It's 31st December. I woke late and so got up late, stripped bed and put that in the wash, back is a little cranky, probably from too much sleep over the past few nights. When the wash had finished, I went off to the supermarket and stocked up on salad. I aimed for the DIY tills as I usually do, and when it hiccupped, as it usually does, the lovely Mary queried if I really did have 4 cucumbers in my bag. Oh yes, diet starts tomorrow, then we had a discussion on if I really needed to diet or not. She is lovely, always is, year round and I really must write to her bosses to sing her praises.
I headed out for Starbucks in the still pouring rain, mid way there, I realised it was Saturday, (my Starbucks opens early on Saturday.) Mr Regular has already arrived, (he's not in his usual seat, someone else is there.) He's at a table today, laptop open as usual, busily typing away, I've just collected my coffee from Michelle, who doesn't usually work Saturday's so know wonder I don't know what day it is, I'm about to say hello to Mr R but he's on his phone. I take up my usual window seat and as I take off my jacket, he shouts over to query why I'm late, having finished on the phone. I tell him I forgot it was Saturday, then he tells me that he's already evicted several people from my seat including the ladies in the opposite window, just in case I turned up. (He is of course, kidding.)
Spoke to J last night, her friend's daughter was due to marry in August 2013, but for one reason or another, they've decided to bring it forward, I agree, why wait? So, it's going to be August 2012. As we spoke, J was knee deep in healthy recipe books and keen to get going on a new and healthy regime. I in turn, was google-ing calorific values of all the usual foods I eat, just because I'd forgotten what was in them while I tried to remember how to eat healthily, it doesn't take long to fall into bad habits does it?
Faye has just arrived for her shift, she's around 20 minutes early and she does as she usually does if I'm in, and brings over her tea and stands, or sits talking to me, until it's time for her to go. We must look and sound so funny, we both talk ten to the dozen in order to squeeze everything in that we want to say. We're both full of ideas for the coming year, she's already lost 48lbs, looks fantastic and doesn't have much further to go in the New Year, we both vow to be super toned before long and I tell her I've been eyeing up kettlebells, or... kettleballs as I keep calling them, I think I keep getting mixed up with medicine balls? Remember those enormous and extremely heavy balls from school? Made out of some kind of hide, didn't bounce, weighed a ton?
It's a little cool in here, Mr Regular has just been over to comment that we're busy listening to "music to slit our wrists to," then tells me he's going to ask for cyanide in his next coffee. He's right, we are indeed listening to a particularly slow and depressing version of; "Blue Christmas," (It'll be a Blue Christmas without you...) He's made me laugh though and his comments tickle me for ages afterwards.
Yes sweetie, I do love my Christmas earrings, I found them a little tricky to get in, so once they were in, well, I've slept in them for the past three nights! They are lovely, I really do love them, I love both sides, (yep, they are reversible,) but especially love the side with "writing" on it.
Before I leave, Faye comes over to give me another hug, we've already hugged. We'll see each other tomorrow as all being well, that's where I'll be and she's rota'd in. I go over to Mr R to wish him a good evening, he asks me if I'm out and I tell him I'm not a fan of New Year but I'll go out with my coal etc. After he's scoffed at me, and I tell him it's tradition, he tells me it's the tradition of an 80 year old and I agree that, that's where I got it from! He said he'd rather be in Barbados and we both agree that it can be a bit sad, and we'll see each other again soon.
We're in the throws of the last few hours of 2011, I feel a little sad to let it go because it takes with it events from that year, and with each passing year, I feel a little further away from people I miss, but I know better than to try to hold back the hands of time and instead, give it a respectful and reverent nod as it prepares to bow out. Because Mr Regular agrees with me that it's a bit sad, I don't feel too much of an oddball.
My iPod has gone wonky. About two thirds of one of my running playlist has evaporated, it's still in my iTunes library, just not on my playlist and yep, I've tried synchronising a couple of times to no avail. I sound like I know what I'm talking about don't I? Don't let me fool you, I have no clue. I wonder if it doesn't like the new ear buds? Well, changed the old ear buds back, re-synchronised but no... still missing. Go figure.
I've been tidying on and off all afternoon and Pride & Prejudice has just started, which I can iron the bedding to, it's my favourite version, the one with Donald Sutherland, Keira Knightly, Brenda Blethyn, Matthew MacFadyen et al, oh, and a young Carey Mulligan, although your BBC adaptation has also been on over the holidays, your favourite I think. Incidentally, "Mr Collins," (Tom Hollander,) is hysterical, ("exemplary boiled potatoes.") You need to watch it again. Some parts are filmed at Chatsworth which I visited with B, the statue room especially springs to mind, the film company had a bust of Matthew MacFadyen made especially for the film, which the company bequeathed to Chatsworth after filming, and with which I had my picture taken with lol.
I read in the news this morning that Russell Brand and Katy Perry, Katherine Jenkins and Gethin Jones, and others nearer to home have all decided to call it a day, all very sad but better to begin the New Year afresh maybe? Who knows?
That's the end of Part 1. It's almost 3pm, I have a long way to go, and I will be back later x
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Friday, 30 December 2011
30th December
I watched the final instalment of Great Expectations today, I had forgotten the story and it was so good! I know... shame on me.
I took myself off to the Trafford Centre this morning, I wanted my Shape magazine, which I can only get from there, and new ear buds for my iPod as both ears are broken. No magazine but I did get ear buds and two pairs of trousers for work, from Gap, they fit lovely and were 9.99 each, should have been 40.00. I'm totally stocked up with work pants now and the latest purchases should keep me going for at least a year, if not longer, depending on how they wash.
So, I didn't take my journal with me as decided it was too much to carry, then on the way there, I regretted not having it with me, still, I did take; "Eat, Pray, Love," guess what today was in the book? It was 30th December and Liz has just touched down in India. What are the odds that I'd be reading that chapter today... on the 30th December? I know, approximately 365 to 1, not sure they are actual odds from a bookie, but I don't know how they work.
My Sat Nav, which is not too far away from me as I need to connect it to my laptop for an update... has just turned it's self on. Sean, my Sat Nav voice, (he's Irish and has very soothing tones, particularly when I'm lost,) has just told me to; "turn around when possible." This is only odd because I can't usually get a signal at home, not even on my driveway, so how does he know that I'm lost?
It's official, I'm sick of eating rubbish. I still have holiday food left over, but I can't get through it and it'll be given away. I feel enormous and in desperate need of a salad and a run.
It has rained all day today and everywhere looks wet and miserable, so glad I'm still off work.
I took myself off to the Trafford Centre this morning, I wanted my Shape magazine, which I can only get from there, and new ear buds for my iPod as both ears are broken. No magazine but I did get ear buds and two pairs of trousers for work, from Gap, they fit lovely and were 9.99 each, should have been 40.00. I'm totally stocked up with work pants now and the latest purchases should keep me going for at least a year, if not longer, depending on how they wash.
So, I didn't take my journal with me as decided it was too much to carry, then on the way there, I regretted not having it with me, still, I did take; "Eat, Pray, Love," guess what today was in the book? It was 30th December and Liz has just touched down in India. What are the odds that I'd be reading that chapter today... on the 30th December? I know, approximately 365 to 1, not sure they are actual odds from a bookie, but I don't know how they work.
My Sat Nav, which is not too far away from me as I need to connect it to my laptop for an update... has just turned it's self on. Sean, my Sat Nav voice, (he's Irish and has very soothing tones, particularly when I'm lost,) has just told me to; "turn around when possible." This is only odd because I can't usually get a signal at home, not even on my driveway, so how does he know that I'm lost?
It's official, I'm sick of eating rubbish. I still have holiday food left over, but I can't get through it and it'll be given away. I feel enormous and in desperate need of a salad and a run.
It has rained all day today and everywhere looks wet and miserable, so glad I'm still off work.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
29th December
It's the 29th and I'm feeling a tad sorry for myself today. I slept great though, too great, couldn't drag myself out of bed to jog this morning. It's cold and very windy. I headed for coffee and a chocolate coin, happily had a chat with Faye, my barista and friend then read some of "Eat, Pray Love." I had a really weird dream last night, but can't remember a thing, other than the fact that it was weird.
So, I came straight home, did a little tidying then watched the BBC's latest adaptation of Great Expectations. My friend Asha will love it when it hits her shores. Gillian Anderson is brilliant as Miss Havisham and the adolescent Pip looks like a male Keira Knightley. It's the BBC at it's best and is honestly the best thing on TV this Christmas. Hope you get to see it, even if it's not until next Christmas.
One of my sister's calls in. I love her dearly but she's developed a rather annoying habit where by if you don't agree with her / comply, immediately, then she takes offence. This is a really bad habit to have at a relatively young age. She's in her 60's, she hopefully has a way to go yet. If it's just me that she has no patience with / and whom she treats like a child, then so be it. But if it's universal, she's going to hack an awful lot of people off before she reaches 80.
I've just watched an episode of "Grey's Anatomy" called; "Dark Was the Night," you know I love this show, and it was so sad, I cried buckets, probably just what I needed actually.
I haven't asked you what you got for Christmas!? Tell me when you have time okay? I'm excited for your time off, it will be so lovely x
So, I came straight home, did a little tidying then watched the BBC's latest adaptation of Great Expectations. My friend Asha will love it when it hits her shores. Gillian Anderson is brilliant as Miss Havisham and the adolescent Pip looks like a male Keira Knightley. It's the BBC at it's best and is honestly the best thing on TV this Christmas. Hope you get to see it, even if it's not until next Christmas.
One of my sister's calls in. I love her dearly but she's developed a rather annoying habit where by if you don't agree with her / comply, immediately, then she takes offence. This is a really bad habit to have at a relatively young age. She's in her 60's, she hopefully has a way to go yet. If it's just me that she has no patience with / and whom she treats like a child, then so be it. But if it's universal, she's going to hack an awful lot of people off before she reaches 80.
I've just watched an episode of "Grey's Anatomy" called; "Dark Was the Night," you know I love this show, and it was so sad, I cried buckets, probably just what I needed actually.
I haven't asked you what you got for Christmas!? Tell me when you have time okay? I'm excited for your time off, it will be so lovely x
28th December
It's the 28th today. I slept great last night, (artificially generated, but what the hell.) It's one of my cousin's birthday's today, so I sent her a text quite early to wish her a Happy Birthday. She very excitedly replied a while later to say she was going to a shopping mall with the family, her son had bought her a Pandora bracelet and she had some Christmas money to spend, so the girls, her daughter and daughter-in-law were going to help her to choose charms. She sounded so happy, then proclaimed how lucky she was and what a lovely family she has. Moving words indeed. She's right and almost made me cry.
I arrive at Starbucks and have my coffee and a chocolate coin while I read more of, "Eat, Pray, Love." I only have one or two more chapters, then I think Liz is off to India. I did tell you how much I'm enjoying it didn't I? No Mr Regular, I wonder if he's away as I haven't seen him for a couple of weeks I think.
Remember Auntie Beryl, Mum's friend who died this year? I've been thinking of her quite a bit lately. Writing Christmas cards, I came across her address in my book, I usually phone her Christmas morning, not necessary this year, then yesterday at Ness, you can see Moel Famau from the gardens and she lives, lived in that vicinity. I could only remember approximately when she passed away but I went through the blog and it was 13th March. I ended up reading a few blog entries and made myself laugh, that's so wrong.
So, I have my usual, "the end is nigh madam, you'd better get your arse into gear," head on, at present, so I've already started to sort out, or rather, re-organise the back bedroom. My plan is... did I already tell you this? I'm going to have the one, small, back room full of stuff which is to be sorted, and the rest of my home clutter free and organised in the style of; "Sleeping with the Enemy." But in a good way. You know I have OCD, but not the tidy kind damn it, just my luck. Can you please keep reminding/asking me this coming year? I won't do it on my own will I?
I really dislike New Year, for many reasons. I have so many memories of New Year's. Some good, but mostly sad. I remember the happy and excited ones, with the whole family here, at this very location and happy and all but one or two of us staying behind at 11.50pm, usually Mum and my Auntie Phe who was too old to trek around outside in the cold. So, the rest of us, maybe 25 plus, would don our winter coats and gloves and would all file out of the back door, hike around the outside of the houses to the front. Someone would turn on the car radio. The kids, me included would walk and run around the island in the road in front of ours, excitedly waiting for the exact moment, then, we'd all congregate and count down with the radio from 10, to Happy New Year! Then we'd all join hands and sing Auld Langs Syne. After many hugs and kisses, the male with the darkest hair amongst us, would have a silver coin in his pocket, salt, bread and coal in a baggie, he'd knock loudly on our front door and Mum would answer. This was supposed to be lucky. (It wasn't as I remember.)
This ritual hasn't happened for a very long time. I always find the 31st very sad, it just reminds me of everyone who isn't here, who I miss. The 1st is always very exciting. It may be the eternal optimist in me but I always wonder what the year will bring me and how fabulous things will be. Not long to go now.
I arrive at Starbucks and have my coffee and a chocolate coin while I read more of, "Eat, Pray, Love." I only have one or two more chapters, then I think Liz is off to India. I did tell you how much I'm enjoying it didn't I? No Mr Regular, I wonder if he's away as I haven't seen him for a couple of weeks I think.
Remember Auntie Beryl, Mum's friend who died this year? I've been thinking of her quite a bit lately. Writing Christmas cards, I came across her address in my book, I usually phone her Christmas morning, not necessary this year, then yesterday at Ness, you can see Moel Famau from the gardens and she lives, lived in that vicinity. I could only remember approximately when she passed away but I went through the blog and it was 13th March. I ended up reading a few blog entries and made myself laugh, that's so wrong.
So, I have my usual, "the end is nigh madam, you'd better get your arse into gear," head on, at present, so I've already started to sort out, or rather, re-organise the back bedroom. My plan is... did I already tell you this? I'm going to have the one, small, back room full of stuff which is to be sorted, and the rest of my home clutter free and organised in the style of; "Sleeping with the Enemy." But in a good way. You know I have OCD, but not the tidy kind damn it, just my luck. Can you please keep reminding/asking me this coming year? I won't do it on my own will I?
I really dislike New Year, for many reasons. I have so many memories of New Year's. Some good, but mostly sad. I remember the happy and excited ones, with the whole family here, at this very location and happy and all but one or two of us staying behind at 11.50pm, usually Mum and my Auntie Phe who was too old to trek around outside in the cold. So, the rest of us, maybe 25 plus, would don our winter coats and gloves and would all file out of the back door, hike around the outside of the houses to the front. Someone would turn on the car radio. The kids, me included would walk and run around the island in the road in front of ours, excitedly waiting for the exact moment, then, we'd all congregate and count down with the radio from 10, to Happy New Year! Then we'd all join hands and sing Auld Langs Syne. After many hugs and kisses, the male with the darkest hair amongst us, would have a silver coin in his pocket, salt, bread and coal in a baggie, he'd knock loudly on our front door and Mum would answer. This was supposed to be lucky. (It wasn't as I remember.)
This ritual hasn't happened for a very long time. I always find the 31st very sad, it just reminds me of everyone who isn't here, who I miss. The 1st is always very exciting. It may be the eternal optimist in me but I always wonder what the year will bring me and how fabulous things will be. Not long to go now.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
27th December
So, after purchasing new work pants, grabbing a coffee and heading home, B picked me up at 11.30ish and we headed for Ness Gardens. The sun pretty much packed up as soon as we got there and dark, grey cloud loomed overhead but it was still lovely. The car park can be packed and you can still pretty much be alone in there. We had lunch then headed out, B always trailed a little behind me, I tried to gee her up a bit to give her some enthusiasm for exercise, not sure it worked. We took a short route as it looked like it was about to chuck it down, but the rain held off for the duration.
So, I got home a little car sick, (B's driving,) showered, caught up with J via a phone call, then watched "Penelope." It was lovely.
My, "Crazy, God Daughter," (I am CGM,) sent me a text this afternoon. She's my niece, and a grown up, and we've always been close, don't live in each other's pockets, but we're very much on the same wave length, have the same sense of very flat, dry humour and we're there for each other if needs be. We had a catch up which was nice and I'm long overdue for a visit to her home, which I must arrange soon. Time goes by so quickly, (just look at this year...) I must make an effort to sort something out.
So, I got home a little car sick, (B's driving,) showered, caught up with J via a phone call, then watched "Penelope." It was lovely.
My, "Crazy, God Daughter," (I am CGM,) sent me a text this afternoon. She's my niece, and a grown up, and we've always been close, don't live in each other's pockets, but we're very much on the same wave length, have the same sense of very flat, dry humour and we're there for each other if needs be. We had a catch up which was nice and I'm long overdue for a visit to her home, which I must arrange soon. Time goes by so quickly, (just look at this year...) I must make an effort to sort something out.
26th December
So, despite a friend telling me last night that he was dipping out of my life again for probably another 26 years, I actually slept pretty well, but that could have been exhaustion or the herbal sleeping tablet I'd already taken just before he decided to tell me this.
I woke this morning, not exactly sure where I was. For a second, I thought I was still at my cousins. I didn't feel too bad, not as tired as I have done these past few days. I got up, had cereal and jogged for 30 minutes. I hit the Next sale for new work pants which I was desperate for. It's so easy at this size, I picked up five pairs! No intention of keeping them all, just need a couple so I'll see which fit the best and return the rest. I then headed for Starbucks and the queue was almost out of the door. I took up my seat which was still vacant, and read for 10 minutes hoping the queue would dissipate, but it didn't, so after a while, I joined the queue. It took me longer to get coffee than to get pants.
I'm reading Eat, Pray, Love... still. I've just read the part where the author is thinking that if she steps out of society for much longer, she may not be able to return. She's already become, "Crazy Aunt Liz," with no husband and no kids, currently no address. I've totally connected with her, for the past 36 hours, I've had a running conversation with my cousins about how things, (couples,) seem to work out for the best somehow. How years ago, being a "spinster", "old maid" "maiden aunt" was so derogatory, regardless of circumstance, as was; "being on the shelf."
So, on my way home, I called in at my eldest sister's and saw her, B, my two grown up nieces and great nephew for a couple of hours, then returned home, alone, on Boxing day evening, as I do every other evening. Then I spontaneously contemplated getting a cat.
I was sitting there, on the sofa, (your sofa,) thinking that it might be nice to have a cat, with a silky, smooth coat. Then it actually dawned on me what I was contemplating and swiftly decided that I wasn't quite ready to be a cat lady. I've no doubt that I will, eventually, become, "crazy cat lady" however, I'm not quite there yet. Not quite.
I woke this morning, not exactly sure where I was. For a second, I thought I was still at my cousins. I didn't feel too bad, not as tired as I have done these past few days. I got up, had cereal and jogged for 30 minutes. I hit the Next sale for new work pants which I was desperate for. It's so easy at this size, I picked up five pairs! No intention of keeping them all, just need a couple so I'll see which fit the best and return the rest. I then headed for Starbucks and the queue was almost out of the door. I took up my seat which was still vacant, and read for 10 minutes hoping the queue would dissipate, but it didn't, so after a while, I joined the queue. It took me longer to get coffee than to get pants.
I'm reading Eat, Pray, Love... still. I've just read the part where the author is thinking that if she steps out of society for much longer, she may not be able to return. She's already become, "Crazy Aunt Liz," with no husband and no kids, currently no address. I've totally connected with her, for the past 36 hours, I've had a running conversation with my cousins about how things, (couples,) seem to work out for the best somehow. How years ago, being a "spinster", "old maid" "maiden aunt" was so derogatory, regardless of circumstance, as was; "being on the shelf."
So, on my way home, I called in at my eldest sister's and saw her, B, my two grown up nieces and great nephew for a couple of hours, then returned home, alone, on Boxing day evening, as I do every other evening. Then I spontaneously contemplated getting a cat.
I was sitting there, on the sofa, (your sofa,) thinking that it might be nice to have a cat, with a silky, smooth coat. Then it actually dawned on me what I was contemplating and swiftly decided that I wasn't quite ready to be a cat lady. I've no doubt that I will, eventually, become, "crazy cat lady" however, I'm not quite there yet. Not quite.
Monday, 26 December 2011
24th/25th December
Where was I? Well, at some point, mid present wrapping, I phoned my mobile phone provider as the website wouldn't let me re-set my password. Customer service assistant sounded a lot like Dr Steven Hawking although I doubt very much Dr Hawking moonlights at my mobile phone company, never the less, Dr H, sound-a-like was very good and managed to get me access to a new password and wished me a Merry Christmas, great customer service.
Finally admitted defeat around 7pm, what's done is done and if it's not up to anyones standards, tough luck. I'm starting to feel really tired. Surprisingly, still have a way to go yet though until I can drift off to the land of nod and awaken on another Christmas morn.
I waited up until B arrived back from midnight mass, early this year, she was here by 12.20am Christmas morn. Made B hot milk and off she went to her room. I went to mine, but didn't drop off for ages then I kept hearing B cough through the night, woke around 4.30am but managed to doze a bit until 7.30. Lay there a while then got up at 8am, shattered.
I had several coffees before B woke and joined me so took the time to reply to your email while it was quiet. I made the traditional bacon butties then we opened presents. I got to speak to you, which was lovely, then made the usual calls before I got myself ready for the day, (decided on black capri pants that I've had for about 12 years and had never worn, a red top, a bit predictable I know, and loafers.)
B set off for our eldest sister's and I set off for my cousin's an hour away. It's eight years since I had Christmas lunch with them, it was lovely and relaxed and... easy. We all exchanged presents before lunch and one of mine was an enlarged and slightly fuzzy, (due to age, quality, pixels etc,) framed photo of Mum and Jack, my Dad. It may be fuzzy, but it's lovely, I had to try really hard not to cry, (probably just exhausted or hormonal.) Tucked behind the back of the frame were a few more photos, one of them was taken at my cousin's wedding, I am, I think L said, 17 months old, Jack is holding me and you can only really see our heads. We're in the background of a group shot and are flanked by my cousin's in-laws at the fore of the photograph. I like the way we're framed and despite my bonnet/hood, which also hides quite a bit of my chubby face, and knitted jacket, you can tell it's me, funny huh? I really like this pic and think I'll find a frame for it. Wish I hadn't been so tired but I lasted the day then slept for a fabulous, almost eight hours that night.
Next morning, I woke around 6.45 but had nothing to do and nowhere to go, so I just stayed in bed. It was bliss. I lay there, thinking, having conversations in my head, watching the dawn arrive. I gradually heard movement and voices and at 8.30, my cousin brought me a coffee, what a treat.
My cousin L and I head for the papers, it's not too far to walk, a little chilly but really mild for this time of year, this time last year, the pair of us were trying not to slip on the snow and ice. We spend the day chatting about all kinds, no TV, the art of conversation is not dead after all.
I make a move around 3pm to head for my sister's to wish them all a Merry Christmas and have a turkey, stuffing and cranberry butty, my favourite.
Christmas is over for another year, which is always a bit sad. But it was a good one. I'm shattered, and could do with sleeping solidly for at least a week, but I'm looking forward to New Year now.
Finally admitted defeat around 7pm, what's done is done and if it's not up to anyones standards, tough luck. I'm starting to feel really tired. Surprisingly, still have a way to go yet though until I can drift off to the land of nod and awaken on another Christmas morn.
I waited up until B arrived back from midnight mass, early this year, she was here by 12.20am Christmas morn. Made B hot milk and off she went to her room. I went to mine, but didn't drop off for ages then I kept hearing B cough through the night, woke around 4.30am but managed to doze a bit until 7.30. Lay there a while then got up at 8am, shattered.
I had several coffees before B woke and joined me so took the time to reply to your email while it was quiet. I made the traditional bacon butties then we opened presents. I got to speak to you, which was lovely, then made the usual calls before I got myself ready for the day, (decided on black capri pants that I've had for about 12 years and had never worn, a red top, a bit predictable I know, and loafers.)
B set off for our eldest sister's and I set off for my cousin's an hour away. It's eight years since I had Christmas lunch with them, it was lovely and relaxed and... easy. We all exchanged presents before lunch and one of mine was an enlarged and slightly fuzzy, (due to age, quality, pixels etc,) framed photo of Mum and Jack, my Dad. It may be fuzzy, but it's lovely, I had to try really hard not to cry, (probably just exhausted or hormonal.) Tucked behind the back of the frame were a few more photos, one of them was taken at my cousin's wedding, I am, I think L said, 17 months old, Jack is holding me and you can only really see our heads. We're in the background of a group shot and are flanked by my cousin's in-laws at the fore of the photograph. I like the way we're framed and despite my bonnet/hood, which also hides quite a bit of my chubby face, and knitted jacket, you can tell it's me, funny huh? I really like this pic and think I'll find a frame for it. Wish I hadn't been so tired but I lasted the day then slept for a fabulous, almost eight hours that night.
Next morning, I woke around 6.45 but had nothing to do and nowhere to go, so I just stayed in bed. It was bliss. I lay there, thinking, having conversations in my head, watching the dawn arrive. I gradually heard movement and voices and at 8.30, my cousin brought me a coffee, what a treat.
My cousin L and I head for the papers, it's not too far to walk, a little chilly but really mild for this time of year, this time last year, the pair of us were trying not to slip on the snow and ice. We spend the day chatting about all kinds, no TV, the art of conversation is not dead after all.
I make a move around 3pm to head for my sister's to wish them all a Merry Christmas and have a turkey, stuffing and cranberry butty, my favourite.
Christmas is over for another year, which is always a bit sad. But it was a good one. I'm shattered, and could do with sleeping solidly for at least a week, but I'm looking forward to New Year now.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Eternal
As one of my managers put it on Thursday; "this week, has been, eternal." It's only actually been a four day week for me, but I know what she means. I've been trying to fight off a cold all week, (I'm surrounded by cold germs in work, so there really is very little escape.) I have managed to get some early nights, due to the fact that I'm pretty much unconscious as soon as I've eaten every evening. My one problem is, I keep waking up at 2am for some reason. I'm as bright as a button and usually end up jumping out of bed to tidy. I know... who is this person typing this blog?
Thursday afternoon and I positively ran out of work, I came home, did what I had to do, phone calls etc, took a herbal sleeping tablet then promptly slept for 12 hours. Can you believe it? 12? That's double figures. My alarm woke me and I felt like a new woman. I got up, breakfasted, ran for 30 minutes and it felt kind of great. I'm going to use my time off to get back into a working out routine, plus, the exercise will help me ward off all the extra calories I'll be consuming ;)
The rain is positively torrential this morning, (Friday.) I'm here, in my lovely window and I need to kill some time before heading to a friends for a catch up and a mince pie, this is before I head home to blitz the place.
It's now Christmas Eve. Admittedly, I did fall a sleep at 7.30pm last night, but I woke at midnight. I did what any normal insomniac would do and lay there for an hour, got up, had cereal followed by several coffees followed by toast followed by coffee. Edited four, half written blog entries then posted them. Figured out how to transfer NYC pics from disc to laptop then how to rename and upload onto Facebook. Feeling a tad jaded at 4am, I headed for bed, lay there for 1.5 hours then got up, had more toast and coffee and ran for 30 minutes. I then showered, and hit two supermarkets and a recycling station before getting here, in my window seat with a coffee at 9am with, yep... you guessed it, more toast, fruit toast this time. What the heck is wrong with me? I'm not a bit peckish, I'm starving all the time! Why am I so hungry?
So, I get fuel then head for eldest sister's to drop off Great Nephew's present. After a coffee and a gab, she hugs me like she'll never see me again. What is going on? Am I in an alternate universe? Does she know something I don't? Do I have some kind of weird insomniac super power making people like me?
Well, I get home and the blitzing continues. I feel stressed beyond belief and feel like I'll never be ready for my visitors. Surely Christmas isn't meant to be this stressful? I know... it's all self inflicted.
By mid afternoon, things are looking a little better, except the Christmas tree lights have blown, well, they haven't really, it's the extension lead that's gone so I've sticky paper and glued another one together to make the lights, well, light up.
I have washing up to do and making of beds and then that will have to do, I'm done, I'm exhausted, I've been awake for seventeen hours and I still have eight to go, it'll be fine, I can sleep tomorrow night. Merry Christmas Eve x
Thursday afternoon and I positively ran out of work, I came home, did what I had to do, phone calls etc, took a herbal sleeping tablet then promptly slept for 12 hours. Can you believe it? 12? That's double figures. My alarm woke me and I felt like a new woman. I got up, breakfasted, ran for 30 minutes and it felt kind of great. I'm going to use my time off to get back into a working out routine, plus, the exercise will help me ward off all the extra calories I'll be consuming ;)
The rain is positively torrential this morning, (Friday.) I'm here, in my lovely window and I need to kill some time before heading to a friends for a catch up and a mince pie, this is before I head home to blitz the place.
It's now Christmas Eve. Admittedly, I did fall a sleep at 7.30pm last night, but I woke at midnight. I did what any normal insomniac would do and lay there for an hour, got up, had cereal followed by several coffees followed by toast followed by coffee. Edited four, half written blog entries then posted them. Figured out how to transfer NYC pics from disc to laptop then how to rename and upload onto Facebook. Feeling a tad jaded at 4am, I headed for bed, lay there for 1.5 hours then got up, had more toast and coffee and ran for 30 minutes. I then showered, and hit two supermarkets and a recycling station before getting here, in my window seat with a coffee at 9am with, yep... you guessed it, more toast, fruit toast this time. What the heck is wrong with me? I'm not a bit peckish, I'm starving all the time! Why am I so hungry?
So, I get fuel then head for eldest sister's to drop off Great Nephew's present. After a coffee and a gab, she hugs me like she'll never see me again. What is going on? Am I in an alternate universe? Does she know something I don't? Do I have some kind of weird insomniac super power making people like me?
Well, I get home and the blitzing continues. I feel stressed beyond belief and feel like I'll never be ready for my visitors. Surely Christmas isn't meant to be this stressful? I know... it's all self inflicted.
By mid afternoon, things are looking a little better, except the Christmas tree lights have blown, well, they haven't really, it's the extension lead that's gone so I've sticky paper and glued another one together to make the lights, well, light up.
I have washing up to do and making of beds and then that will have to do, I'm done, I'm exhausted, I've been awake for seventeen hours and I still have eight to go, it'll be fine, I can sleep tomorrow night. Merry Christmas Eve x
Friday, 23 December 2011
17th December
So, as you know, I've been awake since around 1.15am, I happily spoke to you this morning, (so good to catch up in person.) I've had several cups of coffee, toast and butter, I've jogged for 30 minutes, (the first time in around 3 weeks, I could hear this voice in my head, (it was my body,) saying; "what do you think you're doing?" Still, despite the protestations, it felt good, I've been inactive for too long and no, walking miles in NYC doesn't count ;)
I hit the shower after our chat ends, I blast the head dry then I head for the supermarket for a whistle stop visit for the stuff I didn't get yesterday. The roads are much better, much of the snow has melted, my road is a little icy but even when everywhere else is fine, my road is still treacherous. After stocking up, I head for my usual haunt, the motorway isn't busy and isn't bad at all, apart from a lot of surface water, almost at my junction to exit, I pass an accident and swiftly head on into blanket whiteness but it's hailstones rather than snow. I drop my speed right down as does the car behind me and we creep around the exit curve and on to the roundabout. I crawl the last few minutes of my journey, park up, gingerly exit the car as it's so slippy underfoot and I can hear sirens, not sure if it's heading for the accident I saw or a different one.
I'm the first customer of the day at Starbucks and Faye gives me a welcome back hug, isn't it nice to be a regular? She makes me a most delicious coffee and after a quick catch up, I sit in my usual window seat and read a little and write a little.
I've so much to do today so I don't dilly dally. After coffee, I head over to the other side of the outlet village, buy my last Christmas present, transfer the pics from NYC onto a disc in Boots then head for petrol. The traffic alert tells me here have been 5 accidents on the M53, (the road home,) and 3 on the M56, (around home,) and that the M56 is closed. Either way I'm going to hit traffic and it takes me 50 minutes to do a 10 minute journey.
Still, the Universe is with me and I get to post my essential parcels before the cut off time (although when I arrived the queue was to the door and after the lengthy car journey, I then had to queue for another 30 minutes just to post them,) I then went on to choose a gorgeous Nordman Christmas tree to bring home. It's the fastest I've ever chosen a tree, I usually find it quite sad to be attempting to choose one on my own... usually in the rain, but I didn't get one at all last year, (I was being economically sensible due to the credit crunch and it was the most miserable Christmas ever.) So, this year, come hell or high water, I was going to have a tree, even if it meant starving over the festive period. I asked the owner to please remind me of what the tree options were and he told me to give him a minute and he'd join me. True to tradition, it chucked it down but I chose the first tree I saw, well, to be truthful, I looked at my tree, looked at a different variety and went back to the original tree. Was it the rain or am I getting really good at choosing trees?
Anyhoo, despite the prolonged journey home and the advanced queueing in the Post Office, I was home by 12.45 which wasn't bad at all. I made lunch, made a few phone calls, ironed work stuff, wrote almost all of my Christmas cards, put the tree in it's holder and attempted to unravel the lights before hitting the shower.
I'm so chuffed that I got so much done today. Still tons to do but the expiry date on those chores isn't until 25th so the pressure is off just a little ;)
I hit the shower after our chat ends, I blast the head dry then I head for the supermarket for a whistle stop visit for the stuff I didn't get yesterday. The roads are much better, much of the snow has melted, my road is a little icy but even when everywhere else is fine, my road is still treacherous. After stocking up, I head for my usual haunt, the motorway isn't busy and isn't bad at all, apart from a lot of surface water, almost at my junction to exit, I pass an accident and swiftly head on into blanket whiteness but it's hailstones rather than snow. I drop my speed right down as does the car behind me and we creep around the exit curve and on to the roundabout. I crawl the last few minutes of my journey, park up, gingerly exit the car as it's so slippy underfoot and I can hear sirens, not sure if it's heading for the accident I saw or a different one.
I'm the first customer of the day at Starbucks and Faye gives me a welcome back hug, isn't it nice to be a regular? She makes me a most delicious coffee and after a quick catch up, I sit in my usual window seat and read a little and write a little.
I've so much to do today so I don't dilly dally. After coffee, I head over to the other side of the outlet village, buy my last Christmas present, transfer the pics from NYC onto a disc in Boots then head for petrol. The traffic alert tells me here have been 5 accidents on the M53, (the road home,) and 3 on the M56, (around home,) and that the M56 is closed. Either way I'm going to hit traffic and it takes me 50 minutes to do a 10 minute journey.
Still, the Universe is with me and I get to post my essential parcels before the cut off time (although when I arrived the queue was to the door and after the lengthy car journey, I then had to queue for another 30 minutes just to post them,) I then went on to choose a gorgeous Nordman Christmas tree to bring home. It's the fastest I've ever chosen a tree, I usually find it quite sad to be attempting to choose one on my own... usually in the rain, but I didn't get one at all last year, (I was being economically sensible due to the credit crunch and it was the most miserable Christmas ever.) So, this year, come hell or high water, I was going to have a tree, even if it meant starving over the festive period. I asked the owner to please remind me of what the tree options were and he told me to give him a minute and he'd join me. True to tradition, it chucked it down but I chose the first tree I saw, well, to be truthful, I looked at my tree, looked at a different variety and went back to the original tree. Was it the rain or am I getting really good at choosing trees?
Anyhoo, despite the prolonged journey home and the advanced queueing in the Post Office, I was home by 12.45 which wasn't bad at all. I made lunch, made a few phone calls, ironed work stuff, wrote almost all of my Christmas cards, put the tree in it's holder and attempted to unravel the lights before hitting the shower.
I'm so chuffed that I got so much done today. Still tons to do but the expiry date on those chores isn't until 25th so the pressure is off just a little ;)
16th December
Well, it's been quite a week. Not sure if it was jet lag, a bit of a cold, general malaise or what... but I've felt terrible, achy and unable to keep eyes open past 7pm until, Thursday night when I began to feel some what normal again.
We've had extreme weather, fire drills in the freezing cold, snow, blizzards, I've been run off the road by a lorry, (seriously, but I was fine,) and freezing temps. Welcome back to reality. Tried to take a pic of the snow for you from the 7th floor but my phone camera is rubbish so not sure you'd be able to see much.
Can't believe I have so much to do this weekend, but every Christmas, as you know... I always seem to have so much to do with so little time left before the big day, how does that happen? Not next year... watch this space x
We've had extreme weather, fire drills in the freezing cold, snow, blizzards, I've been run off the road by a lorry, (seriously, but I was fine,) and freezing temps. Welcome back to reality. Tried to take a pic of the snow for you from the 7th floor but my phone camera is rubbish so not sure you'd be able to see much.
Can't believe I have so much to do this weekend, but every Christmas, as you know... I always seem to have so much to do with so little time left before the big day, how does that happen? Not next year... watch this space x
9th Decemeber
So, it's our last night in NYC and we walk somewhere pretty close to the hotel for dinner, we're in an Italian but it's late and we don't eat much before heading back to the hotel.
I didn't sleep great, the street was noisy last night and I'm awake by 5.30am but stay in bed until 6.30. We all decided on a late start so I run down to PAX for oatmeal for JR and fruit salad for me, then I pack and read some of my book, JR packed last night.
We leave our luggage with the concierge and head out to St Patrick's Cathedral and then on to admire the view from the "top of the rock," The Rockefeller Centre, it's amazing and somewhere I've never been before.
Lunch is Cafe Europa and I have half a sandwich and a small soup, it was gorgeous, (turkey salad and Italian vegetable.) Oh, and two coffees. We then walked up to Central Park and headed for Strawberry Fields. You can see it from the road, or rather you can see a gathering of people from the road and as you approach, you can also hear a busker churning out his Beatles numbers, he wasn't bad. We sat on a bench there for a while enjoying people watching, the entertainment and the afternoon sunshine, it was lovely.
We headed out of the park and started the long walk back to the hotel, we'd split up again by this point and JR and I took the straightest route back to the hotel, it must have been a good 35 minutes of power walking but probably just what we needed before a long flight home and several hours of inactivity.
We all got back within 2 minutes of each other and there was just time for a quick freshen up before we jumped in a cab to JFK. The traffic is heavy but it is late Friday afternoon and it takes us 40 minutes to get there.
Check in and security isn't bad, we get body scanned again and a security lady admires a bracelet I'm wearing. We have burger and fries in a nice eatery and wait to board for the journey home.
We're 30 minutes late leaving but we'll have a tail wind behind us. I'm very tired, know I won't sleep, and could do with a wine.
I'm not the slightest big hungry but have the flight meal anyway, (why?) It was chicken tika masala and it wasn't bad. It's now 11.05pm in NYC and 4.05am in London, and I'm not sure if I should be a sleep or not.
The flight sped along quite nicely considering I was awake the entire time, and the landing great. I bid a tired farewell to my friends and made me way to where I was supposed to be to pick up my transfer to Manchester. I had a wander and a coffee, and before long, they announced Gate A9 for my flight.
I'm on an Airbus A319 waiting to take off and if I've calculated correctly, I've been awake for over 24 hours now. I could quite easily close my eyes and go to sleep. We take off late from Heathrow too, they were late getting in from Paris due to weekend traffic apparently. I have a decaff which the nice man has to get me especially, and a little packet of some snacky thing.
We fly over the Peak District as we approach Manchester and there is a thick blanket of snow, something I wasn't expecting to see and I wonder what the roads are like back home. We're late getting into land but we disembark quickly and the bags are on the carousel speedily. I exit the airport, (snow free,) and spot B's car waiting for me.
I chat all the way home and ask after everyone then shower and make the usual phone calls to catch up on any major events, by which time, I'm wide awake.
I stayed up until around 8.30 that night but when I did go to bed, I went out like a light. It was lovely to be back in my own bed. Woke at 1am but soon dropped off again.
My family are feeders. I asked someone to pick me up a small, wholemeal loaf for my return, that was it. I actually came home to; 3 loaves, 3 litres of milk, one cooked chicken, one block of cheese, one family size bag of crisps, one bag of clementines and three tins of soup. Bless them.
I didn't sleep great, the street was noisy last night and I'm awake by 5.30am but stay in bed until 6.30. We all decided on a late start so I run down to PAX for oatmeal for JR and fruit salad for me, then I pack and read some of my book, JR packed last night.
We leave our luggage with the concierge and head out to St Patrick's Cathedral and then on to admire the view from the "top of the rock," The Rockefeller Centre, it's amazing and somewhere I've never been before.
Lunch is Cafe Europa and I have half a sandwich and a small soup, it was gorgeous, (turkey salad and Italian vegetable.) Oh, and two coffees. We then walked up to Central Park and headed for Strawberry Fields. You can see it from the road, or rather you can see a gathering of people from the road and as you approach, you can also hear a busker churning out his Beatles numbers, he wasn't bad. We sat on a bench there for a while enjoying people watching, the entertainment and the afternoon sunshine, it was lovely.
We headed out of the park and started the long walk back to the hotel, we'd split up again by this point and JR and I took the straightest route back to the hotel, it must have been a good 35 minutes of power walking but probably just what we needed before a long flight home and several hours of inactivity.
We all got back within 2 minutes of each other and there was just time for a quick freshen up before we jumped in a cab to JFK. The traffic is heavy but it is late Friday afternoon and it takes us 40 minutes to get there.
Check in and security isn't bad, we get body scanned again and a security lady admires a bracelet I'm wearing. We have burger and fries in a nice eatery and wait to board for the journey home.
We're 30 minutes late leaving but we'll have a tail wind behind us. I'm very tired, know I won't sleep, and could do with a wine.
I'm not the slightest big hungry but have the flight meal anyway, (why?) It was chicken tika masala and it wasn't bad. It's now 11.05pm in NYC and 4.05am in London, and I'm not sure if I should be a sleep or not.
The flight sped along quite nicely considering I was awake the entire time, and the landing great. I bid a tired farewell to my friends and made me way to where I was supposed to be to pick up my transfer to Manchester. I had a wander and a coffee, and before long, they announced Gate A9 for my flight.
I'm on an Airbus A319 waiting to take off and if I've calculated correctly, I've been awake for over 24 hours now. I could quite easily close my eyes and go to sleep. We take off late from Heathrow too, they were late getting in from Paris due to weekend traffic apparently. I have a decaff which the nice man has to get me especially, and a little packet of some snacky thing.
We fly over the Peak District as we approach Manchester and there is a thick blanket of snow, something I wasn't expecting to see and I wonder what the roads are like back home. We're late getting into land but we disembark quickly and the bags are on the carousel speedily. I exit the airport, (snow free,) and spot B's car waiting for me.
I chat all the way home and ask after everyone then shower and make the usual phone calls to catch up on any major events, by which time, I'm wide awake.
I stayed up until around 8.30 that night but when I did go to bed, I went out like a light. It was lovely to be back in my own bed. Woke at 1am but soon dropped off again.
My family are feeders. I asked someone to pick me up a small, wholemeal loaf for my return, that was it. I actually came home to; 3 loaves, 3 litres of milk, one cooked chicken, one block of cheese, one family size bag of crisps, one bag of clementines and three tins of soup. Bless them.
8th December
Totally unconcious until 4.30am, up at 5 to put the kettle on and go for papers and ice for JR's ice pack, (to ice hip... not head ;) Headed for breakfast and shopping at Macy's. JR and I and H&M split into two pairs to shop in different directions. We headed for the Bobbi Brown counter for something I've had my eye on for years and thought NY would be the place to buy it, but I wasn't overly inspired by the shop assisant and so left empty handed. JR and I had a wander around Victoria's Secret which is just accross the road but I left empty hadnded from there too, then we decided to stake out the cafeteria with a tea and a coffee, (and some M&M's for me,) while we waited to meet up again with H&M. While we waited, we chatted with a nice woman from Baltimore, we discussed the perils of sore feet. She was there for the day on business, had brought her two sons with her, (plus one son's girlfriend,) and she told us how she'd just got engaged this past June at a Restaurant in Central Park, I congratulated her and she seemed still, so thrilled. The Restaurant was "something on the lake," I think, sounded very romantic anyway. She was lovely.
The four of us joined forces again, then we made one last stop to the shoe department where JR purchased, (after M and I did a reccy,) some very comfy trainer/walking/hiking type shoes, they look so comfy. 90 minutes later, JR's feet were coccooned in comfiness.
Shortly afterwards, JR and I decided to head back to the hotel and I hailed my first NYC cab to get us there. I had a quick freshen up then left JR to have a soak in the tub while I headed out on my own for a near by Gap, (how brave am I?) I felt sure I'd be able to spend some of the Christmas money that was burning a hole in my pocket but alas, I left empty handed from there too. I didn't see anything that made me want to part with any hard earned cash. I would have walked further onto the next store which took my fancy only it was raining so hard, and with no brolly, I was getting soaked for the 3rd time in 2 days and so decided to head back to the hotel.
I've started to list my "when I get home" pland and my "New Year" plan, or should I say... "latest plans," for when I get home. I have so much to do when I do get back, (Christmas related,) that not only do I need a plan, but I also need to get myself in hand too.
What I love about these "time outs," (out of normal life,) is that it gives you a chance to look in at what you've been upto and evaluate. Mine was long overdue for an overhaul. It's funny that when I'm in the thick of it, I look forwrd to stepping out of it for a break, and when I'm on a break, I always can't wait to get back and make changes.
JR and I headed out around 4.15pm in order to make our way to Carmine's to meet up with H&M. We wandered around the Bryant Park Christmas Market on the way and dipped into a couple of shops at my request, but it was raining very heavily and by the time we arrived at Carmine's, just off Times Square, we were soaked. We were told 45 minutes to an hour for a table, which is usual but we ended up waiting 90 minutes. If we didn't know the food and atmosphere was so good, we would have walked before hand. We finally got our table and we enjoyed a delicious salad followed by melt in your mouth shrimp and angel hair pasta in red sauce.
It was still raining heavily when we came out and so we jumped in a cab back to the hotel. I had a quick shower and blasted the head dry, then JR and I joined H&M in their room for an after dinner drink, gab and unwind. I was in bed by 10.30 and out like a light.
I stirred early the next day, I didn't feel too bad but just felt tired, so I stayed put while all was quiet. I watched from my bed, the creeping dawn as it gradually cast its sunlight on the sky scrapers that I could see from the room window, something I hadn't witnessed before as it was usually dark when I got up.
There is a definite chill in the air this morning, the TV news tells us some parts of Philly have had flooding and other parts of the country, snow. I nip down to the little shop next door to the hotel, (called PAX,) for oatmeal for JR and fruit salad for me, then back to the room to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and chill for an hour before heading for the Waldorf = Astoria.
The Waldorf = Astoria is one of the Grand Dames of New York and she really is beautiful. We were booked on to a back of house tour at 10.30am, and we were there in plenty of time, ready to convene under the beautiful clock in the lobby, a gift from Queen Victoria after the Chicago World Fair of 1893. Our tour guide, Karen was running a little late due to a home emergency which was so easily forgivable as Karen was worth waiting for. I have never before witnessed anyone so enthusiastic about a subject or someone who clearly loved their job so much. Karen is a great storyteller and was spellbinding in her delivery. We heard all about the Astor family, the construction of the original Waldorf, the construction of the hotel we were standing in, the calibre of those who had stayed there, who had played there. We were even allowed into the working, and very busy kitchens and also into the Presidential Suite, as Karen pointed out, we were really honoured that day, we were in the room Caroline Kennedy ran around in, I touched JFK's rocking chair, and we saw "Kenneth's" the hair salon where Jackie O always had her hair done.
I used to work in a hotel, many moons ago, and I believe that hotels absorb a little of what their guests bring over the threshold. Can you imagine the atmostphere of a place who has played home to the likes of; JFK, Jackie O, Roosevelt, Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Cole Porter, Marilyn Monroe? Louis Armstrong's final performance took place in the Empire Room.
After the tour, we all headed for lunch in "Peacock Alley," and it was delicious. After a very leisurely lunch, JR and I headed for Ground Zero. Security is tight, as you would expect, and they must have hundreds of visitors each day. It's a tranquil place. The sheer size of the reflecting pools, the man made waterfalls, takes your breath away. The reflecting pools each stand in the footprints of the twin towers. JR and I wandered around each pool seperately, I silently read the names inscribed as I walked, there are so many. It's such a beaufiful place, not at all maudlin or melancholy, just fitting, honourable and moving.
The four of us joined forces again, then we made one last stop to the shoe department where JR purchased, (after M and I did a reccy,) some very comfy trainer/walking/hiking type shoes, they look so comfy. 90 minutes later, JR's feet were coccooned in comfiness.
Shortly afterwards, JR and I decided to head back to the hotel and I hailed my first NYC cab to get us there. I had a quick freshen up then left JR to have a soak in the tub while I headed out on my own for a near by Gap, (how brave am I?) I felt sure I'd be able to spend some of the Christmas money that was burning a hole in my pocket but alas, I left empty handed from there too. I didn't see anything that made me want to part with any hard earned cash. I would have walked further onto the next store which took my fancy only it was raining so hard, and with no brolly, I was getting soaked for the 3rd time in 2 days and so decided to head back to the hotel.
I've started to list my "when I get home" pland and my "New Year" plan, or should I say... "latest plans," for when I get home. I have so much to do when I do get back, (Christmas related,) that not only do I need a plan, but I also need to get myself in hand too.
What I love about these "time outs," (out of normal life,) is that it gives you a chance to look in at what you've been upto and evaluate. Mine was long overdue for an overhaul. It's funny that when I'm in the thick of it, I look forwrd to stepping out of it for a break, and when I'm on a break, I always can't wait to get back and make changes.
JR and I headed out around 4.15pm in order to make our way to Carmine's to meet up with H&M. We wandered around the Bryant Park Christmas Market on the way and dipped into a couple of shops at my request, but it was raining very heavily and by the time we arrived at Carmine's, just off Times Square, we were soaked. We were told 45 minutes to an hour for a table, which is usual but we ended up waiting 90 minutes. If we didn't know the food and atmosphere was so good, we would have walked before hand. We finally got our table and we enjoyed a delicious salad followed by melt in your mouth shrimp and angel hair pasta in red sauce.
It was still raining heavily when we came out and so we jumped in a cab back to the hotel. I had a quick shower and blasted the head dry, then JR and I joined H&M in their room for an after dinner drink, gab and unwind. I was in bed by 10.30 and out like a light.
I stirred early the next day, I didn't feel too bad but just felt tired, so I stayed put while all was quiet. I watched from my bed, the creeping dawn as it gradually cast its sunlight on the sky scrapers that I could see from the room window, something I hadn't witnessed before as it was usually dark when I got up.
There is a definite chill in the air this morning, the TV news tells us some parts of Philly have had flooding and other parts of the country, snow. I nip down to the little shop next door to the hotel, (called PAX,) for oatmeal for JR and fruit salad for me, then back to the room to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and chill for an hour before heading for the Waldorf = Astoria.
The Waldorf = Astoria is one of the Grand Dames of New York and she really is beautiful. We were booked on to a back of house tour at 10.30am, and we were there in plenty of time, ready to convene under the beautiful clock in the lobby, a gift from Queen Victoria after the Chicago World Fair of 1893. Our tour guide, Karen was running a little late due to a home emergency which was so easily forgivable as Karen was worth waiting for. I have never before witnessed anyone so enthusiastic about a subject or someone who clearly loved their job so much. Karen is a great storyteller and was spellbinding in her delivery. We heard all about the Astor family, the construction of the original Waldorf, the construction of the hotel we were standing in, the calibre of those who had stayed there, who had played there. We were even allowed into the working, and very busy kitchens and also into the Presidential Suite, as Karen pointed out, we were really honoured that day, we were in the room Caroline Kennedy ran around in, I touched JFK's rocking chair, and we saw "Kenneth's" the hair salon where Jackie O always had her hair done.
I used to work in a hotel, many moons ago, and I believe that hotels absorb a little of what their guests bring over the threshold. Can you imagine the atmostphere of a place who has played home to the likes of; JFK, Jackie O, Roosevelt, Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Cole Porter, Marilyn Monroe? Louis Armstrong's final performance took place in the Empire Room.
After the tour, we all headed for lunch in "Peacock Alley," and it was delicious. After a very leisurely lunch, JR and I headed for Ground Zero. Security is tight, as you would expect, and they must have hundreds of visitors each day. It's a tranquil place. The sheer size of the reflecting pools, the man made waterfalls, takes your breath away. The reflecting pools each stand in the footprints of the twin towers. JR and I wandered around each pool seperately, I silently read the names inscribed as I walked, there are so many. It's such a beaufiful place, not at all maudlin or melancholy, just fitting, honourable and moving.
Friday, 16 December 2011
7th December
JR and I are up and ready very early. H&M opt for a more leisurely start to the day, so JR and I hit Starbucks, one of my favourite haunts in the world, I always feel at home in a Starbucks, (how could I possibly visit the home of Starbucks, the home of my very first Starbucks, and not indulge?) I have to state my order and name twice to the staff member at the door with an ear piece, because, you know... I'm English and he can't understand me. We all meet up in Grand Central at 9.40am, it is such an amazing building with such beautiful lighting.
We all head out for yet another ordinary breakfast place. They may be on every corner, but there is nothing ordinary about them. They never fail to deliver, I indulge in pancakes and maple syrup to get it out of my system, it was delicious.
We all head for the behind the scenes Radio City Music Hall tour. Can you believe that this magnificent theatre was once due to be torn down? I am just a sponge for anything historical and entertainment themed, so I was in seventh heaven trekking around back of house and hearing all about the history of the place, the stars that had performed on that very stage. It's doors opened in December 1932 (my Mum was 9, I like to time line everything.)
After the tour, we all headed for Rockefeller Plaza to see the tree and we were entertained by the Sally Army. They must only employ New York's most musical movers and shakers. Have you seen the Salvation Army in films, all uniformed up and ringing their bells over a cauldron in which to collect cash? Well... it's all true, they are on every corner, at least every corner of Rockefeller. They were very jolly, and very rhythmical.
We had a look around the Met Museum Gift Shop which reminded me very much of the V&A in London. Then we headed for Cafe Europa for soup and a much needed sit down.
Fully replenished, we headed for the magic that is 5th Avenue. It's worth visiting NYC just to witness the splendour that is 5th Avenue.
Hollister's frontage was floor to ceiling individual TV screens all showing one big picture of rolling surf, you could hear crashing waves and a plinth either side of the entrance had rippling water!
Cartier had a massive, light encrusted red ribbon joined to make a bow... on the outside of the building, Fendi's store was dripping in white light icicles with droplets running down occasional icicles. The pull of the sparkle drew me to peer into Harry Winston and Van Cleef and Arples, (diamonds darling ;) and we had to, of course, go into the iconic Tiffany's. (That was actually on my list, how can you say; "no" to Audrey Hepburn?)
After doing much more window shopping, we headed for an Ice Cream in Trump Tower no less. I had a very runny Rum and Raisin, but it was divine.
After our pit stop, we headed back to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular. All I can say is... it is... spectacular and when you go to NYC, (because you must,) then you must go and see this show at Christmas. I've seen it before but it's been modernised with 3D no less. The theatre is dome shaped and at the beginning, I felt like Dorothy at the start of The Wizard of Oz as the light induced blizzard swirled around the walls and dome shaped ceiling. There is a wonderful Christmas story to be told, a real, live, nativity, (complete with camels and sheep, and a donkey,) 3D and of course, the famous Radio City Rockettes. If you've never heard of them, they are a world famous, (first established around 1930, although the original dancers are not still performing ;) They are 38 strong precision dancers. They are honestly as precise as military, absolutely stunning. The world famous Toy Soldier routine which is performed every year is mesmerising. We also had dancing Santa's on plinths beside the stage, I was intrigued and then totally baffled when the shadows of the Santa's started to do a different dance routine! I wonder if everyone noticed... very clever.
Nuns. It's not that I've never seen a nun before, but I've never seen so many nuns in one place, at one time. I think there were around 8 all out for the holiday spectacular, go nuns.
Also in the theatre were some NYC Rangers players (it's Ice Hockey... I had to google,) and a few deserving kids, Happy Holidays and good on 'ya Rangers, I'm sure the kids had a ball.
The 90 minute show positively flew by, I was tired and thought I would struggle but it was spell binding. After the show, I relented and decided to buy a programme after all, (I still have the last one I bought,) as you got a free little Toy Soldier inspired tote, and as one of the highlights of the trip, I couldn't resist.
After the show, we headed for Bill's Burger and Bar. I had the American Classic with cheese, red onion, steak fries and water, it was delicious.
We headed back to the hotel to collapse, with me having my shower and blasting the head dry before jumping into bed, to save time in the morning. All of this fun is exhausting.
We all head out for yet another ordinary breakfast place. They may be on every corner, but there is nothing ordinary about them. They never fail to deliver, I indulge in pancakes and maple syrup to get it out of my system, it was delicious.
We all head for the behind the scenes Radio City Music Hall tour. Can you believe that this magnificent theatre was once due to be torn down? I am just a sponge for anything historical and entertainment themed, so I was in seventh heaven trekking around back of house and hearing all about the history of the place, the stars that had performed on that very stage. It's doors opened in December 1932 (my Mum was 9, I like to time line everything.)
After the tour, we all headed for Rockefeller Plaza to see the tree and we were entertained by the Sally Army. They must only employ New York's most musical movers and shakers. Have you seen the Salvation Army in films, all uniformed up and ringing their bells over a cauldron in which to collect cash? Well... it's all true, they are on every corner, at least every corner of Rockefeller. They were very jolly, and very rhythmical.
We had a look around the Met Museum Gift Shop which reminded me very much of the V&A in London. Then we headed for Cafe Europa for soup and a much needed sit down.
Fully replenished, we headed for the magic that is 5th Avenue. It's worth visiting NYC just to witness the splendour that is 5th Avenue.
Hollister's frontage was floor to ceiling individual TV screens all showing one big picture of rolling surf, you could hear crashing waves and a plinth either side of the entrance had rippling water!
Cartier had a massive, light encrusted red ribbon joined to make a bow... on the outside of the building, Fendi's store was dripping in white light icicles with droplets running down occasional icicles. The pull of the sparkle drew me to peer into Harry Winston and Van Cleef and Arples, (diamonds darling ;) and we had to, of course, go into the iconic Tiffany's. (That was actually on my list, how can you say; "no" to Audrey Hepburn?)
After doing much more window shopping, we headed for an Ice Cream in Trump Tower no less. I had a very runny Rum and Raisin, but it was divine.
After our pit stop, we headed back to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular. All I can say is... it is... spectacular and when you go to NYC, (because you must,) then you must go and see this show at Christmas. I've seen it before but it's been modernised with 3D no less. The theatre is dome shaped and at the beginning, I felt like Dorothy at the start of The Wizard of Oz as the light induced blizzard swirled around the walls and dome shaped ceiling. There is a wonderful Christmas story to be told, a real, live, nativity, (complete with camels and sheep, and a donkey,) 3D and of course, the famous Radio City Rockettes. If you've never heard of them, they are a world famous, (first established around 1930, although the original dancers are not still performing ;) They are 38 strong precision dancers. They are honestly as precise as military, absolutely stunning. The world famous Toy Soldier routine which is performed every year is mesmerising. We also had dancing Santa's on plinths beside the stage, I was intrigued and then totally baffled when the shadows of the Santa's started to do a different dance routine! I wonder if everyone noticed... very clever.
Nuns. It's not that I've never seen a nun before, but I've never seen so many nuns in one place, at one time. I think there were around 8 all out for the holiday spectacular, go nuns.
Also in the theatre were some NYC Rangers players (it's Ice Hockey... I had to google,) and a few deserving kids, Happy Holidays and good on 'ya Rangers, I'm sure the kids had a ball.
The 90 minute show positively flew by, I was tired and thought I would struggle but it was spell binding. After the show, I relented and decided to buy a programme after all, (I still have the last one I bought,) as you got a free little Toy Soldier inspired tote, and as one of the highlights of the trip, I couldn't resist.
After the show, we headed for Bill's Burger and Bar. I had the American Classic with cheese, red onion, steak fries and water, it was delicious.
We headed back to the hotel to collapse, with me having my shower and blasting the head dry before jumping into bed, to save time in the morning. All of this fun is exhausting.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
6th December 2011
So, surprisingly, I didn't sleep great. It takes around 20 minutes for the travel kettle to boil, then M and I play knock and run, covertly slipping notes underneath each others door's in order to synchronise expected time of departure for breakfast. We decide on an 8am breakfast. Weather is going to be mild and a good day for sight seeing.
Body doesn't feel too bad but eye lids feel like they are weighted with lead. For breakfast, I request scrambled eggs on toast, they emerge looking suspiciously like an omelet... this is a running theme, NYC apparently does not know how to scramble. After breakfast, we head for Macy's and their Christmas window displays.
We take in the wonders of the windows then head... down town, (I think... H can correct me,) for Ground Zero. We don't have tickets yet, although free, they need to be pre-booked but I stare in awe at the gaping hole in the sky line. Still in shock at the massive hole in your eye view, I read that there are 3000 labourers, daily working on the site from all around the world, I then proceed to read some of the places the labourers hail from, included are Dublin and Copenhagen. I'm proud of them.
We head for Battery Park in order to catch the ferry to Ellis Island. On our way, the park is now the permanent home of a piece of sculpture whose home was once the World Trade Centre for 30 years before the Towers fell. The damaged sculpture was pulled and rescued from the wreckage, as are we all. It is beautiful still , and lit next to it, is an eternal flame to keep it warm in it's new home of Battery Park. It amazes me that this sculpture survived that horror.
Ellis Island itself, is amazing. Amazing seems too simple a word. I have visited before, but it never fails to amaze me as I look at the artifacts and listen through headphones to the peoples stories through the voices of the actual people. I listen to Welsh voices and look at actual tickets from the port of Liverpool, my home town, and I imagine, travelling all that way with the one hope that I would be allowed in. Only 2% were disallowed but can you imagine the devastation of not being allowed in after 8 or more weeks at sea to get there with the hope of a new life?
After a few hours on Ellis, we caught the last ferry back to Battery Park. I headed alone for the top deck. I think the top deck is a must, I was only prevented from riding out on the top because it was so packed and I'm not good with crowds. Heading home... I had a bench to myself and watching Manhattan shrouded with fog was something I had never seen before. It was cold, but it was colder the last time I was atop a ferry, heading to, or from Ellis, so all is well.
We headed out of Battery to try to hail a cab. It was busy with hoards of people everywhere. We pass somewhere which is beautifully lit with fairy Christmas lights and I plead with the group to run across the road to take a picture, at the same time, we notice that the area is awash with police.
M and I cross the road and I take my picture. One NYC policeman is right by me so I ask him; "Anything going on tonight?" He looks at me in that way I've become accustomed to while they translate in their heads. "No," comes the response. "Is it normally like this?" "Yeah." Comes the NYC reply. "But there are a million police officers over there." I'm told that; "they're waiting to go off in different directions." "Ohhhhh, it's the start of shift?" "Yeah." New York policemen are economical with their use of words. It was 5.05pm. It was really good to see such a strong contingent and I wish we had that amount of police visibility at home, it was truly comforting.
I'm missing conversing with you and one other person. Can't help but convert my time and wonder what you both are up to. I miss you both... a lot.
Ellis Island was spectacular. For anyone going to NYC, I would put this at the top of their visitors list. I've been before but the human stories cannot help but permeate your soul. It so devalues those claiming asylum these days. In 1924, for some, if they did not make it through Ellis Island and on, into the USA... they were prepared to jump to their deaths rather than return to their home country and the life they had left behind.
We headed back to the hotel for 45 minutes before heading out for dinner. On the way to dinner, I had my picture taken outside the New York Central Library, this is the venue in which Carrie and Big did not marry and in which Jake Gyllenhaal took shelter from the next ice age in the "Day After Tomorrow." We wandered through Bryant Park to watch the ice skaters and marvel at the Christmas Market.
We headed on up to Times Square then Carmine's. Carmine's is an Italian Family Style restaurant and I don't even think that the website (http://carminesnyc.com/about/index.php) does it justice.
We, well, H and I, (M had beer and J is T Total,) indulged in a delicious red wine, salad to start followed by lasagna, the like of which I have never tasted. Put it this way... lasagna will never be the same again.
After the meal, we headed back to the hotel, I hit the shower to save time in the morning and with the wine, I slept soundly.
On the way home, we pass Rat Man. Man walks past us, wearing a trilby and a pink rat and green a rat, I am not kidding, one on hat, one on his shoulder, obviously an exhibitionist. I wonder if he takes that route every night, just to have people stop and stare?
Body doesn't feel too bad but eye lids feel like they are weighted with lead. For breakfast, I request scrambled eggs on toast, they emerge looking suspiciously like an omelet... this is a running theme, NYC apparently does not know how to scramble. After breakfast, we head for Macy's and their Christmas window displays.
We take in the wonders of the windows then head... down town, (I think... H can correct me,) for Ground Zero. We don't have tickets yet, although free, they need to be pre-booked but I stare in awe at the gaping hole in the sky line. Still in shock at the massive hole in your eye view, I read that there are 3000 labourers, daily working on the site from all around the world, I then proceed to read some of the places the labourers hail from, included are Dublin and Copenhagen. I'm proud of them.
We head for Battery Park in order to catch the ferry to Ellis Island. On our way, the park is now the permanent home of a piece of sculpture whose home was once the World Trade Centre for 30 years before the Towers fell. The damaged sculpture was pulled and rescued from the wreckage, as are we all. It is beautiful still , and lit next to it, is an eternal flame to keep it warm in it's new home of Battery Park. It amazes me that this sculpture survived that horror.
Ellis Island itself, is amazing. Amazing seems too simple a word. I have visited before, but it never fails to amaze me as I look at the artifacts and listen through headphones to the peoples stories through the voices of the actual people. I listen to Welsh voices and look at actual tickets from the port of Liverpool, my home town, and I imagine, travelling all that way with the one hope that I would be allowed in. Only 2% were disallowed but can you imagine the devastation of not being allowed in after 8 or more weeks at sea to get there with the hope of a new life?
After a few hours on Ellis, we caught the last ferry back to Battery Park. I headed alone for the top deck. I think the top deck is a must, I was only prevented from riding out on the top because it was so packed and I'm not good with crowds. Heading home... I had a bench to myself and watching Manhattan shrouded with fog was something I had never seen before. It was cold, but it was colder the last time I was atop a ferry, heading to, or from Ellis, so all is well.
We headed out of Battery to try to hail a cab. It was busy with hoards of people everywhere. We pass somewhere which is beautifully lit with fairy Christmas lights and I plead with the group to run across the road to take a picture, at the same time, we notice that the area is awash with police.
M and I cross the road and I take my picture. One NYC policeman is right by me so I ask him; "Anything going on tonight?" He looks at me in that way I've become accustomed to while they translate in their heads. "No," comes the response. "Is it normally like this?" "Yeah." Comes the NYC reply. "But there are a million police officers over there." I'm told that; "they're waiting to go off in different directions." "Ohhhhh, it's the start of shift?" "Yeah." New York policemen are economical with their use of words. It was 5.05pm. It was really good to see such a strong contingent and I wish we had that amount of police visibility at home, it was truly comforting.
I'm missing conversing with you and one other person. Can't help but convert my time and wonder what you both are up to. I miss you both... a lot.
Ellis Island was spectacular. For anyone going to NYC, I would put this at the top of their visitors list. I've been before but the human stories cannot help but permeate your soul. It so devalues those claiming asylum these days. In 1924, for some, if they did not make it through Ellis Island and on, into the USA... they were prepared to jump to their deaths rather than return to their home country and the life they had left behind.
We headed back to the hotel for 45 minutes before heading out for dinner. On the way to dinner, I had my picture taken outside the New York Central Library, this is the venue in which Carrie and Big did not marry and in which Jake Gyllenhaal took shelter from the next ice age in the "Day After Tomorrow." We wandered through Bryant Park to watch the ice skaters and marvel at the Christmas Market.
We headed on up to Times Square then Carmine's. Carmine's is an Italian Family Style restaurant and I don't even think that the website (http://carminesnyc.com/about/index.php) does it justice.
We, well, H and I, (M had beer and J is T Total,) indulged in a delicious red wine, salad to start followed by lasagna, the like of which I have never tasted. Put it this way... lasagna will never be the same again.
After the meal, we headed back to the hotel, I hit the shower to save time in the morning and with the wine, I slept soundly.
On the way home, we pass Rat Man. Man walks past us, wearing a trilby and a pink rat and green a rat, I am not kidding, one on hat, one on his shoulder, obviously an exhibitionist. I wonder if he takes that route every night, just to have people stop and stare?
5th December 2011
Immigration took an hour to complete... I'm pulling a face here, not so much about the time it took but the fact that it was hot while while we waited... almost passing out hot. The taxi queue took us around 45 minutes but hey... we're in New York ;) Our room is spacious with two double beds and a great view of the Empire State Building from the window and a great view of the Chrysler from just outside the hotel lobby. Beds are nice and clean looking with white linens and no scatter cushions, which I hate on hotel beds, they are positive harbingers of icky dust and bacteria.
We freshen up and head for Times Square, it's bigger, brighter and more stunning than I remember and it now has purely pedestrian areas. We get there via Bryant Park, it's ice skating rink and it's Christmas Market, I am mesmerised.
I had a shower and went to bed and surprisingly, did not go out like a light. I drifted off eventually and woke a few times in the night but we were both awake by 4am.
By the time we went to bed, it was 2am, our time, (at home time.) No wonder I was tired.
We freshen up and head for Times Square, it's bigger, brighter and more stunning than I remember and it now has purely pedestrian areas. We get there via Bryant Park, it's ice skating rink and it's Christmas Market, I am mesmerised.
I had a shower and went to bed and surprisingly, did not go out like a light. I drifted off eventually and woke a few times in the night but we were both awake by 4am.
By the time we went to bed, it was 2am, our time, (at home time.) No wonder I was tired.
4th December 2011
JR had parked up and was waiting in the airport for me... so good to see her. We had a nice and easy day and I was pretty tired but in the evening, JR plied me with wine! This is funny to me as she is T-Total. It was lovely though and much needed after a week or more of frantic preparation. We went to H & M's to weigh the cases and have a quick coffee and then had an early night, we were in bed by 10, ready to rise before 5am.
I didn't sleep well, as is the norm... I looked at my clock every hour and the night seemed to last forever. My alarm went off at 4.45am and I flew out of bed and headed for the shower. I put the kettle on and was just making tea and coffee when JR emerged from her room at 5am, at least we're all up and about.
I'm impressed... H&M pick us on on time and we head out into the darkness for Heathrow Airport and Terminal 5. The roads are pretty clear and as we approach, I'm mesmerised by the high tech look of the airport and the "transporter pods," these are space age pods on elevated tram lines, they look so futuristic and I've never seen anything like it... in real life. The airport is bright, modern and functional, I love it, very impressive.
The four of us, H&M, JR and I, head for Wagamama's for breakfast. Never been for breakfast before. I had scrambled eggs on toast, we all opt for a cooked breakfast to keep us going, it was delicious, I can highly recommend Wagamama's at Heathrow T5 for breakfast.
We had a wander around duty free, the savings were brilliant but I decided that I should not indulge with Christmas coming up. We headed for the escalators and lifts for gate B33. On schedule, the four of us board and head for row 46. It's a double decker plane and I am in awe. We are supposed to leave at 11am for our 8 hour flight. H has read that applying tea tree oil under the nostrils helps with bugs/bacteria and germs on a flight... so that's what we do. No idea if it will work but at least all I can smell is antiseptic... could be a heck of a lot worse. For take off, H likes to hold hands... it's kind of nice.
I tell H that I have Michael Flatley's feet... feet of flames. They are on fire! We are late leaving, it's 11.32am. I have great leg room and a good choice of films. Well done British Airways.
We've been in the air for almost an hour. I'm on my first white wine and sparkling water. I'm watching "Crazy, Stupid, Love" and I'm flanked by my friends. We have barely begun the holiday and I've just realised that I'm having a lovely time. I'm so used to travelling and being on my own ... this is lovely.
I'm wearing flesh coloured flight socks. Not sure who's flesh they resemble exactly... certainly not mine, but hey... we want to remain DVT free right? If we crash, can you please make sure the socks are removed prior to body identification? Cheers.
Chicken and Leek for lunch, swiftly followed by... as I said; Crazy, Stupid, Love... Bridesmaids, (I wasn't impressed,) Friends With Benefits, I expected fluff but it was actually good, a positive visitors guide to NYC with all of the easily identifiable NYC locations, cheesy ending but I can forgive that.
By 4.30, after 6 hours on a plane, I felt totally disgusting... why is that?
The headphones are obviously made for people with extremely big heads, so as not to upset the big headed people with regular sized headphones. The ear phone parts would happily sit underneath my ear lobes.
I didn't sleep well, as is the norm... I looked at my clock every hour and the night seemed to last forever. My alarm went off at 4.45am and I flew out of bed and headed for the shower. I put the kettle on and was just making tea and coffee when JR emerged from her room at 5am, at least we're all up and about.
I'm impressed... H&M pick us on on time and we head out into the darkness for Heathrow Airport and Terminal 5. The roads are pretty clear and as we approach, I'm mesmerised by the high tech look of the airport and the "transporter pods," these are space age pods on elevated tram lines, they look so futuristic and I've never seen anything like it... in real life. The airport is bright, modern and functional, I love it, very impressive.
The four of us, H&M, JR and I, head for Wagamama's for breakfast. Never been for breakfast before. I had scrambled eggs on toast, we all opt for a cooked breakfast to keep us going, it was delicious, I can highly recommend Wagamama's at Heathrow T5 for breakfast.
We had a wander around duty free, the savings were brilliant but I decided that I should not indulge with Christmas coming up. We headed for the escalators and lifts for gate B33. On schedule, the four of us board and head for row 46. It's a double decker plane and I am in awe. We are supposed to leave at 11am for our 8 hour flight. H has read that applying tea tree oil under the nostrils helps with bugs/bacteria and germs on a flight... so that's what we do. No idea if it will work but at least all I can smell is antiseptic... could be a heck of a lot worse. For take off, H likes to hold hands... it's kind of nice.
I tell H that I have Michael Flatley's feet... feet of flames. They are on fire! We are late leaving, it's 11.32am. I have great leg room and a good choice of films. Well done British Airways.
We've been in the air for almost an hour. I'm on my first white wine and sparkling water. I'm watching "Crazy, Stupid, Love" and I'm flanked by my friends. We have barely begun the holiday and I've just realised that I'm having a lovely time. I'm so used to travelling and being on my own ... this is lovely.
I'm wearing flesh coloured flight socks. Not sure who's flesh they resemble exactly... certainly not mine, but hey... we want to remain DVT free right? If we crash, can you please make sure the socks are removed prior to body identification? Cheers.
Chicken and Leek for lunch, swiftly followed by... as I said; Crazy, Stupid, Love... Bridesmaids, (I wasn't impressed,) Friends With Benefits, I expected fluff but it was actually good, a positive visitors guide to NYC with all of the easily identifiable NYC locations, cheesy ending but I can forgive that.
By 4.30, after 6 hours on a plane, I felt totally disgusting... why is that?
The headphones are obviously made for people with extremely big heads, so as not to upset the big headed people with regular sized headphones. The ear phone parts would happily sit underneath my ear lobes.
3rd December 2011
Slept pretty well, I'm so tired lately, I simply fall into a coma. Any other time and I wouldn't be able to sleep for worrying about the next day of travels. Up and ready in plenty of time, feel like I've forgotten something but it's too late now. So good to speak to you this morning, I know I'm going to have contact withdrawal symptoms this week as we won't be able to have a conversation.
B was on time to collect me and the journey to the airport was smooth. Instead of dropping me off, B came into the airport with me, I checked in without incident and we headed for a coffee and a tea in Costa, B took advantage of the time to guilt me into having her stay on Christmas Eve... we'll see.
I've left B and headed through security. For the first time, I was body scanned. You do a kind of "Steps, Tragedy" dance move while you're scanned, there has been a lot of hoo ha about you looking naked on the scanned images... I just hope I look thin ;) I also had my boots scanned in a special machine, this is new also, gotta love Manc airport.
It chucked it down this morning but we now have, clear, blue skies. Looks pretty.
My gate is announced on the board and I head for number 148. There is only one other person waiting and I had for available seats next to the check in desk, I sit, look down and on the seat next to me, is a small, white feather. I do love those little white hello's.
I watched my plane come into land, it was late getting in from Paris due to weekend traffic... funny huh? So, we're a little late embarking and leaving and the Captain offers his apologies. The plane is tiny, with propellers, and I've bumped my head twice already just taking my seat. I've brought; "Eat, Pray, Love" with me, the book you sent me. I thought this break would be the perfect opportunity to indulge in some reading, an absolute luxury for me as I'm usually too tired and time deprived. I'm enjoying the tale and the writing style, and I love the fact that you've turned these very pages before me.
My eyes are tired and things are blurry, so I'm alternating writing the blog and reading, I'm just about to have a coffee to hopefully wake me up. I love the time in the air. I've done all I can do, things are out of my hands and I have nothing to do for 35 minutes, it's such a strange feeling.
Your advice this morning was good. Try not to worry, (you know that I do,) and concentrate on the moments.
B was on time to collect me and the journey to the airport was smooth. Instead of dropping me off, B came into the airport with me, I checked in without incident and we headed for a coffee and a tea in Costa, B took advantage of the time to guilt me into having her stay on Christmas Eve... we'll see.
I've left B and headed through security. For the first time, I was body scanned. You do a kind of "Steps, Tragedy" dance move while you're scanned, there has been a lot of hoo ha about you looking naked on the scanned images... I just hope I look thin ;) I also had my boots scanned in a special machine, this is new also, gotta love Manc airport.
It chucked it down this morning but we now have, clear, blue skies. Looks pretty.
My gate is announced on the board and I head for number 148. There is only one other person waiting and I had for available seats next to the check in desk, I sit, look down and on the seat next to me, is a small, white feather. I do love those little white hello's.
I watched my plane come into land, it was late getting in from Paris due to weekend traffic... funny huh? So, we're a little late embarking and leaving and the Captain offers his apologies. The plane is tiny, with propellers, and I've bumped my head twice already just taking my seat. I've brought; "Eat, Pray, Love" with me, the book you sent me. I thought this break would be the perfect opportunity to indulge in some reading, an absolute luxury for me as I'm usually too tired and time deprived. I'm enjoying the tale and the writing style, and I love the fact that you've turned these very pages before me.
My eyes are tired and things are blurry, so I'm alternating writing the blog and reading, I'm just about to have a coffee to hopefully wake me up. I love the time in the air. I've done all I can do, things are out of my hands and I have nothing to do for 35 minutes, it's such a strange feeling.
Your advice this morning was good. Try not to worry, (you know that I do,) and concentrate on the moments.
Friday, 2 December 2011
T -1 Day
So, I cut my day as short as possible yesterday as I felt dreadful, but I had a healthy dinner, followed by some not so healthy crisps and a couple of glasses of wine, and I slept like a log for 9 hours. I feel so much better today, still getting a cold but don't feel half as bad as I did.
I have so much to do today, but I'm going to attack it like a military operation. I need to pick up a few last minute things, J will call in at some point, I need to shop for car insurance as the renewal is due two days after my return and I have a doctor's appointment too. I need to iron, pack, re-make bed, shower etc and tidy up, get to the post office with your Christmas parcel... no pressure.
I'm here in my window seat soaking up about 45 minutes of calm before the panic sets in. Filter machine still isn't working so I'm having my first chai tea of the season, I only have it when it's wintry, it's a spicy tea and makes a nice change from coffee... if there is no coffee.
Can't believe I need to be packed up and ready to go by tomorrow, this time tomorrow, I'll be waiting to board for the first leg of my journey to Southampton then Sunday, we head for Heathrow and NYC baby ;)
I have so much to do today, but I'm going to attack it like a military operation. I need to pick up a few last minute things, J will call in at some point, I need to shop for car insurance as the renewal is due two days after my return and I have a doctor's appointment too. I need to iron, pack, re-make bed, shower etc and tidy up, get to the post office with your Christmas parcel... no pressure.
I'm here in my window seat soaking up about 45 minutes of calm before the panic sets in. Filter machine still isn't working so I'm having my first chai tea of the season, I only have it when it's wintry, it's a spicy tea and makes a nice change from coffee... if there is no coffee.
Can't believe I need to be packed up and ready to go by tomorrow, this time tomorrow, I'll be waiting to board for the first leg of my journey to Southampton then Sunday, we head for Heathrow and NYC baby ;)
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Catch Up
Well, it's Tuesday evening and I thought I'd do a bit of a daily catch up to post before I leave. Monday was a struggle, I'm never good on a Monday anyway, but I felt under the weather, work was heavy going and I worked extra hours, so it was all I could do to not fall into a coma as I returned home. As you know, (because I missed your email.) I got an early night and felt a little better by Tuesday morning.
Really high winds across the country today... it's still Tuesday. I did my bit this afternoon and went to donate blood, we had the usual failing of the finger prick test, followed by the blood test from the right arm, (which hurt,) then the donation from the left, after much deliberation out of which of the two veins to choose from... I'm so lucky. I honestly didn't think they'd be able to take any as I've been so tired lately, thought the iron must be lower than usual but it was okay, well, just scraped over the required reading, I needed 125 and I was at 128 still, my arm did take a while to stop bleeding afterwards. Had a medicinal biscuit and coffee afterwards while I watched and waited hopefully for the torrential rain that arrived while I was in there, to subside, but it didn't, so I headed back to work and got soaked.
Upon return to work, one of the jokers I work with made a comment about me being ugly. This isn't the first time I've heard this, in fact, I've heard it many times before, so it's not exactly a surprise, and he was only joking, but I always think there is some element of truth in most joking around, and it never gets any easier to hear, doesn't matter how many times. Probably bothered me more because I'm hormonal and I'm extremely over tired. I actually felt a bit tearful as I got soaked for the second time on the way back to the car to drive home, not because of the comment, just because I felt so bad, but I always get a bit like this when I'm over tired and due for a break, so I know I'll be fine when I actually finish work on Thursday night, it's just the body and the coping mechanism packing up early.
Wednesday, well, I'm off work today. Brother in law finally had his op late yesterday and he's okay so that's a relief. Only one more close operation to go next week, and we're home and dry... for now. Went off to sleep like a light but woke at 3.30am as usual, hence the text to you! So lovely to catch up with you this morning too. J and I went to Chester, you'll be delighted to know, no bargains on offer... apart from my Christmas M&S candles that I have to have ;) didn't get most of what I went for but did get a bag for the trip that sits across my body and is big enough to hold my journal so I can record everything for you! I'm definitely getting a cold and while I don't blame the screaming baby in Boots for making my head want to explode into the four corners of the store, it didn't help... bless. One more day in work and then the panic will really set in. Home made veggie soup for me tonight followed by lots of clementines for the vitamin c and an early night.
Thursday, I honestly don't know how I dragged myself out of bed this morning, I had to cajole like you would a small child, "come on... it's the last one... get up!" It was so quiet in work to begin with, I honestly could have rested my head on my desk, and fallen to sleep. As the morning went by, in my head, I shaved time off my finishing time. I've worked hard Monday and Tuesday and got excellent stats by any ones standards, so I feel like they've had their money's worth this week. I was just clock watching to go home and finally begin my holiday. On the way home, I stopped off at my hairdressers to see if anyone could trim my fringe for me. My own hairdresser was there and free so she did it for me and didn't charge, bargain. I went to the supermarket before heading home to stock up on some none perishables then headed home for white fish and veggies followed by clementines.
So much to do tomorrow, but I'm so tired, I don't think I'll care even if I don't get everything done, can't wait to get to bed x
Really high winds across the country today... it's still Tuesday. I did my bit this afternoon and went to donate blood, we had the usual failing of the finger prick test, followed by the blood test from the right arm, (which hurt,) then the donation from the left, after much deliberation out of which of the two veins to choose from... I'm so lucky. I honestly didn't think they'd be able to take any as I've been so tired lately, thought the iron must be lower than usual but it was okay, well, just scraped over the required reading, I needed 125 and I was at 128 still, my arm did take a while to stop bleeding afterwards. Had a medicinal biscuit and coffee afterwards while I watched and waited hopefully for the torrential rain that arrived while I was in there, to subside, but it didn't, so I headed back to work and got soaked.
Upon return to work, one of the jokers I work with made a comment about me being ugly. This isn't the first time I've heard this, in fact, I've heard it many times before, so it's not exactly a surprise, and he was only joking, but I always think there is some element of truth in most joking around, and it never gets any easier to hear, doesn't matter how many times. Probably bothered me more because I'm hormonal and I'm extremely over tired. I actually felt a bit tearful as I got soaked for the second time on the way back to the car to drive home, not because of the comment, just because I felt so bad, but I always get a bit like this when I'm over tired and due for a break, so I know I'll be fine when I actually finish work on Thursday night, it's just the body and the coping mechanism packing up early.
Wednesday, well, I'm off work today. Brother in law finally had his op late yesterday and he's okay so that's a relief. Only one more close operation to go next week, and we're home and dry... for now. Went off to sleep like a light but woke at 3.30am as usual, hence the text to you! So lovely to catch up with you this morning too. J and I went to Chester, you'll be delighted to know, no bargains on offer... apart from my Christmas M&S candles that I have to have ;) didn't get most of what I went for but did get a bag for the trip that sits across my body and is big enough to hold my journal so I can record everything for you! I'm definitely getting a cold and while I don't blame the screaming baby in Boots for making my head want to explode into the four corners of the store, it didn't help... bless. One more day in work and then the panic will really set in. Home made veggie soup for me tonight followed by lots of clementines for the vitamin c and an early night.
Thursday, I honestly don't know how I dragged myself out of bed this morning, I had to cajole like you would a small child, "come on... it's the last one... get up!" It was so quiet in work to begin with, I honestly could have rested my head on my desk, and fallen to sleep. As the morning went by, in my head, I shaved time off my finishing time. I've worked hard Monday and Tuesday and got excellent stats by any ones standards, so I feel like they've had their money's worth this week. I was just clock watching to go home and finally begin my holiday. On the way home, I stopped off at my hairdressers to see if anyone could trim my fringe for me. My own hairdresser was there and free so she did it for me and didn't charge, bargain. I went to the supermarket before heading home to stock up on some none perishables then headed home for white fish and veggies followed by clementines.
So much to do tomorrow, but I'm so tired, I don't think I'll care even if I don't get everything done, can't wait to get to bed x
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