Emerging from an upgrade

The procrastination has been defeated! Here is a new version of WordPress, a new theme, a new integration to flickr, some other integration to twitter, a new blogger and a new day. Geewhizwow. Let’s hope some folk actually come and read this blog!

If everything works as advertised, there should be a handful of pictures up there – a few glimpses of June. Notably, my fatherhood was celebrated again, and I enjoyed some Noel-Time. Much appreciated. Since it is obscenely late/early, I will be retiring now.

The spoilt under-30 crowd

Nope. I didn’t write this, but I really enjoyed it. Can’t say I haven’t thought this through once or twice…

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up, what with walking 40 kilometres to school every morning, uphill, barefoot, both ways …

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they’ve got it!

But now that I’m over the ripe old age of 30, I can’t help but look around and notice the youth of today. You’ve got it so easy. I mean, compared with my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia!

When I was a kid we didn’t have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalogue.

There was no e-mail. We had to actually write somebody a letter, with a pen. Then we had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the postbox and it would take like a week to get there. Stamps were 10 cents. Child Protection Services didn’t care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our arses. Nowhere was safe.

There were no MP3s or Napsters. If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the damn record store and shoplift it yourself. Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up.

There were no CD players. We had tape decks in our car. We’d play our favourite tape and “eject” it when finished and the tape would come undone … cause that’s how we rolled, dig?

We didn’t have fancy crap like Call Waiting. If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that’s it. And we didn’t have fancy Caller ID either. When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was. It could be your school, your mum, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn’t know. You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister.

We didn’t have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600. With games like Space Invaders and Asteroids. Your guy was a little square. You actually had to use your imagination. And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever. And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died. Just like life.

You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on. You were screwed when it came to channel surfing. You had to get off your arse and walk over to the TV to change the channel. There was no Cartoon Network either. You could only get cartoons on Saturday morning. Do you hear what I’m saying? We had to wait all week for cartoons, you spoilt little rat-bastards!

And we didn’t have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up we had to use the stove … Imagine that.

That’s exactly what I’m talking about. You kids today have got it too easy. You’re spoilt. You guys wouldn’t have lasted five minutes back in 1980 or before…

The kiddiewinkles (and stuff)

Now that I have to microblog/tweet the fact that I’ve posted here, I’ve made a mental note to maintain my writing efficiency by writing 140 characters less that I would have.

So, behold, the children: The fantastic distractions whom we love so dearly (notably during the usual human-conscious hours…) and who’re growing up so fast that even finding current looking pictures is becoming challenging.

Other points of interest to me: Atlantis and the successful Hubble mission, another YawnGP victory (sorry. That’s immature. I mean, well done Englishmen), general F1 politik, LOST 5′s intrigue/wtfness and lastly the exciting (and non-trivial) use of my cup-holders for morning coffee.

As a special bonus, I am going to recommend a link to the World’s Best Comic – Pearls before Swine, and I was going to mention something awesome but have reduced my blog len——

A no-picture post(ulation)

Twitter. Until today I mocked “them” fervently… foolish contributors to an instant society. And then, lamely, I sucumbed. Certainly an interesting thought process to this point though – but despite having… whatever, bought the t-shirt or something, I’m still not convinced of the fit (so-to-speak).

Here’s the thing. What degree of effort is required to exist in this modern space – this blogo-twitto-mega-one-machine-o-sphere? Let’s say I invest (precious) hours of effort into a post, or write some incredible twitter-haiku or something, only for it never to be read because in the same instant that I commit my masterpiece, 100 other people write utter nonsense and my genius is lost forever onto the lonely and seldom read page 2. I ask, would the gamble and time investment have been worth the potential win? I’m 30, and life is definitely catching up with me. I barely find time to shave, and so unless I’m gonna tweet with my left-hand, do I really, actually have time for anything which may just… not be read? Sure – same can really be said of blogs and facebooking and this and that. So does the fact that I eventually adopted those “necessities” imply that this is all just a matter of time? Perhaps I’m just whispering against thunder? Arguing for the sake of it?

A week or two ago, RAMP Group ran the Net Prophet conference, and everyone witnessed the gee-whiz-wow of all this tech in action on twitter walls and what not. Again, despite being technically interesting, it struck me that 15 minutes of fame is practically 15 seconds of fame nowadays, and a simple act of blinking exposes one to the risk of somehow missing TheNextBigThing which everyone but blinker will be talking about (which will of course further cement blinker’s pending exit from TheRealAndPresentWorld). Oh the peril!

Time will tell, obviously, but some questions remain… what is the actual (and I mean actual) return-on-investment of all this new-fangled online reputation building. Is it actually sustainable over the long term, when life takes the form of families, and the demands of 1st Life start crowding out the disposable time. And if it’s work time we’re using, what does it actually cost our businesses, and even if done in the name of business, does that cost actually yield viable and profitable returns?

I suspect I’m just overdoing it, but even 140 characters seems ambitious! I guess law-of-odds will probably find me becoming a compulsive twittevangelist (hereby patented!) Hmmm…

Rhenoster Valley, Sutherland

Have car. Will travel. Fortunately the order worked out courtesy of some rapid action by the car people. Friends had arranged our Easter weekend, and after some chaotic packing into an unknown bootspace, we headed off towards Sutherland (and an extra 45km of dirt-road I was waiting to try). In presumably the absolute middle of the middle of nowhere (which is technically 32°25’11.45″S, 21°12’51.74″E), we arrived at a small farm house – brilliantly equipped (minus electricity) and perfectly removed from all that is stressful!

I’m not one for ultimate highlights, because usually there are many, but overall we enjoyed great company, great food and a great escape. We managed walks, got outdoors and benefitted from excellent weather. Despite not making it to the SALT observatory, we benefitted from our resident astronomer and his telescopic gear, and managed some amazing star-gazing each evening before the fullmoon conquered the darkness. Apart from being zombie-like for most of the holiday (on account of our darling little girl-child) it was still a wonderful weekend and we plan on returning there for a longer stay. Thanks Ernst for arranging!

(Oh… and I arranged a fishtank for Jamie and 4 hardy fish to survive my forays into tank ownership. They aren’t named yet, because I’d hate to waste good names on high-risk fish!)

Good things come to those who wait

… and indeed… I have waited! My long-serving Jetta has been decommisioned, partly the result of ever-increasing maintenance bills, and partly the result of reliability-neurosis. No longer a confident travelling partner, our holidays were becoming a concern, and we’ve opted to replace. However, before a final signoff, I must pay tribute to a vehicle which cost me only R31000 and gave us more-or-less 9 years of more-or-less trouble-free motoring. Many-a-time I enthused about the power, the space, the relative fuel economy – and it afforded us countless holidays with significant toy-space in it’s ample boot. It served us well…

However, I have a feeling that this new member of the family might just do the same. After much head-scratching, late-night feature-comparisons and discussions with used-car-salesmen, I opted to purchase a heavily discounted but brand-new X-Trail – a 2.0 diesel which promises safety, comfort and packing-space – perfect for the next 10 years of holidays. I am obviously elated, as it’s been a long time in coming, and so far, so flippin’ good! It’s a fantastic vehicle! 10 points to William Simpson in Tokai – great service and a very pleasant experience. (PS: The sad-looking picture is my final goodbye to the Jetta… I’m not bleak about the new one!)

The space between posts

Well, thank goodness for pictures, because I can’t really remember what we’ve done since Jamie’s birthday. With some reflection, I recall a wedding or two – pictures from Travis’, but we also went to Matt and Melindy’s. We bought Jamie a bike for his 3rd birthday (fitting since the Cape (witch)Doctor cursed Argus was on his birthday) which he’s become very adept at – he enjoys riding with Gabi our neighbour. We scooted off on the train to the Navy festival which was also wind-affected, but interesting, and I’ve recently been installing irrigation at home. Erin is now completely in control of the household, and aside from her extremely adventurous journeying, she’s a real joy. Her evening feeds are becoming a little more predictable, but we’re still sorta sleep-wrecked! Generally we’re just enjoying being a full-time family. It’s hard work, but very rewarding – pictures don’t tell half the story!

End-of-the-line

Three tickets please! And so we departed from our local train station. Jamie’d been a little wound up for the day, and I suspect perhaps a bug caught him out too, but the time spent on Simonstown’ Long Beach was great fun. I particularly like this beach for the awesome backdrops – the navy, the mountains…

Anyway, a great big thanks to everyone who attended and made the effort to join Jamie. Fortunately the weather was good (unlike the freakin’ gale that arrived the next day for cyclists). He really appreciates the various toys, games, puzzles etc.

My (Jamie inspired) Smartie-exploding-from-within cake was quite a hit – especially since it’d avoided melting in the run-up. The trip home was accompanied by a little carriage-touring busk group who were quick to lead our gathering in an upbeat “Happy Birthday” complete with Banjos etc.

Jan did amazing things getting the whole party organised etc, so 10 points there. As for Jamie, well… biases aside, he’s an awesome little guy. Hard to believe things have gone so quickly. Anyway… this evening seems to have gone that quickly too… long past my bedtime. Thanks for visiting!

Generalschmenral

Significantly, Jamie’s birthday and party has come and gone, so before I write that up, I may as well casually mention that the 2009 Cape of Storms was quite fun. Everything that has been said was true, but nevertheless I’ll certainly do it again.

The novelty of riding so many inaccessable/closed routes was awesome, and is still sort of front-of-mind as I commute to and from Town everyday. My finish time was just under 5 hours, which was fine considering. A mapping table I recently saw suggests that my 2009 time would actually map to just under 4hr. Whatever… I’d rather do it for real next year.

The rest of the family are still alive and kicking, usually sometime around 3am. Jan and I are still seriously crushed with sleep-dept, and our various work situations have been extremely exhausting of late as we’ve both been grappling with unreasonable (- understated) clients demonstrating psychotic and/or narcisisstic illnesses… sorry for us!

But the kids avoid the stress fortunately… largly…
More on Jamie’s birthday to follow…

Uncomfortably numb (bum)

It’s getting busy! Jamie turns 3 this weekend, and we’re having a little (as if…) do to celebrate. We’re counting on the weather since it’s beach-oriented, and don’t quite have a plan if the weather guys are getting it wrong. Currently we’re in for low-thirties – perfect indeed. He’s been fantasing about a cake which shall, from it’s insides, burst forth with many, many Smarties, and so I had a rather timeous epiphany earlier this evening: dispense with the complexity of building some Disney-inspired cake, and just create a cake with a gaping Smartiefest-sized hole inside. An hour or so from the beach, I’ll simply bend my rubber-arm and grant him his wish… I’ll empty a kilogram bag of chocolate goodies into the hole. I’m sure that will help for my race energy?

On that point, thirties are pretty un-perfect for the Cape Argus which is taking place on Sunday. Forecasts I’ve seen have only dared as far as Saturday, but I’d imagine we’ll get a glimpse tomorrow. My money is on high-twenties and strong winds. Mmmm… my favourite! Not even sure how I’m going to escape our neighbourhood as it is usually completely restricted during the race. This being my first foray into this cult event, I’m hoping my ass survives the saddle-time – I’m aiming for low 4hrs.

Otherwise, my gran just moved house, so I’ve bought/inherited a fair whack of new furniture which our house cannot accomodate. So we’re sort of more full than we already were. We’re also not sleeping at the moment since Erin seems to have a cold. But I am blogging. There’s that silver-lining!

Special day for a special girl

Not that this doesn’t remind me of the school-time folly of measuring relationship age by the months they lasted, but today marks the halfway-mark towards Erin’s first birthday. Terribly hard to imagine this, but 6 months ago today I was holding a newborn (and if I remember correctly, licking the tastiest pizza off my lips!)

It’s been a different experience so far, largely a result of Jamie’s prominence in the familial order, but she’s been a very graceful recipient of reduced attention, and is without doubt an absolute delight. She’s cheerful, engaging and laughs at the slightest excuse. In addition, she’s got all three of us wrapped around her fingers, and repays us for our troubles with beaming smiles. And ohhhh… does she give us troubles! She started rolling at 11 weeks, was sitting at 20 weeks, and is now quite capable of navigating herself across a bed/room/safe-zone! She’s been caught chewing CDs, sucking shoes under the coffee table and trying her best to fall out of her cot. Quite an action-figure to be sure… never ever stops moving. Ever. Even when she’s sleeping. (And in truth this forgotten fact was added as an edit, but Erin is stronger than a freakin’ ox – it is completely unbelieveable how much strength she has. A really small part of me wonders whether she might be bionic?)

Anyway. I’m just a gushy dad… I suppose there’s a chance I’m smitten and slightly biased. Definitely grateful for our little girl. Definitely not taking her for granted!

Like weeks through the hourglass…

Oh well. You know the drill. My blog is laughable. I thought I’d do something different this time, and give you, my er trusty readers, the chance to complete this paragraph. Here goes: I haven’t updated this blog in nearly 6 weeks because (a) I haven’t cared (b) My PC became terminally ill (c) I’ve been watching the cricket (d) Life is FAR too crazy to worry about lamenting the point online (e) Blah Blah (f) my progress is what it is. Slow! (g) Most of those minus the cricket.

I’m getting flak from my brother in Scotland that he hasn’t seen his niece in ages, so mostly this is just a pic update. Truth is, I’m also working on a new blog layout (yes haha… I also think this is funny!), so have been spending time elsewhere.

Basic news: Christmas came and went, family came and went, holidays came and went. Jan and I are both back at work, her break having been maternity-sized, so it’s been an adjustment I’m sure. We’re both screwed with sleep-deprivation, with our (adorable, beautiful, very loved) little banshee daughter choosing the early hours to moan about indigestion. Chain reactions-and-all see Jamie pottering around requesting breakfast about 2 hours early, all of which generally tones down “the morning vibe” a little.

If we had to summarise the last month or so, it would probably focus largely on the swimming pool. We’ve enjoyed fabulous weather, and Jamie has completely dominated swimming. No floats, no special effects, just a confident little dude who’s swimming the length of the pool over and over and over and over and (the calendar flips to a new day) over…! It’s been great fun. Slightly less fun was throwing my back out for 3 days over Christmas, which meant I had to enlist Jamie to paint the garage, mow the lawn, braai the New Years dinner etc, tasks which he did with aplomb! (Yes. Rules of Collateral Damage saw Jan’s share of duties increase 10-fold – a burden which she copes with very graceously! Much appreciated!). Can’t say I don’t start thinking “Yeah… tsk tsk… you’re not young anymore”. Sucks!

I took a little leave mid-Jan to coincide with Jan’s last week, and we managed to get away to the Aquarium, World of Birds, Kirstenbosch and a variety of other ‘out’ activities, so all in all the (extra) holiday was a great break. My cycling continued to keep me out of the house, with another race in January. Nothing spectacular, but I completed the 6-hill Cape Cobra without incident in 3h55, which I was fairly pleased with. Everything cycle-related was just awesome until last weekend when I officially joined the League of Broken (mountain biking) Gentlemen by smashing my upper body up on a ill-concentrated descent. In practice, a crash-landing on my right shoulder and back after an extended flight over the handlebars. In medical terms a Type 3 AC-Joint Shoulder Separation. No riding for 6-8 weeks. Argus in 6 weeks. Busy pushing the joint into use again, and so far so good – seems to be getting stronger again (although it will be a long-term thing. I know!)

Erin is sitting, almost crawling already. She’s quite far ahead of “The Curve” in terms of her development, and is really a little gem. She’s very good natured (albeit short-tempered!) and is always beaming smiles in our direction. Jamie is completely smitten with “Jamie’s sister Erin”, and is obviously unaware that she’ll likely become his nemesis! He’s started school this year – a playgroup nearby – and seems to be fitting in nicely.

In closing: Folks are well. Friends are well. We’re well. There’s LOTS to be thankful for. I hope to get the other site up soon (in other words during 2009!). Thanks for popping by!

PS: I’m now a bonsai-ninja. Vere’s 30th gift to me. R20 says I do something bad to it in the first 2 weeks!

Seventy good ones!

A short history of Beth Henrico:

7th December, 1938 – Born
7th December, 2008 – Celebrated 70th birthday!

Nope! Definitely doesn’t do justice to my mom-in-law… hence the getaway!This weekend we managed to escape real-life and disappear into a seaside village – spending 3 awesome days in a stunning house up the mountain in Simon’s Town. As has become a bit of a tradition, Beth treated us to a weekend away over her birthday, and it’s always appreciated, but I think this year was a bit of a lifesaver for Jan and myself. Not that it was easy with two partially-insomniac children, but I propose that the nett result was a break?

So Beth – congratulations to you! As was elaborated during the breakfast, she’s an absolute rock for our family, helping out in so many ways we’ve long lost count, and probably – if I’m honest – often taken for granted. For your sake and longevity I hope my children become calmer! God bless you for all that you are and do – you’re an inspiration!

Simon’s Town is – let me just get it off my chest – my new best-place. Importantly, it’s way closer than my gut-feel always led me to believe, and having cycled to and from a few times recently, very worth the visit. (Dr of something-or-other) Adin is down from Scotland, so it was nice doing some riding with company, and Jan and I managed to sneak into town alone for milkshakes. We all swam against a backdrop of our armsdealt frigates, pored through ScratchPatch and allowed my long-haired crazy-ass father to occupy Jamie for most of the balance of weekend. Simply put, it was awesome and had it not been for our defrosted freezer when we returned home, I would probably still be buzzing. But alas!

And let’s not forget the other news – last weekend witnessed a Captain Awesome sized effort at Die Burger Fiets Toer, and despite just missing my goal of a sub-4 finish time, I can’t be unhappy with 4h01 for a 98km race with only three weeks of half-arsed training. Helshoogte wasn’t all that fun, but I survived it in one piece, and every bit of psychological victory counts! My seeding for Argus is now bound to improve, which was the objective all along, and at least my confidence is improved too! (Yes fine, it’s ridiculously over-inflated as you’d expect!)

And one last thing – I’m now the gifted owner of a bottle of Smokehead Whiskey… much like drinking nitroglycerin. Read the tasting notes here for a good laugh!

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.