!


Criminal (Ra.One)

Lotsa booty popping going on in this song from Ra.One!
(Vocals by Akon)

 

RA.ONE

Today I watched Ra.One on the big screen - not usually my kinda thing (Sci-fi / Action) but I really enjoyed this!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Diwali 2011

For the past few years, I spent Diwali away from my family. Last year, I was fortunate enough to be home and spend this auspicious day with the most important people in my life. This year, I was/am in Cape Town. I had the day off, but spent it alone in the Mother City (my family's in East London). I had the day off from work and had the delightful surprise of receiving a care package from home filled with delicious Diwali goodies :)

Pic sent from Daryn in East London
It wasn't long before I had to get ready for dinner with my very good friends, Carmen & Farhad. They came over in the evening and the three of us went out to The Raj in Camps Bay for an Indian dinner - with a fireworks display outside as entertainment :) I'm so very grateful to have Carmen & Farhad in Cape Town with me...they're like my home away from home!

I hope everyone who celebrated had a very special day.

BodySpectra2011


On Tuesday, October 25 2011, I was invited to BodySpectra2011 which was held at Vaudeville, Cape Town. Showcasing body painting/art with the theme, "Immortal" I was blown away by some of the awesome artwork by the students of City Varsity. The picture above is just one of the many cool models who performed on stage. It was a fun night out!