NOT EXACTLY TO PLAN

Sometimes things don’t work out exactly the way they were meant to.

After organising a lovely meal with friends to celebrate turning 28, sometimes a guest will opt to order off the set menu, and chose an a la carte dish that has to be pre-ordered. Sometimes, that very friend decides that he cannot make it after all, and cancels via text half an hour before he is meant to be showing up. Thankfully the lovely people at  @Siam were very accommodating and everyone else had a fantastic evening.

 

Sometimes, despite tasting amazing, the Patisserie Valerie Double Chocolate cake gets squashed in transit thanks to slippery fingers and the over-sized box it came in. Thankfully it still puts a smile on everyone’s face and even the fullest diners found room for a small helping.

Occasionally, bookings for the favourite bar in town gets deleted, and the bouncer eyes up the large very cold group, questioning whether it is a good idea to let them all in for free. Its impressive what one smooth talking guest and two birthday boys can achieve, and how quickly 20 people can get downstairs order cocktails at Freedom bar.

Sometimes, even with the most care in the world, keys get lost. Even on the evening where everything has been planned and carefully thought out, the car that was cleverly parked ahead of time opposite the club can instantly become inaccessible. Bags that were meant to be stored away have to be hauled into the club, whilst the offending key minder returns to the West End to search for the missing item.

Unfortunately the things that get lost in bars are never to be seen again. Despite all the help  and searching, there comes a time when the key minder has to call it a night and leave the birthday boy with the stationary car.

All too often, birthday mornings are spent worrying about the night before and how best to get home. Thankfully the mates that instantly offered their spare room for the night, make a cup of coffee and plans together, despite having to cancel their own. Often, it is best to just graciously accept the offer of a birthday brunch, rather than feeling awkward about not having left yet. Thankfully the eggs benedict served at the National Café by the gallery are so delicious, they provide a much needed sense of calm to an otherwise frustrating Sunday morning.

Often, the best afternoons are spent reading the paper, discussing world events and arguing about trashy pop culture. Now and then, the plan to check out the Turner exhibit at the Tate Britain gets cancelled because of a phone call. Often, a friend offering to carry all the heavy bags back over Battersea bridge, in the rain, is a reminder of how strong they are, and that they’re always there to lend a hand.

 More often than not, the solution to what seems like an impossible problem, is quite simple. It is reassuring to get a warm greeting from the man that comes to save the day, taking one very tired and soggy birthday boy, a squashed cake and a locked car back home in time for a birthday dinner.

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as they were meant to. Despite planning everything and feeling organised, things get in the way and cause it all to unravel. I suppose the best advice is to be prepared for anything, and accept what can't be prepared for. 

Maybe next year that friend won't get an invite. And the mate who can effortlessly lift heavy bags can collect the cake. Next year the car stays at home, or the keys stay with somebody sober. The number of a local taxi company will be saved in a phone that doesn't leave this birthday boy's side. And a spare clothes will be packed just in case generous friends have to be imposed on again.

No matter what happens, however frustrating, I'm thankful that true friends and loved ones are there to lend a hand. Good friendship can't be planned or organised. Maybe next year, this picky person will concentrate more on celebrating real friendship, and less on a perfectly executed day.

VALENTINE'S FOR ONE

Valentine’s Day is a little over a week away, and shops are already full of cutesy cards, sparkly red hearts and a variety of red roses. This is arguably the second most celebrated day in the calendar and gives couples, who feign disinterest in 'made-up holidays', full reign of the restaurants and moonlit streets everywhere, leaving singletons to feel inadequate. Should the holiday fall on a weekday (Thursday this year) you can bet the festivities will stretch all the way to Sunday night.

So why do we single people have to be subjected to having massive heart-shaped bouquets of roses flaunted in our faces, after spending the day at work listening to colleagues gush about their romantic plans? It doesn't seem fair that only couples should indulge. 

So last year I decided  to make a stand and reclaim the streets, and my favourite table at that restaurant I like with the help of some friends. We decided to go for dinner and drinks in a bid to celebrate being single. But when I called to make a reservation, I was informed that the restaurant would only be serving a Valentine’s set menu which included a chocolate fondue for two. I was so disappointed that such a nice place could stoop so low. Had it not occurred to them that other people, besides couples, like their food too?

Nonetheless we persevered and settled on another venue, one that lacks romance and promotes fun. A place that serves comforting and indulgent food not reserved only for pairs. Thankfully Bodean’s BBQ Smokehouse off Oxford Circus never fails to deliver.

This year I’m staying at home whilst my parents go out for a romantic meal. I’m not hiding away, but choosing to mark Valentine's day by treating myself. No Asda Twosie for me. My Valentine’s plans for one will include donning the onesie, and creating a lovely meal for myself. No bacon roses or chocolate hearts here. No I will be opting for something I can enjoy without having to worry about eating daintily or in small portions.  Thickly cut sweet-potato chips with plenty of homemade guacamole and garlic sauce. And for dessert, a large portion of Belgian Chocolate Haagen Dazs ice cream, eaten out of the tub because I don’t have to share.

A big no-no for any singleton on Valentine’s is mixing alcohol with romantic films. Much better to stick to soft drinks. I currently have an addiction to Del Monte Occasions, a range of juice drinks that appeal to a more grown-up palette. The Orchard Zest flavour, with apple grape and lemongrass, tastes amazing! I'll will not be pairing my alcohol-free cocktail with a rom-com. I'll stick to films that don’t revolve around two friends who spend ages going back and forth never really being happy until they profess their love for each other just before the credits start to role. I will probably opt for psychological thrillers, or horror.

If you do happen to indulge in alcohol, please hide your phone. The last thing you want to do is ring the ex in a less than sober state, on what is meant to be the most romantic day of the year. It will only make matters worse, especially if the date is out on a romantic date. I also don’t want to get disturbed by anyone. This is my night and I am not going to let anyone ruin it. I love the ‘Do Not Disturb’ function on the iPhone, which means only a permitted list of contacts can call.  

The MySpa by Homedics FootSpa has been ordered, a Valentine's gift to myself that will give my feet a little TLC.  Fingers crossed that, when greeted by the tired, disheveled and hungover partnered friends and colleagues on February 15^th, a little papering will ensure I have a spring in my step too.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be for couples. It’s the perfect day for a little bit of indulgence and a reminder that there is nothing wrong in being single, and in a onesie