Blue Monday, Magic Cakes and Vertical Challenges

Apparently, Mon 17th Jan was 'Blue Monday' or depending on which formulae you read it is due this Mon on the 24th.  It is the term given to the 'worst day of the year' when financial worries, rubbish weather and broken resolutions all conspire to make a person feel at their lowest. Hmmmmm. A load of old c%$k if you ask me. But there you go, that's just me. Shame innit?!

I have sort of had my own 'Blue Monday' all this week hence this belated blog post. I haven't really felt up to much. I hasten to add, there is nothing to worry about!  By the way, to all you youngsters out there, 'Blue Monday' is also a pretty cool New Order song - so educate yourself and Youtube it just in case you weren't aware of this.

I saw my consultant last Friday for a check-up and she was very pleased with my progress.  She even used the word 'amazing' when she was looking at my blood stats which was good. I still got the usual spiel of taking it easy, one day at a time, be aware you may get a set-back further down the line etc but it was still good to hear.  She also took me off one of the tablets I have been taking since being admitted to hospital and that's been my undoing all this week.

I have had a bit of a 'come down' and felt utterly rubbish from it all. For reasons of decency and hygiene, I won't go into detail regarding what I have gone through this week but let's just say I have not felt well. Hideous in fact.  Check me out - I've gone cold turkey!  Just like Phil Mitchell in Eastenders but less dramatic and without the boards on the door. Or the baseball bat. Or Billy Mitchell "keeping an eye on me". 

I have felt a lot better as the week has progressed so its all good. The fact I am blogging again is always a good sign.  Being back at the hospital also gave me a chance to say thank you to all the medical team that were 'lucky' enough to take care of me during my stay by presenting them all with 'Magic Cakes' from Konditor and Cook which went down a treat. The 'thank you' messages and strange little creatures on top of the cakes certainly worked their magic!  One of the nurses said to me that "it was just like cupcakes but better" so I was very pleased with their reaction. 

If you are not familiar with Konditor and Cook do check them out.  They do the most amazing cakes that not only taste delicious but look absolutely beautiful too.  I have been a fan for ages and highly recommend them.

Last week, I was also able to meet up with a bunch of friends in one of the restaurants over at the South Bank which was good fun. I was a little tired by the end of the evening but it was great to catch up with everyone and hear all their news.  And to air my headscarf chic in a social situation for the first time.  Not as scary as I thought it would be! On the baldness front, I still have a grade 1 haircut and wear a woolly hat in bed so situation normal there. Blimey, talk about painting a sexy image of myself?!  I am also in the process of acquiring a wig although I am still shopping around as a decent one costs a fortune!  At the moment, Harrods is looking the favourite.  Photos in due course :-)

Finally, just wanted to let you all know about this amazing charity challenge for Cancer Research that a couple of climbing guys are undertaking.  In a nutshell, they are climbing the equivalent of a marathon vertically up a climbing wall at each of the 7 best climbing centres in the country. 

On the 28th Jan they will be at Craggy Island, Guildford climbing centre where my lovely Mat will be belaying for them!  As you may or may not know, climbing is a big deal in our household so this challenge has a special place in our hearts. Click on the links below if you wanted to find out more about it.

The Big Vertical Challenge

The Big Vertical Challenge at Craggy Island, Guildford


I just look forward to the day when I can climb again.