be an adventurer

I signed on as NaNoWriMo ML for Pretoria in a spirit of adventure. I’m discovering new places and new people, and new ways to do things.

In the spirit of adventure, I have signed on to Twitter. See me at niel_malan

One of the simplest ways to be an adventurer is to take the road you don’t usually take. Tonight I once again discovered a new shortcut by cycling up the road I usually don’t take. The shortcut bypassed the scary-looking (but probably quite harmless) corner that I had kept me away from trying it.

I could also mention that this adventure was caused by a national adventure. My adventure and discovery came because I had a choice of detours. The detour is necessary because of the construction of the Gautrain, our country’s first rapid-transit rail system.

i would love to be an exporler

Believe it or not, but I’ve decided that my next adventure will be to take something I’ve bought back to the shop. The salesman said I could, so I’m going to try it.

Tonight was another first for me. I sang 3 songs at the Open Mic night at the local Club, while Evan played guitar. I did “25 Minutes to Go” by Johnny Cash, “Styrophome Boots” by Modest Mouse, and “Lachlin Tigers” by The Bushwackers. The Club was packed as the band that was playing after us was a well know local band that had reformed after many years off.
It was a really intense experience… the adrenaline is pretty full on. I am so exhausted after it all, but I did help someone move house today so that doesn’t help either.
I’m not sure if its a good thing or not but it seemed like the whole town was there.

went on a “first date” tonight. I invited a girl to meet me for dinner at the Club and decided to enter the open mic competition with my band-mate. Seemed like a good idea when i teed it all up but by lunch today I was definitely feeling the pressure… a first date and a public performance in the same sitting… the nerves were really getting to me!
I remembered something I read in “Shakey”, Neil Young’s biography, where one of Neil’s friends confided in him that he was having panic attacks after seperating from his wife. Neil said something to the effect of, “That’s just so you know you’re alive”. So that helped me… thinking, I’m only feeling this stress because I’m getting out of my comfort zone which is an opportunity to grow.
So anyway, I met the girl and she was lovely. I think we had a nice time together despite my nerves about playing. We played 115th Dream (Bob Dylan), Born Under a Bad Sign (don’t know who) and Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix). The first song warmed up the crowd pretty well, 2nd song got them grooving and the Jimi got em hootin’. We ended up winning 2nd place for the night, the first time we have won a place!

So, the pressure is all over and I’m feeling pretty proud of myself. I’d like to see the girl again and I’m keen for more public performances…

Here’s to getting out of your comfort zone!

we are in contact again. Just friends. That aweful crappy feeling is gone. I’m relieved.

Met a great girl online but never met in person. We talked for hours and hours on the phone. It got too complicated for her. I think she’s awesome. I think she liked me. My travel plans were the problem. Now we are not talking. I miss her so bad, I haven’t felt so crap in years.
If you ever read this… I miss you.

The world of internet dating… sheesh!
Fastest way to make your life complicated… try finding a meaningful relationship while also planning to go travelling around the world alone for a year or 2. There is a not-so-small conflict in this situation, especially if you are honest about your plans!
So it seems that I am bound to continue the trend in my life of making great friends with awesome girls that settle down with other guys.
It’s been real…