Taking a picture in my head

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Bo

The kennels where my dogs board when we go away happens to be on the same route of the Johnson Crane running race in Benoni. In fact, we run right passed the kennels as we head up to the 17 km mark of the half marathon.

So when I happened to be in the area recently dropping the girls off at the kennels, I pulled over, stopped the car and got out. There was nothing in sight. The hot sun beat down on the empty road, creating a mirage.

As the silence engulfed me, I was flooded with memories of previous Johnson Crane races. My very first half marathon was Johnson Crane. It was also where I hit the wall on that very road where I was standing. But the route where I managed to cut 20 minutes off my previous PB. I realised that out of all the races on the calendar, Johnson Crane is really close to my heart and one of my favourites.

As I stood looking down the road, I was unsure if it was the memories of the runs, or the light breeze that have me *goosies*, but I promised myself that in 2013 I would once again be back to challenge myself on that road, running that race.

The image of that long, lonely road is etched into my memory until then…

The burning platforms of my life

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Bo

If you’ve worked in a corporate environment, you’ve most probably come across the term “Burning Platform”. For those not familiar with its origin, the story goes like this:

It was change management guru, Daryl Conor, who was watching the news broadcast of the disaster when he realised that Andy’s account could be used as a metaphor which many people could relate to as a symbol for change commitment. Conor does not see it as a story of disaster but a tale of courage and tenacity that illustrates the commitment necessary to face the risk and uncertainty required when departing from the current state of affairs.

Lately this term has been stuck in my head as it feels as if I am the one standing at the edge of the oil rig platform. There are issues in my life which I have ignored for way too long. Issues that are making me miserable. There are things happening which are beyond my control. There are certain things which I know I have been careless with for way too long. My ~~world~~ oil rig is in a comfort zone of sorts but is going up in flames.

The stress, the unknown, the uncontrollable. It’s everything on top of one another. So yes, I am jumping.

I can’t just wait around for things to miraculously “be better”. I can’t expect problems to be sorted out on their own. I need to take ownership. I need to start doing something differently. I read somewhere: If you want something to work, work on it.

So, that’s what I’m doing…

Ref: http://www.reply-mc.com/2012/09/10/the-four-kinds-of-burning-platforms/

Bush getaway to remind me of my youth

Gallery

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Bo

This gallery contains 13 photos.

When we were growing up, we never went to the sea on holiday. For us, family holidays meant my dad’s 4X4 bakkie pulling a Jurgens caravan through the Kruger National Park. On a recent weekend away to Madikwe Game Reserve I was reminded of some … Continue reading →

Surviving the week – Hannah Montana style

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Bo

If it’s not Taylor Swift telling me she’s like, never ever, whatever getting back together, or Bieber believer vomit fever, there’s just no escaping the teeny bopper music dominating the airwaves today.

But there is one song, sung by Miley Cyrus which I just can’t get enough of. In fact, it’s the cheesiest one of the lot, but the words are so incredible that I often listen to it, just to remind myself that no matter how stressed out I am at work, no matter how tough my running races are, no matter what I may be going through right now, I’ll get through it…

Below are the words and I trust you will survive Monday and have a good week!

I can almost see it. That dream I am dreaming. But there’s a voice inside my head saying, “You’ll never reach it.”
Every step I’m taking, every move I make feels lost with no direction. My faith is shaking. But I gotta keep trying. Gotta keep my head held high.

There’s always gonna be another mountain. I’m always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be a uphill battle. Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose.
Ain’t about how fast I get there. Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side. It’s the climb.

The struggles I’m facing, the chances I’m taking. Sometimes might knock me down, but no, I’m not breaking.
I may not know it but these are the moments that I’m gonna remember most, yeah just gotta keep going.

And I got to be strong. Just keep pushing on.

‘Cause there’s always gonna be another mountain. I’m always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be a uphill battle. Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose.
Ain’t about how fast I get there. Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side. It’s the climb, yeah!

There’s always gonna be another mountain. I’m always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle. Somebody’s gonna have to lose.
Ain’t about how fast I get there Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side It’s the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing. Keep the faith, baby. It’s all about, it’s all about the climb. Keep the faith, keep your faith…

“The Climb” – Miley Cyrus