Friends...

I've been blessed with some nice things in my life, the best of which are my family and friends...

Unfortunately I've just learned that one of the nicest, most sincere and dearest of friends is in a tough place. Somehow he has been dealt an undeserved hand and the outlook is bleak. Cancer does that! Indiscriminate, merciless and devastating...

I have just had a call with him to express my sympathies, share my emotions and show my support. We both started off somewhat matter of fact - blah, blah, blah...chemo - that's tough, you'll beat it - blah, blah, blah. The we broke through to the next level - a sincere chat about what it really means and how we really feel.

Some tears, some choked emotions and a whole lot of reality. We are friends and our friendship goes back over 45 years. We can be direct and say it as it is. We laughed about the good times (at school, at uni, at work), some near misses and great escapes, and the fact that we used to be "bulletproof"! Sadly no longer. Now we talk about how time has crept up on us both and with it the new challenges that age, life and human frailty brings.

So where do we go from here? His chemo treatment starts next week; the stats aren't favorable and it's going to be "hell on earth" for my strong and brave friend. For me, I'll be on the sidelines urging him to beat this beast, take another step and win this battle one day at a time.

What would I do, if our roles were reversed? I really cannot say. I think I'd want to make each day count; tell my family and friends that I love them; make people laugh and smile and not have a bad word to say. I'd build a picture book of things that are dear to me, memories that are meaningful and of course, compile the most important "To Do" list of my life. No time to be lazy - life is for living! Especially when you're on a countdown...

My friends and family who read this, will know how much I love them and value and cherish our relationships. You are all SO special to me!

To my special friend, just know that your friends are with you every step of the way. We've got your back, we care, we'll pray, we'll share the journey with you.

And in the words of the song by Burt Bacaharch and Hal David - What's it all about Alfie?

What's it all about, Alfie
Is it just for the moment we live
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it's wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
What will you lend on an old golden rule
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I know there's something much more
Something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie

Amsterdam - Incredible memories of my years gone by...

I spent the last few days in Amsterdam on business - it was a time of reminiscence for me; memories of years gone by...

I worked for HP South Africa in the eighties and as a young engineer had an opportunity presented to me to relocate to Amsterdam. I was keen but apprehensive - leaving my family and friends behind was a major issue. With my parents guidance and encouragement from my family and friends, I took the plunge!

Departure day at Jan Smuts Airport (now called something different), my dear family and incredible friends turned up to bid me farewell - there were tears, good wishes, laughter and butterflies! I was off...

I got on the plane and despite a few tears and my heart in my mouth, I opened my mind to what lay ahead. I had so many questions: What was it going to be like? Would I make it at work? Would I manage the culture? Would I be lonely / make any friends? And so many more...

The stewardess awoke me - we were going to be landing shortly. Time to get my act together.

We touched down and my heart lifted up. Despite my fears and trepidations this was my time - I was arriving on a full tank of determination! I stepped boldly off the plane, resolute and focused.

I spent over two amazing years in Amsterdam before returning to South Africa to continue on my life development journey. 

So many great friends (you all know who you are), some crazy visits from my 'life' friends in South Africa, a special father/son time with my incredible Dad and many other beautiful memories. My short visit over the last few days has rekindled this all. 

Now, looking back on my life, I realise that it was my boldest step. I loved my life in Amsterdam - loved the culture and the people, thrived at HP; made some incredible new friends and took in numerous life experiences that have shaped me. Thank God I took the opportunity.

Here I am leaving Amsterdam with such fond memories, flying home to my life in London, my special family, my friends and a great job.

I have been blessed - life is great! 

Don't be scared to seize the moment; to make that commitment or take that risk. Life is for living!

Hot as ...

Phew! Never thought I'd say this, but it's too hot here! 

We're on our annual pilgrimage to the Costa del Dosh and it is 38C! Very nice but it's taking time to acclimatise. Went for a 5km run and probably walked for 2 of the 5km - no energy! Don't know how Dan has the energy to hit the gym.

Chillaxing at the pool today, followed by dinner at our favourite restaurant, Los Farollilos. 

Beautiful setting, family and friends - time to relax now!

Loving London

Had to fetch my new Irish passport today and found myself with a few minutes to kill in the "posh" part of London - Knightsbridge! Popped in to HRods (or "little Dubai" as I call it) for a sandwich but balked at the price of a 'pain a fromage' - I think they had me down as the young, svelte Sheikh al Mangani!

Luckily I was NOT mistaken for a Middle Eastern zillionaire, and didn't get into a Bugatti Veyron and drive off either - damn!

 

Thought I'd do a bit of shopping - I'm looking for a set of "his and hers" runabouts and found this lovely pair - what do you think? Tracey's is the green one!

I did consider a new 'pad' in posh Londinium and had a choice of the Candy Brother's One Hyde Park (glass not class!) or something more genteel in Eaton Square with it's own little park!

Choices!!! You've got to love London...

Powwowpat hits the blogosphere!

Time to stop talking and start doing! I keep telling all the "young guns" around me that they need to be blogging - so now it's time to practice what I preach.  I'm now in the blogosphere!

Why living the dream? Simple. We all aspire to great things - personal development, happiness, success, the list goes on. To me, it's about the journey through life and where YOU think YOU ARE at any stage of that journey. It's about being humble with your success, but striving for more; respecting and encouraging those around you; having time to help people that need a little (or a lot) of help; making a contribution to our society and having time for those close to you including yourself...

Well, I'd like to think I'm in that place - living the dream. It's by no means perfect, but it is so good!  God-willing it'll stay that way...