Down On The Ground

And so it was, the day that would remain etched in my memory for a long time.

I stand drenched in sweat and panting like an athlete who just finished a half marathon, I couldn’t help the tears that ran down my face. This can’t be happening right now. I feel woozy and fall backwards, thankfully there’s a chair to catch my fall. For a split second I have an out of body experience and look down at the pathetic figure sobbing like a kid and wiping tears from her eyes. ‘Grow a pair you weakling’ I hear my alter ego speak. I look up and she says, ‘Let’s get out of here. Think solutions my dear’.

To the group of consolers, I must be possessed cos one minute I’m in tears and the next I’m walking with giant strides towards the elevators like a woman on a mission. Sorry pity partyers, I’m done crying.

I retrace my steps and my brain is on overdrive trying to figure out a way out of this mess. I feel the stares but I pretend I’m invisible. I look horrible - my mascara has stained my face and my hair looks like I just got out of bed; and judging by the scene I created a while ago, it’s no wonder they stare, whisper and point.

I hear my mother’s voice scold ‘Good girls don’t cuss; I’m so disappointed right now’. There’s a war on propriety going on in my head but I push the voices to the background and focus on the task at hand. How do I get out of here?

The gentleman up ahead is very helpful, he directs me on how to get back on track even if it costs more than I bargained for. At this point I don’t care, I am focused; my sole mission is to leave here and keep my appointment. Everything depends on this last chance I was given.

I keep replaying the entire morning, trying to pinpoint the moment that triggered this chain of events and 2 things stand out in my mind – that blasted traffic light, the bloody fueling station that caused a queue on the road and that heartless creep at the gate. How can a person be this heartless?

It takes me 3 hours to get here after enduring inflight drama, dust inhalation, unnecessary police check points and an assaulting bumpy road trip. I look a mess, my reflection is a disaster but there’s no time to fuss about that, I am on a schedule. ‘What are you trying to prove, you ninny?’ I hear the voice again, ‘shhh’ I say out loud. The lady at the reception looks at me like I’m crazy. I avert her eyes and walk boldly into the meeting room.

They are shaking hands. Everyone is smiling. The screen is blank. They turn to look at the apparition standing in the doorway. My boss shakes his head. Just then, my comic ringtone fills the room, ‘Hey boss I think you have a message’. I look down and read the message from my boss ‘The meeting started early, don’t stress trying to get here cos you won’t make it in time. See you when we get back’.

 

Bloody network.

Doing The Two-Step

 

Being in a relationship is like doing a 2-step dance; it requires a little give and a little go. Standing still would mean you get stepped on a lot and moving out of tune would probably see you slip, slide or worse, fall.

With each dance comes its sets of rules - the right posture and stance, the number of counts preceding a movement, the direction and movement of the hips and arms - the list is endless; and just like dance, relationships are governed by its own sets of rules. 

Each partner has a role to play in ensuring every move is executed flawlessly and no one leaves the dance floor injured. 

Women expect to be wooed and pampered while men are naturally inclined to lead and pursue, the same applies to dance, the man must lead.

The Role of The Man

On the dance floor, he’s in charge. He leads by gently nudging his partner to move where and how he wants. His subtle cues set the tone and pace of the dance. His touch is respectful and he makes it a point to avoid causing injuries to his partner.

The Role of The Woman

There’s a saying in the military ‘Obey the last command’ and for the lady on the dance floor, the onus is upon her to follow, no matter what. Wrestling power from the man isn’t an option however trust is a necessity when she steps into the arms of her partner. She needs to be attentive to the gentle nudges from her partner and know what each cue means.

The Role of Music

Just like dance, each relationship is tuned to a particular rhythm and both partners must be willing to dance to the music.

Music determines the pace and style. Partners must choose and agree on the music and style beforehand; it is imperative that the genre of the song and the dance itself be in sync. It can be problematic when the music is suited for a waltz and one partner wants to salsa all the way. Agreement creates an enabling environment for the execution of a harmonized and enjoyable dance routine. 

Each relationship must appreciate and respect its peculiarities and adapt the dance step to its rhythm. 

Remember, being the best dance team requires constant practice; it takes work to produce the synchronized routine.

To Quit or Forge Ahead

What do you do when all you want to do is give up?

You've tried your best, you've prayed, you're cried and then you've tried some more. Yet it seems like an exercise in futility.

You ask yourself 'What is the next step in this endless cycle of hitting your head against a brick wall?'. 

Do you turn back and head back to the starting line or do you forge ahead inspite  of the permanent roadblock ahead.How do you know its the time to throw in the towel or just give it one last push just to see if this time things will change.

Does giving up mean your a loser for saying 'No More' or does it show wisdom, bravery and maturity cos you knew it was time to quit?


How do you know that whatever decision you make is the right one?

Its been an awkward week of soul searching and deep thought. I am yet to answer these questions so I'm throwing it open to cyberspace hoping for some advise or an answer of some sort.

Cos seriously, I'm at my wits end.

THE TOKOLOSH - South African Prankster, Leon Schuster and Alfred.