The Week in Review #18

Scariest Transformation of the Week
Subsequent to my significant weight loss (not in a good way), my gradual transformation into Skeletor from He-Man is now almost complete, with the recent addition of eye bags and huge dark circles under my eyes courtesy of anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns (some for bad reasons, some for very very good ones), lack of rest and feeling drained. Not to mention my hair needs curling again in order to combat the 'lady tramp' look I seem to inconceivably be rocking today. OK, it's not that bad, but it's not bitchin' and it really should be.

Biggest Decision of the Week
Deciding once and for all that me and NY Guy are no more. I already knew deep down that this was the decision I needed to make, but it took some work to finally see it as clear-cut and as practically as I have done. Often we can mistake other emotions for love, especially when we have once felt love for that person. It has taken the support of the Mrs, Lolly, Big Sis, Mini Me and most of all my BFTP to help me through this difficult situation and I can't express the sense of relief I feel, knowing I have made the best decision, finally, for me. Don't get me wrong, I know it's far from over. He understandably hasn't taken it very well and there is still the small issue that he will be in London for a week-long work event in just less than 4 weeks' time, but I've made the first step and that's often the hardest.

Favourite Words and Phrases of the Week
1. Circumferenced (adj.) - has several potential meanings, can pretty much be used in any situation, with many different applications.

Example 1: "I was squashed up against the door on the train because the dude standing next to me was circumferenced."
Example 2 (Lolly's suggestion): "Come out with your hands up! We have you circumferenced!"
Example 3: "I can remember any of the events of last night…I was utterly circumferenced." See? Love it.

2. Pantsola, Mofola - an expression, used to express utter contempt or dissatisfaction with a situation.

Example 1: "Pantsola, mofola! I just knocked my coffee over!"
Example 2: "I'm running an hour late to meet you." "That's pantsola, mofola!" Geddit?

Total Hours of Sleep For the Week
Currently averaging about 5 hours a night, I reckon, but probably less. It's helping me to fight the Power of Greyskull (see point 1), but that wasn't really the look I was going for. I'm envisioning a cosy evening in bed for me and Night Nurse tonight. Roll on, 8 o'clock, me and you have a date!

Best Evening Out of the Week
OK, so I only had one, but it still kicked ass. Me and Lolly met at Victoria station, I was 20 minutes early (I know! Early! Me!) and we were nought to hysterical in approximately 20 seconds. It began when I started sneaking up on her in a non-subtle way in Clinton's, continued when I randomly made up the word 'circumferenced' in the middle of a sentence (which made Lisa cry with laughter), got worse when we went to Thresher so she could buy a bottle of wine as a gift and instead of doing so we decided to just announce the various types of wine in Liverpool accents (I'd like a nice Rioja," "No, I prefer Beaujolais"), and peaked when we left Starbucks to find that water was pouring in through the roof of the station, half the station concourses had been taped off as pools of water collected on them, and hundreds of miserable, sopping-wet commuters were taking refuge in the few places that weren't flooded.

We talked about our respective dramas (me more than her; see point 2), she got riled up and defensive on my behalf and then helpfully reminded me of all the crap I'd put up with, which soon sent my guilt packing. Then we went to get naughty food, chatted loads more, cracked up about a few things, I got riled on her behalf this time and then we had a big hug and a giggle before going to our respective homes. A fab evening as always and we both managed to avoid getting drenched in the rain - result.

Most Amazing Development of the Week
My BFTP is fast becoming my BITF (Blast Into The Future). We have had the most amazing week: phone conversations each night, lasting several hours at a time; finding out loads about each other's personalities, values, opinions, pasts and current situations and really enjoying what we found; helping each other face difficult emotions and being completely honest and open with each other about some important subjects; looking back and reliving some really lovely memories from our time together 10 years ago and then glancing forward to see great potential for a special place in each other's futures. We have realised that although we have faced some similar challenges in the intervening decade, the good things that remain are the same good things we remember about each other from when we first met. I should probably not give any more away, since he now reads my blog (er…hello! Haha). But the fact that I am comfortable with him having access to such a personal portal into my little world, and the fact that he enjoys, appreciates and values being a part of that, is incredible to me.

Favourite Snack of the Week
My sad excuse for an appetite is still putting my reputation as a foodie to shame, but my favourite munchies of the week?

1. Weetos, as usual. I am unnaturally addicted. They stopped stocking them at the supermarket I had been going to, so when I went to one near work and unexpectedly found them, I forgot for a moment that I was in a public place and am a grown woman (sort of) and actually gasped with delight while running towards them to grab a box, arms outstretched. Mini Me looked on at me hugging the box in my arms in utter amusement and I suddenly (to my embarrassment) remembered where I was. Yes, I took the shame.

2. Cherries. I love them at the best of times, but I haven't had a single one yet this whole year. I made up for this deficit by buying a big box to munch at work. Half price in M&S - firm, juicy and very sweet. Mmmmm. I know that sounded food porn-ish, but M&S started that whole shebang with their suggestive adverts, so they only have themselves to blame.


This week has been both fantastic, tiring and rather challenging, but I feel like I've reached a tipping point, where this equilibrium of general discontent and unhappiness is slowly being overturned. For the first time in ages, I am genuinely excited about the weeks ahead. Hello, optimism! My, how I've missed your gorgeous self!

I hope that you have had a slightly more restful week than I have (or if not, have at least be losing sleep for enjoyable reasons). May I just say, where on earth is 2009 going? It's nearly mid-August! Before we know it, it will be Christmas. Kidding, kidding! But seriously...