Waiting on a phone call from my doctor (he’s late, of course) and now my whole afternoon is on pause because they’ll inevitably call as soon as I decide to go out, be in a lift, or go to the toilet. Or any of the other countless places I don’t want to take a call from my GP.
📆 It’s my last full working day of the year and I’m very, very ready for it. A webinar and two coaching sessions, and then I’m done.
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 →
🍺 Had a lovely working lunch with a friend/colleague, giving us the chance to sneak in some delicious Paulaner to our meeting. Perfect.
In Manchester overnight for a work trip. For once, I’m pleasantly surprised with the hotel room I’ve secured.
Really feeling like the countdown to Christmas has started. Only four full days of work left before I shut the office and take a break until January 6th.
I’ve somehow managed to spend all afternoon on the sofa, reading, listening to podcasts and actually relaxing. Just as well: dinner with the sister-in-law and nieces in just a couple of hours! I’ll need all my wits about me.
☀️ Enjoying all this unexpected Winter sunshine! It’s warming up the apartment nicely, so I don’t have to get dressed yet. Though I know I’m just putting off the inevitable…
Working through my Christmas admin, checking shopping lists, writing cards, wrapping gifts. I’m absolutely lousy at wrapping, so I keep reminding friends and family that it’s the thought that counts. Yes, your gift looks like a suspect package in a railway station, but it was wrapped with love.
🍺 Happy Friday! Relaxing on the couch with some Star Trek (re-watching ST: Discovery) and a delicious glass of Spanish beer. Awaiting arrival of two Dutch nieces and my sister-in-law and the beginning of what I’m sure is going to be a very busy (and noisy) weekend.
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 →
⏰ I somehow fell back asleep after this morning’s alarm. Now I feel a sickening combination of panic and exhaustion, even though I had a good eight hours sleep. Good thing I’m working from home today!
📸 And now the festive wreath is hanging on our apartment’s front door. 🏳️🌈
🍹 A new taste experience. While in Porto last weekend, I thought it would be rude not to try some port! This was a port and tonic, with a dash of raspberry liquor, over lots of ice. Absolutely delicious and I definitely had more than one!
🎄 It’s that time of year. The tree is up and the lights are on. The countdown to Christmas has officially begun in our apartment…
The first day back in the office after a long weekend in European sunshine is… challenging. Absolutely loved my few days in Porto and really feeling the lack of sun up here in London.
✈️ I’m Porto bound. 🇵🇹
I just turned on my ‘out of office’ notification and I’m heading home to pack my bag. Tomorrow afternoon, we fly to Porto for our first ever visit and I can’t wait.
Today is my Friday, as we’re off on our long weekend trip to Porto tomorrow. Only a few (dozen) things to get off my todo list, before I can pack and ease into weekend mode. Including a two-hour workshop this afternoon. I really have to have a word with whoever plans my schedule.
That would be me.
📸 A welcoming seat?
Snapped these in Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf, on my way home this afternoon. And yes, they’re illuminated from the inside.
Momentum
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
I wrapped up work a little early this afternoon and, instead of heading straight to the sofa with a drink and a snack, I went downstairs to our apartment building’s gym for a workout. I’ve realised that as long as my ass doesn’t hit a comfy chair, I can keep going to get some exercise. If I sit down after work, for any length of time, I’m snookered. The sofa is too comfortable and enticing and there’s so much to read on the internet.
🎥 Went to see Gladiator II after work and it was… meh. Some great scenes, lots of padding, and a ton of violence. Pedro Pascal was amazing, as always. Space Daddy doing a turn as Roman Daddy. But I think I could have waited to watch it on TV at home next year.
I made it to the gym after work and spent my time on the elliptical watching the latest episode of ‘Dune: Prophecy’. This series just keeps getting better and better. Plus, it keeps me on the machine for an hour at a time!