Monday, July 31, 2023
I picked up my Brompton from its service earlier - glad to have it back in my possession. Less than thrilled that they left it in the bike room, unlocked, with the door to the room wedged open. I’m just glad I called by when I did. Otherwise the day could have taken a completely different …London Life
Taking my Brompton in for a service this morning.
It’s been far too long since I was a regular cyclist. That needs to change.
Step one: ensure the bike is road worthy.
At the very lovely Club Soda to sample some alcohol-free drinks (and shelter from the hordes of tourists in Covent Garden).
Starting with a pint of the delicious Lucky Saint to quench my thirst.
Today’s missions:
- Finish this delicious, life-giving coffee ☕️
- Go out for a run by the river 🏃♂️
- Meet a friend to sample delicious alcohol-free beers 🍻
This is what passes for July in London. I’d like a refund, please.
People playing music on public transport without headphones are…tiresome. This is far from news.
I’m just tired and need to vent.
Seems like my overnight ritual sacrifices to the weather gods have paid off.
I woke up to some sunshine here in London this morning. Unsure how long it’ll last, but I’m hoping until at least lunchtime, so I can get out for a walk and actually enjoy it.
Until then, eyes down for a webinar on coaching skills and a one-to-one coaching session. And quite a lot of coffee…
Summer in London 🤨
Counting down the days until I’m back in the Spanish sunshine and dipping my hobbit feet into the sea.
Until then, it’s just flicking through my photo memories and imagining the sand between my toes.
So glad I went for that run earlier. It’s bucketing down now. Why is continental Europe melting in heatwaves, yet the UK is experiencing October-like weather in July?
More ritual sacrifices to the weather gods are required, obviously.
An overwhelming plethora of choice... 🍺
Saturday, July 22, 2023
After walking past it several times over the last few months, I finally paid a visit to the Craft Beer Company in Limehouse. I only had time for a quick pitstop, and a half pint of IPA, but I’m so glad I went. To say they have a choice of beers is quite the understatement. Their drinks menu is …Awaiting my eye test… and they’re running late. As usual.
I really, really need to get out of bed.
I have a coffee meeting with a fellow psychologist in less than two hours, an appointment for an eye test and some work to do on the podcast.
But it felt so warm last night, I had a very disrupted and inconsistent sleep. Finding it difficult to get started this morning.
Perhaps another coffee will help ☕️
Good evening from a very beautiful London.
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.
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 …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.
