The Lost Key

At work I was given a key to my office (shared by three other people). As this office is very easy for outsiders to come into, we have to lock it every time no one is in the room. Therefore I have to carry this key with me at all times.

Every time I go to the bathroom I always worry that I will forget it there. Every time I go to the kitchen to heat up my lunch, I'm paranoid I will lose the key. (I don't always have pockets so mostly it's in my hand).

Yesterday, it happened. I lost it. I realised this at lunch time when I was going to go to the kitchen. I knew the only place I've been to that morning was the bathroom so I ran there. The key was nowhere to be seen. I started to panic. Someone must've taken it. Unless I took it back to the office and put it down somewhere and someone picked it up.

I wasn't actually too worried about it because I thought I would just make a copy of my colleague's key. Unfortunately it wasn't that simple. Since it was a security key and a 'company asset', I had to fill out a form, explaining the circumstances. I avoided writing that I could've left it in he bathroom.

I'm hoping I can sort this out without my manager finding out as today was her first day back from holidays (first time I saw her since the interview as she left before I started). What a great first impression that would make.

When I recounted David my story, hoping for sympathy, he said, "You should be more careful with things like that". I was so mad. When he lost the phone, I said, "These things happen". After brewing it till late, I called and told him how that wasn't a nice thing to say. He laughed and said, "Don't worry, these things happen," which made me feel better.

Reflection

People who are overly sensitive, insecure, take things too personally, indecisive, unsure, scared, nervous and anxious really annoy me.

I wish I wasn't all of the above.

Lately people tell me, "You are getting too skinny" but not a positive way. Yet, I love the way I am now. They all think it's due to stress. But I know it's because I stopped driving to work, walk a lot more and do the dance class every week. I don't eat much either because I'm freaked out that most things I'm eating are either bad for my skin or for my stomach (which aches regularly). It's putting me off food. At the same time, I have cravings for chocolate and wheat. I'm sick of healthy food. I'm also sick of paying so much attention to what I eat.

And yes, I am stressed. Only I can't complain much because David's too stressed with working, studying and assisting with the unit.

My Mum is being really overbearing too which really stresses me but she doesn't understand. She thinks she's calming me down but she's not. I tried telling her this but she got really defensive and upset.

I also cry too easily. It's always been my biggest weakness. I just can't control my tears when I'm upset. I hate that.

All I want is for David to put his arms around me and acknowledge that my stress is not an overreaction on my part. I want to go to that safe place where he's making me smile and laugh and I don't feel like there are needles in my gut. I want to feel like I have nothing to worry about, that I will always be happy and loved.

Like Yours but Better

David and I like to email each other at work.

David's email:
Everyone's teasing me now.

my email:
Why?

David's email:
Pam [his boss] asked what colour hair you had and I said, "Like yours, but nicer" which is true.

It made me smile all day imagining David telling his boss I had nicer hair than her.

New Members of the Mortgage Club

As of this week, David and I are home owners. Never thought that I would own my own place at the age of 23. It's amazing how a couple of years can change your life.

I remember how I was two and a half years ago - completely hopeless about where my life was going. I couldn't imagine that it would actually be the way I always wanted.

One little bump that we're experiencing on our home buying adventure is that our real estate agent won't give us all the keys. He says he doesn't have one and there's nothing he can do about it! Nothing he can do! It's his responsibility to provide us all the keys, isn't it? It just seems so obvious that I'm not even sure if it's a legal requirement.

I called the agency to speak to his manager (as he's been very unprofessional and irresponsible the entire process) but the receptionist said that he would call back. He hasn't. I also called our solicitor and left a message on his voicemail but had no call back. I just want to know if it's the agency's responsibility to provide us all the keys or not.

It's very frustrating.

In other news, I'm loving my dance class. It's really not enough to do it just once a week. I wish I could practise every day but I've been too busy. My 'friend' from first lesson hasn't shown up since.

This weekend, David and I are painting our new place. April asked me if I wanted to go shopping with her and Ella for hen's night costumes but unfortunately I can't. Also, have to pick up my wedding dress.

Although it seems like most things are organised for the wedding and the unit but there's still so much to do:

- get jewellery
- test reception food
- send dj a song list (i.e. choose songs)
- send photographer a list of required photos
- select ceremony
- finish the last batch of invitations (can you believe I still haven't finished them?!)
- connect to a telephone network
- choose best internet plan
- buy carpet
- buy new stove, oven, washing machine, fridge
- buy blinds

And to top this off, I agreed to do a book club with April and read "Gone With The Wind". I didn't want to say no because I've been neglecting all the things I used to like doing.

Bought myself a new skirt today. It was only $10 (original price was $69) so I couldn't say no. I think it would look nice on our honeymoon.

Honeymoon is such a good reason to buy nice new stuff. Not like I go shopping that often anyway.

I've noticed I've become more grown-up in my shopping too. I actually enjoyed browsing the homewares section. Imagining what cushions I'd buy for our new couch, what rug, what tableware. Ahhh...

Friday with Future In-Laws

I got my salsa dvd! I can't wait to start! The end is bad quality, though. I wonder if it's the DVD or our dodgy DVD player. Need to try it in another one.

Last night went well. Dinner was really nice. My parents weren't used to such large portions and so much seafood but it all turned out ok. They talked a lot. Especially my Mum. I never realised how social and outgoing she was. Especially lately, I started noticing that she just makes conversation with anybody. People in the shops, on an escalator, on a plane etc. I don't remember her being like that before.

Our parents will never be friends but I know that they always be able to get along. That's all we can really ask for. We're both very lucky that neither of our parents have any issues and are easy-going.

After my parents and brother left, I stayed with David and we watched Prime. It was a refreshing romantic comedy. Not your typical Hollywood one. It was a realistic (as much as you can be in a film) story. A rare enjoyment. The only thing that that was a bit weird was the main actor looked too much like my brother.

Missed

It was my goal to get the 4:28pm train today. Still sitting in the office at 4:25pm, I realised that wasn't going to happen. I hurried up to try to get out of the place for the 4:40pm train but at 4:35, I was in the same position.

Finally I managed to get out at 5:00pm and almost ran to the train station for the 5:13pm. I got there with a few minutes to spare. I looked at the board and saw that my train has been cancelled.

Got home at 6:40pm.

Never thought I'd say this but I miss driving. Not having to wait. Just get in the car and go home.

Found a card from the post office telling me I've received the salsa dvd but since nobody was home, I had to pick it up from the post office. One little problem - post office closes at 5pm and I can't get home before then.

My brother offerred to get it for me on Monday as he finishes uni early. But Monday! I want it now!

Why couldn't the courier leave it in the mailbox. It's just a dvd. It was my first ebay purchase.

Met up with Amelia for lunch (once I managed to get out of the office). Haven't seen her in God knows how long. She looked a bit odd. She got a different haircut (ok) but had bright green eye shadow and a leopard print cardigan. We didn't get to talk much but it was nice to catch up at least a bit. I'm meeting her next week again.

David's parents invited my family to dinner this Friday. Should be interesting - first time at their house.

Last night was soooo good. Just because David was with me. I realised how similar we were becoming. Or maybe we were similar all along. If there were trillion different wavelengths, David and I would be on the same one. We just get each other. And he loves parts of me I like least.

I wish we were living together already. I miss having him around to do nothing with in the evenings.

We went to Nadine's party on the weekend. April and Ella were there too. It certainly made an impression on April. I was used to it. Nadine made a great fool of herself. I was embarrassed for her but April said, "Don't worry, she won't remember any of it tomorrow".

Dean, her boyfriend, didn't seem to care. He said he had a headache and went to his room to relax.

I was so glad to have David there. April said she could imagine us acting like a married couple. I loved having him there to do little couply things with. Like, saying I was getting thirsty and him immediately getting up to get me a drink. Or me asking him if he wanted to finish my roll. Or when he flicked my hair to tease me or pushed it out of my face as I was talking to Liz. Tiny subtle gestures that show that we're comfortable with each other.

Liz asked him, "So David, do you have any friends for us?" Talk about being straight forward. I'd never be able to ask a guy I barely know something like that.

I wonder if people think our couply ways are annoying or if they make them feel bad. We don't mean to do either. I think I've stopped caring how we come across to other people. I'm just too happy to care.

A Little Bit Better

Day two: better than day one.

Today was a small improvement on yesterday.

My old manager called me in the morning to ask for help. I like being needed. Maybe they can take me back.

I think I enjoyed today 'cause I actually had something to do, the music wasn't playing all day and I was the only one in the office for most of the day. Something I didn't mind at all.

I don't mind listening to music but doing so non-stop all day just takes the joy out of it. I didn't even want to listen to my mp3 player on the way home yesterday, like I usually do.

I tried to get the earlier train today but got on the platform just as it left. Had to wait another ten minutes. Got home after 6pm.

I wonder if I'll ever get home before 5pm again. I'm not even asking for 4:30.

David is going to come over soon so I guess today wasn't a waste.

Work Is Just Money

I miss my old job!

I really tried to be positive today at my new job but all I could do was compare how it wasn't as good as my last one.

I saw David after work which cheered me up tremendously and reminded me that a job is only a job and while I have love in my life, nothing else really matters.

Another Anniversary

Email to David:

I turned over my desktop calendar and realised it's the 27th. So happy 15 months anniversary!

Reply from David:

Are you sure it's 15 months? I wonder who was the beautiful girl I met more than 27 months ago...

I can't believe I actually forgot that I've been with David for over two years!

I actually want to stop counting every month anniversary as it's getting too much after this long but every time the 27th rolls around, I always remember and have to point it out.

Maybe after we get married, I'll start keeping track of the wedding date, rather than the day we because boyfriend and girlfriend.

Furniture Shopping

David and I spent 7 hours shopping for furniture yesterday. Fortunately we both got a bed, two bedside tables, a dining table and chairs. I'm so happy we have our own furniture!

Some salespeople are so annoying though. They think we have time to just chat. They don't realise we've been shopping all day and don't want to stand there listening to why we should get something we don't like.

One guy was particulary getting to me. He said to David (like I wasn't there) that my tastes were old fashioned and that my skin would match the chocolate coloured bed. Like who freaking buys a bed to match their skin colour? Idiot. What a dumb strategy to tell me I'm old-fashioned to get me to buy. I just wanted to get out of the shop as soon as possible.

Our bedroom is a small size so we were looking for a bed with drawers underneath and this stupid guy said that we won't find any 'cause it's old-fashioned. I told him that we just saw quite a few in other shops. This lead him to say that it would match my skin. Then he added, "That's why I like to sleep on a white bed." He also went on to tell us how he buys at IKEA for his kids. Like we cared.

Pushy salespeople annoy the hell out of me.

Some have a bit of a sense of humour though like when one came up to me when I lost David and asked if he could help. I told him I was "just looking" (for David) and he replied, "It's free to look today". It made me smile.

David and I had a bit of a disagreement about the couch. He really liked one that I wasn't convinced about. In the end I agreed but when we went back, the shop closed. David wasn't happy.

Shopping for so long can get quite stressful as David can't take more than a couple of hours and becomes quite difficult. I had to bribe him with ice cream. Not like I don't get tired but it's something that we have to do. It's much better to spend one day there than go several times.

I'm just glad the day was a success. He made dinner for me when we got back to his house. I was feeling very sleepy by that stage so he wouldn't let me drive home by myself. I was sure I'd be fine but he was like, "I'm taking you home. It's not a question." I love when he looks after me.

I dropped him off at his house in the morning. He has heaps of homework. It's always really hard to say goodbye after spending time together, knowing we won't see each other until next weekend.

I also got a chance to do some housework. Really needed to finish invitations but didn't get to it. I'm taking Friday off so I'll do them then. One more week at my job. I'm getting nervous.

Real Life Better than Fiction

I'm in love with Latin music. I've been listening to POBian radio and all they play is Latin stuff. They also play POBian songs mixed with Latin ones. The rhythm is so catchy.

I would've loved to pick a Latin style of song for our first dance but we couldn't find anything appropriate. I really wanted something upbeat but most love songs are slow or sad sounding (if you don't understand the lyrics).

I saw Front Up today and I remembered how captivating that show was. For anyone who never heard of it, there's one guy who walks around Australian cities and starts talking to random people about their lives. It's amazing how much interesting information he gets out of them. One of my favourite documentaries. My other favourite is the 7 Up series and Promises.

Everyone at work has been so wonderful. I've had about five people come up to me and say how sad they are to see me go. I've never felt more appreciated in any other workplace. I really hope people like me at my next job. There's so much bureaucracy in government. So many procedures and processes to make everything 'fair'. They just take lengthy amounts of time 'causing me to leave this job even though everybody is happy with me and I'm happy to be there.

One woman said to me, "It'll be good for you to get out of this retirement village". She didn't understand that I didn't mind. Even the 63 year old next to me is great for a chat. Who knows how the 'young' people are going to be at my next job.

I'm trying to look it at it as a new adventure. I just hope I can get maternity leave when I want to. My probationary period is a year! Never heard of any that long. Not that they can fire me if I get pregnant but still. And I don't want to be like, "Oh, it was an accident" and look like some naive young girl.

The wedding invitations are taking me much longer than planned. I created such a huge job for myself. David offered to help but I'd rather do it myself and not have anyone to blame if something's not perfect. I feel like a one-woman factory. I did the first part. The next involves pasting in all the details and adding decorations.

On Saturday, David and I are going to look for our furniture. I'm so happy we like the same stuff. Last weekend, we had the same opinion about everything we saw. Now that we know what's around, we'll be more goal-orientated.

Claudia is also looking for a place to buy. April and I were surprised that she wasn't moving in with Mike. April said that Claudia told her that they never discussed their future. I (and April) could never be like that. I have to know every detail of where the relationship is going. Don't want to be getting any nasty surprises several years down the track.

So happy with my life right now. I have everything I could possibly want. Never thought I'd be so lucky. Enjoying every moment. Who knows how long it'll last.

Catching up with the Original Best Friend

Met up with Nadine today. Don't remember the last time I saw her. I think it was a year ago. Had such a great time, I wondered why we don't keep in touch more, like we used to.

She told me about her job as a nurse. How seeing a baby being resuscitated made her cry. She said it jumped on the board as it was getting shocks. She told me how adults are so much worse than kids. They whinge and can't accept that sometimes there's nothing that can be done about their pain. Kids, on the other hand, are much more accepting and don't complain as much. She said they were so understaffed a student had to do the work of a nurse without being seen by any doctors, otherwise the patients would suffer.

It's an interesting line of work she got herself into.

It was also good to chat to her about life of cohabitation. How she and Dean share the chores. We were eating sushi as we were talking about it and the cleaner just walked by as I was telling Nadine how I told David from the start that, "There's no way I'm cleaning the toilets!" I must've said it too loud because the cleaner gave me the dirtiest look.

A few minutes later we were talking about Liz and how she only had physical relationships with guys. Nadine exclaimed, "You can't base your relationship on sex!" and all the tables around us turned around.

Afterwards we decided to go for a walk. As we were browsing different homeware, I realised that I had more in common with Nadine than with April. We were both on the same level where we had long-term partners with whom we were planning on spending our lives. We had the same problems of buying property, getting furniture, which brand of appliances was better.

We laughed about the same issues of having your boyfriend sleep over at your house with your parents there. She told me how one day her Dad said to her, "I know that you sleep with Dean, I can hear the noise from your room, but I just wanted to ask you, 'Are you happy'?" She said she was still trying to absorb the first part of the conversation before being able to say anything. I understood that it was hard to be completely silent when beds creak no matter how quiet you think you are but man, you just don't want to know that your parents know.

Nadine's Dad is a classic though, she reminded me of the time we were at our piano teacher's house and all the Mums were there talking to the teacher about their daughters growing up when Nadine's Dad piped in, "Well, Nadine doesn't have her period yet!" She didn't speak to him for a week. He didn't even get what he said that was wrong. She said he brought it up at dinner a few weeks ago and it was almost like experiencing it the first time. He still didn't get what so wrong about it.

Time flew by so quickly. My new job will be close to where she's studying so we might have more chances to meet up for lunch.

It's her birthday party soon so will see her then as well.

Before she left, she said, "It's weird having to worry about someone else all the time. I have to let somebody else know when I'm coming home because he'll be waiting for me. But it's also kinda nice, having someone there waiting for you."

I can't wait till David and I live together. I'm getting very impatient. We're at the point where we get frustrated if we don't see each other.

We went to look for furniture yesterday and I was so happy that we have the exact same taste. We said the same things at the same time which was freaky, but oh so great!

Girls Night In

Had a great time at April's last night. So great that I only got home at 1am.

Ella was already there when I got there, making dinner. April has been home alone for a week as her parents are overseas so she was making the best of her time.

After dinner April and Ella introduced me to some of Lifehouse other songs and I've fallen in love with "Breathing", especially this part:

cause I am hanging on every word you say and
even if you don't wanna speak tonight
that's alright, alright with me
cause I want nothing more than
to sit outside your door
and listen to your breathing
is where I wanna be

That part really tugged on some heart strings. I also loved the lyrics of "Everything":

find me here
and speak to me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
you are the light
that's leading me
to the place
where I find peace again

you are the strength
that keeps me walking
you are the hope
that keeps me trusting
you are the life
to my soul
you are my purpose
you're everything

and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this

All I could think was, "I wish David was here so just his one look could convey all the words of all those songs".

I couldn't help but sense that they loved those songs for the wish of having someone feel like that about them.

April and Ella said, "By the time we have kids, your kids will be able to baby-sit them."

We played Cluedo and I won.

Then we just talked. About relationships, as it's the most common topic with us. I was surprised to learn that April would want to have a separate account when she gets married. Then she and Ella were counting down when they needed to meet their future husbands for them to get married at their preferred ages.

April said, "Ok, so for me to get married at 25, I need to be engaged to him for a year, then I need to have gone out with him for a year before that. That means I have to meet him now. Oh wait, where would my whole 'living with him for a year' be? Ok, stuff that, we'll live together after we get married... Maybe we can move together after 6 months. That could work."

"Anything to cut corners, right?" I added.

"Of course, no time to waste... Oh crap, I need to meet him now."

Then Ella exclaimed, "So what are we doing here, sitting around the heater, instead of being out meeting them?!"

April also changed her view of there being only one person that's right for you. Actually she became a lot like me and doesn't believe in fate anymore. Ella is still optimistic.

I was happy to share my views of relationships and they were happy to listen since I was speaking from experience. I found April quite naive about it all. She was pretty much of the opinion that if the guy didn't have the same views as her, she'd break up with him. I had to explain that it wasn't that simple. When you have feelings for somebody, you want to be able to overcome all the obstacles, no matter how impossible they seem.

April said, "Soon when you have kids, you'll be so different to us. You'd have adult things to think about." I replied, "I think about adult things now but I still don't feel that different."

It's actually weird that even though I'm getting married and about to have a mortgage, I feel just like I did a few years ago, only much happier.

On Friday, David looked at me and said, "Babe, you don't look like someone who's getting married." I told him I was breaking stereotypes and he said, "You always like to break stereotypes."

As I was chatting with April and Ella, I had fleeting moments of thinking about David.

Ella wasn't as talkative and sometimes I wondered if it was because we haven't known each other for that long or if she was just not as opinionated as April and me.

I drove home in such a peaceful state of mind. There's nothing like having a good long talk about everything and anything with good girlfriends.

Today in the morning, I called David and had a good talk with him which made me realise that no matter how wonderful your girlfriends are, nothing beats having a guy friend who's in love with you.

I miss David more than I can say.

My Psychologist

David and my plans have been cancelled for tomorrow as he's very sick. He's got some kind of bad flu. My brother got the same thing so I'm assuming they both got it at uni.

Of course I feel a bit disappointed but it's more important for him to get better. I went to his house tonight and he's just the loveliest person in the world. Even when he's sick and can barely talk he tells me that I'm the most beautiful person. My heart just melts.

I have been feeling a bit cranky in the last few days due to several things and today he tells me, "Ok, tell me everything that's bothering you. I'll be your Dr Phil." (This just goes to show what daytime TV he's been watching while staying at home!)

I told him, "Eww, I'd prefer Dr David". So I told him every little thing that's been annoying me and he just listened to everything, sympathising with every detail. Gosh, I never felt better to unload. Every frustration that was coming out of my mouth was simultaneously flying out of my system.

Tomorrow night I'm going to April's house. Ella will be there too. I'm quite excited as I haven't seen both of them for quite a while and it'll be great to catch up face to face.

I'm also quite happy to announce that Andy will be David's best man!!! Could it be any more perfect?

Landing in the Clouds

You might remember me writing about how David couldn’t meet me at the airport when I returned from POB because he had an exam that day.

Well, when I stepped off the plane and managed to get out of quarantine expection, I felt myself being emersed in a huge hug. I turned around to see my favourite person on the entire planet, grinning from ear to ear (or that could’ve been just me).

If there was one thing I didn’t expect, didn’t even let myself hope, was David meeting me at the airport on the day of his exam.

“Baby, I just wanted to come and say hello. And now I have to run!” And off he went as quickly as he came.

Talk about leaving me breathless.

Fingers crossed he doesn’t fail.

Date with My Future Husband

Last night I saw the type of film I've been craving to see for years.

I Do - how to get married and stay single.

It's a French romantic comedy. It was everything the genre is supposed to be. And with a French flavour.

Light, sweet, witty, funny, authentic and happy. I left the cinema with a huge smile on my face. David enjoyed it just as much.

It was the first night in ages we went out 'properly'. It was just so good. Reminded me of the first days we went out. Freezing out in the cold but staying up all night anyway. Before we started going to each other's houses. The first couple of months. The memories...

Last night, we saw the movie, walked a lot, had some tea and light dessert. Then caught the train back to my house. I guess you could call it 'a date'. Only much better.

It was freezing when we got to my house. Wished I could fall asleep in my personal heater's arms but didn't want to risk my parents walking in on such a sight.

Looked for apartments in the morning and found one!!! I didn't really expect to since we still have some time till the wedding. I'm going to check it out one more time tomorrow and then make an offer. The only thing is that we still haven't got a loan pre-approval. We were going to go to the bank next weekend. Will go to a broker tomorrow so he can speed up the process.

Our only issue now is that since David started a new job and my job is a contract, we might not even get the loan. Anyway, hopefully it'll be ok.

The other thing is that we want to offer a little less than what they're asking for but since the unit is pretty much worth the price, I hope there won't be anybody ready to pay the full price. Then we'll miss out and that would be a pity 'cause it's pretty much everything we've been looking for. The biggest bonus is that it's minutes from the train station. David and I can both imagine living there.

Hope everything turns out for the best.

Together Again

David: You make me feel complete
me: Isn't that really not correct to say because no one should complete you? You should be complete on your own.
David: ??
me: I guess that's what single people tell themselves to feel better.

Why do I feel a pang every time he leaves, even though I will see him soon? But not soon enough.

That saying "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" is an overwhelmingly huge understatement.

I always felt that my trip to POB would bring me some realisation about my decision to get married. Either I would feel fine being there by myself or I would go crazy. And crazy I went. I couldn't even enjoy my trip properly because I missed David so much. I wanted him to share all my experiences.

This sort of crazy mad love where you want to be with your partner every second of the day and feel uneasy when they are not there is probably unhealthy. But I could not care less.

I just look at his adorably gorgeous face and those warm brown eyes and that's it, I'm gone. Where, I don't know. I can never get close enough.

I cannot wait to get married so I can spend these cold nights with him and not have to worry about either one of us having to go back home.

Off to POB

In two days I will be in POB. I really cannot believe that tomorrow I will be flying there. Time flies so quickly.

Today was the first day I actually got excited about going. Before, it was more of a "I gotta see my grandparents because I don't know when else I can" but now it's like "YAY!!! I'm going to Europe!" And yay, I'm leaving the busiest time at work to enjoy myself while my manager and other worker scramble madly to cope.

I've also been told that Elaine is happy to take me out while I'm there and return the favour. I'm very happy about that as otherwise I'd probably be stuck with my Mum and grandparents. My cousins are not exactly the types to take me out to good places.

I'm a bit fearful of the danger factor when going to POB but I guess it's always scarier when you're not there. Going on about your life over there makes you not notice it so much.

Everyone at work was jealous because they wanted to go instead of me to one of the most interesting cities in Europe. The best part is that I will actually understand the language.

Things I'm most looking forward to are POBian food, television and radio (which I'll probably get over after a few days) and of course seeing my grandma who is absolutely hilarious. And maybe she can introduce me to some of her well-known friends.

One thing I'm a little bit annoyed about is that I had my second session of SPL yeserday and my legs have some rash on them which doesn't seem to be fading. I don't remember this side effect last time. And it's summer there! How will I go swimming or even wear anything shorter than pants? Anyway, I still have hope that it will go away in a few days as it's similar to the rash I used to get when epilating.

Beauty is pain.

There's this saying in POB which parents tell their kids when they get a scratch or a bruise, "It'll heal before the wedding". I really hope this heals before my wedding!

April is going to Europe too, straight after I come back so I won't see or speak to her for five weeks! That's going to be weird since we speak at least once every week and are always up to date with each other's lives, even the most miniscule details (e.g. "A guy sat next to me in the lab and he's talking really loudly on the phone. Now his friend came and they are talking really loudly together. Ok, they left.")

Not seeing David for two weeks will be weird too but we'll probably talk on the phone. His Mum told me to enjoy my time there and do lots of crazy things because David won't find out anyway! David wasn't pleased with her encouraging me to do things she was hinting at.

I'm disappointed David won't be able to meet me at the airport when I return as I always wanted to experience such a romantic scenario. Unfortunately his university decided to make him sit an exam at that time. Seriously, no considerations. However, he will come to the airport with me tomorrow and we can have a not very romantic good-bye. With my parents there (as April pointed out when I told her of the situation).

I still haven't packed so I better go and do that 'cause David will come over soon. Too bad he won't fit into a suitcase.

Back to the Girls

I never realised how much I missed hanging out with the girls until I was actually with them, laughing my head off.

It was so long since all five of us (April, Christine, Claudia, Amelia and I) went out together. Ok, so Evan was there but he has long been our shadow (but as April pointed out he came out of his shell, after 8 years of knowing us). Mike came as well but he was pretty quiet. That guy gets offended too easily and needs to learn to come up with some good replies. David, unfortunately wasn't there. His void was especially noticed when the girls wouldn't enjoy some classic foreign songs played by a live band. They're a bit immature when it comes to music taste and only like the anglo-speaking popular stuff.

Amelia met us after not getting through the interview process for a flight attendant. It was her 2nd try. She said their marked height wasn't accurate as she measured herself at home and satisfied their required criteria.

We all thought it'd be cool if Amelia got to be a flight attendant. She definitely looked the part.

Christine got into a bit of an altercation with some women. Here's what happened. After we left the cafe, we saw a drugged out looking guy on the ground. We proceeded to discuss what we wanted to do next when two ladies walked by and also saw the guy. They went into the cafe to tell someone to call an ambulance. When they came out, one woman said, "Watch him until the ambulance gets here."

April and I were like, "Why should we watch him?!" but then Christine yelled, "We're not watching him, bitch. We are just discussing where to go next so don't make any fucking assumptions." Then it dawned on April and I that the woman said her comment sarcastically because she thought we were standing there watching this guy. Christine didn't stop there, she kept yelling at this woman who yelled back.

The rest of us looked at the ground and pretended to be invisible. Even Evan told Christine to calm down.

There's a never a dull moment when Christine's around.

On the train back, I kept talking about buying property to April but she wasn't saying anything so I changed the subject to something that she could relate to. It's hard to believe but I feel a lot more grown-up now that I'm getting married.

Came home later than expected and David came over which was nice as always, even thought I felt weird. If I'm honest with myself, I felt a little annoyed/sad that David wouldn't have been able to join in on our jokes if he was there. Started thinking things that were probably not appropriate but quite scary. I'm even scared to write them in case they are significant.

Sometimes I get in that sort of state of mind where I start questioning everything and not having any concrete answers can be quite worrying.

Anyway, as always, I completely changed my track of thought.

But then...

You know that movie scene where the two main characters are about to kiss and the atmosphere is all charged, their lips come close... but then the phone rings? They hold still, almost thinking that the phone will stop and the scene can continue but the phone keeps ringing for so long that any built-up tension disappears.

And the audience thinks, "Typical".

Well, when David and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary on the weekend and we were in the middle of a very similar moment, my mobile rang. Since it wouldn't stop, I reached for it and saw that it was Christine. I decided not to pick up. Didn't want to give any explanations on what I was doing and decline any invitations to meet them.

Today, I called Christine and explained that I didn't hear my phone and when I realised, it was too late to call back. Surprisingly she didn't believe a word of it and said, "It's ok, we thought you didn't want to be interrupted" with a knowing smile in her voice.

I was a bit embarrassed because it was true. I guess she had many similar moments with Evan.

Makes you realise cliches aren't only in movies; they densely populate real life too.