Hello Everyone!

It is finally a sunny and warmer weekend in Toronto. Last weekend there was an ice storm and we had another blast of winter mid-April. Brrr!

I’m taking some time to be ‘low-key’ and enjoy the sunshine and clear skies. My hectic, self-imposed schedule has finally caught up to me. When I had a check-up this past Monday at the doctor’s office – to review some chest x-rays I had done because I had some blood in my sinus, (my young doctor wanted to be sure it wasn’t due to any side-effects from the radiation — he is so thorough and cautious – which is good),  I had said, I’ve been lucky this winter as I have avoided any major flu, bug or cold that has saddled many, as of Tuesday – it began. Figures. I am on the mend – but when it is ‘on’ …..Whoa. I haven’t felt this bad in a LONG time. Obviously, my body is telling me something. So I actually cancelled plans on Friday to come straight home from work to get rest. Something new for this ‘older Ox’. **Of note: my lungs are clear – but they are going to send me to an ENT doctor just to check things further. And, my blood pressure was the best it’s been in a long time – 110/78.

When reading about the personality of the Ox, it does describe me. “Reliable and hard-working, they can be depended upon, never half-hearted, when they commit themselves to something, they like to see it through. No-nonsense sorts, practical, methodical and thorough. Resolute, persevering and objective, Oxen are doers and survivors.” Perhaps this is why I hardly ever say “no”. I never want to disappoint. (Yellow Guilt?!). LOL.

According to the chinese horoscope book I looked at, with this great resolve, and through willpower and sheer determination, Oxen can make much of the Dog year. However it will not be an easy one with obstacles to overcome – but apparently Oxen are not ones to let things stand in their way. So I won’t!! (Well, we shall see). 🙂

A possibly mixed year – but one for learning. So maybe I will have new experiences to work on and benefit from. It also said that I should “seize any changes to meet others – new friendships and connections, and maybe romance, could make this year significant and special”. I did read elsewhere that if single in the Year of the Dog, new romantic relationships are possible! I’m ready …..but that said, I am getting pretty set in my old ways!! However, I fell getting into the shower last night. Luckily my left elbow and butt cheek got the brunt of things and not my head. Maybe I need one of those ‘alert’ bracelets just in case……

My Season Six of skiing was wonderful, with my trip to Europe and my volunteer work with the Phoenix Program at Holimont Ski Club. Not sure how much my skiing improved, but I had a lot of fun and fulfillment. And, I made some great new friendships which will continue on. How lucky I consider myself.

I continue to spend time with my family and friends. My nephew Justin turned 19 and I took him out – – Wow – they sure cost more when they can drink alcohol! HA. My family got together for my grandmother’s 15th anniversary of her return to the Lord. I wore her dress from her 90th birthday celebrated in 2001. (Thanks to my dear cousin Kevin for letting me have it). You can’t really see it – as I have my two nieces on my lap – trying to get a photo – but those monkeys – hard to get them to pose!

There is a Chinese proverb that says, ‘Every moment is precious’ and what we do with our lives is precious too.

So, I plan to continue to be the master of my destiny – and even when the universe throws out its curve balls, continue to persevere on. After all, April 19th was SEVEN years since my mastectomy.

Thank you all for your love, support and care.

Winnie, The Warrior. XOXO