Pink Confetti

I’m having a day off in the midst of this five weeks course and it’s a welcome break. I’m having a slight cold today, it’s because the weather has been crazy all week. When I leave in the morning it’s only about 8C° but by the time the course is done it’s about 20C°. Choosing the right things to wear is kinda hard when the weather is like this and would’ve been much easier if I could get to the course by car. But I’m not… I’m cycling each day and it feels great!

On my way there I’m surrounded by nature and each morning I watch birds nesting, green around me getting greener and blossoms being washed down by rain. The wind causes a whirl of nature’s confetti when it touches these tiny pink blossoms lying on the ground. Unfortunately it’s only a matter of weeks or even days -depending on the weather- for the blossoms to be gone again so I’m trying to enjoy them as much as I can while I can…

I had an extremely busy week, running around to get to different appointments. I haven’t had much sleep either worrying too much about stuff that I shouldn’t worry about. I’ve learnt so much about myself especially yesterday when I was told that I should stop being such a perfectionist. That I should cut myself some slack: not to put so much pressure on me by trying to do everything right not allowing myself to make any mistakes.

I had to give a presentation to a group of twelve people: they would ‘judge’ me by giving me feedback on things such as, posture, attitude, facial expression, body language etc. I didn’t have much time to prepare my presentation since I missed quite a few hours of this course having to deal with appointments with municipal offices, providing them with papers and such. The degree of unnecessary bureaucracy in this country still amazes at times.

Anyway, the presentation went extremely well. Something I didn’t expect at all and I was told by the coach to sit back and revel in all the compliments for a change instead of thinking about what could’ve been improved still. I mentioned self-reflection in my previous post but boy, it sure is… and it’s been great so far! The stress has reduced big time after my last appointment on Wednesday when I broke out in tears all of a sudden.

Something that was mentioned touched the right chord at the right time. Some (so-called friends) fail to support me or understand what I’m dealing with, while others (read: strangers at municipal offices) realise what is going on and totally understand how I feel about it all. So I was touched by the empathy and the kind words of this stranger opposite of me, it was liberating to finally get the opportunity to shed those tears after all the stress.

It’s been a strange week but a good one and I’m celebrating new insight by enjoying the free pink confetti party that nature is throwing me!

© Zesty Gal – Pink Confetti, there’s six of them in a row :)

Noodles and Business

I’ve been too busy lately… So I’m writing a quick update while having the leftover Thai Green Curry that I made earlier this week combined with Japanese buckwheat noodles that I prepared five minutes ago. It’s yummie I tell you, extremely spicy because I added too much paste and unfortunately too hot temperature-wise *wink* I feel it’s okay to compliment your own culinary creations especially when it’s this good!

A had a great meeting with the manager of the City Auditorium, a really nice woman who might invite me in a few months to participate in a pitch to obtain an assignment. A new logo, stationery and website needs to be designed which is something not to be taken lightly. It might be one of the largest assignments I have taken so far and I must admit I’m slightly nervous about this, although it would be a great addition to the folio!

I’ve been completely honest about it: graphic design won’t be a problem but web design requires another level of technique that I can’t do on my own so I’m looking for a trusted partner. I called a colleague/friend of my brother and asked him to help me. I’ve had email contact with him before because of previous business matters, but we’d never spoken on the phone. It was weird because we ended up talking for five hours!

Perhaps it clicked because he’s half Indonesian, a quarter Chinese and another quarter Dutch. It just felt like I’ve known him for years and it was great to talk about business and other topics as well. He mailed off a CD that I hopefully will receive today, it contains a course that I’m eager to start! I’ve been feeling a tad overwhelmed this week which makes me realise certain things that I need to improve about/for myself.

I went to the hospital on Tuesday and the woman I had to see that day, pointed out something similar and related. She told me to express myself by writing more often, so I’ve installed another blog to keep a private diary. I have to learn to rechannel my energy and use it for my own benefit first and then that of close friends with integrity and who genuinely appreciate it: me. It’s about time I cut that Gordian knot fercrissakes!

So that’s what I’ve been doing lately: give no time to those who only seem to know you when they need something from you. Instead I’ve used more energy on those close to me… Yesterday I went to a thrift shop to look for some things I need for my business plan and came home with a gorgeous old serving dish instead (only € 1,50). Plus a sheer long sleeve top: a late birthday gift from my neighbour who gave me a ride to the shop.

I still have a cold and have been sneezing a lot so I’m gonna take things slow! I have to prepare an email as well but it’s something I need to think about: I was asked what kind of courses I’d like to offer, when I’d be available, what I’d need software-wise etc. But there’s so much I’d love to teach… So I have to give it thought before I write that reply. It will be great to teach again though but first things first: getting better *wink*

/* End of update, have a great weekend! */

© Zesty Gal
– Thai Green Curry with chicken and courgette (zucchini) and Japanese buckwheat noodles