On not exactly shopping

I went away for the weekend with a couple of friends. On the way to the beach we stopped at a supermarket. Friend 1 immediately disappeared, presumeably to search for essentials. Friend 2 peers at the trolley, looks at me: ‘So what else do we need?’ Me: ‘no idea, I’m just pushing the trolley..’ 🤷‍♀️ […]

On living a disappointingly boring life

Among the things I don’t actually know to be scientifically proven but assume to be true based on observation, risk-addiction doesn’t appear to be genetic. Some people do a lot of crazy, scary, dangerous, adventurous, amazing, story-worthy things with their lives. Some don’t. I, unfortunately, am firmly ensconced within the second group, where I am […]

On homemade crumpets and future memories

“Thank you” he said, wrapping the second tissue around the small stack of slightly soggy crumpets. “That’s really sweet of you.” He looked at me, “this is the sort of thing I’ll still remember in 10 years..” He paused and looked briefly at his feet before looking up again, “..I wonder what I’ll be remembered […]

On unempathetic headfighting

I have a handful of friends I very (very, very) rarely see in person. We live too far apart and our lives don’t collide on any kind of regular basis. Instead, we write (and now that corona’s struck, we have more time for more in-depth writing). Technology is a wonderful thing. Except. Except, regardless of […]

On love and phone theft

I phoned a friend yesterday. Half an hour or so into the conversation her partner came into the room.. Friend’s Partner: is that Jess? Friend: yes.. Friend’s Partner: I want to talk to her, give me the phone *takes phone* Friend: (in background) ..but.. Friend’s Partner: shh! Go away, I’m on the phone! Friend: ..but.. […]

On balance

It seems that it’s impossible to add purely Good Things to a life. Great news? Bam! Bad news. Good mood? Bam! Some reason to hide. Have lots to do inside at the weekend? Bam! Have a couple of fabulously warm sunny days so you either feel guilty about missing them by being inside or about […]

On unexpected guests

Friday A friend from a place I used to work is coming over for the weekend. She had some kind of conference during the week and added a few days holiday since she was here. We’d planned to meet in the city and do touristy things and were working out the details. And then she […]

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On beneficial baths

Mostly written last night. This morning it was warm and sunny and I cycled to work in a T-shirt and skirt. Yesterday and most of last week that was no problem. Today however… When I looked out of the window at 5 this evening it was raining. The weather forecast I should ideally have looked […]