We know it is nearly Christmas when...

There are a trillion men/kids hanging around PC World, Game and Dixons waiting for the Nintendo Wii games console

Whilst waiting in the queue at Starbucks/Nero/Pret people complain about the cold weather AND wish for snow

Every knacker wears a Santa's outfit

Shops play The Pogues song!

The neighbours refuse to leave a brick undecorated

I wear my pink suede boots with fur trim and everybody comments on how festive I am, ignoring the obvious fact that my boots are pink NOT red

Guys (in an attempt to get lucky) fasten mistletoe tightly around their forehead

People are expected to remain in a drunk state every waking hour

Christmas lunch sponsored by David !!!

Thank you David...

The snowman in Canary Wharf

168 hrs with the flu...

A storm of germs swept me away into a hellish state known as the flu. It has taken 7 whole days to recover (with the aid of day and night nurse). I am quite sure (and friends would agree) that the loss of appetite has led to a reduction in body weight.

Since I was unable to do much else other than laze around, I finally decided to read some essays written by Dr Victor Frankl. He discusses the torment he experienced in a camp during the Second World War. What sets this read apart from other autobiographical essays and books is that it is not written like a story - he analyses his experience from a psychological and scientific point of view. I still have a bit more to read, but I can definitely see the correlation between his essays and the making of Covey's habits (another book to finish!). Which reminds me, has anybody read Sean Covey's book? I think that would be a treat to read...

As I was ploughing through more books, I came across The Game by Neill Strauss, which I bought about a year ago. Now that is a funny read. It sets out to help an average frustrated chump pick up girls. Why did I buy it then? I first heard about this book whilst I was in New York, in the company of a particular person (who will remain as an unidentified object) and I did not take much notice. Then when I arrived back into the UK, I innocently overheard somebody else talking about it in Starbucks. So my eager self could not wait to burn 20 quid to get it. So I read it and actually started to think like a man! Maybe Strauss wrote it in a way to incorporate an element of Neuro Linguistic Programming? Who knows but I guess some of the stuff in there could actually work, that is, if the girl hasn't read it too ; )

I have yet to finish that book. A page remains folded about half way through maybe because I was afraid of turning into a man-minder, or I landed a job!

The rest of my birthday

Featuring...

Mindi-licious (Naturally)
Beryl Brownie (Denise)
Luscious Lady (Levke)
WTF (Carol)
Paresh : )
Hummus bi tahina (Sooki Dooki)
Babaganoush (Bobby Sanchez) - Pls click to see the Babaganoush
Aajjagavinderpreetpal (I think)
Phorcious Phillipa (Phil)
Alex The Great
Clari - The Lasagne Maker
Gimp (Arfan)
XXX Emma XXX
~Kaily~
Dave ; )
The Groover
Le Matt
Krazy Egg Kev

We started out in 38 after work, where a moody 'les' works. Ended up in Brodie's... exposed some wacky dance moves including: the infamous Airplane dance, Beg on ze knees, Running Bi man, Bhangra (had to be there), sizzlin salsa, and a few lame attempts at a robot dance, oh yeah and obviously hipsters from Shakira.

Strutted and stumbled off back home, after Alex The Great's ridiculous attmepts at breaking and entering the Canary Wharf Ice Rink....

Arrived home to find the Gimp in my bed screaming out 'Don't look, im nearly naked' ... Great one! I was actually supposed to sleep in Beryl Brownies room, but I was locked out, Great one! So I had to return to the Gimp. I was soooooo trying to sleep, but the Gimp just could not stop the old snoring act!

Some funny Birthday emails

From Vikal Kapoor

oh.....what you should do is
take yourself out or wait till you come here and we'll hit the town (NYC)....all in reason being -- so that you enjoy your BIRTHDAY !!!!
* * * *
* * * * *
Happy Birthday Mindy!
* * * *
* * * * *

From Joe Singh

Did you think that Joe Singh would forget???? I just wanted to say happy birthday and I hope you go out and drink tons of pints and find a fit guy! But only for a night because we are definitely getting married someday, did I just propose? Anyway, have a good day in Jolly Old England and get back to NYC soon!!

Chau Hermosa,
Joe Singh

From Zin Zin Baby

Hello MAN MINDER!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGEL!!!
LET THE WORLD MAKE YOU FEEL EXTRA SPECIAL TODAY!!!

Sun is beaming from the east!
Wait the universe announces Mindy's first beat.

A special day allures in joy and celebration!
The decor on London streets shows no inhibitions

She is the purest of the pure
We are so blessed to have her adore

Her eyes sparkle extra bright
May her dearest wishes come to light.

From Sukhraj and Philip Lloyd

Didn't you get the birthday singers that he sent? We agreed that he'd get an ensemble of midgets to reenact that scene from Wizard of Oz replacing 'lollipop land' with 'birthday land', and i'd get the skywriter to write 'happy birthday mindy' over tower of london. I can't believe he pulled out. the nerve...

OK, so the birthday hat will make an appearance. It is pink though (just thought I'd warn you..). My friend says he's going to wear his birthday suit - i don't suppose that's allowed as well? We will definitely be in on monday - and if there are samosas on offer, sukhi and i will find them out and smote them down.

We're prob finishing work pretty soon, and I'm planning on hitting the drinks asap. i suppose we'll see you guys when we see you guys (which is probably not too long!).

From Rajni

Dearest dearest mindy,

I'm so glad i got to know you this last year or so... has it only been that long>? feel like its been centuries :)

i know you couldnt decipher my little card i wrote up for you when u left nyc but i thnk i expresssed to come extent on there how much i love you for your wit, wisdom, insanity, fun-ness, craziness, warmth, and the light you bring into people's lives.

I'm so proud of you for taking the party to canary wharf, CEMA and now beyond. Mindy 2007 is only goign to get better- this 25th year is going to see my mindy going places! Here's to a great year, many boyfreinds to snog, many girlfriends to jig with, and many more good times!

Mwah
Love
Rrrrrrrajni

PS _ the presents and the party will sadly have to come with me in jan~

From Azmina

YOOOOOO!!!!!!

Hope you have an excellent birthday. Wishing you all the happiness in the world. Thanks for being such an amazing friend

It's my birthday today, the story so far...

'Twas the dawn of my birthday
It is my 25th birthday today. And it all started with a phone call from my mum : ) at midnight, Denise prancing around in my room, and me looking like a mickey mouse gone wrong.

Breakfast with the hillbillies (starring Denise as Beryl Brownie, Levke as Luscious Lady, and Mindy as Percy the Penguin)
'Come and knock on my door, take a step that is new....'

8.15am, Beryl Brownie knocks on my door. I open it and to my amazement, dear old Beryl is standing there, quite gracefully, with a Pret chocolocate croissant (this season's must have) and a cup of cwaafee, how sweet. Whats more, the dear Brownie dunked a pink candle in the croissant too! Apparently Beryl Brownie ran upto to Canary Wharf real early to fetch this hot chocolate croissant.

I had my birthday breakfast, accompanied with GHD (Good Hair Day) and make-up. Beryl Brownie wrapped up a rather sparkly heart shaped necklace : ) and Luscious Lady bought me some much needed make-up. Now that's something that definaly flaps my penguin-ity...Percy is loving it

Arrival into work
So I enter the building, the secuirty people raise to their feet, form a choir and boy am I knocked off my feet... they start singing Happy Birthday, suited and booted passers by stop and watch, I put a spring in my step and begin to dance... what a show, bravo!

Lunch at Nando's

For my dear bleaders. After scouring the net and a few dodgy dealings I managed to conjure up a helpful list to save you some money! So please go ahead and spoil yourself, you deserve it...

http://www.dorothyperkins.co.uk - use code DPMN29 for free delivery and 15% off anything

http://www.oasis-stores.com - use code GLAMOUR06 for 20% off anything

http://www.usc.co.uk - use code SDM20 for 20% off anything till Sunday

http://www.missselfridge.co.uk - use code MSGL15 for 15% off anything

http://www.faith.co.uk - use code 150906 for 15% off till 2nd December

http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk - use code URBAN1 to get £10 off if you spend £50

http://www.asos.co.uk - use code HSBC182116 to get 15% off

http://www.warehouse.co.uk - use code MCY291006 to get 20% off till 30th December

http://www.next.co.uk - free p&p if you use code K8004

http://www.powderrooms.com - use code 4E5KT for 20% off

http://www.hannahzakari.com - use code hzhb10 for 10% off

http://www.hqhair.com - use code BEAUTYBIBLE for 10% off

http://www.lasenza.co.uk - use code AUTUMN06 for 15% off till 30th November

http://www.ravel.co.uk - use code NEWW20 for 20% off till 30th November

http://www.cathkidson.co.uk - use code CKLR06 for 10% off and free p&p till 30th November

My CIMA exams are finally over ...

Now I can lead a normal life like normal people. No more rushing around, I can just sit at home and take up a few new hobbies, starting with knitting. I plan to knit a chic and sophisticated scarlet jumper with a green Xmas tree planted on it. Just because I love more I will also try to add electronic flashing lights too. (Excuse the rather large exaggerated shoulder)

Since I know everyone will want one, I have decided to mass produce them. If you would like to purchase this jumper you may do so by contacting me (through this blog). And because I love all my bleaders, you can buy it for £10 plus p&p (No shipping agents, scammers, overseas buyers, money orders, or western union transfers).

PS. Due to my somewhat busy social schedule and the expected huge demand, there will be a 2 month waiting list, but at least you will be ahead of fashion (for winter 2007).

GIRL SEEKING GUY ads taken from Shaddi.com (Indian matrimonial site)

These are actual ads on a matrimony site. Grammar and spell errors have no place in a profile description as everything is straight from the heart! Disclaimer : I am not responsible if you forget your basic grammar after reading this mail...

- Hello To Viewvers My Name is Sowmya , I am single i dont have male, If any one whant to marrie to me u can visite to my home. I am not a good education but i working all field in bangalroe.. if u like me u welcome to my heart... when ever u whant to meet pls viset my resident or send u letter.. Thanks yours Regards Sowmya

- i want very simple boy. from brahmin educated family from orissa state she is also know about RAMAYAN, GEETA BHAGABATA, and other homework (Homework?)

- Wants a man who knows me better and can adjust with me forever. he may never create any difficulties in my life or his life by which the entire life can run smoothly. thank you (The principle of running life smoothly was never so easy!)

- he should be good looking and should have a service. he Shoulsd have one brother and one sister. he should be educated. (ain't it unique !! 1 brother 1 sister criteria !)

- I am a happy-go-lucky kind of person. Enjoys every moments of life. I love to make friendship. Becauese friendship is a first step of love. I am looking for my dreamboy who will love me more than i. Because i love myself a lot. If u think that is u then why to late come on ........ hold my hand forever !!! (The dilwale dulhaniya effect)

- i am simple girl.I have lot ofproblemin mylife because ofmylucknow i amlooking oneboyhe caremeandloveme lot lot lot (I don't know why but this is one of my favorites)

- i want a boy with no drinks if he wants he can wear jeans in house but while steping out of house he should give recpect to our cast (by not wearing his jeans? Wat the hell...)

- whatever he may be but he should feel that he is going to be someone groom and he must think of the future life if he is toolike this he would bde called the man of the lamp (I am clueless, I feel so lost. Can anyone tell me what this girl wants)

- my colour is black,but my heart is white.i like social service (Zebra..???)

- my name is farhanbegum and i am unmarried. pleaes you marrige me pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes (height of desperation! J )

Sadly, the list is endless!