Tuesday 28 March 2006

'Tis the season for change

I seem to pass through major life transitions - dramatic changes - every few years. My newest progression will be to formal employment - Eeeekkkk! Yes, it is true.


I've spent almost 6-years trying to find my calling. Leaving the basement world of cell biology, it was only through chance (and opportunity) that I landed in web design and site maintenance (a hobby I picked up at varsity), print layout design (by pure fluke), tv production as a cameraman & script writer, journalism and event media. It took 18-months to get into international online event coverage and another 18-months to log coverage of 9 foreign events (including the Big 3 - Primal Quest, Raid World Champs and AR World Champs) and passport stamps from 12-odd countries.


The glamorous side of online event coverage includes exotic travel, meeting and mingling with the who's who of the AR elite and absolute writing freedom. The reality is 3hrs sleep a night for the duration of the event, no training, bad nutrition and the typing up of reports at 3am. I sleep the entire flight home and it usually takes me 3 to 5-days after getting home to function normally. But, I absolutely love it!


I've reached the stage where I have media places at the BIG 3 for this year but now I'm giving this all up. Not from lack of interest or passion. My motivations are a) financial and b) desire for an opportunity to learn something new and to expand my experiences. With regards to the former... in this case, doing what you love doesn't pay. With regards to the latter... I need something that will utilise my skills, boundless energy and unending stream of ideas.


So, that's what I'm up to... Will my new career path affect AR.co.za? Nope, my baby will continue to grow and develop as it has over the past 5-years; with a number of new additions released during this year. And, perhaps I'll have more opportunities to race, instead of watching you all from the sidelines.

Sunday 5 March 2006

Starting Young

Being comfortable outdoors is not second nature to everyone. I was a fortunate little pumpkin. My folks took me camping and fishing and I spent many happy childhood holidays on a family friend's farm up in Zimbabwe leaping from the top of haystacks and rounding up cattle on horseback. Nothing could have been better.


Many kids in my 'hood are absolute city slickers. They're barricaded behind walls, instead of being able to race down grassy slopes on cardboard boxes after school (until sunset); for obvious security reasons. It is saddening indeed. Still, there's hope.


You're adventure types and certainly your kiddies will benefit from your experiences and exposure to the outdoors. 'Tis good.