But Shaz is asking: So, what’s the lesson…

Computers: To cut a very long and emotionally draining story short, laptop #7 has JUST been returned still not working correctly and a refund has been secured. I’ve reloaded software more than 10 times had more DVD drives than I care to remember stop working, and in the last instance a dud pixel on a brand new laptop screen too. It must be some sort of divine joke at my expense (and expensive in time and energy it was) and I’m sure the Gods are still smirking at the six-month long joke… But here I am at the beginning of July, looking for a solution for a new computer … talk about going back to the future… I thought I was doing that in January.

The strange thing is that there HAS to be some sort of lesson here (other than teaching me that I’m a stupidly determined Taurean who does not like to let go of an idea when it should work – even if it patently doesn’t)… but I can’t fathom it out… which means it’s going to (heaven forbid) repeat itself until I do!!

Have now fixated on a new idea and am thinking Apple Mac (hey – I hope that was the lesson) with growing determination. Perhaps the Gods have shares in Apple Mac?

Hike: Had a great birthday hike  in April - the Northern Traverse went a bit off route into Lesotho, but still turned out to be a fantastic experience - complete with really thick snow as a birthday present.

Eastern Cape: I went on a whirlwind tour of the Eastern Cape in May – and must admit that much to my surprise fell in love with the Karoo. Desolate and harsh but captivating… Looking forward to taking up the Eastern Cape Tourism Board’s offer to do a trip more at my leisure (just as soon as I catch up with myself).

June: Seems to have gotten lost in the gallop of time. It started with a fumigation of the dojo and our living quarters – which did not work (yes, the Gods have been testing my sense of humour in many ways) and ended with a re-fumigation. Did not enjoy the concept of a poisoned environment, but I have survived the packing, moving, displacement and unpacking routine (x2) and am settling back down to ‘normal’ - not that getting up at/before 4am several times a week could be considered normal.

Gasshuku: Our annual winter training camp at Wagendrift Dam in Estcourt starts in a few days time. I’ve been pretty busy workwise – and finally have a gap tomorrow for menu planning and SHOPPING. It’s a small one with only 9 participants – but not the smallest we’ve had… I's looking forward to some COLD weather!

Bob: Bob is well and has ended up with a lot of corporate teaching this year – additional security guard training and women’s self defence – which has kept him very busy… but is not yet brining in enough or the new Audi he is eyeing but probably wouldn’t allow himself to buy.

Shaz: Shaz has been busy – it has felt hectic, but looking back there’s not that much to show for it. I’m still not handling the daily deadlines as well as I should – but I have Mo and Bruce helping with one day each and at least feel as though I have regained a semblance of balance. Have had some nice projects come in recently and there are a few more out there that could come in any day…Looking and feeling positive!

Shaz has also discovered Face Book (after vowing never to touch it) and is enjoying making contact with old and new friends and keeping in touch.

Shaz in July / August: After Gasshuku I have about a week at home and then I head to Cape Town for a part holiday part journalist course in reporting on climate change for just over a week, then I’m back home for a few days before heading off for a two-week retreat at Dharmagiri in Underberg. Have made the bold (and terrifying) decision not to take cell phone or laptop (have withdrawal symptoms just thinking about it – and get paranoid if I can’t check my e-mails every few hours – and I’m looking at a 14-day stretch) but am looking forward to a new experience and growth curve. Will be strange and uncomfortable not to have 100% control of my environment – but will attempt to trust the process. I am nervously excited… I'm doing my normal work while in Cape Town but not touching a stitch of work at Dharmagiri!

PAWS: PAWS developed signs of hip dysplasia early in January and her condition has deteriorated horribly fast. Homeopathic remedies have not helped and she is due in for an examination the Monday after Gasshuku to verify that the problem is with the hips (and not knees or other) and then to see what (if anything) can be done about it. Not nice to see our adopted ‘daughter’ not her usual active and bouncy self – but still good to be able to share time and experiences as long as it seems not too unpleasant and undignified for her.