Wrinkle cream and the flow of life

On Saturday I went shopping. Nothing memorable, were it not that I bought my first wrinkle cream. Every woman will testify that is a life-defining and life-changing moment. It makes you think of all the times you squinted to get a good look at that cute guy across the road, all the laughter and happiness, all the tears and sadness. All of a sudden you enter a new phase in life. It’s not the wrinkle cream that does that to you, but the realisation that life consists of various phases, and you’ve just left one behind to enter a new one.

I think I’ve reached that stage in my life where I’m perfectly at peace with myself. I’m no longer bothered by how others perceive me. I can easily walk out the door without a full face of make-up on, even without covering up that huge pimple on my cheek. I couldn’t care less whether my outfit is fashionable or whether my dog has drooled on my skirt leaving marks all over it.

Growing up you don’t realise this day will eventually come. For some it comes at the age of forty, for others at the age of twenty. But everyone actually does at some point stop worrying about the way they are perceived. I used to panic when we had visitors because our walls have been plastered, but not painted over. Because our dog leaves chunks of fur in every nook and cranny of the flat. Because our bathroom cabinet is not neatly organised. Then I read something somewhere – no idea where exactly – that had a profound impact on me: always consider whether your actions will have a positive influence on your life. If not, don’t even bother. Find a different way out.

Would a painted wall make me a happier person? Would vacuuming five times a week instead of three times make me smile? Would an organised bathroom cabinet give me a more positive outlook on life? Not really, no.

That idea is the mantra I apply to all my decisions. Granted, you can’t control what lies ahead, but you can steer your life in the direction you want it to follow. I believe in destiny – some coincidences are just too improbable – but I also believe we have the power to change things that cause heartbreak and suffering. The only requirement? A good dose of willpower. If you dig deep enough, you’ll find it! Make this your aim of the week…

Blogging: a little background info.

A friend asked me how I decide what I’m going to blog about. Do I have a set of topics that I want to tackle? Do I write most blog posts in advance? Do I ask my readers for feedback and subsequently base my decisions on their suggestions? Her question inspired me to write this blog post, to give you an idea of what goes on behind the scenes and to give you a glimpse of my new calling: blogging about my life as a stay-at-home translator, proofreader and copywriter.

I’m an impulsive person and I don’t like being told what to do. I decide what I'm going to write about, sometimes a few days in advance, but usually the night before I post it. Of course, I take into account my readers’ tips. I listen to what they have to say about my writing and I appreciate their advice. I like writing about my daily life, but without going into too much detail. The internet has already taken away so much privacy, that there are certain things I’d rather keep to myself. Of course, starting this blog was my choice, so a little loss of privacy is to be expected. But everything within limits.

So far, I’ve posted daily updates. That might change in the future. For now, I can handle it. I don’t see blogging as a chore, but as a way to relax, to de-stress. It’s something I look forward to. The moment I start questioning what I’m doing, I’ll have to reassess this whole blogging thing. The best advice I was ever given, is “do what you love, because if you don’t, people will notice, and they’ll lose interest”. Again, I don’t write for others, but for myself. However, it’s nice to get so many positive comments.

I’ve always liked writing. And I’ve always been a dreamer. When I was in primary school I used to write stories in notepads that I would decorate with stickers and drawings. In secondary school I decided I was going to write a book… about Julius Caesar, that fascinating man whose life I had explored during my Latin lessons. That project never took off, probably because it dawned on me that I had bitten off more than I could chew. Ever since, I’ve been jotting down bits and pieces here and there. I’ve never played any instruments, I’ve never been into sports; writing has always been my passion, my creative outlet.

Blogging allows me to let off some steam after a tough day. That’s why I’m doing it. I really enjoy it and I hope you enjoy it too. If not, no worries; there’s always the little X in the right-hand corner (or the little red circle on the left if you’ve given up on Microsoft).

Ode to Gizmo

Here he is... my cutie pie!

I dedicate today’s post to a very close friend – you know who you are – and her Hugo. 

If you know me personally, you know I’m totally and utterly obsessed with Mister Gizmo (a.k.a. Giz, Fiz, amore and some other twenty nicknames). Mister Gizmo is a black labrador that came into my life four years ago and showed me the meaning of true love, but also hard work and commitment. Gizmo is my everything – there’s no way I can put into words what he means to me. Even when he drives me insane with his non-stop barking and begging for food, when he destroyed two mobile phones, my favourite shoes, a passport and a chair because he was teething, and the dozens of times he peed all over the house after a two-hour walk… Gizmo has that something that makes your heart melt. Maybe it’s his droopy eyes. Or the way he knocks over glasses and vases on the coffee table every time he wags his huge tail. I’m sure everyone says that about his dog; still, Gizmo is special.

Our black beauty has epilepsy and is on barbiturates to keep his seizures under control. In theory his medication has a sedating effect, but the little rascal actually surprised several vets with his lively – make that hyperactive – attitude. We can take him out for three hours and he’ll still find the energy to play catch.

A dog can bring so much joy into your life, but it’s also a huge commitment. When you’re out having dinner, you know you have to be home by a certain time to take him for his walk. When you go on holiday, you have to beg your family to house and dog sit. Then there’s vet visits, expensive diet food, toys and accessories. But none of that is a sacrifice, because the unconditional love and loyal companionship you get in return is without a doubt the best gift ever. So take everything into consideration before adopting a dog, because a dog is for life.

I recommend the book Life with Beau, A tale of a dog and his family by Anna Quindlen. It’s short and sweet. And it perfectly describes the way I feel about my Gizzie.

Who’s behind this blog?

The online universe is a strange one, isn’t it? We read articles, watch videos and listen to music without really knowing who’s behind them, although we feel an affinity with these works and consequently, with their creators, who enter our lives and influence us. Have you ever asked yourself whether you would find these people equally interesting in real life? Whether you’d be friends?

Since you’re reading my blog, I suppose you’re curious to find out more about me. Here are a few tidbits about my life. Nothing too exciting though.

-       Being half Belgian, I love chocolate. Belgian chocolate of course. Nothing beats authentic Belgian pralines with creamy fillings.

-       I have my dumb blonde moments. An example: I didn’t realise an unfertilised egg can’t produce a chick.

-       Ironing is my worst nightmare. In the past six years I’ve broken five irons, including an expensive semi-professional steam iron. I’m allergic to them. They slip out of my hand.

-       I’m very interested in the “paranormal” and the “unexplained” – ghosts, NDEs, OBEs... You’re allowed to think I’m a weirdo.

-       The word “sports” is unknown to me. Unless shopping can be considered a sport.

-       I love chick flicks (how can anyone resist “The Notebook”?) and Jennifer Aniston is my girl crush.

-       I love bargain hunting: a 5-euro T-shirt can make my day.

-       On Friday evenings I can’t resist a glass of prosecco. And to end my meal I need either a coffee or a sip of Gozitan limoncello. Or both.

-       I like watching TLC and E! Entertainment.

-       I smile at total strangers.

-       Adoro l’Italia, ma mi pare di averlo già detto, o sbaglio?

I could post a picture of myself. I could show you the outfit I’m wearing (it’s so boring you wouldn’t even want to see it). I could attempt to describe my personality. Still, I think the best way to get a glimpse of a person’s true self is to find out these silly details. Little facts, stralci di vita vissuta, for you to form your own opinion of me…

Photo motivation - Italy

It’s Friday. That means Facebook and Twitter users will soon start posting their “TGIFs” and photos of barbecues and dinner tables to illustrate what lies ahead – if they don’t work weekends that is. I usually don’t work on Saturdays and Sundays, except when I’ve got some urgent assignment to finish. So for me, Fridays are motivating days. Sort of.

Motivation – it’s probably my no. 1 problem. When you don’t have a boss looking over your shoulder, it can be difficult to tell yourself “Go on, work!”. Discipline is key. I take short breaks and then I “get crackin’” as my Malteser says. And during these breaks I like to… look at photos of my favourite places. I find it soothing. It brings back memories. And we all know how powerful memories are.

Italy is my passion. It’s where I find solace when I feel lost or stressed. Italy is pure beauty. Italy is love in all its forms. Italy cannot be described, it can only be savoured to the full. Like every other country it has its own scents and colours, and a unique atmosphere that takes me back to my youth, to happy times, family, friends and laughter. Italy is a feast for the senses…

Florence, Rome and Venice. Cities that reflect who I am. What’s more motivating than looking at the beauty of art, architecture and the Italian lifestyle to make you feel alive, to make you smile and to get you through the day? When you're feeling down, remember that it's the little things in life that count - sure, the bills still need to be paid, dinner won't magically appear on your kitchen table and your report won't write itself, but at the end of the day motivation is a reflection of your will to keep going, to never give up, because life is worth living, with its ups and downs, with its Mondays and Fridays. La vita è bella. Sempre e comunque.