It’s Friday, 11th of October and I’m cross-legged on my office chair, swinging to the beat of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. My sneakers are tangled up under my chair, but my sock-clad feet are itching to get up and start jerking across my office. After a few minutes of serious contemplation, I decide against getting my moonwalk on: I know every word of this classic song, of course, but that iconic dance sequence may just be a step too far. (Not only does my office overlook the courtyard where everyone would see me – I don’t think security would be too keen to come and untangle an injured staff member on a Friday afternoon).
Why am I shoe-less in my office, rocking out to Thriller, you ask? I’m writing content for the last magazine of 2019. The last Simbithi Scene of the DECADE. I figured it deserved an appropriate soundtrack. Anyway, it’s not long before MJ makes way for my collection of Christmas classics. (Yes, I’m that person who starts playing Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You months before it’s socially acceptable).
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Goodness, gracious! We’re at the tail end of 2019, on the precipice of beginning a whole new decade. I shan’t lie: I’m struggling to grasp that the year’s almost over. Where has the time gone? Wasn’t I just cracking open a new diary and getting used to writing 2019, instead of 2018?
Oh, but what a year it has been for you, my beloved Simbithi! Through the pages of the Simbithi Scene, we have tried to give you the purest glimpse into the uniqueness of the Simbithi community. Over our last three editions, we have encapsulated life on Simbithi through stories and pictures, and I hope you have enjoyed each one. Thank to you everyone who has allowed me to tell their stories this year. You have made our magazine meaningful. And, a special thank you to the magicians who are Chris and Emily Allan: without their ridiculously brilliant photographs, Simbithi Scene would not be as gorgeous as it is. Em and Chris, thank you for dealing with my frantic, “I-need-this-yesterday” demands, and for always showing up with a smile and jokes – even when we start shooting at 7am and I’m a proper grouchy bear!
As we head into the festive season, and Summer starts to tickle us, I want to remind you to be kind to everyone whose path you cross. From the security officers who give up their Christmas with their families to keep you safe, to the out-of-towner who may stop you to ask for directions as our town fills up. Stop, breathe and be thankful for each of your blessings.
To you, and yours, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
See you in 2020. Eek!
