Tag: introduction

Where has the time gone?

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It’s been a while since I’ve been down this neck of the woods, but I’m back (again). My second year of varsity is turning out to be much more overwhelming than I initially thought it would be. I always find myself generating ideas for this blog, and never finding the time to actually sit down and write. Assignments and literally hundreds of pages of readings have taken up a considerable amount of my time, and when I’ve finished that all I want to do is watch series, or listen to podcasts.

This shouldn’t be the case, but the last thing that I’ve wanted to do is write. Between essays and assignments (and my Netflix habit), I’m always in front of the screen. My sleep habits have gone out the window, and generally, I’m not being my most productive self.

I’ve spent a lot of time outside in recent weeks, and the changing season has meant that I’ve witnessed some really beautiful landscapes.

sunset with pink skies and windmills in the background

The sunset at the 1820 Settlers Monument, Grahamstown

mist rolls over hills with bushes in the foreground

A misty view stopped on the side of the road somewhere outside of Grahamstown

There are only a few weeks left of term, and I’m really thankful. it’s been a long few weeks and I’m ready to get back home to cook and do fun things! Being at home also means that I’ll have so much more time for this, and hopefully, I’ll be getting a lot more content out in the next month.

Until next time.

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New Year, Same Me: Setting Intentions

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It’s over a week late, but here I am welcoming you to 2019.  It’s a new year. Wow. 2018 went by so fast and I can barely believe that it’s over already. So much happened this year, and to be honest it has been a lot to process. It’s so important to look back and be thankful for everything that happened, the good and the bad, as everything contributed to the person that you are today. 

But, more important is the year to come. The past is done, but the future is entirely in your own hands. My favourite part of the new year, something that I have done for the past few years, is setting my intentions. The new year doesn’t mean that we have all changed overnight. We are all still the same people at our core. Every single day is an opportunity for growth and development, and working on ourselves. 

My mindset and the feeling that I start the year can always be summed up with a quote. This year, instead of my usual sentiment, “always seek light”, I’ve decided to “be the light” this year. The most important thing this year is finding joy, and being a source of joy.

This year, I hope to focus more on my health – more yoga, mindfulness and running. I want to work harder to achieve my academic goals. I’m going to really persevere with this blog, and make a success out of it. I’m going to be more discerning with who I allow into my life. In order to really make the most out of this year, I’m going to say ‘yes’ to doing more exciting things, and be more open to new experiences. I’m going to be more positive, and look for strength and success.

I haven’t changed overnight, but the new year is an opportunity. New year, same me, new intentions. 

A messy week

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It’s Tuesday. My room is tidy, but my bed unmade and my mind is in disarray. But some of today has been good. I spent time with a good friend and felt so much better having spoken to someone who I know cares. My best friend and I spoke at length last night which always makes my day.

But I have a term essay due on Friday. Procrastination is inevitable. It happens more than I care to admit – I try my best to complete my work well in advance but somehow it becomes the day before the due date, and there is still work to be done.

It’s the middle of October, and it still doesn’t truly feel like the year has started properly. I still disjointed and unadjusted in my new space. As I look around my room, it feels like I’m in a strange place. It’s weird to be working at a desk in a quiet space when I’m used to our dining room table at home, and the sounds of my family all around me.

I think it’s clear that I’m homesick. Res food will never match up to my mom’s homecooked meals, and the constant smell of cake or jam or soup being made that floats through our home. Food is one of the things I miss most about home because it’s so much a part of our daily lives. If my mom and I go shopping in the morning, we know we have to be home for lunch. To me, it is some of the best time that we spend altogether when it’s so easy to do our own thing all day.

Study week is next week, and as I said, I’m not sure where the year has gone. It seems that it was just last week that I arrived in Grahamstown at the foot of a brand new, daunting opportunity. Now I’m preparing for the final exams of my first year and handing in the final few assignments of the year. It’s been a wonderful year, but nothing makes me happier than to know that the end is in sight. G-Vegas has been a treat for the past ten months, and I’m so glad that I chose to come here, but I’m definitely ready to head back to Pietermagicburg for a couple of months.

I’ve been very quiet over here for the past little while, purely because I needed time to focus on varsity and myself, but I’m feeling much more motivated to come back to Catherine and Cranberries with new energy. Lots of exciting things are coming up soon, and this holiday holds many new opportunities. Watch this space!

An Introduction to Me

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catherine-profileHello there, world! Welcome to my blog, Catherine and Cranberries. I’m a nineteen-year-old from South Africa, and I’m in my first year of university at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. I have a love of cooking and baking and I really enjoy experimenting with new recipes, both healthy and not so healthy. In Grahamstown, there are lots of opportunities to be outside – we walk everywhere and go hiking, running, and exploring lots of new and exciting places. I try to fill my free time with crafts, like crocheting and journaling, with the occasional drawing session – sometimes I just watch series and whittle away my time (but we don’t like to talk about that). I’m also just getting into health and exercise, so I’ll be keeping a little running tab of my progress and how I’m working towards healthy habits while in a university environment. Come along for the ride – I’m super excited to be back on the blogging train, and in this community of people.