Musings

Summer breeze makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind...

If you're a Brit I'm sure it hasn't escaped your notice that summer arrived in the UK this weekend!  Oh, the warmth on my skin, the sun on my face, the scent of barbecue...



  

I swept all my winter pullovers, coats and boots into the back of the storage cupboard at once, and lovingly hung up my summer clothes in the wardrobe.  The contents instantly changed from a dull black to an array of colour.  My beautiful flowery swishy dresses, back at last.  My clippy cloppy sandals.  My sunglasses!  It's been too long.  Big smiles.





Video killed the radio star...

Ok, I'm really going to sound my age now.  Or maybe even a little bit older.  I was chatting to a colleague the other day and I mentioned something I'd heard on the radio.   To which my colleague replied, "I wouldn't know, I don't listen to the radio".

You don't listen to the radio?!?!

Yes I know reader, I know you're thinking the same thing.  To which she continued, "Actually I don't have a radio at home".

What on earth is the world coming to?  Is it my age to blame for the fact that I expect everyone who has a reasonable (or even paltry) income, to possess a radio?  Necessities in the home: oven, sofa, toilet, radio.

Simple as that.  Am I too old to understand?

This weekend alone I've laughed along to Graham Norton, sung along to Desert Island Discs, relaxed to the laidback drawl of Huey Morgan, and chuckled with Sara Cox.  I lamented the fact that I missed Alan Carr, and hurried home to catch Paul O'Grady.  All while I've carried on doing other things, such as cooking, writing, reading papers, etc., rather than staring at a goggle box.  Radio brings me information, news, laughs and new music (or even reminds me of old tunes I'd forgotten).  With the arrival of digital fancy gadgets and radio 6, I think radio is getting better every day.

The day that radio becomes a thing of the past, feel free to throw me over a cliff.  I won't mind.



I would, however, like to add an exclamation of indignance.  Who in their right mind thought it suitable to draft in radio 1 "DJ" Fearne Cotton to do the commentary for the forthcoming royal nuptials on the BBC?  I'd sooner listen to Terry Wogan, or even someone like Julian Clary.  She's ruined my wedding day.  I'm not a fan.

Eyes down...

I've joined a reading group!  Yes I know this post is making me sound older and older as the sentences progress.  But I thought it might expand my cultural horizons.  To counteract the overall feeling that I'm doing old person's things, I've chosen one which takes place in the centre of town, in the bar of a trendy hotel.  My first book to read is Yiyun Li's "The Vagrants".  I'll look forward to it.  Apologies to any trendy young things who attend book groups of their own, I hope I haven't offended.



P.S.  I've also joined a rambling group, in preparation for my Ben Nevis walk in July.  Mine's a sweet sherry...

Got my first writing assignment back from my tutor. The response was good. Being a natural worrier, I immediately thought to myself, I'm sure the tutor says that to all of her pupils initially. Who knows? I'll gratefully accept her kind words and move onwards to assignment 2. We'll see what the next few assignments bring. I'm enjoying it so far anyway.

Good news no. 1: My lovely friend Mariana and her fiance Kad are getting married, in Gretna Green, in August! How exciting. Hat shopping is definitely on the cards. If I start early enough, I may find a hat in time to wear it to the pub on Will and Kate's forthcoming special day, and then save it for Gretna. I'm really happy for them as they're such a good couple (by that comment I meant Mariana and Kad, although I'm sure HRH and his future wife are too). And any excuse for a knees-up!



Good news no. 2: We're planning a girlie trip to Paris, to shop, drink wine and dine on escargots and other delights. Best start saving now.

Good news no. 3: Only one week left at work, and I'm on holiday for nine whole days! Not that I'm doing much, I'll be working in my Mother's shop for the week while they visit sunny Suffolk. But it's very relaxing and as it's only small I might find the time there to work on my writing assignments. It's also good to have a break from the norm.

Speaking of which, a very happy Mothering Sunday to all you mothers out there. Hope you're being pampered as I type. Make sure you wallow in a nice bubble bath and eat plenty of chocolate.



My work here is done.

Been doing a lot of work so far this week.  So, as my replacement member of staff arrived at 10 am, I downed tools.

Hello Wednesday!  I'm all yours.  Work no more.  Particularly important on a day such as this.  Spring is definitely springing, if it hasn't already sprung, and I love it.  From where I am sitting, I can see birds nesting, bees busying themselves around flowers, an open door to let the breeze in, and a wapping great big bunch of daffs in a vase.  Toby is outside on the patio with his nose in the air and a lazy demeanour.  My winter coats and boots are safely tucked away for another time, and I'm going to hunt out the dresses and sandals.  Oh Joy!

As soon as I've had this cuppa, I'm going to walk the mutt, then I'm going for a run, and then my pal Emma and I are going roller skating.  And then onwards to the pub.  And why not?



Making Plans

It's Saturday it's Saturday it's Saturday!



My favourite day of the week.  It used to be Sundays, but as I'm now resigned to (usually) working six days a week, Saturday being the only one off, it's all change.

Hasn't the weather been beautiful this week?  This is the first week that Toby and I have seen rabbits on our walks.  He doesn't even bother to chase them any more.  I think he realises he's fighting a losing battle. 
The path was full of tiny worms this morning, so many that unfortunately I had to make the sad decision as to which ones to save and which to sacrifice.  Alas, I had to place my feet somewhere.  Toby had no such concern.



Spent the morning listening to the delightful Graham Norton on the radio, and then - HURRAH - finally got around to writing and sending off my first assignment for the writing course I'm doing, or supposed to be doing.    Can't say I'm ecstatic about my work, I feel I could have done umpteen times better, but hey ho, what's done is done, and I was determined not to keep it hanging over my head a minute longer.  And it is only the first one...I vow to improve on things as I progress.  I suppose that's the whole point isn't it?  Let's see what comes back.  Feeling slightly daunted by the whole palaver to be honest. 

So with that, I'm moving on to more positive topics!
Two research projects today:

1)  I need to locate, and apply for, a suitable allotment, in which to grow my own lovely fruit and vegetables, and hopefully keep chickens too!  I should have done this in the winter, could have been there right now, smugly observing my seedlings and clucking hens.  Never mind, it's a start, and wasn't something I had considered in the winter. 

2)  I need to find a stall in which to sell my mother's wares.  She has a little gift and card shop (makes all her own cards don't you know), and needs to offload a few things, so there's no time like the present.  A little craft fair, preferably in a well-to-do part of town, would be marvellous.

After that's done, a run is in order if I have any hope of not coming last in the Great North Run in September.  Followed by a cuppa and the Guardian.  Followed by a night out here:

For as long as I've been alive, until recently, whenever I passed the Central Bar at the Gateshead side of the Tyne Bridge, I was always struck by the amount of "triffids" growing in the windows of this place.  A run down, triangular oddity of a pub on the edge of town, as my years grew in numbers, so the triffids grew in size.  The pub was never painted, revamped, anything.  I always had a secret desire to pop in for a swift half though, as I imagined it being full of character.  I never did though.

Until now!  The Central bar has had a rehaul, boasting live music and a roof-top terrace bar.  So I'm off to explore this evening.  Rumour has it that Deborah Harry of Blondie fame will be there.  Who knows?  I shall report back with my findings.

 





Ugly Duckling

Things I learned today:

- one of my colleagues was self sufficient for SEVEN YEARS!  How wonderful.  She grew fruit and vegetables, kept chickens and bartered for anything else that was needed.  She said that it was the most carefree, enjoyable time of her life.  I feel an allotment coming on. 



- I just simply cannot work in an office all day.  I had one of my rare office days today, and I struggled.  Someone drilled the pavement incessantly outside of the window.  I wanted to pick up the laminating machine and throw it straight through said window and off their head.  I'm not a violent person.  I did achieve a few things today, but then amused myself by creating pictoral diagrams, updating my email address list, talking about self-sufficiency, etc., etc.  I ate my lunch by 11.45 a.m. just for something to do.



- I don't care what anyone says, "Black Swan" just isn't my cup of tea.  My friends are divided into two categories: those who think it's wonderful, and those who think it's weird.  I'm afraid I fall into the latter.
At this present moment, as I type, Natalie Portman is prising her toes apart.  The skin between them has moulded together, so she only has three toes on each foot instead of five.  No, thanks.  I'm probably missing the irony of it all, or something.  I'm probably not intelligent enough to understand the emotions being conveyed.  I don't care, it's absolute piffle.



- Little pretty birdies are nesting along the path where I walk Toby.  Look at their lovely nest.  They're absolute geniuses (or is it genii?)

The goddess that is Elizabeth Taylor has sadly passed away.  She of the violet eyes and heart-shaped face.  Oscar winner and AIDS campaigner.  I loved her best in "National Velvet".  RIP Liz.





Fact of the day:  The budget on "Black Swan" was so tight that when star Natalie Portman had a rib dislocated during a lift and she called the producer for help, she was told that the budget was so low they had no medic. She stated that if they needed to cut items from the budget they could take away her trailer, instead of the medic. The next day her trailer was gone.



Fitting Tribute

Just realised that I haven't posted in a week!  I'm shocked - this wasn't in the plan at all.  I don't really know where the week has gone to be honest.

Last night we all met at the rugby club, where Sophie and Ben planted a tree in the grounds in memory of their dad.  Stuart's ashes were scattered where the tree was planted and a plaque was revealed to show everyone the importance of the tree.  Afterwards we all let some Chinese lanterns go, against the backdrop of the enormous moon.  They float so peacefully, and we watched them until they were tiny dots in the sky, and then they disappeared.  A fitting tribute.

Tonight it was back to the rugby club, where a cheque was presented to Macmillan for £2,300.  This was the money raised at Stu's funeral in lieu of flowers.  Such was his popularity.  Quite an achievement!

So I did another run today!  I've now received my Macmillan vest for the Great North Run, so I thought I'd better get my act together, as currently, I can't run for a bus.  Toby is no help though; he keeps sitting down in protest.  He's not the most athletic of pooches.  I'm going to have to leave him at home next time.

So I've set up my web page (as below), early days, but the early bird catches the worm, they say.  Here's hoping I catch a good few!!

*****http://www.justgiving.com/forStu*****

Extra Double Bonus Time off Work

My shift is cancelled for tomorrow, therefore a whole weekend off for Hodgy!  Hurrah!

Started my day with a long walk with Toby.  The sun came out to join us.  We usually go to this location for our walk, as photographed with said sun this morning:

Lately we've had three friends join us, if we get out early enough.  Three enormous deer emerge from the woods, stop to graze on the football field, and then drift silently on their long slender legs back into the woodland again.  They're beautiful and graceful, and I'm always caught offguard when I spot them.  Never get my camera out in time.

Managed to tick off half of my "to do" list today!  Including meeting my good pal Gill for a catch up.  Hot topic of the day, not counting the usual gossip, was conspiracy theories.  It's all going on at Denver International Airport!  Blimey.

So now, after a couple of pieces of the best cheese and onion pie in the world (my mother's), I'm tucked up in bed with my laptop and what must be my gazillionth viewing of "The Godfather".  Yes, on a Saturday night.  I do indeed know how to live the wild life.

                                     

Fact of the day:  Deer are quick and skillful swimmers, often taking to water when frightened. Deer can easily swim across lakes or rivers at over 10 miles per hour.



Workin' 9 to 5

Had a very productive day at work today.  Making a couple of people happy + getting a compliment + achieving something + good office gossip = job done.

Best part was a huge hazelnut latte and a chat in Costa with one of the people I support, which is always a bonus.  Is there anything better on a chilly windy day, when a person is full of cold, than sitting in a comfy chair drinking hot coffee?  Apart from a hot toddy?  I don't think so.

Plans for the weekend have sadly been shelved, due to unforeseen circumstances.  I need to come up with some ideas, and fast!  The cheaper the better.  If anyone out there has any suggestions, please throw them this way.  If, indeed, there is anyone out there.  Is anyone reading this?!  Not that it matters I suppose.  Ideas, I need ideas!

Anyhoo, so far this weekend I plan to:

- meet a friend for coffee Saturday morning

- go for a run without stopping for longer than five minutes

- have a long walk or two with the hound
- finish of my current assignment for my writing course (must, must, must)

- take my library books back and replace
- do a bit of work with someone I support on Sunday afternoon (might cycle there and back, if the weather is good.  Then again, it's easy to say that now, on Thursday evening, with a glass of red wine in hand).

But I need something different and exciting.  Something I've never done before.



Don't be silly!  Not that!  I'm not doing that!  I've applied to join the Northumbrian Wildlife Trust as a volunteer, imagining myself carefully cradling abandoned baby puffins and all that, but sadly I'm yet to hear anything.  I suppose I should go and join a flamenco class, really.  But how scary is that to do on your own?!?!

Fact of the day:  although it's a very corny 80's song, it's very difficult to listen to "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News without losing yourself in song.

I've also given up bread for lent.  I'm not that mad on chocolate, so the choices were:

- crisps

- alcohol

- bread

Bread it was then.  I'd sooner give up alcohol than crisps, and I've got a cold so need hot toddies at present (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it).

I must be honest, I thought bread would be easy.  But blimey!  Garlic bread served with my pasta this evening...aaargh.  I turned my face away, wearing a big pet lip and a huffy demeanour.

Never Forget

Just wanted to take a wee moment to recommend a link.  All about a wonderful man I was very lucky to know and call my brother-in-law.  And keeping his memory alive.



http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sarahmarshall2506/1

Rollin', rollin', rollin'...

Roller disco was fab.  Managed the hour without falling over.  Good exercise too, and for £3.95 with a free hot dog and carton of juice thrown in, I for one felt it was a bargain!  As I whizzed (okay then, teetered) around, I lost myself in a world of disco music and naff 1980's films.  I do recall, a few years ago, throwing away a couple of hours watching one terrible roller disco film, which starred Linda Blair of the Exorcist fame.  As happy as she was on her wheels, I'm afraid she'll always terrify the living daylights out of me.  Sorry pet.

   

Rewarded ourselves with a pint or three at the lovely Cumberland Arms pub in Ouseburn afterwards.  I love how one of the rooms is a cosy drinking library; everyone looked very content with their pints and their books, the fire crackling in the corner.  One man was sitting on his own, happily chortling away, with a pint of ale in one hand and a book called "Balderdash and Piffle" in the other.  He was in kinks.  I must read that book.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/pubs/5940034/Newcastle-Pub-Guide-The-Cumberland-Arms-Byker.html

Fact of the day:  Roller skating burns 350-600 calories per hour!

Sniff...

Sniff...cough...sniff...achoo....blurgh.

In case you haven't noticed, I've got a cold.  Sniff.

But on the bright side, I'm going to the roller rink tomorrow!

Fact of the day:  Cold germs can survive for up to three hours outside of the nasal passage.  Yuck.

Tell me it's not true....

After a successful day's work and a quick bite to eat in Pizza Express, I went with H to see Blood Brothers at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle.  It was just wonderful, brilliant acting, very good singing, and a standing ovation at the end.  I'm impressed.  It was a weepie, but also funny in parts.  If you haven't been to see it, GO.  GO NOW!!!!  I'm not that into musicals but I make an exception with this one. 

The female lead was played by a woman who reached the semi finals of the X factor.  And I have to say, she was excellent.  Makes you wonder how many talented people out there remain undiscovered or never achieve their dreams.  She was born to be on stage, and yet if it weren't for a tv talent show she'd be working in Sainsburys or Lloyds TSB or somewhere like that.

I'm going to try and get tickets and go back with my mother on Tuesday.



When the lights went on at the end, a girl sitting near me had black mascara running in torrents down her face, she was covered.  A sign of a good play if ever I saw one.

Fact of the day:  the first actor appeared on stage in 534 BC.  He was called Thespis.



Day off

Love it!  Am currently in bed with my lovely strong coffee.  Going to go for a run with the mutt and then shopping, and hopefully a bit of writing too. 

Got a ticket for Evolution on Newcastle Quayside last night, for 29th May.  Amongst others Tinie Tempah, Example and Plan B!  Should be good.

Fact of the day:  coffee beans are not really beans at all.  They're berries.

Keep on runnin'...

Got confirmation of my place on the Great North Run for MacMillan today - woo!

To celebrate, I took Toby on another mini-jog around the fields.  He wasn't impressed.  Booster injections this morning, and running this afternoon.  Poor sausage.

I then bought a magazine called "Women's Running".  A whole bloomin' magazine just about women running!  I'm only up to page 12 and already wondering how they're going to eke it out for...(let me check)...122 pages.

One of the articles tells you how to have a firmer bust in only five steps.  Presumably by running?

Fact of the day:  Great North Run participants have clocked up more that nine and a half million miles between them.  Every postcode in the UK is represented in the starting line up.

Money Money Money

Another event to add to the collection!  Race for Life, around Saltwell Park, 15th May 2011.

                   

I started my training with a little mini-run this morning with the dog.  A very little mini-run, I might add, as I have a lurgy at the moment, so far from my best health.  It's a start though!  And I must add, I felt better for that sudden tiny burst of enthusiasm and energy.  I'll run a bit further tomorrow, and the next day, and so on. 

It's funny how dogs have a compulsion to run alongside you.  I'm not convinced that Toby is altogether keen on the idea (preferring to play ball), but it's as if his mechanics insist that he runs.  He has no idea what he's letting himself in for.

Fact of the day:  The record for the most money raised for charity by an individual marathon runner is £1,841,138 (US$3,669,325) and was set by Steve Chalke (UK) who raised the money for Oasis UK by completing the Flora London Marathon, London, UK, on 22 April 2007.  

Plan of Action!

Ok here are the plans to date:

16th July 2011 - Relay for Life - raising money for Cancer Research by running/jogging/walking for 20 hours (taking turns at an hour a time).  At the moment there are five of us so that means four hours each.

29th-31st July 2011 - Climbing Ben Nevis - raising money for Macmillan.  Macmillan were and are still a tremendous support to Stuart, my sister and the kids, and even offered advice and counselling to friends and their kids.  What a wonderful job the nurses do.  Clare, the nurse who has been supporting my sister Sarah, will turn up at her door at the drop of a hat, just so that she has someone to talk to.  Clare's support has been invaluable, and like everyone else these days, there are costs being cut, and they need money to improve cancer care and to continue doing the wonderful work they do.

18th September 2011 - Great North Run - should get confirmation of my place tomorrow with any luck.  Crikey I'd better get into practice!  Can't even run for a bus.  Again, this is to raise money for Macmillan

25th February - 4th March 2012 - 100km trek across the Sahara Desert for Macmillan!

Let's see how much I can raise.  For now though, it's Sunday lunch and then off to work.

Fact of the day:  Athletes wearing red are far more likely to win events than athletes wearing another colour.  Oh poo!  My Cancer Research t-shirt is pink and my Macmillan t-shirt is green.  Red shorts it is then.

How come

Just don't get it today.   Why such a fit and healthy young man who mattered to so many people can deteriorate and disappear so quickly?  So many people, myself included, just plod along, doing the same old thing, don't really achieve anything in life...

I just don't get it.

And that's all I've got to say today really.

Helplessness

Life has been on hold for a few weeks.

My wonderful, happy, funny, carefree, loving brother-in-law has died, aged 44, of lung cancer.  He didn't smoke.

Stuart Marshall was husband to my sister Sarah, father to Sophie and Ben, son of Iris and the late Jimmy, brother of Lee.  Friend to many.  Everyone loved him. 

I don't think I would ever meet a person who didn't like Stuart.  He loved to make people laugh, and yet knew when to be kind and serious.  Only a couple of weeks before he died he was at work, with children and teenagers who would throw things, punch, spit and swear.  Stu loved his work and took it all in his stride.  I never saw him at work but could imagine him laughing it off, until the child had to give in and laugh as well.

Stuart was a rugby player, one of the oldest to play for the first team, which they begged him to do each week, yet he preferred the fourth, where he could have a laugh with his mates.  He coached the kids' rugby, and was a great success at this too.  One parent told a story recently of how he had helped their son get his confidence back after some bullying.  No one else ever knew - Stu never bothered to tell anyone.

Stuart was the life and soul of the party.  When it was my turn to throw a dinner party, Stu provided the entertainment, having drank one too many, and he became a little liberal with his words.  We've never laughed so much as we did that night, listening to his inappropriate anecdotes.

No one knew how ill Stu was.  He had a bad cough for 3 months, and developed a breathing problem.  They ran tests.  He was diagnosed on Monday 31st January, and died in the early hours of Wednesday morning.  His heart couldn't cope with the lack of oxygen.

All Stu wanted in his life was his family, his friends, his rugby and good times.  He wasn't bothered about anything else.  Material things didn't matter.

My sister, niece and nephew have been so strong in the last few weeks.  What a fantastic family they were together.  They will continue to be.  I love them so much and wish I could do more for them.  But we are all helpless.  We can take food, be company, listen, and care.  But we can never be enough, Stu was a legend and a hero, and has left an enormous hole.

My life has changed dramatically in one fell swoop.  Never again will I waste time - it would be an insult to Stu.  He enjoyed life so much, and I'll have to make sure I do the same. 

Slightly calmer than yesterday...but not much.

Love my job at the minute.  Had quite a good day of getting those little odds and ends done, coupled with some idle gossip with colleagues.  Got a good plan for the next few days.

Rage

I've never in my life been a violent person, but...

I just really need to slam my fist into a wall, really hard, until I make a mark (and probably break my hand).  Either that or someone's face.

I am furious.

What on earth, ever, EVER possessed me to think I was doing the right thing by reuniting with my dodgy ex last year???

What conceivable happiness could ever have come from that relationship???

Fool.  Take my word for it people.  If there is EVER, EVER, the teeniest tiniest little iota of doubt in your mind...DON'T BLOODY DO IT.

And just when I think, Emma you stupid fool, he was a wrong'un, that'll teach you to listen to your head and not your heart...never mind eh, close that box and move on with your life, you've had a lucky escape by getting out when you did...

The ******* ******* gets back in touch.  To pee on me once again from a great height.

Enrolled on my writing course today!  I am so excited.  Should have done it years ago.  Got my first assignments:  why I want to write, in 300 words, and a description of a place or event, in 300-500 words.  I can't wait to get started, but apparently I'm not allowed until I have read modules 1-3 (when they arrive in the post).

What to write about?  Tynemouth market, or the Tyneside Cinema spring to mind.  The Angel of the North?  Might write a few and then pick the best one.  Or a favourite cafe or restaurant.  Ooh can't wait!

Well, I'm already several hours later for work than planned as a result, so I suppose I had better drag myself away.

Fact of the day:  On average, 100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens every year.  Yikes.

Highlight of my day today - I went to a place called Pierogi in town and had these for my lunch:

They're Eastern European stuffed dumplings.  Also called pierogi, the assistant who served me (who definitely deserves the employee of the month award for the amount of dumpling knowledge and advice he imparted) seemed surprised I hadn't heard of them.  Anyway, I must return on Burns' day, as the speciality of the day will be haggis, neaps and tatties flavour pierogi.
After the world's most boring managers' meeting (why say in five minutes what you can say in three hours...do these people not have other things to do?!!!)  off I went to a spinning class. 
And that about sums up Monday.  I'm currently snuggled up with my little Toby-tastic and a glass of the Sunday Times wine club's finest.  Yum.

Fact of the day:  Chinese dumplings are called "wontons".  The word "wonton", when literally translated, means "swallowing clouds".  Apparently.

It's back!

Not happy.

I thoroughly enjoyed the snow when it was here in December, but enough is enough.  I can't wear my lovely new furry winter boots now, in case they get ruined!

Anyway, as a result of all this winter, the holiday plans are well underway.  I'm thinking, a week in a cottage in Northumberland when the weather is warm and sunny, walking with the dog and frequenting alehouses, followed by a week in the Big Apple.  I've started researching hotels.  Somewhere beside Central Park would be ideal.  Just can't decide between summer, when it's warm enough to sit on the sidewalk outside cafes, and wander through the park, or November, for Thanksgiving / Christmas shopping.  Anyway, plenty of time yet to decide.

Been to work anyway, to support H.  Today we did paperwork and then played tennis on the Wii.  H said she won, but in fact I did.  Never mind, good fun was to be had all round.

How come right, according to the Wii, my weight is in the ideal bracket (just) and my bmi is ok, and yet my wii fit age is 56?  In what context??!!  Harrumph.

Fact of the day:  Wallis Simpson's ancestors include the actor Robert Duvall, and two American presidents, Harry S Truman and Barack Obama.

New Day

Saturday...my favourite day of the week.  Being my first day off work in 2011, I decided it would also be the first day I will keep this diary.  Days off always bring an enthusiasm for new things, so here we go.

Started off the day as always, walking my dog, Toby, around the Angel of the North.  Sun came out and I made plans in my head for the day.  This diary / blog thingy being the first one.  Toby is my six year old Lakeland/Patterdale terrier, my best little pal.  He's good at: catching balls, understanding English, cocking his head to one side and looking wistful, and barking at postmen.  I got Toby from a farm up the coast when he was a tiny puppy.  I couldn't choose between him and his brother so got someone to choose for me.  We got in the car to take him home, and he was asleep on my lap within two minutes.  Toby hates fuss, can be grumpy at times, but a bit of cheese and he's anybody's.

Anyway, eight days late, I decided on my resolutions for 2011.

1.  Learn a new skill

2.  Stop wasting time watching crap telly and educate myself instead

3.  Be more appreciative of people

4.  Be nine stone something, instead of ten stone something

5.  Go back to New York...yeah!

That'll do for now. 

So with that decided upon, and the dog walked, off I went into town.  First port of call was the Grainger Market to pick up shopping.  Love the Grainger Market.

Next, off to the Tyneside Cinema to see the latest big film, The King's Speech.   I love the Tyneside Cinema, and paid the extra to sit in the circle, where I could buy myself a beer and stand it on the little ledge beside my comfy leather chair, and stretch out my legs in the abundance of space in front of it.  Wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon .
                                               

The film itself was fantastic, the hype was definitely to be believed.  It was basically

 a good comfort film for a cold January afternoon.  Colin Firth was his usual wonderful self and the best actor oscar should be in the bag. 

Back home, I made the first of (hopefully) many recipes from my new Jamie Oliver book, 30 minute meals.  It took an hour and a half.  Spinach and feta pie, with a tomato salad and a cucumber salad.    It looks decidedly dodgy, but I must say, it did taste good, and I will make it again.  In 30 minutes next time.

Spent the rest of the evening having my hair arranged in bunches, chignons and beehives, by my seven-year old niece, Nicole.  She's going to be a hairdresser when she grows up (how did you guess?)
Nicole is good at:  laughing, speaking her mind, doing bunches (needs work on the beehive), all sports, and being happy. 

So there we are.  A rundown of events of my first day.
I don't know how often I'll do this.  Knowing me, I'll be mad keen at first, then tail off after a while.  We'll see.  I'm not doing this for anyone else, just for me.  But hopefully it'll be good to look back on pictures and memories in time to come.
Fact of the day:  New York's Central Park is bigger than the principality of Monaco.