I only went back to work on Tuesday, so the fag end of my break continued into this week.
On the weekend, Amber and I headed to a vintage clothing sale and came back with a blazer and a wool overcoat. Because we’re not very far apart in size or height, we will be able to share both (yay!). The blazer is fast fashion, and irritatingly, doesn’t have real pockets, but I like how it fits me, so I will bear that inconvenience. I put together an outfit with it the day after I bought it, and then wore it again a couple of more times in the week. I think it will see a lot of use during transitional weather.
After visiting an art supplies store in Paris the previous week, I was itching to find a local fix. I had walked past Schleiper many times during my visit to Brussels last year when we stayed in Saint Gilles, and so we went to check the shop out. It was four storeys of heaven. The staff was very sweet and helpful too. I got my loyalty card, and picked up some odds and ends.
There are still so many things to do in our new apartment and my work space. We made a little bit of progress with kitchen storage and table linens, but a Bpost strike has slowed us down. My new printer/scanner is stuck in the system, and I have no idea when it will be delivered.
Early in the week, we let AllTrails guide us through a long walk through four of our favourite parks nearby, and we discovered new parts of Bois de la Cambre as a result. I am happy to slowly zero in on routes of different lengths that I can take on busy days when I want to be outdoors without thinking too much about it. I have been obsessing over the flowers that spring has brought with it, clicking pictures and learning to identify them. A fragrant littleleaf lilac bush has become my favourite, and its sweet smell makes me think of India.
Going back to work after a break is hard. I felt more fussy than I would have liked. To make matters worse, Amber and I kept getting our wires crossed about our morning schedule, which made me cranky and unsettled. Despite all that, I think I was able to catch up a fair bit, and get some actual work done. Apart from the usual TypeTogether shenanigans, I had a couple of calls about some prospective work, and a feedback meeting about a sweet, little lettering project I am working on. Happily, I was able to take a small break from work on Wednesday to e-meet Hari.
The big achievement of the week, even though I did little to make it happen, was that India Street Lettering moved to a new hosting service. Bluehost was a disaster from start to finish, and I really hope that it will be smooth sailing now that I am rid of it. On the flip side, Amber and my attempt to hang a mirror in our bedroom was a total dud. We seem to have hit a stud while drilling a hole in the wall, and now we’re reconsidering our options. We were feeling quite bummed out after this, but a walk to Place Eugène Flagey, and dinner at Umamido (delicious ramen and beer!) was just the right balm, and a nice way to spend Friday night.