Its about more than just the rugby

My parents recently had words with me about being too loud and noisy at the rugby. They probably have a point. My supporting screams or shouts of disbelief and anguish at poor play or inconsistent referee decisions are probably more than most people should have to endure on a Saturday afternoon.
Does being a loyal sharks / springbok supporter explain passionate shouts and screams?
Brigitte provided some useful insights when I chatted to her about the issues.
Watching a live game is about more than what happens on the field. Its about the whole experience - the anticipation of the planning and preparation, the jokes and chirps during the game, the analysis after the game, the joy of a game won and the heartache of a game lost. Its about the camaraderie of a team sport and living as if what happens in the stadium that day is all that matters. Its an escape from a world filled with the deadlines and demands of our work and social lives.
Maybe its not surprising then that the rules of the outside world don't apply and supporters feel it fine to scream and shout and jump about. And long may it continue!

"Its very nice by the sea"

The Afrikaans saying 'Dis lekker by die see' (its great to be at the sea) describes the feelings of joy and wonder of a beach holiday.
One of the many benefits of moving back to KZN is the ability to be at the beach in an hour and enjoy the natural wonder and pleasure of wind, sea and sand. Even in the winter months you can run and frolic in the waves and build sand castles with your kids. The hills are also really testing to get the lungs and legs working before a well-deserved tumble in the waves.

Playing the Glad Game

When you are feeling really low, one of the best things to do is to realise that no matter how bad you feel there's always someone in a worse position. It may sound unsympathetic and cold, but its true. Its called perspective.
Brigitte and I sometimes play the Glad Game to help us maintain perspective on what's important and how grateful we shoud be for the good fortune we have had thus far. What we cherish most are the memories, relationships and feelings of love and joy that have enriched our lives:
I'm so glad I'm healthy.
I'm so glad to be have been loved and to have loved.
I'm so glad our children were born in a free South Africa...

Wonderful Child

Brigitte and I waited a long time for Hannah to be born. And today she turns 8.
Happy birthday wonderful child.

She has a generous soul and is a wonderful generous person.
We are blessed.

Some of this was shared with us at the dress rehearsal for her school concert today.

Happy birthday Dad - My Hero!

Have you ever been in one of those workshops where you've been asked to identify the person you respect the most? Most of the answers are rather predictable - Mandela, Mother Teresa and Gandhi while other answers are clever or obscure providing insight into socialisation, worldview, aspirations and how well-read your fellow workshopees are. My Dad has always been my hero - except for between the ages of 15 and 19 when I thought he was unapproachable and super critical!
He's unflinching integrity and absolute commitment still inspires me today. He always knows the right thing to do and never considers doing anything else. His selflessness and personal sacrifice to ensure that his family are safe, secure and cared for still takes my breadth away.
Today is my dad's birthday - he's 60.
Happy birthday dad!
You are my hero.