A prayer

Although I know the 'stalker' has been trying to find me, it just dawned upon me that the occurrence of the last batch of bribing emails sent in February and March were sent after my graduation.  Results of 2011/2012 graduens were published on the web. 

So that's the extent of his monitoring.  Talk about having nothing to do but a daily google search often just to see what crops up.  He probably also thinks that now I've graduated I'm probably due home in the following months.  Hence the spate of emails and also one that showed he's banked in some money into my bank account.  In his round about cryptic manner, he's sending that bribery message yet again this time showing that he's big enough to celebrate my successes. 

Whatever ... I think it's dawn upon him that when heart breaks they don't break even.  Admittedly, I had it tough before and after I ended it.  But was determined to move forward - even if it meant I had to crawl and sometimes take time out to cry.  I had given up everything to get out, I couldn't afford to fail.  He knew I had the raw end of the deal.  But was he even sympathetic, no.  Instead,  he set out on his self-righteous project to destroy my reputation. 

He's done his worst and published.  All via his paid off lackeys.  It's now occurred to him that sometime very soon or perhaps its even happening as I type, all that bile and evil he's vented on destroy someone who's not lifted a finger in retaliation will come back and bite him so hard he'd spend the rest of his lonely dark hopeless days in bitter regret (not that he isn't already).  Knowing the lackeys type, they're probably going stir crazy and are turning against him.

Have I unwittingly cursed him?  No.  I'm only stating the obvious consequences.  One reaps what one sows.  I did tell him once upon a time ago to be careful of one's actions particularly the way he treats his family.  'At the rate you're going you're going to end up alone ...'

That's come back to haunt him now.  He's also in the last few years of attempting to destroy me dug a hole so deep for himself he realise he can no longer get out.  Hence all these renewed efforts of trying to bribe me into making amends. 

I smell something dead fishy...

There's only so much one can do.  We are only humans after all.  Not God who's master of these universe(s). 

So instead of getting fretful and anxious about what's going on beyond me,  this I will pray:

Lord, you have guided and protected me all these while.  Let me, even before my enemies, be hidden and shielded from their bitter arrows and vicious actions.  Let whatever arrows they've shot my way be turned against me.  Continue to bless me even in their presence.  May I always find favour, goodness and mercy in everyday of my life.  Amen.

The power of thoughts...

I can't prove it but I do know when someone thinks of you - no matter how far away in the world or have been out of touch in a while, you will somehow or another think of them too.

It is inexplicably, the power of thoughts - the energy and connection one forges in one's mind - directs it to the universe and somehow or another those thoughts would reach the person of thought.  I've felt this recently with someone I used to know.  Someone I'd rather not have anything to do with knowing how schemes they are capable of but I have somehow eventually done something about it.  Not directly, but spoken to the people whom I call my loyal 'gatekeepers' about it.

My hunches were right.  My gatekeepers being loyal gatekeepers did more shielding me from the stalker wielding his bribes.  You would think three years on and he would have given up.  Apparently not ... Apparently he's been making inquiries through certain people who can be bought. 

So I'm writing to let these thoughts loose.  I will not return to that old life.  While it's materially secure there's really nothing much to look forward to except more material acquisition.  Undoubtedly that affords conveniences and comforts that some would aspire for, it is an empty existence and simply not for me.  It would mean quashing hope.  My hope.

While that yet again is something immaterial and people like the stalker would never in their small minds understand, I've fought and struggled to keep that hope alive.  Call me idealist but as much as one needs to be able to afford basic necessities to keep a decent living, one too needs their dreams and hopes to keep their souls alive.

Why go back when I've achieved so much and most of all loving every minute of it?

To he who must not be name:  You had your chance.  That time has long past.  I've gone away and onwards - though you seem to be stuck.  Although you now seek routes to make amends for all the wrong you've done, go and find your peace.  I don't hate you.  Our time had been essential in molding me to who I am today.  Goodbye.

Back again, back again ... !

Our long weekend away in Florence was a second honeymoon in all but name.  We had a wonderful time.

Day one (arrival): Arrived Pisa international airport by lunch time which is in the heart of Pisa.  A short bus ride from the airport and we found ourselves wondering through area of the Duomo and the leaning tower of Pisa only to stop for a gelato.  It was then another leisurely stroll through the city of Pisa - which I now understand is one big university town.  Bumped into some celebrating groups - most cheering the one with laurels in his/her hair.  My speculations were - someone was getting married.  But discovered upon asking that it was a 'ridiculous' (quoting an italian) italian graduation tradition.

Honestly, thought it all looked rather quaint ...!

More window shopping and a coffee break, we found ourselves on the coach journeying down to Florence.  The trip west took us 75 mins right into the heart of Florence - the Santa Maria Novello station.  Discovered that BFL had booked us at the hotel right by the Ponte Vecchio!

(Isn't he simply wonderful?)

Ponte Vecchio's yet another dream of a place that I've seen in movies but don't really know where in the world it is.  It was like dejavu - to discover that that image of a bridge seared into my mind is the very place we would be living next to for the next five days!  Yet another discovery is what's on the bridge...

It was almost too good to be true when I discovered all the shops on the bridge were jewellery shops. Talk about major bling!  Told BFL there MUST be a reason why we're living by Ponte Vecchio ... what's my budget?  (hehe)

Day 2:  The day began with waking up to the many morning bells of Florence.  Breakfast came with the view of the picturesque city.


We then spent the morning roaming around Pitti Palace museum(s).  We bought one of those museum tickets that allowed us only restricted access to certain exhibits.  Since BFL wanted to see the Royal Apartments (it was once the home of the Duke of Florence/Medici family), we got the tickets that gave us access to that and the 'Modern art museum' - which admittedly the both of us weren't so keen on (Thinking along the lines of Tate Modern, we both agreed that modern art is lost on us ...).  However, we were pleasantly surprise.  Modern art in Italy is vastly differently from British modern art.  This was styled along the lines of Musee D'orsay.  It was thus rooms and rooms of amazing works that were easy on the eye.

 Lunch stop (and more pasta later) and the next session of window shopping began.  We ended strolling north to  St Lorenzo markets where I read (in guide books) that you could find yourself leather goods bargains which Florence is known for.

While I didn't get anything from the markets itself, BFL came way with 4 new silk ties.  Thing was by the time we reached the markets, BFL had bought me a nice scarf and leather belt along the way (such a sweetie).

After dinner (yet more pasta), we caught an operetta Madam Butterfly.  It was organized at St Mark's church on Via Maggio.   My first italian opera in all but name!

Day 3:  Marked by more pleasant bells and breakfast views, day three (being Sunday) began with attending an St Mark's church Florence (which is but a 5 mins stroll away).  A quick lunch at the train station and it was onto Lucca on the trains.  Train fares in Italy are comparatively cheap(er) compared to fares in the UK.  !

An hour and a half later we found ourselves strolling through the medieval streets of the fortified town.  It was flea market day and there was much to see!

It was also the day it turned cold and wet. Having said that we have been lucky to have had good weather since we arrived.  Pleasant enough to be wandering out without thick coats.


Day 4:  Our last day in Florence was spent trying to see the places we latterly discovered we wanted to see.  I read about the Vasari corridor on the train and made up my mind that that was a place worth visiting.  BFL on the other hand decided he wanted to do the Uffizi gallery.    Even if these were two different exhibits they were connected to each other.  Either way you could start with and end at another.  However, it being Monday Uffizi was closed and the Vasari corridor's refurbishment project would only be completed in the summer! :(

All's not lost.  It's always best to leave a place wanting more!  So we ended up looking up the British Institute of Florence.  A couple of yummy gelatos later it was down to more exploring and window shopping.  BFL thought it was a grand idea to get me a leather jacket.  So a new black leather jacket made out of the softest Florentian leather was found.  Only thing is, leather doesn't quite keep warm.  But it does look good!

Day 5:  Our final morning in Florence.  Not wanting to miss our flight at 1 pm from Pisa (which is a distance away) we left Florence by 9.15 and had fairly stress free journey and ample time to browse the airport's duty free shops. I reckon BFL has never done this much window shopping in one long weekend away ... he's been such a wonderful sport! 

Everything ran bang on schedule and we landed into Gatwick by 3 pm.  Weather in the UK was brilliant for a change.  What luck!  Also, I had my first taste of lining up in the EU passport lane.  It was all some what novel and admittedly less nerve wrecking (UK immigration officers are dead scary if they wanted to be).

But what a wonderful trip we've had! 

To Florence we will go !

And so ends yet another work week.  While I relish my two day work week, I do find myself hoping to find something full time and be earning more.  That would mean less time to potter about at home and experimenting in the kitchen.  One can't have it all ... but like I pointed out, all for long term plans (I think I touch on this briefly in previous posts).

To Florence we will go! To think that 'long weekend' is going to be upon us soon.  When BFL planned this to celebrate getting our passports back, it seemed a distant away.  Mid April.  It's been three weeks since we got our passports back. Time passes by so quickly ... it seems relatively more so with four seasons.  Perhaps it's how the seasons change - one is constantly reminded how moments pass (compared to the consistency of tropical wet and dry weather that seems to give one the illusion that things stay the same).  So savour them as they come because one's they arrive they are gone. 

Back to Florence. ... Here's a snippet of what I'd be feasting my eyes on ...

I hear too that the food in Florence is alot better than what we had to choose from in Venice.  Although I've had a couple of pizzas in England since we were in Venice, I've not had so much of a slither of pasta.  Nor gelato.  Once you've tired how good the Italian gelatos are, you won't settle for anything less than Italian.

So to pasta and pizza and of course a spankingly good time!  Woo hoo!

Now off to bed with me. We've got to wake up at the crack of dawn to catch our flight out ... will definitely post updates when we get back.

Marked shift...

On some days the realisation that this is now my country of residence hits me with greater intensity.  Today for instance, where clear signs of spring finally emerges after nearly six months of winter made me realise that I would for the next half of my life will always have the rich variety of four seasons.  To enjoy the hope and blossoms that each spring brings without wondering at the back of my mind when I'd ever experience spring again marked a significant shift in mindset.  So this is how it 'feels' to live here as oppose to being a student.

I have to admit, this is a marked shift in mindset.  It's not one I've experienced before and to be honest, it's also one that I constantly struggle with.  On some days, like today, better than other days.  Admittedly, it's not always going to be a walk in the park - as seen from the last few anxious months of waiting in limbo for my spouse visa.  However, at the core remains that of gleeful excitement and a deepest sense of gratitude.  Every cloud as a silver lining.  Even in those uncertain days of not knowing whether I would be given permission to stay or not, there were hopeful events that gave us much encouragement to look forward.  If I could surmise that in one word, it would be joy.  The joy of new beginnings.  The joys of hope.  The joys of love and being loved.

I am certain that with the passing of each day, this 'new country of residence' that still sits rather awkwardly in my psyche (particularly when I fill in formal forms) will eventually become easier to assume.

In the mean time, that simple biometric identity card clearly stating my legal status and rights has marked a world of a difference in our lives.  For one, it has given us (me especially) a peace of mind.  Furthermore, with passports returned this means our freedoms have also been restored.  To celebrate BFL has decided to take me to Florence for a long weekend.  Isn't he just wonderful?

Those narrow country lanes ...

There's a road in my hometown called Ridgeway mainly because it runs just about along the ridge.   It is narrow, undulating and meandering.  With a steep rising of a hill on some way of one side and green foliage on both sides of the road.  Dotted along this narrow green meandering road are the occasional colonial bungalows  (admittedly, some looking rather derelict) nearly half a century ago  when the English were in town.  Most locals would deem the road rather creepy and forlorn.   Given half the chance, they would tear down these houses, level the hill, clear out the green foliage and concrete things over.  Thankfully, this particularly road falls within a gazetted protected.  The city's 'green belt'.  Hence, it is one of those few places left in my hometown that has been left untouched by modern development. 

As far as I can remember, Ridgeway has always been one of my favourite places in my hometown.  Mainly because of it's character (that sadly other locals fail to appreciate) holds a certain charm.  One that reminds me of the English country side.

As BFL and I drove down the narrow undulating country lane down to S this morning, the rise of foliage on either side Ridgeway came to mind.  To think once upon my former life, I would purposely drive  down Ridgeway because it allowed me to indulge in fantasies of English country side  - my fanciful dreams - having a piece of pseudo England in the hometown.  Now, the English country is now my weekly reality. 

It's one of those moments of reflection that struck me how amazing life has been since.  Who would have thought ...?  And just one that one revelation, I find myself deeply grateful for second chances given and the life BFL and I have together. 

Possibilities ...

To stay put or move...? Those are possibilities that BFL and I have been reckoning with for the last few months.  On some weeks the subject seems forgotten ... mainly because we both like it here all too much.  Where we are at the moment has no bad points.  It's a great neighbourhood.  It's close to work, has great public transportation links, facilities, amenities, shopping ... you name it.  But! While a two bedroom upstairs flat may be perfect for the both of us at the time being, with children (particularly small children) it's not exactly ideal.  For one, there's ALOT of stairs to reckon with.  Admittedly, I do find it an occasional struggle having to lug up heavy shopping.  To imagine having to lug a baby and her/his pram ... along with a gadzillion other required baby accessories that you need to pacify a wet, hungry, cranky baby.  And we're not even started on the shopping yet!

So, you get my point. It's a lovely flat and we do love it here but bringing up a young family in an upstairs flat would be less than ideal.  On a side note, assuming if we could afford it I would ideally like to keep the flat for  sentimental reasons.  Arguably, it could also economically make sense.  We could let it out and earn some rental income.  Just ... am not sure whether in tax terms whether that would make it worthwhile.

Anyway, with thoughts on possibilities of moving, we found ourselves exploring W.  It has been on the cards as a possible area to move to.  Just, we haven't found the time to go down to see the place until today.  I have to say we were both pleasantly surprised.  Although its further away from the centre, transportation links (trains, buses, tube) are good.  The area has a nice feel to it (at least the parts we saw) ... I particularly liked the village side of W which astonishingly is a short walk (though uphill) from the centre of W. To think we'd have a village like atmosphere so close to London.

And yes, there were also green belts.  Vast bigger than the one just outside us.   Also, W has good schools.  A wide selection to choose from from what we're made to understand.  From state schools to independent schools. And when mini-mes come along not only are  there good schools, they'd get to savour the atmosphere of a vibrant suburb/village.  The great part is that W is also the home to great tennis. Perhaps even some horse riding lessons?  Ah, the dreams I have for the future generation who are not even here yet!

We simply have to find a place close enough to have the best of all worlds.  Understandably that would cost us.  So we'll have to see how that would all fall into place.  And as BFL says, we have to pray about it.   Very important that ... somehow, things work better with prayer.

It would make a world of difference were I to land a good paying job that permits both work life balance too.  That's also on the prayer list.  Where I am at the moment does not seem to afford much long term prospect nor does it pay enough to afford the family life we both aspire to have.  A house with a garden big enough for the kids to run out and play, a kitchen with an island, at least three bedroom with a couple of bathrooms, in a safe and quiet area surrounded by good facilities and amenities - schools, parks, shopping, transportation links, good neighbours ....  It seems like a long extensive list but like I've said previously, you never know until you ask.

 I know the Man above knows what we want and need.  Somehow BFL and I both believe that slowly but surely, things will all fall into place and we'd get there eventually.  In the mean time, we just got to do with we got to do presently.  Make the best of each moment.  Best foot forward with hopes of always moving onwards and upwards.  One can only hope!

Hurrah!

Hurrah! Phone is now resurrected.  Am thrilled.  Not only to have my trusty good ol' indispensible iphone up and running with all those vital information at my finger tips,  it coming back to life have saved me the cost of getting a replacement.  Yay!

I have to thank that kind man in the Apple store who 'rebooted' it.  He said, 'if it's cranky like that ...' and goes on to demonstrate what to do.  So, not only is the iphone in working order, I now know what to do when it decides to switch off on me again.

I suppose the 'rice' solution had nothing to do with getting it back up and running.  Then again ... you never know.  It was rather wet to begin with ... no drenched, but water on phone screen...whatever it is, God must have heard me yet again and answered yet another prayer of mine.

Admittedly, it is abit inane prayer for an inanimate object.  But you never know until you try.  Besides, one can barely function without one's phone these days.  It's a terrible fact to be so reliant on a device.  I was admittedly suffering from some withdrawal symptoms this morning.  I discovered upon filling in the required forms that I simply couldn't recall even BFL's number off the top of my head.  How scary is that?! Everything's now tapped into one's phone one no longer users one's brains to remember things anymore!  Am now determined to memorize home and his cell phone number.

Also discovered that if I had to replace my phone it would still be an Apple.   Mainly because it's got all my apps and information backed up on iCloud and iTunes.  So there goes my fanciful Samsung ideas.

So there you have it.  Three times lucky.  Twice misplaced and returned and now returned from the 'dead'.  Thank you ...so very very much ... I wonder ... if it's not too much to ask, could You do the same with having me win the lottery?

Hehe.  Yes yes I know.  That's like wanting the entire cake and offered a slice.  But you know ...  you never know until you ask.  So am asking (along with the millions of other lottery hopefuls) ... Could I please win?  The money would come it handy ... We could start a family sooner!

What a bummer ...!

My phone died on me today.  What a bummer!  I knew it was bad news the minute it turn off on me while I was scrolling through the apps.  I suspect it had to do with my water bottle leaking into the bag.  When dished phone out it was wet.  At least the screen was.  I though perhaps it was superficial.  Guess not at the rate it's refused revive despite my desperate efforts to dry it off.  It's been hair dried and now it's on the radiator in hopes that somehow by some miracle (Please God ... if it's not too much to ask...) it will all be fixed.  So far ... no good. :(

I didn't think a dead phone would affect me so much.  That iphone had taken very good care of me since I arrived in this country - making sure I didn't get lost (with google maps), giving me information at my finger tips, enabling me to book tickets for all sorts of things - from train rides to fast tracking queues into places of interests, sending family and friends postcards, keeping in touch with family and friends, taking pictures of significant events and places ... oh, it's done me so very much!  This, what I feel right now is a kind of bereavement.  BFL is so spot on!

So, here I am glumly typing away into this blog hoping for some sort of relief.  Admittedly am still harbouring mustard seeds of hope that perhaps it would all get better.  Somehow ... *sigh* Honestly, the faster I let go of those hopes, the quicker I'd move on and get over this setback.  It is admittedly a comparatively minor setback (compared to what I had gone through in the recent past).  Yet, it does not negate that sinking feeling.

I know, it is only a thing.  But oh so helpful wonderful device!  So much so without it one is lost - no maps, no contact list, no internet, no chats .. all modern device apps that has since become essential to modern day living.  I am admittedly, suffering from material bereavement.

I have to admit though, I have been lucky on two different occasion.  In my absentmindedness I've left my phone on the table: in the classroom and restaurant.  Places full of people - where one could have easily taken it and my phone gone for good.  But it came back to me on those occasions where am truly truly thankful. This has inevitably raised my respect for this new country of residence.  The people here are comparatively more honest and have more integrity than my country of origin.  I say that based on that one maddening year where I had my phone taken from me thrice!  Bewilderingly, all a familiar context - either the office or from my own place.

All water under the bridge now... In the mean time, *deep sigh* ... I'll soon get over it.  I hope that 'rice' tip would help with the phone somehow ...

The weekend report

This was what BFL and I got up to this weekend.

Windsor and Stedham, that was the itinerary for the weekend.  Windsor being an impromptu trip - taking advantage of the bright and sunny day.  I had been there before twice when I was here previously as a student.  It's different being back with a loved one.  BFL.  We meandered about the high streets, down to Eton, placed out bets on horses at the betting shop (being it Grand Nationals race). hiked down the 'Long Walk' leading out of Windsor castle to some statute on top of the hill.  Was singing 'All the Grand Old Duke of York ...' until I ran out of steam halfway.  I was 'neither up nor down...' It was no doubt a very LONG walk.  I was exhausted by the end of it ...

Speaking of exhaustion, body have seem to have taken a down shift.  Am not sure whether it was the stress of the work, that 'time' of  the month, or simply having more than the usual two days filled of somebody else's faffing and anxieties heaped on you.  Anyhows, whatever it is,  I simply must learn how to manage this ...

On to Sunday.  Stedham was the usual same ol'.  We made it down to have lunch with Mum and C and do the weekly catch-up.  We were lucky to have yet another bright sunny day so we took mum out for a walk. 

To think in a couple of weeks we'd be in Italy.  Our first trip abroad since we got our passports back.  How exciting!  Can't wait.  Mean time, it's back to the drawing board of finding permanent forms of vocation.  I have to admit, although I do like it where I am at the moment and would like to stay on if the position allows am not sure how the drama queen would perceive it.  Although she's not the managing director, she behaves like one.  It's all down to whether the man would beef up his leadership and not be bossed about by drama queen who is determined to hold the company ransom through her mysterious ways of filing and faffing.

The week that followed ...

The days that followed the fun filled Easter weekend was fairly 'full on'.

It began with the arrival of my biometric card.  The size no bigger than a credit card, this card basically legalizes my stay in this country and giving me formal permission to work in this country.  Although I was unemployed for a couple months to be exact.  However, if you counted the time from graduation day which was on the 29th January - it was a couple weeks after I found some part time work (while still waiting for immigration outcome).  God is indeed a great provider.  I was beginning to fret not earning.  Yes Hugo is a generous provider but I too wanted to earn.  It gives one some sense of independence and self worth - that all that effort invested in learning is reaping some returns at least!  Furthermore, with plans of a family down the line establishing self in some kind of employment and earning is key in the whole scheme of things. 

My ambitions are simple.  I'd like to be in an employment that allows me work life balance.  A positive work place in terms of people (who are helpful and encouraging) and work that is enjoyable and allows career development.  In my small mind, that would help us (BFL and I) provide for the children we plan to have.  We keep our lives simple.  So long as we have a comfortable home to call our own in a safe area, quality meals on the table, providence for extra help, good schools and health care (if need arises) and the ocassional treats to share (Christmases, CNY, Easter ...) with family and friends, time out to take holidays and yet still save, I should be happy I've reached my goals.  It may sound simple but it is in effect asking a lot!

Well! No harm in asking nor aiming for the stars.  You don't ask.  You don't get.  This is after all a journey onwards and upwards.  It would be interesting - if this blog is still 'alive' to see a decade down the line how far onwards we've journeyed.  Whether I would indeed achieve, all the above. 

As for the following days, I've spent it working.   I've been put to task for a couple weeks now on preparing for a major audit from the Department of BIS.  The last couple of weeks I've been digging out documents from 2009 (!!) and checking to see if they were in the order as required.  X bills, Y Licenses, Z certificates etc.  Usually by the end of the day, I'm seeing stars and getting somewhat muddled in the head. Almost always those are symptoms indicating you really need a break.  And no matter how reluctant you are to take one (simply because the task is yet to be completed), it makes more sense to let go and step away rather than muddle through that growing sense of panic - which is self-defeating.  I have to admit, it did feel like I was preparing to sit for a very big and important exam.  The worst thing is, I haven't much of a clue whether what I'm doing is right.  A the person whom I'm helping hasn't been very helpful.  She's simply left me to it (mainly because she rather NOT be doing all that painstaking work herself).  When I ask her, she only reveals what is necessary and does not let on to the bigger picture for fear that I might know too much and take over. 

Fair enough ...  I do understand where she's coming from.  But I am only there to assist and for that I worked three days this week instead of the two.

I'm making note that I ought to be finding another place to go to.  Some where that is more edifying - not that what I'm doing now is not.  It is interesting learning how the entire business works and the administrative processes that goes with it.  However, one that's barring any kind of change of progress is A who bosses her boss around.  The poor man can't even speak to me without her getting annoyed.  She's already revealed what kind of person she is - and I have taken note to be careful.  I only pray I find favour in every thing I do - inspite of feeling like a bumbling idiot most of the time.

It is also interesting to note that any sort of communication relayed in a highly strung manner somehow looses its efficacy.  I suppose also A has a knack of communicating in a round about sort of way - which makes anyone lose the plot after a while.  It's her way of manipulating the situation - making things more complicated than what it is.  On that note, I'm not saying her job is easy.  No job is.  That's a fact of life.  Although she's got alot on her plate, things could always be simplified and made more efficient.

I'm bitching...But whatever it is, my observation of A is done without a trace of malice.  I am admittedly knackered from my 'examining' week.  My treat having finished the work day and the week was a trip down K's. I initially thought I'd indulge myself in retail therapy but I discovered was too tired to shop.  So my treat to myself was tea at PJs until BFL arrived.  :)

Onward weekend!  :)

A fun filled significant weekend ...

So... the Easter celebrations have come and gone.  We're now back home recovering from an activity filled weekend.  It began with the 'Ideal Home' show on Friday.  Celebrating exactly 6 months of being married, BFL and I had lunch at one of the celebrity chef's 'pop-up' restaurant at the exhibit where we bumped into the celebrity chef himself.  I did the 'naf' thing and asked to take a photo with him (hehehe!).  We wanted to catch the special Pompeii exhibit at one of the museums but it was booked out till middle of April!  We ended up just moseying down to Covent Gardens, making a pit stop to Tin Tin's shop (which BFL and I are fans of), checking out all the large Easter eggs on display in and around Covent Gardens before making our way home.


The first half of Saturday was spent attempting to bake 'hot crossed buns'.  Buns I discovered are traditionally associated with Easter.   We left London to make our way down to family at around tea time - mainly because the buns too that long to proof.  While revelling in my hot crossed buns achievements (still cooling in the cake tin on the cake seat) I realised I had left all my easter eggs behind.  Too late to turn back then ... we were already running late.

Discovered there were other guests staying.  B who's mum's goddaughter and her friend T.  All lovely people.  BFL's elder sister D for some reason that weekend was rather testy. Not sure whether its the stress of having to host so many people for the weekend or something that's bothering her.  The thing we've all learnt about D is that as sometimes uptight as she is, it would wind her up even more if we all tried to help out.  She'd really feel then that she's losing control and would get even more upset.  The irony of it all ... so we all sling away sheepishly trying to stay out of her hair.  It was like trodding on egg shells almost.  Poor BFL ... he being the younger brother and would almost always out of deference give way to D's huffiness.

(On a personal note, I hope when I get older I don't become as huffy and freaky as D.  It makes not only growing older harder, it also makes it harder for friends and family to be around.  At the end of the day, all that controlling behaviour is simply going to drive everyone away.  Ultimately, you'd be left on your own.  The very end that most control freaks fear ... Having said that, D is not all that bad.  I've seen far far worst.  She's got her heart in the right place, just ... lacking some finesse in execution.  There's some redemptive values yet ...)

We moved the clocks forward Easter Sunday.  (Why do they do that?  Move their clocks forward and back?  It's bound to cause some initial confusion ...) Thankfully with the Easter bank holiday weekend, it gives everyone at least a day to recover and sync themselves with the new time.  The clocks going forward on Sunday also officially marks summer.  It still feels more wintry than it does summer though ...

Easter service was an experience.  I don't think I've ever attended a C of E Easter service.  What made it all the more memorable is that it was in the very same church we got married in.  March 31st Easter Sunday was also of added significance.  It was the day we got engaged (last year).

It naturally followed that Easter service ended on a bubbly note.  Champagne instead of coffee!  It's not everyday one gets served champagne in church!  With Easter and the vicar's birthday we had every reason to celebrate!  Easter lunch of fish pie ended with gifts of Easter eggs (big ones, to say the last) for ever one.  Talk about major sugar rush!  I've never seen so much chocolate at a private dinner table ...

We met up with another set of friends in the next village that Sunday evening.  H, a convival American lady and her husband H along with an amazing quadraplegic injured on service in the middle east who's now walking and raising money for charities.  A small celebrity, to say the least.  More opportunities to observe the local culture of middle England.  The local pubs, the people, the customs, the accents ...

 We left for London the following morning after breakfast.  It was lunch in London with friends who mine who've flown in from HK.  It was the first time I've met their 2.5 year old daughter.  Last I saw at least a year before baby came along.  Time sure flies ...


So there we have it ... a fun weekend with uncanny significance of dates coinciding with the hope of Easter.  With our passports returned and biometrics on the way, it is in a way a beginning of the end.  The end of my former life in my country of origin and the beginning of a hopeful life in this new country of residence.   Our lives together, like fresh beginnings of Easter is all about keeping the 'hope' that inspite of life's challenges, we will some always be moving onwards and upwards.