2014: A Year in Review

2014 has been a year of ups and downs in the Gorven-Cossey household. Life cannot be smooth sailing all the time, and one has to anticipate misfortune even when things seem to be perfect.

Ups:

• William received his South African permanent residency;
• I finally completed my Bachelor of Accounting Science degree;
• William bought himself a new car;
• I started working at a multi-national courier company after three months on the job hunt.

Downs:

• Our beloved cat, Salem, crossed the rainbow bridge. We did not have enough time with her, and she is very sorely missed, even though she has been gone for 7 months; and
• William had to have a knee operation to reconstruct his anterior cruciate ligament following a niggly football injury

Other noteworthy events:

• Some friends welcomed their children into the world (Candice & Sheldon, Mellisa & KB, Kirsty & Guy, Carey-Anne & Ryan);
• While others discovered they are expecting (Ange & Roger);
• Other couples tied the knot (Mbali & Mpho); and
• Colleen & Fernando took the first step towards a new life together by getting engaged.

Looking into the horizon and the coming year in general, I foresee a year not without it's challenges, but one filled with hope and new beginnings. My goals for 2015 are as follows:

• Complete my Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Science (CTA level 1);
• Tick off the last remaining item off my 2014 goal list by completing an open water scuba diving course); and 
• Fulfill my life long dream of visiting Egypt.

Wishing everybody a successful 2015!

Life Lately

Life has been... pretty busy of late.

My last blog post was at the end of August. and so much has happened in the last two (almost three months) but I will mention a few of the highlights now.

1. William has new wheels!

Meet Blue Betty

Chuffed owner

2. I'm a graduate.

Almost eight years of studying, tears, sacrifice and hardship culminated in a graduation ceremony on September 11th. This is one of the proudest and happiest day of my life to date.

3. Our house is under construction.

What started out as a simple conversion of steel to aluminium window frames has initiated an entire overhaul of the property. Painting, tiling, revamping two bathrooms and much more. It has been a long journey, and at times rather frustrating, but it is almost complete save and except for the painting of the exterior. More on this later.

4. New parents.

Our good friends Candice and Sheldon welcomed their son, Noah Sebastian Fisher, into the world on September 30th. Congratulations Fishers, may he bring you much happiness and joy. Looking forward to meeting the little guy soon.

Have an awesome week everyone!

How I Spent my Birthday

I took a day's leave from work and...

Went for an early morning walk.

Hint of sunrise

Got spoiled (flowers from Angie and the camera from mom & William).

Enjoyed some pampering at Pumula Beauty Salon.

Donated a pint of blood at the South African National Blood Service. There was also good news at the blood bank in that my health has improved quite a bit since the last time I donated in 2010. From nearly failing the iron test, and taking close on 45 minutes to fill the bag I was in and out in 30 minutes.

Then mom and I bought some blankets, bowls, collars, leads, food and harnesses and toys and donated them to the Kempton Park SPCA. We then volunteered for a few hours at the sanctuary, mainly walking the dogs, feeding them dog biscuits and giving all the dogs and cats some love. It really is sad to see that so many pets are without homes but they are in good hands at the various rescue centres around the country.

Thereafter we had some tea and cake at the Mugg & Bean.

Then ended the day off with dinner at Fahrenheit.

I had such an awesome birthday, and loved giving back to those in need. I challenge everyone to support a worthy cause on their own birthday. It does not matter how small the gesture, it will make the world of difference to those affected and effected.

There was also good news at the blood bank in that my health has improved quite a bit since the last time I donated in 2010. From nearly failing the iron test, and taking close on 45 minutes to fill the bag I was in and out in 30 minutes.

Thank you to everybody that wished me, I loved reading each and every message and chatting to the callers.

Here's to the start of a fantastic year!

On the Eve of my 28th Birthday

Another year has zoomed by (ringing some truth into the phrase that time flies by after the age of 25) and tomorrow I will be 28. Wow, when I was younger anyone over 25 was deemed OLD!

28.Two years away from the big 3-0.

It is around this time that the average person starts thinking of everything they wanted to do before attaining the age in question, but have not due to whatever reason.

This past year has been a really good one for me. I have ticked off most of my goals for 2014 (save and except for the scuba diving course that I really still want to do) so therefore it has been a productive year.

A few things I can say about getting older is that:-

1) Sleeping past 7am on a weekend is damn near impossible (and staying up after 11pm is a record); 

2) You realize who and what makes you happy (and who/what doesn't);

3) The realization that you need to look after yourself (there's no such thing as a soul transplant) Eat healthy, exercise regularly, reduce alcohol consumption, etc; and 

4) Listening to your own instincts or intuition is more reliable than any prior knowledge.

If I think of how different my life at 27 compared to my mom's life at 27, there is really no comparison. My mom had been married for six years, had a three and a half year old daughter. She was also a widow at that age. I am neither a wife nor a mother, and have thankfully been spared the heartache of losing my significant other. Our experiences up till now have been extremely different, but I am so lucky to have my mom. I have learnt ALOT from her

Goals for my 29th year on Earth:

1) Do that scuba diving course! 

2) Travel to Egypt and visit the Pyramids & Valley of the Kings;

3) Be a better person than I am today; and
4) Develop Soleil-Femme (a logo and official hosting would be a nice facelift)

Where's that chocolate cake?

Review: The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie

Kirsty, of Paisley and Proteas recently read the book and had only positive remarks for it. Being a cat lover with a newfound intrigue into the Buddhist faith, I was excited to read the novel and immediately downloaded it onto my Kindle.

The story line revolves around 'HHC -  His Holiness's Cat' and is narrated by his truly. The Dalai Lama rescues a malnourished and near certain death, Snow Lion (or Rinpoche as she is also known) from the streets of Delhi and adopts her. From that day, life is very different for Snow Lion as she becomes the Dalai Lama's most revered companion.

There are many an important lesson to be learned from the Buddhist teachings and principles contained in the book, and many characters are fighting their own inner battles only to find peace from a wise word as shared by His Holiness himself.

There are also some lighthearted moments (including home truths about cats and their behavior) which makes the book even more enjoyable.

Read it if you are:

Interested in the Buddhist faith;
Have cats of your own;
Looking for some guidance in life, or struggling to make a decision;
In search of a deeper meaning to yours own existence.

There is a sequel to "The Dalai Lama's Cat", and David has written a few other books on meditation, Buddhism and life coaching - check them out if you're interested.

His Holiness's Cat (breed: Himalayan)

An Afternoon of Picasso & Moonshine

Last week Tarryn spoke of an art class that her friend had recently started up. It was a casual and fun afternoon held at Glen Eagle Estate Clubhouse in Kempton Park. All art supplies were included in the price, as well as three drinks of the guests choice (ranging from cocktails to beer to wine to soft drinks).

It sounded like so much fun, and something different to do on a Saturday afternoon. I mentioned it to Angie who was also very keen on the idea, and we booked for the next class which took place yesterday.

Not having much artistic flair myself (best drawing I can do is a stick man) I was a bit nervous, however excitement overruled the nerves.

Sam, the facilitator, is such a warm and accommodating (needless to say talented) person and made all of her students feel comfortable and at ease.

We had two cherry blossom pictures to choose from, which we would then replicate using acrylic paint on canvas. Sam gave lots of pointers on how to start, which parts to do first (background and the tree) and "if your artwork doesn't look good, take a step back and then look at it again". We were a group of six ladies and two young ladies, and we all had such a great time chatting and admiring each other's interpretation of the picture (absolutely no judgement was passed!).

Ange and I thoroughly enjoyed the class and will definitely be back for the next one with our mothers in tow.

Thank you Sam, for this refreshing and relaxing afternoon and we wish you every success in the future.

Anyone interested in attending a Picasso & Moonshine class can contact Sam on 079 878 5634 or email picassoandmoonshine@gmail.com.

Ange in action

Concentrating veeeeery hard 

Finished product

Nice from far:)

Throwback Thursday: Euro Trip for Mom's 50th - Part 3

This installment completes the trilogy that was Throwback Thursday.

The last leg of our trip was Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

We arrived the Sunday evening and headed straight to our hotel. Unfortunately we could not get an earlier flight and thus have more time to explore the wonder that is Dubrovnik. A city nestled in history, and so beautiful it seems like a mirage.

The next morning we set out to discover the Ancient City, which was extremely busy given the summer season. Stalls and shops line the streets within the walled town, each offering visitors a glimpse into the life of its residents. To escape the throngs of people, we rode the cable car to the top of the mountain and admired the spectacular views. We ate lunch at the restaurant and tried to cool down - the humidity was worse than Durban!

Old Town

Old Town, Dubrovnik Croatia

View from the top of the mountain

No longer hungry (but still hot) we returned to our hotel and lazed around the pool.

Tuesday morning we decided to go on a tour recommended by the hotel. We visited an olive oil producing farm and a traditional farmstead further inland. We sampled the local poison, and other delicacies grown on the property before being treated to some traditional Croatian dancing. Our tour guide also taught us alot about Croatia's political troubles with neighbour Bosnia & Herzegovina. 

Olive oil manufacturing process

Traditional farmstead

Local Brandy

Traditional dancing

Our preview into the wonder that was Croatia taught us that it's residents prefer the simpler things in life, are proud of their heritage and pursue peace at every opportunity. We did not see a single fast food outlet during our stay, what a surprise!

Croatia covers a considerable expanse of land and due to time constraints we did not visit the Plitvice Lakes, amongst other points of interest. All the more reason to return at some point in the future!

Have an awesome weekend.

Gone Skiing

This time last week we were at Afriski, a ski resort situated in the Maluti mountain range of Lesotho.

Our friends, Shannon and Colin, whom we met on a Contiki tour in 2010, invited us to join them and six other people on a midweek ski getaway. Neither William nor I had tried skiing before, so we were keen for an adventure and always up for the opportunity to travel to a new country.

We left last Saturday, and spent the night in Clarens, a small artsy town in the Free State to break the six hour journey to Afriski. We stayed at Knock Out View Lodge and what stunning accomodation it was, and with a competitive price to match. Our cabin was beautifully furnished and had an amazing view of the mountains (as the name suggests). We lunched, shopped, watched the rugby at the local pub (go Sharks!) and eased into holiday mode.

Clarens crew

Accomodation at Knock Out View, Clarens

Everything is within walking distance in Clarens

Sunday morning we had breakfast at the Clarens Inn, before embarking on the final stretch of the road trip. We reached the Caledonspoort border post shortly after 10:30 and after discovering new laws and customs surrounding the kingdom of Lesotho, were waved onwards.

We arrived at the resort a bit later than intended, and had roughly twenty minutes to suit up into ski boots and snow proof clothing. Our introductory lesson went well for some, as they grasped the skiing concept with ease (myself excluded). We were taught the correct positioning and posture and more importantly how to stop (pizza slice). I gave up on the lesson about 15 minutes in, after my calf muscles cramped so badly due to the tightness of the boots. 

The following days were filled with fun, laughter, videos of us falling, playing board games and laughing until we cried. We ate like kings and queens. The others advanced to the intermediate and advanced slopes whilst I pottered around the beginner's slope getting more acquainted with these extra length appendages on my feet (read trying not to cross the ski tips while skiing).

By far the most fun of this entire trip was the bumboarding. Each afternoon, after the slopes closed at 4pm, guests were invited to go down the advanced ski slope on a bumboard, which effectively was a thin piece of plastic shaped like a shovel. The speeds we attained during the descent was amazing, and some spun around in circles or completely veered off course into the snow barrier. Absolutely far too much fun was had during this time.

Advanced, intermediate and beginner's slopes

Geoffrey, the resort mouse, whom I made friends with while everyone else had their ski lesson

View from the top of the beginner's slope

Our four days flew by, and before we knew it it was time to head home.

Bumboarders, day three

William and I atop the intermediate slope

Afriski crew with the resort mascot Pudi (a mountain goat)

All ten of us bumboarding on the last day

Thank you Colin for organising such a wonderful trip, we appreciate it very much. To Shannon, Cara, Mike, Leigh, Nevan, Duncan, John, William and Colin for the fantastic company - thank you. 

Reunion trip in the Alps!

An Open Letter to Edge Business School

Dear Peter (and Roelien),

Allow me to take this opportunity to firstly thank you for starting Edge Business School (students Gauteng wide are forever in your debt), and secondly commend you on the absolutely amazing lecturers that you have working for you.

I am not a former FLB student, so unfortunately I have not been exposed to the brilliance that is instilled in Steven, Charles and Nizaam, but I can safely say that Roelien is by far the best lecturer I have ever had the pleasure of being taught by.

After struggling with FAC3704 for almost six semesters (yes, I should have a degree in Groups alone), I was despondent and almost ready to throw in the towel. I had seen the word “failed” on exam results letters more times than I could bear, and it had severely affected my self-confidence. I felt stupid and useless. Group Financial Reporting may not be the most difficult subject, but I had a mental block on it. It was my nemesis and that together with the fact that my pride prevented me from asking for help, resulted in the same outcome every semester.

In 2013 UNISA granted me the concession to register for CTA level 1 provided I pass the one outstanding module during the May/June sitting. The fact that I am writing this letter now shows that I failed yet again, and hence my CTA registration was cancelled. Sadder still was the realisation that I actually had exam admission after writing the Saturday tests. Semester one of 2014 was my absolute last shot at the module. I was approaching UNISA’s eight year time limit to complete a bachelor’s degree, and I daren’t total how much money I’d paid UNISA over those six semesters.

Shelley (Tony Cianfanelli’s wife) recommended I register with Edge, after meeting her in January. At the time I was in the job market, and met with Shelley in her professional capacity as a recruitment agent. It was a life changing suggestion, and I am eternally grateful to Shelley for adjusting my academic career.

Enter Roelien.

I don’t know where to start other than mentioning the fact that she literally saved my life. Roelien showed me there was light at the end of the tunnel, and my attitude towards the subject has done a complete 180 degree shift. Her passion for Groups is clearly visible, and contagious. I admire her for standing at the podium for a minimum of 9 hours per day, giving her all and then some, even when she was ill or in pain. The love Roelien has for her students is heart-warming, and she will go to the ends of the Earth for them/us. She gave us a part of herself, and was our mom between 8 and 5 each week. She was concerned about each student’s welfare, forsaking her own when we needed her. 

Roelien’s lectures are never boring, and always a delight to experience. She is fiercely intelligent, but manages to break the syllabus down into pieces we can all understand and relate to. This is a very rare quality, and one that deserves the utmost respect.

Roelien – thank you so so so much for everything you have done for me this past semester. I passed 3704 this semester and without you this would not have been possible. You are a rock star, hero and legend all rolled into one petite package and I am going to miss you and your lectures so much.

Peter and all the staff/lecturers at Edge – keep on keeping on. You are providing students with the tools to succeed and impacting their futures. Empowerment through education.

It’s not goodbye so much as “see you later” as I will be returning to EBS to complete my CTA next year.

A million thanks and very best wishes for the future.

Simone Gorven
(now a Bachelor of Accounting Science)

Throwback Thursday: Euro Trip for Mom's 50th - Part 2

Previously on the blog... We ended off at the Kurdish island of Kusadasi and had a fantastic shopping spree. 

Our next port of call was the historical town of Rhodes, and it was also Grandpa's 79th birthday. The third biggest of the Greek Isles, Rhodes combines ancient castles and medieval villages with beautiful beaches. The temperatures were sweltering, and William and I both felt the effects of heat stroke during the tour of the Grand Master's Palace (it did not help that out tour guide spoke in a monotone). 

View of Rhodes

Gardens at the Grand Master's Palace

Entrance to the world heritage site

Grandpa's birthday

And mom's

Our tour guide Lisa (far left) and the crew of waiters

Happy birthday!

My grandparents

My mom, William and I

We returned to the ship shortly after the tour ended, feeling rather drained. Having grown tired of Moussaka, I opted for a pizza for lunch and it was just what the doctor ordered. That evening was the Captain's dinner, and our waiter kindly organised my mom and grandad a birthday cake.

The following morning we docked in Heraklion. Unfortunately, as with Patmos, we did not have more than a few hours to explore the town, so we walked the streets for a while before returning to the ship.
 

Our one good find in Heraklion, this stunning bakery

Our last stop was the picturesque island of Santorini. What a surreal feeling to look at those beautiful blue roofed structures - the postcards really don't do Santorini justice. We had an afternoon on the island, and not selecting any excursions, we toured the town, admired the beautiful views and indulged in their famous iced coffees. Definitely a place to return to. As our tour guide so aptly put it, this trip was like sampling a case of wines. Discover your favorite then go back and enjoy the vineyard.

Looking out over the bay of Santorini

Mom finally made it to her dream destination

Beautiful church

The next morning we disembarked the Orient Queen one last time, and drove to Delphi - believed to be the centre of the Earth, and also the site of the precursors to the modern Olympic Games called the Pythian Games. What a magnificent place, the history was so rich it felt like we had stepped into a time warp.

Delphi

Saturday morning I woke up with the most terrible earache ever experienced in my life. It started at 3am and continued throughout the morning. My mom and I went to the local hospital in Athens, and saw a Greek doctor that barely spoke a word of English. What I was able to decipher was "infection". Typical Gorven luck in action again! I was prescribed antibiotics and sent on my way. We spent the rest of the weekend in Athens before catching our flight to Croatia...

Third and final installment to follow shortly.