ferhaan's Journal

I'm back! And a lot has happened, so let me get started.

South Africa was great, we had a great time, it was good to see the family and even though it's fall down there, the weather was good. I saw (almost) all my family and it was great to catch up. Just to be clear, it is quite a feat to see my whole family in 2 weeks, by last count I have 160 uncles, aunts, cousins (including spouses and kids). I spent more time with some than others, but I enjoyed every minute. My son did not know what hit him, suddenly he met all these unknown uncles and aunts, but very quickly discovered the upside: Lots and lots of attention! He had a ball, but had a bit of a tough week after we came back, when his parents had to clamp down and get him back into his routine. He's fine now and enjoying the warmer weather as much as I am.

On the down side, my wife was ill almost the entire trip. It started with a back problem and soon included abdmonial pain. Her treatment over there consistent of a trip to the emergency room and back massages from a blind Chinese gentleman. After we got back we eventually (after several trips to the GP, ER and many bloodtests and echos) found out it's her galbladder. It does not look like there are stones, but they can't rule it out completely either. She has an appointment with the gastro specialist on Wednesday, so fingers crossed they'll find out what's causing this. In the meantime she has to take it easy, not an easy thing to do if you have your own business.

RA wise, I am doing very well. I have to do more than usual since my better half is not well, and I have been able to repond without a major flare. I had less pain and felt great in SA, a contintal climate does wonders for my RA and the altitude was a positive influence as well. Johannesburg stands at 1700 meters (sorry, metric ;-) and I noticed the effect of this when I went to the gym. They had the same Technogym equipment I use at my gym at home, but it felt heavier! So back in NL, when I went back to the gym, I was flying! The exercises were easier, lighter. Apparently my red bloodcel count went up being at a high altitude and made me feel like Superman! (ok, Superman with RA, but still...). This effect lasts for two weeks and I felt it waver last week, but I still feel great. I feel like I have lots of energy. The reason I have not been on DS since I'm back, is because I am doing more stuff. I am writing a lot more, I have doing some DIY around the house and garden. We bought a painting in SA from an artist named Kaan Kostepen, I've uploaded a picture. Anyway, we bought a table to match the frame, new lights, the list goes on...

I'm not sure where this burst of energy exactly came from, but I'll save my theories on that for my next journl entry (how's that for a cliff hanger?)

I'm happy to be back and able to share with my friends on DS, I missed you all.

Ferhaan