Friday, February 5, 2010

Dear Mister Bossman

Yes, I know i was late for work this morning, I also realise that you probably won't believe me, but allow me the opportunity to at least try and explain to you why i was late.

This morning on my way to work I was pulled over by a police officer. I very HOT police officer. I was all ready with my license and an argument cause i KNEW i hadn't done anything wrong. Anyway, so he walked up to my window, told me to put away my license and asked if he could have my telephone number.

Yes, i realise you're probably thinking...'WTF', and i won't lie, that's pretty much what was running through my mind at the time. I, of course, refused, which led to him standing by my window for 10mins trying to convince me to give him my number.

Finally, after 10mins, he allowed me to leave and carry on my merry way towards work. Now, i realise that this story sounds weird and odd and completely untrue, but think about it this way.....if i wanted to lie about it, don't you think i would have come up with something slightly more believable? I mean, this is too ridiculous not to be the truth. Also, we're both aware of the fact that I'm a terrible liar:)

Regards

Ruby

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Dear Paul

It's been just over 2 weeks since i had to say goodbye, just over 2 weeks since i saw your deathly pale face, just over 2 weeks since i had to cut myself off from emotions in order to focus on the important people...it's been just over 2 weeks and i still have to wipe away a tear when i think of you.

Too soon you left us. Too soon the dark abyss of reality had taken you away from us. Sometimes i forget, and i get excited at the prospect of seeing your smiling face when i get home, only to be greeted by mournful reality....I'll never have the pleasure of seeing that big smile again, ever. To hear you laugh that carefree laugh you sometimes had. It's over, a chapter of my life is done.

I'll never forget the shocked expression on your mom's face when she stormed towards us pleading with us to help her. She found you, hanging there like that. I'll never forget the sight, and yet, it's almost as if the picture i conjure up of that moment is emotionless. You were there no longer....your spirit gone, and therefore you were gone too.

I think a lot of people had trouble understanding why you did what you did. But after much thought and tears and reading, I've come to the conclusion that you didn't kill yourself, you died of a disease called Bipolar disorder. You didn't choose to have that deepest of darkness inside of you, and you could no more ignore it than i could stop breathing just because i wanted to.

That Tuesday night was one of the darkest nights I've ever had. Sitting in my little cottage, knowing that you were no longer alive and well, knowing that you died not 30m away from my home, haunted by the image of you hanging there...your feet only 10cm from the ground. I think the fact that it had happened at my house...my safe place....my 'den', was more disturbing to me than the fact that you had died. I didn't want to be at home, i didn't want to think, and at some point in the night, i just didn't want to be.

You'll be happy to know that I have an amazing bunch of friends. Their love and support and hugs(both in real life and cyber space) kept me going. There were people who stayed awake with me through most of Tuesday night, chatting to me, just so that i wouldn't be alone with the grief and the trauma. There were a few of them that totally went the extra mile, and for that I am eternally grateful. It's not often that I'm at a low point in life, but that night, the night you died, i was.

You always said that i was like bubbles, always needing to go up...i just can't help it. And once again you were proven right. Be Wednesday afternoon i couldn't help but have little bouts of happiness and smiles intermingled with the sadness and loss. And i know that you would have wanted it that way. You never wanted us to be sad.

On Saturday it would be 2 weeks since your funeral. And strange as it may sound...you would have loved your funeral. As funerals go it was pretty awesome. The Pastor never once avoided the fact that you committed suicide, instead he used that as his focus point. We sang happy songs and celebrated your life, rather than mourning your death. There were few tears and lots of happy stories told by all who held you dear. Your brother from the US made it just in time, and you were proven right again...we do get along like a house on fire. And as i went home afterwards, you'd never guess what i saw. One of the bunnies, that you had spent hours chasing around the garden and trying to feed and tame was sitting outside your front door in the sun, trying to dry off from the rain. It didn't bolt when i went closer...it just sat there, in the very spot where you so patiently sat trying to catch it. It made me smile.

I miss you my dear dear friend, but i know that you are now in a much happier place, where the darkness of a disease you couldn't control can't find you. I pray that your soul has found rest and that you are resting in the arms of our Father. Until we meet again one day, rest in peace.

Love

Ruby
xxxxxx

Friday, January 15, 2010

Dear readers

My word! What a week this has been. So much sadness and drama and tears. I think I can easily say that most of this week would fall into the "top 5 worst weeks ever" category. I am working on a letter about the happenings this week, but it's not done yet. A lot of tears and brokenness comes pouring out.....so it's taking a bit long. But writing is good for me. It's helping me to make sense of it all, and to process what happened.

So in the meantime I'd like to tell you about a song i recently heard that really touched my heart. On Monday night i was chatting to a friend of mine, and he was telling me about the death of an ex-colleague, and how sad this made him. (That funeral is today btw....I'm thinking of you love) And then he sent me a song and asked me to listen to it and share my thoughts. I was so touched by it that i ended up finding the lyrics.

Terry's song
Well they built the Titanic to be one of a kind, but many ships have ruled the seas
They built the Eiffel Tower to stand alone, but they could build another if they please
Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt, are unique I suppose
But when they built you, brother, they broke the mold

Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sun
And sometimes something comes along and you know it's for sure the only one
The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and Joe
And when they built you, brother, they broke the mold

When they built you, brother, they turned dust into gold
When they built you, brother, they broke the mold

They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong
'Cause all i Know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone
Gone into that dark ether where you're still young and hard and cold
Just like when they built you, brother, they broke the mold

Now your death is upon us and we'll return your ashes to the earth
And i know you'll take comfort in knowing you've been roundly blessed and cursed
But love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and stories told
and when she built you, brother, she broke the mold

That attitude's a power stronger than death, alive and burning her stone cold
When they built you, brother

How incredibly powerful is that???? We ended up having this whole discussion about leaving your mark and being so unique in who you are that there is truly no one like you. It was kind of ironic, having this discussion on Monday and then having my own drama with death on Tuesday.

Anyway, i just thought I'd give you guys some food for thought. I hope one day when I'm no longer around, I would have lived my life in such a way that people will remember me and say that i was one of a kind, the mold was broken after I was made.....a limited edition.

Love
Ruby
xxxxx

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Dear big bro

Happy birthday!!!!! I hope you have the most amazing of days, filled with love and joy and happiness and blessings and that there will be much spoiling going on! *looks pointedly at yankee sis in law*.

I can't believe you're turning 30 already! Just the other day we were little snot nosed kids running around our tiny little town, causing havoc and hearts to melt all at the same time. Wow...seems like i might actually have to start thinking of you as a grown up at some point.

Today i miss you more than normal and i wish you were here so i could give you a hug and a kiss and just hold you close. It always amazes me to think that we could be shouting and fighting one minute but the moment one of us are in trouble we stand together, defiant, ready to take on the whole world armed with only our fingernails for each other. You are my big brother, the protector of my honor, my mentor, my roll model, my friend, part of my happy place, my partner in crime and a very important part of who I am today.

I pray that you will always be safe in the land far away, and that the years ahead will be filled blessings, adventures, love, happiness, stories and things we can't even begin to imagine.....oh, and hopefully some nieces and nephews for me *grin*. I can't help but shed a tear...I miss you more than i thought i ever would and i hope to see you soon. Happy birthday boetie!

Love
Ruby
xxxxxxxx

Monday, January 11, 2010

Dear people of Zim

I was recently fortunate enough to undertake a short trip to the most popular tourist attraction in your country, the Victoria falls. I find it difficult to put my impressions thereof into words, so I'll stick to: 'OH MY WORD!!!!!!'

We were super excited when we boarded the little One Time airplane at OR Thambo early on the morning of the 1st....destination: Livingstone, Zambia. The flight was uneventful right until the pilot announced that Victoria Falls will soon be visible through the window. It was a breathtaking and heart stopping moment that i will never forget. So beautiful!!!

We were met at Livingstone airport by Victor, a man that impressed immensely. Well educated, witty and with a love of his country that is clearly visible in everything he does. We were taken by bus through the Zambian and Zimbabwean borders and finally to our beautiful hotel, The Victoria Falls Hotel. One of the top hotels on the Zimbabwe side of the falls...old school, colonial, breathtaking and with amazing service. I can honestly say that we were treated like royalty throughout our stay. Never in my life had i met such amazing hotel staff.

We went on the sunset cruise. WOW WOW WOW!!!! it's like a 3 hour cruise on the Zambezi as the sun is setting. What incredible views. We were treated to free drink (as much as we wanted....score) and hippos and crocodiles and just all the breathtaking things that completes the Zambezi experience.

The next day I went on a 2hour hike along the falls. The mist created by the falls is so heavy in some places that it literally felt like we were caught in a hectic rain storm without any clouds. At the end of the 2 hours i was absolutely soaking wet....but we got the most awesome pictures and just got to stand there and take in the awesomeness that is the Falls:)

Shortly after that we were treated to a helicopter ride over the falls. I was fortunate enough to be able to sit in front next to the pilot, which meant that i had the best view! I have no words to describe what i saw and how it made me feel. The pictures seem so inadequate when i look at them now.

Then in the afternoon we had a real treat! We went on an Elephant safari...as in we actually rode the elephant's through the game park in search of other wild animals. I got to bond with this majestic animal in a way i never thought I'd experience:)

I received numerous wedding proposals and my father was offered everything from diamonds to cattle to some weird muti business in Zim for my hand in marriage..but my general impression of the people of northern Zim was one of pride, of integrity, hope, happiness and an appreciation for other people. I was honestly impressed and warmed:)

thank you so much for an amazing couple of days:) Attached please find a couple of snap shots from the trip. I took over 700 pics, so it was really hard to choose, but i can't send all 700+ :)

I hope to visit you again soon

Love
Ruby
xxxxx

p.s. I've never seen so many rainbows in one place in my entire life!

P.P.S. I really wish i could post more pics.....it was tough choosing only a couple!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Dear 2009

My my my...what a year this has been. Full of ups and downs, happies and sads....an all round good year:) I've decided to end my year saying: 'I'm tracing the outlines of 2009 and liking the picture I see'.

I've decided to dedicate this post to everything that happened this year, both good and bad...as all these things played a roll in who I am today:)

2009 will be etched into my memory for the following reasons:
  • I started my Masters degree in Forensic Auditing. I won't lie, it's been hectic. Working and studying full time while trying to remain a social butterfly is no joke...but somehow, with much insomnia, much coffee, lots of love and no sleep I managed to pass the first half with flying colours. I did well, and I can honestly say I'm proud of myself.
  • I sold my little noenoe who has been my companion since I started driving after the accident
  • Bought my gorgeous new baby.......*happy in love sigh*
  • Paid off my study loan
  • Got caught in the middle of a shootout between police and some idiots while driving home after watching District 9
  • District 9
  • My feet got burnt by acidic powder that was inside a pair of sexy shoes I bought. I was miserable and the burns were insane. But i'm happy to report that my feet have now fully recovered. The rather exclusive shop was quite shocked and refunded me for the shoes, they also paid my medical bills at the end of the day.
  • Almost got ran off the road by a cop cause he was on his cell phone
  • Mrs Reindeer passed away.....she paid such an important part in my life for so many years...it is with great sadness and fondness that i remember this part of 2009
  • We discovered a really disturbing murial in our local Panarotti's
  • My chamber got married...yay!!!!
  • I tried my best to have weekends away as often as possible....even when I'm practically dying of Bronchitis
  • My dear, dear friend AK's little girl was born. What an awesome little girl...such a blessing!
  • The sad and interesting journey through my dear gran's life when we had to help her pack up all her stuff. I still carry the little coin with me:)
  • For the first time i can truly say I've forgiven the guy who crashed into me 4 years ago. It's been a long journey.
  • erm......I sprayed myself with pepperspray for the second time.....*sigh*
  • I lost 11kg without dieting or putting myself through hell and i fit into clothes i haven't been able to wear for ages....yay me!
  • I joined twitter....it changed my life:)
  • I started doing Salsa and fell completely in love with it:)
  • I decided it was OK to make mistakes and to not be so hard on myself
  • Another very special person died #sadness
  • I managed to give myself consussion on a ride at gold reef city...*sigh*...I swear, only me!
  • An aircon just fell out of the wall and only just missed me while i was working
  • My stalker started following me around in a car without a license plate.
  • I met a bunch of really incredible people this year - thanx guys...your friendship is greatly appreciated
  • I had to say goodbye to friends...this is never easy
  • I realised it is possible for someone to be significant in your life even if you don't know them very well.
  • Baby Nicola was born:)
  • I came to the realisation that there are people, other than my family, who really really care about me, who are willing to fight for me. I'm truly amazed and humbled by this. *much affection*
  • Spiritually I grew so much....:)
In many ways, it's been a very tough year, but it has also been a good year. I'm happy, I'm content, I'm fulfilled....I'm me:)

Thank you so much to everybody who has been a part of my life this year. You have made it special and worth remembering. And i truly hope that you will continue to play a role in my life in the year to come. What does 2010 hold....I have no idea. But what I do know is that i'm excitedly looking forward to it. I love my life, and i plan to continue loving it and building it and celebrating it in the year to come.

Lots of love
Ruby
xxxx

P.S. Here's a couple of snapshots from 2009 :) Oh! and feel free to add any significant things that happened in 2009 that i might have missed:)

Happy and blessed 2010 my beautiful, special people!!!!! *hugs and kisses*

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Dear Bro & Sis-in-law

Tonight you guys made me cry.....a lot...for a number of reasons. Firstly I was crying out of sheer emotion and joy at the gift you had given me for Christmas, it was truly thoughtful, and was the action that set the other reasons for the good cry I just had into motion....but more on that later.

Secondly I cried because I really, really miss you.....both of you! I haven't seen you in almost two years and because we have always been close as brother and sister this breaks my heart. But it's a bit hard with you guys living in the states. Christmas has always been family time for us. Everybody gets together, spending time to catch up, talk nonsense, cook together, eat together and generally to share love and happiness for each other. But you're not here...there is a bit of a hole in my happiness.

Actually, i think my second reason for crying and all the emotions that went along with missing you describes the majority of why i just spent the last half an hour writing you an e-mail, drying off tears and grinning stupidly....I love, and I miss you so much!

Anyhoodle, on to the gift. This year, you decided to be a little different. Giving each other gifts when we are thousands of km apart is never an easy feat. So this year you decided to be slightly different. You made a donation to 'World Vision' on my behalf. So this evening when I opened my mail, this is what awaited me....or a part of it anyway...you really don't need to see the part where they tell me how much they love and miss me...we already know that part:

"A gift of five ducks has been given in your honor
Thought you might like a few adorable little ducks for Christmas this year! I bet none of your friends got the same thing ;-)"

It probably sounds silly, but i burst into tears. Thank you so much! What an incredible gift. Donating ducks to a family who hasn't got any food or any form of livelihood. My heart feels all warm and fuzzy and happy.

May you and the yankee part of your family have an amazingly blessed Christmas. I miss you and I love you both so incredibly much!

Love

RubyWith my bro at his wedding:)

With my sis in law