Em-powered, De-powered

My day started with a rainbow and light/medium showers. It rained quite hard yesterday - reminder that spring is here. Work was all about preparing for a networking breakfast that WHEAT Trust (Women's Hope Education and Training Trust) is holding on Friday and sorting through notes from the research I have been doing. The monotony of a day spent in front of the computer was broken by a visit to the home of one of my colleagues to check on her new kitten (so precious I wanted to bring him home with me). The work day over, I quickly changed and went to check out the public library. Although I was notified that I could not get a library card (because I am not a resident for at least a year - something to do with the libraries being funded by rental taxes) I was able to pick up some cheap second hand books, which will keep me going for a little while.

Returning home to sit down and sift through my new finds, I was disturbed by a knock on the back window (unusual). Of course I'm cautious, never open the door to a stranger and all that. He described his situation, he is working security for the motor repair shop that shares our backyard and doesn't yet have a key to the front gate, could he go through our yard or the house. It's all kind of dodgy, even with his SA Police documentation (or perhaps because of it) and I waver between extremely suspicious and moderately suspicious. In the end, I let him through the house but let him know it can't be a regular thing. I wonder, "Did I do the right thing?" I did what I felt was best at the moment, using all my instincts and as much caution and understanding as I could. There was no harm done and I plan to go talk to the owner of the shop tomorrow to look into the situation.

Anyway, that little bit of curious-ness finished I ate some food and contemplated my evening. I had plans to see some live music at a venue down the street, but it seemed that there was no one to go with me. I almost bailed on my date with myself, but when I heard another house mate getting ready to leave the house around the time I was wanting to leave, I asked if he would walk with me. A lovely walk together allowed us to explore our mutual love for music (he is an awesome vocalist) and was a beautiful reminder of the depth of people and the light and love in the world.

The music was great and it was actually really empowering to be out alone. In Canada I would never think twice about going to see music by myself, but safety is a constant consideration and concern. In the Obz Theater, with the red velvet curtains, my Appletizer (a local sparkling apple juice) and great performers on the stage, I felt safe. I felt happy. I felt inspired. I still called the Obz Watch service to come escort me home, but I felt like today was a big day for me. I'll continue to reflect on how this all connects... safety and security, freedom and liberty. Learning everyday. Building, growing my soul. And now... I sleep.

** Added Oct. 29th. PS - I checked out his story and it's all okay. The reason he doesn't have a key for the front gate is that he's not supposed to leave while he's working, make sense, but he's legit! And this means that we have a security guard next door watching our place. Works out!