Is it 40?

They say that after the Dirty Thirties come the Naughty Forties. So now I'm wondering if the 40s have anything to do with unhappy couples, separation, and divorce.

In the past year and a bit, there have suddenly been several couples in our group of friends who have had marital problems - seemingly serious marital problems - that have led some of them to split up. Now I know that these things are just part of life and happens all the time, but it struck me that everyone seemed to be quite happy up until now, the time where we're all approaching 40 or already there.

If the Forties have anything to do with it, what is it? At this time the kids are all well into elementary school and middle school, so our lives would seem to be well established. Is it the "rut" of established lives that leaves people bored with one another? Are they bored and yearn for the excitement of their 20s, thinking that it will change it all and bring back that "something" that seems to be missing?

If that is it, I think they may be in for a surprise. And if that lead them to divorce, I think they may come to look back at it as a major mistake.

I hope this is about a lot more then merely the Forties.

Traveling the World

Coming Friday, a good friend at work is leaving to prepare for a 5-month trip through South America. (See their blog.) While it is not-so-nice to see him go (this guy is a magician with map systems), I fully support their decision to do this. In fact, I'm quite excited about this, and Dave, I wish you and Mel all of the best for your adventure!

This leads me to the whole idea of traveling the world. I think it's an amazing thing for people to do, especially for young people. Your whole outlook on the world broadens so much when you get direct contact with other cultures and realize that the ways of your own culture aren't the only ways to do things. Dave told me about an uncle who took his 15-yr old daughter out of school for a year and home-schooled her while the two of them traveled around the world. That's an education no school can give!

About 15 years ago, Esme and I traveled through a big part of western Europe for 6 weeks. That wasn't near enough time to really get to know all the countries we visited, but to this day that trip stands out as one of the best in our lives.

Bon voyage, Dave and Mel!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

As I write this, my Mom and Dad are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary with a few friends at Weaver's restaurant in Steytlerville, South Africa. Unfortunately we couldn't be there, but we're celebrating along with them from afar.

I think it's an amazing achievement for any couple to reach their 40th wedding anniversary. There are so many things that could prevent that from happening, and I'm very happy for, and proud of my parents for reaching this incredible milestone. Well done!

Vince Young rocks!

Having grown up in South Africa where football isn't played, I am a much greater rugby fan than I am a football fan. In fact, in the past I have often found football to be somewhat boring due to the high amount of stoppages during the game.

However, Vince Young and the Longhorns changed a lot of that last night during the Rose Bowl game against the Trojans. What a game it was?!!! What a game Vince Young had?!!! This guy is just incredible. When he gets the ball in his hands, you can kow there will be trouble! And trouble he created for the Trojans time and time again. Just when one thought all was lost for the Horns, he pulls two amazing touchdowns out of the bag.

Hook 'em Horns!

Hello World!

As a programmer, how could I not kick this thing off with "Hello World"? Actually, since this is also my first blog, I do mean "hello world".

As so many of you out there do, I'll likely use this as a platform for sharing events and ideas that cross my path. Who knows what that will all include!