Doing the math it dawns on me you just hit seventy, I seldom speak about personal issues unless out of the ordinary.
Summing up the first ten years absolutely bloody fantastic, we got into mischief, had many hidings, outings and holidays who could complain. Not rich, but not poor either we never went to bed without a meal, spent many hours in the garden tending to the plants that would feed you. We played outdoors till the sun went down, no phones to bother you, everyone arrived, sometimes earlier if chores needed to be done before parents arrived, each of the four siblings had chores, no questioning that one!
Next ten years exploring, younger version less likely to cause havoc, after thirteen a bit of a rebel, from fifteen to nineteen another story.... Smoked a bit of this and that, tasted a bit, baked some, zoned out to music it was a groovy time to be alive. Fortunately this experience did not bite, seeing what was going on around made one realize quite quickly many were in too deep. That was fun but not long term, climb off the bus and grow up! Strange story a communist under every bush back then...." Sorry no photos, too broke/busy, no camera....
Twenties to forties much change, oddities, life within our own country, finding a career, marriage, travel, all new, by now the earlier years already stored in the closet. Words of warning now rang true to what we had been taught within the home.
Some jibber-jabber I do recall you may be interested in...
Never fall in love with the company you work for, sub-rules given, never discuss family, religion or politics at work!
Always have a plan B, as a woman if one position made you uncomfortable be sure to look around at another, office lifestyle tended to a cauldron of mixed emotions, often leading to affairs, fall outs, best be avoided in matters private.
I strongly urge young folk to develop alternate income streams, learn and never stop learning!
Save some to invest, or start your own business. Don't climb into debt when offered, never spend more than you make.
If you see a better opportunity elsewhere take it, more experience gained is of far more value.
You & your family come first then your employer, not the other way around, avoid large companies, they are the worst.
When companies change name of Personnel Dept., to Human Resources is the day people became a commodity.
Saturday sons and daughter-in-law visited due to work week interfering with life, had a quiet braai (BBQ) with gifts you consume, no longer need more while still attempting to declutter. Outdoor cooking then run indoors under the aircon, eat in peace away from flies that bug you, or mosquito all arrive uninvited. We will celebrate in winter with going out somewhere nice!
Countries change, evolve often not the way one anticipates, from having a 'commie' hiding under every bush, we now live with socialist/communist ideology, it all depends on who you talk to. There are still many South African's who fight for democracy.
Most memorable landmark now is tangible excitement toward positive moves, I wish Donald Trump everything of the best with his team, sweep clean. I hope this attitude runs like a pandemic, evident with Javier Milei, the West needs a reshuffle, back to basics while moving tentatively forward with new technology.
Jibber jabber over, a new year dawns, another chapter, never despair loved ones always catch you when you falling....
All photography my own, go out and have a wonderful day wherever you live in our wonderful world.
Thought for Today: "A woman is never old when it comes to the dance she knows." - African Proverb
