Relief

I let a huge “Phew” be released from my throat as I started to take in what just happened. I was so relieved! The search was over. The ongoing tests, telephone calls, emails, inquiries and pitiful faces were all going to be wiped away. I had emerged victoriously! After 11 months, but victoriously! I had managed to find something better, brighter and more promising. As the minutes passed, I contemplated who to call first. Of course, my husband but then who? Who deserves to know first, who will react in the best way, and mostly who do I owe the most. Naturally, my parents were next on the list…

I have about two more weeks of freedom before I return to producing again. I must quickly make a list of all the things I want to do, all the places I want to see, and all the people I need to meet up with. Two weeks in New York is nothing. It flies by so fast but I pledge to make the most of it.

I feel pride and accomplishment. I’m proud to have gotten this far and not have gone mad. I’m happy that I’ve accomplished so much more than I ever expected to. I’ve emerged healthier in mind, body and soul. I’ve invested lots of time and money in fitness and it’s finally starting to pay off. I have a better understanding of who I am and what I want from life. And finally, I have managed to overcome one of the greatest challenges I have faced yet.

I leave you with one word, gratitude. I’m grateful to God to have made this possible, to my husband for his constant support and to my friends and family for their concern and help.

May we all be so lucky!

Belonging...

Oh, how I missed that feeling, the warmth that surrounded and filled me with glee and reassurance. Yes, I belong in this celebration, I'm part of this holiday, this is my occasion too, and one I can finally share with New York. Standing in Central Park nearing midnight, the excitement thickened the air and it was penetrating me. The DJ played the last upbeat song causing the crowd to jump and cheer in the snow-filled rain. My feet were soaking wet, my hair a mess, needless to say we did not bring an umbrella but we were overjoyed, drunk and highly anticipating the next few minutes. I looked around me and saw many tourists, heard many languages, recognized no one but realized we were all here for the same reason. We wanted to ring in the New Year in a unique and chilly fashion. The outdoor dance party, laser show, amazing fireworks and then 5k race were definitely a special way to welcome 2010!

We proceeded to go cheer on the runners. After all, they were running in the rain in costumes and skimpy clothing. Loudly rooting them on, I tried to locate my friend within them. She was a great runner, a New York runner and I was determined to take a picture of her during the race. As the minutes passed, we became wetter and more and more sober. We were becoming more aware of the cold and outdoor circumstance we were in. The champagne we drank before and during our celebration had kept us warm for about an hour, but all good things come to an end. "Dona, Dona", she called out and I spotted her in the large sporty crowd. We followed her to the finish line and embraced when it was all over. Happy New Year Twenty Ten!