Pre-Bank Holiday Friday (Part 1)

It was very hard to get up this morning. I used to wake up in anticipation of the alarm going off but this past week it's not the case (must be the darker mornings). Today I wanted to leave the house early so that I could nip into Sainsburys on the way to work and get a few bits and pieces, mainly some bar-b-que items (as supposedly the sun is going to shine this weekend) and also an anniversary present for my best pal and her hubbie. This year as they are for once going away on their own together, without their daughters, I have decided to make up a little romantic survival pack. So far I've bought a scented candle, a book each, a romantic film and some chocolate. I'll probably chuck in a half bottle of bubbly and some bubble bath or something to finish it off. I wasn't sure if supermarkets were yet able to sell alcohol before 8.00am so I didn't get any booze for our bar-b-que but Peter is going to get that after work and my favourite of the moment - perry cider called 'Koppaberg' which is delicious.

This morning was about the deadest of the year at work due to it being peak holiday time and being near a bank holiday so I had chance to chat to a temp who is working here at the moment. What a life she has had - she was born in Zimbabwe and lived there up until about 4 years ago when her and her husband and close family had to flee due to the danger they were in living under Robert Mugabe's regime. She told me some real horror stories they experienced as her brother in law was a judge (who's upholding of the law was not recognised by the Government.). She told me of guards having to be on the gates at home, numerous check points encountered simply going to work, people mysteriously disappearing, people just suddenly being told they no longer owned their houses, having to smuggle family out in the boots of cars. She said you just got used to it and accepted it as part of daily life but once the family got back to the UK her sister had a break-down due to years 'of fight or flight' response her body and mind had had to deal with. I know we all moan about this country but compared to somewhere like that we have good lives I think. I was facinated and appalled by her story - she should write a book on her experiences I think - such an eye opener.