The Bureau

I've decided to take a tip from the Chinese and deal with troubling times by retreating to contemplate life by the side of a beautiful lake. As luck would have it though, the weather in Lausanne is unremittingly grey today, and Lake Geneva is just an idea in my mind as I watch the rain sleet down from my cosy indoor nest. My companion assures me the sun will honour us with an appearance tomorrow, but you can never trust the Swiss.

So, borrowing a meme from mcco12, here is my list of things I learned this year.

1. Never trust a Swiss person.

2. Pastis is not so bad, really.

3. The best liars are those who believe their own lies.

4. I don't want to be a lawyer; and spending an absolute fortune on getting a qualification in law was well worth it purely for this realisation.

5. If someone tells you he is thinking about killing himself, it probably means he doesn't want to die.

6. If someone really wants to kill himself, he will, and he won't warn you first.

7. Making your own cream cheese is surprisingly quick and simple.

8. Being in love can be jaw achingly tedious.

9. The first thing a person tells you about herself is often the only thing you really need to know.

10. Good friends are the best defence against depression.

My best wishes to you all for a prosperous, tranquil and satisfying 2009.