Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Enjoying being at home
I have had a strange week this week. I have been doing errands, practising the art of the domestic goddess and having a long need contact with people.
Not that this has made me remote from people it has made me feel that I am looked at differently when out and about. This however could just be me being self conscious about the way I look.
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2010
Saturday my husband did overtime at work. I on the other hand arranged a shopping trip with one of best friends. I have now started shopping online, which I have to say is brilliant. The delivery person even brings it straight into the kitchen for me, the main thing is the kitchen is at the back of the house! The draw back, as there seems there has to be a draw back somewhere is great plans. I can get things wrong or there could be strange substitutions. Well I had to go to the supermarket to correct a human error (mine). After lunch I went to John Lewis to look at their cushions and do some retail therapy. Unfortunately the cushions I had seen on the website were not in keeping of the colours of my lounge so I will have to back to the drawing board. However, I did manage to find a replacement for the Bath shelf. We got back and had a cup of tea and carried on our chat.
Sunday was, in comparison, a lazy day.
Monday, 26th April 2010
I thought I would take myself out on a little trip and found an Antiques and craft centre in south Cheshire. It was a lovely day out, if a little too far really. However, it was a lovely chance to have a rummage and a wonder. It turned out to be a successful day with the purchase of my first Christmas present for a friend. I know that she will love it and that it is something that she is collecting. The only thing is that I did not find anything for me, but that was not really the point.
Tuesday, 27th April 2010
DUVET DAY
I did not do much other than finish all my hand written notes to friends and family for their generous cards and presents over the past couple of months. I sat in my PJs in the lounge and with my pot of purple ink and my dipping pen (quill), a pile of Basildon Bond paper and envelops. All letters written! I even had my postal arrive yesterday so I sat down and read the instructions and cast my vote, not just in the National election but for the local council as well. All envelopes filled and stamped, they can be posted tomorrow.
Wednesday, 27 April 2010
After the relaxation of yesterday I was up and out early to get some essential ingredients for cooking today. Was settling down with some breakfast and the newspaper when the doorbell rang. It was the boss and a colleague doing a welfare visit. We had a good chat both for work purposes and a good gossip. They came baring gifts - someone has obviously made them aware of my love for all things Monsoon Accessorize. They had brought a square silk scarf and a matching necklace.
Once they had left the building I went into the kitchen and turned my hand to being the domestic goddess. I found a recipe from Rachel Allen for Lemon Cupcakes. I may have changed a couple things in the recipe but I think they turned out okay. My husband thought the sponge had nothing to it, but I may not have put enough lemon in the mixture.
Thursday, 28 April 2010
After cooking yesterday I thought I would hit the shops and get a matching pair of earrings to go with the necklace and scarf from work. I also need a pink lipstick from the Body Shop. Also on the shopping list was a leaving card for my boss and little present to say thank you. All done and a quick lunch at Starbucks and a good day was had by all. While in the Body Shop I was looking at the make up and the girl came over to offer assistance, she was just about to tell me about the new mascara they were launching when I told her that I don't know how long I would be keeping my eyelashes and so that the mascara would not be a purchase for today, she was very apologetic and went on to show me the eyeliners and other make up. I then went to the till to pay and we carried on talking. I mentioned in passing that I was having a Body Shop at Home party for the Race for Life. She said that she was doing the run but had no one to put on her back that she was running for and asked if she could put my name on her back. I was honoured by her idea.
Not that this has made me remote from people it has made me feel that I am looked at differently when out and about. This however could just be me being self conscious about the way I look.
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th April 2010
Saturday my husband did overtime at work. I on the other hand arranged a shopping trip with one of best friends. I have now started shopping online, which I have to say is brilliant. The delivery person even brings it straight into the kitchen for me, the main thing is the kitchen is at the back of the house! The draw back, as there seems there has to be a draw back somewhere is great plans. I can get things wrong or there could be strange substitutions. Well I had to go to the supermarket to correct a human error (mine). After lunch I went to John Lewis to look at their cushions and do some retail therapy. Unfortunately the cushions I had seen on the website were not in keeping of the colours of my lounge so I will have to back to the drawing board. However, I did manage to find a replacement for the Bath shelf. We got back and had a cup of tea and carried on our chat.
Sunday was, in comparison, a lazy day.
Monday, 26th April 2010
I thought I would take myself out on a little trip and found an Antiques and craft centre in south Cheshire. It was a lovely day out, if a little too far really. However, it was a lovely chance to have a rummage and a wonder. It turned out to be a successful day with the purchase of my first Christmas present for a friend. I know that she will love it and that it is something that she is collecting. The only thing is that I did not find anything for me, but that was not really the point.
Tuesday, 27th April 2010
DUVET DAY
I did not do much other than finish all my hand written notes to friends and family for their generous cards and presents over the past couple of months. I sat in my PJs in the lounge and with my pot of purple ink and my dipping pen (quill), a pile of Basildon Bond paper and envelops. All letters written! I even had my postal arrive yesterday so I sat down and read the instructions and cast my vote, not just in the National election but for the local council as well. All envelopes filled and stamped, they can be posted tomorrow.
Wednesday, 27 April 2010
After the relaxation of yesterday I was up and out early to get some essential ingredients for cooking today. Was settling down with some breakfast and the newspaper when the doorbell rang. It was the boss and a colleague doing a welfare visit. We had a good chat both for work purposes and a good gossip. They came baring gifts - someone has obviously made them aware of my love for all things Monsoon Accessorize. They had brought a square silk scarf and a matching necklace.
Thursday, 28 April 2010
After cooking yesterday I thought I would hit the shops and get a matching pair of earrings to go with the necklace and scarf from work. I also need a pink lipstick from the Body Shop. Also on the shopping list was a leaving card for my boss and little present to say thank you. All done and a quick lunch at Starbucks and a good day was had by all. While in the Body Shop I was looking at the make up and the girl came over to offer assistance, she was just about to tell me about the new mascara they were launching when I told her that I don't know how long I would be keeping my eyelashes and so that the mascara would not be a purchase for today, she was very apologetic and went on to show me the eyeliners and other make up. I then went to the till to pay and we carried on talking. I mentioned in passing that I was having a Body Shop at Home party for the Race for Life. She said that she was doing the run but had no one to put on her back that she was running for and asked if she could put my name on her back. I was honoured by her idea.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Getting on with life
Tuesday, 20th April 2010
Well today is one of best friends birthdays. Today I want to surprise her and have decided, even if it kills me that I will going to her Birthday tea and the local Chinese restaurant. I know I will pay for it Wednesday but it is for a good cause.
Phoned my friend and told her about my surprise and she is over the moon that I can join her. She has said if by the time they arrive I have changed my mind then not to worry.
Well I glammed up and was mistaken by some as Annie Lennox, I am sorry to Annie as I think she looks fab and am only a pale imitation. Still who would know what I am going through if I can look that good.
We had a great night with good conversation and a lovely meal. At one point I did think of asking for the ice cream to be mircowaved as it was too cold for me.
Wednesday, 21st April 2010
As foretold I was not that clever on Wednesday but I had to get myself down to my local GP to get my 'fit'note and other forms. She was pleased to see me and thought that I looked really well. Will people learn that I am going though some strange stuff and I am not supposed to look well.
The rest of the day was spent lying on the bed and listening to Classic FM, it has been my regular listing for a while but I am now addicted. I know some purists will not enjoy the fact that they only play excerpts but as of an evening they do play the full works.
Thursday, 22nd April 2010
As the weather has been really nice I had transferred my arrangements from the lounge to the conservatory. I can still watch DVDs or listen to CDs but I can do it in the warmth of the sun. I also get company from the cat that has adopted us.
I had a visitor today in the form of a girl from work. It was really nice to have a good chat and talk about other things that what is going in my world. She is due to leave work soon to have a baby and so we talked about that and the fact that we are going to Stratford in July to see Romeo & Juliet.
Today is Toastmasters and I do feel a little guilty that I am not going, but you can not do everything and you have to selective about your invitations.
Friday, 23rd April 2010
I am now feeling a lot better today and could even pass as human. Well I definitely think that being off work is going to cost us a fortune! I have just found another fantastic programme on the BBC called Cracking Antiques. They take a room and put in High Street mock antiques and show that person what they can do if money was no object, the current episode showed a lounge and it cost over £13,000, they only have £2,000 to spend. They did it and was actually under budget if you excluded the curtains. The big thing for me was they took a £90.00 Chesterfield sofa and recovered it for just under £600 and it looked fab. I mentioned this to Ivan in the morning and by the afternoon a local upholsterer had visited us and given us a quote for out suite. I also had a glazing company visit for a new garage door, which Ivan broke the other weekend. So by the end of the day I had spent big!!!!
My last visitor of the afternoon was my shopping. I have now decided it is best to do online shopping that way we do not get side tracked into buying all sorts of things we don't want. I still managed to order stuff that we didn't want or need on reflection.
Now that all my scheduled visitors had left the building I have decided that the idea of going into Manchester to see my ex-work colleagues from the local paper was a little too much at this time. Maybe next time.
Phoned my friend and told her about my surprise and she is over the moon that I can join her. She has said if by the time they arrive I have changed my mind then not to worry.
Well I glammed up and was mistaken by some as Annie Lennox, I am sorry to Annie as I think she looks fab and am only a pale imitation. Still who would know what I am going through if I can look that good.
We had a great night with good conversation and a lovely meal. At one point I did think of asking for the ice cream to be mircowaved as it was too cold for me.
Wednesday, 21st April 2010
As foretold I was not that clever on Wednesday but I had to get myself down to my local GP to get my 'fit'note and other forms. She was pleased to see me and thought that I looked really well. Will people learn that I am going though some strange stuff and I am not supposed to look well.
Thursday, 22nd April 2010
As the weather has been really nice I had transferred my arrangements from the lounge to the conservatory. I can still watch DVDs or listen to CDs but I can do it in the warmth of the sun. I also get company from the cat that has adopted us.
I had a visitor today in the form of a girl from work. It was really nice to have a good chat and talk about other things that what is going in my world. She is due to leave work soon to have a baby and so we talked about that and the fact that we are going to Stratford in July to see Romeo & Juliet.
Today is Toastmasters and I do feel a little guilty that I am not going, but you can not do everything and you have to selective about your invitations.
Friday, 23rd April 2010
I am now feeling a lot better today and could even pass as human. Well I definitely think that being off work is going to cost us a fortune! I have just found another fantastic programme on the BBC called Cracking Antiques. They take a room and put in High Street mock antiques and show that person what they can do if money was no object, the current episode showed a lounge and it cost over £13,000, they only have £2,000 to spend. They did it and was actually under budget if you excluded the curtains. The big thing for me was they took a £90.00 Chesterfield sofa and recovered it for just under £600 and it looked fab. I mentioned this to Ivan in the morning and by the afternoon a local upholsterer had visited us and given us a quote for out suite. I also had a glazing company visit for a new garage door, which Ivan broke the other weekend. So by the end of the day I had spent big!!!!
My last visitor of the afternoon was my shopping. I have now decided it is best to do online shopping that way we do not get side tracked into buying all sorts of things we don't want. I still managed to order stuff that we didn't want or need on reflection.
Now that all my scheduled visitors had left the building I have decided that the idea of going into Manchester to see my ex-work colleagues from the local paper was a little too much at this time. Maybe next time.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Second Treatment
They said it would and it did. That is get worse. Thankfully the anti sickness drugs are doing what they say on the tin, it is just all the other internal side effects that I just can not reconcile.
Friday, 16th April 2010
So a week last Friday I went to the drugs party at Halton Hospital. Met up with the Breast Nurse and one of the Oncology Doctors, all very happy with me and my progress. My hair was doing well and hanging on in there!
Ivan spent the time listening to Robin Williams on his iTouch. I on the other hand had a lovely conversation with one of the nurses who was in charge of 'feeding' me the drugs.
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April 2010
That weekend I stayed above stairs and gave the excuse to view trash TV on BBC iPlayer, 4OD and other catch up TV websites. I also watched one of the best F1 races this season, what overtaking and the rain really sorted the men from the boys even the self appointed Rain-Meister Schumacher struggled!!!!
Monday, 19th April 2010
By the Monday I had enough of sharing the bed with a Yeti and bath looking as though I bathed with one, so I called a friend and she came over and shaved my head. This will not reduce the hair shedding but it will not look that bad and it won't be so noticeable.
Friday, 16th April 2010
So a week last Friday I went to the drugs party at Halton Hospital. Met up with the Breast Nurse and one of the Oncology Doctors, all very happy with me and my progress. My hair was doing well and hanging on in there!
Ivan spent the time listening to Robin Williams on his iTouch. I on the other hand had a lovely conversation with one of the nurses who was in charge of 'feeding' me the drugs.
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April 2010
That weekend I stayed above stairs and gave the excuse to view trash TV on BBC iPlayer, 4OD and other catch up TV websites. I also watched one of the best F1 races this season, what overtaking and the rain really sorted the men from the boys even the self appointed Rain-Meister Schumacher struggled!!!!
Monday, 19th April 2010
By the Monday I had enough of sharing the bed with a Yeti and bath looking as though I bathed with one, so I called a friend and she came over and shaved my head. This will not reduce the hair shedding but it will not look that bad and it won't be so noticeable.
Friday, 23 April 2010
Social whirl
I know I have not blogged for a while but I have been busy and tired in equal measure.
The last week has had some ups and downs. Let us start with:
Saturday, 10 April 2010
One of my best buds came over we watched the Grand National, even though neither of us had a horse in our respect office sweepstakes, by the end we found out that my husband had the horse that came third but hats of finally for AP McCoy for finally getting round and coming first. Before, during and after the race we played a game of Scrabble, a hard fought game with some very interesting words, and more to the point NO cheating. The day was finished with a Chinese take away, not sure if it is something I should be eating but I enjoyed it all the same.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
After a couple of days of playing on my laptop and sorting out files from my laptop on to the wireless external hard disk. Also worked on my family history with some success but still working on how the software works and the reports it produces.
For today it was all about catching up with friends I had not seen for a while. They are members of a PowerTalk group in Cheshire but also members of my club, Rovers. We discussed the recent weekend in St Andrews which I had regrettably missed. It was nice to see old friends and know that whatever is going on each other’s lives we can just chat about anything.
While in Knutsford I was very naughty, well not so naughty. I visited one of their many antique emporiums and did a little bit of window shopping. I found a couple of Birmingham silver pill boxes, which I am partial to and then I saw a Victorian laptop, okay writing slope, but I just thought it was a little too expensive, maybe next time I visit I might have the confidence to barter.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Gee the days are rolling by. Today was another busy day. I spent my time relaxing before finally making the decision to go into Manchester latter than my original plans. Ordered the taxi and then caught the train to Oxford Road. Unfortunately it was the stopper, so all places between Warrington and Manchester were covered. Did my usual trick of doing my make on the train, normally to the dismay of other passengers and if I have friends with me them too. Wandered to my usual Starbucks and had a rest and my treat of Classic Hot Chocolate with Peppermint syrup. While walking on to my next project I bumped into an old work colleague who thought I looked really well. I have to say that I don’t think I looked that good but they do say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I did not have a mirror handy to see what I looked like.
Went to another of my favourite places, Waterstones the bookshop, I bought a poetry book I had seen the day before in Knutsford and I also got an up to date copy of Romeo and Juliet in lieu of going in July. Just for background.
After my little spending spree I then sat for a few moments in one of the nicest churches in Manchester St Anne’s Church. If you have seen The Forsyte Saga with Damian Lewis, it was used as the location for a family wedding.
My friend and husband joined me in Pizza Express for a bite to eat before going on to the Royal Exchange to see Shakespeare’s ‘A Comedy of Errors’.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
I definitely did too much the previous two days and spent the day sitting relaxing catching up on TV. The highlight was a visit from a couple of girls from work, so we sat in the conservatory and had a good chat. Very much appreciated.
Monday, 12 April 2010
How many women in the UK diagnosed in 2006?
In the UK in 2006 more than 45,500 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, that's around 125 women a day.
- Data from Cancer Research UK
Friday, 9 April 2010
Night Out
Well yesterday was all about getting ready for a night out.
I had an idea of what I was going to wear and had to change it as it just did not suit me since the op. It looks like a new wardrobe is in the offing. Still I had a relaxing bath and the usual ablutions. I even went to the time and trouble to put make up on.
My chauffeur picked me up bang on time and we then made our way into Manchester. Orators (Toastmasters) meet at the Rainbar, (if you want to come they meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month) in the boardroom on the top floor. The one thing I was worried about was the stairs to the top, which taken slowly were no problem at all.
Fellow members were surprised and happy to see me, one even saying that I looked better now than I did before the operation and treatment so far. What were they getting at? (Answers on a postcard please...).
I took part in the Table Topics, extemporaneous speaking of up to 2 minutes. The theme of the evening was Community and I had to talk about what virtual community I would invent on the internet. As I have started this blog and got into the swing of using FB and other networking sites I wanted to leave it as it was and use what was already there with the community set up with fellow bloggers etc. We have the ability to comment on blogs and share ideas through the words we type and the feedback we get from other likeminded people. I have "virtually" met so many people through my blog and FB that I come to see that the world is such a small place. Well words to that affect.
We had two good speeches an Icebreaker (first speech) and a final speech. All very well executed and enjoyable showing how people can develop using the workbook within Toastmasters. All the speakers, including the other five topic takers, were evaluated by other members. Another learning experience for all, one to see if you agree with the evaluator and two to see if you spotted some of the same things.
At the end of the evening there is usually a vote for best Topic Taker, best Speaker (if more than two speakers so was not done last night), and best Evaluator. To my shock and horror I won best Topic and my chauffeur won best Evaluator. After years of not being very good at Topics I have now won best Topic two meetings on the trot.
The meeting finished early and managed to get home before 22:00. I have had a slow morning but not feeling too bad today.
So far today I have watched the last episode of a series on Sacred Music by BBC Four. All about one of my favourite composers J S Bach. I recorded it a few weeks past and only just got round to watching it, along with the three previous episodes about the development of Sacred Music. What a way to wake up in the morning!
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