It's all about you...

Now, despite what it might say on one of the keyrings I have - one I was given by my sister (well, I saw it at her house and asked if I could have it, she said yes - same difference) - this blog is actually all about you lovely lot really. The keyring might say "It's all about me", but it's not.

I mentioned this to Fran yesterday when she popped in for a coffee (she had to go and buy the milk for it first - shopping was not on the 'essential items only' list last week), and she said I should write it.

Aren't Mums lovely at letting you know when you might be getting a bit too big for your boots?! They are also fab at being your number one supporters and fans too, and I'm pleased to say Fran has finally cracked. She kept saying "I don't have time to read it" and "I prefer sitting down to read with something in my hand". So, I printed her off a few pages and took them to her last Sunday. I discovered yesterday however that she has been reading everyday, which is one of the reasons she wasn't going mad and phoning because I hadn't responded to a couple of texts.

Isn't that terrible? Your own Mum has to read your blog to check you're OK. I maintain that isn't what this is about though, I feel it will help, not hinder kinships and friendships because I won't try and blurt out weeks worth of craziness in one breath and might actually start to learn to use my ears and gob in proportion for a change! It doesn't matter who reads it, just as long as it's here, that's fine.

Anyway, HELLO MUM!

I also need to make a few apologies, not least for those who might have been expecting a bit of a McFly sound file attached to this blog thanks to the title! I don't mind them, but wasn't best pleased when they re-released 'Don't Stop Me Now' a while back - imagine a whole generation hearing the Queen original and wondering who the cover version is by?! I have a similar issue with Girls Aloud (although I am a fan of theirs - Jen and I saw them in May!) and 'I Think We're Alone Now'. Tiffany rules. As did me and my friends at Valley Youth Club circa 1987 with our own special dance to it!

Another apology is for the lack of visual stimulation with this post. I do have a corker of a pic but the lovely Thor - his surname is Rooney (I swear this is true, I would have asked if he was any relation but couldn't breathe at the time, what a wonderful name. When I regained my composure we chatted a bit about what names mean too) - has witheld permission from it being displayed publicly. If you are trustworthy and fancy a look drop me an email. It's completely clean of course, but still very very funny!

I do understand though Thor love. It's safe!

Anyway, Thor has said he will be my best friend (sorry Lou, can I have two? He might cut your hair for free too!) if I get him a pair of some fabulous looking Japanese professional hair cutting scissors. I have a meeting to discuss us taking on some PR stuff for them tomorrow evening. As they are not paying us just yet I won't give them a free plug, I shall keep you posted!

Had a lovely and useful chat with Astrid too and got some free Frusli bars as the sampling team came in to give a box to the Nicky Clarke salon. Thor asked for another. I said he was worse than me for blagging free stuff. I didn't think it was possible, but he'd give me a run for my money I reckon!

Thor is very happy with his girlfriend I must add, my interests in him are only laughs, free haircuts and the still pending opportunity to meet Gok Wan. OH MY GOD. I have said I'll stop stalking him as soon as this happens!

Anthony's Patisserie was fab too - Isabel the manager and her team are fab - I'm hoping to organise a Thirsty Thursday afternoon tea there in the New Year. I love it. You might too, if you like people watching in the Viccy Quarter then it's a must!

I also got the opportunity to find out more about the angel that is Leah Vigon (remember, rhymes with Wigan). We only met through the cake comp about three months ago, but the more we learn about each other, the more we discover many similarities. Not least the fact that we were both raised by two teachers. Like me and Jen, Leah and her two brothers were introduced to the joys of reading and learning from a VERY early age. Not that parents who aren't teachers don't do this too of course, but Leah's Dad had 'flashcards' and our Saturday morning 'pile in with parents' game was to have a quiz to see who could name the most capital cities - was mostly European-focused, but we did cover South America too I seem to recall. Of course a few brain cells have withered away since then, so the map of Europe on my office wall helps, a lot!

Her family heritage is also truly fascinating. Her great grandfather came over from Russia and convinced his immediate family - but not many others - that they were in New York, when in fact it was a stop over in London. The rest went on and arrived at Ellis Island (LOVE IT, BIG TIME), so she has lots of family in the US now - they've moved out West now so her and Rick had a fab holiday touring around a few years ago. Very envious, a fave film is 'Sideways' and would love to do the wine region tour(s).

Anyway, they are not sure where Vigon comes from (I guessed at Vigonowitz!) but it was the name they were given on arrival and it stuck. It still sounds remarkably Jewish though I think. It's all very 'An American Tale' isn't it. "Somewhere, out there, beneath the pale moonlight..."

This time don't feel too bad that there isn't a sound file attached, I've already mentioned that Cher songs are about my range and pitch - so this is a bit of a stretch!

Another thing I am a bit envious of is that Leah had a Bat Mitzvah. Having studied Judaism quite a bit - at school and since, I was hooked - I always thought they (and the Bars) were a fab idea. Humph!

I am not however envious of little Leah finding a box in her parents' wardrobe aged about 10 - again, my apologies to those dining and drinking around us, I laughed very very loudly - I can't say too much more now, it's going to be kept for a future script, sorry!

It was then on to Mint Nail & Beauty (I generally go to the one in the White Rose Centre these days as they have free parking, but Kathryn the owner has a bit of a lovely empire now - Boar Lane in Leeds city centre, Dudley, Meadowhall, Beauty Rooms in Wakey and more on the cards I think). So I was at the White Rose yesterday with the lovely girls: Gemma, Hollie, Nicky, Rachel, Laura, Sarah, Sam (I know I've forgotten a few, so sorry). We definitely don't have the normal "Are you going anywhere nice tonight/on your holidays?" type of chats. The joy of Pizza Hut Veggy Supreme 'Stuffed Crust' pizzas and the fact that I was off to buy a Chocolate Eclair (first time in about 10 years, no idea why, they are lovely aren't they?) was one on Wednesday last week. Yesterday's included chats about the new season's fab colours and a bit about boys. The other customers join in too of course - it's a nail bar mainly, and very open and friendly. As is the one on Boar Lane, I do still go there when in town already.


I will be sending lovely Gemma some info about the next demo evening at Bodyline in Leeds - the girls are quite interested I think. It's on Tuesday evening if anyone fancies it. It's free and we may well be looking for a few more demo models (again face, not ass) for a few events - let me know if you're interested.

So, that about sums up me Saturday - what was yours like? Since then I've mainly been on the sofa catching up on telly on V+ (loved Children in Need - I am seeing 'Joseph' with the wonderful Lee Mead on the 8th December, whoo whoo), and discovering that, like Connie, Squeak has some valuable life lessons to learn too...

His isn't about not biting the hand (nose/toes/chin) of the one that feeds you, no, the imaginative little lad has yet to learn "Don't crap or piss on the bed of the one that feeds you". Thank you darling Squeaktipher! I have all the products to deal with it though and he WILL learn. Fast!

Now off to lovely Khara's for a "Body Shop at Home' party then it's World Meditation Hour at Brahma Kumaris after that. Then I shall be working or nattering on the phone to some of you lot I hope! It's been a while hasn't it...?!

Enjoy the rest of your weekends

Clancy xxxx