Preparing for a Siege

The news in the UK is full of credit crunches and house price collapses. If I were a nervous type of person, I would be scared but to be frank, I've gone past the point of paying attention to the scare-mongering newspapers.

Let focus on something much more important. For example, my weight. Aaaarrrgggghhhhhh!

I saw some photos of myself lately and boy, I had better get myself down to the gym. I'm eating like a marathon runner but living like a bear in hibernation. If the Japanese ever invade London (as my grandmother used to say), I'll be OK because of all my fat reserves : I don't think that will be happening soon, do you?

Is it just my family, or Chinese people, or people in SE Asia or wherever; we have this "siege mentality" that we have to stock up with lots of food and water, the fridge, freezer and cupboards should be bursting with food, because hey you never know whats going to happen and you'll be thankful that you have those 100 packets of instant noodles.

I don't know what this has to do with my expanding waistline but there must a connection somewhere. Yes, I know; eat less, do more. *sigh*

7 random things

I've been tagged. OK, here are 7 random facts in a hurry before I have to go to work. Yep, working on a Sunday....sigh.

1. I enjoy what I do for a living. I find it challenging and (dare I say it)...satisfying.

2. I'm scared of worms. To the point that I hate picnics (won't sit on grass) or walking on grass (even with shoes on) in case those bastards come out. I think my fear stems from rainy days in primary school when they used to come out in the drains....*shudder*

3. I'm not an easy person to get to know. I'm a very private person. Mr K-E says I'm "stand-offish". It doesn't mean thatI'm unfriendly.....just...guarded.

4. I can burn up that dance floor. Men (and women) watch in awe.

5. I hate any kind of stupid "styled" facial hair. Especially the "tufts" - little triangles that people (mainly New Zealanders, it seems) cultivate under their bottom lips. Goatees are for goats.

6. I have dry skin.

7. I find bookshops really relaxing.

What happened to elegant minimalism?

Mr K-E and I received a wedding invitation today. I was tempted to take a picture of it, but it wouldn't really be fair to the bride and groom (for reasons that will soon become clear).

First of all, the card just screams "homemade" to me. Even Mr K-E, who doesn't really pay much attention to these things, said Did they make this themselves or what?

I mean, it's okay if you want to add a personal touch/think you can do better than card manufacturers etc - but please....don't take it too far.

The card we received today had

• little plastic hearts (I think scrapbookers call them embellishments)
• little plastic pearl things
• spray painted gold edges
• a stuck-on gold "photo frame" made of stiff textured card
• paper roses, complete with green sepals
• red ribbon

and that's just the front of the card. Don't get me started on the inside, or we'll be here all weekend.

What happened to minimalism? What happened to simple elegance?

I know it's mean to criticise, but OMG, please...stop with the tackiness. Put that liquid gold pen down before I smack you.

And is it really necessary to have the heartfelt "essay" about how "we want to be with our friends and family on this special day etc etc....as we celebrate our life together..." Oh please. Spare us.