Day 1

it's again been a while since i wrote anything. where do i start? i have always skipped starting something or delayed doing something, because i want it to be perfect, and i want to know all about it before i get into it. like starting to write in a beautiful notebook. the first page needs to be perfect.. but then i look back, and yes, first page is perfect, but then the rest of it seems rushed and messy.. so i think it's better to start when you want to and improve over time.. this is why i'll just start. it's snowing here in London and we are in #lockdown3. i'm baking apple cinnamon muffins with oats and no sugar. my day consists of a daily early morning walk with jolanta, book reading, podcast listening and a mix of little projects. as well as netflix, tik tok and instagram scroll. a touch of daily exercise. it's all going well on days when i'm productive and push myself to be #uncomfortable. it's a bit harder in the days when i spend the whole day in front of the screen watching some series and i can't even rememeber what i watched the day later. but over last couple of days, i think i have learned to switch off and focus on things that are important to me. the early mornings with jolanta are important. it's a positive start of the day. and informative. and challenging at times (especially when it's pissing down like crazy). exchange of what we have learned from podcasts, books and courses as well as tik tok is amazing even if sometimes we don't agree with each other, we have learned to agree to disagree. and even more, come to accept that we are different and that the fact that we are different (at this point i'm talking about the general population) makes us amazing. we need to understand that if we all were the same, if all did everthing the same, came to same conclusions and never challenged each other, the world would be a very bleak place. anyway, i'll go back to my muffins and speak tomorrow! g.x

19/06/2018

It's almost a month later and i have massively failed on my challenges. i have to admit, i tried and have definitely spend less money than i could have and haven't had milk with my coffee - i am officially on oat milk flat whites! exercising has been non-existent but it is purely because i have been lazy. it's amazing how this year has passed, so quickly. and in a day me and Marcin are going to Russia. it feels like we booked it yesterday. i'll try to post something everyday, but it might be difficult as we are in Russia and then Latvia. even though that is only an excuse. again. i know it only takes couple of minutes and while it's fresh in your head - just pop it in through app. : ) fingers crossed. i'm not entirely sure what i'm trying to do with this blog. what do i write, why do i write?

29/05/2018

the name for this post is a date just to remind myself that i need to get back to writing. soon enough i won't need dates, i will actually be naming the posts.. again.. : ) i have been telling myself i will re-start writing blog for such a long time now, and now that i'm finally looking at it, last post was in 2015.. i feel i have let myself down. and to be honest, i have. i have been bouncing up and down with my weight while i should have been bouncing up with positive emotions! a lot has happened since and i would love write everything down, but i'm at work. i just wanted to start and cross it off my list before the end of may. i will be (fingers crossed) doing 30 days of blog (reason the dates are there!) and mini exercise challenge. And to add to it the 30 days of happiness/health/language list.. on top of that, i'm on money saving mode. lots of holidays still planned and possible change of work. ok. that's it for a quick update. p.s. wearing four rings today, each of them coming from different source, whether it was a gift from mom, dad or boyfriend or myself. It does feel a bit too much at the moment but that's because i normally wear my 'traditional' two.. talk to you tomorrow! G.

Early morning

Can't believe I'm not calling in sick.. I'm destroying my health in this job, maybe even industry.. You have to have strong nerves to work in hospitality and specifically in members club which has 'yes, yes, yes' policy..

Haven't talked with my family for a week. Although there might be another reason for that.. A new person in my life, that makes me happier, makes me want to explore more and change my life to better..

Very looking forward to four big things happening over next couple of months..

- two theatre visits

- trip to Lisbon

- my brother finally visiting me

- trip to Copenhagen with mom

Should start taking care after myself, my health, wellbeing.. :) I'm starting today.. On that thought I'm leaving you..

P.S. Bork - It's Oh So Quiet..

It's been a while again..

The best news so far have been that I'm gonna be an auntie.. ;)) I'm so super happy for my friend first of all, as she has been waiting for this for a long time. Since she met her perfect one, on my birthday, since the wedding which happened about five years later.. And now they finally will have family, what she has been longing.. They don't know the sex of the kid, but it will take couple of months..

Not counting work, I've actually had quite an interesting beginning of a year. Been for a Wednesday comedy night, which turned out to be hilarious, as most of the acts were experienced and actually funny.. Most of the time on Wednesdays as it's new acts comedy night and it's free, the acts are uncomfortable and they tell the jokes rather than share their experiences, and just make them funny, or exaggerate a bit..  

To be honest, nowadays we have so much media and social places where to put our thoughts out.. And I realised that yesterday when I was sorting out millions of notebooks that I have, and got to the point that there were way too many things everywhere and I could write them down in.... I can't think!

I'm writing the blog to get back to the feeling when I had something to share, almost every week, sometimes two, three times a week. And now. Whether my life has gotten super boring or I just don't have that much time to actually sit down and write my thoughts down.. Feel like crap, cos even if I dint express myself in words, I could do it on paper.. And re-reading the posts, I am so proud of myself.. Why can't I do it now, what has changed?

I need to restart blogging and practise critical writing or as I learned from a movie yesterday,- constructive criticism.. Because if I want to do movie/bar/restaurant reviews, I need, first of all, practical experience and then basic knowledge, which I'm hoping to get in one of intensive courses. But as far as I have done research, the critical writing courses ar 2 year master courses and they are £9'000 a year.. Can't afford that.. Or maybe I should invest in myself?

I have glass of bubbles in front of me, and I'm thinking of ordering some food too.. Maybe fuller stomach is gonna help me write better.. ;)) Monty's burger.. Yes!

Great! I'm already thinking more.. Researched difference between constructive criticism and critical writing.. Apparently there is a slight difference.. Constructive criticism is to improve the outcome of the work, which you are criticising, rather than critical writing is just to explain both sides of the story, with arguments..

Ok, the burger is done! And it was a tasty one, and there is a Manhattan coming my way as soon as I order it.. ;))

And then, I'm just gonna curl up in bed that is not mine, but hopefully same as cosy and warm.. :)) yes, well I guess it is the time to say that one of the nicest evenings out I had this last couple of weeks, was last Friday. I went on a date.

My first date in a long, long, long time.. And it had everything.. Flowers, dinner, talking, wine and dancing.. It was my first time in Clapham Junction, and I really liked the area.. La Pampa Grill, the Argentinian steak restaurant he took me, was small, cosy, characteristic.. And sirloin steaks we had, were really nice.. And pancakes with ice cream and syrup.. Continuation of the night led us to accidentally seen NorthCote Records. Pub/club, that does live music every evening. Two really good singers, both on guitars. Unfortunately don't remember the name of the act.. But it was an amazing evening.. Worth to mention, worth to remember.. :))

Ok, where is my Manhattan? ;)))

I think I should probably stop here.. But if I have an inspiration to write in something later, I will.. I guess what I'm missing is an inspiration.. As for couple of days on couple of times, I have been like: "Ouu, this would be a good story.." And I would write it down,- in thoughts.. ;)) But that doesn't count, right? You can't read it? And I can't re-read it a year later.. :)

I'm leaving you, for now, with Sounds of Montgomery: "Bring It On Down To Me (Part 1)" by Bobby Franklin's Insanity.. And Manhattan is here..

Cheers!

xx

At Monty's

Evening!

So. Last couple of days have been entertaining..

Was on the way to see my friend on Thursday evening, and on tube there were two people worth mentioning. First, Dreadlock guy, smart dressed, with a bit of a cool style, almost similar to Martyn Gayle, but that requiers more details which I don't have time for.. Anyway, despite the style and the relaxed look, he had a very heated conversation (texts) with a lady friend called Elena.. I'm guessing Russian.. ;)) Just funny how what you see is not what you might get..

Second, and this is much more fun - lady comes in, around 30, blonde curly hair with a dog on the leash.. And not just any dog,- a bulldog! White with some black spots.. She sits down, but the dog really doesn't want to sit underneath the chair where the owner wants to put him.. So the dog gets up, walks around her couple of times and tries to get on the chair behind her. And the lady just grabs him by but and helps him on top of the chair behind her, and then sits right next to him. Every single person in the carriage was so amused by this scene, and smiling, which is very unusual  tube on weekday evening.. ;))

You know sometimes you get these amazing drivers on tube that with every stop when they announce the station name and interchanges, they mention a joke or wish you an amazing day/evening/night! I've had couple of them on my way to work, these drivers just make my day! And all people in the carriage don't really know what to do, smile or ignore.. Most of them smile though.. ;))))

Completely forgot, before getting into tube, I walked into one of the clothes shops in Stratford Centre which normally sells really interesting and cheap dresses.. This time dresses where not so great and I was just looking around. I was the only person in the shop and both of shop assistants were paying way too much attention to me. I know that shop normally is very empty and whenever they have customers they are too attentive. I got asked three times if I have found anything I like or if they could help me find something. And this shop always has discounts of some sorts, guessing they are trying to get some people in. ;) Anyway, I tend to buy at least two items there when I go only because they are cheap and you can find some quality stuff there as well.. Like this time, I bought a cardigan and a jumper. Very well spent 20 quid.

Sometimes I wonder if when it's not that busy at Electric, do I tend to be more attentive, maybe even annoying with attention? But I think I do know the limits, and I am reasonable with giving equal attention to tables and people. Because you can't really spend excessive time with one table, and then you get busy, and this same table almost expects the same attention which you can't give because of 20 (maybe less ;))) other tables that you have.. ;)

Yesterday Daisy and me wanted to go for theatre again but couldn't find any last minute offers, well, we didn't really look for them.. ;) But we did go for a drink in Soho.. I started off with my first Gin Martini of 2015 at Trailer Happiness! Very well done me! And suggested by Terence in Trailer, Daisy and me ended up in Grafik - gin bar in Soho that has selection of 305 gins on their shelves.. Impressive I'd say. And the cocktail making skill, obviously tried their martini, was surprisingly good! But then again, for a gin bar, it should be! ;) We did have a good night, a good talk and around 10.30pm were almost home already!

Today at work was one of the worst days. On a normal weekend I would open, make sure everything is done and pretty, organised and set for busy breakfast and lunch service.. But not today, came in at 10am and it seemed everything has went wrong.. One of the waitreses apparently was not doing her job and the manager was attending to tables when it wasn't that busy at all! And then stations not set, butters were not enough, papers still had all advertising 'shit' in them.. Kitchen was making mistakes and people kept on sending food back.. Some food and drinks orders were made with mistakes and sorting one thing out, leading to sorting another thing out slowed all the other table service. All over not that busy day, but what could go wrong went wrong! Murphy's law! ;)

Now.. It's the relaxing part of the day.. I was supposed to go climbing but obviously after this kinda day and not actually finishing at the time when I was supposed to, I didnt feel like it.. So I'm having some bubbles at Monty's.. And with the length of this entry, I think you can guess how much bubbles I had. ;) I did have nice Duck Fillet and Crab and Lobster Cakes. I love food and drinks and most importantly people and atmosphere in here. Now I understand why Champagne Charlzs comes in and does some work here.. It is the best surroundings for chilled after work work.. ;))

Anyway, I think it is time for me to finally end this and possibly go home! Have three quite long days ahead of me.. So, I'll see you soon!

Love you all, and thank you for reading! ;)

P.S. No pictures this time, but I will leave you with some atmosphere music from Montgomery Place:

- Love and Happiness by First Choice
- Right On by Marvin Gaye
- Blind Alley by The Emotions

Cheers! xx

Let's restart!

It's a new year,
New resolutions which I hopefully will remember way after 15th of January.
One of them is here, start writing the blog again.
And I have cleaned out the space on table, for my computer mostly, so I can sit down and start doing research, study, and have a bit more of "discipline" if you please.

2015 started very nice, with dinner in a very nice french brasserie "Zedel" in Piccadilly Circus with Daisy, Federica, Jolanta, Laura and Martins. Little bit of bubbles, steak and chocolate. Then off to Aldwych theatre, on foot if I may add, to see Dance Till' Dawn. Musical. Nothing spectacular, but nice music, good dancing, beautiful outfits - perfect for NY Eve. Further, while the night is young, only 10pm, went to Shoreditch to Hoxton Pony, where we all where on guest list, to dance a bit and have midnight champagne.

First couple of days at work were quite uneventful, but then again we were not that busy, crazy November/December madness is finished. Yet yesterday was funny, but I am getting ahead of myself.

3rd of January, Saturday, why not go for a theatre - looked very promising, although, it was my mistake, I didn't really read the reviews or description for that matter. Daisy and I went to see play in Charring Cross theatre - Mikado. Still do not have 100% idea what the play was about, but let me tell you, British actors playing Japanese workers didn't work. It was fun, especially after a bottle of wine, and very much fun when we both realised that Daisy did the same couple of months ago when she got us tickets to modernised Shakespeare play, which turned out to be a bit of opera in Africa.. In french! :) Anyway, after play, as we thought the night deserves ridiculous cocktail ending - Pornstar Martinis in B@1. Not the best place where to order a cocktail but hey, can't be that bad. But it can! The night was saved only by a very late dinner in Pizzeria across the road from theatre - Fratelli La Bufala. Another bottle of wine, talks about guys, life and work, and good Italian food. :)

Skipping couple of days of laziness, yesterdays double at work started with me being very tired, even my regular Massive Latte didn't help.. And then.. I chatted with Billy at reception, and guy comes in, says he's meeting a member (that is not here),.. He has lot of tattoos on his hands, neck. But that is fine as we have couple of members coming in who have bodies covered with them. So I happened to lead this mysterious lad to a table, gave menus. Then he took off his hat, hand through his hair and I realised, it is David Beckham.. Shock, smile, excitement.. Everything at the same time.. :)) And then while having his black americano, and waiting for his friends, he was on his phone! Highlight of the morning! I told David Beckham off, as you shouldn't be using your phone on Club floor. More than welcome to have/make calls near reception. Oh my.. I told D.B. off! :)) And the rest of the day seemed so normal afterwards..

Alright, for the first entry I think it is enough, I do have to start slowly..

So, for everyone not out there - Happy New 2015 - Year of Green Wooden Sheep!
May it be adventurous and full of love, excitement and possibilities!

P.S. The first day of Sheep Year arrives on February 4, 2015, this is the day - Start of the Spring! But the actual 2015 Chinese New Year Day is on February 19, 2015. Chinese NY Day is the new moon day of the first lunar month. It is 7:48AM of Feb 19, 2015, China Standard Time.