h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This week so far:

Friend not allowed to die, although he wants to
Sister-in-law rushed into ICU with suspected stroke
Mother in sudden acute agony because of further spine-crumbling leading to sciatica: morphine being talked about and daily carer being organised
State Govt arguing about $7.5k that they owe me for work completed
Landlady not returning calls about breaking my tenancy
New employer not returning calls about discrepancies in the contract
Unknown cousin arrives for two nights' visit
Car finance company adding $4k to repayment because of non-completion of finance agreement

Friend offers me a week's accommodation for free - and the use of her car - just before I leave Australia
Friend wants to buy all sorts of stuff that I want to get rid of
Unknown cousin turns out to be companionable and supportive in Times of Need
Have been offered a flat in Christchurch for first three months
Contract negotiations concluded
Landlady phoned with reassuring words about tenancy
Sister-in-law out of ICU and after barrage of tests is now home: sleeping and recovering
Wonderful brother off to see Mum to help her sort out practicalities of being in pain and even more disabled than previously

Can I have a rest please?

So pleased about all the wonderful successful outcomes. You have been through a torrid time but have come through as have your loved ones.

I shall say a prayer of thanksgiving for all the blessings you have been given.

With affection

Christiane AR80

Thank you Christiane

Sometimes life can be too exciting. I'm looking forward to the next few weeks being over, so I can take breath and not have any great plan on my mind.

Fb

being mortal I don't have the powers I'd like - for healing
but being mortal I can still give a reassuring

And I can be the bartender.

Fb, I'm too far away for a real , so I'm sending a virtual one, lots of virtual sunshine, calming thoughts, energy when you need it and rest when you need that.

Oh, and in a few weeks when you're settled and can breathe easier, we need to have a party to celebrate the new job and new country.

And i can be one of the friends that offers words of support,and s,from a great distance.You can do all this,just rest when you need to,and know that we're willing you on,and you're surrounded with lots of encouragement and .

Frenchbean,

You have a jigsaw before you, in pieces, with a time limit in which to complete it. Lots of the pieces are already in place, and the others will follow in time. Just keep thinking of the lovely picture you will have when it is finished.

Worry about what you can do, and worry NOT about the things you can't do (at the moment). Things will slot in to place in good time. Those in poor health will manage fine, knowing they have such a good friend who cares.

Remember, you are good at this You have done it all before, and it all worked out then didn't it

Have a and relax



Websailor

I was getting a bit worried reading that first list, so I'm glad to hear it's (mostly) looking up.

Sounds like a whole series of obstacles and stress!

Just remember:
1) any problem that is not life threatening is not a problem, it's just an inconvenience.
2) any problem that could be solved by writing a big enough check is not a problem, it's just an expense.

Two rules that have helped to keep me sane in the most trying of situations!

I seem to recall a Tom Stoppard quote, along the lines of 'No problem is insoluble, given a sufficiently large plastic bag'. There's a degree of truth in that.

And, also, 'When in doubt, borrow a hammer!'

Works for many problems!

What a great bunch The support is wonderful. Thank you

Yes, I've done this before, so it's not an insurmountable challenge. And I know that once I start ticking off some of the things on lists (and placing some jigsaw pieces) I'll be getting somewhere.

I'm going to get started on packing boxes today I have a feeling it will help me sort out my muddled bread-head a bit.

I'm also going to call about the flat in Chchch and hope that I can nail that down at least.

My main hurdle at the moment is reducing the dozens of things I need to do to a managable number each day. I reckon five per day, tops

As for the things over which I have no control.... hard to not worry about them, but you offer words of wisdom indeed

I'm looking forward to the party in due course

Right.... Packing boxes

I found it difficult to move a few streets away. I don't know how you manage to keep country hopping!
I'm full of admiration

I'm having major concerns about my propensity to country-hop right at the moment The boxes are piling higher and I have almost lost the will to continue. I'm having a 10 minute break on hootoo to recoup and recharge my batteries...

Fb

What marvellous advice!!

Wish I had known it fifty years ago!!

AlsoRan80

Fords towel

What marvellous advice!!

Wish I had known it fifty years ago!!

Now I suppose itnis too late because probably my next move will have nothing to do with me!!

AlsoRan80

Oh, AlsoRan80, don't say that - you are good for a long while yet . The spirit keeps going even when the flesh is weak

My dad used to say that 'creaking gates' live the longest



Websailor

Thanks WS.

Does that meannthat I am a broken gate.?! The extraordinary thing is that I really think I am very very healthy!!
Except that I cannot walk.....and.....and... (when I think about it!!)Nice to hear from you.

Christiane.
AlsoRan80

AlsoRan80:

Thanks for the compliment!

I suspect that any time that one has can be improved by having a workable philosophy to handle life's problems; but even wisdom that comes to late to use may still be wisdom one can pass on to those who still can.

Age is marvelous in that it teaches us enough history to sound wise, even when we are just warning others to avoid our mistakes.