Reflections

My first long weekend in a very long time.

Friends,

I cherish my friends who I can talk with honestly about matters of the heart. Especially those who have been brave enough to tell me things that I may not necessarily want to hear but need to hear. You know who you all are.

Work,

I've moved on from obsterics and gynaecology to the incredibly busy world of gastroenterology. Obstetrics left me pondering about what women have to go through to bring life into this world. While the bursting perineum will always cause me to turn away; the gift of a pink, crying baby is always a special moment. Such labour and attention to bring life into the world often overshadows the many obstetric emergencies, miscarriages, fetal deaths and medical terminations that do occur in the world of obstetrics. There are tears of joy but also there are tears of loss and shock. Assisting competently in emergency caesareans became a skill that I had to learn quickly - not only a baby's life is at stake, but the hopes of the parents and their family.

Sprituality,

By His will, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a recent Al-Kauthar weekend course called 'The World of the Unseen' held in the city. It was an incredibly inspiring two full days of lectures that brought me to tears at times and left me with an overwhelming sense of sadness when it had to come to an end. For two whole days, I forgot all about work and medicine and all my petty worries. A part of me that I had neglected for so long had awoken. So much wisdom that I have yet still to learn. So much self-improvement that still awaits me. I can't wait for the next course already, I miss the feeling very much. I would definitely recommend it.

Leisure,

It has been a month of good entertainment. Caught FOBP at the recent Comedy's festival, CATS and Mamma Mia. Cat Stevens is coming to town soon with his 'Yusof in Concert' show in June. Not a huge fan but am highly intrigued enough to want to go. I wonder what sort of crowd he would attract this time.

Food,

Food glorious food. Masterchef is back! I've been trying out lots of recipes from 'In the Kitchen' by Allan Campion. Again would recommend the recipes in this book - recently made goat's cheese gnocchi with home-made tomato sauce. It was divine and really simple to make! No more Leggo's for me!

Exercise,

I'm happy to announce I am no longer a slob. I have broken my 5 year drought of no-exercise-what-so-ever. I'm hooked onto swimming. Nothing like going to the local pool to do laps followed by some gentle massage in the spa. I enjoy watching the young couples with their little babies in the water flapping around in the water while the older generation do their weekly water aerobics in the deep pool. It's nice to see people from all generations enjoying the water.

Life,

This month has been one of much reflection and thought. From the bottom of my heart - my sincerest apologies to all those who I have hurt intentionally or unintentionally. I humbly seek your forgiveness. May God help me purify my intentions and continue to guide me.

Amin.