Cape Paterson by platypusbloke – accessed flickr creative commons 20091024

It’s Saturday morning, I’ve been on leave for one week, done lots of sleeping, reading, socialising, walking and sewing. Went to Cape Paterson for 5 days with my dog and boyfriend. Listening to my body, I slept for 12 hours at night and also had a 2 hour nap while I was there, deeply relaxing and obviously what I needed. 2009 has been a big year – changing jobs, striving to be a good leader for my team at work, becoming depressed for a short time, returning to regular worship and building a relationship with James.

Yesterday I went to my friend Nina’s mother’s funeral. I’ d not ever been in a Russian Orthodox church before, everything about the inside is foreign to a person coming from the Anglican tradition.

Church of Mary Magdalene – Mountain of Olives - flickr creative commons – Checco

Icons of saints decorated the pillars that hold up the roof. Candles can be offered at each icon. I was luck enough to arrive early and Father Nicholas showed me a little about the features of the church. For the first time in my life I saw saints’ relics.

The church did not have pews that I’m use to. The congregation stands, a few chairs are available for those who need them. Prior to the service starting every member of the congregation were given a candle, at the start the priest lit his candle, then used his candle to light those of the grieving family members, then they lit those of people adjacent to them and around the gathered people. The service consists of chanted prayers (in Russian and English) and musical chants. The congregation do not join in, except with the occasional crossing.

Icon, woman praying – from flickr creative commons – Boris SV

The casket is open and the priest often swung the incense holder over it. There is no eulogy, I asked Father Nicholas about this later and he said the orthodox tradition regards the prayers as more important than an eulogy, the service could be considered more important for the dead than the living. It was a sending on the way rather than a celebration of the life of Lidia.

At the end of the service, the family and several members of the congregation came forward for a final farewell, kissing or looking closely at Lidia’s remains. A signal from the family and the lid was put on and the casket wheeled from the church.

The heavens opened at the burial, the priest said it was a blessing from God, one of the congregation said God was crying tears for Lidia. By the time we got back to Nina and Irene’s house the weather had cleared.

We celebrated James’ 52nd birthday on 2 October starting with a cuppa when I drove over in the morning. After work we met at the Melbourne Recital Centre for a performance of chamber music by Tinalley String Quartet. The musicians were young and vibrant, they joined the audience in  the foyer and their sponsors Yerring Station offered a sample of  red and white wine. .Neither of us had been to the Studio @ the Melbourne Recital Centre, so it was an opportunity to hear the acoustics in this relatively new venue.

from flickr creative commons- foxtongue - accessed 20091005

Next we caught a tram up to the Sofietel for a cocktail in the famous Atrium bar on the 35th floor, my choice was Angel Food and James had the bar tender make him a special chocolate number. Finally it was off to a Vietnamese dinner in Richmond and home for a nightcap.

What a lovely walk along the foreshore at St Kilda we had yesterday. It was definintely sunglasses weather, we had both brought sunglasses but neitherof us a hat. I ended up sunburnt on the back of my neck, decolletage and face.

entry to Luna Park, St Kilda – from flickr creative commons – jeffowenphotos, accessed 20091005

My legs were so worn out from the dancing the night away the night before that it was quality not quantity we went for.. We walked quickly the knoll where many kite’s were flown and some people were learning aerofoil at the beginning of the walk in search for a public convenience, next time we will “go” at Fed Square before setting out!

from flickr creative commons – avlxyz, accessed 20091005

Samantha, Susan, Elaine and I lead the guests onto the dance floor, at Stephen’s 50th birthday party last night. We all love dancing so much that we are not shy at all to dance in full light without having imbibed an alcholic drink!

We had a wonderful time, I forgot to do stretches when I got home so my calves, gluts and thighs were thigh this morning. A great party, thank you Stephen and Wendy.

For the next two weeks I have blocked out time in the evenings after work as quiet time. I need to be at home with myself. In the last two weeks I have become over tired because of doing one thing after work every day. Even though these activities have been most enjoyable they have drained my energy reserves.

from flickr creative commons – smallandround – accessed 20091002

The play Cat’s Paw was a challenging and disturbing one. It was about street prostution in St Kilda, Melbourne where many of the prostitutes are very young and already addicted to hard drugs.

The title comes loosely from the character, Hester, having her claws into everything. Below is a link to the Arts Hub rewiew.

http://www.artshub.com.au/au/news.asp?sType=review&catId=1069&sc=1&sId=179230

Having returned to a stable mood at the beginning of September and having swum and walked for the last four weeks, yesterday I was ready to try out some cycling.

 from flickr creative commons ookami_doou 20091001

I cycled from home to the pool and back again, today I will cycle to work and home after this evening’s MSO concert.

Maybe one day I will be fit enough to enter a Masters’ version of this race!

from flickr creative commons – richardmasoner 20091001

Having spent two months without much social contact, I havd a lot of socialising to. During this depression, unlike earlier ones, I had kept paying the bills up to date but my annual tax return awaits. Pierre needs his doggy shots and more flea treatment!!!! Finally there is mania to avoid by successfully choosing the moment to begin reducing the antidepressant medication.

This time I made the correct choice and avoided mania. My family and friends have been through it all before. My friends in particular miss me when I hide away with my depression. Everyone knows I’ll be back, it is only a matter of how soon. as with my previous post they too need to be patient.

My muscles, sluggish from doing no work must be coaxed back to fitness. It’s been almost 4 weeks now. I’m swimming three times a week, walking to work almost every day and doing a training walk for the bush walking holiday in December every Sunday with my friend Phoebe.

I am loving being in the kitchen again, I’ve recovered just in time to make the Christmas Cakes!!!! Making my annual special Christmas dress also awaits. I feel clam, confident and stable.

My first tango class was postponed due to Friday night exhaustion. Instead I went home, had a refreshing nap and met James after his advanced class. We went out to pizza for him and a cold drink for me, then adjourned to Bahla’s for Lebanese cake, coffee and talking long into the night.

from flickr creative commons – youdam61 – accessed 20090926