🌈 1276 – Saturday, 14 December 2024 10:59

London

Good morning!

Today, I’m focusing on being more productive to make up for the time I let slip away during the week. The most important thing is knowing that when I look back someday—if I choose to—I can feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

I woke up early after a restful night, feeling cosy and comfortable in bed, as though I had slept exceptionally well. This morning, I finally treated myself to a fancy breakfast at a spot near Leicester Square that I’d been eyeing for a year—passing it almost daily and always admiring how inviting it looked.

This morning, my good friend M and I enjoyed a full English breakfast along with two mochas around 9:15 am, feeling liberated as we soaked in the lively atmosphere. At the table to our right sat a Chinese family—parents with their two young children, a boy and a girl—and the father greeted us with a warm “hello” as we sat down. Their kindness made me reflect on the polite and gracious nature of many Asian families, inspiring me to make it a habit to greet those sitting nearby whenever I take a seat at a shared table.

After the previous family left, a European family took their place and politely asked us to pass the salt and pepper. My mate and I were deep in conversation, discussing families, finances, houses, and old childhood photos, though I tried to keep my voice low to avoid sharing too much of my life with strangers around us. Still, I realized that such moments of openness—regardless of whether strangers overhear—help build connections, and in the end, a beautiful memory was made.

We walked back to my place on Oxendon Street, said our goodbyes, and made plans to meet again, probably on Sunday night. I climbed the seven flights of stairs up to our building, Huguenot House, and when I got home, I had to answer nature’s call (don’t laugh, I know it’s private!). Afterwards, I made myself a comforting cup of tea.

I called my mother, who was resting while Dad was getting some electrical work done in the living room with an electrician. I sat down on the sofa and read a full chapter—three pages—about Britain’s second-ever Prime Minister, the Earl of Wilmington, Spencer Compton (1674–1743), from The Prime Ministers by Ian Dale. My goal is to finish this book by the weekend so I can gift it to my dear friend at work, who is retiring next week.

After finishing the chapter, I set my phone alarm for the next 30 minutes to make use of the time while I write. Now, with only 11:55 left, I’ve managed to get some writing done and plan to tidy up my room in the remaining time before I sit down to read again. Please, God, help me manage my time and make the most of this weekend!

First break!

After reading the chapter, I set my alarm for 30 minutes to focus on something else. I got up from the sofa, turned on the small radio in my room, and found that a fitting song was playing for the moment.

Final count down.. song!

Although it’s daytime now, I lit the candle on my desk. The heating has been on, making the room feel warm, so I cracked the door open to let in some air. I also tidied up the clothes that had accumulated on the sofa throughout the week, and set out my shorts and t-shirt, ready for when I feel like heading to the gym later—preparing with the intention of making it happen.

I wanted to make my day feel a bit different and special, so I slipped on a pair of fun heels—ones I usually wear when friends come over for a party at home. The sound of me walking around in them probably made my flatmate wonder what I was up to this morning, maybe thinking I was packing to go somewhere.

I cleared all the papers from my desk, and as I moved around, the alarm went off—30 minutes had already passed. It was 10:31, and once again, time waits for no one!

I sat down to read the next chapter, which focused on the third Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Henry Pelham, who served from 1743 until his death in 1754.

On my second break, I cleared my desk and tidied up the bed. With the sun shining brightly outside and the sky blue, I sat by the window, kept it closed, and browsed through things on my laptop. My mate called while he was out for a run, and we caught up for about 15 minutes, discussing our plans for the day. He had to take another call, so I stayed on the phone, and after a brief chat earlier, my mother called back, leading to a long weekend conversation that lasted about an hour and a half.

I just finished eating a kiwi fruit and moved on to the next chapter, which covered the fourth Prime Minister of the UK, Thomas Pelham-Holles, the Duke of Newcastle, who was born in 1693 and lived until 1768. One of his notable quotations was, “We know that the brightest character may easily be darkened by calumny.”

It’s already 14:19, and I’m on my third break. One of my mates just called to say his plans were cancelled due to some drama with a friend visiting from Australia. He’ll stop by in about 20 minutes after returning some trousers at TK Maxx nearby.

It’s evening now and I just returned home!

Thankfully, I got an early start today, accomplishing some work and tidying up the flat. Now, I’m ready to head out and enjoy the Saturday evening, letting the day unfold wherever it may lead.

At 18:20, I just got back home to find my mate downstairs. I went to meet him, and we hopped on our bikes, riding from Piccadilly Circus to Tottenham Court Road. The roads were packed, and Central London was as busy as ever. My friend had been wanting to show me a nearby rooftop, and we finally made it to the Post Building on Tottenham Court Road. Anyone can visit—just sign in at the reception downstairs and head up to the top floor for a breathtaking view of the London skyline. It was stunning, especially with the sun setting during golden hour. The view from the rooftop was far better than my current one from the balcony, which only faces the London Eye and Parliament. The Post Building offered a panoramic view of all of London—truly incredible!

After that, we rode up to John Street in Holborn, where my new flat is located, and checked out the area to get a feel for it, since I’ll be moving there next month. Once we finished exploring, we headed back and were both hungry, so we grabbed takeaway from an Indian restaurant called Namaste London in Holborn and ate outside. I then returned home, while my mate went his way.

Around the world –

• Myanmar’s internal conflict remains largely ignored on the global stage, even as it continues to displace millions and cause severe humanitarian suffering.

• Israel-Hamas war – the cycle of violence continues, with Israel facing increasing rocket attacks from Hamas, while radical Israeli settlers continue to attack Palestinians in the West Bank.

• This year, my prayers are with the people of Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar, as they continue to endure the loss of innocent lives. I ask everyone to join me in praying for peace in these regions, where war and violence are tearing apart communities and futures. May those suffering find hope and healing, and may the world unite to end these devastating conflicts.

3 things I felt grateful for today

• Grateful, for the flexibility in my actions, as I rarely feel stuck or constrained.

• Grateful to my mate for taking me to experience such a beautiful view today.

• Grateful for the long, meaningful catch-up I had with my brother when I returned home.

What would it be for tomorrow to be another productive day and also filled with love, gratitude and compassion for others?

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Goodnight, good luck!

Ash Khaleem