Happy Birthday to me!

Yesterday was my birthday. I got lots of great cards and presents and many thanks to everyone who remembered! I had family over in the evening, cooked a delicious meal (sorry if we were boring you, Barney!). During the day, mum and I had lunch at the Danish Church in Hull, at their Scandinavian Christmas market, which was great.

I remember watching a documentary a while ago about people who had reached the age of more than 100. It was a fascinating programme and they were extraordinary people. However, the general concensous of opinion was that by 100 things get difficult, and that 90 is a better age! So, taking this advice, I am aiming to live to the age of 90, and I guess that means I'm half-way there (well done for those of you who are quick with maths and have worked out my age!). That also means that I've got loads more years to do all the things I would still like to do. In fact, I could have my lifetime again!! Yippee. (and yes, my glass is half full!)

Back to the present.....and the presents! I got some really great presents. Although it's nice to get things you've asked for, I do love getting some surprises also. The biggest surprise was James turning up on Friday with flowers, wine, chocolates (cliche gifts maybe but always lovely to receive) and more. Thankyou James. The next surprise gift was from Barney, who excelled himself with his choice and spending ability. Thanks Barney. No surprise from Benji who has promised an exciting gift, but it is yet to appear! Mia can be forgiven also for the delay as she is away in Canada, so I hope it's worth the wait! Dad & Jacqui's financial contribution is always very welcome and I did get a beautiful orchid last week (which everyone tells me is so easy to look after - how daunting a prospect is that?). They did also treat us all to a lovely meal in a fun tapas bar last week, which was very generous. Mum got me the lovely red shopping trolley that I asked for (no - don't laugh, I will be setting a new trend for young people to use them, and it's so ecofriendly you know, daaahling!). Thanks, mum. Lots of interesting and fun things from Toni including a yummy chocolate cake, and Liddi was very thoughtful in her choice, as she knows me so well, and did also suprise me with a set of Russian dolls, which just has to be my favourite present! I just love it when you get to the really tiny one at the end! Thanks, Liddi!

New phone

I've finally done it. I've got my first new mobile phone. No more hand-me-downs. It's a proper, trendy phone - Samsung U600 - and it's on a Vodaphone contract so I have 500 minutes of phone calls and 500 texts to use up each month! It has a 3.2 megapixel camera and video included, bluetooth, MP3 player, etc. Not that I know how to use any of this stuff!!! Help.....I need a teenager to show me how it all works.

Salsa Virgin

This week I took the first steps in learning how to dance Salsa. Well several steps actually. I went to a club in Hull with a couple (Sally & Steve, self confessed Salsa-holics...I feel a limerick coming on!) who have been dancing regularly for about 3 years. I was assured that I didn’t need a partner as there would be plenty of available men just waiting to dance with the girls, especially the new ones (what more incentive did I need), but I still felt a little nervous with it being my ‘first time’. So, a few days beforehand Liddi agreed to go with me. I’m sure she was feeling sorry for me being miserable, but I thought I’d make the most of her generosity now as it may not last……! By the time Tuesday’s class came around, Liddi was surprisingly enthusiastic and had got her outfit planned, and had even bought new shoes*. Shoes need to be slippy enough for dancing, and not too grippy (easier said than done!).

We got to the class at 8.30pm and the first hour and a quarter was a dance class, divided into 3 sections. Beginners, improvers and intermediates. In the beginners class there was a surplus of women to men (no surprise there), but still enough men for us all to try some partner dancing. It did feel a little weird holding hands with a complete stranger, trying to move in time to each other (not always successfully) and then moving on to another one a couple of minutes later! During our class we learnt to mambo, side step, cucaracha and back step. We also tried a cross body something or other!! For a first timer it all took lots of concentrating and looking at feet.

After the class, the lights went down, the music went up, and it was social dancing time where all abilities mixed and had a go. It was really impressive watching some of the experienced dancers. Liddi and I had several dances with strangers, and managed ok. It’s a bit frustrating watching all the twirling and rhythmic swaying, and then only being able to step backwards, forwards and sidewards!

The only way to get good at anything is to practice, so we already plan to be back again next week. (one…two…three……….five…six…seven….)

I took a photo on my new phone, but haven’t quite mastered it’s full capabilities….and it was dark… so if you look carefully to the right of the grainey picture, you can see Liddi concentrating hard on her mambo steps!

*vintage shoes (we like to do our bit for charity!).

Having a really bad day

James and I started our relationship a year and a half ago, and at the end July he decided to move in with me. It was a big step in both our lives, and we were quite surprised that we had lots of fun and really enjoyed being together so much. All was looking good and we were planning our future together.

However, I suppose the path of true love never runs smoothly, and it appears that this one has come to an abrupt halt. James had some difficulties with his family, and didn’t think he could overcome them by living with me, so he has moved out. He told me today that we can't continue our relationship and I feel very sad about that. I have lost my best friend and feel very empty and upset.

I know I need to move on, plan for the future, and occupy my time, but I don’t feel like doing any of that just now, so I think I'll just wallow in my own self pity for a little while before moving on and re-thinking my future!