Nothing to see here…
Just a Royal Navy Minesweeper sailing past my apartment. I wonder if it’s headed anywhere interesting.
Living this close to the Thames means there’s always something interesting to see when I look out the window.
London Life
Spotted on my walk around Shoreditch this morning…
Last day in the office before a long weekend visiting family up in Scotland.
Lots to finish before I can leave with a clear conscience, but I’ll get there in the end and then I can enjoy a few relaxing days up in Fife.
Good morning!
On my way to run a workshop in a client office in Shoreditch, snapping photos as I go.
The doctor will see you now...
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
I accompanied my friend to his doctoral graduation ceremony yesterday. It was infectiously positive and joyful. Lots of applause for the grads, lots of hugs, smiles and even a few tears. It’s 11 years since I was ‘doctored’ but it all came back to me in a flash.Feeling ever so slightly wiped out
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Up since 5:15am this morning, to head down to Brighton. Ran two workshops back-to-back and then came straight back up to London. Somehow managed to walk 11,000 steps before 3pm. This evening will be a very quite one, with some catching up on TV shows, a simple dinner and an early night.An absolutely gorgeous morning here in London.
Had a very early start to do some more preparation before this morning’s workshop at 10am. Coffee is my best friend this morning. Very much looking forward to finishing up at 12pm.
Falling out of love with London?
Sunday, July 9, 2023
I had a conversation with someone yesterday and it’s still ringing in my ears. We shared that we both, over time, had fallen a little out of love with London. I’ve lived here for over 23 years now - and bear in mind the plan was to come here for a single year, to complete my MSc in psychology. Then straight back to Dublin to start my career. Decades later, I’m still here, running a business, owning an apartment and married to my best friend.Just had a lovely wander round Columbia Road flower market and picked up some lovely plants and fresh flowers.
Yes, it’s super busy and a bit of a tourist trap - but the prices can’t be beat and the selection is fantastic.
New piece of art collected from the studio this afternoon.
We commissioned the artist to create this after meeting him at an exhibition. I’m absolutely in love with it. A one of a kind, made to a palette of colours we selected to blend in with our home.
Everywhere looks better in the sun.
Snapped on a wander around Canary Wharf this afternoon. From this angle, I think the building looks more like a tool or a set of gears. At least it’s not an oblong box like so many of the other buildings in this neighbourhood.
Last night was absolutely horrible.
I tossed and turned and coughed and sweated. But after all that, I woke up this morning feeling decidedly better. I’m still hoarse, still have a sort through, but I’m not aching and exhausted like yesterday.
I’m taking it very easy today, just doing a bit of admin and podcast work. I’ll wrap up in a couple of hours and then spend some time on the balcony in the sunshine. It’s set to reach 29C here in London today, which is incredibly hot for this neck of the woods. But as we always get a breeze up on the 35th floor, I should be able to stay relatively cool.
And work on topping up my tan, which seems to be fading post-Sitges.
I’m so glad we haven’t made any plans for the weekend. I just want to take it easy
Enjoying the view over the Thames before I take my sick self to bed.
Very glad I came home from work early and cancelled all tonight’s plans. It’s time for some Night Nurse capsules, honey and a hot drink.
Hoping to wake up feeling hugely better tomorrow.
Enjoying the view and the sunshine…
I’m giving up and heading back to bed.
Tried to brave it through another day of work and it was a very, very bad idea. The cough is getting more annoying and I’ve basically lost my voice. I don’t want to be sick all weekend, so I’m just going to focus on getting better.
Periscope down for now.
I survived a whole day of work, so that’s a win. Now for some chicken katsu curry - lovingly prepared by my better half - followed by the latest episode of “Secret Invasion”. And then, an early night.
Snapped on my way to Soho this morning to run a workshop.
Despite my lurgy, the workshop went well. Now I’m back home, sipping a hot drink with honey and preparing to finish up for the day.
Once again, we enjoyed a spectacular sunset from our balcony yesterday.
Just as the winds picked up and we had to tie down all our balcony furniture before it got blown away. While it always seems to be a little breezy on the 35th floor of our building, yesterday’s winds were epic.
And not in a good way.
Hmmm. Scratchy throat. Tickly cough. Feeling quite exhausted.
My very own personal checklist for an imminent dose of something awful. Every time I get the flu or a very bad head cold, it starts the same way. So today’s mission has changed from being uber-productive to simply getting through this afternoon’s meetings and then I’ll be heading home immediately and crawling back into bed.
A year ago, today: a beautiful sunset, snapped from my balcony. I’m a sucker for a beautiful sunset.
Bracing myself for a London Pride today.
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Heading into the West End to watch the parade, to wave at friends who are marching. To be followed by music, public shameless dancing and far too many delicious cold beers. I just know I’m going to be on my feet ALL DAY but probably won’t care by 5pm. Hope I remember to take some pics. Last year started well, but there was a noticeable absence of any photos taken after about 6pm… which represents a significant positive correlation with cumulative beers consumed.Spotted in a local restaurant, here in Canary Wharf.
There’s a guy on the DLR platform next to meet eating a Gregg’s sausage roll for breakfast. And I am SO jealous.
Heading into the office for a few hours of YouTube video edits and a meeting with the manager of my office building.
To discuss…various shortcomings with the service they’re providing. Another case study for my talks and workshops on “difficult conversations”.
Wrapping up at lunchtime as we have a friend visiting us from Spain for the weekend and he needs entertaining / feeding / beers this afternoon.
New shoes, just arrived. My favourite Allbirds in my favourite colour. And just in time for London Pride this weekend. 👟🏳️🌈
A massive sneezing attack, followed by a massive nose bleed on the train, wasn’t how I wished my morning started. Hopefully the day improves from this point on…
A quick pint in the local on the way home from work. Sunshine, beer and excellent chats. All good.
Looking up at the Arcelor Mittal Orbit in London's Olympic Park this lunchtime.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
The first time I saw it, I was really disappointed - I thought it was a waste of money, space and effort. A few years alter, it seems more like a familiar landmark and really stands out from some of the more traditional, box-like buildings dotted around the park. The say familiarity breeds contempt. In this case, it’s more like a grudging acceptance. After all, it’s not going anywhere. You can find out more about it hereSpotted on my lunchtime walk around the Olympic Park, Stratford.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
The view from here...
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
I snapped this photo from my apartment balcony on Sunday evening. I almost missed it as I was so engrossed in the coverage from Glastonbury. The sunsets are often quite lovely from our vantage point up on the 35th floor in Canary Wharf, but Sunday was quite spectacular. I’m sure it had something to do with the heatwave we experienced last week. Sunday saw central London hit 31C which is both unusual and sadly becoming more usual.