2010 - are you ready?

I woke up at 4AM this morning for my Heat 2010 calendar shoot. I will be featured with 11 other guys, including my friend Jaco de Bruyn*. He is the well-deserved winner of the 2009 Heat Manwatch competition, and, hopefully, will also do well in the upcoming Heat Hot 100 contest. On that note, I would like to say thanks & show my humble appreciation for a really great friend. *Thanks, Jaco, you're the best friend I could ever ask for! I have learnt so much from you and I'm looking forward to being mates with you until we sit on the stoep as old men and fart like donkeys, laughing about the 'good old days,' LOL. Much respect to you my friend - we'll make it far, I know! Just have the faith & perseverance.

The year 2010 is upon us. South Africa will be hosting the biggest sporting event in its history - the Soccer World Cup (during the month of June). I am excited to be part of this momentous occasion. That said, my little bit of advice for the day would be to ensure that you too have a plan for the new year. We often get into the routine of everyday life and forget to focus on our goals & ambitions. Start making your list of what you'd like to achieve in 2010, now! Then, make a list of what you need to do, to achieve those goals. Finally, make a third list of what you need to get rid of to pursue those goals. Surely, this will put you in a better position to grasp the urgency of working towards your dreams. If that all fails, just pick up Donald Trump's new book, "Think Like a Champion" - it's an easy read and will most certainly inspire you! A new year is always another opportunity to look ahead and get a little closer to the things you'd rather be doing.

Have a blessed weekend. Much love. XX

PS: Do yourself a favour and read this book! >>

Louis Botha shoot, outtakes

For those asking on my Facebook profile, herewith some outtakes from the shoot with Pretoria photographer Louis Botha. Enjoy.

Holding on ...

It's rainy day in JHB and although it cools the air it makes me feel sombre. I attended the South African premiere of the Michael Jackson movie/documentary "This is it" on Wed morning. It is a magical piece of film and I would certainly recommend you to watch it. Watching the sheer brilliance of a musical genius in the environment that was closest to his heart - the stage - makes one feel special. What made it even more amazing is the fact that it was of course to be the final rehearsals of his life. I read somewhere that the rehearsals were filmed at his request, and looking back at it, I can't help but wonder if he did not secretly think his death was close by. Weird, and sad, but something to think about. His performance, his energy, and his attention to every little detail in the production of the show shows the great master he was. Of course, fans would appreciate it more since the film features a lot of full-length songs from his repertoire. On that note I have to confess in saying that I often hold onto things, and people, for unnecessary long periods of time. Putting myself second, blaming myself for being a terrible person when I make other people unhappy. Yet, beating myself down just makes life feel worthless. I am a very loving person and often people walk all over that. In my nature I enjoy helping people, and giving. However, sometimes one ends up giving too much of yourself. Which is not fair on yourself. It's also not fair expecting anything in return when you give. Rather, do it for the love in your own heart. But don't lose sight of what your goals & ambitions are, and be true to yourself. Much love.

(Pic from MJ's This is It - movie & CD release out this week in SA).

"This is it!"

Yo! Writing from a crazy-busy production office where things are getting heated due to us pre-recording for December (so that a holiday is in order - probably from 18th Dec already) Yippy!! I realize several friends of mine are not Michael Jackson fans, however, in my opinion he was a musical genius and I am very excited for the worldwide release of the much anticipated docu-movie-musical feature called "This is it." Which will basically showcase the rehearsals and behind the scenes preparations for his concert tour which was supposed to kick off in London in June this year. The premiere happens at the same time in many locations across the world, and in South Africa it will be tomorrow morning at 3AM. Wow. Early morning for me, since our TV crew will also be filming the event for the TV show we produce. I am still very much excited. And I will report back. It's always tragic when talented people die (young) and even more so if it happens suddenly. We can't control emotions of other people, but we can give love & support. Somehow, sometimes, it seems hard to let go of a loved one. Whether it's due to death, or relationships breaking apart. The hardest part is letting go of someone that you thought you couldn't live without. But perhaps that's where the problem lies. We become too obsessively close to someone and then our emotions wreak havoc when we have to let go. I do believe that true love never goes away, sometimes it just gets blurred because we forget how much someone means to us. Let's appreciate the ones we have, the ones that are alive, the ones that really care, no matter what.

Once again, we gotta plan ahead!

It's a new week and I'm back at work - after a well needed break in Cape Town with the people I value most in my life - mother, father, brother, sister-in-law & cutest of all, my 6-month old nephew. I miss them everyday (living about 1000km's in another city) and being with my family puts life into perspective again. They are grounded people, especially since they farm and live in beautiful vineyard-surrounded landscapes. My dad always talks about 'saving your money,' and how 'hard work pays off'. On my flight back from Cpt to Jhb I sat next to a 39-year old lady who decided to call it quits in the business world. She's had enough of the "games & politics, having no life, and the stress!" For the most part I was eavesdropping while she chatted to another ex-colleague (male) sitting on the other side. She was flying up to Jhb to put her car (and herself) on a train back to Cpt. Her next venture was a small business in Hermanus (a confectionary shop with her mother). Eventually I plucked up enough courage and started speaking to her. I asked what she regrets the most about being a massively successful businesswoman. She replied, "probably, not having a life for more than 15 years. And, spending all my huge salaries on luxury cars, exotic overseas trips, and many a gift!" Then I asked her for one bit of advice, and she said, "planning! Always plan, because that is what many people don't do and then get stuck and depressed." Those words seem to be repeated by every single (business) person I speak to. My dad always says, if you lose your job today, have enough savings so that you could comfortably live for at least 6 months.

I have to discipline myself, get my emotions balanced, and love life for what it is. It is tough for me right now since I'm not entirely happy in Jhb but this is where I've settled and where my job is (for now). Sometimes I miss having the close-knit love & support of a family home, which I have, but it's not with me everyday. And, honestly, counting on friends is pointless. Never ever think that your friends owe you something, I've learnt that the hard way. Yet, I will always be there for any of my friends if they need my help. Go well. Be blessed.

Plant that tree today!!!

Yesterday I read news articles on business leader Warren Buffet. He once quipped the words, "someone is sitting in the shade today, because someone planted a tree a long time ago." It rings true for any investment banker or stock broker that is worth his/her, erm, money. Being patient is, unfortunately, an important lesson one learns, in the process of achieving success - investing your money, and then carrying on with life and not chasing every quick-satisfying whim you might have. It makes business sense to be patient, and the same applies to life in general. Young people often protest that living for the moment is what life is all about. True, to an extend. You can live for the moment, yes, and never save up your money, never plan ahead, never worry about tomorrow, and then, when bad times sneak up on you, where will you be, and who are you going to look in the face for help? I am not the wisest, and most certainly have not done my planning properly in the past either. I have made terrible investment mistakes, and wasted money on cars, luxury items and generally being careless in my lifestyle & attitude. However, we have to make these mistakes to realise what is best for us in the long run. I want to read about financial success stories, business leaders, inspirational people in our society. Leaders came to be successful for a reason. Come on. Don't tell me that life is short - life is short if you have no purpose! If it's too drastic to make sudden changes, then at least, attempt to strike a balance. If you want to have a good time, do it AFTER work, and when you know you can chill out and sit back for a little while. We need to plant that tree, so that in ten years' time we can sit under the shade of our own tree, and not pay someone to sit under their shade!!

I'm off to Cape Town tomorrow to visit my parents, brother, sister-in-law and my cute lil newphew 'Lourens.' Can't wait! If you read this, my wish to you is to have a blessed day!! XX

True friendship starts in your own heart

Listening to my iTunes and going through the memories of songs that take me back to moments in my life that were fun, sad, crazy & special times, with very special people. I've always said that music is the soundtrack of life. Love songs, party songs, rock songs, drunk-student songs, and so on. There are songs that remind me of meeting a very special person in my life. And songs that bring back memories of friends that are no longer with us. Which leads me to the question I was pondering today: are all friends in life merely passing ships? And what about being in love with someone? I once asked my mentor (a very dear lady who is also my nutritionist), about not being happy in a friendship, and she told me the following: "Good advice for happiness - Expect nothing from friends. Human nature is fickle. Be the best friend you can be, you are the only one you can control & trust. Your friend is a passing ship. Enjoy while he/she is in harbour and let go when he/she sails. You cannot possess or hold onto anyone. Expect the best from yourself and accept your friends as they are." Wise words, but hard to swallow. I find it hard to let go of something good, but sometimes it's nature's way of pushing you in a different direction. It's like learning new skills and expanding your intellect so as to become attracted to new things in life. Life is an ever-changing/growing experience. People grow out of friendships, and, perhaps, also out of love. Or do we? Inside my heart I believe that we can keep friends, and stay in love. For your entire lifetime. But it only happens to those that have mastered the 'tricks' of life/relationships. And most important is to grow with people, not out of them. But, unfortunately, we can't control this. We simply need to accept people for who they are, and let go of those things we don't like. Love the things that make other people happy for them, and you will find satisfaction & happiness in your own love. On a last note: give something to someone, the gift of giving will make you smile inside. For real. XXX

You're a personal trainer? Yeah, right...

So this morning at gym I noticed a number of new personal trainers. Skinny, short, shy guys that barely manage to spot someone lifting a 100kg on a bench press. I have a lot of respect for personal trainers and consider it a real job, not something random. However, seriously, if you're doing a job like that, at least fit the profile. I also see trainers that take a seat, next to their teeth-clenching, fist-wrenching, sweating at the balls-clients, doing a dumbbell exercise completely wrong, i.e. - dancing like a swing ball trying to lift the damn weights! No man, honestly, get outta there and sell pizzas at Scooters! That said, personal trainers should be approachable, friendly guys that are always keen to help, regardless of whether it's a client or not. This way you promote your business. Respect.

Anyway, on another note, seems like eating right, training hard and being disciplined do help, in the long run. Pics from gym are seen here - have a peaceful happy Thursday!!! XX

The David Letterman saga...

I just had to write about this too... The famous talk show host, David Letterman, who admitted that he had sexual affairs with some of his younger, female, staff members. Of course, most conservatives were horrified, and understandably so, however, he has proved that he is feeling sorry, doesn't take himself too seriously, and "has his work cut out for him" (referring to making it up to his wife, whom he evidently wants to stay with). In my view, when you've done something like that and feel truly bad about it, your real loved ones will forgive and forget. It's important to understand that being faithful is crucial in any relationship, unless you and your partner has an agreement of some sorts. Bottom line for me, if Dave Letterman doesn't take himself too seriously then take heed. We all make mistakes, and not the least of all, having sexual affairs outside a relationship. Shit happens. If it didn't mean anything, then why worry about it. In the end, you'll know who your true loved ones are. And they'll stand by you, no matter what. We often take life way too seriously. Chill out.

(Check out the video clip of Letterman apologising on You Tube).

Pump up those arms!

It's not easy to catch up on the 'backlog' of muscle-building when you've neglected parts of your body during previous years of training. I didn't train my arms properly and mostly focused on other areas such as chest & abs - hence my renewed motivation to train my biceps/triceps extra hard. The same goes for my shoulders. I am dedicated and motivated to get my body into a balanced shape. This would entail muscles being proportioned to body form and balanced at top & bottom. I am blessed with good calves, but upper legs need attention too. The first step of fitness & muscle training is to recognize which areas need attention, and then sourcing a training programme that would assist in building those muscles. Of course, changing your programme once a month is always a good idea! Keep cardio to a minimum if you'd like to build muscle, but a good cardio-session once a week is necessary for general fitness. On that note, gotta dash off (lol) and get back to making TV ...