Swimming Highlights

Today is predicted to reach 35 degrees C. The sky is already bulking up with cumulous and dust.

Going to put 4 Dunlop tyres on my car. Have been struggling to get insurance. The insurance companies are very iffy now, now that it is the season for burglaries and car accidents. How considerate of them (to drag their feet).

Speaking of which, I threw at least two students in the pool today, one of them I discovered, to my hororr couldn't swim (she almost drowned for about 10 seconds)and two more got thrown in by their classmates. Had quite a fun last day, enjoyed a good chat. Harry gave me a red Chinese thingy to hang somewhere.

Rested yesterday, but the day before, Wednesday, I got in an excellent 2km swim (in 40 minutes.

Going to focus on training and getting into the right head and spiritual space this holiday. This has actually been an excellent year, with some downs but plenty more ups. I'm really happy how things have turned out. From amodest start I've managed to grow in every area. Here are some of the highlights:

- 6 months of teaching Economics at Brebner High School (strictly speaking I am not a qualified teacher, but I do have third year Economics)
- won my first cycling race
- did the Ofm in under 3 hours (despite terrible tactics)
- Interviewed and photographed Jean Marie Neethling
- Published two stories in go! and Shape magazines, and have a few possibilities taking shape right now
- Have published over 260 stories on reporter.co.za, and of a total of 93 stories sent to Ohmynews, more than half have been published or podcasted (with much better remuneration than reporter)
- I've won two photographic contests on reporter
- was selected to represent citizen journalism this year at the Blogging Conference at Rhodes
- I bought an awesome new car for an excellent price
- I moved into my own place, furnished it myself, bought plants and effectively set down some roots
- got a distinction in one of my university subjects, and completed English up to third year level (meaning I can do Honors when I choose to)
- also made plenty of new friends, especially in the cycling field
- found a running squad to train with
- have just achieved a strong degree of clarity about myself, what I believe, and what I feel is my purpose in life
- am also happy about my career prospects, and overall potential to grow



I've worked very hard this year, especially at my writing. Next year plan to write more selectively, more for magazines, less volume (citizen journalism stuff). I also plan to kick up my performance in sport by a few gears. I am to be back, leaner and meaner than I have been for years, in 2007. Ironman I'd like to do again, probably in 2008 with Hennie and Barendine. I'd like to go under 3 hours in the 2007 Argus. I'd also like to be published in at least 5 magazines next year. I'm going to continue with photography, and travel to somewhere beyond South Africa. Bali, or Bolivia or something.

Happy New year everyone, and have a good Christmas.