MarcForrest.com

Category: Personal

  • 10 Things for 2009

    2009 crept up very quickly. 2008 was quiet a roller coaster year for me, where I started a new job, after working at Storm for the last 9 years.
    Making a decision to move was really tough, but I knew I was making the right choice. The new job has been going fantastically, and I am loving it. Every minute of it. It has been a place where I have always wanted to work, and the knowledge gained by working there has been unbelievable. You never know enough, and learn something every minute.

    I am looking forward to 2009. I know I have neglected this blog over the last year. That said, I still get loads of hits, and with more than 50000 hits over the last year, I think its ok. I got my first ever adsense cheque this year, which was fantastic, as I have not put any effort into making money.

    I have a few goals for this year, one is to try and make more out of the internet. Both money-wise and knowledge wise. There is so much out there, and the internet can offer us so much.

    I have decided to put a random list of 10 things that will hopefully get me through 2-double o – mine:

    1. PopUrls – I have always loved PopUrls, but recently have rediscovered this awesome site. All the tops sites are aggregated onto 1 page, so you get to see the best of the web on 1 page. You can also share links on facebook and twitter, and it will also customize the best links for you. Check it out at PopUrls.com

    2. My iPhone – My iPhone continues to amaze me every day. I am loving it. It has become a habit now, and I think the wife is starting to feel “iPhone un-love”. Currently i have about 70 apps on my phone. Half of them are hardly ever used, but some of them are just fantastic, and used everyday. More on that later

    3.Twitter – Even though I don’t “tweet” enough, I am still lurking in the shadows. There are some really interesting people out there, and everyday I learn something new from someone on twitter. I really think Twitter may become the next big thing after facebook.

    4. Namedrive – Slowly but surely, I have been making some cash using Namedrive. I have a couple of domains on there and am raking in about $20 a month. Nothing major, but its fun to watch none the less. Need to try and put more effort into this as well. Huge potential.

    5. My Macbook – The other best thing (next to the MyPhone), was the mac I got earlier this year. The Mac OS is definitely one of the easiest and most user friendly OS’s I have ever used. Even my wife loves it, and we now have to fight to use the Macbook. I think it’s high time I get a new one and she can have this one :)

    6. Geocaching – I really wish I had more time to do this. It really is such a fun hobby, but just need time. I still follow all new caches that are published, and try find the ones close to me. Hopefully this year, I can find  a few more caches, and enjoy the game as much as what I used to….*sigh*

    7. My Family – 2008 added yet another addition to my family, and 3 kids is really fun. No really. :) Les has been awesome with all 3 kids, and looking after our house, and me with all my needs, yet we always find time for each other. By the end of 2009 I will have 3 toddlers, almost ready to move into thier own place :) (Just kiddin)

    8.Life – 2009 is time for big changes. Back to gym at least 3-4 times per week. Healthy eating, minimised drinking, and more time with my friends & family. 43Things is such an awesome website that allows you to list your goals and keep track of them. By the end of 2009, I need to have been able to accomplish those 43 things.

    9. Work – Learn more, and move up. Plain and simple goals, that I know I can achive in 2009 at my awesome work.

    10.Photography – I went on a 6 week course last year to learn more about photography, so hpefully in 2009, I can take loads more photos and share them on this blog

    Hope 2009 is an awesome year for everyone !!!

  • Springleap T-Shirt – e Sempowenis

    The August Springleap winner was announced a few days ago, and the winner, WolFox, came up with what I think is the best T-Shirt design I have ever seen.

    The e Sempowenis is the South African version of the ever popular Simpsons family from springfield. I have been a huge fan of the Simpsons since episode 1, so it was only right I ordered myself one of these awesome T-shirts.

    Well done to WolFox for the great desgin. If you wan’t to order one get over to the Springleap site quick. Stocks are limited !!

  • Yet another new Babe

    You would think by reading the title of this post, I would be announcing yet ANOTHER baby. You can breath a sigh of relief now, that in no certain terms, will number 4 pop out. Ever. (EVER)

    But my new love of my life (behind the 3 “real” love of my lifes’), is my bright shiny new Apple Mac. I finally bit the bullet, and got my Mac last week. And WOW. What a pleasure.

    It is undoubtedly the most user friendly computer I have ever worked with. Combined with speed and stability, it ranks in my top list, of everything.

    I would seriously recommend that if you are looking to buy a new computer, I would put in the few extra bucks and get the mac. Even my wife, who has a general computer phobia, can’t keep her hands off of it.

    After going through Allan’s and Henk’s must have app lists, I’m well on my way.

    I wonder if it’s true -> “Once you go Mac, you can never go back !!”

  • Meet Kai

    I know this post is a LOOONG time overdue. In fact, its 11 days late.

    Last week Monday, Les & I went in to have our 3rd (and Final) baby. We had no idea as to what sex the baby was going to be, so we were both anxious going in for the ceaser. Mykae was excited about her new baby that was coming out, and even though Bailey is only 14 months old, I think she had an idea as to what was going on.

    Anyway, Kai Ashley Forrest was born at 8:30, and weighed in at a healthy 3.5kg’s. I was so happy when I saw it was a boy, that I was literally jumping up and down in the theater. With all 3 of my kids, there is such a rush that NO one can describe, when that baby makes its appearance. All in all, everything went well, and Les did great. The only minor glitch we seemed to have encountered was that Bailey didn’t like the idea, and it took her a few days to settle down. I am really looking forward to the next few years with my Boooi !!!

    For more pics on the birth and baby check out -> http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=117481&l=16299&id=817395225

  • New Internet Banking scam

    A good friend of mine got scammed badly this week, by guys trying to access his FNB internet banking, and clean out his bank account.

    If you bank with FNB and use their internet banking you will know they use SMS to alert you and send you a PIN every time you log in. Last week he received an SMS, without logging on. So he called FNB and told them to freeze everything.
    On Thursday he received an SMS from Vodacom, saying they have processed with his requested SIM SWAP, and that it should be active in a few hours.
    He called Vodacom and asked what was happening. It turned out, these guys had created a fake letterhead complete with spelling & grammar errors, taken it into a Vodashop, with a temporary drivers license, and requested to a SIM swap for a new Sim. Vodacom happily obliged, and did the swap.

    Yesterday he went into Vodacom and asked what had happened. Turns out the guy had been there 20 minutes before, to enquire why the Sim was not active yet.

    Apparently there is a HUGE syndicate, and these guys follow every move. Their favorite trick is to stand behind you when you use the Internet banking terminal INSIDE the bank, and film you on a cellphone camera.
    Be sure to keep an eye out when using your internet banking. Don’t use internet banking in a public WIFI spot. If you get an SMS from your service provider, ensure you actually requested it, and if not act immediately.