To-do list

A few years ago when I just started work, I told myself I would take a few months off after I qualify and go to Africa or China and help some underprivileged kids, then spend some time backpacking round the world (or at least a few countries). Or learn a new language, learn the guitar, train for another marathon...

I am now qualified, and managed to get 6 weeks off work, but I probably won't be doing anything as exciting as that.

The kids' needs are still there, and countries are still to be seen, but maybe I just need to sort myself out first.

If I was being a control freak I would look at the reasons I am taking this break, then plan out what the next 6 weeks should be like. I'm glad I'm not that sad, and I need to just take things easy, let things happen, and listen to my feelings.

Still, that doesn't stop me from having an idea of what I want to do. Doing nothing and relaxing isn't my forte, so I need think what people do when they are 'doing nothing'.

Here's what I came up with:

• Spending time with family, and I mean quality time. It's going to be difficult, tricky, and might actually be painful. But I can't think of any better time to do it.
• Meeting friends. I sat down a few days ago and came up with a list of 20 names. If I see all of them I will be very happy.
• Eating. It's Hong Kong! It will be difficult to not eat good food there!
• Exercising. It's been a while, but hopefully I'll be well enough to do something, hence the squash racket and swimming costume in my suitcase.

What if I'm still not well at the end of the six weeks? I don't know. That's tomorrow's worry.