Life

It's been a long while since I've written to update. A lot has happened: mostly, normal "life" things such as finally finishing my final exams, passing my driving test on the third attempt (I was beyond desperation at this point), going on holiday and starting work. I'm currently working at a business communications consultancy where I deal with corporate PR. Very exciting but need to get accustomed to this rigid lifestyle of waking up ridiculously early and trying to remain perky throughout the day without my beloved cat naps. I have also discovered a new love for Loreal's much talked about BB (Blemish Balm) cream which is helping me to maintain this facade of being alive and semi-presentable.

I'm really not trying to seem like a typical "girl" here (given my aversion to any form of stereotype) but part of the fun of work is finding work outfits that you can look smart in and feel comfortable. I have yet to try a whole work day in heels although I'm constantly in awe of the career women who stomp about unrelentlessly in the latest Louboutins. I think I have to ease myself in slowly and start with the kitten heel with extra padding in the sole, otherwise I'll most likely be walking like I have some sort of leg injury which is not really the image I'd like to portray.

Anyway, last week I went to Berlin for a short pre-birthday trip and I was struck by how steeped in history the place is. Of course, we had to go to the Holocaust Memorial which was simply beautiful. Much debate has occurred regarding the design - some liken the different sized concrete blocks to coffins of dead soldiers but I interpreted it less literally. The slabs of grey, drab and concrete, seemed to evoke feelings of oppression and as you walk through, there is a sensation of things caving in and a slight claustrophobia takes hold. Inside the memorial, there were plenty of insights into victims of the holocaust and the focus was on them as individuals which I found fascinating, as so often, you just learn of impersonal facts. When you learn about victims in terms of their lives, their ambitions and emotions, everything becomes darker and even more disturbing. It still shocks me to learn how humanity can twist itself and adjust to such blatantly evil and immoral actions.