Reverse Dinner

Tonight was a Reverse Dinner being held for the Younger Members at the O&C. Basically the idea was that it would be an entire dinner served backwards, starting with port and dessert, and finally finishing with a champagne reception.

I arrived at the club, and went up to the bar to find Tristan and Doro sitting together. My two favourite people! Greeted them with much enthusiasm. I joined them for a...."nightcap", I guess?

When we thought it was time for dinner, we went downstairs, where I ran into Marjanne, sitting in the lobby. (They'd told her to go upstairs to the bar, but the silly girl didn't want to, for some reasons. Who knows how long she might have been sitting there if we hadn't come down?)

Yet when we came down for dinner, they told us that we were now in the "after-dinner drinks" stage, and that we should go back up to the bar for another half-hour. So we went back upstairs, and I managed to get the group into a big table in the corner, and then we were shortly joined by Des, a friend of mine from Balliol, who I hadn't seen since we'd graduated five years ago! It was positively lovely to see him again, and I found that he remains the same sweet and gentle guy that he's always been.

After our required half-hour, we came downstairs, and I found that I was seated in-between Marjanne and this girl I've been stuck with at numerous other events who I can't stand due to her continual insistence on under-dressing for events. Indeed, she'd brought along a young man from her work, who instantly seemed mortified to realise that it was a black-tie event and he was the only one wearing a jacket and tie. He immediately told us all, "I asked her REPEATEDLY about the dress code, and even asked her directly if it was black-tie?" It was unfortunate, because he seemed so thoroughly embarrassed, and I have to wonder why she so determinedly ignores dress codes, when they make everyone around her so uncomfortable?

Finally, we sat down to dinner, and the staff came around pouring the port. We then had the Royal Toast as the first thing, which was kind of funny, as I'm so used to everyone jumping to their feet and offering a rather boisterous "To the Queen!" exclamation. Yet, when it was the first thing of the evening, everyone was quite reserved, which made it all that much funnier

Dinner turned out to be creme brulee, welsh rarebit (it's rather cheesey), guinea fowl, and then fruit and sorbet. Obviously they were being kind to us with the menu, for although that menu could have worked forwards, it was also not too difficult to stomach backwards. Much different that the last reverse dinner I went to!. We finally ended the meal with the grace (in Latin, of course) at the end.

We then moved upstairs for the champagne reception and canapés. So many of the canapés looked lovely, although I was really quite full at this point! I spent most of my time talking to Des and Marjanne, as it was particularly nice to catch up with Des.

Of course, what I found most funny was that when Des left the room, Marjanne had the EXACT SAME question and comment that everyone has about Des.

The Question: "Is Des gay?"

The Comment: "He seems like such a gentle person."

I have to laugh because Tim had the exact same comments about Des when I mentioned I was going to see him ("Ah Des, wouldn't hurt a fly! And is he gay?") and Zhan as well. Apparently Des gives everyone the same impression. And I'm always intrigued that everyone seems to use the word "gentle" with Des. After all, it's not a word I frequently use to describe people, but yet it's what everyone uses with Des.

Although I don't know the particular's of Des' sexuality, I have to agree that he gives off a vibe of not being interested in women. But then again, I haven't exactly seen Des show any particular fondness for men either, and so I sometimes wonder if he's of a third type: The ones who are just close to their families.

After all, the first time Des was ever apart from his twin brother was when he came to Oxford. Even now, Des lives with his sister. And it's basically I think that whatever his innate preferences one way or the other, he doesn't have quite the urgency that the rest of us do to seek out another connection, because he already has an incredibly close relationship already.

Ah well, what does it matter? As long as Des is happy (and he does seem to be doing well), I think he can be whatever he wants to be. So much fun to see him again, and I think I'll have to try to take him up on his invitation to visit him in Dublin at some point!

So finally after the champagne reception, we retired to the bar, where I continued to talk to Des and Marjanne, until finally Marjanne decided to head home. We were then joined by two random guys in suits and ties, and I noticed that everyone kept buying champagne and that my glass was continually refilled. So I have to admit I missed the last Tube, but assured Des that I was getting myself straight into a cab outside the club, no trying to take the night bus for me. So with that, he kissed me on each cheek and sent me off, safely into a cab and home to bed!

Moving and Dartmouth Club

I was working from home today, and was surprised when my flatmate was as well. But nothing could have surprised me more than when she said, "I've actually been wanting to talk to you, I've decided that I'd like to live by myself for a while." My stomach absolutely plummeted, and I felt nauseous and ready to vomit. Given that she owns the flat we live in, this means I've got to find a new place to live.

I was totally shocked when she said, "I hope this hasn't come as a surprise to you..." Ummm....really? How about jaw-droppingly, breathtakingly, wind-knocked-out-of-me surprising? Not a clue that this was coming. We seem to get along so well, and she seems to enjoy my company, so I really didn't see this coming AT ALL. It really reminds me of some of my break-ups, where I just got blindsided out of the blue when the guy wanted to end the relationship, and yet he acted like it was so obvious, I should have seen it coming from miles away. Which does sort of make me wonder, what on earth did I miss?

She did assure me actually that it didn't have anything to do with me, and my protests that I could go into the office more fell on deaf ears, she really just wanted to live alone. It really puzzled me though, as she confessed that she can't actually afford to live here on her own, and so she's hoping to find someone who commutes from Manchester to live here a few days a week, just not all of the time. Ummm...so you want to live by yourself, but yet you'll still have a flatmate?

Alas, what can I do? There really is nothing for it but to start looking, hope that I can find something nice in this area, and somehow hope I can manage the challenge of packing up my absolute mountains of stuff. To her credit, she assured me that she wouldn't stick to the official terms of our lease (1 month's notice), as I have absolutely no idea what I would do if she did, particularly given that I'm due to head to the US for two weeks on August 25th. No way in heck I could manage to move before then, so it's nice to have some more time and advance warning...

Still reeling from that news, I had to head up to north London for an agreed upon meeting with the head of the Dartmouth Club of London, as I'd volunteered to take over from the club president, along with a few others, to form an executive committee and hopefully make the club a bit more active.

Made it to her house, where she was at home with her 20-month old daughter. The kid was cute, but very active, so I could see why she wanted to pass along responsibility for running the club, as she obviously didn't have a lot of time on her hands anymore.

Kind of interesting to see someone else's flat in London, to see how on earth people actually do manage to live with kids in this city. It was a nice place, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were living in your standard two-bedroom flat, just like anybody else.

Did some chatting, made sure I knew everything I needed to know, but then made sure to lead the charge to leave to give the obviously very tired mom some downtime in the evening... Kids are cute, but obviously take a lot of your focus!

Australian Networking

A little while back, a girl I run with and know moderately well (we were on the same team to run the Edinburgh Marathon Relay last year), but not incredibly so, sent me a message on Facebook asking if I might be interested in going to a networking drinks evening. She'd sent it out to all of her friends who had professional jobs, so I doubt she really expected a response from me, but upon seeing it I thought, "Why not? Sounds different from what I normally do, and it could be fun!"

Unfortunately that same afternoon, my friend Sara wanted to return to me the bags I'd loaned to her for her move. So I found myself carrying around a giant bag of duffel bags, and wondering how I was going to manage it at this networking event. Thank goodness when I arrived, they turned out to have a bag check, so I was able to check it!

I then entered and grabbed a glass of champagne, and observed the many businesses set up around the room, including one group called "Pants to Poverty" which was selling underwear, and had a couple of very fit people standing around there clad in only their underwear! I had to be impressed with their boldness (like Abercrombie and Fitch models), but I don't think I could ever manage to stand around in a crowded room like this in only my underwear...

As I wandered among the quite closed conversational groups, I realised that you really sometimes need to know at least one person you know who can introduce you around. Luckily for me, in short order I found Garvey, the girl I run with, and she was a WONDERFUL "one person you know", as she immediately started introducing me to various people there.

It was kind of interesting, as most everyone I spoke to knew Garvey through a summer programme where UK students would go to the US for the summer, and sell books door-to-door. I remember once in the depths of my unemployment in the US after graduation, I had spent a day going around as part of an "interview" with a firm like this, and of course had decided it was absolutely ridiculous to do anything where you worked entirely based on commission. Yet, it was really interesting to see these folks, who had all done it. In truth, it rather reaffirmed that I'd made the right call not getting that "sales experience", as it didn't seem to have had a hugely positive impact on their careers post-graduation. I will say however, that they all seemed to have no fear when it came to talking to new people, which was certainly nice for me!

They then did an "ice-breaker" event, where everyone was supposed to find other people who had the same Australian term on the their name-badges. Nice idea, but it sort of going messed up when in all of the confusion of everyone trying to shift around this crowded room, a guy in a wheelchair got his chair caught on a tablecloth and ended up knocking over a ton of glasses. There was a huge crash, and broken glass went EVERYWHERE. And then you could see everyone turning to stare, and then immediately trying NOT to stare, as somehow we've all been programmed since childhood never to stare at very obviously handicapped people (this guy must have had some sort of congenital defect, as he wasn't just some poor accident victim in a wheelchair), but yet I had to give him credit for coming out to an event like this. Once again, makes me realise how fortunate I am to have such simple things as two working legs.

I then found myself chatting to a rather nice guy who apparently was still in the sales game, driving around the UK selling stereos. Although when he mentioned that this was the first of these sorts of events he'd been to, I asked, "Why's that?" Oh dear, turns out that he's only just graduated from university. I ask, "So you're 22?" "Almost!" he cheerfully replies, "I'm 21!" Realising then as well when he guesses that I'm 23 that he really thinks I'm his age. Why has this happened so many times recently, that I find myself hitting on 22-year olds? He seriously thinks I'm his age. This is a bad pattern.

As the event started coming to an end, I found myself trapped in conversation with a woman who was selling mail-order tampons, so escaped that one to talk to a very cute guy, who I swear was giving off such huge gay vibes that I knew it even before I got close and saw that he worked for "Gaydar" a gay radio station. We ended up talking about how I had such a huge problem figuring out where his accent was from. (Kiwi. From Aukland. Took me ages to figure out, and he weirdly seemed to think that I was going to somehow figure out whether his accent was from North Island or South Island?)

I then found myself talking to a Scottish guy about economics, before Garvey and the others announced that the booze had run out, and so they were all going to another pub. I was tired, but I got dragged along. (I REALLY do not know how to leave a party). So we ended up at a small pub near Waterloo station. I ended up talking to Garvey about doing the Three Peaks Challenge, and driving on the wrong side of the road. It was funny, because after all of this time of not really knowing her very well, I found that we were bonding.

After the pub we were in closed (when I REALLY should have left), we all ended up going to another pub. At least at this one I had the good sense to avoid letting anyone buy me a drink, and said good-bye just to Garvey, and finally got out of there. Phew, just in time, made the last Tube home!!

Running in Hampstead

I went into the office in the morning to conduct interviews, which thankfully will be my last for a while. One candidate was very nice, if hilariously nervous (every time he picked up a piece of paper, it started shaking, he was trembling so much with nerves!) My other candidate had the most beautiful Irish accent, but furstratingly wouldn't talk! I swear, it was like pulling teeth, trying to get answers out of him, it was as though he didn't quite understand what an interview is supposed to be all about...

Finally, once the work day was over, I made my way up to Hampstead. When I arrived at the station, I spotted a few familiar faces at the station, including Roofie's brother, who I'd met for the first time last week.

The run was really good, a cross-country trek through Hampstead Heath, which was really pretty. For once I didn't have too much trouble keeping up with the rest of the group, as either everyone else was slowed down by the hills (which I didn't have as much trouble with), or I was able to short-cut across open spaces. Admittedly I did run into trouble once at this very steep cliff-side that I never would have made it up without the assistance of a Kiwi guy who stood at the top, hauling everyone up!

I spent most of my time running with Roofie's brother, as every time I turned around, he seemed to be there. It's funny, because he's far too handsome (really devastatingly good-looking), but perhaps not entirely aware of it, as he just seems really nice and good fun. Still, I have to admit to being a bit suspicious of him, as I can't help but wonder, "Why on earth would such a good-looking, funny, nice guy want to hang out with me?" So although I'm confused by it, I can't help but be pleased when he adjusts his pace to run with me for the majority of the run. He's really funny and good fun to keep running with.

The run wasn't without it's trials though, as at one point a woman tripped over a root and fell on her face...and on her glasses! Oh my gosh, there was blood everywhere and she had a huge black-eye...definitely made me glad I wear contact lenses!

We finally got back to the pub (me running with Roofie's brother), and then I spent some time sitting and chatting with Princess and the Giant Australian. Some funny stories about a comedy show they'd been to recently, I think because the comedian couldn't have anticipated what it would be like to have someone like Princess in the audience!

As much as I enjoyed chatting with them however, as people kept wanting to offer me money, I finally had to admit that I needed to do hash cash. So I made the rounds, chatted to people, and then survived the circle (held downstairs in the basement of the pub). Shirtlifter was super-annoying, calling out things during the circle and generally slowing up the action, and then poking me through the railings as I went back up the stairs... I know he likes me and he thinks it's cute, but it's really on the level of the boy who pulls your pigtails when you're in elementary school. I'm really not amused, particularly since I really don't like him very much...

Finally once I'd escaped from the rounds of collecting money, Cookie bought me a drink, so I ended up standing outside talking to her. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy Cookie's company, she really is lovely.

As we were standing there chatting, the Giant Australian said his good-byes and left, although I barely got a chance to talk to him. Oh well, I'm really not that fussed.

As it was getting colder outside, we ended up making our way inside, where Roofie's brother borrowed some money back from Blunder (that he'd just given him for the Pacman run), which he then used to buy me a drink. He's so sweet.

We then end up in a conversation with a guest hasher who started making such off-colour jokes, I was really bothered. Seriously, I know it's the hash, but there are some things that are just not acceptable in mixed company!

Although I hated leaving Roofie's brother, after a while I couldn't take it any more, and I managed to escape the conversation by going to talk to Princess. I wonder if Princess knew about my discomfort, as he was on his way out the door, but stopped what he was doing to talk and even let other people leave without moving from his spot. Just doing what he does so well, focusing all of his attention on me. Whatever my occasional frustrations with Princess, I have to admit I love how he always seems to have time for me.

After a bit, I ended up in a funny conversation with SN, a girl who has started hashing recently, about what we are looking for in men. As we were talking, we spotted Kim, and decided that she needed rescuing from talking to Fat Bastard. She always seems okay with it, talking to the older men of the hash, but I still felt like she needed a break.

Eventually, at 11:30, myself, Kim, Blunder, SN, Lex, and Roofie's brother head for the train, admitting that it's time to go home. I found myself walking along with Roofie's brother, while everyone was walking ahead of us in casual pairs and threes with their arms around each other. I'll admit I would have loved that, to be walking along with my arm around Roofie's brother, but I didn't have the courage to make the first move towards doing it, and I got the sense he felt the same. While for the rest of them, the linking of arms was just a casual thing, for us it wouldn't have felt so casual. Am I a wimp for not just going for it though? Perhaps.

So we all got on the train, and I'll admit I stayed on the train too long with Roofie's brother, but eventually I had to leave the group at Bank. Such a fun night though, with a great run, and great company!

Cartier Polo

Still battling exhaustion from staying up late trying to get work done (how on earth did I end up with so much work to do on a weekend?), I dragged myself out of bed at 7 AM to go to polo. When I arrived at Waterloo, there was a train just leaving, so I didn't have a chance to get any food or cash. Yet when we arrived at Sunningdale, I found that there was a Waitrose right by the station, so I picked up a few things for breakfast and a picnic lunch. In the end, my preparations turned out to be just like the umbrella I didn't use, I never ate them, but I suppose it was good that I had them. After shopping and getting some cash from an ATM, I went back to the station and caught a cab to the polo grounds for £15.

I arrived after the 11 AM start of the first match, and so couldn't get into the stands until halftime. Still, as everyone was out divot-stomping, I had a chance to look around for people I knew. Sadly, I couldn't find anyone, and so made my way towards my seat. Perhaps somewhat to be expected at an event with thousands of people wandering over multiple giant fields, it was going to be tough to find anyone in this crowd. Then, as I was just about to sit down, who should I see climbing the stairs towards me but the Adorable Australian? My God, what are the chances?

He introduced me to his friend Simon, and then realised that our seats were quite close to one another, but why not just sit together for the match, since the stands were mostly empty? So I sat next to Tom for the duration of the match, and we had a fine time sitting together, in the cramped tiny stands together.

At one point, from my vantage point in the stands, I was horrified to spot the Awful Scotsman. I don't know if he spotted me (he was talking to some girl, although he definitely was looking in my direction), but I certainly wasn't about to go over and say hello. Thank goodness at least that the first person I ran into was the one I really wanted to see!

After the match finished, I joined the Adorable Australian and his friend Simon for a walk through the retail village. I had to admit that Simon was really funny and nice as well, and the two of us were totally bonding over our shared love of Argentina and Buenos Aires. He seemed like a really nice guy, and we certainly got along.

We decided it was time for lunch, so we got a jug of Pimms and went to the BBQ for lunch. I got a chorizo sausage for £7, and then we went and found a spot in the sunshine to sit and eat our lunch. Thank goodness I'd worn a long skirt so I could sit on the grass! I suppose I could have eaten the food I'd brought from Waitrose, but I wanted to join in with the crowd.

We ended up sitting there, drinking three jugs of Pimms, just sitting out and enjoying the sunshine. (Luckily I'd thought to bring sunblock, but only remembered to put it on after I was already turning pink. At least I had a chance to offer it to the Adorable Australian, whose pale complexion was making him turn bright red!) We had an interesting rambling conversation, where I learned the two of them met because they both used to work in shipping. I'm fascinated given my experiences in Panama. I also found myself bonding with Simon over my love of obscure topics, as when I started talking about the London Underground, he instantly joined in with how fascinating he found that topic too. I always love the company of fellow geeks like me. We also talked a lot about the pace of life in London, where the Adorable Australian admitted that he's overwhelmed at how when living here, you're likely to have a social engagement every single day after work, that you're more likely to use your weekends to recover from your weeks, rather than the other way around. He's only been here for about four months, but he protested, "I need downtime!" I have to admit, it's sometimes exhausting to realise that my next free day is sometime in mid-August (and I'll bet the calendar will fill up by then), but this is life in London...

Finally, it was time to head back in to watch the match. I once again sat with the Adorable Australian, instead of in the seat I was supposed to be in. The stands were much more crowded this time, and I kept worrying that someone would come up and say, "That's my seat!" and I would have to move, but I guess it was fate once again, for as much as the stands filled up, that never happened.

At halftime, we went out to stomp divots and met up with Thomas, who runs Englefield polo. I was introduced to Nathanial, a chap who I had met on Friday night but he was so drunk he didn't remember it (although to his credit, upon meeting me he realised that I looked familiar). As we stood out on the field, we were told to look out for a trailer for a film he'd made, The Polo Kid. Finally did see a tiny bit of the trailer!

When we were ushered back to our seats, we ended up going back to other side of stand with Thomas' group, and I ended up sitting with Nathaniel. It turns out we were both at the US Open in 2007, sitting about three cars away from each other. How random. It was great though, because he is so connected with the world of polo that he was able to answer a few questions for me about that event and the patrons who played that day.

When the game finally ended and we made our way back onto the field for the prize-giving, Simon seemed incredibly relieved to see me. Turns out that he hadn't realised I was just sitting on the other end of the row, and he's spent the entire second-half of the match worried that I was lost somewhere on the other end of the field. It was so funny, because he seemed so concerned, and I have to admit it was really sweet to know he'd been so worried. How charming that he was so doting on a girl he'd only met a few hours earlier...

As we stood around at the prize-giving, I finally met up with Cat and Sara, two friends who I'd also known were going to be there. We then all went over to the clubhouse for drinks (since we knew some polo people, we could manage to get in), and so we spent our time standing around chatting with people, drinking Pimms on the clubhouse porch.

Finally I also got to see Sophie. Sophie asks me, while the Adorable Australian is standing right there, "Meet any interesting men on Friday night?" Ummm...so I guess the one I'm standing next to doesn't qualify? I kind of did joke, "Well, I met the Adorable Australian..." and Sophie laughs, "I didn't realise the two of you didn't know each other!" Indeed, we're like best buddies now, as the two of us have been hanging together all day. But yeah, I guess I was starting to get a sense that while the Adorable Australian immensely enjoyed my company, I'd just made a new best friend rather than a romantic interest.

I also learned that the reason I never saw them come out of the club on Friday night, was that they never did! Apparently (and I didn't know this), I wasn't supposed to leave, as the club turned into a lock-in after they threw everyone out on Friday night. Oh well, I think I was hot, sweaty, and tired by that point anyway, so it was probably a good thing that I went home anyway!

At this point I noticed that Simon was missing, and had been for some time (much longer than it would take to run to the loo). I rather wondered about that, as it seemed unlike him to leave without saying good-bye. When I asked the Adorable Australian about it, he asked, "You mean you haven't heard?"

Apparently he tried to crash the Chinawhite party (big thumping party with overly-loud music going on in a tent across the way, very much a chav-fest), by just running in and hoping the security guys didn't catch him. Of course they did, and had then physically escorted him off the property. Not just out of the party tent, but off of the property of Guards Polo Club, and so he was now stuck several miles away down the road. Eventually, someone was going to have to go out and pick him up on their way home. I just had to wonder, who on earth DOES that? Seemed like a move that was the height of stupidity to me...and such a shame I didn't get a chance to say good-bye to him, as he'd seemed so nice...

As the hour grew late and the sun started to go down, I was kind of dissappointed when the Adorable Australian just kissed me on each cheek and said, "Well, I'm off..." Okay, so I can't be too bothered, because between being Australian, 26, and a smoker, it's not like there was much chance there. (Seriously, how many strikes can we fit into one person? It's like all of my deal-breakers rolled into one) Yet, I'm just bothered because he seemed to really enjoy my company, and want to spend time with me, yet seems to have no interest in me beyond that. Wow, way to shake a girl's confidence. Because it's a little disturbing when you can meet a guy when you're all dolled up and looking glamorous, and then later when you look cute and fresh, and he still just seems to like your personality, and nothing more.

As well, I just can't shake the whole wonderment of why I met him in the first place then. I always like to think that the universe has some sort of plan, and when on Sunday you randomly turn out to have seats right near the guy you spent all of Friday night with, you can't help but wonder if there's something to that. There were so many extraordinary coincidences and run-ins, and we clicked so well and so instantly, that you have to think it was part of some plan of fate. Except I somehow think I may have missed the message that fate was trying to send me...

Finally it's time for us to go home too. Sophie was going home with another guy in our crowd, Zeno, while Cat offered to drive me and Sara home. Yay, I get to skip the train! I probably wasn't the best conversationalist on the drive, I was so tired, but luckily Cat and Sara really carrying on the conversation. At last I home, and then had to struggle to stay up while I got some more work done. But in the end got to drop off to sleep. Time for some rest after a long day!

Kitty's Birthday BBQ

In the morning, around 10 AM the sun was refusing to allow me to sleep any more (despite having only gone to bed at 5 AM). So I got up and found Emily in sad shape on the couch, having also having had a rather big night (although at least I wasn't doing so poorly, having been quite sober by the end of the evening, I was just tired and short on sleep).

We mostly spent the morning just hanging out, before I realised that at some point I needed to get moving to Kitty's birthday BBQ. It took me a while to get across town to Kentish Town, so that it was 3 PM by the time I arrived for a party that had started at 1 PM. I really need not have worried however, for I discovered there and incredibly subdued crowd, as I wasn't the only one who had been out the night before and was feeling rather lethargic.

So I spent time chatting to Clare and Ricky (nice couple I know from the hash who I don't see as much of anymore), and Kitty and the others. An American girl, Kara, who had come to the hash last Tuesday, arrived, and I chatted a bit with her, but still found myself having my usual pattern of relating to Americans. Also she does seem a bit clingy (texting and calling me to see when I was going to the party), which generally puts me off about people.

I hung out, had some sausages, and made some Pimms, but at around 7:30 PM, I felt like I'd put in my time, and really just wanted to go home and go to bed. So I left the party (only properly said good-bye to Kitty, and just slipped out on the others) and made my way home. It took me a while due to train delays, but finally I got there, and found Emily wanting to watch a movie. So we watched "Away We Go" which, while not the most amazing movie of all time, was a sweet little bit of entertainment. Kind of interesting, the thoughts that people have as they are about to become parents, thinking of my brother and sister-in-law, and their new little baby.

Perhaps I shouldn't have wasted the time watching the movie, as then I had to stay up trying to get some work done before going to Cartier in the morning. Too late to bed, with an early alarm set for the morning. But sometimes that's how life is...just exhausting.

Emily's Arrival and the Lansdowne Ball

I woke up absolutely feeling like crap. I tried to rationalize it (maybe it was just a mild headache?) but finally as I struggled to get food and water into myself, I had to admit that after over a year without one, I'd managed to give myself a hangover. Which made me feel incredibly angry with myself, as I'm smarter than that, and I really had nobody to blame for it but myself.

The morning was therefore pretty shot for work, as I just struggled to avoid puking and tried to drink as much water as I could. Also, I was beside myself with worry, as I had yet to receive a call from my parents or my brother, despite checking my phone obsessively every 5 minutes. This meant that my sister-in-law had now been in labour for over 24 hours, and I was worried that something had gone seriously wrong. Did they pull her into an emergency C-section? Was she actually still labouring after all of this time? I wasn't sure how much of the sick-to-my-stomach feeling was due to the hangover or just terror about this never-ending labour.

Finally at 7 AM EDT (noon my time), I called my parents, desperate to know what was going on. Turned out that my sister-in-law had delivered a healthy baby girl at midnight, seven hours previously. I was so thrilled, but also puzzled. Why had nobody called me? I'd been in agony waiting for the news. Still, I found myself smiling constantly, just relieved to know that the delivery had gone well, and that all of my imaginings of anything horrible hadn't borne out. So I sat on my hands and figured I'd hear from my brother soon, once he woke up and recovered and could call me first thing in the morning.

At 3 PM my time (10 AM EDT) I finally couldn't take it, and called my brother. We had a quick chat, it was great to talk to him about the birth, although once again I had to wonder....why had nobody called me? The phones work two ways, you know...

Kind of sad, in a way, because I'd imagined for ages the way that late-night phone call would go, with my brother excitedly telling me the news, and I would be thrilled with delight to hear that phone ring. Instead, finding out the news was such a let-down, because I had to go chasing it myself. Forget about the phone call being not what I expected, there was no phone call. I'll probably wonder for the rest of my life why my brother couldn't be bothered to call. Did he think I didn't care? I know he had a lot on his mind, but I was going bonkers where I was. Yet nobody picked up the phone. They let me go nuts for 7 hours until I finally called. I wonder if I'd never called if I would even know now?

Still, despite my disappointment about how I heard the news, I was just so delighted with what the news was! A healthy baby girl!! So funny, because I'd put my money on it being a boy. Perhaps because I'd been so thrilled to have an older brother, I was secretly hoping it would turn out that way, and "Pip" just sounded a bit more like a boy's name. Yet, I'm absolutely just as delighted to have a niece as a nephew, and already I can't wait to see what kind of person she's going to turn out to be. They named her Emily Catherine. That's going to be a bit confusing for me, given that my flatmate is also named Emily (when I told her the news, she laughed and said, "Your brother and sister-in-law obviously have excellent taste!). But I was also charmed that they'd named her Catherine for my mother. Indeed, the photos of my mom holding hew new granddaughter showed her beaming as though she would smile wider if she possibly could. My mom is just MADE to be a grandma, so it was really wonderful for it to finally happen and have a namesake right there.

Between the exciting news and the hangover, I didn't do much (any) work all day, but finally in the afternoon got dressed to go to the ball at the Lansdowne Club that evening.

I probably wasn't ready to go in time, but I still imagined that I could manage to catch the train in time to get there. I suppose I should have paid more attention when the train was sitting around in the station without going anywhere, for it was almost 7 PM (when I was supposed to be at the ball!) before an announcement came on over the loudspeaker revealling that the train wasn't going anywhere for another 13 minutes. So I dashed out, and grabbed a cab. Okay, perhaps it was ridiculous to end up paying for a cab to get TO the ball when I knew I'd need another one to get home, but in the end it was only £18 (not bad for rush-hour traffic), but due to the traffic I only made it there right at 7:30, when dinner was due to start. Lucky for me, I guess a lot of people were late, as I still did have quite a chance to talk to people during the cocktail hour. I saw my friend Caroline right as I came in, we had the magician do a trick for us. I was actually rather impressed, as he did a trick where he had me draw a shape, and then wrote out what the shape was on a card. Apparently it must have had something to do with reading my eyes (he mentioned that it was hard because I was wearing a masque for the masquerade ball), but he did it successfully, making me quite impressed. Once I realised he was reading my eyes, I tried hard to stare straight ahead and be expressionless, but he got it anyway. On some level, I think you have to stop trying to figure out how magicians do their tricks, and instead just be charmed by the magic of it all. I ran into a few more friends, and just enjoyed standing around chatting in the courtyard and drinking champagne.

We were then called into dinner, and I was seated next to an American on my left who for some reason didn't seem to take to me, and an American on my right who had gone to Dartmouth. That was really funny and strange, because it turned out that he was an '02 (OMG, he must be my age or younger, whereas I'd thought he must be pushing 40 when I saw him, between the pot gut and the bald head), who used to row (he knew Katie Miller!) and was a Herot. We sort of bonded over Dartmouth, but really just didn't click, despite a short interesting conversation about Lehman Brothers (he used to work there, and I'd read Andrew Ross Sorkin's "Too Big to Fail"). Overall however, he seemed much more interested in talking to the girl on his right. I couldn't quite figure it out, but in the end had to put it down to the fact that despite having been in the UK for four years, these guys confessed to mostly just hanging out with other Americans. They even had an American Football League! And I really just don't identify with Americans at all any more. Indeed, the one thing I could pick up on as to why the guy on my left didn't like me, was that he commented on my accent, which I'll admit contains a smattering of British words, and after a few glasses of wine tends to resemble the accents I hear around me, i.e. the more British ones. I'm trying not to be Madonna, but you can't live here for a while without starting to "go native" a bit. Still, the whole thing was a bit unsettling, for here were two guys I SHOULD get along brilliantly with (Americans, one of whom even went to Dartmouth!), but it just wasn't working that well at all, despite my best efforts to be as charming as possible.

At least there was good entertainment elsewhere at the table, with a chap named Roman who amused me by bowing over my hand when he met me, and a guy named Paul who was just hysterical, getting up and acting as a waiter to serve wine to all of us after he concluded that our own waiters weren't being efficient enough. His antics and stories absolutely had the entire table cracking up, particularly as he told tales of a chap the guys all knew named "Dicken", who sounds like quite a character. (I actually have my suspicions as to whether Dicken actually exists, because I'm not sure any real live person could possibly be so amusing. I loved the stories however!)

There were two tables of people that Sophie knew, and after main course, Sophie made the boys from the two tables switch seats to the opposite table. Although he acknowledged that he was absolutely cheating, since the point of switching was to meet new people, the Young Dutchman came and sat next to me. Given how much I enjoy the company of the Young Dutchman, I didn't exactly complain.

The rest of dinner was fine enough, although at some point, somebody started throwing the diamonds that were out on the table as decoration. It started innocently enough, with people just tossing one small one to get someone else's attention. Eventually, it turned into a full-scale war, with diamonds raining down from the sky, glasses smashing, and our table waving our white table napkins in mock surrender. Funny, although I do think it got a bit out of hand!

After dinner, we were all ushered outside so that they could clear the ballroom of tables to turn it into a dancefloor. I found myself chatting to a few random people (including a man in a cape who really wasn't all that interesting), when I spotted a young blonde man who I vaguely recognized from our table in the second seating. Since he was sitting all by himself, I thought I would be kind and go and talk to him.

Turns out that he didn't know anybody at the party besides Sophie, but he turned out to be really nice, and sweet. Unfortunately was Australian (from Melbourne) and smoked (he absolutely powered through his pack of cigarettes), but I found myself enjoying his company nonetheless. He seemed to enjoy my company as well, leaving to go get me a drink at one point, and we really spent a large amount of our time just standing and talking. He was just wonderfully sweet, in that dorky-yet-adorable way, and so I think I shall refer to him here as the Adorable Australian.

On the few occasions that the Adorable Australian left my side to go get me a drink, I went over and talked to the Reincarnated Lllama and his sister Stephanie, a brother-and-sister pair whose company I really enjoy. (You can read about when I first met the Reincarnated Llama here). The two of them I suspect are members of some artistocratic family, as their stories about going home to the estate on weekends and their bizarre grandfather who still lives an Edwardian-era life without electricity always amuse me. They're an unusual family, to be sure, but the two of them are incredibly sweet and charming company, even as they always do seem to rely on each other for company quite a bit, because I don't think anyone can understand their peculiar family quite as well as they do!

At some point, the Reincarnated Llama urged me to come inside to the dance floor to go dancing, so I went along. The dancing was an interesting mix of old 80's music and newer stuff like "We No Speak Americano", which has to be one of my new favourite songs as of late. I was really impressed with the Reincarnated Llamas's moves on the dance floor, particularly when anything by Michael Jackson came on. He just seemed to float in that incredibly smooth way that MJ did, it was funny to think that this vegetarian, non-drinking guy could be such an awesome partier and dancer!

And on more than one occasion (i.e. every time that he spotted me), the Adorable Australian kept waving to me across the dance floor. Not a subtle chin nod, not a low-hand wave, but a "hand high up in the air, waving frantically from across the room, and not stopping until he knew I'd seen him" kind of wave. Super dorky. But I also loved it. There's a reason I refer to him as the Adorable Australian, after all...

Also spent quite a bit of time dancing with the Young Dutchman, who just as usual was super-fun. Love that guy. Such a shame he's 22... But overall, I was just having an outstanding time.

At some point (I guess when the Adorable Australian started dancing instead of fetching me drinks) I stopped drinking and moved onto water. After the experiences of the previous night, it definitely seemed like a wise move. I then spent some time just chatting with the Reincarnated Llama, and mused whether it might not be easier to just not drink, the way he does. He does seem to do rather well with it, after all...

After wandering into the club's bar, I ran into Paris, a guy I know through my friend Sara. They'd gone out on an online date, and while they didn't hit it off romantically, they managed to turn their meeting into a good friendship, which is how I knew him. It was so random, and such a nice surprise.

Somewhere around 1 AM, the music finally stopped and the evening reached an end. Although for some reason they kept playing Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York", one of my favourite songs in the world, so of course I arranged a sing-a-long with a few people standing out in the lobby. I then found myself chatting with some random club guy who seems a bit taken by me, although I have to admit he was such a classic type it was almost funny. Incredibly wealthy type who after years of working hard realises that he has all of this money and nobody to share it with. But gets endlessly confused between the interesting, intelligent girls with their own money (like me) and the young, stick-thin bottle blondes who are drawn like moths to a flame by the money. I'm never quite sure what to make of it all, because while I'm glad that men seem to enjoy my wit and conversation so much, it's a tad bit annoying to be competing for their attention with the bottle blondes. This one at least seems to be truly into me and keeps trying to hold my attention, but I've left my bag on the dancefloor, and am worried about it. So I leave to go get my bag (one thing I love about the club, it's still in the exact spot where I left it several hours before), but by the time I get back 30 seconds later he's trapped in conversation with a bottle blonde. Oh well... So I don't bother trying to break back into the conversation, but instead make my way to the lounge, where I see the Young Dutchman and the Adorable Australian. So cute, because as soon as he sees me, the Adorable Australian jumps up, saying, "Why don't you come sit down?" he's obviously so delighted to see me. I'm really loving this puppy dog adoration.

It's obvious that nobody is quite ready for the evening to end, and although I'd probably have been okay with going home at that point, I'd promised Sophie that I would stay out as late as she wanted to. So as some people were talking about going to Annabelle's (chic London club, which I hate those types), and some were going to 151 King's Road (a total dive), I decided to go with where Sophie was going, to 151.

I contributed £1 towards our cab fare, and then we all had to pay £5 to get into the club. It was one of these basement clubs, and the place was totally PACKED. I swear, it was seriously like they'd decided to put the dancefloor in the middle of a sauna. Everyone was soaked with sweat, and there was just steam and humidity everywhere. I found myself dancing with the Adorable Australian for a bit, dealing with the comments from men saying, "Uhhhh...you're wearing a mask" (oh, the joys of dealing with people who are drunker than I am!), and just trying to get a breather from the sweat-box.

After a while, I found myself chatting with Henry, a guy I know through the random crowd of friends I spend time with, and he asked me, "Do you smoke?" When I replied that I didn't, he said, "Neither do I. Want to go outside and pretend to smoke a cigarette?" I laughed and told him that sounded like an excellent idea.

So we went upstairs outside, and stood around with all of the smokers, which despite their cigarettes poisoning the air, was a welcome fresh air break from the sauna down below. We ended up in a conversation with some guy who had really had too much to drink, about Henry's stepmother, who is a lady-in-waiting to the Queen. More interesting to know what it was like to be a part of the Queen's household than anything else...

We finally reached almost the last dance (and they played Sinatra's "New York, New York" again, what's up with that?) when some guy spilled beer on me. Not like I wouldn't have needed to anyway, with all of that heat and sweaty people, but now I DEFINITELY need to get the dress dry cleaned, and I'm rather annoyed about that.

Finally somewhere around 3:30 AM, the club was closing, and everyone was lining up to get their jackets and get out of there. I'm just tired, hot, and sweaty, and so I want to get out of there, and make my way up the stairs onto the street. There's a bit of standing around while everyone figures out what to do next, and I'm waiting for Sophie and the Adorable Australian to come out of the club.

Some guy smoking a cigarette offers me a piece of gum, and starts complaining about having to carry his laptop around when he goes out on a Friday night... Then he surprises me by saying, "You're rather cute, you know." I thank him, but even then I'm surprised when he then just outright asks, "Do you want to kiss me?"

I kind of laugh and say no, making the excuse that he's just been smoking, and I don't kiss boys who smoke. In truth he's not bad looking, but I'm just thinking about what a disaster it would be for the Adorable Australian to come out of the club and see me kissing another guy. Still, it was only quick reflexes that saved me then (I guess I was distracted) when he asked, "Well aren't you curious to find out what it would be like to kiss me?" and went in for it. Luckily I danced away just in time.

Ummm...because seriously dude? "Rather" cute? Talk about damning with faint praise...my confidence is definitely being shaken this evening.

Finally I grow tired of waiting for the Adorable Australian to exit the club, and decide that I'm pissed off and tired of waiting. He has my number, he can call me if he wants to. And anyway, he smokes too.

So I walk away, grab a cab, and finally get home and into my bed as the sun is coming up around 5 AM. Definitely time for some sleep!

More Networking and the Caledonian

My parents informed me last night that my sister-in-law was going into the hospital this morning at 7:30 AM to be induced. So, I was to keep my phone with me at all times. Indeed, I worked from home for the day, so that I would be around for that phone call in case it came, and I wouldn't be shrieking to the entire office with the news.

Still, the call didn't come all day, so after working from home the entire day, I headed into the office at 4:30 PM for a presentation by Accenture Research. It was in the same location as the day before, with the same drinks and things. I ended up talking to some guy from Accenture Research who works in Chemicals in Texas. Admittedly my mentor had tried earlier to introduce me to someone who was a survey person, but I couldn't hold her attention for a conversation. So instead I'm talking to this Chemicals guy. Not the best, but I'll take it. Overall, it was an interesting presentation, done by a group that produces extraordinary arts events, like the "One and Only" fourth plinth demonstration in Trafalgar Square. It really made me think about the amount of logistics that must go into organizing these events, and how complicated it really is to make them all happen.

After the presentation, there wasn't actually that much socializing, which explains why I'd missed it all the day before. Oh well...

I'd then promised my friend Scrym that although I couldn't make it to the Caledonian Club BBQ being held that afternoon, I would join later, after 9 PM, for drinks. Indeed, I spotted him immediately upon my arrival, and he got up to get me a white wine. As I sipped it, I realised I'd already had quite a few drinks... probably wouldn't be a bad idea to slow down.

I was also enthusiastically greeted by Veronica, who seemed delighted to see me and amused by the fact that I speak Spanish. It's funny, as ever since the Traveller's Club, I feel like she's suddenly decided that we're friends, but I don't mind as she's really a lovely person. So we have a fine time speaking Spanish together for a bit.

I then spotted a chap who I'd met at the Inter-Club quiz back in May, and at the time I'd given him my number, but then reconsidered it and hadn't pursued anything. Not a rejection, per se, but hadn't followed up. I then came back from the US and found that he'd called me and invited me out, but given that the message was over 3 weeks old by that point, I hadn't bothered to respond. Anyway, when a message causes more of a sinking feeling of distress in your stomach than eager delight, I think that tells you something...

He's obviously spotted me, but doesn't come over, so I worry that he's feeling embarrassed. So I resolve to be the bigger person and go over to say hello. This will later prove to be a monumental mistake, but I don't know it at the time.

I end up in generalized group conversation, all the while trying to keep an eye on my phone, still waiting for that phone call. I'd even debated whether I should go out tonight at all, but I figured I could be waiting a while for that call, so I might as well keep myself occupied in the meantime.

My friend Natasha arrived, who I play polo with (although I hadn't realised she knew any of these people). So I ended up talking to her, mostly about polo, and the chap whose calls I'd been ignoring comes and sits down next to me on the bench. And then puts his arm around me and starts feeling up my bottom.

When this happens, I found myself just rooted in place with shock. Is this seriously happening? How on earth could this guy think I'd be into this? And I don't want to make a scene (probably should have just slapped him right then and there), and so I just desperately hope that the other people in the conversation don't notice (it's dark and we're outside in the shadows), and try to dream up a way to possibly get out of there.

So when he offers to go and get me a drink, I accept, thinking that if he goes away, I can say I'm going to the bathroom and then slip out unnoticed. Except this is where not being at your own club has it's downsides, as I race around looking for an exit, I just keep running into rooms with no exit. So I finally figure I'll make a break for the front door, but it's just my luck that the Awful Scotsman happens to be coming out of the bar just as I'm trying to run for it. He asks me, "You're not leaving, are you?"

No, of course not. I can't escape now. So I make some excuse about how I've gotten lost looking for the ladies room, and so he shows me the way to the ladies powder room, even though I've been twice already this evening.

Resigned to my fate, I return to the table and sit back down. Of course, once again, he's totally ignored my request for a weaker drink (I'd asked for a white wine, hoping to stave him off instead of outright asking for tap water), and instead has gotten me a whiskey. Jeez, your strategy of trying to get girls drunk so they'll go home with you a LITTLE obvious?

So I sit back down and he starts feeling me up again. This is ridiculous. I don't want to make a scene, but I desperately want to get out of there. So I notice that he's got quite a bit of his drink to go, so I quickly finish mine and then announce that I'm leaving. I mean, if he were to abandon his drink now, that would just be too obvious, right? So you can imagine my shock and horror when he gets up and announces that he's leaving too! Does this guy not get the hint? Fly through my goodbyes as quickly as I can, Veronica says to me, "Cuidado chica, el quere te." I know, I know... (At least it's handy to have a "secret language" to talk to the another girl with, and reveal my frustration and impatience with this situation).

As he gets stuck saying good-bye to a few more people, I nearly run to the exit, and when I do actually get outside, I kid you not, I dash in a mad sprint for the corner. Flat-out run. I've got to get out of there. I do not even want to think about how on earth I would handle this guy when he's drunk and feeling forceful, alone in the dark outside. As I'm doing the 100-metre dash, I spot a cab turning the corner, and frantically flag it down. As soon as it slows, I leap in, shouting, "Sinclair Road!" The cab speeds off, and with me panting from my mad sprint.

Suddenly my phone goes, it's a text from The Scottish Idiot asking, "Did you leave already?" Umm, well, obviously.... I'd kind of said I was leaving, didn't I?

Then my phone rings, it's him calling. I ignore it. Then a text, "Maybe, since I'm in the area, I should stop by?" Is this guy mental? Seriously, after my hasty escape, he cannot actually think I'd say yes to that, can he? My phone keeps ringing, and I keep ignoring it, at least 3-4 times. Finally I get back to my flat, and as I'm coming in the door a text comes through, 'Are you ignoring me again?" I think the phone rings again too, but I ignore it.

I really cannot believe this guy. I also can't believe I ever gave him my number, but then again I just didn't know at the time. I feel angry and scared, as that was a really bad situation there, and I'd have been in real trouble if I'd gotten stuck alone with that guy. How on earth could he have not picked up on all of my hints? Too much alcohol, I guess. Why do people never realise that drinking too much diminishes one's attractiveness rather than increases it?

Resolve to be more clear about it if I should ever see him again, and give him the brush-off. Obviously, he takes friendly behaviour the wrong way, so sometimes you've got to be a bit more forceful about these things. Ugh, but just hope I never run into him again, that was horrific.

Business Networking, Business Calls

I came into the office this morning to do interviewing... I really think I need to cut down on my interviewing schedule, because it was getting a bit dull... I half-heartedly listened to my candidates, but I was truly bored. At the end of the day, hired one while rejected the other, and probably totally gave myself away to the one we hired by how much I grilled him on start dates. Yeah, he had to know we were going to hire him!

I then spent much of my afternoon just doing work, finally dashing away from my desk to attend a networking event at 6 PM. It was ostensibly an opportunity for people from Accenture to meet and network, although the excuse for getting us together was this random speech by a girl, Sarah Outen, who had rowed solo across the Indian Ocean. For a 24-year old, she actually was an excellent and well-composed speaker, although it really sounded like she had given this talk quite a few times before, as apparently she was a fan of going to schools and talking to school kids. Apparently she'd originally wanted to be a teacher, but had fallen so in love with adventuring, that she realised she could have interactions with kids in the classroom in other ways, mostly by being a speaker.

Earlier in the day, my boss had asked me if I could do a late call. Since I was still going to be in the office, I'd said I could, but had protested that the event didn't end until 8. But he went ahead and scheduled the call for 7:30. In retrospect, I really should have stuck to my guns and said I couldn't do the call until 8, but I suppose these are the lessons you learn. Because at 7:30, this girl was still speaking, and the talk was fascinating, yet I had to be that person who stands up and draws everybody's attention and leaves the event early. Sooooooo embarassing!!

So I went back to my desk and wrapped up a few things, but finally I was just too annoyed to stay in the office any longer. Time to go home!

I raced back to my desk and to the call, and managed to get through it and even pay attention much of the time, although I will confess that I was mostly just angry the entire time. Angry at my boss for dragging me out of the event, making me do this call, and angry at myself for allowing it to happen.

When I finally managed to hang up the phone, I raced back to the event in the hopes of catching a few last-minute networkers, but the entire place was deserted, I was too late. Which had me once again ready to stamp my foot in frustration, I was so annoyed, both at my boss and myself for making me miss the entire point of the event, which was to network and meet other people!

So I went back to my desk to finish up a few things, but I was so annoyed that I couldn't stay in the office for much longer. So I packed up my things and got out of there, it was definitely time to go home!

Running in Putney

This week's run was in Putney, so I was able to take the train down from Kensington Olympia. As usual though, I was running late, and so dashed onto the train right as I arrived at the platform. I probably should have noted that although I'd tapped the Oyster card reader, I didn't actually have any money on my card. Therefore, when I actually had to face ticket barriers in Putney, I couldn't exit the station. As well, the woman there was really annoying, insisting I had to go talk to some guy in the office, who at least to his credit realised that my small indiscretion wasn't worth making a big deal about, and so after about 10 minutes, they just let me exit the station. Lesson learned however, I guess!

I got to the pub and collected some money from people, but really I kept getting distracted and started talking to people, so I really didn't do as much as I could have in that regard. Hence, before I knew it, we'd reached the time to set off on the run.

The run itself was nice enough, seeing some pretty scenery on both sides of the river. In the end, according to my heart-rate monitor, I ran for 49 minutes, I was in my target heart rate zone for 29 minutes, I had an average HR of 151, max HR 201, and 491 calories burned.

I didn't do much better at collecting money when I came back, as I still just kept getting distracted, talking to people. At least when the pub was serving food, I happened to be right there at the head of the line, and figured I deserved SOME sort of reward for having to run around collecting money from people...hence it was nice to actually get a decent shot at the food.

I then spent most of my time talking to Roofie's brother Luke, who had come along on this run. I have to admit, every Luke I've ever met has been super-nice. There must be something about that name. I enjoyed his company, although I could have sworn I picked up on a casual comment which implied he had a girlfriend. If so, what a pity, although still a nice guy nonetheless.

The Giant Australian was also there, but for some reason I didn't talk to him until the very end of the evening, and he even joked that he'd been avoiding me. To tell you the truth, I wasn't that fussed, which I guess tells you something...I must not like him that much. I would take JG again if I had the choice, really...

I had a beer, almost to prove to Roofie that I DO drink, but it lasted for ages, because let's face it I really don't drink. So perhaps Roofie had a point with that one.

The Giant Australian then got into conversation with me and many others, and kept talking about the black-tie event he'd missed out on. (I'd invited him to the ROSL Ball on my birthday, but he'd already been going to a Pearl Jam concert). It was kind of bizarre, how much he focused on an event that he didn't even go to, so I moved the conversation on to other topics, almost more out of embarrassment for him than anything else.

Then for some reason the boys all got into arm wrestling. After the boys had beaten each other, Kitty got involved, and of course everyone wanted me to join in too. But haven't people learned by now that I don't do anything I don't want to do? So I made my good-byes (kisses for everyone), and left.

I then met some girls on the train looking for directions, and as they were obviously struggling in English, I asked what language they spoke. My (and their) good fortune, they spoke Spanish! So I just gave them directions in Spanish, which they seemed hugely relieved by, to have run into someone who speaks Spanish in London!

After I directed them onto their train, I raced over to my platform, and JUST made the very last train to Olympia. What perfect timing!

iPad Tutorial with the South African

My South African friend had recently received an iPad as a gift from a corporate client for his work on a project, but he found he wasn't really utilizing it as much as he could, so he suggested that we meet up and have a "playdate" with our iPads. Unfortunately, I had loaded my iPad to the Young Dutchman, but as it's always good to see the South African, I suggested we meet up anyway and I'd give him a tutorial on what I know.

We met up at the South African's hotel, and he suggested that we go for a curry dinner, since it was one of his last nights in London, and one of his last chances to do so. We went to a classic small Indian place, where the tables all have white tablecloths on them and they are packed in too close together. He got a chicken korma and seemed quite pleased with it, whereas I got the butter chicken and was incredibly disappointed. I guess that's a sign I shouldn't do that again anytime soon!

After dinner, we went and grabbed coffees (well, tea for me) at Starbucks, but it turned out that there was no Wi-Fi there. So instead we went back to his hotel lobby, and got online with both my MacBook and his iPad, although it took quite some hassling with the hotel staff to get that sorted out. Which led to an interesting discussion about how we both find we've become much more comfortable with the idea of having staff and servants, and how much we've come to expect and rely on good service in these places we frequent, whether they be clubs or high-end hotels. It's funny, because I think at first most people are intimidated by these people who just sort of hover around you at all times, but eventually you grow to expect them to be there...

Although I didn't have my iPad with me, we both learned quite a bit from each other, and I picked up a few tips for my iPad when I finally get it back.

I also spent quite a bit of time talking to the South African about this business venture that he's been working on. I realise that although we both are very cost-conscious and focus on money, we have very different attitudes towards it. I save like a church mouse, and put away every penny I can, assuming that I will slowly build wealth through saving and investing. The South African, instead, has sunk all of his spare cash into this online start-up he's working on outside of work with a few friends, but he hopes that if it takes off it will net him a few million rand, certainly enough to stop working. So basically I save money, while he wants to earn it.

As well, we have our similarities and differences when it comes to drinking... The South African does not drink at all, for religious reasons and because he's had a family history of alcoholism. I drink a little, but not much, mostly I realise because I hate spending money on alcohol, it seems like such a waste to me. And then I don't like it when people buy me drinks either, because it seems like such a waste of THEIR money too! Hence, a little wine with dinner, because it really can be quite a flavour enhancer, but nothing beyond that really... It's just one thing that it seems silly to spend so much money on.

It was also interesting to hear him once again be very positive about South Africa and how he sees his future there, whereas previously he'd always been talking about leaving. As well, where previously there had been a strong rejection of the idea of having kids, now he was saying things, "Well, my wife and I need to travel now, because if we eventually have kids, then we won't be able to as much." As well, he seemed super eager to get home, which was definitely nice to hear!

Moving Sara

I totally missed Zhan leaving in the morning, but like a good houseguest, he'd folded up all of the linens, leaving no other sign of his recent stay, and had slipped a note under my door thanking me for my hospitality. There's a reason that I was willing to bring him home at the last minute, as he's such an easy guest!

I managed to get myself up and out to Body Pump, but then didn't have time for a shower before it was time to head out and help Sara move.

I guess I was still in a daze from the gym (and not having gotten much sleep the night before), in that I totally missed my stop on the Overground, and only noticed that Imperial Wharf, the stop I was supposed to get out at, was passing me by just as the doors were closing. Ooops! So I made it back in the opposite direction 10 minutes later, this time paying sufficient attention to notice when it was my stop!

I met up with Rocky at the Streetvan, and without too much difficulty we managed to get it going and over to Sara's place. Although I was intrigued by the idea of Streetcar, we drove that van so close to the edge of other cars down some very narrow streets, that I'm not sure that driving in London is ever for me!

Luckily Sara was all ready to go, so we made relatively short work of moving all of the boxes into the van. (It probably helped that there were five of us as well!) We then drove the van over to Sara's new place, and then once again moved all of the boxes into her place. Sara seemed somewhat stressed throughout the whole ordeal, so we tried to forgive her occasional snappishness (obviously brought on by stress) and I must say that at times she realised she must be being a bit short and broke back into laughter at things we did... Poor girl, as moving is never fun!

I'd told my friend M that I would try and make it out to a barbecue that some of her friends were hosting, even as I didn't relish the idea of having to travel all of the way out to Mile End. So you can imagine my surprise when I got a text from her telling me not to worry about coming out, as people were leaving the BBQ already at 6 PM, even though the whole thing had only started at 4 PM! Alas, I feel a bit bad for those hosts!!

So instead I stayed with the moving crew, as Sara bought us all dinner. Given that I was STARVING by this point, this was a most welcome development. Mostly it was just a nice conversation about one of the guys' upcoming wedding in India, which sounds like it will be absolutely insane, with 1,000 people in attendance. When he even started talking about what he was supposed to wear based on what caste he was from, I realised that there is soooooo much I don't understand about world cultures. But one more reason I love living in London, as this is the place where they all meet.

Finally, battling exhaustion, I made my way back home, grateful for the bus that went pretty much from my friend Sara's new place to mine. Got a text from M as I got back to my place, hoping that I wasn't upset about the cancelled BBQ. Funny that she'd be worrying about ME being upset, given that I was the one who was a flake and didn't manage to show up on time in the first place! Still, I wasn't entirely surprised that M would be thinking I was upset, as such is the nature of clingy people. Given that this was about the 15th call from M in the past 24 hours, I definitely think she qualifies on that front. And it's such a pity, because M is SUCH a lovely person, but she sabotages nearly all of her relationships by being so clingy. I think our friendship survives only because I'm able to set such clear limits on the time time we spent together. You feel bad, but at some point you need to cut these people off for their own good. How I wish I could just shake her and tell her that boyfriends would like her a lot more if she didn't cling so much! Ah well, I'm sure there are plenty of things my friends could tell me I could improve on too. We all have our flaws, we just have to hope we can find people who can deal with them...

Hence, into bed, and hoping for some sleep!

Florie's Birthday Party

It was my friend Florie's birthday today, and so I'd promised to come to her birthday party. I knew Florie from rowing at Balliol, although it startles me at times when I think about the age range of my friends, as this was only Florie's 24th birthday.

I got to the club where the party was being held, and shortly after getting myself a Guinness, was surprised to see that Zhan was there!! I berated him for not telling me that he was coming, but then of course when we sat down to dinner, made sure that I was sitting next to him so we could catch up.

The weird thing about this club (The Drunken Monkey) was that it was literally like we were having dinner on the dance floor of a nightclub. The music was incredibly loud, and conversations were had by shouting directly into the ear of the person sitting next to you. Totally a bizarre way to have dinner.

The food was good though, as we just had this feast of Chinese food and dumplings, where everyone passed around dishes, family style. Sitting next to Zhan was funny though, as I forget occasionally that he's actually Chinese. So he had MUCH more skill with the chopsticks than I do, and I was constantly struggling to keep ahold of my food!

At some point after dinner, we all started getting up and wandering around to talk to each other, when as I was briefly sitting alone, some random guy came over and sat down to talk to me. I was suspicious of this at first (as I always am when a random man approaches me in a bar), but it turned out that he was the boyfriend of one of the guests, and when he saw me sitting by myself he just wanted to make sure I had someone to talk to. How randomly nice, eh? I guess shows you that I shouldn't always be so suspicious of young men wanting to come up and talk to me!

While we were at the bar getting drinks after dinner, Zhan kept commenting on how the male-to-female ratio was somewhat skewed at this place, with about five guys for every girl. I just commented that perhaps he should take this as an indication of the types of people it catered to. After all, not every gay bar is located in SoHo, and not every bar that is "gay-friendly" is exclusively a gay bar. Zhan seemed to have trouble with this concept, until as we were leaving, some guy grabbed his hand and introduced him to another guy, at which point the guy grabbed Zhan's hand and kept kissing it! Oh my gosh, the whole thing was hilarious, because Zhan being Zhan, wasn't freaked out but just laughed hysterically at the whole thing. As he told me later, "Okay, I'm not into that, but at least the guy who hit on me was rather good-looking!"

At midnight, Florie was still raging, and wanted to go out dancing. Zhan was originally supposed to stay with her, but looked at me plaintively and asked, "Can I come home with you?" Ah yes, perhaps we are a bit older than we'd like to admit!

Unfortunately I'd forgotten to bring my phone out with me, so I couldn't call Emily and warn her that I was bringing Zhan home, but I did leave a note out for her so that she wouldn't be surprised if she got up in the middle of the night and found someone sleeping on the couch in the living room. Overall a fun night, but I think we were both beat and definitely ready for bed!

Sorting Clothes With Sara

My friend Sara will be moving this weekend, and so has been sorting through all of her clothes. Now when Sara and I met at Cambridge, we were the EXACT same size. It was really great, as I could borrow almost anything from her, and when shopping for clothes I could get her presents easily, as anything that fit me would fit her too.

Hence, whenever Sara cleans out her closets, she usually invites me over to see if there's anything I might like before it goes off to the charity shops. I will say that since Sara was diagnosed with coeliac disease over a year ago, she's lost quite a bit of weight, due to the enforced "no carbs" routine. Which unfortunately means that all of Sara's clothes don't fit me as well as they used to! I often think that I would do well to adopt Sara's diet for a while, although part of what makes it work, I realise, is that she never gets any breaks from it. I far too often do well for several days and then go out to some dinner or something, and totally blow whatever progress I had made in my diet. It's that dedication with no breaks that really does it for Sara...although it's not like she really has a choice!

Anyway, I got to Sara's, and whilst I'd known she has a lot of clothes, seeing everything actually out of the closets and laid out everywhere completely stunned me. She had absolute mountains of clothes!! As we talked through it, she realised she could probably wear a different outfit, every single day for 365 days a year, without repeating once.

Yet, despite her mountains of clothes, it was interesting as we sorted through things, as it was a real trip down memory lane as she recalled where and when she'd bought each item of clothing, or events that she'd worn a particular item of clothing to. It just made me realise how much time Sara spends shopping, and how much money she must spend on her wardrobe. As someone who rarely ever goes clothes shopping, this was absolutely stupefying.

In the end, I did find a few nice pieces to take home. It was funny because I immediately discarded much of the pile of her giveaways as being "not my style", but there were a few things that I tried on that I never would have bought for myself, but when they were being offered to me for free, I was game to take them. I have to admit, it's one of the nice bits of the arrangement Sara and I have, that it helps introduce me to new fashion styles.

We had dinner, drank some wine, and eventually I had a few nice tops and skirts to take home, along with a resolve once again to lose at least 10 lbs. I had to dash out in the end, as I was in danger of missing the last Tube, but luckily I made it home, along with some nice "new" clothes!

Traveller's Club Garden Party

This evening was the Garden Party at the Traveller's Club, which I'd been told was one of the highlights of the Inter-Club social calendar, so I was very much looking forward to it.

I have to confess I did something rather terrible however, as I'd originally invited my friend M, but she took so long in getting back to me, that by the time she did, tickets were all sold out. I told her I'd have to see about calling up right before the event and getting something at the last-minute, but in the weeks leading up to the event, I had to field so many calls and requests from M just to chat, that I have to say I suddenly didn't relish the thought of spending an evening baby-sitting my very clingy friend. (Seriously, her problem in relationships is so obvious, I wonder if she's aware of it, she clings like saran wrap!) So, I just never called the club to find out if there were spare tickets. Perhaps not the worst thing ever, as maybe there weren't spare tickets anyway, but I really was looking forward to circulating and chatting with people, I just couldn't stand the thought of having to baby-sit for the evening!

So I made my way to the event, and was pleasantly surprised when I exited the Underground at Picadilly Circus, to spot my friend Caroline standing on a street corner. She was waiting for a colleague of hers, and once he arrived we walked together to the Traveller's Club, the two of them speaking in English for my benefit (although I'm sure they would have much preferred to converse in French about the recent Bastille Day celebrations).

We arrived at the club, where I was surprised at the level of security, as we had to check in once at the coat check, and then again before we entered the garden. It was no surprise that many people blew by the first check and had to be called back, as I've never before been to a club that was quite so strict!

I made my way out to the garden and quickly found myself in conversation with a few people. When I saw another member of the O&C, J, I was once again convinced of the wisdom of my decision to come alone, as J had brought along a young man with a crushing handshake, a weird fondness for his day planner which he clutched in his arms along with his champagne glass (leading to some awkward handshakes) and an overall peculiar manner. In short order, most people left the two of them just to talk to each other...

I found myself in a charming conversational grouping, with Nicole, a girl from Holland who I met a few events ago and whose company I truly enjoy, and JD, a Scotsman from the RAC who is always good company.

After a bit I spotted two boys I'd met previously at the Farmer's Club, so I went over to say hello even though I couldn't remember their names, which seemed to please them actually, that I'd taken the time to say hello despite not remembering their names.

Of course, I would have done well to just confess when I wasn't quite sure on names, for at one point I spotted a chap I knew, and enthusiastically shouted out, "Massimo!" He laughed and asked, "Do you mean, Manolo?" EEEEEP!! Oh dear, indeed I had just gone with an Italian name beginning with M, and gotten it horrifically wrong! I tried to recover with, "At least I displayed the correct level of enthusiasm upon seeing you, right?" which made him laugh.

I also made a similar mistake when a blonde Argentine girl enthusiastically greeted me, making me totally blank. I mean, we've met on multiple occasions before, but we'd only exchanged passing words here and there, and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, she was greeting me as her best friend. "Andrea" popped into my head, but later I remembered that was her surname, her first name was actually "Veronica." I can only hope that she didn't notice, or is too gracious to point that out. I suspect the second option is more likely to be the case, she's such a sweetheart..

I spent some time chatting with Tom, a guy from the Army & Navy Club who always unsettles me and whom I don't quite trust. At least it seemed like a step up then when I got chatting to Sohail, a chap I'd met at the Burns Night Supper at the Caledonian. He's utterly boring (and his conversational skills were worsened by having had too much champagne), but at least Sohail is harmless.

Luckily I was able to circulate away before too long and chat to Gordon and his friend Alexander, who were wrapped up in a conversation about golf. As usual, they figured they must be boring me, not realising how much I can talk about polo, and so I actually find all of the golf chat somewhat interesting.

Although the forecast had called for heavy rain, we made it to the end of the drinks party while still under clear skies, and so then someone suggested we head to the RAC for further drinks and dinner. It was funny as I was chatting with Nicole as I went, and while I hadn't felt like I'd gotten around to chatting to as many people as I would have liked, she exclaimed, "You are so good at circulating! How on earth do you so smoothly exit and enter conversations the way you do?" Given that I thought I'd done a rather poor job of making my way around, I had to laugh, but I suppose in the end she had a point, as I'd managed to have quite a few conversations in the space of an hour and a half.

As the champagne had run out and the evening was coming to an end however, we all decided to head over to the RAC. Once there, Gordon's twin brother got me a drink, and then we all decided to have dinner. It was a great set-up actually, as in the Long Bar of the RAC, they have a sort of "cafteria line" where you can get food, although imagine a VERY high-end cafteria. So I sat with Nichole and Manolo, and had some outstanding roast beef.

We then just mostly stood around talking, and I remember getting into a very funny conversation with Manolo about boys and my frustrations in the summer heat... How sometimes you just want to have some summer fun, but it's harder than you'd think to find a suitable candidate! He was making me laugh my head off as well with silly stories about what he and his mates have been up to... Manolo is always a surprise to me, because he actually got married at 26, had two kids, and is divorced already at 32. So, although he's a great guy, we just bond in friendship, because he's done having kids and I'd still like someone who is open to the idea. Although as such he's sometimes my awful voice of reality, like when in our conversation he pointed out to me, "I think that any man in his mid-30s who wants to be in a serious relationship is probably already in one, because let's face it, a guy like that has a lot of choice open to him." Good point, even if it's sad but true.

I also ran into Bryan, a nice chap I've known for some time now, and learned that he and Caroline had broken up AGAIN. Such a pity, as they're both nice people, and of course it now makes Inter-Club events awkward as they both do the dance of trying to still see their friends while avoiding each other. You realise then, as much as people say these sorts of events are a great way to meet people, it's actually a terrible way to meet people, as you then run risks like these, where everyone is caught in the awkward situation of being friends with both of you and seeing you both all of the time. Oh well, such a the risks we take with romance, I suppose!

Finally the hour grew late, and I realised that if I left right then, I would still make the last Tube home. Given that I was already feeling slightly tipsy, it seemed like a good time to cut out the wine and go home to sleep. So made my good-byes, and headed off, after having had a thoroughly splendid evening out!

Bastille Day Hash

The theme of this week's run was "Bastille Day", given that the celebration was recently happening in France. Alas I had not thought to come up with costumes, but some people had done some amazing ones. Lots of little French maids, and the guy leading the run was even in a Napoleon costume!

As I was going around collecting money at the start, waiting for everybody to get going, Shirtlifter arrived. And then picked me up and wrapped me into this giant bear hug, absolutely holding me off the ground. And I laughed and tried to pretend it was fine, but just kept waiting for him to put me down again. Truth be told, I hate that. Why on earth does this guy think he can manhandle me like that? He finally put me down however, allowing me to escape, thank goodness!

Oh well, I suppose I should be a bit understanding of his need for female affection, because I learned later that he'd broken up with his live-in girlfriend of two years just recently. They'd actually met through the hash, but then when things got serious they didn't come as much anymore. I guess now we'll be seeing at least him back again... Oh well, another boy to manage...

We all circled up outside to get ready to set off, and then the hare actually read out a speech in French, which was hysterical just due to his hideously bad accent. I could only understand little bits here and there, which I suppose is not bad given that I don't actually speak French!

We then set off on the run, although I lost the pack pretty quickly, but luckily ran into a guy with a map. Then figured out that the hash had cut off a large portion of the run, and we managed to walk to the drink stop and find most of the rest of the hash there, drinking wine. It was actually funny how much this guy had gone with the French theme, as he had French wine, cheese, bon bons, and even some escargot in a jar. (Needless to say, I didn't go for that one!)

We then ran back to the pub, where I went around collecting money, and then found myself talking to a rather nice American who had just transferred over with Thompson Reuters. (I rather wondered if he'd taken the exact place of the Texan at that firm). Suddenly I decided that I was darn bored of always going around collecting money, so I stopped, sat down, and just chatted with him for a while, as he seemed awfully nice. Nothing special, but nice, which I liked. Seriously, I need to be allowed to just socialize sometimes, not always have to be running around pestering people!

Shirtlifter then came up and joined us, and kind of ruined things by making some inappropriate jokes (like about the size of my chest, for instance), which really annoyed me. I realise to some degree it's a class thing, but don't some people realise that there are certain things you don't say in mixed company? At least it makes me appreciate the boys I know from clubland...at least they are gentlemen who know how to behave!

Still, I didn't have to suffer through this for long, as soon enough it was time to go outside for the circle. Made it through that, and then came back inside, where I found myself struggling for interesting conversation. Finally just gave up and decided it was time to go home. It's never really a bad thing to have a slightly early night!