Christmas was abruptly cancelled at Chateux Borchard when the sinus operation that my grandmother had been waiting on for over a year came to surgery on the 23rd January. With strict instructions that Nan was to be looked after for two weeks and is to not come into close proximity with anyone. So mother cancelled the invitations and instead of catering for 24 it was a very quiet and low key family meal for four. Mum, Dad & Nan and I.
Carlos sometimes comes home with me for Christmas. His entire family moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, years ago especially at Christmas he misses them. When one year I heard he was spending Christmas alone I spoke to mum, we moved all the chairs down one and made extra space.
This year Carlos made it up to me, he is a Hotel Manager in Tower Bridge. The Hotel was closed to the public from December 23rd to the 28th. He was told he had to either work for Christmas or New Years. Considering that most things are closed over Christmas he chose to work that shift and was told he could invite some friends and that the Hotel would pay for any food that we had. So as guests of the Hotel I checked in on Friday 23rd into my Suite.
The evening of 23rd was Love Muscles Christmas Party at the Fridge in Brixton. Sadly half of London had already left the city to go to their families wherever they happened to be. The club was half empty but the party is what you make it and thanks to Lee, Scott & Mikey we made our own party. I even bumped into my old flat mate Shaun & boyfriend Mike. (Mike try not to fall on the ice and break your ankle this year!).
Scotty and I came back and chilled out at the hotel then on Christmas eve I had some last minute shopping to get. Christmas Crackers, Wrapping paper. I then spent half the day wrapping in my hotel suite. Being guests of the hotel everything was free including all of the Movies on Demand. So while watching ; The Polar Express, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Bewitched etc I wrapped all of my gifts ready to be delivered.
Popped around to drop off cards & presents at Mikey & Alex’s and came back to the hotel for our Christmas meal. Carlos had prepared way too much Turkey for just Taz (His boyfriend), Woody, Steve & I. But it was a nice way to spend Christmas eve chilling with close friends in the hotel.
I came home to Essex on Christmas Day and had dinner with Mum, Dad & Nan. We opened our gifts and Adam & Verity (My brother & sister in-law) popped around with theirs. It was weird not meeting up with the whole family for a change. But we were all worried that Nan would catch a bug and so all kept our distance.
Headed back and spent the remainder of Christmas at the hotel. Oh and what did Santa bring me? A docking Station for my Ipod! J
Friday, December 30, 2005
Friday, December 23, 2005
One small step closer to equality
One small step closer to equality
It can almost seem ironic that just being homosexual in the United Kingdom was illegal until 1967 when you consider just how important the change in law that came into Effect this week. As of December 21st 2005, same sex partners in the UK are able to attend a commitment ceremony giving them the equivalent rights as a straight couple would have upon Marriage.
Having attended several protests in my past, marching outside the Houses of Parliament it seems that equality is finally here. In the eyes of the law at least. And far from it just meaning that two men or two women can effectively Marry (albeit that the church will not allow such ceremonies and that they have to be undertaken in a Registry Office), it means that finally, there is some come back in other matters. A Gay Couple refused board at a Bed & Breakfast based only on their sexuality, kids abused for being gay at School and having no one to turn to (Thank goodness for the removal of section 28). So the 21st was one where some 700 couples committed to one another and finally there is some acceptance of gay people in the eyes of the law in this wonderful land.
We caught glimpses of one of the countries most famous homosexuals, Sir Elton John getting hitched with long time Partner David Furnish.
Amazing to think that it was frowned upon just 15 years ago if two men kissed on television. It seems today that nearly every television show or soap opera has its own gay character. Far from being banned or taboo, presently it would almost appear that being gay is in season. Thanks Tony Blaire & Gang for lessening the divide. Congrats to the happy couples & who knows, maybe one day Dusan will come back off his cruise and will agree to Marry me.
It can almost seem ironic that just being homosexual in the United Kingdom was illegal until 1967 when you consider just how important the change in law that came into Effect this week. As of December 21st 2005, same sex partners in the UK are able to attend a commitment ceremony giving them the equivalent rights as a straight couple would have upon Marriage.
Having attended several protests in my past, marching outside the Houses of Parliament it seems that equality is finally here. In the eyes of the law at least. And far from it just meaning that two men or two women can effectively Marry (albeit that the church will not allow such ceremonies and that they have to be undertaken in a Registry Office), it means that finally, there is some come back in other matters. A Gay Couple refused board at a Bed & Breakfast based only on their sexuality, kids abused for being gay at School and having no one to turn to (Thank goodness for the removal of section 28). So the 21st was one where some 700 couples committed to one another and finally there is some acceptance of gay people in the eyes of the law in this wonderful land.
We caught glimpses of one of the countries most famous homosexuals, Sir Elton John getting hitched with long time Partner David Furnish.
Amazing to think that it was frowned upon just 15 years ago if two men kissed on television. It seems today that nearly every television show or soap opera has its own gay character. Far from being banned or taboo, presently it would almost appear that being gay is in season. Thanks Tony Blaire & Gang for lessening the divide. Congrats to the happy couples & who knows, maybe one day Dusan will come back off his cruise and will agree to Marry me.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Which Sex in the City Star would you be?
Samantha --You identify with Samantha's bold and
liberated Fire Sign qualities, characteristics
associated with the Signs of Aries, Leo and
Sagittarius. You're strong, audacious and
larger than life -- and you take what you want!
Sometimes you can even be thoughtless and
selfish, as you get so caught up in craving
immediate gratification and excitement that you
overlook someone's feelings. Your personal
style likely reflects your desires: sleek,
low-cut, revealing just a bit more than might
be considered acceptable. Watch that you're not
coming on too strong, though. You could scare
potential suitors off with all your drama. If
you seek so much attention, the more basic
qualities of the Fire Signs could be burned
right out of the picture. Show less skin or
cleavage and more of your creativity, your
vibrant leadership skills and courageous
generosity!
Which Sex and the City girl are you?
brought to you by
How I love Virgins!
Quite frequently I have to take a train or a plane for business or pleasure. This year more than most. And I have to say its all about Virgins! Virgins Service that is. I am presently sat on a GNER Train from Leeds to Londons King Cross. I have taken Virgins First Class Service 4 times this year between London and Manchester. The New Tilting Trains are fabulous. Taking just 2 Hours and six minutes between Euston & Manchester Piccadilly It was for this reason that I decided to take the train to Leeds for this business trip.
What a difference Virgin Provide. With GNER there are only complimentary peanuts, biscuits, tea coffee and newspapers, on Virgin you get a full meal service, newspaper and complimentary bar including Alcohol. Trust Richard Branson to be the first to make a difference in the industry. All I can say is that whenever I have a Choice and can fly or whenever I have to take a Train if there is an Option to take Virgin it’s the option for me! Good on you Richard and how I like a Virgin! .
What a difference Virgin Provide. With GNER there are only complimentary peanuts, biscuits, tea coffee and newspapers, on Virgin you get a full meal service, newspaper and complimentary bar including Alcohol. Trust Richard Branson to be the first to make a difference in the industry. All I can say is that whenever I have a Choice and can fly or whenever I have to take a Train if there is an Option to take Virgin it’s the option for me! Good on you Richard and how I like a Virgin! .
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Happy Birthday Nick Warminger
Today was Nicks 30th Birthday and so like every fabulous person I know, a Mega 30th Birthday had to be had. The Invites came around weeks ago and it was to be staged at Matt Sexy Shorts, House, Islington on December 10th 2005. David Nelson came along with me, arriving traditionally late at around ten pm! Ringing the bell we were buzzed on up and greeted at the door by Nick himself with gratuitous hugs abound. He didn’t expect us to be coming, especially arriving so late, but cunningly that was the intention. Surprise them by coming late. We arrived to a flat swarming full of people. Barnarby & Natashas, Helen, Matt, David & Tom, all great friends from my past. A glass of champagne was forced into our hands and the mingling began.
Wow, Matt had a great pad, but then you would expect the Florist to the stars to live in a nice place. I have never before seen a flat with a ceiling quite so unique. Lay on Matt’s bed and you see your reflection! Provided that the lights are on, turn them off and you see stars. The Mirror is a one way piece of glass allowing it to be a mirror during the day and a glass at night. Awesome. What a lucky bitch!
We drank, danced, caught up with friends of old and I can honestly say it was one of the nicest, warmest most fondest memories of the year. Just so many kind and loving people all in the same room and all there for the same purpose, to celebrate Nick’s 30th year.
While sucking in on helium balloons out on the veranda we were summoned in for the traditional round of Happy Birthdays – with a difference. The Singing ended and then a voice began talking about a young boy called Piglet. And then, around the corner he came, dressed in Piglet outfit, Matt as Piglet. A little scene commenced where Matt (Piglet), Tom (Tigger) & David (Christopher Robin) told a 20 minute story of old and dear. At its conclusion, Piglet found a huge parcel and announced to everyone that it was time to play Pass the parcel, with a difference. Inside each wrapping you would find a Treat & a Dare. Do the dare and fine, but fail and you must remove an item of clothing. It was such a great ice breaker the party just got better and better. I had just the one glass of champagne then switched to diet coke and had one of the best nights out I can remember. What a way to bring the year to a close! Thanks Matt for a great party & Happy Birthday Nick!
Wow, Matt had a great pad, but then you would expect the Florist to the stars to live in a nice place. I have never before seen a flat with a ceiling quite so unique. Lay on Matt’s bed and you see your reflection! Provided that the lights are on, turn them off and you see stars. The Mirror is a one way piece of glass allowing it to be a mirror during the day and a glass at night. Awesome. What a lucky bitch!
We drank, danced, caught up with friends of old and I can honestly say it was one of the nicest, warmest most fondest memories of the year. Just so many kind and loving people all in the same room and all there for the same purpose, to celebrate Nick’s 30th year.
While sucking in on helium balloons out on the veranda we were summoned in for the traditional round of Happy Birthdays – with a difference. The Singing ended and then a voice began talking about a young boy called Piglet. And then, around the corner he came, dressed in Piglet outfit, Matt as Piglet. A little scene commenced where Matt (Piglet), Tom (Tigger) & David (Christopher Robin) told a 20 minute story of old and dear. At its conclusion, Piglet found a huge parcel and announced to everyone that it was time to play Pass the parcel, with a difference. Inside each wrapping you would find a Treat & a Dare. Do the dare and fine, but fail and you must remove an item of clothing. It was such a great ice breaker the party just got better and better. I had just the one glass of champagne then switched to diet coke and had one of the best nights out I can remember. What a way to bring the year to a close! Thanks Matt for a great party & Happy Birthday Nick!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Sunday December 4th 2005 – Miami Beach
Yesterday we seemed to walk more than we did anything. Woke and had breakfast at News Café on Ocean Drive. Number 1 in the Top Ten restaurants in Miami. The breakfast was nice but nothing to make it Number 1. Decided we would go for a walk down the beach and look for the nudist beast. We knew it was North of Miami so heading North, off we set. A couple of bottles of water, a Factor 100 and Factor 15 and a good set of walking shoes. Up past the gay beach at 12th Street, Up past the Condo’s, up and up and up. Neither of us have any idea how far we walked but it seemed to be a couple of hours at least. Still, we managed to see some of Miami and at the same time get some sun (Mikey is kind of white so not very the tanning knd).
A taxi back and lunch on Franklin at Johnny Rockets and then an hour on 12th Beach getting some sun and we were ready to freshen up and make our way back to Franklin for some evening fun. According to the press “Score”, a club on Franklin, was hosting a Flashlight party. Not a light in the place, everyone gets a flashlight at this club. Horlicks, we went and it was a regular night, crap music and no atmosphere. Left at 0015 and went to Twist. Another Miami Hotspot. Maybe its me but whats the point of Go Go Boys in a club that only want you to stuff dollars in their briefs. They are not interested in you, only the amount of cash you can give them. Is America this backwards? At least in London if someone pays attention to me they are interested in me and not my wallet. Why would I want to stay here and be a victim to these hustlers? Watching em, Mikey and I soon realised we would rather be elsewhere! These guys (about 8 of em) are just interested in the money they could get from anyone, hello America, we are from the real world. If we want cock, we get cock, if we want affection we get affection but we don’t pay money to get a little attention. Sorry, but it pissed me off, it was just wrong. Enough cowboy, get off your high horse. !
A taxi back and lunch on Franklin at Johnny Rockets and then an hour on 12th Beach getting some sun and we were ready to freshen up and make our way back to Franklin for some evening fun. According to the press “Score”, a club on Franklin, was hosting a Flashlight party. Not a light in the place, everyone gets a flashlight at this club. Horlicks, we went and it was a regular night, crap music and no atmosphere. Left at 0015 and went to Twist. Another Miami Hotspot. Maybe its me but whats the point of Go Go Boys in a club that only want you to stuff dollars in their briefs. They are not interested in you, only the amount of cash you can give them. Is America this backwards? At least in London if someone pays attention to me they are interested in me and not my wallet. Why would I want to stay here and be a victim to these hustlers? Watching em, Mikey and I soon realised we would rather be elsewhere! These guys (about 8 of em) are just interested in the money they could get from anyone, hello America, we are from the real world. If we want cock, we get cock, if we want affection we get affection but we don’t pay money to get a little attention. Sorry, but it pissed me off, it was just wrong. Enough cowboy, get off your high horse. !
Virgin Atlantic Flight VS005 Heathrow – Miami, Florida
Today is my second annual shopping trip to the USA with Mikey. Last year we did Boston and had planned on NYC this year. But the hotels were so expensive and we realised we could spend 5 days in Miami for the same price as 3 days in NYC. Besides, the weather is far nicer in Miami.
So we booked and today were due to fly to Florida.
As we arrived at Heathrow to check in, I was wearing a suit and was approached by a crew member asking if I would like to consider upgrading. Having saved Virgin Atlantic Airmiles for 8 years it was on the back of my mind to upgrade anyway but being offered a chance (you cant always use your airmiles even when you want to) I gladly accepted the offer. “Ill upgrade for miles but not money” I suggested. “Sure”, Said the crew member. So before you knew it I was checked in and ready for my flight. If I hadn’t been flying with Mikey I would have used the lounge but as we had both planed to use the Service-air Lounge it seemed unfair to upgrade the whole journey without him.
So the lounge it was. Fabulous, they do not have a single server and so whatever we wanted was a case of help yourself. 2 Bloody Mary’s Each (extra Hot), a baileys each, a Jack and Cock and a Baileys and before you knew it we were ready to board. Of course, Upper Class passengers have pre boarding and so it was goodbye to Mikey and onto the Plane.
I found my seat, (2G) and had my jacket taken off me. As I sat and made myself comfortable I couldn’t believe it. Was that Really Tom, one of only two Virgin Crew members I knew. Muscular, Manly and phwoar, down boy. OK, someone you knew was working the flight – could be a fun flight.
Naturally on Upper Class you get Champagne pre flight. Two glasses as we boarded early, then a Jack and Diet as soon as we were air born. After that you are given your complementary kit and a menu to choose from. The Virgin Freedom Menu. What you want when you want it. Its been some years since I have flown upper. San Francisco to London in Sept 2003. Id forgotten how great the service really is. A full service 4 course meal, wine, Port, Dessert, Coffee, a Head and neck Massage by the lovely Nina. A chance to go and sit at the bar and enjoy a couple of cocktails. Yes, in upper they have a bar, I have enjoyed many an hour aboard a 747 sat at the Upper Class bar enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine. Its how the other half live.
Makes me really realise how lucky I am (Lucky Bitch), Mum and Dad flew to Vancouver on their 40th Wedding Anniversary this year and for the first time ever flew in Business. How comes this is my fifth time in Upper Class? Oh well, not one to qualm, I made the most of it.
Arriving in Miami just after 1400 we made our way to the hotel, Warldolf Towers, Ocean Drive, Miami, Florida. We found the hotel on the internet and wow, we were impressed, Beach Front, Fabulous and right in the heart of everything. Hello Miami, here we come.
So we booked and today were due to fly to Florida.
As we arrived at Heathrow to check in, I was wearing a suit and was approached by a crew member asking if I would like to consider upgrading. Having saved Virgin Atlantic Airmiles for 8 years it was on the back of my mind to upgrade anyway but being offered a chance (you cant always use your airmiles even when you want to) I gladly accepted the offer. “Ill upgrade for miles but not money” I suggested. “Sure”, Said the crew member. So before you knew it I was checked in and ready for my flight. If I hadn’t been flying with Mikey I would have used the lounge but as we had both planed to use the Service-air Lounge it seemed unfair to upgrade the whole journey without him.
So the lounge it was. Fabulous, they do not have a single server and so whatever we wanted was a case of help yourself. 2 Bloody Mary’s Each (extra Hot), a baileys each, a Jack and Cock and a Baileys and before you knew it we were ready to board. Of course, Upper Class passengers have pre boarding and so it was goodbye to Mikey and onto the Plane.
I found my seat, (2G) and had my jacket taken off me. As I sat and made myself comfortable I couldn’t believe it. Was that Really Tom, one of only two Virgin Crew members I knew. Muscular, Manly and phwoar, down boy. OK, someone you knew was working the flight – could be a fun flight.
Naturally on Upper Class you get Champagne pre flight. Two glasses as we boarded early, then a Jack and Diet as soon as we were air born. After that you are given your complementary kit and a menu to choose from. The Virgin Freedom Menu. What you want when you want it. Its been some years since I have flown upper. San Francisco to London in Sept 2003. Id forgotten how great the service really is. A full service 4 course meal, wine, Port, Dessert, Coffee, a Head and neck Massage by the lovely Nina. A chance to go and sit at the bar and enjoy a couple of cocktails. Yes, in upper they have a bar, I have enjoyed many an hour aboard a 747 sat at the Upper Class bar enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine. Its how the other half live.
Makes me really realise how lucky I am (Lucky Bitch), Mum and Dad flew to Vancouver on their 40th Wedding Anniversary this year and for the first time ever flew in Business. How comes this is my fifth time in Upper Class? Oh well, not one to qualm, I made the most of it.
Arriving in Miami just after 1400 we made our way to the hotel, Warldolf Towers, Ocean Drive, Miami, Florida. We found the hotel on the internet and wow, we were impressed, Beach Front, Fabulous and right in the heart of everything. Hello Miami, here we come.
World Aids Day - Dec 1st 2005
Its now been 24 years since the first people on the planet started to fall with a mysterious illness that would soon be known to the world as the Virus HIV – which can potentially lead to AIDS and potentially Kill. 24 years ago they had no idea why people in San Francisco were dropping down with a mysterious illness that seemed to affect the natural immune system. 24 years later we know all about the Virus, we have medications that can stop the virus from spreading, we are no longer seeing commercials funded by the government of huge chucks of ice falling off into the Ocean. We no longer see legends such as the great Freddy Mercury or Kenny Everett secretly getting ill and then announcing just weeks before their death that they are infected with the Gay Virus. We thankfully now know its not just a Gay Virus, infact recent research has shown that in the past year more new infections were by heterosexual couples.
So today is the first day of the Advent Calaner and also the day we think about those that are living with HIV or AIDS. Those that are suffering under the effects of the virus. Sure, we are lucky. We live in the modern world within one of the richest 8 countries on the entire planet. A privilege a child like me of the 70’s can only but take for granted. Sure we remember the Falklands War and the Gulf Conflict but that was war on foreign soil. Did it affect our schools? Did it stop me from talking my summer holiday and relaxing in the sun? Did I stop to think about the people in the lands being bombed or the suffering a mother could face at loosing her children as missiles from a submarine safely hidden under the oceans surface could fire aimlessly just because her government and our government didn’t quite see eye to eye. My grand mother is 85 this year and has had to live through a national conscription! She was forced into working at a factory making bullets for the 2nd World War.
I rarely think of those days I rarely think of how hard it must have been to love off rations. Its scary enough when the water or electricity is off for a couple of days let alone to be at War for years on end. But there is a new War we are all need to be aware of now. That is the fight of keeping the world HIV Negative. I meet so many young people on line these days who openly say that they practice Safe Sex Occasionally. Having not even been alive in the 80’s when we were all given the “AIDS – don’t die of ignorance Leaflet (The UK Government published a document that was sent to every house in the United Kigdom). It seems the young men of today see HIV as being as technicality. Something that is not really a problem and if one day they do discover that they are positive, cest la vie. Its no big deal, there are pills that can deal with it? It seems now, more than ever there is a new wave of infections. More and more of my friends have been diagnosed in the past year. As young as 22 a moment of passion has turned their world upside down forever. 24 years after the first infections were discovered there is still a real stigma around the virus. Those who are infected say its more dealing with it in their own head as much as the virus itself. Have some Respect, Respect yourself – Demand Safe Sex. Don’t presume he or she is Negative. I work for one of the big drug companies that make HIV medication. Their latest figures show that in the UK 1 in 150 people is now HIV Positive. A figure that is rising all of the time. Back in the 80’s there used to be a poem that said it all;
“Don’t be Daft
Don’t be Silly
Where a condom
On your Willy”
--- Happy World Aids Day – Be Safe – Be Well.
So today is the first day of the Advent Calaner and also the day we think about those that are living with HIV or AIDS. Those that are suffering under the effects of the virus. Sure, we are lucky. We live in the modern world within one of the richest 8 countries on the entire planet. A privilege a child like me of the 70’s can only but take for granted. Sure we remember the Falklands War and the Gulf Conflict but that was war on foreign soil. Did it affect our schools? Did it stop me from talking my summer holiday and relaxing in the sun? Did I stop to think about the people in the lands being bombed or the suffering a mother could face at loosing her children as missiles from a submarine safely hidden under the oceans surface could fire aimlessly just because her government and our government didn’t quite see eye to eye. My grand mother is 85 this year and has had to live through a national conscription! She was forced into working at a factory making bullets for the 2nd World War.
I rarely think of those days I rarely think of how hard it must have been to love off rations. Its scary enough when the water or electricity is off for a couple of days let alone to be at War for years on end. But there is a new War we are all need to be aware of now. That is the fight of keeping the world HIV Negative. I meet so many young people on line these days who openly say that they practice Safe Sex Occasionally. Having not even been alive in the 80’s when we were all given the “AIDS – don’t die of ignorance Leaflet (The UK Government published a document that was sent to every house in the United Kigdom). It seems the young men of today see HIV as being as technicality. Something that is not really a problem and if one day they do discover that they are positive, cest la vie. Its no big deal, there are pills that can deal with it? It seems now, more than ever there is a new wave of infections. More and more of my friends have been diagnosed in the past year. As young as 22 a moment of passion has turned their world upside down forever. 24 years after the first infections were discovered there is still a real stigma around the virus. Those who are infected say its more dealing with it in their own head as much as the virus itself. Have some Respect, Respect yourself – Demand Safe Sex. Don’t presume he or she is Negative. I work for one of the big drug companies that make HIV medication. Their latest figures show that in the UK 1 in 150 people is now HIV Positive. A figure that is rising all of the time. Back in the 80’s there used to be a poem that said it all;
“Don’t be Daft
Don’t be Silly
Where a condom
On your Willy”
--- Happy World Aids Day – Be Safe – Be Well.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
You Could Freeze the Brass Balls of Monkeys
It’s Brass Monkeys Out there! – And some Cockney Slang too.
I have often heard the phrase – its as Brass as Monkeys out there! A little like Cockey Rhyming Slang can have more than one meaning and not a lot of people really know what you are going on about unless you understand Slang. For those of you that don’t heres my own break down as to what means what as mastered to me by my dear East End Father! J
Most Slang has the full phrase and then the abbreviated version, i.e., Ouch, me poor Plates (My feet are sore). How you ask? Plates of Meat Rhymes with Feet so Plates + Feet
Apples & Pears = Stairs
Dog & Bone (Dog) = Phone
Horse & Cart = Fart
Trouble & Strife = Wife
Brahms & List = Pissed – I was a bit Brahms last night
Barnet Fair (Barnet) = Hair
Mechant Bank (er) = W*nk(er) / Merchant Bank (W*nk)
Pony & Bit (Pony) = S*it
Donald Duck = (Im sure you can work that one out)
Mickey Mouse = House
Rub a Dub Dub = Pub
Mutton Jeff (Mutton) = Deaf
Farmer Giles = Piles
Apparently its as Brass as Monkeys is from the full phrase, Its so cold you could freeze the balls off Brass Monkeys! A little like everyone says “Feed a Cold & Starve a Fever, when in fact the phrase is “if you feed a Cold you will have to Starve a Fever”. I learnt that all in Florida too? Werid eh?
If I can think of more later I will add them but there you go, Cockney Rhyming Slang 101. Apparently it all started in the Prisons so that the inmates could talk without the guards knowing what they were talking about and you find it carried over into every day slang in the UK. Most people will know a little bit and use it in daily speech.
Am up at the crack of dawn once again, its one thing to have to get up at this unearthly hour of 5AM but to have to defrost the car off too is a liberty at 5am. Thankfully, this time tomorrow I will be just hours away from flying to Miami. A six day Annual Pilgrimage to the Malls in America and to do a big Christmas Shop. Watch out Girls the S.L.A.G.S. are coming – and for those of you not from Vauxhall, S.L.A.G.S is the South London Action Girls Society! J
I’ve currently got 185,000 Virgin frequent flyer miles and am so tempted to use some to upgrade from Premium to Upper Class. I was just saving them for a free trip to Sydney! We will see. Maybe if I don’t use them I will get bumped up anyway?
Not been a bad year for Holidays all in All. I went to Rio for 9 Days for Carnaval in February (too short a trip for Rio), had a 4 day break in Portugal in May. Did Pamela’s Wedding (Pamela Anderson, no kidding, that’s her real name now) in Salt Lake combining it with my now 4th Annual trip to meet Janet in Las Vegas (Love Vegas Baby) and a stop over at San Francisco to see Ed & Jason. And then nothing from September till now. South Beach won over New York City as the accommodation was so expensive. Whats that then? Four Trips, not bad I spose. But then that’s why I am a Lucky Bitch init? And it certainly feels like I have hardly had a break. Work Hard and play Hard, that’s my Motto.
Guess now I have bought a house the trips will stop a bit – Yeah Whatever! Like my friend Marcus Says, (Mr Chops), if you don’t take these breaks you wouldn’t be able to work so hard when you get back cos you are so tired. That’s our excuse anyway and where sticking to it! J
I have often heard the phrase – its as Brass as Monkeys out there! A little like Cockey Rhyming Slang can have more than one meaning and not a lot of people really know what you are going on about unless you understand Slang. For those of you that don’t heres my own break down as to what means what as mastered to me by my dear East End Father! J
Most Slang has the full phrase and then the abbreviated version, i.e., Ouch, me poor Plates (My feet are sore). How you ask? Plates of Meat Rhymes with Feet so Plates + Feet
Apples & Pears = Stairs
Dog & Bone (Dog) = Phone
Horse & Cart = Fart
Trouble & Strife = Wife
Brahms & List = Pissed – I was a bit Brahms last night
Barnet Fair (Barnet) = Hair
Mechant Bank (er) = W*nk(er) / Merchant Bank (W*nk)
Pony & Bit (Pony) = S*it
Donald Duck = (Im sure you can work that one out)
Mickey Mouse = House
Rub a Dub Dub = Pub
Mutton Jeff (Mutton) = Deaf
Farmer Giles = Piles
Apparently its as Brass as Monkeys is from the full phrase, Its so cold you could freeze the balls off Brass Monkeys! A little like everyone says “Feed a Cold & Starve a Fever, when in fact the phrase is “if you feed a Cold you will have to Starve a Fever”. I learnt that all in Florida too? Werid eh?
If I can think of more later I will add them but there you go, Cockney Rhyming Slang 101. Apparently it all started in the Prisons so that the inmates could talk without the guards knowing what they were talking about and you find it carried over into every day slang in the UK. Most people will know a little bit and use it in daily speech.
Am up at the crack of dawn once again, its one thing to have to get up at this unearthly hour of 5AM but to have to defrost the car off too is a liberty at 5am. Thankfully, this time tomorrow I will be just hours away from flying to Miami. A six day Annual Pilgrimage to the Malls in America and to do a big Christmas Shop. Watch out Girls the S.L.A.G.S. are coming – and for those of you not from Vauxhall, S.L.A.G.S is the South London Action Girls Society! J
I’ve currently got 185,000 Virgin frequent flyer miles and am so tempted to use some to upgrade from Premium to Upper Class. I was just saving them for a free trip to Sydney! We will see. Maybe if I don’t use them I will get bumped up anyway?
Not been a bad year for Holidays all in All. I went to Rio for 9 Days for Carnaval in February (too short a trip for Rio), had a 4 day break in Portugal in May. Did Pamela’s Wedding (Pamela Anderson, no kidding, that’s her real name now) in Salt Lake combining it with my now 4th Annual trip to meet Janet in Las Vegas (Love Vegas Baby) and a stop over at San Francisco to see Ed & Jason. And then nothing from September till now. South Beach won over New York City as the accommodation was so expensive. Whats that then? Four Trips, not bad I spose. But then that’s why I am a Lucky Bitch init? And it certainly feels like I have hardly had a break. Work Hard and play Hard, that’s my Motto.
Guess now I have bought a house the trips will stop a bit – Yeah Whatever! Like my friend Marcus Says, (Mr Chops), if you don’t take these breaks you wouldn’t be able to work so hard when you get back cos you are so tired. That’s our excuse anyway and where sticking to it! J
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Your only 32 Dear
Your only 32 Dear
Ok, so I am only 32, I don’t care. At least I am not one of these who lies about my age on Gaydar! I am 32 and that’s what I am.
The week has about taking it out of me, I don’t feel like I am 32 at all I feel 62. Still, at least I have a few days off now.
My Mentor, Angela Brown (Love you babes) said to me that to do your job properly you should only have to work 3 or 4 days per week. Any more than that and you are over stretching yourself.
Well I guess I have over stretched myself cos man do I feel Tired after a week of these five am starts. Its not like I start that early or anything but if I don’t get up at five I cant get there in time thanks to the traffic.
Finished work last night and went around to Carlos’s flat. (I used to share a flat with Carlos). We had some dinner, watched a DVD, and then I slept, I slept from midnight through to 2PM this afternoon. Im so tired now I swear I could sleep for a week.
Five days until I go to Miami. Cant wait, Sun, Sea, Sand, Shopping and relaxation, a world away from England. Roll on Miami, Watch out South Beach !
Ok, so I am only 32, I don’t care. At least I am not one of these who lies about my age on Gaydar! I am 32 and that’s what I am.
The week has about taking it out of me, I don’t feel like I am 32 at all I feel 62. Still, at least I have a few days off now.
My Mentor, Angela Brown (Love you babes) said to me that to do your job properly you should only have to work 3 or 4 days per week. Any more than that and you are over stretching yourself.
Well I guess I have over stretched myself cos man do I feel Tired after a week of these five am starts. Its not like I start that early or anything but if I don’t get up at five I cant get there in time thanks to the traffic.
Finished work last night and went around to Carlos’s flat. (I used to share a flat with Carlos). We had some dinner, watched a DVD, and then I slept, I slept from midnight through to 2PM this afternoon. Im so tired now I swear I could sleep for a week.
Five days until I go to Miami. Cant wait, Sun, Sea, Sand, Shopping and relaxation, a world away from England. Roll on Miami, Watch out South Beach !
Friday, November 25, 2005
Early Bird Catches the Worm
Friday 25th November 2005
If the early bird catches the worm I wanna a blooming big bird for my catch! I have been up at 0500 every day for the past week. Its now 550 am and I shall brave the cold and face the M25 for the last time this week. Why in London does it take 90 minutes to travel around the outskirts of a city and travel just 45 miles? Madness. So forget the worm, I want a huge snake for five days of these starts or as Helen Puts it, Stupid O’Clock. Thank goodness that I don’t have to work late.
Went into Gaydar Towers last night again. Neil Sexton is such a star and met some of the other DJ’s too including, Yannick Lawry, Gary H & Robin. I had a prize that the lovely people at Molton Brown had donated. If anyone goes to their Fenchurch street store and mentions GAYDAR they get a 10% discount on all of their purchases prior to Christmas! Neil will be giving the gift away in December as a Christmas prize – stay tuned at Prime Time.
His off on his holidays as of today which means I shan’t be back on the air for a while. Not until Miami for sure. In talks with Neil about a phone in live from South Beach! J I feel like roaming reporter Kermit the Frog.
One Month today is Christmas Day, are you ready?
If the early bird catches the worm I wanna a blooming big bird for my catch! I have been up at 0500 every day for the past week. Its now 550 am and I shall brave the cold and face the M25 for the last time this week. Why in London does it take 90 minutes to travel around the outskirts of a city and travel just 45 miles? Madness. So forget the worm, I want a huge snake for five days of these starts or as Helen Puts it, Stupid O’Clock. Thank goodness that I don’t have to work late.
Went into Gaydar Towers last night again. Neil Sexton is such a star and met some of the other DJ’s too including, Yannick Lawry, Gary H & Robin. I had a prize that the lovely people at Molton Brown had donated. If anyone goes to their Fenchurch street store and mentions GAYDAR they get a 10% discount on all of their purchases prior to Christmas! Neil will be giving the gift away in December as a Christmas prize – stay tuned at Prime Time.
His off on his holidays as of today which means I shan’t be back on the air for a while. Not until Miami for sure. In talks with Neil about a phone in live from South Beach! J I feel like roaming reporter Kermit the Frog.
One Month today is Christmas Day, are you ready?
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The Village Idiot loses his car keys
The Village Idiot loses his car keys
I don’t think it can honestly be good for you living out of the Urban lifestyle. All of that country air must be getting to me and I’m starting to act like a country bumpkin once again.
Having spent the past 8 years living in either London or Cardiff with my work being spilt between London, Manchester, Birmingham & Dublin I am used to big cities. The constant need to watch your back walking down a street, making sure that your windows and doors are locked shut and that you don’t leave anything valuable on display. Common sense. Well the country air must be getting to me. Either that or the 5 AM Starts are causing me to loose my common sense. I was up at five, at the office near Heathrow by 6:45am and worked until 4pm getting to my dear friend Kenton’s House in Ruislip North West London at just after 5pm. We chatted for ages and I went out to collect the last of my bits from the care around 830pm.
When I was ready to leave for the office at 0730 the following morning I couldn’t find my car keys anywhere. Had Sparky (the dog) moved them? Had they fallen in my bad. I have them living on a huge neck chain that is bright blue & yellow to help me find them easily. After 20 minutes I was at my wits end, where were the bloody things.
I had one last idea, check the car, I cant have left them out there can I? There was my car outside on the road where I left it and in the window a note.
“Dear Owner
Your keys were found left in the side of the door and have been taken to Uxbridge Police Station. You can contact the Station on telephone xxx”
I was so embarrassed. By now it was 0820am and I was likely to be late for work so had to get a Taxi to the office and came back to collect the keys from the station later in the evening. How could I be so stupid? It must be the crack of dawn mornings affecting my concentration span that late in the evening. If that had been anywhere else in London I am sure my car would have been stolen! Proves there are a few good citizens left in the world eh?
I don’t think it can honestly be good for you living out of the Urban lifestyle. All of that country air must be getting to me and I’m starting to act like a country bumpkin once again.
Having spent the past 8 years living in either London or Cardiff with my work being spilt between London, Manchester, Birmingham & Dublin I am used to big cities. The constant need to watch your back walking down a street, making sure that your windows and doors are locked shut and that you don’t leave anything valuable on display. Common sense. Well the country air must be getting to me. Either that or the 5 AM Starts are causing me to loose my common sense. I was up at five, at the office near Heathrow by 6:45am and worked until 4pm getting to my dear friend Kenton’s House in Ruislip North West London at just after 5pm. We chatted for ages and I went out to collect the last of my bits from the care around 830pm.
When I was ready to leave for the office at 0730 the following morning I couldn’t find my car keys anywhere. Had Sparky (the dog) moved them? Had they fallen in my bad. I have them living on a huge neck chain that is bright blue & yellow to help me find them easily. After 20 minutes I was at my wits end, where were the bloody things.
I had one last idea, check the car, I cant have left them out there can I? There was my car outside on the road where I left it and in the window a note.
“Dear Owner
Your keys were found left in the side of the door and have been taken to Uxbridge Police Station. You can contact the Station on telephone xxx”
I was so embarrassed. By now it was 0820am and I was likely to be late for work so had to get a Taxi to the office and came back to collect the keys from the station later in the evening. How could I be so stupid? It must be the crack of dawn mornings affecting my concentration span that late in the evening. If that had been anywhere else in London I am sure my car would have been stolen! Proves there are a few good citizens left in the world eh?
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Neil Sexton Gaydar Radio
I dont often slag people off and at the same time dont have good reason to say great things about people but Neil Sexton of Gaydar Radio, I take my hat off to you. Daily you entertain, provide gossip, news and great music and yet ask nothing in return.
I love the station an email in comments and you always find time to respond to them and yet even thought I have met you buy once, think you are an incredible man and take my hat off to you.
In the words of Abba - thank you for the music, fun times and being a top buy.
Fondest wishes
VC x
I love the station an email in comments and you always find time to respond to them and yet even thought I have met you buy once, think you are an incredible man and take my hat off to you.
In the words of Abba - thank you for the music, fun times and being a top buy.
Fondest wishes
VC x
Insomnia
It doesn’t seem to matter how early I have to get up in the mornings I never seem to be able to get to sleep. INfact it seems that earlier that I actually have to be up the less sleep I will get.
Knowing that this morning (Monday 21st November) I would have to be up at 0500 to leave the house by 0600 I thought I should be in bed by 11 and lights out by 12.00. Why was I then, despite two Nyteol One a nights tablest (Double Dose) was I still wide awake at 0200 and again at 0400! So having had just two hours sleep I made my way down to the completely frozen over car.
I don’t understand Anti Freeze Screen Wash. It may not freeze in the water tank but it sure freezes in the pipes up to the windshield. Thankfully I used one of my favourite winter tricks to expediate my departure – 3 sheets of a used newspaper on the windshield the night before. Worked a dream and despite the freezing cold start its making it all frosty outside and thus Christmas like.
I’m feeling totally Christmassy actually and I am one of these people that puts up his Christmas decorations the day that the Halloween stuff comes down. After all you pay enough for it and it has to come down by 12th Night, may as well enjoy them for as long as possible. Top Tip on Decorations. Buy them in January at over half price! You will use them year after year.
Had quite a fabulous weekend actually. Friday evening I was invited to the Theatre by my good friend Marcello. His friend was in a show and he had two tickets. What a surprise, it was held in St. Peters Italian Church in Clerkenwell, London. A huge Rome Style church covered in paintings on the ceiling much like the 16 Chapel in Rome. It was stunning. At the front by the Alter they had built a stage and a massive orchestra Pit. The Show was Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar. The acoustics in the church made the orchestra often louder than the performers but it was a great production – thoroughly enjoyed it.
Slept over at Marcellos and headed into the West End Saturday after late Brunch to do a spot of Birthday & Christmas Shopping and get in the festive mood. You just cant beat a Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks to beat the cold on a frosty day. I love the shops in the west end but on a Saturday its like Gay Hell on earth. Thousands of people from London & the home counties panicking that there are only 36 days until Christmas. The Oxford Street lights now lit up and putting everyone in a festive mood. I used to trek the streets like everyone else but have 3 simple places I shop for Christmas now.
1) Shop Early & a Bluewater – How can you go wrong, Europe’s Biggest Shopping Mall, Climate Controlled and you can drop your shopping back at the car when you have too much to carry. Early – Its open till 9 or 10 pm every day – why wait until 2 weeks before Christmas?
2) Shop abroad – I book a trip to the States with my mate Mikey every year – we hit the American Malls where things are far cheaper and you can find a better choice of goods that you cant find in the UK. Last year we did Boston but decided that Miami would be a far nicer climate this year.
3) Shop at Selfridges – Its just got everything. They may be slightly more expensive than online shopping but you can get everything under one roof. From Books to Beauty, Electrical to Wines & Champagnes. There is a car park around the back too and tons of places to eat. Its my final Christmas one stop Shop!
And No – I am not getting paid to promote this!
Saturday evening was Mikey’s Birthday party in Lewisham with the usual mixture of horny boys invited to make us all lust after. Stayed until midnight and made my way down to XXL. London’s alternative Club for larger guys, bears, cubs & their admirers! The music was stomping and nice and light to dance to, the boys hot and friendly and I even pulled. So you cant knock that for a good night eh ? The drinks were cheaper than most clubs too and it was only £10 to get in or £7 for members. I actually think I should get a free membership. Especially as last night I was plugging them on my usual spot on Gaydar Radio. Live on the air with Neil Sexton. His so fab, I only really know him from chatting on the air, emailing the studio and calling in for All Request Hour! Now that I have my own Jingle (The Good, the Bad & the Ugly) and Catchphrase “Yeeeehaw” I go on more and more often! Its all unpaid – but just a bit of fun.
Didn’t end up leaving XXL until almost 5am and got home around 530am. Thank goodness the heating was still on, everything was white and winter like. Had planned on going to the RVT (Best hang out on a Sunday afternoon) but on awaking at 1500 I guessed it was too late. It would have been 5 by the time I got to the Tavern. Lazy day chatting with friends on the phone or MSN and just getting some rest. Ill need it today, after only having had 2 hours sleep. Roll on Miami.
Knowing that this morning (Monday 21st November) I would have to be up at 0500 to leave the house by 0600 I thought I should be in bed by 11 and lights out by 12.00. Why was I then, despite two Nyteol One a nights tablest (Double Dose) was I still wide awake at 0200 and again at 0400! So having had just two hours sleep I made my way down to the completely frozen over car.
I don’t understand Anti Freeze Screen Wash. It may not freeze in the water tank but it sure freezes in the pipes up to the windshield. Thankfully I used one of my favourite winter tricks to expediate my departure – 3 sheets of a used newspaper on the windshield the night before. Worked a dream and despite the freezing cold start its making it all frosty outside and thus Christmas like.
I’m feeling totally Christmassy actually and I am one of these people that puts up his Christmas decorations the day that the Halloween stuff comes down. After all you pay enough for it and it has to come down by 12th Night, may as well enjoy them for as long as possible. Top Tip on Decorations. Buy them in January at over half price! You will use them year after year.
Had quite a fabulous weekend actually. Friday evening I was invited to the Theatre by my good friend Marcello. His friend was in a show and he had two tickets. What a surprise, it was held in St. Peters Italian Church in Clerkenwell, London. A huge Rome Style church covered in paintings on the ceiling much like the 16 Chapel in Rome. It was stunning. At the front by the Alter they had built a stage and a massive orchestra Pit. The Show was Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar. The acoustics in the church made the orchestra often louder than the performers but it was a great production – thoroughly enjoyed it.
Slept over at Marcellos and headed into the West End Saturday after late Brunch to do a spot of Birthday & Christmas Shopping and get in the festive mood. You just cant beat a Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks to beat the cold on a frosty day. I love the shops in the west end but on a Saturday its like Gay Hell on earth. Thousands of people from London & the home counties panicking that there are only 36 days until Christmas. The Oxford Street lights now lit up and putting everyone in a festive mood. I used to trek the streets like everyone else but have 3 simple places I shop for Christmas now.
1) Shop Early & a Bluewater – How can you go wrong, Europe’s Biggest Shopping Mall, Climate Controlled and you can drop your shopping back at the car when you have too much to carry. Early – Its open till 9 or 10 pm every day – why wait until 2 weeks before Christmas?
2) Shop abroad – I book a trip to the States with my mate Mikey every year – we hit the American Malls where things are far cheaper and you can find a better choice of goods that you cant find in the UK. Last year we did Boston but decided that Miami would be a far nicer climate this year.
3) Shop at Selfridges – Its just got everything. They may be slightly more expensive than online shopping but you can get everything under one roof. From Books to Beauty, Electrical to Wines & Champagnes. There is a car park around the back too and tons of places to eat. Its my final Christmas one stop Shop!
And No – I am not getting paid to promote this!
Saturday evening was Mikey’s Birthday party in Lewisham with the usual mixture of horny boys invited to make us all lust after. Stayed until midnight and made my way down to XXL. London’s alternative Club for larger guys, bears, cubs & their admirers! The music was stomping and nice and light to dance to, the boys hot and friendly and I even pulled. So you cant knock that for a good night eh ? The drinks were cheaper than most clubs too and it was only £10 to get in or £7 for members. I actually think I should get a free membership. Especially as last night I was plugging them on my usual spot on Gaydar Radio. Live on the air with Neil Sexton. His so fab, I only really know him from chatting on the air, emailing the studio and calling in for All Request Hour! Now that I have my own Jingle (The Good, the Bad & the Ugly) and Catchphrase “Yeeeehaw” I go on more and more often! Its all unpaid – but just a bit of fun.
Didn’t end up leaving XXL until almost 5am and got home around 530am. Thank goodness the heating was still on, everything was white and winter like. Had planned on going to the RVT (Best hang out on a Sunday afternoon) but on awaking at 1500 I guessed it was too late. It would have been 5 by the time I got to the Tavern. Lazy day chatting with friends on the phone or MSN and just getting some rest. Ill need it today, after only having had 2 hours sleep. Roll on Miami.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Booze, Sweat, Steam & DTPM
FRIDAY
I think I drink too much. I never used to touch alcohol at home but these days I can quiet easily drink a bottle or two of wine at home on my own! Woops. So after a fairly large drinking session in order to help me get to sleep on Thursday I was going to take it easy on Friday. I had a 5am start so the Red Wine did help.
Finished work, drove half way around the M25 and then arrived at Steph’s just before 5pm. Steph and I have worked together for years but really got to know each other on a trip to Vegas for our friend Georgi’s 40th Birthday. Tough life init – Vegas was fabulous in Mid March – We somehow hit it both at Spring break and during a heat wave and temperatures were a fabulous 106 degrees (F). Steph and I enjoyed time at the pool together and then learnt to play craps on a very early drinking session in the Casino. But the cocktails are free while you are playing so you cant refuse can you? It would surely be rude?
We chatted, opened some wine and chatted some more. At 3 am after dinner and 4 bottles of Pinot Grigio we finally retired. Memo to me, White Wine gives you a funny head. I never get that drunk on red. Must be the acid or something. But a fun night.
Some people are mad. I don’t know about you but if you are hungover do you;
a) have a hearty Fry up and lounge in PJs all day
b) Cranberry Juice, Loads of Water and a slice of Toast
c) Coffee & hit the gym to burn if off
Steph had me down at the gym and on a treadmill on an empty stomach!
SATURDAY
After doing all I could at the gym and trying to force down some scrambled eggs on Toast I made my way home pass the masses going to both Bluewater and Lakeside (Shopping Malls). Why would you sit in a line of traffic 5 miles long to get into a Mall? I just don’t understand? Its open every day until 10pm and is never nearly as crowded? Why go when its packed solid? Must be a British thing. They say we have a requirement to queue.
Vegged online and watching TV all day. Now this is what I call relaxing.
SUNDAY
I had met a guy online about 4 months ago when I first moved to Essex. Paul. He had wanted to meet up since we met online but what with work commitments and his DJ-ing at the weekends it never happened. But we had arranged to meet at Chariots Waterloo (A distinguished Gentleman’s Health Spa – NOT!) But lets say it’s a Roman Spa with Steam, Sauna, Pools, Jacuzzis and the like and hundreds of Hot Men. Well it does get hot in a sauna does it not?
Paul was really sweet but had to leave around 7 to meet a friend but I stayed a while longer and bumped into another friend Jamie there. As the clock approached 11pm I was split. Do I go home or go to DTPM?
After coming out I literally lived at DTPM week after week. The most fabulous and upmarket club in London. I’d not been in 18 months since concentrating on my career and leaving my party days behind me. I had forgotten how fabulous it used to be. How many gorgeous boys went and how good the music is there. Almost as good as what they play on Gaydar Radio. Well as a Gaydar Radio Ambassador I have to do what I can promote the Station. I guess its something that I am passionate about! Great Music, fun funky and gay DJ’s and the best music on the airwaves. I have often called in for the all request hour with Neil Sexton, Sunday to Thursday at 1800 GMT. But since becoming Ambassador I do it more frequently and now have my own Jingle for the Vauxhallcowboy. Wanna hear it? Tune in anywhere on the planet at http://www.gaydarradio.com/ or Sky Channel 908.
Oh and if you see the Cowboy out and about (Me) Give a Friendly Yeehawwwww or Howdi.
I think I drink too much. I never used to touch alcohol at home but these days I can quiet easily drink a bottle or two of wine at home on my own! Woops. So after a fairly large drinking session in order to help me get to sleep on Thursday I was going to take it easy on Friday. I had a 5am start so the Red Wine did help.
Finished work, drove half way around the M25 and then arrived at Steph’s just before 5pm. Steph and I have worked together for years but really got to know each other on a trip to Vegas for our friend Georgi’s 40th Birthday. Tough life init – Vegas was fabulous in Mid March – We somehow hit it both at Spring break and during a heat wave and temperatures were a fabulous 106 degrees (F). Steph and I enjoyed time at the pool together and then learnt to play craps on a very early drinking session in the Casino. But the cocktails are free while you are playing so you cant refuse can you? It would surely be rude?
We chatted, opened some wine and chatted some more. At 3 am after dinner and 4 bottles of Pinot Grigio we finally retired. Memo to me, White Wine gives you a funny head. I never get that drunk on red. Must be the acid or something. But a fun night.
Some people are mad. I don’t know about you but if you are hungover do you;
a) have a hearty Fry up and lounge in PJs all day
b) Cranberry Juice, Loads of Water and a slice of Toast
c) Coffee & hit the gym to burn if off
Steph had me down at the gym and on a treadmill on an empty stomach!
SATURDAY
After doing all I could at the gym and trying to force down some scrambled eggs on Toast I made my way home pass the masses going to both Bluewater and Lakeside (Shopping Malls). Why would you sit in a line of traffic 5 miles long to get into a Mall? I just don’t understand? Its open every day until 10pm and is never nearly as crowded? Why go when its packed solid? Must be a British thing. They say we have a requirement to queue.
Vegged online and watching TV all day. Now this is what I call relaxing.
SUNDAY
I had met a guy online about 4 months ago when I first moved to Essex. Paul. He had wanted to meet up since we met online but what with work commitments and his DJ-ing at the weekends it never happened. But we had arranged to meet at Chariots Waterloo (A distinguished Gentleman’s Health Spa – NOT!) But lets say it’s a Roman Spa with Steam, Sauna, Pools, Jacuzzis and the like and hundreds of Hot Men. Well it does get hot in a sauna does it not?
Paul was really sweet but had to leave around 7 to meet a friend but I stayed a while longer and bumped into another friend Jamie there. As the clock approached 11pm I was split. Do I go home or go to DTPM?
After coming out I literally lived at DTPM week after week. The most fabulous and upmarket club in London. I’d not been in 18 months since concentrating on my career and leaving my party days behind me. I had forgotten how fabulous it used to be. How many gorgeous boys went and how good the music is there. Almost as good as what they play on Gaydar Radio. Well as a Gaydar Radio Ambassador I have to do what I can promote the Station. I guess its something that I am passionate about! Great Music, fun funky and gay DJ’s and the best music on the airwaves. I have often called in for the all request hour with Neil Sexton, Sunday to Thursday at 1800 GMT. But since becoming Ambassador I do it more frequently and now have my own Jingle for the Vauxhallcowboy. Wanna hear it? Tune in anywhere on the planet at http://www.gaydarradio.com/ or Sky Channel 908.
Oh and if you see the Cowboy out and about (Me) Give a Friendly Yeehawwwww or Howdi.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Queer as Folk
Queer as Folk
There is nought queer as folk, or so they say, which is odd considering that the TV show represents my life more than any other television program I have ever watched. I have Marcus (Chops) to thank for introducing me to Season one. Now if you are British you are going to say “I prefer the English Version” – No you won’t. Admittedly, Season one is literally exactly the same but made in 2001 rather than 1997 and the Americans changed the names and made a season a massive 25 episodes. This led into my flat mates and myself basically sitting down for a full 20 hours to watch it one run. Why? Because it is the most addictive television I have ever seen. Carlos and I would sit and laugh, sit and cry, speak our minds “You surely can’t show that on television”. But they did.
It’s a life I once lived and still do to a part. Carefree, Fabulous, different, proud to be out and gay.
If you have not yet seen it I urge you to, if you have, why not do this quick quiz which tells you which character you are most like.
Characters as I see them;
Brian – You’re a Tart with a heart
Michael – You are what we all seek in a best friend
Justin – Sexy, sweet and just a ray of sunshine
Emmett – You touch my heart in every show and of all the characters I love you best
Debbie – Everyone’s favourite Mum
Lynsey & Melissa – Showing that its cool to be a Lesbian too (Why is there such a huge separation between Lesbians and gay men?)
Ted – Just trying to fit in without the good looks of the younger boys and yet incredibly smart – Ted makes all the mistakes I seem to blunder on too.
Heres the result of my quiz; er, says it all really eh?
You are Brian Kinney. "The stud of Liberty
Avenue," you do what you want, when you
want. Your motto is "no apologies, no
regrets" and you live life to the fullest,
even if it means stepping on the feelings of
others to get your way. Despite this however,
you do love those who deserve it, although you
have strange ways of showing it. You can't do
anything halfway, and believe people should get
what they deserve, no more, no less.
Which Queer as Folk character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
There is nought queer as folk, or so they say, which is odd considering that the TV show represents my life more than any other television program I have ever watched. I have Marcus (Chops) to thank for introducing me to Season one. Now if you are British you are going to say “I prefer the English Version” – No you won’t. Admittedly, Season one is literally exactly the same but made in 2001 rather than 1997 and the Americans changed the names and made a season a massive 25 episodes. This led into my flat mates and myself basically sitting down for a full 20 hours to watch it one run. Why? Because it is the most addictive television I have ever seen. Carlos and I would sit and laugh, sit and cry, speak our minds “You surely can’t show that on television”. But they did.
It’s a life I once lived and still do to a part. Carefree, Fabulous, different, proud to be out and gay.
If you have not yet seen it I urge you to, if you have, why not do this quick quiz which tells you which character you are most like.
Characters as I see them;
Brian – You’re a Tart with a heart
Michael – You are what we all seek in a best friend
Justin – Sexy, sweet and just a ray of sunshine
Emmett – You touch my heart in every show and of all the characters I love you best
Debbie – Everyone’s favourite Mum
Lynsey & Melissa – Showing that its cool to be a Lesbian too (Why is there such a huge separation between Lesbians and gay men?)
Ted – Just trying to fit in without the good looks of the younger boys and yet incredibly smart – Ted makes all the mistakes I seem to blunder on too.
Heres the result of my quiz; er, says it all really eh?
You are Brian Kinney. "The stud of Liberty
Avenue," you do what you want, when you
want. Your motto is "no apologies, no
regrets" and you live life to the fullest,
even if it means stepping on the feelings of
others to get your way. Despite this however,
you do love those who deserve it, although you
have strange ways of showing it. You can't do
anything halfway, and believe people should get
what they deserve, no more, no less.
Which Queer as Folk character are you?
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Sunday, November 06, 2005
Guy Fawkes Lucky Bitches 2005
Ok so it may have been 400 years since the day that Guy Fawkes tried to blow up parliment, I just dont get it? We celebrate this? Its not like its 400 years since I tried to blow Robbie Williams!
Still spent the night watching fireworks from the Fabulous apartement of Lord & Lady Liberty! see the Council tax may me 160 Per Month, and you may not have much for that, but several times a year you can invite over as many friends as you like and have the partty of the year and be able to view, Grenwhich, Blackheath, Clapham and all the blooming fireworks in the world.
I just dont understand why we celebrate a day that they didnt succecceed in blowing up goverment!
Still spent the night watching fireworks from the Fabulous apartement of Lord & Lady Liberty! see the Council tax may me 160 Per Month, and you may not have much for that, but several times a year you can invite over as many friends as you like and have the partty of the year and be able to view, Grenwhich, Blackheath, Clapham and all the blooming fireworks in the world.
I just dont understand why we celebrate a day that they didnt succecceed in blowing up goverment!
Sunday, October 30, 2005
~ Tired Bitches ~
I guess that they are right when they say that what goes up, must come down. For as fabulous and wicked as the holidays and parties may be, somewhere along the way you have to work for it. Or to put it in the words on the instrutor of the New York City Fame Accademy in the hit 80s television series, "Fame Costs, and heres where you start to pay in Sweat".
I swear the weekends fly by at double the speed of the week.
Having spent a tough week with two clients in both London and mainly Manchester I arrived home rather shattered friday. The First Class Virgin Train Service from Mancester Piccadilly is rather good though. Newpapers, a meal at your seat and tons of free booze! Definitely the way to go! And a bargain provided that you book in advance. So I was also a little bit fluffy when my taxi pulled me into the driveway on Friday evening.
Saturday I had promised fellow Gaydar Radio Ambassador Jamie (J-Woo) that we'd do something. The "We'd do something" ended up us going to Action. Well his only 22 and had never been to what I call a Real Club before. And so I got us guest list and off we went.
It was fun, but I was burnt out and really didnt stay long - I guess that all Work and No Play really does make Jack a dull boy - I dont wanna be Jack? Im sure Jill was happier! Maybe i'm just getting old? It could be in the stars, after all, tomorrow is Halloween!
On the bright side - Only One Month and a Day till my next Trip. 5 Days in South Beach Miami (Lucky Bitches) or as Mikey and I want to called it - Souf London Action Girls Society - South Beach - S.L.A.G.S.S.B
I swear the weekends fly by at double the speed of the week.
Having spent a tough week with two clients in both London and mainly Manchester I arrived home rather shattered friday. The First Class Virgin Train Service from Mancester Piccadilly is rather good though. Newpapers, a meal at your seat and tons of free booze! Definitely the way to go! And a bargain provided that you book in advance. So I was also a little bit fluffy when my taxi pulled me into the driveway on Friday evening.
Saturday I had promised fellow Gaydar Radio Ambassador Jamie (J-Woo) that we'd do something. The "We'd do something" ended up us going to Action. Well his only 22 and had never been to what I call a Real Club before. And so I got us guest list and off we went.
It was fun, but I was burnt out and really didnt stay long - I guess that all Work and No Play really does make Jack a dull boy - I dont wanna be Jack? Im sure Jill was happier! Maybe i'm just getting old? It could be in the stars, after all, tomorrow is Halloween!
On the bright side - Only One Month and a Day till my next Trip. 5 Days in South Beach Miami (Lucky Bitches) or as Mikey and I want to called it - Souf London Action Girls Society - South Beach - S.L.A.G.S.S.B
Monday, October 17, 2005
Christine Karriette Wollert Johansen
Just had a MSN conversation with my gorgeous friend Christine in Oslo, Norway. We both became dear friends in April 1995 when we both became Cultural Representitives for the Walt Disney World International Program. We both were living out in Florida, USA for over a year representing our native countries. Its an Amazing opportunity to see another country and make friends from literally around the globe.
Christine and I have been dear friends ever since. Hope to see you in the person again real soon darling! Mwah! X
Christine and I have been dear friends ever since. Hope to see you in the person again real soon darling! Mwah! X
Hard On, RVT and www.gaydarradio.com
RVT & Club Hard On Oct 15th 2005
After a year of saying No – The Leather Queens, Richard and Mark finally persuaded me to go to Londons Fetish Club Hard on with them this weekend. It has a very strict door policy of Leather, Rubber or Uniform. I had some rubber wear I have worn at parties and people have given me over the past few years. OK, I sat on one Free course run by GMFA on the subject of Bondage and it was hardly my fault that they asked me after participating if I would like to Volunteer to GMFA and offer my training services to them free of charge several weekends per year. They put on a Train the Trainer run by the NHS and now I am a qualified trainer in Bondage & S&M for beginners. The courses are run over four days (two weekends) per year and are free to anyone who lives in London. For full details contact www.metromate.org.uk and click on Workshops & Courses. So having started to work for free I seemed to inherit half of London’s unwanted Rubber Clothing collection.
But being a Cowboy (Vauxhallcowboy is my Gaydar profile) www.gaydar.co.uk I thought to accompany my hat a nice pair of Leather Chaps would be perfect. Bought some on Tuesday specifically for the Saturday evening only to have them stolen from the bar we were drinking in on Tuesday morning.
Hard on was packed with over heated bodies dressed in everything from slight Leather or rubber to full on costumes. I was shocked to have several people approach me in the club and point out that they had seen me in the documentary last weekend on Sky One! J Fame at last eh?
Bumped into Lloyd a couple of lads whom I had taught on the course last year and Marcus who’m I traveled with to Rio & Carnaval just this past February (Lucky Bitches). Apparently Mark, His Partner, was there too but the place was packed to the rafters and before you knew it Mark & Richard were looking for me to make an Exit. I’m not quite sure why as they both ended up going on to Meat @ Hoist for an After hours party. We literally made it back to Stuart’s flat and they were changing into more comfortable clothes and heading out the door again. A Nytol and I was out like a light and didn’t wake until 130pm on Sunday afternoon.
Stuart was already awake and after a quick wash we made our way down to the usual Sunday spot, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. The Sun was shining, it had been a barmy 21 Degrees the day before (Hello Mr Weather – Its Mid October?) So dressed in Jeans and Tee Shirts we made our way to the Tavern. Grabbed our wristbands six Quid, and made our way to the off license for a couple of drinks.
Sat on the hill when several friends came over including Chris & Ian so we chilled till about 430 when the sun was lowering and the temperature with it plummeting and decided to go in and show off my new top. As Ambassador for Gaydar Radio I promote the Station wherever I go – Tune in around the planet at www.gaydarradio.com on Sky Channel 908 and on DAB Digital Radio in London, Brighton & Across the South East. Feel the Pulse – Share the passion. I’m not paid to advertise it by the way. It just really is the best station on the planet. Simon Le Vans makes me laugh day after day and can be found on your radio Sunday to Friday between 2pm and 6pm. Then stay listening for the lovely Neil Sexton for Prime time 6pm – 10pm. Simon Le Vans also plays at the Tavern and so I went in to see what he thought of my Top. You wouldn’t believe I had about 5 people ask me where they could get one from and I have to admit it does have my profile name (Vauxhallcowboy) across the back.
Danced a while till the show came on, Edna apparently was off sick so we had the Lovely Candy Cane who I have to hand it to, had us cheering and applauding and laughing our heads off. But being the old gits we are Stuart and I had had enough after 7pm and made our way home for some much needed catch up rest before the next week at work!
TTFN – Neil
After a year of saying No – The Leather Queens, Richard and Mark finally persuaded me to go to Londons Fetish Club Hard on with them this weekend. It has a very strict door policy of Leather, Rubber or Uniform. I had some rubber wear I have worn at parties and people have given me over the past few years. OK, I sat on one Free course run by GMFA on the subject of Bondage and it was hardly my fault that they asked me after participating if I would like to Volunteer to GMFA and offer my training services to them free of charge several weekends per year. They put on a Train the Trainer run by the NHS and now I am a qualified trainer in Bondage & S&M for beginners. The courses are run over four days (two weekends) per year and are free to anyone who lives in London. For full details contact www.metromate.org.uk and click on Workshops & Courses. So having started to work for free I seemed to inherit half of London’s unwanted Rubber Clothing collection.
But being a Cowboy (Vauxhallcowboy is my Gaydar profile) www.gaydar.co.uk I thought to accompany my hat a nice pair of Leather Chaps would be perfect. Bought some on Tuesday specifically for the Saturday evening only to have them stolen from the bar we were drinking in on Tuesday morning.
Hard on was packed with over heated bodies dressed in everything from slight Leather or rubber to full on costumes. I was shocked to have several people approach me in the club and point out that they had seen me in the documentary last weekend on Sky One! J Fame at last eh?
Bumped into Lloyd a couple of lads whom I had taught on the course last year and Marcus who’m I traveled with to Rio & Carnaval just this past February (Lucky Bitches). Apparently Mark, His Partner, was there too but the place was packed to the rafters and before you knew it Mark & Richard were looking for me to make an Exit. I’m not quite sure why as they both ended up going on to Meat @ Hoist for an After hours party. We literally made it back to Stuart’s flat and they were changing into more comfortable clothes and heading out the door again. A Nytol and I was out like a light and didn’t wake until 130pm on Sunday afternoon.
Stuart was already awake and after a quick wash we made our way down to the usual Sunday spot, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. The Sun was shining, it had been a barmy 21 Degrees the day before (Hello Mr Weather – Its Mid October?) So dressed in Jeans and Tee Shirts we made our way to the Tavern. Grabbed our wristbands six Quid, and made our way to the off license for a couple of drinks.
Sat on the hill when several friends came over including Chris & Ian so we chilled till about 430 when the sun was lowering and the temperature with it plummeting and decided to go in and show off my new top. As Ambassador for Gaydar Radio I promote the Station wherever I go – Tune in around the planet at www.gaydarradio.com on Sky Channel 908 and on DAB Digital Radio in London, Brighton & Across the South East. Feel the Pulse – Share the passion. I’m not paid to advertise it by the way. It just really is the best station on the planet. Simon Le Vans makes me laugh day after day and can be found on your radio Sunday to Friday between 2pm and 6pm. Then stay listening for the lovely Neil Sexton for Prime time 6pm – 10pm. Simon Le Vans also plays at the Tavern and so I went in to see what he thought of my Top. You wouldn’t believe I had about 5 people ask me where they could get one from and I have to admit it does have my profile name (Vauxhallcowboy) across the back.
Danced a while till the show came on, Edna apparently was off sick so we had the Lovely Candy Cane who I have to hand it to, had us cheering and applauding and laughing our heads off. But being the old gits we are Stuart and I had had enough after 7pm and made our way home for some much needed catch up rest before the next week at work!
TTFN – Neil
Monday, October 10, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
The Lady Liberty
Lady Liberty’s Flat – Wapping, London – Sept 27th 2005
Was invited around to Lord & Lady Lizzie Liberty St James fabulous new riverside apartment in Wapping. Apparently they bought most of the building when it was new and rent them out. Last month one became available and so they left the country residence in Rye & moved to town. Mikey & I were invited around to play a game of Monopoly. Mikey having bought the “Royal Mint Version” which apparently cost £600 new but he picked it up for a bargain on Ebay. Only Mikey couldn’t be bothered to go home and collect it so we played “Fools & Horses” the board game. I was Rodney! I know a plonker.
Quiet evening in and so ended up back at the Chateux Borchard gone midnight. How comes quiet nights still end being such late nights?
Sept 28th 2005 – Essex, England
Woke to a voice mail flashing away on my mobile phone from Optimum films. The documentary I was part of for Sky One will be airing on Monday 3rd October at 2100. Suddenly I feel more nervous now than I did when I made the blooming thing. Well a documentary on Viagra use in London is hardly something you want the parents watching is it? I have no idea what to expect and with such little advanced notice where will I get a Red Carpet from in time for my television premier?
Was invited around to Lord & Lady Lizzie Liberty St James fabulous new riverside apartment in Wapping. Apparently they bought most of the building when it was new and rent them out. Last month one became available and so they left the country residence in Rye & moved to town. Mikey & I were invited around to play a game of Monopoly. Mikey having bought the “Royal Mint Version” which apparently cost £600 new but he picked it up for a bargain on Ebay. Only Mikey couldn’t be bothered to go home and collect it so we played “Fools & Horses” the board game. I was Rodney! I know a plonker.
Quiet evening in and so ended up back at the Chateux Borchard gone midnight. How comes quiet nights still end being such late nights?
Sept 28th 2005 – Essex, England
Woke to a voice mail flashing away on my mobile phone from Optimum films. The documentary I was part of for Sky One will be airing on Monday 3rd October at 2100. Suddenly I feel more nervous now than I did when I made the blooming thing. Well a documentary on Viagra use in London is hardly something you want the parents watching is it? I have no idea what to expect and with such little advanced notice where will I get a Red Carpet from in time for my television premier?
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Gaydar Radio Rocks
Essex – 27th September 2005
Very quiet weekend in Essex. Didn’t even go into London once. Well its not every weekend that I have the House to myself (parents away) so I entertained for the weekend.
Spent all day yesterday being a real vegetable. Lazy git (Lucky Bitch). Made an appointment to join a local gym! Got to get fit for summer and why not have a Head Start of just 9 Months! Flat Stomach here I come.
After seeing how buffed up Y’all Rob was in Vegas Im determined to get back to my shape of two years ago…. But maybe the gym can wait till tomorrow.
Spoke live on the Radio today. http://www.gaydarradio.com/ or Channel 908 on Sky plus on DAB Digital Radio in Brighton & London. It's my favourite station, awesome music and we often have a laugh in the chat room. Come join us!
Be sure to check out Simon Le Vans from 1400 – 1800 and Neil Sexton 1800 – 2200 All times are UK! Neil does an awesome all request show from 1800 – 1900 so send yours in to neil@gaydarradio.com
And if you’d like a 3 some just send your fave three tunes (Camp as possible for Simons Show) to Simon@gaydarradio.com The threesome airs daily at 430 and these are my top two shows. Simon & Neil Rock.
Well enough being a Gaydarradio Ambassador – I need to do some work. Tara for now.
Very quiet weekend in Essex. Didn’t even go into London once. Well its not every weekend that I have the House to myself (parents away) so I entertained for the weekend.
Spent all day yesterday being a real vegetable. Lazy git (Lucky Bitch). Made an appointment to join a local gym! Got to get fit for summer and why not have a Head Start of just 9 Months! Flat Stomach here I come.
After seeing how buffed up Y’all Rob was in Vegas Im determined to get back to my shape of two years ago…. But maybe the gym can wait till tomorrow.
Spoke live on the Radio today. http://www.gaydarradio.com/ or Channel 908 on Sky plus on DAB Digital Radio in Brighton & London. It's my favourite station, awesome music and we often have a laugh in the chat room. Come join us!
Be sure to check out Simon Le Vans from 1400 – 1800 and Neil Sexton 1800 – 2200 All times are UK! Neil does an awesome all request show from 1800 – 1900 so send yours in to neil@gaydarradio.com
And if you’d like a 3 some just send your fave three tunes (Camp as possible for Simons Show) to Simon@gaydarradio.com The threesome airs daily at 430 and these are my top two shows. Simon & Neil Rock.
Well enough being a Gaydarradio Ambassador – I need to do some work. Tara for now.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Gaydar Radio Rocks!
Essex – 27th September 2005
Very quiet weekend in Essex. Didn’t even go into London once. Well its not every weekend that I have the House to myself (parents away) so I entertained for the weekend.
Spent all day yesterday being a real vegetable. Lazy git (Lucky Bitch). Made an appointment to join a local gym! Got to get fit for summer and why not have a Head Start of just 9 Months! Flat Stomach here I come.
After seeing how buffed up Y’all Rob was in Vegas Im determined to get back to my shape of two years ago…. But maybe the gym can wait till tomorrow.
Spoke live on the Radio today. www.gaydarradio.com or Channel 908 on Sky plus on DAB Digital Radio in Brighton & London. It my favourite station, awesome music and we often have a laugh in the chat room.
Be sure to check out Simon Le Vans from 1400 – 1800 and Neil Sexton 1800 – 2200 All times are UK! Neil does an awesome all request show from 1800 – 1900 so send yours in to Neil@gaydarradio.com
And if you’d like a 3 some just send your fave three tunes (Camp as possible for Simons Show) to Simon@gaydarradio.com The threesome airs daily at 430 and these are my top two shows. Simon & Neil Rock.
Well enough being a Gaydarradio Ambassador – I need to do some work. Tara for now.
Very quiet weekend in Essex. Didn’t even go into London once. Well its not every weekend that I have the House to myself (parents away) so I entertained for the weekend.
Spent all day yesterday being a real vegetable. Lazy git (Lucky Bitch). Made an appointment to join a local gym! Got to get fit for summer and why not have a Head Start of just 9 Months! Flat Stomach here I come.
After seeing how buffed up Y’all Rob was in Vegas Im determined to get back to my shape of two years ago…. But maybe the gym can wait till tomorrow.
Spoke live on the Radio today. www.gaydarradio.com or Channel 908 on Sky plus on DAB Digital Radio in Brighton & London. It my favourite station, awesome music and we often have a laugh in the chat room.
Be sure to check out Simon Le Vans from 1400 – 1800 and Neil Sexton 1800 – 2200 All times are UK! Neil does an awesome all request show from 1800 – 1900 so send yours in to Neil@gaydarradio.com
And if you’d like a 3 some just send your fave three tunes (Camp as possible for Simons Show) to Simon@gaydarradio.com The threesome airs daily at 430 and these are my top two shows. Simon & Neil Rock.
Well enough being a Gaydarradio Ambassador – I need to do some work. Tara for now.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Lucky Bitches Sept 17th
Saturday 17th September 2005
All I can san say is thank you to a True Friend. Someone whom you can rely on to be there for . I know I’ve had my share of gits that have used me for what they can. But Lee, You are a friend, a gentlemen, a star and I love ya. And if that aint enough well Ill accent it Lee’. Rarely have I enjoyed an evening in so much. Lord of the rings was our entertainment (Besides the pools, Jacuzzis, steam rooms etc downstairs, even us lucky bitches like a night in just enjoying a bottle of wine or two and a DVD. Just mind the Hole. K Hole that is! Woops Fell right in, but you got to know what it means to understand it. And that’s one of the reasons I love Lee so much. His genuine, a True friend and we’ve been there for each other. Maybe neither can remember the time but we have. And never a distance in time or space can lesson a friendship that is sealed at the heart.
All I can san say is thank you to a True Friend. Someone whom you can rely on to be there for . I know I’ve had my share of gits that have used me for what they can. But Lee, You are a friend, a gentlemen, a star and I love ya. And if that aint enough well Ill accent it Lee’. Rarely have I enjoyed an evening in so much. Lord of the rings was our entertainment (Besides the pools, Jacuzzis, steam rooms etc downstairs, even us lucky bitches like a night in just enjoying a bottle of wine or two and a DVD. Just mind the Hole. K Hole that is! Woops Fell right in, but you got to know what it means to understand it. And that’s one of the reasons I love Lee so much. His genuine, a True friend and we’ve been there for each other. Maybe neither can remember the time but we have. And never a distance in time or space can lesson a friendship that is sealed at the heart.
Lucky Bitches Sept 16
Friday 16th September 2005 – London England
Well I guess the jet lag got the better of me in the end. After spending an hour on the phone chatting to a potential boyfriend and finishing a bottle of wine off I went to bed around 130am. Waking up at around 1300 ! Guess that was my body clock getting back into the swing of things. That meant I had to rush around to get ready and make my appointment at the office at 1500. Left the office at 2000 and headed into town to meet Marcello.
I was going to meet him at Waterloo but he called on the way and suggested that we meet in Clapham so I parked up and made my way to the Kazbar. Literally 30 seconds into the door I bump into Scotty. Which really made my day. We chatted for a while and his trying to talk me into going to Action tomorrow evening. I’m not sure. I had arranged with Lee to go back to the house and enjoy the “Kensington Facilities” (Lucky Bitches) and I guess it was no surprise to hear that Scott already knew this. Gossip flies around London faster than anywhere else I have ever known.
Had dinner with Marcello & went back to the Kazbar for one last drink. Scott was still there and continued his will to get me to go to Action. We will see. Watch this space as they say.
As we left Scotty begged a lift to Lime house and then Marcello started and I had to take him to the White Swan. I was looking forward to a quiet nice night in and end up trekking half way across town.
The Swan was its usual drab self but with the prospects of Pam Ann we awaited with baited breath. Ok, I’ve seen her do a brief stint at the Fridge but it was so drole. And judging by the crowd knowing exactly what she was going to say next I am guessing that the act doesn’t change much week to week. Which brings me to think of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern who’s beloved presence goes up for sale this coming Tuesday by Auction. How sad it will be to see her closed or sold off for commercial gain. Still all good things come to an end and I did have some awesome times there when I was a lucky bitch and lived in the heart of it all in Vauxhall.
Well I guess the jet lag got the better of me in the end. After spending an hour on the phone chatting to a potential boyfriend and finishing a bottle of wine off I went to bed around 130am. Waking up at around 1300 ! Guess that was my body clock getting back into the swing of things. That meant I had to rush around to get ready and make my appointment at the office at 1500. Left the office at 2000 and headed into town to meet Marcello.
I was going to meet him at Waterloo but he called on the way and suggested that we meet in Clapham so I parked up and made my way to the Kazbar. Literally 30 seconds into the door I bump into Scotty. Which really made my day. We chatted for a while and his trying to talk me into going to Action tomorrow evening. I’m not sure. I had arranged with Lee to go back to the house and enjoy the “Kensington Facilities” (Lucky Bitches) and I guess it was no surprise to hear that Scott already knew this. Gossip flies around London faster than anywhere else I have ever known.
Had dinner with Marcello & went back to the Kazbar for one last drink. Scott was still there and continued his will to get me to go to Action. We will see. Watch this space as they say.
As we left Scotty begged a lift to Lime house and then Marcello started and I had to take him to the White Swan. I was looking forward to a quiet nice night in and end up trekking half way across town.
The Swan was its usual drab self but with the prospects of Pam Ann we awaited with baited breath. Ok, I’ve seen her do a brief stint at the Fridge but it was so drole. And judging by the crowd knowing exactly what she was going to say next I am guessing that the act doesn’t change much week to week. Which brings me to think of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern who’s beloved presence goes up for sale this coming Tuesday by Auction. How sad it will be to see her closed or sold off for commercial gain. Still all good things come to an end and I did have some awesome times there when I was a lucky bitch and lived in the heart of it all in Vauxhall.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Lucky Bitches - Sept 11th & 12th 2005
September 11th 2005 Salt Lake City – Utah
Sat in Departure Lounge. Isnt Wireless internet great. I can be sat here in the lounge at the gate and completely in touch with the world. Mind you, is that really such a good thing? Who can say. I guess as long as work cant get in touch with me it’s a good thing.
So a Utah Wedding. Interesting. Its my first wedding with no Alcohol. Very family orientated. Its true what they say, you could so easily crash a wedding party. We fed a massive 300 people and I spent most of the day in the kitchen throwing platters of food together and having to sneak down to my bedroom in the basement for the odd swig of bear. It is true, you can not drink in Utah. You can buy Bear and Alcopops at a supermarket but if you want wine or anything else stronger it’s a state licenced liquor store.
My friend Janet thinks I am an alcoholic but hey, I’m on Holiday so I can enjoy a drink or two right?
Roll on Vegas where the drink is free Flowing.
11:05 AM – Bugger, Flights Delayed.
11th September 2005 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Landed (Late) and made our way directly to the Mandalay Bay,(Lucky Bitches). Janet has always said that it has the best pool in all of Vegas despite the Travel Channel saying that the Hard Rock Hotel has the best one. Naturally Janet was right and its now official, Mandalay Bay is the official Vegas Residence of Janet & I on on now 5th Annual Vegas Pilgrimage.
We checked in, ditched the suitcases, changed into swimwear and made our way down to “Beach Level” from our room high up on the 30th Floor above the lights of the Vegas Strip. With a room key each in Hand we presented the keys to the hostess at the gate of the pool area. Being the nicest pool in Vegas it is reserved for only the “Lucky Bitches” that have paid for the privilege. We were given towels and found ourselves loungers as we desperately searched for our nearest cocktail waitress. A welcome to Vegas Margarita was desperately called for.
We sat, We soaked the rays, we sipped the cocktails, we watched the bodies beautiful. Why American boys have to shave their legs I cant imagine? Must be a trend. Maybe they wonder why I am wearing a yellow Lance Armstrong Wristband for Charity? But shave their legs? Oh well, Whatever.
We sat out till our skins were glowing nicely and we were ready to shower and eat and made our way to one of two necessary restaurants that are now compulsive on any pilgrimage to Vegas. Quarks. Yes Quarks, as in Deep Space Nine for any Trekkies out there. At the Las Vegas Hilton they have a restaurant away from Earth called Quarks where we mixed with both Ferengay and Klingons and sipped away on our golf ball sized cocktail called a “Whorpe Core Breach”. It didn’t taste alcoholic, didn’t look it but certainly had a potent kick.
As we made our way back to the hotel via the monorail I felt rather sloshed. But at the ripe old age of 32 and Diva J being (a very modest Age also) we felt that we were really in Vegas to Chill and not push ourselves and as such by 2230 we were in our room and tucking up ready for bed J We felt a little guilty at this initially but soon changed our minds when we switched channels on the Television and were greated with the Brad Pitt Version of Oceans Eleven. What a perfect Movie to watch while in Vegas.
Goodnight X
September 12th 2005 – Las Vegas
Plan was to be awake at 0800 and at the pool by nine. Sadly we didn’t wake up until 1000 so with that out of the window said Sod it and made our way to the restaurant for a nice healthy (NOT) Eggs Benedict Breakfast. Well it is my favourite breakfast.
Finally made it to the pool side by 1100. Today we had a far better spot right on the main beach. That’s right, Beach. Mandalay has a Beach with Wave Pool & Lazy River. J was certainly right. They bring your drinks to you as we bathed in 35 degrees (95F) heat. J has a session booked at the Hotel Spa at 1300 so I sat out and soaked. Why can the weather not be like this at home? Right off to read another chunck of Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince
Sat in Departure Lounge. Isnt Wireless internet great. I can be sat here in the lounge at the gate and completely in touch with the world. Mind you, is that really such a good thing? Who can say. I guess as long as work cant get in touch with me it’s a good thing.
So a Utah Wedding. Interesting. Its my first wedding with no Alcohol. Very family orientated. Its true what they say, you could so easily crash a wedding party. We fed a massive 300 people and I spent most of the day in the kitchen throwing platters of food together and having to sneak down to my bedroom in the basement for the odd swig of bear. It is true, you can not drink in Utah. You can buy Bear and Alcopops at a supermarket but if you want wine or anything else stronger it’s a state licenced liquor store.
My friend Janet thinks I am an alcoholic but hey, I’m on Holiday so I can enjoy a drink or two right?
Roll on Vegas where the drink is free Flowing.
11:05 AM – Bugger, Flights Delayed.
11th September 2005 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Landed (Late) and made our way directly to the Mandalay Bay,(Lucky Bitches). Janet has always said that it has the best pool in all of Vegas despite the Travel Channel saying that the Hard Rock Hotel has the best one. Naturally Janet was right and its now official, Mandalay Bay is the official Vegas Residence of Janet & I on on now 5th Annual Vegas Pilgrimage.
We checked in, ditched the suitcases, changed into swimwear and made our way down to “Beach Level” from our room high up on the 30th Floor above the lights of the Vegas Strip. With a room key each in Hand we presented the keys to the hostess at the gate of the pool area. Being the nicest pool in Vegas it is reserved for only the “Lucky Bitches” that have paid for the privilege. We were given towels and found ourselves loungers as we desperately searched for our nearest cocktail waitress. A welcome to Vegas Margarita was desperately called for.
We sat, We soaked the rays, we sipped the cocktails, we watched the bodies beautiful. Why American boys have to shave their legs I cant imagine? Must be a trend. Maybe they wonder why I am wearing a yellow Lance Armstrong Wristband for Charity? But shave their legs? Oh well, Whatever.
We sat out till our skins were glowing nicely and we were ready to shower and eat and made our way to one of two necessary restaurants that are now compulsive on any pilgrimage to Vegas. Quarks. Yes Quarks, as in Deep Space Nine for any Trekkies out there. At the Las Vegas Hilton they have a restaurant away from Earth called Quarks where we mixed with both Ferengay and Klingons and sipped away on our golf ball sized cocktail called a “Whorpe Core Breach”. It didn’t taste alcoholic, didn’t look it but certainly had a potent kick.
As we made our way back to the hotel via the monorail I felt rather sloshed. But at the ripe old age of 32 and Diva J being (a very modest Age also) we felt that we were really in Vegas to Chill and not push ourselves and as such by 2230 we were in our room and tucking up ready for bed J We felt a little guilty at this initially but soon changed our minds when we switched channels on the Television and were greated with the Brad Pitt Version of Oceans Eleven. What a perfect Movie to watch while in Vegas.
Goodnight X
September 12th 2005 – Las Vegas
Plan was to be awake at 0800 and at the pool by nine. Sadly we didn’t wake up until 1000 so with that out of the window said Sod it and made our way to the restaurant for a nice healthy (NOT) Eggs Benedict Breakfast. Well it is my favourite breakfast.
Finally made it to the pool side by 1100. Today we had a far better spot right on the main beach. That’s right, Beach. Mandalay has a Beach with Wave Pool & Lazy River. J was certainly right. They bring your drinks to you as we bathed in 35 degrees (95F) heat. J has a session booked at the Hotel Spa at 1300 so I sat out and soaked. Why can the weather not be like this at home? Right off to read another chunck of Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince
Lucky Bitches The Begining
Lucky Bitches
By Neil Borchard Borchard
July 23rd 2003 – Big Gay Out I dedicate these writings, adventures & feelings to you.
Following the London Suicide bombings on 7/7 it was somewhat with apprehension that I boarded a train at Stockwell. Not only for the fact that there had been the awful destruction of so many innocent lives but also for the sad fact that just a week earlier at this very station an innocent 23 year old Brazilian boy was killed by our own police force. Killed by five deadly bullets to the head. Sure he ran, sure they shouted to him to stop, but if you were on an expired visa and faced being deported back to a land of poverty & crime (I’ve been to Rio. It’s a city where the rich shop at the same grocery stores as the poor. Where they have to result to mugging to afford to eat while the rich live in their condo’s and houses with Maids and Concierge). I’m not surprised he didn’t want to go back. But to be shot not once but five times in the head! Of course I can understand how the police felt, After 4 bombs and then four failed bombings it’s a world gone mad. Anyone running away with a bag or heavy overcoat could mean the death of even more innocent people. So with jubilance I entered the Tube and took the Train up towards Finsbury Park.
The Platforms deserted for 1400 on a Saturday afternoon and an air of silence lingering. You could but feel apprehension and slightly uneasy.
Of course the Victoria line journey was, fast and as we took the short journey North East the carriages filled with more and more gay looking people. This is not an insult. After all, it was July 23rd and Host day to Big Gay Out. London’s second Annual Big Gay Festival that sprung up as a commercial enterprise following the collapse of Pride several years ago. And that disastrous year where we walked miles to Finsbury park.
I had arranged to meet my good friend Kenton at Finsbury Park at 1500 and he arrived not long after feeling both as shaky and nerve ridden from the tube as I did. A weird feeling considering the thousands of times over the past few years we have taken underground journeys.
So a quick beer in a local bar had us less shaky and ready to make our way into the park.
The initial police presence was obviously. Illuminous Metropolitan Police Jackets lines the entrance. A sniffer dog alongside. Whether this was to sniff for drugs or explosive devices no one was really sure. But just having them there made everyone feel somewhat more at ease.
Unlike previous years there was hardly any line, the organisation within the park was incredible, multiple dance tents including our favourite the Terradome presented by DTPM and Trade. I met with Lee Holt, Chris Ellen, Ian and a variety of lees Police Officer friends and we boogied the day away. Making out way between Orange, Radio One, the Tropical Island, David Hasselhoff’s enchanted Forest and for some reason one of our favourite stops, Toilet. A huge florescent pink themed toilet zone housing literally hundreds of toilets meaning that you hardly ever had to stand in a line.
We boogied; we wandered and then had a blast. Sorry lads, those of you that said it’s not worth £28 to get in. It was worth £28. We had one of the best days out of the year and you would easily spend that sort of money on a club on New Years or Pride weekend.
As ten pm approached as is always the way, the gods turned against us and the clouds that had been darkening with their imminence throughout the day opened up and started to soak us revellers. It being ten pm and the dance tents closed we were not going to let it put a damper on our day and decided it was time to start making our way to the tube. Rode to Green Park and then Jumped into Taxis to Lees little Pad in Kensington.
July 23rd & July 24th 2005 – Hyde Park (a Fabulous House in Kensignton)
Have you ever wondered how the other half live? The lucky few multi multi millionaires? I’ve been lucky in my years (Lucky Bitch) to have had the opportunity to stay in some of the most exclusive houses ever. From Lord Wrexhams £40,000,000 Mansion Tyntesfield House near Bristol (Now owned by the National Trust) To Robert C De Milles House in West Hollywood.
Lee is a Butler. Having previously worked by appointment to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth & the royals. Served at both at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and served on the Royal Yacht Britannia he is now Butler to an Arab Sheikh in Kensington. I say is, he is officially still staff. The Sheik has since moved back to his homeland and the house (if I dare call it a house) is presently on the market and up for sale.
He is still in service letting Selling Agents & prospective Buyers around the house. The house is a five story Georgian Structure that has earlier this year gone through a partial refurbishment. They must have spent millions on it on the Marble designed floorings alone. Her Ladyship and his Lordship both have separate Bedrooms both with Ensuite facilities. Her walk in wardrobe is bigger than some flats but if you imagine an Accessorize shop it was about the same size. The bathroom was not much smaller with sinks, Bidet and a shower including full floor to Ceiling Marble in every bathroom.
To the side if a four story Servants Quarters with Bedrooms, staff offices & in the basement the entertainment rooms. A Mosaic pool with jets to exercise against, Hot Tub, Steam room, gymnasium & Bar. Most of the house was empty of furniture but Lee keeps the pool and spa all in pristine condition and ready to use at short notice.
Of course leaving a park after a full day of partying the first thing you want to do is jump in a pool, steam and chill off. So it was with much reluctance that we took lee up on his offer and went back to Kensington to chill out.
It’s my third visit now. I had the full tour the first time. Have been back after a night at Action and now again after Big Gay Out. To say we feel lucky to use it is an understatement. Most people would never even get to see what the inside of such a house is like let alone get to stay over weekend after weekend. Ces’t la vie.
Without sending snobbish, I like to think its not so much that one falls into these opportunities by chance (Lucky Bitch) but that one creates these opportunities for oneself. After all I only got to go because I know Lee. Lee is one of my dear friends we surround ourselves with people that are dear to us and what goes around comes around. As I grew up I used to always say that “Money is an Attitude” & “You are what you act”. You don’t have to be a Millionaire to live like you do. Pretend you are, half of its in your head. I’ve stayed in many millionaires’ homes in my lifetime always as an invited guest. How many Millionaires do you know? I know over ten. Why? Because I just mix with them. I don’t have their means or funds but I certainly know how to party. I act like I belong to the clan, the fraternity. And as such do. They know I cant afford the things they can and half of the time offer to pay. Of course it would be rude to accept, except on rare occasions. Ok rare occasions and birthdays and events and every summer and well, it would be rude not too. After all, if they have the money and you don’t its no fun for them to do these things on their own is it?
So a huge Thank you to Lee who is not only gorgeous but a lovely guy with it. Thank you for the opportunity to share your wonderful home. For being a dear friend and for helping me to live my life to the fullest I can.
05 August 2005 - Brighton Pride
To me Brighton Pride is the event of the year on the gay calendar. Its more than just a day out it’s a day of true community spirit. This was my 7th consecutive year of going and as of the past four years I have done all that I can to ensure that I didn’t class with any international trips I had booked up. The usual deal is that Mark, Richard and I would meet at London Bridge and get a train down to the coast as close to 0800 as possible.
But now that I no longer live in the Smog getting to London Bridge for that hour would mean a 0500 start so with just two weeks to go I logged on to Lastminute.com and managed to find a real bargain. The Hilton Metrolpole on the sea front, Luxury Deluxe room for just £344 for Friday to Sunday stay. With the schedule I have had with work I decided it was time to take the bull by the ears and just grabbed my visa and it was mine. All mine.
So I took a half-day off on Friday and headed down to the cost arriving to an excited city by 1600. I’ve never been on the Friday night before and the city had an atmosphere about it.
I unpacked my bits and headed down to meet my friend Stuart at doctor Brighton’s for a drink or two. Of course a drink or two ended up with drinks back at his house. His house being a Georgian 5 storey gorgeous fabulous sea viewed traditional period House. (Lucky Bitches). So we chilled, drank wine and eventually got around to eating a couple of slices of Pizza before I was so exhausted & half cut that I made my way back to my hotel for an early night.
I must have been drunk as apparently I had a conversation with my friend Joffrey that I have absolutely no recollection of whatsoever. Oh well.
Saturday morning came around far to quickly and before I knew it I was dressed and Mark & Richard were meeting me for our traditional Champagne pre Pride Brunch. This year we did the full English in the lanes followed a bottle of Champagne in the park in the city centre awaiting the parade coming through. There is something magical about the Parade in Brighton. It always seems to me that the whole city comes out. Its not Gay Pride its Brighton Pride. Everyone lines the streets and people are hanging out of the windows like a New York City Ticker Tape Parade.
It felt quite naughty drinking from the bottle knowing that the city now had a new no alcohol on the streets Bi Law. Balls to that we thought and chilled back with our Verve Cliquet.
The Parade began in a mixed weather environment. Mainly cloudy and a little chilly with the prospect of the sun breaking through at any minute. Having enjoyed two glorious years in 2004 & 2003 we awaited a downpour like the complete wash out of 2002 with baited breath.
The rain thankfully never came but the collection of Floats and street performers weaved their way up the streets from the sea front to Preston Park. We wearily followed in their wake making the several mile walk on foot with the other 120,000 revealers that made it to the Celebration that day.
Arriving in the park Richard decided he needed his pre pride Poo. I know, Too much information, but be that as it may here we were in a line of over 30 people deep at the beginning of the event trying to get into one of the handful of chemical loos they had lining the parks edges.
The line took at least 30 minutes to get to the front of so we opened our second bottle of champagne sharing with a couple of lesbians who seemed only too happy to have a swig while we took the opportunity to sneakily jump even further ahead in the queue while they drank! J What sneaky things we are.
Mark & Richard decided they wanted to make their way straight to Wild Fruit for a day of dancing but still weary from the drinking on the previous evening I decided a walk around the park was more my thing. I don’t understand it myself, I felt practically hung over and all that I had was maybe 2 glasses of wine. Ok 3. 4? Maybe more. Oh who can say? It seemed like one, OK? Well it did yesterday. Today it felt more like 3 bottles and I needed rest. But Mark and Richard agreed it was no surprise I was drained with the gruelling work schedule I have been on travelling with work over the past three months.
So I left Wild fruit, found a bathroom for a quick pee. Thank heavens for Urinals. The line by now for a Chemical Loo was in excess of an hour. As thousands more made their way into the park. I wandered to the Market to try and escape the growing crowd. Not being able to move I sent a number of texts to try and find friends that I knew were somewhere in the park. Alex came to the rescue announcing that he was naturally in the VIP area directly in front of the Gaydar Radio stage. I made my way through the crowds bumping into Stuey, Kevin & Adam in the process.
Calling Alex on my arrival he and Mikey great me at the outer perimeter as Alex reminds everyone and me that you have to be a VIP to get in and he put the V in VIP! Whatever floats your boat dear! LOL.
Mikey was ready to go and boogie and so made his way to Wild Fruit passing me a wrist band giving me access to the royal enclosure. We really know how to work the system don’t we?
So Alex (Patsie) and I wandered around the market and across the park growing more and more exhausted till we settled back into the VIP area to enjoy a large and strong pint of Pimms. Well it’s the taste of summer after all. Before we knew it the sun had burst through and we’d had a Vodka Jelly and made our way to the Revenge tent for the highlight of the cabaret Tent, the one and only Dame Edna Experience. Unless your from Stockwell when its Dean!
If ever Edna (Jonathan) did a Greatest Hits Tour this was it. He performed better than I have ever seen before in my life. Starting as always with Karen Carpenters and including Sweet Dreams, Perfect Day, Bohemian Rhapsody, Don’t let along a cloud to rain on my Parade and many more. It was to me the highlight of the day leaving us all laughing and crying with tears of joy. You’d begin to think we were all a right bunch of poofs wouldn’t you?
Wednesday 24th August 2005 - Reunited with Scottie
I have a few friends in the world, whom I may only see once in a blue moon. Some live thousands of miles away in foreign lands others live less than 5 minutes drive. Yet our lifestyles and preoccupation with lovers and work and family commitments means we rarely get to meet. There are a handful of friends I see all of the time and love to bits. Richard & Mark who are more like family than friends. And then there are the good old friends I have known since I moved to London. Friends that never ask for anything but love you for who you are. Scott is one of these friends. Much like Lee a friend whom I was introduced to through other friends. I see them out and about and are always invited to the yearly parties. But Scott and I had not seen each other since Big Gay Out 2004. Sadly he and Lee having been a loving couple for over 4 years separated in the early part of this year. Scott was tied up with work, (His a cop) and
TBC
Bloody Kids
Ok, so I am single and don’t ever intend on having Children. Sure there is a possibility that one day if things work Dusan and I, I do have a vision. A vision of a future with the man I let get away. And I don’t see there never being a possibility of having kids. I mean, he could father them and his a real hunk so the child would look gorgeous but that would mean that one of us is higher up in the father ship than the other. Not even to mention the fact that we would need a mother to bring the child into the world. So for now, I am childless, partner less and as over the years my friends have all gotten married and for the most part had children, children just are not part of my life. For now at least. And all the time that I am a bachelor, loveless with no one else to answer to but my friends & I.
So today I find myself sat on a Boeing 747 – 400 Series Jumbo set bound westward towards San Francisco on my summer vacation. Despite the fact that just this February past I swore I would never fly in the economy cabin again I find myself sat in set 34D. An aisle seat is my only blessing as we are packed into an aerodynamic man made machine that is somehow soaring at 35000 feet towards my destination.
We are packed in ten wide in rows of three then four then three. The pour bastards in the middle seats have arms to deal with on either side and so I can at least enjoy the fact that I can get up whenever I want to and can stretch my legs into the aisle on occasions wary of a speeding cabin member and a half ton trolley cart ready to smash into my knee cap or hit me on my side.
The packed cabin has way too many children for my taste. If I had a chance to change aviation for the better the first rule I would pass is that certain flights of the week are strictly “Children Free”.
Firstly the little brats seem to take priority on getting bulkhead seats. Not that that really bothers me all that much. Who really wants to sit with their feet against a wall a foot in front of you? Its like being sat in the front row of the royal circle at the Dominium. You may have a fantastic view but there is bugger all legroom. So let them have their bulkhead seats, but if they have to have the bulkhead then make them have it for the reason given. So the kids can sleep in the Air Cots provided by the airline. Instead the row at the front of my section has 3 adults and twins that can barley be 2 years of age. They have done nothing but scream and shout for the past four hours and their only guardian, a man, often leaves one to go change the messy bottom of the other. To their left there are kids of about the ages 4 & 6 that seem to think that the aisle is some sort of Adventure Playground. Running up and down with such force that every third time they hit someone’s arm or trip on someone’s leg, which ends in tears. So we have the Twins Screaming in Row One and kids running up the aisle. Just when I thought it couldn’t get much worse there is a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel or by the galley at least as I see a man standing and struggling to his feet. Too far back to be of any assistance I watch as he reaches for the overhead compartment and
Feels his way for the latch. He finds it within seconds and reaches in for his bag. I watched intensely at this mans courage. To be flying such a distance and totally blind. He seamlessly found what he was looking for, felt his way for the headrest and proceeded back up the aisle to the washrooms purely by feel. I suddenly had a wave of awe at this mans courage and realise once again that despite my ailments I am lucky to have all my functioning body parts thank the Lord.
And so I stopped watching the kids and watched this man and thanked him for showing me how self centred I can be. Sorry World. I try not to. Sometimes you get caught up in the drama and emotion of your own current situation you forget to use your God given eyes and look beyond your own problems to experience the world. A Life waiting to be discovered.
I certainly having watched my dear grandmother Hilda Smyth who’s body slowly shut down on her and sadly passed away on August 7th of this year. Nan was of sound mind right till the very end. Even trying to fool the Doctors that she was better in Health than she clearly was. It was the hardest thing I have ever seen watching her get weaker and weaker. My Mother holding a constant vigil by her bedside. Only leaving to come home and change or eat.
Nan would say how she was ready to go but like the phrase says its like watching paint dry. She is at peace now and after 19 years a Widow is now back with Granddad Arthur united once more.
I vowed as I sat in that chair and talked to her (Having to shout as hearing had virtually left her too) that I would not sit and let my life pass me by. This trip to the USA is likely to be one of my very last. Not because I don’t enjoy it anymore but that I’ve been there, done that. I have yet to see more of South America and the whole of the Asian, Australasian & African Continents.
8th SEPTEMBER 2005 – SAN FRANCISCO USA
San Francisco will always be one of my favourite cities in the world but with its amazing scenery and landscaping. A climate that hardly ever changes and is nearly always 60 degrees (17 ish Celsius).
But my real reason for coming this year was to see one of my dearest and most fabulous friends in all of the world, Ed Fonteca. The sweetest dearest San Franciscan I know.
As it was a long holiday weekend we got up early (Jet lag and they always get up early in the US) and went down the Castro for coffee at Peets Coffee bar. Yummy a Vanilla Latte. Just what I needed to kick start the day. Then it was off to change and a fabulous Brunch with friends of Ed’s from his school days in Seattle. It was my favourite, Eggs Benedict! Then having stuffed our faces Ed took us for a spin in his brand new BMW with black leather interior and White Shinny Exterior. We ended up downtown and did all of the big name stores. I thought I was a keen shopper but Ed beats me hands down. We went into Gucci, Tiffany, Saks of 5rth Avenue, Nieman Marcus & Burberry to say but a few. I tried to tell him that Burberry was so last season and that theses days only a Chav would wear it but would he listen? No, in Ed’s words its imported and that means its Fabulous. Hmm think I met someone who says the word Fabulous as much as I do.
By 1400 we were all starving again. Must be the cooler San Franciscan air or something. So we went into Nieman Marcus & had lunch in their Fabulous Rotunda Restaurant. Nieman Marcus sits on the Lower Right hand corner of the famous Union Square, which is bordered by famous shops and landmarks. As we sat and dinned on fine wines & appetizers Ed pointed out how lucky we are (Lucky Bitches). Dining here while in this same very country in the State of Louisiana New Orleans has been virtually destroyed. It was hard to believe that as we looked out of the window into Union Square a city of the same size and the same age (Old) as San Francisco could have been totally destroyed as it had. We all took a moment to reflect and realised how lucky we are for the blessings that we received. This led into a full blown conversation on what went wrong and was it that the only people that were left are the ones that could not afford to leave? Deep & Meaningfull conversation for day one of the trip.
Having shopped till we dropped on the 3rd anniversary of knowing Ed we decided to spend the Labour Day doing something different. The weather was a fabulous 70’ degrees (F) with clear skies over the while of the city.
We rented bicycles from Blazing Saddles down on Fisherman’s Wharf and decided to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. It was perfect weather for it. So I rode the Muni (That’s the San Francisco Public Transportation Network of Trams, Trollys, Buses & Cable Cars) down to the Wharf. Totally blond I completely miss understood what Ed had told me and thought he said take it all the way to the end. Knowing that the Underground Car goes from his place in Castro to Embarcadero. I looked at the maps of the quays down on the wharf. I was to meet the boys at Number 41 and presently I was at number……..1! Oh great, so a galf an hour walk later I arrive a little sweaty from the walking but got to take some fabulous photos of things like Fishermans Wharf & The Coit Tower.
So I rented a Bike and the boys had their own and off we headed toward Golden Gate Park. On our bikes for a gentle ride. Gentle. Who were they trying to kid. “Come on” they said, “Well go for a nice ride across the bridge”. Well the bridge I was fine with, I didn’t realise we had to go up two enormous hills to get there. Now I know I have not been to the gym of late and that I am not the fittest person anymore but for goodness sake, I couldn’t even make it up the hills. I was panting and sweating. Memo to me, your joining a gym when you get home.
So I kicked and I argued but once we got to the other side of the bridge it was the most awesome view of San Francisco that I have ever seen. And having done the hard part it is all down hill to the little town of Scausilito which was a fabulous fun ride down what seemed like a Monte Carlo Street Rally. Weeeeeeeee. Was such fun. And we celebrated, My treat, with a Fish Lunch in the sun on the quayside and Napa Valley Champagne to wash it all down with. Fabulous Lucky Bitches.
A huge thank you to Ed & Jason for forcing me off my fat butt and for doing something that was so much fun even if I did moan. 3 days on and my bum is still sore from the ride. But I do have fabulous photo’s.! Yeah.
Right now sat in the Delta First Class lounge waiting to take my flight to Salt Lake City. Best have one last Bloody Mary. Don’t think there will be much alcohol in Utah.
How can Utah people be lucky Bitches without booze? Whatever!
By Neil Borchard Borchard
July 23rd 2003 – Big Gay Out I dedicate these writings, adventures & feelings to you.
Following the London Suicide bombings on 7/7 it was somewhat with apprehension that I boarded a train at Stockwell. Not only for the fact that there had been the awful destruction of so many innocent lives but also for the sad fact that just a week earlier at this very station an innocent 23 year old Brazilian boy was killed by our own police force. Killed by five deadly bullets to the head. Sure he ran, sure they shouted to him to stop, but if you were on an expired visa and faced being deported back to a land of poverty & crime (I’ve been to Rio. It’s a city where the rich shop at the same grocery stores as the poor. Where they have to result to mugging to afford to eat while the rich live in their condo’s and houses with Maids and Concierge). I’m not surprised he didn’t want to go back. But to be shot not once but five times in the head! Of course I can understand how the police felt, After 4 bombs and then four failed bombings it’s a world gone mad. Anyone running away with a bag or heavy overcoat could mean the death of even more innocent people. So with jubilance I entered the Tube and took the Train up towards Finsbury Park.
The Platforms deserted for 1400 on a Saturday afternoon and an air of silence lingering. You could but feel apprehension and slightly uneasy.
Of course the Victoria line journey was, fast and as we took the short journey North East the carriages filled with more and more gay looking people. This is not an insult. After all, it was July 23rd and Host day to Big Gay Out. London’s second Annual Big Gay Festival that sprung up as a commercial enterprise following the collapse of Pride several years ago. And that disastrous year where we walked miles to Finsbury park.
I had arranged to meet my good friend Kenton at Finsbury Park at 1500 and he arrived not long after feeling both as shaky and nerve ridden from the tube as I did. A weird feeling considering the thousands of times over the past few years we have taken underground journeys.
So a quick beer in a local bar had us less shaky and ready to make our way into the park.
The initial police presence was obviously. Illuminous Metropolitan Police Jackets lines the entrance. A sniffer dog alongside. Whether this was to sniff for drugs or explosive devices no one was really sure. But just having them there made everyone feel somewhat more at ease.
Unlike previous years there was hardly any line, the organisation within the park was incredible, multiple dance tents including our favourite the Terradome presented by DTPM and Trade. I met with Lee Holt, Chris Ellen, Ian and a variety of lees Police Officer friends and we boogied the day away. Making out way between Orange, Radio One, the Tropical Island, David Hasselhoff’s enchanted Forest and for some reason one of our favourite stops, Toilet. A huge florescent pink themed toilet zone housing literally hundreds of toilets meaning that you hardly ever had to stand in a line.
We boogied; we wandered and then had a blast. Sorry lads, those of you that said it’s not worth £28 to get in. It was worth £28. We had one of the best days out of the year and you would easily spend that sort of money on a club on New Years or Pride weekend.
As ten pm approached as is always the way, the gods turned against us and the clouds that had been darkening with their imminence throughout the day opened up and started to soak us revellers. It being ten pm and the dance tents closed we were not going to let it put a damper on our day and decided it was time to start making our way to the tube. Rode to Green Park and then Jumped into Taxis to Lees little Pad in Kensington.
July 23rd & July 24th 2005 – Hyde Park (a Fabulous House in Kensignton)
Have you ever wondered how the other half live? The lucky few multi multi millionaires? I’ve been lucky in my years (Lucky Bitch) to have had the opportunity to stay in some of the most exclusive houses ever. From Lord Wrexhams £40,000,000 Mansion Tyntesfield House near Bristol (Now owned by the National Trust) To Robert C De Milles House in West Hollywood.
Lee is a Butler. Having previously worked by appointment to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth & the royals. Served at both at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and served on the Royal Yacht Britannia he is now Butler to an Arab Sheikh in Kensington. I say is, he is officially still staff. The Sheik has since moved back to his homeland and the house (if I dare call it a house) is presently on the market and up for sale.
He is still in service letting Selling Agents & prospective Buyers around the house. The house is a five story Georgian Structure that has earlier this year gone through a partial refurbishment. They must have spent millions on it on the Marble designed floorings alone. Her Ladyship and his Lordship both have separate Bedrooms both with Ensuite facilities. Her walk in wardrobe is bigger than some flats but if you imagine an Accessorize shop it was about the same size. The bathroom was not much smaller with sinks, Bidet and a shower including full floor to Ceiling Marble in every bathroom.
To the side if a four story Servants Quarters with Bedrooms, staff offices & in the basement the entertainment rooms. A Mosaic pool with jets to exercise against, Hot Tub, Steam room, gymnasium & Bar. Most of the house was empty of furniture but Lee keeps the pool and spa all in pristine condition and ready to use at short notice.
Of course leaving a park after a full day of partying the first thing you want to do is jump in a pool, steam and chill off. So it was with much reluctance that we took lee up on his offer and went back to Kensington to chill out.
It’s my third visit now. I had the full tour the first time. Have been back after a night at Action and now again after Big Gay Out. To say we feel lucky to use it is an understatement. Most people would never even get to see what the inside of such a house is like let alone get to stay over weekend after weekend. Ces’t la vie.
Without sending snobbish, I like to think its not so much that one falls into these opportunities by chance (Lucky Bitch) but that one creates these opportunities for oneself. After all I only got to go because I know Lee. Lee is one of my dear friends we surround ourselves with people that are dear to us and what goes around comes around. As I grew up I used to always say that “Money is an Attitude” & “You are what you act”. You don’t have to be a Millionaire to live like you do. Pretend you are, half of its in your head. I’ve stayed in many millionaires’ homes in my lifetime always as an invited guest. How many Millionaires do you know? I know over ten. Why? Because I just mix with them. I don’t have their means or funds but I certainly know how to party. I act like I belong to the clan, the fraternity. And as such do. They know I cant afford the things they can and half of the time offer to pay. Of course it would be rude to accept, except on rare occasions. Ok rare occasions and birthdays and events and every summer and well, it would be rude not too. After all, if they have the money and you don’t its no fun for them to do these things on their own is it?
So a huge Thank you to Lee who is not only gorgeous but a lovely guy with it. Thank you for the opportunity to share your wonderful home. For being a dear friend and for helping me to live my life to the fullest I can.
05 August 2005 - Brighton Pride
To me Brighton Pride is the event of the year on the gay calendar. Its more than just a day out it’s a day of true community spirit. This was my 7th consecutive year of going and as of the past four years I have done all that I can to ensure that I didn’t class with any international trips I had booked up. The usual deal is that Mark, Richard and I would meet at London Bridge and get a train down to the coast as close to 0800 as possible.
But now that I no longer live in the Smog getting to London Bridge for that hour would mean a 0500 start so with just two weeks to go I logged on to Lastminute.com and managed to find a real bargain. The Hilton Metrolpole on the sea front, Luxury Deluxe room for just £344 for Friday to Sunday stay. With the schedule I have had with work I decided it was time to take the bull by the ears and just grabbed my visa and it was mine. All mine.
So I took a half-day off on Friday and headed down to the cost arriving to an excited city by 1600. I’ve never been on the Friday night before and the city had an atmosphere about it.
I unpacked my bits and headed down to meet my friend Stuart at doctor Brighton’s for a drink or two. Of course a drink or two ended up with drinks back at his house. His house being a Georgian 5 storey gorgeous fabulous sea viewed traditional period House. (Lucky Bitches). So we chilled, drank wine and eventually got around to eating a couple of slices of Pizza before I was so exhausted & half cut that I made my way back to my hotel for an early night.
I must have been drunk as apparently I had a conversation with my friend Joffrey that I have absolutely no recollection of whatsoever. Oh well.
Saturday morning came around far to quickly and before I knew it I was dressed and Mark & Richard were meeting me for our traditional Champagne pre Pride Brunch. This year we did the full English in the lanes followed a bottle of Champagne in the park in the city centre awaiting the parade coming through. There is something magical about the Parade in Brighton. It always seems to me that the whole city comes out. Its not Gay Pride its Brighton Pride. Everyone lines the streets and people are hanging out of the windows like a New York City Ticker Tape Parade.
It felt quite naughty drinking from the bottle knowing that the city now had a new no alcohol on the streets Bi Law. Balls to that we thought and chilled back with our Verve Cliquet.
The Parade began in a mixed weather environment. Mainly cloudy and a little chilly with the prospect of the sun breaking through at any minute. Having enjoyed two glorious years in 2004 & 2003 we awaited a downpour like the complete wash out of 2002 with baited breath.
The rain thankfully never came but the collection of Floats and street performers weaved their way up the streets from the sea front to Preston Park. We wearily followed in their wake making the several mile walk on foot with the other 120,000 revealers that made it to the Celebration that day.
Arriving in the park Richard decided he needed his pre pride Poo. I know, Too much information, but be that as it may here we were in a line of over 30 people deep at the beginning of the event trying to get into one of the handful of chemical loos they had lining the parks edges.
The line took at least 30 minutes to get to the front of so we opened our second bottle of champagne sharing with a couple of lesbians who seemed only too happy to have a swig while we took the opportunity to sneakily jump even further ahead in the queue while they drank! J What sneaky things we are.
Mark & Richard decided they wanted to make their way straight to Wild Fruit for a day of dancing but still weary from the drinking on the previous evening I decided a walk around the park was more my thing. I don’t understand it myself, I felt practically hung over and all that I had was maybe 2 glasses of wine. Ok 3. 4? Maybe more. Oh who can say? It seemed like one, OK? Well it did yesterday. Today it felt more like 3 bottles and I needed rest. But Mark and Richard agreed it was no surprise I was drained with the gruelling work schedule I have been on travelling with work over the past three months.
So I left Wild fruit, found a bathroom for a quick pee. Thank heavens for Urinals. The line by now for a Chemical Loo was in excess of an hour. As thousands more made their way into the park. I wandered to the Market to try and escape the growing crowd. Not being able to move I sent a number of texts to try and find friends that I knew were somewhere in the park. Alex came to the rescue announcing that he was naturally in the VIP area directly in front of the Gaydar Radio stage. I made my way through the crowds bumping into Stuey, Kevin & Adam in the process.
Calling Alex on my arrival he and Mikey great me at the outer perimeter as Alex reminds everyone and me that you have to be a VIP to get in and he put the V in VIP! Whatever floats your boat dear! LOL.
Mikey was ready to go and boogie and so made his way to Wild Fruit passing me a wrist band giving me access to the royal enclosure. We really know how to work the system don’t we?
So Alex (Patsie) and I wandered around the market and across the park growing more and more exhausted till we settled back into the VIP area to enjoy a large and strong pint of Pimms. Well it’s the taste of summer after all. Before we knew it the sun had burst through and we’d had a Vodka Jelly and made our way to the Revenge tent for the highlight of the cabaret Tent, the one and only Dame Edna Experience. Unless your from Stockwell when its Dean!
If ever Edna (Jonathan) did a Greatest Hits Tour this was it. He performed better than I have ever seen before in my life. Starting as always with Karen Carpenters and including Sweet Dreams, Perfect Day, Bohemian Rhapsody, Don’t let along a cloud to rain on my Parade and many more. It was to me the highlight of the day leaving us all laughing and crying with tears of joy. You’d begin to think we were all a right bunch of poofs wouldn’t you?
Wednesday 24th August 2005 - Reunited with Scottie
I have a few friends in the world, whom I may only see once in a blue moon. Some live thousands of miles away in foreign lands others live less than 5 minutes drive. Yet our lifestyles and preoccupation with lovers and work and family commitments means we rarely get to meet. There are a handful of friends I see all of the time and love to bits. Richard & Mark who are more like family than friends. And then there are the good old friends I have known since I moved to London. Friends that never ask for anything but love you for who you are. Scott is one of these friends. Much like Lee a friend whom I was introduced to through other friends. I see them out and about and are always invited to the yearly parties. But Scott and I had not seen each other since Big Gay Out 2004. Sadly he and Lee having been a loving couple for over 4 years separated in the early part of this year. Scott was tied up with work, (His a cop) and
TBC
Bloody Kids
Ok, so I am single and don’t ever intend on having Children. Sure there is a possibility that one day if things work Dusan and I, I do have a vision. A vision of a future with the man I let get away. And I don’t see there never being a possibility of having kids. I mean, he could father them and his a real hunk so the child would look gorgeous but that would mean that one of us is higher up in the father ship than the other. Not even to mention the fact that we would need a mother to bring the child into the world. So for now, I am childless, partner less and as over the years my friends have all gotten married and for the most part had children, children just are not part of my life. For now at least. And all the time that I am a bachelor, loveless with no one else to answer to but my friends & I.
So today I find myself sat on a Boeing 747 – 400 Series Jumbo set bound westward towards San Francisco on my summer vacation. Despite the fact that just this February past I swore I would never fly in the economy cabin again I find myself sat in set 34D. An aisle seat is my only blessing as we are packed into an aerodynamic man made machine that is somehow soaring at 35000 feet towards my destination.
We are packed in ten wide in rows of three then four then three. The pour bastards in the middle seats have arms to deal with on either side and so I can at least enjoy the fact that I can get up whenever I want to and can stretch my legs into the aisle on occasions wary of a speeding cabin member and a half ton trolley cart ready to smash into my knee cap or hit me on my side.
The packed cabin has way too many children for my taste. If I had a chance to change aviation for the better the first rule I would pass is that certain flights of the week are strictly “Children Free”.
Firstly the little brats seem to take priority on getting bulkhead seats. Not that that really bothers me all that much. Who really wants to sit with their feet against a wall a foot in front of you? Its like being sat in the front row of the royal circle at the Dominium. You may have a fantastic view but there is bugger all legroom. So let them have their bulkhead seats, but if they have to have the bulkhead then make them have it for the reason given. So the kids can sleep in the Air Cots provided by the airline. Instead the row at the front of my section has 3 adults and twins that can barley be 2 years of age. They have done nothing but scream and shout for the past four hours and their only guardian, a man, often leaves one to go change the messy bottom of the other. To their left there are kids of about the ages 4 & 6 that seem to think that the aisle is some sort of Adventure Playground. Running up and down with such force that every third time they hit someone’s arm or trip on someone’s leg, which ends in tears. So we have the Twins Screaming in Row One and kids running up the aisle. Just when I thought it couldn’t get much worse there is a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel or by the galley at least as I see a man standing and struggling to his feet. Too far back to be of any assistance I watch as he reaches for the overhead compartment and
Feels his way for the latch. He finds it within seconds and reaches in for his bag. I watched intensely at this mans courage. To be flying such a distance and totally blind. He seamlessly found what he was looking for, felt his way for the headrest and proceeded back up the aisle to the washrooms purely by feel. I suddenly had a wave of awe at this mans courage and realise once again that despite my ailments I am lucky to have all my functioning body parts thank the Lord.
And so I stopped watching the kids and watched this man and thanked him for showing me how self centred I can be. Sorry World. I try not to. Sometimes you get caught up in the drama and emotion of your own current situation you forget to use your God given eyes and look beyond your own problems to experience the world. A Life waiting to be discovered.
I certainly having watched my dear grandmother Hilda Smyth who’s body slowly shut down on her and sadly passed away on August 7th of this year. Nan was of sound mind right till the very end. Even trying to fool the Doctors that she was better in Health than she clearly was. It was the hardest thing I have ever seen watching her get weaker and weaker. My Mother holding a constant vigil by her bedside. Only leaving to come home and change or eat.
Nan would say how she was ready to go but like the phrase says its like watching paint dry. She is at peace now and after 19 years a Widow is now back with Granddad Arthur united once more.
I vowed as I sat in that chair and talked to her (Having to shout as hearing had virtually left her too) that I would not sit and let my life pass me by. This trip to the USA is likely to be one of my very last. Not because I don’t enjoy it anymore but that I’ve been there, done that. I have yet to see more of South America and the whole of the Asian, Australasian & African Continents.
8th SEPTEMBER 2005 – SAN FRANCISCO USA
San Francisco will always be one of my favourite cities in the world but with its amazing scenery and landscaping. A climate that hardly ever changes and is nearly always 60 degrees (17 ish Celsius).
But my real reason for coming this year was to see one of my dearest and most fabulous friends in all of the world, Ed Fonteca. The sweetest dearest San Franciscan I know.
As it was a long holiday weekend we got up early (Jet lag and they always get up early in the US) and went down the Castro for coffee at Peets Coffee bar. Yummy a Vanilla Latte. Just what I needed to kick start the day. Then it was off to change and a fabulous Brunch with friends of Ed’s from his school days in Seattle. It was my favourite, Eggs Benedict! Then having stuffed our faces Ed took us for a spin in his brand new BMW with black leather interior and White Shinny Exterior. We ended up downtown and did all of the big name stores. I thought I was a keen shopper but Ed beats me hands down. We went into Gucci, Tiffany, Saks of 5rth Avenue, Nieman Marcus & Burberry to say but a few. I tried to tell him that Burberry was so last season and that theses days only a Chav would wear it but would he listen? No, in Ed’s words its imported and that means its Fabulous. Hmm think I met someone who says the word Fabulous as much as I do.
By 1400 we were all starving again. Must be the cooler San Franciscan air or something. So we went into Nieman Marcus & had lunch in their Fabulous Rotunda Restaurant. Nieman Marcus sits on the Lower Right hand corner of the famous Union Square, which is bordered by famous shops and landmarks. As we sat and dinned on fine wines & appetizers Ed pointed out how lucky we are (Lucky Bitches). Dining here while in this same very country in the State of Louisiana New Orleans has been virtually destroyed. It was hard to believe that as we looked out of the window into Union Square a city of the same size and the same age (Old) as San Francisco could have been totally destroyed as it had. We all took a moment to reflect and realised how lucky we are for the blessings that we received. This led into a full blown conversation on what went wrong and was it that the only people that were left are the ones that could not afford to leave? Deep & Meaningfull conversation for day one of the trip.
Having shopped till we dropped on the 3rd anniversary of knowing Ed we decided to spend the Labour Day doing something different. The weather was a fabulous 70’ degrees (F) with clear skies over the while of the city.
We rented bicycles from Blazing Saddles down on Fisherman’s Wharf and decided to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. It was perfect weather for it. So I rode the Muni (That’s the San Francisco Public Transportation Network of Trams, Trollys, Buses & Cable Cars) down to the Wharf. Totally blond I completely miss understood what Ed had told me and thought he said take it all the way to the end. Knowing that the Underground Car goes from his place in Castro to Embarcadero. I looked at the maps of the quays down on the wharf. I was to meet the boys at Number 41 and presently I was at number……..1! Oh great, so a galf an hour walk later I arrive a little sweaty from the walking but got to take some fabulous photos of things like Fishermans Wharf & The Coit Tower.
So I rented a Bike and the boys had their own and off we headed toward Golden Gate Park. On our bikes for a gentle ride. Gentle. Who were they trying to kid. “Come on” they said, “Well go for a nice ride across the bridge”. Well the bridge I was fine with, I didn’t realise we had to go up two enormous hills to get there. Now I know I have not been to the gym of late and that I am not the fittest person anymore but for goodness sake, I couldn’t even make it up the hills. I was panting and sweating. Memo to me, your joining a gym when you get home.
So I kicked and I argued but once we got to the other side of the bridge it was the most awesome view of San Francisco that I have ever seen. And having done the hard part it is all down hill to the little town of Scausilito which was a fabulous fun ride down what seemed like a Monte Carlo Street Rally. Weeeeeeeee. Was such fun. And we celebrated, My treat, with a Fish Lunch in the sun on the quayside and Napa Valley Champagne to wash it all down with. Fabulous Lucky Bitches.
A huge thank you to Ed & Jason for forcing me off my fat butt and for doing something that was so much fun even if I did moan. 3 days on and my bum is still sore from the ride. But I do have fabulous photo’s.! Yeah.
Right now sat in the Delta First Class lounge waiting to take my flight to Salt Lake City. Best have one last Bloody Mary. Don’t think there will be much alcohol in Utah.
How can Utah people be lucky Bitches without booze? Whatever!
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