Two hearts Two hearts that beat as one (Endless Love - Lionel Richie)

This song has been covered by so many people, including the lovely Luther Vandross.  A beautiful song that is so memorable.  As always, enjoy.

Saturday:  I did not want to get up this morning.  It was the first night back in my own bed and it was so welcoming and comfortable.  However, today was my volunteering day.  I had to go to Canary Wharf. I hate Canary Wharf.  It is such a soulless, cold place and I always get lost.  Today was no exception.  I got on the right bus, going the wrong way and ended up in Limehouse!

Finally, found where I needed to be and it was great.  It was a clinical setting however, I had to go back to HQ lol to get some more HIV testing kits.  I did have to smile as I was waiting for a bus at Mile End and I just coughed and an elderly lady asked me if I would like a sweet.  It was so lovely, just like being with my Nan.  We had a good chat and she as very East London.

Back to where I needed to be and I was on Grindr, a gay hook up app and what a hit I was.  I was trying to encourage men to come into the clinic for an HIV and STI test.  Only I could be on Grindr and get hit on, invited to someones house and blocked.  I did better on that app than I do on the straight ones!

Back home for a quick hour then back on the bus to go for my pedicure.  It was an effort as I was so tired, but when I got there I really enjoyed it and my feet, once again, look lovely.

Early night and boy did I sleep.

Sunday:  Beautiful day in London and I did feel a bit guilty not going out, but I have felt so tired and spent so much money the past few days, I had decided to stay in and catch up on 'life laundry' and that was very much it for the day. In fact, I fell asleep in the afternoon watching some boring film on the TV. However, I must of needed it.  Give a girl a break; it had been a busy weekend.

As always, with my love x

You put that spell on me I'll tell you, honey You know you set me free (Do It To Me - Lionel Richie)

Found this one and I had forgotten about it.  Beautiful words, lovely meaning. Cuddle up with your love one and enjoy.

Monday:  So my week off starts with a trip down 'memory lane'.  In fact, it was a bit of a head fuck.  As if I don't have enough of that going on in my 'normal' life, I thought I would just add some new shit to think about.  I went down to visit my friend Jackie who is staying with her son in Kent.  The first lot of tears were when we arrived at Gravesend.  My home town.  I keep saying that I will go back one day then think, nah, why put myself through it.  I can see why now. The next stop was Strood, where I was changing trains. Now this may not mean much to you, but this is my old stomping ground, with husband number one.  It was really weird seeing where you used to live, your first home (at the ripe old age of 19.  If only .......).  I remember standing on the platform of the railway station every morning to catch the 7.00am train to Charing Cross.

I then went past my second home with husband number one (you can see the head fuck really taking place now can't you).  Sigh.  It was quiet emotional to be honest. A really weird feeling of where have all the years gone and what have I done?  So much, yet so little.  Strange.

When I first met Jackie, her son was around 7 years old and here he was today, in his own home with his lovely partner and their new born daughter.  Like I said, where have the years gone?  They have such a beautiful home and daughter and it was so good to see Jackie again.  However, the day flew by and it was soon time for the long farewell.  I felt for her.  I could understand totally her pain and heartache.  It made me feel so sad for time wasted and goodbyes that really should not be.

Train journey home and back to the flat. What an emotional day, in more ways than one.

Tuesday:  Spent the whole morning laughing and chatting and we finally managed to get out of the house.  We caught the bus up to Belgravia and had a mooch around. We then went to Eaton Place.  For those of you who do not know, this is the setting for Upstairs Downstairs.  OK, most of it was filmed on a set but for outside scenes they painted a one in front of the 65.  Upstairs Downstairs is one of my most favourite programmes of all time. I have watched it so many times, I cannot begin to count.  I love this era too and really should have been born in it.  Upstairs of course.  However, I think I would have been downstairs.

We then caught a bus up to Bloomsbury (where I should be living) and went for some sushi.  This is the first time Jackie had tried it and she loved it.  I took her to see my new college so that she can visualise me pulling my hair (what there is left of it) out for the next two years.  Back home to the flat. We had walked miles.

In other news, Andy's sister had her baby today, a little boy called Dylan.  Which means he will be away for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Wednesday: We finally left the flat and caught the bus up to Soho and went for a very early dinner at Mildred's.  I do like this restaurant as I can have anything on it.  It is all vegetarian with a lot of it even vegan.  Such a treat. We had a good walk around Soho and China Town and then sat in the park in Leicester Square watching the world go by amongst all the mayhem, laughing and chatting.

Tonight we had tickets for The Book of Mormon.  I had intended treating Jackie to a night at the theatre but wanted her to decide what to see as it was her treat.  Without any prompting by me, she chose this. I have seen it before but thought it was absolutely brilliant and was so excited to be able to see it again.

We laughed and laughed.  It is so bad.  It offends everyone.  There are a couple of songs in it that really make me laugh so much.  By the end of the evening my whole face ached. Such a tonic and fond, fond memories of a great night out.

Thursday:  The week is going too quick.  We started off our day at 'our cafe' in Borough Market.  We went there last time Jackie was over and every time I go there now I think of her.  The guy who served us was so lovely and we sat, watching the world go by and looking at Bridget's flat (it is just opposite) laughing about how strange life turns out.  We had a quick look around Borough Market and I finally found some mangosteens.  I was talking to the guy on the stall as he had no idea what they were or what they tasted of.  So I gave him a quick lesson.  So funny.

After this we went to Crossbones.  Jackie was telling me about a book she was reading and that this was mentioned it it. She could not believe it was just up the road from my home, so we had to go and see it (I have been before).  It really is a moving and historical place and well worth a second visit.

We then went to The Tate Modern and went to see two exhibitions.  The first was Soul of a Nation: Art in the age of a nation.  It was very good but not a good idea to see it the day after seeing the Book of Mormon.  Then we went to see (again for me) Giacometti.  Jackie remembers seeing some of his work when she was a teenager and it was so good for her to see so much more of his amazing creations.  We went up to the Member's Bar for a drink then caught the bus home.  

Pizza and chatting and a night in.  We were both so tired.  Also, everyone leaves me tomorrow to go on their journeys so it was good to touch base.

Friday:  The day of reckoning.  The week is up.  Andy left to go home to take up his Uncle duties.  Jackie packed, unpacked and packed again.  Too much stuff.  So much so, she had to buy another case.  I was dreading the trip to Heathrow for so many reasons.

We left the flat at four; bouncing her large suitcase down the 48 steps to my flat.  The tube was rammed and the journey was vile.  We could not even sit together.  We checked in her bags and she was only .5kg over. Nothing was said. We went for a coffee and looked at the flights coming up on the screen.  Talking about where we would like to go.  As if.  

Then the time come to say our goodbyes.  I hate goodbyes these days.  People come into my life then leave.  It is as simple as that and it does not get any easier.  We hugged and cried and cried and hugged and then she was gone. I felt so alone. But I am alone.  Back on the tube and home to an empty flat. But like every other person in my life; I have the memories.

As always, with my love x

What is happening here? Something is going on That's not quite clear (Dancing on the Ceiling - Lionel Richie)

Hello August! August! I often think of Dave and his gorgeous Christmas tree and that was 8 months ago.  Crazy.  Anyway, less of that and on to this month's artist.  We all love a bit of Lionel Richie, it makes you want to sing and dance (well it does me anyway). So let's start off with a classic.  Remember to sing along.  I bet you do.  As always, enjoy.

Monday:  Well it is not your usual start to the week. This morning I am flying to Belfast for work.  I have never been to Belfast or Northern Ireland before.  I refused to go as they renamed their airport the George Best City Airport and for years I had an issue with the footballer.  He died from liver failure, after being given a new liver.  My father died from liver failure and was never offered a new liver.  I shall park that there.

Lovely flight on Aer Lingus and the plane was called Saint Declan.  All their planes are named after saints. Caught the bus to the city centre and had a break down in communication in Subway.  I could not understand a word the bloke was saying to me, I just nodded and randomly said yes every now and then.  Then I gave them a £10 note and got some paper Irish £5 note back. That was very much the theme of the whole time I was there, me trying not to collect more shite money that I would never have got rid of back in London.

My room was not ready when I arrived to check in but I did not have to wait long and they upgraded me to an executive room.  So I had a lovely huge bed to get comfy in.  I decided I would go out for a few hours then work in the evening.  So I finally found the bus that would take me to the Titanic exhibition. In all fairness, it would have been quicker and easier to find the Titanic on the ocean floor.  I had another breakdown in communication with the bus driver who sold me two single tickets as he assumed I was the mother of some random child on the bus! I did smile as he gave me the £1.50 back. Now that would never have happened in London.

The exhibition was quite good actually.  I do think they are exploiting the fact that the Titanic was built in Belfast and that is about that.  That aside, it was OK.  I would have liked to seen more of the social history side of it, as opposed to how they actually built it.  But it was a good way to spend a couple of hours. My friend David had told me about a pub called The Crown and I went in there as it was only up the road from my hotel and had a sneaky, well earned G&T. Then back to the lovely hotel and kicked back and checked some emails and then went down to the bar for some dinner.  All very nice. Back to my room and a lazy couple of hours and a good nights sleep.

Tuesday:  Made my way on the bus and promptly got dumped on my a sea gull. I know it is supposed to be lucky but it did not feel lucky at all.  On the way to the office I passed some estates that had the flags flying.  It is a very strange place, like stepping back in time. The people seem friendly enough.  Found the office and the meeting was very, very productive.  Caught a cab back to the airport and my flight home.  So a whistle stop trip to Belfast but it was good and I was thankful of the opportunity to be able to do it.


Also, on the way home, we flew up the Thames, seeing all the sights and literally right over my flat.  If only I could have got out there how much easier would that have been.

My flat is here, can you spot it?

Wednesday:  Busy day work wise as catching up.  I also had a hospital appointment (another private one) and it went really well.  But it still does not feel comfortable with me.  However, it was very productive and we seem to be getting to the top and bottom of what could be wrong we me.

Not the easiest of days to be honest so Andy and I cooked macaroni cheese and stuffed our faces, as you do, to make yourself feel better.  Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

Thursday:  Busy again, writing the report for my trip to Belfast.   (But a productive day so all good.  The weather is still pants in London.  In fact, it looks more like October than August.  

Quiet night catching up on our week and I really cannot believe it is the weeken almost again.

Friday:  Back to the posh totty private hospital this afternoon for some more tests.  I tell you, if you have money you can have it all (I don't and won't get it all).  Lovely staff and everything so clean and quiet. Anyway tests done, I made my way home again. 

I have finally completed my application for Uni and my place is secured and paid for (well a deposit).  I now have my options to choose from and that is where the fun started as I wanted to do all of them.  So many courses, such little time. I have to do a core model which is mandatory, then I have to chose another two modules for the new year.  It looks now as if I will be doing the MA not the MSc. I was just like this with my first degree, chopping and changing.  Oh well, I will figure it out.

As always, with my love x

You came in That's what my little heart was looking for Laughter in the rain Feeling like a fool in love again (My Destiny - Lionel Richie)

Oh I do like this song. I think it is one of my favourites, but I will probably say that at least four times more this month.  Beautiful words, cracking tune (even though DJ Andy thinks it sounds like Wet, Wet, Wet) and I just have to sing along.  As always, enjoy.

Saturday:  So today I start (again) my volunteering.  The irony of it is, is that Andy is having some of his mates over to play board games, whilst I troll the streets of Soho.  I am so pleased I am living with a person who does not fit the 'normative' gender roles that society places on us.

So today I started my volunteering in Soho.  I met my new colleagues and then went into many of the pubs, bars and clubs of Soho telling people about free HIV testing and handing out condoms.  It was great.  In fact, the only people who let the whole afternoon down were a group of 'heterosexuals' who thought the whole thing was hysterical. Pathetic. Also, they were about my age too which made it worse. I wanted to say to the woman who could not stop laughing 'do you know your status and do you know what he gets up too morning, noon and night because I swear I have seen him on Tinder', but I didn't.  It said more about them than me. That aside, all the guys a spoke to were just lovely.  Some were chatting and most of them gave me a smile back.  I really enjoyed it and thought that I was making a difference. We also got 6 people come along and get tested.  So that was great.

I called into Boots to stock up on more Clinique as, once again, it was on offer. This time the whole experience was charming and the woman who served me was so lovely, considering it was Boots at Piccadilly so it was heaving. Went and had a swift coffee (I thought I had earned it) then went home.  Andy's mates were still over so I was happy to go to my room and watched a film on Netflix - The Circle. I read the book a couple of years ago when I first come to London and the film did not disappoint.  Catch it if you can.

Sunday:  I had that Sunday morning feeling this morning and needless to say, it took me a long time to motivate myself.  I had decided that now my feet are looking 'kind of normal' I would like some flip flops.  This is easier said than done as the ones I wanted, some Birkenstock, are not sold everywhere.  But I tracked some down in Schuh and reserved them.  Called into the library to collect some books and then up to the West End.  God help me. It was vile. So busy, full of tourists walking five across!  I got my lovey new shoes and then just made my way home. No point torturing yourself more than you have too.

We started to watch Dirty Dancing again (it only recorded half of it last time). Guess what happened? It recorded just a little bit more this time. Hysterical. We did laugh.  Anyway, it is on Channel 5 (again) at 5.00 so we have set it up to record once again.  I feel that I am now watching this film like GoodFellas (which I still have not seen yet, I am savouring the moment).

So my critique of Dirty Dancing was, to say the least, very harsh.  I guess in 1963 hearing a song from the mid 80's would have been exciting.  I gave it a 6 out of 10 and an OK film on a wet, summer's afternoon.

As always, with my love x

Well, my friends, the time has come Raise the roof and have some fun Throw away the work to be done Let the music play on (All Night Long - Lionel Richie)

Another classic which will, hopefully, make you smile and at the least, tap your toes. As always, enjoy.

Monday:  So begins another week.  You really would not believe it is August if you look out of the window.  Working from home in the morning and then suffering the delights of Lewisham in the afternoon.  I called into Aldi on the way home, who said living in London was not exciting, and then carried two very heavy shopping bags home on the bus.  This really should be an Olympic sport you know.  Food shopping in London.

Lazy night catching up on Game of Thrones, which was so exciting. I have now updated my man requirement to: 'preferential treatment will be given to any man with a dragon'.

Tuesday: The big news today was I had to make my choices for the first year of my University degree.  It was a tough decision as me, being me, wanted do most of them.  The first course: Theorising Gender is compulsory but then I had to choose two other modules for the rest of the year.  I finally decided on Victorian Masculinities: Sexuality, Performativity and Representation and the other module is:  Gender, Sexuality and Criminal Justice.  Something to get my teeth into. The reading list for the Victorian Masculinities is huge.  So next time any of you see me, I will have my head in a book. Nothing new there then I guess.

Wednesday:  Meh day today.  A typical hump day.  Nothing exciting. Nothing boring.  Just meh.  The weather was absolutely vile.  It did not stop raining all day and I had another hospital appointment then a Gp appointment, by which time I was totally drenched.  It would have been an ideal duvet day, but I had work to fit in somewhere in between being examined.  Early night.  Where is the sunshine?

Thursday:  Interesting day today.  Our team at work are having a Fantasy Football League.  Now as many of you know, I am partial to a bit of footie and there are many a football player I can fantasise over ...... So my time are called Beguiling Guys FC and the majority of them are tall, dark, broad and gorgeous. I have obviously picked them by their football attributes .... NOT!

Friday:  Not the best of the days.  Yet another trip to another hospital for something different this time.  All I would say is, it really is not much fun being a woman at times.  Called in to say goodbye to someone I know who is leaving their job and spent a good half an hour chatting and laughing. You know me; I collect people and we have promised to keep in touch.  Briefly saw my friend Emma and we exchanged our V&A membership and Tate membership. However, by now I was not feeling very well and quite uncomfortable so caught the bus home and spent the rest of the afternoon/evening lying on my bed feeling rather meh!  Joy, oh joy.

As always, with my love x

Oh that's why I'm easy I'm easy like Sunday morning yeah That's why I'm easy I'm easy like Sunday morning (Easy - Lionel Richie)

Well technically, not just Lionel, but it is my blog so I can do what I want and it is a Sunday morning.  And this morning, trust me, I do feel lazy.  As always, enjoy.

Saturday:  So today I left London and caught a train from Liverpool Street to Norwich.  I have been to Norwich on numerous occasions in both past lives and always found it a lovely place.  However, I have never been there by train. The purpose of my visit was to visit my friend Sandra.  We studied at the OU together and both of us cannot remember how many years this was, but far too many.  We have never met but today we were putting this right.

Sandra met me at the station and we

hugged and said hello and then Sandra whisked me away in her car to Wroxham which is basically the Norfolk Broads. The whole town (and I use the word town loosely).  Is owned by a family called Roy.  So you have Roy's toy shop, Roy's Supermarket, Roy's Department store. I did wonder if Roy had a son, who was single .........

Wroxham is a very pretty place with plenty of boats and Sandra had arranged a boat trip for us.  It was so lovely and peaceful.  An Edwardian type electric boat and we cruised up the broads chatting and laughing away as if we had known each other for years.  Which, let's face it we have.

We went for some lunch and sat outside by the water and the swans were

swimming around.  It was so lovely and relaxing.  We mooched around the shops (all owned by this Roy).  Then Sandra took me to a place called Mousehold.  It is a heath that overlooks the whole of Norwich and the view was spectacular.  It really is a beautiful city.  It was soon time for me to get back to the station and back home.

Smooth trip back to the smoke.  I cannot believe how urbanised I have become; I am like a fox. It was good to get home to the noise, filth, black faces (and yes I can say that because it is fact), no one speaking English as the city is full of the rest of the word and my flat.  However, it was so good to see and meet up with Sandra after all these years.  A memory day.

Got home and poured myself a couple of gins in my new gin glasses and delicious it was too but needless to say, they, along with being out and about, made me feel very sleepy and it did not take me long to drop off to sleep.  A really lovely, memorable day.  Thank you Sandra.

Sunday:  Bit of a restless night but I slept in until 9.30am.  Lazy moo.  Andy had a friend staying the weekend so I said my hello (I do know him) and had

my breakfast in my room to give him the lounge  The sun was shining and I did not know what to do today.  In the end, I decided to go to the cinema and took myself off to see Dunkirk.  I had read mixed reviews about it and knew that if I did not go and see it today, it would be finished soon.

It was very, very moving and loud.  Every bomb made me, literally, jump out of my seat.  It was a deeply moving film that made me quite emotional and just made me think of the sacrifices of others and if it was not for them, where would be today.  It really was a scary thought and I guess a sign of getting old and grown up.

It has been a great weekend.

As always, with my love x

The first time I saw you Oh, you looked so fine And I had a feeling One day you'd be mine Honey you came along and captured my heart Now my love is somewhere lost in your kiss When I'm all alone it's you that I miss (Penny Lover - Lionel Richie)

There are so many songs to choose from, so many hits.  Once again, I guess it is the lyrics that draw me to this one.  So as always, enjoy.

Monday:  Another week and I am in holiday mode.  I cannot wait for my week off.  I know as soon as it gets here it will go but I need a break.  Busy day and the the evening was watching GOT.  Simple as that.

Tuesday:   Interesting today; another hospital.  I went for a CT scan and I was terrified.  The staff were so lovely and reassuring but I just laid there and closed my eyes.  It was a very strange experience.  At the end, they asked if I would like a disc with the images on.  Of course I said yes.  Later on in the day I met up with an old ‘friend’ from two summers ago which was lovely.  We went for ice cream in Belgravia (as you do) and spent time, chatting and laughing and we are going to meet up again.

Back home I looked at the CD images and Andy can see a problem; and I cannot.  So our diagnosis is there is something wrong with me or there isn’t anything wrong with me. I shall park that one there.

Wednesday:  Busy day today but I made it, it is hump day. Lazy evening. I had life laundry to do but could not be bothered and watched Coach Trip and MasterChef instead.  All rock and roll.  I am countdown now to for my week off.

Thursday:  Working at a hospital today (see so many hospitals) and it was good to have some conversation and laughs with my colleagues.  It is a good job I do not work down here very often.  I could have brought my CT scan pictures and found a lovely doctor to explain them to me.  I didn’t.  After work I went to the beauticians to get my nails done and they look absolutely lovely. Went for the bright red.  Today is A Level result day and for me, this day is always painful.  I did not watch the news all day because of it but had friends, quite rightly proud of their children, posting on FB. I am so pleased for them and I can see why it is such a lovely time; albeit a difficult time for me.

Friday:  I should have known that I would be busy today.  All I wanted was a quite slide into my week off; that was not meant to be.  However, 16:31 arrived and I am now on annual leave.  Praise the Lord.

As always, with my love x

As we go down life's lonesome highway Seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two That helping hand Some one who understands (Say You, Say Me - Lionel Richie)

Not much to say about this song, just a beautiful tune and lovely words. Tissues anyone?  As always, enjoy.

Saturday:  So I could have laid in bed today but my body clock decided that I should be awake at 7.00am ....... sigh.  Washed and dressed I decided to go to Birkbeck to stake out the library.  I was in for a treat.  The library is massive. I have never seen so many books on gender, sexuality, race, class or life.  I was up ladders, crawling on my hands and knees collecting books.  So many books; such little time.

I will need to spend so much time in that library and I just wish that I had more time to read more books. Left college and caught the bus up to Soho as this afternoon I was volunteering again.  Different people this time who probably looked at me as if to say what is this woman doing here.  Two hours later and plenty of sparkle, all was well.  I met some really interesting people again today and everyone, except on bloke who was very confrontational, were a delight. In fact when the guy was being 'awkward' three other guys come to my rescue and gave me a huge hug and thanked me.  More positive vibe than the one negative and I also encouraged two people to be tested; one who has never been tested. Brilliant, just brilliant.

I took Japanese food home for dinner and Andy and I watched To Wong Foo, thanks for everything Julie Newmar.  It was brilliant.  An American Priscilla. So, so funny and I really do not know why I had not seen it before. 

Sunday:  Up and out to Aldi.  I had no choice. I had not food in and my friend arrives tomorrow.  Three big bags and bus ride later, I got home exhausted. It really should be an Olympic sport shopping in London.

Had my lunch and got my energy back and it was time to do the ironing.  I really do not know how I managed before in past life, because now I am absolutely crap!

Relaxing rest of the day, but this is OK as I have such a busy week ahead. 

As always, with my love x