To mark this special year, which also happens to be divisible by 5 and you all know how much I love numbers, I have committed myself to 10 resolutions for this new year.

I actually had a grand plan of revealing each resolution on each new day of the first 10 days of the new year via Twitter. Unfortunately, this did not work out as planned. Nevertheless, this is the long awaited and eventual blog post to sum everything up. Without further ado, I present to you, my new years resolutions for 2010:

#1: Obtain the infamous "6 pack" by my 25th birthday.

#2: Sleep more. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night.

#3: Blog more. I would like to try and output a minimum of three quality posts a week.

#4: Procrastinate less. Whenever possible, do today what could be left for tomorrow.

#5: Maintain a good posture. Breaking my arm threw everything out of whack. Time to get it all back!

#6: Learn to play the piano. A new means of emotional expression.

#7: Go on a long road trip. Life is about creating memorable moments and experiences.

#8: Adhere to the speed limit and attempt to avoid reckless road rage driven drivers.

#9: Letting go. Stay close to those who add value to your life, discard those who only cause pain.

#10: Make the move. It is no longer if, but when.

All I have to do now, is actually stick to this list of resolutions *eek*. Far easier said than done, but it is not impossible.

I certainly am looking forward to this new year. I do believe that it has a lot to offer and I plan to make the most of it!

God speed to you all and may you all succeed within whatever it is you put your minds to!

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

My sincerest condolences, love and support go out to Mr & Mrs Da Mata, his beloved parents, and Michelle, his cherished sister.

The funeral will take place at Saint Luke’s Methodist Church (43 Kosmos Road, Wilropark, Roodepoort) on Thursday 22nd January 2009 from 14:00 (2pm).

As a good friend of Mark’s, I have been asked to say a eulogy and to be a pall bearer. The following is the eulogy I have written for one of my best friends:

Mark Anthony Da Mata
8^th May 1985 – 18^th January 2009  

I can still remember the very first day I met Mark, over five years ago. It was our first day at Monash University. As I walked through the primary quad, I heard a distinct voice accompanied by a cacophony of laughing. That unique voice belonged to Mark and the laughing to a group of friends who, over time, would become very close – almost all of which are here today.

From Mark’s Colgate smile and warm demeanour to his caring eyes and infectious laugh, everyone knew that when Mark was around there truly was never a dull moment to be had. I cannot recall how many times we would all burst out laughing, often mid lecture, to something Mark had just uttered about the Lecture, Lecturer or something completely off topic, but somehow, ridiculously relevant. Without a doubt some of my fondest memories of Mark are from our days at University.

I have always admired Mark’s character and his ability to always say what was on his mind, regardless of the often hilarious repercussions, which always allowed him to walk into almost any situation fearlessly and without hesitation. I do not think I ever told Mark this, but it was through our friendship that he had the greatest impact on my character and the person I have become today. He taught me to never be afraid to speak my mind and to always accept myself for who I am because, as he would always say, “you’re fabulous”. 

Mark was a beautiful, kind and gentle soul who touched many lives with his love. It has been my absolute privilege to have been his close friend and to have had him in my life. The times we shared will forever be cherished, never forgotten and will always have a special place in my heart. To one of the greatest friends I will ever know, this is not the end but merely a new beginning with our Heavenly Father. I know that if Mark was here now, he would most likely turn toward me and say “Garra, enough now, pull yourself together, everything will be all right”.