Oh God

Triffids were rubbish. Bad script, bad story-line, bad direction. Lots of money thrown at it though. It needed more time in my opinion in order to build characters, story and fill in the background. It was all too superficial for my liking. I too remember the original being dead scary and it would be interesting to see it now to see how it stands up to a modern viewing.

And as for my bloody phone. I have 3 months left on my O2 contract and the cancellation fee is "the rest of your line rental payments". This is obviously less than £342 so I resolved to cancel and take out a new contract with Orange (who also do iPhones). Only Orange refused to accept me as a customer. Me! I couldn't believe it. They said I had a dodgy credit rating. How the hell did they work that out? Of course they can't just tell me I have to write to them (which I'll have to do using my Manchester address) which means I can't find out until I get back to Manchester and therefore I'll have to spend my time in Swansea phoneless. Quelle horreur! I can't risk getting refused by other operators either as this will all show up on my credit risk record. Bloody pain in the arse.

Had dressing changed by the District Nurse today and it looked a bit better to me. Apparently exudate (oozing to you and me) is to be expected with all wounds which is comforting.

Off to a cottage by the sea tomorrow evening so may not have time to blog so I'l take this opportunity to wish all my readers a Happy New Year and see you all again in 2010. That's all. J x

Why Is It Never Easy?

So, in order to get a new phone I went into the O2 shop and explained to the surly youth therein what had happened to which the response was that it will cost me £342 to buy a new phone and then I can swap the SIM card over. £342! Is he completely stark raving mad? The O2 shop is right next door to the Orange shop where they have an iPhone in the window with the word "free" in really big capital letters just above it. So I just walked out. Unfortunately, because I hadn't been prepared for the aforementioned surly youth's response I was not in possession of all the information I needed to enable me to simply tell him I was strolling next door to see his mates in the Orange shop. What I needed to know (and didn't) was where I am in my IPhone/O2 contract and how much longer it has left to run. I was so annoyed that I wasn't going to ask him and so vowed to look the information up online when I got home.

And this is where it gets difficult. To find out information about one's O2 account one needs to log onto the O2 site. Well I didn't know what my username and password were (I haven't used the site since I first bought the phone) but it wouldn't let me re-register ("you already have an account"). So I tried every combination of username and password I've ever used but none of them worked. Luckily there's a button you can click if you've forgotten them but this gets you the message "the details have been sent to your phone". BUT I CAN'T GET INTO MY BLOODY PHONE YOU MORONS! And of course the original contract is hidden away somewhere in Manchester. Aaaaaargh. So I tried the helpline (10 minutes of "you are in a queue" and I gave up). Finally, I've emailed them but they only promise a reply in 24 hours. If nothing is forthcoming I'll just go and sign on with Orange anyway (2 for 1 on cinema tickets on Wednesdays) and sort the rest out later. Its still going to be cheaper than bloody £342.

Also saw the local GP today (he agrees with the District Nurse that the wound will take longer to heal than I'd hoped) and I got a prescription and a sick note for another 2 weeks. The practice nurse re-did my dressing but I wasn't too happy with her hygiene precautions although I didn't say anything. Bloody annoyed with myself about that too (no comments please DD).

And then I learn from DD that they're all coming down for NYE anyway whether I want to join them or not. Pleased and annoyed at the same time. Its complicated so please don't ask me to explain it.

And that's about it for now. Second episode of Day of the Triffids about to come up. Lets hope the script is a bit better in the second half than it was in the first. Great production values though. But it must be impossible to come up with plants that move and look threatening at the same time. And what's with all the dripping "saliva" stuff? Too much like Aliens that bit. And now that really is all... J x

Disaster Strikes! Twice in One Day!!

Firstly the District Nurse (still no sign of Nerys) informs me this morning that my wound probably won't heal properly for another 2 weeks. I'd been hoping to be going back to Manchester on 02/01 and back to work on 04/01. Clearly that isn't going to happen with an open pus-oozing wound (sorry for getting so graphic there). It also means that my lovely friends' lovely plan for NYE won't happen either. DD, Bryn & Michelle (god bless 'em) were planning to come down to Swansea for NYE to take me out drinking so that I might escape the horror that is "NYE Games Night" at the Aged residence. This won't happen now either since a NYE outfit that includes a pus-oozing open wound is not a good look for me. But what a nice idea it was. We'll have to have a separate celebration back in Manchester once I'm well enough.

And if that wasn't enough I've now just put my mobile phone through the washing machine and its died. Luckily I have all my contact details stored on my computer so it will just be a case of transferring them onto a new phone. But it means buying a new phone. I suppose though that it is an opportunity to get a new iPhone 3GS rather than the regular one. Thinking about it though I'll probably stick to the regular one simply because it has everything I need and I don't particularly want to be able to film video with my phone.

So, regular readers, if you've sent me a text I haven't replied to (and you need a reply to it) I'm afraid you'll just have to re-send it once I get the new phone (watch this space). That's all for now. J x

Who?

Very good I thought. Although once all the bloody time lords come back from the dead there seems little left to do with the franchise. It'll be interesting to see how the new team cope and where they go with it.

Had my wounds dressed by a young female District Nurse this morning who again wasn't Nerys Hughes. Very sweet though although she had somewhat overdone the fake tan. Possibly lees oozing from the wound but if that is the case it was very marginal. Will have to wait a few days I think before any measurable progress in the ooze flow takes place. Or not.

Apart from that nothing to report. Cricket is back on the telly so very little family interaction taking place. Still. It can't go on for ever. Can it? That's all. J x

Forgot to say...

...Dr Edwards' first name was not "gorgeous" but rather Gray. Dr Gray Edwards. How Holly wood is that? At least he could be a film star... J x

Not Nerys Hughes

Despite this being Wales the District Nurse was not the above named actress. Who knew? In fact the DN was a (not unattractive) man who needed to affirm his heterosexuality by talking non-stop about his kids (so why are you working Xmas Day then eh?). As if I was in any state to jump him anyway...

Anyway, wounds now dressed (although not to Dr Edwards standard) the family were able to proceed to the present opening frenzy that passes for Xmas morning in this house including a treasure hunt round the house for my final present (a beautiful globe) organised by my mother (who else?). And thence to lunch (I have some stuff mashed up with gravy).

Now about to have a doze prior to Dr Who. May blog later but that's all for now. J x

Famous Last Words

So having blogged that I was going to rest and heal I promptly got infected and then taken back into hospital in Swansea. Facilities and mobile reception not as good as Manchester so was unable to blog. Fairly serious wound infection and therefore I had to be kept in for IV antibiotics - at one stage it looked as though I might have to have another operation and stay in over Xmas. Luckily they've let me out but I still have 10 days worth of antibiotics to take and daily visits from a District Nurse to change my dressings (including a visit tomorrow morning).

Morriston hospital is awful and I don't like the nurses - more interested in gossip and chatting to each other than in caring for/interacting with patients. Not one of them introduced themselves to me and none of them wear name badges so I had to ask each and every one of them their name. Not good service. To be fair there were one or two who seemed to know what they were doing but they were definitely a minority.

Spent the first night on a trolley due to the unavailability of beds. The nurses were also generally slow in coming forward with the painkillers which is a definite black mark in my book. Luckily the Aged Ps managed to smuggle in some ibuprofen for me so I was able to self-medicate when needed (don't do this at home kids as its potentially dangerous - I feel qualified to do it though through extensive exposure to both hospitals and drugs).

The doctors however were lovely - including the 23 year old who admitted me. 23! Mind you, he looked about 12 and so it was a relief to find out he had actually qualified as a doctor. And Mr Hare Krishnan (I kid you not) was my consultant. Lovely man. Kept putting his hand on my knee for some reason... But Dr G Edwards was the star. I think his first name was Gorgeous. He was beautiful, mid 30s, fabulous body and a bedside manner to swoon over. I liked him even when he was probing my wounds.

So they let me out this afternoon and now I'm back in the hands of the Ageds (thank God). I've had to temporarily register with their GP here in order to access the District Nurse services and I'll need to get some antibiotics on prescription. In view of this I've decided to stay in Swansea whilst I take the antibiotics and come back up to Manchester on 02/01/10. It means missing Leeds with the gang for NYE which is a real shame but can't be helped. And that's us all caught up.

I'll just take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year and hope that for everyone 2010 is better than 2009. That's all. J x

True to my Word...

...I am now blogging from Swansea. Journey was good all things considered. Very tiring though and painful by the end. Tramadol appears to work well although it does give one very vivid dreams (I was running an Italian restaurant in Spain last night). Now have to weigh up my pain thresholds against the street value of the tramadol (brand name Zydol - anyone know what this is worth in the clubs these days?).

Anyway, next few days are going to be spent in a drug-induced stupor doing very little whilst I let myself heal. Rest assured I'll let you know if anything (as opposed to anything exciting) happens.

Incidentally, weighed myself this morning and I appear to have lost about 6lbs. Not nearly enough for all this trauma... That's all. J x

Tram-Alam-A-Ding-Dong-Drugs

Those lovely lovely people at the GP place have now given me tramadol. Apparently its so good its addictive and puts you in a coma. Sounds like my type of drug....

Had a really bad day today. Was crying with the pain this morning - mainly, it has to be said, because I cocked up my drug taking schedule and had to endure a drug free window to get me back on schedule. The addition of tramodol to my pharmacopeia (who knew it was spelt like that?) means this shouldn't occur again. Hooray. Plus, presumably, the pain levels start to go down at some point.

Nurse said my wounds were looking good and removed most of the dressings. Pain feels mostly internal now anyway and the nurse prodded my stomach and said that it felt "hard" because of the internal bruising. I asked her about the 5 sit-ups a month I do but she thought this unlikely to be a contributory factor. She also advised me to stop paying my gym subscription but I told her I wasn't ready to let myself go completely to seed just yet.

So we have decided to set off on our journey back in time, sorry I mean to Swansea, tomorrow. This has resulted in me slaving over a hot pile of Xmas cards this evening until my fingers bled (nasty things paper cuts). And that rounds me off. Jack all on telly apart from cricket which the Ageds are transfixed by. Still the weather looks nice down there. Heres hoping we don't get stranded in a snow drift somewhere on the M6 when I will be the first to get eaten on account of my flesh now being addictive and putting you in a coma. That's all. Next blog probably from Swansea. J x

They Shaved My Left Thigh

Why? I can understand them shaving my stomach, after all they were going to be poking all manner of strange instruments through it and then ripping it brutally open with a meat hook. A rusty meat hook. But my left thigh? Was this a case of those mistaken identities one reads about in the cheaper weeklies? Was I close to having my left leg amputated? Is there a no win/no fee lawyer who can help get me compensation?

Of course I've now had to shave the rest of my left leg and my entire right leg in order to get the balance right. As a consequence I've been asked to take over from Alan Sugar who's playing the Dame in Manchester's pantomime. Its Snow White and the Seven Apprentices (they're changing it to Apprentici when I take over as I think it sounds classier). Sorry, I've no idea where that stream of consciousness came from nor, indeed, where it was headed so lets just leave it there.

Today's news. Got up. Still in pain. Laid on sofa. Still in pain. Had a shower and got wound dressings wet (again). Pain levels not affected. I can't even say its getting slowly better because it doesn't feel any better at all. And its worse in the afternoon and evenings. Looking forward to receiving an independent assessment of how things are looking "down there" when I see the GP nurse tomorrow. I don't particularly seem to be oozing so I'm assuming its all going OK. I will, of course, let you know. DD coming over later to watch Gavin & Stacey so I'l try and put my happy hat on by then but its not easy....

That's all. J x P.S. Sarah in Sussex is safe and warm in case anyone was worried.

Can't believe I'm doing this...

... and my mother will kill me since she isn't here (at lunch somewhere, natch). But I'm going to open the box live on air. OK, here I go - off to the bedroom first to retrieve aforesaid mysterious box. Right I have the box in front of me. Bugger. There's selotape so I'm going to need some scissors (luckily due to aforesaid painful wounds I am unable to run). Got scissors. Having a little trouble with the packaging - a good sign as clearly not already been robbed by the postman (strange considering I have a Hulme postcode). Box now open and there are.... a card and multiple presents ladies and gentlemen. All wrapped in precious metal(lic) papers.... Card is lovely and wishes me a Happy Christmas and a speedy recovery and - you're not going to believe this - there appear to be precious stones adorning the card. Certainly something is twinkling at me which just puts me in mind of the cheery twinkly smiles of the Ts and the spotty dog.

Now for the presents, smallest first (there are two before you start worrying you'll give over the rest of your life to this narration)... it's a... "When I grow up I want to be a notorious homosexual" coffee mug mat. That did indeed bring a smile to my face (I'm still smiling as I type this) but is, of course, rather presumptuous. Whoever said I want to grow up? And just to add to the pedophiliac associations of homosexuality there's a picture of a young boy on the mat (albeit he is wearing clothes).

Present number two.... also in precious paper.... I bet you're feeling all the excitement out there in blog-land aren't you dear readers? Ow. It hurts when I laugh. This time its a bauble. A pink bauble. With a crown on it. And the words glitter queen written in your actual glitter. Its uncanny. Anyone would think this woman knows me.

Thank you dear Ts, you did indeed bring a smile to my face and a shot of pain to my wounds. And who could ask for anymore than that? I shall hang my bauble immediately. It will, indeed, be the only decoration I have this year (doctor's said I'm not to stretch).

That's all. J x

And Lo, it came from the East

Well, the North East actually. A mysterious parcel bedecked with all manner of precious metals and precious stones. Well, actually, its in one of those boxes you can buy over the counter at the Post Office. And there's no precious metals or stones (or are there?). I have yet to open this mysterious box signed only as "From The Ts". Which I suppose is slightly less mysterious than having it signed from the ETs...

Anyway not opened it yet as I'm guessing its some sort of winterval gift (how can my spellcheck not know that word? Is there not some "diverse language" button I can click somewhere?). Should it not be such a gift then perhaps someone out there in blog land can advise me what I should do. Should I open the box? Is there anyone out there..... (fades on suitably Twilight Zone music). J x

Free at Last

Well it took a little longer than initially hoped but I'm now back home. I'm still covered with loads of dressings and an oozing drain site but everything looks OK from the operation point of view. I don't however recommend getting stuck on the short stay ward of the Elective Treatment Centre over a weekend. I was the only one in my bay on Saturday and for most of Sunday and there are no TVs. Mobile reception is dodgy because of the proximity to the operating theatres (apparently) and if you have the sort of wound that makes it difficult to move around you'll go stir crazy. God I was bored. And the wound hurts like hell if I move - but I guess that's true of any abdominal wound because you pretty much use your stomach muscles every time you move (as I'm finding out). The morphine helped of course but it wasn't as good as before. Either there are the words "drug seeking" emblazoned on my file somewhere which means they're giving me weaker doses or I'm just over morphine. Either way hospital isn't as much fun as it used to be. And I had some bastard nurses this time. I had to wait an hour and a half for painkillers one day. Not a happy bunny.

So that's dealt with the hospital stay (thank you very much by the way for all your good wishes - they make a huge difference). As to the reason my gall bladder was in a mess the answer is we don't know yet. Obviously I'm hoping its not cancer. It may just have been an infection. Either way we won't know until the histology is returned in a week or two. If its worrying they'll phone me straight away. I have to report to my local GP nurse for a wound check on Friday and then its off to Swansea and Christmas. I'm looking forward to it. No other news at present but now I'm out I'll try and keep you updated regularly. Tha's all. J x

Last Day...

...with my gall bladder.

Had a Christies appointment this morning. That all went fine and I'm now on 6 monthly call backs. The consultant (a new chap, quite dishy) said that I just have a couple more appointments to go and then I can be "released". I asked him what happens after that and how many people go on to redevelop the cancer. He said that he couldn't put a figure on it but it was less than one per cent. That'll do me nicely I thought.

Aged Ps sont arrivés... No major rows yet though. Still, its early days. They're both well, which is good. Mother is terrified though that she'll end up having to spend Xmas in Manchester because I won't be fit enough to travel before then. I think she's also a little worried by the fact that my telly isn't working properly at the moment so she hasn't got access to Flog It, Cash in the Attic, Bargain Hunt et al. Still, at least she doesn't watch Jeremy Kyle!

Hospital dentist this afternoon which should be fine and then dinner at Fellicinis avec the aforesaid Ageds and Manchester's most famous retired person, DD. I'm then off to DDs to watch Gavin & Stacey whilst the Ageds come back to the flat.

Early start in the morning. Have to check in at MRI at 0700 but Ma & Pa won't come with me as there is little point in them being there before the main event. They can visit in the afternoon/evening and then they'll pick me up Saturday morning to bring me home.

As ever I will try to blog from the hospital bed and keep y'all up to date with matters medical. That's all. J x

Shopped...

... caught up and managed 3 martinis as well. A lovely afternoon/evening and a lovely new coat. Train ride home uneventful. Stuff to do today - shopping (B&Q), study (more Developing Confident Managers stuff) and present wrapping (all needs to be done before Aged Ps arrive). That's all. J x

And Now...

... they've changed the date of my pre-op. It should have been Monday afternoon but will now be Friday afternoon - yes, that's right, the afternoon of Miss DD's Great Escape party. Hey ho, I'll just have to run from the hospital all the way to Mojo with surgical instruments still protruding from my body. I'm not missing the Escape party (I'm on the tunnel building rota!).

Off to Leeds today to spend some time with the lovely colleagues I trained with when we first joined HMRC all those years ago (nearly 17 years ago actually). Sarah H, Sarah W and Donna. Obviously I trained with more than three other people but they're the loveliest! Looking forward to some serious catching up, cocktails and maybe a little shopping. That's all. J x

On Again Off Again

Sorry for delay in blogging but I was awaiting definite news. Last week I had a letter from the hospital asking me to telephone them to confirm that I was fine for the date of my gall bladder operation and in the same post (albeit dated a day later) was a letter telling me the operation had been cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances". The letter continued "rest assured that as soon as a new date becomes available I will contact you again". I was really angry because, first of all - get your act together, and secondly I'd already put loads of arrangements in place as to how I was going to manage all this. And thirdly, didn't they care that I may drop to the floor writhing in agony at any second? (oh please, allow me my drama queen moment)

So I tried telephoning Clare (Mr Li's - my surgeon - secretary) but she doesn't work Fridays. And then she wasn't in yesterday. Finally got to speak to her today and its all back on again now for the original date. Talk about breweries and piss ups. But I'm glad we're back on track. Luckily I hadn't undone all the arrangements I'd put in place so its not too bad. I was really depressed over the weekend though which I think was down to this. Anyway, feel much better now although of course there's never enough time to do everything. Got another of those bloody week long course things next week which means loads of pre-reading (16 hours this time which I suppose is better than the 23 hours for the last one: but only just). And its in Liverpool this time rather than Manchester which means extra traveling. Hey ho. Can't be helped. I just hope that recovery won't take longer then the 2 weeks. I'll hopefully find out more details at my pre-op on Monday.

Other news. Had a good week last week. Went to the Royal Exchange with Lesley, Sara & DD to see "Pub" (well, you would wouldn't you) which was a nice idea although the writing could have been better to my way of thinking. Then it was Hot Mikado on Saturday night with Jim. Am dram in a "Civic Suite" in the middle of one of the largest council estates in Manchester. What could be better? In fact it was enormous fun. Everyone overacted like mad but because this was Gilbert & Sullivan (sort of) it didn't really matter. Also went to the cinema with Gill to see 2012. Good effects but bloody awful story. Typical Americans and their need for a happy ending at all costs...

Other news - Lesley got promoted (yay), DD's foot appears much better and she's limping in heels now rather than a big yeti boot (I know, but there's no telling her) and its bloody dark every evening and morning. Roll on shortest day and then on to summer.

Am exhausted now and its full on from now until they lay me on the operating table and start poking long shiny sharp things into me (I'm assuming there are no actual keys involved since they would be rather blunt and painful). That's all for now. J x

Busy Weekend

Friday night was opera at The Lowry. I wasn't expecting great things - firstly it was Opera North and secondly the opera was sung in English.I don't generally like opera sung in English because I think you spend more time listening to the words and trying to understand every word they say to the detriment of just appreciating the music. However, I needn't have worried. The opera was sublime - even with the last minute substitution of the person singing Ferrando. The libretto was also really well done and the whole thing was funny as well as beautiful. And the acoustics at The Lowry are very good.

Saturday night was less successful - The Entertainer at The Royal Exchange. Its always difficult to watch a play written in the fairly recent past. Its not long enough ago that you are able to suspend your disbelief and yet the whole moral setting is completely different to modern times. Of course if the acting and direction isn't up to much it makes it even more difficult. I didn't like it. It may be worth me watching the film with Sir Larry though just to see what its like done professionally.

Tonight I'm having tea at DDs whilst watching Doctor Who which looks really exciting. And then back to work. That's all. J x

Pajamas

Just watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (I know, annoying spelling). The final scene is just awful. I'm in bits. Just had to write that down. That's all. J x

Not a Lot

So, been another quietish week. Went to London on Tuesday for some "Top Layer Coaching". I am ridiculously pleased that someone decided to call it that as it makes me feel very important. It doesn't really matter that most of the Department will get it eventually, I'm in only the "second wave" of rollouts so most people in the Department haven't even heard about it yet. So I try and drop the phrase into conversations whenever I can. Childish I know but there you are.

To a party at Bryn & Michelle's last night. Drunk a fair bit of vodka but didn't fall over so that was good. Managed to leave my umbrella there which wasn't so good. Had a good time but suffering today. Now as long as it doesn't rain between now and when I see them at the opera next Friday everything will be fine!

On the help line tonight so hoping its a little busier than last time (nil calls). Come on Manchester gay people, someone out there must be having a crisis for God's sake... That's all. J x

Relatively Quiet

Been on a training course most of the week: Developing Confident Managers. Got another 2 full weeks on this to do later in the year so I'm not there yet! There was some useful stuff though amongst all the management speak - including a session on delivering difficult messages, which hasn't come a moment too soon...

Went to the cinema with Gill and Lesley to see Up on Thursday. A good film but don't believe all the hype.

Then Friday it was off to a former colleague's "partial retirement do". Honestly, people have parties at the drop of a hat these days. It was good though and I was able to catch up with a lot of Manchester people. Then went to meet DD, Ev and dave for a further drink.

Saturday was taken up with shopping for food (mostly for Madam, who is doing a lot better on her foot but isn't quite up to a full Sainsburys shop yet). Then met her in town for some venue shopping - we're trying to find a suitable place to hold her (non) retirement party (apparently there's a difference between leaving a place of work for good and retiring but don't get me started). Anyway we (by which I mean she) has decided on Mojo. Its a great venue, really nice set-up but has no draft beer. Expect complaints! DD maintains that she only knows classy people who are happy with bottles (of wine mostly) but I say she doesn't know the full capacity of a grade 7 to cause a fuss when he or she feels they're being over-charged for their alcohol. We'll see.

Then met Bryn & Michelle for a drink before they headed off to see Up. Nice to see them and me and DD are off to a Bonfire Night thing at theirs next Friday. Should be good. That's all. J x

Forgot to mention...

...that I also went to see the Matthew Bourne Dorian Gray. I really enjoyed it. The music and the sets were amazing and most of the dancing consisted of very attractive boys in their underwear running around the stage and having sex with each other. And there's a disco ball that has to be seen to be believed! What's not to like? As it was the Manchester premiere there was also a post-show Q & A session with La Bourne himself which was good too. He kept saying that everything we had seen on the stage came direct from the novel. What? Even the back room scene? Have now ordered the novel from Amazon to check...

Just dropped DD off at work. She's doing mornings to see how she copes being in work on crutches. Since I'm on a training course all week I'll be able to drop her off but she'll need to find her own lift back into town. We'll see how it goes. I'm off to develop myself into a confident manager (apparently) so that's all for now. J x

Good News

DD has fractured her ankle. Not good news you might say but they're not putting her in plaster and she can go back to work next week (which has cheered her up no end - anyone would think she didn't want to retire!). She was out and about round town yesterday with "the girls" in a decorated wheelchair so I look forward to tales of derring-do (and derring-don't) when I speak to her later.

The Aged Ps are in Portugal with beautiful weather although not having a brilliant time since my mother has picked up an infection and is on antibiotics - Lord alone knows what this has done to the wine industry over there...

As for little old me, not a lot to report. Had a bit of a scare on Tuesday when the awful stomach pain returned. It lasted about 20 minutes and I had started packing my bags for hospital when I was sick and the pain went. A friend tells me that the act of being sick can sometimes dislodge the offending stone that is causing the pain and so it gets better of its own accord. Am hoping this doesn't happen again since unplanned hospital visits mess up my life. 11/12 will do nicely thank you.

Am on a training course for 4 days this week - luckily its being held in Manchester so shouldn't be too much trouble. There's loads of pre-course reading and work to do though so I'm having to do a lot of it this weekend. Did manage to squeeze in a session on the helpline last night but only got 2 hang-ups and no actual calls. Quite boring really. Hey ho, at least I was there in case anyone did have a crisis. That's all. J x

The Nursed Has Turned.

Well, I have some news. Firstly, and most importantly, madam has taken a tumble and hurt her ankle. It appears that there was an incident involving a number of boisterous (fat) dogs on a country walk today which left DD on the floor with a pain in her ankle. She's been to one of those NHS walk in centres where they took an x-ray but didn't have a doctor to interpret it. So they'll get back to her. Might have been better to brave the A&E crowds to get an instant diagnosis but there we go. Its either badly sprained or fractured - either way initial treatment is the same: rest and keep it raised. I'll spend Tuesday and Thursday with her as I have some work I can do out of the office anyway and she'll get some of the many many other willing helpers to fill in the gaps. Nice to be able to repay some of the kindness and care she has shown me over the years.

I have news too. I have a date for my operation: 11 December. I was offered earlier dates but this one works best. With a 2 week recuperation it takes me up to Xmas day. Its best for my trainees since they won't be sitting exams, they won't have a lot of accountants ringing up (they all bugger off for December anyway) and they're expected to take their annual leave during the tutorial breaks anyway. And Mum and Dad get to look after me for ages - they're over the moon.

DD reads the blog so please feel free to leave her heartwarming and tender messages. That's all. J x

News Indeed

Only its not about me - DD has just heard that she's getting early retirement, She'll be gone by the end of November. She's over the moon about the news and a little emotional - understandable when you consider that she's been in the Department for over 40 years (we calculated that she'll have spent 8900 days working for the Department by the time she retires). That's a lot of days. Of course I'm pleased as punch for her but just can't help wondering how many vodka martinis you can buy your friends from a pension! I'm sure we all wish her the best for an HMRC-free future.

Other news - another long week. Ups and downs. Had a good in-year assessment but lost a member of staff to Manchester. He's good too but has a footballing injury that means his mobility is restricted making travel to Warrington difficult. I wish him well though.

Still no progress on the wardrobe (will it ever get built?) but then had a text from the builder (after 3 months of no contact) asking me when I'd like him to come around and finish off some jobs. Don't know whether to swallow my pride and get the jobs finished off or say "sod you, you haven't been in touch for three months so I'm not giving you any work"'. That's all. J x

First Week Back

Well its been a long and tiring week. I did manage to squeeze in one short day (in line with my Performance Agreement) but overall I did too many hours. Hey ho, I had a lot to catch up on and I managed to catch up on some of it. I'll have a quiet weekend this weekend to make sure I recover my strength. In any case its good to be out of hospital and back in work. Still no word yet on when I need to go back.

Not really got any other news on account of not having done anything else. Hopefully something exciting will happen this weekend (I'm meeting DD for a coffee at some point so that's quite exciting) and I'll be able to report on it! That's all. J x

First Day Back

Not a long day. 130 e-mails waiting for me though. Still, good to be back. Feeling good.

Saturday was fun. Although the Market Restaurant was rubbish. They only had about three main courses left which is just crap for a city centre restaurant on a Saturday night. But the weddings in The Midland. Oh my dears, they had the worst weddings taking place. The clothes had to be seen to be believed. But they at least provided some amusement (and yes I know everyone is entitled to wear whatever they want and yes there are people out there who think turning up your jeans looks stupid - but trust me its really fashion forward - but I just don't care). That's all. J x

Day by Day

Each day I seem to be a little better. My temperature is back to normal and I'm sleeping properly (although I did wake up very sweaty in the middle of last night - hopefully a one-off). I foresee no problems with going back to work - apart from all the e-mails I'll have to catch up with.

Met Sara for a drink last night and out tonight for Michele's birthday so everything now seems back to normal. Will hear in due course when they want me back in for the gall bladder removal op. That's all. J x

Update

So we went to the Whitworth yesterday. The exhibition (The American Scene) is terrific. However, it was probably a bit ambitious for me to do having just been discharged from hospital. My back started hurting and I felt unwell so we got a taxi back home. My temperature was then up for most of the night.

Have now had a good night's sleep though and feel much better this morning and my temperature is back down to normal. Mother is to have her hair done and father needs to g to Boots so I'll let them toddle off and do their own thin whilst I take it easy today. We believe that Ms DD is back in the realm of the living today so hope to see her later. That's all. J x

Home Sweet Home

So they discharged me late yesterday afternoon. Blood test results were fine. Am off work until Monday though. No idea when they'll call me back. Presumably everything now needs to work its way through the system and an appointment will pop up in due course. The surgery doesn't sound too dramatic and shouldn't entail a long stay in hospital but there will be a 2 week period off work. (to be spent at the Aged Ps in Swansea).

Feeling OK. Glad to be out of hospital obviously. I don't feel fantastic but that could be the morphine withdrawal effects (God its a fantastic drug!). Will update y'all as things change. No other news at the moment. Going for a therapeutic visit to the Whitworth Art Gallery this afternoon followed by a quiet night in. Last night in my own bed was brilliant. No shouters and no farters. Bliss. That's all. J x

Update

Could be home tonight! Apparently they took a stone from my bile duct yesterday. It was this which was causing me the pain. The plan is now, following suitable results from the blood tests, to send me home tonight and call me back in 4 to 6 weeks to take the gall bladder. This is better for me as it allows me to plan things as far as work is concerned (but Annie has helped me out enormously there this time). I'll type more when I'm home because it takes quite a long while on the iPhone. J x

Starving

Have been nil by mouth all bloody day from 0600. Just had my first Ensure Plus half an hour ago. It's never tasted so good... No doubt today will contribute to my net weight loss. Had the endoscopy today. Can't remember a thing. Probably just as well since I understand it can be quite traumatic. My confidence was not boosted by the fact that the mouth guard I needed to wear wouldn't fit in my mouth. Apparently radiotherapy also affects the extent to which you can open your mouth wide (it tightens all your skin). The enoscopist (just guessing) had to take a scalpel and cut through the barrell of a large plastic syringe and improvise from there. After that the sedative was added intravenously and I remember nothing else. I'll update you all once I've seen the doctors tomorrow morning. That's all. J x

Scary Mary

So starting to feel a little edgy now. Which is bonkers as I've been through much worse than an endoscopy before. Indeed, I have even been through an endoscopy before. Still... Anyway. Busy day, Aged Ps are once again Manchester residents. They were caught up in a big jam on the M6 so not best pleased when they arrived (and, of course, not over the moon about having to visit their son in hospital for a third time...). They are both looking well though. Madam visited today of course and has taken them out for dinner tonight. Felicinis I believe. Jim called early doors and was full of tales of derring do as ever. And finally through the doors were Bryn & Michelle and I spent a happy time with them (once we'd got past Bryn's grim gall bladder tales) planning why we'll do for Muchelle's birthday - looking like Edinburgh or Newcastle. Of course ward was abuzz with arguments of how much extra time there shoul have been... And now it's just me again. Alone. On a hospital ward. Actually, should that be "an hospital ward"? Not sure. There I am being such a drama queen I'm forgetting my grammar! Anyway, I'll feel happier tomorrow (I'm sure) once I've spoken to a surgeon. That's it for tonight folks. When I know more, you'll know more. Here's hoping for another quiet night... J x

Weight Loss

So I've lost 2 pounds in 3 days. A good start but lets see if we can make 9 pounds by the time I leave? I am a little worried now about the calorific content of morphine. Some more research needed I think... J

Bedlam

So they've moved me to what they call a "general ward". I think "lunatic asylum is a more apt description. I've been here 2 hours and we've already had the 86 year old who has refused to be hooked up to a saline drip because he didn't want to be a "guinea pig" in the nurses "fucking experiments". The nurse, bless her, said that she'd never liked guinea pigs or hamsters which sort of defused the situation. And then because I was e-mailing about this some other octogenarian accused me of taking photos of Mr Shouty. Bloody photos. As if. Perhaps he thinks I'm a secret undercover journalist or some sort of pervert... Aaaah, I see his point now!

Anyway I've just had paracetomol and morphine which will hopefully get me through the night. Wish me luck. J x

Not in Kansas Anymore

No, I'm back in bloody hospital again. Only this time it's my gall bladder. And it has to come out. Hopefully this will only involve an endoscopy and keyhole surgery. But none of that will happen until next week so it's a long boring weekend in hospital that's in prospect. Although it's not boring at this precise moment in time because somone on the other side of the ward is having a fit and coughing up blood. Quite spectacular until they curtained us all off. Can't see a thing now and it's like listening to the radio. I have to say though that I'm not comforted by the NHS response to the crisis. Everyone ran around like headless chickens at first. The drugs cabinet was left wide open and it took 10 minutes for a doctor to appear. Not at all like ER.

Anyway, back to me. Started feeling ill on Monday night and throwing up. Felt not too bad on Tuesday but didn't go into work but went in Wednesday because I had a Team meeting and a new trainee starting. Felt dreadful and so went home in the afternoon and started throwing up again. Got DD to drive me to A&E that evening and they kept me in. Was in absolute agony Wednesday night whilst the nurses on Emergency Medical tried to find a doctor to prescribe pain relief. Eventually they found someone to write "morphine every 4 hours" and I've been happy as Larry ever since. I do feel morphine should be more generally available to the general population. And now it's just a waiting game and they won't even let me go home for the weekend with a stash of morphine. Spoilsports. We could have partied...! I'll let y'all know more as and when I know more. J x

Swansea Was Good

Travelled down on the Friday and just stayed in the garden chatting to the Aged Ps followed by a delicious home-cooked meal (including soup).. The following day we went to a watercolour exhibition at Swansea University (I'm getting one of them as a xmas present). This was followed by a trip to Cefn Bryn and Gower lots of fresh air and sunshine (probably a little too much for me if truth be told). In the evening we went to one of my parents' favourite restaurants in Mumbles (very nice) and then DD and I went for a drink (probably a mistake - Mumbles isn't what I remember). Taxi home.

Sunday was a trip to the National Botanic Gardens (hooray) which were lovely as always. Meal in Sunday night accompanied by margarine that was somewhat out of date (4 years! - see below re vomiting).

Monday back up to Manchester. Uneventful trip. Arrived home and got on with the washing. Started to feel a little ill and so went to bed. Lasted about 3 hours before I started throwing up and that lasted for most of the night. My stomach really hurt and I managed to convince myself that I had appendicitis but the pain never changed from dull to sharp so it couldn't have been. Also (today) checked the swine flu symptoms and whilst I do have a slightly elevated temperature I don't have 2 other symptoms so that's OK. Just the dodgy margarine then. So I'm off to bed now and, fingers crossed, will be fit for my Team meeting tomorrow. That's all. J x

Soupylicicous

Well it's been a souper (geddit?) birthday weekend. Mrs T et moi went to Manchester Art Gallery on Friday morning to see the Sting of Passion exhibition. Very good. The art gallery has commissioned 12 jewelry designers to design a piece of "jewelry" inspired by a picture in the collection. Some really lovely pieces. Thence to Harvey Nicks and Selfridges (via M&S) for some shopping. The afternoon was spent at Cornerhouse watching Broken Embraces - the new Almodovar with Penelope Cruz, absolutely loved it. The photography is amazing and I just adore Ms Cruz. Afterwards a night spent in front of the telly whilst cooking ratatouille soup (an old Taylor recipe). Saturday we did indeed go to Warrington Farmer's Market (disappointing) and watched some Morris dancing (fantastic - even though my Team member got it wrong once or twice). Come the evening and it was off to Restaurant Bar & Grill for cocktails (very good) and some amusing presents (hmmm....) and then to Luso for food. The food was very good but I didn't like the waiter's attitude. Not very welcoming I felt but others disagreed so I'm not writing it off completely. The plan was then to go to Corridor for some late drinks but I'd had enough by then so Mrs T and I toddled off into the night (she in her new high heeled shoes).

Mrs T left this morning (to see Penny whose dog has sadly died). I went to Cornerhouse again (this time with Denise) to see Some Like it Hot. Excellent apart from a couple of cackling lesbians sat behind us who seemed to have no clue as to which were the funny bits and which weren't and so cackled all the way through. V annoying. Will now spend the afternoon and evening relaxing before work next week. Off to Swansea next weekend (with Madam in tow) so watch this space. That's all. J x

Mrs T Est Arrivee

Mrs T has arrived as gorgeous and lovely as ever. Had a beer in Carluccios with the lady herself and Lady Penny then off to Zinc for some martinis, soup and Maltesers ice cream. Following this it was an audience with Madam at the Midland. Very nice and rather drunk (had been to the pub at lunchtime to celebrate my birthday with my Team in Warrington). They, rather appropriately, had bought me a bottle of Absolut. Bless. Had visited Christies in the morning, everything fine, back in 3 months. That's all for now. May be doing some art galleries today and Warrington farmer's market tomorrow. J x

Long Week

Well it was only 5 days long but it felt longer. Work was a mixture of good news (a good settlement for one trainee) and bad news (one complaint) but that's the way it goes. Two trainees appeared to be enthusiastic this week which I count as a personal achievement!

Still doing long hours although now have it written into my Performance Agreement that I will do at least one day a week of less that 7 and a half hours (at the bidding of my Team). Was really pleased that I managed one day this week at 7 hours 15 only to discover subsequently that I'd miscalculated and it should have been 7 hours 45! Hey ho, its early days working short days for me. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it eventually.

Long weekend to catch up on my sleep now. Its also Pride weekend but am not going to Canal Street as a) Its too expensive and b) I need to clean the flat ready for the arrival of the legend that is Mrs T who is coming down to stay next weekend (looking forward to this enormously). Will go and see the parade today though with Madam, Jim and others. And that's all. J x

London

Had a great time. Met up with Fig at the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square on Saturday. The guy on top of it when we arrived was running a bingo game. God only knows why. Then some woman took over who was conducting a silent protest. No idea what for as her banners weren't clear enough to read!

Off to the V&A for the Telling Tales exhibition - fantasy furniture is the best description. It was really good though with some very interesting pieces. After that to Hyde Park and the Serpentine Gallery to see their new Summer Pavilion - very good, very serene - and then into the gallery itself to see the Jeff Koons exhibition. Really good and great fun.

Then back to the hotel for a rest followed by a couple of VMs in the hotel bar before heading off to the theatre. Sister Act is a fantastic show (somewhat let down by a poor script that doesn't make the most of Sheila Hancock who, incidentally, was the first Mrs Lovett in the West End) and the lead, Deloris, is just brilliant. A real star of the future. The set is really clever too. We then met Tina & Dan, 2 friends of Fig for more martinis in a bar called Detroit. They're very nice and we had a good time.

Sunday was less successful as I tried to go shopping on Bond Street only to find it was closed. Couldn't believe it. Ended up going to Selfridges on Oxford Street and buying 2 pairs of socks! Not my most successful shopping trip ever. To redeem myself I did manage to pick up a jacket in Liberty on Monday morning before heading back to the North. Travelled First Class as dead cheap (£34) but the disadvantage of this is that every Tom, Dick and Harry travels First Class too. Bloody families everywhere. Hey ho. Back in Manchester now and off to work today. Hurrah. That's all. J x

Bliss

A whole weekend (apart from Sunday night) of nothing to do but catch up on Battlestar Galactica, Sex and the City and True Blood (Madam, of course, is out of town otherwise this state of affairs would never exist). Housework too of course but hey ho that may never get done... Looking forward to the cinema Sunday evening though to see Pelham 123 with Gill. Sigh. And its not raining at the moment. As I said, bliss.

Off to London next weekend with the delicious Figola for Sister Act. If its half as good as what they did with Hairspray it should be a fun night. If its anything like Mamma Mia it will be an abomination. Either way there will be shopping and martinis involved. I'll let you know. That's all. J x

Been a While

Sorry about that. And I've probably forgotten half the stuff I've done since I last blogged but that's because I've been so busy doing it...

Working backwards, last night was Tatton Park fireworks concert. It was a vintage year this year because it barely rained and we could see all the fireworks, we had posh parking and the music was really good - Danse Macarbre played live at night is a really fantastic experience. And the fireworks were done to The Sorcerers Apprentice and the Can-Can. Classic!

Saw the esteemed Mrs T for coffee Saturday morning (and as a double bonus she was accompanied by Mr T) Really good to see them both and catch up. Friday night was the help line followed by drinks with DD and Sara. Wednesday was Harry Potter with Gill - a long film but I enjoyed it. Lots of teenage hormonal angst. Tuesday was a building directors' meeting.

Previous weekend? I'm struggling now... Ah, Sunday was Tatton Park (again) but this time with Gill for the flower show. It rained but not a problem as this meant it was quieter and you could get to see everything. Bought a couple of picture frames. Saturday was a barbecue (oh the irony of me attending such an event!) but I had fun. It was at Jane's (trainee in Manchester) in Levenshulme - who knew such a place existed? Caught up with lots of trainees from Manchester which was good.

And that's us all caught up I believe. Quiet day today (oh good, finally some time for housework!) and then Book Club on Monday. That's all J x

It was the Best of Times

Well, (not that) young Figgy has been and gone. The festival has been well and truly "done" with just a final Bach recital remaining for Saturday.

The weekend kicked off on the Friday night (without Fig) when DD, Bryn, Michelle and I went to "It Felt Like a Kiss" on Quay Street. It was quite literally a completely unique experience. I won't go into too many details here because Jane and Bill are going tomorrow and I don't want to spoil it for them. but it was interesting, exhilarating and very very terrifying. They'll have the time of their lives I'm sure.

Fig arrived via a delayed plane on Saturday night and on Sunday we had a walk round the shops and then off to the Bach at the Manchester Art Gallery - a cello recital. And very good it was too with no fire alarm this time. Off down Canal Street afterwards for one or two vodkas... Some time the following day we emerged, blinking into the sun! Monday night was the Royal Exchange for Everybody Loves a Winner - a combination of theatre and bingo. A combination which, it has to be said, didn't really work for me although everyone else seemed to enjoy it. And my opinion has nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that I was waiting on one number for the £200 jackpot. Off to The Midland for one or two vodkas afterwards... Some time the following day... (well, you're starting to get the picture here). Tuesday night was Prima Donna the Rufus Wainwright opera. A really fabulous evening hob-nobbing with the celebs (Rufus himself, Neil Tennant and Alan Yentob to name but three - in fact the only three we saw but I'm sure there were others there too - anyway, we all looked so good we were almost like celebs ourselves!). I loved the opera although they need to sort the surtitles out. Afterwards to The Midland for... (again, I'm just repeating myself here).

Back to work Wednesday and then Liverpool this morning for the Leadership Team Meeting (always fun!). And that's us up to date. Awaiting the builder (again) but no news to report on that front at the moment. Hope you are all well dear readers. That's all. J x

Scary Stuff

Have had my first case of suspected swine flu on the Team. Hopefully it won't have spread to the rest of the Team (will interfere with their studies) or, indeed, me (will interfere with my Festivaliscious weekend with Figola). That's all. J x

Festival Stuff 1

So. Went to The Procession today. Weather held good. The Procession itself was very good. Different and fun and quite exciting. To White Lion to sit in the beer garden afterwards.

Tonight went to the Manchester Art Gallery to listen to Bach on the piano in a Zaha Hadid pavilion. The music was superb. The pavilion worked really well. The only thing that spoilt it was the fire alarm that meant we had to evacuate the building just after the second half started. We hung around for a bit and then decided that it was going to take a very long time before they checked the building and allowed us all back in. So we went to The Midland. No Martin but Paulina was there as was some new chap called Chris. We might like him as time goes on. At least he wasn't from Eastern Europe (unlike everyone else including Martin). Thats all. J x

Flash Mob

Well I went and flash mobbed Shakespeare today. Unfortunately it was more of a damp squib mob than anything else. I suppose there were about 20-25 people there and we all duly declaimed Shakespeare's famous Sonnet 18 at the top of our voices but it wasn't quite as impressive as it might have been had there been hundreds there. I await its appearance on You Tube (if indeed it does ever appear on You Tube) with interest - I'm the one with the Hermes carrier, natch. That's all. J x

Prof Dram

So The Festival started on Thursday (that's the Manchester International Festival - see blogs from 2 years ago to see what we all got up to then). A similarly eclectic programme awaits this year. We have Bingo as Theatre courtesy of Neil Bartlett (I love that man ever since his Oliver and that gay thing he did on BBC2 forever ago that I used to make Fig watch every Pride eve - "And then my second friend said...."). Prima Donna from Rufus Wainwright - an opera in French. Originally commissioned by the New York Met who asked him to translate it into English (the heathens) and he refused (the rebel) and so it is premiering in Manchester in your actual French (lucky us). Then there are the three Bachs. In a Zaha Hadid concert hall. In an art gallery. It don't get any more cutting edge than that. On top of this there is The Procession, The Haunted House, The Shakespeare flash mob and, I'm only guessing here, oodles and oodles of martinis. And as a cherry on top (not that he can remember his cherry) The Very Young Fig is coming to stay too. I might explode with excitement at any moment. Before all that I have the Help Line tomorrow night and after the last session where I had a really disturbing call (I actually broke down) I'm not sure how much I'm looking forward to it.

On the bright side as well, work is just going so well and I am enjoying it so much despite the long hours and all the pressure. Clearly I was born to be a God worshipped by my subjects, sorry, a manager I mean. Anyway that's all for now - oh no, just remembered , has everyone heard the new Sophie Ellis Bexter single? Its fabulous. That really is all. J x

Sartre Got It Wrong

Hell isn't other people, Hell is Amateur Dramatics. I suppose I shouldn't complain, its all in a good cause but the Lowry "Showcase" has to be experienced to be believed. First of all there's the audience - people who think that the simple application of a sequin to a T Shirt turns the garment into suitable attire for the theatre (it doesn't). Some people don't even bother with the sequin. They just walk straight out of the Primark changing room and into the theatre (having not been home to shower first). And then there are the Performers (always with a capital P). Of course Jim's lot are fantastic - and you really can't go wrong with Mary Poppins if you have a man and a woman who can sing. But Mamma Mia is an abomination anyway but when its performed by amateurs whose social workers believe that music and movement helps them with their anger issues (well, it certainly didn't help me with mine) it takes one straight to the Eighth Circle. And then there was "Witchfinder" (The Crucible set to music - I know, don't get me started). To be fair they had a cute blonde guy with a fabulous voice but you need some serious music to deal with burning witches, not an Andrew Lloyd Weber treatment where the witchfinder actually falls in love with the witch and they sing about it in a song designed to be recorded by Celine Dion and, oh I don't know, Elton John or someone. Honestly, my mouth hung open for the entire thing (and not just because of the cute blonde guy either).

Anyway, I'm home now so that's that over for another year. And also, to be fair, the professionals don't always get it right either. Sondheim at The Bridgewater on Saturday night could have been better. Hope you're all fine.

Tuesday will be going to the funeral of DDs father-in-law. I knew of him rather than actually knowing him but I have met her mother-in-law who is a complete sweetheart. Illness really sucks. Coping when someone who is a huge part of your life suddenly isn't there any longer is virtually impossible to start with. DD knows this as well as I do but we also know that you learn to get on with life but you never ever forget. And that's important. That's all. Sorry to finish on a sad note. J x

Michael Jackson

Just seen the news. I don't feel a great deal to be honest. I wasn't a huge fan. Haven't received any MJ jokes on my phone yet but its just a matter of time...

Other news - Enjoyed the party, the views from the 39th floor are stunning. London was good although I was a little hungover on the way down (First Class helps with this). Bought the shoes I was after and also bought a suit and a tie and some boots. A successful trip shopping-wise. If I do a shopping trip again, I wouldn't do an overnight. Trying to book a show last minute is not a good idea as there are no good seats left as a rule. Better to do down and back in a day I think.

Then to the cinema with Gill Sunday evening (Gill is finally going for promotion - good luck with that honey) to see Terminator Salvation - cute guys but rubbish story. Work is as eventful as ever - management never has a dull moment but that's what keeps it interesting. Nothing else to report at the moment. Off to a Sondheim night at The Bridgewater Hall on Saturday night with Jim. That's all. J x

Can't Stop

Thanks for all the political debate. I think we've solved it don't you?

Busy busy busy. Party on the 39th floor of the Hilton tonight (drink with DD first, natch). Then off to London for new shoes tomorrow and staying over on a deal in Mayfair. Back up the road Sunday and out to see Terminator Salvation with Gill. Phew. And then its work and those damn trainees all over again on Monday. Careful you don't get caught in my slipstream...! That's all. J x

100 to go

Not sure if my visitor number count is visible to everyone or just me but its up to 29,900. 100 more visits (every one counts!) and it'll hit 30,000. How fabulous is that? In honour of the occasion I thought I'd like to start a discussion going. Will make a change from all the usual humdrum stuff normally on here.

So anyway, I used to think (possibly naively) that the UK was a relatively civilised country full, for the most part, of relatively civilised people. Now we find out that not only are most of our politicians on the make but our police force indulges in torturing suspects too. Have we no shame? We're no better than some third world dictatorship where corruption and torture are rife. We should be ashamed of ourselves and we should vow to tackle it root and branch. Its no good just changing the voting system or kicking out a few top officers. We need to kick them all out. But what guarantees can there ever be that the next lot won't be exactly the same. Its way too depressing to even think about for long. Discuss. J x

Impressions

So Bristol seems OK. Walked into town yesterday evening and it all seems clean and modern. Stopped off at the new (well,since September) Harvey Nicks for a martini but as it was a Monday evening there wasn't a lot going on. The gay "village" is on the other side of town so decided against tramping all the way over. Walked round the shops but didn't but anything (how did that happen? - needed Sarah with me I guess) and then back to the hotel for a relaxing evening. More training today and then back oop North to dear old Manc. That's all. J x

Blogging From Afar

Hey everyone. I'm in the City Inn in Bristol (lovely hotel - free internet (and its Apple based hurrah), Peroni and Absolut in the mini bar, well at least there was some Absolut at the start of the evening). Have just watched The Apprentice and have won the sweepstake in work - so who on earth is going to eat the box of Maltesers I"d bought as a prize? Off to do some training tomorrow but back here tomorrow night (2 days worth of training) so I'll let you have my impressions of Bristol tomorrow. That's all. J x

Dead Birds

Lovely Saturday in town with Sarah (my top marked fit for promotion colleague from Leeds). We went to see the dead (ceramic) birds on exhibition at Manchester Craft Market in the Northern Quarter. I stocked up on lovely cards and Sarah didn't buy any earrings or tiles. Bought a multi-gingham shirt at some new shop and then did a tour of Spinningfields because the new Rylands library was about to close. Then it was off to Felicinis for cocktails and to meet Huw (Sarah's husband, who had been to see the rugby at Old Trafford). After 3 martinis it was time for me to leave and for them to eat. A thoroughly lovely day. That's all. J x

Netherlands

So I have Yasmina in the sweep ay work on The Apprentice, as you know. And clearly I'm going to win (famous last words). But I drew Netherlands in the 20/20 cricket sweep. And guess what? they beat England by 4 wickets... Yay. That's all. J x

Christies

Off to Christies this morning - regular 3 monthly check-up. will let you know later how it went. Am hoping that I can go to 6 monthly soon as we're approaching the 3 year anniversary of the end of my treatment (July). You'll be pleased to know that I'm still in the running for winning the sweep we're running on my Team re The Apprentice. I've got Yasmina and I'm still hopeful she'll win (although was rather disappointed that she didn't know the difference between net and gross profit - some businesswoman huh?Kate's too perfect and too blond (yes, you can be). Looking forward to Sarah coming over from Leeds on Saturday and then I'm off to Bristol on Sunday for 2 days training next week - what fun! That's all. J x

Another Beautiful Day

May try a little sun-bathing today (only don't tell the lovely Debbie or she'll shout at me - although latest thinking seems to be that the vitamin D one gets from exposure to the sun can actually help protect against certain cancers). Had a relatively quiet help line session last night - just 2 calls: one from someone who wanted to get buried in Amsterdam (and he phoned me why?) and another more disturbing one about abuse - but I'm not sure it wasn't a fantasist. Then down Canal Street with Jim. That place is truly a horror. The people! My God. And I get really annoyed that the gay community gets such shoddy service from its businesses. Service is bad, slow and unfriendly. Drinks are warm and overpriced and yet we put up with it. Why? There are plenty of good, well run, reasonably priced places out there so why don't we use them? WHo knows. Shan't be going back there in a hurry though. Seeing Graham from upstairs later, hopefully he won't suggest Canal Street. That's all. Have nice day. J x

Beautiful Day

Done Sainsburys, dry cleaners, cleaning, washing (2 loads - good drying weather) and off to help line tonight. Potentially Canal Street afterwards. This of course means that I have to miss the reality thing with Susan Boyle tonight. Quelle tragedie! I hope she doesn't win though because she's rubbish. Taking Madam and all her friends to the airport tomorrow morning (they're off to Ibiza). Wouldn't be surprised if DD decides not to go though as her father in law is ill in hospital. That's all. J x

Ooooh, Oslo

Just checked my visitor stats and I have a reader in Oslo. How exciting. Congratulations on Eurovision Oslo. That's all. J x

Home Early

Actually managed to leave the office before it closed today (albeit just by an hour!). This is a huge step forward. Having spent hours and days studying for the management course I was on yesterday (only to find out it was a complete waste of time) as well as carrying on the day job I found myself up to date today. Hurrah. Have another 3 management courses to do (4 days each with 3 days pre-course study before that) during this year but they sound like they may be more use. And the weather is nice too.

Spoke to the old man yesterday. He was full of the joys of spring having found out that his heart is not about to pack up after all. The rest of us are pretty happy about that too. He still has an irregular heartbeat but hasn't had a heart attack (as was feared) and all the fluid has disappeared from his lungs. Good news.

Off out for a cocktail or two with a couple of old chums from ABH tomorrow evening. Help Line and then out with Jim on Saturday. And then maybe a bit of gardening on Sunday (since the weather is supposed to stay nice). Everything in my garden is rosy at the moment. And Man Utd lost. That's all. J x

So Busy

Its been ages since my last blog so apologies for that. But the job just takes up so much time at the moment that by the time I get home I'm exhausted. I'm hoping things will quieten down slightly as we move into June and I'll be able to catch up with myself and start doing less than 10 hour days.

Having said that I'm still loving the job and learning almost as much about myself as I am about my team (but we don't need to go into all that here - that's probably a conversation I need to have with my psychiatrist: Dr Vodka). Have a training course on Wednesday to find out how to be a "confident manager". Let's see if I learn anything new...

Out of work I haven't had much time for anything. Although I did see DD and quite a lot of my psychiatrist on Friday at a new bar in town (was OK but probably not going back in a rush - its called Eparney or something like that). Spent Saturday recovering. Yesterday was cleaning and gardening with a trip to the garden centre this morning to spend some of my leaving present from the Manchester office (spent £80, £50 to go). Later this afternoon I'm off to the cinema with Gill - Angels & Demons which I'm really looking forward to. I enjoyed the book more than the Da Vinci code and a lot of this film is set in Rome which I love. DD calling round later to drop the car off and share a coffee and a catch up. Now feeling fairly chilled (the extra day off has done me good) which is nice for a change. That's all. J x

Eurovision

A vintage year. Well done Russia. That's all. J x

A Quiet Weekend. Sort Of.

Well, at least I didn't do anything Saturday night. Friday night was a couple of martinis at The Midland followed by vodka and soup (in quantity order!) at DD's and the last episode of Mad Men. There has to be another series, it is just so good. Anyway, woke up on her sofa having succumbed to the effects of Absolut and a tough week and then stumbled home. Nice quiet day yesterday - hair cut and dry cleaners. And then tried (once again) to eat pasta in the evening. Usual failure. Ho hum. No change on the saliva front then. Today will be a trip to Sainsburys and John Lewis followed by the new Star Trek with Gill. Can't wait!

Aged Ps are on their way back from Portugal having enjoyed bright sunshine and hot temperatures all week (apart from yesterday when it rained). Will be good to have them home safe and sound. Another busy week in work ahead and Book Group Monday evening at Room (where I believe they are currently serving half price cocktails - uh oh, particularly since I have another conference to attend on Tuesday). That's all. J x

Eeek

The Apprentices are coming North. Lock up your self respect and head for the hills... J x

Quiet Weekend (ish)

Not done a huge amount. Mostly spent today cleaning and stuff. Unable to do any on Saturday or Sunday on account of getting over hangovers (hence the "ish" in the title). Saturday night was out with Ms DD and Gill & Brian (her friends from Guildford). Went to the Great John Street hotel and a new bar called Corridor which is down a back-street in Salford and yet was really good (very knowledgeable barmen who knew what they were doing (how fantastic/unusual is that?). Did get very very drunk though.

Week in Warrington was good. Plenty of meetings and stuff (of course). Exciting week coming up - even more meetings! Also went to a meeting at the Helpline (I just can't get enough of them). This was the first time since the chicken pox and it was good to catch up with people.

Just watched 100 Greatest Musicals (an inspired piece of television if there ever was one). But Grease as the greatest musical? I think not. I'd probably go for Les Miserables? Into The Woods? A Chorus Line? Let me know what you think... That's all. J x

28,000 and 500

I have posted 500 messages on this blog and they have been read over 28,000 times. That's pretty amazing for someone who a) was convinced they were going to die and b) only started this thing because I didn't want visitors to view my disfigurements by visiting me in hospital. Hey ho. Well I ain't dead yet. And I'm still the pretty one.... That's all. J x

RIP

Bea Arthur has died. She played Dorothy in Golden Girls and was rather fabulous. I liked her and will miss her. That's all. J x

Birmingham

So, 2 days at the NEC. I could hardly wait. What a load of tosh. Although I was rather impressed by our director who tells it like she sees it. Shame she needs glasses...

Actually the best bit was Thursday night in the bar. Got totally rat arsed on cheap vodka with a couple of the other Business Learning Managers from Merseyside. Twas a good night. Unfortunately we were a little late for the start of Day Two of the conference. It can't have helped that our boss was already seated when we had to make our late entrance. Oops. I'll let you know Monday if I still have a job...

Off to Her Maj's tonight for an evening of soup and Madmen. We're spending the rest of the month in because Paris was a little more expensive than she'd anticipated. A whole week in the office next week so might actually get down to some work! That's all. J x

Lang Lang Rules

Despite sounding like a panda, Lang Lang is, in fact, a piano player. Now I'm not normally a huge fan of the piano but I have never felt such emotion when watching a classical concert before. The man is incredible. It was just him on stage with a piano for about 2 and a half hours but it was unbelievable. The Bartok wasn't so much a piece of music as an assault on the piano. It was all out war with not a tune in sight and yet it was fantastic. The Schubert was exquisite and the Debussy was lovely. Even the Chopin was great and I hate Chopin (just too boring for words). And then he did an encore of Chinese folk songs which were, well, Chinese sounding. The Bridgewater Hall was a sell out and they (and I) loved him. If you ever get a chance to go and see this man play pay whatever it takes. You won't regret it. No photos though (sorry Jane). J x

Back to Manc

So Eater was good. Spent it in Swansea with the Ageds. Ageds are fine and it was fun. The weather was fabulous. As instructed, there should be some photos of some of the gardens we visited attached to this post. That's all. J x

Easter, Schmeaster

Off to Swansea for the hols. Aged Ps delighted at the prospect of (yet) another trip to the National Botanical Garden of Wales (its their own fault really as they bought me the membership for Xmas). Will also be visiting a garden centre (I have some ideas for my terrace) and other bonding family activities. Back on Monday for another 4 day week in Warrington. Discovered today that I have arranged a Team Meeting for Tuesday when there's only me and one other team member in. Oh the joys of being in charge and completely lacking in organisational skills. The poor team member is just going to have to sit there and listen to me drone on about the BBS (ask a current member of HMRC if you don't know what this is) and then devise a solution all on his own for how we address the over 18 month old cases problem! He wasn't in today and so won't find all this out until Monday. Poor sod. That's all. J x

Very Good

The leaving do was lovely. Probably about 50 people throughout the day but not all at once - some arrived early and left early, others late and late. I received a briefcase as a leaving present. But not just any briefcase. It was an "official" briefcase (back in the day the Department used to give a briefcase to everyone who qualified as a Grade 7 but they'd stopped doing it by the time I qualified so obviously I've always wanted one). It says ER on it and everything. Its not a brand new one - they don't make them anymore but its lovely nonetheless. They'd also made up a photo album with pictures of every team I'd worked with since coming to Manchester which is just fantastic. I'll treasure it.

Of course I had too much to drink. I was trying to stick to Peronis but then people started buying me martinis so what could I do? No idea what time I got home. The party kicked of at 1200 and it was somewhere around 2100 to 2200 that I left (I'm guessing). I woke up on the sofa in the early hours so can assume a good time was had by all! That's all. J x

And so I'm back...

Valencia was lovely (but wet). The city has some really old bits and some really (really) new bits. In fact its the perfect mix - just like Manchester. Had to fly to Alicante on Monarch though. The flight out wasn't too bad - we were given extra leg room seats despite not having paid ridiculous seat booking and extra legroom booking fees. Alicante was also hot and sunny and we had a couple of hours there before catching the train to Valencia. We went first class and it was lovely - free vodka!

The apartment was also quite nice although it cost us more than we thought due to a cock up by me. In fact I suspect that DD won't let me book anything for the 2 of us again since there were also some "issues" around the timing of our flights too ( we had to leave the apartment on our final day at 0615 to get the train to go back to Alicante - in the pouring rain).

It rained on and off for most of the weekend but it didn't really spoil anything apart from the bus tour because it wasn't "open-top". It was also impossible to find the perfect vodka martini but then without James Bond poor Johnny Foreigner doesn't stand a chance. I will go back though as there's so much still to explore.

Back to work and a ton of e-mails and no computer services. Plus ca change...

Official promotion celebrations/leaving do at The Pitcher & Piano tomorrow. Looking forward to it and hoping (probably in vain) that I won't have to make a speech. I'll update you on the festivities and any injuries sustained once I'm sober. That's all. J x

Bloody Typical

The weather forecast for Valencia has been sun, sun, sun for weeks, months now and then, on the weekend that we're due to go, rain all weekend. Bugger. BUGGER do you hear me? And thrice bugger I say. Still, there'll be museums and shops and bars (oh my). So I'm sure we'll have a good time. That is, of course, if we ever make it there. We fly to Alicante (taxi booked for 0515 tomorrow am) and then have to get the train to Valencia. We've tried booking train seats but DD's computer is rubbish and the Spanish railway doesn't support Apple computers. Bugger again. Anyway, I've packed for nice weather (I'm an optimist - apparently optimists see the doughnut where pessimists see the hole...) but made one concession by packing an umbrella (now that my builder has told me where he hid it). So anyway, not taking the computer - Monarch weight limits and all that - so I'll blog when I get back and let you know all about it. That's all. J x

Well, What a Week it's Been

So busy I haven't even had time to blog (although to be fair I did find time to go and see Vicky Cristina Barcelona - really good and Penelope Cruz is stunning - and down one or 6 vodka martinis). But I'm sure you're all dying to know how the job is going. Well I have to say that so far its going really well. The days are longer what with the commuting and all - especially when I have to go into Liverpool (2 days this week). And I haven't managed to get hold of all the computer services I need yet. But my team are really nice and they seem really keen and up for the job which is good (and unusual). I think I made the right choice going back a week early. Its really strange having a personal secretary but again she is really nice and very helpful. Its a shame I wasn't able to start when I should have (02/02) because I haven't had the advantage of a handover from the previous manager but in some ways perhaps that's good too because it means I have no preconceptions of the people on the team. Also, luckily, no-one has asked me a question yet that I didn't know the answer to - but its just a matter of time. I'll keep you posted! Quiet weekend ahead (but Valencia next weekend - hurrah). That's all. J x

New Job Today

Oooooh. J x

Briefly

Have sorted out travel insurance, found my passport (and E111 card thingy - in date) and also found some old Euros. Now really feel like we're off to Valencia (a week next Friday). Oooooh. J x

Catch Up

So, where were we? Ah, yes, still on the sick. Well that all changes next week as I go back on Monday having obtained an un-sick note from my doctor (my original sick note runs out a week on Monday). It'll be a fairly busy week as I'll be in Liverpool for meetings on 2 days and have a dental appointment on Tuesday. In fact, it seems like I've hardly been out of the dentist for ages now as I had a hygienist appointment last Tuesday, saw the hospital dentist on Thursday and now see my regular dentist next week. Things are not looking too bad though teeth-wise. In fact, the hospital dentist wants to take photos of my mouth to show to his colleagues because he reckons that you can hardly tell I've had oral radiotherapy by just looking at my teeth. He reckons its because I use Tooth Mousse which is a new product that you can only get from Australia at the moment. Whatever it is I'm quite content if things are going OK (although of course my teeth are rubbish anyway from all those years of smoking).

Went for a drink with Sara on Wednesday at The Bridge and was later joined by her holiness. Needless to say we ended up at Panacea and had several (?) cocktails. We also got more free tickets for something or other but since its on a week night I won't be able to go.

Called into work (Manchester) on Thursday to clear out my desk. It was good to see everyone again. Will have to call back at some point though for my "presentation" (apparently there's been a collection). Will arrange at the same time as my leaving do which will probably be the 03/04 now.

Yesterday had a visit from HRH Ms Taylor. Fabulous to see her and she looks really well but the visit was too too brief. Yesterday evening was Comic Relief and Sara and DD came round for soup (I'm quite the expert now on tomato soup) and one or two little drinkies. A fun evening was had although CR was pretty hit and miss as usual (and as inevitable since they're trying to be all things to all people). Today is currently blank and tomorrow is the cinema again with Graham. I'll let you know how it goes at work next week. That's all. J x

Cyber Overload

Blogs, e-mail, facebook, twitter... how does anyone get anything done these days? Its exhausting just trying to keep up with all the different ways of communicating online.

And on the subject of overloading oneself I actually made it to the gym today. Did about 40 minutes of cycling, sit-ups and stretches. Knackered now. Am pondering going back to work next week and so tried to make an appointment to see my doctor but he has no appointments available for the rest of this week unless its an emergency. Will now speak to another doctor on the phone tomorrow and see what he/she says. I'll let you know.

Went to see The Young Victoria last night with Graham from upstairs. Surprisingly good I thought. Thence to the Raddison for a couple of VMs (well, one has to n'est pas?). Off for a shower now. That's all. J x

All Quiet on the Manchester Front

Been back in Manchester almost a week and I haven't done a great deal. Went to see the Tom Stoppard at the Library Theatre (Rock & Roll) which I enjoyed but I'm not sure I "got" it all. There was a lot of philosophical stuff on Russia and Czechoslovakia (Jane will explain it all to you if you need more information) and I've never been a particular Pink Floyd fan...

Went to MRI (walked there and back - phew!) for a CT scan (to check out the fluid on the lungs issue) but am not seeing the consultant until 22/04 so can't let you know he outcome until then. Presumably though they'll call me if there are any urgent issues. Also went to Christies for my regular check up. Everything fine. Not sure if I told you (and too lazy to look back through the blog) but the growth thing on my tongue disappeared whilst I was in hospital - which means it responded to the antibiotics which in turn means it wasn't cancerous. Hurrah.

Also had a haircut (long overdue). I could virtually sit on it.

Not sure when I'm going back to work. My sick note runs until 20/03 but I'm feeling quite strong so we'll see. I definitely won't go back next week but may go back a week early. But then everyone's telling me not to be over-ambitious. We'll see how I feel next week.

Had various drinks with DD (natch) and also made my first soup. Tomato. Recipe from the BBC. It was really nice (and DD agreed). I recommend it - give it a try.

Booked tickets for the Rufus Wainwright thing and the 3 Bach performances as part of the Manchester International Festival this summer but not managed to get any Bartlett tickets yet. I think that's failure of the booking system though and I'll get the tickets at the box office next week.

I also joined Facebook whilst I was in Swansea but I'm thinking of giving it up because its not that good (IMHO) and I've got this blog which, whilst not exactly interactive (why does no-one comment anymore?), at least lets all my readers know what's going on.

Anyway, that's all. J x

Back for Good

So, arrived back in Manchester yesterday afternoon and barely had time to unpack before I was out for cocktails with DD Aaah it was nice to get back to normal.

Feeling pretty good health-wise but still not very strong. Hopefully though will build myself up over the next week or two so that I can return to work before too long - perhaps even before my current sick note runs out. I'll keep you posted.

Having my new bedroom furniture delivered today so won't be put and about much today. That's all. Except to say that Callum, one of my builders, has injured himself so it may be some time before I get things finished in the flat. Will phone him today to find out what the position is. That really is all. J x Except to say, thank you for the lovely cards Andrea and Donna. You're both very sweet.

Sir Derek

Twelfth Night was magnificent. Derek Jacobi was superb as Malvolio. And Viola/Cesario was played by that woman from Lark Rise (the more timid of the dressmaking sisters). She was superb too. In fact the whole cast was superb apart from Orsino and since he wandered round for half the play with his top off I forgave him. To Browns Hotel afterwards for a few cocktails. V nice. J x

Saatchi

Saw the "Unveiled: New Art from the Middle East" exhibition at the Saatchi gallery this morning. Fantastic art. Fantastic gallery. And on Sloane Square too so fantastic shops (but didn't have the energy to visit any of them unfortunately). Now having a lie down in the hotel before Twelfth Night. Will blog later with details of how Derek did... That's all. J x

Well

Dr Atomic was interesting. Not a single tune you could hum though. But the staging was fantastic, the singers were good (and made the best of the material they'd been given) and the story itself was interesting. But I really wouldn't recommend it. Act 1 just about passed muster (hence I stayed for Act 2). But Act 2. Bugger only knows what most of it was about. Mrs Oppenheimer appeared to have completely lost her mind and was just ranting about anything that came into her head (at least that's how it appeared). Mr Oppenheimer wandered round the stage quoting from the Bhagavad Gita (it says in my programme). No, me either. And then a whole tribe of native americans turns up and sings some stuff and wears antlers. I kid you not. Anyway, high point of the evening was my first vodka martini since New Years Eve. There was no falling over. Twelfth Night tomorrow and the possibility of the Saatchi Gallery. That's all. J x

Picasso

What a fabulous exhibition. It is all about paintings done by Picasso that were based on or influenced by earlier paintings done by the great historical painters - El Greco, Goya, Rembrandt etc. And it is just displayed so well and the audio commentary is so good and the paintings themselves are just so stunning that it completely blows you away. At least it did for me. It was a little too crowded (even with timed tickets) but that was probably inevitable given how popular it was always going to be. If you get a chance, go and see it. Dr Atomic tonight. That's all. J x

Hats

Went to see the hats this afternoon. Fab. Really good, really interesting and really impressive. Cost a fiver though but well worth the money. Bought a book if you can't afford the fiver (see how Northern I've become?). Ma and Pa gone to see my aunty (still in the hospital following her stroke last year) and to have a meal with my uncle. I'll meet them in the bar (Hilton, Green Park) later. Picasso, god-mother and Dr Atomic tomorrow. That's all. J x

Swansea-->London-->Manchester

Went to Cardiff Saturday night to see The Marriage of Figaro at the Millennium Centre. Impressive building, crap opera. Like my cousin, we walked out at the interval. Its a shame because Welsh National Opera are normally very good. And we like Rebecca Evans (who was the best thing in it). But my back was playing up too so we didn't stay.

Its a bit of a bowls-fest this week so I don't expect to see too much of the Ageds. But then we're off to London on Friday. Itinerary (for me) includes an hat exhibition at the V&A, the Picasso exhibition at the National Gallery, Dr Atomic (a new opera at ENO) and Twelfth Night with Derek Jacobi. Quite a full itinerary so I hope my (poor, battered, sickly) body doesn't let me down.

And then back to Manchester on Monday to see all my old chums. Hurrah!

For anyone interested, I walked all the way to the shops and back today. That's all. J x

Home Alone

It was only a matter of time before the need to look after their son clashed with the social commitments of the Aged Ps. Needles to say, I'm sat at home on my own and they're out playing bowls.

We have had a good today though. We went to Aberglasney as a birthday treat for my father. The garden is lovely (if a little bare at the moment) and we had a really nice lunch there. And of course the Ninfarium is wonderful what ever the time of year.

Health-wise I'm feeling really good although I do still get tired really quickly. I've also started to put on weight (one whole pound! - I'm now 11 stone 9 pounds, which isn't far off what I was following the cancer treatment). My breathing is also a bit easier and I'm losing the tenderness on my right side (which is the side of the pneumonia infection). Yesterday I managed a 15 minute walk up a hill but was completely knackered at the end of it.

And guess what? There's a cricket match going on. Morning, noon and night. Bloody cricket. Still its a small price to pay for the care and attention I'm receiving. That's all for now. J x

A Surprise

I've had a valentine's card from someone and I don't know who its from! It has to be someone who knows my parent's address and yet doesn't know how to spell my name... (JonathAn).

The card was posted in Guernsey so I'm guessing its been done over the internet (trained investigator you know). And its a perfectly lovely card with pictures of baked cookies in the shape of men's underwear - boxers, Y-fronts, thongs that sort of thing. So thank you mystery person, the card is much appreciated.

Just sat through Swansea v Fulham - 1 all so there's a replay (oh joy) - and have the rugby to look forward to now. Temperature normal (although a little raised last night). Have also had an appointment for a CT scan when I'm back in Manchester so it looks like the doctors decided they wanted me to have one anyway. I see my chicken pox/pneumonia consultant on 22/04. And that's about it except to inform those interested that I have booked to see the opera Dr Atomic at ENO in London when I'm up with the Ageds to see Derek Jacobi in Twelfth Night at the end of February. They're not interested in the opera. Its a UK premiere so I'll let y'all know how I get on. And that really is all. J x

All Quiet on the Welsh Front

So, I'm just generally taking things easy at the moment. Not a lot to report. Went to PC World this morning (new monitor for my father's birthday - we saw one we liked and then came home and bought it online!). Followed by Sainsburys. And that was more than enough for me.

Aged Ps are dining out tonight with friends and so I've been left to fend for myself. Bugger all on television (Jonathan Ross later though - by which time they'll be back and talking through it!). And that's all there is to say really apart from to thank both Fig an Sarah for lovely Valentines Cards - I love getting and sending them. They're just so pretty. Never mind all that lurve bunkum...That's all. J x

Welsh Wales

So here I am, safe and sound in Swansea. The journey down was good - no snow or ice. Think I've overdone it a little today though as I feel quite knackered and my temperature has just crept over 37 degrees (for the first time in 3 days). I promise I'll take things easier tomorrow. No plans for anything yet but I'll keep you updated with my full itinerary as soon as I've got one.

Doctor has given me a sick note until 20/03 (which is 6 weeks recuperation - the hospital recommended 6 - 8 weeks but I don't thnk it will take that long). I'll review the situation nearer the time. This period does however cover the long weekend DD and I had planned for Valencia which (hopefully) I'll be fit enough to go on. Will probably cancel Portugal this year though as it will be too soon after starting the new job. And that's all I think. J x

Current Plans

So it looks like we'll be attempting the journey to Swansea on Wednesday since the latest weather forecasts show this as the best day for traveling this week. It all changes daily though so watch this space. Aged Ps have booked into the hotel over the road because sleeping on the floor is no good for them and they refuse to allow me to give up my bed. Hopefully though they'll now have a good night's sleep and a decent breakfast They'll come over afterwards.

Feeling quite good although I had a shower this morning and it exhausted me. How quickly we lose fitness and muscle tone. Jane A popped round tonight (good to see her and hear all her news) and said that I look thin. This is no bad thing though as I had started to put on a bit of weight before all this kicked off and some of my new clothes were starting to feel a little tight. I really do need to come up with a less dramatic weight-loss programme for the future though...

That's all. J x

Home Sweet Home

Am now back in the flat for a brief period. Will be travelling to Swansea for a couple of weeks recuperation once the roads clear. If you want to visit now then you only have a window of a few days. But let me know and I'll see if I can fit you in. Otherwise it's likely to be early March before I'm back. Thanks for all your cards, messages and support. They've made a huge difference. That's all. J x

End in Sight?

Doctors say nothing is growing in my cultures yet (which means the fluid isn't heavily infected). They want a CT scan though. If that takes place today then I could be home tonight. If it's scheduled for tomorrow then they'll keep me overnight. If it's scheduled for Monday then they'll send me home for the weekend. When I know more, you'll know more. J x

No News

I was ultrasounded and had fluid drained this morning - there seemed an awful lot of fluid to my eyes but the consultant said it wasn't a lot. Anyway they've sent the fluid off to the microbiology lab for various tests. Not seen a doctor since. Presumably will find out tomorrow on normal ward rounds where we go from here. When I know more, you'll know more. J x

Endless

Well. The good news is that I remain HIV negative. The bad news is I have a few more days in hospital yet whilst they drain some fluid that has collected around my lungs. Better safe than sorry of course but it's all a bit frustrating. When I know more, you'll know more. J x

Tuesday's child is free from hospital!

Yes, I've managed to piss off so many people with my complaints about the dietician service (or lack thereof) that they've decided to throw me out. I'm off the oxygen now and they're keeping me in tonight to make sure my blood oxygen saturation holds up. Have seen a dietician today and informed her of each of the separate occasions on which she and the system have failed me. I feel better for this. Will also be having a chest x-ray today to see if they need to drain any fluid. That's all. J x

A Better Day

Managed to get a few hours sleep last night. And the fact that I'm now receiving food parcels from home is helping to build my strength (I still haven't seen a dietician herewhich means that "officially" I should be surviving on the 600 calories a day prescribed by the pharmacist - don't even get me started). Had a shower and spent about 2 hours off the oxygen. Ma and Pa have just been to see me and The Saint arrives shortly. Of course, because it's the weekend I haven't seen hide nor hair of a doctor. Still, no doubt, everything will kick off tomorrow. When I know more, you'll know more. J x