Poc & Poch

18 January, 2017

Halfway through January

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We’re halfway through January. Nothing exciting happened. The days have passed and nothing new happened. Same old, same old.

I could go on like that for a while. I was not expecting anything dramatic to happen, nor for our life to change completely when the new year started. I was and still am fully aware that in order for something to happen, things need to be put in motion. The only way things will be put in motion is if we do something completely different.

We didn’t do anything different. We went around, doing our regular business. It is hard to change a pattern that has been going on for years. The sad reality is that the same pattern will go on for years to come. We might change a few days by doing new and different things, but at the core it will still be the same.

It sounds depressing.

I would like to attribute this state of mind to Winter.

It gets depressing this time of the year. It is way to cold. I dislike the fact that I have to wear so many layers of clothing. I dislike the fact we cannot go on road trips because it snowed so much, and the roads are not that good. I dislike having to stay indoors when we could be out and about.

I am happy for one thing. I already applied for a vacation in March. A full week of freedom from work. I am not sure if they will approve it, but I am entitled to a total of 38 vacation days (because last year we barely got a few days off). All I can do now is to wait and survive work.

18 January, 2017

A much needed Bollywood dose

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Watching a Bollywood movie takes time. Most of them are at least 2 hours long. Imagine watching 3 Bollywood movies, after being on the night shift.

Yep, that’s what I did.

I just didn’t want to waste my day sleeping. Weekends are short enough as they are.

~~~~~~

The movie selection process was done completely random. Usually, I would look up one of my favorite actors and see what new releases they might have. This time, I just went with whatever I found available.

I was not disappointed.

My first choice was “Kidnap” with Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan and Minissha Lamba.

Sure enough, it had drama, action, eye candy (for both sexes) and the most important thing, a happy ending for everyone involved. Yep, a true Bollywood movie. Even the bad guy, Kabir Sharma played by Imran Khan) was off the hook for kidnapping Sonia (played by Minissha Lamba).

The second choice was “I hate luv storys“.

I think I picked this one because I liked Imran Khan in Kidnap. But, I also liked Sonam Kapoor in Saawariya. With this one the selection process was not so random. I must admit, I was just curious and I like pretty faces.

Usually, when looking for Bollywood romance I always go for old movies. All of them will be compared against “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (my all time favorite). With “I hate luv storys” I had moments where I skipped forward. This usually happens when I just don’t have the patience for certain scenes.

It was cute, but not cute enough.

The last one I enjoyed! I really did. I stumbled on it, and I am glad I did. It was “Chalo Dilli“.

It was cute and funny. It was relaxing and it had a train ride! It deserves more than what it has on IMDb. This lil gem actually made my day much better. I considered my time (almost 8 hours, with breaks included) well spent.

What struck me, is that all of these movies are old.

Chalo Dilli was the most recent one. It came out in 2011.

I really need to get my sh*t together. My life is revolved too much around work. It should be the other way around. I should work so I can live, not live to work. That and I really need a new job, something that has nothing to do with Customer Service, Sales or anything related (if possible).

10 January, 2017

Bloody cold

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I am just stating the obvious here: It is bloody cold!

Yes, I am aware it is winter. I am also aware, that we are in January and this is the coldest month of the year. I would not have any problem, if I wouldn’t have to take the dog out or go to work.

This is the first year that we had to get Pluto doggy footwear. It wasn’t hard to convince Johnny to buy them. It wasn’t a want, but more of an urgent need for the poor dog. Pluto seemed to love them as soon as he was outside and he was able to run around. I was hoping he wouldn’t drag me along anymore, but that hope was soon lost on me.

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Taking Pluto out for short walks is fun, and we do get some exercise in. But, we do have those moments when enough is enough. Those are the moments that we slowly go back home. The moments when something warm is all that we want.

I do love winter, just not at the moment.

Maybe I am a bit grumpy, since I didn’t get enough rest in the last 2 days. All I know is that the bed is the best place to be at the moment. It is warm and comfortable. I also love it when all four of us are cuddling (Marlanu’ and Pluto like spending time with us as well).

Marlanu’ knows best since he seems to be sleeping more.

A visit to the in-laws might cheer me up. After all, they have the good food and a soup would go perfectly.

3 January, 2017

2017 Must Read Books

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“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” – C.S. Lewis
~~~~~~
I don’t like to make plans when books are concerned. I like to have the choice of picking whatever I want, whenever I want.
Yet, there are a few books I keep for those moments when everything in the universe is perfect. Believe it or not, those moments do come, even if once in a blue moon.

A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

“This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, this touches on the universal quest for an answer to life’s most basic question: Why are we here?“

This one is a pretty obvious choice for someone like me. Most likely, I will be reading it in bed with Marlanu’ and Pluto sleeping beside me.

A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley

“I’ve been thinking about this day for twenty-five years. Growing up half a world away, with a new name and a new family, wondering whether I would ever see my mother and brothers and sister again. And now here I am, standing at a door near the corner of a run-down building in a poor district of a small, dusty town in central India – the place I grew up – and no-one lives there.“

Another book that got itself a movie. I don’t know what to expect from this one. I really hope it isn’t a “feel good” book as Slumdog Millionaire.

A Passage to India by E.M. Forster

“When Adela Quested and her elderly companion Mrs Moore arrive in the Indian town of Chandrapore, they quickly feel trapped by its insular and prejudiced ‘Anglo-Indian’ community. Determined to escape the parochial English enclave and explore the ‘real India’, they seek the guidance of the charming and mercurial Dr Aziz, a cultivated Indian Muslim.”

I am a big fan of slow paced novels.

A Bride’s Story series by Kaoru Mori

“Acclaimed creator Kaoru Mori (Emma, Shirley) brings the nineteenth-century Silk Road to lavish life, chronicling the story of Amir Halgal, a young woman from a nomadic tribe betrothed to a twelve-year-old boy eight years her junior. Coping with cultural differences, blossoming feelings for her new husband, and expectations from both her adoptive and birth families, Amir strives to find her role as she settles into a new life and a new home in a society quick to define that role for her.“

This is a manga or a graphic novel (as many like to call them). The author is one of my favorite just for bringing to life the “Emma” series.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

“Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident.“

What is life without a bit of romance?

Poirot and Me by David Suchet, Geoffrey Wansell

“Through his television performance in ITV’s Agatha Christie’s Poirot, David Suchet has become inextricably linked with the ‘little Belgian’, a man whom he has grown to love dearly through an intimate relationship lasting more than twenty years.“

One of the few books that I own (not as a ebook or audio book).

An Autobiography by Agatha Christie, Robert Herrick

“Fans of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple and readers of John Curran’s fascinating biographies Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks and Murder in the Making will be spellbound by the compelling, authoritative account of one of the world’s most influential and fascinating novelists, told in her own words and inimitable style.“

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

“When her father leaves the Church in a crisis of conscience, Margaret Hale is uprooted from her comfortable home in Hampshire to move with her family to the north of England. Initially repulsed by the ugliness of her new surroundings in the industrial town of Milton, Margaret becomes aware of the poverty and suffering of the local mill workers and develops a passionate sense of social justice.“

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

“Following the lives of four sisters on a journey out of adolescence, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women explores the difficulties associated with gender roles in a Post-Civil War America.“

My reading list is pretty big. I am sure that if I read about 50 books per year, it will take me a lifetime to read at least half of my list.

1 January, 2017

January 1st, 2017

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We finished 2016 with a bang, and started 2017 with a road trip.

We both got the chance to see our favorite artists on the stage. We enjoyed the fireworks, and had fun last night. It was actually more fun than spending the New Years at home or at a restaurant.

It was cold! But it was totally worth it. It was less fussy as well. No need to worry about guests and if they are having fun. No need to clean afterwards. No need to dress up for the occasion. For me, that was the best ever.

2017 had a good start. We had our January 1st road trip to our parents (at the country side). Pluto enjoyed himself. There was snow and he had playmates. The food was also good. In fact, in the last week we had only homemade food. I guess we’re starting the New Year with a few extra pounds as well.

I actually had fun and even got the chance to rest. I couldn’t ask for more.

I hope the good times will keep on rolling this year and that we won’t stress out so much because of work. I hope that we’re going to make lots of happy memories. 2017 has a good start so far. I am very hopeful of what is to come.

1 January, 2017

2017 List

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I like having my own little traditions! This particular tradition is very dear to me! It goes hand in hand with the blog, with everything that happens around me and of course with my relationship with Johnny.

So, without further ado, here is what I wish to accomplish in 2017 (in no particular order):

Put away money each month (even if it is just a small amount).
Read 50 books (find new authors).
Take 3 separate vacations outside the city.
Take better care or myself and the way I dress.
Organize my time and tasks better, both at home and at work.
Upgrade my skills.
Get my drivers license.

~~~~~~

I can’t wait to see where the new year takes us. It might not be to luxurious destinations, but I am sure it will be a good year with lots of fun things to come. I am not wishing that. I know for sure, since I plan on taking advantage of each day no matter how tired I may be.

We will be reaching a milestone. We will both turn 30 and we will celebrate our 10th year together. Just thinking about all the years and adventures we had, makes happy and full of hope for a better future.

May we all have a Happy New Year!

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30 December, 2016

December 30th, 2016

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The end of 2016 is very near. Two more days..

This will be the last day of work for me, for 2016 that is. After working 7 days in a row (on all the shifts possible), I am waiting for the weekend to come. I am happy that I don’t have to work for New Years. It would’ve been too much for me.

We don’t have any plans for New Years. Truthfully, I don’t want to make any plans. Sleeping seems like a good option. I would love to just sit around all day and do nothing. Absolutely nothing!

2016 is almost done. And, I’m done as well.

For the first time in many years, we are going to start the New Year with no baggage (no financial responsibilities, no task left undone). We even have money in our pockets. That is the best we’ve done in ages!

Even our furry friends are doing great. Sure, they are a bit chubby (from the lack of exercising) but healthy nonetheless.

I am also happy that I finished a few personal goals. Not only did I finish my reading challenge, but I read a total of 61 books (the goal was 50). I got promoted (even if I hate every moment of it). The fact that they can’t fire me, makes it a lil bit better (since we are severely understaffed). It gives me time to plot my escape and even set some money aside.

January will be a time of relaxation for me.

I guess I am happy, in a very tired way. At least I am tired from manual labor and not anything else.

20 December, 2016

Getting ready for Christmas

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We are getting ready for Christmas, slowly but surely.

We have a lovely Christmas tree. It is not perfect, but it is so pretty. It smells nice as well.

And that’s about all we have ready for Christmas.

We don’t have any grand plans. In fact, we have no plans at all for the winter holidays. I shall be working on the night shift for Christmas, but I will have the last days of the year free. I call that a good bargain.

At least I will be starting 2017 at home, with my family. I couldn’t ask for more. It seems kinda dull, but we have barely spent time together this last couple of months.

We have missed on a lot of opportunities to have fun and enjoy ourselves.

I want to change it all in 2017.

5 December, 2016

Yes, it is going to be one of those days.

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Having the weekend off made me feel like I was on vacation. It was such a weird feeling.

That feeling didn’t last long, anyway.

Realizing that this week I will be on the afternoon shift, killed every spark of hope in me. I will have to socialize with certain people. I will have to socialize with them for the entire week (including the upcoming team building). What’s worse is that next week, I’ll be on the afternoon shift as well. So, 12 days per total.

I don’t think I have it in me, the patience to spend time with these people. Not for such a long period of time.

If that isn’t bad enough, just found out that someone broke into our temporary car.

Our car (Volvo S80) is currently in service. It has been in service for the last 2 weeks. The temporary car is just a basic model (Dacia Logan), for John to get to and back from work. We’ve had the Volvo for 4 years or so, and no one broke into it. We’ve had the Logan for 2 weeks and this happened.

They didn’t even had anything to take from it. We don’t leave anything in the car. A simple glance through the windows would’ve confirmed this.

Did I also mention that something else broke in the house?

Yes, it is going to be one of those days. I don’t care if it is Monday or not. It really doesn’t matter. All I know, is that our week didn’t start off that well.

I am still gathering courage to go to work.

4 December, 2016

27 days left till the new year

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With the last of our social obligations coming to an end, we can happily say that we have no more plans for the Winter Holidays.

There are 27 days left till the end of the year.

I want to say that in those 27 days I will be able to do whatever I want. But, that’s not the case.

My shifts will be a mix of afternoon and night. I will also be away on team building next weekend. On the 24^th, 25^th and 26^th of December I will be on the night shift. I am fine with that. By working the Christmas shift, I secured New Years.

Yes, the year shall end on a positive note. I will not be working on the last weekend of the year.

I shall start 2017 in bed, most likely watching the Vienna concert. For me, that is blissfulness.

I don’t know how 2017 will be. But I do know two things: I will start the year with no debts and no obligations towards no one. No strings attached. That is a fresh new start.

With a full paycheck in my pocket, I will be able to do more things than in previous years. In fact, it will be better for the both of us. We both have jobs with a good paycheck (no matter what anyone else says). Hard work, effort, giving up on many things (including our personal time), paid off.

I guess I am a little bit happy. It’s just that I am tired, and that happiness doesn’t come out as it should.

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