Project Life: Edinburgh Edition

Linking up with Jessica, as ever!  This post actually fills four pages of my digi-book - alternating words and photos.

One of the highlights of my year has to be the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  I've been six times and I always have the best time, watching comedy and music, catching up with folk, and generally having a ball.  The past couple of years I've gone with the lovely Matthew and we've had a great time, but this year was a little different.  Matthew couldn't take time off work this month, so instead my friend Lou and I decided to stage an EDINBUREUNION!

Lou and I went to Edinburgh together last in 2008, where we had a great little time romping around and watching tonnes of things.  It's also the place where Lou first introduced me to her friend from the football, Matthew.  Who is now my Matthew.  So both the festival and Lou, both of which hold already pretty darn groovy places in my heart, are even more special for being the reason I met my wonderful boy. :-)

Right, soppiness over.

So Lou and I conspired to head off to the festival together once more.  We could only schedule a weekend away, but we crammed an awful lot into it.  Friday afternoon we met at Kings Cross and had a very jolly journey up to Edinburgh.  We had tea and crudités and lots of fun.  Then we were up the hill to our hostel (bunk beds ahoy!) and off to our first two shows, after a quick drink with Sarah, a lovely girl I went to high school with (we hadn't seen each other in person in about thirteen years!).  We went to see Marcus Ryan, an Aussie comic, doing a stand up gig called Home and Away, and then popped off to see Sound and Fury, an American comedy troupe.  By 1 am it was time for bed.

Saturday we awoke and fortified ourselves with a proper Scottish fry-up.  We then embarked on a day of shows and fun.  We saw both the acts we saw Friday again, in different shows.  we saw the brilliant Sammy J, who made me weep with laughter.  We had a drink with Lou's brother Rich, and bumped into Rachel, a nanny of one of my students, and Jude, a Joinee we both know.  We saw The Blanks (a.k.a. Ted's band from Scrubs) and finished our day with a performance by Showstopper and some pizza eaten while sitting on a wall.  Ah, Edinburgh.

Sunday dawned and we headed once more for greasy fortification.  Then we decided to take an open-topped bus tour around the city, and as well as seeing lots of different sights, we also spotted Danny Wallace, the leader of the group (Join Me) that first threw Lou and I together!  Random, but brilliant - we'd actually spotted him in 2008 together too, but not from the top of a double decker bus!  We then popped along to meet our friend Tim and to catch a performance of Austentatious (they improvise Austen.  I was in heaven!). Then it was off to the station for our first class seats home (so. much. tea.).

Such a brilliant weekend.  Thank you Lou.  Thank you Edinburgh!

 We found Chris Hoy's golden post box!

 Grand hotel.

 A tiny portion of the tickets and flyers haul!

 Castle.

 Monument.

 Gallery.

 Lou always makes us awesome timetables.  Awesome laminated timetables.  Which of course we then dip into beverages as a trick of wonder.  Here, it withstands tea!

 

 Scottish breakfast, replete with haggis.  I'm eating lots of vegetables and muesli this week to repent!

 On our bus tour.

 Best. brownies. ever.  Gooey and chewy - I'm so glad they are in a different city to me!

 Crowds!

Timetable of awesome.

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A fabulous and marvellous evening...

As regular readers of this blog will know, Eileen and I love to girldate.  Whether it's dinner, coffee, tapas, a movie or something completely different, it's always great to catch up with Eileen and have some fun.  This evening we went on a super fun girls' night out at Fortnum & Mason, a department store here in London.

I love F&M.  It's beautiful, classic, and full of wonderful foodie finds.  I am almost always guaranteed to leave its doors significantly poorer as I tempted by wine, goodies, jams and cheese.  But more on that another time!  Eileen and I were there this evening on a different kind of mission.  We were there for a sweet pie making masterclass!  Eileen had spotted it on the website and signed us up to do the class.

We arrived shortly before 5 (well, I did - Eileen had arrived in a slightly more leisurely manner and had time for a cup of tea!) and scurried up to the demonstration kitchen, where we met the lovely Fred and Andrew, the master bakers who were to explain to us the mysteries of yummy, yummy fruit pies.

Confession:  previously I've had the worst luck with pastry.  I can whip up cupcakes and Victoria sponges at a fair old pace, but pies have long eluded me.  I did not tell Eileen (or Fred, or Andrew) this fact.  I didn't want to scare them.

The gents explained the process - namely that we'd be making not one but two pies, with a variety of fillings and tops, and we'd be using premade, pre-rested pastry.  Then, while the pies baked away merrily we'd have a taste of some of the pies Fred and Andrew had made earlier (in a Blue Peter style) and learn how to make the pastry for ourselves.

Making the pies was super fun - rolling and filling and choosing styles.  I adored using the fabulous lattice maker (definitely going on my Christmas list!) and had a good old chat with Fred about our mutual love of Lakeland for kitchen gadgetry.  I made a traditional apple pie and a lattice rhubarb and ginger pie, Eileen made the same lattice pie and a beautiful French-style apple tart.  Such a fun, relaxing evening - and I managed not to get phased, even when a darling older German lady came over and started narrating my actions ("Don't roll too hard....careful.....gently.....add the apples now.").  I love the variety of folk you bump into in London department stores!

Eileen all aproned up and ready to bake!

Me, proving once again that a) I will goof off in photos if at all possible; and b) I love a good prop in a photo too!

All ready to make sweet, sweet pie!

Cake crumbs sprinkled in the bottom of the pie to soak up excess moisture = genius!

Trimming off the excess pastry.  Check out my lattice!  I was very proud of it, haha!

Pies all ready to bake!

Eileen and I with our freshly baked goodies!

Matthew loves a good apple pie.  Cannot wait to let him have this as pudding over the weekend!

After we had boxed up our pies to take home to share with Rory and Matthew, Eileen and I decided to continue the evening at 1707, the wine bar at Fortnum & Mason.  Which was a good move.  We both enjoyed a wine flight (three wines chosen to given you a flavour of a place, season, or mood) - Eileen the Spanish, myself the Australian.  We both enjoyed our drinks so much we ended up adding bottles of selections from our flights to the bill to take home.  Pie and wine?  Lucky, lucky boys.

Along with the wines we enjoyed several selections from the 'degustation' menu (nicoise salad, Iberian meats, Mediterranean vegetables, and the most delicious blue cheese-walnut-apple combo), and a few choices from the cheeseboard with crackers and quince jelly.  Eileen even had some oysters!  All of the food was delicious, fresh, and beautifully balanced.  The staff were so helpful and just attentive enough - that perfect mix of always being to hand when you needed them, but not hovering whilst you're trying to have a good chinwag.  The bar itself was cosy, well appointed, and filled with the gentle hubbub of London relaxing and jazz being softly played - by a wonderful bassist who at one point broke out the riff from 'Hotel California' for a few bars mid piece - fun!

Eileen, ready for a sit down, a gossip, and some yumminess!

Degustation deliciousness.

We rounded off the meal with a rich, smooth cup of coffee and a lovely chat about food, wine, and the joys of being French/American/Scottish with Guillaume, the wonderful man in charge.  After that we shrugged into coats and back out into the grey of London, full, happy and thoroughly charmed by a fabulous and marvellous evening at F&M.

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2009: The Review

Following on from my posts at the end of 2008 and 2007, here's my review of the year that was... It's been a pretty busy one! I'll mix in some photos from the year too, in a typically sporadic fashion...

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Moved to London. Fell in love. And was a bridesmaid. Good times!

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I just keep on working, really! Biggest wishes were to find a new job and see more of my boyfriend - I think I've aced those two, at the very least!

Greeting Christy at Aberdeen Airport, August 2009

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Lots of bloggy friends had babies (I'm especially attached to the beautiful Harper, Abigail and Raven, who I love to read about!), Eli & Carlos greeted the gorgeous Esperanza, Marc and Cath welcomed Joseph, Tracy and Andrew had little Olivia, and Erin welcomed beautiful Mia. Quite a few babies then!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank heavens.

5. What countries did you visit?
England, Scotland, USA.

With beautiful Tara, at Rich's birthday shindig, June 2009

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
I’ve been so very blessed this year. I would hope to keep on this trajectory, in all its messy, fulfilling, silly, awesome wonder, if at all possible. Oh, and a *little* more time for naps is never a bad thing...

(I'm going to keep this answer from last year, and just say "ditto"!)

With Sam, at Maria's wedding, August 2009

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Whatever day in February it was that I first arrived at my new school to interview. I fell in love with the school! Also, 24/10/09 - getting to bridesmaid for Jenna and Chris was an utter joy! I love them so much!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Spending lots of time with the people I care about, and getting straight in my head what matters to me. And getting my job.

With the beautiful Heidi, Jenna's other bridesmaid, October 2009. We'd met moments before! :-)

9. What was your biggest failure?
Losing 15 pounds...then putting twelve of them back on. Major healthkick in 2010 during the run up to 30!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major, no. Thank heavens!

With Sheli and Amanda at Loverpool, May 2009

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Rather geekily, my iPhone!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My wonderful friends. Again.

Girly night with Ems, Hannah, Siobhán and Yellow Man, February 2009

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
No-one, really. All of the people around me are pretty much awesome, most of the time!

14. Where did most of your money go?
After rent and bills, most of my money has been spent on travel, gifts, stamps and phone calls.

The beautiful bride and her ladies (l-r) Heidi, Jenna, me, Kirsty (Jenna's mummy), October 2009

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Moving to London. Planning. Bridesmaiding. My job.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Any of the songs from Florence and The Machine, Kate Miller-Heidke, or Taylor Swift's albums, really. The soundtrack to my commute!

Lopping a foot off of my hair for charity, April 2009

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
Happier, about the same size, and a little richer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Watching movies and working out.

The tall and the small (Dan, Rich, Andy Boom, Mum White and me), June 2009

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Staying up late on school nights - always a foolish move! Do it a lot less now I live in the land of the 6 am wake up call though, I have to say!

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas cosied up at home with my badger.

Sillest bridesmaid ever? With Jenna and Heidi, October 2009

21. Did you meet/date anyone special in 2009?
I'd already met him (in 2008). This is the year I fell in love with him.

Having cocktails and Shiner at the Skytower in Dallas, Matthew and I, October 2009

23. How many one-night stands?
Not a one.

24. What was your favourite TV program?
America's Next Top Model (more or less the only show I watched every week it was on), Come Dine With Me, and 30 Rock.

I love my goofy girlies! With Siobhán and Hannah, February 2009

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don’t believe in hate.

26. What was the best book you read?
I loved Stephen Fry's America, and Churched by Matthew Paul Turner, and The State of Africa by Martin Meredith, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows, and Bad Science by Ben Goldacre, and many other books I can't think of right now! I'm so glad I've got back into reading!

Running Man! Dancing with Steph and Naomi, December 2009

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kate Miller-Heidke. And Taylor Swift.

28. What did you want and get?
More time with my boy. And kisses.

On a pedalo (PEDALO! Woo!) with my darling Jenna, July 2009

29. What did you want and not get?
I really can't think. I've been infintely blessed.

30. What was your favourite film of this year?
I can't think of one - I'm so busy watching ones from a way back that I tend to miss the current. I did enjoy The Hangover though - kept me guessing!

Going for the cheesiest guest award at Rich's 30th, June 2009

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was twenty-nine. I worked and was spoilt by my classes and colleagues. Then I went to the pub to enough a joint 124th birthday with three of my best girls. A great birthday.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A house that was slightly less temperamental! I love it, but it has its strops!

Having a tonne of fun in London with Christy, August 2009

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Pretty, comfortable, and with shiny where available.

34. What kept you sane?
My gorgeous friends! (no change!)

Jessika and I, on the day I sold her. Party on, little buddy! August 2009

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
George Clooney, David Tennant, and Dave Grohl.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

The fact that we are going to have little to no choice when the election is called. A uniquely depressing state of affairs.

As if further evidence was needed that I'm a little loopy. And fond of purple. With Lou, February 2009

37. I have only just noticed that there is no 37....hmmmm....

38. Who was the best new person you met?
I've been lucky enough to meet many, many cool new people!

Relaxing with my lovely boy at my 'housewarming picnic', July 2009

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Only you can set your agenda, so live with love and kindness, baby.

With some gorgeous girlies (l-r Amanda, Emily, Jo and I), Loverpool, May 2009

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"The one thing, the one thing, the one thing I know,

The one thing I know to be true,

I'll never, I'll never, wherever I go,

I'll never finish loving you"

(soppy, but true ;))

So there you have it! 2009 is winding down, and tomorrow it will be a new decade. So all that remains is for me to wish you all a very happy New Year! I hope your Hogmanay celebrations go well, and wish you all the very best for the year to come - here's to 2010!

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New school...

So, the last week-and-a-bit of the glorious summer break is upon us, and it is almost time for the lovely season that is back to school to commence. I'm super excited (and nervous!) to be starting at my new school - being the new kid is always tough, I guess, even when you're nearly thirty! Ah well, a childhood as a military brat will stand me in good stead as I get used to it, I hope.

After weeks of moving and then weeks of travelling, I'm ready for some good old routine, I must say. Early nights, dinner with friends, coffee and drinks in town, getting settled in at work, cuddles, working out in the gym...just settling into a rhythm, I guess. I'm so glad there are fun things various on the horizon too, but I'm ready to be in the same space a little too.

I'm getting all ready for the start of school. I somehow managed to refrain from buying any more pens (seriously, I have about three hundred!), but I do have some school bits to buy - notebooks, water bottles, etc. I'm also going to get a coffee cup to take on the tube each morning (reading and a cup of joe - what could be better?). I've got lots of little tasks to do, and a few pieces of clothing to buy (I swear, I enjoy back to school as much as I did when I was 6...).

Intellectually, I'm ready too. I want to do some work, some planning, some thinking.... The summer break is vital to recharge after the craziness of a school year, but now I just want to roll up my sleeves and get into it. I am enjoying the last bit of summer too though (fear not, gentle readers!), with a visit from Mlle Wilson tomorrow, friends round for dinner, a wedding on Saturday and a visit to Matthew's parents all over the next few days, but then?

Time to get back to school!

:-)

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Blogging in bed

It's a little after midnight, Sunday night/Monday morning. I couldn't quite get my head round to sleep (distracted by the shiny as ever, and the clock change, and a lie-in Sinday morning all conspiring to befuddle my brain a little!). But my room is chilly, and my back's a little sore (a combination of several hours driving, a couple of hours typing, and the night on a couch last night (a very fabulous and comfy couch with two wonderful owners, but a couch nonetheless)). What to do?

1. Praise heaven for laptop computers.
2. Fold out bed, plump up cushions.
3. Turn on little heater of win for a warmth injection for fifteen minutes (which'll then have me good till bedtime).
4. Don oh-so-attractive blue penguin PJs (thanks again, Christy), old comfy grey Purdue sweatshirt and pink and white slippershoes.
5. Locate funsize bag of minieggs.
6. Crawl into bed, et voilá. It's like blogging in a marshmallow!

A lovely wee jaunt to the north-west this weekend, to check in with the adorable folk that are the Liverpool contingent (and friends). Just what I needed after a few days of quiet and housework - good chat and silliness; bars where they showed Labyrinth on big screens and had heaters that looked like TVs showing fires; hugs and in-jokes; feasts of food and Mcflurries; big sleeps and deciding I'm Bridget (not Jones!); and hours upon hours of chat.... Thank you again, lovelies!

And now, another week begins. Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday are fairly garden variety...I need to sort out my tip of a classwork, work on some scrapbook stuff, get my plans for next term out. I also need to get to the gym after a lacklustre few months....now spring is sprung I have no excuse (and I have to work those mini eggs off somehow!). Thursday the boy's here....because on Friday we are flying up to Scotland. WOO! I am so excited to be going home and seeing family and friends and showing him my hometown. Brilliant!

Hope you all had an ace weekend - have a super week!

Love,
Cxx

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My "List" - an update!

Those of you who've been reading for a while may recall that I have a little "life list" I cooked up for myself 2 years ago. Well, I continue to work away at it, and here's the latest progress report...

I would like to be able to make good pancakes. Done, Feb 09
I would like to register myself with a doctor… Done, Aug 07
…and a dentist… Done, March 09
…and an optician. Spring/Summer 09 focus
I would like to take this blog to over 1,000 posts. (in progress!)
I would like to live abroad (whether only for a few weeks or many years, I don’t know!).
I would like to sing a solo in front of a BIG crowd. Done, Jul 07
I would like to see at least two dozen gigs. Completed, Aug 08
I would like to go on the London Eye at night, and look out over the city.
I would like to learn how to ride a skateboard.
I would like to fall in love, really and truly and without any bs. Done. :)
I would like to run a 5 kilometre race for life.
I would like to get back up to swimming 50 lengths in one go (I am becoming such a wuss!). Spring/Summer 09 focus.
I would like to read the favourite books of all my friends. (getting there!)
I would like to learn how to apply liquid eyeliner. Done, Oct 07
I would like to try golf…. Spring/Summer 09 focus.
…and bodyboarding…
…and abseiling. Done, Jun 07
I would like to be an extra in a film or TV show.
I would like to start playing flute again.
I would like to go ice skating.
I would like to have a child, or start putting cogs in motion to adopts in my mid-thirties (haha, this so comes late in the 5 year plan – if I had a kid now I’d probably misplace him or her ;-)).
I would like to learn how to drive. Done - passed test Jul 1st, 2007
I would like to drop another two dress sizes. Spring/summer 09 focus (one and a bit to go!)
I would like to visit New York…
….Boston…
…Chicago…
…Toronto… Done, Oct 07
…Montreal… Done, Oct 07
…Vancouver…
…Amsterdam…
…Madrid… Done, Feb 08
…Rome…
…and Athens.
I would like to read the whole Bible.
I would like to write letters to all my heroes. (in progress!)
I would like to watch all of the AFIs top 100 films.
I would like to be featured on a CD (singer / handclaps / lyricist / whatever!).
I would like to get back into producing video storyboards for songs I like – then if the opportunity ever arises I can have a portfolio to show.
I would like to learn how to speak Spanish.
I would like to have a poem published.
I would like to have really long hair (past elbows)….(almost there!) Spring/Summer 09 focus.
…and pretty short hair.
I would like to be a godmother (buddies and friends, this one’s on you!).
I would like to attend a film premiere.
I would like to design and produce a teeshirt.
I would like to sort out my finances. Done, I'd say, but there's always room for further improvement :)
I would like to watch ‘Snakes on a Plane’, even though the premise terrifies me.
I would like to join ebay. Done, Aug 08.
I would like to visit the Houses of Parliament. Done, Jul 07. I even got to have lunch at the House of Lords!
I would like to get into kite flying – loads of people have told me how fab it is!
I would like to take a course / read several books about web design.
I would like to learn how to play a half-decent game of tennis.
I would like to act onstage again. Done, Nov 08 (a walk on one-scene-wonder role in our school panto!
I would like to learn about art.
I would like to have at least one thousand pounds saved for rainy days. Done, Jan 09
I would like to take my HNC in radio production / do work experience at a radio station.
I would like to write a children’s book….even if it’s just for my class.
I would like to learn how to make crème brulee.
I would like to see an opera. Done, Jul 07
I would like to be a bridesmaid (bring on the pouffy pastels!).
I would like to write a good song.
I would like to have a review published.
I would like to learn how to knit. Done, May 08 (I'm not very good at it, but I can do it!)
I would like to make a photoblog where I take a picture every single day for a year. CANCELLED. I tried this, and do you know what? Some days there are too many pictures to pick just one. And others, there seems to be nothing at all.... I *will* start a photoblog again at one point, but I decided to leave this little bit of the list undone!
I would like to climb Scafell Pike…
…and Ben Nevis. Spring/summer 09 focus.
I would like to beat Peter in a game of badminton. Done, Aug 07.
I would like to raise some money for charity each year for the next five years. Ongoing - 07 and 08 achieved, 09 in progress.
I would like to get organised :-). Done, and ongoing. You guys should see the household organiser I've started using!

So that's 22 of 70 done.
6 or so in progress.
And 6 I'm focusing on.

So hopefully by September (the midway point in these shenanigans!) I shall have 34 of 70 done. A.k.a. almost half! :-) Some of them I may never do, or certainly not in the next few years. But by golly I'll have fun trying!

Love,
Cxx

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New Years Ambitions

I don't really believe in conventional new years resolutions really. So often they are about the negative, the unattainable, the restrictive (I WILL NOT eat chocolate....I will halve in size...I will never ever gossip). So I prefer to use the season of Hogmanay as a time for reflection and celebration, and a time to focus on what I would like to achieve in 2009. I always think of a wee bundle of things also, because if you achieve six out of ten, at the end of the year you think "Woo! Go me!", whereas one thing out of one not being attained can really sting.

So here are my New Years Ambitions for the year 2009:

1. I would like to learn if the phrase "New Years Ambitions" needs an apostrophe or not! Actually, I'd like to learn more about grammar, full stop (so to speak!). I've got some books on this I intend to read. English specialist that I allegedly am and lover of words, my grammar is all intuition, no theory. I'd like to remedy this.

2. I would like to sleep more. I get this awful guilt if I sleep too much, and often stay up late as a result. But the fact of the matter is, I function better on 6-8 hours a night. Yay for an ambition that should be fun to fulfill...

3. I want to write more and sing more and take more photos. I intend to keep my blog going, and I have a beautiful new notebook from Jamanda that I intend to fill with poems (it has been too long). I want to keep singing -it really it my joy. And I'm loving taking snaps, amateur that I am. I really want to make sure that I keep my creative stuff going - I also want to get back into collaging and start scrapbooking. And I want to write many, many letters.

4. I want to carry on getting healthier. 5 a day, exercise 3 times a week, cut the booze down, continue to avoid those foods that give me sore tummy, a little less caffiene. Nothing crazy, just the things I know help me to be my best. 2008 saw some big improvements...bring on 2009!

5. I am going to get organised. I have too much stuff, and I need to let go of a lot of it. Also, if some changes I hoping for take place, it would be a heck of a lot easier to do if I spend the winter and spring getting organised. I'll never be super organised...but I'd like to be more organised!

6. I want to continue the trend that wound straight through 2008 - spending lots of time with awesome people, doing lots of catching up in person, on the phone, by letter, by email, by text, via blogs, facebook, whatever.... I am lucky enough to be blessed by the brilliant people I have around me, and I intend to spend as much time with them as I can.

7. I want to learn more - to question more - to think more. What's Obama's stance on Israel? How do you do long division? What is a sub-prime mortgage? Where's Angola? What do the different churches think about homosexuality? I'm aware that sometimes life whips by...I'd like to learn more this year.

8. I am going to the dentist.

9. I want to read some of the books I've been recommended. I would like to finish watching my seven season West Wing DVD boxset. I want to watch more movies... I love to watch films, but I don't watch anything like as many as I used to.

10. I would like to continue to learn / to make up more recipes. Nom nom nom.

11. I want to keep doing my RAoKs, and helping people, and making people smile, and being as good a Joinee as I can be.

12. I want to continue being positive and happy as much as possible. I am truly grateful for my ability to count my blessings - I have a life full of fun and smiles and cuddles, a life full of adventures and potential and chances, and I'm just trying to enjoy it all. I hope that when challenges arise, as they will, I can continue to stay true to myself and my beliefs and my sunniness. As I said to friends yesterday - faith, or indeed optimism or happiness, is nothing if it cannot stand being tested. I've lived that this year, and I hope I can again next year, to the best of my ability :-).

So there we go. Some I'll achieve....some I might not. But aiming high is never a bad thing, right?

So friends - what are your New Years Ambitions?

Love,
Cxx

PS In case I don't post again this year - HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I truly hope 2009 is a year full of love, laughter, wonder & joy for you all!

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A Rocking Good Weekend!

Wembley! Yay! Here I am being extremely cheesey, just after Mlle Wilson and I got to the gig on Saturday evening.
I love this picture of Naomi and I. She's one of my best friends and I love going to gigs with her because she loves to dance and sing just as much as I do. Plue, she fine. Heh.

Here I am, having constructed a Britney Spears style microphone from a straw. This is what teaching has given me, the skill to make inane things to fill up wait times....

Supergrass playing support. They were pretty darn good, but we were all there for the Foos....

Notice I'm not actually eating this candy. This "gig bracelet" was a gift from my friend Jamie a few months back, and trust me, you do not want to eat that candy....it's waaaaaaay old!

ROCK ON Mlle Wilson! WoooooooooYeah!

This pic is of the main stage on the encore, where the Foos were joined by Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. Oh. My. Goodness. Amazing. And it made Dave Grohl cry. Awesome. Gosh, I want to hug him.

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So, how was your weekend?

Above are the pics from the highlight of mine, the tremendous Foo Fighters gig at Wembley. Just amazing. The Foos have long been one of my favourite bands, and a few of their songs in particular are very special to me, so it was great to actually be there. Plue, Dave Grohl is one of my top three crushes, and the man did not disappoint - how can one person be that talented a guitarist / vocalist / drummer / writer / producer / frontman AND still seem like such a top bloke? I loves him, I do. And I think I have to call my first son David now. Possibly David Taylor Foo, actually.

The whole gig was immense. Highlights for me were "The Pretender" (WHAT an opener! 86,000 people just baying that killer hook!), "Learn To Fly" (this song moves me in ways it would take a whole other post to explain), "Everlong" (sigh....), "Monkey Wrench" (ah, this brought back such memories! Mudd club nights, moshing away. I was so angry back then...), "All My Life" (the bass and the drums were immense. Just immense), and then the encore - two numbers with the Led Zep guys ("Rock and Roll" and "Ramble On") and then a blistering version of "Best of You". Genius.

This whole weekend was amazing, actually. Got loads of work done Friday night/Saturday morning, amazing gig Saturday night, and then a day of fun with Mr H on Sunday, wandering around Camden market looking for bargains (I got a book on cosmology and a book on chickflicks :)) before heading to Primrose Hill for a picnic. Just lovely.

Weekends like that feed my soul, I swear. Even today, with it's rushes and stresses and worries, hasn't managed to kill my buzz.

Hope you are all having a super start to your week!

Love,

Cxx

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