{"id":14233,"date":"2024-12-13T09:23:58","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T09:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/erikamagyarosi.com\/?p=14233"},"modified":"2025-08-26T00:23:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T00:23:18","slug":"12-of-12-in-december-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erikamagyarosi.com\/en\/12-of-12-in-december-2024","title":{"rendered":"12 of 12 in December 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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From nostalgic moments with old photos and traditional dances in Cluj to culinary highlights like Langosch and \u201cBaton de Ciocolat\u0103\u201d \u2014 this day was a colorful blend of past and present. Emotional conversations with my sister, a magical evening with good food and wine, and a literary finale with Liviu Rebreanu\u2019s masterpiece rounded it all off. A day that filled heart, head, and belly in equal measure.<\/strong><\/p>

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The Early Roots of My Love of Reading<\/strong><\/p>

Sometimes old photos tell more about us than we ever could. At my father\u2019s, I leafed through old pictures and found two special treasures: one shows me as a small child with my wonderful mom, who is sadly no longer with us. The other made me smile: I\u2019m holding a magazine \u2014 even though I clearly couldn\u2019t even walk yet!<\/p>

It seems my passion for reading was already deep inside me back then. Books were part of my life from the very beginning \u2014 long before I knew how much they would shape me.<\/p>

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A Hungry Companion to Nostalgia<\/strong><\/p>

While I was reminiscing in a cozy Airbnb, I got a surprise visitor: the neighbor\u2019s cat. For a brief moment I thought she was fascinated by my deep nostalgia and my presence. But the truth \u2014 as so often in life \u2014 was much closer to the breakfast table.<\/p>

Her look clearly said: \u201cDon\u2019t move, human. I\u2019m only here for the snacks.\u201d And just like that, a reflective trip down memory lane turned into a very present negotiation over the leftovers of my breakfast.<\/p>

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Fresh Inspiration for New Workshops<\/strong><\/p>

After that nostalgic start to the day, I went straight into a coaching session with Judith Peters.<\/a> As always, there were plenty of inspiring ideas that motivate me to keep expanding my Speed Reading and Knowledge Management workshop.<\/p>

My goal? To help even more people take their business management to the next level \u2014 more efficient, more structured, and with more ease. Curious?<\/strong> Then sign up here<\/a><\/strong> and join in!<\/p>

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Cat Love Meets Cloud Art<\/strong><\/p>

The entrance to my Airbnb leaves no doubt: a true cat fan lives here! Cat d\u00e9cor everywhere \u2014 as if the furry residents wanted to make sure you never forget them.<\/p>

And then there\u2019s Cluj<\/a> itself: a city of clouds. The light here changes the mood so often it could pass for a theater director. A new show every day \u2014 and I\u2019m right in the middle of it. Yuhuuu.<\/p>

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Market Stories: Negotiating with Heart and Mind<\/strong><\/p>

One of the nicest things about my apartment in Cluj: it\u2019s just a stone\u2019s throw from the city\u2019s most popular market. You can find everything a foodie could want there \u2014 fresh produce, regional specialties, and wonderfully pickled vegetables that taste like home.<\/p>

My mother used to bargain here \u2014 with a determination that often made me want to sink into the ground as a child. But in hindsight, that\u2019s exactly what inspired me: seeing how strong and assertive she was.<\/p>

My tip for negotiating:<\/strong>
Negotiate where it makes sense \u2014 for example with big companies or in shops where it\u2019s clear there\u2019s room to negotiate. But at the market, where people often work hard for their livelihood, I consciously refrain from haggling. Instead, I sometimes even give a small tip \u2014 out of gratitude that they keep going despite all challenges and provide us with fresh food.<\/p>

Where else can you negotiate?<\/strong><\/p>