That swine that flu away...

I have been down with a terrible flu for the past 2 weeks. Dragged myself out of bed daily, joints aching, runny and burning nose, rough sandpaper throat, hoarse voice and a cough that threatened to break my ribs. During the day I felt as fresh as juice and at night as stale as milk gone off. Eventually I dragged myself to the doctor and doctor’s orders were clear, stay in bed for a couple of days to recuperate. I even had a mouth swab test for swine flu, but the labs are inundated with so many tests. While I positively wait for my results, I have managed to kick the swine and he eventually flu away, as I return to normality and show must go on. When and how do we know when to press the panic button???

I am grateful for my health more than the weight lost, that will be recovered soon... Hint hint... It's actually more tiring staying in doors. Now I know the meaning of as sick as a dog. Not sure why we use the poor dog though. Oh well, in great spirits now and running around buying gifts to 4 weddings. It's crazy shopping but am enjoying it.

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE - Mitch Albom

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE – Mitch Albom

Mitch had a second chance to visit his dying college professor, Morrie Swartz. This was an experience of a lifetime, where he got to re-learn the lessons about life from a dying man with a wealth of knowledge. They had 14 wholesome Tuesdays together, where Mitch and Morrie talked about the importance of family, money, love, marriage and forgiveness etc. These are lessons that will change Mitch’s life. Most of us don't get a second chance. We wait until loved ones pass before spending time with them, telling them we love them, thanking them for being part of our lives.

Simple life lessons... All we truly need is love and compassion. What every being craves is to know they matter. If only we could live our lives simply without the rat race of acquisition of money, houses, cars etc. The book reminded me a lot about what I have lost sight of - simple pleasures, reading, spending time with people I love, friends, laughter, music and writing in my journal. This will be my next reference book :) After reading "Tuesdays with Morrie", for the whole day on Saturday, I decided to go spend a full day with my Grandmother. On Sunday I got out of bed, made plans to spend the whole day with Tutu as I call her. I decided not to buy her groceries this time, but to spend my precious commodity: TIME! I only visit to drop off groceries and feel ashamed to visit without leaving anything for her. But funny thing is she doesn't need anything, but my love and time. I have been saying she's the most important person to me, but spoil her with groceries (my duty is done) and starve her off my company. I spent the whole day on Sunday by the fireplace, cosy, we had lunch and for once I allowed her to serve me since she loves that. We chatted about life, marriage, health and about my love life. She has a wealth of knowledge I could tap into, from politics, sports to cooking and just taking care of myself from a nurse’s orders. Then she retreated to read the newspaper I brought her and I sat and just relaxed with no plans and somewhere to get to and things to be done. I just relaxed.... That was a weekend with Granny, well spent. I was reminded of how loved and truly blessed I am...

EVOLVING YOU...FRIENDSHIPS

It’s funny how we grow older yet are afraid of the changes we go through. We move from school, tertiary, work environments yet still want to hold on to what’s familiar – friends. As we grow taller and older we move away from brightly coloured floral clothing to more classic neutral clothing and find our fashion sense. We move from pigtails to elegant hairstyles. We move out of certain neighbourhoods/ schools and work environments. We change careers and relationships when we outgrow them. However we are too scared to change friends.

We want to drag our “childhood” friends with us throughout our lives. These may be friends we no longer have anything in common with. You have grown into two different people, yet you still want to hold on to friendships that tax you. All because we don’t want people to say “we have changed.” What is wrong with change? We move from one relationship to another when we no longer bring out the best in each other. Why do we feel the sense of loyalty? These are some of the reasons we hold onto these friendships are:
- Fear – anxieties about the future, fear of change – better the devil you know
- Care about what people think of you – not wanting people to think you have changed. HELLO! We have changed, what’s wrong with that? People will always have a certain perception of us regardless whether we encourage it or not
- They know me (secrets, warts and all…) – they’ve seen me come undone

It’s difficult ending a relationship or parting ways. Continuously we evolve and cannot drag with us taxing relationships, friendships or relations. Break ups don’t only happen in relationships, they also happen all around us with families, friends, colleagues or neighbours etc. The person I have become can no longer tolerate taxing friendships