So here goes:
The last you'd heard from me, I (as an unemployed hobo) had just worked pure slavery through Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and was still on the job-search grind.
A pretty coincidental chain of events happened after that.
Right after fashion week, I gave myself a good talking to and decided that perhaps the job search was going to take a bit longer than expected - it had already been nearly 4 months since I quit. I had decided that even though I was studying, I needed something else to keep my mind busy and I had come up with an idea that could potentially lead into a different career - one I wouldn't mind to be honest - and that I could start without any formal education (no more than I already had) and just a bit of talent.
I'm not going to give you too many details on the venture, except that I would've been freaking kick-ass at it and that although (currently) it isn't off the ground - finer details haven't even really been worked out - it still definitely remains in my plans for the future - along with recording. Perhaps once I have completed this degree, I will return to these. In fact I plan to.
Back to what's already been happening in my life though, straight from fashion week there were literally less than 2 weeks to the Nike Run Jozi marathon.
I had only discovered the event less than a month beforehand, and had entered immediately. Apparently, Nike has run this kind of event in major cities (about 15 if I remember correctly?) all over the world in an effort to take back the city from the degradation that has defaced it. To inspire the people, to assure them that the city is not as dangerous as it seems. Facts were as follows: 10km distance, 10 000 runners, the central business district - at night.
When I entered, I of course knew nothing about the event, and was surprised to find out it was a night-time race. Though apprehensive, I was excited.
After fashion week, I trained literally every night. Trying to make sure that I could do 10km within a select time, on any form of terrain.
By the time race day arrived, I was shitting myself - I had never run an event like this before..
All I can say is that it was incredible. Nike handled logistics of the event impressively well, seamlessly integrating runners, security, crowds and any other aspect. I have not felt energy like that running before. Equipped with my iPod, David Guetta and Deadmau5's latest albums, I just kept going. I kept passing people and my legs never tired. Turns out I ran my personal best 10km time ever >>
Of course the photographers catch me looking like a retard. Congratulations. At least I made it through before the hour mark. Also, my time could've been better if the effing crowd started moving faster in the beginning of the race and I wasn't so far back. Also, in this photo above, I'm holding my phone and ipod - I was tweeting from the run. Nevermind I nearly ran into some people by mistake because of that.. >>
Regardless, what an awesome event. I'm hoping it returns next year - so that I can further kick some ass. And tweet some more.
Two days before Nike Run Jozi, I applied for a job in a law firm. Within two hours, I had a response and they wanted to see me for an interview. I - obviously overjoyed at the thought - said I was available as soon as it was convenient to them. Stupid move. 'How about today was the answer' .. I hesitated for a second - apparently it was detected - 'How about tomorrow' .. I was thinking: 'no, screw this, I'll make it work' and I did. The day before Nike Run Jozi, I went for my interview.
I dressed very well, made sure I was more than presentable and was off on my merry journey. Apparently I had impressed the two ladies who interviewed me as they then took me straight to the firm partner for his interview. Basically a first and second round within an hour. The conversation was fine - until they decided to test my skills - basically what I'd need to be able to do for the job - in front of the boss. I did what I could, as fast as I could. When they were checking my results, it got very quiet and I began to worry that I'd lost it.
But then, out of nowhere - they began speaking again - saying that it was pretty accurate and that they were impressed. I was asked to leave the room and in his words 'so that they could discuss me behind my back' ...
I was then offered to start the following Monday - on a 3 month probation period, after which I'd be offered full time employment and a raise. The offered probationary salary was already more than I'd ever earned.
I started the following Monday, have learned loads and actually quite like what I'm doing. On the slow days I am afforded the opportunity to study. I'm a paralegal for the moment.
All in all, March 2012 was an amazing month. I met some cool people, learned some things about myself that I never would've expected and found life moving forward once again. Though I'm now juggling a full day's work, against a full day's studying and working out etc., and it's incredibly exhausting, I would not go back to where I was before. Unemployed, demotivated and lazy. Too much time to spare and days blurring into one another, it was not the best time I've had. And although working here can be turbulent, it is hilarious and the people are completely off the wall - I fit in :)
In regards to studying, I'm heading into exams as of the 7th of May, I think I'll die before then.. or after.. well definitely after, at least some day I'm sure. I mean I'm not like Madonna who will survive the apocalypse and everything. I do hope there will be more time to check in and I'm actively going to make an effort to write more often - this post has made me realise how much I miss it.
Until then, compadres - farewell and all other socially acceptable goodbyes you can think of.
