An ode to life

Let me start with some (very-obviously) homegrown poetry…

Oh, life, you are but so lank fleeting,
where doth vanish you, as the accelerative forces grab hold of my human mind and body and (therefore and forthwith) accelerateth me,
forth, wherewith thereupon to discover how much of you, oh life, has fleeted…
the end.

Ahhh. Wholeheartedly crappy poetry indeed! – but where would I have found the time really? Since the last, eve-of-30th post, I have naturally become 30. The day was marked as a slow-in, fast-out day at the office, and I went with Jamie to his swimming lessons to see the proof of all the positive reports I was getting. Sure enough, the little guy has really progressed and is “swimming” really well. When time allows, we’ve been having a ball in the pool at home… his confidence ever increasing. Jan and I lamely celebrated the evening with chinese and a DVD (oh and Wade and Linda). It was nice, and about all we’d had energy for.

My NZ aunt is in town, so we’ve enjoyed some catch-up. I’ve also finally tried my hand at golf, and while not particularly talented, I could have played worse. Riverclub Mashie course is bound to see more of me as I strive to improve my game.

Then of course the cycling. Having bought a mountain bike for my birthday, it’s been clear that I’d better deliver on the promises made to my dear wife about how “cycling is now a new life-force” and “I am complete when on the saddle”. I nearly perished cycling up to the Blockhouse from the office; faired a little better doing a solo run to Smitswinkel Bay last Fri before work, and then surprised myself with a solo over-and-back foray on Ou Kaapse on Tue – again before work. This is partly just to rescue myself from impending obesity, but also to train up for (the?) Die Burger (98km) race this weekend, entered in order to seed better for the Cape Argus (108km) which I’ll be viewing from the saddle next year.

So. That leaves work and family really. Work has been pretty busy – as usual – and included the finale of the internal Apprentice which we’ve been running as office-lark. I’ve restyled The Donald, and have had plenty of fun firing the mortals who have failed to progress to the final round. Lots of fun, loads of work, and enjoying the thought that it’s concluded.

Family. Good. Exhausting, but very rewarding in the way that only parents can probably relate. Erin’s colic is steadily improving, although still causes us to cuss most vilely every now and then. Jamie’s been a bit trying in the evenings, sometimes clutching (with-grim-determination) onto the day well past 10pm. Jan is hanging on with those “survivor-eyes”, which move slower than normal and have twinges of desperation etched into the corners! Weekends are fun though, and we enjoyed some soccer/kite flying with Jamie this last weekend.

Anyhoo. What a long post. Hope you’re still on the page…?

It’s all good. Really.

Ah! A bold statement from a man about to sign-off on his Twenties! Perhaps so, but I’d be a fool (of those mocking, biblical, proverbial proportions!) if I didn’t take stock of my life to this point and recognise a life of blessing, favour and well – to borrow from my own alter-ego – awesomeness.

Let’s start then: I’m writing this from the comfort of my own home, safe from the unusually (and disturbingly) violent weather, sipping on expensive Speyside Malt which I myself bought in Scotland. Around me, technology and doodats lurk, each item the key to a wealth of activities. Were I to trot down the passage, past numerous other luxuries and comforts, I could poke my head into rooms which contain children – healthy, vibrant and full of potential. Further down the passage I’d hear the whispers of my sleeping wife – an attractive, young-at-heart, full-of-soul woman who keeps me trying harder – keeps me learning. Returning towards the kitchen, I’d glance lovingly at my gas hob (truly a significant achievement!) and the pair of death-by-chocolate cakes which have filled the house with almost noxious odours of extravagance. Lucky work colleagues!

I top up that whiskey then. I spy a few photos on the walls, jogging to mind the Croatian cruise Jan and I enjoyed, the Ferrari experience around Silverstone, the Venetian wanderings and Parisian nights. These alone could prove my point, but wait! Still more pictures, reminding me of musical folly with wonderful friends; family moments and their stable upbringing. Then I’m thinking of the many, many people who I count dear to me – friends, colleagues and significant others who have shared splashes of these 30 years and influenced who I am today.

Oh. And the garage of fun! I don’t dare outside to the nether regions now, but in my minds eye I picture all the hobbies, the interests, the toys and machines, gadgets and gimmicks (yes. layers of dust and spider webs too… whimper!).

This stream-of-consciousness might be coming into focus – perhaps painting a terribly material view – so let’s just change the focal length a little for completeness. Jobs. Safety. Holidays. Potential. Future prospects. Hope in myself, my family, my own family, my country. Hope in others and a belief in good.

We’re really wide-angle now!

Opportunities beyond measure, and the means to achieve many of them. A God who has instilled in me a unique and distinct personality which I have come to accept, appreciate and become oh-so-very comfortable with (yes… to the point that I have an alter-superhero-ego!). A certainty that no matter what crap this world can, does and will throw at me, there is an overriding simplicity to it all: Jesus showed us all a better way, overcame the ultimate punishment on account of my past, present and future screw-ups, consequently instilling a larger-than-life value to my day-to-day.

So, leaving the sermonising – it is this point of view which makes me realise that as the clock rolls over to mark my 3rd decade, there’s still everything to play for. This is simply an overhyped chance to take a long, inquisitive look at how incredibly fortunate I am; what immense opportunities I have; and recommit to removing any and all impediments to my greater potential as a grace-filled child of God.

It really is all good. I have an awesome life – something I plan on remembering more! Thanks for being a part of it.

Many gazillion words worth

The requisite gallery update. Since the last pics were about 6 weeks ago, this spans a fair bit of chaos, exhaustion and growing up. So nothing specific to point out, except the inconspicuous proof that Jamie may be taking after the other Jamie. Summer has certainly been welcome – looking forward to the rest of it. If it returns that is! Enjoy them!

Executive Summary

Non-stop talking from Jamie (“look Daddy, look! Turn head around!”); Erin not talking yet, lots of non-stop crying, 12 weeks tomorrow, very smiley, polar moods; Wind beginning annual visit – Noel beginning annual sulk; Entered Argus Cycle Tour – training urgently necessary; Urgent training taking place, rides along coast to Simonstown; Mountain bike lust begins; Gumtree obsession takes root; Bad habit results in fancy 2nd hand bike; Lots of energy input at work; Playing Donald Trump in RAMP Apprentice; Adin visiting for December; Vandudgeonwyks due soon; Hamilton won GP; 30th Birthday on Thursday; Mid-mid-life crisis imminent; Dad’s 60th come and gone; Mom-in-law’s 70 imminent…

Big year for all; Long day for me; Bed beckons. I’ll update with pics when I can…