Sundaze 227

What a week, eh?

On one hand, spring feels like it’s on its way with skies still blue and light at 5pm. On the other, I’m sitting here helpless in a warm home, safe, while Ukraine descends into destruction because of Russia’s senseless choices. Living through history is exhausting, but I can’t even begin to comprehend the effect this week is having on Ukrainians. Don’t forget that you can stay updated here, and write to your local MPs urging them to condemn the situation and take action themselves.

My last week of 30

I always feel particularly pensive before my birthday; I bet most of us do. A human desire to show how we’ve developed in the past 12 months, as though we were babies or toddlers with milestones to track. As adults, there’s really no need for that beyond our own arbitrary goals. 30 has been a big year for me. I wrote last year about how reaching 30 had granted me a sense of clarity and peace, and that remains true. However it’s also been a year full of turbulent self-growth and chaos. (How else can we experience life in a pandemic that continues to rage on?!) For instance, right now I’m trying to comprehend turning 31 without my best friend of 14 years by my side. Trying to navigate my own complicated feelings about how this friendship has had to come to a heartbreaking pause. And I’m revelling in how things always seem to work out in one way or another. I get to see in 31 with my boyfriend, who I first met aged 23. If there’s one thing 30 taught me, it’s that life works in mysterious ways – just keep trucking on, hold on.

My week has been full of the most intense mundane (and the best weekend). I hit the gym four times. Prepared myself a homemade lunch box with side dishes for my day in the office. I read a little. I gamed a lot. I worried a lot for the world and people around me. My boyfriend prepared the best weekend for us, recreating our first date from 2014. Bliss. Perhaps this is a taster of what 31 holds for me. On 22.02.2022, I did what any good soft Pisces sun would: I practiced some manifestation. And it’s given me a glimmer of hope amongst this tricky season of life.

Finding comfort in progressing on story games

Like I said, I’ve really found comfort in video games this week. I’ve always been an avid gamer, but I’m still consciously trying to peel back from the over-playing I did in 2020 and 2021. That means not playing daily, which my routine-addled brain struggles with. Right now, I’m enjoying working towards side quests on Pokémon Legends: Arceus, but also making real progress on Pokémon Shining Pearl. There’s a real sense of comfort that comes from progressing in (and eventually completing) a good RPG! And with all of the uncertainty of real life at the moment, that’s just what I’ve needed.

And, of course, I am BEYOND excited to delve into Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which was announced today. Added to my seemingly never-ending list of games to buy…

A catch-up with Ghenet at Vegan Planet

After a disastrous Thursday in London for work, I happily met up with my friend Ghenet for a long overdue catch-up over dinner at Vegan Planet. I’d heard many good things about Vegan Planet in Camden from Heather, Luisa and many more plant-based pals, so I was incredibly excited to eat all. the. food. We ordered a huge variety of dishes: Shanghai xiao long bao, wontons in chilli oil, ‘beef’ in black bean sauce, sweet and sour ‘chicken’ and garlic stir-fried green beans. I couldn’t recommend it more, it tasted like home! And, it was so good to see Ghenet and talk about everything under the sun! Friendship dates are definitely fewer and far between these days, but when they do happen, they’re absolutely magical. A real tonic for the soul.

Links I’ve Loved

It’s Pisces season! And, according to The Everygirl, here’s what fellow Pisceans should be reading, watching, wearing and doing to take advantage of the season.
I loved this post on Cup of Jo: ‘Life’s a Party, Not a Race’.
I can’t wait to try Love & Lemon’s Roasted Cauliflower Steak recipe!
My good friend Megan is currently writing her first book, and she shared some of the highs and lows of penning and editing a journal collection.
What’s the Difference Between a Soulmate and a Twin Flame? via The Everygirl
The inimitable Victoria wrote all about manifesting on 22.2.2022, and it’s a brilliant read!