Personal Message

Jane sweetie, my phone hasn't retained your telephone details so I can't get in touch with you about Friday. I'm suggesting we meet in the bar at the Midland from about 1800 or at the box office at 1915 (as I have to pick the tickets up on the night). Show starts at 1930. Give me a bell if you want to discus. J x

Safe & Sound

Back in Manchester. Journey was dead easy, virtually no traffic. God its cold up here though. And forgot to get milk so had to turn round and go back out again straight away. Hey ho. Had a fabulous Xmas. Loads of good presents and no rows. Also got to go to the National Botanic Gardens which I like - especially now I'm a member (Xmas present). Bloody cold there too. Nothing else to report really. Oh except had "the family" round on Saturday. Good to see Mary, Barrie et al again. And Dylan, god bless him, what a gorgeous child.

Off to Bridgewater Hall tomorrow night with Jim for the Hallé doing show tunes. Should be interesting. Possibly Canal Street afterwards. Panacea with DD (and possibly Jennie from next door) on NYE. And then The Library Theatre on 02/01 for Neil Bartlett's Great Expectations (which should be fantastic) with Lesley, Ben and people. Can't wait. And then Wizard of Oz (Starring Lorna Luft - ironically playing the wicked witch) with Gill on Sunday. Busy busy as usual... That's all. J x

Christmas Day

So, just finished watching Casino Royale (fabulous trunks) and awaiting Dr Who so thought I'd take a minute to blog. The presents were a success (unlike last year) and both the Aged Ps are happy with their allocations. For my part I received everything I asked for - DVDs (ER, Sex And The City The Movie, Sopranos), slippers (boring but necessary), socks - pink argyle ones, very nice, hand towels (again, boring but necessary) and a step ladder. Which was wrapped! Also a cocktail shaker to match my kitchen splashback - very clever, my Mum. All in all a successful Xmas. No rows. Food was fabulous (apparently) and I had a bit of mashed up this and that. Even the wine I brought home was good. Now awaiting a disaster of course...

Hope you all had a good time too. Heard from DD this morning and the weather in Spain in the mountains is very good (apparently the rain has stayed mainly in the plain). She also gets UK TV and was therefore able to watch Gavin and Stacey which was v v good. Roll on Series 3... Also spoke to John (without arguing - it was a fairly brief conversation) and had a best wishes text from the lovely Andrea. Text from the Taylors yesterday so may not hear anything further on that front until 2009.

Booked for Twelfth Night with Derek Jacobi in March at the Donmar West End in London and will be going to see The Marriage of Figaro at The Millennium Centre in Cardiff in February. Plus start new job on 02/02. So 2009 already shaping up as busy. Hurrah. Oh forgot, also got membership of the National Botanical Gardens of Wales for Xmas so hopefully off for a visit there soon (I just love it there). So goodwill to all you men and women out there and see y'all soon. J x

Its Been Ages

I know, I know. Sorry. Its been a busy couple of weeks. To start with some good news, well done to Kathryn who has just passed her 4 year milestone of being free of the Big C. I'm dead chuffed for you (to use the Swansea vernacular). Also some good news chez moi, I went back to Christies to get the results from the biopsy of the bit they cut off my lip just before I went to London. Having sat in the waiting room for 2 hours whilst they looked for my notes (!&+**@!) I had a 5 minute consultation to be told that it was a "viral warty thing" (sometimes I just get completely lost with all this technical jargon) and nothing to worry about. Phew.

Jane's funeral was lovely (as funerals go). Anne did make it (albeit in an ambulance and she was in a wheelchair) but I'm sure it was important that she was there. I understand that she hasn't improved greatly since but I believe this may be the way of things with strokes - it takes your body a long while to understand and deal with what has gone on and you need to sleep a lot in the weeks following it happening. At the funeral Murray (Jane's husband), Robert (her brother) and 3 of her friends all spoke. Its an incredibly difficult thing to do (as Robert will no doubt attest being completely unable to say the last sentence of the words he'd prepared) but it makes such a difference. We heard about Jane from the people who knew and loved her in a way that was much more personal instead of a vicar just blithely repeating what they've been told and mispronouncing names etc. The chapel was lovely (but very cold) and the graveside was muddy but then I imagine they always are. After tea and sandwiches in a local hall it was back up to Manchester. I'm glad I went.

And what's happened since then? Well there have been drunken nights out. Christmas shopping, decorations and wrapping presents. There has been a Chinese meal book group at which I discovered I can eat peppers (yay). I've also been to the cinema to see The Day The Earth Stood Still -one of the worst films I have ever seen (it fails on every level). Denise and I have also been given free tickets to Panacea for New Year's Eve (normal cost £25 each - double yay).

I'm in work tomorrow and then its back to Swansea on Tuesday until the 29th and then back to Manchester for the new year and preparing for the new job. Really looking forward to Xmas - it seems like ages since I spent time with the Aged Ps (just looked in the diary and apart from the brief get together at the funeral not since the end of August). That's ages. I'll no doubt post from Swansea over Xmas but in the meantime:

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all my readers. That's all. J x

Sublime

The opera was fantastic. I've no idea why it isn't performed more often. And the lead soprano was wonderful (although apparently suffering from "vocal fatigue" bless her). There was no sign of vocal fatigue though when, at the end, she was "consumed by paroxysms of grief and died in convulsions".

A walk around Regent's Park in the winter sunshine was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning but the Design Museum in the afternoon was disappointing. Its really badly run which one could forgive more if they didn't charge an £8.50 entrance fee. Then a quiet night in the hotel before the funeral at 1200 today. Spoke to my mum yesterday (they came up to London last night) and she doesn't think my aunt will be well enough to attend after all. But no decision will be taken until this morning. Back to Manchester this evening and I'll let you know how it all went. That's all. J x

Hairspray

Well I was all prepared to be disappointed by this show on account of the fact that I was informed when I arrived at the theatre (note, not when I purchased the ticket) that none of the lead performers (apart from Michael Ball) would be appearing. And whilst some of the substitute leads were weak (particularly Tracey and Link - who was blonde: what was that all about?) the show has such a fantastic score and is such a warm hearted show that I was won over by the end. I would like to go and see it again with the proper leads though. And I have to say that Michael Ball - who I don't normally rate - was excellent as Edna. Afterwards went to One Aldwych for a martini or two. Very nice.

Today have spent mostly shopping on Regent Street, New Bond Street and Dover Street. Needless to say I've spent a fortune but have some very nice shirts/jackets/suitcases. Tonight is the South Bank Centre and Donizetti's Parisimina. No idea what it's like or what its about about but its the London Philharmonic so it should be good.

Some good news about Monday too (in the sense that there can be any good news about a funeral) It sounds as though my aunt (Jane's mum) may be able to attend the funeral in a wheelchair. Fingers crossed that this is possible because although it will be very very sad and upsetting for her, its also a necessary part of the grieving process. I'll let you know how it went when I'm back in Manchester. That's all for now. J x

Butchered!

To Christies yesterday where the doctor (or butcher) decided that he'd hack off half my lip and leave me with a completely disfigured face. Actually, the fact is that I had a small spot on my upper lip that had been there for about 4 months and which I thought might be a new tumour (you all know how dramatic I can get). Turns out not to be cancer (phew) and the doctor - a chap called Aran who was very nice but obviously not Sean who was engaged elsewhere and not looking after me (his number one patient) - offered to remove it for me. I agreed and so he did it there and then. I now have a stitch there and the lovely lovely Debbie says I'm not to kiss anyone until she takes it out on Tuesday!

On a sadder note I'm off to London today for the weekend and to attend my cousin's funeral on Monday. Not sure what I'll do in London although I have booked to go and see the London Philharmonic on Saturday evening at The South Bank. May try and get into a show tonight. Further bad news is that Jane's mum (my auntie) has had a stroke and won't be able to attend the funeral. Word from my uncle is that, as strokes go, it could have been worse so its fingers crossed for her recovery. I'll update you more after the weekend. That's all. J x

Sad News

My cousin Jane died yesterday. She was my age and, you'll remember, had developed further problems following a breast cancer diagnosis. I hadn't seen her lately but when I worked in Crawley we used to meet for lunch occasionally because she worked in Deloitte & Touche there. Its a really sad time for all the family, particularly so because it inevitably brings back memories of Sally's death. Its a cruel outcome that 2 sisters should both lose their daughters early. My thoughts today are with Anne & John (my aunt and uncle), with Robert & David (Jane's brothers) and Murray and Rebecca and Laura (Jane's husband and daughters). I know how hard it will be for all of them since there still isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of Sally at some moment or other. Now though when I think of Sally I smile rather than get upset. I still miss her. J x

The Weekend

So. What a fantastic weekend. Journey to London on Friday was fine (first class since cheaper than standard - bizarre) and met up with Sarah & Donna with no problems. Thence to Tate Modern for 1) Rothko - fantastic. He's a very powerful, emotional painter and you really have to see his stuff up close to appreciate it. 2) Some other exhibition by some unpronounceable South American bloke (or woman?) who is more of an installation artist. Not usually a fan of installation art but this was exceptional. Very hands on and very immediate and scary. Would take too long to explain it all here but buy me a drink and I'll wax lyrical. Back to Donna's for soup and beer with Rudi and Leo. Slept very comfortably on the sofa bed and the following morning it was off to Tate Britain for the Francis Bacon exhibition. Again a very powerful painter who is not at all "easy" but who repays viewing in the flesh. My only criticism of the show is that the paintings are behind glass and one gets reflections which can be a little distracting. Following all the art it was down to Eastbourne for a little relaxation.

Is there anywhere more relaxing than Eastbourne? A town where a vodka martini is as elusive as anyone under the age of 40. Having stormed out of the Eastbourne Grand (Sarah really must stop dressing like a prostitute) we eventually were lured into The Cavendish by the twinkle of a rather impressive chandelier. Thank God we were (motto: never doubt a chandelier). Young Peter made us cocktails until his fingers bled (literally) and a very enjoyable evening was had by all. The following morning we went for a really nice walk along the seafront and then I hopped on the train for Brighton. Checked into The Hilton and then off to meet Fig for an afternoon of drink and drag. 2 shows and not a small number of beers later we parted company having spent many a happy hour in our old haunts. Back up to Manchester the following day and a sleep in my own bed. Hurrah.

Off to Solihull tomorrow and Friday with work - about 50 of us apparently, including some people I used to work with in Brighton. It will be good to see them again after all this time. They won't recognise me though (last they saw me was before the cancer so it'll be interesting to see their reactions. I'l let you know how it went when I get back. That's all. J x

So...

...Barnum was OK. But oh my God, the politics of the amateur dramatic world! Jim, God bless him, was virtually poached on the night!

Remembrance was lovely apart from the fact that we got there a little late and missed all the marching uniforms. Next time go early I think, see the soldiers, shut up for 2 minutes and then skip off for a coffee before all the hypocrisy/religion kicks off.

What else? Spoke to Mrs T this week. She's fine and dandy and may be in Manchester for my leaving do (30/01 for anyone filling out next year's diary). Mr T is fine as well. As is the dog. Went to see the new Bond with Gill last night. Not bad (although not as good as Casino Royale). DC is still v v gorgeous though. Especially after he's been roughed up a little. Yum!

Saw a builder on Tuesday. Going to give me a quote. We'll see.

Late drink with DD tonight followed by tomorrow night in London, Saturday night in Eastbourne and Sunday night in Brighton. As I said before, busy, busy, busy. That's all. J x

We Love You Brad

To the cinema with Gill last night to see Burn After Reading. A completely bizarre and yet fantastic film (i.e. typical Coen brothers). Brad was just brilliant. And George was as gorgeous as ever. But the plotline.... Indescribable. Spent this morning serving coffee at the office Macmillan coffee morning. That, together with the raffle and a couple of other fundraising ideas raised £1800 which was just brilliant. Quiet night in tonight, loads of paperwork to do tomorrow and then off to Bolton in the evening to see Barnum with Jim. And to the Remembrance thing with DD on Sunday morning. Busy, busy, busy. That's all. J x

Leeds

Off to Leeds yesterday to catch up with my old chum Sarah. She, you may remember, took 12 months off work to go traveling the world with her partner Hugh. Well, they're recently returned and this was the first chance we had to catch up and fit it in with a couple of vodka martinis and a bit of shopping. Sarah is well and not suffering from any foreign diseases you'll be pleased to know. Although she is currently unable to drink white wine. We don't know why but presumably its the fault of something exotic. So we drank, and we shopped, and we caught up (luckily she had a blog whilst traveling so we didn't ned to spend the whole time talking about foreign parts and looking at photos... We didn't buy anything in Harvey Nicks (I know, unheard of) but I did get a pair of boots in Oliver Sweeney so that was OK. It was a really nice day out and we're now trying to see if we can sort something for the Bacon and Rothko fest I'll be attending later this month. Quiet day planned for today watching little Lewis Hamilton in his car. That's all. J x

Hola

Well, we survived the journey out. Take some advice from me, don't ever travel overnight by train. Its a nightmare. The bunks are really small, really uncomfortable and really close together. I didn't sleep a wink. However, things got better once we reached Madrid. The apartment was really nice and really central. The TV didn't work but since we'd probably only have got Spanish TV anyway it didn't matter too much. On the cultural front I went to the Prado, the Reine Sophia, the Teatro Espangnol, Saint Miguel and the cathedral at the bottom of the street (can't remember the name). The Prado was a little disappointing. Velasquez isn't all he's cracked up to be when you're up close and personal although Tintiretto made up for this a little. Equally, the Reine Sophia. Guernica is, of course, fabulous and all the related sketches and photos of the development of the picture is fascinating too. But I don't like Dali. And Spanish galleries are so badly designed. They don't flow at all and you end up spending half your time retracing your steps. The Teatro was fantastic though. We saw Sweeney Todd. In Spanish. And it was fabulous. I thought Sondheim was all about the words but he's not. The music is really good too. And the others liked it. The cast were just out of this world. I went to Mass at the cathedral (I'd never been to one before) but it was a bit disappointing. Just one bloke and a nun. No choirs, no thuribles, nothing. What's that all about?

Otherwise we spent a lot of time shopping (a shirt and a tie) and drinking (too many to name and I can't even remember half of them) which was a lot of fun. Coming home, Easyjet was surprisingly good but that the fact that they'd switched our airport to Liverpool was a pain. But here I am. Safe and sound and back home. Work tomorrow. Goody. That's all. J x

Oh This Year We're Off To Sunny Spain

Yes, ladies & germs I'm off to the sun drenched shores (well actually there aren't any shores but you get the picture - its the "sun drenched" you need to concentrate on) of Madrid. Our trusty band of adventurers armed only with the Spanish for "four beers please" (no, I don 't know, ask Denise) will brave the Spanish race and the Spanish railways to spend 4 nights on the sun drenched... oh yes, I've already done that bit. Rather unusually I am simply going along for the ride and have taken no part in the organisation whatsoever. Its strangely liberating not worrying about everyone else and what we'll do and see etc. So you'll have to wait until I get back to hear the hilarious tales of me trying to but a new outfit in The Prado etc etc. Anyway, looking forward to the break. See you soon. That's all. J x

Night on the Tiles

Night out with the trainees celebrating various exam successes. Started off in Sinclairs (which luckily doesn't do vodka martinis and therefore didn't get too drunk too soon) but ended up in Panacea which does so I did! Got various bits of advice on what it takes to be a good BLM (and what it doesn't). As expected, my ideas around standards of dress (i.e. shirt and tie not jeans and T shirt) were not that popular. Luckily though it looks as though my new trainees already wear shirts and ties to work so it shouldn't be a problem. The die-hards there at the end were me Nick, Lesley & Ben. Well done you! That's all. J x

Just Watched...

.... O Brother. Where Art Thou. (With no question mark - why not?). What a fantastic film. Beautifully written, beautifully acted and beautifully shot. And beautiful George Clooney. Perfect. That's all. J x

Random Posts

Been getting some random comments on the blog so I have instituted a "check first" regime. Any comments you make will now have to be viewed by me before they appear on the site. Hopefully this won't mean too many delays. Out with D and friends last night to Strada (no soup) and the Great John Street hotel (far too many VMs for a school night). Feeling a little rough this morning. That's all. J x

I Know, I Know

I'm overdue another post. I'm off to Swansea today and back on Tuesday (missing line dancing on Monday - quelle horreuer!). I'll try and blog from bonny Wales but if not I'll update y'all when I get back. Promise. That's all. J x Oh, P.S. I start in my new job on 02/02/09.

Catch Up

Its been a while I know but now I'm back. I'm not suffering from liver failure (but thank you for your concern) although I do seem to have a touch of the flu for which I blame the usual culprit (Ms DD - but see later). So where were we when last I posted? Ah yes, I was off to London to celebrate (?) being 47. And I'd just been promoted. Well a lot has happened since then so I hope you're sitting comfortably...

Well, London was really good (apart from Joseph - except Lee looks really good in a loin cloth when viewed over a long period of time through opera glasses). We also saw Spamalot which is just fantastic. Sanjeev Bakshar (I think that's how you spell his name, anyway that bloke off the Kumars) rather ironically playing King Arthur. He's not much of a song and dance bloke but he worked the comedy well and allowed for some interesting racial jokes. Apart from the musicals there was shopping - CDs, a coat, a Balanciaga shirt that cost as much as the coat but looks beautiful on, and many many vodka martinis. So yes, there was drinking as well - at One Aldwych, a fabulous hotel on, you guessed it, Aldwych and also at St Martins Lane with all the local drug dealers and their whores (but only the top class ones because its a top class place). The hotel was stunning with very pretty lobby boys and was located on Seething Lane in the City (how fabulous an address is that?). It was next to St Olaves church. So bells on Sunday. On Sunday we went to the Regent Street festival, had coffee and bought vodka at Fortnum & Masons, mixed it with the Calvin Klein guys at the new Calvin Klein store and then went to Browns Hotel (having been turned away from the Ritz because Armani jeans aren't good enough apparently) but it was a lucky break because Browns is fabulous so we had one or three VMs there with the lovely waiter (who may or may not have had a holiday romance with DD who definitely did have a holiday romance with a drunken Irishman in the street).

After the weekend away I went line dancing with Patrick on the Monday - I know, I know - but it was fun. Honestly. I'm going again next week and everything. Then it was Help Line on Tuesday with Smyth and then celebrations on Friday for the promotions - mine, Sara's and Stuart's at which I got very very drunk. I also by this time had flu on account of Ms DD wearing me out in London and literally forcing vodka down my neck. This weekend has therefore been a little quiet. But that's a good thing. Busy week ahead (us Grade 6s, never a quiet moment you know). That's all and sorry for any delays. J x

Happy Birthday To Me

Yes, I'm 47 today. Off to London with DD for a birthday weekend. Will I survive? Will London still be standing? Watch this space for an update... That's all (for now - may blog from London if I'm allowed a free minute) J x

Just a Quickie

I got the job!!!!!! Yippee and double yippee. It will be the one in Warrington and it starts in February. Triple yippee!!!!!! That's all. J x

P.P.S.

And Hugh... Oops. J x

P.S.

Welcome home Sarah. J x

Sunday, Still a Grade 7

Hopeful that I'll hear tomorrow though. Watch this space.

Went to Liverpool last night to see the Klimt at The Tate. Nice pictures (I love the Beethoven Frieze) but the exhibition was padded out too much to disguise the fact that they didn't have that many original Klimt's to show (in my opinion). There was a lot of stuff about his patrons and also pictures hung that weren't even by him. Could have done better I felt. Went for a drink in the Pan American Bar first (OK) and The Azure bar afterwards (nice until they turned the music up). Impossible to get a coffee on Liverpool Lime Street Station at 2100 on a Saturday night which is frankly scandalous. And the train trip home was, let us say, interesting. Oh my God. The people getting on in order to get off at Deansgate Locks. It was never like that when I was a youngster... Liverpool has some really nice old buildings and will probably have some really nice new ones when they're finished. And somehow I expected that they'd have done all the building work before the Capital of Culture stuff so that visitors saw the best of the city not just a building site (which is pretty much what it is at the moment). Anyway, be nice to have the chance to work there (as a Grade 6!). That's all. J x

Expletive

Now been told that I won't hear until next week on the job. Can't anyone get anything right in this expletive Department? Oh, and someone who is already a expletive Grade 6 has applied for the expletive Team Leader job so providing they are suitable, no-one else will be expletiving looked at. Expletive. Expletive and double expletive. Off to do the helpline and be helpful and supportive now. That's all. J x

There's a Bright Golden Haze Over Ludlow

To Ludlow on Saturday to spend the day with my parents who are spending a long weekend there to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. DD came along too because she's one of the family now. Had a lovely day and the weather stayed fine. Ludlow is a lovely little town with an old castle. We had lunch in an hotel down by the river (which was running pretty high and fast on account of all the recent rain). Train journey a nightmare because we had to catch the Swansea train to Ludlow and, apart from it being full of Welsh people, it was small and overcrowded. Luckily we managed to negotiate ourselves seats between bookings although we did have to change at one point. This day is always one of mixed emotions for the family though because it is also the anniversary of Sally's death and we all still miss her.

Still can't remember a single question I was asked at the interview. Its bizarre. I'm used to having a bad memory but not this bad. Everyone says its because of the adrenaline. Its still an odd feeling though. I still think it went quite well and I think I acquitted myself as well as I could - certainly there are only maybe one or two things I might do differently next time round. Like mention "data security" for instance which, I see from the papers, is once again on the front pages. And HMRC always get a mention - even when, as on this occasion, its the Home Office that lost the bloody memory stick!

Hey ho, am attempting to clean the flat today as I have somewhat neglected this task whilst preparing for the interview. So far I've had a shower and fallen asleep on the sofa. Does this count? That's all. J x

Interview

Well its over. I did as well as I could (I think). Its now in the hands of the gods or at least the hands of Local Compliance. DD has taken me out tonight to celebrate getting through it. I am therefore a little pissed. Will post later on the whole experience but thank you everyone for your good wishes... That's all. J x

Fingers Crossed...

DD has just been round and grilled me for an hour and professed herself satisfied with my performance so I'm feeling OK about tomorrow. This will be my first competence based interview though so there's no telling what might happen. One thing we can be sure of though is that I probably won't be faced with the question "how do you propose dealing with the new post sorting arrangements and what are the implications for data security?" (this, as you might guess, was a DD special). That's all until tomorrow night when I'll post and let you know how it went. J x

Soon...

Have spent most of the afternoon and evening talking aloud. Trying to get my examples fixed in my head for Friday. And they just don't want to stick. Its not looking good at the moment. But its late so I'll probably feel better tomorrow. Off to bed now with Alexander Solzhenitsyn which should be very relaxing (thank you Jane). That's all. J x

Manchester

Back safe & sound. Journey home completely uneventful. Straight into interview prep now for Friday (although I just have to finish off the other application form tomorrow). That's all. J x

Swansea

Nightmare journey down - 6.5 hours on account of an accident on the M6 which meant I hit the roadworks outside Cardiff during the rush hour. Was somewhat frazzled by the time I made it to Home Sweet Home. However, Saturday was a largely peaceful day on account of it never stopping raining and a day spent on the sofa in front of the telly watching the Olympics (The Great Haul Of China as I believe the papers are calling it!). Had one brief break for a journey to Staples to acquire some index cards to prepare my crib notes to take into my interview on Friday - starting to feel a little nervous already! Today we went to The National Botanical Garden of Wales which is just outside Carmarthen. Its a fantastic place and I love going there although my parents always moan because I always insist we go there. A load more gold medals I see today. Unbelievable how well we are doing at the moment although I suspect it will all go horribly wrong very very soon.

Sorted out my travel arrangements for Venice today (and I'll do Madrid soon too DD, don't worry).

Back to Manchester tomorrow, setting off early enough so that I have the afternoon for more interview prep when I arrive. That's all. J x

An Interview!

I have an interview... Its for a Business Learning Manager post (essentially in charge of trainees) in either Liverpool or Warrington. I'd prefer the Warrington job for many reasons but I'll take either. Apparently they're interviewing 8 people for 3 jobs so keep your fingers crossed. The interview is on 22/08 at 1000. You will be among the first to know the outcome... That's all. J x

Hello, My Name's Jonathan and I'm an Addict

I can't stop watching the Olympics. Doesn't matter what's on: archery, boxing, rowing anything. All stuff I wouldn't dream of watching normally. But because its the Olympics I'm transfixed. I need help. I can't even concentrate on filling out my application forms... That's all. J x

No News

They didn't sift the application forms last week after all. No idea why. So they're doing it next week which means there probably won't be a lot of notice for any interviews. On the grapevine I hear that there have been 12 applications (no idea whether any level transfers) so I'm not holding my breath. Have already started filling out the next one...!

Book club was good on Thursday. 8 people turned up which was a record for the group this year. Shame the book was rubbish. Next meeting is in my flat - because we're doing Mockingbird and we'll be watching the DVD once we've discussed the book. Which means I need to get on with getting it finished. Which means I'm going to have to dump the builder. So it'll be changed locks this weekend and luckily Jane has the details of someone she has used who is really good and reliable. So fingers crossed...

Lots to do today and doing helpline and then out tonight so better get cracking... That's all. J x

Tatton

As usual fabulous music. Unusually it was dry. However it was a little chilly. And too many chavs. But we enjoyed it. However, we should make sure we book the premier parking next year. Fireworks are still the best I've ever seen... That's all. J x

Bloody Hell

Almost forgot to tell you. Mrs T stayed last night and she is looking fabulous. Healthy, tanned (with a little help from a major cosmetics company!) and full of life. How anyone who has moved to the middle of nowhere and works in a castle can look happy and healthy is beyond me but it clearly works for her. Its clearly agreeing with Kev to who looks lithe/ripped depending on who you talk to... That's all. J x

Rain Rain Go Away

Checked the weather report for Saturday this afternoon and it had 2 rain drops on it. It now has one so hopefully things are looking up for Tatton Park. Sam is joining us this year and it will be interesting to hear what he thinks of the proceedings.

Royal Exchange tonight for Hay Fever. Very good if you put your Noel Coward hat on - that's the only way he works these days. The cast were fantastic although only one of them hit the triple score of Eastenders, Casualty and The Bill on their CV.

Closing date for BLM jobs tomorrow. Luckily I won't be too worried about it because I'll be flat on my back in The Moon on a birthday do. That's all. J x

24/7

This is the title for a "new theatre writing" festival thing in Manchester. For "new writing" read "amateur". Went to something last night in the basement of a record shop. Apparently some of the actors had been in Coronation Street. Its pretty hard to find an actor in Manchester who hasn't been in Coronation Street though. It was entertaining enough but a little amateur for my tastes. Went to Zinc bar beforehand (very busy and very hot) and The Moderne afterwards (cooler and less busy, well virtually empty actually - I don't predict a long life for The Moderne, which is a shame in some ways since its about the only bar in Manchester one can get into late night and be guaranteed of a vodka martini and a seat).

Not much planned for the rest of the weekend (which is good since still catching up after Tuesday night (I know, it takes time these days!). Currently unable to take a shower or do any washing on account of my water having been turned off (United Utilities are doing something outside the flat). Got Mrs T staying on Wednesday night (although I'm in Birmingham all day) and it will be really good to see her. DD is popping by to say hello so we'll probably have to save the dancing round the flat in our pyjamas until later on (since DD doesn't own any pyjamas - I know, how does she survive?). That's all. J x

And It Gets Worse...

Had a chum from London/Eastbourne staying for a couple of nights. She was delivering some really high powered training course on all things international - including Rotterdam apparently. It was great to see her because its been a while since we've got together. But God am I hung over today. It all started out innocently enough. Me her and Steve met up in Panacea and then we went to the Hilton (23rd floor along with all the tourists) because she hadn't been there before and you have to go up at least once. And then of course, Ms DD turned up and it went from bad to worse. Neither of us can remember getting back to the flat. And we felt crap this morning. But I managed to get through a meeting in Blackburn (thank God I wasn't driving) and then brought in a huge settlement this afternoon so all in all not too bad at the end of the day.

Went to see Mamma Mia with Jim at the weekend. What a rubbish film - same criticism as I had about the stage show. Its really a pop concert and not a musical and therefore shouldn't sell itself as such (in my humble musical theatre opinion). You'd never find Sondheim cobbling together someone else's songs and making a fortune out of it and that's all I'm going to say on the matter. Off to bed early tonight to recover. That's all. Oh apart from to say great news from my uncle and aunt who've had some good health related news although Jane still isn't too well. I'm thinking of them all at the moment. J x

Its Been Ages

So sorry for that dear readers. Its been another busy week. My application form for the Liverpool/Warrington jobs has gone and has been received by the appropriate person (good job I checked though because she hadn't received it first time). The closing date is 01/08 and the applications are being sifted week commencing 04/08 and interviews are week commencing 18/08. The closing date for the Manchester job is 29/08 so I don't need to fill that in until I know one way or the other on the Liverpool one. Its a bit annoying because Liverpool has the job I want whereas Manchester has the location. Having said that, the Manchester job is quite attractive and I'm sure would provide plenty of challenges.

Saw Karen this week as she was in town on Wednesday. It was great to see her and we got drunk in Panacea (where else?) before she caught her train to Nottingham. It was like she'd never been away (wait a minute, it was me that went away wasn't it!).

Out to the Hilton last night with DD and others to celebrate a promotion. Had one more VM than I'd intended. No harm done though except I can't remember whether or not I phoned Sarah to discuss her staying next week so I'll have to phone her today and apologise if we've already had the conversation!

Builder has been on site 3 days this week and not done all that he should have. Don't know what I'm going to do about this. I suppose if he keeps attending then we'll carry on with him but if he disappears again then he can forget it (I know, I've said it before). We'll see. That's all. J x

Busy Week

But no builder. Sadly. That's his lot now though. I've been more than fair and he can now go and whistle for the rest of his money. Now begins the search for an alternate builder. God its depressing.

Can't remember what else is news. Oh yes, am filling in another promotion application. This time for a job in Liverpool (or Warrington). Would prefer the latter but don't think I'm able to choose. We'll see. I'll let you all know how I get on. Hopefully will at least get an interview this time. They've also advertised my boss's job. But the closing date for applications for his job is later than the interview dates for the Liverpool job. I think if they offer the Liverpool one I'll have to take it as there's no guarantee I'd get the Manchester one. Shame they didn't come about the other way round really. Hey ho. Wish me luck. That's all. J x

Ooooooh, Dr Who

What did you think? I'm not so sure. No new Doctor? Were we happy with the explanation? I'll watch it again (Sky + is fantastic) and post again. That's all. J x

So Where to Start?

Well, Lymm was good. An excellent conference. Learned a lot and met some great people - also learned never to go and stay in the Lymm Hotel since the beds were really uncomfortable. It was worth it though and I came away feeling energised and enthused. The Local Compliance Director also complimented me on one of the points I made!

Cannot believe how excited the whole world seems to be at the prospect of tonight's Dr Who. Its all anyone talks about (apart from Ms DD who does occasionally say other things, such as "shall we have another" - the answer is yes...). All flights now sorted for Madrid and am looking forward to that although its a way off yet. Its also the same month I go to Venice so it will be pretty hectic.

Did the helpline on Monday night and had a call from someone whose partner was just about to be sent down for benefit fraud. Found that call quite difficult because all I wanted to do was scream at the guy "but he deserves it" rather than listen to him going on and on about the injustice of it all because it meant that they might lose their council house. Of course I didn't and I was supportive and helpful and all the rest of it.

Saw the designers on Thursday. The builder is getting a final chance (I know, I know) but it really is the final chance. We'll see. He's got a list of things to do by next Friday and if they're not done he's off the job. Went to Heals this morning with Ms DD and ordered a load of new furniture.

Theatre last Sunday for Jim's Showcase. About 7 different am dram companies doing excerpts from the musicals which turned out to be a lot more fun than it sounds...

Saw the hospital dentist last Thursday (after an hour's wait) and he seemed happy with the way things are looking and gave me the go ahead for some crowns. Which unfortunately don't get done on the NHS so are likely to cost me a fortune.

Mother not too well at the moment. She's got a really sore throat and is finding it difficult to eat. I suggested that she try an Ensure Plus (since I have a stash at their place) but apparently it just made her feel sick. Thank God it doesn't have that effect on me or where would I be?

Off to Canal Street tonight after Dr Who so will blog again soon. That's all. J x

Not Blogged For Ages

Sorry. Off to Lymm for a couple of nights but will bring you all up to date when I get back, I promise. That's all (for now). J x But, P.S. Dr Who. How exciting?

Watching the football...

... with Ms DD. God the Spanish players are cute. Especially the goalie. I did look up his name but have had a little too much to drink (pay attention, Ms DD is involved in this story) to remember it. Anyway he's cute. Am recording Kinky Boots as Ms DD wants to watch that too. We're into extra time at the moment and who knows where we'll end up. Exciting times. That's all. J x

Well it may be...

...a fantastic hotel but they can't make a vodka martini to save their lives. What is it with bar staff these days? Don't they train them or anything?

Opera was OK. Dennis O'Neil wasn't in it - was some other chap. Who was actually was rather good. The princess was fabulous though but Aida was a bit shrill I thought. And not that many tunes. You can't beat Mozart for tunes but I'm afraid on the evidence so far Verdi leaves me a little cold (Falsatff & Aida).

Now back in my room and watching the Amir Khan fight. I hate boxing but Amir is just soooo cute. That's all. J x

Died & Gone to Hotel Heaven

In the Ramada in Birmingham and just been upgraded to a Business Class suite on the 18th floor. Can see for miles Unfortunately its miles and miles of Birmingham but upgraders can't be choosers! Having some drugs and lunch before heading out to Harvey Nicks and Selfridges for a spot of sale shopping. Then to Aida tonight (WNO production with Denis O'Neil). Not seen it before so am quite excited at the prospect of elephants (should there be any - I'll let you know). Out with DD and Gill & Brian last night for a drink or 6. Went to Fellicinis which we haven't been to before and very nice it was too. Good for watching semi-clad students walking past the widow on their way to a night out in Manchester. Conversation was wide ranging and ridiculous at times as it should be after a few VMs. That's all for now. I'll blog later as have complementary wi-fi in my suite... J x

Still Not Mended

But that means I get to sit at lots of other desks and interact with different people so its not all bad. Although it is a pain having to go back to my desk when I forget the stapler and stuff. Anyway, off to London tomorrow so hopefully it will be fully functioning when I get back.

Car had its MOT today. £300. Not too bad when you consider its age and that price included a revamp of the air con and a new tyre.

Invite to go to Liverpool (City of Culture?) on Friday with Ms DD & gang but too busy and am off to Birmingham on Saturday and meeting Mark now on Friday evening anyway. Still want to go and see the Klimt though. I see that the Pool is copying Manchester (it was ever thus) by having a "parade" of that stupid lamb banana thing in mockery of our Cow Parade (which was ace). Even Bath are getting in on the act with a Boar Parade. Where Manchester leads...

Get my feedback on my application on Thursday (if you remember I "negotiated" myself some) so I may let you know what was said depending, obviously, on what was said. Also been roped into interviewing people (its supposed to be the other way round!) on Friday now. Its not as if I haven't already got enough to do but when one's Business Unit Head asks one can only say yes! Actually, I don't mind really coz its quite fun plus good practice for when I am on the other side. That's all. J x

Unexpected

Well the show was absolutely marvelous. And there was so much of it too. Some really exciting and inspirational works. Shall spend the rest of this evening looking up the websites of my favourites. Then after a bit of a rest it was off to the cinema to see Gone Baby Gone. Absolutely fantastic film. CAsey Affleck is a real find as an actor. And OMG, who on earth would want to live in America. What a nightmare place full of nightmare people. And so many guns. In order to recover we had to repair to Podium afterwards for a martini/glass of champagne or 3. Both late for work this morning! Taking car for MOT in the morning so late again. Hope my bloody computer has been mended by the time I get in. That's all. J x

A Quiet Morning...

... spent watching Brad and Angelina recorded last night. I like that film (Mr & Mrs Smith).

Off to the degree show of Manchester School of Art this afternoon followed by who knows what. I wonder if I'll do a Maurice Saatchi and buy up a whole collection? I'm guessing we're unlikely to see anything as gorgeous as The Egg though... (Actually, is it called The Egg or something else? - I've no doubt Lil will be able to tell us). That's all. J x

Incidentally

Have managed to negotiate myself some feedback on the job application so I'll let you know where it all went horribly wrong... That's all. J x

Football

Ms DD came round last night to watch the football - Netherlands v France. What an exciting match. Some alcohol was consumed, it's true, but I'm not hungover this morning so it can't have been too much. Laundry & cleaning this morning and then into town this afternoon. Canal Street with Mark tonight and no plans at the moment for Sunday. Need to get some plants from Albert Square at some point though

Nothing more to report on the flat at the moment. The floor has been finished and looks fab and I'm promised that most of the rest of the stuff will be finished by the end of June. We'll see. I'm not too bothered and its good living back in my own place (although of course I miss the sofa-bed desperately...). That's all. J x

Busy Busy Busy

God, I'm never out of the office it seems. Still, really enjoying it at the moment. Checking the Job Adverts at least 3 times a day! I will get promoted, I will get promoted....

Spoke to Mrs T this week and she's making a pilgrimage to Manchester soon but as ever everyone wants to see her. I've been relegated to a week night. What's that all about? Also getting rather excited about all the fab pantos that the Figlet and I can go to at Xmas (Barrowman in Birmingham, Luft in The Wizard of Oz - I know! - and Mary Poppins).

There's a programme on TV at the moment about the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and there's a picture of 2 of Figlet and mine's friends in the exhibition this year. How exciting! That's all. J x

Oooooh...

... new iPhone. Very nice. Very sexy. Very just the thing for getting over disappointment... That's all. J x

Not Even an Interview

Bastards. And no feedback either. How on earth is one supposed to improve one's applications if one isn't told where one failed the first time round? Really depressed that I didn't even get an interview. But I'll get over it. One day. Give it a couple of years or so... That's all. J x

Monday Apparently

They won't announce the job results until Monday and interviews won't now be carried out until July because of the large number of applications (19). So please still keep everything crossed... J x

And Still No Bloody Word

DD says its because they don't announce the results until the Friday of the week in which they sift the applications. And she would know of course...

Builder is still on holiday until Monday apparently. I remain calm and centered...

Did help line shift tonight and got "signed off". I'm now qualified to answer the phone on my own. Whoppee! That's all. J x P.S. Happy birthday Karen, sorry the card's late.

Still no word...

...on the job (or on the flat - apparently the designers are meeting with the builder tomorrow rather than today). Half a tooth fell out of my mouth when I got back last night. Not sure whether this counts as a karaoke injury and whether or not I should be suing my union. Anyway saw my (very cute) dentist today and he says its nothing to worry about because there's no decay involved. He's warned me to stay away from karaoke bars for...oh... the rest of my life! That's all. J x

Oh What a Night

Still not heard anything on the job...

Met dearest Newcastlewench for a martini or 2 (she had 2 I had one plus a coffee) from work. Great to see her and I have to say a special thank you to her for texting me a picture of her cat. Thence to Tiger Tiger for a night of karaoke with my union colleagues. What a fantastic idea karaoke pods are. If you've never used them before I urge you to give them a go. They are so good. Some genius had decided to organise the evening around Eurovision so we were divided up into national teams and all had to vote on the other teams' efforts. I was Norway along with 3 others. What chance did we stand? Anyway each team had to choose song and then sing it to the other teams which meant a lot of pod swapping. What a brilliant way to break the ice. Needless to say things soon descended into chaos. Everyone sang everyone else's songs and the voting quickly became political (just like the real Eurovision!). Anyway thanks to agreeing a "lets give each other top marks" deal with several other teams (sorry Sweden, Iceland and Spain) Norway finished about half way up the table. The Netherlands won and Spain came last. Manchester are now hoping for a mention in the Union's next journal publication.

I'll keep you posted on the job situation. Love to Jane as always as she goes through all the crap of chemotherapy. That's all. J x

SATC II

Went to see it again tonight. Still fab. That silver Chanel bag that Carrie has at the beginning is fabulous. Thence to the 23rd floor of the Hilton for a cocktail or 3. Very nice. Nervous about job news next week. Rest assured you will all be the first to know... Jane (my cousin) not doing too well at the moment (she's currently at the low point of her chemotherapy) but hopefully she'll pick up soon. All my best wishes for her though. That's all. J x

Nothing Changes

So it was all the usual crap with John. I really won't bore you with it here. Suffice to say that we're not speaking (again)! Went to see Sex and the City though and really enjoyed that. Going again Sunday with Michelle. In the meantime its back to the usual routine. Meeting DD for drinks this evening at Panacea, out on Canal Street on Saturday and then back to work on Monday and will find out sometime next week whether I'm to be interviewed for the job or not. Also whether my builder will ever turn up again! I have to say though that even though its not finished yet I'm looking forward to spending some time in the flat on my own. Have treated myself to Grand Theft Auto for the PS3 so will probably be spending a chunk of the weekend on that. Also next week should be meeting up with Newcastlewench who is breezing into town for something probably top secret and very important. Wil be good to see her as she will be brimful of news and I haven't sen her for ages. That's all. J x

As One Chapter Closes...

...another begins. Fig has departed for sunnier skies in Brighton whilst another Southern traveller journeys North. Sunday was spent at the art gallery (a rather good exhibit by a Chinese guy with a double-barreled surname with just too many syllables for me to remember) and in the Northern Quarter (jeans for Fig and a book for me) followed by drinks with DD at her place (no longer our place - I hardly knew my way around anymore) and then at Cloud 23 and Podium. Yesterday, it has to be said, involved quite a lot of Playstation 3 although we did make it out to the cinema to see Indiana Jones. What a load of pants. It really is a bad film.

Anyway, have to get on with cleaning and changing the beds as John and Conor arrive lunchtime. And its raining again which I'm sure will please them immensely. Not. I'm not sure how much time I'l have to blog with 2 guests to entertain but I'll update you as and when I can (but after the last couple of months I'm sure, dear readers, that you're already overwhelmed by the number of blogs there have been to read over the last few days so a break may be welcome...). That's all. J x

Fairy Schmairy

Trip to Ilva to look at cheap garden furniture yesterday - and God it did look cheap so we didn't buy any. Bought DD a present though (not cheap looking, obviously). Also called in at Roche Bobois to look at very expensive furniture (very nice but just a little too French). Thence to a little shop called M Scene which is just the best shop with the most fantastic stuff in it. Also spent quite a lot of time on the PS3.

Before the theatre met up with DD for a drink in The Midland. We wouldn't normally go there because the service is not great but The Radisson was just rammed. Ordered a VM and was asked whether I wanted a dry or sweet one. I was horrified. Sweet martini? Who ever heard of such a thing although the bartender was insistent that there was such a creature. Having googled the term this morning I discover that the sweet martini actually predates the dry martini. Who knew? The Midland was playing host to the chavest wedding on earth. The outfits had to be seen to be believed. The bride (even without her tattoos) was a sight. The dress was your worst nightmare of a dress only shorter. And the bridesmaids. Oh my God. Don't even get me started.

Anyway, thence to The Library where we saw what had been renamed as "Rock" (previously The Fairy Godfather of New York). It was a really interesting play all about the relationship between Rock Hudson and his agent. It was only slightly marred by the fact that Bette Bourne couldn't quite remember all his words. However, the guy playing Rock was to die for and got his kit off as well!

And then home were we spent some time on the play station before retiring at a reasonable hour. Today hasn't been decided on yet but may or may not include Manchester Art Gallery, The Northern Quarter and/or Canal Street but will certainly include Sainsburys. Watch this space. That's all. J x

Arndale Schmarndale

Didn't make it to the Arndale. Fig got a shirt in Kendals instead. We then headed for the Arndale but only made is as far as a couple of espresso martinis in Harvey Nicks. From there we went to Urbis which had 3 exhibitions on. Matthew Williamson (quite interesting but I don't think he has a big enough body of work to merit a full exhibition yet). I think the fact that he's from Manchester originally is why Urbis have put one on. There was then an exhibition on urban gardening which should have been good but wasn't. Finally an exhibition on Manga which was interesting if a little disturbing. We then had coffee in The Modern. Nice spoons. Incidentally, I only have 2 spoons left as the builders appear to have stolen all mine. Why would they do that? Thence to Selfridges and then home where we spent a happy couple of hours on the PS3.

Out for a couple of drinks before the theatre. First stop, new bar Ithica - not sure, they've clearly spent a lot of money on it but it didn't quite work for us although their VMs were very good. So then we went to that old stalwart Panacea where our second favourite barman has cut all his hair off.

After this it was the wondrous Blethyn in The Glass Menagerie. Not an easy play to watch but it was very well done and all the actors were very good. Adrienne informs me that there are a few internal candidates for my (new) job so I've got my work cut out there. Then we went to The Modern (again) and saw in Fig's birthday (Happy Birthday honey) and then back home for another hour on the PS3 before bed. We appear to be stuck at the moment on a particularly difficult throwing task. But we persevere. That's all. J x

The Good, The Bad and....

.... the f***ing builders.

No news on builders actually, I just liked the way that line read. Scarlet Pimpernel was fun last night - a bit of a sub-Les Mis musical but none the worse for that. The 3 main leads were all very good and it was fun trying to spot Jim on the chorus in all his different costumes and wigs. We sat with Mark from the Helpline and him and Fig got on like a house on fire - they both have the most amazing memories for obscure bits of film and TV ephemera.

Actually slept at the flat last night. Had to hover the bed before I could make it up though - all that dust. Had a surprisingly good night although Fig claims to have heard some United fans still celebrating. And indeed, word from DD towers this morning is that there were more celebrations going on last night.

We're off to The Arndale (I know) this morning followed by a couple of exhibitions and maybe lunch at Urbis. And then our Brenda tonight. Will update as and when party lifestyle and hoovering allows. That's all. J x

Guess What?

No f***ing builder this morning. It really is unbelievable. You'd think that as a tax inspector I would have come across my share of liars but even the worst tax cheat isn't as bad as these builders. At least tax cheats have the honesty to dislike you. Builders are all smiles and laughs and then they stab you in the back. The last thing they said to me when they left was see you in the morning. They weren't here when I got here at 0800 and they're still not here and the main chap has turned his phone off. They did send "George" however. He is almost like a "negative builder" in that he is so inept that once he's finished a job you're in a worse position than you were when he started it. He's attempted to make sure that the bathroom door closes correctly. I have to wait until the paint dries to test if this is true. I fully expect it to fall off its hinges once I try it. I'll keep you posted. Fig arrives at 1530. Looking forward to seeing him and we're off to see The Scarlet Pimpernel am dram musical tonight. Trust me, compared to my builders its going to be like a night at the Royal Opera House... That's all. J x

Fingers Crossed...

... we might be getting there with the flat. They're back tomorrow morning until lunchtime by which time I should have 2 functioning bathrooms (with doors). A working heating and hot water system. Carpets in the bedrooms and most of a living room floor. Lighting is all ready to go and I think the telly and stuff may work. All that should be outstanding then is a wardrobe and a bookcase and the fiddly bits that just make life that much easier. As I say, fingers crossed. That's all. J x

Hiya (as they say in Wales)

You may already have read the stuff below in the comments section of my previous post. This was due to a hideous publishing disaster beyond my control. I do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Time will indeed tell young Figster although quite what it will tell remains to be seen. DD still away. She should have arrived in St Petersburg by now (Aeroflot willing) although I have yet to receive a text confirming this. Its been good for her to be away actually as I imagine I would have been pretty impossible to live with this week as have spent all week (yes, all week dear readers) filling in a job application. HMRC doesn't do things by halves and if you want a new job there are hoops to jump through for days. It doesn't help of course that once you've filled the damn thing in so that you believe that God himself (alright, or herself) would give you a job, along comes a certain Scottish lady (and I use that word under advisement) who says that your application is absolute pants and you have to start again. Having said that, once I'd taken on board all her ideas as well as those of another trained sifter and someone who has actually done the job, it was in fact 200% better. They're sifting in week commencing 02/06 and interviews are in week commencing 09/06 if needed. So keep your fingers crossed everyone.

News elsewhere? Flat still not ready. Anyone surprised? No, I didn't think so but I have assurances that I will have at least one functioning bathroom by the time young Figster arrives and we can just work the rest out as we go along. I've started bulk buying vodka already (canny investors out there might want to consider investing in Absolut and Grey Goose shares now). A full programme of theatre visits has been laid on for said birthday from the amateur production of Scarlet Pimpernel. The Musical! (who knew?) to our Brenda in that Tennessee Williams thing and our Bette in that Rock Hudson thing. Sunday night will be our night to howl...

John and Conor arrive on Tuesday and plans are afoot for things to do from that plasticised corpses thing to a day trip to Blackpool (can't wait) to a trip round some football ground. Actually I'm hoping the PS3 will be up and running by then and we can just leave Conor playing that and John and I can go out and get drunk! More vodka, I know. My liver is a pretty resilient organ though.

No other news for now. Book Group on Monday - Angela Carter's Wise Children which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm now reading the new Philip Pullman (having read The Book Thief in between - fantastic) but not got into it yet.

Tuesday of course sees the return of DD with, no doubt, tales of holiday romances and a million photographs. Looking forward to seeing her again since its been lonely in her flat without her.

Christies on Thursday (hello lovely lovely Debbie) - she always reads the blog before I turn up so that she can shout at me about sunbathing - before picking Fig up from the airport in the afternoon.

That's all. J x

And so I'm back...

...from Portugal. Had a very restful week apart from the sleepless nights worrying about the apartment! Still, the weather was good and although I wasn't supposed to sunbathe I did allow myself half an hour a day so I at least have a little colour to show for the holiday. Monarch flights were, as ever, Monarch flights and all that entails... I'll go BA next year because at least you get a nice flight (even if they do always seem to be delayed). Spent the time out there relaxing, reading, walking on the beach, only a little bit of shopping and, since with the Aged Ps, alcohol figured in there somewhere. All in all a good holiday.
Apartment not finished (well what did you expect?) but progress has been made. At least I have most of a floor laid now. Will be moving back in next weekend come what may and then have Fig visiting from the Thursday and John & Conor from the Tuesday.
Back to work tomorrow and have a million and one things to do o it will be a busy week. I'll blog again next weekend and let you know how the move is going. DD is off to Moscow and ST Petersburg from Tuesday until the following Tuesday so will be moving myself (which is probably for the best anyway). That's all. J x

And so it goes...

on and on and on. Flat still not finished. Off to Portugal a week today but have been promised all will be completed by my return. Hmmmm....

Not There Yet

At the flat at the moment. Still not finished. Sound and light people coming in next week though so should see some progress then (fingers crossed).

In the meantime still living with the delectable DD. The woman is a saint. Went to the pictures last night to see the new Mike Leigh. Quite good although not quite as "life affirming" as the critics suggest in my opinion. The driving instructor is a star though. Main character just a little annoying but her boyfriend is well fit. Went to the Palace for drinks afterwards.

And was out for drinks on Friday at Panacea (where else?). V nice too.

Not much else to report at the moment. Looking forward to seeing Fig closely followed by John & Conor the day after he leaves. Am hoping flat will be finished by then...

Also looking forward to seeing Karen a week Monday but I don't think (judging from today's visit) that she'll be staying over. And talking of people from work in Brighton who I haven't seen for ages, had a visit from the Reverend Stone this week. Good to see him and he hasn't changed one bit. That's all. J x

A Lodger's Work Is Never Done

Cleaner has gone sick so guess who has to step into the breach? I didn't even do the housework in my own place (unless the Aged Ps were in the offing). And talking of barely habitable dusty places, will be visiting the apartment to see if anyone has done the cleaning there tonight. I'll let you have an update some time over the weekend.

Had a pleasant evening yesterday with the book group (4 of us, book was Tales of the City, mixed views) at Velvet. I'm assured the food was nice and I can certainly vouch for the vodka martinis and they definitely do a nice line in cute waiters. Then it was back to the lodgings for an Apprentice/Property Ladder fest. Currently blogging at work so must cut it short and will blog more fully at the weekend. Just enough time to say that looking forward to arrival of Fig (followed by arrival of John) in May. Oh and I've gt a meeting on 01/05 in the William Pitt room at Somerset House. How posh does that sound? I'll let you know. That's all. J x

Found

Have located my modem in the flat and therefore have just set it up to allow internet access. Its a nightmare being without it when you're used to logging on every day and checking out your friends, finances, regular blogs, news, shopping updates etc. Anyway, although flat still a shambles (will it ever come right?) there is access to a telephone point and a chair I can sit in so here I am.

Went to see The Children's Hour at The Royal Exchange on Friday with Lesley & Adrienne (Gill was too ill poor love - hope you're feeling better now sweetie). What a fantastic play. Starts of a bit like The Crucible in that everything is founded on a child's lie but then veers off in an unexpected direction. Maxine Peake playing Karen was superb as was the rest of the cast - particularly the actress who palyed Mary who played the child who started it all. She had a real feeling of menace about her.

Quiet night in last night - made even more quiet by the fact that my landlady had gone to a hog roast. In the snow! Apparently there were snowball fights. Dr Who was OK. Had expected better since Russell had written it himself but fingers crossed for the rest of the series. I think it suffers a bit in my eyes because I've got into Torchwood this series. It has a more adult "intelligent" content. Dr Who is really kids stuff (and yes Fig, I'm expecting a comment on that comment).

Anyway, the dust is starting to get into my hair now so I'll sign off but I'll be back before long don't worry dear readers. That's all. J x

Clever Clever Jane Murray

'Twas she had the idea to try blogging at work. And it works! Unfortunately its Friday afternoon now and I have to finish my Performance & Development Evaluation so I've no time to update you all (still on Denise's couch though and Bill's blood count is normal again although he still has problems with his fingers) but expect more regular contributions for here on in... That's all. J x

Where to start?

Well, I'm back in Swansea for the Easter hols and therefore staying in the house of someone who knows the password for their wi-fi! Hence this post... Journey home was a bit of a nightmare though (lots of traffic and roadworks). Still I was home before midnight which means that DD owes me £50. Ha!

Still not back in the flat yet. Progress is being made every day but it seems really slow. I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end. And of course it would all be a million times worse if it wasn't for the fact that the fabulous DD has agreed to put up with me all this time. She's a real saint and I love her dearly.

Birmingham was good. The Magic Flute was fabulous (even though it was sung in English - which as you all know I'm not a fan of). Falstaff less so in my book although Bryn Terfel was superb. Not enough tunes for my liking. Birmingham was, on the whole, Birmingham i.e. a really ugly city - my mother hated it. Bought a shirt in Selfridges though.

Did the help line on Wednesday which was brilliant - had one call that lasted over an hour from a distressed lesbian. She was less distressed by the end of the call which is, of course, what its all about and why I do the job.

Saw Sean on Thursday. He was really happy with the way everything was looking. Also saw Frances (which was good as hadn't seen her for ages). She's going to ask around about research into gene therapy/stem cell research on growing new saliva glands. You never know... And of course no trip to Christies would be complete without seeing the lovely lovely Debbie who was as lovely lovely as ever. Except she told me I still can't sunbathe. Boo.

Had a chest x-ray (an annual precautionary event). They'll phone me if anything shows up. Also discovered that I've lost the ability to snore (yet another bonus from the cancer). Apparently I no longer have enough soft palate nor enough of the base of my tongue to enable snoring. Honestly you learn something new at Christies every week. Also had a bit more explained about my cancer (Anthony Minghella apparently ad the same operation as me - and I had it 3 times - so even more relief that I didn't die on the operating table). Apparently I had a large tumour in one gland which on the scale of a small tumour in one gland to multiple tumours in multiple glands on both sides of the neck is not too bad from a prognosis point of view.

As for people I know with cancer there is good news and less good news. Jane, my cousin, has 2 slipped discs and not bone cancer. Which is a relief. Bill however, has had some contra-indications on his blood tests but its too early yet to know what this means. I'm sure you will all join with me in sending him love and best wishes.

Next week is busy with meetings and the theatre (I think) on Friday. Jonah & Otto at the Royal Exchange. No idea what its about but going with a bunch of people from work so it should be fun.

That's all. J x

P.S. Mother's fingers (which my regular readers will recall I slammed in a car door) continue to pain her (allegedly) and result in me having to do lots of jobs around the house. They're not too painful to unwrap a bar of chocolate though...

Quickly (I'm Paying by the Minute)

My landlady doesn't know the password for her wi-fi so I've popped into the Hilton to check e-mails. Nothing exciting to report. In Birmingham at the weekend - hopefully with wi-fi access - and (again hopefully) back in the flat next week so will pass on all the news then. That's all. J x

Theory of Relativity

Well its been relatives all he way since arriving back in Swansea. Monday night was cousin Hillary and cousin Mike and cousin-in-law Pam. This morning was cousin Mary and cousin-in-law Barrie and tomorrow is cousin Kathryn and cousin-in-law Andrew in Cardiff (actually I'm not 100% sure they are married yet - I'll find out and let you know). Great to see everyone and nice of Hillary to fit me in since she has to see that other queen (i.e. her actual Her Madge) today. In between its been garden visits - Aberglasney (absolutely fantastic - my first ever Ninfarium) and the National Botanic Gardens where we saw a flowering Voodoo Stink Lily (or some such). It didn't look particularly voodoo-like nor did it stink but perhaps its early days in its flowering cycle. Its supposed to smell like rotting flesh in order to attract flies which pollinate it. I love the NBG though and the hellebores were looking wonderful.

Back to Manc Sunday (chez the very wonderful DD) and then Birmingham on Friday and Saturday nights (with the Aged Ps) for Welsh National Opera - Falstaff with Bryn Terfel and The Magic Flute. That's all. J x

A Match Made In Heaven?

DD will be putting me up next week (flat not ready to live in). Watch this space to find out which of us survives the experience... That's all. J x

Ow

Managed to slam my mother's fingers in the car door today (no, not on purpose). Nothing broken though luckily and she says she isn't in pain anymore although it hurt quite a bit at first. She's refusing to go to hospital to have anything checked. If anyone knows any horror stories of people's fingers falling off following a car door incident then please repeat them here and I'll use them as evidence to get her to A&E.

Back safe and sound from London. The opera on Saturday night was good (albeit sung in English which I don't like but that's ENO and you're stuck with it). Had a gorgeous (if expensive) VM in the St Martins Hotel prior to the show. Fabulous hotel, really swish. They had those Philippe Starck stools that look like teeth. I didn't sit on those as they looked rather uncomfortable. After the show had another (less expensive) VM in One Aldwych - another really swish hotel. No Monsieur Starck this time.

On Sunday met up with Donna for the Sleeping & Dreaming exhibition at the Wellcome Foundation. A really interesting exhibition and well displayed (if a little dark) but just too many people there. So we spent most of our time in the cafe catching up on the gossip. And then back to Swansea on Monday. Managed to fit in a little shopping here and there but nothing much, you all know me and shopping - I'll do it if its got to be done but really I can't be bothered... That's all. J x

Just Realised...

...that my aunt must have been referring to my timetabling rather than my choice of opera. Yes, that's right, I've chosen to spend an evening at the opera on the same night that the country chooses its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. I'm completely mad... That's all, J x

Hurrah, Gardeners World

Its back at last. Having spent the day frantically shopping the arse off New Bond Street what could be better than settling back in your hotel bedroom and watching Monty Don and the gang? (I still miss Alan of course). The alternative was late night gallerying at at the Royal Academy but frankly I'm shattered (not helped by being hungover this morning following drinks at The Grosvenor with Ms Hill where, over a VM or three, we put the world and our relationships to rights).

Ms Drury has not made it this far south so don't have to turn out and keep her in the alcohol to which she's become accustomed (thank the lord). Talking of traveling south, what news from Marrakech Ms Murray?

Will have to see if I can fit in 2 galleries tomorrow as am seeing Ms Benson on Sunday - and its impossible (as I'm sure everyone knows) to do 2 galleries and have a good gossip all in one day. Opera at ENO tomorrow night though which I'm looking forward to despite the fact that my aunt thinks I'm as mad as Lucia herself to have booked it!

Bank is playing silly buggers with my payment to the builder. They returned my cheque as unpaid despite there being oodles of money in the account. Ad no-one there can tell me why they did it. Now have to arrange a CHAPs payment which will take up valuable tourist time tomorrow or Monday. Hey ho, these things are sent to try us. That's all. J x

Spoke to Designers Today

Apparently there were 11 people on site at my flat today. 11! The thing'll be finished by then end of this week I'm sure... That's all. J x

What Have I Done?

Spoke to designers today. Apparently my apartment looks like hell on earth. No bathrooms left, walls knocked down... Remain confident that it'll all look good in the end. That's all. J x

Hello 21st Century

Am now at home in Swansea and father now has Wifi and therefore I'm able to blog remotely. Will also attempt this feat whilst in London (should I have the time!). Not much to report so far. Have left the flat to the tender mercies of the builders. Am gong to try and not worry. Some hope!

Aged Ps are both fine. We've had good news about my uncle (see earlier post) and the blood disease he has isn't the worst kind. Looks like Venice is on the cards for September/October (assuming no-one else gets ill!). Have to have a special mention for the Ts, since my father really liked his birthday card. Rest assured Mrs T is still an artist... That's all. J x_

2 days to go....

Aaaaargh..... J x

Latest Update

So, where were we? Refurb stuff getting me down a bit but the gallant Ms Drury has been addressing this with me by making me go out and get absolutely smashed on vodka martinis. Well, we got a little tipsy on Saturday evening. Well, at least I did. She was on red wine which, as anyone who knows her knows, is like mother's milk to her. Anyway, we've booked to go and see Joseph on my birthday (05/09 for anyone contemplating sending a card). This will be our first time away together. Will we survive? And how many VMs will it take? Watch this space.

Was at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation most of Saturday daytime for an Induction Day. It was really good and interesting and the people there were lovely. Think I made a couple of new friends. Got the gay book group meeting on Wednesday. It'll be interesting to see who turns up.

Sunday was spent packing and finding out how much off site storage costs (a fortune). Have decided therefore to squash everything into one room and move it around as required by the builders, plumbers, electricians etc. Although obviously can't do this for the first 2 weeks as will be away.

And talking of being away, have managed to plan things to do in London. Am going to the V&A (glass exhibition and fashion exhibition and to buy the "love" mirror I saw in the shop last time I was there), the Wellcome Collection (an exhibition on Sleeping & Dreaming that sounds really interesting from the website), New Bond Street (natch), Saturday night have booked for the ENO (Lucia de Lammemour which has just had the most fantastic write up in the Times) Friday night will either be meeting up with my friend Sarah or getting drunk on Old Compton Street or both. Um and loads of other stuff too!

And on top of that Ma & Pa are planning a few days away in Cornwall when I'm with them although that will depend on the old man being well enough (he may be coming down with a cold). So I haven't even got time to worry about the refurb and how all that will be left of my block when I return is a pile of bricks...! That's all. J x

Damp Squib News

Builders can't start next week so we've had to delay the commencement of the refurb until the following Monday. Hey, ho better to get it right than to rush it... That's all. J x

Scorching News

Fig has just e-mailed me to tell me he and Mark are getting married. Congrats to them both and the outfit planning (mine, not theirs) starts now... That's all. J x

Panic

Start a fortnight's holiday on Tuesday (who was it arranged a stupid meeting in work on Monday - oh yes, that would have been me. Idiot!). No panicking about all the stuff I need to do for work and all the packing up of stuff I need to do at home. On top of all that I have an induction day at the help line on Saturday and so can't spend that day packing either. Aaaaargh. Sure it will all work out though. DD, bless her, is also having to do a lot of clearing out as I'm dumping a lot of stuff at her place too. Holiday plans now are just Swansea and London as anything else is just too stressful. Will have to sort out the travel insurance soon though before Portugal in May and Milan in October.

And what else is news? Dad has just come down with a cold so it looks as though he and Mum are going to have to miss the bowls tournament this weekend. Its "short mat" though which isn't like proper bowls (although I've no idea what it actually is).

Can't think of anything else though as my mid has gone blank from the panic! That's all. J x

Hungover

Just got up after having been to Graham's party last night. It was a "burlesque" theme. Denise looked fantastic. Incredible shoes. I copped out and just wore my tuxedo. God we were pissed though. Never in the field of partying has so much vodka been drunk by so few people. New meaning was brought to the term binge drinking. It was also the gayest party ever. Needless to say she didn't make it home last night and ended up staying over. This morning we make a sorry looking pair. But we had a fantastic time. I think. No I'm sure we did... J x

One Never Has Enough String

Why is that? When one is packing up ones belongings into little bundles that are easily movable from room to room and neatly tying each one up with string, inevitably when the scissors snip one doesn't have sufficient string for one's bundle-tying needs. And each time one would swear that one had measured out enough string to hog-tie a cowboy (if one needed to). And yet, no, not enough. Its most inconvenient. Have spent the evening tying up bundles of belongings: books, CDs, DVDs, records - yes, records. I have 230 vinyl records that I simply can't throw away - and about 100 that I have thrown away. And how do I know I have precisely 230 that I'm keeping? Why because I tied them up in bundles of 25 so that they'd be easy to carry. And I counted the number in each bundle. That's how anal I am! I could have just arranged them in nice sized piles but no, I had to count them all. Madness I tell you. And then I never had enough string for each bundle (see above).

Enjoyed Cloverfield last night. Camera work was a little annoying in places but not enough to make one sick. Thankfully. At least it was on - when Gill and I went to see The Golden Compass on Friday we found out it was no longer showing and had to go and see Enchanted instead (have I already told you all this?). Never mind. That's all for now anyway. J x

Hmmm

So what have I been up to since last we blogged? Well, work has taken me to Stockport and Shipley. Stockport was interesting and useful and Shipley was a waste of time. Leisure has seen me going to Panacea (well,actually that was DD), a night out in the Village with Jim, Cloverfield at the pics with Paul (enjoyed the film- even with all the wonky camerawork). And my funding has been confirmed for the refurb! Full steam ahead therefore... Have started packing stuff up already but its going to take a while I can tell. Nothing much else to report at the moment. That's all. J x

Hurrah

Managed to remove the Cranford voting thingy. Watch this space for the next thrilling vote. I think the voting came down on the side of Cranford indeed being the best thing on telly. The percentage margin would have been higher except that I believe Mrs T voted a number of times for the cow... That's all. J x

Home

Absolutely fantastic weekend in London but marred by some sad news. The good stuff first though. Arrived Saturday and we went to see the new St Pancras station. Very impressive. And very blue. Nice walk there as well although it took us about three quarters of an hour. Didn't do much in the evening. Saturday to the V&A to meet my godmother and to see the theatre design exhibition- really interesting and fascinating. Also saw some craft exhibition for new designers which was quite challenging and interesting to see where you can go with crafts. Will try and post a couple of photos at the end of this blog. In the evening went to the cinema to see Charlie Wilson's War which we all enjoyed. Cinema was also super plush and had a bar so you could take alcohol into the auditorium which pleased the Lewis family no end! Monday to the British Museum to see the First Emperor exhibition. The BM is a fantastic building and the covered courtyard is truly impressive. The exhibition was also really impressive spoiled only slightly by the number of people there - even though we were all on timed tickets. The terracotta figures themselves were marvels of engineering and so well preserved. We went with my auntie and uncle and we learned the sad news that my uncle has an incurable blood disorder. He's still awaiting test results to find out what this means in terms of time left but it could be anything from a few months to about 4 years (the best scenario). My Mum and Dad were really upset as was I but since my illness I think I approach life and death a little differently. For me now its not solely about how long one has left (although I recognise that this is important) but more importantly for me its about the quality of life you have whilst you're still around that matters. For instance I personally would prefer a shorter, pain-free life to a longer pain-filled one or one that saw me severely disabled. I realise everyone has their own views on this but that's the way I feel. From the short chat I managed to have with my uncle when we were on our own I got the impression that the quality of the life he has left is also an important consideration for him too. I know a lot of you reading this blog have your own views on these matters from things happening in your own lives so feel free to comment and join the debate. I know my aunt and uncle read this blog so I'd just like to pass on my love and everyone's best wishes from blog-land.

After the BM the Lewis's found a bar and drank too much! That's all. J x
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The Demon Depp of Fleet Street

Just back from seeing dear dear Johnny. Good film, beautifully filmed and JD and HBC very good. Very gothic. Not sure its an entirely successful filming of a Sondheim musical though. Occasionally a little too Twist. And they've cut the best song (the title track indeed). It may be impossible to actually film a Sondheim successfully. I think you need to be there with the action happening in front of you. I have to say I preferred seeing it in the theatre even though Jason Donovan isn't a patch on dear dear Johnny...

Off to the big smoke tomorrow with the Aged Ps. Not seen then since Xmas so lots to catch up on. Apparently they've even started reading this blog again so going to have to be careful what I say! To the theatre design exhibition at the V & A on Sunday and at the same time meeting up with my godmother who is rather marvelous. Then to see the Warriors (the terracotta ones) at the British Museum on Monday. And back oop North on Tuesday.

And what have I been up to since last I posted? Hmmm. Vodka martinis at Panacea on Thursday night. The waitress came and put a "reserved" sign on our usual table because the Spice Girls had it booked from 2200. Good job we weren't planning on staying that late otherwise there would have been hell to pay. Saw An Ideal Husband at the Royal Exchange on Tuesday. Very good. Fabulous chandeliers. And there were 6 of them. And Mrs Chievley was wonderful although we all thought that Gertrude was a little weak. Went with Jane & Bill. Bill is having his last chemo this week so that's really good news. Went for something to eat beforehand at Grado (obviously they ate and I didn't). Its a new Heathcote restaurant and very nice it is too. Gorgeous Spanish waiters who can barely speak a word. But who needs them to? We picked our drinks from the sherry menu. Who knew there were so many? I had 2 glasses of a Mantazillo or something similar. And it was very scrummy. Tasted of honey. Could sherry become the new VM? Watch this space... That's all. J x

This Morning Stockport...

...this evening Negresco. I like catching trains on business. Bizarre but true. I'm fairly sure I'd hate it if I had to do it on a regular basis but now and again its really enjoyable getting on a train with a load of other people wearing suits. Stockport was OK. Had a meeting for about an hour and a half and then back to Manchester. Rest of working day uneventful. Book group tonight. I hadn't read the book although listening to everyone talking I wish I had. The book was the Number 1 Lady Detective's Agency. May read it at some point in the future. 5 people turned up (Penny we missed you - hope Charlie is doing OK). The food at the restaurant was very nice according to everyone but the soup was a bit too chunky for me. And of course its a fabulous place. Rumours that we spent more time talking about John Barrowman than the book are completely without foundation... Home now. Oscar Wilde tomorrow - An Ideal Husband at the Royal Exchange with Jane & Bill. Haven't seen Bill for a while and I think he's finished his chemotherapy now so it'll be good to see how he's doing. That's all. J x

Current Stats

These are showing that 95% of visitors to this blog are from the UK, 2% from Spain, 2% from the US and 1% from the Russian Federation. Chile seems to have dropped off the map for the moment as does SE Asia. I don't know what period the stats refer to but I'm guessing that they're fairly recent because I know Hugh and Sarah are is SE Asia and keeping up to date with what is happening at home... Off to a furniture shop in Macclesfield today with DD. 6 people confirmed so far for Book Group on Monday - we're off to Negresco which is a very interesting looking restaurant. It remains to be seen what the food is like (but tomato soup is on the menu so I should be OK). That's all. J x

Vera

I never watch it but I watched the death scene tonight. Hardly dramatic.... J x

Good News

Had my bi-monthly appointment at Christies this morning. Actually got to see Sean too (first time for ages). No problems, he's happy with how everything seems to be going. Also "had the call" this evening from Ms D. The woman was supposed to have made a "no going out" resolution this New Year but I suppose she's done well to last this long - 17 days! Anyway it was back to Panacea (where they hadn't forgotten us!) Also had a really good session on the helpline last night. Had some really good calls. My session was from 1800 to 2000 and wouldn't you know it but I got a call at 1955 - lasted until 2045. And then I just had to tell him that I was sorry for his distress but John Barrowman was back on the telly in 15 minutes in a new series of Torchwood and could he phone back please? Just joking! Did make it home in time for Torchwood though and wasn't I just glad I did. Some serious man on man action from the start - how can you go wrong? Sci-fi, Cardiff and homosexuality. A match made in heaven! Our thoughts go out to Charlie tonight who is back in hospital and on the high dependency unit for some treatment. And our love goes to his family Penny & Kerry. Thinking of you. That's all. J x

I Am Legend

Ooh, scary film. Quite good though and Will Smith is his usual personable self (when not being chased by zombie type creatures). Think I need to watch Shameless tonight to bring me back down to earth. That's all. J x

Saturday Night's Alright For Dancing

Off out soon for Jim's birthday. Spent the morning taking Denise to the tip and to Sainsburys. As always, lovely spending time with Ms D. Is threatening to make me walk somewhere tomorrow. Has been a good week this week. Work has gone really well and the refurb looks to be back on course. Plenty of time for it all to go horribly wrong though so fingers are still crossed. Just need to arrange finance and book a holiday and then it can all kick off! Am thinking of spending a fortnight visiting Swansea, Eastbourne, Brighton & Marrakech. That should give the builders enough time to at least do the plumbing if nothing else. Will need to pack up loads of stuff and store it somewhere for the duration. I have a feeling Ms D's flat is going to be a little crowded for a while... Don't think there is any other news for the moment. Although I think I may be putting on some weight. That should please mother. Unless its a tumour growing of course. Lets hope that's not the case though. That's all. J x

So What's The Buzz, Tell Me What's-A-Happening?

So, busy busy as per. Denise took me on a walk for an hour on Sunday. It took 2 hours. But hey, give the girl a map and there's no telling what will happen. We certainly didn't find the Irwell Sculpture Trail but we did find the Lowry where she treated me to a double espresso and a paracetomol. I think my back may be getting worse which is a little depressing. Those bods at Manchester Uni had better hurry up and develop their treatment soon. Maybe I should volunteer to be a guinea pig? Certainly I used to have the figure for one...

Also got taken to Housing Units to look at side tables (I'm not allowed to buy anything in January). And was out round the Village on Friday night with Paul from the Helpline. Got my 3rd shift tomorrow with Trish. Had an e-mail from Sam at the LGF today and it sounds as though we'll go ahead with the LGBT bookgroup - where will I find the time?

Have been reading my cousin's blog of late. She puts me to shame, its all so professional with photos and everything. Admittedly all the photos are of greyhounds but even so. Its about time I got round to trying a few more pics. (And incidentally, if anyone knows how I change that voting thing then please let me know!). Watched Damages last night on BBC1. Looks like a cross between Devil Wears Prada and Lost. Bliss. That's all J x

All Over Now

So that was Christmas 2007... It was good for me, was it good for you? Nice to see the Aged Ps after about 6 months apart and there were no arguments (at least none that I was involved in!). Managed to take back my Xmas present on the day after Boxing Day and the replacement arrived today in the post! I think the DS Lite will prove to be a success in time. My mother's competitive streak should see to that. At least I'm sure they know how to work it.

Then it was back to Manc for New Year. DD of course had everything planned out. We went to a party at her friends Bryn & Michelle's house (lovely house too). Ev was there but everyone else was new. They seemed like a nice crowd too. Spent the night drinking Disco Vodka. Got home about 2ish (I think).

And now back to work. Which is OK. I quite like work (bizarre I know). Also went to the cinema last night. I'm Not There. The film about Bob Dylan. Very interesting (if half an hour too long). Cate Blanchett was fabulous and the cinematography was beautiful. Shame the usher decided to eat a really crunchy apple half way through and that people think its OK to check messages on their mobiles throughout the film.

Well, I'm sure you can all see the results of the Cranford jury. Although I understand that there may have been multiple voting by certain blog regulars - particularly in favour of the cow option. Shame on you all. I've no idea what the result of last year's competition was. I'm guessing that Jane won on account of copying and pasting half a book into the blog. That's all. J x