On Safari and Going Skiing Not Skiing

I can't believe it's February already. Spring may be on its way but I wish the weather would warm up. It's still so cold although I have heard rumours that this weekend will see the sun coming out to play so looking forward to that!

Speaking of cold, those of you who have known me a long time will know my aversion to snow and ice and specifically the sport that is skiing. You will be amused to hear that at the end of March I am going skiing! Yes, you read that correctly. I. Am. Going. Skiing. Or specifically going on a skiing holiday NOT skiing.  Pick your jaw up from the floor please!

After literally years of saying no when asked if I fancied going on a skiing holiday, I have succumbed and said yes. Given my experiences over the last few months, I figured that it was about time I go to see what the fuss is all about. And mainly for Mat and I to have some fun. I hasten to add that I won't actually be throwing myself down a mountain skiing. My back is still a little fragile for all that nonsense and so I will be indulging in lots of NON-skiing activities while my skiing friends and Mat do their thing. I get to meet up with them all for the apres-ski anyway!

It helps that the resort we are going to is a place called La Clusaz on the French/Swiss border with, apparently, lots of non-skiing stuff available. Regardless, all the fresh mountain air can only do my health good and I'm pretty adept at entertaining myself. And I get to speak French again or rather my version of French given that it has been years since I have spoken it properly!  There will be eight of us going and should be really good fun as we always have lots of laughs when we are together anyway. Expect to hear all about the skiing and non-skiing adventures on this blog of Vanessa, Mat, Sean, Kira, David, Scott, Tony and Debs nearer the time.  Debs hasn't actually confirmed that she is going with us yet but she will...

The weekend just gone saw Mat belay for the Vertical Marathon Challenge (more on this later) and us visiting Amy and Frazer up in Liverpool.  We hadn't seen them for ages and wanted to hear all about their month long Asia trip in Laos and Thailand and obviously to see them.  They are always fantastic company and a good time was had by all. 

By the time we had eaten lunch and finished jibber-jabbering on the Saturday, we ventured over to Speke Hall although due to the winter season the inside wasn't actually open but as the grounds were, it gave us the opportunity to have a bit of a wander around. I got to see monkey puzzle trees in close up for the first time. Could you point out a monkey puzzle tree? Well, nor could I until Saturday! 

Wandering around the grounds of Speke Hall

The rest of the afternoon was spent shopping and in the evening we had a tasty meal at a restaurant called the James Monro. The rest of the night was spent back at Amy and Frazer's for more conviviality and I was pleased that I was able to stay up beyond 1am without feeling too tired.  It always makes me smile to see Mat with Amy as they are so alike without even trying. Yes, I know this is to be expected as they are brother and sister but it still makes me smile okay!

Anyway, the fun and games happened on the Sunday as we went to Knowsley Safari Park for the day.  As one would expect for a safari park in this country, it didn't really have the Serengeti feel about it but it was good fun all the same.  All the animals looked happy and healthy - too healthy in fact! 

Whilst driving through the lion enclosure, the one in the right photo thought about mounting Amy and Frazer's car but fortunately changed its mind which was a good thing really as a competition between a lion and a Micra bonnet would have resulted in the Micra bonnet losing badly!  

And as for the baboons, well!  I haven't laughed so much for a long time.  They were ridiculous - clambering all over the car and literally monkeying about like nobody's business!  Unfortunately, we lost a piece of the car to them as one thought it would be a good idea to pick out and try to eat the windscreen washer nozzle! Oh dear.


Below are some more photos from the day although the quality is not great. The piccies were taken on my not very good camera phone through firmly shut car windows!

After the safari, we headed off to a Wagamama restaurant in the centre of Liverpool for some sustenance. Whilst eating, we saw a couple eat their food using chopsticks in the funniest way.  You know in some restaurants you get given chopsticks joined at the top? And to use the chopsticks you are supposed to split them apart? Well, this couple were eating their food without the chopsticks being split!!!  Ohmigod! It was painful watching them trying to pick and eat their food but there you go, having spent the day observing animals, this was further proof that evolution takes a long time to happen and that there are no guarantees when it comes to gene pools!

Finally, as mentioned, The Big Vertical Marathon Tour finished at Craggy Island climbing centre on Friday night. It was a phenomenal achievement by the climbers Paul and Robin and hugely under-publicised - a real shame. Mat was there all afternoon/evening volunteering his belaying skills which was much appreciated.

I know a lot of people do all sorts of amazing things for charity but to climb the equivalent of a marathon between them every day for seven days at different climbing walls around the country is a pretty unique challenge to achieve.  No pressure on donating but should you wish to, please do so on the left of their website. Cancer Research always need support.  Also, if you are on Facebook, there are some photos of Mat on The Big Vertical Marathon Tour page should you be interested in seeing his handsome face or mainly the back of his navy blue hoodie! 

Anyway, time for me to go so fais de beaux reves tout le monde :-)

Tron, Leith Hill and masterful cello playing

One day, this haircut will be mine!

Unfortunately, I am old enough to just about remember the original 'Tron' movie. At the time, my 10 year old self thought that visually it was pretty cool but the story a little dull. I didn't really get it but the computer racing grid, motorbikes and the greens and blues of the computer games I thought were amazing. In the age of Pac-Man, it was impressive! 

Fast forward nearly 30 years and yesterday evening, I was sat with Mat in the IMAX Waterloo wearing 3D glasses for 'Tron Legacy' - the sequel. What a pair of sci-fi geeks! Although, surely I am only a geek by association?! Typical of my weird and random likings, I fell for 'Tron Legacy' from its trailer during the last Harry Potter film and typical of Mat, the IMAX tickets were duly booked.
Verdict? Not bad but a little cheesy. The visuals are as expected stunning and the 3D brought it all to life. The extra-normous screen and L-O-U-D surround sound at the IMAX made it all very atmospheric - almost like you are in a virtual world funnily enough!  The acting is OK and I loved the way they did a young and old Jeff Bridges but I don't think it's a film for everyone. In fact, I noticed that most of the people queuing to watch had that IT-computer programmer look about them. You know - male, single, slightly unkempt hair, glasses, wearing geek-chic... Just saying!

Anyway, the star of the film for me was the character Quorra or rather her haircut which I loved. Just look at it - it's just sooo cool!  One day it will be mine! 

Also, aside from the glamour of wallpapering my dressing room over the weekend, Mat and I ventured over to Leith Hill.  It was a little tiring for me but I managed to get all the way to the top and up the tower. Unfortunately, the view from the top of the tower wasn't great as it was cloudy but I was pleased I managed to do the climb. Poor Mat would have scampered up the hill like a mountain goat in about 10 mins had he been on his own but he was kind enough to go at my v-e-r-y slow pace and push me up when needed! Thank you!  We are lucky to live near some beautiful countryside and can't wait for when the weather brightens up for more exploring and obviously building my strength up. Can you feel it in the air?  I can definitely feel spring is coming :-)

I also came across a REALLY good joke for you all:

What type of cheese do you use to coax a bear out of a cave......???


Come-on-bear!!!!!


Geddit?!?!

Anyway, it is clearly time for me to get my coat so thought I would also share with you the video below of two cellists playing Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal - I promise that it is amazeballs and it will make you smile. Fantastic cello playing, a classic MJ tune AND they are easy on the eye too. What's not to like? Enjoy!

Stjepan Hauser and Luka Sulic - Smooth Criminal

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.

127 Hours - an unforgettable experience

I will hold my hand up. The only thing that really piqued my interest about seeing this film is witnessing the arm amputation with a pen knife scene. Shallow or what? Specifically, James Franco in said scene. As far as I was concerned, he was far too pretty to be involved in such a film. He has no gravitas whatsover. Danny Boyle directing and James Franco starring?! The bloke from the Spider Man films and the James Dean biopic? The really handsome one from the Gucci perfume advert? It had disaster written all over it - he surely couldn't carry this off?

Except Mr Boyle (or whoever cast James Franco) in the lead role clearly knew what they were doing because he is absolutely brilliant in the role of Aron Ralston, the mountain climber who becomes trapped in a canyon in Utah after a boulder crashes onto his arm. 

I haven't really spoilt anything by saying what he does to escape from this plight as the story is well known (being true and all that and all over the news at the time) but do go and see this movie if you want to see film making at its best.  I'm not an expert by any means on what makes a good film but I do know that I want a film to move me, to make me care about the characters, to make me stressed and happy all at the same time and to make me feel like I have experienced something. 

Danny Boyle manages to do this and then some. Through the excellent use of music, cinematography, excellent writing and, of course, his directing I felt like I was there in the canyon experiencing every bit of raw emotion Aron Ralston was going through. 

And even though THE said scene made me squeak and squirm and slightly nauseous, I was willing him to do it as by this point I wanted him to survive. I wanted him to escape the canyon. I was willing him on. I didn't even like Aron Ralston as a person - what selfish first-class idiot goes mountain climbing in the Utah desert without telling anyone where he is going? 

All credit to James Franco's superb acting for making me care so much. His performance is so compelling and so moving I felt a little bad for thinking he wasn't capable of such a role. Shame on me.  And shame on you if you don't see this film.  Go and see it.  It will make you feel euphoric.

And happy to be alive.

Pottering about

January - such a strange month. It's so full of hope and new beginnings yet so many people feel the need to make themselves feel miserable in perhaps one of the most desolate of months.  It's cold, it's wet and the nearest public holiday is months away so surely this is the time to do things that make you smile? Or am I missing something?

Why deny yourself the delicious things in life through yet another diet and embarking on a new exercise regime that you are not really going to enjoy? 

I appreciate that people are feeling a little soft around the edges from the over indulgence of December (Hello! *waves* I am the poster girl for this) but once you get back into your usual routine of eating sensibly and being more active, do things not fall back into place? Surely this eating sensibly and moving about more lark is something that can be and should be done at any time of the year? Or again, am I missing something?

Blame it all on the tablets I am taking! Or just ignore my ramblings... I am only jealous of those of you who can run like gazelles, swim like fish and bend your bodies into impossible positions because currently I am unable to do so. It's been just over 2 weeks since I was discharged from hospital although it does feel longer doesn't it? I am trying to get some sort of normality back into my life but because I am still not feeling a 100%, it's very frustrating.  I do feel stronger but I think I am trying to run before I can walk which is not helping with the frustration.  Patience is a virtue I know but I have never been virtuous!

Although I am still a little trepidatious about mixing with the great unwashed for fear of catching a hideous bug, surprisingly (especially to myself) I feel most vulnerable about my bald head.  Yes I know, how ridiculous. 

To those of you "lucky" enough to see it sans headscarf or woolly hat, thank you for your kind words re my "nice shaped head".  Your nice comments do help but I still feel very self-conscious about it which in turn makes me feel a little insecure and a bit scared. Of what I don't really know. Perhaps it's the people staring, people judging, people feeling sorry for me, people taking the p*ss, people talking about me or all of the above.

As a person that has never blended in the background wherever I go (come on, have you met me?!) I know I will get over this but it still makes me feel a little bit small so be nice when you see me.

Apart from needlessly worrying about my grade 1 haircut and bald patches, I have spent the first few days of 2011 pottering around our house and messing about with the various stuffs from the festive season.  Nothing specific comes to mind to enthrall you all. However, I will share that I am still trying to build Tower Bridge!  The box says that no tools are required because of the push fit features and that with guidance, it should take 2-3 hours. For an 8 year old. Well, either I have missed out on meeting these genius 8 year olds or I am a little slow but I am only two towers in and it's been nearly 2 weeks! I'm blaming you Amy. 

Our lovely white orchids are also in full bloom again! They look amazing. I am doing something right. Just waiting to get the others to follow suit especially the one rescued from work.  I think it belonged to someone who left ages ago due to ill health ;-) and so consequently it got put to one side and sadly neglected. Until I came along and rescued it. I'm still trying to rescue it to be fair as currently it is still feeling sorry for itself. I am determined to make it flower again - just like me, it will return in all its glory!

I have also been catching up on lots of missed TV - specifically House MD.  Mat and I are OBSESSED.  I have caught a few episodes here and there but never actually seen it from the start and so not familiar with the various characters. Well, two seasons in, we are hooked! Only five more seasons to go to fully catch up.

I also finally caught up with Sex and the City Two. Oh my days. Just how bad is this film?! Terrible script, terrible acting and dare I say also a little racist?  The fashions and styling didn't even do anything for me. I am still trying to find mind bleach to erase the mess that I saw as the pins in my eyes didn't work.  I would have stopped watching after the first hour but I was desperate to find something redeeming with it as I love the series and enjoyed the first film but it didn't come!  WHAT a disaster.

And don't get me started on this Eastenders cot death/baby snatch storyline malarkey. Just in case you were in any doubt, IT'S NOT REAL.  9000 people have complained to the BBC. My goodness. Just think how better this country would be if 9000 people actually complained, really complained about things that actually mattered...

On a good film note, if you can, please do watch Catfish - a documentary-film about the story that unfolds following a man and his various Facebook friends. Can't really say too much about it otherwise it will ruin the story but to those of you who use Facebook - it will make you think twice about it!  Do watch it! 
Thank you to Sean and Kira for recommending this and thank you for the video Skype chat - very strange but also very good to catch up with you guys all the way from South Africa. Look forward to catching up when you return :-)

Just realised the time.  I best rock and roll.  We are due to watch 127 Hours tonight at the cinema with the lovely Louise and what with feeding her as well, I need to make it look like I am at least trying to be some sort of domestic goddess.  Especially as Mat is doing all the cooking....  Will try and give a review of said film if I get a chance to. In the meantime, if you see him, ask Mat to tell you how he got a mobile phone shaped bruise on his thigh!  It's a good one!

Just noticed that it's 1.1.11 today - I'm off to find a black cat.Or a horse-shoe or rabbit's foot. Or something else lucky.

Ciao for now!

Happy New Year!

As I type this, there's around 4 hrs to midnight and 2011. Needless to say, I will be glad to see the back of 2010 which quite frankly, has been mostly rubbish for Mat and I - predominantly because of this vile disease but also because our best laid plans were derailed. However, as 2011 approaches it brings with it a new year, a fresh new start and new plans for us.
 
I had a weekly review at the hospital yesterday. Everything is going ok. My blood counts are within the 'normal' range although on the low side and I have been told to take it easy and let my body do its thing. Although I look well, I'm still not 100% health wise and won't be for a few weeks yet but I am getting there. I still get fatigued easily and have to take naps as and when needed. What with my baldy head and tantrums - it is abit like having a toddler around the house!?!

It was also the first time I had travelled to the hospital on my own since November. I got a lift to and from the station but travelled on public transport to get to UCLH. I wanted to try and get back to normality as and when I can.  Given my suppressed immunity, I was more conscious of not being near anyone who could infect me with some form of cold/flu virus and set my recovery back. It really is amazing how revolting some people can be! No wonder there is currently a flu epidemic given the number of people I saw coughing and sneezing without covering their mouths, using tissues etc. Sooo disgusting! I managed to dodge any serious offenders but as I mentioned in a previous post, I am feeling a little Howard Hughes like!

Aside from dodging bacteria, much of this week of Sundays has been spent resting and catching up on film and television. I absolutely loved "Toast" yesterday and the three episodes of "Upstairs Downstairs" shown.  I never got into "Downton Abbey" when it was first on so it looks like that box set is a-calling for me to catch up on it as I enjoyed "Upstairs Downstairs" so much.  I have just about recovered from the drama of Stacey Slater leaving Albert Square and from what I have read in the papers, there's more trauma coming up this weekend! Finally saw "The Social Network" and although I enjoyed the story and some of the performances, thought it a little slow at times. Also saw "Red" with Bruce Willis which I thought was terrible but very much enjoyed and was moved by "Everybody's Fine" with Robert de Niro although it could have been shortened by half an hour. 

Anyway, enough of being Barry Norman, my New Year's Eve dinner is beckoning and our dining room is far so best go ;-)
Thank you for your friendship, support and best wishes. It is all very much appreciated and have made an otherwise difficult year bearable even enjoyable at times. Wishing you all a very happy. healthy and prosperous 2011!

As a final note, I thought I would share with you a tweet from Arianna Huffington which I thought quite fitting:

"I asked Chilean miner Barrios what his New Year's resolution is: "I don't make New Year's resolutions anymore. I take life 1 hour at a time."

Happy New Year everyone!

Home for the holidays.....Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas 2010

As I type this late Christmas Eve / early Christmas Day, I am conscious that I need to be swift as I may end up disturbing Santa, Rudolph or an elf or something so I best be quick :-)

I am finally home after two and a half weeks in hospital.  I slept in my own bed, under my big fat duvet and soft pillows for the first time in weeks last night.  And it felt like sleeping in a cloud.  I even had an angel sleeping next to me.  I had the best night sleep in absolute ages.  It was lovely.  Simple pleasures indeed!

I wasn't quite sure whether or not the hospital was going to release me in time for Christmas Day at first.  I'm not sentimental about Christmas at all but the thought of spending Christmas Day in hospital hooked up to an IV pole and eating yet more hospital food was just too depressing to contemplate.  I know it would have been fun celebrating with the medical team but I was really keen on going home.  I had had enough already.  Been there, seen it, done it, bought the T-shirt AND taken the pills. The novelty had well and truly worn off. 

And yet there they were, taking swabs up my nose and down my throat to test whether or not I had a virus. I happened to mention that I didn't feel quite right and was a bit sniffly. Given my lowered immunity they had to decide whether it would be ok to send me home or keep me in isolation in critical care. This was so I didn't infect other patients and they could keep an eye on me just in case it was a particularly nasty virus such as the swine flu one.  Where would you prefer to go Vanessa?  Oooh, I don't know, how about another week in critical care? I hear it's a real party palace down there, a bit like the Playboy mansion so yeah, bring it on. NOT. 

A decision couldn't be made until the test results came through so I was left in limbo for much of Wednesday. When I was finally told I could leave because test results were negative I was delighted. If I could have skipped out of the hospital I would have done so but as it was, it was a slow walk to the lift and into a cab.  Mat and I were laden with all the stuff you kind folks had sent me so we looked a bit like refugees clutching our boxes of worldly belongings. A support worker was despatched to help and she fortunately brought a trolley with her.  I only came in with a suitcase! 

It was also the first time I had ventured out in public wearing a scarf around my head and I have to say, I was a little self-conscious but I got over it fairly quickly.  It's only a scarf after all.
As has already been mentioned, I now have a buzz cut - a No 4 in the end.  What Mat may have forgotten to say was that he had just come back from his Christmas work party when we both went for the let's shave Vanessa's head idea and that while he was doing the deed he was acting like Vidal Sassoon throughout!  Honestly, you should have seen it.  Not only were the clippers involved but a pair of scissors too - "to neaten the edges".  Riiiight.  Although at the time we were giggling and laughing like a pair of naughty schoolgirls let loose with cutting equipment, when I looked in the mirror at my decidedly masculine appearance I just burst into tears.  I think it was the shock and the sudden realisation that IT had finally happened - my hair was no more.  Ridiculous really as it is only hair and it will grow back but there you go, I'm only human and I loved my hair. 

The photo below is the clearest photo I have to show you of the buzz cut.  Yes, I know I could have tilted my head slightly more angled to show off my cheek bones and to minimise the double chin, but I was in shock OK?! Although this photo was taken only 2 days ago, most of the hair you can see has now gone.  All I have left are wispy Gollum bits on my head so come the new year I think I will end up with a proper slap head!  I would take a photo and show you all but I am waiting till my scalp calms down a bit - it's not looking very pretty at the moment (scaley, dry and a bit sore) and I don't want to put you off your sprouts! Plus, oh my goodness, just how cold does your head get?! I have been wearing the beanie hat Fi's mum knitted me to bed as it's so toasty warm and good at catching falling out hair - thanks Flo :-)

GI Vanessa at your service - Sir!

Which reminds me, thank you very much for organising the Nintendo DS gift Fi! I'm hugely grateful. I know you were instrumental in putting this together and when I read all the names involved in the card I was deeply moved by all your generosity - you know who you are and you all clearly know me very well!Brain Trainer indeed... My maths will definitely improve now :-)

Anyway, I best go.  I can hear Rudolph outside. Even though I am no longer in hospital I still have weeks/months of rehab to go through. In fact, I'm back in hospital for the day next week to make sure that things are ok.  I get fatigued very easily so apologies if I fall asleep on you and refuse party invites - I am just not well enough. The no sick people near me rule still stands I'm afraid.  My immunity is still building itself up.  But at least I get to recuperate in the comfort of my own home.

Obviously, given that we were somewhat distracted this year, Christmas is very low key in our household with the lack of decorations and presents but no matter.  I'm just happy to be well enough to enjoy this Christmas and hopefully loads more besides!  Remember, it's only for one day. Don't get stressed over the dinner - it's only a glorified roast dinner after all.  People will understand if the veg are slightly over-cooked or the turkey is taking longer than expected.  If they don't, they can go and stuff themselves and don't invite them next year!  Send that text, type up that email or make that phone call - let people know you care.  Merry Christmas everyone - hope you all have a lovely day, whatever you are doing.