The happiness diary

A common advice in self-help books (at least, I've read this loads) is to make a point of writing down at least one positive thing that happened to you at the end of the day. Quite often we overlook the good things in life, and focus entirely on all that goes wrong. Taking a moment to reflect on the day, most people will probably be able to find something good.

I'm known to be quite the pessimist (well, I refer to myself as a realist!) but when I look back at the last few months, I don't even have to think very hard about at least (!) one great thing happening to me every single day. I am very grateful.

That's not to say that I still indulge in some serious moaning on a regular (also daily) basis. But I'd like to think that I have a much more productive way of dealing with the less pleasant things in life. I am finding it amazing on how much I can influence with simply changing my mindset.

I suppose the seed was sown more than a year ago when I started the Buddhist meditation classes: why bother dwelling on bad things? That's never going to solve anything.

F*ck the phonetic alphabet

Module 5 of the TEFL course was all about vocabulary. Including the damn international phonetic alphabet. I remember that I couldn't make much sense of it at school. I tend to be able to decipher it, in order to work out how to pronounce a word. But the other way round - writing a word in phonetics - no chance! Why on earth would you invent a whole new alphabet? Mostly weird symbols, too?!

There was a lot of cursing while trying to complete the module. With all previous modules, I kept re-taking the tests in order to achieve 100% pass marks. I didn't bother with this one. I was just glad when I'd gotten through...

Also finished module 6 on reading and writing. Only four more modules to go and the certificate will be mine!

The big *30*

Not mine. I can't even remember what I did on my 30th birthday... (and no, it wasn't THAT long ago!!!)
Lovely A was celebrating turning 30 and while she'd been slightly (or very?!) dreading leaving her twenties behind her for the last few months, I think she actually had a really good time. And the fact that she managed to party two days in a row just goes to show that she really isn't old at all! ;-)

We went to The Cooperage which is literally a 2 minute walk from Greenwich DLR station and only just opened in September. It's part of Davy's - a wine merchant with a number of bars and restaurants. They revamped their wine cellar and it's a really nice little place. It was great to meet her friends and family - just a pity I had to catch the last DLR just after 23:00.

Amy and Nick

Just finished Gone Girl. Another book I really enjoyed. I don't usually read thrillers/crime novels, and for me it wasn't the suspense and twists in the story that I liked best, it was the portrayal of Amy and Nick's relationship. While a lot of it is twisted to the extreme, I'm sure a lot of people can relate to the issues to a certain extent. There were bits about the storyline I didn't like but for me it was more about what was going on in their minds, then the actual actions. I was particularly intrigued by the question of what roles we play and to what extent we manipulate the people around us and how the people we surround us with influence who we are/become.

And of course an easy to read book - essential for me :-)

Hunter and The Bear

More new music from one of my favourite blogs - and they actually launched their EP at the O2 Academy Islington, just round the corner from my office! But unfortunately, I only discovered them on the night of that launch...

Check out the views!

Showcase event last week at the Guoman Tower Hotel. Not the prettiest building from the outside, it has an enviable location opposite the Tower of London with absolutely stunning views of the Tower Bridge (my favourite landmark!). They are planning a major revamp and re-brand in the next few years. The event space has its own separate entrance and the three lecture rooms can be combined to cater for up to 500 delegates in theatre style. The space outside is perfect for catering, posters, exhibition or a reception with floor to ceiling window with said views of the bridge.

All three rooms were set up in different styles for the event and the cakes in the Christmas room were so pretty! And yummy!

Obnoxiously pleased with myself

I'm a sucker for praise. Ask me nicely, throw in a compliment and flatter my ego, and I'd pretty much do anything for you (yes, this is a bit of a weakness at times...).

I know it is probably a bit obnoxious to write about this here, but a) not many people actually read my blog and b) the blog doubles up as my diary, and one day, when I read through this again, it will be nice to be reminded.

One of the volunteers of the Society I work for, is stepping down at the end of the year from his role as an officer. I've been working very closely with him over the last two years. For our newsletter, I had drafted a report on his behalf, looking back at his time, highlighting the work we've been doing. I then sent it over to him for any changes or comments.

Writing these kind of articles really isn't my strength (which gives you an idea about how realistic my ambition of becoming a writer is...) and I was quite surprised that he didn't change much. But he did add this at the end:

"My work, and that of the Committee, has been very ably supported by XX (that's me!), 

to whom I am indebted for outstanding support for our meetings, and without whom we could not have made anything like as much progress over the past two years."

Lovely, right?
And - to be even more obnoxious - may I add that he is one of these people who have very high expectations and are not easy to please.