Five years ago my doctor said I may not make 'pension age.'

The above words were very chilling to hear five years ago. The doctor was totally correct---or he would have been if I had not finally taken the decision to change my life. No, I did not have some sort of 'spiritual epiphany! I made the decision to stop the yo-yo dieting and subsequent piling on of weight after each failed diet. All I was doing was shoving heaps of money into various 'in vogue diets,' making the authors of such 'life changing opportunities,' richer--at my expense. I was told about Bariatric surgery as the only way left for me to get a check on my ever expanding waistline and the rush to an early grave. Being over 50, the operation would cost me the price of a new car---what the hell--all I would gain would be---life. I blocked my ears to those who thought I was 'lazy, or lacked self-control.' Hey this is my life---not yours, I thought. I was sick of sleep apnoea, high cholesterol, blood pressure and type two diabetes---all of which were contributing to my early demise. Now 28 months later and about 40 kilos lighter, I have my life back and I can make plans again. I feel better and enjoy my life, without having to feel guilty and the new energy has opened up opportunities that I simply could not contemplate years ago. Today I turned 65--I collect my pension and I can still work. That allows me to make plans for putting in place some financial security re my future. I can also think about s few other dreams--the campervan, if I so choose, or some travel. Choices---something we all have, but when they are backed up with that special gift--improved health---that makes all the difference. Today has been a joy---at work, at home, knowing I have friends who care and family right alongside me. I will take some time, later--to reflect on this special day.

Syria is damaged, big time--in every way.

It would not be hard to use the description, 'failed nation,' to describe many nations at the moment, Syria being an obvious example.One can use various 'lenses' to explain why this has happened to this ancient nation. You as a reader will not need to look far on a range of 'platforms' to find explanations, albeit ones that are penned, according to the 'writers' opinions. I am thinking of the consequences--for Syria's future, if not the immediate present. Many hundreds of thousands of Syrians are on the move, fleeing from an intolerable situation in their country of birth. They have suffered from a despotic leader, civil war between a myriad of groups, all claiming to represent the aspirations of Syrian people. Outside influences, not the least being the 'interests' of the usual suspects (USA, Russia and Iran) played out on the mess that the Middle East has been for hundreds of years, whether it be from colonial empire building or economic imperialism, all have played their part. Now throw in the specter of ISIS, with its particular take on the region and you have a cauldron of suffering, discontent and unrealized aspirations for the people who live in the region. Families and individuals flee, to wherever they can, seeking peace and some sort of economic future. That they head for Europe should not come as a surprise. Many would say, that it is just a reverse of what has happened in the past! Take a closer look at the 'refugees, in particular from Syria, take a measure of who it is that is leaving and I am pretty sure that large numbers of middle class, educated, skilled Syrians are fleeing their country. They take with them any hope for a rebuild of Syria, by Syrians (with massive help) and leave an even more 'depleted' country. Would they return? Have other mass movements of people form war-torn countries returned to their homelands? Is it too late to save Syria? It is if the EU, USA, and other 'players' in the regions and beyond, do not speak from the same page.What is happening in Syria will be replicated in neighboring countries, spawning other groups like ISIS. The world is at a tipping point, not just re these issues, but other climactic/environmental crossroads and what we are seeing in Syria could well be the most threatening point in history. Sorry for feeling pessimistic, but feel free to point out where I am wrong! I would love to have my mind changed. In the meantime, lets help these people. It is not their fault!!!

Samoa reading my blog today! Wish I was there.

Spring in Auckland can be day after day of rain and leaving one wondering if it is Spring or a nasty version of another season. The I see someone reading my blog in Samoa, place where a friend is spending a week or two and sticks up pictures of the each and the resort where he is staying. I AM SO envious!

Brazil---lovely to see your hits on my blogs!

I am most pleased to see the high number of 'visits' to my website and blog from readers in Brazil. You now rank about third re the total number of 'hits' for the month. Please continue to read my blogs and hopefully, you are downloading Roskill,' my book. I suspect that the issue I write about in my book, is also a problem in Brazil and that many families are damaged, just as they are in New Zealand. I would love to get some feedback from you, via the comments section of my blog, about my book and about life in general as it is in brazil. Once again, thanks for taking the time to read my 'rantings.' www.authorneilcoleman.com

Sweden---so happy to see you reading my blogs.

I have noticed and increase in 'traffic' from Sweden, lately and I don't mean Volvos, but hey---they are great cars too, if only I could afford one. Well Sweden, make that happen by sharing my blogs with all of your friends and getting them to wither download my book, ROSKILL, or buying the hard cover. I am sure you will find some sad similarities re the substance I talk about in my book. In NZ, we call it 'P' and it goes by other names in other countries, including 'Ice or Crystal Meth on others.Lives are ruined and families torn apart. Please send me feedback, if you do read my book. Many thanks, Sweden. Go to my website for the downloads or--hey---go visit the Frankfurt Book fare later in the year. You will find Roskill there too. www.authorneilcoleman.com

Hi ya Germany---see you in a few monhs---well, not me, but ROSKILL is coming!

Yeah, I know---that's quite a provocative heading, implying that I am on my way to Germany. I wish I was coming with ROSKILL, my book, the one that is going to the Frankfurt Book Fare, later in the year, but unless I can hide in the packaging, with suitable life support, then I will just have to rely on my agent to 'present' my book for me. Please go and check it out and maybe it can be picked up and translated into German. THEN, I would be coming for real, to sign copies and get to know your country. Berlin and Frankfurt---here I come? In the meantime, please visit my site and download or order hard copy. www.authorneilcoleman.com

Crystal Meth in the USA---'P' in New Zealand. Different names for the same scourge.

Take any city or town in the USA or New Zealand and it would not be difficult to find a family facing the prospect of being torn apart because a father, son, wife or daughter has entered the dark world of Crystal Meth or 'P,' as we call it in NZ. It could start with a desire to get a high, one that has moving goal posts. as the 'hit' achieved on that first 'experimental blast, is never quite reached again. The 'user' becomes embroiled in a quest to fill the gap, to find that space whereby all problems disappear and the day to day struggle of life is an inconsequential----nothing! The need to repeat the experience becomes a deadly fascination and the very existence of the family is threatened, relationships strained and finances wrecked. This pattern of destruction is mirrored in every neighbourhood in both countries. It goes unnoticed at first, by neighbours and relations, friends and bosses, (and employees) as the 'substance' takes hold, until it is almost too late. Lies build upon lies, things disappear as the user seeks ever more money to finance his or her habit. The line is crossed between a law abiding individual to one who loses all judgment of right or wrong. Yet--a vestige of morality remains, tearing apart the person enslaved, as they drift further from reality. Loved ones become incidental as the 'beast' takes hold. There is hope, but it takes a brave partner, family member, or friend to 'be with' the person as they seek to break the hold. I invite you all to read ROSKILL, my book about the effects of CM or P on an ordinary family, and the extraordinary path they take to regain their family. There is hope, but they must dig deep to find the strength needed for the battle to save the family. You can download an eBook from my website, or buy hard copy. If you live in the USA, Amazon is fine but for Kiwis, it is cheaper to buy the book directly from me via my email---neilcolemanauthor@gmail.com Perhaps you would like to read some reviews. Just Google Roskill by Neil Coleman and I am sure you will find a few. The website is www.authorneilcoleman.com