@###@& And Other Nasties From Upper Respiratory Hell...

I knew one of the Y's teeming numbers of little kids with runny noses would eventually do me in....
Last night, I crawled in bed exhausted at eight, slept until one and then into the late morning. It was not until I was fully conscious that I realised I was ill, something I have not been in over two years.

My day has been spent sleeping between large cups of hot tea and homeopathics and I've cancelled my appointments for the rest of the week. I was planning a couple of funny posts but those will wait until I feel at least somewhat human. My mother used to refer to sleep as beauty rest. If only rest would make us beautiful. At the moment, I feel quite ratty, and look it as well...

First Post For 2012!

Fireworks ushered in the New Year in my neighbourhood last night . The felines barely concealed their contempt for the noise, alternately yowling madly and ducking beneath furniture. Before arriving home for what I hoped would be an early night, I spent a lovely afternoon with a friend and her sister-in-law. We saw War Horse which I enjoyed though if you go, I'd recommend bringing along tissues. Having seen the film, I'm searching out the book, originally written for older children, in which the story is narrated from the horse's perspective. It takes place in Europe just prior to and during World War I. When the film ended, I turned to my friend and remarked that I'd always liked horses better than people, and this film confirmed that for me. While there are things worth dying for, the older I become, the list of those things grows shorter.

Last Sunday was the fifth day of Hanukkah as well as Christmas and I, along with others from our synagogue, volunteered to help at a local charity which provides meals and other services to the homeless. Initially concerned about wheelchair access, I was assured that this would not be an issue since we would be working in a large tent with solid flooring. Things went smoothly in that regard and I found myself stuffing backpacks with ladies underwear and socks and handing them out. Nearly all of those who came through my line were alone, but there were mothers with children, elderly men and women and whole families in evidence in that tent as well. Many looked as though they could use medical or dental assistance which is next to impossible to obtain here without a permanent address. People from various sectors say that things are looking up, but how can that be when unemployment remains high, wages are stagnant and the numbers of people in need of food banks, free school lunches for their children, social services and  homeless shelters appear to be increasing?

Midweek saw me traveling across town to meet the trainer my physiotherapist recommended. She seems knowledgeable, interested in working with me and confident that I can meet the goals I've set for myself. The only drawback was having to wait for an extended period for the bus ride back to the flat. As the day was beautiful and cool, I did not mind being outdoors until a total stranger approached, prayed over me in the name of Jesus, and departed, though none too swiftly for my liking. She was completely oblivious to the Star of David around my neck and the fact that I kept my eyes focused on the magazine I was reading. I wonder if she makes a habit of preying on people in wheelchairs...

Happy 2012 everyone.

Until Next Time...