Very merry Christmas

One of the best Christmases ever: peace and quiet, just me, chilling out all day. Heavenly!
And while I was alone, I did not feel lonely in the slightest, connecting with friends from all over the world. I know I keep saying this, but I am so grateful for all the love and support in my life.

Xmas donut while relaxing in the bath, listening to music

merry Xmas from Steve's dressed up cat

More foxes

I've been making an effort to tidy a bit in anticipation of my friends' visit. And while tidying, I came across my ticket for the play First Love is the Revolution, which I went to see in London during my visit in early November: according to the Soho Theatre 'a viciously funny new play about love, lust and foxes'.

Pretty accurate synopsis, I'd say. Nevertheless, it came as a little surprise to us all, when we realized that the (human) actors were indeed playing animals. As well as humans. It was bonkers and brilliant and indeed very funny. I especially loved the chickens :-)
In short: boy of a broken home falls in love with a fox and said girl fox falls in love with boy. Beautiful, right?

The next night, we went to see Green Day's musical American Idiot. I keep referring to them as Green Park, which gives you an indication of how big a fan I am. I did grow up with them though and thought it sounded like a cool thing. And it was. We had great seats (and thanks to Time Out, a bargain, too) and the music was played live and was pumping (not sure that's a cool thing to say...). Story was a bit thin. I really enjoyed it.

foxy

This year has not been a good sewing year. Especially since I moved to Germany. Which is quite ironic, given that I even have a sewing room now!! Anyway, I shall try to make more time for it next year!

To finish the year, I did these cushion covers to brighten up my black sofa. The first one was an absolute pain to finish. Yes, quite embarrassing given that cushion covers are really the most simple exercise that every sewing beginner starts with... Somehow the bloody zip didn't go in very well.

Anyhow, second one on the other hand was much quicker. And isn't the pink foxy fabric super cute?

I am aware that the hammock doesn't really fit in... A friend was suggesting dying it pink. Not a bad idea at all. :-)

Alf

I used to watch and love Alf as a kid. And I happened to come across the Xmas episode today.
Who would have thought that even Alf would make me cry?
Well, dying kids tend to do that to me...
Lovely episode.

bruised

About a month ago, I discovered a tiny lump in my left breast. By coincidence, I had an appointment at the dermatologist scheduled for the next day anyway, so I showed it to her. And she immediately sent me to the gynecologist for a check. Having lived in the UK for the last eight years, I didn't have a single breast-check during that time so of course I have no idea how long the lump had already been there.

After calling a couple of doctors who either didn't accept any new patients or only from January (the dermatologist had urged me to get it checked asap...), I found one where I got an appointment within a week. I went, had an ultrasound and got a referral for yet another ultrasound at the radiologists. So, I get an appointment there, the week after. They decide to also do a mammogram as well as the other ultrasound. Whatever she saw was not conclusive but she says I should come back for a check in three months time. I ask what the other options are and she says, she could also do a biopsy to get an immediate result. I ask how she decides what to do and she replies that it depends on the patient and that some people simply don't want to wait.

Well, I think, I am not worried. My logic is that if she is worried, she'll recommend the biopsy and otherwise, it's just unnecessary faff. So, I make an appointment for the end of February. I tell a couple of my friends who all think I should get it checked now. Better to know for certain than risk that it is cancer which doesn't get treated. They have a point.

So, I call back to ask for a biopsy. First I need another consultation with the doctor. Who also tells me I need a blood test first. Of course, I don't yet have a GP, so I find myself a GP, get a blood test done (results all good) and get the biopsy done. Under local anesthetics. The first injection hurts quite a little but it's over quickly. And then I don't feel anything. It is weird so to lie on that table half naked...

I then get bandaged up which is a little uncomfortable but otherwise feel fine.
The biopsy was done on Friday and I should get the result on Tuesday. On Tuesday, I call them after lunch time. The receptionist tries to put me through to the doc, who is busy though but I get told that I will get called back within 10 minutes. This is when I actually start worrying. All along, I felt pretty confident that it would be nothing. And not because I think I am invincible, simply because. And besides, worrying would not change the outcome. But the fact that the receptionist is not telling me anything, worries me.

The doctor calls back: preliminary result is negative but they are still doing more tests. Which she had said might happen if it was unclear. Not a great sign, I'd say. But she promises to call me back the next day.

I go back to not thinking about it, and get the call on Wednesday while out shopping: results negative but I should come for a check up in six months time.
Merry Christmas!

left with a bruised boob

self-love

I keep venturing out to get Xmas presents and somehow always come back with stuff for myself.

Thank God for my massive wardrobe in the corridor - always space for more shoes!

The Tower of Babel

Our IT guy was setting up my laptop in my new office. He joined about a month ago and so far I haven't had much chance to chat to him. So, I was making an effort. To be pretty much greeted by non-responsiveness. Friendly silence, I'd say. But I guess some people are simply not interested in chatting.

Anyway, I suddenly remembered that he was looking for a new office chair (quite frankly, I can't work out why he didn't order himself one but was instead looking for one that was not being used. For weeks now...). So, in my new office there were two office chairs, so I offered him one of them. And he just gives me this weird look. So, I explain again - and suddenly realize that I was speaking English to him...
Oops.