Flying

I was pondering for some time about whether I should write about my work or not. But, after all, it is such a big part of my life, and therefore such a big part of me... 

The first time I flew on an airplane I was in my early twenties. I don't remember being either nervous, or particularly excited. In fact I remember very little about that first flight. But I am positive, that it never occurred to me at that time, that only few months later flying would become my occupation. I became a flight attendant.

It is an odd way of life, and you have to be an odd kind of person to adapt to it. For the past ten years I've rarely spent more than a week at a time on the same continent, let alone the in the same country. It involves long hours, dealing with lack of sleep, separation from loved ones. Regularity becomes an unknown concept. But I can barely think of any other job that would suit me better. And that to me is an accomplishment. It is so much easier to go to work if you are doing something you truly enjoy.

If you are flying somewhere in the near future, I wish you a safe flight!

More bare necessities

HAND CREAM

Pretty much everything I wrote about lip balms applies to hand creams too. I have a lot of them and they are deposited all over the house. I like to try new brands but always have a jar of the old classic, Nivea at home. I always buy the biggest pot of Nivea I can find in the shop. Of course, such a big pot is nearly impossible to carry around. The small pot is more handy, but money-wise, it is not such a good deal. So, I came up with a compromise that's both, practical, but at the same time pleases my bargain-loving heart. I've got both, the biggest and the smallest pot and when the small pot gets empty I simply refill it again from the large pot. The small pot, which is meanwhile bent out of shape from being carried around all the time lives together with a lip balm in a turquoise case that's small enough to fit in every pocket and goes with me everywhere. That way, whenever I go, I can always have my bare necessities with me.

Summer no more

I was in denial for a long time, but now I have to admit it: summer is truly over. It was a good summer. It was everything I wanted  and more. I already miss the warm weather, the summer outfits, the long days and all the the things you can only do in summer. But who could stay sad for too long when there are so many good things to look forward to in autumn?

Autumn leaves. Do I really need to say more?

Ginger tea. Neglected in spring and summer but in those cold days a cup of tea made from fresh ginger makes you feel warm inside. 

Fire place, candles, blankets and thick socks. As the days are getting shorter and colder, I will be spending evenings on the sofa (whenever my job permits) watching TV covered with a thick blanket.

Winter wardrobe. I actually probably prefer my winter clothes to my summer ones. I notice that with the start of autumn most women start wearing mostly trousers, but to me it would be a shame, to give up wearing skirts for the whole winter.

Scented candles. I've got a good supply or spicy, chocolatey, sweet smelling candles perfect for winter.

Are you prepared for autumn?

Happy coffee day!!!

Antique store

At the top of our street, near the town square there is a small shop, a cross between an antique store and a junk shop. Every day the owner takes some of the goods out and displays them on the street, perhaps to attract potential buyers, or maybe just because the store is too small for everything to fit inside. The store sells inexpensive antiques, dishes, clocks, movie posters, antlers :), small furniture and pictures. Most of the pictures are probably not what you would call a work of art, but from time to time I see some that I really like: lovely drawings of white and purple lilac, or sunflowers that in my inexpert opinion could rival the ones from Van Gogh. 

Although I didn't buy anything from the store so far, I am sure that sooner or later I will. For now however, the store is kind of a variable street exhibition, a pleasant bright spot that makes the way to the market or to work more colorful.  

Bare necessities too

HAND SANITIZER AND WET WIPES                                                                                                 

How often do you find yourself in a situation when your hands feel dirty or sticky and there is nowhere to wash them? It happens to me every time I use the public transport. That's why I carry hand sanitizers and wet wipes with me. When it comes to choosing antibacterial gel, I suppose I am guilty of judging the book by its cover. All sanitizes claim to remove 99% of bacteria, or something to that effect, but I like the Pocketbacs from Bath and body works best. They smell divine, have pretty picture on the front, and a practical holder, so they are always readily at hand. The same goes for picking wet wipes. All of them work the same, but I never choose the ones in boring, plain packaging. After using the Pocketbac and wet wipes I feel that my hands are clean enough to do anything, even eat. But this treatment can dry them out, so I always carry a hand cream with me - another bare necessity, to be featured soon :)

Memories: New York

Not so long ago I wrote here about London and about my halfhearted attitude towards it. And it made me think of another city and a very different relationship. I first visited New York City almost 8 years ago, and in less than a week I was enticed, mesmerized and charmed by New York, the buzzing, noisy, dirty, exciting, crowded, vibrant, unscrupulous, iconic city full of busy and straight talking locals and slightly confused tourists. I don't necessarily believe in a love at first sight between people, but when visiting a new place or a country I sometimes feel this instant and inexplicable appeal - and New York definitely falls under this category. I am forever a great New York devotee, and I cannot tell you how much I envy those, who are lucky enough to live in such a breathtaking city. It will always be in my heart as one of the greatest places I have ever visited.