Those people

... who think they always know best, who think that it's their mission to solve everyone's problems and who keep interfering with things that are none of their business.
Those people - I could really do without.

Lent 2014 - an update

Three weeks to go until Easter and I am pleased to say that I am doing surprisingly well with my plans for lent 2014:

- as predicted: I can't not swear. But I'm swearing a lot less and more importantly: more consciously. Sometimes I decide it's good to have a bit of a rant. And sometimes, I decide it's better not to swear. But the f* word doesn't just accidentally slip out. Interestingly, it's also made me much more aware of other people's swearing. And I realize how little I like hearing it. So, I really shouldn't be saying it myself, should I?

- Ok, I was doing very well on the no clothes shopping. Even in Lyon! But on the weekend, I went underwear shopping. Which is ok, I did need new underwear. Really!
On the fabric shopping front I've so far failed miserably though. Today I had my last sewing class. Which means I need a new project to work on!

- Since using the Water your Body app, I've been drinking at least 1.8 litres every day. Tick! (yes, yes, I've only been doing this for a few days...)

- I've definitely been watching less telly, too. Primarily, as I haven't been home that much... but I also switch the TV on less often, and for example listen to music instead. So, that's going well, too.

All on track! And I expect I will stick to most of the above (except for the shopping...) even after Easter.

inspired by my visit to the Zoo ;-)
There was more in the bag, too, which I won't share though.
Not even sure why I am showing you this....

A thank you

You might remember my terrible massage in Stratford. I left feedback on the salon's Wahanda page. And just received a letter from Wahanda including a nail file as a thank you. Saying that they take feedback very seriously and try to work with the venues to improve.

And my thank you to them was to book another Wahanda massage (at a different place!). Thanks to another £10 off (Mother's day) voucher, the 60 minute massage only cost £15! Booked for mid April. I hope I won't regret returning to Wahanda...

Round and round

Another showcase event at London Zoo. After it had pissing down with rain during the afternoon and with a meeting scheduled at 16:30, I had actually decided to give this one a miss. But then suddenly the sun made a reappearance and my meeting finished earlier than expected!

To be honest, other than the penguins, I didn't see any of the animals. Probably better as well, as I find the London Zoo a rather sad affair... They also have a baby penguin at the moment. It was a bit bizarre though to see him in this box. Is it really kept like this???

Anyhow, main reason for my attendance was to catch up with C who I hadn't seen in months. So that was lovely. Another highlight was the ride on their traditional carousel - you know those like the one in Mary Poppins! I'm not even sure I've ever been on one. Should have taken a photo really, shouldn't I?! Instead, I only have a photo of the goody bag:

Cooling bag; Cajun Spice BBQ Rub (random); bottle; bottle holder;
and the green ball has a rain poncho inside

Water your body

I don't drink enough. The massage therapist on Tuesday mentioned that drinking water would also help with the knots I have. He of course also mentioned exercise - but I know myself well enough that that would never last...

One of my colleagues introduced me to the free 'Water your body' app. Based on my weight, it's calculated that I should drink 1.8 litres a day. I was pleasantly surprised, as that seems doable even for me. On the app, you can note how much you drink as you go through the day. It sends you reminders, too and thus helps you keep track.

At the moment, it feels as if my bladder isn't used to all the water though and the constant toilet visits are rather annoying. But hopefully, it will get better and I will feel the benefits!

What's next

"For ages, there's been talk about rethinking elements of your way of living, goals or work. While you've made minor changes, over the coming weeks, events will make it clear things can't remain as they were. Knowing that, begin thinking about what should go and what's next."

That was my horoscope last Monday. And I thought I knew what these changes were. When on Tuesday I got some news that could potentially change those changes. Or maybe not.
For once in my life though, I feel very relaxed about it all. Which is a pretty good feeling.

Perfect ending

last Monday, at London Eye Pier

... to my holiday. It was only a week and usually that feels like a day. But this time, I seem to have made the most of my leave. While it was still freezing cold, I enjoyed the sunny Monday. I love taking the commuter boat down the Thames. Finishing at North Greenwich with a trip on the cable car back to my place.

The final

Daniel Weichel wins his semi-final fight against Matt Bessette in Salt Lake City!
The final will take place on 2 May in Atlantic City.

Comedy Cafe Theatre - a first

I don't think I had been to a stand up comedy show before. I remember planning on going to one - and then ending up just sitting in the pub downstairs. I have to admit that I am a bit weary about becoming part of the performance...

So, yesterday was a first and after a great dinner at S' (first time I had corn mince, too - will definitely buy some!), we headed over to the Comedy Cafe Theatre on Rivington Street in Shoreditch. Small venue with a bar downstairs, and next door to JUBO (Korean chicken - which I am making responsible for my upset stomach a few months ago...). 

One out of three: is that a good result?
Milo McCabe was the first to come on (after the compere) - and he just wasn't funny. And then got heckled and it just got even more cringe-worthy. I just googled him, and I hadn't realized that he was performing as one of his characters. Still not funny though. It does explain though why his supposedly Portuguese accent sounded Dutch (even though he is English).

Prince Abdi on the other hand was really good - check out his gigs if you can!

The main event of the evening was Ron Vaudry. Who after about 20 minutes left the stage without a word. Maybe he had realized that the audience was just not into it. I don't mind rude humour (at all), but again, I just didn't find him funny.

The audience overall seemed very supportive though and politely laughed at all of the jokes. At least I felt that they had quite a lucky escape!

Negotiations at Byron

Business lunch at Byron on Friday. Cause that's how we roll!

Their burgers really are good. They could do with bigger tables though. With regard to the meeting: it uncovered some surprising revelations which I will have to give some serious thought. I'm feeling a bit pissed off as it seems as if I might have to reconsider my plans. And I am not sure how that feels yet.

Click here for food photos from a previous visit.

Letting go

Isn't it just beautiful and empowering when you realize that it is all up to yourself?
You don't want to let (me) go? Fair enough, but I am not making that into my issue.
No hard feelings, no bitterness just knowing that everything is good the way it is.

Me, the hunchback

Time for my monthly massage. This time at Treatments at Bank and thanks to another Time Out voucher I got a 60 minute massage for an unbeatable £24.

Jose was good. And he worked very hard on my knots. Of which I apparently have many. And yes, it was very painful at times. It was also worrying when he advised me to address this as a matter of urgency if I don't want to end up with a hunchback and regular headaches....

I certainly wouldn't mind weekly massages (to get rid off the knots)!

It ended in tears

The last two books I read, ended in tears. In my tears. I was lying in bed, reading the last pages and was sobbing away. Sad tears this time. I like it if a book moves me and I get emotionally involved in the story.

I know they are only stories. It's fiction. Nevertheless, stories like this happen all the time. And that makes me sad. And also reminds me that life is short. So, a bit more carpe diem and a bit less pointless worrying are surely the way to go.

As per usual, I won't try to summarize the books - you've got amazon for that :-)

The shock of the fall by Nathan Filer

The confusion of Karen Carpenter by Jonathan Harvey

Foody Tuesday

Eating out twice in a day has pushed me to my stomach's limit! But the food was so delicious.

For lunch, I met R who took me to Polpo in Smithfield, just a short walk from our office. They have other branches in Soho and Covent Garden, too. It's a darkish, quirky place, unfortunately gets rather noisy quickly. Also very popular - it got really busy. The menu consists of little dishes - I'd describe it as Italian tapas. Unfortunately, I have no photos for you. But the food was delicious! We didn't have any of the pizzettes - but they looked really nice. I'll definitely try them on my next visit (and there certainly will be a next visit!). The flourless orange and almond cake and the rhubarb and pistachio panacotta pushed me over the edge (we shared desserts - I am not that greedy after all!). I haven't felt this full in a long time!

Then for dinner, I met V at Harry's Bar (the one near Bank station), who have a special deal on where you get 50% of the food menu, if you order at least two courses. The restaurant is in the basement, also very nicely decorated with great service. Food was also excellent and with the discount a real bargain!

Smoked salmon and prawns; broccoli soup with Stilton;
fettuccine with broccoli and almonds; risotto with prawns, peas and mint

My bitchy 5 seconds

Unless you are a genius, you won't have been fluent in German after two years of German lessons at school. And no, an A in your German GCSEs is not really proof for anything.
*bitchiness over*

Brunch over breakfast anytime!

I never eat breakfast. I leave the house even without a coffee - which I then have when I get to the office. And yes, I know that breakfast apparently is the most important meal of the day. But I simply cannot bring myself to eat anything. I've tried. And it didn't go well.

Brunch on the other hand, is a different matter altogether. In Germany, brunch usually means though a kind of buffet that is made up of breakfast AND lunch dishes. Whereas in the UK, restaurants have special brunch menus. I do prefer the buffet variety. But you've got to make the most of what is on offer!

And 100 Hoxton has a short but very nice menu.

From left to right: Buttermilk & Maple French toast with crispy bacon, fried eggs, tomatoes and salad; for sharing: burnt egg plant salad with toasted coconut, apple, beetroot, cherry tomatoes and hazelnuts; and for S: vegetarian breakfast

Sleeping with a stranger

Well, not quite. Sleeping AT a stranger's. On my trip to Lyon, I tried airbnb for the first time. I actually already have an apartment booked in Copenhagen for my weekend trip there with a friend in May, but this was the first time that I actually did it and booked a room in somebody else's place.

Altogether it worked out at £100 for three nights. And the flat was amazing! With its massive living room and the high ceilings and central location and three bedrooms! My bedroom was en-suite (I wouldn't want to share a bathroom). The room was clean, the bed was comfortable, heating was adjustable in the room, there was a kettle in the room and we could help ourselves to breakfast in the morning.

Yes, it means staying with a stranger. I picked a place that had lots of positive reviews already. And Max really was very nice. I had my own set of keys and could thus go and leave as I pleased. And just in case, I left his details with my sister ;-)

I would definitely recommend it!

And it has a balcony... This is probably bigger than my whole flat!
Yes, I have serious appartment-envy :-(

The photos don't really capture it. But this lift is not for claustrophobics!

Artful inspirations

I am a little embarrassed to say that I don't think I ever went to the Museum of Fine Arts while I lived in Lyon. Not only does it have a great art collection, it also has a beautiful courtyard, ideal for enjoying a sunny day, and reading a book.

I'm still very much planning on having a second (and probably more) tattoo. But the final image hasn't emerged yet. Various ideas keep changing in my mind - regarding the motive as well as the place on my body I want it. Some of the art pieces I saw gave me even more ideas. Not helping really...

La puissance de la volonte

Could I please have one of these? Thanks.

goals, goals, goals

Frankfurt 5 : Nuremberg 2
And do I even have to mention it! Chelsea 6: Arsenal 0

The season is nearing its end. And I have to say I am a bit disappointed that I still haven't seen a Chelsea game in the stadium. But hey, the day will surely come. Somehow. Eventually.

Animals for free

I don't know how they do it. London Zoo charges £24 (!) for an adult ticket. And the zoo in the Parc de la Tête d'Or in Lyon is free. Completely free.

That crocodile was just lying there with his jaw wide open. They actually took turns.

So cute! I loved how they enjoyed the sunshine and piled onto each other.

Bambi and friends

A toddler came by with her Dad and was clearly flabbergasted by this pelican who just sat there. Away from the other pelicans. And she kept asking: why is he not moving? Is he unwell? Very cute. And random.
Apologies for the lack of monkey pictures. They had loads (monkeys, not pictures), but the cages were positioned so that photos came out too dark.

And some more impressions from France

• You've got to eat crepes when in France! The crepe carbonara had probably as many calories as my weekly dinners taken all together. (I didn't eat the raw egg)
• French cider just tastes so much better than English cidre. And it doesn't give me a headache either.
• All French smoke. Well, a lot anyway. It really made me crave a cigarette... (I resisted)
• My French is still pretty good - I was able to understand more than I thought and even got a few sentences out.
• French movies can be funny but not really comparable to American or British movies. Ok, I restrict my judgement to the comedies that I watched.
• French dress the opposite to English: as soon as there is a ray of sunshine over here, the shorts and tank tops come out. Even though it was nearly 20C, the French were still all wearing their winter coats. 

With love from Lyon

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Fading memory lane

I just spent three days in Lyon. During my third year at university, I spent six months in Villeurbanne, which is just outside Lyon. Well, there isn't really a 'border' between the two cities. I loved the city - probably the prettiest city I've lived in. I hadn't been back in years and when I was looking for cheap flights, Lyon popped up, so I went for it.

And it was a little weird. Not sure whether this is simply age - but I could hardly remember anything. I remembered the city and could remember isolated incidences/situations. But I can't for the life of me remember what I did all the time. I can't remember anything about myself either.

Besides, I thought the city had an aggressive and even menacing vibe about it. In just the few days I was there, I witnessed a few incidences - all during the day time. Of course these things happen everywhere but London feels very different. Maybe it's the difference between visiting a place and living in a place?

right here

It's just one week. But I haven't been this excited about having time off work for a while. And the precious 7 days started with a day at the seaside - you can't beat that! Even if it was windy and not exactly warm at times: it's the sea! And I could spend days just sitting on the beach, listening to the waves coming in.

Even if Bogner Regis is not exactly a place I'd recommend....

Arundel and proof that the sun did shine intermittently

DOH!

I'm officially an idiot.

Why has it taken me so long to realize that I can listen to my (German) local radio station over the internet? And just how nice it is to hear some German for a change. I used to listen to the radio quite a lot when I lived in Germany. For some reason, I never listen to English radio.
It's a mystery.

It's also a bit of a mystery that half the time they are playing the music I used to listen to when I still lived in Germany. Which was (primarily) back in the 90s....

The opposite of warming to someone

Is there a word for that?

I sometimes wonder whether I am a bit weird when it comes to my interactions with people. I can be very judgmental and tiny things can piss and/or put me off someone quickly. Equally, certain people can get away with murder once I've decide that I like them. I know, doesn't sound particularly healthy.

Anyway, what also seems to happen frequently is that I meet somebody and within the first five minutes I decide that there are really very nice people who I'd like to get to know better. Within the next 15 minutes though, I change my mind completely about them. I'm always trying to figure out what it is that attracts me to these people in the first place but haven't been able to get to the bottom of it yet.

Broccoli neglect

I hadn't realized how much I like broccoli. It's not one of the vegetables, I would routinely buy. (thinking about it, I generally don't buy any vegetables...) I had some in a restaurant a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed it, so bought some. If I remember, I'll buy it more often from now on.

The simple things in life.

For good

...

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return

 ...

The breakfast hype

How does it work? I've been to the Breakfast Club in Islington and today at Spitalfields. And both times, there were long queues. They don't take bookings on weekends and clearly don't have to. People patiently kept joining the queue. Edging towards the yellow door, thinking that soon you've made it. Only to realize that the queue continues inside.

It's a cool place with a cool menu. But slow - albeit very friendly - service  clearly contributes to keeping the queues long. Tables were left empty for ages...

Nevermind though: the pancake, bacon, cheese, egg tower with maple syrup was yummy!
And then sat in the Park just off Brick Lane and enjoyed the sun. London is great!

Taking a break

I do enjoy meeting new people, going places, doing stuff. But I also need 'me-time' to recharge energy. I suppose, the introvert part of me can find all these social interactions quite exhausting, too.
It's important (for me) to know when to take a break.
So, Saturday was just my day. And my longingly awaited week off is near!

Orange Owl

And here's the final cushion. Decided to go for 'square-ish' this time.

And a reminder of my other commissioned work:
Dinosaur 1 and Dinosaur 2

March Birchbox

Benefit - Stay don't Stray: eye primer
Dr. Brandt - Pores No More Pore Refiner
Aroma Works - Serenity Body Oil
Cellu-Cup - massage tool, recreating the 'pinch and roll' technique (didn't even know that existed...)
English Laundry - No.7 for her
Candy Rock

The box had been announced for a while as a collaboration with Lulu Guinness. And to be honest, I was rather disappointed. The only link to Lulu is the candy rock (!) which apparently inspired her spring/summer 2014 collection. Not what I expected. It's also the second time that the box includes an English Laundry sample, which you can probably pick up at a beauty counter.

I am looking forward though to trying the benefit eye primer and the pore refiner.

Food sans photos

Lunch at the Bavarian Beerhouse on Old Street with Leberkaese and a variety of sausages. And dinner at Japanese restaurant at Mugen near London Bridge. Both times I was too hungry to remember taking photos first...

Can I just say as well that Mugen's menu was too much for me. I do like choice and am not keen on short menus - but there is a point where too much choice is too hard to deal with. But thanks to the art of delegation, crisis was averted. Once in a while it's nice for someone else to make decisions for me.

Another victory

Stephan Pütz wins the M-1 Global Light Heavyweight title against Victor Nemkov in St. Petersburg yesterday. I didn't watch the fight and after reading the report just now, I am very glad I didn't. Too much excitement over five rounds!

Honing my strudel making skills

I have got to say it once again: I love the perks that my job is offering me! Dinner at the Langham one day, and at the Austrian Embassy the next.

Since 1866, the embassy has been housed on Belgrave Square and already the walk there from Knightsbridge station is a treat: designer stores with inviting window displays, posh cars and beautiful mansions. The embassy itself is a place of amazing beauty, too. The drinks reception was held in the rooms on the first floor - my pictures don't do the place any justice! The Ambassador, Dr Emil Brix, and his wife welcomed us warmly and joined us for dinner.

In addition to a three course menu, we were given a strudel making demonstration. Safe to say that I won't even attempt to make my own strudel at home. No way I could ever get the pastry thin enough to be able to read a newspaper through it....

Perfect place for entertaining guests

Frittatensoup; Tafelspitz, apple strudel

Dining in style

Have you ever been to the Langham hotel? If not, go check it out.

According to Wikipedia, it is one of the largest and best known traditional style grand hotels in London. Located on Portland Place, it's just a short walk from Oxford Circus. I was invited to a dinner in their private dining rooms on the lower ground floor, so unfortunately, didn't get to see much of the hotel - but even just the lobby is absolutely stunning!

We've also had a very sunny week, and it was still warm enough in the evening to take pre-dinner drinks on the patio outside. Yeah to spring!

A terrible shot of the outside

Whiskey cured salmon and soda bread; three kinds of chicken with cabbage;
pear almond tart; after dinner chocies a la Langham

*delete*

It's hard to imagine, but there was a time, when people wrote each other letters. When I was a teenager, there was this service where you could buy addresses for penfriends from all over the world. One of my penfriend who lived in Thailand always sent me cute little stationary-gifts. And one of my cousins was a very avid writer, and so were a couple of my friends from school. I kept most of them and have a whole box (somewhere... I think it's at my parents).

Slowly but surely, I received fewer letters and more emails. And so I started 'collecting' emails. Much more space-saving, too!

The other day though, I was questioning, why I am keeping them all. A lot of the stuff I am currently reading about, is about letting go. Surely, all the good memories, will always be in my heart (or if they happened in the last three years on my blog, too). And all the bad stuff - would I want to be reminded of them when re-reading about them?

The jury is still out on what my 'policy' on deleting and keeping stuff is, but I have started to delete some folders. It just felt right.

Frühjahrsmüdigkeit

According to wikipedia it translates to Spring Fever. Which ironically though means the opposite of the German term (spring tiredness). Whatever the word might be, I am feeling it. It probably doesn't help being out and about quite a lot, so it might just be the result of lack of sleep. Which I am planning on catching up on this weekend and of course during my week off work - which will be so amazing. I can feel it.

More dinosaurs

I'm on a roll, baby! Just finished the second cushion for S yesterday. Same pattern, different colour and this time I made it as big as possible. The fabric has a number printed on it. Last time, I reduced the width of the fabric, so that the printed number wouldn't appear. This time, I realized though, that the fabric was long enough to get the two halves for the cushion by keeping the width, and just cutting the number out length-wise.

I'm sure that makes no sense to anyone. As I am terrible at explaining things.
Incidentally, in my six month review, I've been told that my communication skills have improved noticeably. It doesn't seem to apply to my written skills unfortunately. Or maybe it just means that I started out at a very low level...

Travel envy

A friend has just returned from 5 months of travelling across South America. Lunch was most definitely not long enough to have a proper catch up. Besides a beautiful tan, she's returned with great memories of all the amazing places they went to see and with the plan to go travelling again in two years.

I am very, very envious. But there is still something stopping me doing just the same.
Maybe one day?

Pokerface

Some people have perfected the pokerface. I'm unfortunately not one of them. It would come in quite useful at times. And it would also be useful to uncover other people's pokerfaces.

the sun is out!

What a lovely weekend it was! And we were making the most of it, soaking up the sun in Little Venice. And no weekend is complete without good food. And there was plenty.

Chicken Enchilada at Boho Mexica in Shoreditch

Persian food at Kateh near Little Venice

Sunbathing in Little Venice - a perfect day for my pink shoes

Escaping from the party tower

The boys from flat 72 like partying. I can often hear them leaving the flat or coming home late on a Friday or Saturday night. And when in the corridor, you can usually hear the music blaring out of their flat. Last Monday, I had a flyer pushed underneath my door: the boys (that's what they called themselves) were announcing a massive - one-off - party on Saturday. With VERY loud music and lasting until the early morning. This was their way of apologizing beforehand.

I hate noise. And especially when there is no means of escaping it. I started fretting until I reminded myself that it was only Monday and there really was no reason at all to worry and be upset the whole week leading up to this one night party extravaganza.
And so, I didn't.

Friday night though, they seemed to have a trial run. And I got woken up first my loud music. And then by the neighbour who was having a word with them. It was making me very nervous... And I found a simple solution: S very kindly let me stay at hers. Not only did I escape from quite possibly a night without any sleep, I also had great company and a very nice evening.

And it all goes to show that things very often work themselves out. And I shall spend less time worrying.

Monkey Business and the Birdman

You've got to love London and what it has to offer. On Sunday, I discovered the Puppet Theatre Barge - currently moored in Little Venice and going for more than 30 years. The barge is much bigger than one would expect - it has tiered seating! Thanks to a friend of a friend being one of the puppeteers, we even got a backstage tour - and the space for the puppeteers on the other hand is very limited indeed.

Admittedly, it's primarily for kids (who were all incredibly well behaved and quiet), but it was a cool experience. And it's quite impressive what you can do with the puppets. And - last but not least - you can never go wrong with monkeys!

Red Rose

I don't drink a lot, but once in a while I do enjoy a cocktail. And the Red Rose at Grace Bar near Piccadilly Circus was a great start to the weekend after a bit of a strenuous work week. A great start to a lovely evening, too.


And they have a happy hour from 16:00-20:00.

Vodka with fresh raspberry purée, lemon juice, a dash of rose syrup,
with a spritz of rose essence

Pretty, pretty pictures

Wes Anderson's new film The Grand Budapest Hotel brings together some amazing actors and it's kind of a pity that all but Ralph Fiennes  - who is absolutely wonderful - only have supporting roles. The film is lovely. With lots of lovely pictures and pretty colours and wit and humour and sadness. I definitely want to watch it again one day.

I went to see it in the Screen on the Green, which by the way is also a great cinema in Islington: comfy seats and lots of legroom.

Blind stitch and human pin cushion

This week I caught up with the last two weeks of the Great British Sewing Bee and while I am still miles away from accomplishing anything as amazing as the contestants, it has also been a good sewing-week for me.

I'll be honest: I really didn't want to go to my class last Monday. The whole dart misery had gotten to me and despite practicing it at home, I just couldn't get it right. Thanks to the encouragement of my colleagues though, I went and I'm so glad I did! My lovely teacher rescued my dart, I managed to sew the back bits together, as well as the shoulders and am ready to sew in the collar facing. There is even a mini-chance I'll get the top done before the end of the term...

Secondly, I have finally completed the first of three cushions for S. And in the process, I learned how to blind stitch - following this great tutorial. The internet is amazing, in case you hadn't yet noticed!

The one thing I really need to work on though is to stop using my hand as a pin cushion: I somehow manage to prick myself all the time. Even drawing a little blood the other day... (dramaqueen - me?!)

Yes, it's a bit wonky... Cutting and sewing in a straight line really is a skill!!!!

Fluffy, pink and...

... entirely useless.

I'm sure you can see why I just had to get these pretty earphones! Unfortunately, they are not compatible with my ears and keep falling out. Worth a try!

impactful

I recently was reminded of how much impact we have on the people around us. The realization hit me quite hard. I know that we are of course all responsible for ourselves and we need to figure out how to deal with what happens around us. So much of which I am learning for myself at the moment.
But to suddenly realize that my behaviour - even if not directed at another person - can have such immediate consequences for somebody else, is a bit daunting.

I'm so happy I could cry

Do you know this feeling?
I'm not sure what exactly it is at the moment, but I see or experience wonderful things - most of them 'small'  - that move me to tears all the time. I'm also surprising myself with how happy other people's happiness is making me. It's the best crying there is :-)

As I found out, there is even a word for it: compersion: "an empathetic state of happiness and joy experienced when another individual experiences happiness and joy. It is sometimes identified with parents' pride in their children's accomplishments or one's own excitement for friends' and others' successes" (from Wikipedia).

It is also such a relief to remind myself that other people's issues are for them to deal with and there is just no need to make them mine. Very simple things can make massive differences.

Muggers get up early these days

As sort of New Year's resolutions, two of my colleagues have set themselves a different challenge each month. This month's challenge for one of them is to run to work on at least one day (I think). And on her first run of the month, this morning, she was mugged.

Fortunately, she didn't get hurt. She was listening to music on her phone, which she held in her hand and the mugger came, twisted her arm and thus got her phone. It was 7:15am near Southwark. In daylight.
That's the terrifying bit.

The nice bit is that somebody passing by confronted the guy. The mugger wanted to run away - but would have had to run into my colleague's arms. She asked him to just give back the phone. Which he surprisingly did before running off. A cyclist nearby was wearing a camera on his helmet and sent her the evidence and another guy chased the guy down the street and called the police.

It's comforting to know that there are still (?) people with courage out there, who will help complete strangers.

Talk to me

Do you know these people who just always and with ease get chatting to strangers? No matter where they go, no matter who they meet, they always strike up conversations.

For years, I admired these people and wished I could be like them. Instead, I mostly felt uncomfortable around strangers. Worried that I wouldn't know what to say if I was spoken to. And still disappointed, when I wasn't spoken to. Which was most of the time.

The other day, I caught myself having a chat with the couple we shared the cable car with. And it just felt easy and effortless. And I suddenly realized that this happens quite a lot these days. Further proof that things can change. Some things anyway.

Lent 2014

Having been raised by a very Catholic mother, lent was always a 'thing' during my childhood. For those who don't know: lent is the period of 40 days before Easter - Sundays aren't counted. Generally, we (my brother and sister included) gave up sweets during lent.

I haven't done anything for lent in years. Giving up sweets or alcohol wouldn't mean much, as I can easily go without them anyway. Unrelated to its religious origin, I decided to use the occasion to make some changes - for now limited to the period of lent.

- No more using the f* word. This will be very tricky. And I already know that I won't manage. But swearing (a lot) less will be a good start. And in anticipation, I made the most of yesterday to get a lot of swearing off my chest! (hahahahaha)
- No clothes shopping. This will hopefully be doable. I might make an exception for my little trip to Lyon though. I shall see. Fabric shopping on the other hand is of course allowed!
- Drinking more water - at least 1.5 litres each day. I've been really terrible with this lately and I wonder whether it's contributing to my itchy skin
- Watching less TV. I might make that a no TV rule. Hm, well probably not... But I will make a list of programmes I'm allowing myself to watch. Otherwise, only DVDs will be allowed.

Wish me luck - or rather determination!

Shrove Tuesday

I love pancakes. And since I figured out how to make them without wasting time on measuring the flour and milk (and just pour everything together), I actually make them quite regularly at home. Today on Shrove Tuesday aka Pancake day, I treated myself to pancakes at Shutterbug in Shoreditch though - recommended by Time Out, the Metro and Sunday Brunch!

The place was packed and is rather small to start with, but fortunately I had managed to reserve a table. I was so hungry, that I forgot to take a picture of the savoury ones... They were both delicious (we shared): pulled pork with cheese and pickles and goats cheese with spinach and fig relish. YUMMY!!!!
For dessert, the three of us shared: lemon & sugar (still not used to this typically British combo), maple syrup and blueberries and red velvet with chocolate and strawberries. Again, all of them were very tasty.

Their menu is usually even more extensive, in anticipation of the crowds today, they were offering a shorter menu. I will definitely be back to try more. And it's only a 20 minute walk from my office. As probably most places in Shoreditch, it's a very trendy place, attracting (clearly!) trendy people.

This is what you missed, Tash - and we missed you!

Greenwich - always worth a visit

Greenwich is one of my favourite places in London. I'm always surprised that there are still Londoners (or frequent London visitors) who've never been.

We arrived early enough to avoid the crowds descending on Greenwich market, which is  just a 2 minute walk from Cutty Sark station. As a side note: it is one hell of a walk up the stairs to get out of the station as the escalators are being done up at the moment... There are so many pretty things to buy that I usually end up buying nothing. I think next time, I need to set myself a target of what I'd like to get and how much I am happy to spend on it.

After the market we went for lunch at the Greenwich Tavern. Then through the park up to the Observatory - some of the exhibitions are free to enter. Back down the hill, we visited the Maritime Museum. And for the first time we went to the Painted Hall and the Chapel of the Old Royal Naval College. Last but not least we stopped at the Reddoor Cafe for a coffee and tea. Quirky place with great art on the walls, a Johnny Depp lookalike barista and a vinyl record player.

Views from the Observatory over the city

Maritime museum

the Painted Hall

the Chapel

the Cutty Sark

my pretty teacup at the Reddoor Cafe

Smallholding

Via Amazon Local, I got two tickets for this play at the Soho Theatre for just £15 (even without the voucher, tickets are only £10). To be honest, I'd never heard of that theatre before. It's a very small space on Dean Street, just off Oxford Street (near the Tottenham Court Road station end) with a funky bar on the ground floor.

This is what it says on the website:
"Jen and Andy have been gifted a new start: a cottage in Northamptonshire. The plan is to give it and themselves a new lease of life; to brush off the decade they squandered in the city. But escaping their shared demons was never going to be easy.

Smallholding is a smouldering love story about trying to make a relationship work when the odds are stacked against you."

I didn't expect the 'shared demons' to be drug addiction. I had expected more of a 'relate-able' story. Having said that, I really enjoyed the play. Even if parts were rather uncomfortable to watch and a lot of it was sad. Despite the very specific issues that come with addiction, there was still a lot that is applicable to relationships in general. Both played their roles very well and as we were so close to the action, it made it quite an intense experience.

As Jen says at the end: 'You miss so much, when you are looking the wrong way.' 

Spitalfield market

according to the shop owner, he is used to being photographed - no wonder: he's so beautiful!

I love this wall decoration!  In a cafe off Spitalfield market

More cutting

But this time with paper. I attended a Paper Cutting workshop - part of the Very Easy workshop series at Homemade London. Francesca was showing us the basics of paper cutting and it's more difficult and strenuous than I had expected. You have to use quite a bit of force to cut through the paper. And even the super easy design I worked on took me forever to finish...

The workshop takes places in their cosy craft salon, just a short walk from Marble Arch station. Be prepared to focus. So in that sense it's not much of a social event, as (at least as beginner) you can't talk AND cut at the same time.

my fabulous framed work; the super cute wallpaper in the craft salon; more ambitious designs to be tackled soon

The Weasel strikes again

Daniel Weichel had his Bellator debut fight last Friday. I can't bring myself to watch the fights live - the tension is too much for me. Daniel won his fight against Scott Cleve in the first round, after 3:46 minutes with a rear-naked choke and is thus through to the semi-final in Salt Lake City.

Watching the fight when knowing the result is just about bearable but nevertheless emotional. I myself am not into doing sports. In addition to being completely talent-free, I also lack the discipline and patience to work on getting better. But when watching others succeed, it fills me with excitement and a sort of overwhelming joy. I can of course only imagine what it must feel like for the individual in question - but I imagine it to be pretty awesome.

The headbutt

Newcastle had a great game against Hull yesterday (4:1 for Newcastle). But Newcastle's manager, Alan Pardew, made the headlines for other reasons. He decided to headbutt one of Hull's players. And got fined £100,000 by his club for doing so.

I didn't see the incident and just read about it and have to say that I find it a little hilarious. I especially enjoyed Pardew's description of the headbutt: 'I tried to push him away with my head.' Why on earth does a grown man decide to headbutt somebody? At a game. On camera. People....

Dum Dums and Cronuts

I recently saw an article about the Dum Dums Donutterie and their Shoreditch Boxpark store (right outside Shoreditch High Street station). Dum Dums are donuts that are baked rather than fried thus actually good for you. Or something like that... But in addition to Dum Dums, they also sell the famous Cronuts (surely everyone has heard of them, but if not: they are a cross of a croissant and a donut). And on my previous day off, I finally tried one. And it was just as delicious as I had hoped! It really does combine the best of the croissant with the best of the donut. If that even makes sense. Cause - let's be honest - everything about both of those is good really!

raspberry creme and the croconut - both yummy!

Apparently, they will soon be opening a store at Westfield Stratford shopping centre - which would be amazing! I seriously want to try ALL of them! The cronuts and the donuts. And there are so many varieties still to try....

Mozart Undone

Not only have I been eating out a lot, I've been to the theatre. Thanks to another Time Out voucher, I got tickets to Mozart Undone for just £14 each. Betty Nansen Teatret - a group from Denmark - is putting on a very special spectacle which they refer to as a 'theatre concert'. As you might deduct from the title, it all evolves around Mozart's music. But not in its classical form but in variations of all kinds - pop, rock, jazz,... And all presented with lots of action and lots of water splashing about. I really enjoyed it and it also made me want to check out Mozart's music. I especially enjoyed the pieces they presented as ballads (if that's the right word; the slow and melancholic ones).

One of my favourites was the final piece:

Food, glorious food!

I've had so much amazing food this week. And as you might guess, none of it was prepared by myself or even in my kitchen. You can admire it all here:

cauliflower rarebit, apple and leek bake, pineapple with coconut ice cream
at the Gin Joint in the Barbican Centre

spicy crab cake, pork belly, apple tart with maple syrup ice cream at Tom's kitchen in Chelsea

Falafel, feta and pepper quesadilla, fresh lemonade and pineapple& coconut juice, Pho Malay noodles
at Giraffe in Shoreditch

Falafel with hummus, mussels escargot style, tartiflette, mushroom pasta
at Pierre Victoire Bistro in Soho

Lamb koftas with flatbread and fries and chicken salad at the Greenwich Tavern (in Greenwich...)