tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73402402604649973762024-03-11T03:23:06.870+00:00My bizarre worldNik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.comBlogger542125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-84689389052133597192015-08-13T20:10:00.000+01:002015-08-13T20:10:58.254+01:00Becoming British<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">I’ve finally managed to book an appointment with my local council to go over with them my application form to get British nationality! I say ‘finally’ because it took me a while to pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test, gather all paperwork needed, find proper references and actually fill the form! </span></span><span class="EOP SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71L-Mb_R1HyxOgJbzftJIoESE-g4on4nu1-YEgpAtIReplgwh_0zoJgupt7tHXzzlfkctO1WMeAlk8O-ouq_WN4fnvzotm3UvAbq3nwLFZaH2FLsjAwBaqEiXr-GE8i4Dw8qIQWgo4vo/s1600/union-jack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71L-Mb_R1HyxOgJbzftJIoESE-g4on4nu1-YEgpAtIReplgwh_0zoJgupt7tHXzzlfkctO1WMeAlk8O-ouq_WN4fnvzotm3UvAbq3nwLFZaH2FLsjAwBaqEiXr-GE8i4Dw8qIQWgo4vo/s320/union-jack.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215142147" paraeid="{a2f1542e-ab1a-424e-ae95-26d152d30267}{140}" paraid="836338268" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">Studying for the test wasn’t that bad and I can say I quite enjoyed it. United Kingdom has quite a fascinating history. The book starts from the prehistoric times going through all the way to the previous coalition government. It includes </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">many different </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">chapters </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">including some regarding</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">Magna Carta,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">the </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">Elizabethan times, the Civil war, Victorian times, world wars and facts regarding social life. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">Parts</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147"> of it </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">are</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147"> really interesting like </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">learning about </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">Henry VIII, Cromwell </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">or how the Black Death of the 13</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147" style="vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147"> century affected the socioeconomic state of the country.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">However, there are things that I’m pretty sure not many British people know like the year that </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">Sake Dean Mahomet</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">opened his first curry house</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">how many people form a jury in Scotland </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">or who </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">was </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">voted the greatest Briton in 2002! Just to let you know </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">the answers are</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147"> 1810</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147"> in George Street</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">15 and Churchill. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">The book itself is quite small but dense with events, people and dates. What I personally found difficult to remember were all the names I didn’t know of </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">British </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147">actors, artists, athletes and scientists mentioned with their accomplishments. However, I managed to pass the exam on my first attempt.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23nP4_dT3hzfGfTJQc3xcF_ivkyRm1-aTI2kOs1FGM1-xBE2O4wxCqLQBPyfWhEX3kDzRTNSU-CqNx7ZM_wYG4Sn2pdUaDjZWI3-zINkdCk3lFNMkLWk-2nfzicfN9pMor1Yssok-XuA/s1600/BritishCitizen_550x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23nP4_dT3hzfGfTJQc3xcF_ivkyRm1-aTI2kOs1FGM1-xBE2O4wxCqLQBPyfWhEX3kDzRTNSU-CqNx7ZM_wYG4Sn2pdUaDjZWI3-zINkdCk3lFNMkLWk-2nfzicfN9pMor1Yssok-XuA/s320/BritishCitizen_550x200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215142147" paraeid="{a2f1542e-ab1a-424e-ae95-26d152d30267}{185}" paraid="455952147" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147" style="background-color: inherit;">Since then I’ve been trying to fill in my application form, which hasn’t been an easy feat. The form itself is 32 pages long and requires information regarding where you’ve been working the last years, where you’ve lived the past years and even where you’ve been on holidays for the last 5 years! The latter has been quite difficult since I had been having long weekends away here and there and that information is buried deep inside old emails. Not to mention the bookings that JJ had done that I couldn’t easily confirm. What I assume they want is to check whether I’ve been on a terrorist summer camp or if I’ve left the country for more than 270 days in the last 5 years! I did manage to gather as much information as possible. I’ve also got co</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147" style="background-color: inherit;">pies of my degree, P60s,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147" style="background-color: inherit;"> ID cards, contracts for houses and jobs etc. </span></span><span class="EOP SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215142147" paraeid="{a2f1542e-ab1a-424e-ae95-26d152d30267}{191}" paraid="495272046" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="TextRun SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215142147" style="background-color: inherit;">After that meeting with the council, I’ll have to go for an official interview with the ‘Home Office’ and after that (hopefully) I’ll be all cleared for the ceremony and the naturalisation. Cross your fingers and wish me luck.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215142147" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-91697191575631911132015-06-17T21:24:00.001+01:002015-06-17T21:24:54.635+01:00Life in different speeds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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How far should you go till you stop thinking about the ‘us’
and focus more on ‘I/me’? What’s more important; the benefits of an individual
or the wellbeing of the group? Should you stay and fight? Should you abandon a
sinking ship while being rational and logical about it, or are you just being a
selfish prick?</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Greece is in peril at the moment. The current government got
elected by promising no more austerity measures and a solution to the financial
standstill that the country was in. However, they failed to explain how that
would be achieved since there are no government funds to actually sustain a
healthy economy, pay salaries, pensions and public expenses. They just made
grand but empty promises without any real backing. It’s such a narrow sighted
approach to the problem insisting that the evil Europe is out to harm Greece
and they are the main reason that the country is in trouble. Unfortunately,
such an approach made Tsipras the PM of Greece with uncertain and dangerous
results. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0TSCWLkTEIxAqCxoiEllikRAS5mz4Xx8V_I6OHUWUGd1JzjKLAdqJe1GxsOKBaLbBfYgYpQApVF6yLPBPP87AlW1qPZFIjwIwq7JoxOMLutx6Us660L_vzg6LlJvF6VEYgYol9kf4mM/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0TSCWLkTEIxAqCxoiEllikRAS5mz4Xx8V_I6OHUWUGd1JzjKLAdqJe1GxsOKBaLbBfYgYpQApVF6yLPBPP87AlW1qPZFIjwIwq7JoxOMLutx6Us660L_vzg6LlJvF6VEYgYol9kf4mM/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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There are rumours now that the government will try to use an
Icelandic type of solution to the problem. I can’t say I completely understand
how that will work, but as far as I know it involves creating a new fictitious
bank into which Greece will deposit (get rid of) all high risk securities and
also apply restrictions on money and capital transfers. A solution like that
might throw the country into chaos and create social unrest for some time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6Vnc2IHr5X6k8vye29g-EaFpLk5qLYaRGfvv000fkNn6xT4KzUdLJlDqIyvAQ3ZW4tWaw_VdM2W66jjAKfQkvV51_tYvA5OmniHGIWGuFaYlY84RVFn6U4Xtbaa_DQIvrDiKOYJnMV8/s1600/8db5f201c24657d9c3ed5105d52a2fa3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6Vnc2IHr5X6k8vye29g-EaFpLk5qLYaRGfvv000fkNn6xT4KzUdLJlDqIyvAQ3ZW4tWaw_VdM2W66jjAKfQkvV51_tYvA5OmniHGIWGuFaYlY84RVFn6U4Xtbaa_DQIvrDiKOYJnMV8/s320/8db5f201c24657d9c3ed5105d52a2fa3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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However, Iceland had its own currency and could control its
value. In addition, the government applied very strict austerity measures to
allow the small percentage of growth that the country is now having. So, why go
through all that uncertainty if stern financial decisions will need to be made
anyway? Greece is now losing money left, right and centre (tax avoidance, black
market, unnecessarily stretched public sector). That’s the problem that needs
to be fixed and it would be better to be done as part of the EU. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Greek PM is worried about staying in power and leader to
his party more than what’s best for his country. There is a far left wing part
of his party that disapproves of the EU and the western world (‘capitalism’ is their
number one enemy). That part believes that there are other solutions to the
problem and already Tsipras has approached Putin for various conversations! By
the way, I believe that getting money from Putin is like borrowing money from
the mob. It’d be better if we used a high street money loan shark instead.</div>
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While all this is happening, everybody I know who works in
Greece has financial troubles. There are lots of my university friends who are
currently unemployed or in minimum wages. There are absolutely no investments
made and no new constructions planned. The high street is suffering a slow
death. My parents who are pensioners saw their pension diminished more than
once. I feel a bit guilty telling them when asked that I’m doing great,
planning house renovations and holidays. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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UK is also planning an EU referendum. That of course is
caused by completely different reasons. I believe that the main one is the fact
that they’d like to impose restrictions on migration and border control.
However, such an act is opposing everything that the EU stands for. <o:p></o:p></div>
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With all that in mind, I’m being selfish and plan to apply
for a British nationality this year. I’ve been working in this country for
years, paying my taxes and now owning a property. The good thing is that I can
keep dual nationalities and have two passports. At the moment I’ve applied to
take the exams for the ‘Life in the UK’ test. I’ll let you know how that goes…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-46124017435650624502015-06-10T21:03:00.001+01:002015-06-10T21:03:21.861+01:00A year living with a bitch.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>(yes, that's another Penny post but I promise it will be the last one for some time)</i></div>
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Around this time of the year, last year, I agreed with JJ to
completely change our lives and introduce a new four legged member to our
family! After a couple of visits to the Battersea dog and cats home, while I
was at work, JJ brought home, our little Penny. Oh, no. Don’t get it wrong.
Both of us had met Penny beforehand, just on the day of her ‘release’ I was at
work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6EjxzdtVa6ZaRsFwkcl5Z7i2HpBYO9hnQBmja9FQl8hryndNNXd2Yq15RMu98CtucgMt549enL-eTuitOV2Vi6YDb_RVfu5gBQPMMCYZQwpbjTXssGSlKaj3L9ZjoUnO3q1AzCyVCYY/s1600/IMAG0261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6EjxzdtVa6ZaRsFwkcl5Z7i2HpBYO9hnQBmja9FQl8hryndNNXd2Yq15RMu98CtucgMt549enL-eTuitOV2Vi6YDb_RVfu5gBQPMMCYZQwpbjTXssGSlKaj3L9ZjoUnO3q1AzCyVCYY/s320/IMAG0261.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
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I can’t say I completely knew what I was getting myself into
back then. The first couple of nights I didn’t sleep at all. I was worried about
her and kept stressing out on every little noise heard from the room where her
bed is. The first morning I had to leave her alone to go to work, I felt so bad
for abandoning her in the new strange house. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since then, lots of things have changed. We are now all used
to a new weekly routine. Penny being (mostly) a Jack Russell, she’s full of
energy and requires more than 2 walks a day. It’s really not easy to make that
dog tired, I’m telling you. It’s a good exercise for us as well though. At
least we have a really nice massive park close by, that we can easily visit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eCM29YL_W2kK5M2N0QgbnLNl0FGBYpbjO5p1KmX-9uAaWu3J7-KbbQhuhiWxw-zTlaasqjQb2D1EPMvIujKQUl4dBZM-pTTquwq3tVNh6o74AXvtX3ea4MTn4Uppm9OCtl9f9_jPIhw/s1600/IMAG0808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eCM29YL_W2kK5M2N0QgbnLNl0FGBYpbjO5p1KmX-9uAaWu3J7-KbbQhuhiWxw-zTlaasqjQb2D1EPMvIujKQUl4dBZM-pTTquwq3tVNh6o74AXvtX3ea4MTn4Uppm9OCtl9f9_jPIhw/s320/IMAG0808.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
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We’ve also found and successfully tested places for her to
stay over while we’re away on holiday. There’s a couple that JJ knows through
work that have a dog (Penny’s boyfriend). We look after him when they are away
and vice versa. The dogs really get along so well! There’s also a ‘dog hotel’
we found with a couple looking after a small number of dogs in their own house.
It’s much better than kennels. Being able to go away on holidays was something
that worried me and I’m happy we’ve sorted it out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In general, Penny makes both me and JJ so happy. It’s so
great having a dog that is always so happy to see you and our bond is getting
stronger by the day. </div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-91260046061494840032015-05-16T20:43:00.002+01:002015-05-16T20:43:47.305+01:00New beginnings? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I’m not really sure where to start. I can’t even remember where I left it off. So, bear with me till I figure this out. This is the fourth or fifth attempt at beginning to write this. I have even finished two other posts during the last month that I didn’t upload. I don’t really know why. At one hand, I miss writing. At another, I don’t want to write a couple of posts and then fail to continue. Anyway, I will keep on writing and see where this leads.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6-HLILpxcmYMcVmk2dbERWsb_Lqb_ttLekuzqqhKoLHRm6n5iEdFuN5NZPEnKHoxP1IKjfRJgL7RU6vWiqfUoAeRRtbnqqY0HRFEaZuZd4tWH6I5Y0f5lgti1sGZYLuFwhvJc7rxp7k/s1600/6ae940465bec932aab4ff8c95fdc8338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6-HLILpxcmYMcVmk2dbERWsb_Lqb_ttLekuzqqhKoLHRm6n5iEdFuN5NZPEnKHoxP1IKjfRJgL7RU6vWiqfUoAeRRtbnqqY0HRFEaZuZd4tWH6I5Y0f5lgti1sGZYLuFwhvJc7rxp7k/s320/6ae940465bec932aab4ff8c95fdc8338.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Please? Give me a treat or take me for a walk! Anything will do</i></div>
<br />
The thought crossed my mind of leaving blogger and moving to another platform. I could really start fresh and create a site on either tumblr or wordpress. From what I can see though, tumblr is mostly used to share things (images, videos, gifs) and for small posts. I think it’s very easy to use but it has a ‘tweeter’ and pinterest feel to it. Wordpress is something I’d like to investigate. My main problem is of course continuity. I wouldn't like to lose my previous posts and being able to refer to them. Yes, I can simply create simple links to blogger from wordpress, but I’d like to ask you whether there is a way to do something better? Have any of you moved from blogger to wordpress?<br />
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<i>Having a coffee with the acropolis as our background.</i></div>
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Generally, we’re all doing great. I started a new job a bit more than a month ago in the City that I really enjoy. I managed to find something that pays better, but demands less. I’m not managing a team anymore which is weird because I kind of miss being part of the decision making team and mentoring people. But I lead a far less stressful life. I no longer spend my working days in long meaningless meetings but still stay long hours and work weekends to keep up with demanding projects. And talking about being underpaid; the role I am now is in theory more junior, but still pays better than before.<br />
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JJ was the one that commented the difference the change of jobs did to me. We were in a coffee place where the service wasn't the best and the food we were served was slightly burnt. I didn’t really make a fuss about it. I got slightly annoyed but got over it quite quickly. JJ said that if the same incident happened a couple of weeks earlier, it would have annoyed me much more. I don’t think I had anger management issues, but a stressful work life is definitely reflected on someone’s everyday life. I’m happy to say that I’m in a much happier place now. I feel a bit sorry for JJ having to put up with me, really.<br />
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Speaking of which, JJ is doing very well, so does our little Penny. Next month, it will be a whole year that she will be living with us and it’s been amazing. She’s the best dog in the world (yes, the whole world). She’s been so much easier than I feared she would be. We even managed to sort her out during some small holidays we had earlier this year.<br />
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-75346017560257197992014-10-01T21:27:00.003+01:002014-10-01T21:27:31.622+01:00hablas español ? ελληνικά?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Apart from all the construction works, the barking and coming and going of people, there’s a weird notion going on in my house. Both JJ and I are in the process of studying a new foreign language! JJ decided to study Greek and I decided to study Spanish! Between the two of us, we speak 5 languages! Fine, we have English in common, but I don’t think we’re doing badly. After the courses, we’ll be able to communicate in (alphabetic order) Afrikaans, English, Greek, French and Spanish.<br />
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JJ wanted to learn to speak Greek for some time now. At first he started a Rosetta Stone course some years ago. But he had some issues with his laptop and the whole we-need-to-buy-a-house malarkey happened and he stopped it. This time around he found a course in the London Hellenic centre. Most of his colleagues are people who are in relationship with a Greek and want to meet the family!<br />
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Unfortunately for him, Greek is not an easy language. The alphabet and the phonemes are different and can be complicated. The only good thing is that after you’ve learnt them, you can read any given word. In Greek what you see, is what you can read. A bit like Italian, although a bit more complicated. The bad thing is that even if you can read a word, it doesn’t mean you can easily find its meaning. I can help him though (duh).<br />
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For me the decision to learn Spanish was a bit out of the blue. A very good friend of mine found some discount vouchers for foreign languages courses. It could have been Italian, French, German or Spanish. She knows German and I know French, so the logical option was Spanish. I don’t have anything against Italian, but between the two, Spanish sounds to me a little bit nicer and more useful.<br />
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Since there are discount vouchers included in the deal, to be honest, I don’t have tremendous high expectations for the quality of the course. My only hope is that they’d like to do a good job, so that we stay for the next level and pay the full price then. But in any case, I’ll try to enjoy the experience. The last time I studied a foreign language in a classroom was the year before my university graduation, more than a decade ago, for my DALF (iplôme approfondi de langue française) which I enjoyed tremendously.<br />
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Do you think Penny will be even more confused if we spoke to her in 5 languages?<br />
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<i>She's bored already... </i></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-12734790280715697222014-08-19T11:37:00.001+01:002014-08-19T11:37:13.293+01:00Blood and even more blood...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven’t been blogging much lately. I know. I've generally been very busy with work, the house, my social life. I’m not complaining though. It’s been fun. In an even weirder note, I've even enjoyed having to work over the weekend. It’s nice to be productive and creative on something that you don’t mind doing…<br />
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Anyway, starting with the most major news of the last weeks, I met the doctor of my heart! I can’t really remember his name but he’s a nice gentleman from the NHS that acted as my medical and cardiac consultant! He’s the kind of doctor of that age that took notes with an ink pen and my blood pressure with an old style manual monitor. It was adorable. And what made it even better where the wonderful news he brought me.<br />
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Apparently the diet worked! Shedding a bit more than 10% of my body weight and watching my diet decreased my cholesterol levels. They’re still higher than normal, but fell quite a lot. So, the bottom line is that I’m under surveillance and will go back in 2 and again in 4 months, but at the same time I won’t start any medications or other treatments. Hoorah! That's the first part of my news associated to my own blood.<br />
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In a way to celebrate these news, I took JJ to his ever first Ancient Greek tragedy called ‘Medea’ by Euripides in the National Theater, produced for the first time in 431 BC! The adaptation had somewhat brought Medea to contemporary times. I can’t say I was entirely thrilled with that (being a Greek snob) but I’m glad to say that JJ liked it. I quite enjoyed it too.<br />
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The actress playing the main role was simply amazing though. It’s not an easy role to play. She wants to plot her revenge over the husband that abandoned her, but at the same time to portray an inner conflict and struggle over her hatred and whether it’s the right thing to do. For such an ancient play the subjects analysed are quite modern; foreigners versus natives, men versus women, power abuse and the subjective sense of rightfulness. In all fairness however, the Ancient Greeks really knew how to put curses on one another.<br />
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<i>Yes, as promised, more blood at the end...</i></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-7483207829751860282014-08-04T17:24:00.000+01:002014-08-04T17:24:00.319+01:00Groundbreaking Developments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have mentioned in the past that my family is not very accepting of the fact that I’m gay, living with ‘JJ’. It’s been 5 years this month that I came out to them as mentioned <a href="http://mybizzareworld.blogspot.co.uk/2009/08/unexpected.html">here</a>. Since then, I tried to reconcile things with the most recent incident last spring. When I visited Athens with JJ in June I had invited my parents to meet JJ over a coffee and they declined. I know that the main reason they both keep their distance is my father and my mother doesn’t want to confront him. They generally never argue and try hard to maintain the same attitude over family matters. So, while my father never talks to me about personal stuff, he concentrates more on professional matters, my mother will ask about Jeff, my life, the new house, the dog etc.<br />
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Last winter when we rebuilt the roof in the house, my mother had mentioned coming to help out during the works. To be honest however, there was no need for any extra help. The builders came, finished their work, packed their mess and left. But I realised that she might need an excuse to come over and visit us. She worries about my wellbeing and an excuse like that we could work against my father or even herself.<br />
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So, now that we’re planning the next step major step on refurbishing the house, installing central gas heating, I asked for her help. Again, I don’t think that we’ll really need it. We’re planning already on how to remove the flooring where the pipes will go and how to cover, protect, the furniture. On the contrary having an extra person in the house with all the builders might be an obstacle. I believe that it will be easier for the builders for us to be out of their way, but the benefits outmatch the negatives. And the most surprising thing is that she agreed!<br />
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During mid-September, for a whole week, my mother will visit us! I’m extremely excited and terrified of the event. I don’t really need my mother’s approval for the life I've setup in London. I have the confidence that I've made the right decisions and created something that makes me so happy that I shouldn't really care. But that doesn't mean that I don’t want that approval. I want her to get along with JJ, like the house and fall in love with Penny.<br />
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Generally, for Greek standards this next step we're taking is unbelievable. The vast majority of Greek gay friends I have are deep locked in the closet. They're in hiding of their personal preferences and life, which is very sad. I have mentioned in the past that the Greek community is in general very short sighted and conservative. Forget about Mykonos and what was happening in Ancient Greece. Nowadays, the number of openly gay public figures and good role models is very limited and the common general opinion is very negative and organised religion plays a huge part in that. In a way, I'm proud of my parents and the things we've achieved, even if it has taken us some time to reach this point.<br />
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For the week that she’ll be here, I've taken the days off work. We’re not planning any holidays with JJ anyway. With all our money spent on the house, we can’t really afford them. So, I have so many extra days of holidays I really need to book, otherwise I’ll lose them. I've also booked a special Sunday brunch and ticket to a musical. I know she likes them and hoping to be thrilled when she finds out. JJ’s equally excited. He’s created a list of things we need to do to prepare the house for her arrival. He’s also trying to learn everyday Greek expressions to talk to her, even though she speaks English fluently, even if we a heavy Greek accent.<br />
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Deep down I know that it will be all fine, but at the same time I can’t help but worry a little bit.<br />
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-42142982815893267832014-07-28T11:47:00.000+01:002014-07-28T11:47:13.892+01:00Digital and real farmer...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My latest craze over my mobile phone is a game called ‘Hay Day’! I think I’ve been playing it nonstop for more than the last month. At first I can’t say I was overly impressed. I found the graphics and theme nice but I didn’t think I could get hooked. I had the impression that I’d be bored easily due to the lack of storyline since the only thing you have to do is produce, harvest and sell your farm's products. But after building and expanding my farm to accommodate new types of livestock and vegetables / fruit, I find myself been drawn to it and keep going back. <br />
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I’m not sure which experience level I’ve reached and the moment. I’m still trying to keep up with my ship orders and farm expansions. I can’t say that I have the most beautiful farm, but it’s functional and I although there are some micro transactions in the game to speed things up and buy beautifications for your farm, I haven’t caved in to do it. <br />
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On another hand, I’ve been having a very good harvest this year in real life so far. I first planting some vegetables when I moved in with JJ in his old place, some years ago and I got intrigued and kept doing every year since. This year in my new house, it was no different. JJ built a very nice vegetable patch on the right hand side of the garden. There, after seeding the vegetables in pots indoors I’ve transferred some courgettes, beans, lettuces and tomatoes outside.<br />
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<em>The vegetable patch can be seen here on the left at the back of the house. </em></div>
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<em>That photo was quite early on.</em></div>
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<em>The size of the courgette!</em> </div>
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<em>One courgette - two trays of lasagne!</em> </div>
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<em>Green salad from the garden to your plate.</em></div>
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<em>Green Beans</em></div>
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For the time being we’ve tried beans, courgettes and lettuces from the garden and they’ve been amazing. From a single beans plant we got so many pods! We also got some massive courgettes which we’ve used in lasagne twice so far! I can never get bored of lasagne! We’re trying to use whole-wheat pasta, low calorie sauces, cottage cheese instead of ricotta and various vegetables or soya mincemeat instead of the real thing. The output might sound a bit bland, but it’s amazing. Believe me. </div>
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<em>The tomatoes are still to come</em></div>
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I can't say that I completely know what I'm doing while growing the vegetables or tomatoes. I'm just going along trying to keep them slug free, water them regularly and add some extra plant feed to them from time to time. I have lost some of the vegetables because I didn't pay attention to harvest them in time. But overall I'm happy with the results and doing a bit of gardening is quite therapeutic from time to time. </div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-31555872180203020102014-07-21T10:43:00.000+01:002014-07-21T10:43:48.163+01:00View from the top<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It’s been a while since my last post and I have lots of catching up to do with your blogs. I will get down to it though. I’ve missed doing that. In my part of the world life has been very busy and time just flew by.<br />
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In the house front, we undertook the project of creating a new patio (?) in the back of the garden. Do you call that a patio or a deck or what? Instead of going with a wooden deck, we decided it would be easier to put slabs to create a bbq area next to the small shed. JJ had some days off work and he loves working on the garden, so we went for it. After checking YouTube / ‘how to’ videos and things online we went for a quick dry and easy slab layer solution and ordered bags and bags of them. We also got the number of slabs needed. Thank god that JJ’s good at DIY. I was basically the little help boy, but I believe I helped a lot by carrying various stuff around and taking care of the minor details.<br />
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The final result is quite good. We didn’t manage to get the exact elevations we wanted but I think that it looks quite decent and functional. JJ is still working on the final touches but we’re almost done. We will order some grass to put on the sides of the path…<br />
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On a very different note, it was my beloved ‘JJ’s 40th birthday last week! He insisted on not doing much about it, but I couldn’t help myself. He was working an early shift that morning and finished around noon. So, I did the same. I booked half a day off work and met him at home. I took Penny for a small walk while he rested for half an hour, since waking up at 3:00am can be a mood killer. After that we jumped on the tube and headed to ‘London Bridge’! There we went up the elevator and went outside in the 69th floor to admire the views from the top of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shard">the Shard</a>!<br />
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Tower Bridge with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Wharf">Isle of Dogs</a> at the back</div>
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<i>The birthday boy and me with the Thames at the back</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdlIJx09vTSmGwuc8uCLvEJURa8lBWuTtYghB1b7L8SLpUKxoZdWKgct8Hy6WMzKMRyKiB3NwxikCl_5aWIddl3yWEcwiEjNZWloqHJeun-Z8bc7h_FdIdBM-K_NcqmYXhaIv_iPpwr4/s1600/IMAG0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdlIJx09vTSmGwuc8uCLvEJURa8lBWuTtYghB1b7L8SLpUKxoZdWKgct8Hy6WMzKMRyKiB3NwxikCl_5aWIddl3yWEcwiEjNZWloqHJeun-Z8bc7h_FdIdBM-K_NcqmYXhaIv_iPpwr4/s1600/IMAG0345.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Facing west</i></div>
<br />
We were really lucky with the weather. It was sunny with some occasional clouds here and there casting beautiful shadows over the buildings. Since it was a weekday the place wasn’t very crowded and we were able to freely walk around and enjoy the experience. Unfortunately the sunny sky meant that we couldn’t take many pictures with us and the background view together because we either came up really dark or the background very bright. We managed to take some photos nonetheless. Overall, the views are breath taking. The building is perfectly situated over the Thames overlooking the whole city. Especially in days with good visibility, you can see for miles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAcHcjBvsyuUnghrx0pdP8JlxxJqifJ-yd8Gbqp_PCFRi5TzLHCCwqOAZuK9kTUR1QBNTSPCL_oCddB2-2PY_E1ggMFeBJyxQeocQRMS5nyKZSPcqtMJzc6CNJjE4SBduvmWWkKeLlnM/s1600/IMG_20140715_193200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAcHcjBvsyuUnghrx0pdP8JlxxJqifJ-yd8Gbqp_PCFRi5TzLHCCwqOAZuK9kTUR1QBNTSPCL_oCddB2-2PY_E1ggMFeBJyxQeocQRMS5nyKZSPcqtMJzc6CNJjE4SBduvmWWkKeLlnM/s1600/IMG_20140715_193200.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>View of the City</i></div>
<br />
After that we headed to a delicious dim sum restaurant overlooking the Tower Bridge. We were able to sit outside and enjoy the weather. We couldn’t stay long or have lots of alcohol since JJ had to get up the same time the next morning as well. But I hope that he enjoyed the day as much as I did. <br />
<br />
And to wrap things up, here’s a few pictures of Penny:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggX6esNpJlLVyHl4SDltK-PnZfM0Z-zA3GNJhpgF4_jfYsaRP7JM5SY5UNHnOMUqnsOVlmJ9ztpjvPXBy0XSTRb7Hdsbw5J3loq8t0MUlICT5zdIztG4RfYc9aP4yPfG6BOvvcbhXts6g/s1600/IMG-20140621-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggX6esNpJlLVyHl4SDltK-PnZfM0Z-zA3GNJhpgF4_jfYsaRP7JM5SY5UNHnOMUqnsOVlmJ9ztpjvPXBy0XSTRb7Hdsbw5J3loq8t0MUlICT5zdIztG4RfYc9aP4yPfG6BOvvcbhXts6g/s1600/IMG-20140621-WA0001.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Enjoying a day out in Clapham Common</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Lnx4vHjhLZ5g1wadXCQ5MzPXAst6to9D1IlRqKpq0SNLCn1VfYJfX_JssnzADUy5jf8-XTUMYsXkYbMboJvzAZQKijuUzPV3FO0yGbrUrhQeTaFUZVtx24HSWUZFGvrPcuyqcXUkPBI/s1600/IMG-20140625-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Lnx4vHjhLZ5g1wadXCQ5MzPXAst6to9D1IlRqKpq0SNLCn1VfYJfX_JssnzADUy5jf8-XTUMYsXkYbMboJvzAZQKijuUzPV3FO0yGbrUrhQeTaFUZVtx24HSWUZFGvrPcuyqcXUkPBI/s1600/IMG-20140625-WA0002.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Going crazy for a tennis ball</i></div>
</div>
Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-71495391633121428652014-06-19T17:39:00.000+01:002014-06-19T17:39:57.927+01:00Various News Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been almost a month (minus a days) since I started my
new eating habits. It’s been going generally well and it’s been much easier
since JJ is doing a diet with me. I’m proud to say that the amount of <s>delicious</s>
bad stuff like red meat, bread, cheese, chocolate, fried stuff and sugar I had during that
month was kept to an absolute minimum. When you start looking for it, you can
see that substances like sugar is basically everywhere! You can’t help it. But
at least I've stopped the full fat cappuccinos with extra brown sugar. I used
to have 2 to 3 a day. That should count, right? Overall I've lost about 5 kg in
the last month, which I have to say I'm quite happy with. Now, my BMI is 24,
down from 25.7, although I believe that the whole BMI as an indicator is a bit
flawed. And that was only the first month.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On another medical issue, since my half marathon last March
I've been having some issues with my right knee. I noticed it during my first
recovery run after that race. I went to a physio and he said I have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliotibial_band_syndrome">ITBS</a>. It
has to do, I assume, with the amount of running I do over tarmac, the sudden
increase of mileage and maybe lack of post running stretching. Since then I
tried to rest it but had to keep on training since I have another half marathon
this Sunday in Hackney (<a href="http://runhackney.com/">RunHackney</a>). Unfortunately the pain didn't go away and I had to
cancel my race for this Sunday. I’m a bit disappointed because I would have ran
it with JJ and it would have been great to run between the buildings of London’s
Olympic Park. But alas, I won’t. At least I’ll go take photos and cheer for JJ
and another friend who’s doing the same race. I’ll try to do it next year. At
the moment I’m waiting for NHS to be properly referred to a clinic to get
treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So overall I can say that dieting is going great but
exercising not so well. At least I still have my personal trainer at the gym. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VNMtw3MTPocNIiCMlVPMViu_gOJfxnC3dCukVIsHuPk4WvoW82ySIkDDqNpt_Fu_cb5Br913bUIHaKSzR6iaqbA5L_040PgdL6jEbUVi-vXmb0Vy4g5jL0IZbLPaa1rvgii3kgO31hE/s1600/tumblr_mqk3udJvdb1spq68xo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VNMtw3MTPocNIiCMlVPMViu_gOJfxnC3dCukVIsHuPk4WvoW82ySIkDDqNpt_Fu_cb5Br913bUIHaKSzR6iaqbA5L_040PgdL6jEbUVi-vXmb0Vy4g5jL0IZbLPaa1rvgii3kgO31hE/s1600/tumblr_mqk3udJvdb1spq68xo1_1280.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Not sure about the sun during the English summer, but the rest...</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Changing subjects, I can also now say that I became an IT team
leader! I used to belong to the team that I now lead, so I have experience of
what we do and how. However, I've never had a similar position and it might prove
challenging, but at least for the moment it’s going well. Although I have
noticed a couple of days ago some grey hair on my ‘fringe’. Could they be new? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Anyway, I’m at the process of recruiting for my old position
in the team. That is way more time consuming than I thought it would be, but
can at least be fun. I can now easily say how NOT to write a CV. The things I've
seen… For example starting your CV by demonstrating your hobbies is not a very good
idea! Is that the most important thing you can offer to the role? Especially if
your hobbies are online or ‘live’ poker! Yes, these are genuine pastimes (who
am I to judge?) but at the same time if they are the first thing I read about
you, I can’t help but think ‘possible gambling problem’. At least he didn't add
porn or illegally downloading copyrighted material. Adding that you've worked
for a serious IT company for only 9 whole days including a weekend, is also not a good personality
indicator.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-74416055318390816612014-06-17T20:52:00.003+01:002014-06-17T20:52:45.549+01:00Living with a dog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The last couple of weeks have been quite interesting. As I
mentioned in the past, I never had a dog, but some cats who we kept for years
living in the garden, outside my parents’ house. So, I didn’t really know what
to expect, but I had prepared myself for the worst.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyEj_PXPAgSIlZegm3ZQMYWMJyCJJgumKIKCXzeYtTqImH5UZXgZTQqAUlWQmA917lGVGcpAxbvX16aavdaMrnwTlgvd9Tz6jzwnourCXHUYfXQsqgOCPJq1B7nu22rNwoYt404xq1DE/s1600/IMAG0232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyEj_PXPAgSIlZegm3ZQMYWMJyCJJgumKIKCXzeYtTqImH5UZXgZTQqAUlWQmA917lGVGcpAxbvX16aavdaMrnwTlgvd9Tz6jzwnourCXHUYfXQsqgOCPJq1B7nu22rNwoYt404xq1DE/s1600/IMAG0232.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hello you</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the contrary, Penny has proven to be quite a surprise. We
didn't have any chewed shoes or furniture. She’s not begging for food when we
eat and gladly welcomes other people, children or pets when out and about. She
doesn't bark much and happily sits on her cushion napping or observing what we
do (most of the time). She was somewhat house trained on her previous homes and
we didn't have to do much. She also does this ridiculously cute thing of
standing up on her back legs and moves frantically her front ones in the air!
It’s adorable. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM6Vbx9rFACPapovJU4kGyh1-CXwtkIpu1_bEiCMdpRH6F2GDUC5EM99eAdRGGvNcJzLvjpuxrk_ohGaI6EV3ixd6CDULoG0XpRqBURuuwlBo6csRibsWzG11mWqGtqjYDH9ph3gtXK4/s1600/IMAG0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM6Vbx9rFACPapovJU4kGyh1-CXwtkIpu1_bEiCMdpRH6F2GDUC5EM99eAdRGGvNcJzLvjpuxrk_ohGaI6EV3ixd6CDULoG0XpRqBURuuwlBo6csRibsWzG11mWqGtqjYDH9ph3gtXK4/s1600/IMAG0216.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Someone's outside...</i> </div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeKD9H0RacDDoDeqzl-gnATn653hYeY60cb-SDbVA6iVRLTd0EcFTmqYjxdaonHePJzNJJiABDH3ON9P2TLcPQq8pIwYXOOpxaywAb6IyuT-xA0RmVctz-XKwM5LwyXkT-sWfB4Nbye8/s1600/IMAG0225_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeKD9H0RacDDoDeqzl-gnATn653hYeY60cb-SDbVA6iVRLTd0EcFTmqYjxdaonHePJzNJJiABDH3ON9P2TLcPQq8pIwYXOOpxaywAb6IyuT-xA0RmVctz-XKwM5LwyXkT-sWfB4Nbye8/s1600/IMAG0225_1.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: left;">New Chewy toy</i></div>
<br />
The first day we got her was a nightmare though. She cried
during the night and I was extremely unsettled and couldn't sleep at all. To be
honest her cry didn't last for long, but it was enough to make me miserable for
the whole night. I was twisting and turning fearing that we’re making the poor
creature’s life a living hell, which of course is not true. During the first
days, we also had a couple of misfortunes when she left us some surprises on
the dining room floor.<br />
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLHiLsxzbCD4oH06BxSI1hRu3L2XAhNEke6cGMyys5IjPKqH952_A0vjHluAONMp0KhaP0UbI4kufWf_gLkHA0dFMoPFsHuPybN3XJeo8Yebxlgbv278dXVCJMHLRYfVvaYJ31qxW8C8/s1600/IMAG0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLHiLsxzbCD4oH06BxSI1hRu3L2XAhNEke6cGMyys5IjPKqH952_A0vjHluAONMp0KhaP0UbI4kufWf_gLkHA0dFMoPFsHuPybN3XJeo8Yebxlgbv278dXVCJMHLRYfVvaYJ31qxW8C8/s1600/IMAG0241.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><i>Going frantic over a tennis ball</i> </o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since then, we changed her eating time and I’m glad to say
it hasn't happened since. We’re managing to keep a schedule of long morning and
evening walks which occur more or less at the same time of the day. We’re also adding walks during the way, but
these depend on our work and can’t be daily planned. Since she’s not allowed
inside shops, we can’t really take her with us when we go grocery shopping or
running errands since for the time being I can’t just tie her and leave her
outside, it’s too soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIDDs4-Kjgd-zz7ujroJYrXMAJ9MUWBQVYuoU0ETTfLK6tGvSnQaedfoN15J4MZ4fI5Z5zKq7PGzGLL_poS7R-dHolyRvehhczMF1V5cP6X9qnIBMho15JDYkriRdMq0Hg70RbK8hVsA/s1600/IMAG0236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIDDs4-Kjgd-zz7ujroJYrXMAJ9MUWBQVYuoU0ETTfLK6tGvSnQaedfoN15J4MZ4fI5Z5zKq7PGzGLL_poS7R-dHolyRvehhczMF1V5cP6X9qnIBMho15JDYkriRdMq0Hg70RbK8hVsA/s1600/IMAG0236.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Exploring the world</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Yesterday night we had a minor incident that we’ll need to
look into. Penny woke up during the night when JJ left for work and started
crying again. I’m not a happy camper when I’m been woken up like this at
3:30 am. I only managed to fall asleep at 5:20 for 30 minutes before I had to
get up to take her for her morning walk. We need to make her a bit more independent.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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During the last week whenever we left to go to work there
was really no problem. She just watched us from the bay window leave and when
we returned she was napping on her cushion. I’m not sure whether she didn't
want to be left alone after spending the whole weekend with us, or maybe we
pampered her too much. She’s started following us around the house wherever we
go again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLKRC7F5orIp8HyDFlG5pQgQPh8YFwOPOTySshvks4L6fyJklwyZEBs8HuIlwTdWrN92hKa5FxXn0BFYJ3syifmcQGK4X8X9FzigExKiH3ycf7wKrF1f6KUVcJGbUOLUKU3IF2s4s3H8/s1600/IMAG0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLKRC7F5orIp8HyDFlG5pQgQPh8YFwOPOTySshvks4L6fyJklwyZEBs8HuIlwTdWrN92hKa5FxXn0BFYJ3syifmcQGK4X8X9FzigExKiH3ycf7wKrF1f6KUVcJGbUOLUKU3IF2s4s3H8/s1600/IMAG0228.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Someone's hungry</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m pretty sure we’ll deal with this. I was reading that
there is a honeymoon period with rehomed dogs and they tend to taste the waters
for a period afterwards. I think she’s now trying to see if she will be given
access to our bedroom or to sleep on the armchair. She’s generally not allowed
either. We have established some ground rules with Penny that we intend to
keep. We fell in love with her but we also need to be firm with her, it’s the
whole alpha male of the pact that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesar_Millan">Cesar Millan</a> keeps saying... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJoktlvT4eE_z6SxJa6_h2TXsOm1l7MnoMqN8RBTzkMfBQ8NnImkKYlmavhHqpc4KMEj8IKvVaJ0osFqoaMZ1JZ3QD0YLHOjBD5J3QeVoGCyo2QX05L4XWHQiI0TRjiJ2DBhYpjvwMf8/s1600/IMAG0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJoktlvT4eE_z6SxJa6_h2TXsOm1l7MnoMqN8RBTzkMfBQ8NnImkKYlmavhHqpc4KMEj8IKvVaJ0osFqoaMZ1JZ3QD0YLHOjBD5J3QeVoGCyo2QX05L4XWHQiI0TRjiJ2DBhYpjvwMf8/s1600/IMAG0249.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The loves of my life happily having coffee</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-53814233997106904252014-06-04T13:38:00.001+01:002014-06-04T13:38:34.515+01:00Introducing: Penny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I
have mentioned in the past that we were looking into getting a dog. It was an
idea that were discussing in length. At first we mentioned getting a puppy.
Then we realised that a puppy has needs that we couldn't meet since we're both
working full time. And the decision was made to visit a dog shelter to get a
dog.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">We would preferably look into an adolescent or adult dog, somewhat house
trained of small to medium size.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">So,
two weekends ago we visited the <a href="http://www.battersea.org.uk/">Battersea Dogs and Cats Home</a>. We registered,
had an interview with a member of the staff and walked through the kennels. By
the time we were there, most of the dogs were already taken by other people.
So, we decided to visit the centre again, which we did, last weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">On
that visit we saw a dog called Bart. He was very cute and happy to get to know
us. Unfortunately we were told that his medical examinations weren't cleared
and they could take up to some weeks and we were asked whether we’d be
interested to meet Penny who looked very similar to Bart and we said yes. As
they say, it’s all history after that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<i>Penny at the kennels</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Penny
is an 18 month old Jack Russell mixed breed. She was at the shelter for only a
few days. One of her previous owners had asthma and the other were expecting a
baby and couldn't take care of her. At first we stayed alone in a room with
Penny for about 30 minutes. She was a bit apprehensive. She didn't bark at all
but was reluctantly friendly. We played catch with a tennis ball and since it
was going all well, we went for a walk around the shelter building accompanied
by a member of the staff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">It
was love at first sight. As we ‘speak’ JJ is picking her up from the shelter.
She finished all her medical examinations even dental cleaning, she got a chip
and was spayed. I can’t wait to go back home to properly meet her.</span></div>
</div>
Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-40770368508717208302014-05-28T12:44:00.002+01:002014-05-28T13:00:21.725+01:00And the diagnosis is in<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Familial hypercholesterolaemia. Doctors love to use long words, don't they? Even if it is for something simple that could be described as hereditary cholesterol. But the GP couldn't say that, could he? He had to use the slightly more complicated wording, probably just to confuse me, so that I had to ask (slightly terrified) 'what'? Anyway, I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.<br />
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Since we moved to our property I had to register to a local GP. JJ was pushing me to do that for let's say some weeks (months) and I finally gave in. I don't really like going to the doctor's and to be honest if I can postpone it, I will. To give you an idea of how bad it was, the previous GP I was registered to, was close to my third from last address! I kept saying that since I will soon move again, what's the point? But now that excuse doesn't work since I’m no longer renting and I plan on staying put.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Doctor?</i></div>
<br />
So, the week before leaving for Greece I visited my local practice and one day before leaving for my holidays I took some blood tests. While I was on holidays, a nurse left a message on our answering machine. That was quite funny. She had a thick Eastern European accent * and without being able to pronounce my name (that wasn't her fault) she said I should arrange a meeting to discuss my 'leakage'. JJ played that message to me a couple of times on the phone. He was scheduled to come to Athens the following day and meet me there, so he was still in London when we got the call. She wasn't being very clear, but the word used came strongly as being 'leakage'! JJ suggested ordering a handful of diapers just in case. They were on offer online.<br />
<br />
Anyway, after coming back I met with a GP. He then told me 'familial hypercholesterolaemia'. All my other vitals are perfectly fine including my triglycerides. But my 'bad' cholesterol is 8.1 when it should be around 5.5! My 'good' cholesterol is also high. In UK they use a different metric system for that as well! In Greece I used to know around 200 to 210 the normal value and everything above that to be bad, but not in the UK. I think equivalent I'm in my 310s. I know that I'm slightly overweight by a few kilos, have some stored fat around my belly and I'm not eating as many fruits as I should. But I do regular exercise, eat my salads and I'm relatively young to have that high LDL. That can only be explained by my family bad history when it comes to heart disease. I had some signs that FH could be the case since it’s not the first time I was blood tested and had slightly higher cholesterol, just not by that much. So, something needs to be done.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>That's the enemy</i></div>
<br />
Since my diagnosis, I'm in the process of changing my eating habits. I know it’s still very early to say that I've successfully changed them but at the moment I'm trying to lower my fat and calories intake. I really hope that even small changes like swapping cappuccinos to black americanos without sugar or only having cereal for breakfast instead of toast with cheese might help. If I combine that with avoiding fried stuff altogether and fatty food, I might be able to lower my LDL in the long term. I've been doing that for a week already and I’m feeling confident on keeping on. Already I weight a bit less than before. Although I know that the real test will be in a couple months down the road or when we go on holidays. Will I still be able to keep up? I pray I will.<br />
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At the same time, I’m being referred to a hospital for further examinations. My GP said he will arrange the documents and post me the referral soon. It could be I have insulin intolerance caused by a gene deficiency. We'll see. My best hope is to consult with a dietician and avoid start taking medications. I read online that after you start taking stuff like statins, it's very difficult to stop. I know that I need to lower my LDL by about 30% though! That will not be easy and will take some time.<br />
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That wasn’t the nicest of posts, I know. But it's something that's on my mind and wanted to write about. I could have written about my visit to Greece, which was amazing by the way, but I couldn't. Suffering a heart attack or a stroke is not a very pleasant conversation subject. Now, I really need to convince my brother to go get tested.<br />
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* having a heavy Greek / Mediterranean accent myself, I can make fun of people with funny accents. We now believe she was trying to say 'liver' that came up as 'leakage'.<br />
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-20701669969890862442014-04-30T20:30:00.001+01:002014-04-30T20:30:24.990+01:00Holidays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Where do I start? It’s been really busy the last few weeks.<br />
<br />
First thing first, I’m on holidays next week and I really can’t wait. And I mean the kind of holidays where you really pack summer clothes, sun glasses and go to the airport to catch a flight for your destination. You must have guessed it, I’m going to Greece! I’m flying to Athens! I’m planning to see my new nephew and family. I’ll be staying over some old friends’ place for some days before JJ comes to join me the following weekend. Then, we’ll be staying in a nice hotel till we fly back the week after.<br />
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I kind of ‘spoke’ to my nephew last Sunday on Skype! He was looking at me with bewilderment. He had a hiccup, so you can say he was replying to the things I was saying. Then of course he shat himself and the communication came to an end. Rude!<br />
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I went with JJ to a baby store to buy him gifts. I assumed that my nephew must have everything for now. So, we tried to think ahead and buy him winter clothes or stuff he might use later this year. We might have gone a bit overboard and got him lots of things. But we are the weird/exotic uncles from abroad. We got him a fluffy doggy, jumpers, shoes, even a towel with a hat in one corner with bear ears! It looked so cute! That boy will be so spoilt when he grows up.<br />
<br />
In any case I’m so excited to see some of my old friends next week. I have been living in London for years but I've always kept in touch with some people I knew even since high school, even earlier. These are friendships I believe will last a lifetime. Similarly, I’m planning on seeing my family. My parents will specifically drive to Athens to see me. OK, I admit that seeing their grandson also plays a part in their decision to come, but I hope that part of them wants to see me too. <br />
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I suggested to them that’s it time to get to know JJ as well. I thought it would be a great opportunity now. The arrival of the new member of the family is such a happy event that puts them in the right state of mind. And we could only just go for a quick coffee, even just with my mother since I know my father is the problem. But alas, they ignored the invitation. Since I had told them which days I’ll be in the town and when JJ's coming, they decided to be in Athens when he’s not there.<br />
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Although disappointing, I knew that was coming. Some old ideas and bad habits are difficult to break. What I’m thinking of doing now is inviting my mother to London, just her. She hinted at some point that she might come to help us out in the refurbishment of the house. She wouldn't leave my father alone for many days, they’re inseparable, but at least she could come for a short period of time.<br />
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-16516955106725251242014-04-14T10:49:00.000+01:002014-04-14T10:49:24.418+01:00My weekend in pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There were two distinctive themes to my weekend. Saturday was dedicated to DIY and gardening. Sunday was dedicated to the London Marathon.<br />
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<i> That's the before picture, even after we've done a little bit of clearing out. The shed is hidden on the back right corner under that ivy.</i></div>
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Our garden was generally overgrown and messy when we bought our house. It was a high priority to put it in a more friendly state since we both like staying outdoors and our bbqs! JJ is South African after all. Bbq in in their blood. After managing to clear out weed and unwanted plants, JJ put lots of effort during his week off from work to tidy it up. So, Saturday I tried to help as much as I could.<br />
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<i>How the little shed looks now with little blue bells and jasmine</i></div>
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<i>Creating new plant areas in the garden. It will look so great as the plants will grow</i></div>
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We managed to clear the small shed from all the ivy that was covering it and paint it again. It now looks clean. We planted a jasmine plant in front of it. Changing the look of the shed made a huge difference on how the garden looks. Hopefully our plants will grow and the garden will look even nicer. We might even get some vegetables this year.<br />
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Sunday was the Virgin London Marathon. The weather was brilliant, at least for the spectators since I assume it was a bit too warm for the runners. We got up early and headed to the city centre. We found a spot close the Monument in the City and watched them pass for at least a couple of hours.<br />
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<i>Mo Farah running. I've retouched a bit that picture in Instagram</i></div>
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To me seeing people run like that is so inspirational. It signifies the power of the mind over the pain and the dedication some people can show over a cause. The atmosphere is so jovial and the sunshine made it all so much nicer.<br />
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<i>The rest of the runners</i></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-38242299434230966982014-04-08T15:30:00.000+01:002014-04-08T15:30:23.411+01:00We've been adopted by a cat!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Here, in my bizarre little world, lots of things happened during the last few days! I was thinking of sharing them with you in a big ‘news update’ post, but I wouldn't like to diminish their significance. So, I’ll give them to you in parts."</span></i><br />
<br />
Part 2!<br />
We've been adopted! By a cat!!<br />
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The last couple of weeks, numerous times, a cat came to visit. Almost all those visits had the same pattern. He / She would come right outside our back garden door and meow. (I think it's a she). She would then wait patiently for us to open the door and then followed us inside. Being really close and friendly she would wait for something to eat. Every single time, she would eat like previously famished.<br />
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<i>The "where's my food" look</i></div>
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Then, according to the weather, she would either stay on the door mat next to the open door, climb on a sofa or chair, or go outside and sit on dirt and sleep. After sleeping for a bit, there would be the second round of food.<br />
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<i>Peacefully sleeping</i></div>
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<i>Even dreaming</i></div>
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Finally, all satisfied and happy, she would go back to sit in front of the door and meow, waiting for someone to open it for her to disappear over the garden fence. A few days later she would return. The cat doesn't have a collar, but looks really nicely home trained. She happily purrs when we’re caressing her, although gets a bit annoyed when touched while eating. She doesn't scratch nor bite though. She’s adorable… <br />
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Today, I learnt that JJ tried to bathe her!!!! She really needed one. But I wish I had a camera to document that! So, I’m not sure whether she’ll be back. Although, to be honest, I think that when she’ll be hungry next, she’ll be back…</div>
Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-74790617655637008542014-04-07T16:32:00.001+01:002014-04-07T16:34:31.321+01:00New arrivals! A baby is born<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;">Here, in my bizarre little world, lots of things happened during the last few days! I was thinking of sharing them with you in a big ‘news update’ post, but I wouldn't like to diminish their significance. So, I’ll give them to you in parts.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;">Part 1!</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;">I’m an uncle!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;">I woke up on Thursday, the 3rd of April, to see an email from my brother that his baby was born! The baby was due later this month, around the 20th, but he decided to arrive early. My sister-in-law had some minor discomfort during Wednesday evening, but not something major. So, she decided to stay in bed and rest. Around 2:20 am her water broke. So, they drove fast to the clinic and by 5 am, they had a baby! From what I know, that’s quite quick!</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;">She and the baby boy are both healthy. He was born around 2.8 kg which is a bit small, but his appetite is quite strong and he’s doing well. Since Sunday, they went back to their place. I've talked to both of them and my parents who are in Athens to help them out. I don’t think you could keep them away anyway. I’m visiting them with JJ the beginning of May. We had booked our tickets in advance and I had in mind the original due date of the 20th. I was even told that fist babies sometimes come late anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 19.260000228881836px;">I've received a dozen of pictures which I can’t share with you, since it’s not my baby and there are child protection regulations. So, instead I’m leaving you with a picture of the baby in Roger Rabbit! Our baby is extremely adorable and cute. Believe me when I say that, I'm a totally impartial judge.</span></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-31896855246628721522014-03-25T11:12:00.000+00:002014-03-25T11:12:52.757+00:00Post running<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I did it! I'm so happy. It went actually quite well actually.<br />
The weather wasn't the best. The last few days it's been cold and wet in the UK and Sunday morning was no exception. That meant that at the start I felt a bit cold and miserable till the run warmed me up. But I was fine after that. During the run we got some sun spells between the clouds which was a nice break. Thankfully, the path we were using wasn't that muddy. Generally, the organisation of the race was really good and the route we followed amazing. I loved the fact that there were not many road crossings and we kept close to the river and the nice area of Richmond. Also, the fact that there were no laps to the route is always a bonus.<br />
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I managed to finish the run in 2 hours and 29 minutes! That time wasn't that bad and I'm happy that I didn't stop at all to walk during that time. I just kept going, even on a slow pace close to the end of the race. I know that there is room for improvement on my performance and I'll get there...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrJp2eA9W9osf46HD7zBp3V893NOhBk6qk8RNoGhnnxXs-dtgif114-CacOjK9wlttLdAZjBgnie0tED_HMdds_zcbZWDgKXfisGOI177bWaFaN6Lne-S14Clppw4E1C4QZde6BwPkX8/s1600/Route1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrJp2eA9W9osf46HD7zBp3V893NOhBk6qk8RNoGhnnxXs-dtgif114-CacOjK9wlttLdAZjBgnie0tED_HMdds_zcbZWDgKXfisGOI177bWaFaN6Lne-S14Clppw4E1C4QZde6BwPkX8/s1600/Route1.JPG" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
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<i>The route </i></div>
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<i>My performance</i></div>
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<i>The before picture! </i></div>
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<i>Running by the river Thames </i></div>
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<i>That dog was simply watching people pass by like a tennis ball in a tennis match</i></div>
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<i>I was running with this guy</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBVSW3hkWo6Abju7om8t0StBAxd_XR_BMxQmO2SYmWnBfWve_0y7JIve6lNsM83EH9Hdzs4nQL2ThnGoCg8tQAqkrH5OPGHXM10xTS7un821ZU39qkCcxPS6Qju_5DsgDqibAmWjMYZo/s1600/10203797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBVSW3hkWo6Abju7om8t0StBAxd_XR_BMxQmO2SYmWnBfWve_0y7JIve6lNsM83EH9Hdzs4nQL2ThnGoCg8tQAqkrH5OPGHXM10xTS7un821ZU39qkCcxPS6Qju_5DsgDqibAmWjMYZo/s1600/10203797.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i> The banana guy was really quick.</i></div>
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<i>Approaching the finish line </i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Happy with a medal</i></div>
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<i>So, true...</i></div>
<br /></div>
Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-57209949312229053772014-03-22T08:32:00.000+00:002014-03-22T08:32:00.390+00:00Pre Running<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In about 24 hours I'll be warming up before my half marathon in Richmond among the other runners. Hopefully, I managed to spend Saturday eating relatively light and healthy. I've also managed a decent amount of sleep and nerves didn't get the worst of me. Wish me luck! Even better, can you please show up with one of these signs? You'll make my day. Especially if you stand after mile 8. Thanks<br />
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-64982833382870892622014-03-20T14:26:00.000+00:002014-03-20T14:26:02.279+00:00Gay Politics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I work in a relatively big
company. Our IT department is more than 100 people and if you add the Business Analysts,
Project Managers and other related personnel, my immediate work colleagues are
quite a few. Of course, in this group
there’s a number of homosexuals in various degrees of ‘closet-ness’. At first,
of course I thought I was the only one. Then I met a couple of more gay people
that told me about some other employees of the company. Yes, gossip is a
favourite pastime for us as well.</div>
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In general, I‘m not overly open
about my personal life. There’s an increasing number of colleagues that know
about JJ and my life. However, these colleagues are the ones that I’m starting
to develop a more friendly relationship with. In a way, I’m trying to keep my
personal and professional life apart. I’m not sure why I do that. Especially in
large groups, when other people talk about their husbands, wives or children I
remain quiet. Would I still do that if I was in a heterosexual relationship? Maybe.
And I say maybe because in my previous job I was openly gay. The company was
tiny. We were 14 people all of us and I was generally more at ease there, but
still didn’t talk about my personal life much. Some of my old colleagues had
met JJ, but I still didn't talk much about him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZOtxcDpB7HGrmGNXbFLG4nuZpW8W8luZI9ovwFVgiePYh3vcob27BnL6FdH0VYnT1hNXkprfq3OGlw-08BhBRzYdPkErJuznbzFUsT-3EKVScFF0KeWgKjNe67qX5TJon06pbB6niDM/s1600/keep-calm-and-stop-backstabbing-people.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZOtxcDpB7HGrmGNXbFLG4nuZpW8W8luZI9ovwFVgiePYh3vcob27BnL6FdH0VYnT1hNXkprfq3OGlw-08BhBRzYdPkErJuznbzFUsT-3EKVScFF0KeWgKjNe67qX5TJon06pbB6niDM/s1600/keep-calm-and-stop-backstabbing-people.png" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
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There are some other factors to
consider about my current employment arrangements and secretive attitude. The
very first manager I had was a weird character. I know him much better now and
I can see his weird (?) sense of humour, but back then, he was intimidating. On
my very first day he talked about the gayphone (iPhone to you and me) and about
some dykes he used to know. These statements unsettled me and during that first
week of employment I remained quiet about my personal life and it’s been like
that ever since. I've also seen some backstabbing happening and I refuse to
give to anyone any more ammunition. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As I mentioned before, I've now
met some gay people in the office. And a couple of them want, in a way, to
create a ‘brotherhood’. They want us to start meeting regularly for lunch or
after work outings. Just us, the gays. I don’t generally object to that, but to
be honest I’m not that eager to do it either. Just because they’re gay, it doesn’t
really mean I like all of them. Also, I don’t think that marginalising
ourselves like that is a very good thing. I wouldn't like to associate only
with Caucasians, or only with males, or only with Greeks, or only with people
that like comic books. Yes, it’s nice to have things in common with people you spend
time with, but forming a clique is not something I’ll easily encourage. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I've decided to keep an open mind.
My concern is the fact that one of the guys eager to create the brotherhood
seems a bit sleazy. Maybe it’s just me being paranoid. I might go out with them
for a drink or two and see how it goes. Every day lunch break might be a no no
though… <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-15087120774806240232014-03-17T12:26:00.000+00:002014-03-17T12:26:27.491+00:00Weekend update and DIY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The weather in the UK during the last weekend was amazing!
Yes, the temperature was in high teens and the sun was bright and beautiful!
After the crappy and wet last months, that was such a nice break! And we
managed to make the most of it. We spent both days Saturday and Sunday in the
back garden. As expected, the previous tenants of our house didn't really pay
attention to the garden which was overgrown and ugly. They hadn't paid much
attention to the inside of the house, it would be really surprising if they
maintained a proper outside!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPxvFHFiiPEB6Ki8YMOwG0YD82MbWbpCzMUgalXE792hBe-tnzXqevBOyV3MV7XMNWz53XGPY8xWmP4oUfcRcygOTJXZhkJ-SGLXLhJo10iDaLl65OY03rnPc8Ubmrb36zGk0J7FY6PA/s1600/20140315_084516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPxvFHFiiPEB6Ki8YMOwG0YD82MbWbpCzMUgalXE792hBe-tnzXqevBOyV3MV7XMNWz53XGPY8xWmP4oUfcRcygOTJXZhkJ-SGLXLhJo10iDaLl65OY03rnPc8Ubmrb36zGk0J7FY6PA/s1600/20140315_084516.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>That's the 'before' picture. JJ had done some work on it already</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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We decided to start by taking out lots of things that made
the garden look small and untidy. We've cleared out some old overgrown bushes,
trunks and roots that were just occupying space and cleared out the shed at the
back from an ivy (I think). We’re planning a small vegetables area where I plan
on growing some food and planting some rose bushes, jasmine and cherry trees. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the first bit of the work at hand, we got some help. A
guy called Abraham arrived Saturday morning to clear out some stuff and get rid
of massive chopped roots and trunks. The whole experience was a bit weird
because he unexpectedly arrived with his two sons, one aged around 10 and the
other around 4! The old one provided some help to him father, but the young one
was just walking around looking at things. Two words came first to my mind: ‘child
labour’! But then I dismissed them and tried to get along with it! In a sense
it’s a nice way to spend time with your father. The old one would want to prove
himself to his dad and the young one would like to go along not feeling left
out. In any case, Abraham was really nice to his sons. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhR99kE759jeWuCfNrp6JtEI-QOKs15mZ8aa3SlYDMSrgwj_-8UCETiSBAFaGFbixsQiSfu8kZMcQY_bDzOwpfaOpCIxQ9Q8GlfUa_V0Av09bUiLwjzpbFataDsHBnyeZeaY1y7chDTs/s1600/20140315_125858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhR99kE759jeWuCfNrp6JtEI-QOKs15mZ8aa3SlYDMSrgwj_-8UCETiSBAFaGFbixsQiSfu8kZMcQY_bDzOwpfaOpCIxQ9Q8GlfUa_V0Av09bUiLwjzpbFataDsHBnyeZeaY1y7chDTs/s1600/20140315_125858.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The family at work</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-x7DFMj-EOW3olysYhpg1DfdsoqaF9UkmS0U3O2bV8uVPfkIyDi5efJpc1ibwoURGLKROZPKWQnH-ZjhMNAhX3HlFBZbvVWlrgF9HHSMaGBv3O7Fg3yugjKt_ewFx1Zi6WOXSTqlgc4/s1600/20140316_152149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-x7DFMj-EOW3olysYhpg1DfdsoqaF9UkmS0U3O2bV8uVPfkIyDi5efJpc1ibwoURGLKROZPKWQnH-ZjhMNAhX3HlFBZbvVWlrgF9HHSMaGBv3O7Fg3yugjKt_ewFx1Zi6WOXSTqlgc4/s1600/20140316_152149.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The 'after' picture</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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We believe however that the young one was eating some
chocolate candy from a bowl I had left on the table and was then punished by
spending the rest of the day in their van. We found that later when JJ
discovered the empty bowl and lots of chocolate papers hidden around the
garden. Bless him… And I was curious at some point about where he had disappeared
after a while. In any case, Abraham’s help was good and put us on the right
track.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you remember me saying a couple of posts ago how bad I am
bad in labour work? Well, that’s still true, but I've proved to be quite good
in gardening. On Sunday, JJ started working on the vegetable corner on the
right of the garden, the pile of junk at the end and painting the fence, while
I started clearing out the ivy from the shed! As you can see I managed to successfully
get most of it out. And not only that, I managed to do it without cutting any
fingers off or falling from the ladder! I’m quite pleased with myself! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYwwl6S2UjMpTMaxkNV41VJwi0DLuXi2eMeAb771AmBi8qs4xHWUeph4hDjtYoLTYu8OCwrRRaAfjUN4Ylog0Qc5cds5iiHjB3YcJZsqBMm8qTx3L10jyhqlXeLXQ0qES-01L2d6B7AY/s1600/IMG_2798056271977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYwwl6S2UjMpTMaxkNV41VJwi0DLuXi2eMeAb771AmBi8qs4xHWUeph4hDjtYoLTYu8OCwrRRaAfjUN4Ylog0Qc5cds5iiHjB3YcJZsqBMm8qTx3L10jyhqlXeLXQ0qES-01L2d6B7AY/s1600/IMG_2798056271977.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i>How it looks now, still a work in progress</i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t wait to see how the garden will end up, even if I
know it will take some years before it actually looks properly grown. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-50661105957363107812014-03-12T15:10:00.002+00:002014-03-12T15:10:48.552+00:00A week of overindulgence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week an old friend of mine came for a visit to London. She
stayed till today. With her as an excuse we went out a lot, had dinner here and
there and allowed ourselves to go a bit wilder than normal. For example Friday night
we went to a bar in the Shoreditch area that organised a swing party. I’m
talking about Swing and Charleston dancing, not the other type. My friend is
part of a dancing group in Greece and organised to meet some dancers in London
for a night out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately that specific party wasn't that well
organised. It took place in a popular bar. The music changed from mainstream pop
to the oldies around 9pm. By that time, the people already in the bar had more
than a couple of drinks and didn't leave. The place remained really busy and
there was no place for actual dancing. Also, the floor was the wrong type and spilled
with sticky beer to allow the quick steps that some of the dances required. However, there was a number of people dressed
in 40s and 50s retro clothes and haircuts that with the music gave a nice
feeling to the event. The dancing remained at a minimum but was still nice. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiU1qmmWEFTjE2a3ZWnu90V0F4gkKJ7ULfLOgWaVESqZ-wfPosUeowp_2f9sXp41aMfGTFJg3mq1e2ovKd6hb2okZXI7xJBJJi7lnD_E5S4SrwqE8rOLWCJ0iGtXUoqNFNGxvP50UEoY/s1600/rockabilly-girls-style-gallery-35-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiU1qmmWEFTjE2a3ZWnu90V0F4gkKJ7ULfLOgWaVESqZ-wfPosUeowp_2f9sXp41aMfGTFJg3mq1e2ovKd6hb2okZXI7xJBJJi7lnD_E5S4SrwqE8rOLWCJ0iGtXUoqNFNGxvP50UEoY/s1600/rockabilly-girls-style-gallery-35-3.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a></div>
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<o:p><i>I love the rockabilly style </i></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, last Monday was my birthday! I happily turned 33! Yay!
Since it was on a Monday, I decided to celebrate it on Sunday. So I invited
some friends over for brunch, tea and coffee on Sunday afternoon since we would
all be having an early morning the next day. I baked a traditional spinach and
feta pie and some cheese bites. Our guest made a lovely quiche Lorraine and JJ
made a milk tart, an apple tart and a chocolate cake where I blew some candles!
Considering the fact that there were around 8 of us in total, I can say we ate
a lot! The day was really nice and sunny. After weeks and weeks of raining,
London was actually enjoying a sunny weekend. I hope my guests had a nice time!
I know I did and I thank them all for coming. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkO3yYcfMQOEJsCj6qwfFd9mgMmMMpZ673OxMn7IseJiQmdu3SwIgsmrTZEvXFjNYdfnuMYZWMQtpV2ncNHWARGUMjP4fA9P0k7s-M-lw4aZbOYHqXGJqCusrtD5lCfmOb_AjYnEsVSjg/s1600/IMG_334796671328.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkO3yYcfMQOEJsCj6qwfFd9mgMmMMpZ673OxMn7IseJiQmdu3SwIgsmrTZEvXFjNYdfnuMYZWMQtpV2ncNHWARGUMjP4fA9P0k7s-M-lw4aZbOYHqXGJqCusrtD5lCfmOb_AjYnEsVSjg/s1600/IMG_334796671328.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Our table is never empty (yes, that's my pie at the front)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On my actual birthday I brought lots of treats to the office
for the guys in my department. I've just moved to that building, so I don’t
know everybody that well. But I found all their emails and told them to help
themselves. I got a couple of replies from some people I closely work with but
other than that nothing! I even came face to face with a couple of people over
the coffee machine or the corridor but they didn't mention a thing! I wasn't
expecting to start a huge conversation, but a simple happy birthday would be
nice! The vast majority of developers are really antisocial! The ‘Big Bang
Theory’ is based on actual people! So, I’m still eating chokies at work from Monday.
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> Afterwards, JJ, our
guests and me went to a nice Thai restaurant for dinner. Yummy…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vb8WR8fQaGPrvQXA0grV4NJGfUvNhxPc2nWwVRJTRenvkBGw87Dhvpr-GQHW_BJ0dNaIDWjYZkjxKa45xcJWr122LKX3bcHr-VXnzwho4lTtSTHLBH6VNEYPIP6JfZcYt23hvb2PAx0/s1600/tumblr_mqu4ytCC971qbvjito1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vb8WR8fQaGPrvQXA0grV4NJGfUvNhxPc2nWwVRJTRenvkBGw87Dhvpr-GQHW_BJ0dNaIDWjYZkjxKa45xcJWr122LKX3bcHr-VXnzwho4lTtSTHLBH6VNEYPIP6JfZcYt23hvb2PAx0/s1600/tumblr_mqu4ytCC971qbvjito1_500.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, as I was saying, the last week was a week of overindulgence.
I’m not complaining though, I had such a nice time. At the moment I’m thinking
of a small detox that might help my preparation for my half marathon next week!
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, look. Another cookie… <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-66477825415350989352014-03-07T14:06:00.001+00:002014-03-07T14:06:32.622+00:00The countryside<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Last weekend, I took JJ and we went to the <a href="http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/">Peak District</a>. OK, I admit he was doing all the driving (I can't handle driving on the wrong side of the road), but the area was my idea! We had rented a small car and a house in the middle of a tiny village called Hartington. The village was so cute. It had a pub, a hotel and a couple of tiny shops. We got to meet some of the locals and I can say they're really nice. The goal of the trip was to go hiking, which we managed to do successfully. The first day we walked for about 4 hours going up the Lose hill and the Mam Tor. The second day we walked around Bakewell and the area around <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatsworth_House">Chatsworth Estate</a>. It was such an amazing weekend!</span></div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJOUTXmRLWVjWoHf8MzeX46fB3FBJTn-xT22GIA8Lxj-3zxvm0ZvMAeF32dVB_L1XXnndqLFbCrfZjLhRMc-bdOr_MmLUWJpniW-Mo05T_Aw2w3321tterBx-siXjVi-Eip72WaUS7yg/s1600/IMG_18224979664318.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJOUTXmRLWVjWoHf8MzeX46fB3FBJTn-xT22GIA8Lxj-3zxvm0ZvMAeF32dVB_L1XXnndqLFbCrfZjLhRMc-bdOr_MmLUWJpniW-Mo05T_Aw2w3321tterBx-siXjVi-Eip72WaUS7yg/s1600/IMG_18224979664318.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I want to say that's an oak tree, but I can't be sure. I'm more of a city person. I don't know my trees</i></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzONZEpoCTUKzSkv85IDtthZG6S2uMa-xHUn1RHcc57G7HuTfiwN_lclhyphenhyphenlltbWhDcSHrKP791PQIGrY9doRv_7UGZ6yFWD7iErgZdmrbet_tToiNhxtSoPSotyjC1oTbQupVcZvNqi78/s1600/IMG_18209393461561.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzONZEpoCTUKzSkv85IDtthZG6S2uMa-xHUn1RHcc57G7HuTfiwN_lclhyphenhyphenlltbWhDcSHrKP791PQIGrY9doRv_7UGZ6yFWD7iErgZdmrbet_tToiNhxtSoPSotyjC1oTbQupVcZvNqi78/s1600/IMG_18209393461561.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I love these old brick bridges</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CwHzFL-QyNI1oeK649EFvnrlFtu4CCPOXxcuzqQhRcXwM9w2C6DwPSYwFOp4t6c20Y7Y59fk4JaA_OBdRXL3vKNZf8vQuLRU_asPUYngW3H-8Kr1M74d9YzI80wz9Q2r5DLUi2W1sg4/s1600/IMG_18250085504580.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CwHzFL-QyNI1oeK649EFvnrlFtu4CCPOXxcuzqQhRcXwM9w2C6DwPSYwFOp4t6c20Y7Y59fk4JaA_OBdRXL3vKNZf8vQuLRU_asPUYngW3H-8Kr1M74d9YzI80wz9Q2r5DLUi2W1sg4/s1600/IMG_18250085504580.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Walking around Bakewell</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSs9_W1xA_ZYMcddOvgxlHCnEN7DpAdBYkL5C_MJzV2rtMKQBCjVp7BC2S1Hdd80kumzMT2akMH-GHpiI7Ph7qkTMbVQD2wHQKzrSABE_eFVBnetCElbJaQvSE9J2uuLVPY0mMrlnwdY/s1600/IMG_18262817600003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSs9_W1xA_ZYMcddOvgxlHCnEN7DpAdBYkL5C_MJzV2rtMKQBCjVp7BC2S1Hdd80kumzMT2akMH-GHpiI7Ph7qkTMbVQD2wHQKzrSABE_eFVBnetCElbJaQvSE9J2uuLVPY0mMrlnwdY/s1600/IMG_18262817600003.jpeg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Following the trails was 'interesting'. I only fell once in the mud! That's a good score for me.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sa4g-7sVu45Y5XqUFAJqcvzP4bRyNzXDM7Q_8BWKzXuovT_E5ZyFBi77M7VUeJk5519rL9Yai3Xewyldp2Ptk14psjMowuWUWwYm0_8eLUvypOxaXY4WJ5F93xdm50PtxiDmse8HlTw/s1600/IMG_18272643454299.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sa4g-7sVu45Y5XqUFAJqcvzP4bRyNzXDM7Q_8BWKzXuovT_E5ZyFBi77M7VUeJk5519rL9Yai3Xewyldp2Ptk14psjMowuWUWwYm0_8eLUvypOxaXY4WJ5F93xdm50PtxiDmse8HlTw/s1600/IMG_18272643454299.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Do I look like I belong there?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgX0zTC-esjPxRPjeS3TJCPRgldv8JfrJQ1l26QD8BCZ0x2dIp0-kYpXgrg5IOEr1gyEr4ph7Ix0hiVK2-Oe7ofo_dS51bSQx-NxvzxJ61j0UXLOQuKxXUVZaQ02X_TZDEqyY7ilfR9JA/s1600/IMG_18319691308322.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgX0zTC-esjPxRPjeS3TJCPRgldv8JfrJQ1l26QD8BCZ0x2dIp0-kYpXgrg5IOEr1gyEr4ph7Ix0hiVK2-Oe7ofo_dS51bSQx-NxvzxJ61j0UXLOQuKxXUVZaQ02X_TZDEqyY7ilfR9JA/s1600/IMG_18319691308322.jpeg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>That's early in our ascent. I still look fresh</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-0jRYXeryvNJ4PG9zhpfueo9ynUPn8QUX3Q7BVx63ALdB70tRWYdAQ5M32KgSj_bFQ1ivztF41XapWmbQmhC6NUbjojj8R3RgRmWkbXn3JZLVFtMK2OG6_mMOPeVVv5tbaUFO1zZakk/s1600/IMG_18343538327374.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-0jRYXeryvNJ4PG9zhpfueo9ynUPn8QUX3Q7BVx63ALdB70tRWYdAQ5M32KgSj_bFQ1ivztF41XapWmbQmhC6NUbjojj8R3RgRmWkbXn3JZLVFtMK2OG6_mMOPeVVv5tbaUFO1zZakk/s1600/IMG_18343538327374.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The view from the top - breathtaking</i></div>
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<i>Leaving our house the first day of our hike.</i></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-62607439662739491532014-02-28T16:00:00.000+00:002014-02-28T16:00:06.850+00:00Kavala <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Awww... my home town... :-)</div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7340240260464997376.post-22941724225301282492014-02-28T10:45:00.004+00:002014-02-28T10:45:56.437+00:00Random Thoughts Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I went to watch the ‘<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1714915/">Only lovers left alive</a>’ the other day. If you
watch the trailer and you expect a vampire action movie, you will be gravely disappointed.
The movie is not like that. It’s slow paced and to be honest, it doesn’t have
lots to offer in terms of plot and character evolution. However, that doesn’t
mean that I didn’t enjoy it. The cinematography and especially the music of the
film is exceptional. I’m a huge fan of Tilda Swindon and Tom Hiddleston proves
to be a very talented actor as well, able to stand next to her. What the movie
might lack in plot, it covers in acting and direction. I know it’s not a movie
for everyone, it’s Jim Jarmusch after all, however, I’d recommend it for a
different but interesting viewing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywMi0TFYXxA_dyESVY8YyKqiEIfG1CUy5hUsJBZGUdScoZLQXqf4xrxonwD4FnQjM80kBUq74oWozmRSeRuyeaG7KkugyF-PTeOdqIlehpAE_TYKOVT-HIhp7qQGvkwc_x0RbYcUkMto/s1600/only-lovers-left-alive02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywMi0TFYXxA_dyESVY8YyKqiEIfG1CUy5hUsJBZGUdScoZLQXqf4xrxonwD4FnQjM80kBUq74oWozmRSeRuyeaG7KkugyF-PTeOdqIlehpAE_TYKOVT-HIhp7qQGvkwc_x0RbYcUkMto/s1600/only-lovers-left-alive02.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>The month of March will be quite busy in my little casa. It starts
with a small road trip to the National Park of Peak District. I’ve never been
there before, but I’m hoping that it will be a nice hiking destination. I can’t
say we’re that much into hiking. Our last trip was the white cliffs of Dover a
couple of years ago, but I believe we’ll enjoy that little excursion. We’ll see
how it goes. Hopefully, I’ll have pictures to share next week. After that, for almost a week we’ll have our
first formal guest staying with us for a week. That will be a first after our
lodger left. Then, it’s the birthday of yours truly and my Half Marathon at the
end of the month. In the meantime, we’ll be finishing getting connected to the
main national gas network and having our front and back garden properly cleared
from the last tenant’s garbage. I simply can’t wait to get a proper spot to
plant vegetables for the new season.</div>
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On a different matter, I’m thinking of adopting a ‘coffee’ name.
Something easy for people to understand and be able to write on a cup. I was
thinking either Steve or Dave. I’ll run some tests and see what might come up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcCyYktg0UrBUktOWJ0metHKnEp76z6xEtbvuPUbQGhL3B6igI86dJCgs83Tz7yvSmWdNWqmGdbcxoqL4dVdmx5iHbqdjYiMjAgwouKP_3PtndwQDZGvOpW5Lyel5JWTlYYLxUMfyGbM/s1600/20140221_091009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcCyYktg0UrBUktOWJ0metHKnEp76z6xEtbvuPUbQGhL3B6igI86dJCgs83Tz7yvSmWdNWqmGdbcxoqL4dVdmx5iHbqdjYiMjAgwouKP_3PtndwQDZGvOpW5Lyel5JWTlYYLxUMfyGbM/s1600/20140221_091009.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Nick i a difficult name apparently</i></div>
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Nik_TheGreekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00986723570093229435noreply@blogger.com4