distance

Today is an anniversary of sorts for me and my partner. It is exactly three years since we moved apart, and our relationship became long distance. Our situation often makes me sympathise with those who suffer from bipolar disorder - I imagine it to be a similar experience, with some days of intense joy here and there, separated by weeks or even months of darkness inbetween. I have heard it said that some people with bipolar disorder prefer to be that way - that the ecstasy of the good times make up for the depression. Me, I want to be cured! I'm moving back to the UK in August, and can't wait.

surprise!

Last weekend I travelled back to England for the wedding of an old schoolfriend. The wedding was beautiful - very romantic setting:


where I proved myself incapable of taking any photos without official photographer or bright red mini-golf flags lurking somewhere. I met up with lots of people I hadn't seen for years. But you know how weddings are - you start with a glass of champagne, then a few glasses of wine over dinner, then champagne toast, then more champagne for the evening reception. But because you start so early you don't realise how much you've drunk. I only realised the next morning around 6:30 am, with my head suspended above the toilet. Surprise hangover! The worst part was I had to check out of my B&B by 10am and catch a train to Birmingham (although the B&B owner was very kind, and said not to worry if I was a bit late). I managed to force a couple of cornflakes down, and packed very slowly. I made it back to Birmingham without any accidents (but with a couple of plastic bags in my handbag, just in case!). Next time I will remember the wise words of my mum - always drink a glass of water for every glass of wine.

sleep required

As from yesterday anyone passing my bedroom window will instantly know that a foreigner lives here. Why? Because I have plastered my window with aluminium foil:

Have I gone crazy? Yes, slightly. A few weeks ago we reached the stage here where it barely gets dark at night. This is very nice when you're on a short trip to Reykjavik with your friends, and whatever time you choose to go home after a night out it's still light. What a novelty! It's not so great when you have to live here, and you end up feeling bloody exhausted all the time. The problem I have is not insomnia - I'm sleeping 8 to 9 hours a night, it's just not the right sort of sleep. I noticed it especially when I went back to the UK last weekend, and woke up feeling refreshed after sleeping for 11 hours (well, okay, I didn't feel so good that day. Actually, I felt lousy. But the next day I felt just great). The result of all this is that my window now looks like a poor imitation of some futuristic design, and I've said goodbye to the idea of having any natural light in my bedroom for the next couple of months. But I feel this is a small price to pay for a decent night's sleep.