Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Keeping it tidy - doggy style

I love costume jewellery. Not only can I buy more pieces thanks to the cheap prices, I also don't have to worry about losing an expensive piece of jewellery.

As my collection of rings is constantly growing, this little fellow recently moved in with me:

I would still prefer a proper dog - but he will do for now

Monday, 29 April 2013

Korean burritos and other Irish delicacies

As per usual, I spent most time inside the conference venue when I was in Dublin recently. But we were able to check out a few restaurants. One of them was ukiyo - a Japanese karaoke bar/restaurant in the city centre: "Ukiyo is a spiritual word in Japanese and pertains to floating on a higher plane, back here on Earth it resonates with care free and even hedonistic notions."

We sampled their very inexpensive lunch menu, which is generously served from 12:00-17:00 . My colleague had the sushi - which looked very nice, and I opted for the Korean and Mexican fusion burritos. You can select from a number of fillings, and I went with steak and egg - why not? I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was well worth it (not least for just €7!). The flavour of the filling was distinctly Korean - I am assuming there was some kimchi mixed in - and it went surprisingly well with the Mexican tortilla and the sour cream.

don't be fooled by the picture - it was a big portion!



Another highlight was this (unfortunately, I cannot remember the restaurant's name):


This was a very interesting mix of two of my favourite foods: breaded veal (SCHNITZEL-alert!) with mac'n cheese, cauliflower on the side and a kind of pesto on top: really nice!

Last but not least, here's the starter and dessert from the conference dinner we held at the Round Room at the Mansion House (the Mansion House being the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin). As the room was quite dark, none of my photos turned out very nice - but I would recommend it for evening dos! (and I simply forgot to take a picture of the main, which was steak with celeriac & truffle mash and asparagus)

Warm Goat's Curd & Roast Butternut Squash tart

Glazed Lemon Tart with Glenilen Yoghurt Cream & Lime Puree


Sunday, 28 April 2013

Choking on a lozenge

While I am feeling a little better than I did earlier in the week, my cold is still annoying me. My coughing keeps me up and wakes me up in the middle of the night. Sleeping in a nearly upright position to avoid the coughing - or choking on a lozenge - doesn't work very well either. It also feels as if all the coughing has caused a soreness in my diaphragm, which now hurts every time I cough - not a pleasant feeling, I can tell you. And of course, I also have a constant headache... So, I am of course wallowing in self pity.

But I do hope that a weekend of rest and lots of tea will do the trick.

Also, did you know that 'lozenge' is a form of a rhombus? I only ever knew the word as a synonym for a cough drop. Interesting stuff, hm?! And is evidence for the fact that I was never taught geometry in English.

Saturday, 27 April 2013

Summer rain

Well, given the recent drop in temperatures, it's more of  a spring rain. But the smell is just as nice!

Having said that, I would have appreciated it a little more, had it not started pouring down just the minute I stepped outside. Without an umbrella of course.

So, unfortunately, my online shopping package came back home with me...

Bring on June!

We had a mini-reunion yesterday of some of the London based people who went on the trip to Hong Kong together. I have to say that I never quite know which restaurant to pick in Chinatown, as they all look pretty much the same to me, offering very similar menus at very similar prices. Last night we went to Wan Chai Corner on Gerrard Street. Food was good - we ordered a number of main dishes for the group to share. I especially liked the sizzling beef dish and the pork belly. The eggplant dish was also (surprisingly) yummy. And apparently the Dim Sum is also really good. It's not a glamorous place, but has a rather basic set up. But the food was good and inexpensive. So, I would go back.

But I got most excited about the message in my fortune cookie, which read:

Success will come your way in June

Thursday, 25 April 2013

Kiwi accent? I wish!

I'm rubbish at identifying accents. I can just about spot a Glaswegian and an Australian accent (most of the time, at least), but that's about it. Equally, other people seem to find it just as difficult to place my accent. I do appreciate that it's not straightforward - while my last name is very German, I don't look typically German and I don't have a typical German accent. I still make mistakes though, which is why it surprises me that people usually guess through all English speaking countries with Australia and New Zealand recently topping the list. I love the Australian/Kiwi accent and would love to sound like that, but I really don't think I do. (I am also not able to spot the difference between an Aussie and a Kiwi accent.)

The weirdest guess quite recently was Welsh... (another accent I can only spot when people sound exactly like Stacey from Gavin and Stacey).


Wednesday, 24 April 2013

The addictive nature of online shopping

How many times have I sworn not to buy clothes and especially shoes online anymore? Many, many times... And while experience tells me that more often than not, I will end up having to deal with the hassle of returning stuff, I still go online and shop away. Where is the logic in that? I live in London! I have most retailers more or less at my doorstep! And yes, queueing for the changing room isn't that much fun either, but still better than having to walk all the way to the post office or parcel+ store with a heavy package...

Most recently, I was once again lured in by the asos sale. And here is what I got - and what will all go back again:

Image 1 of Vila Cardigan With Chiffon Floral Panel
a bargain at just £9 - but it didn't fit in M nor did it suit me...

Image 1 of ASOS Sleeveless Dress with Contrast Crochet Collar
surprisingly too big in size 8, and I didn't like the material

Image 1 of ASOS DENY Wedge High Top Trainers With Suede Detail
even size 6 was too small...

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

in bed

That's where I spent most of the day. Drinking tea, slurping a little soup, replying to work emails on the blackberry, dozing and feeling sorry for myself.

No surprise really that my body had a little break down after the stress of the last few weeks. A pity really, not least as today was a beautiful, sunny day. I ventured out to get the aforementioned soup but even the warm weather couldn't tempt me to stay outside.

I hope I'll feel better tomorrow. There's so much work waiting for me in the office...

Irish library charm

One of the (I'm not sure whether to say many or few...) things I really appreciate about my job is the beautiful places it takes me once in a while. During the recent meeting in Dublin, we held a reception in the Long Room which is part of the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin.

The Old Library was built in the 18th century and is home of the Book of Kells - a 9th-century gospel manuscript - famous throughout the world - but I have to admit I had never heard of it....

From the exhibition a staircase leads up to the Long Room. And when you come up the stairs the view of this magnificent library is just overwhelming! I'm not sure what I expected, but the name 'Long Room' sounded a bit boring and very plain to me. But it's anything but plain. It houses 200,000 of the Library’s oldest books and the room is lined with a collection of marble busts.

My photos didn't turn out that great, so I strongly recommend going for a visit next time you are in Dublin.



Monday, 22 April 2013

Discovering Ireland

As per usual, I spent most of my time indoors at the conference venue during the last few days. It really is a pity that we usually don't get much time to explore the places we go to. Nevertheless, I did learn a few things about Ireland. More specifically, I got introduced to Hurling and Gaelic Football - had never heard of either before I (admittedly, I initially got hurling and curling confused...). Not being a sporty person, neither of them seem very attractive to me, not least as they seem rather brutal!


Hurling:


Gaelic football:


Sunday, 21 April 2013

The London Marathon

Last week's bombings in Boston have meant that security for today's London Marathon have certainly been increased further but it hasn't stopped the event from going ahead nor the runners or numerous supporters from taking part on this lovely sunny day.

The marathon started with a 30 second silence in remembrance of the Boston victims. More than 35,000 runners signed up to raise money for good causes with YouthNet and Age UK being the official charity of the year partners. The charities have come together to implement a cross-generational project where young people are teamed up with older people to train them in digital media. The project aims to get those in later life out of isolation and give the young an opportunity for a work experience in training.

BBC covered the marathon and to be honest, I couldn't watch it for very long. The stories of some of those who race and/or support the marathon are very often incredibly touching and certainly humbling and made me very emotional.

With all the sh*t going on in the world, it's great to see how people are also able to do so much good. And very inspiring how people can overcome the obstacles that have been thrown their way.

The yin and yang of flying

While I feel a lot more comfortable on a plane - flying is still not my favourite pastime. I wasn't too bothered about the relative short flight over to Dublin though. Fortunately, I hadn't checked the weather forecast...

Chatting away to my colleague, the flight went by really quickly - until the plane prepared for landing. That's when the turbulence started. We sat in one of the rows without a window and without being able to look outside, I was convinced we'd be just seconds away from touching down. Interestingly as well, I am always a lot more anxious about take off, than I am about landing. It's because I know the whole experience will be over soon. While when there is turbulence during take off, I still have the whole flight ahead of me with the potential for further turbulence.

After about 10 minutes of rollercoaster-like bumpiness, the pilot suddenly pulled the plane back up and the stewardess made the comforting announcement, that the pilots were currently too busy to communicate with us but that we shouldn't worry and everything was fine...

A few minutes later, the pilot told us that it was too windy for us to land and they would have to circle over Dublin for a little while until they'd be able to try again. Fortunately, we managed to come down after the second attempt. But sitting through nearly 30 minutes of constant turbulence was not a pleasant experience and made me feel physically sick. But as somebody said to me: at least you got down safely. Good point.

And as it turned out, we had been the lucky ones! A number of flights had been delayed or even cancelled, which unfortunately affected a number of our delegates.

And - as if to make up for it - the return flight was one of the smoothest flights I've ever been on. And the views were fantastic, too (I managed to get a window seat). With blue skies and flying beneath the clouds (or maybe there weren't any?), I had great views. I am assuming we flew in over Wales - I hadn't realized how many (little) mountains/hills there are.

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Boston

I don't have any words for this.
Why do people do such horrific things to other people?

My thoughts go out to all those affected by the bombs.


Time is relative

And I wonder whether - if I really, really wish for it - the next 4 days will just go by in a flash.
Fingers crossed!

Monday, 15 April 2013

My favourite time of day

I love lying in (my) bed and I love to sleep. Getting up on the other hand, I don't like all that much.
On a weekend though - or any day that I can have a lie in - my favourite time of day are the couple of minutes just after waking up. You are in this state in between your dreamland and being fully awake. And just for this little time, you don't think of all the difficult things that might be going on in your life.
Until you are hit with reality again.

Sunday, 14 April 2013

She Wolf



David Guetta feat. Sia

Meet the Drill Instructor

In January, when I was still very motivated to work on my fitness levels, I bought a Time Out voucher for six sessions at Fitness Fusions. And yes, it has taken me until now - April - to FINALLY use my voucher for my first session...

One of their studios (they have a number of venues) is just a short walk from my office, which is of course very convenient. You can book your class online and it seems that a lot of people book relatively far in advance and then cancel last minute. I picked the Yogapilates session, expecting a rather tranquil affair. Little did I know what I had let myself in for...

No time was wasted on any introductions, instead Cheryl started barking out instructions. Luckily, I had been to yoga classes before, otherwise, I think I would have been pretty lost. We speedily went through a number of yoga poses and I was out of breath quickly. When I looked at the clock and realized that only 10 minutes had passed, I was getting rather worried about how/whether I'd be able to keep going for another 50 minutes!

I'm pleased to say that I somehow did. Even though I wasn't able to do quite as many repetitions on a number of occasions, as Cheryl wanted us to... As is often the case, I did feel really good after the class! And the days after, I could feel my muscles in a few places.

I think I will be going back.

Saturday, 13 April 2013

Friday, 12 April 2013

snail mail and the NHS

The other day I received a letter from my GP. An appointment had been made for me to see Nurse Pat on Monday 29th March at 15:30. The letter was dated 28 March and the envelope had a 2nd class stamp.
Not only would the letter never have arrived BEFORE the appointment, it even took nearly 2 weeks for it to arrive. On a side issue, the 29th March was also not a Monday but a Friday. And as I am working full-time, it's near impossible to just take time off work at such short notice.

Interestingly, I was also invited to bring a urine sample in a clean container. It made me wonder: Am I really the only person who doesn't stock containers in which one can transport one's urine to the doctor???

I'm sure whoever sent the letter was pleased with themselves for ticking the box 'make appointment for patient'.

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

shitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshit

The week started shit. And regrettably got shittier by the day.
I know none of this matters. It really doesn't. And still I am so angry. And worst of all, I am angry with myself. For being so angry and not being able to just switch this bad feeling that fills my whole body off and also for clearly not having been forceful enough previously.

I think I should be living on a deserted island. Nobody to annoy me, other than myself.
Hm, maybe not a good idea either...

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

7am

Is not a good time to get up. No, it's a good time to be in bed. Fast asleep. Fortunately, this is an exception to my daily work routine. I don't think I'd cope too well with it on a daily basis.

When I went to secondary school (in Germany), school started at 7:40. And I had to leave the house at 6:55 to get there in time. I certainly perfected the art of getting ready in very little time - which still comes in handy nowadays. Even though, I don't have to be at work until 9:30...

Monday, 8 April 2013

The art of making tea

After another stressful week, I decided to start drinking green tea in the hope that this would have a positive effect. And after another stressful day at work today, I've come home and made my first cup of green tea (with lemon). Leave the tea bag in for 2 minutes - that's what it said on the package. I checked the clock, made a mental note - and after half an hour realized that the tea bag was still in the mug...

The second attempt didn't go much better either. But at least I noticed after just 10 minutes...

Sunday, 7 April 2013

Das Wort zum Sonntag

We’re all going to die, all of us, what a circus!
That alone should make us love each other but it doesn’t.
We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities, we are eaten up by nothing.
Charles Bukowski

Saturday, 6 April 2013

Talk to me

I am one of these people (and I am sure this won't surprise you...), who usually walks around with a face that is generally interpreted as: STAY AWAY and DO NOT TALK TO ME!*

This is partly because my face seems naturally inclined to send out this message and partly because I usually do want to be left alone.

Nevertheless, on the few occasions that I have been to the US, I have always been very positively surprised by people's willingness to engage in friendly small-talk with complete strangers at any (or at least most) given opportunity. It's nice and also makes waiting at the check out queue or the bus stop more pleasant. I think part of the problem is that over here, I always expect people to have an ulterior motive when they approach me, which makes me very suspicious.

During the last few days, I have been trying to be more smiley when interacting with people and it turns out that having a friendly chat at my local sandwich shop or with the receptionist where I live, really cheers me up. So, I will definitely try to keep this up.**




* I would like to add that I do have an 'events-face', too, which comes in handy when I am working.
**Well, not during the morning rush hour - that would be too much to ask...

Friday, 5 April 2013

Pearls before swine

I discovered this comic strip in the daily metro. And after initial hesitation, I find it hilarious!
Check it out here.

Not half full, nor half empty - but always overflowing

That's the state of my laundry basket. Why, oh why?
Some might say that I need to do my laundry more often.
And I guess they would have a point...

Thursday, 4 April 2013

Watching people watch telly

Who would have thought that this could be so entertaining? I certainly didn't!
I stumbled on this programme by coincidence: Gogglebox on Channel 4 and my initial thought was: who would want to watch this?

The programme shows a number of people watching telly. It's the same people watching telly each week and you get to witness their banter and shouting at the TV. That's it. Sounds pretty daft, but it is really rather funny. Or at least I think so.

Wednesday, 3 April 2013

When technology is too clever for you (or rather me)

Spring forward, fall back.

After years of confusion (twice a year, to be precise), I have finally managed to remember that clocks are moved forward in spring, and backwards in the autumn. All prepared, I went about changing the time on my smartphone. I noticed that it was set on automated time setting, and wouldn't let me change the time. So, I unticked the automated setting, changed the time by an hour and set my alarm accordingly.

I'm sure you can guess what happened...

The bloody phone went forward by another hour anyway, which meant, that the alarm went off an hour early! Well, I guess that's still better than oversleeping. And I really appreciated the 'additional' 60 minutes I was able to spend in bed!



Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Remember Easter 2004?

I don't. Nor do I remember Easter 1985, 1997 or 2009. Easter doesn't tend to be a memorable event. At least not in my life.

Easter 2013 though will probably stick with me for a while. As the Easter when it snowed.
How ironic that we moved to summer time this weekend!

A seaside MUST

When you go to the English seaside, Fish 'n Chips are kind of a must. Well, you may indulge in battered goodness anywhere and anytime really. That's what I think, anyway. :-)

While I do love Brighton, I have to say that it has much more charm on a sunny and warm day. Or at least a sunny OR a warm day. But despite it being late March, it was still (or again) freezing cold. And rainy and grey. Which tends to make everything look a bit dreary and grey.

It also makes you want to spend more time indoors...
We found this lovely bar/restaurant, called Bohemia, near the Lanes and the seafront. Their Cafe Mocha comes with a cube of chocolate that you dunk into the espresso with milk for it to melt away (or alternatively suck it straight off the stick). We were really lucky to get one of the tables on their first floor 'The Library' with views onto the street. The tables in the window were really what caught our eye in the first place!

Bohemia spreads out over three floors, including a roof terrace, which surely must be lovely during the summer. They offer anything from breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner to Jazz nights, cocktails and DJs.

part of The Library on the first floor

hmmmmmmmmmmmm....