I'm a Working Class Hero too now (^.^)

Sooooo about two weeks after completing my honours degree at the beloved Wits Journalism department, and after a week of fretting over my general knowledge (or lack of it) and brainstorming impressive outfits for the interviews I went on, I finally got swooped up and employed!

*Yay! *

After four interviews in one week, I started the following week as an intern (yes its not permanent, but its a start).

Was so stoked, I actually wasn't sure until I had a sit down with the HR lady to confirm my deets.

It's so exciting now, I get a salary like the rest of the normal people. Dude, I'm actively contributing to my country's economy now hehehehe.

One thing I must say about 2011 is that is has been a year full of nothing but blessings (disguised or apparent).

From my departure from Grahamstown in late 2010, to my safe arrival in Joburg.

The addition of my sweet and yummy partner, to the (semi) smooth transition into a TOTALLY new academic institution.

From knowing almost everyone at school to knowing ONLY one person and adapting.

For completing my course with some Rhodes suave and smoothing out the kinks and rough edges Wits style.

From being a nervous little cub to becoming a brave and courageous young lioness.

I guess that I am a lot braver than I think, as I look back on all the experiences I've had and the situations I have put myself in, I do think that I should give credit where it is due.

Without the inner spirit, that cheerleader that roots for me even when I'm sitting on the bench of life, I don't think I would have done HALF the things I've already done.

And there's no way but up, because now I can't let that relentless spirit down, God's standards are the highest and as his daughter who am I to perform any less?

So I am going to do better, one step at a time. And so far I'm damn proud of the steps I've taken. No regrets.

<3

I feel so alive.

Steve Jobs is dead. He was an independent thinker. He was innovative. He was a husband and a father. Obviously I didn’t know him personally but from watching his presentations, I know that he was confident, an independent thinker and (it seems) was not afraid to take risks.
 

I met a 27 year old man today; he’s achieved quite a lot for himself. He hasn’t stopped yet though, he’s on a roll and he looks so focused. I mean he bought a BUILDING at the age of 22. What was I doing at 22? He’s put in plans that he’s ACTUALLY executed and are profiting and blossoming. He’s changing the identity of inner city Johannesburg one building and area at a time. Wow. I love him.

Not romantically, no. Shame my poor boyfriend wouldn’t be so chuffed about that. But I do love him (or maybe I love his energy?) I wish he was a friend of mine. I’d love being around people like that. Someone doing something TOTALLY different to what I am. Someone who has TOTALLY different views of things. Someone who probably has TOTALLY different conversations to the ones I do. I’d love that. I don’t get enough of that. I wish I had that. I’m going to make it my mission to get that. Life’s too short to be comfortable and cushioned. But no one said life has to be rough either, it just has to be different, everyday.

So thank you Steve Jobs for your presence on this earth and all the cool gadgets you left us with. And thank you Jonathan Liebmann for making me think of life a bit differently.

I appreciate it. 

“I want a red gown too”

SO the thing is, I graduated this past weekend in Grahamstown and out of all the lovely memories and stories I want to share with you, the most outstanding one is about the red gown. Rhodes University’s PhD gown is a red academic robe accompanied by a velvet cap. When I heard the PhD students’ dissertations being read out and watched as they were being capped, hooded and receiving their doctorate caps, I felt an urge.

Already dressed, capped and hooded by Chancellor Jakes Gerwel, I felt like a little achiever. But when the time came for the newly declared doctors of philosophy in their specific fields, I felt a tinge of envy. I felt as though someone had just left a diamond necklace with my name on it, at the tip of Mount Kilimanjaro.

I really want the necklace (red robe), and I’m sort of halfway up the (academic) mountain but just thinking about continuing the uphill hike is not only daunting, but to a ‘not-so-eager-beaver’ like myself I would much rather watch someone else reach the top - on DVD, sitting on a couch eating popcorn.

Anyway, I really want to wear that red robe, and that’s what I was thinking about all weekend while I was there celebrating my undergraduate degree. It’s the first step toward getting to that red robe, the first phase towards reaching the top of my academic mountain and adorning myself with the diamonds, my red robe.

My mother has an unfortunate habit of ‘taking the fizz outta the pop’ and a classic example of this was on our return from the little nerdy town when she says, “I just hope that after these celebrations and ceremonies, all these graduates get jobs.” What a mood-killer. So there you have it; my trip to the peak of Kilimanjaro has been halted by a mother who wants to reap the rewards of four years of investment in her last born.

I want to wear a red gown too, but it will come in time. Honours is not a joke, I doubt masters is soft on one either, so I’ll give the red robe some alone time before I announce our permanent matrimony.

Aren't we all one big messed up family?

So it seems that 2011 is the year of the Arabs. It's only been three months into the year and two dictators have already been removed from their seats.

I think its great! I mean don't get me wrong but I've always gotten the vibe that Arab Africans don't really see themselves as part of this continent. I mean, most of their relations are with their over-the-seas northern counterparts.

And we, the 'lesser' or the 'real' Africans were the only ones with the drama, dictators, chaos and so on and so on.

So seeing all this activity occurring in the north is quite cool. Firstly: because for once I can see a link to tehj rest of the continent, Arabs weren't living as lavishly as we (well I) always presumed. They've had Mubarak and Ben Ali there for 30 years and 23 years respectively. I mean gosh, people (the media and cynical politicians) have been making poor old Mugabe seem as though he's the worst thing that ever happened to africa. Why were his buddies upper north not treated the same way he's been treated?

I don't remember hearing about groups of delegates going to Egypt or Tunisia to go speak to Ben Ali or Mubarak about getting him to step down.. Why has the northern countries' dramas been kept so well under-wraps? 

I really do wonder about that.. Tisk Tisk.

Helloooooooo 2011

Gosh, talk about delayed entry.

It's the 2nd of March and I am very ashamed to say this is my first blog entry for the year.. 

I must also admit that I did recieve threats from die-hard fans who refuse to see this baby looking bland. So being the good mother that I am I've decided to treat my baby :).

With that being said, no more threats PLEASE. *hehehe*