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