Work

Work has been a major part of the last year. At first I had a hard time adjusting to a 40hr work week. No matter how hard students claim to work, nothing really compares. All nighters finally become the untenable 'catchup' method we all knew them to be. When I started work, I was sent to a client on my second day, since then I hit the ground running. I have had the opportunity to learn much this last year and now feel fully and firmly cemented in the security field, whereas as a student I was self-conscious of my lack of experience. The biggest change in my security approach has been in my understanding of how security is implemented (and sometimes forgotten) at both a managerial and operational level. Looking back at my blog entires for the previous two years has me sometimes giggling at how excited I got over rather serious issues, but which many organisations don't have the security maturity/budget to deal with, and can benefit from improving other areas.

On the soft side of work, the people I work with are really great, my direct manager, SK (I'm using initials instead of names), has been a font of wisdom in many aspects, from time management to Christian theology, and has contributed much to my development. Of my colleagues, NN has been great to have around and has taught me much about breaking things and eating curry. The focus on personal development has left me feeling as if I am constantly moving forward.

Outside of our band of hackers, the actual company has really impressed me, I must be honest and say I didn't do as much research into their past exploits as I should have, but have been surprised by the ethos of integrity and honesty. It may be because they are an auditing firm (an entity which was created specifically to keep people honest), but they definitely go above and beyond. I was particularly impressed when sweat shopping was specifically mentioned as a reason why we should avoid certain clients during my induction training. I have entered into arguments with my philosopher friend, Jason, with a clear conscious.

Love

Daniela and I are still going strong. In May it will be four years. We have integrated well into our new lives. At first it was difficult with her in Pretoria and me in Jozi (1hr drive apart), but we have since found our groove. She is working for iCommons, who's offices are very close to my home, allowing her to rest her driving muscles at my place. I have had the opportunity to get to know her family very well this year, and am constantly amazed by their hospitality. I have discovered her father to be a very patient man, something three daughters and an Italian wife will do to you, the are definitely the loudest (but strangely affectionate) house I have ever been to.

Daniela and I attended two weddings in January, and the question: "When are you two getting married?" Has been popping up a lot. At first it was irritating, but now I take it as an outward sign of our love for each other. To the hissys (you know who you are), I'll keep you posted.

Family

During my six years in Grahamstown and Rhodes I feel I became a real person, with my life at school feeling more like a gestation period. However, I was very separated from my parents during this time. Coming back and living with my mother and visiting my father regularly has allowed my relationship with them to grow immensely. This has made me very happy. It really feels like I am just getting to know my parents. As for my brother, I have hardly seen him. He was studying at UCT last year and came home briefly before he jetted off to the UK. I am looking forward to his return. My step brother on the other hand is growing up to be an incredibly bright child. At only 16 he can quote from the likes of Satre and JK Rowling :).

The one interesting development is that I got in touch with the Jewish side of my family. I attended my great Aunt's funeral, and was amazed to discover that I was surrounded by family members I had never met before. I have always felt that my family was ultimately nuclear, so this came as quite a shock.

Friends

The amount of time one can spend socialising takes a severe knock when working. At first I found this quite depressing, especially with my best friend, Jason, still in Grahamstown. It wasn't all bad as I got to spend time with a few friends I had missed quite badly at Rhodes such as Carl and Nic. By the end of last year I had gotten into a better groove, and was able to manage the odd large night out intermingled with several quiet evenings with friends. This all ended with an enormous new year party organised by Carl and myself which I will definitely remember for a long time (unlike some of the guests, Hi Gregor).

God

Moving away from University and the semi-constant theological debates and arguments with evangelicals has helped me to focus on my relationship with God. I have quited my interest in 'learning' about my religion and have spent much more time learning about myself and deepening my faith. This has been a very special year for my spirit and I hope to better it in years to come. I am hoping to convert to Catholicism officially (having spent two and a half years debating the issue), but this feels more a procedural issue at the moment. I have felt as if he has been very involved in my growth over the past year. I eventually stopped questioning his hand in my life (although one should never stop questioning completely), and have found him to be an ever present companion.

The End

Well this bring me to the end of my selfish but cathartic ramble. I am looking forward to this year immensely and am very excited by all the possibilities and opportunities provided. Thanks for reading this far, now get back to work :)