Life’s been fairly untraumatic this week. Well, apart from my first attempt at a Spin class at the gym. And a mid-festive-period trip to John Lewis in Oxford Circus to buy wire for my wreath making capers. Both very scary experiences and I’m just proud I didn’t wet myself when the going got tough.

Christmas this year will again be spent in Claygate at casa del Alanko. Very elderly Finnish grandmother is being transported from deepest darkest Finland for the occasion – I hope it’s not to stressful for her. When I met her she seemed like a pretty tough lady so I’m sure it’ll be fine. Children Alanko-Johnstone (Magnus, his sister Emma and I) are in charge of the English Christmas food agenda and I’m excited about trying out stem ginger macaroons and a boozy trifle (teetotal parent Alankos may not approve though – make two versions?). God only knows what we’ll come up with for the main course. Has to be vegetarian and if anything to do with Magnus’ sister probably organic,fairtrade, low fat, traditional yet fashionable, university educated etc etc…

Counting down the weeks to the NZ trip. As in physically crossing them off in my diary. Does anyone ever really grow older than about 10?

I’ve turned a corner with the body-is-my-temple programme. No more weird pre/pro-biotics. Fruit, veg and three classes a week at the gym are doing the trick nicely. Although, discovery of the last few months: Cod Liver Oil. My hair is like a pantene commercial, my nails are lovely and skin…okay (sure that the pre-Christmas festivities are contributing to the un-okayness mostly). In a hilarious blond moment last week I offered some to Magnus (hippie) (vegetarian) thinking he might want to join me in said Pantene commercial. Apparently CLO contains fishy things unpalatable to vegetarians!

Aforementioned pre-Christmas festivities aren’t as glam as I’d imagined, at work at least. I actually skipped the company party this week and have made myself available to only one departmental outing, in favour of sitting at home, watching telly, eating cheese and drinking Snowball cocktails with Ross and Magnus. We’re a pretty festive bunch when we get going. A lot of roffling, as Ross would say. Suppose I should be a little more involved at work – I passed my probation period this week – but I have to say something’s still missing. Fuel for jumping up the ladder I suppose. Not at the jumping-ship stage yet.

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