Sharpening the Saw

After a bout of sickness a few weeks ago - nothing major, touch of leprosy - I've been struggling to get back on the wagon of getting stuff done. Not even on the wagon, actually. I'd settle for even near the wagon. I'm under the wagon after being run over it, a solitary hand reaching for up to the wheel spokes, a downed boxer reaching up for the ropes. With a bruise on my head the size of an ostrich egg, my cracked and broken voice manages to stumble its way through a poor rendition of 'I'm a little tea pot.' This, ladies and gentlemen, is the consequence of a man cold / leprosy. ​

The alternative medicine

When I get sick though I learn about myself: initially I wallow like some kind of forlorn sea-cow, bathing myself in the unctuous glow of television and films, endeavouring to avoid stimulating conversation that relies upon anything more than a grunt. My mind though becomes restless, starts thinking manically about everything in the universe, and some bits outside of the universe, and I begin waking up at half four in the morning, inevitably wandering the flat wearing only a towel. Yes, I know, sorry about that image. I imagine you're donning the same countenance my house mate had when he stumbled home at half five.

if you're awake at half four, you may as well DO something. Burnley Tunnel Chimney, Melbourne

So this week has been better: I walked and wrote a great deal; I went bowling and played tennis; helped cook in the kitchen instead of having take-away (in fairness, it's because my housemates became disease-monkey central), went for a swim on Friday, reached for the moon on Saturday at ScienceWorks, and swam again today along with the love I've neglected for so many weeks: educational reading. Oh, I've missed you! I have waxed lyrical until I'm hoarse about 7 Habits of Highly Effective People before, but really it's a masterpiece. Not being a parent, I'm fascinated by Stephen's advice on children, but there are so many stories, quotations and anecdotes, it is tremendous. And $8 on Amazon Kindle. What. A. Bargain! And so to keep it short and sweet, I'll sign off with this excellent anecdote from Stephen which sums up human nature perfectly in my humble opinion.

Suppose you were to come upon someone in the woods working feverishly to saw down a tree. “What are you doing?” you ask. “Can’t you see?” comes the impatient reply. “I’m sawing down this tree.” “You look exhausted!” you exclaim. “How long have you been at it?” “Over five hours,” he returns, “and I’m beat! This is hard work.” “Well, why don’t you take a break for a few minutes and sharpen that saw?” you inquire. “I’m sure it would go a lot faster.” “I don’t have time to sharpen the saw,” the man says emphatically. “I’m too busy sawing!”

The Moon at your fingertips