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.
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