Packing day

In the words of my ex boss I am an excellent administrator. I love lists and work with speed and efficiency when the moment calls for it. But my basic sloth like tendencies (can I blame my 40s?!) have left me scrambling at the last minute for this move. 

I have lists and those lists have their own sub-lists but today was Day 1 of packing and really only 85% of my list was marked off. Anyway, I found that efficient hat this morning at 4am when a stress headache woke me. And by the time the inefficient packers arrived at 10am I was ready as can be. Suitcases packed, air shipment sorted and sea shipment culled ruthlessly so we can learn to live with less. 

The packers grew in number as the day wore on and what should have been a 2 day pack and a 1 day load has turned into a 1.5 day pack and load. So by tomorrow afternoon it should be done giving me more time to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea (NOT). Instead we have handymen, electricians, cleaners, inventory guys and agents to deal with. 

Spent our last night in the apartment yesterday. Feeling a bit nostalgic. I love this house. Now safely ensconced in RT&Ps home, where hot showers/ food/ lots of chat & laughter are freely available. Last 5 days of this Singapore Adventure here we go! 

Million dollar question: where are we going? It's Hong Kong. Am I excited? Hell yeah! 

Good morning, I'm 40 in 2015

I've woken up in the luxury of a hotel bed having arrived in Bangkok last night to spend 4 days celebrating with V, Kid, his Cousin (referred to in real life as 'brother') and his parents. A merry bunch of 4 adults and 2 kids. This is what Birthday week is about. I've been given some stupendous gifts by two friends and my sis in law last night so I'm well chuffed.

The last time I was here in the city properly I was 6 years old - we lived here from when I was teeny tiny till about 6 and I have some quite clear memories of places. I intend to find the building we lived in and see some other things and meet some people I've known my whole life. But that is not today. Today is about turning 40. Today is Wat Pho (to see the reclining Buddha which is what I remember clearest), some divine Thai food at Nahm and a massage. And I'm going electronic free from 9am - 9pm (post this post). I cannot think of a better way to celebrate turning the Big 4-0. As my cousin B would say, 'Happy to me'.

Starting early, starting well.

Just so you know, in the real world I'm hotly denying all knowledge or happening of my birthday next Wednesday. No answering the phone, replying to texts and whatsapp. Just head in the sand. Or a book.

But for the sake of this ageing blog I will do anything. And so tonight in an effort to begin the celebrations I and V have polished off delicious steaks with sides of creamed spinach and herbed fries at Cut by Wolfgang Puck. Followed by this beauty:

A chocolate molten cake with cream and ice cream on it. Trust me this picture does not show you how big this is. It's a small saucepan, like the size of a small child's head. And bitter and sweet. Divine. 

Starting tomorrow it's birthday week, people. I'm celebrating turning 40 only for blog fodder, not because it marks a decade. I'm so selfless (haha).