As Fall transitions into Winter, I can’t help but reflect on the past couple of months. I’ve not updated the blog as much as I wanted to and truth is, I’m okay with that. It’s rather been cathartic to take a step back and “live IRL”, realising how much I’ve enjoyed going out without having to be trigger-happy with a camera. Or worrying about deadlines.
Needless to say it’s been hectic, but pretty awesome.
One of the highlights from Fall was getting invited by the lovely Debenhams PR team to watch Florence + the Machine’s High as Hope concert at the O2. Not only did we get to hang in their sweet VIP box, we were treated to cute outfits. Mine was a lilac oversized silk dress from Noisy May (now on sale) paired with white booties from Dune.
I love the dress, it’s so versatile and perfect for the festive season. Have you got your holiday season outfit sorted out yet? Debenhams have a range of dresses that might just make you star of the show.
My, what a crazy ride it’s been. Do indulge me by presenting some highlights.
September
Really fell in love with my job and realised I’m where I needed to be. Kissed a few frogs (not literally). Said goodbye to old colleagues and hello to new ones. Found an amazing coeliac-friendly Korean in Fulham. Spent quality time with my science-loving godson. Bought my first 4Ocean bracelet. Had salon pamper day with Teri. Re-discovered Gordon’s wine bar. Attended a leaving party on a boat. Stayed in a few hotels. Went to a 40th birthday party in Shoreditch House.
Important Life Lessons:
Never underestimate the power of a small act of kindness.
And the power of a potent martini.
And the amazing shit you know when you listen to your science teachers.
October
Celebrated Teri’s birthday. Received surprise balloons and flowers at work. Celebrated a colleague’s birthday and went crazy dancing. Celebrated MY birthday. Had three birthday lunches with three sets of friends. Had birthday dinner at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, went on a kitchen tour and met Jean-Claude Breton. Had five birthday cakes. Filmed judging for the world’s biggest healthcare awards. Finally ate Filipino food at Romulo Cafe. Felt a strange form of anxiety. Met up with my amazing girl blogger friends. Started playing netball with colleagues. Started extending circles. Saw an old friend from high school. Went out for a boogie way too many times (although it still didn’t feel enough). Sang songs from The Sound of Music. Rediscovered friendships. Started doing something about my love of sunrise. Finally had good quality sashimi and sushi at Chisou’s new Mayfair stint. Had arvo tea at The Corinthia Hotel and checked out the Musician’s penthouse suite. Drank way too many martinis and copious amounts of prosecco.
Important Life Lessons:
October is still the best month ever - it gives you gifts from the unexpected.
It takes 21 days to start a habit. But your liver can regenerate.
Be open to new things - even if you suck at first, you’d have a giggle. And practice makes you less of a monkey.
Don’t drink alcohol before playing netball.
November
Rediscovered unique user experience on Twitter (I’m kinda back). Learned that my inability to give hugs is getting rectified. Caught up with my darling Zoe at our favourite Ivy Chelsea Garden. Walked a million miles along Chelsea and the river. Caught more beautiful snaps of sunrise. Had a fun / funny walk around Hampstead Heath - finally. Went to Event Tech Live 2018. Had a mini-reunion with Teri & Mikhail followed by a bit of a nightcap. Watched the All Blacks v England rugby game. Ate a ton of chicken wings and stayed at The Principal in Manchester. Learned more about the NHS’s long-term plan. Celebrated Roch’s birthday and danced to grime. Fell in love with Epping Forest and want to explore it more. Nine months worth of work culminated at the HSJ Awards (and we trended #4 in the UK on Twitter). Got cute outfits and saw Florence & the Machine c/o the Debenhams PR team. Bought my second 4Ocean bracelet. Said goodbye to more colleagues and said hello to new ones. Ate more steak and churros with a dash of mulled gin and tonic.
Important Life Lessons:
Allow yourself to be happy - you’re worth it.
There are people worth talking to, and people who aren’t worth your time.
Teach your children science, math, and how to boogie.
Dance like no one’s watching, because most of the time, no one is.
We’re now two-thirds into December and much has happened. As I write this in my bedroom back at my parents house, I can’t help but feel… overwhelmed. With gratitude, with love, with an eensy bit of fear and a bit of excitement.
It’s rather been interesting how the choices I’ve made, as well as the chances I’ve taken, are now culminating into a significant change for the year ahead. Kinda feels like Brexit. But with much optimism and better deals ahead. Fingers and everything crossed. 🙂
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IT sounds like a jam-packed few months, but as a fan of Florence and the Machine, I am so jealous of your VIP experience. I saw them in concert once, and it was fantastic. Merry Christmas.
It had been, actually - and I really enjoyed it without the pressure of social media!
Florence + the Machine was spectacular!
You have been busy! Posts like this are so useful for documenting what you have enjoyed, before it gets lost in the memory bank somewhere!
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Indeed - and to remind us how to live IRL!
You have had a busy few months. That is very good. Happy Holidays!
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Happy holidays to you, too!
Very busy autumn and winter months for you! I love looking at back at posts and pics to see all that I;ve been doing as it is so easy to forget in the rush!