The Best Birthday

Dear Reader,

Today was my Birthday! I am now 22 (does that sound terribly old/young?!) and don't feel any different whatsoever since I was about 10. Except the obvious of course..........

B went off to college this morning but I stayed in bed and enjoyed sleeping in. I got up about 9.00am and had a delicious chocolate croissant and coffee whilst taking a cheeky look at Facebook to see if I had any messages yet. I had decided to wait until B was home to open cards and presents.

He was back by lunch by which time I was almost bursting. I had thought that I had learned the art of patience after all this time but a pile of presents had been sitting before me all morning and I felt taunted. They knew I wanted to open them. They remained sitting there temptingly. Of course I eyed them up, had a little shake, you know, the usual investigative process. Luckily B got home before I 'accidentally opened them' without him.

I began with the present from my Dad which turned out to be a Kindle. I don't really know much about Kindles having never really seen one before but I read lots of books and they look very chic. A cool present indeed! Next, I opened the presents from B's family which consisted of a very pretty porcelain jar and matching coffee cup, a pink towel with birds on and some pretty note paper which matched. It was all very cute with a slight antique feel. Very me. My friend had sent me a little cake in a jar which is divine! My Mum sent me some beautiful flowers with a present to follow at the weekend. And B, oh B overstepped the mark, B took me for afternoon tea.

He had booked Fortnum & Mason for 3pm so we left around 2pm. We didn't need to leave so early but I was so excited that I had my coat and shoes on by then so we decided to leave anyway. Plus I was wearing heels which meant walking would be slightly slower.

We arrived just before 3pm in the end and went straight up to the St. Jame's restaurant on the 4th floor. Walking in, I caught my breath. The room was so elegant. The room was a large open space divided in two. To the right sat the restaurant with little white table cloths and chairs. To the left sofas perched between coffee tables and overlooked picadilly. Silk paper lined the walls and a light, turquoise and gold decor embellished the room. The ambiance was refined yet light, chic yet modest and altogether beautifully elegant.

B and I both chose the Classic Afternoon Tea and he also ordered us some Champagne which we started with. Some canapes were presented to us and we happily drank in the bubbles.

Once we had finished the Champgane the tea arrived. That is, a three tiered stand arrived brimming with scones, cakes and sandwiches. The jam and clotted cream arrived on another stand and two tea pots arrived. A waiter appeared with a large silver tray of delightful looking cakes. We were offered to choose two each. I chose a white chocolate mousse and a passion fruit sponge. B chose the chocolate sponge and a violet cake. Yummy!

Starting with the sanwiches, we made our way through chicken & rocket, smoked salmon, cucumber and prawns. We ate the scones next and slowly embarked on the cakes. Then the sandwiches and scones were refilled! We were there for almost three hours grazing on the food. It was heavenly decadent!

Perhaps the best part though was listening to the piano player gently twinkling the keys in the background. He even played Happy Birthday which I think must have been for me.

We considered going to the theatre afterwards but B didn't have his glasses with him and we were both so full that coming home to digest seemed like a good idea. So, that is what we have been doing this evening and it has been rather nice.

I think the best part has been spending the whole day with B without him having to do his work. He still has work to do but he had decided to have a break seeing as it was my birthday. It has been so nice to be with him, having fun with him and enjoying London with him! Suddenly, I don't feel quite so sad anymore. Oh happy day.................

Zooming Zimmers and a Touch of Melancholy

Dear Reader,

Oh what a day. I barely know where to begin.

This morning I had an interview with an organisation who supply staff for events. I met them through the charity I was working for before Christmas and last week they invited me in for an interview to work within their office.

Having left the flat later than planned I rushed up the tube, unsure how long it would take me to reach Parsons Green. The interview was at 10.30am and I was feeling pushed for time. Changing at Nottinghill for the district line I actaually managed to arrive by 10.00. Map in hand, I enthusiastically marched (or rather 'tottered') in my heels up the road, feeling confident in my navigational skills. Ten minutes later when I could neither find my location on the map nor any roads near by I began to panic. There was only one thing to do: ask for help. Spying a friendly looking grocer I asked him where Bishop's Road was. He had no idea. Neither did his friend. Visibly anxious and incessantly conscious that time was not on my side I asked a further man who was lurking in the vicinity. This time I struck gold. He knew exactly where to go and gave me very clear directions. It turned out I had gone in the complete opposite direction!

Finally I arrived at the interview early, albeit a little more fresh looking than anticipated. The lady I met with was very nice and went through my CV with me, establishing my skills and what sort of position I would be suitable for. We had a nice chat and I actually really enjoyed the meeting. What a relief.

By now it was steadily approaching lunch time and B and I had agreed to meet at his college. I began sauntering up to the tube, taking my time now that the interview was over, when I saw that two old people were approaching. They were in zimmers. Motorised zimmers. The pavement was quite wide with a wall to one side and the road on the other. Wide enough, I thought, for me to squeeze pass the elderlies no problem. I continued walking ahead, keeping an eye on their oncoming vehicles. They too had obviously seen me and the elderly lady began to overtake her husband, it seemed, so that he could follow her single file and I would have enough room to walk past them both. Still walking ahead, still holding faith, I kept myself close to the wall, allowing the zimmers to manouvre as they needed to. But it was all going wrong. Suddenly, the old lady was to one side of me, the wall on the other and the old man in front. There was no where for me to go and no room to escape. Debating whether the man would swoop behind his wife so that I might pass, I realised that either his reactions were too slow or he just hadn't seen me. Something had to be done. I glanced at the man for a sign of reassurance: instead he accelerated. The zimmer was zooming towards me and I had to get away. Rather than trying to evade his path, I turned and ran back the way I came, zimmer chasing me. I ran to escape. I ran to avoid the old man. I ran so that I might not get run over! A corner appeared and I was able to dive behind an alcove in the wall and make sure I was out of the zooming zimmer's path. Catching my breath I stared at the old man as he sailed down the street, "I wouldn't have hit you, you know," he said. "Yes you would," I thought. 

I was certainly ready for lunch after that impasse and managed to reach B by 12.15. We went to a little cafe near his college and had a panini together and some coffee. He then went back to study and I had a 3-hour meeting with my PR client. It was productive yet exhausting.

I got home and realised that for the past week I haven't been feeling myelf and, if anything, a little sad. It is as if melancholy has seeped in and somehow I can't quite shake it. From feeling happy and confident I am self-doubting and despairing. I have been feeling like this since B and I had our big row. Whereas normally I feel better once we make up, this time I don't feel quite so reassured. Perhaps in this instance time will be the only healer, I just hope it doesn't take too long.

On a lighter note it is my birthday tomorrow. I have left all the plans to B as I have organised a party on Friday evening. I wonder what will be in store for me.............................. 

Seizing Opportunities and the South Bank Centre

Dear Reader,

Today I was offered a desk! Working freelance is great but trying to stay disciplined at home is at times.......tedious. Today I was offered to use a desk in my old place of work as and when it's free. Whooppeeee!

Having recieved this uplifting news this morning I then went on to meet a lady starting her own PR company who has similar clients to me. We met at the South Bank Centre near Waterloo. I had never been there before and thought it was rather nice. It is a complex of buildings that overlook the river and are all quite new and chic looking. We had coffee up in the Royal Festival Hall member's lounge and chatted for almost 2 hours. It was great.

By the time I got home I felt exhausted. B's cousin was coming to stay this evening so, as if we were super heroes, we conducted a lightning-speed team tidy up which involved changing the spare bed, fluffing up the sofa, wiping down the kitchen and hanging up some clothes! Phew, job done.

B's cousin arrived and he made pizza which was delicious as usual. B doesn't always take time and care over cooking but when he makes pizza he makes it good. He combines all the ingredients for the dough, allows it rise as he slowly cooks a tomato sauce and reduces it until it is thick and rich with ripe tomatoes, red wine and bacon. He then rolls out the dough, spreads on the sauce and tops it with ham, mushrooms and mozarella. Yum.

Now, we are both chilling in front of the TV. Tomorrow B has to be in college by 9 and both B's cousin and I have interviews in the morning. I'm not entirely sure what my job is for actually except that it is within an office and might involve some PR. Wish me luck..................

'The King's Speech' & Discovering a Secret of London

Dear Reader,

This morning I found myself on a boat near Warwick Avenue. I was meeting the film maker of the documentary I am promoting and she lives on a canal boat in 'Little Venice'. Nestled among little gardens and bobbing gently on the water it was the most serene place I have seen in London so far.

I arrived about 10.30 with croissants as I had promised! We ate them over coffee and a chat about the film and enjoyed the passing of the morning. It was so lovely to be on a boat with all the ducks and geese gently cruising past. I felt very envious that she was able to live there.

Around midday I left the calm of the boat and headed into town. Mum and I are were having lunch after which I had planned to meet B.

B and I met in Notting Hill and he bought our tickets to see 'The King's Speech'. There are many cinemas there but we chose 'The Coronet' as it offers half price tickets for students on Mondays (B is studying Law). Walking in to the screen we were both astounded: the cinema used to be a theatre. We had a choice between sitting in the Royal Circle or the Stalls and it was almost empty! I could neither believe that we were about to watch a film in an old theatre nor the fact that there was so much choice and space! I feel that I have discovered one of London's secrets there.

'The King's Speech' was just as intriguing, sustaining and fulfilling as I expected. Compated to 'Black Swan' it is much less demanding of its audience yet also very pleasing. The film tells a simple story about how King George VI neither expected nor desired to become King and was in the unusual position of succeeding his brother whilst he was still alive. However, the film also highlights the advent of the radio and the King's requirement to make speeches that would be broadcasted to his people. Suffering from a speech impediment, King George VI required help in this respect and this is where the film centres its plot. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush bounce off each other in what becomes the King's recovery and ability to form words without stuttering. Yet this does not occur without turmoil. His struggles provide an insight into the political turbulence of the period as well as form a firm basis for the relationship between the speech therapist and the King. Ultimately, the King is triumphant, not only in mastering his speech but in appreciating the value of true friendship and in realising his role for his country.

After the film B and I came home and I cooked a delcious sauce with bacon, chilli, garlic, courgette and cherry tomatoes to accompany some fresh pasta. We popped open a bottle of Prosecco too which, I must say, rounded off the day just perfectly.................................

A Full English & Visiting West Hampstead

Dear Reader,

Upon waking this morning I knew that something felt different. This morning I felt extra hungry and there was only one thing I wanted: a full English. Last night B had mentioned something about making waffles to which I had absent-mindedly acquiesed but bacon and eggs now beckoned.

We mosied into the kitchen together and, keeping with English tradition, I chose to make tea instead of coffee and began grilling some tomatoes and frying the bacon. B was still intent on waffle making and starting whipping egg whites and making a fuss of flour. Meanwhile, my egg was frying.

Within ten minutes I had a full plate of bacon, eggs, tomatoes and toast with a big mug of tea. B finally had his batter made and soon was able to join me in breakfast heaven. There's nothing like a totally satisfying breakfast.

I must say, it rather made up for last night's 'meal'. It was B's turn to organise our Saturday night and he decided to take me for a meal inside Westfield. Inside. With no windows. On a Saturday night. Needless to say I was not impressed but as it was his night I tried to bite my tongue.

We ate at Byron which is a burger chain here. I had a normal burger with BBQ sauce which was nice but not particularly satisfying. We went for some pudding elsewhere and had Banoffee Pie which we both enjoyed plus I had a glass of rose Champagne. Rose or 'Pink' Champagne has traditionally been the preferred beverage of prostitutes in Paris but I think a little 'je ne sais quoi' doesn't go amiss sometimes! Oh la la.

This afternoon I met a friend in West Hampstead. We had hot chocolate together in a rustic sort of bar and then she showed me where she lived (she has only just moved here). West Hampstead is quite a pleasant sort of area of London, slightly quieter and with some nice little shops and cafes. I rather liked it.

On arriving home I found B busily filling out work experience applications for big law firms. The deadline for them is tomorrow and the work experience or 'Vac Scheme' application is almost as extensive as the one for a training contract. We have both been looking at them all evening and they are quite exhausting.

Tomorrow I have a meeting in the morning and some other bits and bobs. B and I are going to see 'The King's Speech' which I am particularly excited about though.........................

Byron Burgers & A Visit From Mum

Dear Reader,

Today my Mum visited and it was lovely to see her.

I live close to Westfield, Europe's largest shopping centre (which I know is no match for the American shopping malls), and we went straight there for lunch. We didn't eat anywhere particularly special but it was nice to just sit down for a while together and chat. I am very close to my Mum and it is always so nice to see her.

We wandered a little round the shops and then perused 'The Carphone Warehouse' for a new phone for Mum. She chose a Blackberry Pearl which is the same phone that I have!

Afterwards we came back to the flat that I live in with B and had coffee. Mum is a barrister and B is studying Law so they both had a good natter about that and B was able to ask her questions about particular areas. I almost feel that I should be doing law too!

I forgot to mention yesterday that I received a phone call inviting me to another interview. It is with a company that trains people in hospitality and supplies staff to hotels and restaurants. I think they are interviewing me with a view to work within their office in some capacity, I am hoping that I could integrate some PR into the role if I was successful. Their office is near Parsons Green which is a lovely, leafy almost suburban area of London. It has lots of nice pubs and I have been to the Champgane bar there before now too. I would be very happy to work in that area!

B's sister and her boyfriend turned up early this evening and Mum went home. It's my birthday on Thursday and she is also coming over then, hopefully for some cake if B makes one. I would rather not have to bake my own Birthday cake and have hinted heavily (that is, I told B) that I should like him to bake me a cake. I have also 'hinted' that I would like a guinea pig for my birthday but whereas there is a chance that he might bake me a cake, I think there is no chance that he'll give me a guinea. I can always dream!

We are both sat on the sofa as I write this and soon we are going out for a meal. It is B's Saturday tonight so we are doing what he wants: going for a burger. Luckily, we are going to a restaurant called Byron (not to be confused with the famous poet, Lord Byron, who was totally bonkers by the way) which does rather nice burgers, or so I hear! At least he didn't choose Mcdonald's...................

Feeling Low and High on the London Eye

Dear Reader,

I haven't written for a while as I have been waiting for some news about a job. I had attended two interviews, the second for which I had to prepare a presentation, and was subsequently told that they were choosing between me and one other person. I had beaten six other people.

So I had been waiting for almost three weeks for a decision and whether they would give me the job or not. On Tuesday this week I decided to send them an email reaffirming my interest in the job and gently enquiring about a decision. They responded ever so quickly: they are going to decide in a month.

Feeling slightly despondent I started thinking about what I might do instead. I have been doing some freelance PR for a budding poet who used to be homeless, John Smallshaw, and am going to continue doing that for the time being. He had a radio interview on Wedneday for the London Festival Fringe which was very exciting so things are definitely on the move there.

Yesterday I spent the day with my Mum in court (don't worry, she's not a criminal, just a barrister!) and then met B and some of his law friends from College for a drink. We were having a really nice evening and B suggested we all went to get some food. No one else was really interested though so the two of us went to find a restaurant. But after ten minutes B suddenly decided that he wanted to go home. I was crushed because with him studying so hard I had been so excited to be out socialising and having fun with him. I had also envisaged a romantic meal in Soho with some nice food and some proper catch up time.

We arrived back home and I felt so upset I barely wanted to look at, let alone speak to, B. We had lost each other on the walk from the tube to our flat and he had gone via Waitrose to buy some nice food for us to eat instead of going to a restaurant. I really didn't feel like eating though.

Eventually we talked and we ate the food and things seemed a little better. This morning I felt unbearably low and lonely though and B found me crying into the sofa. The radio was playing Eva Cassidy's 'Time After Time' which really didn't help!

We talked again and decided that we should have lunch once a week as well as doing something on Saturday evening. Currently, we have the Saturday night rule which means B is not allowed to work and we take it in turns organising the evening. This year demands a lot from him and there are not many moments when he is able to relax and have a break from his studying. I had started to feel a little neglected though. I know that he does not mean to make me feel that way and it is the demands of this year bur hopefully having lunch together too will help.

Today was full of surprises, the lagest of which was going up the London Eye and drinking Champagne! I have just become a member of the alumni committee of the university I went to and attended my first meeting this evening. Afterwards, we were able to go on the London Eye for free as one of the guys works for a company who's client is the London Eye. We had a very helpful guide, Nina, who popped open some Champagne for us and pointed out lots of London landmarks that could be seen from the pod we were in. So many iconic buildings from Buckingham Palace to Somerset House can all be seen from the high climbs of the London Eye. All of London sparkled beneath us and it was quite breath taking to watch it all as we slowly climbed above the city. Enjoying a glass of Champgane just made it perfect.

Afterwards I came home to be with B, especially after the events of last night/this morning and now we are going to bed................