Too crowded parties and blotchy red veins...
Went to a Christmas party last night that was far too crowded. Sometimes I think people invite every single person they know - and then don't get to talk to any of them - I'm not being a party pooper - honestly! But unless there’s dancing (which there wasn't) I hate all that elbowing through crowds. Still it was enough fun not to go on to the Century Club’s party - so freezing outside that the idea of waiting for a cab between venues put us right off leaving.
Delighted to see that John Irving has a new book out - Last Night in Twisted River - just ordered it for any quiet moments over Christmas. I'm wondering what dark corner of the human psyche he might explore in this one? It's great to cuddle up for some reading in between the mountain of DVDs we'll watch between Christmas and New Year's.
TODAY’S THOUGHT: a friend of mine has overspent on his credit cards leaving him a bit panicked right now - I've told him to give me the credit cards for safekeeping until after new years. Honestly (I'm being very honest today) I'm not going to do anything with them but keep them safe. Definitely enlist a trusted friend as the crisis buddy for anything like this. They can be your safety valve if you fear you going to overspend, over drink, over eat - or "over" anything!
Had a quick laser treatment for the broken veins on my cheeks (I've had them from a young age -- nothing to do with drinks!) leaving me a bit red and blotchy (kind of think it defeats the purpose but in the long run it doesn't) but that'll settle before I head out to dinner tonight and then to catch some fringe theatre in Camden later.
Doing an interview this afternoon on BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey radio about meddling mothers - on the lovely Alison Fern’s afternoon show. This is going to be a real problem over Christmas as grown-up children arrive home to spend some time - and the mums (and some of the dads) start treating them as if they’re still in short trousers. Some parents never learn - got to admit I have to watch that myself!
If you're looking for little gifts I found the sweetest little boxes of ‘friendship’ and ‘happiness’ teas (organically grown and with really interesting blends) in the crowded monstrosity of the John Lewis gift area. I also found fabulous jewelled (fake jewels!) wine stoppers and paperweights at Present Solutions on St John's Hill. I love it when pals give me tiny little gifts like that. Hope they love receiving them!
Lots of love, Pam x