Happy spring! At least that is what the calendar says. The weather in Toronto is just starting to get better. The last month of the winter has been pretty cold, dull, drab and grey. A nice long bout of sunshine would be surely welcomed! Especially since I have a grade two tear in my right MCL from skiing – – I’m looking forward to golf season and warmer weather.
It is the Year of the Pig. Started on February 5, 2019. The Pig is the last animal in the 12 animal Chinese zodiac as they were the last to arrive in the kingdom to a party. Being born in the sign of the Pig is both a compliment and an honour. Pigs are general lay good-natured, fun-loving, work and play hard and lead full contented lives. They are very sociable too. So for me, the Ox, it says that it will be a busy social year and it will be busier than it has been for a while. Yikes, I don’t know if my schedule can get busier! It says that Oxen deserve some “me time” and give themselves the chance to relax and unwind. Time to pay attention to their own well-being. I’m getting that in spades as this weekend, my body has put me on notice to rest. Seems that ‘slowing down’ is something I have not come anywhere close to mastering. Still working on that.
I spent New Year’s Eve in Ellicottville with my ski friends. One gal who I met last season, had gone through ‘treatments’ and her hair was just growing back. I had been sporting a white wig all December and she said she hoped her hair would grow back like that. In the spirit of the moment, just before midnight, I took her into the bathroom and put my wig on her. She loved it and that having hair, picked up her spirits immediately. It felt like the right thing to do. She felt empowered and I was happy and proud that such a small gesture had such a big impact. The next time I saw her – she was wearing the wig and her 2 1/2 year old daughter said, “Mommy – you have to give Winnie back her hair”! As she tried to pull it off her Mom. So cute. I must admit I did feel a little torn, as my hairdresser, Brian had given it to me and I really loved it, but then again, how often do you get a chance to really do something great like that?!
I went on my annual ski excursion to Europe. This time visiting Berlin and then skiing in Bad Gastein, Austria. A good trip – but the end of my ski season as I had a bad fall and torn my MCL. I figured as much at the time, but I still went skiing after resting for 2 1/2 days. Probably made things worse – but nothing that physio, chiro and rest won’t fix…….My chiro when we first met saw my heels and said, “You should stop wearing them – – for 2 weeks”. To which I said, “I’m sorry – I don’t think I can see you anymore”. 😛 Needless to say, I have listened to the doctor for the most part. As one of my friends said, if I had known, I could have given up my high heels for Lent – instead of my usual, meat.
It’s been a good start to 2019. In spite of my knee, and this cold/cough that I am working through, it has been full of spending time with family, friends and interesting times with work and The National Club. Just need still to work on “me time”.
Which I am going to continue right now. Just took some Buckley’s, had some “rock sugar with egg” (Chinese remedy for coughs/sore throats) and going to drink more Ginger with Chamomile tea. And – off to bed! I’m been watching Season 3 of “Call My Agent” (Dix Percent) — it is in French with English subtitles.
So I am going to make the most of what opens up for me. With purpose and willingness, to make good gains and enjoy good times. It’s going to be another year of enjoying personal interests and special relationships. All important and meaningful as we live life.
One “Pig” Warrior recently told me that long time and good friends are ‘falling off the perch”. While we miss them – we should remember the shared experiences, what impact, and inspiration you both have had on each other. And hope that you had made a difference and mark on each other’s lives. True friendship.
Always thankful for all of you.
Winnie, The Warrior xo
