The demanding nature of the hospitality business has consumed my days and nights, a relentless whirlwind that requires unwavering attention. It feels like a constant tightrope walk, with scarcely a moment of calm. Each day brings its own unique set of challenges, from the unpredictable drama of staff crises and unexpected equipment breakdowns to the delightful curveballs life occasionally throws my way.

In the rare pockets of time I manage to reclaim, I find solace and sanity in the rhythmic laps at my local swimming pool. It’s more than just exercise; it’s my sanctuary, my ultimate stress reliever, and the only thing that keeps me from spiralling into stir-craziness. Even the thought of adding a post to my neglected blog feels like a distant dream, a task I’ve been forced to postpone far longer than I ever intended.
Beyond the demands of work and my essential swimming routine, the remaining fragments of my time are dedicated to a diverse array of pursuits, though their order of importance and occurrence is delightfully non-chronological. These are the threads that weave the fabric of my life outside of the intense demands of the hospitality world:👇

Substack has become my go-to source for fresh media. I usually avoid traditional mainstream newspapers unless I’m feeling particularly masochistic and want to immerse myself in the absolute nonsense they peddle. Here are a few of my favourite reads on Substack:

https://www.bearlypolitics.co.uk The one and only Bear, aiming to provide critical analysis of current events with wit and humour, targeting both political enthusiasts and those seeking to understand the world’s complexities. Oh, and he’s an Apple tech addict, by his own admission.

https://www.londoncentric.media In their own words: No clickbait. No bullshit. No oligarchs pulling the strings. Just quality, original journalism about London.

https://monkdebunks.substack.com In her own words: Scientist by background with a passion for politics. Got to keep debunking those myths and dodgy headlines!

Books-wise, I’m enjoying reading Ursula K. Le Guin, my favourite would be The Left Hand of Darkness.

Taking the bus to get to work made listening to podcasts so much easier. Contrary to popular belief, multitasking is not always a myth. In fact, listening to podcasts is the one multitasking activity I’ve managed to master. It’s so much more enjoyable when you’re on the bus or train, just zoning out and letting the story unfold around you. Alex Andreou’s Podyssey is a true gem, an absolute must-listen for anyone with even a passing interest in mythology.

The public transport is where I also seem to be catching up on the “Watch Later” YouTube videos, and I always come back to my four favourites:

• supertanskiii She’s known for her sharp political commentary, occasional swearing, and love of Little Simz.
• Aid Thompsin for, in his own words: “Basically I sit in here in a shed ranting and railing at the world, convinced we’re *probably* doomed”
• The Young Turks for updates on the madness that is the kingdom of the USA
• Novara Media also for updates on the madness that is the UK at present

As the day wound down, the focus shifted from information to relaxation. Often, this meant a top-notch meal prepared by the husband, who’s an excellent cook, followed by an episode or two of a series on TV. And right now, we’re captivated by Les Papillons Noirs on Netflix, an excellent drama thriller with a killer soundtrack.

I’m always down to find new stuff, so hit me up in the comments with what you’re currently listening to, watching, or reading. I’d love your recommendations!