Work's been OK this week - Rose has been off for most of it, so I've been covering both of our jobs. You might think it begs the question "Why are there two of you if one of you can do it?" but I've been neglecting a few of my fiddly jobs to get the bulk of the daily stuff done. I'll catch up when Rose is back! It's been pleasantly busy. There's quite a feeling of achievement when the sealed remittance bag goes off to Shipley at 3pm - sad, I know. But I like meeting deadlines. It's still a novelty for me, a serial late person. I like wandering back to my desk thinking, "That was good, only seven cheques left out, glad I sorted that weird one that had been hanging around the Day 0 folder for a few days." When Rose is back in, she'll go back to doing that bit, and I'll catch up with the fiddly awkward complicated remissions... a job that's never quite finished, unfortunately.

Andrea's been getting more excited/nervous all week because it's her hen night in Liverpool tomorrow - should be a fantastic night. I'm supposed to be wearing little red devil horns. I don't think they'll suit me, but at least it's more honest than wearing a halo...

On Wednesday Steve came up to my desk and said, "You know how you've got a really busy weekend? Do you want me to make it even busier?" I asked him to elaborate, and he mentioned two tickets to Live 8... And that this band called Pink Floyd might be playing... There was no way I was going to turn that offer down!

Cutting a long story short, a hotel is now booked, train tickets are bought, and Karl's having Euan an extra night, with Mum & Dan covering Sunday. This is going to be one hell of a tiring few days - work Friday morning (squashing the important jobs into half a day), War of the Worlds Friday afternoon, Wrexham then Liverpool Friday night with Andrea & co., then off to London at some silly time on Saturday morning, coming back Sunday night, then work again on Monday. Ouch.

It's going to be so worth it. There should hopefully be photographic evidence from both Friday and Saturday nights. (To be uploaded when I recover!)

Watch this space...

I think I need a holiday. I know that last weekend I went to Sheffield, and the week before I went to Llanwrtyd, but I mean a holiday where I don't run around a lot and have work either side of it. One where I actually sit down for a while, and maybe even read a book. A restful one!

I've come to this conclusion because I've been ill all week - sore throat, aches and pains everywhere, feverish, and really worn out. Struggled through work on Wednesday and Thursday, working very short days supplemented with leave, and took some delightful painkillers that made me a little bit spaced out. Ended up taking the day off on Friday because I finally ran out of energy.

It was just as well really, because Rob had been ill all week too, which is not pleasant when you're stuck away from home, and on Friday he was finally persuaded to go to the doctor's. Turns out he had severe tonsillitis, and was told to come straight back if the antibiotics didn't help within a day or two because he might need an operation! He was understandably worried about the "complications" the doctor had mentioned, and the possibility that he might suffocate in his sleep... He went back to Sheffield yesterday, getting a lift because the trains are no fun when you're ill. As far as I know, he's still alive.

After Rob left, I met Karl and his new girlfriend Jane in McDonalds, where they had grabbed a bite to eat before going out. I said a brief hello and a brief goodbye, and wandered off with Euan. She seemed nice. Curly dark hair. That's about it for a first impression - further details will have to wait until I meet her again! She was staying in Wrexham for the weekend (in a hotel because Karl lives with his parents), but normally lives in Cardiff.

The usual suspects (Mum, Grandma, Dan) came round last night, for a chat and cuppa - Euan entertained them all so much that we went for an outing today as well. Gorgeous sunshine, so we went for a stroll by the river in Chester, stopping for lunch at the Blue Moon café. It's fifties-themed, and the food was quite yummy. The plan was to go for a cruise up the river, but Grandma didn't feel like it, and Euan looked a bit chilly so we gave it a miss and headed into town to catch a few shops instead. Dan joined us at this point, for a pub meal at the Golden Grove. I suggested it because it's got a huge garden, which is the one thing that seems to stop Euan from going crazy and spoiling the meal...

I went for duck with fig chutney on a bed of stir-fried vegetables.

It was horrible. The fig chutney was OK, if a bit bland, but the duck was dry and tough and tasteless. The "vegetables" appeared to be grilled peppers. Certainly not the sweet and succulent feast I had been expecting. I did something very rare for me - I sent it back and asked for a refund. Normally, if it's edible I'll just eat it to avoid upsetting people. Ah well, apart from that the meal went really well - and Euan spent the whole time in the play area, being watched in shifts by all of us.

Got a few photos of the outing:
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› - "action shot" according to Dan...
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Managed to get up on Saturday morning for the train to Sheffield... was mildly hungover and quite tired but fully aware it was all my own fault! Got a lot of reading done on the train - something I never seem to find the time for recently, but still thoroughly enjoy. Read two more of Dan Rhodes' books: Anthropology and a hundred other stories and Don't tell me the truth about Love. Both pleasingly quirky and original. Unfortunately, I automatically started blathering enthusiastically about both books when Rob came to meet me at the station. I seem to remember waffling on along these lines: "It's amazing how he manages to write with cynicism and melancholy, and yet his books are so uplifting. I wish I could meet him and say something like 'Wow, how do you do it?' and then ask meekly for an autograph and run away, of course." Rob politely nodded and endured the verbal deluge until it'd run its course.

I'd never been to Sheffield before but it made a very good impression from the outset. Stepping onto the platform, a woman accidentally nudged me and said, "Sorry duck." I was thrilled! Ten seconds in Sheffield and I'd already been called duck. We got on a tram to the hotel I'd booked into, and after dumping my case Rob showed me round his University (which boasted excellent views from level 12 and was generally posh and funky... and blissfully air conditioned). Out into the humid heat for a stroll round the City Centre shops where I bought CDs & books from 'Fopp'. Then on to the infamous for more yummy beers - Erdinger Pikantus (Pikachu!) and Plum Lambic fruit beer - followed by food: I had a rather splendid Brie and Bacon burger (freshly minced). Rob had the Bacon & Cheese Burger.
Headed back to the hotel for the obligatory viewing of Dr Who, then strolled out to the 'Valley of the Beers' for some more rather tasty foreign alcohol, as well as some closer to 'home'. Specifically Pale Rider, a beer that while being rather scrumptious, is made just next door.
Was shattered, crashed out back at the hotel.

Meadowhall was the plan for Sunday, but the tour of Rob's house (including iguana) was the first stop. Rather surreal to have known Rob for so long without ever seeing where he lives. Then on for the shopping spree - I got cheapy new clothes for me and a cuddly crocodile for me... I mean for Euan! From the Early Learning Centre.
Back to the hotel (again) to drop off shopping, freshen up, and change into some of my new clothes. Rumour has it that I may have worn a skirt, and flowery bunches... I dare you to prove it!
We set off for The Hallowes as the heavens opened and an angry thunderstorm flashed and rumbled overhead, turning the adjacent building roofs into swimming pools for pigeons.

Being the first to arrive, we picked a nice big table for everyone to join us at. Next to arrive were Tom's family - we spotted his dad and concurred that the resemblance was striking, and therefore deduced who his mum, brother and grandfather were. They went and sat down elsewhere as none of us had ever met. Tom arrived next and beckoned us over to his family despite our protestations that a doorside location would be cooler. We compromised with 3 small tables huddled in a corner, close to the open patio doors. (Birthday) Rich arrived next and Tom introduced everyone, then we quizzed. Nearly 3rd place in the end, but lost out due to a tiebreaker. If they'd listened to my random wild guess, we would have won! Alas, they chose reason and logic over female intuition. We said our goodbyes, and Tom, Rich, Rob and I descended on Tom's flat for some late night snackage and computery based funnies. I very rudely fell asleep during some of Tom's pictures; I think it's because of several months spent burning the candle at both ends... and in the middle... heck, in fact I just torched the damn thing... as well as several pints of Yorkshire bitter (Black Sheep Ale, and Tetleys Cask).
Prodded awake when it was time to go, I muttered incoherent apologies for my lack of manners, and stumbled sleepily back to the comfy hotel.

Monday was just as hot and sunny, but the thunderstorm had cleared the air, and the humidity was back to normal levels. Woo and yay, we could actually breathe again! Back to Meadowhall to buy some stuff I had seen the day before, from Whittards and Marks & Spencer.
A quick discussion with Karl established that he'd have Euan overnight, so we took our time and headed to Nando's for some rather yummy chicken.
On the way Rob pointed out a tasteful lingerie shop called Gash, and I was tempted to buy something just so I could say where I got it.

Sadly, it was time to head home and Rob decided to join me, as Dan is penniless and bored, and Paul is home from University, so he thought rather than stay at home, being bored, he'd join Dan n' Co. for some quality ATA-off-park time. After various shenanigans with delayed trains we eventually made it back to Coedpoeth, spent a little time watching Max get stoned on Catnip toys, then we zonked out, once again.

I had work today. It was pants.

Picked Euan up from nursery, ate fish fingers, got beaten up by toddler. It was good fun though. Right up to the point where he spilled coffee granules and orange juice all over the place... ah well, back to normality.

OK, I admit it, it's been absolutely ages since the last update. I'm crap, I apologise, I realise that for some people this site is a lifeline to the outside.

I apologise to those who struggled without the tiny details of my life laid out in green-and-white.

Anyway... Wow, since 25th May? Worse than I thought. This will require my Little Black Book Of Everything, the holy filofax which giveth (social) life...

Let's see...

26th - Rhyl, handily missing boring SA training in work.
27th - went to Dad's with Euan. Oh I remember, it was hot and sticky, and Euan was well-behaved but energetic. Karl was coincidentally on the same train from Wrexham to Shrewsbury, as he was off to Cardiff to see Jane again. Euan loves trains. It's a kind of infectious enthusiasm, because as we got off the train and waved to it, the driver waved back and tooted the horn. So Euan said "Toot-toot!" for the next ten minutes.
We had an hour's wait in Shrewsbury, but waved Karl off ("Bye-bye Daddy. Train, choo-choo!") and then had a discussion about it ("Daddy, gone. Oh, no. Wheyawoo Daddy? Gone.")
Ironic that Karl can get to Cardiff in half the time it took us to get to Llanwrtyd, and our destination was closer. The nice train lady let Euan press the buttons to release and lock the doors at each station. I was secretly jealous...
28th - spent running around like a nutter (Euan not me), reading (me not Euan), and playing with the pool table (both of us). Euan had a good couple of hours' sleep at lunchtime, and sitting in front of the fire I felt like joining him! Somehow stayed up for Dr Who. Still scary. Especially when the gas-mask-faced-monster-four-year-old said, "Mummy" (click here to listen) and Euan turned to me and repeated it in exactly the same tone of voice... I lifted my feet onto the sofa (a sure sign I'm spooked) and hugged a cushion.
29th - glorious day, drove over the hills to Llanddewi Brefi with Dad, Euan and the dogs - Flynn and Charlie. Both pubs and the solitary shop were shut. Took photos. Went back to Tregaron for a pub lunch.
30th - went home. Got a lift with Catherine's family. Me and the sprogs sat in the back and watched The Incredibles on a little DVD player. Clever.

Week after that appears to have been boring... Rhyl, work, Rhyl, work, weekend. Had a quiet weekend for a change, enjoyed having a rest! Stayed up late Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th though, writing the DrWho themed script for my Prince's Trust colleagues because our Presentation was looming on Thursday. When I say "stayed up late" I actually mean "drank a constant stream of cups of coffee, occasional munchies, and realised when the milkman went past the window at 3.30am that it was rather pointless going to bed at all".
To say that I was a bit tired on Wednesday is something of an understatement.
I was in Rhyl, and we were rehearsing for the next day. I think everyone was tense - the others usually have various issues going on anyway, and the imminent Presentation was setting everyone on edge.

When rehearsals broke up for the seventy-ninth time ("I'm going the shop." "Hey, you're in the next bit!" "Oh this is ridiculous." "I'm going for a fag." "Andy, can you get off the phone and tell this lot to stick with the script please?") I sighed and stared vaguely into space.
When one or two people decided to pretend to be the audience instead of practising, I let it wash over me. But when Geraint refused to move when he was supposed to, then went on strike, then said the script was crap... I got a tad annoyed. You could say it was the final straw. I let rip with a rant. I forget the actual words, but I believe I mentioned the fact that he'd contributed nothing to it, but was happy to criticise; I outlined the fact that I hadn't slept for two nights writing it and he couldn't even devote an hour to reading it; I asked him exactly what his problem was and suggested we could all help him work through his obvious difficulties with a simple task; I seem to remember I uttered some swearwords, but to be honest the red mist that descended has clouded my memory somewhat.

Considering the fact that throughout the twelve weeks I had been the one trying to calm everyone down and pacify situations, the others were a bit shocked. Especially Geraint. For some reason, it worked. People stopped having tantrums and rehearsed. Hurrah. I think they were impressed with Angry Gem.

Rob arrived Wednesday evening, as he's finished Uni for a while so presumably the idea of laughing at a friend's most humiliating moments appealed.

Presentation Day
Thursday arrived, and I had to go into work - we had a big meeting about banking procedures, which is my whole job. It's not like I could miss it. I took the minutes, so it was probably the only meeting this year I've properly listened to. Whizzed through my afternoon jobs and dashed home for a quick bath and change of clothes before heading back to the office for a lift to Rhyl.
The presentation went OK. I'd left the team pictures of a Dalek and a Tardis so they could make the props, and the Tardis was really impressive... the Dalek was interesting. It was a bit like a giant Clanger covered in silver foil, with a Ned Kelly tin hat.
Ah well, to be fair some of them had never watched Dr Who before. They did OK.
Although everyone was terrified, I think it basically went all right. I blushed beetroot red from the moment the curtains opened until I escaped towards the buffet, but it was fun anyway. Stood waiting for me at the buffet were Dan (dutiful brother), Rob (dedicated photographer) and Mum (representing 'work'), who after much deliberation decided that the sandwiches looked edible and tucked in. The adrenaline gave me an appetite, so I didn't hesitate to dive straight in.
After the obligatory 'networking session' we escaped to KFC for something more substantial to eat, and then home via the seafront for some good natured piss-taking of Dan and his childhood fear of the creaky rollercoasters.

Chester Zoo
Rob had decided that zoo animals might make an interesting change from rollercoasters as his preferred photography subject. So we toddled off to the zoo... eventually. Dawdling and public transport made the trip almost pointless - but still justifiable!
My favourites are still the coatis, don't know why. Rob took lots of clever photos, I took a few blurred ones. Rob's Photos. Mooched back into Chester and paid the Bear and Billet a visit, where I quaffed several continental beers recommended by Rob. They were yummy, especially the fruity one. After getting nicely tiddly, we decided on a hunt for food. Rob thought it'd be nice to go to 'Pizza Express' (a chain that I'd never heard of, but was happy to try. For those uninitiated, it's a posh version of Pizza Hut with Jazz music and funny toppings), however the internet lied to us, and we discovered that the Pizza Express in Chester has sadly closed. Still in a pizza mood we headed instead to its poor relation, the Pizza Hut. Then back to Coedpoeth where I slept like a log.

Man V. Horse race
No rest for the wicked: after a few short hours' kip we headed to the station to catch the 7.25am (that's in the MORNING!) train down to Llanwrtyd (you'll never leave...).
Arriving at the station just before 11 we walked speedily into town - not too speedily though, as I had opted for the impratical but gorgeous heels, against Rob's advice 4 hours earlier. We missed the runners setting off, but were in plenty of time to see the horses trot and canter across the town square. The start is staggered to avoid trampling, but somehow I think it would be more interesting to start everyone off in a big mess of trainers and hooves
Dan had been there since the night before, so we were expecting to find him semi-comatose, twitching, surrounded by empty Mars drink bottles. Sadly he was fully conscious, but we took full advantage of this by getting him to take a with a minor celebrity - the drawly American comedian Rich Hall was filming cowboys with the BBC (coming to a screen near you in the Autumn apparently).
A horse won again this year, but the party's always good anyway. We ended up as bouncers (unpaid of course) but at least it meant we could stand next to the door and breathe - as the place was packed.
Went home the next day, but it was worth all the trains.

This week - finally!
Rob stayed till Tuesday, as he didn't fancy 3 consecutive days on trains. I was back to work all week, looking after Euan and trying to catch up on a lot of sleep. Went for lunch with Karl on Thursday for another discussion about Euan, which went quite well - which means I think I got what I wanted without Karl feeling put upon. As long as we keep talking whenever one of us starts getting annoyed, I think we can keep on being reasonable and flexible. Touch wood etc.
Quite an alcoholic week as I got tipsy last night and I'm going out again shortly, but this weather demands beer gardens!