Turning 28

At 28 I learnt that this is a fair life I am living in, when you gain something, you lost something along the way. Things happen when you least expected it. At the same time, what you wish for might not be the best for you after all...

Another Piece of Nico's Philosophy

I have not been updating my blog that frequently this month. I suppose it's a good thing as well because that means I am actually busy occupied by other things that are happening around me.

...*rewind to where I left my blog*...

Finally got my Tier 1 visa approved and got my passport back around the 10th. It was the Monday that I had to bring myself to say I am quitting my current job. It's not easy, but it wasn't hard as I thought it would be either :).

Met up with CM and JJ for dinner @ Hereford Road, Bayswater after work on Wed. Their menu were very adventurous indeed. The pigeon I had for mains is ok. And also tried a lil bit of JJ's calf's brain. It was not that bad, just tasted deep fried jelly :P. But need to thank JJ for the dinner since its on his treat for my BD :)

Spent the following weekend with the BF after the whole 3 weeks not seeing him and missing him dearly...had dim sum lunch, ice cream @ patisserie valerie, Iron Man 2 and then Thai for dinner - another w/e norm for me these days. Not for long any more though...

Weekdays were spent productively sorting out my room, clearing out 4 years worth of clutter. Felt a bit 'ng seh tak' to part with most "junk" that have been with me since I came to the UK - 9 years! But it needs be done. Most of the old clothes, shoes and bags are now in the clothes bank. That said, I am no where ready to move! Only managed to throw away a lot of stuff and got some empty boxes from the shops in the Galleria.

Last weekend was a very good w/e. Never had such a special weekend for a long time :))). Took a day off on Friday and spent the first half of the day with the BF and then started our road trip - direction - North East towards Norwich. Stayed at his friend's house who is living there with his wife. Such a nice couple and really appreciate them for accommodating us. It is a very quiet area - totally out of the city - can you imagine living somewhere without phone reception? And the only thing around you is lovely big green fields, inviting and chilling al fresco english pubs and friendly, polite people who are actually generous enough to return your smile :). Got there around 6ish and then headed out to a local pub for dinner. I had a fish platter which is not bad. The BF's lamb shoulder is soooooo much nicer.

Spent the next day boating for a good couple of hours at the Norfolk Broads. I think we were at Horning...Lovely weather, driving a boat (although a small one), dodging ducks, a pint of beer, a couple of pretty shots and a homey BBQ after made my day :). The weather is super kind to us. The hottest weekend ever so far this year! It is also a big factor to how pretty my photos turn out to be :). I'd say the best meal have to be the Sunday lunch at the Birds in Hand pub. The crab I ordered were super yummy :))) and of course the bailey's cheesecake! All in all a w/e well spent, enjoyed the laughs at breakfast, the company and most of all the surprise from my dearest :). How can Nico ask for more :)))...Photos in my picasa album :)

It's 3 days to Nico turning a year older. I'd say I have been holding on to the 2010 luck quite well so far. The BF said when something is meant to be, they will just fit into your life. I guess it's quite true. When things are meant to happen, they just do. Plus, so far, there are a lot of changes in my life the first half of the year but at the same time these things trickle through slowly and I suppose it's a good thing as I also get the time to adapt to them. Although I am not looking forward to turning 28, I don't see why I should be depressed or complain about it either.

...now...need to move my ass and start packing again....what a dreadful task!

2nd May w/e - A Step Forward

The weekend weather is a bit unfriendly. Anyhow, went to meet JL for lunch near his service apartment, just in time to say goodbye to him before he flies back to sunny SG. Had a chicken burger and oreo's milkshake at Byron, Glouster Road. I still thinks it is a bit overrated by food bloggers. To do Fine Burger Co. justice that is. Dropped by Real Food Festival at Earl's Court. There were quite a lot of stalls set up. Some brands I've not even heard before. Products range from chocolates, wine, cheese, sausages, spices, sauces, beverages etc etc. I've only bought two packs of Teapigs tea - a chocolate flake tea and a jasmine pearl! Am tempted to buy the matcha too but thought it's a bit over priced at £20 for a small bottle. I wonder if it is that effective since it claims to detox and help weight loss! Wonder how is it different from normal Japanese matcha too. Hmm.

Had a pretty chilled out Sunday too although I woke up super early like 7am! Lingered a bit before heading for the gym to burn off yesterday's lunch and food tasting at the festival. Met up with CM to check out the Puppet festival at Covent. Watched Punch and Judy for a bit. Felt a bit out of place since most of the people there went with their kids and stuff. After a Le Pain moccacino, I headed home and started pondering...

I am already feeling the Monday Blues creeping in. In fact, am mentally preparing myself for the next step ahead. The hurdle that I've been anticipating for a while, one of the biggest yet.

I realised how 'emo' I have been the past few weeks. I am still trying to justify whether it is healthy being 'emo' occasionally. Some people think it's bad because it may lead to all sorts of psychological problems like mental break downs and depressio?!. But I suppose a small dose of 'emo'ness doesn't do much harm? And also, I do believe that 'emo'ness is one of the source of inspiration to most writers' and artists' works ;).

Anyhow, the ups and downs of my emotions is having an effect on me. I am losing grip on injecting positive energy to myself and those around me. Someone once said ... "It's not all about me"...I do admit that I tend lose myself sometimes. I have people whom I care about that I neglected. Time to bin those uninviting negative feelings! And also, time to stop being frustrated of whatever happens. "Take responsibility" as Susan Jeffers says, and reclaim my power!!!

Where Is Everyone?

There has been a lot going on the past week or so. The traffic lights has suddenly turned green. And I have to proceed. An undecisive Nico suddenly have to make loads of decisions for herself. I know those who care about me are with me on the whole transition, it's not fair to say this, but it just felt like I am all alone on the case all of a sudden cos everyone's so far away. Well, I guess there are just decisions that I have to make myself. Why is Nico suddenly became so dependent? Where is the all-so independent her that others use to be surprised about? A sign to pick myself up, crawl out of the cocoon and face the ugly world! The responsibilities of being a grown up is never to be undermined!

I suppose I am concerned because I care about what others think of my decisions as well. Oh well, another lesson to learn - be confident of your choices. No matter what happens, I promise myself to embrace it. I believe luck is on my side. Be brave!

Keep on believing! ... these are just what I need:

The same song by 3 artists in 3 languagues respectively.

• Letter - Angela Aki
• 劉若英 - 給十五歲的自己
• 鍾舒漫-給自己的信