On paper and off paper

The interviews yesterday went all right. I think. I certainly felt a lot more at ease and comfortable, than about 18 months ago, when I was involved in interviewing candidates for the first time. Back then, I was probably as nervous as the interviewees!!! Slightly worried, that they'd 'find me out' - and ask what on earth qualified ME to interview THEM... So, I am pleased to say I moved on from that ;-)

The most interesting lesson I learned today was the realization of how different somebody can come across on paper compared to in the interview. And that goes either way  - people's CV either inflating their experience and skills or people's personalities not really shining through on paper.

We've made our decision and will now have to wait until Monday to see whether the candidate was equally impressed by us as we were by them. Otherwise, we'll quite possibly have to go back to the drawing board. Which I'd really rather avoid. But hey, it's out of my hands now.

I just want to stay in bed

It's been one of these weeks...
I feel a bit like inside a black cloud and I don't know how to get out. Work is keeping me busy, which helps a little. But at the end of the day, I ask myself whether that's really it.
I know it will go away eventually. But right now, I just want to stay in bed, with the blanket pulled right up to my nose. Fortunately, it's just one more day until the weekend - when I will be doing just that!
Tomorrow we'll be interviewing for my assistant's job. Should be interesting.

Good night

Stick it on

OPI Lucky Lucky Lavender with nail stickers

Happy New Year!

It's the year of the snake and to celebrate Chinese New Year, the Hong Kong Tourism Office invited me to a reception at Paramount, a bar/restaurant at the top of Centre Point right next to Tottenham Court Road station. While you get quite good views over the city - the view isn't all that exciting (at least not from the part of the bar, where we were). I couldn't spot any landmarks and Oxford Street from high above is just another big street with loads of people.

To be honest, the whole day (at the office) was a bit sh*t and I had really been looking forward to a nice evening. So, my expectations had probably been a bit high. In the end it was primarily noisy, crowded and not enough food :-( On the upside, the virgin strawberry mojito was delicious!

And there was a nice end to the day after all - as at home my threadless t-shirt delivery was waiting for me! :-)

Keeping warm

Unfortunately, the freezing cold weather has returned and if the forecast is to be believed, this February will be the coldest in the UK since 1986. So, it is very fortunate that I was given this wooly hat for Christmas. Not only is it of course seagulls merchandise, it also keeps my head very warm.

Eyes blacked out because of looking very stupid...

I'm not a hat person. I like to think that hats actually suit me, but they mess up your hair and I somehow always feel a little uncomfortable wearing one. But this one might change my mind. It just feels really nice and I have started wearing it at home, too. It must have some kind of psychological effect on me - a feeling of being safe. Very strange indeed...

Gus Poyet's blue and white army

After a bit of a football abstinence, I was back in the Amex today. And it was bloody freezing!
To cheer on the Brighton boys, I decided to paint my nails in the seagulls colours (yes, for some strange reason, they sell girly replica shirts in baby pink!):

I can't draw but I hope it's clear that they are meant to be seagulls!

And what can I say? The seagulls won 1:0 against Hull :-)

I see red

Literally. And metaphorically.

In case you hadn't noticed (and you must be a hermit not to!), Valentine's Day is upon us. Adverts everywhere, everything is red in all the shops - it's right in your face no matter where you go. While I'm sure it's been like this for a long time, I had forgotten just how annoying it can be - when you are not part of a couple on this particular day. For the first time in eight years I am single on 14th February. And I am finding it a little depressing...

But hey, only a few more days, and all this enforced, commercial romanticism will be over!