Moving on

I 've moved to http://singlegalinathens.blogspot.com/.

See you there!!!

The city without the sex

I am quite the stay in person this weekend. OK, today I was much more active, even went on a small excursion to a city nearby (when we arrived I realised I had already been there with my parents in February and there is really not much to see), but as soon as I got back I turned on my laptop and watched SATC The movie.

I think it cheered me up a bit. Got me thinking how fabulous I can make my life, I just have to decide it. Change the stuff I dont like. Loose more weight. Move in my own appartement. Change the "friends" I am not anymore happy with. Find a bf just by getting out there. Nothing is impossible if I set my mind on it.

In this context, I think I ll try match.com. How much worst can my love life become?Right now it is inexistant, so things can only get better. Except if I meet someone and get pregnant?catch a disease?he breaks my heart ofcourse. Then I will be wishing for the good old single days to come back.

Right. I ll go now to the webpage to make py profile.

No. Not ready yet. ot ready to admit there is something "off" about me and I cant find a bf in the real world, so I need to search on the internet. No way I am doing it.

Maybe if I am still alone by January 1, 2010, i ll try it. Oh my god, it seems so close...I think it is impossible that I ll meet and fall for anyone in 3 months. I have pretty much forgotten how those things happen. Yesterday I was thinking that I will end up alone for the rest of my life.

Gentle reminder: if I ever get a new man in my life, I should be very very careful not to cheat or do anything really bad. Also think twice before breaking up with him, unless there is something really wrong(eg cheating, alcoholic, drug addict and so on).

cry baby

Just watched the curious story of benjamin button and I cried like a baby..hadn't cried like that in a very long time I think. Crying with sobs is good, afterwards I feel lighter, even happier. Although I dont like to have reasons to cry like that, only acceptable causes are filsm or grey's anatomy, NOTHING else.

The countdown has begun, I have little over two weeks left in Geneva...To be perfectly honest, I just cant wait for those two weeks to pass. I am incredibly bored both at the office and after working hours, not much todo or many people left to do something with. Evelina and Carmen are great, but I miss so much Alex and Veronique and our morning coffes and silly jokes. We could really get each other and just couldnt stop laughing when we were together. Now things are different.

I dont want to get to know the new interns, introduce myslef, make small talk etc. What is the pont anyway? I am leaving in two weeks and there is no sufficient time to really get to know each other. And just having random fun with them, means nothing to me anymore, I am past the "erasmus" phase. I dont need to meet more new people from more countries of the world, I have already met too many.I d rather sit alone at a coffee shop or at a restaurant than have to go out with unknown people, pretending to like them already or be interestedin their story.

Somebody is in a good mood today.

However, I did have a pretty good start to the day. Went to the post office with Evelina and sent all my books etc, that I couldnt carry with me on the plane, to Athens, so a big source of anxiety is gone. And then, went to lovely"Le pain quotidien" for coffee and pain au chocolat, which is my favourite habit right now. For the past week I have been having one pain au chocolat every morning with my coffee. My ass is still the same size, I ll let you know inhowmany weeks its size will double incase I keep that up:P

Anyway, the pain au chocolat was just lovely, the capuccino impressive at sight(although didnt really like the taste) and the scenery...oh, well, it is pleinpalais, I always love it!

And then went back home and didnt leave my room for the rest of the day...which could explain my bad mood tonight:(

I llt ry to do better tomorrow and go out after brunch for a walk and to take some fotos of the city. I wonder where I could go...

Bridget Jones is back...sort of

Spent the entire morning yesterday reading the latest columns of Bridget Jones's Diary in 2005-2006!I had been waiting for that soooo long and I finally found them online a few weeks ago....Actually I found the whole archives, since the 1995 Independent column, complimented with notes, fotos, scripts from the two films. For die hard BJ fans, just click here!

I am a bit disappointed about the latest developments- I am not going to say what happens so as not to spoil it for the rest of you- but still it was so weel written and totally in the spirit of the first years, HF didn't loose her touch after almost a decade, so I had a huge smile on my face when I finished reading!Now I am just craving for more...more columns that is, not the third film, because the second one was a total miss so I dont even want to imagine what will happen with the next one...Was wondering though: does BJ stil write in her calendar or is she now doing it in a blog?It would certainly made much more sense in our internet era:P

For the rest, I continue with the whole packing/getting ready to leave process. Bought yesterday material to make packets(scotch tape and the paper with the bubbles) and went on throwing away more stuff, paper, magazines etc. I have been getting much better in not keeping useless things just before I am emotionally attached to them: I figured out that being attached to things is completely stupid and pointless so I just throw or give away stuff, I really dont care.

At night we went out with E. and C. to eat at an eritrean restauran at Paquis: tasty food and sooo cheap. There was no variety, you can only choose between beef, chicken and vegetarian dish, no salads, appetizers etc, so it is great for indecisive people. Well, the beef was great, the red wine too and eating with our hands a lot of fun!

For anyone interested, it is almost in the corner of rue du mole and rue de lausanne, in Geneva. And it was crazy busy, we arrived around 19.45 and everything was reserved so had to wait 10 minutes for a table; by the time we left it was completely full!

Then went for desert at the movenpick ice cream shop in the middle of the rue du mont blanc. Ofcourse there was sooo much people, everyone was by thelake for the fireworks. Which were just amazing!They lasted for about an hour and they were accompanied by music...just awesome!And in the end they sent out golden fireworks, lots of them, and the sky was gold...wow!Never seen anything like that, it was totally worth it squeezing in with the thousands of people:)

Today is a slow day, woke up quite late, had breakfast, took a shower and proceeded with throwing away some more stuff and then some internet browsing, mainly throug blogs dedicated to house decoration, DIY etc. I wish I could be so creative...but I guess this is something you either have it or not. You vant really "cultivate" it. I think I am creative, but up to a point, not as much as I would like to. However, I am determined to grow a serious hobby this year: i will try to develop one of those that I already practice from time to time: jewlery making or painting. Let's see how that one goes.

I also watched "The ugly truth" and made me thinking. Not serious thoughts though. More like"what do I have to do to finally seriously attract someone and get a bf at last because I cant stand anymore the celibacy". Obviously I shouldnt take seriously the advice giventhroughthe film to Katherine Heigl, because in the end it is obvious that there ruels like that do nt exist for relationships, but still...I think I have to improve a bit more the "visual" part. OK, I have shed quite a few kg's during the last year and admittedly I look much better: thinner and more toned body(though there is still way to go), clearer skin, healthier hair (decided to give up on coloring, highlights that had made my hair very very dry and damaged and just keep my natural color, which everyone says is great), softer skin-it is crazy how much body milk I have used during the last few months...and I love the wholeprocedure in applying creams etc after having showered:)

So what is there more to do? Well...

1. loose some more weight: should really commit to that while I am still in GVA and going to aqua gym classes, because it helps so much and I dont know if in Athens I ll manage to fond this kind of classes...

2. better make up techniques when I go out: not 3 layers of foundation but at least put more accent to my eyes, whenever I do it (like 5 times per year) everyone notices and loves it!Yesterday I tried it and I got "hit on " n the street three times in a matter of few hours, wow!

3. clothing: I have gone a long way those past few months, having used less my jeans and all stars and more ballarinas, skirts, dresses and normal trousers...but there is always room for improvement. I think I should invest this year in a pair of tight jeans that show off my ass, maybe a pair of winter ballarinas and a couple of mre feminine tops. Oh , and definately winter dresses and maye another pair of boots. Bags I have already enough and anyway guys dont notice that. Maybe consider another coat, because the one i bought from nice things last year is already a bit worn out. I hate that: it is such a pretty coat, I paid expensive for it because it is hand made and exactly because it is handmade and so delicate in a matter of few months it was already worn out...grrrr:(

Not sure if those steps will bring any change to my non exisitng love life, but I have nothing to loose...To be honest I feel much more confident lately that something good will come pretty soon. I also believe that I have changed a lot and I am ready not to repeat mistakes of the past, ie cheating, emotional fuckwitts, comfort relationships etc. Finally, when I compare myself with other girls (which I know I shouldnt do because everyone is unique blah blah blah, but I just cant help it) I dont think I am missing anything. So what are you waiting for my "prince"?Where are you?

That said, there is a cut eguy in the office, M. from WGEID and this month, since G. is on holiday, I am working with him. Well, what I have to do mainly is quite boring but at least I will have an excuse to regularly talk to him and who knows. We already ahd a coffee on Mondy morning so that he would expalin me how to clear the backlog of Sri Lanka cases and it was so nice. He's quite young so we discussed about missing home, the internship, his master etc. And the other day I was walking to work and had my mp3 on so wasnt really paying attention to the rest of the world and he came up and talked to me and we walked together to work. He is very friendly,smiling etc and not formal at all, but I doubt there is nothing more to it, i bet he is like that pretty much with everyone. So doubt anything is going to happen in my 3 last weeks. Still it is nice to feel the need to dress up for work because I have a cute supervisor:)And having coffee with him Monday morning really made my day, even my week!

Back to Athens...soon

I just came back from my vacation on Greece two days ago...I didn't really want to come back to Geneva, I loved being chez moi, I had really missed my family and my friends, especially my family!However, it is only for one more month: I booked this afternoon my ticket and I am flying back-for good-on the 1st of September:)

While I was on holiday I also did some job research and it paid: I probably have a job as soon as I go back, I will be a lawyer in training at a law firm situated in Kolonaki, classy!I am still looking for something more HR related, but I dont mind working for a few months there, so as to start making some money finally...Problem with working with HR is that everyone is asking for volunteers, very few people are willing to pay you to work for them so my research regarding HR NGOs is not very encouraging so far:(

Next step, after I have a job, is getting an appartement of my own. Either renting a new appartement or moving in my deceased grandmothers' house. I think I would take option B if I could choose, because that would mean that I would have a huge appartement and no rent:)

I am not sad that I will leave Geneva, I think it is enough. I liked the experience of the city and loved th einternship, but that is it, I dont feel I could spend more time here...And anyway, all of my frineds are gone, only Carmen is still here.So I am feeling a bit lonely in the office and I dont feel like Geneva ha sa lot more to offer to me.

I am excited about moving back but in the same time stressed about HOW I am moving back. Too much stuff. It is out of the question that I will take all of my stuff on the airplane and my uncle can take back only so much bagage...So, the only solutions are the moving companies or the post office. I am starting my research tomorrow!

45 life lessons

I found that one on facebook...so inspiring, perfect thoughts to start your day on a Sunday morning!

1. Life isn't fair..... But it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your live to others.

You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.. But the second one is up to YOU and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time........ "Time."

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it NOW.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a "gift."

********

Thank God the week is over, it went by so fast but it was really exhausting...

The SR went very well and I discovered that I am able to take notes much fasterby typing them on my laptop than by writing it down:)

But oh my god, six hours of note taking by day, its exhausting!And then on Wednesday I had to do the WBN, not to mention that all day I was thinking of who is going to deal with the UA inbox. I know, its not my repsonsibility, i am supporsed to help out J when he has to much staff to do, but he is always "overwhelmed"with somehting else...Seriously now, he is very nice and I like him much more than my other team members, but I am started to think he is a bit slow...Every time it is his turn to do the UA inbox he asks for my help and I end up doing it all alone for the whole week...And I am too shy or stupid to tell him that it is not my job to do it all the time and that I am supoosed just to help him out from time to time, not the other way around.

But this week I had to be at the meeting so I had no time to do also the UA inbox and the other intern who was supposed to help out didnt do it finally(grrrrrr),so on Friday there were something like 200 +mails in the inbox and tomorrow there will be an additional 2000...And J said that "he will help me out". WTF???Like it is my responsibility and he will help me to catch up the paste...no,no, no!Fuck he is the assistant and I am the unpaid intern, but I think I care and work much more than him.

And my boss...oh my boss...I dont know if I hate her yet or I am getting increasingly frustrated with her behaviour. Ok, she is always polite and says please and thnak you, but I can tell that she is just being professional, she doesnt give a damn about me. Iam the intern in the entresol and she only taks to me when she has an assignment-usually a stupid one-to give me. Never cares to give substantial feedback, have a coffee with me, ask me how I am doing, she completely ignores me. Even this week, I was every day in front of her taking the god damn verbatim notes and she completely ignored me. I never get introduced to anyone, I fell like a stupid secretary who wouldnt be able to do much more that type notes and copy/paste stuff...

I should know that I am better than that, but I am not the most confident person in the world and this situation is not helping me. When see her rigid, dry face I just want to shout at her. But I cant obviously. The only thing I can do is to ask her for a coffee to give me feedback and then I ll ask her for the mail of the guy who came from Brookings Institution. But even if I do so, I am afraid that she will tell me I am too small and unimportant /not qualified to have a chance with geting a job with Brookings.

Sometimes I want to go home sooo much, cant wait for those 2 weeks to pass...

And on a more pleasant note: yesterday we went at Carmen'splace to have brunch and then I did my grocery shopping at a french carrefour, I had missed it so much...swiss SM suck , they are small, expensive and there is no variety at all:P

Highlight of this week: I got my digital camera back!!!!

Oh, and yesterday I caught up with my job applications!There are still quite a few organisations etc where I want to apply and I need to get some letters of reference, but every day I get new ideas about where I could work and who I should contact. Problem is I dont feel confident, I dont even like what I wroe for my internship report...now I wish I had delayed in giving it in, so I would have some time to take a better look at it. What is my mote going to be? And will anyone take me seriously as a professional?OMG, I feel like a child still...

s1ngle

I have no problem being single, but why does everyone else have to be in a couple?

The other day we were discussing with colleagues about othe rinterns in the office and we realised that about 85% of them are ina couple, actually very few of us are single.

I keep hearing that having a relationship today is difficult and everyone wants to fool around. Then why do I feel that everyone around me is happily in a couple? Friends that before never had a relationship, while I was going easily from one relationship to the other, are in a stable couple over the last years and I am...well... alone, although I dont like that word, I prefer to call myself single. Alone reminds me of a sad spinster with many cats but single makes me think of sex and the city, bridget jones and fabulous situations:)

I try to tell myself that if there is nothing coming then it is because I should be free the moment my prince will appear. I almost believe it in moments of euphopria or of extreme consumption of alcool. But in moments of solitudiness, like the last few evenings, I am not so sure. I am afraid that I will utterlz becoe completely miserable by the lack of bf, a person that no one would be able to stand.

But I will not!

Maybe I should focus on being single and fabulous and the rest will follow. Its the perfect moment to do so. I finished studying, have entered pretty much working life andcan finally fit again in my skinny jeans, that I havent worn for the last 6 years, ie since I was 19 years old.

I just miss positive thinking. But I am working on it.

No more sulking for being alone!

No more going back to ex's!

No more asking my friends to set me up!

No more complaining that I am feeling lonely!

More book reading!

More bike rides!

More blogging to get it all out of me!

Less hanging around people that make me feel uncomfortable!

More pampering myself!

More focusing on my dreams!

More travelling!

More focusing on stuff that I wouldn't be able to do if I had a bf. like aqua gym class!

And here are some fabulous fotos from last week's party for the interns of Palais Wilson: