Chirping birds on a rainy morning

I don't know if it's because I live in a corner unit, but my balcony has recently become a pitstop for my feathered friends. They congregate on my balcony and if I approach the door, they fly away...leaving lovely little presents for me to clean up (unless the rain washes it away).

They really only stay for a few seconds, but sometimes I'm afraid they will fly into my room. Last year I had a pigeon fly through my lounge, sit on my fridge looking confused and then just leave!

I've been awake since early this morning & noticed the birds singing from 05:00 already. 🐤🎶

Anyway...this little guy has been sitting here for a good few minutes. Chatting away or calling its friends for company / shelter from the rain on my balcony railing.

I decided not to shoo it away. After all what's a little present that I can sweep or mop away?! As I look around, I'm surrounded by rooftops and tall apartment buildings. These little creatures bring nature alive into our concrete villages. Their little chirps are quite welcoming over the traffic and hooting. Good morning, friends! 🐦

Success. Sacrifice. Solitude.

I eventually willed myself to get up, shower and drag my aching body to the store downstairs.

I've been running a slight fever since last night and my body aches from the intense coughing. This morning I got ready for work at snail pace. What was I thinking? I could barely hold my head up.

As if they knew, my colleagues sent me strict instructions to get back into bed and not go to work. I stubbornly gave in. My body needed to rest and I finally listened to it.

I can't count how many times I've been ill over the last few years while living on my own. For those who have no idea what this is like, take my word: It's awful...

When one is down, we're most vulnerable. We regress to being a child and many of us don't mind being pampered. Even if it's someone bringing you a glass of orange juice or passing you a tissue, we long for a caring hand.

Granted it IS my choice to live alone.

For me, this means that my family lives over 1000kms away.

I liken my story to that of my students. Almost all of them have left their home countries and families and made South Africa their (temporary) home.

Why?
For a better future. It's as simple (or complicated?) as that.

To achieve one thing, you have to be willing to give up something. This is how "sacrifice" can be defined.

I'm no different, really. I have laid out my provisional life map and every now and then I reflect, plot and plan. We all have secret ambitions. Mine is no real secret. I want to excel in the field I'm in. I want to be a known and respected figure in the TEFL community - far and wide.

When I moved back to South Africa after three years in South Korea, it wasn't a very difficult decision about what the next chapter of my life would entail. Whether I would pursue a career in Journalism or TEFL, I knew I'd have to leave my parents nest. Either way, I was venturing out into the "grown up" world once again.

There are many moments where I question my choices. Why on earth am I depriving myself of familial care? I could very easily be in the comfort of my parents home right now. And I'm pretty sure that if I was under my parents roof right now, I'd be chatting to my mum in the kitchen over a steaming cup of tea. Instead, I'm in bed. With my electric blanket. Just a lamp on. Background noise of the TV.

I long for many things. Like you, I also have wants and needs. But at the end of the end of the day, I'm pursuing MY dream. I have daily validation that I'm on the right path. I got at least a dozen calls and messages from my colleagues and students today. Some noticed that my car wasn't in its usual parking spot, others noted my absence. For this, I am grateful and feel blessed by the love and concern.

So when you find yourself doubting your motives, especially about sacrificing...take a moment to reflect on what you're sacrificing for?

Sometimes, the road to success tends to be slightly lonely...

New Year's Eve blah-blah

"Do you have any plans for New Year's Eve?" Dreaded question? Yes.

Especially if you're going to say that you'll be at home and in bed before 12. While YOU may not have a problem with this, having to put up with "You're so boring." etc...is enough to make it a dreaded question.

This will be my first New Year spent in Cape Town. To be very honest, I don't remember going to a NYE "bash" before. I've welcomed the new year in with family (in East London), or an intimate gathering of friends (in Korea) ...and once, alone in a hotel room in Bangkok. It wasn't all that bad, actually.

Where I will be tomorrow this time, I don't know. But by just agreeing to 'go with the flow', it already alleviates pressure and expectations that one should go way out on December 31.

Anyway...just some random thoughts before I turn in on New Year's Eve eve ;)

Good night x

Holiday Hoo-Haa

This morning my dad forwarded an article for me to read. It was written by a young lady who spoke about Christmas holidays and all the (some) obligatory meetings one has to endure during this time of the year. Parties, visits, bumping into people in crowded shopping malls...things like that. With such meetings comes the inevitable questions surrounding ones career, love life or current location of dwelling.

Truth be told, I have been mulling over this topic for the past few days as I wanted to write about this very topic as well.

Most people who know me fairly well will vouch that I enjoy going out and socializing. I love meeting friends over a good meal or sitting in a quaint coffee shop chattering away.

However, when I arrive in my hometown for the holidays, I turn into somewhat of a recluse. My family knows this. Malls? No thank you. Eat out? No thank you. I don't use the word, "friend" loosely so I am comfortable to say that I have very few friends in my hometown who I arrange to meet and catch up with.

I consider my trips "home" a success if, when I am about to leave, I've seen very few people. I know this sounds harsh, but hear me out.

Comments and questions I try to avoid at all costs come from people who I know genuinely mean no harm. But little do they know that their 'innocent' questions could pierce very sore spots that I am otherwise trying to either avoid or heal.

So...asking for the umpteenth time what I do, and then give a look as if to say, "Oh...is that a real job?" to asking me if I know So-and-So who also recently relocated to Cape Town, to something which stabs me of late, "Please tell me you have a man now!"

The last time I went back after a short trip home, I remember telling someone, "East London isn't the same as I know it before." to which I was replied, "The city is the same, Nothing changed. Only you changed!"

The more I come back here, the more I realize how true this really is. The city is the same. The stores are the same. The roads (with all those potholes) are the same. The people...are the same. Yet it is me who has become so busy, that I can't organize a dinner date with a friend without my phone to see if my planner can tell me if I'm free or not. I'm the one who has to make decisions on my own, who falls ill on my own.

I change everyday and I know for a fact that I am not the same person I was last year this time.

Situations and circumstances of 2013 have molded me to become the sensitive, sometimes insensitive, caring, sometimes selfish, calm, sometimes control maniac that I am.

So I guess what I'm actually trying to say is, for some of us - the holiday period is not AS joyous as it is for others. No offence to anyone, please...but, I'm quite happy hibernating at home with my nose in a book :)

Malta: Seven hours in "Do Buy"

Thankfully, I sat next to two fairly pleasant gentleman on the flight from Cape Town to Dubai. We arriving in the UAE in the wee hours of the morning. I forgot to mention that I met a young lady called Geraldine at the boarding gate. She was from Holland and had been traveling for the past few weeks. We planned to have a drink and bite to eat together. We somehow lost each other in the midst of the crowd of passengers flocking all over at the airport - especially around the food court. Anyway - I ended up doing my own thing.

I was adamant that I needed to walk. And walk I did! It was in the final stretch of the transit that I was beginning to lose steam. I was in transit for seven hours. We were going to fly through Cypurs. Stop over to drop off and pick up new passengers for about an hour...

Then the final stretch. What I've been waiting for...

The story of Thomas & Heiko

This story is exactly two months overdue.

Heiko, Thomas & me...

August 12 2012.
It was a Monday – my first day back at work after my two-week leave. I was on a high! It was great seeing all my students again, meeting new students and catching up with my colleagues. I was pleasantly surprised when one of my students came to give me a beautiful "welcome back" bouquet of flowers.

Later that day, on my way from the elevator to my apartment door, I passed an elderly gentleman walking steadily and slowly with his walking stick. He was an Asian man who I've seen around. I always assumed he was visiting children/grandchildren in the building. I greeted him as I walked past. He didn't greet back, but said, “Those are very nice,” – referring to the bouquet I was carrying. I soon realized why he didn't reciprocate my greeting when I saw his hearing aide.

I stopped next to him and we exchanged random banter about the flowers. In no less than two minutes, a lady joined our company. I’d seen her around the building as well. She was petite, had grey/white hair around her face and wore a cautious, nervous-looking smile. They two were husband and wife.

In a space of three minutes I learned that they moved from Hong Kong to Cape Town ten years ago. The gentleman, Thomas, was an English teacher at a public school and his wife, Heiko, was a housewife. As soon as I learned that this elderly couple were staying on my floor, alone – I immediately knew I had to get to know them better.

“Let’s have tea together some day?” I suggested.
“Our apartment is very messy right now, so we wouldn't want to invite you in,” spluttered Thomas. The words came out slowly and he seemed to run out of breath easily.

My experience about making plans with people which never materialize happens too frequently. It was now or never.

“Are you free right now?” I asked.

And off the three of us went to the Woolies Café downstairs. Something told me that these two people had an interesting story. Especially after learning that he was Chinese and she was Japanese. They made Hong Kong their home, before deciding to move to South Africa.

Their story...

After settling at a table, we placed our order. Heiko ordered tea for herself, hot chocolate for Thomas and I had my regular Mocha.

I was so curious to know what brought this couple to South Africa. Thomas explained while Heiko sat smiling – looking back and forth from Thomas to me. I explained to them that I was an English teacher and had the pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life. I had to remind myself to speak slowly and clearly. Thomas was deaf in one ear.

When our drinks arrived, I noticed that Heiko was confused – who did she order the tea for? For Thomas or for herself? My guess was right when she asked me, “You live alone in Cape Town?” – something I told her just a couple of minutes before. She repeated the same question several minutes later. 

The more these two people spoke, the more my mind went into turbo-mode …wondering what I could do for them. I never grew up with grandparents and I had a tendency of 'adopting' elders.

What do they do all day?

“At OUR age, it’s very easy to fall asleep,” said Thomas.  

Do they watch TV? I wondered. No – they don’t own a TV. Then how do they know what’s happening in the world, if they don’t buy newspapers – would it even be relevant or interesting to them if they never left their apartment?

Heiko told me that she enjoys reading. Lovely! A hobby we share. However, I was blown away to know that she is reading and re-reading stacks of newspapers from Japan, given to her by someone she knew at the Japanese embassy. The newspapers are two years old.

Just the two of us…

But where are Thomas’ and Heiko’s family? 

The two never had children.

Would they ever go back to China or Japan?

“I have no family left,” said Thomas with no expression.

I looked over to Heiko and asked about her. “I can’t leave him alone,” she said – referring to her husband.

Trying my best to swallow the lump that had formed in my throat, I asked Heiko what they planned on having for dinner. I can’t exactly remember what she said, but I do remember suddenly losing my appetite. My heart sank when she told me that some days, she walks all the way to the end of the Main Road to buy sushi for her husband from Spar. 

“Heiko…please be careful when you walk and when you cross the street. It’s very busy and the taxis drive very fast,” I cautioned her. 

At the back of my mind, I worried that one day she may forget where she lives.

My quick shopping run

“Could you please wait for me for a few minutes? I need to buy something for school tomorrow,” I told them. First I paid the bill for our drinks and hurried to the food section of the store. I called my mum and quickly relayed the story about the couple I had just met. I told her that I needed to buy food for them. It was a chilly evening and soup would have been ideal. Walking down the aisle of baked goods, while talking to my mum, I found myself looking for bread that was soft. 

I hurried back to Thomas and Heiko who were waiting for me at the café.

“Shall we go?” I asked them.

As Thomas stood up, he said that he went to pay the bill, but they told him that I already paid for it.
“You shouldn't do that. You’re a young working woman and there are two of US,” he said.

I simply smiled and told him that it was my pleasure and that I had invited them out. Also, this certainly wasn't going to be the last time we meet.

I had to mind my speed. Even though Heiko’s memory is clearly deteriorating, she was able to move faster than her husband, whose mind was sharper but was slowly losing his hearing. He walked very slowly. What would have taken me roughly 3 minutes took us about 10. 

Refusing a gift is bad in my culture

Arriving on our floor, we strolled down the passage. We had to pass their door first and as we said our goodbyes, I handed Heiko my shopping bag. Her sweet smile was quickly replaced by a very deep frown. 

A look of seriousness had also taken over Thomas.

“This is for you – please enjoy…it will keep you warm,” I told them.

“Are you crazy? What are you doing this for?” asked Thomas.

Neither would take the bag from me and I was so surprised by Thomas’ sudden physical strength as he resisted my handing him my gift.

When I looked over at Heiko, her eyes had welled up with tears.

“Do you buy gifts for your students?” Thomas asked me.
“Actually, I do,” I replied.
“…well, do they give you gifts too?” he continued.

“Thomas. The very flowers that sparked OUR conversation was FROM a student.”

He continued looking at me, took the bag from my hand and walked towards my door. He was going to make this very difficult for me.

I walked over to him, looked him in the eye and said, “Thomas, in my culture it’s very bad to refuse a gift.”

He didn't take his eyes off me. Heiko merely stood there, with her arms crossed – looking confused.

At last…

Thomas asked what I had bought.

1 x butternut soup
1 x vegetable soup
1 x white rolls

He said he would only take the vegetable soup. Since he’s diabetic, he's unable to eat the white rolls and butternut soup. I could make peace with that. The three of us said goodnight, but as I entered my door, the lump in my throat grew in size.

What / Who do they have?

I sat on my couch and tried to reflect on what just happened in the past two hours. Hot tears welled up in my eyes. I needed to eat dinner, but had no appetite whatsoever.

I imagined that Thomas and Heiko could very well have been my grandparents.
They could be my parents.
They could be me.

This thought scared me.

Living in a foreign country. No living relatives. No children. Almost no contact with others. Oblivious to world events. 

What do they have? Each other.

The energy and excitement of my first day back at school melted away. I needed to get out of my apartment. I needed to go out. To speak. To laugh. I knew exactly who I wanted to be with.

I made a phone call and within a few minutes I was in the company of special souls. They listened to my story of meeting Thomas and Heiko and empathized as I wept in front of them. At the end of the evening, I felt slightly better, but little did I know the great impact these two people would have on me.

Hesitant to follow up

For days after, on my way to work early in the morning or coming home late at night, I would pass Thomas and Heiko’s door. Sometimes there would be no light peeping through the blinds. How would I know if they’re okay? I was so hesitant to knock on their door or offer them help.

Perhaps it was not in their culture to accept such “gifts”, but I could not accept that I could ignore this elderly couple.

The letters begin

On Friday last week, before going to work, I slipped a note under Thomas and Heiko's door. It was a short note to let them know that I just wanted to know how they're doing. Since I come home quite late and leave rather early in the morning, I don't get to see them.

This evening when I arrived home from work, I found this on my door.

It read:

Dear Sheetal 

Thank you for the "food" the other and and your thoughtful note. 

You are young and kind. But let me at my age teach you something - everything can be carried beyond a reasonable limit, so that it is not longer practical or wise. 

[He went on to tell me about a young and generous Chinese man who has recently been forced to sell his business and is moving back to China]. 

...He was too generous to other people. 

You are not a business woman either.
That said, we are delighted to know a person like you - and a neighbour. We shall get together some weekend 

At our age, we have some "problems" with "life" which in all your joyful youth, you will not understand. 

We will go out for coffee!
Sincerely, Thomas

If Thomas and Heiko are uncomfortable accepting gifts from me, and are happy just to accept my friendship, then that is what I will be happy to offer.

Remember, angels come in all shapes, colours and sizes - and these two people, since meeting them, have taught me something quite remarkable. I'll keep you updated as things develop - even if they continue via handwritten letters!

The "joys" of living solo

For me, today, living alone means:

Craving something warm & decadent for dinner, but settling for tea. Not even with a slice of toast - it would've taken too long to make(!!)

My TV hasn't been receiving any signal and frankly, I couldn't really be bothered!

...instead, I was in bed at precisely 19:20 with 3 issues of PSYCHOLOGIES Magazine. Pages of mental stimulation. Oooh the things that excite me! (Seriously?!)

The tea I just had has made me even hungrier, but there's no way I'm getting out of bed now. Unless there are those gorgeous red Lindt balls on my kitchen counter. I'm kidding, ok.

So here I lie in bed, wondering what my life would be like if I came home to a family. Without a doubt I know I'd prepare food for them, if need be. I actually get pleasure in making for others. But for myself? Pssshhttt!

Living alone has its perks, for sure. But I think the benefits of co-living are far better.

I'll also use this time to update my Gratitude Journal. While I have been saying my daily prayers of gratitude, I have neglected actually writing them down.

Best I get to it then...!
Good evening to you!

Warmer - Ice Breakers using Cellphones

After a tweet from @ShellTerrell ("@TheConsultantsE: Ice Breakers Using Mobile Devices http://zite.to/zZJBUk #edtech via @inov8ed @SNewco"), I decided to try it out with my Intermediate & Pre-Intermediate classes the following day.

My students know the "No Phone" policy in the classroom, so they were a bit confused when I asked them to take their cellphones out.  I asked each student to please find a photograph, video or song on their phones which best represented them. For those who couldn't find anything like that, I asked them to locate something that was special to them. Then, in about 20seconds each student shared their photograph, video or song with the rest of the class.


Phones were passed around, there were "Ooohs & Aaahs" about beautiful locales and before long, we realized that our class actually had more in common than we thought.


It was a great ice-breaker to the first class of new students and it is something I will definitely be doing again. We often forget that for many people, the one thing people enjoy talking about the most, is themselves...and when one has an audience, let's face it - they love it!


Teacher's who are willing to spend the first 15-20 minutes at the beginning of a lesson just to get students into "lesson-mode" should try this out!

2012 - So far, so good!

After briefly chatting about my blog during a much-appreciated phone call from a dear friend this evening, I logged onto my blog and couldn't believe that my last post was last year! Unacceptable... However! I have been consumed with work over the  past few days, and by the end of a working day, my brain feels a bit fried.

These days when people ask me, "How's your teaching going?" I can't find enough words to describe just HOW much I am enjoying it!

2012 started off very well and after the (short) holiday, it felt like I hit the ground running! I teach Intermediate & Pre-Intermediate levels in the mornings. I have library duty during the lunch break and just last week, I was given the afternoon class, Survival English.

My days have been rather long - starting at 4am (I try!) when I wake up right till about 11pm when I hit the sack.

"...but teacher, aren't you tired?" my students would ask. I believe that my energy stems from 3 sources:

1) Early morning exercise
2) Berocca Boost
3) I love what I do

I've been fortunate to have a great bunch of people in my class, from all walks of life - from countries like Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, Angola, Libya, Cameroon and more! Professions of my students range from teachers to lawyers to an optometrist.

Above all that, I'm also very fortunate to be working with a great bunch of teachers who have such a vast knowledge of teaching - whether locally or abroad.

I've said it time and time again - that as much as *I* am the teacher, I'm learning just as much from my students every single day!

Late for class...again!

Image from Google Images

A few students - especially in my morning Intermediate class - have been arriving late. Class is meant to start at 09:00 sharp, but I have been lenient with students arriving as late as 09:15.  

It goes without saying that students who walk into a classroom after the lesson has commenced is a disruption - not only to the teacher who has to pause the lesson until the late student has settled, but also to the other students, who made the effort to be on time.

My Int class has predominately male students and two female students. Both females have expressed their annoyance regarding latecomers - which is beginning to get out of hand.

I have discussed this with some of my colleagues, who have suggested that I put a sign on the door saying that late students should go home. The exception is, of course, if they have a note permitting them to be late (or absent).

I'm not sure if I'm very happy to send late students back home and have been wondering what alternative I can use - perhaps something like a writing exercise to do as homework (as a form of punishment?)

However, with all due respect, these are adults we are talking about and if they don't take responsibility for themselves, then who will?

I'm interested to hear from other teachers: How do you deal with latecomers to class?

A few minutes could make a difference

This is my third week with my Pre-Int & Int classes so it's no surprise that I've gotten to know their personalities and moods by now. This morning, when one of my students, who I'll call "A" walked into the classroom rather quietly instead of his usual smiling face, I immediately knew something was up.

I quietly asked him if he was alright. He said no. I asked if he was sick. He said no. I asked him if there was anything he'd like to talk about, and he said he'd tell me after class.

A is in his early twenties. He's sharp, witty and generally a nice guy. So when he spoke to me after class and told me about his "problem" I felt two things. Firstly, I was glad that he felt he could trust me enough to open up and tell me what was bothering him.  Secondly, it reminded me how each and every student comes with their own unique background. Within 90 minutes, I travel between Cape Town, Brazil, Columbia, Angola, Saudia Arabia and many other countries. Each student in my class has some story to tell. They're mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives etc. After a 90 minute lesson, I feel more rejuvenated than tired - believe it or not!

Being a teacher does not mean merely teaching. It means learning just as much as the students. It means empathizing, but at the same time being cautious so as not to become emotionally attached to students.

We have to remember that a language school is like a business. As teachers, we are the service providers and the students are our clients. Each "client" has a particular need and it is up to us - the teacher - to ensure he/she is comfortable as many have traveled far and wide to be here in our country to study English.

By just taking a few minutes of your time to chat to a student, you could be making a big difference for him or her. Just by knowing that somebody cares!

My very own "Mind Your Language"

It's been a week since I met my two classes (Intermediate & Pre-Intermediate). My students hail from all over the world - literally, namely Angola, Brazil, Columbia, Turkey, France, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Ivory Coast, Canada, Taiwan, Vietnam, Egypt, Belarus and Yemen! I'm rather proud of myself that I know all student's names - which, of course, sounds very exotic to my South African ears!

My two morning classes (focusing on General English) is 90 minutes long. Sounds like a long class, but in fact, I wish it were longer. Conversation seems to snowball in the class and interesting debates have ensued over the past few days.

The past week has taught me so much, especially how we, as native English speakers take the language for granted. What we regard as "basic" or "everyday" words actually seem to be problem areas for some of my students.

The topics covered so far have been Business and Health. This week, my Intermediate class is studying the unit on Design, while my Pre-Intermediate class is focusing on the Natural World. For each lesson that I prepare, I'm learning just as much as what I'm teaching my students. Sometimes I feel like I'm back at school with the Grammar aspect of it. I must be honest, though - it's not as grueling as I thought it would be...yet!

Some of my friends have joked around saying that I sound like "Mr Brown" from the old British sitcom, Mind Your Language. Honestly speaking, I do feel like Mr Brown - without the intense classroom fighting and minus the pompous principal, Ms Courtney!

Mr Brown & his colourful students in Mind Your Language

Speaking of which, I work with a fantastic bunch of people. Each teacher brings something very special to the staff room.  Many have either traveled extensively or have had several years experience in this industry, making the work environment a very stimulating place to work in. There's always some kind of interesting conversation happening - whether it's about books, theater, teaching methods or lesson idea's.

Everyday when I leave a classroom, I take a bit of my students with me. I love that even though I'm a teacher, I'm learning from them - about their respective countries and cultures - every single day.

Back in the classroom!

This morning, I found myself at the same language college where I got my TEFL qualification in 2007. This time, not as an eager, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed student - but rather an eager, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed teacher!

For two days, I will observe classes and lessons and on Friday, I will act as a substitute teacher. On Monday, I take over from another teacher.

Anyway, being back in the classroom - this time, only adult students - reminded me what an exciting industry TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) is. I will try my best to blog & update on my experiences and challenges as often as possible. So far, I'm looking forward to it all - I'm going to be working with a great bunch of people...students & teachers.

That's all for today - lights out for me now!

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!

Weekend Wrap-Up

I had a great weekend! Yesterday, Saturday -  I went to the city centre to sort out my parking for the duration of my work. After that, I was at a coffee shop where I got quite a bit of writing done. I left there making a new friend :) Later in the evening, I met my two special friends: Carmen & Farhad for dinner at the waterfront.

They invited me to go with them to Butterfly World this afternoon. (pics to follow) Before that, I made a quick trip to Canal Walk to stock up on some supplies of things I needed. Dinner was spent with an old friend, Helen who happened to be in Cape Town for a few days.

Tomorrow is the beginning of many good things for me. It's the first day of my new job in Cape Town. I feel excited, nervous and at peace - all at the same time.

For now, I need to get to sleep - Good night!

The light at the end of my tunnel...

Well, I can’t believe the change of events within the past few days.  Last week this time I was longing for my life when I was in Korea. I missed my friends and the independence (on so many levels) that I enjoyed there. I even considered going back...

Now, I'm counting down the hours till Monday when I begin (proper) work for the first time in South Africa!

I have been engrossed in a very special book called “The Gratitude Effect” by Dr John Demartini. He speaks about the power of expressing thanks for absolutely everything around us, including the situations we find ourselves in which aren’t necessarily in our favour.  For friends who know me and who read my blog, you will know that I have been doing “Thankful Thursday” since I was in Korea. Everyday – before midnight – I would list 5-10 things I was grateful for that day. I then turned that into a weekly thing, but sadly, it fell away when I came back to South Africa.

As I’ve written before, the last few months were quite difficult for me as I have been looking for a job. Honestly speaking, there was little that I could find to be grateful for. I was feeling fed up with life and people. I couldn’t comprehend why the Universe was ignoring me.

Reading “The Gratitude Effect” felt like it was a wake-up call for me. I decided that I needed to find blessings in everything I was doing and situations I found myself in. I didn’t think it would be easy, but I had to give it a shot. Almost as if it was a switch, I turned my thinking around and decided to say “Thank You” to absolutely everyone in my life. My list ranged from Higher Powers... the Universe, my parents, my brother, my aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, friends, security guards, shopkeepers, cashiers, parking attendants, past employers, colleagues, students. And then, the hardest of them all – thank you to everyone who has rejected my job applications. Heaven’s knows, I have responded to dozens of job postings, made numerous phone calls...with no joy.

There were days where I didn’t see the need to get out of bed. The sun would be shining through my blinds, but I woudn’t be able to see or appreciate it. I didn’t want to face anyone and I felt like I was becoming somewhat of recluse. I didn’t want to attend any social gatherings where people were going to ask me, “Have you found a job yet?”

The sense of despair and rejection I felt was heartbreaking and no one will really be able to understand the deapth of this pain. It felt like I was being told that I’m not good enough. Apart from the support of my parents, I felt like I was just not getting the validation that I needed.

When I woke up on Monday morning, I saw the sunshine and said “Thank You” for the beautiful day. I was not going to spend the day moping at home so I got dressed up and took a walk in my area. I walked into various shops and met a number of interesting people. It was one of those days where everything seemed to be going just right. Also, people I had been waiting to hear from were sending me e-mails!

Another miracle happened on Wednesday.

I went to the V & A Waterfront with my netbook. I thought I would get some writing done at a coffee shop overlooking the mountain and harbour. What better inspiration could I possibly ask for? When I arrived, I took a short walk and I found a bench near the harbour boat tours. One was leaving in 5 minutes. It was a gorgeous day and I was there...so why not? It was just a 30 minute ride around the harbour and then I went to a coffee shop where I decided to sit and write.

About 3 hours passed and I got so much done. Earlier that morning, I sent in a job application for an internship position at a company I have been itching to crack into. I decided to call the number of the person who I sent my application to. Just to make some kind of contact other than via e-mail. She was so kind and friendly and she encouraged me not to give up on my quest for getting in. As it turns out, she is is the assistant to the person who sifts through the applications and who I spoke to a couple of months earlier (and who was very rude to me on the phone).

I left the Waterfront feeling really satisfied about the day and that I managed to get a lot of writing done. Soon after arriving at home, I got a call from someone who happened to have been given my CV. She said that she would like to offer me a temporary job for two months. While it is not editorial, she would like to know if I’m interested in it at all. My heart was racing. She asked that I go in the following day to chat more about the position.

When I hung up the call, I sat on my couch for about 10 seconds trying to absorb the miracles that were unfolding in my life.

I went in for the interview on Thursday and was asked to think about the position overnight and to call in Friday notifying them if I accept or not.

After much thought and weighing my pros and cons, I called her on Friday morning.

“What have you been thinking?” she asked.

“I’ve been thinking...that I’d like to see you on Monday morning,” I said.

And just like that, I accepted the job offer.

Today was a bit of a milestone for me as I drove into the city centre alone for the first time (not by getting lost this time!) to sort out my parking for the duration of my work. I was so lucky to deal with a very nice person and was also very grateful to a friend who told me about this parking garage.

I haven’t felt this happy and at peace in a long time and as my godmother said to me, “The light is shining for you at the end of the tunnel.”

I’m very grateful to the lady who called me on Wednesday afternoon and for her giving me my first break at my first proper job in South Africa.

Quick Catch-Up

I can't think of any (good) excuse why I've not blogged, except that when I sit down to write, I can't seem to get the words out.  Some call this writer's block! (rolls eyes)

Anyway, the past few months have been pretty busy and not so much at the same time. In April, after attending my friend Carmen's wedding in Cape Town, I decided to pack up and move from East London to the city of 021. It was evident that job hunting FROM East London for work in big cities was just not working for me. 

I found myself a lovely apartment with an awesome view and moved in at the beginning of July. With my mum's help, we turned this shell of an apartment into a cosy home. A week after my mum left Cape Town, she was in hospital for kidney stones.  The procedure wasn't successful and she had to go back in the following week. It was hard hearing my mum sound the way she did on the phone, especially since she's always cheerful and up to something or the other. I felt like I needed to be with her, especially when she went into hospital again. So I went back to East London and spent about two weeks at home. Thankfully, the second procedure was successful, but my mum took a long time to recover.

 I came back to Cape Town for a whole week before I had to go back to East London yet again. This time, it was for my 10-year high school reunion. More on that in the next blog post.

All that is over now and I'm back in the Mother City. I've been keeping myself busy with finding a job.

...and I'm still trying to find myself! :)

Giant Vuvuzela - Sound Test

A few days ago I posted pics of the giant vuvuzela in Cape Town. My buddy, Ajay sent me this clip of the vuvuzela sound test.

Giant vuvuzela in Cape Town, SA

My dad e-mailed these pics to me of the giant vuvuzela being erected in Green Point, Cape Town (South Africa) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

I've heard the vuvuzela being described as Satan's Instrument. What do you think of it?

For non-South Africans, a vuvuzela (pronounced voo-voo-zeh-lah) according to this is a trumpet-shaped horn which produces a loud sound. It is blown by fans at soccer matches in South Africa.