2011 was a pretty interesting year. I learnt so much about myself as well as others. I attended some pretty awesome events and functions and made new friends.
I hope it’s not too late to share some of my 2011 highlights.
1. I made the toughest decision of my life. It may not seem like a highlight but for me it proves that I am strong and capable of anything. “Most people would rather be certain they’re miserable, than risk being happy.” ~Robert Anthony
2. The love of my life – Cayleb. He surprised me at his resilience. I was worried about how he would handle the change but he taught me a lot about myself. He taught me patience and he made me re-look being a mother. I now know how I can be the best mother to him in our new situation. He said this to me the first day he came to visit “Mommy you can phone me if you heart is ever sore – even when you at work” “Children make you want to start life over.” ~ Muhammad Ali
3. My brother, Derek (@derekm11), and I are closer than ever. Never under estimate the power of family in hard times. They are able to take your mind off shit even just for a minute, hour or day. We did so much together at the end of 2011: lunches out on 
a Sunday, soccer visits to Slam, afternoons with Cayleb at Zoo Lake and Spur. And because of my un-domestication he would even come cook lunch for me. “A brother is a friend given by nature” and “Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there.”
4. Stereotypes and judgment. Again – might not seem like a positive but if you are 100% sure of a decision you have made it should not be affected by what others think or say. And this is something I kept telling myself. It’s funny how even in the 21st century you can still be judged for not being the stereotypical woman, wife and mother. It was hard at first and hurt a lot but it only made me stronger. I learnt to trust my gut and stick with my decisions no matter what anyone has to say. A more detailed blog on this will follow soon. “Never judge someone until you have walked a mile in their footsteps.” (Old saying but still so true)
5. Friends. And wow to how many new friends I have made. Firstly I realised how important it is too have friends in a relationship. Your own friends as well as couple friends. Most of the friends I made this year I met on Twitter (not sure if this is sad or wonderful). I need to mention a few special ones. Tyron/@TyronLSA (who gave me invaluable advice when I needed it). Tags/@ladyofglencairn (who I only know on Twitter, BBM and e-mail and who I cannot wait to meet). Riz/@Riz330 (who is always up for a laugh and always manages to make me smile – had the honour of meeting him late last year and can’t wait to meet his amazing family this year). The girls (@LizaSutherland, @KhanyisaKN, @jodenecoza, @kbattaliou, @lindsaykin85, @Liesldb, @anitaboxoza) nothing like a girls night out with wine and sushi. Better than therapy.
Trace/@pixelslave10 (cause she made me realise no one is alone in a situation – all you need to do is talk. And she is a role model to me). Friends far away (@sangxa, @gordsreid and @tweetingred) – Twitter makes the distance so much easier. There are so many more and I think they know who they are but if I have to keep mentioning I could go on forever. Last and probably the most important friend was made in the office. She came in as intern and left as a soul mate. We clicked instantly and we could practically read each other’s mind. We knew when one was down and the other over the moon happy. Our friendship was never easy but it prevailed. I hope it will grow and grow and grow. I want to see you get married, have kids and grow old. I want to see you happier than anyone I know. I love you Simnikiwe. “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” ~ Thomas Aquinas
6. Functions and Events and everything fun. Another important relationship lesson I learnt was that you cannot sit in your house all the time. It is so important to get out and experience life. Otherwise what do you have to talk about and look back on? My favourite event of 2011 must be #crownecomdey.
Once a month we all gather at Crowne Plaza for a night of funny. The comedians are awesome with the likes of @Daveylevinshoh as the host and other funnies like @LuckyDuPlessis, @DonovanGoliath, @rabinharduth, @JRGoliath and loads more. This night out never disappoints and I look forward to many more. (BTW the first one for 2012 is on the 2nd of February – hope to see you there). There have been some awesome tweet ups this year. Kings of Leon rocked. And of course soccer Sundays at Slam. “The more fun you have, the greater your value to yourself and to your society. The more fun you share with others, the more fun you have.”
2011 was like a rollercoaster with lots of twists and turns and ups and downs. The year ended mostly on an up and I hope to continue my journey upwards into 2012. The next step is to work on my resolutions and bucket list for the year. Watch this space.
This is my life….and everything in between.
Life…and everything in between 