Sam and Harriet got married. And in the process possibly managed to ruin all future weddings I may attend in terms of location, romance and beautiful settings. Seriously. The long weekend in the Bordeaux region was fantastic, and it was wonderful to be part of such a gorgeous wedding. And who said that weddings are stressful on the day? We had time to go to the pub pre-ceremony we were ready so early. Little Spy looked absolutely stunning and Sam - oh so smart. Class.
Then I started working at Toni & Guy. Yes, the hair salon. Yes, moi, working at a hair salon. Yes, I now have to cut my hair, and god forbid, have even coloured it. Even more than just coloured, I've got 'Ginga' bits by choice now. And an Afro when done properly. Toni & Guy has definitely improved as a place to work in, 5 months on, but oh god the dramas. It is so gay in every way. As camp as a row of tents. Drama Queen in all of the struts and waving of hands. So emotional in every tear that is threatened. Hugs. Pulling up my my skirt. Grabbing of my boobs. Dirty, ranchy dancing behind my in front of clients. And finally the grabbing, or stroking, of my arse. One could presume I don't quite fit into this companies 'culture'. Not to mention the compulsory make up everyday, hair down everyday, but I do let the nail polish slide. Then there is the cocaine on the toilet rubbish bin everyday to be cleaned. Oh, Toni & Guy. What a place to be.
On a side note, I will now pledge to spend money on having my hair cut by someone professional. I may get a haircut worth 90euros for free right now. But, damn, he is awesome.
Chanel got married! My ginga sister got married. And I made the cut to be Bridesmaid. Go figure. Was the only bridesmaid who wasn't asked to do a speech but I did write one for her and left it for her. Her wedding was on the North Shore of Auckland, and a perfect spot for photos. Chanel, looked. Amazing. Truely. And again - where was the stress? Apart from Maggie, oh mother, trying to 'whisper' Kiri, look at her make up. What do you think? with only a tone that mother can do. And then appeared the Death Stare of Chanel. My parents handed me one rule for the day. Don't get excited. Don't act excited. It will make Chanel stress. For the record, Chanel was one stress-free, low key, organised and on-to-it bride. Big Ups Nel.
A special big ups to her for her speech. It was well written, well spoken and made me see just a little bit more of that Chanel that annoying-little-sister-me doesn't see very often.
So her wedding was the 18th of December 2010. Which meant I also got to stay home for Christmas. YAY! Christmas Day outside, in the sunshine, in my bikini, sunburnt, drinking, worried about how to keep the beer cool, petanque and annoying flies around the food as we ATE OUTSIDE IN THE SUNSHINE. It was my first Christmas at home in a couple of years, and it was brilliant. It is definitely one of the most difficult times to be away from home. So definitely one of the best times to be home.
Since returning to Brussels, the weather has got warmer and sunnier with hints of spring and cherry blossoms. Denis has turned into even more of a usual Handicap with an operation on his knee, resulting in 6 weeks with crutches. Painful when doing grocery shopping when he declares 'I want beer. I feel like buying beer'. Painful as we live on the second floor and he can't carry anything.
But as the possibility of leaving Brussels looms, I begin to see that I really did start to settle here. I did start to find my place. And it has made an impression on me.
There are people I will miss. And looking forward to seeing when I return.
There are cafes, restos and bars that will be tempting as hell when we visit again.
There are too many beers that I like. And too many beers I haven't yet tried.
And until then, with Claudia and Howie visiting this weekend, then Harriet and Sam, I got people for them to meet. And pubs to take them too. And beer to indulge in. Flag the chocolate.
Right, got to go pick the cripple up.
Et voila mon petit pukeko. Cette blog post et pour toi. Bonne sainte valentine est merci pour tout. Tu est genial. Tu est superb. Merci de me pousser toujours pour ecrire sur mon blog.
