Monday, August 30, 2010
Toxic Hell
I think I have remembered why they call it Toxic Hell (Taco Bell). Firstly you have to face the cess pit that is the food court at Lakeside shopping centre. Think Trailer Park trash and pregnant teenagers and your halfway there. Clearly it is the Essex crowd that visit Orlando that they want to attract. Hmmm what was the word we had at Disney for Brits you would rather dissociate with? "Scuzzers!". The look on Dusan's face as we made our way through the food court was that of discust. Taco Bell sign looked familiar but the menu didn't display all they offered and so I didn't really know what to get when I was at the couter. Plus because they are in a food court you can't even choose your beverage and their soft drinks came in a size I would consider small if that. For a company ultimately owned by Pepsi co, I expected a larger choice of Beverage than Seven up and Pespi. I wanted Doctor Pepper and Mountain Dew. Sadly the British version is half lacking and lack lustre and for the time being until they finally open stand alone stores where you can get the real Taco Bell Experience think I will stick to the much better Tortilla. Check out www.tortilla.co.uk They have stores in Canary Wharf, Oxford Circus, Bankside, Islington and soon to open in Leadenhall Market and offer a proper Burrito. The one I had today was okay, but their Nacho's with synthetic cheese side were not great. Maybe I will feel different once they open everywhere, but I can't help but think that Taco Bell missed the Boat. Too little too late? Maybe I will think different when they are everywhere. Till the, thanks to the Gorgeous Kathleen for introducing me to Tortilla! :-)
Taco Bell
I have never understood why Taco Bell, which opened in Leicester Square in the 1980s had never made it in the UK. Maybe the 80s was simply too early for it and Britons with their fickle taste (They go on holiday and ask for Chips and Egg), maybe they were not ready for Tex Mex.
As the years passed and more and more mexican style places opened, Chillis, Whahaca, and more recently the fabulous Tortilla. They are popping up everywhere. Mexican Fast Food. Yummy. Its always been a faveourite of mine. I was so excited to read Taco Bell were opening at Lakeside. I mentioned this to my Californian friend at work and she said she missed it too. She was the one that told me about Totilla. A chain of four restuarants in London who make the most divine Burritos. Check them out at www.tortilla.co.uk. Meanwhile has Taco Bell missed the boat? A single store at Lakeside hardly will get the tills ringing in Central London. But hopefully they will spread out soon. Meanwhile I can't wait for my next trip East. I normally only stop at Lakeside for Ikea or Costco but now have a reason to pop in. Tex Mex. Yummy. Im dreaming of Nacho's supreme.
What happened to August?
Ever have a month that you seem to blink and you've missed it? August has been just like that. Perhaps it was that there are so many event's on and parties and celebrations along with Pride's and the nicer weather usually meaning that you want to be outside motre.
But August was odd in many a way. Firstly I caught a bug. I had thought it was the Norovirus (the vomitting bug) that often goes around cruise ships. But the symptons, while similar, only lasted for 24 hours. Waking with naseau and then without reason unable to stop vomiting for much of the morning before converting itself into a stomach bug that had you in and out of the bathroom for the rest of the day. 48 hours later it was all over, but and I felt normal, aside from the fact that not being able to eat my body was weak and the plans to go to Brighton for their annual pride were washed aside and a duvet day on the sofa was more than called for.
The following week Stuart and Iannis were due to come for dinner. Ocado had delivered all of the food that was needed to make a fabulous meal. Well blow me down if the same bug didn't hit me again on the Saturday morning. 24 hours again. While, my day was a write off and I really couldn't do much else other than lie in bed for the first day due to the nausea, I do believe you have to always look on the brightside. As Neil Sexton say's on the radio you have try and live POO. Always have a Positive Optomistic Outlook. So my silver lining was that somehow I lost nearly 7 lbs while having the bug.
When this past Monday, I did my weekly weigh in the scale recorded just under 83 Kilos. In Janurary after the Christmas & New Year break I weighed 93 Kilos', so have finally hit the 10 Kilo weight loss mark. My target was 10% of my body weight in the year and 9.3 Kilos takes me there. For those of you not in metric thats 22 lbs or 1 stone 8 Pounds. I have to say I love Imperial measures. My American friends have no idea how much is a stone, or a Kilometer or how much is a British Pint. It is rather odd though that their pints are different fro ours and they buy Ice Cream in Gallons. We used to buy petrol in it.
Thursday evening I arranged to meet Neil Sexton in Soho for a drink and a catch up. His a true friend, honest and caring and I'm still often amazed how one can go from being a listener of a radio station to close friend of the presenter. We met in the Village and had a couple of drinks as the rain poured down outside. Ten minutes after we arrived Gay Dave's boyfriend turned around and happend to be sittig on the table next to us (Kari). He said hello and moments later, Gay Dave was there. (Gay Dave is my friend from work. I have to call him something to differentiate from the other Dave's I know. We have BA Dave,AKA Davie Dong, Hairy David, Big David, and now Gay Dave. His not even camp, but I only give nicknames to the people I love. (I'm wondering why Linda at work call's me Doris?). We said hello and they lef not long after as Neil and I made our way up to a Japanesse canteen for some dinner. I always think its a sign that the food will be particuarly good when all of the staff and half of the customers are Japaneese.
Friday evening saw Richard and Mark (the Leather Queens), host their annual Cheese & Wine party at their home. This year they hired "Butlers in the buff" and three waiters were on hand wearing nothing but Bow Tie, Collar, Cuffs and an apron. Very Kinky. The lovely Floren was particuarly friendly and rather cute too boot. They ensured our glasses were never empty for too long. It was nice to see some of the gang all together again, Chris & Fillipe, Stuart & Iannis, lots of the girls from Richard's hospital (His a nurse), whom I see at all these events, at the Annual Ascot day etc but am terrible at remembering their names. I went outside and there was this young lad who introduced himself as Johnie and I recognised him. He used to come to Molton Brown Gentlemans Evenings I hosted. The lovely Johnie Boy. Was good to see him again.
Saturday I vegged all day and then in the evning had arranged a work friend, Helen (H)and her husband Graham (G), whom i'd never met before. We made a booking at a restaurant close to me in Greenwhich and arranged to meet at Greenwhich pier as they would take the clipper from London Bridge. The Rivington Grill is a new(ish) restaurant and part of La Caprice chain, owners of The Ivy. Was a very nice meal and good service and by meals end was utterly stuffed and far from ready to go out. Thankfully Stuart had postponed XXL and I came home to crash. On such a full stomach I was far from in the mood for dancing.
Today is August Bank Holiday, the weather is wet-ish and it seems a good month since Summer left and the rain hit us, still it was all looking dead and dry and we did have a nice long summer from May - July. I will miss the heat as the official start of Autumn kicks in but what can you do? Book a trip to gran Canaria maybe? Happy Bank Holiday.
But August was odd in many a way. Firstly I caught a bug. I had thought it was the Norovirus (the vomitting bug) that often goes around cruise ships. But the symptons, while similar, only lasted for 24 hours. Waking with naseau and then without reason unable to stop vomiting for much of the morning before converting itself into a stomach bug that had you in and out of the bathroom for the rest of the day. 48 hours later it was all over, but and I felt normal, aside from the fact that not being able to eat my body was weak and the plans to go to Brighton for their annual pride were washed aside and a duvet day on the sofa was more than called for.
The following week Stuart and Iannis were due to come for dinner. Ocado had delivered all of the food that was needed to make a fabulous meal. Well blow me down if the same bug didn't hit me again on the Saturday morning. 24 hours again. While, my day was a write off and I really couldn't do much else other than lie in bed for the first day due to the nausea, I do believe you have to always look on the brightside. As Neil Sexton say's on the radio you have try and live POO. Always have a Positive Optomistic Outlook. So my silver lining was that somehow I lost nearly 7 lbs while having the bug.
When this past Monday, I did my weekly weigh in the scale recorded just under 83 Kilos. In Janurary after the Christmas & New Year break I weighed 93 Kilos', so have finally hit the 10 Kilo weight loss mark. My target was 10% of my body weight in the year and 9.3 Kilos takes me there. For those of you not in metric thats 22 lbs or 1 stone 8 Pounds. I have to say I love Imperial measures. My American friends have no idea how much is a stone, or a Kilometer or how much is a British Pint. It is rather odd though that their pints are different fro ours and they buy Ice Cream in Gallons. We used to buy petrol in it.
Thursday evening I arranged to meet Neil Sexton in Soho for a drink and a catch up. His a true friend, honest and caring and I'm still often amazed how one can go from being a listener of a radio station to close friend of the presenter. We met in the Village and had a couple of drinks as the rain poured down outside. Ten minutes after we arrived Gay Dave's boyfriend turned around and happend to be sittig on the table next to us (Kari). He said hello and moments later, Gay Dave was there. (Gay Dave is my friend from work. I have to call him something to differentiate from the other Dave's I know. We have BA Dave,AKA Davie Dong, Hairy David, Big David, and now Gay Dave. His not even camp, but I only give nicknames to the people I love. (I'm wondering why Linda at work call's me Doris?). We said hello and they lef not long after as Neil and I made our way up to a Japanesse canteen for some dinner. I always think its a sign that the food will be particuarly good when all of the staff and half of the customers are Japaneese.
Friday evening saw Richard and Mark (the Leather Queens), host their annual Cheese & Wine party at their home. This year they hired "Butlers in the buff" and three waiters were on hand wearing nothing but Bow Tie, Collar, Cuffs and an apron. Very Kinky. The lovely Floren was particuarly friendly and rather cute too boot. They ensured our glasses were never empty for too long. It was nice to see some of the gang all together again, Chris & Fillipe, Stuart & Iannis, lots of the girls from Richard's hospital (His a nurse), whom I see at all these events, at the Annual Ascot day etc but am terrible at remembering their names. I went outside and there was this young lad who introduced himself as Johnie and I recognised him. He used to come to Molton Brown Gentlemans Evenings I hosted. The lovely Johnie Boy. Was good to see him again.
Saturday I vegged all day and then in the evning had arranged a work friend, Helen (H)and her husband Graham (G), whom i'd never met before. We made a booking at a restaurant close to me in Greenwhich and arranged to meet at Greenwhich pier as they would take the clipper from London Bridge. The Rivington Grill is a new(ish) restaurant and part of La Caprice chain, owners of The Ivy. Was a very nice meal and good service and by meals end was utterly stuffed and far from ready to go out. Thankfully Stuart had postponed XXL and I came home to crash. On such a full stomach I was far from in the mood for dancing.
Today is August Bank Holiday, the weather is wet-ish and it seems a good month since Summer left and the rain hit us, still it was all looking dead and dry and we did have a nice long summer from May - July. I will miss the heat as the official start of Autumn kicks in but what can you do? Book a trip to gran Canaria maybe? Happy Bank Holiday.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Helen & Keely tie the knot
I still find it hard to believe how much the world has changed, for the better in such a short time. Yesterday was one of the most amazing days of my life and was only made permissible by many changes in law that the recent Labour government bought in. Most importantly the Civil Partnership Act of 2004. Finally giving gay couples the right to a legaly binding wedding equivalent.
When, finally, the law changed, Dusan and I finally got our dream and the chance to be together and much like our dream came true, yesterday it was Helens turn.
I have been honored to be invited to so many Civil Partnerships over the years, Richard & Mark's, Stuart & Iannis and of course our own. Like I said, so much has changed. When I first met Helen & Nick back in 2001, helen was straight and a party chick. We all met in Heaven through mutual friends and I ran into them a week later standing the queue. We all hit it off immediately. Helen and Nick shared a flat in Earls Court but with Nick about to go off to University, Helen needed to find a new home and I was looking for somewhere too. I don't think we had known each other 2 months when we started house hunting. How does the old joke go? What do Lesbians do on a second date? Move in. But she was my Alpha girl. This was back in the day when the internet was fairly new, we were pre 9/11 and somehow the world seemed a better place.
I can't quite explain the feeling when you meet someone and you feel a bond, like you knew each other in a different life or are destined to do more together. It was exactly like that the day I met Helen & Nick.
9 years on and some four years after her finding her true love she and her gorgeous lovely wife, Keely, decided to get hitched. There is something daunting about going to a loved ones wedding and not knowing their better half. What if, just what if, you feel something is wrong and they should not go ahead with it. What if when they say in the ceromony "Is there anybody here who knows of any unlawful impediment as to why these two, Helen & Keely, may not enter into partnership today. I always hold my breath at that point while poised on the edge of my seat incase somebody says something. The amazing thing is it reminds me of our own situation. Dear friends and family asking "Are you sure you want to get married so quickly". Worried love ons scared you are on a whim.
I reached Keighly station around 950PM and Helen had said she would come and meet me and take me to the pub. I waited 2 minutes and saw through the dark 2 shadows coming forth. As my eyes focused, I couldn't believe that Nick was over from Australia. Let alone coming to meet me at the station. I hugged them both long and hard, so happy to see them again then made our way a few minutes up the road to the Pub.
Immediately I met Keely there was a warmth, a glow. We both exchanged hellos but I was amazed she even knew my surname and much like I talk about dear ones, Helen had clearly mentioned me on occasion to Keely. Just watching the two of them together was enough proof for anyone that they were truly in love. Even today friends tell me how they can see Dusan and my love for each other. The way no matter where we are his admiring me from across the way. Even Richard and Mark (Leather Queens) who so kindly picked Dusan up from Heathrow on his arrival to the UK who initially we sceptical gave us their blessing in the understanding that just seeing two people together and how their own aura really stands out in a way you don't usually see. Like in the Readybrek adverts. Seeing Helen & Keely together was just the same.
In the pub met several other of their friends and Matt & Kal whom I have not seen in forever. How nice it was to see everyone again, meet new people and yet people that don't seem like they are new at all.
We all ended up in the hotel bar till far later than expected.
Friday Morning, wedding day, I woke with a mouth as dry as the Sehara. How much did I drink yesterday? I put it down to the air conditioning and lack of real air instead as I jumped in the shower, shaved and put on my three piece. It suddenly became clear to me that I had fallen into tourist mode and like a fool had no information. Helen had arranged everything. I didn't even know what time the wedding was, let alone where. Thankfully I spotted Huk & Jackie outside the window so joined them. There was something magical about Jackie & Huk, kind, warm, good folk. Great personality, uber glam and also down to earth. I shared a taxi with them to Riddleton Hall around 1330 and we all sat in wait for the Bride & Bride to arrive. It was a National Trust property and an old house with grand gothic fireplace was where the ceremony would be. As we walked in your senses went into overdrive with the smell of the flowers. Two looming bouquets either side (thanks to Matt's fabulous floristry), loomed 6 foot each over the room. Imagining an old Stately home's Library or study. A smallish room with grand fireplace and a dark tudor staircase up the edge on which a girl stood. As the music started this girl with voice of an angel sang a song about love, friendship & soul mates. You could hear the soft sound of sniffles and handkerchiefs being fluffed. Speeches from friends, a touching service and seeing these two beautiful girls, Helen & Keely, dressed to the nines, looking radiant, love filled and both happy and peaceful. By the end of the service I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.
Once they were officially Mrs & Mrs we all had some champagne and lovely appetizers while Matt & Kal peformed a mirical with the barn which had been transformed into a wedding party fit for any royal. A lemon theme existed in the floristry which was hanging on every wall, from every pillar as well as every centre piece. Then there were the 4 foot tall candelabras on the tables and a an amazing white tree with a Photo of each and every guest hanging from it with their table number.
We enjoyed dinner and then they started the speaches. Tears started to well up in most peoples eyes but not sad tears, happy tears. Happy for Helen & Keely, happy to be there and totally caught up in the love in it all. It wasn't just Helen & Keely, you could feel love from everyone. As Nick then Tracey, then Keiran followed by Keely & Helen did speeches everyone was both laughing and crying. It was an an amazing magical beautiful moment and as you looked around the room, you could just see love everywhere. Friends that care deeply for one another. Couples, parents looking after their children and the girls friends who were so warm and welcoming.
As the evening guests arrived there were people I had met through Helen over the years and then met Andrew V whom I have not seen in so long and his partner Spencer. It was so nice to see everyone again and I came to the realization that the feeling in the room, the tears and love all came from the fact that the souls in that room were all like souls. Clearly Angels attract Angels and positive attracts positive. It was such a calming feeling knowing how happy they will both bet in their lives with each other and all their loving friends.
Taking the train home this evening, I felt whacked but also like I had re-kindled friendships and made friend a new. We both wish Helen & Keely a wonderful life together full of love and joy and happiness and really look foward to seeing you all soon. Thanks a million for a perfect day.
When, finally, the law changed, Dusan and I finally got our dream and the chance to be together and much like our dream came true, yesterday it was Helens turn.
I have been honored to be invited to so many Civil Partnerships over the years, Richard & Mark's, Stuart & Iannis and of course our own. Like I said, so much has changed. When I first met Helen & Nick back in 2001, helen was straight and a party chick. We all met in Heaven through mutual friends and I ran into them a week later standing the queue. We all hit it off immediately. Helen and Nick shared a flat in Earls Court but with Nick about to go off to University, Helen needed to find a new home and I was looking for somewhere too. I don't think we had known each other 2 months when we started house hunting. How does the old joke go? What do Lesbians do on a second date? Move in. But she was my Alpha girl. This was back in the day when the internet was fairly new, we were pre 9/11 and somehow the world seemed a better place.
I can't quite explain the feeling when you meet someone and you feel a bond, like you knew each other in a different life or are destined to do more together. It was exactly like that the day I met Helen & Nick.
9 years on and some four years after her finding her true love she and her gorgeous lovely wife, Keely, decided to get hitched. There is something daunting about going to a loved ones wedding and not knowing their better half. What if, just what if, you feel something is wrong and they should not go ahead with it. What if when they say in the ceromony "Is there anybody here who knows of any unlawful impediment as to why these two, Helen & Keely, may not enter into partnership today. I always hold my breath at that point while poised on the edge of my seat incase somebody says something. The amazing thing is it reminds me of our own situation. Dear friends and family asking "Are you sure you want to get married so quickly". Worried love ons scared you are on a whim.
I reached Keighly station around 950PM and Helen had said she would come and meet me and take me to the pub. I waited 2 minutes and saw through the dark 2 shadows coming forth. As my eyes focused, I couldn't believe that Nick was over from Australia. Let alone coming to meet me at the station. I hugged them both long and hard, so happy to see them again then made our way a few minutes up the road to the Pub.
Immediately I met Keely there was a warmth, a glow. We both exchanged hellos but I was amazed she even knew my surname and much like I talk about dear ones, Helen had clearly mentioned me on occasion to Keely. Just watching the two of them together was enough proof for anyone that they were truly in love. Even today friends tell me how they can see Dusan and my love for each other. The way no matter where we are his admiring me from across the way. Even Richard and Mark (Leather Queens) who so kindly picked Dusan up from Heathrow on his arrival to the UK who initially we sceptical gave us their blessing in the understanding that just seeing two people together and how their own aura really stands out in a way you don't usually see. Like in the Readybrek adverts. Seeing Helen & Keely together was just the same.
In the pub met several other of their friends and Matt & Kal whom I have not seen in forever. How nice it was to see everyone again, meet new people and yet people that don't seem like they are new at all.
We all ended up in the hotel bar till far later than expected.
Friday Morning, wedding day, I woke with a mouth as dry as the Sehara. How much did I drink yesterday? I put it down to the air conditioning and lack of real air instead as I jumped in the shower, shaved and put on my three piece. It suddenly became clear to me that I had fallen into tourist mode and like a fool had no information. Helen had arranged everything. I didn't even know what time the wedding was, let alone where. Thankfully I spotted Huk & Jackie outside the window so joined them. There was something magical about Jackie & Huk, kind, warm, good folk. Great personality, uber glam and also down to earth. I shared a taxi with them to Riddleton Hall around 1330 and we all sat in wait for the Bride & Bride to arrive. It was a National Trust property and an old house with grand gothic fireplace was where the ceremony would be. As we walked in your senses went into overdrive with the smell of the flowers. Two looming bouquets either side (thanks to Matt's fabulous floristry), loomed 6 foot each over the room. Imagining an old Stately home's Library or study. A smallish room with grand fireplace and a dark tudor staircase up the edge on which a girl stood. As the music started this girl with voice of an angel sang a song about love, friendship & soul mates. You could hear the soft sound of sniffles and handkerchiefs being fluffed. Speeches from friends, a touching service and seeing these two beautiful girls, Helen & Keely, dressed to the nines, looking radiant, love filled and both happy and peaceful. By the end of the service I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.
Once they were officially Mrs & Mrs we all had some champagne and lovely appetizers while Matt & Kal peformed a mirical with the barn which had been transformed into a wedding party fit for any royal. A lemon theme existed in the floristry which was hanging on every wall, from every pillar as well as every centre piece. Then there were the 4 foot tall candelabras on the tables and a an amazing white tree with a Photo of each and every guest hanging from it with their table number.
We enjoyed dinner and then they started the speaches. Tears started to well up in most peoples eyes but not sad tears, happy tears. Happy for Helen & Keely, happy to be there and totally caught up in the love in it all. It wasn't just Helen & Keely, you could feel love from everyone. As Nick then Tracey, then Keiran followed by Keely & Helen did speeches everyone was both laughing and crying. It was an an amazing magical beautiful moment and as you looked around the room, you could just see love everywhere. Friends that care deeply for one another. Couples, parents looking after their children and the girls friends who were so warm and welcoming.
As the evening guests arrived there were people I had met through Helen over the years and then met Andrew V whom I have not seen in so long and his partner Spencer. It was so nice to see everyone again and I came to the realization that the feeling in the room, the tears and love all came from the fact that the souls in that room were all like souls. Clearly Angels attract Angels and positive attracts positive. It was such a calming feeling knowing how happy they will both bet in their lives with each other and all their loving friends.
Taking the train home this evening, I felt whacked but also like I had re-kindled friendships and made friend a new. We both wish Helen & Keely a wonderful life together full of love and joy and happiness and really look foward to seeing you all soon. Thanks a million for a perfect day.
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