Arndale Schmarndale

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

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

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

The Good, The Bad and....

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

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

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

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

Guess What?

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

Fingers Crossed...

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

Hiya (as they say in Wales)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's all. J x

And so I'm back...

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

And so it goes...

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

Not There Yet

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

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

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

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

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

A Lodger's Work Is Never Done

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

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

Found

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

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

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

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

Clever Clever Jane Murray

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

Where to start?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's all. J x

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

Quickly (I'm Paying by the Minute)

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

Theory of Relativity

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

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

A Match Made In Heaven?

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

Ow

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

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

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

Just Realised...

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

Hurrah, Gardeners World

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

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

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

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

Spoke to Designers Today

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

What Have I Done?

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