Seems I'm not the only one who doesn't know my left from my right...
I read this in today's Guardian. It's an article by Nick Cohen about how the left has lost it's way, particularly over Iraq. It's about how the liberal left have become apologists for those they would have once opposed, their agenda driven by their opposition to neo-Cons. I think there's a deeper point here, about how anger rarely builds something lasting, that opposition, while sometimes necessary, cannot make society work. As someone born with a chip-shaped notch in my shoulder, I know how easy, indeed pleasurable it is to get angry about something, to point out injustice. It is far harder to articulate a positive vision of society. I know what I'm against, but what am I for? What is Labour for? What is the Church for?
It is official
I'm a morning person. I love them. Once I'm settled in my new office I'm going to start working 8-4 (ok, well it'll probably be 8-6 but still). This morning I got up by 5, and it has been brilliant. I've done loads, and got to grips with some of the longer-term projects I've been incubating for a while. It's all about the morning bursts.
I tell you what it's not about - tea! Yes, that's right, tea. This year I am going to cut caffeine pretty much out of my life. Because I've had a cold for the past few days I've not drunk any and I feel fantastic. I feel in tune with my bodyclock. I also feel slightly high...
For all your buttermilk needs...
I was trying to find a recipe for cornbread.
Tonight I had my first dinner party in my new house. I have felt ill all week, been struggling with insomnia for 2 weeks, and was feeling at the pinnacle of stress today as we announced our restructure this morning, and I've taken on a massive new team. But then I got home, got 4 pans on the hob, made mousse, slow-baked some fish, and stirred my stress into the soup, so that by the time my guests arrived I was positively zen-like.
I do love my job, and most of the time I feel happier at work than anywhere else, but in recent months I have discovered that my favourite place is the kitchen. This bothers the progressive in me - women have been fighting for years to get out of the kitchen (I know that's silly). It also makes me wonder if I'm in the wrong job. Maybe I want to be a chef.
Tomorrow I am relocating to a new office, with my whole team. It represents a new set of challenges, and I'll miss the atmosphere at the main office. But it is such an exciting step for us as an organisation, and it also means that we have a chance to replicate our amazing dynamic in a new location. Ideas on a postcard for how to make it the best office ever...
A hope, and a future
This year, for the first time (I think), I am making some resolutions. They are thus:
1) To be assertive at the right time. I need to stop being so shy around strong people, but less selfish around the easily swayed.
2) To not be bitter any more. I'm going to listen to my own rants about cycnicism and hope.
This Friday would've been Stuart's and my fifth wedding anniversary. I usually spend this time of year in a bit of a slough of despair. So this year I'm going to do something different. I'm going to take Friday off work and get on a train to the Peak District. I'm going to walk on my own in the hills, and be full of hope and lay some things to rest. I'm going to believe in God.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
I wish it would snow. My street would look so pretty in the snow. One of my neighbours has the most pretty, tasteful displays ever going on outside their house. Maybe I will take a photo for you!
Awww
I really like my friends. They teach me things, they make me laugh, and they are just generally very good. Not a single one of them is flawless, but that doesn't matter. So that means I don't have to be flawless, which is lucky really, eh?
*warm fuzzy feelings*