I Never Want To Stop Learning

I had this thought last night...

...I never want to stop learning.

I don't mean in the traditional studying toward a degree or diploma sense, because the thought of that just fills me with panicky dread. I think back on those 2AM alarms which I set to study my chemistry or biochemistry textbooks the morning of the exam, and I immediately feel nauseous.

I mean, in the pick up a book from the library, watching a you-tube how to video, finding an older mentor, attending a specialised conference, attending a film festival, watching a documentary, discovering old music, reading one of the great novels sense.

We become so filled with fear as we get older; afraid to make mistakes and be thought a fool; afraid to be different from those we choose to surround ourselves with.

We also become so stagnant; watching the same mind-numbing junk on television over and over again; going to the same restaurants; meeting with the same people; travelling on the same roads to the same places. Our minds thrive on change, diversity, challenges and new environments.

There are still so many things I want to know how to do before I die: study the psychology of human behaviour for fun; write my mom's life story; learn how to sew (and quilt in particular), mosaic and fix my own car; take an introductory photography course; make the perfect cappucino; run a 10km race; hike Fish River Canyon; travel to every one of my must-see-before-I-die destinations (only the list keeps on getting longer); read every one of the books on the "hundred books to read before you die" list (I'm proud to say that I've already knocked a few off of the list); plant my own vegetable garden (which hopefully grows to the point that I can harvest them); learn about stamp and coin collecting; volunteer for an NGO; study a finance course just for me; learn to rally drive; learn about copywriting and brand management; take a cooking or baking class. Why? Because these things interest me. Not because I want to change my profession or be something I'm not, but because I think we are all so much more than we allow ourselves to be. We're layered; multi-faceted and complex. We're meant for more.

I went through a phase in my life where I only read classic novels. Wuthering Heights; Sense and Sensibility; Pride and Prejudice; the collected works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I spoke in old Edwardian English for weeks. It was beautiful. I need to make more time to do things like that. Things that expand my mind and bring me joy.

I also went through a foreign films phase: Amelie and Ignorant Fairies. I wasn't sure I was going to like them at first but I now count them among my favourites.
I rediscovered my brother's extensive music collection with the likes of Tom Petty; Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band; Aerosmith; Bob Dylan and the Beatles. I may be nearly 31 but I'm proud to say I know and like the music of Edith Piaf and Nina Simone when most of my generation would be asking: Who?

I annoy people sometimes by asking alot of questions. I know I pry but I'm interested in what you do; how you do it and why? What lead you here; why you keep on choosing to do what you do.

I never want to stop learning...

An Ode To Projects Completed

Guys, we finally finished painting our headboard, and by we, I mean Matt. I am so happy with how it turned out. Below is a photo of the finished product, which will only be hung once we move (as I don't want to have to re-paint an entire wall at this stage).

He did such a great job - thanks Matt!

I did eventually take a photo of that yummy chocolate pudding, which I enjoyed with a glass of red wine (thanks Amanda)

My sister-in-law Shekinah's music video was released on South African television and it is being played at least once an hour on 5FM and East Coast Radio. She has such an amazing voice and we are so incredibly proud of her!

To watch the video go here:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7xhaN_CPriw

Matt and I are joining Christoff and Marguerite (a couple from church) at their house once a week for Story Sessions.  It's been interesting so far, learning about each person's life story and their journey with Christ.  Plus the bacon and cheese muffins which Christoff made were delish!

Matt and I finally hiked the blue trail at Krantzkloof, which was about 2 hours long and relatively flat, so a great option for families with younger children.  It also ends with a waterfall (in the rainy season) which is an added bonus.

For anyone looking for free group exercise sessions in Durban, there's the Park Run (or walk) on the North Beach promenade on Saturdays at 8AM (but you have to register online first), as well as Club 117 which offers group training sessions in Bulwer park on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings. If you want more information visit their Facebook site.

And just because it's funny and I forgot to tell you all, the day my mom arrived from Taiwan was a doosy. We got home from the airport (a good 30-40 minute drive away) only to realise my mom had collected somebody else's suitcase. She called the airport helpdesk and they let her know that her suitcase was there and she could come to collect it. She was advised to contact the person whose luggage she had taken, and arrange directly with them to meet and hand their luggage over.

So my mom got back into the car to drive to the airport. When she got there she was told she couldn't collect her luggage until she handed over the other person's luggage (which was safely tucked away at my sister's house). After some negotiation, my mom was finally allowed to take her luggage home. My mom can be persuasive when she wants to be.

In the meantime, my sister and I managed to find a business card in one of the bag pockets which had a web address on it, which in turn lead to a mobile number. When we eventually managed to get hold of him, it turned out Mr Uwe Schmolke had already travelled to Margate (a good hour and a half away) and needed his diving equipment and wetsuit (which was in his suitcase) before sunrise the next morning, which was the first dive of his underwater photography trip. So off my mom went again, this time to the central bus terminal to buy a 'seat' for the suitcase to travel to Margate, where Mr Schmolke would eventually collect it.

It is never a dull day with my mom around!

So what I learnt from this experience is:
1) Always check that your luggage is indeed YOUR luggage
2) I think it's pretty amazing when people use their vacation time/travels and combine it with their passions, whether it's through a working holiday or volunteering
3) Mr Schmolke has some pretty cool underwater photographs which you can view here: http://www.underwaterphotography.com/photo-contest/default.aspx?MID=38368

Whatever you get up to this weekend, I hope you have an amazing time with your loved ones.

Jenn's Favourite Places - Krantzkloof Nature Reserve

This weekend gone past Matt and I went to Krantzkloof Nature Reserve to hike. This may be my most favourite thing to do in the whole wide world. It may also be Matthew's least favourite thing, but he does it with me anyway because he loves me.

I love it so much, because within a half hour of leaving home I can forget that I live in the city.  It's quiet and peaceful and my heart feels full being outdoors.

Some useful information to remember if you're headed there is that there is an entrance fee to use the facilities i.e. even if you're not hiking and you're just going for a picnic you'll still need to pay an entrance fee of R20 per adult and R10 per child, unless you can present a Rhino card.

Secondly there are some great picnic and braai areas to use before or after your hike.

There are many trails to choose from but we usually end up going on the black trail which offers amazing views of the gorge, as well as a view of both the top and bottom of the waterfall.  Next on my list is the white or blue trail (which Matt is hoping I forget about between now and when we go again).

Enjoy some pics from the hike:

Matthew makes fun of my shoes all the time, but I have yet to slip or trip in these bad boy Merrells

Gorgeous views of the gorge. We were also lucky enough that day to see a hawk riding the thermals in their characteristic upward circular pattern.

Everytime we pass this tiny stone house with its fireplace sitting on the edge of the cliff I tell Matt that I'm going to live there one day.

What is normally the top of a cascading waterfall during the rainy season

Rock Hyrax hiding spot and our break point

I felt so proud of us nearing the end of our hike, until this tiny girl came past us running up the trail. Once we had completed the hike we were relaxing at one of the picnic tables only to see her run past us again on her way to another trail. Oh you crazy trailrunners you! One day that will be me.

Cool woodland creatures which you should be on the lookout for include the rock hyrax. Although we didn't see any this time, we have before. The trick is you have to be very, very quiet (not so easy for me).

This is normally the cascading waterfall. I will have to go back in summer to show you what it really looks like

Halfway point selfies

Seasonal wildflowers

Fern forest

And I know I'm going to sound like a Mom now but please pack the following for any hike because it's better to be prepared than sorry: lots of water, snacks, sunscreen and a lightweight jacket in case the weather turns. Please also leave any valuables in the car where possible. And lastly wear comfy shoes with lots of grip. We were lucky this time in that the trail was quite dry but I've been there before when it's muddy and it is slippery! 

Till next time folks :-)