The first day of my new life...

After a quiet week-end, not the boring quiet, but the healing kind, my new life kind of started with a bang. Ever since writing about my missing left sandal, I cannot shake the sneaking feeling that this may be a metaphor for my life: something is never quite right... or a little off.
The house is topsy-turvey; enthousiastic puppies will do that to you; especially those who have discovered the joys of digging (sandy paws and loads of dirt all over the house) and even more so those who believe in putting their sandy paws into the water bowl to splash (muddy paws and loads of prints all over the house). The tax authorities were friendly (ouch!) and I did get another cellphone number, for my professional calls, after the friendly gentleman at the Swisscom counter changed my billing system so that my phone bills will be lower. I must warn you that Swisscom may go bankrupt after this expression of magnanimous generosity, because they may lose a significant amount of income. Times have really changed. 10 years ago (I can't believe that I have actually written this...) it would have been unthinkable that in Switzerland a service provider would actually help you find a way of paying lower bills..... . If that what competition does to you, than I am beginning to be for it; if only the water and electricity or the taxes would catch on as well....
In the evening, I went to the first of six (and believe me, after this I am counting them!) yoga classes. In my attempt to "start a new life", I have decided to give some kind of sport a serious go. Well, the good news is that I survived, both the five stories up without an elevator and the class. It is nonetheless fair to say that I was the worst participant. I know, dignity and pride can be overrated, but still. Mine took a good beating. The instructor is yet again another slim lithe young woman who makes things look effortless and can move into impossible shapes. She was very encouraging to all the class members, although I did catch some worried glances in my direction... No, I wasn't the fattest lump in the room (although the third), but I certainly was the stiffest, least flexible, in worst shape, etc. Another metaphor of my life? I certainly hope not! I am not sure how the image of sweating buckets would fit in - or rather, I would rather not.... It didn't help that I kept on seeing my friend C. (obviously fit and well into yoga for years) in my head, with a somewhat commiserating, slightly sardonic smile. Actually, at this point he would be too embarrassed to know me. He was the one who a few years ago suggested yoga to me after correctly surmising that I probably wasn't in good shape and most likely hadn't done some sports in some time - years would have been more accurate. But there are moments in life when it is better to keep one's mouth shut.... So, I will persist - at least for the next 5 courses.

On the retreat I have been asked to help prepare: well, the fun has already begun: some potential participants are allegedly dissatisfied, different opinions as to how the best way forward would be, etc. Classic UN stuff. I feel like proposing prepcoms and distributed statements....
More worryingly I have been told that I have to finish a second security training before I can be hired (obligatory for all staff, even though technically, I am no longer staff) - it makes me wonder how dangerous such a retreat on the shores of Lake Leman may be....

Back home

I have finally arrived back home - after 2 1/2 years in New York. Although I have been looking forward to this for some time, as many will know, now that my wish has become reality, I feel slightly daunted. A new chapter in my life is about to start - and I am not sure yet what it will bring. It feels odd shifting from one "normality" to another; returning to my "old" life yet it is not the same. I have changed, Keith has changed and now we have two young puppies. And then, I may be returning home, but not to my "old" life. I am not taking up my previous job, and I have left the relative comfort of my last job behind since yesterday.
This week-end is for unpacking, settling and rejoicing in Keith, Stoli and Smirnov.
Keith has left to prepare for his recital this evening and I am enjoying the (relative) quiet at home - as quiet as things can be with two growing puppies, who now are 3 months old.
To my amazement, they have grown even in the 10 days I have been away. Both puppies were overjoyed by my return. Stoli especially has been sticking close by. This hasn't stopped either of them from (a) going after my shoes (I may have to kick the habit of kicking them off - or get used to having to get up to retrieve them); (b) further decimating parts of my garden (the flower patch has been somewhat decimated, as has been the cyanothus). Although Keith has confessed to being slightly frazzled after 10 days alone with them, leaving him somewhat nervous for his recital this evening, we both agree that there are no regrets in having decided to get these two in our moment of irrational decision.
It is lovely outside, but I prefer sitting in the cool freshness of the house with the closed shutters. It feel quiet despite Smirnov's snuffling. My sandal is giving him immense pleasure....
Monday will be for the start of a new life - minus a left sandal.