La La Land

It's been a while since I fell in love with a movie. La La Land did just that, taking my heart and breath away when I saw it last week. It's magical. And just like being truly in love with something or someone, you're really not quite sure why but there's just something that grabs you and never lets you go. It's all of it - the acting, the singing, the dancing, the storyline, the settings, the editing, characters, directing, costumes  ....

I absolutely love EVERYTHING about it and will applaud every award it receives. When they eventually turn it into a stage musical, I hope to be there in the stalls humming, singing, foot tapping away. And wiping a tear.

A look in somebody's eyes
To light up the skies
To open the world and send it reeling
A voice that says, I'll be here
And you'll be alright

Keep taking the tablets

A very dear friend of mine died last week. His name was Mark. I had known him for over twenty years and considered him my 'work Dad'. We met in the glamorous setting of an Essex industrial estate in my very first job after university and pretty much hit it off straight away with our shared silly sense of humour and fondness for mischief making.  

Over the years, our life trajectories went in opposite directions but we never lost touch and I appreciated the regular phone calls and emails asking me how I am and the wise counsel he gave through the good and bad times. Equally, I enjoyed the updates on his family life as Mark settled into grand parenthood with his wife.

We were due to meet up this Spring but obviously this is now never going to happen. I'm just so glad I got to speak with him over Christmas and New Year. To have one last giggle with him. I will treasure that forever. Thank you Mark for all the memories and for being a wonderful, kind and loyal friend. I shall miss you.

Keep taking the tablets :-)

My duck face is better than your duck face

My duck face is better than your duck face

Disclaimer: This post is nearly 4 weeks old but has been languishing in my drafts folder so since I wrote this, I am now virus free.

However, I was in hospital earlier again today, this time to get checked out for rogue blood clots in my arm. Thankfully they didn't find any and the weirdness I have been feeling in my right arm is being put down to damaged nerves. Apparently this is 'a thing' with those who have had stem cell transplants. Something else to add to the list.


Like most people this winter, I was diagnosed with a virus. Unlike most people, because of my ridiculous medical history, I had to be checked out more thoroughly to ensure that my immunity wasn't even more compromised. 

They managed to source the type of virus that's been causing me consternation this past month and while in hospital last Friday they made me wear this mask to make sure I didn't spread my germs, hence me looking like a duck!

I was there on my regular quarterly visit to receive my bone strengthening treatment (pemidronate) and to see my consultant. I'm pleased to say that apart from this virus, they are pleased with my progress - still in complete remission and other than being told to take it more easy, it is business as usual.

Easier said than done given what life throws at you. Onwards and upwards and one foot in front of the other as they say.