friends – Page 5 – Lessons I learned after I turned 30

Blogmas day 10- Once there was a way to get back homeward…

Sunday evening already. The weekend gone in the blink of an eye.

I’m exhausted. Mentally and physically. But all worth it.

It’s been a great two days.

Last night was amazing. I haven’t laughed so much in a long long time. From Agnes the cuddly loving surprise guest dog, Geraldine’s ‘Polar Espresso’, Jaba’s 45 second effort to come up with a single word to Cyprus modern history and Russian politics conversations.

I consider myself lucky to have such beautiful, fun, caring humans as friends. Oh and Chris loved his gift. How could he not! Thank you Chris for a lovely evening, definitely one to remember.

Today, at 12pm the gorgeous, sweet Dan walked in the middle of John Lewis in Southampton, holding his shopping bag and a Moz cuddly toy and started singing Elbow’s cover of Golden Slumbers, the soundtrack of the John Lewis advert. And 150 of SingForce and SingNow singers joined in.

I got goosebumps all over my body, I almost cried whilst singing. I can’t wait to share some footage when is out. To see so many of my colleagues and old friends from SingNow come together to sing such a beautiful song was just wonderful. Cuddles and catch ups afterwards made my day. My heart melt.

After a cup of tea with my favourite it was time for another viewing.

This time it went brilliant. It’s not in the best area but the flat and the room itself were stunning. And I’ll have the bathroom just for myself. I doubt I can find somewhere that nice. The potential new flatmate was great. Nice, polite, honest, open, happy to share his Peruvian coffee although he just met me.

It’s incredibly hard for me to make any decision and I know if I don’t push myself I’ll end up stuck again so I decided to go for it! What’s the worst it can happen.

Change will always be scary but unbelievably exciting.

Shout out to my best friend again for coming along with me. I don’t want to think how much I’ll miss you, I really don’t.

It’s been overwhelmingly emotional today.

Here’s to the last full week of work before Christmas. It may not be easy but it will definitely end well with our annual Solent staff Christmas bash. It will be my last one and I have a feeling it will be the best so far!

Namaste

Eleni

Blogmas day 5- Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

Day 5…

I have no idea how it’s 9pm already…

Have you ever had one of those days you don’t know what’s happening, what time it is and your mind keeps getting lost in random thoughts? It’s been a while since the last time that happened.

Morning went really fast, it’s been busy at work. I finally managed to finish off and publish the fee regulations and fees table (for now). Rob, we made it!

At lunchtime it was singing time with some of my favourite people at work and of course the gorgeous Dan, who always smells amazing and gives the best hugs.

We finally started Christmas songs. I’m still humming along to Santa Claus is Coming To Town!

In the afternoon, a group of colleagues got together to take a festive photo around our Christmas tree, you’ll find out why soon! For now, look how cheery and happy we all look like! Thank you Peter for the lovely photo.

The afternoon flew by and after my yoga ( I missed a couple of sessions and I felt guilty as hell) it was time for Sheba and I to decorate my little Christmas tree!

We had chocolates, pop corn, Christmas songs, Santa hats, the whole lot.

We couldn’t get the Christmas lights to work to begin with, and as the amateur electricians we are, we managed to change the fuse (for the first time ever!). But, that was not the issue. So we started checking all the bulbs and one of them was missing. The joy in our faces after we replaced it and the lights suddenly lit up was priceless! A little Christmas miracle.

We laughed, we danced, we sang. I love this girl so much, whatever we do, even at our worst times we always have a laugh.

Now time for a Christmas movie. It’s been a bizarre day again. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. A special thank you to Denise for reminding me to chase my dreams. Love you!

Namaste

Eleni

Blogmas bittersweet day 4

Day 4…

Blogmas is turning into a personal journal, it feels like a daily therapy session.

Today I was in a good mood in the morning, quite rare for a Monday.

Royal Mail delivered the little Christmas tree I ordered first thing in the morning just before I left for work, which cheered me up.

Andi, one of my favourite people at the Uni, the older brother I never had, was back at work today after his two week holiday, I really looked forward to seeing his little face peeking over his PC and in the afternoon the whole department would get to decorate the office with brand new decs and a REAL tree!

I’ve put together a Christmas playlist, we were to bring in festive snacks, biscuits, mince pies, cheese (I have to give it to Donna, she went all out!) and Sarah was bringing delicious mulled cider. I couldn’t wait! It was going to be a great Monday for a change.

As I mentioned before, my best friend Shebz is going away soon and today she handed in her notice. I knew about it months ago but today it got real. I’m extremely happy and proud of her, getting out there, travelling, exploring the world, like she always wanted to but I’m equally sad as I won’t see her every day, go on our adventures, chat about random things for hours, advise and comfort each other… When I get the time I’ll post a blog just about her!

What I didn’t know was that Andi is also leaving. I can’t describe how happy I am for him. He is an amazing, sweet, sensitive, intelligent man who deserves the best and he can finally now move on to a more rewarding, challenging job in London. But I will dearly miss him. I wasn’t prepared for this although as soon as he said he had some news the first thing I said was ‘Are you leaving?’ I just knew.

I was in shock and went through waves of sadness and happiness all day. The Christmas decorations, music and food (especially the Cheese Christmas trees dipped in Camembert cheese) definitely lifted my mood and the office looks festive and lovely.

Now, after re-scheduling my PT session ( I couldn’t possibly exercise after all the cheese and mulled cider) I’m at home, desperately trying to put my thoughts and feelings in order.

After Christmas, two of my favourite people are leaving Southampton and I feel more stuck than ever. But that pushed me to make a decision, and it’s not easy for me to do, that’s why I’m still here.

I was thinking about it over the last few days but today I decided if I want to move forward, something’s gotta give. The most realistic way to save money fast so I can go into a more interesting job or try my lack elsewhere is to move to a shared flat or house. It’s a big deal for me, I love living on my own and it’s not going to be easy. I’m sure I’ll be OK though.

I contacted my landlord to hand in my notice as my contract expires in January. That only gives me a couple of weeks to find a new place before the Christmas break. But my landlord offered to let me stay on a month to month basis so I don’t have to rush!! Not many landlords would have done that, his kindness melted my little heart. Thank you James. I can now enjoy my Christmas holidays and come back and look for a new place.

Life is full of surprises and today was a great example.

It’s been a bizarre day… A bittersweet Monday…

Namaste

Eleni

Blogmas day 3- Etsy festive market and tea and cake with friends.

Day three of Blogmas…

I don’t usually get up early on Sundays, but the first ever local Etsy festive market was taking place at Mettricks at 11am and I really wanted to get there early, grab a goody bag and check the stalls out before it got too busy.

So Shebz and I were meeting Barbara at Mettricks at 11, but when we got there, there was already a long queue of ladies, children and men who you could see in their faces they’d rather be anywhere else, but that’s what love makes you do I guess!

I must admit, I queued for a gig, at the tube, at the airport but never outside a cafe, let alone Mettricks that feels like second home, I’m there most days. So there I was, at 11am on a Sunday, queuing outside my second home. Who would have thought!

The staff at Mettricks were lovely though and we ordered our coffees whilst queuing outside, so as soon as we got in, they were ready to collect.

It was extremely busy and there wasn’t much room to spend a lot of time at each stall but the actual fair was lovely and so very pretty. Cards, crafts, jewellery, knitwear, pinatas. The photos speak for themselves.

My favourites were Sprig knitwear, Tumble and Rose’s jewellery and Katie Moody’s cards but everything was just beautiful, even their business cards! Thank you to the organisers for a great event and for bringing something different in Southampton. I’m sure it will be even bigger and better next year.

I could not not tell the lovely man next to the first stall we had a look at that I loved his accent. We all had a chuckle.

On my way out I fell in love with the cutest, sweetest little dog, who let me cuddle her and gracefully posed for me. Look at her sweet, friendly eyes.

We planned to stay at Mettricks for another cup of coffee and cake as lovely Sophia, a work friend who recently moved to London was also there and another friend was on their way but there was no space so we popped to Coffeelab.

We shared a slice of an amazing, creamy, festive Chocolate cake accompanied by tea. I went for my favourite tea at Coffeelab and probably my favourite tea of all, Amaretti.

At that moment I realised that this is probably the last time that the three of us will be together.

My best friend, my third sister, my partner in crime, Sheba, is leaving Southampton for good in a month to explore the world and Barbara will at some point move back home to be with her family. And I, well I don’t know if I’ll stay in Southampton. I’ve been saying for a long time that I need to find a job I enjoy and even if that doesn’t happen soon, I’m definitely leaving my current job for something different the first chance I get. Wherever that takes me.

I consider my self superbly lucky and blessed for a fun, beautiful, special day I’l always remember.

Namaste

Eleni

Christmas magic in Southampton

Happy Sunday!

December is almost here and it’s going to be a busy one until the big day. I’m considering doing Blogmas, my version, although I haven’t done it before and I have no idea how it will go, but I’ll give it a shot.

I love everything about Christmas. I know it’s heavily commercialised and exploited by many, but for me Christmas is celebrating with people I love, it’s all about giving and sharing and getting together, accompanied by delicious food and treats, seeing friends and family I don’t get to see often, reminding myself how grateful and blessed I am.

And of course I love Christmas songs, Christmas movies, Christmas decorations, the lights, the festivities. It always feels magical, even in the worst of times. And yes I’m one of those annoying people who feels Christmassy from November and the Christmas tree stays up until the 6th of January, the Epiphany, like in most Cypriot homes.

There is so much going in Southampton, I thought it will be nice to share where I’ll be going to and maybe others can comment on other events they discovered and are going. Unfortunately I can’t go to too many as it will be Christmas lunch/dinner/party season as well as catching up with friends and nights in with a cuppa, blankets, Christmas movies and snacks, one of my favourite things to do, before I fly home for the holidays. But these are the ones I picked and hopefully will make it to.

-Next Sunday, 3rd of December, the first ever Etsy Made Local Festive Market will take place at Mettricks Guildhall and I can’t wait! Local Etsy sellers, Christmas workshops and many more. If you decide to pop by make sure you try the coffee or the hot chocolate at Mettricks, one of the best in Southampton.

-On the 7th of December, Love Bedford Place is putting together a Christmas Spectacular with mulled wine and mince pies, Christmas carols and Christmas raffle amongst others. I live in the heart of Bedford Place so I’m not missing this!

Loving the little Christmas trees above every shop’s doors this year.

Bedford Place

-On the 16th (depending on the Christmas party hangover) I’ll be joining my old friends from Sing Now choir at Guildhall Square who will be singing Christmas Songs and raising money for the Rose Road Association. Singing in the Square!

Finally, this is not an event as such but the lovely Molly is collecting Christmas care packages for the homeless in town until the 17th of December as she will distribute them on the 18th. All details here.

I’ll never get used to the cold but I love Christmas and I can’t wait for December!

Namaste

Eleni

The perfect end to a not so great week.

Happy Sunday! Today the first thing I saw when I woke up was tens of pictures of friends and family sent by my sisters and my cousin. They all got together for my aunt’s annual memorial service. These are the little moments I miss and really wished I was there for. The family gatherings.

Anyway, I’m getting off track already.

I realised I haven’t posted since Tuesday, World Mental Health Day. On Tuesday morning I popped to the Spark (our posh teaching building) to check out the stalls set up to celebrate this special day and that was one of my week’s highlights. I spent hours after that blowing bubbles in the office with the little bubble blower I was given, which is awesome for stress relief, and I made Matt blow some for me whilst trying to take a photo. No matter how tough work can get, we still have fun!

It’s been a rough week for many of us. Almost everyone I talked to struggled this past week.

And I struggled too. My godmother who’s also my aunt, is still at hospital, I still have this weird toothache which was supposed to go away by now because the dentist couldn’t see anything wrong but is still driving me crazy, I haven’t had a good night’s sleep since last Saturday, work has been challenging to say the least and the whole week has been emotional, for reasons I cannot talk about just yet, but I’ll post when I can.

When Friday finally arrived, I was happy, relieved, almost ecstatic the week was almost over. The lovely Helen had planned a night out with a group of my favourite colleagues and friends and it could not come at a better time.

I felt extremely tired towards the end of the day and I thought it might have been better to just go home and lie down but I really wanted to have a couple of drinks and a laugh with friends.

So right after work I met Chris, Louise and Geraldine with the gorgeous 3 month old Emilia and we headed to the pub for drinks until the rest of the gang arrived. After a couple of hours of chatting, letting it all out and laughing, it was time for dinner.

I was not hungry to begin with after my enormous lunch with my bestie at my all time favourite place in the town centre, Halladay’s tearooms, to celebrate the World Egg Day (not that we needed an excuse), but alcohol makes you hungry.

Eggs Florentine and Teapigs chocolate flake tea

We went to Wahaca for dinner and we absolutely loved it!

I’ve been there once before with my lovely friend Sofy, (with whom I’ll try the Scandinavian cuisine at the Kupp this coming week, I can’t wait!) and I looked forward to visiting again so I could try more of their dishes.

This time I had the Roast Chilli quesadilla and I know that the clue is in the name, but it had SO MUCH chilli in it, I had to take some out but I still enjoyed it. I also tried their Devon Crab tostadas which was delicious and tasted some of Jaba’s chorizo and potato quesadilla, the chicken enchilladas and rice and beans. Everything tasted fresh and yummy.

After the feast I couldn’t possibly have any room for dessert, although I love a pudding but Chris suggested sharing some and we had the Mexican flan. It was light and fluffy, a lighter version of Creme Brulee. And I also tried Louise’s churros and chocolate, match made in heaven!

I’d definitely recommend Wahaca. One of the few chain restaurants I genuinely like. Delicious food, reasonable prices, lovely atmosphere, urban but homely vibes, great cocktails (my Hibiscus margarita was very strong but equally tasty), fast service and super friendly staff. Thank you to Patricia, our lovely waitress for teaching me how to pronounce margarita in Spanish, which coincidentally is the same in Greek, I had no idea!

Day of the Dead coming soon

Devon Crab Tostadas

Leftover chilli

My favourite Georgian, dear Jaba

Day of the Dead coming soon

Hibiscus margarita

Mexican Flan

Roast Chilli quesadillas

I came home tired but happy and grateful I for a lovely evening with awesome people and great food. Big thank you to the awesome Helen for organising this.

I can still hear Jaba in my head shouting Wahaca!

So here’s to Monday. May everyone’s week is better than the last.

Namaste

Eleni

Friendsfest with great friends

I didn’t watch Friends when it was first shown back in 1994. I got into it years later, in 2008, when I first moved to Southampton and was desperately looking for a job, and as any recent graduate I struggled.

I spent a lot of time at home composing cover letters and filling in countless applications and watching Friends was one of the very few things that made me forget my troubles and have a laugh.

And I’ve been watching it since. I used to watch more TV 3-4 years ago but I now only keep up with a couple of TV series, except Friends which I love to watch every evening with my tea.

I absolutely love this show and even though I’ve seen each episode a hundreds of times, it still helps me unwind and never fails to cheer me up. So going to Friendsfest has been on my bucketlist for a while.

The first time I tried to get tickets it was sold out but last February, as soon as the tickets went on sale I bought some for myself and my lovely colleagues and friends who are also big Friends fans, Andi and Syed. Andi is a walking Friends wiki and we often randomly quiz each other and send memes to make each other laugh.

Fast forward to about a week ago, Friday 15th of September, the Friendsfest day finally arrived!

On the morning we were about to take the train to London, the Parsons Green explosion took place. I had friends and family messaging me worried about our upcoming London trip and although I was a bit worried too, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. That’s what terrorism is all about isn’t it? To terrify you to the degree that interrupts your plans and your life.

So on that morning, Andi and I caught the London Waterloo train. The sun was shining and we were super excited but also checking the news for updates. We made it to Waterloo and when we got into the tube I was a little unsettled but it was actually a quiet and smooth ride.

We met Londoner Syed who drove us to Clissold park where Friendfest was set, in his impressive car.

And there we were!! Before I continue I’d like to thank Syed who took most of the photos, you are the best photographer (although your awesome phone camera helped a little).

After a quick wander around, we re-created the opening scene and then popped into Central Perk.

Central Perk

Smelly cat, smelly cat

Central Perk

I’ll be there for you…

Phoebe’s infamous cab was parked just outside Central Perk.

No seat belt??

The death cab

After a short break at the main stage where some of the best Friends scenes were shown

it was time for our greatly anticipated tour to the original set of Chandler and Joey’s and Monica’s apartments.

The first part of the tour was an exhibition of some of the most iconic Friends props, from Monica’s wedding ring and Joey’s London map to Ross’s leather pants!

That’s the one

Phoebe’s guitar

The woman repeller!

the London Map

They still won’t come up Joe!

Bad day not to wear a bra…

Joey’s STD ad

Days of our lives script

Dr Drake Ramoray

David’s outfit

Is the holiday Armadillo!

16 pages. Front and back!

Monica and Chandler

The Geller cup, Science Boy and Mockolate

Phoebe’s porn movie

We then went through into Chandler and Joey’s apartment. It felt pretty amazing to sit on the chairs my favourite characters used to sit and hug Hugsy.

Chandler and Joey’s apartment

Hugsy

After going through the hallway

we were finally in Monica’s apartment. My favourite. If I had my own place that’s how it would look like. Cute and cosy.

How incredible it was to rest on the same chair they did, look out across the window Rachel did when she broke up with Ross and sit in the kitchen they used to hang out for 10 years.

Did you get Monica’s authorisation to move all her stuff??

Friends!

Can you see the ugly naked guy?

After the tour we popped in the Las Vegas chapel where Ross and Rachel got married and then re-created Monica and Rachel’s prom night!

Monica Geller, 1988

Rachel, Ross and Monica

My superstrong gladiators

After a snack, hot choc and Ross and Monica’s dance routine demonstration we got our Friends memorabilia from the shop. I now have my Friends t-shirt and my ‘Joey doesn’t share food’ fridge magnet.

Afterwards, Syed drove us around in central London and we had delicious Persian food, tea and shisha at the Little Persia restaurant on Queensway.

Persian tea

Posh kebab

What a great day with lovely Friends!

If you are a Friends fan, I definitely recommend Friendsfest. It takes about 2-3 hours to see and experience everything on offer, so you can enjoy the rest of the day in London.

Thank you to my lovely friends Andi and Syed again for Friendsfest and a great day in the capital.

Eleni

Last few days of my 20s….

The last couple of days I’m in my 20s..

The last few days I’ve been thinking a lot about turning 30. Some of you might have went through a similar phase. I was talking to a friend today who just turned 30 and he felt the same as I did. Yeah, I know. I don’t look or feel old and I am blessed to have the freedom to do whatever I want because I have no responsibilities or ties anywhere. I don’t feel bad, but I guess I feel a bit nostalgic and the fact I am turning 30, I can’t help but think about my life so far.

Thinking about the last 10 years, oh my. There have been so many amazing moments! Happy and sad, accidents, births, deaths, celebrations,weddings, funerals, parties, relationships, friendships, surprises, lots of surprises… a good mixture of everything!

My uni years were probably the best years of my life so far…

I might not have spent too much time reading books, watching movies or studying (at least I graduated with good grades!) but God we had fun and we did some crazy things! Laughed and cried so much and made friends for life!!

Then I don’t know what happened. My plan was to stay in the UK after I finish my masters and become a successful psychologist (although I had no idea in what field). Plans hey? That’s why I don’t make any long term plans… they never go as you think they’d do.

But then I met my ex boyfriend. I guess love makes you take decisions you wouldn’t normally take… and do things you wouldn’t normally do… I fell in love so hard that all I wanted was to be with him whatever it took. So I spent the last 7 years trying but didn’t really know what I was trying for. We had amazing time together and I’ll always cherish our relationship and all the nice moments we had and take the lessons I learned from all the bad moments…

But I got lost, he got lost, we both got lost… we lost ourselves and forgot what it really mattered in life… to just be ourselves and enjoy every moment. I don’t know if our paths will ever meet again, but I really hope he is well and happy.

I always found it weird how you can become complete strangers with people you were so close, friends or lovers, from one day to the other … but with other people no matter what happens, however long you haven’t talked or wherever in the world they are, you are always close and every time you talk or see each other, nothing feels different. I guess that’s true love. It never goes away, does it?

I’ve already talked about my past, I won’t share any more, but two things I learned over and over and over again:

1. You never know what life will throw at you and you can’t prepare yourself. You learn as you go along… And I’ve learned and grown and I’m finally at a place I’m happy with my life.

2.Life is really too short! Most of us hope that will live until we are 90 and die happy in our sleep, but that’s not what life has in store for all of us. Only a week ago a cyclist lost his life just outside work. He was ran over by a lorry. And it got me, it really did. Not only because I felt deeply sad this person lost his life and I couldn’t even imagine how his family and the lorry driver were coping, but also because I realised once again how short and fragile life is. Now every time I pass by or happen to look on that very spot, I always remind myself how short life is and that nothing is worth dwelling on.

My life changed dramatically so many times, especially the last year and it’s still changing as we speak. This month has been crazy so far! I honestly don’t know what to expect any more. Even if I meet an alien I won’t be surprised!

A year ago, even 6 months ago, although I knew my relationship was about to end, I thought what I really wanted to do for my 30th was to spend it in New York with the love of my life (yeah, yeah hopeless romantic). I always wanted to go, it was on the top of the list of the hundreds of places I want to see before I die and I wanted to go with my man.

But not any more. I still want to go and I will one day. It might be with the love of my life, or my best friends, or old friends, or new friends, or on my own or I might even get a job there, who knows! But right now it’s not a priority.

My wise friend reminded me yesterday that we will always have responsibilities and there is no point waiting for the right time to do what you really want to do. ‘Cause there is no better time than now! And she is absolutely right! Whatever you want to do, just do it. If you don’t like how your life it is right now, then change it!

For me, it’s not about materialistic things and achieving long term goals, it’s always been about people and experiences. And that’s why my cover photo is not of places I’ve been or things I bought, but it’s all about people and love and having fun… so now the emotional part (yes, I teared up whilst writing this, I am so lucky to have amazing people in my life!).

I am grateful for all the experiences, good and bad, happy and painful, of the last 10 years. I enjoyed my 20s and I have no regrets… I want to say thank you to all my friends and family for everything you have done for me, for loving me for who I am and being there for me no matter what, even when I was a right mess! I love you all to the moon and back and those of you I don’t see often, you know I love you and you are always in my heart… apologies for non-Greek speakers for the next paragraph…

Σας αγαπώ όλους πάρα πολυ, φίλους, οικογένεια, τους γονείς μου, το αρφούι μου, το παπάκι μου, θείους, θείες, ξαδέρφια. Σας ευχαριστώ απο τα βάθη της ψυχής μου για όλες τις υπέροχες στιγμές και αναμνήσεις αλλά και τα δύσκολα που περάσαμε μαζί. Ευχαριστώ που ήσασταν και είστε πάντα δίπλα μου. ( Και ναι αρφουι, εκλαμουριστηκα!)

I don’t feel old… and I wouldn’t like to go back in time. I like the person I’ve become and the life I built so far. I feel a bit sad my 20s are over but I am excited about the new era coming… It’s a fresh start in all aspects of my life. Workwise, personal life, emotionally, spiritually and I can’t wait to find out what the future brings!

I’ll get to spend my 30th birthday with two special peeps wandering around and having fun, getting into all sorts of adventures, my favourite thing to do !!! Next time I’ll post I’ll be officially a 30 year old! Eeek!

Love you all! x