Just a few more months to go…
It seemed like it would never get here, but at last 2010 is upon us. I am feeling so optimistic and excited about the year ahead it’s insane, and with so much to look forward to, it just HAS to be a good one!
After a good few days away in Piketberg, high up on the mountains away from everything; relaxing, eating, napping, reading, missioning through forests, swimming in gorgeous jacaranda-filled pools, and spending time with friends, family and of course my relocated cats, I am feeling rested, uber chilled and ready for the year ahead. Last year, my resolution was to wing it, and mostly, I did just that. There comes a point however when you realise that you need a bit of a plan, and you need to decide what matters most to you. For me, the biggest challenge of 2009 was dealing with ever-increasing stress loads. From deadlines to job losses, heartache to cat relocations, I somehow lost the crucial work-life balance, and I paid the price with poor sleeping patterns, lapses in gym and diet, bigger lapses in my social life and all sorts of other crappy stress-related issues. It sucked, big time, and this is why this year I decided to focus on one goal… to cut down on stress as much as possible.
What does this mean exactly? Basically, I started setting things into place before the year ended, to cut down on freelance work and start focusing on myself and my zen levels. In addition to this, I plan to do things I enjoy doing – read more, reclaim weekends again, go out more, work less, worry less, eat better, run more, gym more, work on my book, work towards my personal growth goal (more on that later), get away more and generally get a life. Tres simple in theory, obviously may not be this easy when I factor in things like money, work and reality. Still, that is my goal, and I plan to work at it daily.
As for my holiday, all I can say is that five or so days of escape from the city has done me the world of good. Here are some of the highlights of my holiday, in photo format. The full set can be found over here.
Getting pulled over somewhere on the R47 for doing 103k in an apparent 80k zone
Picnics in the gum forest, which has loads of massive towering blue gums
Enjoying walks in the forest with assorted cats, dogs and people... this cat in particular is a real forest cat!
Picking divine fresh fruit from the orchards - these apricots are small, but utterly delish, as were the plums
My awesome R25 slops I picked up at the P-berg budget fashion shop - super comfy and rather cool!
Beautiful sunsets every evening, and always a cat or two around to add to the view
Braais, fires, candlelight and star-lit skies... let's not forget the marshmallows on sticks!
Chicken and the mouse on his back, very sweet!
Swimming in the best darn pool ever - cold spring water, floating jacaranda blooms and a stunning backdrop!
There were many more moments of course, click here for more pictures!
Here’s to a super awesome year ahead! 
Looks awesome
You would love it nyak – such a beautiful place!