Don't mention the birthday

It's over and I'm glad for it. My birthday, that is. About a decade ago, I stopped 'celebrating' it and informed everyone that I don't want presents. Not for any particular reason, I just didn't feel like it anymore. Everyone listened. Well, almost everyone. My friend Piddi, though, had to bring me a present -- she always does, no matter how much I complain. Luckily, she knows me rather well, and therefore makes me smile when I unwrap the surprise. This year, I shocked her a little when I saw what she did for me, because I couldn't hold back the tears.

For about three years we were talking about Chinese signs, something I wanted to have to remind me every day, and since Piddi loves etching, it was worth a shot. A little too complicated as she now told me, but that didn't keep her from trying. She knew what I wanted to express and did a wonderful picture with beautiful calligraphy. Each sign has an individual meaning as well as one together and she wrote the explanation on the back. I was totally overwhelmed as knew it was something she put a lot of thought, time, love and effort into, she had learned Chinese many years ago and wanted it to be perfect. I guess I cannot tell you how much this picture means to me. When my tears started to roll and I gasped for air, she had a vague idea. It'll have a special place where I'll always see it and some day -- when bravery takes me on the hand -- I'll have it tattooed.

But don't you think it ended there. She had the 'order' to bring liquorice and plenty of it. I love that stuff and it's difficult to get some decent ones here. Oh and a chocolate bar I have failed to get in the UK, too. Add the delicious spicy truffles (her idea), job done.
However, she got a present, too. A while ago, I saw a shirt I thought would look great on Piddi, so I bought it for her as a surprise. It fit perfectly and she loved it. Plus a huge packet of Lady grey, as she can't get it in Germany. Those presents, I find, are the best: something you stumble upon and will make a dear one smile. Nothing better than packing a parcel with goodies, having a big grin on your face, knowing that it'll cause shrieks of excitement on the other end. Love it!

We had a great time despite the rain; we made the best of the situation. I love having her here, it's always a good reason to do things I normally don't do, like sitting in the sun after a beer, wine or gin tonic filled night and stuff your face with a good ol' English breakfast. Delicious. We also met up with my good friends John and Bobby as Piddi and John didn't know each other yet. As expected, they got on really well. We laughed so hard that evening, the next day our voices were gone. Not that it mattered, as we went to the theatre to see a great play which caused a lot of giggles in the back row (where we sat). Between the rain and some sunshine we went to the roof, to the Tate and even did a little cycling tour today.

Ah and something else: somehow we decided I have to do a gig as a stand-up comedian and even worked out the opening 'gag', which had us laughing for minutes. So beware, there might be a good possibility for my pestering you on stage, too.

Weekend miscellaneous

I've been all excited for the past few days. Yes, excited! My friend is coming to visit and will stay for a few days. The reason ain't that much fun, though. I'm getting a year older. Now for those who know me, are aware that I hate it, basically now leaning more towards death than life. Unless I actually follow my grand grand mother who died at the age of 89. If I'm still alive at eighty, I'll start smoking again, cigars, inhaling and that. Nothing more elegant like a lady with a cigar, eh? I like one occasionally, with a good whiskey on the side and an even better conversation.

An e-mail exchange with my friend Tom, which I thought was hilarious.

I      :  She always comes for my (don't mention it) birthday.
Tom:  Happy birthday. I won't ask what number it is.
I      :  It's my xxx birthday. Fucking old, man.
Tom:  Tell me about it. I missed the comma in your second sentence at first and thought "Fuck you!"

(Goes to show why this comma was invented and why I'm so keen on it.)

However, my friend's coming to visit and I've been cleaning the flat. If you ever feel that need to clean, but can't be arsed, just invite someone, that'll do nicely. I'll cook something that can easily be warmed up and the ale's in the fridge.
<----I know it's old, but I couldn't help it. Too funny. Well, these two Germans plan a lot of culture, the odd museum (Damien Hurst in the Tate), I quite fancy the Science Museum (fucking geek, me), we will definitely go to the Arcola theatre, to the roof park and, yes, let's not forget the pub culture.

She hasn't seen the new flat yet and I'm anxious what she'll say. My old flat had Stella written all over it. Quirky, small (not that I'm small), unique and every one of my visitors felt at home immediately. I hope my new flat will have the same impact on her. I quite love it, so I guess she will, too. And she's seeing my big boy after one year. Can't wait to see her face as he's grown so much.

What else is on the agenda? Meeting up with my friends John and Bobby, most certainly English breakfast in a cafe, whatever we feel like, Camden's not far and always worth a visit. A kind woman from the neighbourhood is kindly lending us a spare bike so we can cycle everywhere. It's so much better than public transport and you can just stop for a pint whenever you feel like it.