(1) University
(2) Orienteering (or sport in general)
(3) Relationships
These three things form the basis of every person's everyday life. It's very difficult to have a conversation where you do not talk about at least one (or in my case, all three). My memory is often so bad that I think that sometimes I say the same things over and over again in a conversation (they must have been important, right?).
For me, university is almost taking a back seat at the moment. I always wonder what it would be like to study something different, even though I am enjoying what I am doing. In high school I used to love creative writing, getting the opportunity to just make up a story (and perhaps wish that you were living it). There is more to life than university (which is what many people fail to understand). In three and a half years time, when I finish, things are not going to get any easier. I will not suddenly have time to do the things that I have always wanted to. It's time to do them now. Which brings me to:
Sport has become something that I live for. I go through stages where training is a bit dreary, but then after a weekend like this past weekend I have this sudden surge in enthusiasm, like I can train for 4 hours every day. I spend the whole day looking at old maps and looking at route choices. It's something that I wish that I could do every day. Sport opens so many opportunities. For example, this year I get to go to some obscure part of France. I would have never been able to see the things that I will see. My coach is under the impression that orienteers and adventure racers often see things that even the local farmers have not. It's also provides the opportunity to meet people, and fantastic people at that.
Which brings me to my next point. Relationships are the axis around which most of us live our lives. Always trying to impress someone so that you will be noticed, giving a casual glance after an action to check for approval. Perhaps it is not the best way to live life, but it does keep you in line in a certain respect. I have met some of the most amazing people through my sport (both orienteering here and overseas). You meet people that are always there to give good advice, people that are there to give a word of encouragement when you feel terrible and then there are the people that you just wish that you could spend more time with. Perhaps it would be regarded as girlfriend potential, but I am going to avoid that completely and say that I mean someone that I can talk to. And really talk to, not the usual small talk that we are all used to. I am not necessarily asking not to be judged on what I have to say, that is often too much to ask :). But I suppose this brings up the topic of who you should and shouldn't be "friends" with ("friends" is my new definition). It's difficult to be close to someone when everyone around you is looking for the latest gossip or even encouraging you to see something that perhaps isn't there (I often don't need other people, I tend to make odd conclusions all on my own). I just want someone to talk to damnit! Don't read into it (as I am always told as well). [worse could be someone reading this and thinking that I am talking about them, I am talking about someone, but is it you?)
I had an awesome weekend in Cape Town. Was great to be able to run in the forest again! Managed to win the SA sprint champs (my goal race of the season) and picked up a second place in the long. The middle was a bit of a nightmare, but oh well. The Hi Tec Infinity challenge takes place tomorrow and then there is the UJ sprint event on Sunday. Looking forward to it and hopefully I can do well this weekend.
SA Sprint Champs (V and A Waterfront)
WC Long (Grabouw)
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