The Big TWO-OH!

On Friday (11 January) I celebrated my 20^th birthday. I had a very special day, spent with my family, some friends and my amazing boyfriend ;-). I must say the excitement of birthdays and turning one year older as slowly worn off for me. I still feel like I should be 17. But, nevertheless, life goes on. And now I can no longer act like a teenager (even though it’s still fun to get a sparkler in your dessert). It’s time to start a new chapter in my life.

Here are a few pictures from my celebrations. EnjoyJ

Here’s to the teenage years, and life after the big two-oh!

Much love,

<3 Nicole_Kayley

Sucker for Social Networking... Closer Than Before

Firstly, (officially) Happy New Year all! I hope the festive season was kind to you. It certainly was to me, even after pigging out over Christmas and stuffing my face with way too much pudding. I weighed in yesterday for the first time since the December break, and I was less 1kg! (Cue the whoop whoop!!).

So, I’ve hit a little bit of a writer’s block this week (sad face). I have been desperate to blog about something, yet nothing came to mind. Trying to ask my Facebook friends for ideas turned out a fail. However, I shall mention that Mo did request I write a whole post about him, and my dad suggest I talk about the new addition to our family. (Her name is Clara Lynne, by the way, and she’s adorable). Chris asked if I would write a post about him too. His side of that conversation went as follows:

“Your amazing boyfriend”

“How much of a troll he is”

“How you sometimes want to strangle him”

“But you love him anyways”

It’s all true. He is amazing, and means the world to me. Even though he can be a troll (talk nonsense and cause trouble just for the sake of it- for those of you not in the lingo-loop), and make me want to strangle him sometimes, I still love him to bits!

All my difficulties aside, I found myself thinking about social networking- I hit the jackpot! Something to blog about! YAY!!

In all honesty, I hate the idea of social networking. Sometimes I wish I lived way back when before the invention of the internet and mobile phones. It seems so peaceful... and a hell of a lot cheaper! It is so addictive for me. A few years back I was probably signed up for almost ten different social networking platforms. I was on Facebook, Twitter, mySpace, YouTube, Email, mXit, BBM, WhatsApp, Google, Blogger... and the list goes on. At some point I realised it was a waste and I didn’t fully utilise each platform and gave up a few of them. I still make use of some of them for the pure fact that it aids my communication with people in my life.

The main complaint I always hear about social networking is that it destroys good old fashioned face-to-face communication. What is this “face-to-face” you speak of? If you’re seriously asking this question, I think you may have a real problem! I was always a shy child, and to some extent I am still rather shy in unfamiliar situations. I think that was the reason I got into social networking in the first place. It was an outlet for me and it was easy. I didn’t have to be shy anymore. However, as I’ve grown older and experienced both aspects of “normal” social behaviour (as in pre-social networking social behaviour) and social networking behaviour, I’ve come to develop an opinion around the social-sphere that is the internet. It is not the best way to communicate in terms of creating and developing friendships and relationships, however, it is one of the easiest. Although I love to leave my phone behind from time to time so I can do other things and just forget about my networks, I am constantly wondering if I’m missing a call or a BBM, or new updates.

 I think it is safe to say that social networking has completely transformed the way we live and has taken over our lives (even somehow managed 2 cHAngE h0w ppl sP3ll nd TyPe- DON’T do it, it’s terrible). Last week, my family and I were fortunate enough to go see the stage show of Dirty Dancing at Montecasino’s Teatro, and while sitting in the theatre waiting for the show to start I noticed how many people were on their mobile phones, either texting or taking pictures (to Tweet most probably). I don’t understand how you can be out with your family or friends to have a good time, but constantly feel compelled to let the rest of the world know who you’re with and what you’re doing. I came across this image on Facebook the other day (ironic, I know, but at least I wasn’t in the company of others). I think it is a brilliant idea, and I’ve even tried implementing it at the dinner table at home (first one to pick up their phone has to wash the dishes). We’ll see how that one works out.

With all that said, I do believe social networking has done wonders in making the world a smaller place. I can easily send messages to my friends in a different city, or my family overseas at the quick and easy push of a button (if Telkom is co-operating, that is).

*takes a break from writing this blog to check her BBM*

(Yes, Chris, it was you)

So, weighing up the pros and cons of social networking, I find myself in the middle. Its great and handy, but also a royal pain in the ***.

I’d love to know your thoughts on social networking. Post a comment below. And if you have any really interesting topics I could blog about in the next few weeks, please feel free to comment here, too! I love getting comments from readers (just be sure to include your name, I’m not telepathic, and I like to know who you are).

Yours in social networking,

 but also in the real world,

PeaceJ

<3 Nicole_Kayley

The Year That Was... A Time For Reflection

2012... What a year it has been! I feel like I was sitting at my PC just yesterday typing up a post about “New Years Revolutions”.

 I Wrote:

“Well, I’m starting my own revolution. It won’t matter to me if it catches on or not, but it’s something I want to do for myself.”

I also went on to say how 2012 will be the year I get fit. I can happily say that I have made progress along that line! I have been cycling on my stationary bike often, taking occasional walks with my Mom, and doing some serious fat-burning cardio as well as a few strength exercises. However, my greatest achievement this year would have to be taking control of my health and changing my eating habits. From the beginning of the year I wanted to lose weight so that I would no longer be classified as ‘overweight’ and enter the ‘healthy’ classification. I got off to a shaky start at the beginning of the year and with all the stress of 1^st year, I managed to pick up quite a bit of weight. With a lot of motivation, commitment and help from my mom, I managed to do a total 360 with my habits and achieved success!! At the end of September my mom and I decided to join Weigh-Less again. It was easy at first while I was determined to make the change, but got more challenging along the way. Nonetheless, as of Christmas day I have lost about 9kgs and my Mom about 7kgs. However, I think the festive season may have set me back a bit, but I’m determined to reach my goal of 12kgs early in the new year.

Sitting here and looking back on the past year, I can say with a smile on my face that it was a good one. Despite a few setbacks and upsetting circumstances that interrupted the good times, on a whole it was a successful year. I passed all my varsity courses (with good results that I wasn’t expecting). I feel like I have gained a whole new perspective on life and grown greatly as a person, discovering part of who I am this year and possibly where my life is headed. Although, I know change is inevitable. I’m not one who enjoys major change, yet in the past fear of minor changes has led me to take on even greater changes(who knows why? I’m different like that). But in this time of reflection I have decided to accept and treasure the change. Life can’t stay the same forever, which is why I’m making a deal with myself to treasure the moments I find myself in, and make my past worth remembering in 50 years time, when I sit in an armchair and tell stories of my past (kind of the way my grandparents do with me). I want to be able to say it was all worth it and that I enjoyed it. I want it to be worth sharing with future generations (if I’m so lucky to have that opportunity). I will be ever grateful.

And so, as we leave 2012 behind and venture on into a new year, let us go in with open hearts and open minds. Love more, laugh louder, and live with no regrets.

Happy New Year Readers!

May 2013 be Your year and bring all the love and success you deserve and may your dreams come true!

Before: September 2012

Now: December 2012

Cheers to 2013!!

Until next year,

Much Love,

<3 Nicole_Kayley

‘Tis The Season... To Be Busy!

So, it’s Christmas time again, yet it doesn't feel like it should be. Maybe I’m getting too old for the childish excitement of the season. And possibly because I bought all my own presents with my mom, the surprise is sort of no longer existent. Yet, I’m probably busier getting ready for Christmas than I am during a week of varsity deadlines.

With one week to go, I have managed to bake about 6 batches of cookies, a bunch of mini fruit cakes that I covered in fondant and decorated, and yesterday I covered and decorated my Granny’s Christmas cakes (not exactly the way Granny would have done it, but certainly Cake Boss quality- I can dream, can’t I?).

Mini Fruitcakes

The Main Attraction

So, now while I frantically try to learn how to play them traditional Christmas carols on the bass by Christmas Eve, I’m listening to Jeremy Camp’s Christmas album (‘Christmas-God With Us’) in search of that Christmas spirit. I’m sure it’s hanging around somewhere.

This may also be the last opportunity I get to blog before Christmas itself, so I want to wish all my readers an amazing festive season, a special Christmas and an incredible new year!! Remember, it’s not about the presents, but the meaning behind the holiday. This year I’m concentrating more on giving. Whether it is in giving my time to someone close to me or donating food and clothes to those strangers who face a very dark holiday season. I urge you to do the same. Take the time to think of others this festive season and do something kind. As big as a car load of old clothes and such, or as small as a simple compliment. We can all do it!

Rejoice! For God is with us!

Hallelujah, the King has come!

Here’s to 2013!

Until next time,

Keep Smiling!

<3 Nicole_Kayley

Clarens... My Future Home

For the long weekend in September, the six of us (Mom, Dad, Tiff, Daisy, Chris and Myself) packed up the car and made our way down to Clarens in the Free State. The whole purpose of our trip was for the MGB 50^th Anniversary. I don’t think I've ever seen my Dad so excited and in his element as he was walking around the town square in amongst all the MGBs that had driven down for the weekend.

I have decided that one day I want to live in Clarens. It is so beautiful and peaceful. We were there for a holiday last April for Easter when I fell in love with the small town and the house in which we stayed- Apricot Lane. In the town there are a number of quait art galleries, craft shops and eateries. One could spend hours just ambling around the town square. If the opportunity presents itself visiting Clarens is a must!!

It was a great and relaxing weekend, despite the hike we did up to the top of the mountain (as per Chris’s persistent request). It was all incredibly worth it as the view from the top was breath-taking! I decided to keep this post short and add a few pictures from the weekend. Enjoy!!

Apricot Lane <3

Chris and I at the top of the mountain

Apricot Lane is the Green roof to the left of red roofs in the middle of the picture

The four of us having a break on the mountain

The view from the top

We found this on the mountain

Having a blast on the trampoline

Jam-packed in the car

My Dad as happy as can be

Only a few of the cars on show in the square

Until next time,

<3  Nicole_Kayley

Hazyview... or Rainy-view?

During varsity holidays my parents, my boyfriend and I made our way to Hazyview in Mpumalanga. My mom was lucky enough to be given accommodation for the week at the Hazyview Cabanas resort. It was such a stunning place to stay. We were near to the pool and a short walk away from the Sabie river and Body Bliss Day Spa (which I’m happy to report that we did indeed visit).

We set out on the Monday morning and took our time on the road, stopping in Dullstroom for a walk along the main road and through a little craft shop which provided a recurring joke for the week, when we came across their “willy-warmers” (it was basically a mielie with a hole in the middle). Chris got a real kick out of it.  We arrived at the resort that afternoon and it was a lovely, hot day. After unpacking the car, the guys were determined to take a dip in the pool and they did just that! I, on the other hand, decided that the water was much too cold.

Tuesday morning we took it slow and after breakfast, took a walk down to the river at the bottom of the resort. It was so simple yet so beautiful at the same time and amazingly peaceful. We must have spent an hour and a half just taking pictures there. Chris was on a mission to jump on as many rocks as he possibly could in order to make it to the other side of the river with no success. Walking back, we stopped at the entertainment area near the spa and being out of season, it was so quiet as was the whole resort. Picking up ice-creams at the shop, we made it back to the chalet in time for a game of cards (and a nap for dad) before lunch. The weather was pretty lousy, overcast and rainy for the rest of the day, so we stayed indoors and relaxed for the afternoon.

Wednesday we dedicated to driving through the Kruger National Park. With the weather still not looking up, we didn’t think there would be many animals out for us to see. However, in the end the day turned out to be rather successful. We saw many millions of buck (maybe a tad over exaggerated), a bunch of birds, some buffalo, the much anticipated Hippos (which I was all too keen to see, and one even obeyed my request for a yawn and that Hippo-noise they make *you may laugh*). We only managed to see one lion, although it was out in the distance. I was really excited to see the Giraffe and I even named one Melman (hehehe...). We were seriously close to riding into a herd of about 40 elephant crossing the road. And the most amazing sighting all day was the Cheetah. It’s an interesting story, really. In short: Cheetah walking down middle of road, at least ten cars following it and Nicole hanging out of window with camera in absolute awe. It was the first Cheetah I have ever seen in the wild and it was a pretty amazing experience. Not too far down the road we were privileged enough to see a Cheetah right next to the road after just catching some prey. It was surreal.

Thursday went by in a blur. All I remember was being treated to an amazing 30 minute back and neck massage at the day spa (Thanks Mom and Dad!). More rainy weather and a drive down the main road to Hazyview town and up to my dad’s late aunt’s farm (I think that happened on Thursday- this was back in September, so forgive my terrible memory, please). The day ended with me reluctantly packing my bags.

Friday morning we loaded up the car and headed home in the most horrid storm heading out of Mpumalanga. After a much needed and most welcome relaxing week we made it home safely. I am so grateful for that week, and it was just the kind of break I needed to get me through the final term of the year.

Please enjoy some of the photos we took (yes, only some).

A small shop in Dullstroom, I took this photo for my Grampa, Bert

Posing by the trees next to the river

The herd of Elephant crossing the road

The babies were just too cute ^_^

My Hippo-friend

The Cheetah

The pack of cars that was following the Cheetah

It's Melman!

The Cheetah kill

I loved this turtle! He was probably as tall as me (okay maybe a little shorter)
His presence at the resort represents child-friendly facilities

Stopping for lunch on Monday

Rock jumping at the river

Until next time,

Keep smiling,

<3 Nicole_Kayley

Return of the Blogger

I am incredibly excited and happy to be back on my keyboard to bring you a new blog post! I was shocked when I logged into the blogger account and saw that my last post was the 26^th of July!! *hides face in shame*. But to be brutally honest I just haven’t had the time to blog. As desperately as I’ve wanted to and all the ideas I’ve come up with, I just never found the time. However, I shall be making it up to you in the next few weeks. I have so much to share about the past three and a half months... It’s crazy!

Since I last blogged, some interesting things have happened around here that I would love to share in more detail. So, it snowed all over South Africa, I did a bunch of tests and assignments, I surprised my boyfriend with a troll cake for his birthday, we took a trip to Hazyview, more assignments, a long weekend in Clarens, more tests and assignments, some work here and there, some music along the way, an inspirational Jo’burg skyline, I lost 5kgs and started exercising, four exams later, and I finally finished my first year of varsity yesterday! That’s basically the past three months in a whirlwind, but I will be sharing more in the next few days... so stick around! And I might throw in a Snapshot post or two as well... Don’t miss out!

I went back and read the last post I wrote and I was actually surprised with myself. Embarrassingly, I had forgotten what I had even written about, but upon reading it I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. While writing a motivational post such as that one, I didn’t think of how I would stay true to my word. Everything I mentioned about being a postage stamp and getting there rings true to my final months of the varsity year. I am quite proud to say that I did just that! I put my mind to it, I worked hard and I came out stronger on the other side. I’m hoping you can say the same for yourselves. Let me know of your motivational success stories and post a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time,

Keep your head up, and smile!

<3 Nicole_Kayley