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Sunday August 24, 08
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04:41 PM - I turn the music down - I don't know why, this is my house..
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Tuesday 19 - Sunday 24 August 2008
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Well, like every other week, this one has been long. I shouldn't be up right now, I should be in bed sleeping, but I have kinda promised myself that I will be organised and keep my blog up to date each week, so here I am, keeping it up to date.
I suppose generally the week has been okay, though Wednesday was a bit of an odd one. I must avoid travelling on the main line from Stratford to Romford after work - it never seems to work out very well for me!
Tuesday was a bit of a hectic day at work. I had a few bits and pieces to sort out as we had a massive meeting the next day and I had a new member of our National Advisory Panel (NAP) coming in at 2pm for an induction. That took two hours, then I had a few more bits to do, so I didn't leave work when I wanted to, but no matter.
Went off to Woo's, and did the beds. She was a bit grumpy as she didn't feel very well, hadn't eaten and hadn't had a very good nights sleep (worse than usual), but I didn't mind. We're all grumpy when we're ill. She went to bed before I left and was asleep before I left too! I did quite well, getting everything done and getting home only just after 11pm, which is pretty good going for me.
I thought Wednesday was going to be all right, but it didn't really pan out. Got to work on time, did the few bits of pre-meeting preparation, then went over... only to discover that there was massive unrest in the NAP. Basically, there is a lot of bad stuff going on at present, which is affecting staff and NAP members (not staff, they are people with direct experience of mental distress who sit on our committees etc). I am not really sure what is going on but I am concerned about it because people are not happy and are being treated in a very negative way.
Stupidly it had not occurred to me to pray about this until now... adding to the prayer list!
Anyway, it was a difficult meeting for everyone and I thought I was okay with it. There was a point where my boss did something which undermined me somewhat, which I thought I was cool with, but I guess I wasn't really. On the way to my rehearsal I called Woo to offload. I wasn't being particularly loud or offensive, but the man next to me decided that I was being both, got up, snarled, "I've had enough of this" at me, then stormed off to another carriage of the train. Well, after the emotionally draining day I'd had, it was all too much and I ended up crying like a girl on the train. Okay, so I am a girl, but I generally try and avoid such feminine behaviour!
Sadly the day didn't get much better.
Rehearsal went okay, then we went to the pub. I needed to unwind, relax, be a bit out there. I wasn't trying to be anything other than myself or play games or anything, but for some reason, I suddenly realised that Deirdre was shooting me the evils and her whole tone and body language changed towards me. I think she thought I was flirting with Dev. Now it is true, I think he is a very good looking man - he reminds me of my ex, evil Mr Smith (not to be confused with Mr Smith on Solo who is a very nice man), and it is also true that I am quite a flirty person (why I always end up with dodgy admirers), but I don't steal other people's partners! I gave that business up a long time ago and even back in the day, I had the decency to do it on the sly - not right in front of them.
Anyway, I realised all was going Pete Tong just before leaving. Maybe she was being paranoid because of the wine and we were talking music, maybe I was being a bit too extrovert (I usually am after I've been low, to try and compensate), but whatever, it was not good as I don't like to be the cause of misery to other people. I think she realised it to. She text me later and we squared everything up before going to sleep. I will be more careful in future not to offend her.
See, you could argue that I had done nothing wrong, but I try to look at everything biblically. The Bible says that each man must judge for him or herself what they think is right according to God's teachings, but if doing something causes a problem for someone else and leads them to sin, then you are also guilty of sin because you caused it in the first place. In this context, though I didn't think I was doing anything bad, I made her uncomfortable, and caused her to think negatively, worry and being a bit snidey with me - which is sinful because in God there is only love, so to cause her to anger and be negative towards me means is sinful and I could have avoided it by thinking about my behaviour in advance.
So now you could say, 'how can you think about your behaviour in advance if you didn't think it was wrong?'
There are certain actions, certain phrases, etc. that you can think about in advance and think that they might offend or annoy others... if that is the case, you shouldn't do it. Basically, if I had stopped for a second to consider what I was doing, I would have realised before it was too late and saved the situation, but I didn't and it is only through God's Grace that I realised and was able to rectify matters.
How to avoid in future... here is the simple yard stick... would Jesus say or do what I am about to say or do? If the answer is yes, then I can do it. If the answer is no, then I can't.
And yes, that is a really hard yard stick to live by and I fail continuously, but I pray that my Father God will help me grow closer and closer to achieving it each day.
Thursday was blah. In terms of; I woke up, felt down about the whole situation the night before, I'd had a nightmare (I was in a play, I had a breakdown and went in to one of my really severe manic low episodes, I beat up one of the women in the cast, then got told by one of the production team that I just couldn't act - yes, I know, it's a stupid dream, but because it incorperates the things that concern me most - my goal of being a successful actress, and my fear of losing it big time due to my mental illness, it was a real serious nightmare for me) and really felt drained and down from it. I also knew I'd have to raise this issue of my boss undermining me in the meeting as I'd let it lie the day before. Anyway, I tried to ignore it and got on with stuff. After lunch we had a meeting, talked about what had happened the day before, I raised my point and it all went quite well. Stayed at work till 8pm, then came home.
Friday was a good day in some respects as I was off work, but I didn't get a lay in as I had a lot of work to do in preparation for Rar-Rar's arrival. I pretty much worked all day, packing up stuff, moving stuff round etc. while my parents working in the front bedroom getting everything ready for me. It's going to look very cool when it's done, but currently it's just a big empty room, with no door and one wardrobe in it. I will post photos when it's all done.
I had a change of plan on the wallpaper - the new choice is much better, then went to Homebase to buy the rolls of the new paper and also spotted the most lush bed ever. Ordered it. Returned home, did more work.
Rar-Rar bought some of her stuff over, then went again. I worked quite late, but still so much to do. I have too much stuff. I really need to work through it all and get rid of a load. That is what I plan to do anyway. I must because I want to streamline and be more organised so I can write and flow. The more organised I am, the healthy I seem to be mentally. In five years time I will have the perfect house. Then God will bring me a husband and I will have to stress about how I will cope with all their stuff!
Hopefully God will respect my wishes and my husband will buy the house next door so that nothing in my perfect house has to get screwed up!
Anyway, late that night I had to nip out to the cash machine as I'd promised to lend my cousin £50 for the weekend. She popped in and I told her about the bed. It was a King size bed, with leather headboard. My cousin is very sensible and pointed out that it wouldn't fit the room as it's only ten foot across and the bed would be like seven foot long, leaving no room for my wardrobe to open.
Balls!
Went to bed late again.
Spent all day Saturday working and sorting. Rar-Ra arrived in the afternoon. I am now back in the study as my room will not be ready till next week. Spoke to my Dad about the bed conundrum. He agreed that my cousin was right. On the plus side, though the bed was indeed lush, had I got it, I would never have been able to marry Morrissey as the chances of him sleeping in a leather framed bed are nil. Okay, it's unlikely that Moz will marry me (we are both down as "will never marry" after all), but just in case... plus, I might marry someone else Vegetarian. There is always hope. It would be the incentive I need to quit meat myself.
Whatever!
So, today I got up, stressed about what to wear for church, which I think was partly down to having my wardrobe in the bedroom, containing my shoes and jeans, while my underwear and t-shirts were downstairs so it was hard to try stuff on without having to run up and down, which annoyed me (I have issues with my clothes) and partly due to the whole mental adjustment of having someone in my house now.
At church I wanted to announce it so people could pray for us, but she didn't want me to. I wont because she doesn't want me to, but I really do want people to pray for us. To pray that I can relax a little and accept that she will not do things the way I would (point one - I wash up using a bowl, and put all my cuttlery in the draining thingy in a very precise and certain way, she uses the sink, and just shoves it in any old how - to avoid freaking out, I will leave the kitchen any time she is washing up), to pray that we will support each other's spiritual growth as we are both Christians, to pray that our friendship will grow... but mainly to pray that I am able to tolerate what she does because I really do struggle due to my general mentalness.
I will feel happier when I have a proper bedroom again and can have all my clothes in one place. Disorder freaks me.
After church I returned to Homebase, cancelled my bed order and got a refund, then went to Tescos for my monthly shop. It went well, I managed it without stress and even enjoyed it a little! Dad picked me up, I came home, cleaned out the fridge (I really should do it BEFORE I go shopping, but I only remember when I get back and open it to fill it up), and reorganised all the cupboards. I am thinking about having some friends over for dinner. I do like cooking, but only when no one else is in as I get too distracted. People should not arrive until the dinner is ready to be served. Well, that's how I prefer it anyway!
Rar-Rar was out during the day meeting a friend. She came back while I was mid cupboard overhaul! Since then, we have been over the hill to the Co-op, had dinner, and I made my lunch up for tomorrow. I have done no work whatsoever on my Union case. It is not very good. I have learnt from this and will be better prepared next time I take a case on, but this has been poor. Still, I suppose everyone messes up first time they take a major case... well, not mess up exactly, but I took on a lot and I wasn't prepared. We learn by experience. I have, but it is too late to resolve some of the issues on this, mainly in terms of preparing as I went along and time.
Now I am up to date so I am going for a cigarette then sleeping. My coach is at 9am from Victoria so I need to leave here by 7.30am. I will not be late!
Till next time...
Love in Christ.
Kitty
xxxxx
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Monday August 18, 08
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03:04 PM - Snail murder - Tue 12 - Mon 18 August 2008
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Look, it wasn't intentional... I knew it was there and I meant to move it, but then I had a cigarette and I forgot about it, so when I shut the door and... well, it wasn't pleasant, but I hope it was quick.
See, the thing is... sitting in an open doorway is just not a safe or sensible place for a snail!
So, what have I been up to this past week?
Tuesday 12 August - Average day really, work, yoga, dinner, then sorting stuff in the study. I did a fair amount really, but still a long way to go. It's only when you start looking through all your stuff that you realise just how much crap you've amassed over the years!
Wednesday 13 August - Work (which involved sorting out lots of papers for our National Advisory Panel meeting taking place on the twentieth), running late for rehearsal, had Chinese takeaway for dinner (very MSG, but also very yum), reasonable rehearsal - I am starting to remember my lines and all the blocking has now changed, then home and a little bit of work on the final paper for the NAP.
Thursday 14 August - sent out the NAP papers at work, did some other stuff, then off to Woo's. Benatea was at her parents for a sleepover, Drewstarmonkey was already in bed, so nice quiet evening with dinner at the table like proper grown ups - very rare, but enjoyable. Stayed over in the top bunk. It's weird to sleep in a bunk bed as an adult!
Friday 15 August - Worked till about 7pm, then came home and chilled. Could have gone out for a drink with the MSC lot, but couldn't be arsed, so just watched some TV instead. I watched "Little Nicky". Even if you ignore the dubious plot line (The Devil had a fling with an Angel??? Yeah, right), it's still not that funny. Not Adam Sandler's finest hour!
Saturday 16 August - did pretty good, spent the day working in the study and my bedroom, sorting more and more stuff. Parents returned from Finland - they had a good trip but saw too many churches. They came over for fish and chips and gave me a Moomin cup and pin badge. Moomin stuff is extremely pricey, but my Mum is a professional bargain hunter and got me the 2008 edition cup in a sale:
http://finnfancies.googlepages.com/BeachMug.jpg/BeachMug-full;init:.jpg
Sunday 17 August - Got up early, sorted my washing, then was really good and cycled to church... well almost, I was running late, so I got the train half way to save time! Service was good. It was taken by my old RS teacher who attends my church. We looked at 1 John and our family likeness in the family of Christ. It's funny, when we are children, we want to be like our parents, then we get older and we hate being told we're like our parents, then we get older still and again, we want to hear that we're like them, especially if they are no longer with us. As Christians, we also go through that. When we first become born again, we strive so hard to be Christlike, then we enter our Spiritual teens and rebel against it, losing our way a little, but eventually, we mature in our faith and once again seek to be like our Heavenly Father. Am I like my Spiritual Father? I hope so. I really do hope so. I am definitely like my Earthly parents. I love being compared to my Dad, but not so much to my Mum. I pray that God will help me accept those comparisons with more grace!
HV was still away with RarRar. No one seems to have noticed that they are a couple yet! Peniston was also absent. She may have still been away herself (she went to the Lake District with a friend) or she may have been back and missed the service as I forgot to ring her!
After church I cycled home and made dinner for my Parents. We had pizza and salad with left over fish and chips from the day before. Not the healthiest combination, but better not to waste food!
They left at 6pm and I went straight to bed as I was really tired. My Mum rang at 9pm and I woke up thinking, "why is someone ringing me in the middle of the night?" Clearly it wasn't but when you go to bed that early, after three hours you think it's much later!
Monday 18 August - Today was a weird day. Overall, I don't think I did much. You feel like you did more when you see a pile of printed work that you created I think, but today was more talking for most of the day. I also sorted my travel arrangements for next week. I am going to Princetown, Devon, on Monday to see my twin AJ (who is not really my twin), will stay with her till Wednesday morning, then go over to Exeter for our final Mind Link Roadshow of the summer.
Planning the journey was not as easy as I'd have liked as Princetown is very rural and only has about three buses a day!
I also got the Nurses uniforms I'd ordered for the costumes for Cunning Stunts, and a couple of audition song books, so that was good.
I spent the last part of the day at work sorting out the papers for the tribunal I'll be working on. It wasn't nearly so bad once I started... just need to print out about a thousand emails now and file them, but at least the folder is organised and it will be a fairly simple case of slotting them in.
And then I returned home, made pasta even though I don't really like to eat after 9pm as it makes me bloated (too much detail?), washed up, had a cigarette and murdered a snail.
Murder is quite tiring. I think I'll go to bed now and read the rest of today's Bible entry (I'm reading one of those 'Bible in one year' Bibles - it means you cover the entire book in a year. I'm covering Song of Solomon, Corinthians and some Proverbs/Psalms at present. It's really good for helping you focus and reminding yourself to pray, which is easy to forget in this hectic modern world).
Good night and God bless!
x
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Monday August 11, 08
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05:13 PM - Medium secure... Mon 4 - Mon 11 August 2008
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It seems like only last week that the events to be described took place... oh, it was last week!
Monday 4 August - Sometimes it's really easy to get rid of money... It certainly was for me. I walked into the bank, got out my ISA book and transferred £1500 from my account to my Parents and it didn't hurt a bit. That's what I like about my ISA. I look at it so rarely, I don't mind spending it. And in fairness, I owed them as they've done all the work in the front bedroom while I have been at work and at the theatre.
Work was okay, I stayed late, then returned home and watched TV before bed. It felt strange to just go to work and come home.
Tuesday 5 August - I went to a medium secure hospital to visit a resident who happens to be a member of our National Advisory Panel. In many ways, he's an all right guy... what did he do to be in there? I don't know and I don't care. He's been in for twenty seven years, so it must have been bad, but face it, he's served his time and regrets his actions, so why should I stigmatise him?
We went round the ward, spoke to some other residents. It was an interesting insight. Many had been in high secure units before coming to this place, but said they had less personal freedom than before. Everything you do is watched and scrutinised. It's a horrible place and not conducive to recovery. We don't deal with people who had severe mental illness very well... if we were better at it, you'd probably have a lot less forensic patients.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Mind/?action=view¤t=81ArnoldLodge-Tuesday5August20081.jpg
After the trip, we returned to London (too late for Yoga) and I went to my Parents for dinner.
Wednesday 6 August - Went to work, then to Woo's. Benatea had been at Legoland Windsor all day with Auntie Iris. Iris is not the most sensible woman in the world, kept him there till closing time, didn't make him stop and eat lunch and spent about £100 on toys while there. Woo and I were not impressed. Already when he asks for something and Woo says it's too expensive, he says "tell Iris to buy it for me". Not a good attitude and she has no idea that she is undermining Woo's authority. Sadly for Benatea, he wont get that sort of thing from me... a day out is a treat in itself, you don't get toys on top! Drewstarmonkey was his usual cute self.
Was nice to see Woo and spend some time just sitting there watching "Whoose Line is it Anyway?" together... I adore Greg Proops... I suspect it's the quiff that does it for me. ;)
Thursday 7 August - Didn't go to work as I was getting my new Broadband connection installed. It went successfully, hence my now staying up late to get all my blogs up to date! The men from Virgin were totally gormless though and monosyllabic. Then off to rehearsals for "Cunning Stunts", a one act play which goes on for one night only in September. It had been three weeks since the last rehearsal and I had forgotten all my lines. Not good, but I am sure we will get there.
That reminds me.. I am supposed to be sorting the costumes for me and Pam... balls! Have to do that tomorrow night now.
Friday 8 August - okay day at work, then went on duty. It was a good shift as I was paired with Dan, AKA, Grief. We dealt with a few domestics, reported a burglary and generally had a good laugh, finally finishing at 3.30am. I was home at 4am, and straight to sleep.
Saturday 9 August - I had a right doss day, getting up at 1pm, then mooching about, watching movies. I watched "Barefoot in the Park", which was silly and enjoyable, then "The Good German", which was complicated and not that interesting. I thought Tobey Maguire was miscast.
Sunday 10 August - I was very naughty and stayed in bed again, missing church. My Parents are away in Finland till next weekend, Ash, the music group leader, is away in Spain and HV and RarRar were away at Summer Camp, so I decided to be naughty and sleep in... As I am now behind on my bible reading, I will have to catch up quickly!
Did some work on my blogs and sorting through some filing in the study, though clearly not much as the bed is still not free and I am still on the futon. I did some washing too, mowed the lawn and moved the tortoises further down the garden.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/My%20pets/?action=view¤t=63Tortoises-Saturday14June2008.jpg
Naturally, having been good and pegged the washing on the line, God punished my failure to attend church, by letting it rain on my clothes. Well, it is less than I deserved, so I was grateful to Him for his mercy.
Spoke to RarRar. Camp was good and a few more people now know about the romance. They have gone to Ireland for a week now, and will be staying with his Brother. Her car has been left outside the vicarage, so I'd imagine some smart people might twig by the time they get back. It's all above board and separate rooms. HV is too good to do anything that would compromise his role. I just hope people realise that and don't give them any grief. They can rely on my friendship and support, needed or not!
Monday 11 August - that was today... well, yesterday now really, but I haven't been to bed yet, so it feels like today.
I woke up feeling like I hadn't really slept. I could tell I was tired as my balance was shoddy. This was proven when I slipped over in the shower. It was a proper massive fall, and I landed hard on my rump. Thankfully it is quite ample, so cushioned the fall. I also managed to cut my elbow while shaving... don't ask!
Picked myself up, went to work and had a pretty good day. I am behind on dispatching the papers for our next NAP meeting, but feel like I know what I am doing with them.
And I've been good this evening too... came home, ate, washed up and got up to date... now all I need to do is maintain it... and do some proper writing again... poetry, prose, plays and stories.
Yes, things are definitely on the up!
Right, time for a cigarette, then bed.
Sweet dreams my darlings...
x
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04:40 PM - An Actor darling, an Actor!... Mon 28 Jul - Sun 3 Aug 2008
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Ah, finally, the end is in site... just two weeks to go and I''ll be current. Hmm, not sure how I'll cope with living in the present, it's something I usually try to avoid...
Monday 28 July - Production week was now upon us. For the first time in a long time, I had to leave work on time, every time... by chance I managed it... I was over panicing and left an hour earlier than I thought I was leaving. In my mind I was actually half an hour late, but in real life, I was half an hour early! Anyway, rehearsal went wellish... a few dropped lines and some errors in songs. I thought to myself, "give us another two weeks and we'll be ready!"
Tuesday 29 July - The most annoying thing about needing to be at the theatre for 6pm all week was that I would have to miss Yoga. It's a hard life when you're doing the thing you love most isn't it? No, no, you're right, and I couldn't give a toss about Yoga in comparison to acting! This was our last rehearsal... the show was on the next night... were we ready? Bit late not to be really!
Wednesday 30 July - The show goes on... went to work, as I had done for the last two days and would do for the entire run. Got on with it and deflected the "are you nervous" questions with the simple answer "no". Why would I be nervous when doing my day job at work? I concede, there was the off chance that I might feel a bit nervous just before the curtain went up, but... no.. best not to consider it. I mean, why be nervous when you have talent like mine?
Got to the theatre, got into costume and went for notes and warm up... then we touched up our make up, had a last minute cigarette (those of us that smoked that is) and went into the wings...
And the show went okay! I played a Devilette:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Harry%20from%20the%20Hill%20-%202008%20community%20play/?action=view¤t=79aMonday28July20081.jpg
and also had a brief stint as a Barndance singer:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Harry%20from%20the%20Hill%20-%202008%20community%20play/?action=view¤t=79bTuesday29July2008.jpg
which gave me the opportunity to show off my pipes. People were very complimentary (I think they were watching a different show).
Thursday 31 July - Pretty much the same as Wednesday really...
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Harry%20from%20the%20Hill%20-%202008%20community%20play/?action=view¤t=79cThursday31July20085.jp g
Friday 1 August - bit of a different day as I had to go to Brighton in the morning for work. I was slightly concerned that I wouldn't make it back in time for the theatre, but I had to go, so I went. It was for a Mind Link Roadshow - Mind Link is the network I now coordinate... a network of people with direct experience of mental distress who advise and inform the work of Mind... we're a select bunch... you have to be mental to join our gang!
It was a great morning, met some really good people and got some good ideas of how the members would like to see things like our Magazine develop.
I rushed back on the 3pm train, arriving in London at 4pm. It should have only taken an hour to get to the theatre but some divvy had driven into a bridge, causing the District line and C2C to be out of service. Thus followed a long and protracted journey to the theatre. I arrived on time, but was not able to take so long dressing as I would have liked.
I prefer to be in early and be flustered, but sometimes you have to go with the flow.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Harry%20from%20the%20Hill%20-%202008%20community%20play/?action=view¤t=79dSaturday2August200814. jpg
Show went okay and we nailed "Toughen Up".
Saturday 2 August - not such a good day. I woke up in a right mood, and realised I was probably on the edge of a major low episode. My Uncle came to collect Honey Bunny at about 9.30am, which was a bit sad, as he was rather nice to cuddle and watch TV with.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/My%20pets/?action=view¤t=HoneytheBunny-Saturday3August2008.jpg
Hugh was glad to see the back of him and regain his rightful place on the sofa.
I was rude and surly to my Mother and generally not a happy girl and not impressed about having to be at the theatre for 11am for notes, warm up and then an ad-hoc performance outside for the people who were at the Queens Theatre fun day.
Did the matinee and still wasn't feeling very social. I actually started to feel quite unwell and just wanted to eat and sleep. Unfortunately my Nan had come to the matinee with my parents and I was rather uncommunicative to them after the show. Naturally my Mother has since chastised me heavily for it.
Went for lunch and that perked me up about 2%. Did the evening show and got some energy back, which was lucky as it would have been bad form had I fallen asleep on stage. I did have a few moments though, singing when I shouldn't etc. I think I'll learn from this and take the week off next time I do a production!
We had an after show party, but I didn't stick around too long, leaving at midnight to the strains of The Birdy Song... I kid you not.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/My%20pets/?action=view¤t=HoneytheBunny-Saturday3August2008.jpg
Sunday 3 August - Arrrrggggghhhhh! Yes, stupidly I had signed up to be on duty for the East London Mela. It seemed like a good idea when I signed up three months before. I woke wishing that there was a time machine I could use to go back nine hours and go to sleep again, but sadly my wish was unfulfilled. I got myself together, went to the nick, changed and went off to KG for collection. In true Met style, we had to get changed at our home station, travel to another station for collection, go to another station (would have been quicker and easier to get the bus there from our home station), on another borough, to be fed (surprisingly good food for a change) and briefed, then come back to our borough for the actual event, which takes place just down the road from our home station!
The Mela went well and I was paired with another WPC who I hadn't worked with before. She's pretty cool actually and together we stopped a fight between a few guys from turning in to a full scale brawl, so that was cool. We also reunited a lost four year old with her parents, which was more satisfying in some ways, though I did very much enjoy getting stuck in at the fight!
I also bumped into an old work colleague from my days at Carphone Whorehouse. It was good to see her and I was pleased to hear she is doing well for herself.
Got home at 9.30pm and practically collapsed into bed. I was too tired to feel sad that my week on stage was over, or to even notice it had passed.
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04:02 PM - Hop, bunny, hop... Tuesday 22 - Sun 27 July 2008
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I am freezing at present, quite tired and really would prefer to be in my bed right now... but as I still haven't cleared it (using it to sort stuff that needs filing in my study) and am still sleeping on the futon in the study (which looks amazingly clear - funny that as all my stuff is... yep, on my bed), I might as well stay up, listening to blues music and updating my blog... so, on we slog...
Tuesday 22 July - I woke quite tired, as you'd expect following my return from Scotland the day before. Sadly, I woke earlier than intended as, at 7am, my Uncle arrived to deliver Honey Bunny, the rabbit which I had totally forgotten I'd agreed to look after the week before! I got him settled in, then set off for work.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/My%20pets/?action=view¤t=78HoneytheBunny-Tuesday22July20081.jpg
Work was okay, Yoga was okay, then off for another rehearsal... apparantly the weekend rehearsals that I'd missed by going on my Highlands jaunt, were not that productive... Returned home and attempted to introduce Hugh to Honey Bunny. Not a good move... Hugh was banned from the living room for the rest of Honey Bunny's stay. In his defence, it wasn't his fault. The rabbit was a total wuss. Undoubtedly because my Uncle and Aunt keep it in the bloody house, rather than in the garden where it should be!
Wednesday 23 July - Work, followed by Softball. It was our last match of the season and we were playing Mezz, who are not a real charity, just a bunch of small charities based in some building in London with a mezzanine floor - see what they did there? Very clever!
Unlike us... we lost... again. Still, winning isn't everything and, in our case, it's nothing! I was too tired to stay out drinking and left early with the kit. It has been much easier to transport this season thanks to Captain Stanley purchasing a good old fashioned shopping trolley to keep it in... those wheels are a Godsend!
Thursday 24 July - I went to work, then went to Woo's for my usual weekly dose of best mate, Godkids and housework in someone else's home...
Friday 25 July - Had an okay day at work, then went on duty for the first time in ages. I felt like I'd forgotten everything. I practically have as I can't remember much about the shift... oh, that's right, we had some people down from OSU. They're Specials like us, but they think they're the dogs balls because they work out of Hendon and go to different boroughs to deal with stuff as and when and that weekend they decided to come to KG. We had a knife arch at the train station and were to direct people through and do a search of any that set the machine off. As that wasn't too many people, the Inspector decided to make stupid amounts of work for us, by getting us to complete a stop and account for everyone that walked through. Believe me, that was not necessary and probably destroyed a good few trees in the process.
After an incredibly quiet evening of that, followed by wandering the streets of Barking, we called it a night.
Saturday 26 July - Had a brief lay in, then went to rehearsal, followed by a trip to B&Q with my Dad to get some doors and other stuff for my front bedroom, which is being done up ready for me to move in to as RarRar is getting the already done, back bedroom. That's because I always wanted the front room, but did the guest room first, then took it while I was waiting to get the front room done! The change of decorating plan has resulted in a delay on the bathroom being done, but I am happy as at least something is being achieved.
After the B&Q trip, I had dinner at my Parents, then went to the cinema to see "Mamma Mia" with my Mum and our mutual friend Linda. Okay, I know I shouldn't admit it, but I actually liked the film. I probably wouldn't buy it on DVD or anything, but I'd watch it again on Sky if it was on.
Sunday 27 July - Got up early, had breakfast and made salads for the day. Went to church early for singing rehearsal, then the service, then straight to rehearsal for the play... it was a long day, not ending till 9.30pm, hence making two salads to keep me going. It was our first rehearsal in the Queens theatre and I was pleased to see people actually upped their game. For the first time in the whole rehearsal period I thought we might actually pull it off and have a pretty good show on our hands! It was also the first chance I'd had to learn the blocking of a scene I'd never been there for, so that was a positive result!
All in all, it went well and we went to the pub after for a celebratory drink. I swear, in the last three months, I have become rounder... I blame my predilection for real ales.
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Sunday August 10, 08
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03:26 PM - Where I was... Mon 14 - Mon 21 July 2008
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Another week, but how detailed can I really be... for some reason, not only was I behind on my online blogging, I have also failed to keep up with my actual hard copy diary! But I will give it a go regardless...
Monday 14 July - Work, evening at Woo's, stay over.
Tuesday 15 July - Work, Yoga, Rehearsal... still concerned about the play and not convinced the show will be worth watching. My Uncle called while I was at rehearsals to ask if I could sit their rabbit while they were away, which I agreed to. I spoke to my cousin. She had been to the Exit Festival in Serbia. I usually go with her, but didn't go this year. She had not had a good time and was not happy, so I told her to come over mine. She came and picked me up and we chatted for a while before bed. It was nothing major, just stress because she'd gone with her boyfriend and another friend who was just always in their way and not willing to let them have any time together, so it all got a bit heated.
Wednesday 16 July - Work, then should have gone to play softball, but it was my Mum's 48th birthday, so decided to bail and come home to have pizza for dinner with my parents, then watch a movie. We watched "Notes on a Scandal", which wasn't really my parents cup of tea. Judi Dench was excellent and Bill Nighy gave excellent support, not convinced by Cate Blanchett though. We then watched "The Bourne Ultimatum". It was well paced, but I am not sure that these films have real lasting value.
Thursday 17 July - Went to work, left later than I should, then went to meet my Twinny, AJ, at Whitechapel. While waiting I went and took a photo of The Grave Maurice. Such a lovely exterior, but the interior is horrendous. Anyway, met up on the train (she was facing the wrong way and had never been on the Underground before - she's from Devon). Came home, had dinner, finished packing. My cousin came over again, and we watched an episode of Peep Show before bed... well, my cousin went to bed, we washed up and I smashed two plates!
Friday 18 July - what a day! Got up at 4am and got ready to leave.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Aviemore%20-%20Fri%2018%20-%20Mon%2021%20July%202008/?action=view¤t=77.jpg
All was going well, until we got to Elm Park station and I realised we were running twenty minutes late. We were booked on the 6am train from Kings Cross to Edinburgh. We missed it by ten minutes.
As the next train would cost us £133 each, we then rushed to Victoria and got a coach to Perth. This left at 8.30am. It was a rather long journey, but we made it in the end, catching a train from Perth to Aviemore.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Aviemore%20-%20Fri%2018%20-%20Mon%2021%20July%202008/?action=view¤t=77-2.jpg
We finally arrived at 10.30pm, eight hours after we should have got there and having spent an extra £55! There was just enough time to have a beer, meet some strange guys who were there on a stag weekend (okay, this was only me, the other's had sensibly optedto stay inside, but I was oot having a cigarette, and a chap called Diveney decided to talk to me, what's a lassie to do?), and then head on to another venue to catch the end of a live band, before going to our holiday home and getting to bed.
Saturday 19 July - The weather was not great, but we still managed to get a little bit of walking in round the three lochs, the main one being Loch Eilen. We also visited a beach round another loch, skidded along the floor at the house (Amy discovered our walking socks were perfect for sliding on the laminate in) and finished the day by having dinner at the Cairn Gorm Hotel restaurant, which Markie-bhoy's children. We then went on to the Country Club and watched Markie-Bhoy's mate George singing. That was an interesting night! Finally, Amy and I took part in Olympic bed diving... pure hilarity!
Sunday 20 July - we had porridge for breakfast, then I went off to the local church, while the others went for coffee. It was a good service and I learnt a new game, 'Kick the Can', while there. See, you can learn a lot at church, not just bible stuff! The sermon was on Jonah. It was very good actually, about how the point is that God cares for all people, including the sinners, and is good and merciful to those that heed His word. it's not a story about a big fish, that part is incidental, almost a red herring, if you like...
In the afternoon, we went up the Cairn Gorm Mountain in the Funicular. It was really cold at the top, -5º with the wind, and being in cloud level. As we were standing outside, a wrapper came out of Amy's pocket and we were running around like idiots trying to grab it. We caught it in the end... but it was very funny!
We returned home for pasta, then went out to the Country Club and played in the weekly quiz night. Our team, The Wilderness Wanderers, did very well, coming joint second. The sad truth is, we would have actually won it, but I misheard an answer that Marky-Bhoy gave, and wrote it down wrong! After that, we hit McKenzie's for Karaoke. I opened with "Valerie" by The Zutons. Then we sang "I Will Survive", and I dueted with Mark's brother on "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meatloaf. We returned home and climbed into our beds. Hard to believe, the trip was almost over.
Monday 21 July - we woke early, and Muttley left first. At 10am, AJ, Richard and I said goodbye and boarded our train. AJ and I changed at Stirling, Richard was changing at Glasgow to meet his family. AJ and I then went on to Edinburgh, where we had enough time for a cancer stick, before boarding the long train home to Kings Cross. Once in London, I took AJ on an impromptu tour, courtesy of a Number 11 bus. At 9pm, she boarded the bus back to Devon, and I sadly returned home.
On arrival, I went straight to bed... missing my SA buddies greatly.
Photos of the trip can be viewed here:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Aviemore%20-%20Fri%2018%20-%20Mon%2021%20July%202008/
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01:49 PM - Where am I?... Mon 7 - Sun 13 July 2008
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After the excitement of the week before, I knew, just knew, that this week would not be anywhere near as exciting... but life always goes on after a Morrissey gig, much to my disgust!
Monday 7 July - went to work, went to Woo's, stayed over.
Tuesday 8 July - went to work, had Yoga, went to rehearsal and then to the pub as usual. Best thing about the day - I renewed my home and contents insurance!
Wednesday 9 July - Went to work, came home, watched TV - a nice break from rushing around.
Thursday 10 July - Work, then Cunning Stunts rehearsal - spoke to my friend KT on the way, then Da Manager, who was in Valencia where she was about to start a language course. She had been on a farm, not making cheese, but walls etc (I may have mentioned this previously). After the farm, a group of them went off together and were at a beach resort. One of the lads dropped dead at the beach. Could have been a heart attack, or dehydration, she said people were not taking the heat very seriously. These things happen in life, nobody's fault, just life and if you are going to drop dead, better to do it on a lovely beach, than down the side of Tescos...
Before rehearsal I stopped off to buy a copy of the Barking and Dagenham Post as HV was on the front cover... actually I had to buy two copies as my friend, his lady, had to have one two (her request). I spoke to her while queueing to pay, which was, as ever, a real giggle, but did make me late for rehearsal!
The photos did not do him justice... they never do:
http://www.bdpost.co.uk/search/story.aspx?brand=BDPOnline&category=News&itemid=WeED08%20Jul%202008%2017:02:07:420&tBrand=BDPOnline&tCategory=search
The Post has been re-featuring the story and updating readers and have done a better photo since... I'm not meaning to detract from the story here, actually what he is campaigning on is very important and I 100% support it, but at the same time, feel a certain duty to publicise the cuteness:
http://www.bdpost.co.uk/search/story.aspx?brand=BDPOnline&category=News&itemid=WeED21%20Jul%202008%2010:53:22:937&tBrand=BDPOnline&tCategory=search
Friday 11 July - went to work, was on the interview panel for my old job at Mind and had to interview my mate Tasha. She didn't get the job. She's a great girl, but she gets nervous in interviews and doesn't sell herself. Shame because she is capable, but my old boss needs someone really firm and who will harass her to work! There is a better job out there for Tash, I hope she finds it soon. I was having Peniston and RarRar (HV's lady) round for dinner. RarRar arrived first and we had a good chat about life, the universe and everything. I believe it was at some point in the evening that we decided she should become my new housemate... plan being she will be with me until she takes a new surname and moves in to... well, that's our plan anyway... guess we'll have to wait and see what HV's plans are!
The evening was going okay, I made a terrible meal (one should not attempt lasagne for the first time when having guests over), and we drank wine. RarRar got a little tipsy and was stashing toy money down her top (we were playing a game of Smuggle). Peniston was sadly not really feeling the vibe and left early. On the plus side, I was able to get an episode of The L Word (series 4) in before bed! I know, I shouldn't really be watching it, but I do actually care about the characters, though I must say, I would like to see a character that doesn't just jump into bed with anyone.
Saturday 12 July - had a fairly relaxed morning, RarRar left, and I went bathroom shopping with my Mum. It was not an enjoyable experience. I hate shopping, I particularly hate shopping for bathrooms. It makes me cry. Finally, on the way home, we stopped at a place and I saw exactly what I wanted. Naturally it is really stupidly expensive. The delay in choosing and the need to change the front bedroom before RarRar arrives now means the bathroom will be delayed until September, possibly later, but at least another room is getting done.
Had dinner at my parents then went home.
Sunday 13 July - went to church early for the singing group rehearsal, then off to rehearsals. Again, I went to my parents for dinner before returning home.
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11:46 AM - 28th Unhappy Birthday - Mon 30 June - Sun 6 July 2008
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You know, some weeks are just better than others... and this was a week I had been looking forward to for a very long time... not only would I be starting a new job at Mind, I'd be celebrating surviving another year and seeing Moz play at the O2 Wireless festival. What an amazing week!
Monday 30 June - This was my last official day working in the Finance team. Although I had really enjoyed working for Mind and got on well with the people I worked with, I never really felt that I was being particularly challenged and quite often found the day to day work mind numbingly dull. I'd started to not care about work. I cared about the organisation, but I was just bored with what I was doing, so getting the new role was such a Godsend for me. I didn't feel like I achieved a lot on my final day. Had an insurance handover meeting and lunch, where I ate too much, but aside from eating, I didn't get much real work done. I stayed till 8pm, sorting things ready for my move.
Tuesday 1 July - I started in Mind Link. I had one meeting that day, which I played by ear. The rest of the day was spent messing around with my desk, sorting out where I wanted the computer, putting my pictures up on the wall... Having mild OCD, I can't work unless things are in a certain way. Working for a mental health charity you can get away with these little quirks! Had Yoga, then rehearsal. It was a full day and I was very tired at the end of it.
Wednesday 2 July - Another day where I didn't feel like I was achieving much... a few induction meetings, chats with my new boss, messing around with setting up the recycling centre in the first floor kitchen area... After work I joined the rest of the Softball team for a match against Breakthrough Breast Cancer. We usually play in Hyde Park, but this match was arranged for Regents Park. It was so much nicer, though the ground was much more uneven. Maybe it was just because it was different from where we usually play and I prefer Camden to Knightsbridge, maybe it was the laid back, fun nature of the Breakthrough team, maybe I was just in a good mood because I'd been chatting to my mate John on the phone... who knows... whatever, it was a good day and though we lost, we really didn't mind.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Mind%20Softball%20Team%202008/?action=view¤t=73-5.jpg
We retired to the Edinburgh Castle post match and had a good old chat and many, many pints...
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Mind%20Softball%20Team%202008/?action=view¤t=73-13.jpg
Thursday 3 July - my birthday. It would be fair to day I did little at work, but it was not entirely my fault as the day was also someone's last day at Mind and they had been working there for nine years, so I didn't do much at work to celebrate, as we had a send off for Lesley instead.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Mind/?action=view¤t=74-1.jpg
After work, the evening belonged to me, and I went for a meal at The Chinaman's buffet in Dagenham with a selection of family and friends.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/28th%20Birthday%20-%20Thu%203rd%20July%202008/?action=view¤t=75-2.jpg
I had a good mix of people from church, people from the play and family members. Sadly, no one from the Specials was available, nor anyone from Mind, but that's the way it goes... I still had 18 people turn up so I can't complain!
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/28th%20Birthday%20-%20Thu%203rd%20July%202008/?action=view¤t=75-4.jpg
My Mum made a right song and dance over giving me my presents, but the best one was this:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/28th%20Birthday%20-%20Thu%203rd%20July%202008/?action=view¤t=75-5.jpg
It was the Morrissey T-Shirt I'd bought to celebrate my new job at Mind, and had given to my Mum to give me for my birthday as my present to self... I was very impressed with her efforts, though the writing was wrong!
Afterwards, a few people came back to mine and we had a jam session, which was great fun!
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/28th%20Birthday%20-%20Thu%203rd%20July%202008/?action=view¤t=75-7.jpg
Friday 4 July - a far more important day than my birthday. I had taken the day off work and had a relaxing morning, before setting off for London. I wore my new T-Shirt, the purple skinny fit ladies crest, and tattooed 'ASK ME' on my lower left inner arm. I arrived in London at Hyde Park before meeting my mate John and his friend Aaron. We strolled down the road to find The Carpenters Arms where we knew the rest of the Moz Posse would be hanging out. On route I grabbed a really delicious cheddar cheese and chutney baguette from Pret A Manger. We found the pub without too much trouble. It was tucked down a side street, away from the hussle and bustle. The Moz Posse was out in force, swarming the pavements, laughing and joking - not a sign of misery anywhere! It was great to catch up with some friends and meet some new people from Solo.
After a while some people turned up who wanted to film us for a documentary they are making about fans. They are focusing on different artists who have incredibly loyal followers. Having spoken with them the night before on the phone, they sounded reasonable and quite a few of us had agreed to talk to them. We all had our little moment, though I think I kept looking directly to camera and they will not use me because we weren't supposed to look at the camera! Having been filmed and drunk our beer, we went into the O2 Wireless festival. As we entered, The Guillemots were playing on the main stage. It was a nice, relaxed atmosphere, people were sitting around, it felt friendly and well laid out.
We went to the second stage to watch The Corteeners. I thought they were okay, but I wasn't really that impressed, though they did drop a section of an early James song into one of theirs, which I appreciated hearing! At the end, I realised I'd been standing next to my fellow Egghead contestant, Kraig! Was nice to say hello. John, Aaron and I went for a cider - I tried the pear flavour, not really my thing, but I'm not a huge fan of cider anyway, I find it rather sickly. We then returned to the second stage to watch Siouxsie Sioux. Wow! She certainly knows how to command the stage and her outfit! I want one! Sadly, her singing was not as good, but I think that was due to the acoustics as she sounded really out of time, but when I went out for a cigarette, she sounded in time, so I think the shape of the tent actually affected the way her vocals came out!
After Siouxsie, we went and got some falafels and humus in a wrap, then moved to the main stage to see Beck. I'd seen Beck before at the V Festival in Chelmsford, 2006 and really enjoyed his set. I just think he's a great musician, really talented and the music is just pure good fun and energy. Once again, it was a great set and I thoroughly enjoyed dancing away to the songs. And then... well, then it was time for...
MORRISSEY!!!
We edged our way further into the throng, ending up just to the left hand side of the centre, about ten rows from the barrier. A South African girl, who had never seen Moz play live was there with her friend. She was rather excited about the prospect, but also needed a wee! Having been told, by myself, that there was no time to go and get back, she opted to crouch down and do it then and there - fair enough, she had a pretty good spot and if you've never seen him live before, going for a toilet break is not an option! The atmosphere was great, people getting themselves psyched up with the usual chants, and talking about what they hoped would be on the set list etc. I was waiting to see what would be on the screens... and suddenly, suddenly, there it was... the noise, the image and away we were into the strange and exciting world of Morrissey. Clips featured some stuff which has been shown for the past few years, Brigette Bardot, New York Dolls, etc, but some newer clips too; Anthony Newley and Sacha Distel and the clip from a gangster movie... "Morrissey's going to get it!" Fabulous.! I love that section; it's a chance to see another side of Morrissey that we don't get from his performance. Set list was a good mix of new and old:
Last Of The Famous International Playboys / Ask / First Of The Gang To Die / That's How People Grow Up / Irish Blood, English Heart / I Just Want To See The Boy Happy / Sister, I'm A Poet / Vicar In A Tutu/ All You Need Is Me / The Loop / The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores / Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself? / Mama Lay Softly On The Riverbed / Billy Budd / Death Of A Disco Dancer / You Say You Don't Love Me (Buzzcocks cover) / I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris / Stretch Out And Wait/ Life Is A Pigsty / How Soon Is Now? // What She Said
I particularly enjoyed "Ask" as the SA girl spotted my tattoo and insisted on holding my arm up in the air for the entire song! I also loved "Sister, I'm A Poet", "Vicar In A Tutu", "The Loop", "Death Of A Disco Dancer", "Stretch Out And Wait" and the great ending of "What She Said"... and the Buzzcocks cover was great too. Oh, and "Pigsty"... well, that is one of my favourites and such a great song live... I know I pretty much love them all, but those were my highlights.
With any Moz gig, there was the obligatory Moz mosh pit, and I had to retire after half the set to a safer position a few rows further back, but I thust myself back in for the encore. I had lost John, and ended up being thrown about near a young lad who, at the end, caught my hand and asked me if I'd like to go to a party with him. Sadly, he was not going to Quarry and was not a true Mozite, but in a strange moment of Mozmadness, I declined his offer and left him with a good old fashioned post gig snog... I still have no idea quite what came over me... still, it served to remind me that I'm not missing out on anything in my celibacy!
I rejoined my friends and met up with Chris 1 and Chris 2, along with another two people they were with, one of whom was Laura, the girl with the amazing voice. We headed off to The Loop, off Oxford Street, for our Quarry party. Having got in and said hello to some people, I suddenly realised that Chris 1 and his gang were not with us... I discovered later that they had been turned away by the venue as Chris had not brought his bloody ticket print out! Honestly, that boy is such a liability!
We had an interesting night; Gary Day was an unpopular choice as DJ, though I think Grim enjoyed the chance to throw himself round the dance floor! Once Gary Day had finished, we got back to the Moz/Smiths music and people's wrath was appeased. We left at 3am, closing time and I promised Mr Smith that I would remember his real name this time... guess what... I have remembered and it begins with an R!
Photos of the day/night can be found here:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Morrissey%20Day%20-%20Friday%204%20July%202008/
Being the dirty stop out I am, I was pleased to accept John's offer of accommodation in the worst hotel in Golders Green. The carpet was flea biten, the stairs were narrow and the door pretty much opened directly on to the stairs! The room was rather grim, and the bed had the most horrendous dip in the centre of it... in other circumstances it may have been romantic, but as we'd both been dancing at a Quarry party, following a Moz gig and were sweaty and, to be honest, quite smelly, the chances of romance developing then and there were rather slim. We balanced precariously on opposite sides of the bed and managed to get some sleep, being woken at regular intervals by the rain and John's phone beeping - it was another member of the Moz posse telling John what a great night he'd had!
Saturday 5 July - We woke at about 10am. Sadly, the stench of my t-shirt had not got any better in the night... John, I can only apologise... you know, I have to dance like an idiot and this is the result... I remember moshing to a song and telling people it was the only Smiths song you could properly mosh to, but I have no idea what song it was now!
John, who lives in Norfolk, kindly drove me home... we stopped in Dagenham so that we could go to The Mall and pretend we were in the Dagenham Dave video. It was good fun! Then, home for a nice cup of tea. I leant him the book and DVD of Billy Liar. Why? Oh, just thought he'd enjoy it... I am all about spreading the joy of Billy Liar!
I then wrapped myself in a blanket (having changed out of my rank clothes) and waited for my friend Stu to arrive. I had to countersign his passport application. Having done this, he left and I pretty much veged out on the sofa, watching "Three Men and a Baby" (I love that film), then the final episode of this series of Doctor Who... Wow! Not convinced about the DoctorDonna thing, but so happy that Rose got her man... shame for the Doctor, but he can at least take comfort that, in some way, he is with her. Lucky, lucky cow...
Sunday 6 July - Got up, had breakfast and went to church early to help coach the girls on their singing... and I got to stay and sing with them, on a mic, during the actual service! Ha ha! Finally! Had rehearsal, then dinner at my parents, and another week was over...
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Thursday August 07, 08
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10:25 AM - We'll make it, I swear... Mon 23 - Sun 29 June 2008
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I am still a month out of date... best plough on and eventually I will overtake myself.
Monday 23 - I went to work and stayed till gone 8pm. It was not very exciting.
Tuesday 24 - I went to work, I went to Yoga, but didn't really feel in the zone, then had rehearsal which I found really boring. The best bit was learning the clapping game which helps to get the company focused. Pub after, no surprises there.
Wednesday 25 - Work, followed by continuation training. We covered stop and search AGAIN. I have become so disillusioned with the whole thing recently and it mainly stems from Mr HayIKnowMoreThanYou. He is such a two faced gimboid and he makes me really angry all the time. He punishes the good people and ignores the inadequacies of those he favours. I'd like to give him a good kick up the arse. Funnily enough, he commands zero respect in the team but we can't moan too much as his daughter has now joined us. Balls! Left home deflated and unwilling to give up my time for any duties that he arranges.
Thursday 26 - Work, followed by costume meeting, then 'Cunning Stunts' rehearsal, which went very well.
Friday 27 - I was not very productive at work at all. I paid for this later in real, physical terms having agreed to go to see Bon Jovi at Twickenham with Joaquin Phoenix. Okay, it wasn't really Joaquin, it was my mate, but he does look quite like him. Regardless of who he looks like, we had free tickets to see Bon Jovi, though neither of us were that sure if we'd enjoy it that much. Foolishly, I'd recommended we go on the bike as I love the bike, but it was a very long journey and by the time we arrived my arse was killing me. We wondered in to the "sold out" stadium and saw about fifty people milling about while Biffy Clyro did their best to look thrilled to be there.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Bon%20Jovi%20-%20Friday%2027%20June%202008/?action=view¤t=68-7.jpg
Met a few nice people and quizzed them about the Bon Jovi scene in comparison to the Moz scene. I was not surprised to learn that, while they know all the words and have seen the band play numerous times, Bon Jovi fans are not as interesting as Moz fans, seem to be a bit higher up the social strata and don't have regular club nights - and why would they when all the Bon Jovi songs sound the same? Hmm, don't people say that about Moz/The Smiths??? Ah, but they're wrong!
In fairness, they did a good set, though I did find it all very samey and would have been happy to leave half way through. The staging was good and the crowd seemed to enjoy it. My personal favourite moment was not any of the songs, but the Mexican wave at the beginning!
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Bon%20Jovi%20-%20Friday%2027%20June%202008/?action=view¤t=68-2.jpg
We returned home and were back in 45 minutes - the journey there took twice as long - bloody London traffic!
Saturday 28 - A nice day. I got up, was productive at home, doing some cleaning and washing. I even got my monthly shop done. I then went for dinner at Balans in Soho to meet an old friend I haven't seen for a very long time. It was wonderful to see her again and I found my meal delicious, though she wasn't very impressed with her chicken pie and mash. It's true, you can get the same quality from the pie and mash shop. We went on to The Edge, a funky bar on Soho Square. Too noisy for me. I fear I am too old for such places.
Sunday 29 - yet more food to consume. I went to church then set off for Clapham to meet up with my Hendon buddies. Everyone has gone/is going full time, even Mr Sarcasm himself... though he has delayed his start date by lying and saying that his Mother is ill while he decides if he really wants in. He clearly does want in. It's an ideal career for him. We had a wonderful meal, expertly cooked by Mr Bober, using two tiny disposable BBQ's on the balcony and the oven in the kitchen. There was far too much and I ate till I was about to explode. It was great to see everyone again, I have missed our regular meetings and hope to see everyone again soon. Aussie Alex spends too much time playing Rock Guitar Hero.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/MSC%20BBQ%20-%20Sunday%2029%20June%202008/?action=view¤t=70-9.jpg
I was slightly overdressed for the occasion, but it's nice to make an effort.
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/MSC%20BBQ%20-%20Sunday%2029%20June%202008/?action=view¤t=70.jpg
I returned home very late and lay, like a beached whale all night until nature allowed me to deflate slightly the next day...
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09:13 AM - Stuff and nonsense - Mon 16 - Sun 22 June 2008
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I tried a different style in my last entry. Aside from the introduction, I wrote in present tense. It was quite fun really, but will I continue with it? Hmmm, maybe, maybe not. Perhaps I could try writing in the style of a pulp fiction novella, or a Jane Austin. Maybe, but not today... I have to catch up so I can do other, more important things with my life (though surely, dear Reader, nothing is more important than your entertainment).
Monday 16 - I have stopped caring about work and am late in again. I make up for it though when there by giving the impression of someone who works hard. That evening I have the rest of Ad Hoc over and we have our first rehearsal for 'Cunning Stunts', minus one person. It goes well, though no one wants me to cook for them.
Tuesday 17 - I work, I do Yoga, which I enjoy, then I attend rehearsal for 'Harry from the Hill'. I am very concerned by how much still needs to be blocked. Our Director is evidently not concerned at all. She is far more optimistic than I. As usual, we repair to the Unicorn for a quick beverage before going home. I am clearly gaining weight from all the extra ale I am consuming and am not particularly happy about it, though I am very happy about the social side of things.
Wednesday 18 - Work, followed by visit to Woo. I stay over to give her a slight break.
Thursday 19 - Benatea wakes early as usual and naturally also wakes Drewstarmonkey. This does not put me in the best of moods as I am not a big fan of mornings at the best of times. In my opinion, morning should not start until 11am, unless it is one of those rare occasions where I find myself in a foreign country and have a strange desire to wake early and watch an unspoilt sunrise. Benatea does not agree and thinks that morning should begin about five minutes after he has been sent to bed. Bless... I say through gritted teeth. I escape as quickly as possible and go to work where I attempt to be productive though I am rather jaded and tired. I then travel to Hyde Park where we play softball against Raleigh International. Their Captain is not present and it has a very negative effect on the team. Amazingly, we win. This will prove to be their only defeat of the season and prevents them from taking the cup. I will be thrilled when I discover this as their absent Captain is an incredibly arrogant, but hugely sexy man. We go to the Tattershall Tavern and drink. I leave early. Others are not so sensible, resulting in the loss of Forker's Oompa Loompa costume - I never did ask why she had one in the first place...
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y206/Kitty3780/Mind%20Softball%20Team%202008/?action=view¤t=62MindSoftballTeam-Thursday19Jun-4.jpg
Friday 20 - I wake, have a shower and drag myself to work. That evening I attend a gig with Mapboy and Tasha. The venue is full of loud, ridiculous people and I am too tired to bother with them. We leave relatively early and once more Mapboy regales me with tales of speed while we train it homewards. I am crying with laughter. For some reason he doubts his ability to entertain. Perhaps I just laugh at anything.
Saturday 21 - Yawn! I have not been on duty for ages and have agreed to take part in Operation Tyrol. This involves standing around at Canning Town transport hub (or train and bus station as any normal person would call it) looking for ruffians, having wasted three and a half hours getting there due to the Met's inability to get anything moving. A section 60 is in place to allow us to conduct searches. This is part of a drive to reduce violent crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport. We do a few searches and issue a canabis warning to someone who attempts to tell the usual story ('you see, the thing is, it's not mine - I don't smoke that stuff myself. I don't even know who it was, but someone must have left it in my car'), and someone else has a knife confiscated from them. I can barely contain my lack of excitement and leave early so that I can watch a performance of 'All's Well That End's Well' in Raphaels Park. My friend is appearing in it and I am pleased to see some of my fellow luvvies in the audience. My Mother accompanies me and recognises Dev from many years before as her friend used to act in a group with him. It is an enjoyable performance, though everyone's vocal levels are all over the place. We have a drink afterwards. Mother does not join us.
Sunday 22 - I have a strange day, feeling well in the morning but then plunging in the afternoon. I attend church as usual, then suddenly a wave of misery engulfs me and I am in tears. Dad drives me to rehearsal and I go in. I cover well and get through the day. I return home, avoiding the pub and have my parents over for dinner. I clean out Jasper's tank. He immediately craps in it.
It is a fitting end to the day.
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