Warming Up

This is not about the weather. It's about English people. In several social groups now, I have observed this working. Take joining a new 12 week yoga class. First class, no one makes eye contact at all. Second class, hostile eye contact, like, "where are you putting that mat... not too close to me I hope". Third class, slightly envious eye contact, with people watching the few chatters who have managed to break the ice. Fourth class, smiles, nods, plenty of eye contact, everyone chatting. This is such a bore. English reserve entirely deserves its cliched status, even in regard to young people. By the way, later I found out that the two women I managed to chat to in the third class are actually Australian, but have been living over here for years! I miss home.

Holy Smoke

Can you believe that smoking is still allowed in workplaces over here... even offices etc. It was only relatively recently banned in cinemas. A basic ban on smoking in restaurants is probably still years away... and yet the government is to consider using really graphic pictures on cigarette packet labels, of children in respiratory distress from passive smoking and adults with horrible smoking related medical conditions. The National Health Service literature I was given when I became pregnant advised me to stop smoking immediately and avoid smoky environments... that would be a bit hard if I worked in the average office! It also makes going out to dinner either impossible, or vaguely guilt inducing. This is a real whinge, but why is the right to smoke more important than the right to comfort and health for non-smokers? In terms of promoting healthy lifestyles and safety, the UK seems to be way behind Australia... only in the last year can you be fined for talking on a mobile while driving (despite this having been proven to cause accidents), there are no bike helmet laws, even for children (and you often see helmet-less parents cycling with kids with either no helmets, or helmets not secured)... I could go on and on about this! But I won't!!!!!

Beanies

English people don't call them beanies. They call them "bobble hats" even if they don't have a bobble! Anyway, the weather is getting cold enough to need them anytime you are out of doors. I've bought a lovely black man's one with Thinsulite insulation for about £4 from the supermarket. I look like a hobo in it, but my head and ears are toasty warm. You really need something to cover your ears and temples. It must block out the wind, and be woollen if possible, so very tightly woven. Brrrrrrr! Next on the agenda is a winter coat.