Sky over Edge Lane

On Friday 

Thursday Nutrition now.

Steve got a bit lost picking me up but he eventually got there. We headed up the motorway and found Haydock easily. We were shown round to the unloading bay and set up stall. Day went well till I went in search of coffee and tea. I needed vouchers. I had none. Found steve again and he had been given one between us but blaggged two using his boyish charm. Off we were to redeem and I was scuppered. The lady had bacon butties on display tantalisingly but I was only allowed tea toast and preserves according to my voucher. Catering was going to be a enduring theme through the day. We were set up and watched the rest of the gaff set up. There were two rooms we were in the biggest but least paying bit I think. Our neighbours were aintree chester and warrington trusts all either trying to attract or presenting some work. There were loads of other trusts and apart from TOAST I think we were the only charity there. The were loads of suppliers of various dietitian type products so vits supplements proteins drinks and baby milk. Most people were attracted by the freebies pens highlighters cows rubber ducks furry monkeys water bottles badge holders staplers hole punches tape measures and a cacophony of useless crap. ( I am only pissed as I didn't get any of the menagerie). Got some pens for me mam and leslie and some protein drinks for AGM.
Drank water tea was available on an as pay basis. Got lunch 4.50 for a veggie lasagne, if 3 courgettes 2 mushrooms in some tomato and a bucket of bechamel a lasagne make. Twas crap. Should have had the chilli and jacket which looked a better option. Relieved Steve for lunch he was doing a sterling job selling the product. To be fair to the customers it wa a lot easier sell than ever before word that Weight Loss surgery is a real treatment is sneaking out.

I got a lift home off emma a dietitian in South Liverpool she dropped me at Queens drive and I waited for the 81 little did I know what was to happen there was a postman drunk and asleep on my shoulder his beery breath offensive whilst alluring. All roads were closed then gridlock ensued http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17840501%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26headline=suicide-threat-causes-gridlock-name_page.html

poor lad but I think several shouted jump jump. I spent an hour and a half on a 20 minute journey not good. Jean and I went out to the great wall at the top for the early evening special.

Wednesday night

Went to cell - a difficult group to decribe but I gain great spiritual support from the comfort of my brothers there. Jack seems on better form and we are all pleased to see Frank Sid and Chris. At the end of the cell we take communion or "break bread" as these lads call it. I won't go into length about the concept but regardless of your apiritual values there is something strong about being in a room where you get non judgemental acceptance.

Cathedral

 

Cathedral Window

 

Autumn

Fungi and leaves 

Appointment mix up

So I appear at ten to twelve. My appointment was for ten the lady tells me at 12.30. Grrr I go into bild panic tinged with my best impression of rage (that means I shake and huff and puff), she tries to book me in for over a month from now. I am initially of the opinion of fuck it I really can't be bothered. Life is going to be peachy now Stephen Fry and all the other luvvies are out with bi-polar. I am just flailing in a barmy nark. Grrrrr.
I go into the catholic cathedral to try to catch me a soothing vibe. Then down to the mission cafe for lunch prayer and meditation. Adfter calming down I foolishly decide to break the spell by hoofing it madly across town to the building society to pay two cheques in. The lady asks me if we are going to buy something nice. Her eagerness to sell me a product winds me up and I see my arse. I mutter something about ISA's which shuts her up. Hare back across town via Dixons or currys digital as it is now called where my desire for a purchase goes unfulfilled. Counselling with maureen at 2 and despite unannounced fire alarm practice it goes well.

Wednesday interface with public services

Jean and I make first appointment at 9.30 both struck by frequency of toilet use by NHS staff. Business done she drops me by the royal I seek out starbucks and break my fast. Tall black americano extra shot bottle of water and belgian chocolate swirl sees me 4.95 lighter. Cake a bit dry and too chocolately for me. Thought it was slightly better than the greasy spoon down the road. I am killing time before my 12 noon with peter Kinderman in the uni which I reckon is 15 minutes away. Got another appt after that at 12noon with my counsellor. I see starbucks has a new signaure hot chocolate - I wonder if Ally knows. I think about the emails I need to write but to be honest would sooner mooch blogging and taking pictures. I am beginning to realise how much I love my camera. I need a camera pressie. Not sure if it should be a mini tripod grippa thing, a macro lens or an external flash. I may have to go the uni book shop at lunchtime. Choices choices.

Look back at Tuesday

Busy day catching up with paperwork not much fun but necessary. Released after lunch for good discussion with the admirable Maria and then a bit of hands on which turns out more than I bargained for. I am working Friday. Occ health a new patient clinic and a couple of new admissions all good stuff. Still need to write job description and some other stuff. Spoke to prof andy hill leeds who is going ro propose me as committee member for ASO. Also have the germ of an idea for best practice award submission which needs sorting into serious stuff if its a goer. Receive an email from Becs cool dietitian on the course. Off to a meeting in the evening speak to Steve re Nutrition now gig at Haydock.

Monday in the suite

Get in there in better time than usual my sleep seems to be following one night crap one good night pattern. Last night was good.
Smart 01514860815. Given number by Liz D Job broker

Busy day seeing pre-ops post ops and a heap of phone calls get a happy vibe from work. Home and up to the post office sorting out essentials. Graham the neofasicst post master lambasts a young girl around a minor transgression concerning a transcash transgression. This man is waiting for the revolution when we will all beissued a chipped photoidentity card and he will be at the top table coz he is the dude that dishes them out. The recent large letter legislation had him excited, I made the mistake of bringing him to the edge by enquiring as to how much this letter would send he got out his guide and demonstrated (in several dimensions, of which time was the longest) the measuring of packages. I shit you not I would have paid 44 quid to get out of there never mind the thrilling 44p. I may spend tomorrow afternoon trawling for some obscure product he doesnt stock - he is miffed he cant do check and send on a driving licence, check and send is the stuff Graham lives for. How to obstruct holidays and piss people off with a millimetre rule and a shake of the head. His wife shakes her head embarrassed at his performance.

In the evning Jean and I take the early bird option at http://http://www.mytravelguide.com/restaurants/profile-78827205-United_Kingdom_Liverpool_La_Bussola.html average fare at an ok price. Then off to Tesco home to Universally challenged and a mediocre spooks episode.

Fern

 

Saturday Big Thinking day

Lot of stuff going on in my head where I am going. Spent Saturday toddling along allerton road went to pet shop and then on to mums with "diabetic" cream cakes as gift. Sensed history repeating itself as mum visited nanny every saturday via two buses for the last thirty years of her life. (Hope I get me licence back (bad thought)).
Listen to mum who is just glad of someone to talk at as she describes the fleas tics and worms she has pulled out the dogs arse. This she does as she is cooking lunch happy days.
I get the bus back to tesco do a minimalist shop then get a taxi back home. Chung Ku for saturday nights tea.
Sunday was cooking lunch for nine is a big job. Had the worst headache I have had since the bleed. Think I was tired and last nights crap sleep didnt help.
Produced a fine chicken and pork roast dinner in ample portions for 14.
Watched europe beat the US at golf then Everton get robbed against Newcastle. Didnt do much in the pm.

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The big day arrives

After a hearty breakfast and a polish of the presentation I mooched to the pear tree where I met charlie anna and rebecca for the drive to college. Arrived had coffee and gort nervous as hell. Said prayers and started at half nine good start middling middle and a good end I think. People were positive, they are a a kind group. I didnt encounter any negative vibes. I showed the first part of the Granada edition DVD and the were a few people who said they felt choked during that or my talk. As ever spilling my own guts was draining and I ate more lunch than I should. After me was a PCT chief exec who gave a chapter and verse obesity strategy delivery stuff. She had good political answers but again I will await the evaluation. Scrounged a lift home off Suzannah who lives a couple of roads down from me her mum used to teach Ally and is fondly remembered as a great teacher. Suzannaah had a little miss chatterbox on her dashboard and she lived up to it she is doing some sterling work in North Huyton a most deprived borough between cantril farm and prescott. Got home, spewed up after tea and went to Beas home via tesco - nine for lunch on Sunday - bliss.

Thursday continued.

Felicity used to work for NOF now she's a big cheese in the world cancer research fund. She showed a video spoke and gave us some group work. I had considered some group work for my own session and on reflection leaving it out may have been the right choice. Always difficult but my view is better used if you have been booked for a days gig and to stop people dying from listening to one voice for too long. I guess my view is they booked me they should hear me unless it some touchy feely experiential stuff. Spend three years living with 100kg extra body weight and report back in 20 years now you know how I feel - my arse. Be intereted to see the feedback on the thursday. Thursday afternoon was largelyy Ian campbell who after a touching doff to me Ken clare who done more than any one person for bariatric patients in the UK. He then did a presentatiopn which was sharp and in parts funny. He's obviously doing after dinner gigs he did proper jokes with punchlines (like me dad). He gave good value and took a provocative stance with some audience members. The complementary therapist section. Finished after 5 aqnd back for a brisk walk with Rebacca to the hotel. Her and charlie are staying at the Peartree guest house 25 notes a head. She is a good sort she ids definitely a dieitian and is in possesion of a good sense of humour. She lent me her pendrive but mine had been found by the maid and put on the dressing table so I started to get my act in order. After much thinking and a shower I managed to get 4 slides done before it wasw to go to the pub. A diet coke and a curry for 4.95 and 2 paps it was edible (v.nice actually) a water then home and finished off my presentation (almost) I said hello to the resident complementary therapist before retiring (miranda I think). Slept like a log.

Thursday

First on was http://www.aso.org.uk/portal.asp?asomid=1973&asotype=header&targetcell=1,0&targetwidth=4&functionname=aso_elibrary john wilding top man who told me about the latest results from the Swedish Obesity Study http://www.obesitas.med.gu.se/forskning/research.asp some interesting stuff re Sub arachnoid haemorrhage and post surgery. May have to be considered.
His talk was excellent as usual and went down well. As always he gave surgery a positive vibe. 11am saw Felicity porrit TBC

Wednesday night

Went to the oaklands next door. Had a mediocre steak and ale pie. Most of my fellow students dissapeared at a ridiculously early hour. I went back to my hotel was going to get a coffee at the bar. Met a nutritionist (yet another) who told me of the different schools and outlined iridology and touched on to homeopathy. I managed to drag myself to bed a,d got v. Pissed trying to log on to t-mobile hotspot in the hotel. Took pills fell asleep. Woke up early and mooched to brekkie. Mediocre at best. Seem to hqave mislaid my keys. A set wasw handed in yesterday. May have been mine I am more worried that I have lost my usb data pen.

Lunch was late

One of my personal fave guys prof cin waine was the pm slot. After a late lunch he gave a good talk which even inspired me. He has some excellent quotes and his anecdotes age and experience make him worthy of a full listen. He has always been kin to me so hat tipped for that too. After the session wander into the city with some folk I end up outside hatties tea rooms hot buttered teacake and tea. Cool. Good walk back to the hotel, in the sun goingv out to the pub next door for tea tonight. The oakland I think. Report in ring Rach must ring mum.

Up late just in time.

Got a late Delta from home to Central then waited 9 mins till the Chester train. 40 minute journey and into Chester station. Picked up a cab then off to drop luggage at 2 star Dene hotel, asked cabbie to wait then on to chester uni. Found the right building and secured a coffee. Seem like a nice bunch of people bit of a mix couple of doctors some nurses dietitians, nutritionists though I am not sure of the difference. Spoke to one and jury is still out. First talk was Kevin doing intro then passsed on to David haslam for the history of obesity. Some interesting quotes and the realisation that nowt in medicine is new. Some ancient geezers knew it all. We are just beginning to understand it.

Did nowt about talk

Well that's not true I did give it some thought. I even went as far as printing out the module outline and thinking how it could apply to a patient.
Going to revisit some of the some of the NICE stuff. I am hoping that some time in the academic bosom of Chester University will help. I feel kind of excited I must confess looking forward to it. Last nights taxi driver was tank transporter man. He had only been doing cabs for 2 months so was morer like the man on the Clapham Omnibus than the bigot in the delta cab. Last night we qall got in bed together it was agreeed for trhe sanity of all concerned I should kip in chester for a couple of nights. Makes travelling sense for sure.

Going underground

Out of the pit at some unearthly hour. Jean gives me a lift into town for my counselling appt at CIC. Being early and sans breakfast means aq quick call into the mission cafe. I see cozzie hoovering by the door and I am in. Back of the net. Tea toast and a supportive natter. Then up to see Maureen at CIC. Ironically carrying two bottles of champagne. The woman on the desk is cheery as ever and barks at me for tring to write in the staff signing in book. I give her my best but I am mental look but it counts for nothing here. She looks to be a grand master in ju-jitsu and 4th dan control and restraint. A big bad look from her kills me dead.
Tomorrow I start the Chester Course and am thinking about kipping two nights in Chester. Hmmm.
Got a busy day today. Need to start thinking about writing Fridays talk.

Going underground

Out of the pit at some unearthly hour. Jean gives me a lift into town for my counselling appt at CIC. Being early and sans breakfast means aq quick call into the mission cafe. I see cozzie hoovering by the door and I am in. Back of the net. Tea toast and a supportive natter. Then up to see Maureen at CIC. Ironically carrying two bottles of champagne. The woman on the desk is cheery as ever and barks at me for tring to write in the staff signing in book. I give her my best but I am mental look but it counts for nothing here. She looks to be a grand master in ju-jitsu and 4th dan control and restraint. A big bad look from her kills me dead.
Tomorrow I start the Chester Course and am thinking about kipping two nights in Chester. Hmmm.
Got a busy day today. Need to start thinking about writing Fridays talk.

Going underground

Out of the pit at some unearthly hour. Jean gives me a lift into town for my counselling appt at CIC. Being early and sans breakfast means aq quick call into the mission cafe. I see cozzie hoovering by the door and I am in. Back of the net. Tea toast and a supportive natter. Then up to see Maureen at CIC. Ironically carrying two bottles of champagne. The woman on the desk is cheery as ever and barks at me for tring to write in the staff signing in book. I give her my best but I am mental look but it counts for nothing here. She looks to be a grand master in ju-jitsu and 4th dan control and restraint. A big bad look from her kills me dead.
Tomorrow I start the Chester Course and am thinking about kipping two nights in Chester. Hmmm.
Got a busy day today. Need to start thinking about writing Fridays talk.

Barcelona Photo Tour Guide - Antoni Gaudi Park Güell

Barcelona Photo Tour Guide - Antoni Gaudi Park Güell
The Parc Guell shots I should have taken.

Monday in work

Fell behind in a dreamy state and subsequently a bit late. Caught up with the pre-op assesment people and the post op peeps from the weekend. Realised how deeply priveliged I am to find myself in a job like this. See a guy for whom a few months has made a huge difference - makes it all worthwhile. Do a bit of hands on type nursing (not that the ward staff would have noticed) it was more fevered brow and comfort type jobbie). It made me realise what a state I was in with the peritonitis, when I was in pain spaced out on morphine and feeling alone and scared. Caught up with people and did some phone calls. Meeting a lady from http://www.huntleigh-healthcare.co.uk/deep_vein_thrombosis.html here tomorrow. She is fortuitously in Aintree anyway. Need to catch up with Sarah about laminates and slideshow and leaflets. Spoke to Andi from Mentorn top woman. Spoke to jane whi is completely barking but inspirational and motivating on several levels. I was reduced to tears when I told her I wouldnt have made the New York trip without her. I was crapping myself 96% of the time - she said I looked confident -being obese makes you a good liar - and I could always project well. Tomorrow is Lesley and Louises birthday and yesterday Davinia dropped the sprog. I didnt show enough interest but was allowed off the hook on "bloke" factor.
After a drive home wit an ex tank transporter driver from gulf war I I jump the 173 to Penny Lane for http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/lennon_4.asp adele to trim my silver locks. Then off to a card shop and a quick bit of present shoppping. Home via the 68 and the pasta mince tea. Quick call to mum and sit on bum helping(hindering) Ally with French homework.
We ruminate as a family on a topic of family interest - tossers keep ringing our house asking if we are Ryanair - no we are not?? the tosserific answer is "Are you sure?"(I shit you not). I have started answering queries logging complaints and booking seats. So if you think you have got 12A on the 20.05 from Liverpool to Grenoble on Nov 21 I am sorry, but you were so gullible. I also apologise to the man whose complaint led to him being upgraded to "emerald" status on every flight (free murphys crisps and baileys) but the serial number CB1664 should have been a give away. CB is a code phrase used by customer service departments everywhere for their special customers. Yes it does mean "crying bastard" look out for it for everytime you complain. Check the serial number on your harvester or little chef gift vouchersyou got in response to the complaint - I mean what sort of Alien buys someone they like little chef vouchers for birthdays. (Apologies in advance to Louise and Lesley).

Sunday

Got up late, arsed on computer. Tried in vain to catch up.

TV Cream Themes: A-E

TV Cream Themes: A-E Pointed this way by mad billy friday mornins taxi driver. Some gems off for a bath in the scent of nostalgia.

EVERTONFC.COM: | Match | Fixtures & Results | Everton v Wigan

EVERTONFC.COM: Match Fixtures & Results Everton v Wigan We was robbed and the ref was crap. Though I did did get a fine everton ball point as my matchday souvenir.

Ken in St Cast le Guildo France 2006 - Pelforth Brune 

Jean with Duncan McKenzie

Saturday Jeans Birthday Pressie

Off to see http://www.evertonfc.com/splash.php play Wigan Athletic. It was Jeans special birthday present and we had opted for the http://www.evertonfc.com/hospitality/the-marquee.html option very fine too. Sat next to Tommy who was 60 pictured right with Duncan Mckenzie and his daughter a florist (left with alan whittle).
The meal was good with leek and spud soup a huge pork chop apple and bilbery crumble cheeese and bics and coffee etc. Wine and grog flowed freely. I scuppered the champagne on arrival by asking for OJ. I am beginning to get warped pleasure. We had excellent seats and got vouchers for a brew at half time. After the game its back into the tent for even more free grog. i again bucked the system with my wimpy cries for water and coffee. When I get really confident I shall proclaim full wanker status by asking for decaff wherever I go.

A quick weeks overview

Monday Afternoon counselling, Tuesday duffing about meeting in the night, Wednesday back to work, meeting about roles. Still jet lagged. Thursday see Frank in AM pleased with progress off to work. Friday work. Saturday off to football.

Best Western City View Motor Inn - Long Island City - Long Island City Hotels - NY

Best Western City View Motor Inn - Long Island City - Long Island City Hotels - NY

Impressions of New York

It was big and busy, a melting pot of people thrown together. Yellow cabs delis, subways and fire escapes. I didn't see enough of it but hey this was work.
I will biog the main characters when I get home.

Stagecoach Buses

I can visualise it - top level management meet. Let's change bus numbers randomly to piss people off. Great idea says justin the customer service director. Wait says Flick acting director (designate) communications, let's really head fook people by not telling the people, and for the icing do it when Ken Clares away and let him stand waiting for ages while three 75a's (the buses formerly known as stagecoach 80's chug past. Then we can carry out a census and say no fooker usesd the bus and withdraw the service. Great. No I haven't taken it personally.

Monday Morning

Goosed I can hear the phone and my blackberry ringing away. I just turn over and ignore it. Eventually I give in its yasmin from mentorn and followed by jane. It takes up a lot of time. Then jean rings. Feels like I been on the fone all night truth is I keep falling asleep and waking up. Let shakespeare out and do the washing. Deep joy in dire need of food I hot foot up to simply coffee in need of breakfast. I end up with a baked spud instead. It was filling but not what I wanted. Enjoyed the path to 9/11 last night on beeb 2 and recorded the new drama on beeb3. - caught a blimp of lawrence on the trailer so seems an essential watch. Got a counselling appt and need to work out when I am in work this week. Need to catch up on website stuff and personal stuff too. Busy

Delayed Flight

At least an hour body say 8am clock say 1pm can see how air rage develops. Cannae be arsed doing shopping reading papers or anything. Just want to be home and chillin. Cookies shortbread coffee and hotchocolate options exhausted. Just watching allo allo without the sound and realise I have never seen it. From the images dont look like I am missing much. Keeping fluids up as per sir dicks instructions ( as voiced danni behr and vic reeves) leads to mighty pee situation. Its a nuisance as I have to take everything with me. Gas bulding up too but solidrelease needs to wait till undercrackers are installed. Consider consequences of shopping for undersized overpriced scrons in duty free but cold lead to embarrassing constriction of both nethers and wallet (both v. sensitive areas).

Commando in Heathrow

I must have slept for about 2 hours and it wasstrangely kind of ok. I was woke with an enquiry about coffee and a muffin (least it sounded like that) Jane pronounced the muffin crap (well her mum was linguistically challenged being german) I agreed and binned it. After much arsing we got our luggage got though immigration and she me her son and we said goodbye I hoofed it to terminal one. Couldnt check in was too early. mooched. Listened to sounds and then checked in pleased to find i was premium economy, less pleased to see I had to hand in my perfume I had bought for Jean. Bought some more airside and some for me too. BMI lounge was crap. plenty of free ale (whoopee)but no shower not even a towel I had to strip wah in the disabled toilet using oldtshirt and bill grundies as a towel.Donned Big Apple t-shirt and new blak strides. severe deficit in undercrackr department so for third time in my life I go commando. This is not good news. Underpants serve as a protective layer in case of accident. I am nervous about flying, change in pressure causes excess gas release. Result stained premium economy seats. Also constant anxiety re flies down. Makes me check every 5.4 seconds all is well - leading to impression that I am a continually fiddling. Not good any way its cut. No sat in lounge tryig to make sense of blog and waiting for call for flight. BMI did score something by letting me check in online though that was impressive. I am sat in front of three heavily stockedfree bars. I have had some irn bru, sobriety is challenging again still winning though.
Been to costa coffee as thisplace has nowt what I really wanted was a bacon butty ended up with a crapy al day club costing 64 quid ad being pants. Sat next to three poles banging back the tetley bitter and the stella. ( At 10.30!!). Anyway waiting for call.

Saturday pm and flight in the night

Saturday pm and flight in the night

Saturday am

There will be some text but meanwhile heres the pics.

New York 3

Sep 9, 2006 - 36 Photos

Filming in Times Square.

Jane is getting guys on street corners and doing some health checks. Scott funky dude on sound Action man paul the real star on camera, Jakob guards kit and signs release. Erina on 2nd camera and robert sort of directs ( I think). Paul says I am the grip, which means I lug the tripod. Talk to a nice traffic cop in times square from puerto rico.I watch Jane and their gang doing their stuff. Bored shitless I decide to help by acting as Jakobs assistant fetching drinks and guarding gear. He even lets me do a release form. That lad will be big I predict so sucking up seems apt. we lunch in some sort of stange gaff.t gump Paul tells me its themed on forrest gump. took lunch here The service was exceptional I had a blueberry lemonade and a bucket it was good. All seemed good. then we we were off to do my bit.

New York 2

Sep 6, 2006 - 149 Photos

I wantedto take my camera

I faced another demon and climbed a rickety fire escape with support) to ook across the river it was great, a moving view. This was the nearest I could find.

Filming at Brookhaven

to be filed a day of mixed emotion and tired ended in polish food in brooklyn. More to be written.

New York Pics

New York

Sep 6, 2006 - 93 Photos

Arrived at hotel spooky and meet the gang.

Our hotel is the city view best western (aka) shitty view. It was a dive. It was as bad as anything onb the french tour. It seemed like many of the rooms were rented on an ourly basis often to girls who seemed v. Busy. There was always a family in reception invariably with opnly one english speaker a screaming baby and a black bag full of possesions being dragged behind a cute toddler. The recptionist didn't have english and we didn't have hotel american. They guy couldn't dig at first thaqt we weren't a married and b didn't want to share. He offered us many, in his eyes desirable incentives. I ended up with a post hammer horror four poster and jane with a group size jacuzzi. As I unplugged my laptop a cockroach (golden) wandered across the keyboard. We freshened then were picked up by robert and erina. Taken to a posh diner gaff. Nice stuff and I was persuaded to the halibut special by the painfully thin waitress. After a good meal we ended up back at our hotel at 33-17 Greenpoint. Cockroach was there ready for a chat, had pills turned TV on and fell soundly asleep.

This was first day in New York

test test

Flight to NY

We queued fo a bit but Jane worked some magic. The security stuff took ages and we ended up legging to the gate (19) I think. Was sweaty and breathless on arrival. The aircraft was a 747-400 we were in seats 49 A and B opposite the stewardesses and next to the exit. Telly screens didnt work for the first couple of hours and refusing drinks was hard but the water was good. I thought it was tight for the belt but did bette when I took the loop from under m bum. Had pretzels, then meal was chicken pasta sauce salad bun choc mousee and coffee. Lady next to me celebrated by throwing her red wine over my leg. She subsequently burst into tears and was consoled by the cabn crew I immediatly was villefied for possessing the offending leg. As a consolation prize I was offered a first class sleeping suit (large) which I was feared to wear in case it didnt fit. I also thought I have scored some Jimmys for Ally. the flight passed quicker than I thought we talked a lot about a whole lot of stuff. Jane watched a film I watched Dr who, she had a kip I played with the seat console game thing. It has a thing which shows you where you are on your journey. It was cool it first told me I was over newfoundland and hen labrador sod me I thought its crufts turn left at the shitzu and you are home. We had a nice talk to the crew and then landed in the peeing down rain got through immigration customs and baggage surprisingly quickly. There was a huge queue for taxis so we ended up negotiating a shady deal with a geezer with a people carrier from trinidad. Fifty bucks so pretty cool, traffic was the pits found the hotel aftr the geezer rang it. English speakers seemed at a premium.

Met jane and through to airside

Can't think of a better colleague to travel with. She blags us a cheap upgrade to the seats with more legroom. Top stuff.

Arrived heathrow

10 minutes late after 35 minute flight. Good stuff on a 757 had 3 seats to my self. My 3rd breakfast was a bacon and scrambled egg panini and water. Read the times and the daily mail. Got off the hairyplane and hoofed it to terminal 4 after baggage reclaim. I just seen a lady with a krispy kreme donut bag I want one. I rang Jane she's on her way due in about 11.30 I am sat outside in smokerland the airport is too noisy and bright stimulating colours for me. I think I have left my nano behind which would be a fag as I have the usb cable headphones and headphones. Policing this gaff must be a nightmare even before orange alert or whatever we are on. I plan to look again for my nano. My finding skills are shot at. One more try. I shall even annotate the contents of my handbaggage see if that helps.

The futureheads.

Seen carrying their gear going on the North american tour.

Anxiety

Flight leaves 8.20 gate closes 8.10 I am still sitting in lounge BA 1387 if you are interested.

Tuesday D-day

We get up too early. Village cab arrives we know the same people me and the driver. Off to airport painless checkin and security. Man doesn't want to frisk me. I am dissapointed I suppose the fact I lay on my left side knees to chest KY and glove in hand discouraged him. My ticket entitles me to top BA lounge experience which is tickety boo. All free ale and food. Bottles and tinnies by the shed full. Looks like I picked a crap time to change meds and give up ale. I decide to satisfy by seeing how many breakfasts I can do. Added benefit of lounge is hawks eye view of proles and terrace view of airport. Top stuff gonna rob a paper.

Monday - 4 years ago today

Off to work 3 patients to see, all good stuff. Itinerary for america starts to emerge and change. Was flying BA then air india who knows what as day goes home. Roast chicken for tea get dollars from the post office. Ally is out at FACT I kip. Jean comes home and does necessart packing. I sort insurance and crap like that. Off to marks to score in the Blue lagoon sale. Then to mothers who looks swollen and shakey then home via Ruth and pauls for travel adapter and new york books. Packed by Jean and so to bed.

Holiday inn express Speke

0845345000

Long journey

Lifes too short to be with you. Drinkin wine spoh dee oh dee stix mcgee. Witchita lineman Glen campbell. Every one must get stoned Bob dylan in a very wet derbyshire. Just passed through reddish north which is in manchester apparently. Need some more music putting on the ipod nano for sure some stones.
Paul Simon still crazy after all these years. What's that all about.
Sunday bloody sunday U2 which I like when bono doesn't dissapear up his own bum. I like the still haven't found version where the gospel choir are on. James sit down I like this stuff kieran will be chucking up. The badnews is I think I have left my book scaredy cat in the hotel. Hope not but will need stuff for trip to New York.

More mp3

Tom and jools don't you kiss my cheek. All along the watchtower big bob dylan.
Housemartins happy hour Ally favourite as I recall. Maybe some reserved seat action. Someones in mine so I am next to her in someone elses but being british we are all seething and saying nothing. I love the tension two pensioners have upped the ante theh fought for the freedom to have reserved seats. The codgers are armed too aqnd to a soundtrack of lou reed walkijng on the wild side I imagine them decapitating the offending reserved seat snatchers. One of them has a glass eye and keeps giving him me the evil eye with it. So I polish it and give it him back.
The champs tequila always reminds me of an ER episode.
Then its on to led zep whole lotta love. Odd man out tom and jools while I eat a crayfish rocket with lemon and black pepper mayo on malted brown bread made by the foo.go company with biodegradable pack. Surprisingly no web site. What's up 4 non blondes.

Mp3

ABC the jackson 5. Classic stuff first album I ever bought from kays catalogue on music cassette. Wacko at his best I think. Feeling dancing up the train. Always makes me wanna dance. Also on same album was rockin robin.
Next is martha reeves and the vandellas dancin in the street. I first heard of it in a yes tour programme in 1975 when bassist Chris Squire cited it aas his most influential track.

Signal gone

In the middle of nowhere. No signal to speak of. I am left thinking about the week ahead. Need to claim expenses. Sort bank. Sort endowment claim. Sort diary. Need to confirm peter, arrange gill, speak to jase and bob and big steve. The new tech team. Got lots of actions fronm the meet too.

Sat cont

Committee bled into mods. So fi vineeta jane nell me joined by steve pip sarah jayne rachel sarah and jilly. Went well good meet but too long for goldfish brain man. Degenerated into social side. I stayed sober due to meds change and it was kinda interesting. A whole new perspective for me. Ordered a curry fromk the take away recommended by the hotel. Fairly qaverage and pricey. Late night for me went to bed at 1 the stragglers stayed up till 2. I was goosed. I was helped in sobriety by jayne nell and jane. Woke up to a crap continental breakfast (mental note to go for feb or mcd take out next time). Got lift to nottingha from rachel and jilly. Nell made train so did I. Coffee double decker sunday times blog and mp3 player mix of dylan and jools. Good stuff.

Saturday sobriety 4 drinkers 3

Came out the wrong entrance of nottingham station still dying for a pee. Got a taxi to holiday inn express east midlands. Twenty squid. Full bladder felt every bump. Arrived there shouted hi and dived in the bog. Didn't recognise jayjay and sarah. Rest of the gang there. Started comm meet went very well good to see Jane.

Trying to live life properly

There is a family on their way to Skeggy for a break three generationss and a house full of luggage. The mum struggles with the kitchen sink. The train fills at chesterfield I offer the seat next to me to dad with stick. Do a bit of work and concentrate on being awake. A full time job in itself. A load of supporters on the train don't know who are what they support could be anything. They are talking about the soul less nature of the arena has me guessing.
Two sisters sit opposite one daily mail other the times. Going to peterborough (where you change for Norwich. Alfreton next stop. About 25 mins to sheffield and I want a pee to crowded to go I am making a mental note to pee before sheffield. Did I mention they sent me a certificate. Sheffield uni that is. Certificate in Health Information Management. Not much but I am proud. Rang DVLA yesterday, they acknowledged reciept of re application for driving licence and when they stopped laughing they have written to my GP and consultant. Would you let this boy drive a motor. Hmm interesting will be selling the renault if its no show. Will be gutted if truth be told - cross that bridge and all that. No point worrying about that far ahead.

Reflecting on a big week

Been busy and big stuff. So much of which I either can't or don't want to share with both my readers right now. Suppose it would be easier to talk about the stuff I can share. Frank has changed my meds and I seem over sedated (his aim). I wander round in a semi stuporous state waking only to remember to go to sleep. He wanted me to hibernate me I chose to carry on with life at bare essential level. The stress for jean and ally is palpable. So what's happened. This morning I wake up on atrain bound for Nottingham its for a meeting of the committee and the mods. I haven't completed everything I planned but will seek help.
Projects :- the american gig. Its luike d-day everyone knows I am coming who knows when? I have spoken to andi and the other mentorn person who's name escapes me. She's aussie and seems a great laff, far more straight forward then my previous contact there. Anyway tuesday I think.
Review of a publication done which I can't tell you about (non disclosure agreement).
Discussion with an agent (not mine) I have not got nor plan to get an agent.
Meeting with a publisher in September.
Been appointed NW co-rdinator of PiF. Patient Information Forum. Good bunch and may lead to some gigs.
Meeting to discuss roles in bariatric team at abbey sefton when everyone back.
Starting MSc at Chester in September, got a gig on the course as visiting lecturer too.
National Obesity Forum meeting coming up. Followed by AGM of the charity.
Jeans in london for a week before NOF and I am going down on the friday we will catch a play she will come back sunday. I have booked jurys gt russell street. Where the NOF gig is and near the British museum. So once again my busiest three months of the year looms.
So focussing in at home and on the last week.
Got home sunday. No results, bank holiday monday. Tuesday no results. Rang st hildas who were holding them to ransom for 4.50 despite the fact they knew she was coming back and the librarian said t was cool. She was probably an anarchist library grpaaduate like Loopy boy.
I dived in a cab got them and brought them home. Been reported on but
3A's
6A's
1B
Is worth saying again.
Work wednesday, domestics a bit of a mess. Shopping and catering down to me so we end up with badly timed chicken and a ready meal fest a take away looms in there somewhere. Ended up double lasagne and veggie canneloni yesterday, I irradated a marfona for ally and we binned the canneloni, too much bechamel. To be fair the rusticella finest garlic bread was the highlight.
Had heaps of post to sort and appointments.
Post:-
Solicitors and bank/mortgage poop
Stuff from Granada
Mags - private eye, BJOT, nursing standard, the tract (RCN rag about guts). Obesity surgery.
RCN president and dep president, I voted for the two people I had met before. (My guiding principle in election methodology). Mike Travis from Alder Hey and Necylyn who was on the panel when I won nurse of the year.
Took Friday off I was too goosed to work. Caught up with some important calls, shot down to grenbank and sorted out the AGM and the rest of the NW meets for the year.
So here I am on a train to Nottingham barely awake. Passed through the Liverpool stations hunts cross, widnes, warrington birchwood two manchesters headed for stockport sheffield chesterfield, alfreton, nottingham.
The first bit of the journey was acutely familiar as I made it often once a week when I started nursing 27 years ago.