Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Ready....go!
Well, last week at this time my life was relatively simple. Simple as in no phone, no real connection to the 'system' and just my two legs to get me anywhere...
In one week I have obtained a bank account (which took longer here than buying a car in the states). A good friend of mine set me up with a phone and the complications of having a phone number! Its good. Shortly after the phone, I enrolled in an oil painting course. My works are on sale...If anyone is interested--I have "THE LONE CITRUS" selling at $1800.00 (o.b.o)...
The big news is the wheels. My company has helped coordinate a 'car' for me. Actually it is a set of wheels with a 12 h.p. lawnmower engine...Well, its not too far from that. No matter how much trash I write about it--I have to say its fun to drive and the chicks dig the teal...I know what they say about teal but it is the next 'in color'...Color trends always start like this. You will also notice that the car's steering wheel is on the 'wrong' side. That is for driving on the 'wrong' side of the road.
So, I have converted from standard to metric (miles-kilometers) and I drive on the wrong side of the road...Next thing you know I'll be eating cold fish and crusty bread for breakfast with my earl gray tea. THEN, marmite...
I have also included a picture of an 'animal' which is larger than any grasshopper I've seen. The assumption that these 'locust' can bite off a toe is not confirmed yet, but I'm not going to take any chances. I don't see very many of them (they're not hard to miss) but the largest one has to be about 4" long or so--large enough to walk around...This creature joins the many other novel things here (snails, frogs, crabs, large beetles, etc.) I've been told that I need to get out and see some real wildlife.
So, taking the whole post objectively--I want to defend my male character and declare that I am not some artsy fartsy sissy who drives a teal car and is afraid of bugs...I know it seems that way-but I'm not.
Did I write that I started running and working out? I got these new pair of purple running shorts...
In one week I have obtained a bank account (which took longer here than buying a car in the states). A good friend of mine set me up with a phone and the complications of having a phone number! Its good. Shortly after the phone, I enrolled in an oil painting course. My works are on sale...If anyone is interested--I have "THE LONE CITRUS" selling at $1800.00 (o.b.o)...
The big news is the wheels. My company has helped coordinate a 'car' for me. Actually it is a set of wheels with a 12 h.p. lawnmower engine...Well, its not too far from that. No matter how much trash I write about it--I have to say its fun to drive and the chicks dig the teal...I know what they say about teal but it is the next 'in color'...Color trends always start like this. You will also notice that the car's steering wheel is on the 'wrong' side. That is for driving on the 'wrong' side of the road.
So, I have converted from standard to metric (miles-kilometers) and I drive on the wrong side of the road...Next thing you know I'll be eating cold fish and crusty bread for breakfast with my earl gray tea. THEN, marmite...
I have also included a picture of an 'animal' which is larger than any grasshopper I've seen. The assumption that these 'locust' can bite off a toe is not confirmed yet, but I'm not going to take any chances. I don't see very many of them (they're not hard to miss) but the largest one has to be about 4" long or so--large enough to walk around...This creature joins the many other novel things here (snails, frogs, crabs, large beetles, etc.) I've been told that I need to get out and see some real wildlife.
So, taking the whole post objectively--I want to defend my male character and declare that I am not some artsy fartsy sissy who drives a teal car and is afraid of bugs...I know it seems that way-but I'm not.
Did I write that I started running and working out? I got these new pair of purple running shorts...
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
My Dear Wormwood...
“And now for your blunders. On your own showing you first of all allowed the patient to read a book he really enjoyed, because he enjoyed it and not in order to make clever remarks about it to his new friends. In the second place, you allow him to walk down to the old mill and have tea there—a walk through country he really likes, and taken alone. In other words you allowed him two real positive Pleasures. Were you so ignorant as not to see the danger of this? The characteristic of Pains and Pleasures is that they are unmistakably real, and therefore, as far as they go, give the man who feels them a touchstone of reality…”
--C.S. Lewis 'The Screwtape Letters"
Leaving home, leaving security, leaving alot of familiar things has given me a new opportunity to enjoy some real Pleasures. C.S. Lewis' 'Affectionate Uncle Screwtape' really helps me see the medicating process of enjoying quiet walks and good books...And yes, I have made clever remarks about them...(By the way, Uncle Screwtape is a demon who is trying to 'mess-up' his patient--that may explain the negative tone)
This time here hasn't been without loss and some heartache. Each day is filled with a bit of grief and at times discouragement. However, I have to admit that more than simple Pleasure itself, the quiet and solitude has really allowed me to enjoy my faith, my God and my relationship with Him. I regret not enjoying more sunsets in prayer and contemplation--I hope to make up for that in the coming weeks..
I started running--Yes, that may be my most popular conversation starter in my whole life... We'll see if I can ever hold a conversation in regards to my 'running habits' after a few months. I'm working my way up. I have found that I can run farther and faster here than in the states. I run 3 kilometers here in about 15 minutes...It used to take me that long just to run 2 miles in the states...Well, either way it makes me feel like I'm running more.
--C.S. Lewis 'The Screwtape Letters"
Leaving home, leaving security, leaving alot of familiar things has given me a new opportunity to enjoy some real Pleasures. C.S. Lewis' 'Affectionate Uncle Screwtape' really helps me see the medicating process of enjoying quiet walks and good books...And yes, I have made clever remarks about them...(By the way, Uncle Screwtape is a demon who is trying to 'mess-up' his patient--that may explain the negative tone)
This time here hasn't been without loss and some heartache. Each day is filled with a bit of grief and at times discouragement. However, I have to admit that more than simple Pleasure itself, the quiet and solitude has really allowed me to enjoy my faith, my God and my relationship with Him. I regret not enjoying more sunsets in prayer and contemplation--I hope to make up for that in the coming weeks..
I started running--Yes, that may be my most popular conversation starter in my whole life... We'll see if I can ever hold a conversation in regards to my 'running habits' after a few months. I'm working my way up. I have found that I can run farther and faster here than in the states. I run 3 kilometers here in about 15 minutes...It used to take me that long just to run 2 miles in the states...Well, either way it makes me feel like I'm running more.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Coastal Life...
I haven't really ever lived on an ocean coast before. The closest I've come is living on the Bosphorous Strait in Istanbul which was connected to the Mediterranean Sea. Watching tides come in, smelling really humid air, seeing funny birds and the crazy weather has all been novelty.
Yesterday I went and had a 'South African BBQ'--and I label it that because I'm too unsure how the name is really written. It wasn't so much a formal 'South African BBQ' as much as it was just hanging out on a cliff overlooking one of the most beautiful stretches of beach I've ever seen. Coastal life...I think I could get used to it.
My friend Craig wants to know if I'm going to take up surfing. The only problem is I've got a bit of phobia in regards to sharks...Or is that a phobia? I don't think fearing sharks is irrational and its always done me good--So, seeing as this South African coast has a large number of White Sharks, and the like, I'll keep to the designated swimming areas...
I've put up some pictures. A couple from my view yesterday, some of the birds I get to see here, and some pictures of my current apartment.
Yesterday I went and had a 'South African BBQ'--and I label it that because I'm too unsure how the name is really written. It wasn't so much a formal 'South African BBQ' as much as it was just hanging out on a cliff overlooking one of the most beautiful stretches of beach I've ever seen. Coastal life...I think I could get used to it.
My friend Craig wants to know if I'm going to take up surfing. The only problem is I've got a bit of phobia in regards to sharks...Or is that a phobia? I don't think fearing sharks is irrational and its always done me good--So, seeing as this South African coast has a large number of White Sharks, and the like, I'll keep to the designated swimming areas...
I've put up some pictures. A couple from my view yesterday, some of the birds I get to see here, and some pictures of my current apartment.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
A DEPARTURE FROM SECURITIES
Another week and I still feel like I'm on vacation. With the exception of an 8-5 work week and an office...I leave work and it seems I should be packing up to go home any day now...
The great thing about entering a new country or a new place is the loss of alot of securities. Sure, many would call that making lemonade out lemons but truly there is much to be said of recreating habits, routine, and securities.
I haven't had a cell phone now for almost two weeks. This weekend I was moved to a one bedroom, cozy apartment with an incredible view but without a phone (see the picture post). For the first time since I can remember I have been without access to a phone (for use) for a whole day (other than travelling). That is a security that I had no idea existed...until it wasn't there. IT WAS GREAT! What's more is the timex watch that I've had to wear began to run a little slow...so, no watch! All day, no one expecting me to call, no meetings to attend, no place to go. Needless to say there were some moments of panic.
So, check out this place. AFRICA?! What the? I still can't believe the views.
A note on the side of reality. There has been so much time to contemplate and think and to pray. Quietness and solitude are scary things for me. Setting aside time or having time to 'work through' things has challenged my faith. C.S. Lewis' 'The Great Divorce' and 'Out of the Silent Planet' have been some incredible resources...
The great thing about entering a new country or a new place is the loss of alot of securities. Sure, many would call that making lemonade out lemons but truly there is much to be said of recreating habits, routine, and securities.
I haven't had a cell phone now for almost two weeks. This weekend I was moved to a one bedroom, cozy apartment with an incredible view but without a phone (see the picture post). For the first time since I can remember I have been without access to a phone (for use) for a whole day (other than travelling). That is a security that I had no idea existed...until it wasn't there. IT WAS GREAT! What's more is the timex watch that I've had to wear began to run a little slow...so, no watch! All day, no one expecting me to call, no meetings to attend, no place to go. Needless to say there were some moments of panic.
So, check out this place. AFRICA?! What the? I still can't believe the views.
A note on the side of reality. There has been so much time to contemplate and think and to pray. Quietness and solitude are scary things for me. Setting aside time or having time to 'work through' things has challenged my faith. C.S. Lewis' 'The Great Divorce' and 'Out of the Silent Planet' have been some incredible resources...
