So THAT'S why I like to read!

The Ender Saga (or at least the first two books, which is all I've read so far) is the most powerfully realized representation of the reality of human interaction and motivation that I have ever read. It has reminded me of why I enjoy reading, and not just froth-prose, but actual literature. Of how the words of another can challenge one to question one's own life and motivations and interactions.I ask myself: if I could have a Speaker for the Dead at my funeral, what would he or she say? What have I done that is requires illumination and explanation and airing? Also, how can an entirely alien scenario speak so clearly to an entirely pedestrian psyche?

I had read and enjoyed an Orson Scott Card novel (The Memory of Earth) as a teenager, and I had heard or read that he was credited as one of the names in sci-fi. So when I heard that Ender's Game was being filmed I was thrilled, even though I had never actually read it. Being a dedicated nerd with aspirations to full geek-hood, I immediately sought to increase what I now know to be my woefully inadequate knowledge of the greater Orson Scott Card canon. To that end, I found a copy of Ender's Game and not exactly read it, more absorbed it. It was as revelatory to me as the first time I saw the original Star Wars trilogy, or the first time I read the Lord of the Rings. (See? Geek.)

It's an incredible work. The only problem is  that, like the Star Wars prequels (sorry George Lucas) and the LOTR movies (sorry Peter Jackson), the transition from page to screen is likely to detract from and cheapen what is truly one of the best moral tales of our time. And, as we are NOT a generation that reads, the true greatness of the book is likely to be lost  in the mediocrity of the movie. The cast gives me some hope, but I've been wrong before.

So, if you have not read the book, do so. And do it now, before the movie comes out. Because, despite being a dedicated addict of the cinematic medium, I cannot see how that book can be honestly captured visually. In fact, I would recommend that you read the series even if you have no intention of ever seeing the film. It's that good.

Moving on up...

Shortly after my last post, my huge plans were somewhat derailed by the announcement that the house in which I am a tenant is up for sale. Since moving to Natal at the beginning of 2007, I have moved no fewer than 5 times, excluding the initial move down here. If you consider that prior to that I had moved 10 times in as many years, my life assumes a nomadic quality worthy of epic literature. If only I had a ring to destroy, a dragon to slay, or a world to colonise!

The growing herbs project has been put into temporary abeyance as I can't actually do any gardening when I may have to up sticks at any point, although the basil is, shockingly enough, still alive in its seedling tray. Can't say the same for the parsley, but since all I've done is put them outside and let the rain water them, a 50% success rate isn't half bad. Ok, yes it is, but you know what I mean.

As for the exercise plan, that has been postponed indefinitely due to paralysis caused by deep depression brought on by the idea of having to pack and move yet again.

But since the prospect of a move is looming largely in my future, I have decided to be proactive and keep on top of current real estate trends so that I know what is available in my price range. As it turns out, the answer is nothing, especially since I have a cat that I am almost pathologically attached to and unwilling to live without.

However, I accidentally found an ad for a flat in the Cape, which not only falls in my price range, but is also an actual apartment in a complex, as opposed to the "granny flat on shared property" option which is all that is available to me here.

After a bit more research, I have discovered that in the Cape it is not only possible to rent a reasonable dwelling for a reasonable rate, one can also get a job for an actual living wage.

I therefore find myself asking a very serious question: why am I struggling to make ends meet in a place that I cannot afford with a salary that would be at least 50% higher in any other province, when I can just live in another province, get paid properly, and be able to afford a lifestyle instead of merely an excuse for a life?

There are a few pros to staying where I am. First of all, my family, and especially my nieces, are here and leaving them would be like ripping my heart out. Secondly, I really do love my job. I love the work, I love the people, I love everything about it except the salary, which is actually as good as I would get in Natal. Thirdly, a big move across the country would be outrageously expensive.

And yet I find myself contemplating doing exactly that on an increasingly frequent basis. There are at least as many pros for moving as there are for staying, such as the rugby team, the aforementioned income vs rent disparity, and the proximity to wine farms (which ties in with my long term Zombie Apocalypse goals). And if any good concerts come to SA, they always go to Jhb and Cpt and bypass Durban completely, so there's the chance of actual cultural stimulus as well. And there are more jobs in the field that I want to enter (publishing) in Cape Town (some) than in Durban (none).

I actually found a job today that is very similar to what I'm doing at present,  so I sent in my CV. To be honest, I"m not entirely sure what response I'm hoping for.