Friday the 13th...

And so ladies and gentlemen, friend, family and fellow readers – the day has finally arrived!!

The last working day of 2013! Happy happy days!

Also it is the infamous Friday the 13^th – but not even this can get me down. I firmly believe that nothing can go wrong on this day.

No sad quotes and memories of what was from me today.

Early tomorrow morn’, before the break of dawn I’ll be on my way to the airport, en route to Peru.

I cannot contain my excitement anymore, I want to run wild and explore!!

I will hug any Llama I see, and eat all the delicious and unknown vegetarian delights that they have to offer.

Here are some of my favourite Llama clips and a thorough explanation on how to be a world explorer, I suggest all use these helpful hints to have an amazing holiday:

 

 

The Llama song

 

Llama's with hats

 

I wish you all happy holidays and a prosperous new year!

In view of the passing of a great man, leader and liberator of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, as well as the loss of friends' parents , and friends in general, the below seems to fit perfectly.

Not only do we lose people to death, but people come in and out of your life at different times and stages for different reasons. Some known, sometimes with reasons unknown. However, memories and stories last a lifetime, and no experience is bad experience, you’ll always learn something.

“ Stories, like people and butterflies and songbirds’ eggs and human hearts and dreams, are also fragile things, made up of nothing stronger or more lasting than twenty-six letters and a handful of punctuation marks. Or they are words on the air, composed of sounds and ideas – abstract, invisible, gone once they’ve been spoken – and what could be more frail than that? But some stories, simple ones about setting out on adventures or people doing wonders, tales of miracles and monsters, have outlasted all the people who told them, and some of them have outlasted the lands in which they were created. “

                                                                                                           Neil Gaiman, Fragile Things


I think the greatest thing to have, is a story that will outlast a person you have lost, will outlast forgotten friendships, will outlast you…

Obama's Speech at Nelson Mandela's Memorial service in JHB - 10/12/2013

The skies in Johannesburg weep along with millions, and bless our land, and people from all walks of life around the world pay tribute and respect to the great leader and liberator of our nation.
No amount of pouring rain is enough to discourage the 10's of thousands of mourners to be part of this momentous day in history. And together with this legend and freedom fighter to whom we say goodbye, this speech delivered by USA President Barack Obama will be remembered by all who where witness:

To Graça Machel and the Mandela family; to President Zuma and members of the government; to heads of state and government, past and present; distinguished guests - it is a singular honor to be with you today, to celebrate a life unlike any other.  To the people of South Africa - people of every race and walk of life - the world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us.  His struggle was your struggle.  His triumph was your triumph.  Your dignity and hope found expression in his life, and your freedom, your democracy is his cherished legacy.  

It is hard to eulogize any man - to capture in words not just the facts and the dates that make a life, but the essential truth of a person - their private joys and sorrows; the quiet moments and unique qualities that illuminate someone’s soul.  How much harder to do so for a giant of history, who moved a nation toward justice, and in the process moved billions around the world. 

Born during World War I, far from the corridors of power, a boy raised herding cattle and tutored by elders of his Thembu tribe - Madiba would emerge as the last great liberator of the 20th century.  Like Gandhi, he would lead a resistance movement - a movement that at its start held little prospect of success.  Like King, he would give potent voice to the claims of the oppressed, and the moral necessity of racial justice.  He would endure a brutal imprisonment that began in the time of Kennedy and Khrushchev, and reached the final days of the Cold War.  Emerging from prison, without force of arms, he would - like Lincoln - hold his country together when it threatened to break apart.  Like America’s founding fathers, he would erect a constitutional order to preserve freedom for future generations - a commitment to democracy and rule of law ratified not only by his election, but by his willingness to step down from power. 

Given the sweep of his life, and the adoration that he so rightly earned, it is tempting then to remember Nelson Mandela as an icon, smiling and serene, detached from the tawdry affairs of lesser men.  But Madiba himself strongly resisted such a lifeless portrait. Instead, he insisted on sharing with us his doubts and fears; his miscalculations along with his victories.  “I’m not a saint,” he said, “unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”
It was precisely because he could admit to imperfection - because he could be so full of good humor, even mischief, despite the heavy burdens he carried - that we loved him so.  He was not a bust made of marble; he was a man of flesh and blood - a son and husband, a father and a friend.  That is why we learned so much from him; that is why we can learn from him still.  For nothing he achieved was inevitable.  In the arc of his life, we see a man who earned his place in history through struggle and shrewdness; persistence and faith.  He tells us what’s possible not just in the pages of dusty history books, but in our own lives as well. 

Mandela showed us the power of action; of taking risks on behalf of our ideals.  Perhaps Madiba was right that he inherited, “a proud rebelliousness, a stubborn sense of fairness” from his father. Certainly he shared with millions of black and colored South Africans the anger born of, “a thousand slights, a thousand indignities, a thousand unremembered moments…a desire to fight the system that imprisoned my people.”
But like other early giants of the ANC - the Sisulus and Tambos - Madiba disciplined his anger; and channeled his desire to fight into organization, and platforms, and strategies for action, so men and women could stand-up for their dignity.  Moreover, he accepted the consequences of his actions, knowing that standing up to powerful interests and injustice carries a price.  “I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination,” he said at his 1964 trial.  “I’ve cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.  It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve.  But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” 

Mandela taught us the power of action, but also ideas; the importance of reason and arguments; the need to study not only those you agree with, but those who you don’t.  He understood that ideas cannot be contained by prison walls, or extinguished by a sniper’s bullet.  He turned his trial into an indictment of apartheid because of his eloquence and passion, but also his training as an advocate. He used decades in prison to sharpen his arguments, but also to spread his thirst for knowledge to others in the movement.  And he learned the language and customs of his oppressor so that one day he might better convey to them how their own freedom depended upon his.
Mandela demonstrated that action and ideas are not enough; no matter how right, they must be chiseled into laws and institutions.  He was practical, testing his beliefs against the hard surface of circumstance and history.  On core principles he was unyielding, which is why he could rebuff offers of conditional release, reminding the Apartheid regime that, “prisoners cannot enter into contracts.”  But as he showed in painstaking negotiations to transfer power and draft new laws, he was not afraid to compromise for the sake of a larger goal.  And because he was not only a leader of a movement, but a skillful politician, the Constitution that emerged was worthy of this multiracial democracy; true to his vision of laws that protect minority as well as majority rights, and the precious freedoms of every South African. 

Finally, Mandela understood the ties that bind the human spirit.  There is a word in South Africa- Ubuntu - that describes his greatest gift: his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that can be invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us.  We can never know how much of this was innate in him, or how much of was shaped and burnished in a dark, solitary cell.  But we remember the gestures, large and small - introducing his jailors as honored guests at his inauguration; taking the pitch in a Springbok uniform; turning his family’s heartbreak into a call to confront HIV/AIDS - that revealed the depth of his empathy and understanding.  He not only embodied Ubuntu; he taught millions to find that truth within themselves.  It took a man like Madiba to free not just the prisoner, but the jailor as well; to show that you must trust others so that they may trust you; to teach that reconciliation is not a matter of ignoring a cruel past, but a means of confronting it with inclusion, generosity and truth. He changed laws, but also hearts. 

For the people of South Africa, for those he inspired around the globe - Madiba’s passing is rightly a time of mourning, and a time to celebrate his heroic life.  But I believe it should also prompt in each of us a time for self-reflection. With honesty, regardless of our station or circumstance, we must ask:  how well have I applied his lessons in my own life?
It is a question I ask myself - as a man and as a President.  We know that like South Africa, the United States had to overcome centuries of racial subjugation.  As was true here, it took the sacrifice of countless people - known and unknown - to see the dawn of a new day.  Michelle and I are the beneficiaries of that struggle.  But in America and South Africa, and countries around the globe, we cannot allow our progress to cloud the fact that our work is not done.  The struggles that follow the victory of formal equality and universal franchise may not be as filled with drama and moral clarity as those that came before, but they are no less important.  For around the world today, we still see children suffering from hunger, and disease; run-down schools, and few prospects for the future.  Around the world today, men and women are still imprisoned for their political beliefs; and are still persecuted for what they look like, or how they worship, or who they love. 

We, too, must act on behalf of justice.  We, too, must act on behalf of peace.  There are too many of us who happily embrace Madiba’s legacy of racial reconciliation, but passionately resist even modest reforms that would challenge chronic poverty and growing inequality.  There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba’s struggle for freedom, but do not tolerate dissent from their own people.  And there are too many of us who stand on the sidelines, comfortable in complacency or cynicism when our voices must be heard.
The questions we face today - how to promote equality and justice; to uphold freedom and human rights; to end conflict and sectarian war - do not have easy answers.  But there were no easy answers in front of that child in Qunu.  Nelson Mandela reminds us that it always seems impossible until it is done.  South Africa shows us that is true.  South Africa shows us we can change.  We can choose to live in a world defined not by our differences, but by our common hopes.  We can choose a world defined not by conflict, but by peace and justice and opportunity.
We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.  

But let me say to the young people of Africa, and young people around the world - you can make his life’s work your own.  Over thirty years ago, while still a student, I learned of Mandela and the struggles in this land.  It stirred something in me.  It woke me up to my responsibilities - to others, and to myself - and set me on an improbable journey that finds me here today.  And while I will always fall short of Madiba’s example, he makes me want to be better.  He speaks to what is best inside us.  After this great liberator is laid to rest; when we have returned to our cities and villages, and rejoined our daily routines, let us search then for his strength - for his largeness of spirit - somewhere inside ourselves.  And when the night grows dark, when injustice weighs heavy on our hearts, or our best laid plans seem beyond our reach - think of Madiba, and the words that brought him comfort within the four walls of a cell: 

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.  

What a great soul it was.  We will miss him deeply.  May God bless the memory of Nelson Mandela.  May God bless the people of South Africa.

What a man, what a speech.
Thank you Obama for your words. 

Wise words and life lessons learned.

As 2013 is coming to a speedy end, I thought it good to look back and share 100 of the wisest words I know, and important life lessons learned.

All very relevant and true, remember them, as these can only increase the quality of your life.

 

1.       Never cancel dinner plans by text message.

2.       There are plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs is not one of them,

3.       Don’t knock it ‘till you try it.

4.       Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

5.       Do more of what makes you happy.

6.       When entrusted with a secret, keep it.

7.       If you’re staying more than one night, unpack.

8.       Never park in front of a bar.

9.       You only have one chance to notice a new haircut.

10.   Don’t linger in the doorway. In or out.

11.   Surround yourself with people that make you laugh.

12.   Don’t dumb it down.

13.   Expect the seat in front of you to recline. Prepare accordingly.

14.   Keep a picture of your first fish, first car, first boy/girlfriend.

15.   Hold your heroes to a high standard.

16.   A suntan is earned, not bought.

17.   When going to a theme party (or in drag) don’t sell yourself short.

18.   All guns are loaded.

19.   Never lie to your doctor.

20.   Take a vacation from your cell phone, internet, and TV once a year.

21.   Don’t fill up on bread no matter how good.

22.   A handshake beats an autograph.

23.   The best way to show thanks is to wear it. Even if it’s only for once.

24.   Don’t mention sunburns. Believe me, they know.

25.   If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.

26.   Never get your hair cut or coloured the day of a special event.

27.   Be mindful of what comes between you and the Earth. Always buy good shoes, tires and sheets.

28.   Never eat lunch at your desk if you can avoid it.

29.   When you’re with new friends, don’t just talk about old friends.

30.   It’s never too late for an apology.

31.   If you have the right of way. TAKE IT.

32.   Under no circumstances should you ask a woman if she’s pregnant.

33.   Eat lunch with the new kids.

34.   When traveling, keep your wits about you.

35.   Don’t pose with booze.

36.   You don’t get to choose your own nickname.

37.   When you marry someone, remember you marry their entire family.

38.   Never push someone off a dock.

39.   Invest in great luggage.

40.   Make time for your mom on your birthday, it’s her special day too.

41.   Know when to ignore the camera.

42.   Don’t make a scene.

43.   When giving a thank you speech, short and sweet is best.

44.   Never gloat.

45.   When opening presents, no one likes a good guesser.

46.   Sympathy is a crutch, never fake a limp.

47.   Give credit. Take blame.

48.   Never be the last person to leave a party.

49.   Don’t stare.

50.   Suck it up every now and again.

51.   Address everyone that carries a firearm professionally.

52.   Never be the last one in the pool.

53.   If you’ve made your point, stop talking.

54.   Stand up to bullies. You’ll only have to do it once.

55.   Know at least one good joke.

56.   Never answer the phone at a dinner table.

57.   If you offer to help, don’t quit until the job is done.

58.   Admit when you’re wrong.

59.   Thank the cleaning lady at work.

60.   Forgive yourself for your mistakes.

61.   Know how to cook one good meal.

62.   Look people in the eye when you thank them.

63.   Dance with your father/mother.

64.   Always thank the host.

65.   If you don’t understand, ask before it’s too late.

66.   There is nothing wrong with a plain T-shirt.

67.   Be a good listener. Don’t just take your turn to talk.

68.   Keep your word.

69.   It’s okay to go to the movies by yourself.

70.   Learn to drive stick shift.

71.   Know the size of your boyfriend/girlfriend’s clothes.

72.   In college always sit in the front, you’ll stand out immediately. Come grade time it might come in handy.

73.   Guys – carry your mother’s bags. She carried you for 9 months.

74.   You are what you do. Not what you say.

75.   Be patient with airport security. They are just doing their job.

76.   Don’t be the talker in a movie

77.   The opposite sex like people who shower.

78.   Learn to change a tire.

79.   Be kind. Everyone has a hard battle ahead.

80.   Don’t litter

81.   If you have siblings, get to know their boyfriend/girlfriend. Your opinion is important.

82.   Never call someone before or after 9am and 9pm.

83.   Buy the orange properties in Monopoly.

84.   Make the little things count.

85.   Don’t lose your cool. Especially at work.

86.   There is a fine line between looking sultry and slutty. Find it.

87.   Know the word to your national anthem.

88.   Smile at strangers.

89.   An hour with grandparents is time well spent. Ask for advice when you need it.

90.   Always wear a bra at work.

91.   Drink plenty of water.

92.   Never go to bed without facing your face.

93.   Be sad. Be angry. Get over it. Don’t hold grudges.

94.   Read newspapers, watch the news. Know what’s going on in the world.

95.   Being old is not dictated by your bed time.

96.   Your dance moves might not be the best, but I promise making a fool of yourself is more fun than sitting on the bench alone.

97.   You’re never too old to need your mom.

98.   Set goals.

99.   Ladies if you make the decision to wear heels on the first date commit to keeping them on and keeping your trap shut about how much your feet kill.

100.                        If you HAVE to fight, punch first and punch hard.

Happy holidays!!