A WRITER'S MIND!

I really don’t understand why once again the food industry is being pressure to label their foods, more clearly they say. Why? Let me guess hmm……To reduce obesity figures in the UK, or maybe to make women more paranoid about their food intake?

When my girlfriends and I do our weekly shop, or go out to a restaurant we often keep our mental calorie count and weight watchers point score system on the RED.
Any foods with a high count per 100g is a forbidden apple, and should we, like Eve, be tempted by the forbidden then penance goes without say; perhaps a punitive expedition to the gym, our only redeemer.

Like red ants we march along the aisles of Tesco chanting “Out with the carbs, out with the fats, out with all foods sweet or processed!” OK so I am exaggerating a bit but I really just want to make it clear that maybe it’s not really our ‘poor’ sight that may be the problem such that we need more prominent content labels on all our foods, maybe it’s the education that we need. Shouldn’t we in the UK be concerning ourselves with how to be EDUCATED food consumers?

A slice of toast perhaps?

If you are not from London then you simply must not return to your land without experiencing the London Pub life. If you are from London then I’m sure you have quite a bit to say about it. Myself, I see it through the eyes of a pub girl. I’m no major fan of the drink, don’t get me wrong, I‘ve just developed a strong sense of appreciation for the dimly lit settings, comfy couches, young & working friendly crowds, lively atmosphere, tables populated with glasses and bottles half empty, the thick scent of alcohol, nicotine and Eau de toilette combined to form what I refer to as the ‘Pub Mist’. To be frank, if it wasn’t for my good old English lass with whom I have shared many great pub chats over a cocktail drink and she a can of Stella, I probably would have a less flowery opinion of the pub.

If you know St Johns Wood reasonably well then you will know the little local pub at the corner not too far from Tesco, with the Moroccan touch (you can tell I’m not good with street names), the name I forget. Not too big, not too small, service not too excellent but good enough for an easy late afternoon; this pub I found was quite a spot for a great catch-up session with my girl friend. Comfortably seated and lost in girl talk we somehow managed to blow our chunky table candle that was now starting to take the form of a great piece of architecture, dripping with wax. Well it wasn’t long after I was momentarily left alone at our seat when out of nowhere one of the attendants hastily made her way to the table leaving with the candle. Oh she did return the candle, but only in its modest form, no longer a work of art but a simple, unattractive, unlit stump. Whether there was anything implied by her actions I wouldn’t know and couldn’t care, I was enjoying myself in the company of a good friend.

So just how important is quality time with people in your life; friends, family, those contributing to them special little moments in your life? Last Tuesday was February 14, my lovely housemate and close friend had a miniature ‘rose garden’ delivered to our North London flat by her beloved boyfriend in SA. As for me, the Valentine’s week went by in the company of special people. For once I actually dedicated time to being with certain friends I get so little time with in my very busy world. I couldn’t tell you what a great form of therapy this is. On Tuesday evening I left work and headed for Euston Station to meet with dear Melody for coffee, Wednesday I had dinner in the company of 8 great friends, Thursday I had a chance to get to know better a few others (plus one), Friday in the city with friends celebrating Bhav’s birthday and Saturday, well Saturday afternoon was spent in St Johns Wood in a cosy little pub having girl talk with Kimmy, topped-off with prayer over the great things and great plans in our lives. I couldn’t tell you how much more refreshed and fulfilled I feel. Hmm…..when was the last time you had quality time with those very persons in your life?
Did anyone cross your mind as you were reading?