Dear Friends,
As the 66th day of my summer holidays is approaching the Finish line, so is my Blog.
In the past two years, I've disclosed to you my blessings (Lili's Gratitude); I shared with you my life story (Memoirs of an Idiot) and then, I revealed my grievances, wrapped up in Acceptance Speeches, and lastly, I took you on a summer journey, with Body, Mind and Vanity.
Words cannot describe how grateful I am to you for keeping me company. My literary adventures would not have been the same without you, my witnesses.
Sometime ago, I read somewhere that we all need a third space — a place between work and couch. A variety of people, places, hobbies and activities could be that transitional third space, where we replenish.
Almost two and a half years ago, when my older son got sick and my four-year-old relationship with Mr. Wrong came to an end, I lost faith in my fate and with it, my third space.
For a few months, nothing intrigued me long enough to absorb me. My optimism turned into fear, and raised my level of anxiety to the point that I started having long conversations with myself. I became so entangled in my thoughts, feelings and tales, that my only way out, was to share some of them with strangers, electronically. Gradually, my life became my Blog, and my Blog my life. At times, I would do things, go places or read articles for the sole purpose of sharing. However, without you, loyal readers, my new third space would've been a hollow place full of echoes.
Honour Thy Body - Renaissance Project, was an emotional renaissance, as well. I learnt to accept myself for who I am, thorns and all (Vanity being a sharp one). As far as my health is concerned, this summer, I spent a great deal of time and money, only to find out that it's not about making progress anymore, but about not regressing any further. From my TMJ, to my arthritis, low bone density and broken wing (that's what I call my invalid shoulder), it's all about maintenance now. Although exercise, regular grocery shopping and home-cooked meals are everyday activities of many people; for me, it has been a major lifestyle change. Hopefully, teaching a new grade (and mixology) will keep Mind busy enough to let us make third space all about Body.
Although Body is still wrestling with the flu residues and Vanity can't stop mourning the remaining 24 ounces, clothes are pressed, chicken breasts marinated, bunches of kale washed and cut up and a dozen hard-boiled eggs nested in the fridge. I am ready to face WORK! Well, at least for the next few days.
I wish you a beautiful autumn and a mild winter. May all your days be filled with joy and all your nights with peace, if not with ecstasy!
With Much Gratitude,
Lili
Dear Friends,
Another Sunday without Mind, memories of the past or anxieties of the future!
Totally absorbed in bartending course, I lose track of time. Or, as psychology puts it, I am in the flow — a much desired state, by many.
However, tonight, as Mind joined us on the subway, she wondered whether at our age, it was such a good idea to be in the flow. "Isn't Time, travelling fast enough for you?" She asked.
WOW! Only 1 more day left! 65 have already flown away! Maybe Mind is onto something!
Dear Friends,
Last night, Body made us proud! Not a sneeze, a cough or even a need for Kleenex! It was a very good night for Vanity, as well — dancing with guys in shorts from Nova Scotia and businessmen in suits from Glasgow!
The best part of last night happened this morning. Regardless of cake and bubbly, not an ounce of weight gain! Dancing and chicken soup must have the same slimming properties as kale!
12:00 - lunch with the family, at the Ashbridge's Bay Park
In Toronto, nothing compares to having lunch in an authentic Greek restaurant, by the water!
I feel so blessed today, good wishes from every corner of the world; friends, family members and most importantly hugs, kisses and a scribbled card and envelope from my granddaughters!
2 more days left............
Dear Friends,
This morning, Body wouldn't play Mind over Body game! Although too weak to fight the flu, she was strong enough to take control of the day!
6:35 - Body got out of bed to cancel our training session.
8:25 - Body got out of bed for a hot beverage.
8:41 - Body crawled back to bed.
12:00 - Body opened the door for the cleaning lady.
12:45 - Body returned to bed after a bowl of hot, homemade chicken soup.
14:20 - Body closed the door behind the cleaning lady.
14:25 - Body went back to bed with another hot beverage.
15:45 - Body agreed to take Vanity for a manicure.
16:45 - Body planted herself in front of our new flat screen TV, savouring yet another bowl of soup.
21:00 - Body is not promising any big moves, but she is ready to ring in our 59th year on earth, at midnight, on the dance floor.
3 days left to ring in the new school year!
Dear Friends,
Obviously, we didn't honour Body comme il faut, otherwise she wouldn't have caught the flu! Unfortunately, the next few days don't look too good for her, either! Although I haven't had my back-to-school nightmare yet, I feel the race against time has already begun!
8:00 - a pouch of healthy, tasteless cereal
10:00 - back to the classroom to tie loose ends (so many of them)
15:30 - spaghetti with meatballs, a glass of red wine
17:25 - while ex-husband is setting up my new TV (a birthday present), I'm writing my "peace" for today and going to bed, with a hot, spicy drink, to sweat! Hopefully, tomorrow morning, I will get up with a lighter head and Body!
4 days left to recuperate!
Dear Friends,
Body is not feeling well! Either allergic to the humid, hot and dusty classroom or a sinus cold! Regardless of Oregano - 8 and Breathe Easy herbal tea, we are continuing to drip and sniffle!
6:00 - still another pound to go!
8:00 - a pouch of tasteless, healthy cereal
8:30 - took a cab to work
8:45 - 14:00 - pushing, pulling, lifting, washing
Although I wasn't going to repeat the mistake I made at the end of June, I laboured as hard as my cleaning lady. God Bless her for coming to my rescue!
14:00 - 16:30 - dollars were adding up, had to remain behind, solo
17:15 - went for a pedicure
19:00 - getting ready to go out with friends
Although Vanity is planning to be strict with us, Mind can definitely see alcohol, and perhaps even dessert, in the forecast! All poor Body wants, is chicken soup and the covers!
5 days left to get rid of whatever it is that I have!
Dear Friends,
Sinus disturbances, post-nasal dripping, headache, strained thumb, that was never looked into, and leg camps took turns keeping me awake, all night.
6:27 - weight down by 20 oz
9:30 - coffee with friends
12:30 - my Trainer back in town!
I was so happy to see him, since I hadn't been to the exercise room or the pool, for days!
15:30 - TMJ clinic for night-guard fitting
19:10 - met my technology guru for last minute details
11:03 - finally home, still dripping and sniffling!
The next 6 days will be packed with physical and academic labour, errands, appointments and outings — lots of cortisol, alcohol and perhaps even sodium! Needless to mention, Body is still waiting to be honoured! Oops! It seems that we have pampered Vanity, instead!
