Being happy with others

In the plane to Lisbon, I finally managed to read some pages of the book I started already before the New Year's. I normally finish books very fast, unless, for some reason, I don't like them much. This time, however, the reason is different. I am enjoying the book a lot, but simply don't have time to read it. The truth is that I can't blame work only for this lack of time. Yes, indeed, I have been putting in quite a lot of working hours lately and, of course, it makes me tired in the evening and wanting to turn the lights off and sleep immediately, instead of reading some pages as I used to do before; but, on the other hand, it is also true that I have been experiencing a quite busy social life and, even though it takes time, I am very happy about it. Last week, for instance, I only had one free evening: on Tuesday i was at the neighbors, saying Mark farewell; on Wednesday I had Letizia at home for our Lost-watching evening; on Thursday I went to the Vaisbrodai residence for home-made pizza and poker; on Friday Maria arrived for the weekend and we had dinner at home with a bunch of good friends; and on Saturday it was time for dining out in the centre with Ante and Pedro, one mint daiquiri with Alix, another farewell party at Rafa's, and an all-night excursion to Canoa Quebrada. So, yes, I think I can blame my social life for the fact that I seem to be stuck with the exploding mangoes... but, of course, the book can wait. I love reading, but not even a very good book can beat the company of good friends. An intensive social life can be somehow tiring, but at least allows for good nights of sleep, and that's the best basis for a healthy condition. Fitter, happier, more productive... you know the drill. So, now I am in Lisbon. In a few hours I will have a meeting on a subject that passionates me: the relations between Africa and Europe. It feels kind of weird because, as the end of my term approaches, I can't help thinking that these are my last meetings as Secretary General of the YFJ, and these thoughts come along with some anticipated nostalgia... Someone I love told me yesterday that the readers of this blog must think that I should get a life, as it seems that I constantly write about my work; the thing is that my work is my life. Not in the common sense of having a job that doesn't make room for anything else; but in the more positive approach of being privileged enough to have a job that allows me to live my life the way I always dreamed it. I hope you don't actually think that I should get a life, because I love the one I have and the fact that you are part of it. Well, anyway, the meeting is in a few hours only; tonight I still had time for having dinner and spending time with good friends I always miss a lot. And, tomorrow, after the meeting, I will do the same with Francisco. I had a big smile on my face when I wrote this, and my fellow passengers must have wondered why... I guess it's because I am happy! Gonna sleep now; Lisbon is a beautiful place.