Bloody Typical

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

Well, What a Week it's Been

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

New Job Today

Oooooh. J x

Briefly

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

Catch Up

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

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

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

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

Cyber Overload

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

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

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

All Quiet on the Manchester Front

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyway, that's all. J x

Back for Good

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

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

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

Sir Derek

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

Saatchi

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