The not so critic, critic, Pretorius Street (2026)

16/05/2026

It has been months since I’ve written here, and there isn’t really a good reason why - just life.

As I sit here listening to the leaves fall and watching the tiny lizards crawl along the fence, I can’t help but think about where I am in life right now. Tired but blessed - that’s the only way I can describe it. One can be grateful and overwhelmed at the same time.

Earlier this week, I made a big decision for my career, but now it feels like the wrong one. Somehow, all I’ve become is my job. And do I enjoy it? Well, if we’re being honest… no.

But maybe that’s okay. Maybe it gives me time to really think about that annoying question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

My biggest fear in life has always been disappointing others, but all that has really resulted in is disappointing myself. Sometimes it’s okay to be selfish. Sometimes it’s okay to take the plunge. You only have one life - is it really worth feeling worthless, stuck, and completely out of control? Oh hell no.

I guess what I’m really trying to say is this: live your life in a way that brings you joy. Stress will always exist, but find the people, places, and things that outweigh those stresses. Be happy. Be yourself.

I’m blessed and incredibly grateful for everything I am and everything I have in my life. Now it’s about taking those blessings and turning them into a better, healthier version of me - and that’s okay.

Life is too short to live it half-lived.

Yeah, I know it’s easier said than done, but I’m here for the challenge… and suggestions are always welcome.

24/11/2025

A message at 17:11 on a Friday was the final straw.

It has been an insanely testing couple of months, the kind where every day somehow brings one more thing. At what point does it get better?

One all-nighter and a 1am workday might seem small in our world, but it hits differently when it’s for a deadline that’s actually next week… not this week. Add a client with constantly shifting requirements, expecting you to magically guess the exact type of candidate they want but won’t clearly communicate. Add the pressure to “just fix it anyway,” even when it isn’t your job to fix. Add the strain on the team doing ridiculous checks they shouldn’t even be burdened with.

And then, at 17:11…. Sorry to do this to you now, but we need it before the weekend begins. The extra kicker, they new about the ask in the morning.

That emptiness.
That moment where your brain whispers, I’m done with this.

But we’ll be back next week, fighting a fight we no longer want to fight but somehow will. Taking the blame when things don’t turn out the way someone imagined, even when you warned them or even when their requirements weren’t clear in the first place. That “under the bus” spot is starting to feel like home.

I pride myself on working hard, on going the extra mile. And yes, I get the thank-you messages and the “great work” acknowledgements, but lately, they feel hollow. Maybe it’s year-end fatigue. Maybe my spirit is just tired.

I always say there is so much to be grateful for, and I mean it. I truly do.
But right now?
I’m tired.
And that’s okay.

11/11/2025

✨ From the Eye of an Introvert ✨

Being an introvert in a people-heavy role is tiring.
By Friday, I just want to clean my house, binge a series, and recharge in silence.

It’s not that I don’t like people — I actually miss my people — but I don’t miss people. Make sense? 😅

We moved to this lovely small town with all the best intentions — to get involved, make friends, and be part of the community. But somewhere between “I’ll rest this weekend” and “I’m just too tired,” that dream got a bit lost.

Working from home was supposed to bring flexibility, but sometimes it just brings… more. More to do. More pressure. Less connection.

And then comes the guilt — feeling like you should be more social, more involved, more everything. But your social battery says, “Nope.”

So how do you find the balance? How do you recharge, connect, and show up for others and yourself?

Maybe it starts with grace — and reminding ourselves that being quiet doesn’t mean we don’t care. ❤️

09/11/2025

🌾From City Chaos to Small-Town Stillness 🌾

Often the first question people ask us is, “Why did you move here?”
And by “here” they mean a small town that, yes, has seen better days.

In short — why not?

We live in a chaotic, hustling world. Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, a place where you can breathe, decompress, and feel safe after a hectic week. In the city, I never felt that. There was always noise, pressure, and traffic. It started feeling a bit like Oom Leon sang about… a Gangster’s Paradise.

Don’t get me wrong, I miss the convenience.
Oh, Checkers Sixty60, Woolies Dash, and that one restaurant’s chicken korma, how I miss thee. 😅
There are definitely things to miss… but also many not to.

We were existing, not really living.

The move hasn’t been easy. This year has thrown curveball after curveball - stability gone, job loss, cyber criminals doing their thing and we’re still outsiders trying to become locals.

And honestly? I’m part of the problem. I haven’t done enough to be more social or get involved. But there’s also that “it’s not what you know, but who you know” thing that small towns are famous for… and sometimes, people judge before they know you.

Still, after almost a year, in this little town we truly believe is our forever home, I’ve learned a few things. Things I’d love to share as we keep figuring out our purpose and path — the one our loving God has prepared for us.

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Pretorius Street

2680

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