Nice Bank Holiday

Following my trip to SATC2 I joined DD to see Four Lions last night. A difficult film in many ways. You found yourself laughing at the jokes but wondering whether you should be laughing or not. Just like a lot of Chris Morris's stuff in fact. Undoubtedly he goes too far sometimes but its difficult to know when that is whilst you're actually watching something. But there's no denying that he's not afraid to tackle difficult subjects...

A somewhat more traditional bank holiday activity today (even though its no longer bank holiday it still is for civil servants as we get an extra day off for the Queen's Birthday - I wonder how long that will last!). Went to a couple of garden centres with Madam and bought plants. Planted them up this afternoon and now awaiting the rain to make them grow. Not rained much at all here today despite the forecast. Back to work tomorrow but at least it will be a short week.

Oh, and I've decided to give up drinking for June. Apart from the one night I'm at a wine tasting obviously. Just want to show myself I can do it (and consume a few less calories too hopefully). That's all. J x

SATC2

Better than you'd think. And some of the guys are gorgeous.... J x

Maybe its because I'm...

... a friend of DD's that I can't remember loads about yesterday! Went to London, had lovely meal in Indigo at One Aldwych followed by War Horse. Enjoyed the play and its really well staged but, as my good friend Jane warned me, you can't get away from the fact that its a kids story. And not a particularly strong kids story. I'm guessing that no-one expected it to be such a success or they might have used it more as an anti-war vehicle which they could have done by developing the darkness a bit more. But then it wouldn't have been for kids.... so you can't win, I guess. Drinks afterwards in Christopher's (Simon Callow no less sat at the other end of the bar - with some complete drunk guy) with Gill & Brian and thence home and to Barbirollis. Hangover from hell today and in this heat have done little today. We find out what £6billion in spending cuts means for HMRC tomorrow. Can hardly wait! That's all. J x

DD is back

I therefore have a hangover this morning.... J x

Lovely Lovely Lovely

Had a fantastic long weekend with young Figster. We saw Carousel (starring the lovely Jim) which was surprisingly good. Not seen it before and it has some nice songs in it. Saw A Chorus Line on Saturday which Fig actually enjoyed (having always professed to hating it previously). Not a huge audience though which was a bit disappointing. Off to Napoleaons afterwards for the usual tranny-fest. Sunday was a recovery day spent (mainly) in front of the Playstation with a brief outing to The Whitworth art gallery to see the Wallpaper exhibition - which is very good. Monday we traipsed over to the Tate in Liverpool only to discover it doesn't open on a Monday. I was really annoyed by this. A major attraction in a major city should not close on a Monday. It just smacks of old style thinking if you ask me. We live in the 21st century everybody. My taxes pay for you to be open so you owe it to me to be open. And that's all I have to say on the matter. Also some more Playstation. Fig left this morning and I've been clearing up/playing the Playstation! Not back to work until Thursday so I shall spend some time tomorrow clearing out my hall cupboard. Oh what an exciting life I lead. Its been a great break though and fantastic to spend some time with my best Southern mate. That's all. J x

Je Suis Arrivee

Have landed, voted, shopped, picked up dry cleaning and had a hair cut. Phew. I'm looking forward to Fig's visit just for the rest and relaxation... NOT! Am now settling down for a night in front of the election - keep an eye out for Fig on't telly everyone as he's at the count in Brighton counting all those Labour votes as Greens... Come on Nick! That's all. J x

We Can See Clearly Now

It seems the ash cloud has cleared and that flights are leaving Faro as normal (flightstats.com has my plane taking off 13 minutes late but landing in Manchester on time). It seems Figgy and I will get to experience the joy that is A Chorus Line after all. I bet he's wetting himself with the excitement of it all. The only disappointment in all this is that I had to miss the visit of the delightful Ms Ferguson to Manchester. Still there'll be another time I'm sure given all the important work she does... See you soon England! J x

Bloody Third World Countries

That's Portugal and Iceland by the way. Portugal because my phone doesn't work here - no idea why. And Iceland because that bloody volcano may marroon me here. Which would mean missing lovely Figgy's visit. We'll see. Fingers crossed. Weather is bloody gorgeous though... That's all. J x

Welcome Back

Well hello peeps. Sorry for the absence which is partly explained by a broken mother board (whatever that is) and the need for my laptop to spend a little time in rehab. Still, nice to see that my friends who write in characters are keeping everyone up to date.

Loads has happened but I won't bore you all with it here. Of late though... Have been watching the Leaders' debates. Very interesting. I'm a big Nick Clegg fan. Good for him for sticking to his guns on the immigration thing and not pandering to the bigots out there. Am off to Portugal on Sunday and then back on Thursday because Figgy arrives on Friday. The usual theatre, bars and debauchery are lined up.

Went to a conference on Employee Engagement at Haydock Park Racecourse yesterday. Fantastic venue and some really interesting presenters and concepts. Assuming I keep my job through this latest restructuring I will have lots of new approaches to try out on my trainees.

Now have to spend 2 days cleaning to get the flat into some sort of shape for Fig but may post again before I go. Won't be taking the computer with me but I may blog from abroad on my iPhone. That's all for now. J x

Back in Manc

Dreadful journey back. Traffic, road works and accidents. Took 6 and a half hours (normally 5 with a stop). Luckily had my new best friend, Lady Gaga, to keep me company. Just bought her 2 first albums and I simply love her music. Probably impossible to get hold of tickets for her Manchester concert now but I may try. Anyway, back home and straight to get my hair cut followed by martinis, Mad Men and catch up with DD. Then a day off Friday doing nothing and then out to see Alice in the evening followed by a meal at Barbirollis with DD, Bryn & Michelle. A good time had by all but I was rather disappointed with Alice. Mr Burton seems a little samey these days imho. Barbirollis was quiet but good all the same. However, I fear its days may be numbered. They were having problems with their card machine 2 days in a row so it was cash only. Hmmm.....

Nothing on the cards at the moment for today but lets see what the day brings.... That's all. J x

Gloucester

No road signs, no antique shops, no fun. Hey ho, one lives an learns. Bloody cold today too. Back to Manky Manc tomorrow for martinis and Mad Men (its Thursday obviously). Me and Madam also have tickets for the Manchester football derby which is tr és exciting - particularly if poor Mr Rooney is unable to play on account of being too delicate. That's all. J x

Relatively Quiet

Not much to report today. Father had a doctor's appointment and we took him there followed by a coffee/lunch at Langland Bay. Very cute waiter and father knew the owner. No discount though! Booked flights for Portugal in May in the afternoon. Spoke to Madam this morning. All fine in Manchester apparently and not raining (still raining here). She's managed to get me some tickets for the City/United derby. Fab! Off to Gloucester to look at antique shops tomorrow. That's all. J x

Rain Arrived Today

So we went shopping in John Lewis in Cardiff. Via Park & Ride. My first time ever. Good experience. They even had a telly on the bus. Very nice new John Lewis store (their largest outside London apparently). Nice chandeliers certainly. Bought a cardigan (by Joe Casely-Hayford no less) and a hat and had carrot and coriander soup for lunch (very tasty too). Mother bought a long-sleeved T shirt and a cardigan. Its now pouring with rain. Finally, I feel at home!. That's all for now. J x

Day Two

So off to the Botanic Gardens today in lovely sunshine. It was nice to walk around the gardens in the fresh air although there wasn't a lot, admittedly, to se at this time of year. There was much more to see in the glasshouse which continues to impress. If I was ever to get married I think this is the venue I would choose. Have Countryfile and Antiques Roadshow to look forward to tonight. I'm on the edge of my seat already! No rain yet. That's all. J x

Hello Campers

So, I've made it safely to Swansea. The Aged Ps are fine and there haven't been any major rows yet...

Friday afternoon/evening was out with the Manchester HMRC crowd which was nice. But in the Town Hall Tavern, which wasn't. Thursday was martinis and Mad Men with Miss DD which was much more my type of thing. Not much else to report really. Off to the Botanic Gardens tomorrow (in the rain apparently) and then to John Lewis in Cardiff on, I think, Tuesday so a packed Swansea schedule! Its nice to be home though... That's all. I'll keep you up to date with all things Welsh as the holiday progresses. J x

Happy Birthday

To Mr Sondheim, (80 today) and Gill Davidson (considerably less on Monday). Dear, dear Peggy Paige (nee Bickerstaff - why'd she ever change it?) is doing a whole show on Radio 2 today in celebration. That would be in celebration of Mr Sondheim although of course Ms Davidson is equally deserving....!

What else is news? I still have a job. Saw DD for drinks and Mad Men on Thursday which was nice. Help line on Friday - just the one call from a transvestite. And frankly once you've got past what not to wear what else is there to talk about? Sarah from Leeds was supposed to pop over Saturday for a pleasant day mooching round the museums, bars & shops of Manchester (what could be nicer dear readers?). Unfortunately it poured with rain and she had a really bad cold so we've postponed. Spent an hour on the phone last night instead.

Today has been spent at Sainsburys and filling up my wardrobes. I'm coming to the conclusion that I'll need another 5. Or I need to do some sorting. But how can one throw away one's favourite designers? Even if they don't fit anymore? Anyway, onwards and upwards... that's all for now. J x

Stuff I've Been Doing

Enron was fabulous. Really clever staging involving light sabres, velociraptors, a couple of songs and some very clever lighting. It was interesting to watch and explained the story of what exactly went on really really well. The Van Gogh was also interesting but there were too many people there despite the timed tickets. Never mind, I bought the book of the show and I'll read up on it just as soon as I can get it back from my mother.

Saw 1984 at The Royal Exchange this weekend. Brilliant staging, I really enjoyed it (even though we turned up late - not my fault!). Dinner at Ego afterwards - the soup was very good.

Also saw A Single Man. Loved it. A very beautiful film and the clothes (unsurprisingly) were beautiful.

There may have been one or two sessions in all the above excitement that involved a vodka martini or two with DD....

That's all. Off to Birmingham tomorrow for 2 days for a conference and to find out if I still have a job. What larks! J x

Hello

I'm back! Thank you all who have been calling, e-mailing and otherwise hassling me to make sure I'm OK. Turns out it was my battery. Once its been through around 300 "cycles" then it just breaks apparently. And it stops the computer working - even when its not running off the battery. Now got a new battery (£80 thank you very much Apple) and so am god to go. There's loads to catch up on and I'll try to bring you back up to speed over the next few days (although I'm at a conference in Birmingham on Monday & Tuesday). Please be patient. But I've missed you all and its good to be back. That's all for now. J x

Apologies

Computer is playing up. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible. That's all. J x

The Big Smoke

So. Suffering from a cold. As is my Dad. And yet we're all off to London tomorrow. What a sensible plan... Assuming we all survive, we're hoping to see Enron tomorrow night. I'm really excited about it but don't really know what to expect. Its had really good reviews though so I'll let you know. Then its of to Van Gough at the Royal Academy on Sunday. I'm not a huge fan but it sounds an interesting angle (its based on his letters) and Mum will like it so hopefully the whole family will get something out of the weekend. I'll let you know how it all went after Monday. That's all. J x

A Fortnight

Too long I know, but have been v busy. Of course, can't remember a thing I've done. Obviously there have been drinks with DD and various other disreputable characters along the way. Highlights include -

Buying 2 wardrobes today. I have finally given up the ghost of walk-in clothes and settled for wardrobes. Am hoping to have a range of various styles and periods of closet.

Book group was fun although not overly impressed with the soup selection at San Rocco. There was minestrone or a vegetable soup with pasta (which wasn't minestrone apparently!).

Da Vinci exhibition was useless - no Da Vinci!

Went to see A Prophet at the Cornerhouse. In French and in a jail. Could it be any more depressing?

And other stuff that I'm sure will come back to me as soon as I finish typing. Not feeling 100% today. Think I may be coming down with a cold which is a pain. On the plus side I'm no longer having my wound "packed" so I can change the dressings myself which saves a lot of time and effort. Need to go back in a week or so to get (hopefully) final sign-off. Work OK at the moment, not too many problems. Will try and do better in next post when feeling a little better. Oh, 2 valentines - Fig & Karen (and I didn't send her one this year - I thought we'd stopped doing it when she settled down - too late now though, happy V Day anyway honey, the card is fab-u-lous). Figs is a little less glittery and more tasteful but also lovely all the same. Happy V Day to you too honey (and don't forget you need to let me know about Jim's Carousel thing). That's all. J x

Come On Eileen

Yes, its that time of year again. Burns Night. Which means that the traditional Scottish spectacle of me and Denise dancing to Dexy's Midnight Runners takes place. Yes, its hard work, but someone has to do it. The crowds expect it and we're hardly the people to disappoint an audience. It was Maggie's Cancer Research benefit Burn's Night supper last night. Yes, Jenny from next door was there and she was auctioning off Coronation Street memorabilia but it was really me and Denise that the people came to see. We did not disappoint (although who exactly requested that they play Come On Eileen is still a mystery).

Before that it was a retirement do lunch time at the new Lime cocktail bar - Sub Lime, I know - which is actually very nice and there were loads of old faces to catch up with.

Had a fabulous night at the cancer do actually even though it was in Flixton. Bryn & Michelle were there of course as was Jo and Cal who are just the nicest people. And Jenny and Chris were sat on our table so I got to chat to them too which was nice. They're very pleasant people.

And then me and DD stopped off at our new favourite best bar on the way home (Barborollis - sp?) where the lovely Tom served us and flirted with us like mad. Clearly after a tip... and again we did not disappoint. Feel like shit today though obviously. But DD's off for a weekend in Guildford so it will be a nice quiet couple of days for me so I can get over the festivities.

Apart from that work is fine, the wound appears to be healing OK and the sun is actually shining. That's all. J x

So Its Been A While

Apologies for that. I'm doing OK (health-wise) although still getting my dressings changed every other day. It cocks up your working day (particularly if it takes place in the middle of the day) but it can't be helped. It does seem to be getting slowly better which is encouraging. Am seeing the experienced nurse again on Monday so will hopefully get an update (I can rely on) then.

The last week was good (only 2 long days) and capped off with drinks in The Midland with the gang. Went to the cinema this afternoon with Gill to see Avatar. Had to queue for ages to get a ticket - its been on for ages so must be making a pretty penny if its still this popular now. Was nice to look at and I didn't hate it but it won't ever be in my top ten films.

Have just purchased 3 separate versions of The Lion Sleeps Tonight on ITunes tonight. What a fantastic song it is (check me out on Facebook for a video of a hippo singing the song - there's also a dancing dog!). But none of them were by Tight Fit. This latter doesn't appear to be available anywhere which is a crying shame.

Mrs T has acquired a rescue dog called Milly. Have been sent a photo but no reports on how she is settling in. I'm guessing she's eaten most things in the house by now...

Long Time No See

After my recent rash of posts I appear to have reverted to type and resumed my weekly schedule. This is probably just a sign that I'm getting better so we should look on it as a positive development. So what have I been up to? Well I've done 5 days in work albeit 2 of them were in the Manchester office and they were all short days.

Dressing changes worked OK although the nurse I was supposed to see (the one who has actual experience of changing dressings) has gone sick and I had to see the inexperienced one. Luckily I have enough experience in these matters for both of us and I was able to talk her through what needed to be done.

Had a cup of coffee and a catch up with Gill on Friday which was good as I haven't seen her for ages. She is well you'll all be pleased to know. Friday was also a trip to the Royal Exchange for Blithe Spirit with Lesley & Mike. Fantastic play (better on stage than on film I think) but we had rubbish seats. Luckily this didn't matter too much as Annette Badlands (a very different Madame Arcarti) and Suranne Jones were superb. Met DDD for drinks afterwards naturally...

Saturday was a dinner party at DDD's with various chums. She had worked her socks off as usual and the result was magnificent. We all had a really good time (ta chuck).

Busy cleaning and changing beds and stuff today and also trying to get my new phone to sync with my computer (now sorted). And that's all the news I think... J x

Same Old Same Old

So I had to access NHS services again on Sunday and once again they failed miserably. I went to the new NHS walk-in-centre in Boots on Cross Street in order to get my wound dressing changed only to be told that they had no nurses working because the one nurse who was due to be on was sick. What sort of service is that? Bloody awful service is the answer. They did have 2 receptionists working though which considering that there was no-one in the place seemed somewhat excessive. So we (DDD was with me of course) had to trek to the MRI where they have a properly staffed walk-in-centre and wait for an hour to be seen.

Better news this morning though as my GP's practice has agreed to take responsibility for my wound dressings and I only have to have them changed every other day which is handy (and, presumably, a sign that things are getting better).

Went back to work today (albeit in Manchester as things are still slippery in Warrington). There appears to have been a bit of a thaw today though so will attempt Warrington tomorrow. Will be doing short days for a while though.

Best news of all though is that I now have a new mobile. If anyone reading this hasn't received my new number yet then leave a message here and I'l text it to you. That's all for now. J x

Hello Manchester!

I'm back. Yoo hoo. Journey was completely uneventful. Train even arrived early into Manchester where I was met by the delectable DDD who carried my bags for me. She's also cooking for me and the gang tonight. Fabbo.

Arrived home to 2 nice surprises. The first was a gift from Fig (he is just so nice and knows me so well, thank you honey) and the other was a phonecall from Orange to say there was no problem with my credit and of course I can have a phone. Duh. So why not just sell me one in the first place? Bloody madness.

Anyway, tomorrow will be busy - to Boots NHS walk-in for a dressing change, thence to Heals with DDD to look at some furniture she's spotted in the sale, to Orange for a fancy schmancy new phone and no doubt to a bar to celebrate all the above. I can barely wait!. That's all. J x

P.S. Bloody cold up here though. Roll on summer (its already getting lighter every night)...

Tickets Booked!

At 1055 tomorrow I will embark on my journey to the land of no cricket. Also the the land of no "New Tricks" (which we watched last night) and no "The Hustle" (which is being watched as I type). Hurrah. I must confess I shall rather miss the marathon antique-watching-fest that comprises Dickinson's Real Deals, Cash In The Attic, Bargain Hunt and Flog It. We don't watch it all of course as most of it is too tedious for words (who wants to hear about the participants' dreary lives?). No, we pre-record it all and then just fast-forward to the exciting auction stuff.

Arriva Trains Wales assure me that they have no journey disruptions while poor old First Great Western have a tree on the line between here and Bristol. So its the middle-of-Wales, stop everywhere, two carriage, boxes of chickens train for me. Hurrah. Not. They just better have some heating on that train...

And that's all for now. But have just spoken to DDD and she's made soup so its straight round to hers for soup and champagne tomorrow.... J x

Fig Works Magic

Following Fig's comment on my last post my GP's nurse has now agreed to see me on Monday and to discuss a plan for going forward (she seems to think I'm the responsibility of the District Nurse). But hey, its progress of sorts. I like to think that Gordon Brown read Fig's comment and took time out from urging his cabinet colleagues to support him to get in touch with the Health Secretary (whoever that is - I should really find out so I can use his/her name as a threat) to contact my GP. Thank you Fig, you're a dear.

Other news: we drew the cricket. That's good apparently. But f you ask me it just shows what a parlous state this country is in when we celebrate a draw. Are we no longer a country of winners?

Forecast looking OK for Saturday train ride but you try finding out details of cancelled trains - impossible! Will have to leave it until Saturday morning and phone just before I go. I suspect any problems are likely to be at the Manchester end rather than the Welsh one. Apparently it was minus 18 degrees in Greater Manchester last night. That's cold. We'll see. Matters aren't helped by having no mobile phone as I won't be able to contact anyone whilst I'm on the train. I should probably get hold of a pay as you go one tomorrow. But can you imagine? Suppose someone sees me using a cheap phone? The horror!

That's all for now. Still enjoying Nurse Jackie whatever DDD says. J x

Bloody Shambles

It seems that no-one wants to take responsibility for me in Manchester. My GP says that they don't have the supplies (dressings) to attend to my wounds and directed me to a walk-in-centre in Ancoats. They said that the system changed six weeks ago and directed me back to my GP who then promptly referred me to the walk-in-centre in Boots in town who said they only had enough dressings for one visit and I should try A&E! Are they out of their minds? I'd have to start queuing again as soon as I'd been seen in order to make sure of being seen again within 24 hours. I'd end up living there like Tom Hanks in that film (obviously without falling in love with a woman). Although I am rather loving Nurse Jackie...

And don't even get me started on the information available on train services...

More news as I get it.... J x

Snow on Snow

Yes, it snowed again last night. Its quite deep now - 3 inches maybe? Luckily the roads have now been gritted so I was able to make it to the nurse this morning to get my dressings changed. Things looking pretty much the same so I think we're in this for the long haul. Hopefully won't stop me from going back to work though. I just dread to think how many e-mails I must have by now!

Will need to put dressing changes in place in Manchester for next week including a District Nurse for Sunday. Will phone practice later today.

Cricket grinds on. And on. Looks like South Africa might win this test. As if anyone cares... That's all for now. Except to say that I've started watching Nurse Jackie on BBC2. Its really good. Worth a look I'd say. You can get the first 2 episodes on iPlayer. J x

Snow!

A ton of snow just fell out of the sky onto Swansea. Quite thick everywhere. Local school was closed (lots of kids walking home throwing snowballs at each other). Cancelled nurse appointment as it looked as though roads would quickly become impassable. Has now stopped snowing and whilst it has settled heavily everywhere the road still looks clear-ish. Perhaps its because the temperature isn't below freezing at the moment? Anyway, will see if I can rearrange the appointment for this afternoon now.

Am now thinking that it might be easier to get the train home on Saturday. It would mean leaving some stuff in Swansea and since I'm not allowed to lift stuff I'd have to be put on the train and collected at the other end. Its easier for everyone than driving though. And it only costs £27. But its a nightmare journey - 2 carriages, 4 and a half hours and 16 stops. Hey ho, it doesn't happen every day. That's all for now. Will post again later. J x

Nothing Did

That's all. J x

Exciting Day

Not really. Lots of cricket and tennis. Whoop de doo.

However, did speak to practice nurse this afternoon and she did say it would be alright for me to go back to work next week providing I did half days (which works well with the need to get dressings changed once a day). Hurrah! Manchester here I come... weather permitting of course (more of this as the week progresses).

Also spoke to various people from work this morning so there are arrangements in place to cover all eventualities for this week. Phew.

Phone still not working. Boo. May have to get cheap pay as you go thing to tie me over until O2 contract expires if Orange aren't willing to play ball. Me! With a cheap phone! Oh the indignity of it all...

That's all for now. More later if anything exciting happens on a sporting field anywhere... J x

Bloody Cricket

Its still on. How is this possible? I'm sure we won something the other day. So why are we still playing? It doesn't make any sense. But the bloody game doesn't make any sense anyway. Its soooo boring. Still the Ageds are happy.

Wound seems a little improved. The nurse is only "packing" two out of the three open bits of the scar now which I think is an improvement. Seeing the practice nurse from here on in which is better because I have fixed appointments to see her. With the District Nurse you just have to hang around until he or she turns up (so far anytime from 1030 to 1430).

Actually made it out of the house today. Whoo hoo! Was going to walk to the local shop but the pavements are still a bit dodgy here (we had heavy snow on New Year's Day) and I didn't want to risk falling over with an abdominal wound. So Dad drove me there. Nice to get out even so. Am going to the big shops tomorrow (Tesco) as appointment with nurse is not until 1500.

Plan now is to come back up to Manchester on Saturday. I won't be able to drive myself (I can do it physically but a) I haven't got my car down here and, b) I wouldn't be covered by insurance for driving so soon after an abdominal operation). So the Ageds will drive me to the M50/M5 interchange and DD will pick me up from there to complete my journey into the Northern lands. I may still be needing wound dressing changes but I will get these done in Manchester rather than in Swansea. Hopefully I'll be able to start back in work on the Monday even if it is only part-days. I'll take the decision on Wednesday probably subject to any medical advice. And that's all for now except to say that I spoke to young Figgis today. Which was nice. J x

Twenty Ten

Happy New Year dear readers. Hope yours was as enjoyable as mine. We spent a very merry time in a cottage in Swansea with food and drink and good company and I really enjoyed myself. A big thank you goes out to DD, Bryn & Michelle for making it happen. Of course it didn't get me out of playing New Year's games only this year it was Snakes & Ladders (from a cracker - rubbish), and the post-it-note-game (took me ages to get Humphrey Bogart). Aged Ps were even less successful at their card games - losing 40p each.

The phone is showing some signs of life but no lighting so you have to hold the screen at a particular angle to the light in order to be able to read anything on it. Not very satisfactory but does hold out the prospect of it perhaps being repaired rather than needing to get a new one. However there may be damage that I can't see or hasn't become apparent yet and so a repair may be a waste of time. Need to have a think about that one.

Wound carries on apace with little visible signs of improvement. Fingers crossed that things are improving though because the antibiotics course ends tomorrow. I'll keep you informed. That's all for now because I hear mother calling which means there are chores that need a-doing... J x

Oh God

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

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

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

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

Why Is It Never Easy?

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

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

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

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

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

Disaster Strikes! Twice in One Day!!

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

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

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

Who?

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

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

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

Forgot to say...

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

Not Nerys Hughes

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

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

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

Famous Last Words

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

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

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

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

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

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

True to my Word...

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

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

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

Tram-Alam-A-Ding-Dong-Drugs

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

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

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

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

They Shaved My Left Thigh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's all. J x

And Lo, it came from the East

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

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

Free at Last

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

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

Last Day...

...with my gall bladder.

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

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

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

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

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

Shopped...

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

And Now...

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

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

On Again Off Again

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

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

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

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

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

Busy Weekend

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

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

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

Pajamas

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

Not a Lot

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

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

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

Relatively Quiet

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

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

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

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

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

Forgot to mention...

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

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

Good News

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

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

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

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

The Nursed Has Turned.

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

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

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

News Indeed

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

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

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

First Week Back

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

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

First Day Back

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

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

Day by Day

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

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

Update

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

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

Home Sweet Home

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

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

Update

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

Starving

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

Scary Mary

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

Weight Loss

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

Bedlam

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

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

Not in Kansas Anymore

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

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

Swansea Was Good

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

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

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

Soupylicicous

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

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

Mrs T Est Arrivee

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

Long Week

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

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

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

London

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

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

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

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

Bliss

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

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

Been a While

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

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

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

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

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

It was the Best of Times

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

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

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

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

Scary Stuff

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

Festival Stuff 1

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

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

Flash Mob

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

Prof Dram

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

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

Sartre Got It Wrong

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

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

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

Michael Jackson

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

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

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

Can't Stop

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

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

100 to go

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

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

Impressions

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

Blogging From Afar

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

Dead Birds

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

Netherlands

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

Christies

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

Another Beautiful Day

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

Beautiful Day

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

Ooooh, Oslo

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

Home Early

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

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

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

So Busy

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

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

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

Eurovision

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

A Quiet Weekend. Sort Of.

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

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