Coffee Break

According to a recent documentary (on a major news channel), Leicester’s fashion industry is all but dead. Among the many reasons, one of them (the part that really caught my attention) was that the city’s clothing factories had become synonymous with labour-exploitation. After watching the documentary, I did my own Google research and found more of the same reports. One former employee revealed having to work for £3 per hour (‘labour-exploitation’ would be a serious understatement). Apparently, this was one of the main reasons why the big fashion brands had chosen to source their stock elsewhere. The documentary portrayed the closure of the city’s clothing factories as a sad state of affairs. However, in my humble opinion, if the end of these factories means the end of labour-exploitation, then it is to be celebrated (assuming the workers aren’t simply exploited elsewhere). Such malpractice is usually symbolic of deeper cultural issues. Too deep to delve into in this blog post, but pe...

I hear that NHS doctors are threatening to strike again, over pay. I have a couple of points to make here. First, it is my understanding that doctors and medical professionals take a Hippocratic Oath when entering the profession. Well, taking strike action would go against that Oath, would it not?. Or do these doctors not take the Oath seriously? Focusing on pay; one of the arguments in support of the strike is that doctors could easily leave the NHS in pursuit of similar jobs in other countries (such as Australia) where the pay is significantly better (supposedly). This leads me to my next point… Perhaps our system needs to be amended, so that the NHS is not fully funded by public funds, but partially funded by individuals. This could soften the burden on taxpayers, and increase doctors’ pay. Ergo, a win-win for all. 

Today, for the first time in a while, I had pasta and veg for dinner. But now that the weather’s turned again (today felt like autumn; cold and ever so windy), I think in the coming days I’ll be in the mood for pies and pastry dishes. AKA good old-fashioned home baking. I might decide on a few recipes, then rotate them throughout the week. No doubt I will have settled on some favourites, then the weather will turn again for summer, and just like that, my mood will switch to more summery dishes. 

I saw an advert for a ‘staycation’ at a plush hotel, complete with spa facilities. It was impressive, and rather enticing too. However, one thing got me worked up; to stay there would NOT be a staycation. I don’t know who was responsible for that advert, but they ought to look-up the definition of ‘staycation’. It is the merging of the two words, ‘stay’ and ‘vacation’ (though being British, I say ‘holiday’), and used to describe any trip away from home that does not require a packed suitcase or overnight stay. Meaning, you stay close enough to be able to return home before nightfall, and it’s still a vacation (holiday). Perhaps the advertisers are new to the phrase, and all they need is for someone to kindly explain the definition to them.

As I headed off to my local college (for the second part of a 4-part workshop), I had no idea that it was half-term and that there’d be none of the usual students. Once in the building, it seemed a little strange. No students, and very few staff about. However, it was easier to get around, as there weren't the usual crowds. And the workshop was fine, like the last one. And just like the last one, I had a revelation during the class, about my professional progress. In other news, I have a new driving instructor, my first lesson with him today. I will need to reschedule next month’s test, as I simply won’t be test ready. At this moment, the idea of being able to just get in my car and drive away freely, feels like a DREAM.

Finding an automatic driving instructor (on short notice) is no easy task. In fact, I’d go as far as to call it ‘mentally exhausting’. All the good, viable ones seem to be booked for the immediate future (upcoming 2-4 weeks). Thankfully, in the end, luck saved the day and one instructor responded positively. It looks like I may be taking refresher lessons after all. Meaning, I can prepare for my driving test next month. Other than that, it’s been a quiet Bank Holiday Monday. Tomorrow, I return to the second session of a 4-part workshop at my local college. It was a bit of a slow start last time (partly due to tech issues) so I'm hoping for more productivity this time.

More baking. This time, it was blueberry muffins. After the last episode I remembered to fill the muffin cases to the brim, and they rose high so beautifully. This is great, as last time (when I did apple and cinnamon muffins), they did not rise much. Delicious. Next time, though, I will use more blueberries. Already planning my next baking session. Hmm, banana or coconut, or maybe chocolate? 

My local library has a cafe in the corner of their ground floor. Today, I decided to check it out. The coffee was fine, but there wasn’t much in the name of cakes or pastries. I think that may have been down to the time of day (mid-afternoon). I think I was too late, and their cakes and pastries had already sold out. If I was in-charge, I’d ensure customers had a choice of homemade cakes and muffins to choose from. Still, it wasn’t too bad. They had some on offer, just a limited choice. It was good to browse their book selection afterwards.  

There are two finance organisations in Rottingdean. I know nothing about them but from a quick Google search, they both seem quite respectable. However, only one is easily accessible by public transport (I am still in the process of obtaining a driver's licence). The other requires two buses and takes far longer to reach from Central Brighton. Rottingdean is a beautiful village town, especially on a sunny day. The narrow roads and pavements are part of its charm. Plus, with my long-term plans, it would certainly help to know about ‘tax planning’ and ‘general financial advice’. If I do end up working there, I hope to take lunchtime walks along the historic streets, and also try the local coffee houses. 

Today, I made apple and cinnamon muffins. Feels like so long since I did any baking. Yes, I know I made peanut-butter biscuits less than 2-weeks ago (for my sister), but I’m talking about cakes. Certainly, it’s been years since I baked muffins. Today’s attempt was good. The muffins came out fine; looked nice and tasted delicious. The only thing I would look to improve is the size. They were smaller than expected. I thought they’d rise high but clearly I should’ve just filled the paper cases to the brim. Next time, next time. My lodger tried a couple when she arrived home from work, and her verdict was positive - she loved them. My next attempt will be something new, something I’ve not tried before. Excited.

Fruit cakes; I’ve tried apple, strawberry (least favourite), raspberry, and carrot (I know, it’s a vegetable)… Now I’m keen to try others (and by ‘try’ I mean ‘bake’). Perhaps my next one could be blueberry? And why stop there? I also want to try ginger, lemon, and maybe coconut? It should go without saying that I will also do chocolate. So many different types I want to try. And I want to make muffins, aka mini cakes. Then, savoury muffins, like, with carrot, cabbage, and fried onions. I will also think of other veg medleys. Where to begin? First, I will use up the apples already in my fruit bowl, then take it from there. 

When speaking from a position of expertise, say, as a college lecturer or speaker at an event, probably the worst thing you can do is speak with uncertainty in your voice during the intro, and then to joke about your financial position ( I’m not a millionaire, wink) and talk about ‘personal’ achievements. The first will only deplete any confidence your audience may have had in you, and the second will make you appear insecure. And insecure can easily translate to incompetent. Your audience may still leave with more knowledge and information than when they first walked into the room, but won’t necessarily link that knowledge to your talk. The upside to all this for the listeners, is that they walk away knowing how not to speak, should they ever find themselves in a position of speaking to an audience. I understand, such speakers most likely do not realise the effect they have on their listeners, and if they were ever confronted on their speaking, they would argue that they bring their...

Does anyone else struggle to spring out of bed in the morning? I think the last time I intentionally got up early [when I didn’t have to] was during lockdown. I’d get up at 5.30am and take my time in the shower, journal freely, and do my chores - all before 9am. Sadly, when we came out of lockdown, that early morning routine just disappeared. However, now that we’re in British Summer Time and the mornings are getting lighter, it’s the perfect time to recapture that routine. OK, maybe not 5.30am but certainly earlier than usual. My favourite thing about early mornings is that it feels like the entire world is still asleep, no one is making any demands on my time - yet. It feels like a sacred time. And I am fully aware that, come autumn, when the clocks go back and the mornings are cold and dark again, it will be challenging to maintain this routine, but I will cross that bridge when I get there. Right now, I want early mornings for the (perceived) longer days. 

Today, I read about someone visiting Africa. In the middle of the night, he and his friends went into the jungle where two lions were darted. Once they arrived, they were sitting by the sleeping lions, and he put his hand on the lioness. Then, at one point, the lioness woke-up, and his friends all rushed to their truck. He remained sitting in the same spot, did not feel scared. The lioness did not harm him (she was eventually sedated again). Later, back at the camp, he was the only one to sleep by the fire while his friends were all in their tents. Thinking about this scene really got me reflecting on my own life, here on the south coast of England. For a moment, it felt ordinary and monotonous. Now, I have no desire to be that close to a wild animal (one that is known for devouring human flesh), but the experience sounds so thrilling, so exhilarating. However, upon further contemplation, I realised that being near an African jungle only seems thrilling because it is not my day-to-day ...

What would make me buy a coffee? Certainly not when I am out shopping on the high street. That is the time when I am lumbered with bags of shopping and all I really want to do is go home, put down my bags, and just chill in my living room or kitchen. It is the time when I am least inclined to buy a coffee. Possibly, I might want to buy a coffee just before I start shopping, before I enter the busiest part of town. Most certainly though, I feel inclined to buy a coffee when I am waiting for something [and I know it will be a long wait], like, at a train station waiting for the next train. Or on a walk, passing by a nice neighbourhood. Those are the times I like to sit down and reflect, and so a cup of good, hot coffee would be most enticing. I even wouldn’t mind (or wouldn’t notice) a small mark-up in price, as it’s not just coffee I’d be consuming, but a moment of peace and clarity, all to myself.

I watch videos on my computer or phone, as I like to keep up with current affairs, learn about new skills, or just plain entertainment. However, I am also conscious of disturbing the lodger or the daughter (when she visits). So, to remedy this, I finally purchased a set of headphones from The Big A. My first impression was, WOW! I mean, they look nice, with a shiny, smooth, and adjustable headband, and cushioned earpieces. I immediately put them to the test, attached them to my laptop and played a video clip. Yes, a clear, crisp sound. Comfortable and functional. They might feel a little cumbersome to someone not used to wearing headphones, but to me, they are quite a novelty. I might even use them even when I’m alone in the flat. So far, they are my second favourite purchase of 2025 (after my car).   

I have made the decision to no longer drag friends into my car, just so I can get some driving practice. Starting tomorrow, I will take only professional driving lessons until I pass my test. Besides, friends, for all their honest intentions, cannot always be objective. And even if they are, their instructions and feedback will not sound the same as it would coming from a professional instructor. My reasoning all this time had been that, I want to practice driving my own car, as that’s the car I’ll be driving after I pass my test. However, in the 4-months since I bought my car, I’d say I’ve had plenty of driving practice in it. My usual instructor (who provided driving lessons for two months until I bought my car) is professional and gives good feedback. Downside: I am more conscious of my driving when I have a professional instructor on the passenger seat. Driving with friends is a far more relaxed affair. However, this is a small price to pay, to drastically increase my chances of p...

Harry mentions in his memoir, Spare, that on both skiing trips with his [now former] girlfriend, there was a personal revelation. It made me think; what could have led to such outcomes on both trips? Could it be the absence of a familiar environment, which might embolden an otherwise calm, conformist personality? That would make sense to me. And if one is a public figure (like Harry), the need to conform to social expectations is even greater. So, a sudden change in environment could certainly encourage hidden personality traits to surface. That’s my theory, anyway. Aside from this, I spent a total of 1-hour–45-mins in the sunshine, reading. Absolutely loved it, every minute. Hoping for more of this weather in the days/weeks to come (with occasional rain, of course).  

I had the car checked out. All fine, safe to drive as the fluid leak was just the washer fluid (I will have the scratches and bumper fixed at some point soon). So, today, while my daughter flew off to somewhere sunnier than Brighton (Spain), I visited two local village towns, Woodingdean and Rottingdean, to soak up the sun and have a day of relaxation. Most problems seem to disappear in hot, sunny weather like today’s. That being said, I would not mind if we had some rain (like we did yesterday). However much I love this beautiful weather, I also want our trees and flowers to be happy and healthy. Ergo, occasional rain.  

Went to see little sister over the weekend. The peanut-butter biscuits were well received. Even my 7-year-old nephew loved them (almost as much as he loved the new water pistol I’d just bought him). The 2-month-old nephew is still sleeping a lot, waking only for feeds. My adult daughter was delighted to meet her ‘newborn’ cousin for the first time. Lots of photos were taken of her holding him (he fell asleep in her arms), and I got to catch-up with my sister. Turned into a full day, as the 7-year-old came home with us at lunchtime. Lots of play, dinner, and more play. My daughter was doing most of the entertaining, taking him outside (that water pistol can shoot really far), doing quizzes and learning activities. This time, he learnt the 12 months of the year. She eventually took him home at 7.45pm. That was two days ago. She has now returned to her home territory, 3.5 hours away. Not so long ago, that was me , spending the weekends playing with her . How time flies… Clichéd, I know, b...

I never used to notice the crowds or the noise, but these days, I seem to notice them all the time. Has the city changed, or have I? There have always been annual fringe festivals, marches, and various parades. Yet, I either did not notice, or did not care. These days, it can feel overwhelming. I even time my supermarket visits for quieter times. I first noticed this change in myself when my daughter went off to university. And my appreciation for serenity continued even after she moved back in. Interestingly, this also coincided with a more selective stance on TV/entertainment consumption, and earlier nights. However, to be perfectly honest, I am not a million miles away from my former self, just a more refined version.

When I said to my little sister that I was coming to visit this weekend, she asked if I could make and bring my signature peanut-butter biscuits, as I used to make them years ago and she misses them. Okie doke, I said. Glad to have an excuse to bake. Only issue is, I haven’t made them in over 10-years so I’d need to do a practice run. I went to my local ALDI, bought the necessary ingredients, and today, I did the magic. I made rich peanut-butter biscuits. I sampled one to begin with; hmm, nice, I can taste the butter. When my lodger (whom I will call Housemate), got home from work, I asked her to sample them too. She was amazed, loved them. So, I guess I will bake from this same recipe when I bake for my little sister this weekend. As she’s recently given birth to her second child, and still manages a family of four, it will be nice to treat her with something she loves. 

Waiting for my friend, I was almost embarrassed at the state of my car exterior. Bird-droppings on the windscreen, cobwebs on the side-mirror, and a general ‘dirty’ look all over (still don’t know how that dirt accumulates). So, when my friend eventually arrived, our first stop was the car wash. She knew just the right one, in Hove. We dropped-off the car, went for coffee, and returned after 1-hour. My goodness, to say they did a good job would be an understatement. Glossy exterior, windows so clean it’s like there’s no glass, and a vacuumed interior. They even gave the dashboard a good wipe-down. I was so happy and excited to have such a clean car. However, I think the Universe wanted to balance my emotions because shortly after, as I was trying to park in North Laine, I managed to bump into a low wall. Serious scratch by the lower light on the front. My friend and I tried to work out the severity, and we decided that though it looked safe, I should (will) get it checked out by profes...

I bought a bunch of bananas last week, intending to have one everyday. For me, it is the easiest and simplest fruit to consume. No prep or utensils required. Just peel the skin, and bite into it. When finished, just put the skin in the rubbish bin. Great on the go or in the office. The same cannot be said for apples. First, you either need to chop them with a knife, which means prep, utensils etc. Or eat them whole, which means having to wash fingers afterwards. Besides, chopped apples need to be consumed straight away or they go brown. Definitely not ideal on the go or in the office. Back to the bananas in my kitchen. Yes, they are convenient, but they also need to be consumed within a few days of purchase, or the skin turns dark very quickly (it baffles me how we never see brown-skin bananas in the supermarket). Tip: do not buy too many bananas in one go. 

The major news outlets have reacted similarly to Harry’s BBC interview, (in response to the Court of Appeal ruling). Certainly, not the best move to discuss family relations on a TV interview. And the most likely reason why no one in the family will speak to Harry is probably because no one wants their conversation to appear on a TV show or book. Still, I feel the tabloids and the media treat Harry and his family unfairly (with prejudice). I am reading Harry's 2023 book, Spare, and won't form any solid opinions before I finish it. However, what I will say is, Harry is a husband and father, and as far as appearances go, he is trying to do right by his family. To me, that will always be admirable regardless of anything else.

Today, I decided to take my daily walk early, at around 09:30. Strolling through North Laine, the first thing I noticed was a very long queue. I realised they were all waiting in-line outside a coffee bar. The queue had become so long that people were waiting on the pavement. Hmm, I thought, must be really good coffee they serve there. As I continued walking, I noticed groups, intermittently gathered on the road, building kites in various shapes, including one shaped like a dragon. Then I saw a second café with a queue so long it seeped outside, onto the pavement. Then it hit me; it's May, Brighton Fringe, this must be for a parade (I learnt later that it was, indeed, for a parade). And art activities require lots of caffeine, do they not? Living in Brighton effectively all my life, I should be used to this creativity around me, but I am still surprised, still impressed, at the energy and enthusiasm everytime May rolls around and it’s Brighton Fringe. 

Though there was no local election in Brighton, it was still interesting to hear the results. No big surprise that both Labour and Conservatives suffered big losses and lost seats to Reform UK. I think most of Britain is surprised at these results, the scale of change. And news outlets are saying this could mean the end of the two-party system that Britain's had for the past 80-years. I'd be curious to know if local residents notice any major day-to-day changes. If I could pick three local changes, they would be rough-sleepers, bin collection, and potholes.

A new month already. Feels like only yesterday we were seeing-in the new year, and yet already we are in the fifth month of the year. Does anyone ever get used to the fast pace of time? Currently, I am waiting to hear back from recruiters, but also enjoying the beautiful sunny weather. I like to go for a walk at lunch time. It is the hottest part of the day, so I assume that is the time for maximum vitamin D. Today, I decided to stop somewhere and have a drink. Decided on a seafront venue, where the mezzanine floor gives a beautiful view of the sea. Picked a table by the window and watched the world go by.