No resolutions

Several days ago I thought it would be a nice thing to write down some New Year's resolutions, but in the end I decided against it. Part of it would feel more like self-presentation than a real plan, so why bother? I don't want to impress anyone here, I just want to distract my mind, train it to use a different language, and look at things from a different perspective. 

I spent ten days in my family home, and had a great time. A great time of doing nothing in particular, which is very important for my mental health, as I'm a slow pacer by nature.

Below are a few of the dozens of pictures I took while staying with my parents: a visit to my favourite local coffee shop, my Christmas wafer with pieces from my parents' wafers, dinner at a Chinese restaurant, Wojtuś the cat showing off his big belly, and a forest road I know so well.

Won't party too hard

A day off. The first four days at a new job went smoothly enough. My old-new manager's an interesting character to chat with. An atheist and anti-monarchist rolled into one, with an extensive knowledge of Irish history and no shortage of strong opinions. Not boring, that's for sure ;)

I finished reading the second volume of Jon Fesse Septology with novels III to V. It was a pleasure, and to people who don't like his stuff, I honestly can't explain why. More like a meditation than reading, that's how it feels to me.

Later in the day, I talked to my parents. They're getting ready for the Easter weekend, low-key preparations, but with a few classics, like painting eggs and making vegetable salad. I think, they're already happy just knowing we’ve plans together in May.

As for us, Fred's working four days straight from tomorrow, so I'll be mostly flying solo. On Saturday evening we're going into town for a bit pet-sitting adventure; we'll be staying at our friends' place for the next ten days.

Travelling and dehydration

Monday was the last day I spent with my Dad, the two of us sipping coffees at El Gato. I love the laid-back atmosphere there – the slow pace, the easy chatter of customers in the background, everyone happy, unhurried. The staff add to it all, focused, but cheerful and open.

Was a little surprised by how relaxed my parents were at the airport. There we were again, sitting around a table with teas and a coffee (for Dad), chatting about random things. It all felt quite easy-going, no sense of rush. And that's what I like.

So, it happened I started Tuesday on a plane. After the journey that ended around two a.m., I managed about three hours of sleep before heading off to work the morning shift. I thought I was doing grand, all things considered, but by the early evening I felt washed out and unwell. It was a strange feeling; looking back, I think I simply forgot to drink enough water (especially, that I was walking a lot, mostly drawn out by the sunshine), and I paid the price for that little lapse in judgement.