You'll have to excuse me for this blog post, it feels rather self indulgent, but hey its my blog and I guess that means I can write what I want.
At the moment I'm ill. And I don't mean a cold or flu type ill, I mean properly ill. Its been going on for some time, my first symptoms came on far too long ago (I'm sure my mom is saving the 'I told you something was wrong' lecture for when I'm well enough to really appreciate it) but they could be explained away easily enough. It was only when I had routine blood tests carried out in June that it became clear something was actually up.
My GP's reaction when I went for my blood test results was one of shock. My haemoglobin was at 7 g/dL when it should be between 12.1 and 15.1 g/dL, meaning I was really anaemic. The GP was of the opinion I should have been struggling to function and should have been spending most of the day asleep. I've never been keen on doing what I should, and was continuing to live my usual busy life. We agreed on a referral to the local gastroenterologist, my dad has Coeliac Disease and his only symptom prior to diagnosis was iron deficiency anaemia so it seemed like this would be a good potential explanation for my anaemia.
Following an initial consultation with the consultant it was agreed that I should have the relevant tests to see if I did indeed have Coeliac Disease along with tests for other conditions that could explain my symptoms. Of course there would be a short wait for these, and I made the situation worse by turning down the first date I was offered because it clashed with a course I was wanting to go on for work (and yes I expect this to be included in the lecture).
In the mean time I carried on as I was, trying to do everything I would normally do despite the fact that virtually by the week my energy levels were dropping. I was trying very hard to 'keep up appearances' and appear to be as normal as possible which meant that behind closed doors I was more tired and drained still. Unfortunately tiredness at this level doesn't just affect how much energy you have, it affects everything. I found it harder to process things, harder to remember things, and found that my emotions were all over the place though with a tendency towards the miserable.
Last Monday was finally the day for the tests. I was given some preliminary answers at the time, and then saw my consultant again yesterday for the full results. I do indeed have Coeliac Disease, and in addition I have Ulcerative Colitis. The latter is apparently very severe at the moment, and its no surprise I feel quite as unwell as I do. I now have a wonderful combination of tablets to be taken (I even have a tablet organiser to go with them because my memory is so rubbish) and the prospect of a life long gluten free diet. There's no timescale being put on me feeling better, but its not going to be a quick or immediate fix. I'm signed off from work for a month in the first place, no one's giving any indication of how long will this go for.
Its strange, I'm having to adjust to the idea that I'm not well. I'm so good at rationalising things and brushing things under the carpet that even for the early part of last week I was managing to convince myself that I'm not that bad. The reality is that on more than one occasion I've found myself standing in the kitchen ready to make a pot of tea and having to work out what the first step is that I need to do. I have periods where I feel relatively good and have a reasonable amount of energy, but these are rapidly followed by times when I feel like nothing more than a wrung out dishrag.
My days are currently filled with dvds, books when I can concentrate long enough, and doing crafty things when I get the inclination. If nothing else I'll finally catch up on things I've not got round to doing for too long. And in any case, with tablets, diet and time my life will return to a new kind of normal. Things could be a whole lot worse.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Lest We Forget
I posted 'For The Fallen' a few weeks ago on National Poetry Day, so I won't repeat myself. Instead I shall simply say thank you, to all those who have given their lives and all those who continue to give their lives for the rest of us. I can't begin to imagine how anyone can make the choice to join our marvellous armed forces knowing the risks that are involved, but I appreciate every day that they do.
Photo from www.flowersop.com
Saturday, 7 November 2009
The Choir
I mentioned in a post during the Seven Day Meme that I have recently joined a choir. Doing this was something I'd been planning on doing for ages, but I'd managed to put it off and not get around to it for far too long. A very silly move on my part really, singing in a choir is something I've done on and off for a very long time and something I really enjoy.
I first joined a choir when I started at middle school, back when I was 9. I don't remember too much about why I wanted to join, just that it was the most important thing to me at the time. I remember standing at the piano to audition listening to the other two people in my group hoping that I was going to be good enough. Luckily I made the cut and spent 4 years singing in a huge range of concerts, and competitions including the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The choir was run with an almost military precision at times, rehearsals were taken pretty seriously and the teacher in charge was more than happy to name and shame anyone spotted doing anything silly. I remember clearly one rehearsal close to a competition when I realised whilst she was talking that my glasses needed cleaning - apparently they could and should have waited!
When I moved to high school at 13 I joined the choir there. This was a far more relaxed affair, in 5 years I remember attending one competition. The range of music was very different, in general far more contemporary, but by concert days it was of a suitably high standard. Part way through my high school career a splinter group from the main choir was set up, 'The Bosters'. This was a group of 12 girls, and we performed mainly a cappella pieces in 4 part harmony. The name is a local thing, the word bostin' means brilliant. We all got on really well, at times the only problem others had was getting us all to shut up - the memory of us standing in the shadow of the Sacre Couer Basilica in Paris spontaneously 'busking' will remain with me for a very long time.
Moving to uni I was greatly saddened to find that the musical department existed on a campus hidden away in the extreme suburbs of Reading. In my second year I joined the gospel choir and enjoyed singing with them for a while, but sadly the difficulties getting there started the break in my choir based singing.
I've watched each of the series that Gareth Malone has done with the BBC, and 'Last Choir Standing' and felt inspired again to go back to singing as part of a choir. I think Gareth particularly has done such a great job of showing the impact that singing in a group can have. I'm in a wonderful position to have found a choir run by a lady who takes a similar approach to choirs as Gareth - the focus is on doing great music at a great standard whilst remembering to have a great time. I've only been with them for a few weeks but already I find myself wishing I'd joined sooner!
I first joined a choir when I started at middle school, back when I was 9. I don't remember too much about why I wanted to join, just that it was the most important thing to me at the time. I remember standing at the piano to audition listening to the other two people in my group hoping that I was going to be good enough. Luckily I made the cut and spent 4 years singing in a huge range of concerts, and competitions including the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The choir was run with an almost military precision at times, rehearsals were taken pretty seriously and the teacher in charge was more than happy to name and shame anyone spotted doing anything silly. I remember clearly one rehearsal close to a competition when I realised whilst she was talking that my glasses needed cleaning - apparently they could and should have waited!
When I moved to high school at 13 I joined the choir there. This was a far more relaxed affair, in 5 years I remember attending one competition. The range of music was very different, in general far more contemporary, but by concert days it was of a suitably high standard. Part way through my high school career a splinter group from the main choir was set up, 'The Bosters'. This was a group of 12 girls, and we performed mainly a cappella pieces in 4 part harmony. The name is a local thing, the word bostin' means brilliant. We all got on really well, at times the only problem others had was getting us all to shut up - the memory of us standing in the shadow of the Sacre Couer Basilica in Paris spontaneously 'busking' will remain with me for a very long time.
Moving to uni I was greatly saddened to find that the musical department existed on a campus hidden away in the extreme suburbs of Reading. In my second year I joined the gospel choir and enjoyed singing with them for a while, but sadly the difficulties getting there started the break in my choir based singing.
I've watched each of the series that Gareth Malone has done with the BBC, and 'Last Choir Standing' and felt inspired again to go back to singing as part of a choir. I think Gareth particularly has done such a great job of showing the impact that singing in a group can have. I'm in a wonderful position to have found a choir run by a lady who takes a similar approach to choirs as Gareth - the focus is on doing great music at a great standard whilst remembering to have a great time. I've only been with them for a few weeks but already I find myself wishing I'd joined sooner!
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
This month I have mostly been reading - September and October
Another double post on my reading round up, at the end of last month I was still suffering from the after effects of my jetlag and I completely forgot about it.
1. 'Songs of the Humpback Whale' by Jodi Picoult.
Like a lot of people in the UK who have read anything by Jodi Picoult the first book of hers I read was 'My Sisters Keeper' when Richard and Judy featured it in their book club. I've read most of the books she's written since, but this book is one of the first she had published. Structurally it jumps all over the place, the story is told from multiple points of view and in a far from linear way. Once I'd got used to that it was a pleasing enough read, nothing brilliant but a solid read.
2. 'The Sister Diaries' by Karen Quinn.
I have enjoyed the last two books by Karen Quinn and this didn't fail to please. I read it whilst I was on holiday and tormented Gemma by regularly telling her of the latest brilliant thing the child character had done. I do love it when authors capture children well, and Quinn definitely manages it. The story focuses on three incredibly sisters and their struggles after their mother, who arguably keeps the family together, dies. I really enjoyed this.
3. 'Bitter Chocolate' by Lesley Lokko.
I was asked fairly recently by a friend to recommend a chick lit book that she could give her boyfriend to read to prove that as a genre it can be misunderstood and generalised against. After a little thought 'Sundowners' by Lesley Lokko seemed like it might fit the bill. 'Bitter Chocolate' is another excellent read, it takes the lives of three very different girls and as they grow up weaves them together. I also got a kick out of section of the book again being set in Malvern, its always nice to see local places popping up in books.
4. 'I Am What I Am' by John Barrowman.
The second book by John Barrowman, written with his sister Carole, did not disappoint me in the slightest. It builds on 'Anything Goes', the book they released last year, and focusses on much of the work that he has done since Doctor Who helped to direct him to becoming a household name. The book is written in a hugely chatty style, I felt at times like I was sat listening to him talk. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and discovering his opinions on and feelings about the projects that he'd be involved in.
5. 'Love Walked In' by Marisa De Los Santos.
This is the story that comes before 'Belong To Me' which I read in August. I really enjoyed this book, and finding out about the characters and who they were before the second book. I would recommend however to anyone considering reading the books that they read them in order - something which is well established by the beginning of the second book doesn't begin until very late in the first book and I found myself quite impatient waiting for 'it' to be made right. The characters are well created, and the plot kept my interest from start to finish.
6. 'The Cupid Effect' by Dorothy Koomson.
I really enjoy the books that Dorothy Koomson writes. As I've already mentioned in this post I like it when authors write children well, and she certainly does that. This book however does not have any children, but what it does have is a protagonist who is essentially me. I identified so strongly at times with Ceri that I started to get worried that someone had been listening in on my thoughts! The plot is perhaps a little weak in places, but then again this was her debut novel and as a writer she has certainly developed. I know I will end up re-reading this if only for the familiarity.
7. 'Wi'tch Fire' by James Clemens.
This is the first book in The Banned and The Banished series. I had the series recommended by one of my fellow Beaver leaders - it seems to be her mission to convert every person she can to the series. It is, unsurprisingly based on the title, a fantasy series set in a world where magic has disappeared until now. A Wi'tch comes to power and various groups' paths will be affected by this. Its been some time since I've read fantasy (with the exception of Tolkien) so I don't feel I can comment on whether it is particularly good or not within the genre. I can say though that I really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
1. 'Songs of the Humpback Whale' by Jodi Picoult.
Like a lot of people in the UK who have read anything by Jodi Picoult the first book of hers I read was 'My Sisters Keeper' when Richard and Judy featured it in their book club. I've read most of the books she's written since, but this book is one of the first she had published. Structurally it jumps all over the place, the story is told from multiple points of view and in a far from linear way. Once I'd got used to that it was a pleasing enough read, nothing brilliant but a solid read.
2. 'The Sister Diaries' by Karen Quinn.
I have enjoyed the last two books by Karen Quinn and this didn't fail to please. I read it whilst I was on holiday and tormented Gemma by regularly telling her of the latest brilliant thing the child character had done. I do love it when authors capture children well, and Quinn definitely manages it. The story focuses on three incredibly sisters and their struggles after their mother, who arguably keeps the family together, dies. I really enjoyed this.
3. 'Bitter Chocolate' by Lesley Lokko.
I was asked fairly recently by a friend to recommend a chick lit book that she could give her boyfriend to read to prove that as a genre it can be misunderstood and generalised against. After a little thought 'Sundowners' by Lesley Lokko seemed like it might fit the bill. 'Bitter Chocolate' is another excellent read, it takes the lives of three very different girls and as they grow up weaves them together. I also got a kick out of section of the book again being set in Malvern, its always nice to see local places popping up in books.
4. 'I Am What I Am' by John Barrowman.
The second book by John Barrowman, written with his sister Carole, did not disappoint me in the slightest. It builds on 'Anything Goes', the book they released last year, and focusses on much of the work that he has done since Doctor Who helped to direct him to becoming a household name. The book is written in a hugely chatty style, I felt at times like I was sat listening to him talk. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and discovering his opinions on and feelings about the projects that he'd be involved in.
5. 'Love Walked In' by Marisa De Los Santos.
This is the story that comes before 'Belong To Me' which I read in August. I really enjoyed this book, and finding out about the characters and who they were before the second book. I would recommend however to anyone considering reading the books that they read them in order - something which is well established by the beginning of the second book doesn't begin until very late in the first book and I found myself quite impatient waiting for 'it' to be made right. The characters are well created, and the plot kept my interest from start to finish.
6. 'The Cupid Effect' by Dorothy Koomson.
I really enjoy the books that Dorothy Koomson writes. As I've already mentioned in this post I like it when authors write children well, and she certainly does that. This book however does not have any children, but what it does have is a protagonist who is essentially me. I identified so strongly at times with Ceri that I started to get worried that someone had been listening in on my thoughts! The plot is perhaps a little weak in places, but then again this was her debut novel and as a writer she has certainly developed. I know I will end up re-reading this if only for the familiarity.
7. 'Wi'tch Fire' by James Clemens.
This is the first book in The Banned and The Banished series. I had the series recommended by one of my fellow Beaver leaders - it seems to be her mission to convert every person she can to the series. It is, unsurprisingly based on the title, a fantasy series set in a world where magic has disappeared until now. A Wi'tch comes to power and various groups' paths will be affected by this. Its been some time since I've read fantasy (with the exception of Tolkien) so I don't feel I can comment on whether it is particularly good or not within the genre. I can say though that I really enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Saturday, 31 October 2009
I must be mad!
I had every intention of not signing up for NaNoWriMo this year. I've considered it for the last few years and always managed to come up with some excuse not to do it. This year I have some absolute excellent reasons rather than excuses not to do it so of course I'm signed up and have a Google Document with all my planning ready to start writing.
I'm really looking forward to it, though I'm sure after a couple of weeks when my word count is looking paltry that may change! I have an idea this time that I really like, and my brain is automatically using down time to ponder the plot and characters. If I complete it then it will be the first thing I've finished writing since I was at school, think it'll be a nice feeling!
Friday, 30 October 2009
A Weekend and a Half Part 3 - Green Day
The final part of my extended weekend saw me and Emma heading to the LG Arena (it is still the NEC in my head but I'm sure if I say the new name enough times it will start to stick) to see Green Day. I was lucky enough to have seen them on their American Idiot tour, but for Emma it was her first time seeing them.
The support act were Prima Donna. I'd heard them described as being similar to Spinal Tap, but we didn't agree with this description at all. They were a very American band, at times bearing a resemblance to acts such as Aerosmith. Unfortunately for them they didn't get a great reception, the majority of the Birmingham crowd was typically apathetic and made it clear that they were tolerating the support purely because the sooner they finished the sooner Green Day would take to the stage.
Before Green Day could appear a person in a pink rabbit outfit took to the stage and proceeded to act as though they were completely drunk. When s/he started to dance along to YMCA in true drunken fashion the crowd went absolutely wild, proving to me yet again that people are utterly bizarre.
Green Day did eventually take to the stage, and with the exception of two very brief breaks they stayed on stage for almost 3 hours. They began with tracks from 21st Century Breakdown and American Idiot, and then after an hour or so switched to the more anthemic sounds of their earlier albums Dookie, Nimrod and Warning. Bille Joe Armstrong is a true entertainer, he didn't stop moving throughout the entire show, covering the stage left to right and forward along the catwalk. His energy levels were entirely enviable!
Highlights of the show for me were the inclusion of Paranoid, after a reference to Birmingham being the birthplace of heavy metal, the rousing rendition of Know Your Enemy (the first time I heard the track I knew it would work brilliantly live), and King For A Day. When I saw the American Idiot tour I loved the expanded version of King For A Day that included a middle section of Shout. This time around they developed the concept on and included more songs that shared the same chord progression; Shout, Stand By Me, I Fought The Law, Teenage Kicks and I Can't Get No Satisfaction. I found a true sense of delight in anticipating what track was coming next each time. Also noteworthy was the inclusion of a feature that I'd seen them do before, when they get three members of the crowd to come up on stage and play the instruments for the band. Whereas last time I saw it the musicians were mediocre and it was a bit of a damp squib this time all three were brilliant, as they reached the end of Longview they all showed off what they could do which was quite impressive in the setting.
It was slightly depressing to notice all of the teenage girls who stood around looking mildly bemused when any of the covers were done. Clearly they have no interest in finding out about the artists who inspired their 'idols', something that I find truly sad.
By the end of the night I felt exhausted but exhilarated. It was a great live show, and I look forward to the next tour!
The support act were Prima Donna. I'd heard them described as being similar to Spinal Tap, but we didn't agree with this description at all. They were a very American band, at times bearing a resemblance to acts such as Aerosmith. Unfortunately for them they didn't get a great reception, the majority of the Birmingham crowd was typically apathetic and made it clear that they were tolerating the support purely because the sooner they finished the sooner Green Day would take to the stage.
Before Green Day could appear a person in a pink rabbit outfit took to the stage and proceeded to act as though they were completely drunk. When s/he started to dance along to YMCA in true drunken fashion the crowd went absolutely wild, proving to me yet again that people are utterly bizarre.
Green Day did eventually take to the stage, and with the exception of two very brief breaks they stayed on stage for almost 3 hours. They began with tracks from 21st Century Breakdown and American Idiot, and then after an hour or so switched to the more anthemic sounds of their earlier albums Dookie, Nimrod and Warning. Bille Joe Armstrong is a true entertainer, he didn't stop moving throughout the entire show, covering the stage left to right and forward along the catwalk. His energy levels were entirely enviable!
Highlights of the show for me were the inclusion of Paranoid, after a reference to Birmingham being the birthplace of heavy metal, the rousing rendition of Know Your Enemy (the first time I heard the track I knew it would work brilliantly live), and King For A Day. When I saw the American Idiot tour I loved the expanded version of King For A Day that included a middle section of Shout. This time around they developed the concept on and included more songs that shared the same chord progression; Shout, Stand By Me, I Fought The Law, Teenage Kicks and I Can't Get No Satisfaction. I found a true sense of delight in anticipating what track was coming next each time. Also noteworthy was the inclusion of a feature that I'd seen them do before, when they get three members of the crowd to come up on stage and play the instruments for the band. Whereas last time I saw it the musicians were mediocre and it was a bit of a damp squib this time all three were brilliant, as they reached the end of Longview they all showed off what they could do which was quite impressive in the setting.
It was slightly depressing to notice all of the teenage girls who stood around looking mildly bemused when any of the covers were done. Clearly they have no interest in finding out about the artists who inspired their 'idols', something that I find truly sad.
By the end of the night I felt exhausted but exhilarated. It was a great live show, and I look forward to the next tour!
Thursday, 29 October 2009
A Weekend and a Half Part 2 - Twelfth Night
My experience of Shakespeare has, until recently, been fairly limited. At school we studied Romeo and Juliet for the year 9 SATs, and Merchant of Venice for GCSEs. I had seen amateur productions of Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night's Dream, they varied from mediocre to bad to absolutely dreadful. A couple of versions of Romeo and Juliet on film and ShakspeaRe-told round up my experiences, the latter most memorable for the sight of Rufus Sewell in drag.
Until last year however I'd never seen a proper production of any Shakespeare play. We put that right when we went to see the RSC's production of Hamlet featuring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart in the company. Following that, which was a truly amazing night, I knew I wanted to see more Shakespeare done well. On Monday night I managed to continue on my journey, watching the RSC's production of Twelfth Night.
The company for Twelfth Night includes Richard Wilson and James Fleet. Both were excellent, but then so to was the entire company. I could not level a criticism against any company member, they all took their parts and played them brilliantly. Seeing a comedy was a real contrast to last year's tragedy though, as Emma pointed out when we were discussing what we had seen, Malvolio's story ends in a particularly poignant fashion when considered against the comedic background.
Gregory Doran directed the show, and had been the director for Hamlet. He's absolutely brilliant and I think we'll be trying very hard to get tickets to see his version of Morte D'Arthur next year.
Until last year however I'd never seen a proper production of any Shakespeare play. We put that right when we went to see the RSC's production of Hamlet featuring David Tennant and Patrick Stewart in the company. Following that, which was a truly amazing night, I knew I wanted to see more Shakespeare done well. On Monday night I managed to continue on my journey, watching the RSC's production of Twelfth Night.
The company for Twelfth Night includes Richard Wilson and James Fleet. Both were excellent, but then so to was the entire company. I could not level a criticism against any company member, they all took their parts and played them brilliantly. Seeing a comedy was a real contrast to last year's tragedy though, as Emma pointed out when we were discussing what we had seen, Malvolio's story ends in a particularly poignant fashion when considered against the comedic background.
Gregory Doran directed the show, and had been the director for Hamlet. He's absolutely brilliant and I think we'll be trying very hard to get tickets to see his version of Morte D'Arthur next year.
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