Reverb#10 - Day 30

Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What's the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?

I received some lovely gifts throughout the year. I prefer to give gifts rather than receive - I rarely like the attention that receiving a gift can bring. I prefer siting back and watching someone open a gift - the excitement, the pleasure, the chuftness of it. I enjoy planning and shopping for gifts for others. I like getting an idea for one and hunt for signs or clues as to whether or not the intended recipient will like it or not.
I emember viewing a socia anthropology film in Society class in high school, that broached the topic of giving. They examined a pacific tribe in which the act of giving is a community pass time. A large handmade pot sits mounted on a pedestal. Always adorned with fresh flowers etc. The pot never stays long in one place. It is constantly in motion, a symbol of the pride and community spirit of this tribe. The pot exits to be given. This tribe holds the act of giving much more esteemed than receiving. Once received, the receiver gets the pot for a period of time during which they become the giver and ponder who in the village they will give the pot to. Much thought is valued and weighed as giving the pot to someone begins a new partnership.
I wish I could remember the film's name so I could see it again.
I love love love spoiling E. There is nothing more wonderful then seeing the look of surprise and then glee he gets whenever I buy him something. E is more of a do-er - he likes to do things for people, makes him feel useful.
I took a friend shopping recently and also reserved at first, she really got into it. So much fun.
I have no clue why I love giving, but I have been doing so much of my adult life. I don't intend to stop. It brings me so much joy, so much fulfillment

Reverb#10 - Day 29

Prompt: Defining moment. Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.

Besides the obvious?

When I realized that returning to MSH ER was more than likely out of the question. I'd had an inkling for a while, but refused to admit it. One visit to the the ER earlier in the year, I'd sat down with my manager for a chat and had steered the topic towards my return to work. She seemed slow to reply and said that it would have to be done via Occupational health and to do so two months before I wanted to return. Something in her tone - it was flat, guarded. Not encouraging. At this point I thought I could return a year to the day of my accident. I was working hard to do so. After the summer surgery in July I realized that October wasn't likely given how slow I was to recover. Early fall I saw my manager at a retirement party for one of the senior nurses. We'd had a great chat and I told her I would be taking longer than I had previously thought I would. She had half smiled and told me to take all the time I needed, and that no one expected anything more.
In November I was able to face the truth. It still rips me to shreds but hopefully I'll find something else to do. The heartbreak and pain just doesn't stop in this recovery.

Reverb#10 - Day 28

Prompt: Achieve. What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.

Reverb#10 - Day 27

Prompt: Ordinary joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?

Reverb#10 - Day 25

Prompt: Photo - a present to yourself. Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.

Reverb 10 - Day 24

Prompt: Everything's OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?

A while ago I was pretty low. Very down, sad, angry. I did something I shouldn't have and then panicked and phoned a friend. Someone I knew would understand my thoughts and would be able to talk me through. A kindred spirit.
She did that and more. This was the first time I had called someone when I was truely low. She came through for me. Restored my faith in my friends. My faith has been so shaken this year. But there are some who have stayed with me throughout all this and for them I am truely thankful.
I am going to remember who they are. So if this ever happens again, I will know I don't have to be alone. An upturn in an otherwise downward spiral.

Reverb#10 - Day 22

Prompt: Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

Due to my recovery we haven't traveled much. We went up to my dad's house many times, just to get out of the city. He lives in the rolling hills of Moonstone, just N of Barrie. His lot faces a small valley which is a great place for the dog. We brought Higgins up when he was very wee and he loved it. Tearing through the long grass at the back of the property, running around the lawn, chasing small animals. A dog's life!
Our first Vacation was to BC for a wedding. I've already posted about it earlier in the blog. It was pure magic. A perfect two weeks.
In January E and I are headed to Mexico. The in Feb I am going to the Western coast of Mexico with my mum and sista for a yoga retreat at an eco-lodge. I'm imagining it will be a riot.
Then in June we are headed to Portland for ten days.
So some plans, nothing epic, simply a short break with my family. Perfect.